USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky Baptists : From 1769 to 1885, including more than 800 biographical sketches, Vol. I > Part 68
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The relation of the colored people to the churches, involved some confusion, during the War, which, however, was easily and comfortably adjusted, when the War closed. It has been before observed, that the white and colored people of Kentucky, and indeed, in all the Slave States, belonged to the same churches. The relationship between the white and colored members was usually satisfactory to both races. The colored people had assigned them a certain part of the meeting house for their exclusive occupancy during the hours of public worship. This was sometimes a gallery, but oftener the rear end of the
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History of Kentucky Baptists.
same floor that was occupied by the white people. They enjoyed all the privileges of the church, except that of voting in "church meetings." This privilege was denied them, on the grounds that they, being slaves, were under the control of masters who. if they chose, might control their votes to the injury of the church, the masters of pious servants often being enemies to Christ.
From the planting of the first churches in the Valley of the Mississippi, slaves and masters were united in the same religious organizations. Jacob Vanmeter and several of his colored ser- vants went together into the constitution of Severns Valley church, the oldest religious organization of any kind, in Ken- tucky. A large majority of the churches, constituted between 1781 and 1861, were composed of both races, and, in not a few instances, the colored members were in the majority. So accus- tomed were the blacks and the whites to worship together, that neither would have enjoyed public worship as comfortably, with- out, as with, the other. The feeling of Christian masters and servants for each other, is happily illustrated in the extract, from the diary of a Baptist pastor, given below. Governor James T. Morehead, one of the leading statesmen of Kentucky, and one of the first orators of his day, then in the 57th year of his age, had just related his "Christian experience" before a Baptist church, and had been approved for baptism. "We then," says the pastor, in his diary, "joined in singing .
' Am I a soldier of the cross, A follower of the Lamb,'
"and gave the hand of Christian fellowship. Just before we sang the last verse of the hymn, I noticed an old colored sister, who had stood all the while by the door, now weeping and sing- ing in great joy. I went up to her and said, 'Aunt Annie, won't you come and give the governor the hand of fellowship?' 'I'm just waitin' for you to get through.'
" 'We are through, Aunt Annie.'
"She walked quietly up to the governor, who was still sitting in his large rocking-chair, but now with his head down, and in tears. Aunt Annie caught him by the hand, exclaiming,
'Massa Jimme, God bless you !'
"Raising up his head, he looked full in the joyous face of his
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Equals in the Churches.
old family servant, whose streaming eyes told the full soul of joy she felt in giving him the hand of fellowship.
" 'Why, Annie," he exclaimed, as his manly form bounded forward to embrace her in his arms. Thus they remained, re- ciprocating their gratulations, when prayer was proposed. They knelt together, with their arms around each other's neck; as they knelt, the Governor said :
" 'Oh, Annie, I have found him a precious Savior.'
" 'Thank God, Massa Jimme, ain't he a precious Jesus ?'
"During prayer, and it was a season of joyous weeping too, they continued to mingle their tears of joy and hearty amens.
"Rising from his knees, and wiping his eyes as he resumed his position in his chair, his sweet, manly voice now trembling, the Govenor said :
" 'Gentlemen, pardon me. You are, in all social relations of life, my equals. I am proud to own you as such. I love you as dear friends. But pardon me, brethren (as I now delight to call you), but I love Annie more than I do any of you. She has been to me and my family a tried friend. It is not enough to say she has been a faithful servant. She has been a Christian and a friend, and I love her now most tenderly."'
The slave was in subjection to his master in all things per- taining to this life, but in the church of Christ there was neither bond nor free, but all were one in Christ Jesus. When the for- tunes of war freed the slaves, and they refused farther submis- sion to their masters, there was some discussion in the churches as to whether they should be held accountable for violating the Scriptural requirement, "Servants obey your masters." But another scripture came to the relief of the colored people : "Art thou called being a servant, care not for it; but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather." [I Cor. 7:21.] It is not known to the author that any were excluded from the churches for choosing to be free.
