Name: Batsell Barrett Baxter Email: mike@scripturessay.com Position: Guest Contribitor

Batsell Barrett Baxter was born of Mr. and Mrs. Batsell Baxter September 23, 1916, at Cordell, Oklahoma. He was baptized by his father, Batsell Baxter, in 1925.

On December 22, 1938, Batsell Barrett Baxter married Miss Wanda Roberts. To this union three sons were born: Scott, Alan and John.

Baxter began preaching in 1933 at Nashville, Tennessee. He received his training from David Lipscomb College, Abilene Christian College (B.A.), University of Southern California (M.A., Ph.D.), Vanderbilt University (B.D.). While in California he served two churches as minister: Whittier, 1938-42, and Burbank. 1942-45.

Baxter was well prepared to serve in any responsible position in a Christian College, being the son of Batsell Baxter who served as president of three Christian colleges: Abilene Christian College, David Lipscomb College and Pepperdine College. When Baxter returned from California he was appointed head of the Speech Department at David Lipscomb College. Later he was named to the chairmanship of the Department of Bible upon the passing of his father, Dr. Batsell Baxter, March 4, 1956.

Baxter preached for the Trinity Lane Church in Nashville from 1946-51. He served the Hillsboro Church as its regular preacher from 1951 until his retirement in 1980.

He was an excellent and well-known writer. He wrote for the Gospel Advocate, Twentieth Century Christian, and other periodicals. He wrote a number of books: "Heart of the Yale Lectures," "Preachers of Today" (with Norvel Young), Volumes 1, 2, 3, "Speaking for the Master," "If I Be Lifted Up," "Great Preachers of Today," Volume 1, "Churches of Today" (with Norvel Young). Three of his most recent publications were "The Family of God," "The Search for Happiness," and "A Devotional Guide to the Bible Lands."

This beloved gospel preacher was the first preacher for the "Herald of Truth" television program in August, 1959. Later he became a regular speaker for the radio series of "Herald of Truth." He produced his last television program in October, 1981, and his last radio program in December, 1981. At one time he served as an instructor at Pepperdine University in California where his father was the founding president.

In 1962, Baxter received Abilene Christian's Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award.

In 1961, he led a month-long evangelistic campaign in London, England.

In November of 1978, a program honoring Baxter at David Lipscomb College brought in contributions and gifts totaling $101,669 to the College.

This sincere Christian man will be remembered as a Bible scholar, Christian educator and an eloquent gospel preacher. He was the author of 18 books.

Those who knew Batsell Barrett Baxter loved him. They do not think of him just as a national radio and television figure, but as a just, honorable, sincere, warm-hearted, gentle, kind individual. In his passing the church has lost one of its greatest preachers, teachers, leaders, influential men of the century. Batsell Barrett Baxter died on Wednesday, March 31, 1982, in the Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Funeral service was conducted at the Hillsboro Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m. He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Wanda (Roberts) Baxter; three sons: Scott and John of Nashville. Tennessee, and Alan of Stark, Florida; and two grandchildren. Brandon and Will.

Eddie Montgomery led the congregational singing for the service. Dan Harless, long time associate of Baxter at Hillsboro, read appropriate Scriptures and led in prayer. Talks were made by Harold Hazelip and Willard Collins. The final prayer was led by Larry Van Steensburg, minister of the Hillsboro Church.

Baxter was 65 at the time of his passing. He fought a long battle with cancer. He underwent surgery a number of times from 1977 until the time of his passing. His great example and good works will live long to influence many to live close to the Lord that we may be together in heaven.

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