Baptist History

by Thomas Ray John Jasper was born July 4, 1812, the youngest of 24 chil­dren. His parents were Tina and Philip Jasper. His mother prayed that her son, “Do nothing but sing de praises of […]

First to preach the gospel west of the Mississippi by Thomas Ray The life of Joseph Willis reads more like fiction than the real-life experiences of a man who was born a slave, served with […]

The Courageous Martyr by Thomas Ray I could find no record of Robert Smith’s parents or the time and place of his birth, however, his education and position in society clearly indicates he came from […]

Martyr by Thomas Ray James Bainham was born about 1500 in Gloucestershire, England. His father, Alexander Bainham, was a man of wealth and influence; he was a knight and the sheriff of Gloucestershire. Young James […]

He made a difference by Thomas Ray William Collier was born in 1771 in Scituate, MA. His mother was a devoted Christian, and she instilled in William biblical principles that would mold and guide him […]

The Fundamentalist’s Pope by Thomas Ray John Roach Straton was one of the most flamboyant and controversial preachers of the 20th century. He was born in 1875 into a Baptist pastor’s home. When young Straton […]

by Thomas Ray The following is a true story of a Hindu widow’s suffering from the consequences of false religion and evil supersti­tion, and the value of missionaries and their message of love and forgiveness. […]

He chose slavery instead of freedom by Thomas Ray In order to study the amazing life of Jesse Peter we must begin with Wait Palmer, pastor of First Baptist Church North, Stonington, CT. Palmer was […]

The overcomer by Thomas Ray The name Mary Webb is almost unknown among Baptists. However, this tiny little woman, confined to a wheel­chair, probably did more than any other woman to arouse the Baptist denomination […]

by Thomas Ray In 1793, William Carey, the man recognized as the father of modern missions, arrived in India. He found a society enslaved by idolatry, superstition, and cruelty. He knew if India was to […]