Editorial.

In the past, Baptist History and Heritage has published editions that explore a single theme in all of the articles, as well as editions that have no single, unifying theme. Both of these approaches have strong points. A thematic issue provides an accessible view of one aspect of Baptist life. Previous editors of the journal have planned thematic issues at least eighteen months in advance, contacted prospective authors, and made writing assignments. That approach is one that I took with the winter edition of the journal, and it is one I will take again in the future. Non-thematic issues are usually shaped by articles submitted by people for consideration by the Editorial Board. Baptist History and Heritage has welcomed these kinds of submissions in the past. I especially look forward to more submissions from people who are writing about various aspects of Baptist history. Non-thematic issues allow the readers of the journal to see what people are currently exploring as they study the Baptist heritage.

Thematic issues are planned by the Editorial Board and assigned to writers. Non-thematic issues are shaped by the submissions that we receive. Baptist History and Heritage will continue to publish thematic and non-thematic issues.

This issue of Baptist History and Heritage has no single theme. Two of the articles do explore millennialism, since that topic is especially pertinent this year. William A. Pitts of Baylor University provides us a survey of Southern Baptist thought on millennialism. Richard Pierard of Indiana State University presented a paper exploring selected aspects of millennial thought at the 1998 meeting of the Conference on Faith and History. That paper is the basis of his publication in this journal.

Three other writers, Li Li of Salem State College, Boston, Massachusetts; Ronnie Prevost of Hardin-Simmons University; and Mark Newman of the University of Derby, United Kingdom, have provided well-researched articles on different topics in Baptist history. All three of these articles, exploring different time periods and regions, bring the past in front of our eyes.

In addition to these articles, Charles Deweese has an editorial with his reflections about the potential for the Southern Baptist Historical Society. Charles, well-known to most readers of this journal, was recently selected by the officers of the Society as the Executive Director. His selection brings me excitement and regret.

My regret stems from the conclusion of Slayden Yarbrough's effective work as Executive Director over the last several years. Slayden served as part-time director of the Society, which has been housed at Oklahoma Baptist University. Several officers of the Society prevailed upon Slayden to continue his administrative role with the Society until someone could be hired full-time. I will miss the good work that Slayden and his wife Janis have provided to the Society and to this journal.

My sadness at their departure is matched by my enthusiasm for the new role that Charles Deweese will play with the Society and this journal. Charles worked for several years as Associate Director of the Southern Baptist Historical Commission. For the last several years, he was with Providence House Publishing. The Society will benefit from his years of expertise and leadership. Please read his comments and challenges closely. As both the editor and an officer in the Society, I am looking forward to his leadership.

The Tennessee Baptist Convention has provided office space and support for the Society, which will now be housed in Brentwood, Tennessee. I offer my thanks to James Porch of the TBC for his leadership and support in making this relationship possible. The new home for the Southern Baptist Historical Society will benefit the mission of the Society and the work of the journal, which continues to be housed at Carson-Newman College and produced by CNC in conjunction with the SBHS.

Grace,
Merrill. M. Hawkins Jr.