Newsweek magazine has said that Gardner Taylor (1918- 2015) is one of the twelve greatest preachers in the English-speaking world. He is considered by many to be the greatest living African American preacher. The recipient of over 100 honorary degrees, he served as pastor of Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn for forty-two years. He is the author of the six-volume series, The Words of Gardner Taylor (Judson Press). After retiring in 1990, he maintained an active travel and speaking schedule. In 2000, he received The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, recognizing exceptional meritorious service.