Baylor’s Grim Finances Exposed, Baptists Urged to Take Action

In the scorching Texas sun, the Texas Baptist general convention gathered in Mineral Wells on November 15, 1928, to discuss the dire financial situation of Baylor University and Baylor College for Women in Belton. Chairman D.K. Martin of San Antonio and Dr. J. Hardy, President of Baylor College for Women, briefed the delegates on the desperate need for support in an endowment campaign scheduled to kick off on November 23. The ambitious goal: to raise $1,000,000 from 18 Texas districts.

Dr. Hardy painted a bleak picture of the institution’s financial struggles, warning that without swift action, Baylor would be crippled by debt and unable to fulfill its mission. Martin echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that success would bring much-needed relief and allow Baylor to flourish in all its departments.

President Pat M. Neff of Waco, the convention’s leader, added his voice to the chorus, describing Baylor as the ‘grandmother of Texas education.’ He praised the institution’s rich history and the vital role it had played in shaping the state’s future.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the tone was resolute and determined. The Baptists were called upon to ‘go forward with faith and militant determination’ to ensure the campaign’s success. The stakes were high, and the consequences of failure were too dire to contemplate.

As the convention delegates dispersed, the spotlight shone on the daunting task ahead. Could the Baptists rally together to save Baylor from financial ruin? Only time would tell.