Boyd, Bernard Henry, 1910-1975.

Bernard Henry Boyd, professor of religion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1950-1975, was recognized as an inspiring teacher and interdenominational leader. He was particularly interested in Biblical archaeology and led summer archeological expeditions in Israel.

Bernard Henry Boyd (1910-1975), professor of religion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1950-1975, was recognized as an inspiring teacher and interdenominational leader. He was particularly interested in Biblical archaeology and led summer archeological expeditions in Israel. Boyd was educated at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C.; Princeton Theological Seminary; Princeton University; and Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1943. During World War II, he served as a chaplain with the United States Naval Reserves in the Pacific arena, 1943-1945, and was awarded a Purple Heart for his actions at Okinawa, Japan.

Boyd held positions as professor of Bible at Presbyterian College, Laurinberg, N.C., 1936-1946; professor of Bible at Davidson College, Davidson, N.C., 1946-1950; James A. Gray Professor of Biblical Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1950-1975; and chairman of the Department of Religion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1952-1960. Also noteworthy are Boyd's extensive speaking engagements, his participation in educational television on biblical matters, and his lecture tours for the Archaeological Institute of America.

His lecturing with the Archaeological Institute of America was indicative of his interest in archaeology, particularly related to biblical study. He participated in archaeological exploration in Israel during the summers of 1963-1968 and 1970-1974; organized the Archaeological Expedition to Tell ed-Duweir (Lachish) in 1966; co-directed the University of North Carolina-Hebrew University Archaeological Expedition to Tell Arad, Israel in 1967; directed the Lynn Prickett Archaeological Expedition to Tell ed-Duweir (Lachish) in 1968; and organized expeditions to Beer Sheba, Israel, 1970-1974. Boyd served as educational director for the Institute from Mediterranean Studies from 1965-1967 and as Archaeological Director for the same organization beginning in 1968.

Boyd was recognized for his outstanding interdenominational teaching and inspirational leadership. He was twice the recipient of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Tanner Award for Distinction in College Teaching and the recipient of the Nicholas Salgo Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1973.

Boyd's membership in learned societies included the Society of Biblical LIterature, the American Schools of Oriental Research, the American Academy of Religion, and the Archaeological Institute of America. His fraternities included Sigma Upsilon, Pi Kappa Delta, Gamma Sigma, Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Golden Fleece.

Bernard H. Boyd married Thelma Hicklin of Richburg, S.C., in 1954. They had two children: Donald Beaty and Karen Elizabeth.