The history of Southern Baptist History, 1938-1995

Baptist History and Heritage, Summer-Fall, 1999 by Carol Crawford Holcomb

Baptist Heritage Update, issued in the spring of 1985, was published by the Historical Commission for members of the society. Editors of the Update from 1985 to 1995 included Charles Deweese, Shellyn Poole, and Kim Alley Medley. The stated goals of the Update were to:

(1) inform [members of the society] of current developments and plans for the future in the history work of Southern Baptists and occasionally of other Baptists.

(2) to present biographical profiles of persons working in Baptist history.

(3) to interpret current issues, concerns, trends or developments in Southern Baptist life via a historical perspective.

(4) to promote services and market products relating to Baptist history.

(5) to present practical, how-to guidelines for doing the work of Baptist history.

(6) and to alert you readers to new Baptist history publications. (24)

The Update has repeatedly provided practical information on gathering, preserving, and using Baptist history in local churches. Articles on doing oral history, writing church histories, maintaining a church archive, and articles like "The Pastor as Church Historian," (25) and even one called "Watch Video Tapes and Learn About Baptists" have been included. (26)

In addition to the practical "how-tos," Baptist Heritage Update boldly sought to interpret current events in the light of history during tumultuous times. In the decade from 1985 to 1995, the column called "My Interpretation" featured articles on "The Dangers of Fundamentalism," "The Dangers of Liberalism," "Resources for Reconciliation," the "Peace Committee," "Pastoral Authority," "Women in Ministry," I and "Women and Freedom." These article titles published during the tense days of denominational controversy reflect the integrity and tenacity of the historians who worked at the commission.

After 1989, this column gave increasing attention to the Historical Commission's importance. Slayden Yarbrough wrote an article in 1993 entitled simply: "Why Do Southern Baptists Need the Historical Commission?" In light of recent changes in the status of the commission and the society, his answers bear repeating. Yarbrough listed four main reasons for the Historical Commission: (1) for collecting and preservation, (2) for publishing products, (3) for the annual meeting programs with the SBHS, and finally (4) for its historical mission. By interpreting the past, the commission "joins other SBC agencies and other Baptist bodies to challenge us to do our best in ethics, religious liberty, missions, stewardship, theological education, evangelism and other vital areas." (27) It seems that the commission was still fighting W. O. Carver's battle to raise the historical consciousness of Southern Baptists.

Position and Direction

Although the function of the society and its relationship to the Southern Baptist Convention shifted markedly from 1938 to 1995, the purpose of the society has remained constant. Its focus has continued to be on gathering, preserving, and publishing Baptist history so that Baptists might "know and utilize their heritage." (28) The society's founders believed that history could provide Baptists with "a sense of position and direction." (29) They were committed to helping Baptists become more "history-minded." (30)