USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky Baptists : From 1769 to 1885, including more than 800 biographical sketches, Vol. II > Part 24
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This Association appears to have been greatly deficient in enterprise, and sadly wanting in ministerial efficiency. However we may revere the fathers of the fraternity for their sincere and devout piety, we cannot avoid the conclusion, that with few exceptions, they were weak and inefficient. The Association, while increasing in the number of its churches, decreased in its aggregate membership. In 1817, it numbered 24 churches, with only 1,099 members. During the session of this year, it agreed to correspond with the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions ; but the correspondence was dropped, in 1820. In 1818, a motion to correspond with the Kentucky Baptist Mission Society prevailed; but before the session closed, the motion was recon- sidered, and the correspondence rejected. Three churches were dismissed : Smiths Grove, to join Green River, and Tanners and Panther Creek, to go into the constitution of Goshen Associa- tion. In 1820, it was deemed expedient to divide the territory of the Association, which was done by a line running from Russellville to Bowlinggreen, and thence, to Honaker's Ferry, on Green River. The churches south of that line, thirteen in num- ber, were organized, under the style of Drakes Creek Association.
Gasper River Association was now (1821) reduced to II churches, with 693 members. For the next five years, there was a slow increase in the aggregate membership. In 1827, "the Campbellite revival " reached this region, and about 350 members were added to the churches. This brought the Asso- ciation up to 14 churches, with 1,255 members. The next year, it was resolved to have union meetings at certain of the churches, for the purpose of having more preaching to the peo- ple. These meetings, which were attended by the best preach- ers that could be procured, drew large crowds, and were doubtless instrumental in accomplishing much good. But the confusion, consequent upon the introduction of Campbellism, began to pervade the churches, and they began to wither. Within five years from the time of this revival, the Association lost nearly half its numerical strength. In 1832, it was reduced to 12 churches, with only 684 members. This reduction was due, in part, at least, to the severance of the Campbellites from the churches. This was effected by the following advice of the Association, printed in the minutes of 1831 :
" Dear Brethren : As your advisory council, we recommend
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to your consideration the propriety of shutting your doors against the doctrine taught by A. Campbell, or his followers viz :
"First: Such as deny the agency of the Holy Spirit, in quickening dead sinners, only by or through the word.
" Second: Such as make baptism (in water) the new birth.
"Third : Such as are trying to put down all creeds.
" Fourth : Such as make the divinity of Christ anything less than God."
In 1833, another revival occurred, which added nearly 300 members to the churches. Meanwhile there began to be a man- ifest improvement in the spirit of the Association. David L. Mansfield had become an able minister, and was a leading spirit in the body. The frequent visits of William Warder, John. S. Wilson, D. J. Kelley, Reuben Cottrelland others, diffused much light in the Association, and greatly inspired the zeal of the younger ministers of the fraternity. The correspondence hith- erto maintained with Red River, Highland and Drakes Creek Associations, had been discontinued, and the blighting influence of those Anti-missionary fraternities, being no longer felt in the council of Gasper River, the spirit of missions began to pervade the body. In 1834, it resolved to aid the Kentucky Baptist State Convention; and, at the same session, agreed to raise means to support one or more men to preach among the desti- tute within its own bounds. In 1835, protracted meetings were recommended, instead of union meetings; and appointments were made for such gatherings at Hazle Creek and Beaver Dam. The next year, protracted meetings were appointed to be held at Waltons Creek, Stony Point, and Cave Spring. Five preach- ers were appointed to attend at each of the first two, and four at the last. In 1837, appointments were made for three pro- tracted meetings. This year, as at the preceding session, the attention of the churches was called to the work of the Ameri- can and Foreign Bible Society. The result was the formation of the Gasper River Bible Society, on the following Christmas day.
