History of Charles Stanley in Timeline
Charles Stanley was a prominent American Southern Baptist pastor and author. He served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta for nearly five decades, stepping down in 2020. He founded In Touch Ministries, a global ministry that disseminates his sermons via television and radio broadcasts. Stanley also held the position of president of the Southern Baptist Convention for two years, from 1984 to 1986.
April 27, 1904: Charles Frazier Stanley, Sr. was born
On April 27, 1904, Charles Frazier "Charlie" Stanley, Sr., Charles Stanley Jr.'s father, was born.
October 10, 1908: Rebecca Susan Hall (nee Hardy, formerly Stanley) was born
On October 10, 1908, Rebecca Susan Hall (nee Hardy, formerly Stanley), Charles Stanley Jr.'s mother, was born.
September 25, 1932: Charles Stanley Jr. was born
On September 25, 1932, Charles Frazier Stanley Jr. was born. He later became a prominent Southern Baptist pastor and writer.
June 18, 1933: Charles Stanley Sr.'s death
On June 18, 1933, Charles Stanley Sr. passed away, leaving Charles Stanley Jr. fatherless at only nine months old.
1944: Became a born-again Christian
Around 1944, at the age of 12, Charles Stanley Jr. became a born-again Christian.
1956: Graduated from the University of Richmond
In 1956, at the age of 23, Charles Stanley graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
May 17, 1965: Reverend George Washington Stanley passed away
On May 17, 1965, Reverend George Washington Stanley, Charles Stanley Jr.'s paternal grandfather, passed away.
1969: Joined First Baptist Church of Atlanta
In 1969, Charles Stanley joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Atlanta.
1971: Became senior pastor
In 1971, Charles Stanley became the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Atlanta.
1972: Launched The Chapel Hour
In 1972, Charles Stanley launched "The Chapel Hour", a half-hour religious television program.
1977: Founded In Touch Ministries
In 1977, Charles Stanley founded In Touch Ministries, aiming to spread the Gospel and strengthen local churches.
1978: In Touch began being televised on CBN
In 1978, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) began televising In Touch Ministries.
1984: President of the Southern Baptist Convention
In 1984, Charles Stanley began his service as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
1985: Elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention
In 1985, Charles Stanley was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
1986: President of the Southern Baptist Convention
In 1986, Charles Stanley ended his service as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
November 29, 1992: Rebecca Stanley Hall passed away
On November 29, 1992, Rebecca Stanley Hall, Charles Stanley Jr.'s mother, died.
1992: Separation from Anna J. Stanley
In the spring of 1992, Charles Stanley and his wife, Anna J. Stanley, separated.
June 22, 1993: Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce
On June 22, 1993, Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce from Charles Stanley Jr. after they had separated in the spring of 1992.
March 20, 1995: Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce again
On March 20, 1995, Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce from Charles Stanley for a second time.
February 16, 2000: Divorce papers filed for the last time
On February 16, 2000, divorce papers were filed for the final time in the case of Charles and Anna Stanley's marriage.
May 11, 2000: Divorce finalized
On May 11, 2000, the divorce between Charles and Anna Stanley was finalized.
2009: Influenced by Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"
In 2009, Charles Stanley wrote about how applying the principles of Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" influenced his work as a pastor.
November 10, 2014: Anna Stanley passed away
On November 10, 2014, Anna Stanley, Charles Stanley's former wife, passed away.
2017: Named Anthony George as successor
In 2017, Charles Stanley named Anthony George as his future successor as senior pastor of First Baptist Church.
September 13, 2020: Announced retirement as senior pastor
On September 13, 2020, Charles Stanley announced his retirement as senior pastor of First Baptist Church and transitioned to pastor emeritus, while continuing to work at In Touch Ministries.
2020: Took on emeritus status
In 2020, Charles Stanley assumed the role of pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church in Atlanta, after serving as senior pastor for 49 years.
April 18, 2023: Charles Stanley Jr. passed away
On April 18, 2023, Charles Stanley Jr. died. He was a well-known American Southern Baptist pastor and writer.
