THE FORMATION PERIOD 1892-1932: REV. DANIEL WILSHIRE – FIRST SUPERINTENDENT
Although the Rev. Daniel Wilshire, an English Missionary, was appointed the first Superintendent of The Bahamas Baptist Union and Pastor of Salem Baptist Church, it was a Bahamian by the name of Rev. John James Kerr and the indigenous leaders of the aforementioned churches, who formed the Union. Rev. Kerr was the first interim Pastor of Salem, leading the group who was locked out of Zion Baptist Church. He led the founding members of the Union in its formation and chaired the organizing meeting on that historic Tuesday evening, April 5, 1892. Together, he andRev. Wilshire sought for reconciliation with both the Baptist Missionary Society in London and Zion, but to no avail.
It should be pointed out that the Baptist witness and work in The Bahamas did not start with British Missionaries. Earliest accounts reveal that black slaves by the names of Frank Spence in 1780, Prince Williams in 1790 and Sharper Morris were amongst the earliest pioneers. When the Baptist Missionary Society of London sent out their first missionaries around 1833, there were Baptist churches in existence in New Providence and several islands. Baptist Churches and schools flourished in the Family Islands under the supervision of British missionaries who had their head- quarters at Zion. In 1833, an English Missionary by the name of Joseph Burton, who was driven out of Jamaica, came to The Bahamas, and with encouragement from Governor Sir James Carmichael Smith, built Zion Baptist Church. Rev. Daniel Wilshire,who was a well educated man, was well respected by the Colonial Governor and served for a time as Chairman of the Board of Education.
The Rev. Daniel Wilshire served the Bahamas Baptist Union as Superintendent from 1892 until his death in 1932. Prior thereto, he served The Baptist Missionary Society (based in London) for thirteen years supervising the work of Baptists in The Bahamas until he and the congregation of Zion Baptist Church were locked out on the 3rd of December, 1890. At that time, financial support to Rev. Wilshire from the Baptist Missionary Society was discontinued. The small churches, their pastors, leaders and members were poor and struggling, especially in the Family Islands. Nevertheless, from their meager resources and reliance upon Almighty God, and a commitment to self-sufficiency, they carried on their work. Such was the faith, tenacity, determination and unity of the Union Churches and the Superintendent, Rev. Wilshire, that by February 1849, they were able to acquire prime property on Parliament Street in the city of Nassau, to erect thereon, the first edifice of the historic Salem Union Baptist Church. Rev. Wilshire, who was a man of some means, generously and sacrificially bought the Parliament Street property, erected a residence on a portion, and allowed the church to be built on the other portion. Paying for it over a period of time, Rev. Wilshire eventually deeded the property to the Trustees of the Union without payment of the full purchase price.
Rev. Wilshire organized the Annual Conference and he soon associated the Bahamas Baptist Union with the Baptist World Alliance. Through his efforts, churches in South Florida were also brought into the membership of the Union. Rev. Wilshire laboured tirelessly for the Lord, often risking his life as he sailed in his schooner throughout the islands to minister to the churches. He endeared himself to the local pastors and leaders. Fifty-three years of his life was spent in sacrificial service to both “Zion Mission and the Bahamas Baptist Union”.
THE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD 1932 – 1976: REV. ENOCH BACKFORD, J.P., M.B.E. – SECOND SUPERINTENDENT
Upon Rev. Daniel Wilshire’s death in 1932, he was succeeded the following year(Feb. 1933) by Rev. Enoch Backford, assistant pastor of Salem and Assistant Superintendent of the Union. This noble saint of God, who was born in obscurity and poverty in Long Island two months after his father’s tragic disappearance at sea, was destined by God to overcome all human obstacles, and over forty-three, long, weary years against the most formidable odds, to miraculously nurture both the struggling Bahamas Baptist Union and Salem into strong national religious institutions. Lacking the opportunities of our time, through hard work, constant sacrifice, military service and sheer determination, he acquired all the knowledge that he could in The Bahamas and in the United States including the renowned Morehouse College, well equipping himself spiritually and intellectually to lead his people.
Though challenged with persistent asthma and later diabetes for much of his life, Rev. Backford laboured tirelessly in the care of the churches and in proclamation of the gospel. A great expository preacher, he was preeminently a teacher of the Word, a purist in doctrine, devout and exemplary in his personal conduct and a stickler for order. His constant admonitions were for all things to be done decently and in order. He advocated to ministers of the Churches the uncompromising use of three books: The Bible, The Hymn Book, and Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches. In his ministry he placed emphasis on stewardship and tithing as the obligation of all true believers.
