The history of Southern Baptist History, 1938-1995

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

Today more than ever, we as members of the society must decide how we can best communicate the importance of Baptist history. Perhaps it may be helpful to consider a more basic question. Why do we need the Southern Baptist Historical Society? In Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, Mark Noll attempts to answer a similar question. Why should we study Christian history at all? Noll responded with four reasons. First, "studying the history of Christianity provides repeated, concrete demonstration concerning the irreducibly historical character of the Christian faith." (31) In other words, to study church history is to "continually remember the historical character of Christian faith." It is to take seriously the events of the incarnation and the notion that we are colaborers with God.

A second contribution of church history "is to provide perspective on the interpretation of Scripture." Church history also provides a caution. Time can provide perspective on those interpretations which were fraught with distortions.

Third, Christian history can serve "as a laboratory for examining Christian interactions with surrounding culture." Noll used the example of the plight of the church under various political regimes. Baptists provide an excellent case study for church-state relations, both in the past and in the present.

Finally, Noll contends that the study of church history can be useful "in shaping proper Christian attitudes." For example, it may help us discern what things should be crucial in the church's mission and allow us to reserve our passion for the elements of our faith which deserve our utmost commitment. Church history should make us humble as we understand that who we are today is in many ways the gift of those who have come before us.

The Southern Baptist Historical Society is profoundly important for helping to communicate the treasure of Baptist history to the denomination. If Noll's reasons are applied to Baptists, thon Baptist history can remind action-oriented believers that God acts through history. Baptist history also bears witness of a people who have struggled with Scripture. The struggles of the past can provide inspiration-and perhaps caution--for the pitfalls that lie ahead. Southern Baptist historians, more than ever before, are examining the interaction of faith and culture. The lessons of history can help Baptists navigate the relationship between religion and culture with dexterity in the future. Finally, Baptist history helps believers in the endeavor to define the church's mission to the world. A clear view of history can prevent the church from expending its energies on inconsequential things. Chester Schwor once said we "shouldn't get angry about things that just don't matter." History at its best refuses to let us ignore the elements of our faith that matter most. Why do we need the Southern Baptist Historical Society? Our faith depends on it.

William Owen Carver 1938-52
Richard N. Owen 1952-54
Bailey E Davis 1954-58
Richard N. Owen 1958-68
Mrs. Ollin J. Owens 1968-70
George Gaskins 1970-71
Spencer B. King, Jr. 1971-72
E Wilbur Helmbold 1972-73
Rollin S. Armour 1973-74
R. A. McLemore 1974-75
Walter B. Shurden 1975-76
John S. Moore 1976-77
Stan B. Rushing 1977-78
H. Leon McBeth 1978-79
Paul D. Brewer 1979-80
W. Morgan Patterson 1980-81
David O. Moore 1981-82
J. Glen Clayton 1982-83
Robert G. Gardner 1983-84
John R. Woodard 1984-85
Flynn T. Harrell 1985-86
J. M Gaskin 1986-87
Carolyn D. Blevins 1987-88
Lee N. Allen 1988-89
G. Thomas Halbrooks 1989-90
Adrian Lamkin 1990-91
Earl Joiner 1991-92
Fred Anderson 1992-93
Hargus Taylor 1993-94
Albert Wardin 1994-95
Rosalie Beck 1995-97
Alan Lefever 1997-99
Merrill M. Hawkins Jr. 1999