Goodwin, R. Dean Papers

File

Identifier: RG-1517

Staff Only

Content Description

The Rex Dean Goodwin (1909-1992) Collection details Goodwin’s involvement in American Baptist life. R. Dean Goodwin took interest in pastoral care for his congregational members, Baptist life in relation to politics, and international Baptist communications. This collection contains biographical information, papers in relation to his work at the American Baptist Convention, documents concerning various churches he served in, general correspondence, tours, and his own writings. The collection also contains information regarding organizations such as the Baptist World Alliance, the Phi Alpha Association, and the Royal Ambassador Boys’ Camp.

Among the manuscript files are photographs and memorabilia. Note that the original photographs found within the manuscript files have been photocopied. The photocopies took the place of the original photographs, while the originals are in folders immediately following the manuscripts. Goodwin’s collection also includes books, cassette tapes, photographs, photographic negatives, vinyl record albums, 35mm slides, and VHS tapes. These items are located in boxes nine through 22 of the collection.

The collection is arranged in the following order: manuscript files, original photographs corresponding to the manuscripts, photo albums, books, and special media. The manuscript files are arranged in alphabetical order according to subject, within the subject according to date. The original photographs corresponding to the manuscript files are arranged according to the order of the folders to which they correspond.

Dates

Creation: 1940-1992

Creator

Goodwin, R. Dean (Rex Dean), 1909-1993 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and copyright holder. Staff may refuse copying of fragile or at-risk materials.

Materials may be accessed by request at the American Baptist Historical Society. For more information on accessing collections or obtaining copies, visit http://abhsarchives.org.

Biographical / Historical

Rex Dean Goodwin was born on November 30, 1909 in Missouri to parents Reverend Charles Morgan and Grace Pyle Goodwin. R. Dean had two brothers, Reverend Paul V. Goodwin and Reverend Carlton B. Goodwin. The family moved to Kansas City, Kansas when R. Dean was 13 years old.

At age 17, Goodwin moved to Cairo, Nebraska where he attended Grand Island College for two years and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and minor in history. He continued his education at Andover Newton Theological School in 1931-1934 and graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. R. Dean pursued graduate studies at the Berkeley Baptist Divinity School in California, 1936-1937.

While Goodwin was in school, he received his license to preach at age 19. He simultaneously studied at the University of Nebraska and served as pastor at First Baptist Church in Wymore, Nebraska. Later, he served at other churches: Golden Hills Union and Green Street Baptist in Melrose, Massachusetts; Second Baptist Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts; First Baptist Oxford, Nebraska; Forest Hill Baptist and First Baptist Oakland, California; Central Baptist Hartford, Connecticut; Dorchester Temple Boston, Massachusetts; and Pughtown Baptist Spring City, Pennsylvania.

Goodwin was also active in other aspects of the American Baptist Convention. In 1943, he became an executive in Home Missions. His service at the ABC continued for 30 years in the public relations or communications departments, including the position as Director of Communications.

Other areas of Goodwin’s service include Director of Development at Cushing Junior College in Pennsylvania, beginning in 1975. He authored books, pamphlets, and articles. He hosted the television series titled “The Making of a Protestant.” Throughout his life, he traveled to more than 50 countries, among which he lead tours. He was a member of the General Board of the Baptist World Alliance and chairman of the Communications Committee in 1970-1975. R. Dean was a member and National President (1961-1962) of the Religious Public Relations Council. He was also a member of the Communications Committee of the National Council of Churches.

In his personal life, R. Dean Goodwin married the late Almira D. Wallace and had a son, John C. Goodwin. After his wife’s passing, he married Loree Presnell. R. Dean’s nephew, Everett Goodwin, is a pastor and author of several writings.

R. Dean Goodwin died at age 82 on September 25, 1992 in Texas.

Extent

10 Linear feet (23 boxes) : Papers, Audio cassette tapes, 1/4" audio tape, VHS tapes, vinyl phonograph records, books

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of R. Dean Goodwin, 1989 and from Loree Goodwin.

Related Materials

Materials on R. Dean Goodwin are also in the American Baptist Home Mission records, and in the International Ministries records at ABHS.

Other references to R. Dean Goodwin include “The Crusader” volume 20 number 3 March 1965, pages six and ten, call number 286.17305gN81C; another reference is in the “Office of General Secretary Correspondence” 1966-1972.