By Dr. Damon C. Dodd
Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492; the British Navy defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588 and became the “scourge” of the Seven Seas; the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and a new nation was born.
To the average man on the street, this is what comes to mind when they hear the word “history,” a mélange of events and dates. Though most of us realize history is supposed to make some sort of valuable contribution to society, we are still a bit unsure as to when it may be valuable and the extent of its value.
But first, let’s define the term. History is a systematic account of what has (or might have) happened in the life or development of a people, country, institution, etc., usually in chronological order, accompanied by an analysis and an explanation. History ties present to the past and then relates both to the future.
History is important and can be both interesting and challenging if we understand its real value and function. For instance, Free Will Baptists have passed through several unique historical periods in which she helped shape both political and religious policies.
Value
Our denomination was a youthful 50 years old when the War for Independence from England began. Benjamin Randall, the founder of the northern Freewill Baptist movement served as a solider in the Colonial Army, holding the rank of Orderly Sergeant. He fought in the battle of Bunker Hill and saw action in other important battles of the Revolution. According to one of Mr. Randall’s biographers, he was a kind, thoughtful man who, at the risk of his own life, ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of wounded and frightened men — both American and British.
Freewill Baptists also influenced the Civil War, passing and promoting numerous resolutions expressing its anti-slavery sentiment and urging member churches to take a positive stand against evil.
Just prior to World War I, Alfred Williams Anthony, the President of Bates College in Maine, a Freewill Baptist school, was named to a study committee by President Woodrow Wilson to survey European nations regarding economic conditions in that part of the world.
Functions
We could go on and on about the “value” of history. But let’s point out some of the “functions of history” as well.
Reminders. History reminds us of problems in the past and provides a reflective tool with which we may effectively eliminate such difficulties should they arise again. For instance, in our early years our denomination was a “soft touch” for merger with other groups. In the latter part of the 18th and early 19th centuries, we were almost swallowed up by the Campbellites (from which came the Churches of Christ) and the Primitive Baptists.
During an early meeting of the General Conference of Free Will Baptists (southern movement), it was proposed we merge with the Southern Christian Church. This proposal was soundly defeated, largely because of a resolution by the Rev. J. W. Alford of North Carolina. In that resolution, he recalled
…many losses sustained by us, among which we mention Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan; The Morning Star Publishing House, Boston Massachusetts, and others which space forbids to mention, we do warn our brethren everywhere against any and all alliances with any and all other denominations.
Repeats. History is said to repeat itself. Scientific studies have verified this is essentially true. That means history has an “anticipatory value.” We can be on guard against trends and developing patterns that characterized early Freewill Baptists. The unfavorable ones can be “nipped in the bud” while the desirable ones may be developed to full blossom.
Refurbishes. History provides a means of refurbishing the machinery of progress. Standing still is generally a sign of defeat in spiritual matters. When there is an overriding tendency to bog down in traditional values and worldly compromise, we need only to go back in time to the church in the Dark Ages to understand the consequences of such error. History speaks here and warns emphatically, “Oil the wheels, start up the engines, get in touch with God’s power, and start moving heavenward. Don’t get swallowed up in the numbness of false assurance or the insanity of resting on past laurels.”
Restates. History restates the church’s purpose and redefines its goals by looking back and analyzing past blunders and oversights so we may seize and maximize our present opportunities. For example, our denominational leaders have looked at recent lack of growth and tried to offer suggestions and methods for correcting this defect. In the light of recent history, they have set new goals, redefined others, and once again stated our biblical reasons for existence as a denomination.
Freewill Baptists have a rich and beautiful heritage. We need to remind ourselves now and then as to who we have been, who we are now, and of our contributions to society.
Turn back the pages of our nation’s history and you will find Freewill Baptist people in high places of leadership both locally and nationally. More importantly, you will find evidence that Free Will Baptists have lifted their voices in defense of religious liberty and godly morality. We have tried to practice what we have preached through the years. For this we can be humbly grateful to Almighty God.
About the writer: The late Damon C. Dodd authored The Free Will Baptist Story. He served as the executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Adapted with permission from the article published by the Georgia FWB Historical Society.
