We share the modern concern for family history, although our resources are limited. For Baptists, baptism means total immersion in water of those who are old enough to confess Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Therefore, records of Baptist baptisms will not be found in parish registers, but will probably be recorded in the Minutes of the local Baptist Church.
The local church is the centre of Baptist life - each church is brought into being and sustained by the faithful sovereignty of God. If your church has just discovered it's fifty, hundred or more years old next year, and you have been asked to write the story of God's Baptist people locally, we can offer some practical advice. With the Society's help you can do it!
Consult the wide range of our Society publications, there will probably be something to help you know Baptists better. For example, our accessible English Baptist History and Heritage, which was completely revised, extended and illustrated in 2005 and provides a concise overview of Baptist life.
Obviously there is strength to be found in a community of people and congregations that have a common background, and wish to understand their origins. It was George Santayana who said 'the fate of those who forget their past is to have to relive it.' We invite those who share that concern to join our society and enable our vital work to continue.
The Baptist Quarterly engages Baptist heritage and history, not only encouraging readers to recall the past, but enabling them to reflect on Baptist life today, and to be challenged and inspired for tomorrow. This journal reflects the interests of the Baptist Historical Society and aids research into Baptist history, whether for full-time academics, for those interested in the history of local churches or for Baptist family members. Browse current issues.