9
9
In 1934 the GARBC met in Gary, Indiana, where Ketcham was pastor of Central
Baptist Church. A constitution was approved for a one-year period, but this is basically the
same document the GARBC uses today.
Two other key decisions were made. The first was the result of the desire to start
a mission board, although Ketcham vigorously opposed anything resembling the convention.
A compromise was reached, called the "approval" system. Mission boards could be formed
independently and seek GARBC approval, but the Association itself would not instigate such
actions.
35
A second key decision was defining the GARBC as a separatist organization.
Many of the churches involved were by now already separate from the NBC.
36
Dual
membership was advocated by some, as a means of encouraging others to leave the NBC.
Ketchams opinion again ruled the day, as he remarked:
"When we see these fellows going down the stream, we can throw them a lifeline.
Well throw it out to where they can get it, and well stand where we can pull them in
to where we are. But we must not let them be members of us until they are
members.
37
This commitment to separation from the Convention marked a course of action
the GARBC would consistently follow through the years. The issue would resurface in the
1940s, resulting in the formation of the Conservative Baptist Association which would allow
dual membership.
38
Ketcham was elected president of the GARBC in Gary, and re-elected in Grand
Rapids in 1935. At Grand Rapids Ketcham listed the purposes of the GARBC:
(1) To provide a haven of Fundamental Fellowship, (2) To promote Independent,
Orthodox, Baptist Missions, and (3) To disseminate authentic information concerning
conditions in the Northern Baptist Convention.
39
35
Ibid. Later this same policy was adopted for education and social institutions. It
has recently been replaced by a looser "partnering" approach.
36
Van Osdel had begun a separatist group in Michigan as early as 1909. In Ohio
Ketcham had been part of such a group in 1927.
37
Murdoch, 133.
38
"The Difference Between the CBA and the GARBC" (no author listed, though
it was almost certainly Ketcham), from the GARBC home office file.
39
Stowell, 63.