November 10, 1999
George W. Truett
___By Kelly Pigott
___Texans have the reputation for liking everything big. Perhaps that's why we like George Washington Truett so much. Because everything he did was big.
___To begin with, he built a big church. His second Sunday on the job, Truett met with the trustees of First Baptist Church in Dallas about the state missions offering. Because the church was in financial straits, they suggested to their young, fresh-from-college pastor agoal of $25. Truett laughed, saying he was going to give that much. That night, the church
GEORGE TRUETT
Photo: Texas Baptist Historical Collection
collected over $300. And this was only the beginning. By 1941, with Truett's leadership, First Baptist had given over $5 million to mission causes, no small feat when one considers how much of this was done during the Great Depression. As pastor, Truett led the church to develop a strong Sunday School, with enrollment peaking at 6,607.
___His powerful preaching attracted thousands in an era when the concept of "mega-church" was unheard of. And Truett's stature helped him to gather a gifted staff of men and women who developed model ministries.
___Truett also built big Baptist institutions. When the Haydenites (a schismatic group) took control of the Dallas County Association, Truett led other pastors to form the Dallas Baptist Association so a spirit of cooperation could prevail. He spearheaded efforts to build Baylor Hospital in Dallas, raising substantial funds. He championed Baylor University, serving as trustee (1898-1944) and defending the school against accusations of modernist teachings. He also served as a trustee at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1907-1944). At a meeting in his office, the seminary was named, and he aided in the selection of B.H. Carroll as the first president. His intimate relationship with the school is evidenced by the fact the main auditorium on campus bears his name. As president of the Southern Baptist Convention (1927-1929), he bolstered the denomination in the wake of the stock market crash. One banker granted a substantial loan to the Baptist General Convention of Texas based solely on Truett's reputation. And as president of the Baptist World Alliance (1934-1939) he provided wise and uncompromising leadership in the shadow of World War II.
___Truett inspired people to be big. For example, J. Frank Norris wrote a vitriolic letter accusing Truett of murder and had it delivered to First Baptist Church in Dallas one Sunday just prior to the preaching service. (Truett had been involved in a tragic hunting accident during which one of his friends was fatally wounded). In contrast, one is hard pressed to find any derogatory comments in Truett's letters or diaries about anyone, including Norris. He consistently exhibited a gracious and kind spirit toward all.
___Above all, Truett built a big legacy. He is one of the few Baptist leaders loved by both moderates and conservatives. Perhaps this is because he embodies the best qualities of both sides. In the words of Truett's successor, W. A. Criswell, "Dr. Truett was the type of man who built. He was the type of a man to build the institution, to build the school, to build the hospital, to build the church, to build the denomination, and I early sensed that it's that kind of leadership that we ought to follow."
___Kelly Pigott is pastor of Springbrooke Baptist Church in Abilene
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