Rev. Robert Hayes Peoples
Honoring Black History Month: Rev. Robert Hayes Peoples
The Christian Church in the Southwest also recognizes Rev. Robert Hayes Peoples, a significant leader whose life and ministry exemplify perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to unity.
Born on January 25, 1903, in Hollywood, Mississippi, Rev. Peoples grew up in the Baptist church before discovering the Disciples of Christ movement at Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edwards, Mississippi. SCI, a boarding school providing secondary education for African American students, later merged with Tougaloo College in 1954.
After ordination, he pursued higher education at Eureka College in Illinois, one of the few Black ministers to do so. However, when he and Rev. Emmett J. Dickson were initially denied admission to the Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago, public pressure led to a policy change, ensuring future access for African-American students who met the admission criteria.
Rev. Peoples' leadership within the church was marked by several key roles:
1935 – Selected as National Secretary of African-American Evangelism, serving on the Administrative Staff of the National Christian Missionary Convention (NCMC).
1944 – Became pastor of Second Christian Church.
1955 – Elected President of the National Convention, where he championed the merger of the NCMC with the International Convention of Christian Churches and the United Christian Missionary Society (UCMS).
A passionate advocate for unity within the Disciples of Christ, Rev. Peoples captured this vision in 1955 when he stated:
“Our Disciple heritage and plea for unity among God's people demand that we have one church and one Convention.”
As we reflect on Rev. Robert Peoples' life and legacy this Black History Month, we celebrate his dedication to education, perseverance, and the ongoing work of unity within the church. His commitment to breaking down racial barriers and fostering a more inclusive church continues to inspire and challenge us today.