GREENEVILLE — Most people know the heroic and statesman elements of George Washington’s stewardship of our nation in the formation and early days of the United States.

Washington was commander of the Continental Army that defeated the British in the Revolutionary War, and he later served as the nation’s first president. But what about other elements that shaped Washington’s life, such as his faith?

Dr. Timothy Holder, who teaches history online for Walters State Community College and Liberty University, will discuss “The Faith of George Washington” Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in Chalmers Conference Center at Tusculum University.

“The faith of George Washington is a complicated topic,” Dr. Holder said. “There are highly regarded historians who say he was pretty indifferent to his faith, but there are those who disagree. The skeptics can point to specific information to make their case, but I argue that there is a lot of evidence that indicates that Washington’s Christian faith was quite important to him.”

The discussion about Washington’s faith is interesting because of the debate about the role it played in his life, Dr. Holder said. He is also attracted to the topic because of Washington’s remarkable popularity in colonial times and during the years when the United States was gaining its footing as a nation. Dr. Holder called him “extraordinary.”

Washington was an Anglican, but Dr. Holder said that denomination crumbled during the Revolution. Like many American Anglicans, Washington subsequently found himself as part of the Episcopal Church.

This Founding Father has an important connection to Tusculum. During his presidency, Washington donated $100 to Greeneville College — a predecessor name of Tusculum — which was founded in 1794. Today, Tusculum is remembering that special gift by conducting the “Give Like George Washington” fundraiser in which the university invites people to donate $100 or any amount they prefer.

Dr. Holder’s presentation on Washington is one of the series of events Tusculum is holding during the fall semester that focuses on history. The America 250/Tusculum 232 Celebration is designed to highlight various aspects of American history, including those that occurred in East Tennessee. The events also call attention to Tusculum’s contributions to the nation’s success. The list of events is available at https://iasite.tusculum.edu/america-250-tusculum-232-events/.