HERBERT H. REYNOLDS: THE MAN WHO COULD SEE THE FUTURE
by David R. Currie,
coordinator

As Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds retires as president of Baylor University, it seems appropriate to reflect for a moment on his life and ministry. Specifically, I want to reflect on that moment nearly five years ago when Baylor changed its charter.

Looking back in retrospect, I now believe Herbert Reynolds could see the future. Read what is happening at Southern Seminary. Look at the fruits of Paige Patterson’s leadership at Southeastern Seminary. Watch over the next few years the events at our beloved Southwestern Seminary. My friends, Herbert Reynolds was a visionary.

Remember how people screamed that Herbert Reynolds had stolen Baylor from Texas Baptists? Think again. Dr. Reynolds saved Baylor for Texas Baptists. And the hiring of Robert Sloan confirms that the close relationship between Baylor and the BGCT will continue. The fact is, the Baylor charter change altered nothing about Baylor’s Baptist identity and commitment. It simply assured everyone that what is now happening at Southern Seminary can never happen at Baylor. For that we should all be grateful.

Look at Southern Seminary. There you will find a Baptist institution that is no longer Baptist (see Knox editorial). The same applies or will apply to Southeastern, New Orleans, Midwestern, and Southwestern Seminaries. You can count on it.

Because Herbert H. Reynolds could see the future, we can count on Baylor to be a traditional Baptist institution for years to come. Even if committed Texas Baptists should not be successful in protecting the freedom of our BGCT and its institutions (forbid the thought), Baylor will be a bright and shining light for Baptist ideals.

Thank you Herbert H. Reynolds for your courage and insight. We wish you the very best.

June/July 1995