J. R. Faulkner

Dr. J. R. Faulkner (1914 - 2009) In 1949, he was asked to become Dr. Lee Roberson’s associate pastor in the ministries of the Highland Park Baptist Church, at that time one of the fastest-growing churches in the South. His ministry was characterized by loyalty, humility, optimism, enthusiasm and hard work. Throughout his 42-year ministry at Highland Park, he was known for his pastor’s heart of compassion for all people.

He loved to lead large congregations in singing the great hymns of the faith. He also enjoyed leading the children who went to Camp Joy in enthusiastically singing gospel songs and choruses.

As Dr. Roberson’s close associate, he was heard for many years on the church’s live daily radio broadcast "Gospel Dynamite." He assisted Dr. Roberson in the development and oversight of the branch church (chapel) ministry, a large bus ministry, the Union Gospel Mission, Camp Joy, World Wide Faith Missions, and major annual conferences held at the church and the college.

He was a founding board member of Baptist International Missions, Inc. With Dr. Roberson, he was influential in the independent Baptist movement in the Southern United States, and served on the original board of the Southwide Baptist Fellowship.