Henry Lyons facts for kids

Henry J. Lyons (born in 1942) is a religious leader who once served as the president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.. This is a very large organization for African-American Baptists in the United States. During his time as president, he faced serious legal challenges regarding his leadership and how money was managed.

Henry Lyons' Early Life and Education

Henry Lyons was raised by his grandfather, Booker T. Lyons, who was a deacon in the church. His father was very young when Henry was born and wasn't a big part of his childhood.

Henry went to Gibbs Junior College in St. Petersburg, Florida, from 1960 to 1962. After that, he studied at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach from 1962 to 1964. He then continued his studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

In 1970, he moved to Cincinnati. Two years later, in 1972, he took on a more important role back in St. Petersburg, Florida. He married Deborah Lyons in the 1970s.

His leadership journey began in 1977 when he became the Vice President of the Florida General Baptist Convention. He then served as its President from 1981 to 1994. In 1994, Henry Lyons became the President of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.

Leading a Major Baptist Organization

Henry Lyons was known as a very engaging speaker. During his time as president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., many things happened. He started a "Unified Program" and worked to reduce the money owed by the Baptist World Center. He also helped clear the debt for the Sunday School Publishing Board. Many new groups and committees were added to the convention under his leadership.

However, despite these efforts, his presidency also brought some difficulties for the organization.

Challenges and Later Career

In 1998, Henry Lyons faced serious legal accusations. He was accused of misusing funds and other actions related to his role as president. He initially stated he was innocent and suggested the accusations were unfair. However, during the legal process, he later admitted to some wrongdoing.

In 1999, Lyons received a jail sentence for misusing more than $4 million from the National Baptist Convention. He had already resigned from his position as president by then.

In November 2003, he was released from jail and returned to preaching in St. Petersburg. Today, he serves as the pastor of the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida.

On June 15, 2017, the board of trustees at his church asked him to step down from his position. This decision came amid concerns about his actions and leadership.

In April 2007, Lyons tried to be re-elected as President of the Florida General Baptist Convention but was not successful. After this, he and his supporters created a new group called the General Baptist State Convention of Florida, where he serves as President. In 2009, he also tried to become president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, again, but he was defeated.