From Webster's Dictionary
prim·i·tive
Etymology: Middle English primitif, from Latin primitivus first formed, from primitiae first fruits, from primus first
1 a : not derived : ORIGINAL, PRIMARY
2 a : of or relating to the earliest age or period :
<the primitive church>
bap·tist
1 : one that baptizes
2 capitalized : a member or adherent of an evangelical denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers only
Primitive Baptist ancestors have been called by various names over the ages. The name Primitive Baptist became popular in the early 1800s when the term primitive conveyed the idea of originality rather than backwardness. Accordingly, Primitive Baptists claim to maintain the doctrines and practices of the original Baptists, who are claimed to be the New Testament church.
Primitive also conveys the idea of simplicity. This well describes the Primitive Baptists, whose church services consist of nothing more than preaching, praying, and singing.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, most Baptist churches in America adopted various doctrines and practices which differed significantly from Baptist standards. During these same times, there were many Baptist churches which held to traditional views. The contention between these groups became so sharp that new fractures began to develop in Baptist fellowship as of the late 1820s. Division was accelerated in 1832 when a group of the conservative Baptists met at Black Rock, Maryland to compose a general address in which they announced and explained their resolve to withdraw fellowship from the liberal doctrines and practices. The resulting document, generally known as the Black Rock Address, had widespread influence, and lead churches across the country to take similar action. The conservative churches deriving from this unfortunate but necessary division later became known as Primitive Baptists.
If I a. not mistaken,
a number of Black PB'S are also classic Arminian in their soteriology.
There are also the Progressive PB's who do Bible studies prior to main worship and use musical accompaniments (taped musical instruments).
Been to one in Virginia prior to joining the strict PB in Maryland back in '98.
Predestinarianism has been a matter of sharp contention in the past among PB's and we claim no purities from errors (depending on which side of the fence one stands).
We have had our share of no-hellers as well.
But most of us have stood solidly for the autonomy of the local churches.