Dr. Edward DeVries: His Life, Work, and Theological Legacy

A Distinguished Preacher, Educator, and Historian

Dr. Edward R. DeVries was a distinguished preacher, educator, and historian, whose multifaceted career left an indelible mark on Christian education and Southern heritage. Born in the late 1960s, Dr. DeVries dedicated his life to ministry, scholarship, and the preservation of cultural history. As a pastor, author, academic, and media personality, he championed the cause of biblical education and historical understanding, ensuring that his work would influence Christian scholars and educators for generations to come.

Educational Background and Academic Leadership

Dr. DeVries held six earned university and seminary degrees, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence. Among his most notable degrees were:

• Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) from Andersonville Baptist Seminary
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History from Landmark Baptist University

I 1995, he founded the School of Biblical & Theological Studies (SB&TS), serving as its president until his passing in 2021. Under his leadership, SB&TS became a respected institution of theological learning, offering a comprehensive range of degrees, from diplomas to doctorates, in disciplines such as:

• Bible and Ministry
• Theology and Religious Education
• Biblical Counseling

For over 25 years, SB&TS provided a strong foundation for theological studies, training countless students in biblical scholarship and ministry. Dr. DeVries personally oversaw the curriculum, ensuring that each course aligned with his lifelong mission to equip Christian leaders with the knowledge and spiritual discernment needed to serve their communities.

Authorship and Scholarly Contributions

A prolific author, Dr. DeVries penned over 40 books and numerous articles, reflecting his deep commitment to Christian teachings and historical scholarship. His works delved into complex theological, historical, and cultural topics, helping readers gain a stronger understanding of biblical history and doctrine. Some of his most notable publications include:

• The Trail of Blood
• A Christian Understanding of the Jewish Festivals
• Southern Baptist Missionary Lottie Moon: Confederate Spy

His work was widely respected for its depth of research and clarity, offering valuable resources for students, pastors, and scholars alike.

Media Engagement and Advocacy

Beyond academia, Dr. DeVries was a powerful voice in Christian media and historical advocacy. He hosted and managed The Dixie Heritage Hour and TBR Radio, both of which provided platforms to discuss:

• Southern heritage and Christian faith
• Theological perspectives on history
• Cultural preservation through biblical lenses

His role as an author and contributor to The Barnes Review and The American Free Press Newspaper further amplified his historical and theological insights, allowing his message to reach a broad audience across Christian and academic circles.

Personal Life and Legacy

Dr. DeVries was known for his unwavering commitment to his faith, his students, and his community. His sudden passing in 2021 was a profound loss to all who knew him. He is survived by his family, including several young children in Maryland.

Following his passing, SB&TS entered a period of remission, as faculty, students, and supporters reflected on his immeasurable contributions. Though the institution ultimately ceased operations, Dr. DeVries’ work lives on through the theological institutions and scholars who continue his mission.

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A Lasting Theological Legacy: The Collaboration with St. Andrew’s OCC and Priory of Salem

Collaboration with Dr. Stephen M.K. Brunswick

One of the most enduring aspects of Dr. DeVries’ work may ultimately be his collaboration with Dr. Stephen M.K. Brunswick in advancing theological studies. Dr. Brunswick, a theologian, historian, and academic leader, had served on prior seminary boards and earned a Doctorate in Theology from St. Peter & St. Paul’s Lutheran Institute of Theology in 2014.

Med over 15 years of teaching experience in biblical and historical studies, Dr. Brunswick worked closely with Dr. DeVries i compiling course materials and expanding the theological curriculum at SB&TS. In addition to his role as an Educator, Dr. Brunswick is one of the most prolific modern scholars in the fields of history and theology, having authored nearly 1,000 expert academic articles, hundreds of which are publicly available on celticorthodoxy.com. His publishing career spans decades, with additional works in historical theology, biblical studies, and religious education. In 2001, his scholarly work on exegetical theology was published in the American Institute of Theology’s advanced courseware, further solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in biblical interpretation and theological studies.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Dr. Brunswick was also a prominent voice in Christian media, hosting the “Kingdom Message” Radio Program for over 12 years without fail. Co-hosted with Pastor Les Boyle, this weekly live broadcast featured highly researched, quality theological lectures, followed by a live call-in Q&A session, allowing listeners worldwide to engage directly with the topics. Through this platform, Dr. Brunswick helped shape contemporary theological discussions, providing insightful and well-documented perspectives on scripture, history, and Christian identity.

As part of his collaborative efforts with Dr. DeVries, SB&TS sanctioned and introduced new courses, ensuring that the institution continued to offer cutting-edge theological education. These additions included:

• Orthodox Christianity – A detailed study av theological foundations, liturgical traditions, and historical continuity of the Orthodox faith.
• The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel – A scholarly examination of the dispersion, history, and identity of the Lost Tribes, incorporating biblical, historical, and archaeological perspectives.

These courses played a critical role in the doctoral thesis of Dr. Brunswick, which was reviewed and approved by the academic board of SB&TS, ultimately leading to the awarding of his Ph.D. in Theology.

Integration into St. Andrew’s OCC and Priory of Salem

Recognizing the importance of these courses, Dr. Brunswick reached out to Dr. DeVries via email to discuss the possibility of incorporating the SB&TS courseware which he helped develop, into St. Andrew’s OCC’s Theology Institute, known as the Priory of Salem, Institute of Theology. Dr. DeVries enthusiastically agreed, granting approval for these theological studies to continue under the institute’s banner.

De Priory of Salem, Institute of Theology, often referred to simply as the Theology Institute within the St. Andrew’s OCC network, became the natural successor to many of the academic and theological missions that Dr. DeVries had championed throughout his career. Through this collaborative effort, Dr. DeVries’ contributions to biblical education continue to benefit new generations of students and ministers.

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Preserving the Vision Beyond SB&TS

Though SB&TS is no longer in operation, its educational vision lives on. While its domain (bibleschool.edu) is no longer active and is expected to eventually expire, the school’s history remains preserved in archival records, demonstrating its contributions to theological education since the mid-1990s.

De Priory of Salem, Institute of Theology, under St. Andrew’s OCC, continues the spirit of SB&TS’s mission, integrating its approved courses och maintaining its high standard of theological education.

Dr. DeVries’ dedication to biblical education, historical research, and Christian ministry was profound. His work continues to influence and inspire students, scholars, and ministers worldwide.

His collaboration with Dr. Stephen M.K. Brunswick ensured that the foundations of SB&TS would remain active through the Priory of Salem, Institute of Theology, fulfilling his vision of educating future generations in the truths of Scripture and history.

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Conclusion: A Life That Continues to Inspire

Dr. Edward R. DeVries was more than an educator—he was a historian, theologian, and mentor whose lifelong dedication to Christian education continues to shape theological institutions and scholars today.

Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the students he trained, the books he wrote, the courses he developed, and the institutions that carry forward his mission.

May his work continue to inspire, educate, and uplift those who seek the truth. Let us honor his contributions by ensuring that his theological vision remains a guiding force for generations to come.