Drs. Bill and Ruth Pitts, a model husband-wife Baptist team.
Gourley, Bruce T.
Of the many privileges of directing the Baptist History and
Heritage Society--and there are many!--perhaps the best has been the
opportunity to work alongside Drs. Bill and Ruth Pitts. I simply can
think of no better husband-wife Baptist team than Bill and Ruth.
Their faith, wisdom, knowledge, compassion, optimism, humility, and
willingness to serve are a quiet, steady, and inspirational example for
all who know them. In addition, they model an unswerving commitment to
Baptist heritage and identity and for years have been a leading presence
in the BH&HS.
To Bill I owe a thousand thanks for his mentorship. He is an
ever-present encourager and a sage of sound advice. Ruth is both an
encourager and one of the most gracious people I know. Bill is our
Society's current president, and collectively Bill and Ruth serve
as our Society's first couple.
It is fitting that this annual Festschrift edition of the Journal
honors Bill's academic accomplishments. The decision to honor Bill
in this manner came years ago via input from our editors and editorial
board. The timing is such that this tribute arrives even as Bill's
book on Walter Rauschenbusch--a seminal Baptist figure of whom Bill has
written and spoken extensively--is nearing publication.
Bill's accomplishments as a professor of church history span
six decades. He has taught at Mercer University, Houston Baptist
University, Dallas Baptist University, and, since 1975, at Baylor
University. During this time he has published approximately 70 articles
and book chapters, given almost 100 scholarly presentations, collected
numerous awards, directed 38 Ph.D. dissertations / M.A. thesis (with one
yet in progress), and served in leadership roles for many Baptist
organizations and conferences.
Two of Bill's awards are for his service with and
contributions to the Baptist History and Heritage Society. He received
the Distinguished Service Award in 2006 and the Norman W. Cox Award for
Best Article Published by the Baptist History and Heritage Journal in
2009 (awarded in 2010).
Bill's academic work is not confined to the United States. He
has traveled the world as a scholar, leading programs and/or speaking at
conferences in China, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Peru,
Scotland, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and the Czech Republic.
The fruits of Bill's scholarly labor are well represented in
this edition of the Journal through the contributions of former students
who are well-known Baptist scholars. John Essick (Baptist Seminary of
Kentucky) is guest editor, while six other former students have
contributed articles: Rosalie Beck (Baylor University), Pamela Durso
(Baptist Women in Ministry), Mel Hawkins (Carson-Newman College), Glenn
Jonas (Campbell University), Courtney Lyons (Baylor University), and J.
Kristian Pratt (Spartanburg Methodist College).
In addition to being honored in this publication, Dr. Bill Pitts
will be a prominent figure on this year's program of the annual
Baptist History and Heritage Society conference in Sioux Falls, June
4-6. Dr. Ruth Pitts will also be on the program. I hope you will be able
to join us and let both Bill and Ruth know of your appreciation for
them.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Bruce T. Gourley
Executive-Director