Under Rev. Backford’s ministry, Salem became a thriving church. It outgrew the Parliament Street location and aided in part by the union, acquired property and constructed a larger edifice on Taylor Street. The Kemp Road, First Baptist and St. Matthew’s Baptist Churches were organized and built in New Providence.
Rev. Backford consolidated a system of District Ministers, as many churches lacked ordained ministers and travel was not as easy as it is today. He led in the organizing of the Exuma District Convention, the mother of District Conventions. Much later, the New Providence District Convention was organized. He also organized the Women’s Department of the Union and took an active role in the organizing of Women’s Missionary Societies and Men’s Fellowships in the Churches. He heightened the interest of the churches in home and foreign missions. He fostered the growth of Sunday Schools and Baptist Training Union, distributing literature of the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc. He also encouraged the development of youth groups.
Early in his ministry, Rev. Backford, became one of the founders of The Bahamas National Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention, with The Bahamas Baptist Union being a charter member. He became the second President of the Convention. He fostered links with The National Baptist Convention, USA Inc., which resulted in the establishment of the Jordan Memorial School where the Headquarters of The Bahamas National Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention is now housed. His emphasis on education and training also led to several men and women being sent abroad for training at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and elsewhere. Some of them have gone on to their eternal reward; others labour among us and in the United States. He was an early proponent of a called, spirit-filled, trained and enlightened ministry, to meet changing circumstances. He encouraged Ministers of the Union and church workers to take advantage of theological, Bible and church vocational training offered at The Bahamas Baptist Bible Institute which was established by Southern Baptists. Vacation Bible Schools were also introduced.
Rev. Backford was also a civic and social activist in his own quiet, yet forceful manner. For his services to the Church and society, he was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire)by Her Majesty, The Queen. He was a strong advocate of social justice, and within the proper parameters of a spiritual leader, influenced the course of events, which led to the majority rule and independence. He set a high standard in ministry and in retirement. Unlike his predecessor, Rev. Backford retired as Pastor of Salem in 1974 and was succeeded by his assistant, Pastor Rev. Charles Saunders. Upon his death in November 1976, he was succeeded as Superintendent by Rev. Leopold D. Cox who had worked with him for many years as Assistant Superintendent. Thus, in the final years of his ministry, Rev. Backford ensured an orderly transition in the leadership of both Salem and the Union.
THE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD 1932 – 1976: REV. ENOCH BACKFORD, J.P., M.B.E. – SECOND SUPERINTENDENT
The Rev. Leopold D. Cox, J.P. of Fox Hill, New Providence, who became the union’s third Superintendent, was a contemporary of the Rev. Enoch Backford in age, vision and focus. A builder by profession and Pastor of the historic Mt. Carey Union Baptist Church, Rev. Cox, a Bahamian stalwart, had been a pillar in both The Bahamas Baptist Union and the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention, before he became Superintendent of the Union at an advanced age. Though not lettered like his predecessors, he was a self-made man of considerable stature and respect in both the Union and the community. He traveled widely, was well informed and full of wisdom.
Rev. Cox served in the post of Superintendent for five years, continuing the policies and emphasis of his predecessor and holding the Union’s ship on a steady course. He undertook an extensive extension and renovation programme of Mt. Carey, the oldest landmark in the Union. During his tenure, both the South Beach Union Baptist Church and Harold Road Baptist Church were launched. He played a key role in the Union’s acquisition of the Carmichael Road property and launched a drive for the Enoch Backford Memorial Fund. He diligently visited and ministered to the Family Island Churches being ably assisted by first Assistant Superintendent, Rev. Dr. E.C. Mckenzie, long-standing Union stalwart, District Ministers and District Presidents. He remained loyal to his trust and served the Union faithfully until he succumbed to failing health.
THE RENAISSANCE AND EXPANSION PERIOD 1982 -2014 : REV. CHARLES W. SAUNDERS, C.B.E., J.P. – FOURTH SUPERINTENDENT
Succeeding Rev. Cox in 1982, is the fourth and current Superintendent of the Bahamas Baptist Union, the Rev. Charles W. Saunders, C.B.E., J.P., Pastor of the historic Salem Union Baptist Church, native of Moss Town, Exuma, grandson of the late Rev. Prince Saunders, Pastor Patriarch, who played a meaningful role in the early history of both the Union and the Exuma District Convention.