For a time, the protracted meetings, which were now new to the people, and opposed by most of the old preachers and church members, appeared to be unfruitful. But the young preachers, and especially Alfred Taylor, persisted in what they deemed this good work, and finally began to reap the fruits of their faithful sowing. The first successful protracted meeting,
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held in the lower Green River country, was conducted by Alfred Taylor, at Waltons Creek, in Ohio county, in December, 1837. Of this meeting, the biographer of Mr. Taylor says, in sub- stance :
" Many were openly against the meeting. Others would shake their hoary locks, doubting what all this might lead to. But the youthful pastor continued preaching, day and night, until opposition gave away. The revival swept over the whole country for miles in every direction, All classes were reached. Christians were overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God, while old and young, parents and children, youths and maidens, sought and found Christ a precious Savior. Men pro- fessed religion everywhere. The like had never been seen by the people ; but all felt and acknowledged the power to be of God, and not of man. During the meeting, which continued just two weeks, and within a few months afterwards, 146 were received into this church, by baptism. In one day, during this meeting, 84 persons united with the church. The news of the great revival was upon all lips, and a desire was awakened in many churches, for a meeting of days."
In addition to that at Waltons Creek, Mr. Taylor held meet- ings, during that winter and the following spring, at Pond Run, Sandy Creek, Little Bend, Green River, and Beaver Dam churches, and at the Duncan House, near the present location of Nelsons Creek Station, and Stum's tobacco house, where Paradise has since been built. All these meetings were emi- nently successful. The results of Mr. Taylor's labors induced other ministers and churches to hold protracted meetings, and a most glorious revival pervaded the churches of the Association, during this and the year following. At the meeting of the Association, in 1838, the churches reported 591 baptisms. This revival increased the numerical strength of the fraternity, within a single year, from 15 churches, with 875 members, to 17 churches, with 1,498 members. The revival continued till 1843, when the body comprised 24 churches, with 2,031 members.
From this period the Association has been generally prosper- ous, and has approved, and contributed to the benevolent enter- prises, fostered by the denomination, in the State. It has also sustained missionaries in the destitute portions of its own terri- tory. Notwithstanding it has dismissed a number of churches,
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from time to time, to enter into the several new fraternities that have sprung up on its borders, it has continued to increase in numbers and efficiency. Its loss during the War was compara- tively small, and, since 1864, its growth has been quite rapid. In 1881, it numbered 29 churches, aggregating 3,071 members. Elder F. M. Welborn has published a pamphlet, titled, Gas- per River Associational Record, which contains much valuable in- formation concerning this old fraternity and its early correspond- ents. But he has unfortunately failed to give the numbers bap- tized into its churches, from year to year.
Among the early ministers of this fraternity, the most dis- tinguished and efficient were Benjamin Talbot, John Hightower and Philip Warden. During a later period, Alfred Taylor, D. L. Mansfield and John B. Dunn were eminent for their abilities and usefulness. During the present generation, it has been blessed with a ministry unsurpassed in efficiency by that of any similar fraternity in the State.
JOHN B. DUNN, was a prominent and useful preacher in Gas- per River Association. It is believed that he was a native of Logan county, and was brought up amid its deep forests, at a period when the children of the poor settlers had no opportuni- ties to procure more than the elements of a common English education. At an early age he obtained hope in Christ, and united with Center church, then under the pastoral care of Wil- liam Tatum. Here he was set apart to the ministry, not far from 1833. About this time, he moved his membership to Stony Point, having been called to succeed that eminent old servant of Christ, Philip Warden, in the pastoral care of that church. He served this congregation eight years, with moder- ate success. In 1835, he accepted a call to Hazle Creek church, where he became the immediate successor of the famous pioneer, Benjamin Talbot. Here his labors were greatly blessed. In 1838, a revival prevailed, and the church was increased from 59, to 182 members. He preached to this church seven years. At the last named date, he became pastor of Nelson Creek church in Muhlenburg county. He served this church one year, during which about 10 were added to its membership. In 1837, he succeeded William Tatum in the pastoral charge of Mt. Pleasant church, and ministered to it nineteen years. The body numbered 56 members when he took charge of it, and
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172, when he left it. His membership was at this church, dur- ing most of the time he served it as pastor. In December, 1839, Mt. Carmel church, in Muhlenburg county, was constitu- ted, and Mr. Dunn was immediately called to its pastoral charge. During the six years he served in this position, the church grew from 14, to 46 members. He was pastor of Clear Fork church, in Warren county, and perhaps others not named above. In 1857, he resigned all his charges, and moved to the West, since which, no account of him has been received.
