Presnall H. Wood served as editor of the Baptist Standard from 1977 to 1995. As part of our 125th anniversary celebration, here are excerpts from his next-to-last editorial, published in the Dec. 6, 1995, edition of the Baptist Standard:
The Baptist Standard is celebrating its 125th anniversary this month.“When I was a student in 
Presnall H. Woodgraduate school at Southwestern Seminary in the field of church history, my major professor, Robert A. Baker, suggested I write my doctoral dissertation on the history of the Baptist Standard. I did. As part of the research, I read every available issue of the Baptist Standard from the beginning of the paper in 1888 until 1959. … Often I have been introduced as the person who has read every issue of the Baptist Standard. …
“The role of the Standard is spelled out in the charter statement, ‘to support the Baptist General Convention of Texas and to interpret events and movements that affect the welfare of the people of God.’
“No other Texas Baptist institution has this responsibility. The Standard is the reporter of the news, both good and bad; a supporter of Texas Baptists in their churches and institutions; a promoter of righteousness, missions and evangelism; and an interpreter of events and movements which affect the welfare of the people of God. In fulfilling this role, the Standard is a watchman on the wall to commend and criticize and report controversial as well as commending news.”
Other 125th Anniversary Reflections:
• The Baptist Standard and Kennedy’s election
• Reflection on a reporter’s responsibility
• Change, constancy and truth-telling
Here’s how you can celebrate our anniversary with us!
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