USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky Baptists : From 1769 to 1885, including more than 800 biographical sketches, Vol. II > Part 23
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The Association still continued to increase slowly, in num- bers, till 1834, when it reached a membership of 32 churches, aggregating 1,483 members. These are the largest numbers it has ever attained. It had been made sufficiently manifest, by the transactions of 1820, that the body was opposed to missions. But now the more radical of the churches began to clamor for a direct expression on the subject. Accordingly, the Association, in 1834, recorded its views in the following language: "In an- swer to the suggestions made in several of the letters from our churches, we declare nonfellowship for missionary, Bible, tract [and] temperance societies, theological and Sabbath schools and Baptist conventions as religious institutions, believing [that] they are without divine warrant."
This resolution, or declaration was the beginning of trouble, with this fraternity. The neighboring associations, and even some of her own churches, had tolerated her arrogance and anti-missionary proclivities, with the hope of regaining her to the general union, when better counsel should prevail. As early as 1824, the propriety of continuing correspondence with her was questioned in Long Run Association. But the latter body, after discussing the subject, came to the conclusion: "That it
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is expedient and proper still to continue our correspondence with both [Elkhorn and Licking, ] and still to pursue the course origi- nally devised, with the hope of ultimately accomplishing our object." Doubtless other associations continued their corres- pondence for the same purpose. But now the Baptists of the State had become convinced that some plan for systematic co-operation was necessary to their prosperity. To carry out this conviction, the Kentucky Baptist State Convention had been organized, and a number of auxiliary associations had been formed to co-operate in its designs. But now Licking Associa- tion boldly declared nonfellowship with the very means that her corresponding fraternities had adopted to advance the Kingdom of Christ. This was intolerable, and longer forbearance could not be expected. Sulphur Fork Association declined further correspondence, immediately ; Elkhorn and Long Run withdrew correspondence, in 1837, and Baptist Association, in 1838. Within the next three years, the former relation of Licking Association to the Baptist denomination in Kentucky, had entirely changed : so that she corresponded only with three small, new associations of Antinomian and Antimissionary Baptists, viz : Tates Creek, Salem, and Mt. Pleasant.
From the period of its declared opposition to missionary societies and other benevolent institutions, and its consequent severance from the general union of the Baptists in the State, this fraternity was, for a number of years, almost continuously embarrassed by internal dissensions. The church at Dry Run withdrew from the Association the same year that she declared non-fellowship for missionary societies. In 1837, East Hickman and Richland Creek withdrew ; and, in 1839, Mill Creek, Poplar Grove, White Oak Run, North Fork and Licking Locust were dropped from the Association, for failing, two successive years, to represent themselves. The Association, never amiable in its deportment toward its rivals, or opposers, became more bitter in its sarcasm, in proportion to the increase of its domestic dissen- sions. In 1843, in answer to some observations in the minutes of Elkhorn Association, to the effect that Ambrose Dudley, Joseph Redding and John Price were favorable to missions, Licking Association uses the following expressions : "Some are curious to know why Elkhorn Association has not introduced Peter, James, John, the Master, or some other inspired witness
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to sustain her missionary operations, instead of Ambrose Dud- ley, Joseph Redding, John Price and others. A solution of this question is not difficult They had weight of character, of which, it would seem, that Association considers herself exceedingly deficient." Again, on the same page : "Are we to understand Elkhorn as having raised her banner with this inscription: GOD & Co., Laboring for the salvation of an apostate world."
In 1845, Thomas P. Dudley was appointed to write the cir- cular letter for the ensuing year. He wrote on the subject of the "Christian Warfare, including the Eternal Spiritual Oneness of Christ and the church." Showing the paper to some of the brethren, it was privately discussed, before the Association was organized. Learning that some objection would be made to the letter, Mr. Dudley declined presenting it, and it was not pub- lished, for the time. But its contents were discussed among the brethren, and, as Mr. Dudley averred, its teachings were mis- represented. In order to correct the erroneous impressions, made on the public mind, Mr. Dudley, in 1849, printed and cir- culated a thousand copies of the letter, in pamphlet form. The style of the treatise is labored and obscure, but the substance of the doctrine contained in it was understood to be as follows :
I. God created two distinct families of men. The first was created in Adam, and was denominated the natural man. As the great oak, with its innumerable branches, leaves and acorns, was contained in the acorn from whence it sprang : so the whole human family, comprising the countless millions of all its gener- ations, was contained in Adam, at his creation.
