Celebrating 50 Years

“It is our aim constantly to produce the highest quality materials possible in complete harmony with the Biblical principles cherished by Missionary Baptists.” – Bro. O. H. Griffith, Editor in Chief of Bogard Press from 1955-1980

Last month on September 27th, we celebrated 50 years in our current ABA building on North State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Texas. Part of the festivities included the Baptist Sunday School Committee opening a time capsule that was placed into the foundation in 1972 (See image of Bro. Butimore, BSSC Chairman, with copper cask). Inside the capsule were around 80 artifacts – mostly print in nature – from around 1972, including a brief history of the American Baptist Association. These artifacts will be digitally archived and available on our website.

 

At the 50 year celebration, we were privileged to hear from Bro. David Butimore, Chairman of the BSSC, from Bro. Terry Parrish, who has written a history of the ABA from 1972-2022 which will be included in the Time Capsule, and from Bro. Dean Grigsby, who has served as Business Manager of Bogard Press for the last four years.

 

The overwhelming emotion felt that day was one of gratitude. As we reflected on God’s goodness toward us and His sustaining grace in the publishing ministry of Bogard Press, we could not help but express thanksgiving to God who has made this ministry possible. When considering the future of Christian literature publication ministry, it would be wise to heed the sound advice from Bro. O. H. Griffith, who served as Editor in Chief of Bogard Press during the dedication of this current building:

 

“There is no place to slow down in this business. It is, first of all, the Lord’s business, and second, the business of the churches of the American Baptist Association. The time for reaching the lost is now, and we must be alert to enter every door of opportunity the Lord opens to us.”

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Mark Clements

Editor in Chief