
Luther Rice Not specified
Baptist missionary and educator
March 25, 1783
Northborough, Massachusetts, United States0
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Updated just nowLuther Rice (1783-1836) was an influential American Baptist missionary and educator who played a crucial role in shaping Baptist missions and higher education in the early 19th century. Born in Northborough, Massachusetts, Rice grew up in a devout Christian family and showed an early interest in theology and missionary work. He attended Williams College, where he became part of the group that sparked the modern American missionary movement.
After completing his studies at Williams College and Andover Theological Seminary, Luther Rice joined the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and traveled to India in 1812 with Adoniram and Ann Judson. During this mission, Rice and the Judsons adopted Baptist beliefs after studying the New Testament, leading to their separation from the Congregationalist mission board. Rice soon returned to the United States to rally support among Baptists for global missionary work.
Back home, he tirelessly promoted missionary efforts and helped form the Baptist Triennial Convention in 1814, the first national Baptist organization for foreign missions in America. Luther Rice also spearheaded the creation of Columbian College in Washington, D.C., in 1821, which later became George Washington University. His work laid the foundation for organized Baptist missionary activity and Christian education in the United States. Though he faced financial and organizational struggles, Rice's legacy endures in the institutions and mission movements he helped to create.
Latest news about Luther Rice
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Baptist News
Luther Rice Sues Georgia Over Exclusion from State Aid
On 2024-10-30, Luther Rice College and Seminary filed a lawsuit against Georgia state officials for excluding it from student financial aid programs, alleging religious discrimination. The complaint claims that the state's refusal forces the institution to choose between maintaining its Christian character or participating in public aid. The school is represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom in the case.
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FOX 5 Atlanta
Georgia Approves Luther Rice for State Scholarships in 2025
On 2024-12-27, Georgia officials agreed to allow Luther Rice College and Seminary to participate in state financial aid programs beginning Fall 2025, including HOPE and Zell Scholarships. This decision follows the earlier legal dispute over the institution's exclusion from state aid. School leadership hailed the change as a victory for religious liberty and access to Christian education.
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LutherRice.edu News & Press
Luther Rice Announces New Nall School of Business (2026)
On 2025-04-11, Luther Rice College & Seminary announced the upcoming launch of the Nall School of Business in 2026 to expand its academic offerings. The new business school aims to integrate Christian worldview principles into business leadership education. The announcement was made via the institution's official news portal.
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LutherRice.edu News & Press
Conference with H.B. Charles Open to Luther Rice Students
On 2025-06-24, the institution publicized a conference opportunity for its students featuring preacher H.B. Charles, promising academic credit and spiritual enrichment. The event is promoted as a high-profile preaching conference open to students. The notice was published on the Luther Rice News & Press page.
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Christian Index
Luther Rice Graduates Students from 26 States and 2 Countries
On 2025-05-19, Luther Rice College & Seminary celebrated the graduation of 108 students representing 26 U.S. states and two foreign nations. The ceremony took place at First Baptist Church of Conyers, highlighting the institution's national and international reach. The milestone underscores the school's broader student body diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luther Rice
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Who was Luther Rice?
Luther Rice was an American Baptist missionary and educator born in 1783. He helped establish Baptist missionary organizations and founded Columbian College, now George Washington University.
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When was Luther Rice born?
Luther Rice was born on March 25, 1783, in Northborough, Massachusetts, United States.
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When did Luther Rice die?
Luther Rice died on September 25, 1836, after a lifetime of missionary and educational work in the United States.
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What is Luther Rice known for?
Luther Rice is best known for his role in founding the Baptist Triennial Convention and establishing Columbian College, which became George Washington University.
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What did Luther Rice do in India?
In 1812, Luther Rice traveled to India as part of an American missionary group. During this time, he and his colleagues converted to the Baptist faith, significantly influencing American Protestant missions.
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What college did Luther Rice found?
Luther Rice founded Columbian College in Washington, D.C., in 1821, which later became George Washington University.
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What was the Baptist Triennial Convention?
The Baptist Triennial Convention, organized in 1814 by Luther Rice and others, was the first national Baptist organization in the United States dedicated to foreign missionary work.
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What role did Luther Rice play in American Baptist missions?
Luther Rice helped unite Baptist churches across the United States to support international missions and established a cooperative structure for funding missionary efforts.
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Where did Luther Rice receive his education?
Luther Rice studied at Williams College and later at Andover Theological Seminary, where he became involved in early American missionary movements.
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How did Luther Rice influence George Washington University?
Luther Rice founded Columbian College, which evolved into George Washington University, one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States capital.
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What religion did Luther Rice follow?
Luther Rice was a devoted Baptist Christian who helped shape the American Baptist missionary movement in the 19th century.
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Did Luther Rice work with Adoniram Judson?
Yes, Luther Rice and Adoniram Judson traveled to India as missionaries in 1812 and both converted to the Baptist faith during their time abroad.
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When was Luther Rice born?
Born on March 25, 1783
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What is Luther Rice best known for?
Luther Rice is known as a Baptist missionary and educator from United States of America.
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How old is Luther Rice?
Luther Rice is 53 years old.