AN INFLUENCER: BATSELL BARRETT BAXTER
(1916-1992)
DONALD R. FOX
Others influence us in so many ways. We should be aware also to set the right example before all that we come in contact with. I guess it was around 1967 when I was asked to attend a Work Shop on Radio and Television Christian outreach, evangelism in Abilene, Texas.
The last classroom session of the day ended late in the afternoon. About fifty, men were in attendance in this class. The instructor asked us men to stack our chairs and sweep the room before leaving for the day. A Christian gentleman by the name of Batsell Barrett Baxter was the first man to jump up, stacked his chair and grabbed a broom, sweeping the floor.
You see Batsell Barrett Baxter was a national radio and television speaker for this very Christian Broadcast Program. This outstanding man was a Professor of Speech and Homiletics at David Libscomb College, an author, only to name a few of his many other accomplishments.
An important person such as Baxter grabbing a broom and sweeping the classroom greatly impressed me. He set an example to serve and not to think he was better than the rest of us fellows. Several years later in the town of Tupelo, Mississippi, I had by chance the opportunity to meet with him for a few minutes and engaged in an informal conversation. He was gracious, polite and friendly. Batsell made people feel at ease and was intensely interested in people. A humble Christian gentleman was he. He never knew he influenced me by his example. I now wish I would have told him so. To lead, to set the right example is a great trait.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught that Christians should set an example, and Batsell Barrett Baxter practiced his teaching. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)
Side Note: Batsell was in Tupelo to hold an “Area-Wide Gospel Meeting." If my memory is correct, these meetings started in 1964 and ended about 1969. I remember seeing the first meeting in 1964 with Willard Collins preaching. This Area-Wide meeting was televised and held in the old National Guard Armory-Community Center Building, Fairgrounds, Tupelo, MS. I believe this was the only time that the meeting was televised. Later, the meetings were conducted in the auditorium of the old Tupelo High School. The meetings all were well attended by folks, far and near. I do not remember the year Batsell Barrett Baxter conducted the meeting.
Batsell Barrett Baxter was born in Cordell, Oklahoma, on September 23, 1916. After a long battle with cancer he died on March 31, 1982.
NOTE: For additional information about brother Baxter see: http://www.therestorationmovement.com/baxter,bb.htm
NOTE: For additional information about Willard Collins see: http://www.therestorationmovement.com/collins.htm