As soon as the War closed the colored people began to form separate churches wherever they had members enough. The white members encouraged them in this course, but left them to act as they chose. It was several years before the separation was complete ; and even now there are some colored members in the white churches. Their zeal in religion is very warm. 48
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History of Kentucky Baptists.
They are prompt in attending their meetings, cven under unfa- vorable circumstances. Sometimes they hold meetings almost every night for several months together. During these meetings large numbers profess conversion and are baptized. They are aspiring in their dispositions, and have no thought of being con- tent to lag behind the most fortunate of their white brethren. They formed churches and district associations with such facility that, within five years after the close of the War, they formed the General Association of Colored Baptists in Kentucky. This body was constituted at Lexington, Aug. 3, 1869. The organ- ization comprised 56 churches with an aggregate membership of 12,620. The growth of their denomination has been quite rapid, and they are making earnest efforts to establish schools for the higher education of their children, especially of their young men, approved by the churches to preach the gospel. In liberality, in supporting their pastors and their benevolent enter- prises, they far surpass their white brethren. Out of their deep poverty their liberality has greatly abounded, and God has pros- pered them correspondingly.
There was a disposition on the part of the Baptists of Ken- tucky to set about healing the breaches and correcting the mis- takes that had been made. In 1864 military authorities issued certain orders, interfering with the freedom of the churches. Whereupon the General Association, at its meeting in Bards- town, in May of that year, passed the following preamble and resolution :
"Inasmuch as certain orders have been recently issued by officers in high position under the Government, which directly subject the churches to the dominion of governmental authority, subverting the great principles of religious freedom, therefore,
" Resolved, that such interference awakens our suspicions, and justly creates alarm and apprehension for the integrity of the principles of religious freedom in this country, can only be productive of evil, and that it meets with our unqualified disap- probation."
The Agricultural and Mechanical College became a source of general dissatisfaction, about the close of the War. The United States Congress had distributed among the several States, cer- tain sums of money, for the purpose of establishing Industrial Schools. In January, 1865, the Legislature of Kentucky placed
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A Sectarian State University.
the amount received by this State, in the hands of the Camp- bellites, with which to endow an Agricultural and Mechanical College, in Kentucky University. This act of injustice to all the other religious sects in the State, at once attracted the atten- tention of the Baptists. In May, 1865, the General Associa- tion passed the following preamble and resolution :
"Whereas, The Kentucky Legislature, at its last session, passed an act, placing in the hands of a single denomination of professed Christians, the control of certain funds provided for the State by the General Government, for the establishment of a Commercial [Agricultural and Mechanical rather] College in Kentucky ; and
"Whereas, All other Christian organizations of this State, which represent a large proportion of the population thereof, have had great injustice done them by said legislation ; therefore, be it
Resolved, That this General Association appoint a commit- tee consisting of the following ministers of the gospel: R. T. Dillard D. D., D. R. Campbell L L. D., W. M. Pratt D. D., James S. Coleman and R. M. Dudley, who are requested, in be- half of this body, to present to the Legislature of Kentucky a memorial, setting forth the facts in the case, and to call upon them for such legislation as will correct the evil done."
Similar resolutions were adopted the next year. The Leg- islature failing to take any action in the case, the General Asso- ciation, in 1867, appointed a committee to prepare a suitable ad- dress to the people of Kentucky, on the subject. The follow- ing additional resolutions were also adopted :
Whercas, A manifest moral and legal injustice was perpe- trated by the Kentucky Legislature in appropriating funds, the common property of the people of this State, to a sectarian in- stitution known as the Kentucky University. And-
"Whereas, The sect, usually known as Campbellites, sought and obtained from the Legislature, such legislation as gave them money in which all other denominations had an equal interest, that they might thereby build up a sectarian school under the auspices of State patronage: Therefore
"Resolved, That we repeat our protest against the action of the Legislature, in chartering the Agricultural College as a col- lege of Kentucky University, thereby fostering an avowed sec-
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tarian institution at the expense of other denominations, and the people generally of the Commonwealth.
