History
The Baptist Progress Publishing Company was formed November 27, 1912 when the following stockholders met in Dallas: P. C. Scott, L. B. Jenkins, J. W. Morton, S. H. Slaughter, S. S. Russell, B. O. Harrell, J. G. Davis, and G. W. Walton.
The purpose of the company was declared to be the publication of a 16-page weekly paper, Baptist Progress. S. H. Slaughter and P. C. Scott were elected editors, with Slaughter also being the business manager. It was decided to have the following departments: query department, department of missions, department of Sunday Schools, BYPU department, and a department of woman’s work.
It was agreed that the paper was not to be a “stinging lizard,” or a place to advocate, defend or attack the personal interests of any man or men. It was further agreed that its columns shall not be degraded by “mud slinging” or low personalities. But it shall be and stand for free speech and the advocacy of all holy principles of the kingdom of God, and in a special way it shall stand for the BMA work. The company was located at 1312 ½ Commerce, Dallas. The subscription rates were $1.50 payable in advance. (Reprinted from Baptist Progress, Volume 75, No. 43).
Over the years, changes and “progress” have been made. No longer the Baptist Progress Publishing Company, the Baptist Progress is now an official department of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas. The location of the publication’s offices also changed in the mid-eighties. Offices are located in the BMA of Texas Building at 632 Farley Street in Waxahachie.
The Baptist Progress has been a 16-page paper, then an 8-page magazine format paper published weekly, then a tabloid format paper published weekly, and now a 12-page tabloid format paper published every first, third and fifth Wednesday. While changes in formatting and publication schedules have been made, the goal of the paper has remained the same—to promote the work of the churches and departments of the BMA of Texas.
In this issue, the aim will be to educate the reader on how this department operates, as well as share some goals for the future of this department.
Finances
During his tenure as editor, Leon Gaylor initiated the “Church Plan.” For only $1.50 per subscription, churches can currently pay for members to receive 28 issues of the Baptist Progress per year. With the plan, churches help to ensure that their members are educated about the “progress” of the BMA of Texas. Our belief is that informed people will become involved people.
Danny Pope, who served as editor from 1974–2002 introduced the “Budget Plan” whereby churches contributed an amount equal or above the amount owed from their “Church Plan” which generated thousands of more dollars for operations each year. Although it has not been promoted in recent years, it is still a good plan. Churches who are willing to include the Baptist Progress in their budgets at an amount equal or above their “Church Plan” costs are encouraged to do so.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Never one to be satisfied with the status quo, Editor Jerry Fulton has made changes and improvements to the Baptist Progress and promises more to come. In keeping with the vision God gave former editor, the late Lynn Stephens, the size of the publication has been increased from 8 pages to 12 pages. The reader is also presented with a publication that has more color and is printed on a heavier grade of paper. Furthermore, the editor is now allowed more time for traveling, reporting and visiting with the pastors and churches of the BMA of Texas.
Something else that is new and exciting for the Baptist Progress is that the services of a graphic design artist have been secured. The graphic artist assists the editor in layout and provides artwork for each issue. New column writers have also been added who discuss various ministries of the church and issues of everyday life. The goal is to make the Baptist Progress more attractive to readers of all ages.
Fulton has adopted the words Former Editor Stephens voiced to Baptist Progress trustees just before departing for Heaven as his vision statement—“Progress is our goal, not perfection. The past is the past; forget it! The future is our hope; reach for it!”
The purpose of the company was declared to be the publication of a 16-page weekly paper, Baptist Progress. S. H. Slaughter and P. C. Scott were elected editors, with Slaughter also being the business manager. It was decided to have the following departments: query department, department of missions, department of Sunday Schools, BYPU department, and a department of woman’s work.
It was agreed that the paper was not to be a “stinging lizard,” or a place to advocate, defend or attack the personal interests of any man or men. It was further agreed that its columns shall not be degraded by “mud slinging” or low personalities. But it shall be and stand for free speech and the advocacy of all holy principles of the kingdom of God, and in a special way it shall stand for the BMA work. The company was located at 1312 ½ Commerce, Dallas. The subscription rates were $1.50 payable in advance. (Reprinted from Baptist Progress, Volume 75, No. 43).
Over the years, changes and “progress” have been made. No longer the Baptist Progress Publishing Company, the Baptist Progress is now an official department of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas. The location of the publication’s offices also changed in the mid-eighties. Offices are located in the BMA of Texas Building at 632 Farley Street in Waxahachie.
The Baptist Progress has been a 16-page paper, then an 8-page magazine format paper published weekly, then a tabloid format paper published weekly, and now a 12-page tabloid format paper published every first, third and fifth Wednesday. While changes in formatting and publication schedules have been made, the goal of the paper has remained the same—to promote the work of the churches and departments of the BMA of Texas.
In this issue, the aim will be to educate the reader on how this department operates, as well as share some goals for the future of this department.
Finances
During his tenure as editor, Leon Gaylor initiated the “Church Plan.” For only $1.50 per subscription, churches can currently pay for members to receive 28 issues of the Baptist Progress per year. With the plan, churches help to ensure that their members are educated about the “progress” of the BMA of Texas. Our belief is that informed people will become involved people.
Danny Pope, who served as editor from 1974–2002 introduced the “Budget Plan” whereby churches contributed an amount equal or above the amount owed from their “Church Plan” which generated thousands of more dollars for operations each year. Although it has not been promoted in recent years, it is still a good plan. Churches who are willing to include the Baptist Progress in their budgets at an amount equal or above their “Church Plan” costs are encouraged to do so.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Never one to be satisfied with the status quo, Editor Jerry Fulton has made changes and improvements to the Baptist Progress and promises more to come. In keeping with the vision God gave former editor, the late Lynn Stephens, the size of the publication has been increased from 8 pages to 12 pages. The reader is also presented with a publication that has more color and is printed on a heavier grade of paper. Furthermore, the editor is now allowed more time for traveling, reporting and visiting with the pastors and churches of the BMA of Texas.
Something else that is new and exciting for the Baptist Progress is that the services of a graphic design artist have been secured. The graphic artist assists the editor in layout and provides artwork for each issue. New column writers have also been added who discuss various ministries of the church and issues of everyday life. The goal is to make the Baptist Progress more attractive to readers of all ages.
Fulton has adopted the words Former Editor Stephens voiced to Baptist Progress trustees just before departing for Heaven as his vision statement—“Progress is our goal, not perfection. The past is the past; forget it! The future is our hope; reach for it!”
