Francis Grimké
November 4, 1850 – October 11, 1937
Pastor & Civil Rights Pioneer
Born enslaved, became a Princeton-trained pastor who co-founded the NAACP
Biography
African American Presbyterian pastor who served the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. for over 50 years. Born into slavery (nephew of abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimké), he graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary and became one of the most respected Black pastors in America. He co-founded the NAACP.
Faith & Testimony
Grimké was a theologically conservative Presbyterian who insisted that racial justice was a gospel issue. He preached against both racial oppression and theological liberalism with equal vigor. His sermons and letters are a powerful witness to how Reformed theology fueled the fight for justice. He mentored a generation of Black Christian leaders.