This noble son of Exuma and Bahamian patriot, by Divine Providence, rose from humble beginnings to become, over an arduous period of some five decades, one of the foremost educators, civic and religious leaders in the modern Bahamas, widely respected by a grateful nation.
Dr. Saunders was well prepared spiritually, academically, theologically and professionally. He was trained in the best universities in Britain and gained wide administrative and educational experience which equipped him well to lead the Union. He also brought with him three family generations of intimate involvement in the union, and a close relationship with his two predecessors, Superintendents Reverends Backford and Cox.
His ongoing term in office might best be described as the renaissance and expansion period, being ably assisted by a larger team of four assistant Superintendents drawn from the district and other officers. District conventions were organized in Long Island and in the Northern Bahamas comprising Mt. Zion in Bimini and three new churches in Freeport – Fellowship, Mt. Gilead and First Providence.
A number of younger ministers were seminary trained and are making major contributions to the Baptist witness in New Providence, Exuma, Grand Bahama and in the United States. In every island where the Union has a presence, many Pastors and Ministers have been ordained or inducted as well as new leaders appointed.
Dr. Saunders has led the way as Pastor of Salem with a massive property acquisition and construction of an imposing modern sanctuary, together with refurbished and expanded educational buildings, offices and counselling facilities. Churches of the union in every district have carried out a multi- million dollar building expansion and renovation programme. Additionally, an ambitious project was undertaken by the union in the construction of the Enoch Backford Memorial Auditorium. The Exuma District has also acquired a large auditorium, education and administrative complex.
A large Youth Department of the union has emerged with vibrant Youth District organizations and a strong youth ministry. The Women’s Department has grown from strength to strength to become one of the largest and most effective women’s church groups in the Bahamas. Seminars, retreats, training and teaching sessions, the Exuma Bible Institute, the Congress of Christian Education, the Melvina Clarke Missions Day, and locally operated Vacation Bible Schools are only some of the components of an ongoing programme in Christian Education, Evangelism and missions. The format of the Annual Conference and Districts Conventions reflect these expanding activities, changing times and issues of the day.
Taking advantage of access to the media and mass communication to reach a wider audience in ministry, some of our churches have established weekly radio and television programmes, notably First Baptist, Kemp Road, and Salem. In Exuma, Grand Bahama and new Providence, some of the churches have also established schools.
During Dr. Saunders’ tenure as Superintendent, several new churches have also been established in New Providence including Mt. Tabor (since affiliated with Full Gospel), Mt. Nebo, Cedars of Lebanon, Adelaide and Mt. Theos.
For seventeen (17) years, Dr. Saunders also served as President of The Bahamas National Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention, with the distinction of serving longer than any other president and making the greatest impact on the work of the convention, enhancing the respect and widening the national influence of Baptists. He rescued the convention from a near bankrupt financial situation into a solvent and viable entity. During two decades of service as Principal of Jordan Prince William School, he turned this struggling institution into one of the largest and premier high schools in the nation with modern state of the art facilities. Under his leadership, the property and buildings on Jean Street, which house the Charles W. Saunders and Bahamas Baptist Community College, were acquired and built. He directed the formation of both institutions. The Community College has become the largest and best recognized private tertiary institution in The Bahamas.
Of particular significance, are the ties which Superintendent Saunders have forged with the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A Inc., and the late Dr. Frederick Sampson and Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. The annual Summerfest, the April Pulpit exchange, tangible financial assistance to Jordan Prince William School, affiliation between BBCC (Bahamas Baptist Community College) and University of Michigan and other Michigan Colleges are only some of the benefits derived from these initiatives. During his dual administrations as Superintendent of the Bahamas Baptist Union and President of the Convention, the Mid-Winter Board Meeting of The National Baptist Convention, U.S.A Inc, the Executive Committee of the Baptist World Alliance and the Annual Assembly of the North American Baptist Women, were held in The Bahamas for the first time, contributing millions of dollars into the Bahamian economy.
Dr. Saunders has tirelessly visited and ministered to the churches of the Union. He is a shining example of personal integrity and a passionate soul-winning preacher. There are other activities too numerous to mention. A noted expositor, teacher, and theologian, he has become a fearless prophet and the voice of conscience to the nation. He has been actively involved in public service, receiving recognition for his tireless services. He was awarded the C.B.E. (Commander of the British Empire) by Her Majesty the Queen, and recognized with the Silver Jubilee Award on the nation’s 25th Independence Anniversary.
