Dean Lawrence Baccalaureate Sermon at LaGrange College

William B. Lawrence, Dean and professor of American Church History at Perkins School of Theology, was awarded an honorary doctorate from LaGrange College, the oldest private college in Georgia, on May 21, 2011. Dean Lawrence was also the speaker at LaGrange’s Baccalaureate service on May 20. His sermon, based on Matthew 5:43-48, challenged the graduates to "find the freedom, the integrity, the wholeness, and the perfect joy that will ... make your life complete [and] transform the world with love."

The honorary degree, which was presented on recommendation of the Education Committee of the LaGrange College Board of Trustees, cites Lawrence’s outstanding achievements as a scholar, theologian and academic leader, and his unwavering commitment and service to The United Methodist Church and UMC-related higher education.

Additional Image: Dean Lawrence Receives Honorary Doctorate
Additional Image: Dean Lawrence at LaGrange College

Related Link: Dean Lawrence Commencement Benediction at SMU – Text | Audio (5/14/2011)