History of M&G

M&G’s Founder

Robert Reynolds Jones Jr. was born in Montgomery, Alabama on October 19, 1911. In his long life, he achieved great distinction as an actor, scholar, preacher, university administrator, and art connoisseur. His interest in Shakespeare brought him national fame in his 20s through his lyceum presentation, Curtain Calls. Later, he founded the University’s theatre company, The Classic Players; the Bob Jones University Opera Association; a School of Cinema; and an Artist Series program. In addition, he became the second president of Bob Jones University and maintained an active preaching ministry.

In 1948, Carl Hamilton, a collector and friend, suggested that Dr. Bob channel his interest in the visual arts into collecting paintings for an art gallery. What began as less than thirty paintings in two rooms has become a world-famous collection of sacred art.

On November 12, 1997, after a brief battle with cancer, Dr. Bob Jones Jr. entered heaven. His ministry and legacy live in our memories, a world-renowned art collection, and the lives of people saved under his preaching.

Adapted from Standing Without Apology: The History of Bob Jones University by Daniel L. Turner, Fortress of Faith, by Melton Wright, and Fifty Years Under God by Margaret Beall Tice.