W. O. Carver Distinguished Service Award

The W. O. Carver Distinguished Service Award recognizes and pays tribute to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of Baptist history. Recipients have exhibited rare and unusual dedication to the cause of Baptist history through writing, teaching, denominational service, archival and library development, historical center and society work on national and state levels, communicating Baptist heritage, and interpreting the history of Baptists.

Previous Recipients

2023Stephen M. Stookey
2022Merrill M. Hawkins, Jr.
2021J. Brent Walker
2019William Glenn Jonas, Jr.
2018Karen O’Dell Bullock
2017Carol Holcomb
2016Loyd Allen
2015Delane Tew
2014Doug Weaver
2013Mike Williams
2012Jerry Faught
2011Bill Sumners
2010Pamela Durso
2009Richard V. Pierard
2008Edwin S. Gaustad
2007Bill J. Leonard
2006Bill Pitts
2005Rosalie Beck
2004R. Quinn Pugh (posthumously)
2003William J. Reynolds
2002Claude L. Howe, Jr.
2001Walter B. Shurden
2000Slayden A. Yarbrough
1999J. Wayne Flynt
1998E. Earl Joiner (posthumously)
1997Albert W. Wardin, Jr.
1996Carolyn D. Blevins
1995Charles W. Deweese
1994William R. Estep, Jr.
1993W. Morgan Patterson
1992Lee Norcross Allen
1991C. Penrose St. Amant
1990F. Wilbur Helmbold (posthumously)
1989H. Leon McBeth
1988John S. Moore
1987William L. Lumpkin
1986Robert G. Gardner
1985J. M. Gaskin
1984Loulie Latimer Owens
1983Leo T. Crismon
1982Robert A. Baker

The Distinguished Service Award was presented by the Southern Baptist Historical  Commission from in 1982-1997, by the Southern Baptist Historical Society® in 1998-2000, and by the Baptist History and Heritage Society in 2001-present.