2. The other family was created in, and simultaneously with Jesus Christ, and was called the spiritual man. As every soul of the natural family was comprised in Adam : so every member of the spiritual family was embraced in Jesus Christ, at his creation.
3. What men call a multiplication of these families, is only a. development, or manifestation, to human perception, of what God created instantaneously, in the beginning.
4. The nature of each of these families, is uniform and un- changeable. That of the natural man is wholly corrupt, and remains so perpetually, in every member of that family: That of the spiritual man is wholly pure, and can never be, in any degree, corrupted or tarnished.
5. A christian is a compound being, composed of one natu-
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ral man and one spiritual man, mysteriously combined by the power of the Holy Spirit, while the original nature of each re- mains unchanged, and unchangeable.
6. The christian's warfare consists in a life-long struggle between the two men of which he is composed, often called, in the sacred Scriptures, the "old man" and the "new man." In the end, the spiritual man triumphs over, and utterly destroys his antagonist, and then returns to God, who sent him to be developed in this warfare.
This teaching was popularly called the "Two-Souls doctrine," and was regarded heretical by some of the churches and all the correspondents of Licking Association. Such was the influence of Mr. Dudley, however, that a majority of the churches acquiesced in his interpretation of his pamphlet. But much disturbance followed its publication. Salem Association of Predestinarian Baptists withheld correspondence from Licking, in 1850. Foreseeing the storm that was gathering, James Dudley, a brother to the author of the "Christian Warfare," sent a circular to all the churches in Licking Association, invit- ing them to send messengers to meet at Bryants, in March, 1850, for the purpose of endeavoring to allay the confusion. Most of the churches responded to the call. But Friendship and Stony Point issued a joint manifesto, denouncing the teach- ing of Mr. Dudley's pamphlet, and declaring non-fellowship for three churches which had received it, and for all who believed as they did. This resulted in a speedy division of the Association. Friendship, Stony Point, Twin Creek, Williamsburg, Rays Fork, and Fork Lick churches withdrew, and constituted a new frater- nity, under the style of "Twin Creek Old Regular Baptist Association." This occurred, in 1850. The next year, all the Associations in Kentucky withheld correspondence from Lick- ing. The body still exchanged minutes with two or three dis- tant fraternities, but, in 1853, even this shadow of a correspond- ence was dropped. But Mr. Dudley, who has been the leading spirit of the Association, for more than fifty years, was a man of great energy and excellent address, and, by visiting the vari- ous Associations, preaching among them, and conciliating them, wisely and prudently, he succeeded in re-establishing correspond- ence with most of those fraternities from which his Association had become alienated.
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Licking Association.
Since 1855, the body has generally enjoyed peace and har- mony. But it has, since 1834, when it declared non-fellowship with all benevolent enterprises of the day, continued to decline in numbers and influence. From a membership of 32 churches, with 1,483 members, in 1834, it had fallen to 15 churches, with 438 members, in 1878. At least 50 churches, located in about 20 counties, embracing almost the entire Blue Grass region of the State, have had membership in this Association, and it is be- lieved that no one of them has been peacefully dismissed to join any other fraternity. Mr. Dudley gives the names of twelve which have been dissolved, and nine that have withdrawn. As the body numbers only 15 chruches now, 14 churches are unaccounted for by Mr. Dudley. The body had, in 1878, preserved its records complete. It had met every year, at the appointed time. It failed, however, to transact any business, in 1862. During the first 68 years of its existence, its churches reported an aggregate of 1,977 baptisms.
In the early years of its history, this body was blessed with an able and efficient corps of ministers. Of most of these, some account has been given in the preceding pages.