In person, Mr. Dunn was tall, of a rather spare build, and of a grave, dignified demeanor. His appearance in the pulpit was admirable, and the manner of his address was solemn and impressive. On his resignation, the church at Mt. Pleasant prop- erly recommended him as "a man of true christian character and logical mind."
GRAY B. DUNN, a brother of the above, was born Sept. I, 1804. At about the age of fifteen, he was converted, and uni- ted with Center church. He was something near thirty years of age when he entered the ministry. His preaching gifts were moderate, and he did not devote as much of his time to the ministry as did his more gifted brother. But he was a man of an enlightened public spirit and active energy. He was a zea- lous promoter of education. With the assistance of Mr. John Marrs, he established a school of academic grades, at Moats Lick, which was the first of the kind in the region of country lying north of Russellville, and known as the " Coon Range." He was also a constant advocate of total abstinence, and did much to reform the illiterate population that surrounded him in early life. In 1837, he succeeded William Tatum as pastor of Center church, and served that congregation five years. In 1851, he went into the constitution of Moats Lick church, in Logan county, and, in 1858, became its pastor. He was also pastor of Edgars Creek, Union and Hebron churches. He died suddenly, at the house of his daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Vick, where he had stopped to rest, on his way home from Sunday- school, in the village of Homer, in Logan county, March, 4, 1883. He had taken an active part in the exercises of the Sun- day-school, and appeared deeply interested. He was exceed- ingly triumphant in his dying hour, and passed to his reward without a groan or a struggle.
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DANIEL BARHAM was one of the early preachers in the north- ern part of Logan county. He was probably instrumental in gathering old Stony Point church, of which he was one of the original members. This church was constituted, April 24, 1813, and was, at first, called Mt. Moriah. Mr. Barham appears to have served the church as pastor, from its constitution, till 1820, when he was succeeded by Philip Warden, who had been or- dained to the ministry by that church, in 1815. Mr. Barham appears to have been an obscure man, of whom little is now known. He remained a member of Stony Point church till 1827, when he was dismissed by letter. To what point he moved does not appear.
GEORGE RENDER was early a member of Beaver Dam church, in Ohio county, and was both deacon and clerk of that organi- zation, as early as 1812. He was ordained to the ministry, in 1813, at the request of the church at Tanner's Meeting-house, in Ohio county, (now Buck Creek, in McLean). Of this church he became pastor immediately after his ordination, and served it a number of years. He was also pastor of Pond Run church, in 1841, and the year following. He was highly esteemed for consistent piety, rather than for any superior ability. The Mas- ter called him to his reward about 1849.
ROBERT RENDER, a brother of the above, and also an early member of the same church, was in the constitution of Gasper River Association, and represented his church in that body more than thirty years. In advanced years he was ordained to the ministry, and, although a preacher of inferior ability, was a man of much respectability. It does not appear that he was pastor of any church, but he served as Moderator of the Asso- ciation, from 1839, till he was succeeded by D, L. Mansfield, in 1846. He died at an advanced age, about 1861.
JOSHUA RENDER, still another brother of the above, and long a member of the same church, and, although highly esteemed for his faithfulness to the Master's cause, was, like his brothers, a very moderate preacher. He represented his church in the Association, some fifteen years. He was pastor of Salem church, in Butler county, from its constitution, in 1838, till 1842. The time of his death has not been ascertained.
SIMEON VAUGHT succeeded Thomas Downs, as clerk of Hazle Creek church, in 1814, and filled that position till 1836. He 17
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was a messenger from his church to Gasper River Association, at least twenty-three times. Late in life, the good old brother was ordained to the ministry, and, although possessing small talent, doubtless accomplished some good in the Master's vine- yard. He was pastor of Nelson Creek church, a short time, including the year 1837.
