A Texas Baptist History Sourcebook: A Companion to McBeth's Texas Baptists

Chapter 8. GOOD TIMES AND BAD, 1914 - 1926

219 C H A P T E R 8 Good Times and Bad, 1914–1926 8.1 Missions Under the watchful eye of J. B. Gambrell, Texas Baptist missionary endeavors had proven to be quite successful. By the time of his death in 1910, the Baptist influence could be felt in all four corners of the Lone Star State. A mere five years later, missionary optimism could hardly be contained. Good News on Every Front: State Missions Your Committee on State Missions and Evangelism submits the following report: We wish to reassert our deep and increasing belief in the primacy of state missions. To be scriptural is, of course, to be Baptistic, and therefore to the Supreme Authority do we look for commands. Jesus said: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem,”—city missions, “and in all Judea”—state missions, “and in Samaria”—home missions, “and unto the uttermost part of the earth”—foreign missions. This official, imperative command forever puts the Divine seal upon our work, and should prove an effective stimulant to a real advance. The history of Baptist state missions work in Texas has been the inspiration of many other states, and the proof of our own virility. State mission work, with evangelism as its dominant note, is logically first and of greatest importance. Not to the belittling of any other missionary enterprise, but rather to the development of our own resources in order 220 ⁄ GOOD TIMES AND BAD, 1914–1926 that we may better serve and meet the other challenging needs. While the selfish conservation of resources in spiritual effort is a practice which leads to death, yet the true development of these resources leads to life— and that more abundant for Texas and for the world. To this end our state missions work has its three phases, namely: 1. Evangelism—the winning of the lost. 2. Enlightenment—the teaching and training of the saved. 3. Benevolence– the touch of helpfulness to all the world. To these three magnificent purposes we wish again to pledge our unswerving fidelity, in keeping with the great commission of our Savior. Each year has been a splendid struggle; each year has brought a glorious achievement. Last year our hearts were stirred with the mighty record of service, this year we look anxiously forward, but with joyous faith and keenest anticipation. With 400,000 Texas Baptists—what a resource! What can we do? What must we do? Were we to do one-half of what is our true ability, Texas Baptists would shake the world. Why not? Let us “stretch forth the curtains of our habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen the stakes.” Tis a sin to be sparing in the kingdom of our God. Texas is naturally a Canaan for Baptists. From the very beginning Baptists have written large in the affairs of our great commonwealth. Let us be as wise in spiritual matters even to the entering into our heritage. Your committee has the following suggestions: 1. That it might be profitable for a more thorough educational campaign in each church before the state and mission collection is taken. The few words spoken previous to the “hurry-up collection” are not usually sufficiently instructive to develop intelligent response. 2. That efforts be made to take the offering earlier in the period set apart for state missions. Let us not wait until the last Sunday or two. Too often the weather condition is given as a [sic] excuse for a small offering , when the thief is easily recognized as “Mr. Procrastination.” 3. Most earnestly would we suggest an every member canvass. Every church should endeavor to give at least a dollar for each member. This is a minimum—let us suggest the maximum. With a definite purpose in hand, and intelligent effort in the head, and a consuming passion in the heart, we shall advance. 4. Let us advance along every line of endeavor. To do other than progress is to sin against our opportunities, our soul-life, our commands and our Master. God never retrenched, and He does not intend for his people so to do. Let us keep in step with the purposes of God. Source: Proceedings, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 1915, 131– 32. 8.2 World War I With little thought of pacifism, Texas Baptists wholeheartedly supported the United States’ entrance into World War I. As Baptists these individuals cherished...