Contributions of William Owen Carver to the missions movement among Southern Baptists: William Owen Carver was professor of Christian missions at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1896 to 1943. More than anyone else, he shaped the theology of mission for Southern Baptists

Baptist History and Heritage, Spring, 2004 by Henlee Barnette

L. M. Bratcher spent thirty-five years (1918-1953) in Brazil as a missionary, and his son, Robert Bratcher, taught in the Baptist Theological Seminary in Rio de Janeiro, beginning in 1949. Later, the younger Bratcher returned to the United States when the Southern and Brazilian Baptists became unhappy with his views about apostasy. He later was instrumental in producing the Good News Bible. Millions of copies of this translation were published and distributed.

Page Kelley taught in the Rio de Janeiro Baptist Seminary. His Portuguese dictionary enabled other missionaries to preach the Bible in the language of the people. Today, his Hebrew grammar is used all over the world in leading seminaries and divinity schools.

Carver's Students in Europe and Africa

In Europe and Africa, Carver's students served with distinction. James Christopher Pool was principal of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary in Ogbomosho from 1938 to 1971. The seminary became an extension of Southern Seminary in 1955. Many graduates of the Nigerian seminary came to the United States for further study and attended all six of the Southern Baptist seminaries. Many of those Nigerian Baptists became leading evangelists, professors, Bible translators, pastors, and denominational leaders in Africa.

Other of Carver's students served in a variety of locations. Robert Lindsay was pastor, teacher, and scholar in Israel for many years, beginning in 1944. John Watts helped found the Baptist seminary in Switzerland. John and Evelyn Hughey served in Spain from 1947 to 1952, before moving to Switzerland. There, Hughey was professor at the Ruschlikon Baptist Seminary. In 1964, he became the FMB's area director for Europe and the Middle East. Another of Carver's students and colleagues, Cornell Goerner, preceded Hughey as area director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. After 1964, he continued to serve as area director of Africa.

Many more of Carver's students have faithfully and effectively ministered throughout the world. I knew or know personally most all of the above named missionaries. All were devout people of God and served with distinction and success. They were pioneers for the faith.

Carver's Legacy as a Caring Christian

I joined the faculty of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1951. Dr. and Mrs. Carver were the first to welcome my family and me. My wife and Mrs. Carver became steadfast friends. When my wife died in 1953, my two small sons and I rode in a limousine to the church for the funeral services. When we arrived at the church, a lone figure, an elderly man, opened the limousine door for us. After the service, the same man opened the limousine door for us again. No word was spoken; he closed the door and tottered away. That "doorkeeper" was William Owen Carver, who was eighty-five years old and ill. He had ventured out to show his love and care for a bereaved colleague and family. A few months later, he died. His silent ministry was more meaningful than any words of sympathy.