"2. That it is in contravention of the spirit and intent of our civil institutions, for the State to afford its patronage to one denomination of Christians to the exclusion of others. And this the Kentucky Legislature has done in passing common funds over to a University, one college of which is for the express pur- pose of teaching sectarian interpretations of the word of God.
3. We recommend to our brethren throughout the State to withhold all countenance and support from the Kentucky University, recognizing in it, as we do, an institution for the propagation of doctrines in open conflict with the faith once de- livered to the saints.
Most of the district associations throughout the State passed resolutions similar to those adopted by the General Association. Public sentiment was finally aroused, and the Legislature was forced to repeal the obnoxious act. The Agricultural and Me- chanical College was separated from the Kentucky University, and became simply a State Institution.
The healing of the breaches made in the churches by the War, was of still greater importance to the happiness and pros- perity of the denomination. It would have been very marvel- ous if during a war of four years continuance, in which almost every Baptist church in the State was represented in both of the opposing armies, there had not been many unkind words spoken, and many little wrongs committed, affecting the fellow- ship of brethren and sisters. Now that the brethren had re- turned home from the armies, and all the members could come together in the church, it was of the the first importance to the cause of the Redeemer, that full and hearty fellowship should be restored. This was less difficult of accomplishment than could have been anticipated. Christians became weary of en- tertaining malice in their hearts, and yearned for the spirit that was also in Christ Jesus. Mutual confessions were made, with tears and prayers. Forgiveness was asked and received, and that blessed fellowship which the Spirit of God alone can give, was restored. A precious revival followed.
This work of grace was manifested in the churches of Elk- horn Association, in 1866, and extended over the State, within the next two or three years. The loss of members by the
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Educational Interests.
churches during the War was very heavy. It is probable that not less than 25,000 colored people were severed from the white organizations, while it is estimated that 15,000 white mem- bers were lost by the casualties of war. Elkhorn Association alone, lost, during the period extending from 1861 to 1870, 7,697 members, while there were added to its churches by baptism, 2,458. Fourteen associations, located in the middle portion of the State, lost, during the same period, 30,892, while they re- ceived by baptism 22,599. A clear loss of 40,000, including the colored members, large numbers of whom left the State, while the remainder formed separate churches, is a moderate estimate. Yet it will be seen when we come to make up the statistics for 1870, that the loss was considerably overbalanced by the large numbers added to the churches, during the five years immediately succeeding the close of the War.
The last named period was one of general prosperity, in all the departments of Christian benevolence. A great zeal for the salvation of sinners pervaded the churches. Christian effort in this direction was greatly blessed, and large numbers were added to the churches. The contributions to benevolent en- terprises were larger than they had ever been before. The re- ceipts of the General Association for all purposes, for the year ending May 1, 1866, were $33,279.61. This was more than twice as much as had been received by that body during any previous year. The receipts, especially for State Missions, con- tinued to increase to the close of the period under considera- tion.
The educational interests of the Baptists, which, as stated above, had been prostrated by the War, were revived again, and attained a good degree of prosperity during this period. The interest felt by the denomination, in Sunday schools, be- came much more general after the War, than it had been be- fore The zealous labors of W. S. Sedwick, and the earnest, practical efforts of Prof. J. J. Rucker added largely to the ad- vancement of this cause. Notwithstanding the devastation of a four years civil war, the impoverishing of the people by its results, the prostration of all our missionary and educational in- stitutions, and the depletion of our churches, by a radical change in our social system, the close of the decade under revision found the Baptist denomination in Kentucky, peaceful, happy and
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History of Kentucky Baptists.
prosperous. The following statistics exhibit its numerical strength, in 1870.
Of the regular or missionary Baptists, there were: associa- tions, forty-six; churches, 1,023; members, 87, 127; of the Anti- missionary Baptists, associations, twenty-nine; churches, 353; members, 14,601; total white Baptists, associations, seventy-five; churches, 1,376; members, 101,728. The colored Baptists were not yet sufficiently well organized to admit of our obtaining ex- act statistics. But it is believed that a low estimate would give them: associations, five; churches, ninety-two; members, 20,- 000. This would give a grand total of eighty associations, 1,468 churches, and 121,728 members.
