HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

The Baptist Standard

Dallas, Dallas County, Texas

Marker Inscription

The history of this denominational publication dates to 1888, when Lewis Holland and John H. Boyet founded "The Baptist News" in Fannin County. It moved to Dallas in 1889, and its name cnaged to "The Baptist Standard" in 1892 under the guidance of J.B. Cranfill. The paper moved to Waco that year but returned to Dallas in 1898. It came under the ownership of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1914. Under the leadership of such editors as J.B. Gambrell, the publication has grown into the largest state paper in the Southern Baptist Convention. (1989)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

This influential Baptist newspaper traces its roots to 1888, when Lewis Holland and John H. Boyet founded The Baptist News in Fannin County. Relocated to Dallas and renamed The Baptist Standard in 1892 under J. B. Cranfill, it moved between Dallas and Waco before settling permanently and, in 1914, coming under the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Guided by editors like J. B. Gambrell, it grew into the largest state paper in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Why it matters

The Standard reflects the powerful role of the religious press in shaping public opinion and denominational life across Texas and the wider South.

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Related people

  • Β· Lewis Holland
  • Β· John H. Boyet
  • Β· J. B. Cranfill
  • Β· J. B. Gambrell

Themes & tags

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