THOMAS PARKER DUDLEY has been by far the most distin- guished and influential minister in Licking Association, since the departure of the fathers. He was one of the family of eleven sons and three daughters, children of the famous pioneer preach- er, Ambrose Dudley, and was born in Fayette Co., Ky., May 31, 1792. He was educated in the private schools of his native county, and, at the age of 16, was employed as clerk in a store at Frankfort. He remained in that position about four years, when, in the fall of 1812, he enlisted in the War with Great Britain. In the North-western Army, he was appointed com- missary. At the battle of the River Rasin, he was wounded, and taken prisoner by the Indians. The ball, which entered his shoulder, was extracted, in 1820, having remained in his body five years after the War closed. After being exchanged, he was appointed Quarter Master of the detachments sent to reinforce Gen. Jackson at New Orleans, and was in the battle at that place, Jan. 8, 1815.
On his return from the War, he was appointed Quarter-Master General for the State of Kentucky, and filled the position two years, resigning, in 1817. Meanwhile, he had been elected
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cashier of a branch of the Bank of Kentucky, located at Win- chester. He occupied this position, about eight years, and was afterwards engaged, about seven years, in winding up the busi- ness of five branches of that Bank, after they had been discontinued.
Mr. Dudley united with the church at Bryants Station, in Fayette county, of which his father was pastor, in March, 1820. He was licensed to exercise his gift, in 1822, and, on the 3rd Saturday in June, 1823, was ordained to the ministry, by Ambrose Dudley, John Shackleford and Henry Toler. He was immedi- ately associated with his father in the pastoral office, and, on the death of the latter, was chosen pastor of the church at Bryants Station, in February, 1825. He preached for this church more than 55 years, and, although too old and feeble to labor in the ministry, he is still its nominal pastor. He served the church at Elizabeth, in Bourbon county, 53 years ; that at Mt. Carmel, in Clark county, 46 years; and the church at Georgetown, in Scott county, 44 years. It was not for want of preaching ability, in Mr. Dudley, that all the churches he served, and the Association over which he presided as Moderator, 45 years, with almost unbounded influence, dwindled to insignifi- cance, under his adminisrations, but on account of his system of teaching, which prohibited all efforts to bring sinners to Christ.
He has been a man of superior natural ability, and of great firmness, courage, and energy. He appears to have been born for a leader; and it is certain that few preachers in Kentucky, have exercised so great an influence, as he exerted over the en- tire Association, in which he was by far the ablest preacher, for a period of fifty years. He has been, during a very long life, not only a man of eminent respectability and unimpeachable integrity, but also, since his conversion, of undoubted piety, and devotion to what he deemed the cause of truth. However he may have been led, by the circumstances surrounding him in early life, and the natural bent of a massive, but undisciplined intellect, to adopt an erratic system of theology, which may have tended to evil rather than good, he deserves to be held in respect. He is still living, and, although in his 94th year (June, 1885), he retains the use of his mental powers in a remarkable degree.
MORRIS LASSING was raised up to the ministry within the
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bounds of Licking Association. He was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, Aug. 3, 1800. He was liberally educated by Catholic parents. But after coming to mature years, he became a free- thinker, or a disbeliever in revealed religion. In 1824, he emigrated to the United States, and shortly afterwards settled in Boone Co., Ky. In 1843, he was awakened from his delusive dream of infidelity, and, after seeking and finding peace in the Savior, was baptized by William Hume, in August of that . year. He possessed an extensive stock of knowledge, and gave his church satisfactory evidence of his call to the ministry. Ac- cordingly, he was ordained to that sacred office, April, 29, 1854. He immediately assumed the pastoral care of Sardis church, in Boone county, and continued to serve in that position, during the remainder of his earthly life. He also traveled considerably, and preached to the churches of his order, in Kentucky, Indi- ana and Ohio. He was afflicted with disease of the heart, some time before his death, and died of that malady, Jan., 9, 1867.
JOHN CONNER was one of the early preachers of Licking Association. He probably began his ministry in Virginia, whence he moved to Kentucky, and settled in Harrison county, not far from 1811. He gave his membership to Mill Creek church of which he remained a member, and probably the pas- tor, the remainder of his days on earth. He preached the introductory sermon before the Association, in 1812, and appears to have been well esteemed by that body. He died, at a good old age, Sept. 26, 1824.