DAVID LOGAN MANSFIELD, next to Alfred Taylor, was the most prominent and useful preacher in Gasper River Asso- ciation, in his generation. He was Moderator of that body, from 1846, till the time of his death, and was an active leader in all its benevolent enterprises. His father, ELIJAH MANSFIELD, was born in Rockingham Co., Va., June 13, 1775, whence he was brought by his parents to Kentucky, in 1779. When he grew to manhood, he married Susan Pierce, an orphan, raised by Hugh Logan. Her parents and their whole family, except Susan, had been killed by the Indians. Immediately after his marriage, Elijah Mansfield moved to Logan county and settled near where the village of Auburn is now located, about 1796. Here he raised a family of eight sons and three daughters. One of his sons, David L. and one of his grand sons, J. W. C. Mansfield, became Baptist preachers, and his son, Granville, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. The old pioneer lived to the age of 90 years.
D. L. Mansfield, the oldest of eight sons, was born, June 18, 1797. Tradition has it, that a piece of bark served him as a cradle, and that the poplar tree from which it was peeled was still standing, at the time of his death. His early education was very limited ; but being ambitious to learn, he lost no opportun- ity, to improve his mind. While a young man, he was engaged as a chain carrier, in surveying the public land in Missouri. While thus engaged, he applied himself so assiduously to study- ing the art of surveying, that he was soon appointed to a depu- tyship. On his return to Kentucky, he was married to Eliza- beth Barnett, July, 31, 1817, and settled near his birth-place. He was a bold, daring youth, and a great sinner, but possessed a high sense of honor. He was convicted of sin under the preaching of John M. Berry, known at that period, as a Cum- berland Presbyterian "circuit rider." He went to meeting with the avowed purpose of staring the preacher out of countenance, and, with that intention, took a position near where Mr. Berry
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stood in the door of a private house. The preacher looked the impudent young man steadily in the face, while he solemnly de- clared the gospel message. Presently the daring sinner began to tremble, his knees smote together, and he walked away. But the arrow of the Almighty stuck fast in him. For about ten days his soul was in agony of remorse. Feeling, at last, that he must perish if he did not obtain relief, he left his house, early on a Sabbath morning, saying he would not eat, drink or sleep till he found the Savior, or died seeking him. About 9 o'clock, he returned to the house, praising God, while his soul overflowed with joy. At first, he was strongly inclined to join the Cum- berland Presbyterians. But delaying till he could read the New Testament, he became a decided immersionist.
In August, 1820, he united with Stony Point church in Lo- gan county, and was baptized, probably by Daniel Barham. A month afterwards, he was elected clerk of the church, and the next month asked and obtained leave to exercise a public gift. He soon gave such indications of usefulness, that the church sent him to Robert T. Anderson's Academy, at Glasgow, one ycar. In November, 1823, he was ordained to the ministry, by William Warder, William Tatum, Philip Warden, and Jacob Bower. About this time, he was called to preach, in connection with Philip Warden, at Providence church, in Warren county. Two years later, he moved within the bounds of Providence, and became sole pastor of that church, to which he ministered the remainder of his earthly life. He.was, at different periods, pastor of several other churches, three of which he was serving at the time of his death.
"Mr. Mansfield's preaching gift," says a colaborer, "was considerably above mediocrity, and was diligently employed, when he was not compelled to be in the school room as a means of support." When his soul was fully enlisted for the salvation of sinners, his appeals seemed irresistable. Going, on a certain occasion, to a meeting where he was not known, the preacher who was conducting the services felt that courtesy required him to invite the visiting brother to preach. But seeing that he was young, and supposing he would be awkward and unprofitable, the pastor resolved to put him up first, and to have a more ex- perienced minister to follow him. His brother, Rev. Granville
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Mansfield, who was present, related the circumstance, after the following manner :
"He rose up, calm and self-possessed, and read for a text, these words: 'Is it well with thee; is it well with the child; is it well with thy husband.' His solemn appeals, his soul stiring manner, and his conscience-dealing questions, put to the sinner about his spiritual health, soon caused a great excitement. Da- vid preached as long as he could be heard. I don't think he called for mourners. They came into the altar, of their own accord, and fell down, crying for mercy, till the space was filled -two of my older brothers, I believe, among the rest. I do not know that I ever saw a more powerful time. It seemed that heaven and earth were coming together. I could but look for the preacher that was to follow. He had thrown down his books, and was clapping his hands and rejoicing. There was no more preaching that day. Many professed religion during the day and night."