Within the last forty plus years, covering the decade prior to Independence and up to the present time, including the latter years of Rev. Backford’sleadership as Superintendent, followed by Rev. Cox and for 20 years byRev. Saunders, members of the Union have played a major role in the development of the modern Bahamas. It is remarkable that after having been ostracized for so many years, that a panel of prominent Bahamians should have selected three Baptist Ministers of the Union: the late Rev. Carlton Francis, Rev. Dr. C.W. Saunders, and Rev. Dr. Baltron B. Bethel as being among the top one hundred Bahamians, who have made the most outstanding contribu- tions to The Bahamas in the last century, in the fields of religion, education, tourism, finance and public service.
Through opportunities not hitherto available, hundreds of our members and in growing numbers, are impacting education, other professions, businesses, industry, government, the public and private sectors. There also remains much to be done to improve the lot of many of our people and to sup- port the work of the Union which cries out for collective effort.
With the expertise and human resources of many of our members, the Union today, has the potential to make a difference and to fully support the Lord’s work, once there is commitment and unity of purpose. This is one of the great tasks which Rev. Dr. C.W. Saunders is seeking to accomplish in the remaining years of his monumental services as Superintendent of The Bahamas Baptist Union.
Some Historic Guidelines Of The Bahamas Baptist Union
Guide in Faith and Practice
Our guide in faith and practice are, the Bible, the Union’s constitution, and Hiscox guide for Baptist Churches aided by the Holy Spirit.
The Object of the Union
The object of the Union is to extend the Kingdom of God, by preaching the gospel of the grace of God, supporting Christian education and missions, uniting in fellowship with congenial true-hearted ………… workers for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
The Superintendent
The Superintendent has the general oversight and superintendence of the Churches forming the Bahamas Baptist Union. At the same time, each local church is autonomous exercising that autonomy with due regard for the office and function of the Superintendent. The Superintendent of the Union is not an autocratic spiritual leader. He is respected as “primus inter pares” which is First among equals.
The Union
The Union is an organization guided by principles; it is not a rigid organization. It is a cooperation body which adapts to changing circumstances in a manner that does not deviate from the Scriptures.
The Union & The Church
In relation to the Union and the Churches comprising its membership there are four categories of property:
- (i) Property which title is vested in the Union and owned exclusively by the Union;
- (ii) Property of which the Union has possession but whose title has to be determined;
- (iii) Property which had been purchased by a particular congregation and whose titles have been vested in the Union;
- (iv) Property which has been purchased by a particular congregation and whose title is vested in the trustees of that congregation or its body corporate.
Union Independence
The Union is a fiercely independent organization. It aims for its participating Churches to become self-supporting and free of interference from outside bodies or sources.
Motto
The Union’s motto is “Till we all come in the unity of faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the statue of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13
THE WAY FORWARD
God has, in 117 years, brought The Bahamas Baptist Union from a mighty long way. There is much work which remains to be done in rescuing the perishing through the proclamation of the Gospel, meeting pressing human needs and strengthening the churches. There is a greater urgency in the Divine Imperative of the Great Commission than ever before, in light of the Assurance of Christ’s Imminent Return. Let us encourage one another to work diligently, for Christ will surely reward his faithful servants.
To accomplish the unfinished task which lies ahead of us, we need to experience again, the enabling of the mighty, rushing, fresh wind and fire, of the anointing of the Holy Ghost.
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
Miami, Florida (1912)
Submitted by: Rev. Dr. Earle Francis
In the early 1900’s, the Miami area was inhabited by Bahamians to work on the railroad. These Bahamians came from Bimini, Grand Bahama, and Exuma. They were anxious for a place to worship, and the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church was organized.
This church was under the auspices of the Bahamas Baptist Union with its Pastor, Rev. S. A. Samson and the Superintendent of the Bahamas Baptist Union, Nassau, Bahamas was Rev. Daniel Wilshere.
A few of those families who lived in the Miami area were:
- Dec. Elisha Francis
- Dec. Lawrence Farrington
- Dec. George Wilkinson
- Dec. Walter Jones and many other Bahamians and their families.
This tie with the Bahamas Baptist Union lasted for a long time until the death of the Superintendent Rev. Daniel Wilshere in the early 1930’s.
Photograph from the booklet, “In Columbus Land” Written By: Rev. Daniel Wilshire