SAMUEL JONES was raised up to the ministry in Licking Associa- tion. He was licensed to preach at Bald Eagle, in Bath county, about 1825. In this church he held his membership, and preached the gospel, about fifty years. He was a moderate preacher, but was regarded a good man, and was esteemed by his brethren, and doubtless, by the community in which he so long preached the gospel. He died, about 1875.
JOHN F. JOHNSON, who began his ministry in Warwick Association, in New York, preached in Licking Association the latter years of his life. He was a preacher and writer of respect- table ability. In the absence of T. P. Dudley, he was chosen Moderator of the Association, in 1868. He lived at Lawrence- burg a number of years, but, after his second marriage, moved to Shelby county, where he spent his last days. He was pastor
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of Bethel, Salt River and some other churches, and ministered to them with satisfactory ability. But his manner was so rough, and he dealt so freely in sarcasm and caricature, that it is feared his preaching did more harm than good. He died, at a good old age, not far from 1879.
JOHN THEOBALD is regarded one of the best preachers in the Association, at present. He was raised up to the ministry at Long Ridge church, in Owen county, where he still resides. He began to preach, about 1843, and has maintained an excel- lent moral and religious reputation. He is an unassuming man and is said to exhibit the spirit of the Master in his preaching .*
GASPER RIVER ASSOCIATION.
This organization resulted from a division of the territory of the old Green River fraternity. Although a division had been effected, in 1804, by which Russell's Creek and Stockton's Val- ley Associations had been set off from Green River, the mother fraternity had again become inconveniently large ; partly from the addition of the churches which had composed Union Asso- ciation, and partly by means of an extensive revival which pre- vailed in that region, in 1810 and the two years following. This second division of Green River Association was made during its meeting at Dripping Spring, in what is now Metcalf county, in July, 1812. The dividing line ran nearly north and south, through the central part of what is now Allen county. The churches west of this line, 16 in number, together with a new church, called Midway, met, by their messengers, at Providence church in Warren county, Sept. 26, 1812; and, after electing Edward Turner Moderator, and Thomas Downs, clerk, the As- sociation, now to be considered, was formed, and took its name from a small stream which flows through its territory. The churches of which it was constituted were Bays Fork, Union, Ivy, Smith's Grove, Mt. Zion, and Providence, in Warren county ; Trammels Fork, Middle Fork and Sulphur Spring, in Allen ; Center, in Logan ; Hazle Creek, in Muhlenburg ; Sandy Creek
*He has recently fallen asleep.
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Gasper River Association.
and Midway, in Butler; Beaver Dam, in Ohio; Lick Fork, in Simpson; Salem, in Barren, and Lick Creek, the location of which is unknown.
Of these churches, Union, constituted in 1796, was the oldest. It was located near the south-east corner of Warren county. In 1820, it went into the constitution of Drakes Creek Association, and was finally dissolved. Hasle Creek was the next oldest. It was constituted, Dec. 3, 1797, and still remains a member of Gasper River Association. Beaver Dam was constituted, March 5, 1798. It is located about four miles south of Hartford, in Ohio county. In 1866, it took a letter and united with Daviess County Association, of which it is still a member. Sulphur Spring, located in the south-west corner of Allen county, was constituted in 1798. It went into the constitution of Drakes Creek Association, of which it is still a member. Bays Fork, located some four or five miles south-cast of Bowling-green, was one of the early churches of Green River Association, but the time of its organization is unknown. It entered into the consti- tution of Drakes Creek Association, in 1820. About 1825, it divided about its first and only pastor, Samuel Greathouse. The minority formed Rocky Spring church, which now belongs to Bays Fork Association. The majority adhered to its disorderly pastor, was dropped from Drakes Creek Association, and, after a few years, was dissolved. Trammels Fork is located some five or six miles west of Scottsville. It was constituted in 1807, and became a member of Green River Association. After- wards, it went into the constitution of Gasper River, and later, into that of Drakes Creek Association. In 1839, it split on the question of missions. The Association recognized the minority as the legitimate church. The majority entered into the organi- zation of what is now Bays Fork Association, of which it is still a member. Lick Fork is, if not the oldest church in Simpson county, at least one of the oldest. The date of its constitution is unknown. After going from Green River Association into the constitution of Gasper River, it, in turn, entered into the constitution of Drakes Creek Association of which it is still a member. Middle Fork was constituted in 1808. It also went into the constitution of Drakes Creek Association, and still re- mains a member of that body. Salem, located in Barren county, three or four miles east of Cave City, was constituted in 1804,
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and united with Green River Association. After entering into the constitution of Gasper River, in 1812, and that of Drakes Creek, in 1820, it returned to Green River about 1822. When Green River Association divided on the question of missions, in 1840, it entered with seven other churches, into the constitution of Liberty Association, of which it remains a member to the pres- ent. Lick Creek was, according to Benedict, constituted in 1809, and united with Green River Association. In 1812, it entered into the constitution of Gasper River of which it remained a member five years. In 1816, it was reduced to 19 members, and is supposed to have been dissolved soon afterwards. Its location is unknown. Its messengers were Joseph, Ab., and James Taylor, G. Harlan and Wm. Beasley. Ivy was constitu- ted in 1812, joined Green River and entered into the constitution of Gasper River, the same year. In 1820, it went into the con- stitution of Drakes Creek, and, in 1823, returned to Green River Association, of which it is still a member. Smiths Grove, located in a small village of the same name, on the Louisville and Nashville R. R., in the northern part of Warren county, was constituted in 1812, joined Green River and entered into the constitution of Gasper River Association, the same year. In 1818, it returned to Green River Association, and is still a member of that fraternity. Mt. Zion was also constituted in 1812, joined Green River and went into the constitution of Gas- per River the same year. It entered into the constitution of Drakes Creek Association, in 1820, and is still a member of that body. Center, located about ten miles north-east of Russellville, was constituted of 20 members, by Lewis Moore and Edward Turner, in June, 1810. It was identified with Green River As- sociation till 1812, when it entered into the constitution of Gas- per River. In the latter fraternity it remained till 1860, since which time it has held membership in Clear Fork Association. Providence, popularly known as Knob church, is located about seven miles west of Bowlinggreen. It was constituted in Sep- tember, 1804, by John Hightower aud John Martin. It was dismissed from Green River Association and entered into the constitution of Gasper River, in 1812. Of the latter, it re- mained a member till 1860, when it became identified with Clear Fork, with which it still associates. Sandy Creek, located eight miles south of Morgantown, is supposed to have been the first
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church gathered in Butler county. It was constituted of 40 members, by Benjamin Talbot and Lewis Moore, June, 15, 1805. It was connected with Green River Association, in 1812, but entered into the constitution of Gasper River, that year, and continues in that body to the present. Midway was formed in 1805. It was located in Butler county, four miles east of Rochester. What its associational connections were, previous to its entering into the constitution of Gasper River, is unknown. It was known by its original name, till 1837, when it either changed its location and took a new appellation, or disbanded and immediately formed a new constitution, under the style of Point Pleasant. The former was the most common method of procedure, at that period. In 1839, it changed its name to Monticello, by which title it is still known. It is worthy of re- mark that after a lapse of 70 years, of the 17 churches of which Gasper River Association was constituted 14 still exist, and 13 still retain their original names and locations.
Among the early preachers of this Association, were Samuel Greathouse, John Hightower, Zachary Morris, Edward Turner, Lewis Fortner, Benjamin Talbot, Philip Warden, and Thomas Downs. Some of these were soon dismissed with their church- es, to join other associations; but their places were filled by others who either moved within the bounds of the Association, or were raised up among its churches.
The Association being constituted in the usual form messengers were appointed to solicit correspondence with the neighboring fraternities. "Query: Shall members baptized by a minister in disorder, be received as regular members in orderly churches? Ans. We think not." The Articles of Faith, Constitution and Rules of Decorum were ordered to be printed with the minutes.
The first anniversary meeting of the body was held at Bays Fork, in 1813. The introductory sermon was preached by Joseph Taylor. There were represented 21 churches, aggrega- ting 1,334 members. This was the largest aggregate member- ship, reported by this Association, previous to 1838. Three churches were received, viz: Tanners (now Buck Creek in McLean county,) Bethany, in Warren county, and Nelson Creek (constituted in 1803,) in Muhlenburg county. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed.
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