Jerry Falwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Falwell
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| Born |
Jerry Laymon Falwell
August 11, 1933 |
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| Died | May 15, 2007 (aged 73) Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Known for | Founding the Moral Majority | ||||||||
| Television | The Old-Time Gospel Hour | ||||||||
| Title | President of Liberty University (1971–2007) | ||||||||
| Political party | Republican | ||||||||
| Spouse(s) |
Macel Pate
(m. 1958) |
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| Children | 3, including Jerry Jr. and Jonathan | ||||||||
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Jerry Laymon Falwell Sr. (born August 11, 1933 – died May 15, 2007) was an American Baptist pastor and televangelist. He was also a conservative activist. He started the Thomas Road Baptist Church, a very large church in Lynchburg, Virginia. He also founded Lynchburg Christian Academy (now Liberty Christian Academy) in 1967. In 1971, he founded Liberty University. Later, in 1979, he helped start a group called the Moral Majority.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jerry Falwell and his twin brother, Gene, were born in Lynchburg, Virginia. This was on August 11, 1933. Their parents were Helen Virginia and Carey Hezekiah Falwell. His father was a businessman.
Jerry met Macel Pate in 1949 at a church. She played the piano there. They got married on April 12, 1958. They had three children: two sons, Jerry Jr. and Jonathan, and a daughter, Jeannie. Jerry Jr. became a lawyer and led Liberty University for a time. Jonathan is now the senior pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Jeannie became a surgeon.
Jerry and Macel Falwell had a strong relationship. Macel supported him throughout his life and work. They were married for almost 50 years until he passed away.
Falwell finished high school at Brookville High School in Lynchburg. He then went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, graduating in 1956. He later received three special honorary degrees. These degrees recognized his achievements and contributions.
Organizations Jerry Falwell Founded
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In 1956, when he was 22, Jerry Falwell started the Thomas Road Baptist Church. It began with only 35 members in Lynchburg, Virginia. Over time, it grew into a very large church, known as a megachurch.
In the same year, he began a radio and TV show called The Old-Time Gospel Hour. This show was broadcast across the country. After Falwell passed away, his son Jonathan became the main pastor of the church. The weekly TV program was then renamed Thomas Road Live.
Falwell also founded the Lynchburg Christian Academy in 1967. This school was started as part of the Thomas Road Baptist Church. Today, this school is known as Liberty Christian Academy (LCA). It is recognized by the state of Virginia and other educational groups.
In 1971, Falwell helped create Liberty University with Elmer L. Towns. Liberty University is a large Christian university. It offers many different study programs. Thousands of students attend classes on campus, and many more study online.
His Social and Political Ideas
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Jerry Falwell believed strongly in ideas based on his understanding of the Bible. He taught that the church was very important for strong families. He saw the church as a place for spiritual learning and guidance. It was also a place for people to gather and connect with others who shared similar beliefs.
Falwell often spoke about his concerns regarding public schools. He believed that public education should include more Christian teachings. He supported a system where parents could choose to send their children to public or private schools. He hoped that churches would play a bigger role in education in the future.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Falwell spoke out against some parts of the civil rights movement. He also disagreed with the government's efforts to end racial separation in public schools.
Death
Jerry Falwell passed away on May 15, 2007. He was 73 years old.
After his death, his sons took over his main roles. Jerry Falwell Jr. became the president of Liberty University. Jonathan Falwell became the senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. His daughter, Jeannie F. Savas, is a surgeon.
Images for kids
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Jerry Falwell
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Falwell greeting President Gerald Ford in 1976
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Falwell with President Ronald Reagan in 1983
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Falwell with President George H. W. Bush in 1991
See also
In Spanish: Jerry Falwell para niños
