Scarritt Bible and Training School (Nashville, Tennessee)

On September 11, 1892, the Scarritt Bible and Training School was dedicated in Nashville, Tennessee, as a response to the growing need for well-prepared Christian workers. Situated in a city already known for education and church life, the school aimed to unite careful Bible teaching with practical training for ministry in homes, classrooms, mission fields, and places of suffering. Its purpose was not novelty, but faithfulness: shaping disciplined servants who could handle the Scriptures accurately, live with integrity, and serve with courage and compassion.

The school especially opened doors for women to pursue structured preparation for gospel ministry, teaching, and works of mercy at a time when such opportunities were limited. Students were trained to combine evangelistic zeal with steady, humble service—visiting the sick, caring for the poor, instructing children, and supporting church missions. In this, Scarritt reflected a conviction that love for Christ must be expressed in both word and deed, so that truth is proclaimed and need is met.

Belle Harris Bennett (Vision and Sacrifice)

The beginnings of Scarritt owed much to the vision, persistent urging, and tireless fund-raising of Belle Harris Bennett. She believed the church should not leave willing workers underprepared, but should invest in them with sound instruction and practical skills. Her labor required perseverance: persuading leaders, gathering resources, and refusing to be turned aside by delay or doubt. Her example showed a steady courage rooted in conviction, demonstrating that faith is not merely spoken but pursued with resolve.

Bennett’s work highlighted Christian heroism of a quiet kind—endurance, prayerful determination, and willingness to shoulder responsibility for the good of others. Her confidence was that God equips those He calls, and that the church must steward that calling wisely.

Legacy of Equipped Servants

Scarritt’s dedication in 1892 signaled a commitment to prepare workers ready to go where Christ called, strengthened by Scripture and trained for compassionate service. “And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2). “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10).