Azel Backus (1765–1816) was an American educator and minister, best known as Hamilton College’s first president. His contributions shaped early American academia and theology.
Born in New London County, Connecticut, Backus was raised in a Congregationalist family. He attended Yale College, graduating in 1787, where he briefly adopted deistic beliefs before returning to Christian ministry under his uncle, Rev. Charles Backus. Licensed to preach in 1790, he served as pastor of the Congregational Church in Bethlehem, Connecticut, for 22 years.
Known for his eloquence, he delivered Connecticut’s Annual Election Sermon (1798.) He received a Doctor of Divinity (S.T.D.) from Princeton University (1810) and Yale (1816.) In 1812, he became Hamilton College’s first president, laying its academic foundation.
His work Sermons on Important Subjects (1824) preserves his theological insights and contributions to early American religious thought.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Azel Backus
Error always addresses the passions and prejudices; truth scorns such mean intrigue, and only addresses the understanding and the conscience.
—Azel Backus
Topics: Truth
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