The population of the State, in 1870, was 1, 321,011. This gives, in round numbers, one church for every 900 of the popu- lation, and one Baptist for every ten of the population.
The Methodists were much divided by the influences of the War, but reorganized in their several divisions, with considera- ble facility after its close. In 1870, there were in Kentucky, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, white members, 45,522; colored members, 484; of the Methodist Episcopal Church (Northern), white and colored, 19,508; of colored Meth- odists, in other organizations, 12,000 (estimated); making a total of 77,517.
The Presbyterian Church in Kentucky, was also rent into two parties, known respectively as "the Declaration and Testi- mony" party [Southern] and "the Assembly" party (Northern). In 1870, the Declaration and Testimony Synod numbered 6, 600; the Assembly Synod numbered 5,510. It was estimated that the small churches, not included in the official statistics, num- bered 1,000, making a total of 13, IIO.
Other religious denominations in the State, as heretofore furnished no statistics.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
ORPHANS HOME-THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY-SUNDAY SCHOOLS, ETC. STATISTICS
At the beginning of the year 1871, the churches had re- covered from the confusion caused by the results of the Civil War, and their condition was peaceful and prosperous. Their colored members had generally withdrawn peacefully and formed churches of their own. Whatever discontent had been caused among slave holding church members on account of the loss of their property, had apparently subsided, and the relation between the white and colored churches was amicable and fra- ternal. A general revival prevailed throughout the State, and great numbers were added to the churches, between the begin- ning of 1870, and the close of 1873.
The benevolent enterprises of the Kentucky Baptists were more prosperous during the first half of the decade now under re- view, than during any previous period. In 1873, the contributions from Kentucky to the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist convention amounted to $8, 842.56; those to State Mis- sions to $9, 522.65. From this to the close of the decade, the contributions to missions, both home and foreign, gradually di- minished, on account of a severe financial pressure, which com- menced about this time, and continued several years, and an unusual demand on the benevolence of the Baptists in the State, to build up and endow the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and to erect and sustain the Baptist Orphans Home, both located in Louisville. The amounts contributed by Kentucky Baptists, during the ten years ending with 1880, as far as reported, were to State Missions, $71,978.29; to Foreign Missions, $55,688.98; | to Domestic Missions, about 25,000, and, to the State Sunday- school work, about 12,000,
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History of Kentucky Baptists.
THE LOUISVILLE BAPTIST ORPHANS HOME, was put in oper- ation, in 1869, and has, from the first elicited the tenderest sym- pathies and the warmest support of the Baptists in the State. The institution was originated by some benevolent Baptist women in Louisville, who rented a room for the reception of orphan children, at the date above specified. The next year a comfortable house was erected for the accommodation of such orphans as should be committed to the institution. The object of the Home is to care for the children committed to its charge from all parts of the State, teaching them the elements of an English education, instructing them in useful occupations, and training them in Christian morals, until it can secure suitable homes for them, in private families. The institution is sup- ported by the voluntary contributions of the Baptists of the State, and such other benevolent persons as choose to aid in the good work, at a cost of about $5,000 a year. It has generally received from 40 to 50 orphans a year, and suc- ceeded in putting about as many in homes, in private families.
MARY HOLLINGSWORTH, a native of Todd county, Ky., has been the matron and internal manager of the Orphans Home, from near the period of its establishment. She is a woman of fine culture, eminent piety, and excellent business qualities, and the Home owes much of its prosperity to her indefatigable energy. The name of this noble maiden will be held in affectionate re- membrance by very many who never knew a mother's love, or a father's protection.
J. LAWRENCE SMITH, the renowned scientist, and his excellent christian wife were the most liberal patrons of the Orphans home. Dr. Smith was a native of South Carolina, and was born Dec. 16, 1818. He finished his literary education at the University of Virginia, graduated in medicine in his native State, and studied the sciences under different teachers in Europe. After his re- turn to America, he married a daughter of Hon. James Guthrie of Louisville, Ky., and settled in that city. Possessing a large fortune, he was able to pursue the study of science, which he did, with tireless zeal and unflagging enthusiasm, not to the ex- clusion, however, of the practical pursuits of life. He was pro- fessor of Chemistry in the University of Virginia, and, after- wards, filled the same chair in the University of Louisville. Subsequently he was president of the Louisville Gas Works.
