L. S. Ballard (1881–1962)

L. S. Ballard was ordained to the ministry in 1900. He attended the Baptist College at
Mountain Home, Ark. He became a good scholar, with command of the original Greek and Hebrew, a
correct grammarian, outstanding orator, a debater who did indeed rightly divide the Word. He
eventually earned the B. A. degree from the University of Arkansas, and in 1929 was also honored
with a doctorate. He served as President of the American Baptist Association in 1931. Ballard's strict contention for Bible precept and example
led to his departure from the fellowship of the American Baptist Association insofar as actual
participation is concerned. He felt that the Association deprived the churches of a part of their Christ authorized independency under Him. For a number of years he found his closest fellowship with
brethren of the Orthodox Baptist Fellowship, and for many years was lecturer and teacher in their
Seminary at Ardmore, Okla.