Happy 170th birthday, Baylor University!

It’s a phrase that fills every Texas-born Baylor Bear (and even many from outside the Lone Star state as well) with pride. It’s a simple phrase, found on the Baylor seal, that tells of Baylor’s beginnings: “Chartered in 1845 By The Republic Of Texas.” While Texas was still an independent nation, the vision for Baylor was hatched by our founding fathers, a vision which was endorsed by the Republic of Texas 170 years ago this weekend through the signing of Baylor’s charter.

The founders of Baylor University had a vision that far exceeded their humble resources when they first began discussing the idea of a Baptist educational institution. Their plans called for “a Baptist University in Texas … that would be susceptible of enlargement and development to meet the needs of all the ages to come.”

Our founders were pioneers who came to Texas, which they saw as a “new Promised Land,” to minister and share Christ to the residents of the growing Republic. Recognizing the opportunity for growth in ministry, churches and other opportunities, the Union Baptist Association met in 1841. One of the members attending was Judge R.E.B. Baylor. There, he presented a proposal for what would become Baylor University.

(The proposal itself was written by Rev. William Tryon, the moderator of the Union Baptist Association. Judge Baylor actually tried to convince Tryon not to name it Baylor, feeling he hadn’t done enough to merit the honor. Had Judge Baylor’s proposal succeeded, this blog would be called TryonProud.)

With Rev. James Huckins working to secure funding from Baptists nationwide and the the Republic of Texas busy fending off attacks from the Mexican Army and Native American tribes, it would take nearly four years for those plans to coalesce in front of the Texas Congress for approval. But finally, Baylor’s founders had their day, and the Republic of Texas passed an Act of Congress that chartered Baylor University 170 years ago Saturday — Feb. 1, 1845.

The founders’ early vision has been realized. In addition to imagining an institution that would grow as needs arose, the founders wanted a university known for excellence in learning both in secular fields and in ministerial training — a university that would prepare not just ministers for excellence, but people across all fields. What might Judge Baylor, Rev. Tryon and Rev. Huckins think if they saw Baylor today, living out that vision for the church and for the state of Texas? It’s safe to assume they’d still be BaylorProud, 170 years later.

Sic ’em, Baylor founders!