Our Guest Revivalist & Keynote Speaker.... Reverend (Dr.) W. J. Griffin ig Rev. Griffin Reverend (Dr.) W.J. Griffin grew up in the small community a Forrest City, Arkansas. There he accepted Christ at the age of 13° and became a member of the Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from Lincoln Senior High School of Forrest City after which he moved to East St. Louis, Illinois. There he joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist _ Church and served in the Music Department. Reverend Griffin was called into the gospel ministry while at Macedonia where he was licensed and served as the first Youth Minister under the direction of Reverend (Dr. ) Norman E. Owens. Later, Reverend Griffin saw the need to further his education. He attended State Community College, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and graduated from Missouri Baptist College with his Bachelor’s Degree. He also attended The United Theological Seminary in Paducah, Kentucky, and received his Doctorate of ; Divinity from New World Theological Seminary in Texarkana, Arkansas. In December 1978, Reverend Griffin was called to serve as Pastor of the Greater Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lebanon, Illinois, where he as faithfully served be | the past 28 years. Reverend Griffin is a 32" Degree Mason, a Shiner and a member of The Eastern Star. He has served as Counselor for the Baptist General State Convention Ushers, State Reporter for the Baptist General State Advocate, President of the Lebanon Ministerial Alliance and First Vice President of the New Salem District Congress of Christian Education. Reverend Griffin now serves as the President of the New Salem District He has fathered and mentored over 43 young Congress of Christian Education. ministers. Reverend Griffin is also a 17 year veteran teacher for the St. Louts Public School System and a United States Air Force veteran as well. Reverend Griffin is married to the former Sister Jan Tucker and they are the proud parents of four grown children and three grandchildren. (