on Robert E. Speer

Dr. John F. Piper, Jr.

Dr. John F Piper, Jr., professor of history and Dean of Lycoming College, is the author of a biography of Rev. Robert E. Speer, recently published by Geneva Press. Speer, a Presbyterian churchman is considered to be one of the leading personalities of the American Protestant Church in the early twentieth century. Called a prophet of the American Church for his leadership, Speer worked with the Student Volunteer Movement, held a high-profile position as secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, served as president of the Federal Council of Church (now the National Council of Churches) and as Moderator served as the head of the Presbyterian Church in United States in 1927. His work led him into a number of controversial areas including race relations, the role of women in the church, and the fundamentalist controversy.

Piper is also the author of the American Church in World War I, and a co-author of Williamsport: Frontier Village to Regional Center with Richard J. Morris and Robert H. Larson.

An ordained United Methodist minister, Rev. Piper also serves as the pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Williamsport.

--end--