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His extensive researches in the various departments of science, made his name familiar to the scientists of America and Europe.
Soon after his settlement in Louisville, he professed conver- sion, and united with the Walnut Street Baptist church. His orderly christian walk, his devotion to the cause of Christ, and his calm, rational benevolence proved the sincerity of his profes- sion, and demonstrated the fact that a man may be a profound scientist and a devout, sincere christian. He devoted no incon- siderable proportion of his fortune to the establishment of the Louisville Baptist Orphans Home, the Southern Baptist Theolo- gical Seminary, and other benevolent institutions. He was called to his final reward, in 1884.
MRS. J. LAWRENCE SMITH deserves to be held in cherished remembrance by the beneficiaries of the Baptist Orphans Home, and many other benevolent institutions. She is a native of Louisville, and a daughter of Hon. James Guthrie of that city. Without ostentation, she has devoted her influence and posses- sions to the cause of the Redeemer. In early life, she gave her heart to the Savior, and united with the Walnut Street Baptist church, in her native city. Heiring an ample fortune from her distinguished father, she entered heartily into the benevolent schemes of her illustrious husband, and was a joint contributor, with him, to the various charitable institutions he aided in build- ing up.' She servives her husband, and represents his charities, as well as continues her own.
THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY was locat- ed in Louisville Ky., during the decade under review. The sc- curing of the location of this institution was regarded "the grandest achievment of Kentucky Baptists," during the period ; and it is certain that no other benevolent enterprise has elicited an equal interest among them. The history of the institution is one of much interest.
Immediately after the split of the Baptist Triennial Conven- tion, into northern and southern divisions, the southern Baptists began to discuss the necessity of a theological seminary, in the South. During the meeting, at Augusta, Ga., in 1845, which formed the Southern Baptist Convention, a conference was held for the purpose of discussing the subject. Two years later, John L. Waller and others held a similiar conference for the same purpose, in connection with the meeting of the Indian
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History of Kentucky Baptists.
Mission Association, at Nashville Tenn. In 1849, the subject was agitated during the meetings of the Southern Baptist Con- vention, at the same place, and at its subsequent meeting, at Charleston, S. C. A committee was appointed to investigate the subject; but it failed to report, and the matter was dropped, for a time.
In June, 1854, he General Associaton of Virginia Baptists appointed a committee, which, in accordance with its instruc- tions, called a convention of the friends of theological education, to meet in connection with the Southern Baptist Convention, at Montgomery. Ala. This convention resolved, "that it is de- manded by the interests of the cause of truth that the Baptists of the South and South-west unite in establishing a theological institution of high grade." A committee was appointed to call the attention of the denomination to this subject, and all who fa- vored the scheme were invited to meet in convention, at Augus- ta, Ga., on Wednesday after the fourth Sunday in April, 1856. In accordance with this call, a convention of delegates from ten States met at the appointed time and place. A lengthy and able report was adopted, and colleges and theological schools, . under Baptist control, and Baptist conventions in the Southern and South-western States, were invited to send delegates, prop- erly authenticated, to a meeting to be held in Louisville, Ky., on the 6th of May, 1857. Pursuant to this call, the "Educa- tional Convention" met in the Walnut Street church in Louis- ville, during the sittings of the Southern Baptist Convention, in May, 1857. Delegates were present from ten States. The report of a committee, appointed at the Augusta Meeting, with other papers, was referred to a committee of fifteen. That committee reported in favor of locating the proposed seminary at Greenville, in South Carolina, the Baptist Convention of that State having agreed to raise one half of an endowment of $200.000, on condition that the seminary should be so located. The unanimous adoption of this report expressed the determin- ation of the southern Baptists to erect a theological seminary of high grade.
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