Seminary founder, preacher was ‘completely devoted to Christ’
By Joanne Sloan
B.H. Carroll (1843–1914) was a Southern Baptist pastor, denominational leader, educator and author. He organized Baylor Theological Seminary and led in founding Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, both in Texas.
This year marks the 175th anniversary of his birth.
Benajah Harvey Carroll, 1 of 12 children of Benajah and Mary Eliza Carroll, was born Dec. 27, 1843, in Carroll County, Mississippi. His father was a farmer as well as a Baptist minister. The family moved to Arkansas in 1848 and 10 years later to Burleson County, Texas.
Serving with the Rangers
At the age of 16, Carroll enrolled at Baylor University, then located in Independence, Texas. When the Civil War began in 1860 he enlisted in the Texas Rangers. Two years later he joined the 17th Regiment of the Texas infantry and served until the war ended.
Since the Civil War interrupted his college career, Baylor University granted him the bachelor’s degree.
Following a struggle with skepticism for many years, he underwent a conversion in the fall of 1865. He attended a Methodist meeting, and as he was leaving the church a light from heaven flashed upon his mind, bringing with it the Scripture from Matthew 11:28 — “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He seemed to see Jesus before him, inviting him to come to Him. “In a moment I went, once and forever, casting myself unreservedly and for all time at Christ’s feet,” he wrote, “and in a moment the rest came, indescribably and unspeakable, and it has remained.” He soon knew he would become a preacher. He wrote about his conversion in his famous sermon, “My Infidelity and What Became of It.”
He joined the Baptist church in Caldwell, Texas, and was ordained in 1866.
That year he married Ellen Virginia Bell. They had nine children. After Ellen’s death, he married Hallie Harrison in 1899. They had one son.
Carroll began his preaching career after the Civil War, serving at several Texas churches. In 1870 he started his pastorate at First Baptist Church, Waco, where he served until 1899. That year he was elected corresponding secretary for the Texas Baptist Education Commission.
From 1872 to 1905, he taught theology and Bible classes at Baylor University, which had then relocated to Waco, Texas, in 1886. Carroll organized Baylor Seminary in 1905.
When Southwestern Seminary’s charter was granted on March 14, 1908, he became president and served until his death.
Powerful voice
Carroll was known for his oratorical skills.
He had a powerful and pleasing voice. His intellect was legendary as was his gift of memory.
A prolific writer of 33 volumes, his most popular work is “An Interpretation of the English Bible.”
He was completely devoted to Christ. Before his death, Carroll summoned Lee Scarborough, whom he wanted to be his successor as president of Southwestern Seminary.
He said to him, “Lee, lash the seminary to the heart of the Savior.”
Carroll died Nov. 11, 1914, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Waco.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Joanne Sloan, a member of First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, has been a published writer of articles and books for 30 years. She has a bachelor’s degree double majoring in history and English from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University–Commerce) and a master’s degree specializing in English from the University of Arkansas (1978).
Share with others: