Baptists and World War II

Baptist History and Heritage, Summer-Fall, 2001 by Merrill M. Hawkins, Jr.

The fall issue of this journal is normally devoted to publishing those papers presented at the annual meeting of the Baptist History and Heritage Society.

This issue is no exception. The annual meeting, held last March in Pensacola, explored the theme, "Baptists and World War II." The diverse program featured several less traditional methods of exploring the theme, including musical performances and powerpoint presentations. As always, the program also included analytical papers and panel discussions, which are published here. The strength of this year's program means that the fall issue can only partially reproduce the annual meeting.

The annual program included several regular participants and longtime members of the organization. Rosalie Beck of Baylor University, Wayne Flynt of Auburn University, and Walter Shurden of Mercer University delivered papers during the annual meeting. Nelda Kent, curator of the Histocal Commission of the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention, and Mark Rathel, a professor at the Baptist College of Florida, also made presentations. While both of these people have a long association with the society, this year was the first that they made presentations. Joining these two members was William J. Reynolds, Distinguished Professor of Church Music Emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, who opened the annual meeting with his presentation on Baptists, musicology, and World War II. Sandy Martin, chair of the Department of Religion at the University of Georgia, delivered an address on National Baptists and World War II.

Several years ago, the annual meeting explored the Civil War and Baptists. That program set in motion the decision to have an annual meeting on World War II. This year's annual meeting examined only a few of the questions related to denominational identity and World War II. There are many other issues to explore. I hope this edition will keep the conversation moving.

Baptist Heritage Preaching Contest

The BH&HS and the H. Franklin Paschall Chair of Biblical Studies and Preaching at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, are sponsoring a contest to find the best sermon on Baptist Heritage.

Awards will be given for the top three sermons. The awards will consist of the following. The first-winner will receive up to $1,200 for travel expenses to receive the award, a $400 cash prize, a plaque, a one-year membership in the Baptist History and Heritage Society, and a complimentary registration for the 2002 meeting of the society. The winner will also be invited to preach the sermon during the 2002 meeting.

The second-place winner will receive a $300 cash prize and a plaque. Third place will receive a $200 cash prize and a plaque.

All submissions should be mailed to the Baptist History and Heritage Society, PO. Box 728, Brentwood, TN 37024-0728 by February 1, 2002.

For specific guidelines about how to prepare the sermon and how to submit it, log on to www.baptisthistory.org and click on Baptist Heritage Preaching Contest.

Merrill M. Hawkins Jr.

Editor