Scholars from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary led the field of Baptist historical studies for the better part of the twentieth century through the combined efforts of A.H. Newman, W.W. Barnes, Robert A. Baker, and H. Leon McBeth. This paper examines two of these historians: W.W. Barnes and Robert A. Baker. Both were respected Baptist historians and wrote histories of the Southern Baptist Convention. Baker had a more visible career with over a dozen published books, but he attributed much of his success to the mentorship of his friend and colleague W.W. Barnes.
This paper examines the friendship, careers, and legacy of these two shapers of Southwestern Seminary. Both men had many opportunities to take prestigious academic positions elsewhere, but poured their entire careers into their beloved institution. While both published meaningful works, their most enduring contributions were to their students and to their institution.
This paper shows the lasting impact of faithful service and Christ-centered academic mentorship. It shows the value of lives invested in one place for the glory of God and the love of His people.