fbpx
×

Log into your account

We have changed software providers for our subscription database. Old login credentials will no longer work. Please click the "Register" link below to create a new account. If you do not know your new account number you can contact [email protected]
Spurgeon’s ‘preaching rail’ now at Midwestern
T. Patrick Hudson, MBTS
August 19, 2015
4 MIN READ TIME

Spurgeon’s ‘preaching rail’ now at Midwestern

Spurgeon’s ‘preaching rail’ now at Midwestern
T. Patrick Hudson, MBTS
August 19, 2015

A preaching rail used by Charles H. Spurgeon during his 19th century ministry has become the latest addition to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s new library dedicated to the British preacher.

President Jason Allen announced the acquisition of the preaching rail from First Baptist Church in Weaver, Ala., Aug. 10. The rail, which is a piece of furniture that functioned much like a modern-day pulpit, is prominently featured near the front entrance of the library in Kansas City, Mo.

“The Spurgeon preaching rail makes a signature addition to Midwestern Seminary’s Spurgeon Library,” Allen said. “It complements over 6,000 books and artifacts of the great Victorian preacher…. Many consider Spurgeon to be the greatest preacher of the English language; therefore, we consider this rail to be a tremendous addition to our collection.

“I am thankful to First Baptist Church Weaver and Pastor Ron Sweatt for entrusting it to us,” Allen said. “We believe the Spurgeon preaching rail to be a precious stewardship for Midwestern Seminary and the church as a whole.”

8-19-15_Spurgeon_WEB.jpg

MBTS Photo

Midwestern Seminary acquired a preaching rail from First Baptist Church in Weaver, Ala., that was used by the 19th century British preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. The rail is displayed at the front of the newly completed Spurgeon Library on the seminary's campus.

According to Allen and Sweatt, the preaching rail itself has a unique history. W.A. Criswell, the historic pastor of First Baptist Dallas, amassed a large collection of antiques and artifacts during his overseas trips. It was on one of those trips, in the middle of the 20th century, that he acquired the preaching rail.

In 1976, Criswell gave the preaching rail to FBC Weaver, which was pastored by his friend, Bill Wilson, at that time.

In a letter dated June 30, 1997, Criswell told then-pastor Roger Willmore, “The Spurgeon rail pulpit was there in Spurgeon’s College (in London) before I brought it home. It was used by us in our own Wednesday evening services for several years before it was given to your church.”

Sweatt noted that upon receipt of the rail, considerable reconditioning of the piece was needed, and a church member, Richard Johnson, “did a lot of work to bring it back to its original condition.” He said FBC Weaver has used the rail in various capacities over the years.

With the recent completion of the Spurgeon Library construction project, Allen said the time was ideal to bring the rail to Midwestern Seminary.

“First Baptist Church Weaver possessed the rail for almost 40 years, but has now chosen to entrust it to us so it could receive broader visibility,” Allen noted.

Sweatt said he and the members of First Baptist Weaver “are honored to have the rail displayed in the Spurgeon Library for so many to see and appreciate.”

He said, “It reminds me of the importance and critical nature of the proclamation of God’s Word. There is no other lasting foundation upon which our lives, churches and ministries can be built other than the Word of God. My prayer is that God would use it to remind those of us who have been preaching for years to stick with the Word, and to encourage those beginning their preaching ministry to rest and trust in the Word. To me, the rail also emphasizes that a difference can be made by a person who will surrender to God’s call and will for his or her life.”

Christian George, who is the curator of the Charles Spurgeon Library, said, “Charles Spurgeon was best of all, and most of all, a preacher of the gospel. As soon as you enter the Spurgeon Library, you will see his preaching rail. It’s front and center because preaching played a central role in his, and in our, mission.”

Midwestern Seminary will publicly dedicate the Charles Spurgeon Library during a ceremony, Oct. 20.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – T. Patrick Hudson is the executive assistant to the president at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.)

Related Story:

Spurgeon Library dedicated, record enrollment at Midwestern