Waymarks Magazine

A High-Calvinist Magazine “Waymarks” started in 1929 by Samuel Rutherford Hunt (1893-1956), a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher who served as pastor for the churches meeting at Wivelsfield (1922-24); Rowley Regis (1924-38); Providence, Bedford (1939-1945); Newquay (1947-1955). The publication started as a local paper designed for the friends affiliated with the Rowley Regis congregation. In 1931, it was turned over to a Committee of eight Strict and Particular Baptist men, representing their respective churches: Pastor E. A. Brooker, Tunbridge Wells. Mr. W. E. Goodchild, London. Mr. B. Harris, Dudley. Pastor S. R. Hunt, Rowley Regis. Pastor J. Kemp, Luton. Pastor J. T. Sharples, Leicester. Mr. E. Sturman, Blackheath. Pastor E. H. Wright, Rochdale. The magazine holds an important place in the history of the Strict and Particular Baptist denomination (SPB), as it affirms the doctrinal position of the churches during the first half of the twentieth century. The doctrinal basis of the magazine was that of Strict Communion and Particular Redemption. As it denounced the doctrines of duty-faith, the free offer and progressive sanctification, it stood shoulder to shoulder with the Hyper-Calvinism of Gill, Brine, Button, Gadsby, Kershaw, Warburton, Philpot, Hazelton, Styles, etc. However, within fifteen years after the publication ended, almost half of the 450 (SPB) churches defected to the Reformed Baptist movement (RB). Henceforth, while the RBs claim to represent the doctrine and heritage of these chapels, the “Waymarks” magazine reveals the vast differences between the RBs and the SPBs. The Strict Baptist Historical Society provides access to the magazine. Special thanks to Neville Hunt, the grandson of Samuel Hunt, for ensuring the documents are made available digitally.