Joseph P. Blades, a beloved Taylor University student and 1918 graduate, lived a life marked by deep faith, humility, and unwavering obedience to God’s call. Today, the Joseph P. Blades Servant-Leadership Scholarship honors his remarkable legacy.
Born in Barbados, Blades’ journey to Taylor began in a most unexpected way—through a newspaper. One day, while walking down a street in his hometown, Joseph came across a newspaper featuring a story about Samuel Morris, a Taylor student from Liberia whose life of faith and courage had become an inspiration to many. The article captivated Joseph’s heart. He read it repeatedly, moved by Samuel Morris’s unwavering devotion to God. Though he had never heard of Taylor University before, Joseph felt a divine tug on his heart and knew God was calling him there.
As he prayed and sought confirmation, the words of Isaiah 43:1–2 spoke powerfully to him: “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’”
Encouraged by this promise, Joseph took a bold step of obedience to cross the waters. He left Barbados for Saint Lucia, where he worked as a blacksmith and baker, saving money to pursue his education in the United States. In 1906, trusting fully in God’s provision, he made the journey across the ocean.
After arriving in the US, Joseph enrolled in a Bible school in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1909, he entered Taylor’s Academy and later enrolled as a student at Taylor University in 1914. On campus, he quickly became known as “Joe Blades”—a man of prayer, humility, and deep spiritual conviction. His classmates and professors alike recognized him as a servant-leader whose presence radiated peace and faith. His prayers were remembered as powerful, his joy true, and his heart steadfast.
Joseph attended Taylor during the presidency of Dr. Monroe Vayhinger, who held him in high regard. When Joseph graduated in 1918 with some student debt, Dr. Vayhinger found a way to pay off what remained—a gesture that reflected the mutual respect and generosity that defined Joseph’s years at Taylor.
Burt Ayres, Vice President Emeritus of Taylor University, later wrote of him: “I can say he was so humble, courteous, and kind, that I believe everyone in the student body and faculty loved him and had great respect for him as a Christian gentleman in the true sense of that term; and recognized in him more than an ordinary depth of spirituality. He was a positive spiritual force in the school.”
After graduating from Taylor, Joseph continued his studies at Drew Seminary. In 1920, he married Lucile Frazier, and together they raised five children—three sons and two daughters. He went on to serve faithfully as a pastor of many congregations, including leading Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Tennessee. Joseph Blades was known for his biblical and faithful preaching, each week bringing God’s Word to the church.
Throughout his ministry, Joseph faced many challenges, including racial prejudice, yet his faith in God never wavered. His life is a powerful testimony of humility, perseverance, and obedience. He embodied the spirit of servant-leadership that Taylor University holds dear and truly shared Christ’s love, grace, and truth to a world in need. His example inspires every student who receives The Joseph P. Blades Servant-Leadership Scholarship to follow God’s call with courage, to lead with humility, and to serve with love.
