Used by Permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission
Submitted by : Gloria B. Mayfield
Coordinator: Dolores I. Bishop
The Texas Baptist Institute – Seminary opened as a full time Institute and Seminary in September 1949 with nine months of work and has operated on that basis since that time. Hundreds of students have received biblical training in its Bible programs. The worth of the school is reflected in the accomplishments of former students who have become leaders in missions, church growth, and Christian education.
Christian education demands the best of dedicated administrators and instructors. God has providentially supplied great leaders and capable instructors to carry the work forward from its beginning. Dr. R.E. Rogers was the first President of the school and during his two years of dedicated leadership the school began its growth. Dr. A.J. Kirkland assumed the presidency in 1950 and gave the next twenty-two years of his life to build and establish the school as the great institution of service to the Lord’s churches that she has become. Dr. Ray O. Brooks was chosen to take the reins of leadership following the death of Dr. Kirkland. God has continued to bless as more and more students realize their need to study the Bible.
The primary purpose of the Texas Baptist Institute-Seminary is to train pastors, missionaries, teachers, music, youth and Christian education leaders in rightly dividing the Word of Truth for service in the churches of the American Baptist Association and its several constituent state and local associations of churches.
It is the purpose of the school to develop in its students a spiritual devotion in harmony with the Bible doctrines taught. Students are taught and encouraged to engage in practical, biblical, personal evangelism. Emphasis upon the fundamentals of the Christian Faith and worldwide missions is continual. The school has not and shall not seek accreditation, preferring to seek both the highest standards and the greatest independence as a “non-accredited school”. To that end the school is a member of the American Baptist Association of Theological Schools and cooperates in various programs to encourage quality Christian education.
The Texas Baptist Institute-Seminary is located in north Henderson, Texas, at 1300 Longview Drive. It is situated on a ten-acre campus, which has been its permanent home since the present Administration Building was erected there in 1954. Since then a Book Shop, Library Office Annex, the A.J. Kirkland Memorial Auditorium and Music Building have been added to the Administration Building. Classrooms are well lighted, air conditioned, and heated for seasonal use. These facilities are single story and are planned for functional convenience. The construction is red brick veneer.
Other buildings include several dormitories, apartments, and houses for single men and families.