Welch, Rev Jack A 1973-03-12

Rev. Jack Welch, a Baptist minister for over 50 years, discusses his career and the history of the Baptist Church in Texas. He places particular emphasis on the history of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas and its relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Rev. Jack A. Welch

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 12, 1973

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah and Larry Jackson

Length: 1 hour 15 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Biographical information related, Grandfather a preacher in Arkansas, Family moved to Mexia, Texas (1896), Family moved to Childress (1908), World War I service in France recalled, Singing schools Welch and twin brother held, Entered ministry with brother and attended Jacksonville College (1927-1930), Explains financing of the singing schools, Held for all denominations, Career as a Baptist minister reviewed, Began in Oklahoma (1922), Retired from pastoral work (1963), Churches he pastored are listed, Baptist Missionary Association of Texas, Organized near Mexia (1901), Troup church alternated between BMA and Baptist, General Convention of Texas pastors, S. A. Hayden was leader of the BMA, Cites reasons for split from BGCT, Recalls the organizational meeting at Jack’s Creek, Early church services described.

Tape 1, Side 2: Organization of the Landmark Baptists in Arkansas, American Baptist Association organized (1923), Split and organization of North American Baptist Association (1950), Renamed Baptist Missionary Association of America (1968), Lists states represented in BMAA, State organization of the ABA explained, BMA Baptists independent of Landmark Baptists, Question of "membership before representation" caused division (1949), Differences in Southern Baptist Convention and BMA listed, Rural vs. urban membership, "Modernism", J. Frank Norris’ beliefs, Personality differences in the split, S. A. Hayden vs. J. B. Cranfill, Mentions B. H. Carroll’s books on Baptist doctrine, Notes personal lack of formal education prior to college, Traditionalism and modernism in both BMA and SBC churches today.

Tape 2, Side 1: Attempts to unify BMA and BGCT failed, Question of "money representation" or "society representation", Speculates on loss of BMA preachers to Convention, Preachers who assume great authority in the church, Explains J. Frank Norris’ relationship with BMA.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1896-1973

Bulk Dates: 1922-1973

Access Information

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Transcript:

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