In the fall of 1832, a revival of great power pervaded the churches of which Mr. Mansfield was pastor. This was before protracted meetings came in vogue, and much of the preaching was done in private houses. Mr. Mansfield devoted himself to the work with great zeal. He preached from house to house, day and night: The revival continued a year, and the zealous young preacher baptized about 300 people. To Providence church, 110 souls were added, during the year. From some of the rude people, the carnest minister met with violent opposi- tion. "At the house of Simeon Shaw," says the venerable O. H. Morrow, "the wife of Sandy Spillman, and two daughters of William Doors, came forward for prayer. The husband and father of these women became enraged, and threatened violence to the person of the preacher, vowing, at the same time, that they would have their women out of the house, if they had to drag them out. Mr. Mansfield replied in a conciliatory manner, that the moon would be up presently, and then they would come out. After some other threats of violence, the men withdrew. Next night, at the house of John Spillman, the outlaws were still more violent in their threats. Knowing that the men were desperadoes, the friends of Mr. Mansfield were alarmed for his safety ; and some of them advised him to arm himself, for his defense. He replied : 'The weapons of our warfare are not
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carnal,' and added : 'I will pray for them.' The following night, while Mr. Mansfield was hitching his horse, Doors ap- proached him, and began to confess his sins, and to beg him to pray for him and Spillman. On his way to the house, he found Spillman on his knees, praying for mercy. Both of the men, the wife, and the two daughters, were baptized a few days after- wards."
Successful as was this zealons servant of God in winning souls to Christ, he did not neglect other duties of an enlightened minister. He warmly advocated education, Bible distribution and missions. In this work, as in preaching to sinners in the highways and hedges, he met with determined opposition, as the following incident will show: On one occasion he had an ap- pointment to preach at Woodsonville, in Hart county. One of the Antimission preachers had a previous appointment to preach there, at the same hour. When the latter came in, he merely bowed to Mr. Mansfield, and proceded to harangue the congre- gation. At the close of his discourse, he said to the people: What would become of you all if I were to leave you? You would all go to the dogs, or, what is worse, to the Missionaries. (Pointing directly at Mr. Mansfield, he continued :) There sits one now, who has come to spy out our liberties." Mr. Mans- field had no opportunity to reply.
This eminent servant of God was taken from the scenes of toil and contention, in the vigorous strength of mature manhood. He died of cholera, in the Summer of 1849. Just before his departure, his wife said to him : "Davy, what advice have you to give me?" He replied : "Live near the Lord." He mani- fested great anxiety for the welfare of his charges, praying : "Lord, have mercy on my churches, and send them a pastor who will be more faithful than I have been." His last words were: "In the broad ocean of thy love, I file my plea for mercy, O Lord!" His physician, Dr. R. Curd, said of him : "D. L. Mansfield died more like a christian philosopher than any other man I have ever seen die."
WILLIAM CHILDERS was raised up to the ministry in old San- dy Creek church in Butler county, and represented that body in Gasper River Associatien, as early as 1818. He was not or- dained to the ministry, however, till 1827, and even then, seemed to develop very slowly. During the revival of 1837, his zeal was
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aroused, and the church of which he was a member called him to its pastoral care. To this church he ministered twelve years, with good success. In 1838, he was called to succeed Joseph Taylor, at Point Pleasant, previously known as Midway, and subsequen- tly, as Monticello church, in Butler county. He served this church as pastor, nine years, during which time its membership increased, from 45, to 69. He was also pastor of Salem church, in the same county, for a brief period. He was advanced in years when he entered the ministry, but he did a good work, in a quiet, unostentatious way. He probably entered his rest, about 1848.
AMOS Russ was a valuable preacher. He was probably a na- tive of Butler county, and was the intimate associate of Alfred Taylor, in the days of their mutual youth. He was among the first fruits of the great revival of 1837, and was baptized into the fellowship of Sandy Creek church, in November of that year, by his early associate, Alfred Taylor. He was licensed to preach, in March, 1841, and was ordained in September, 1842. He was Clerk of his church, from 1840 till 1848. The year previous to the last named date, he succeeded William Childers as pastor of Monticello church, and served in that capacity one year. Subsequently he served the same church, one year at a time, at three different periods. At Sandy Creek, Rock Spring and Union churches, he served as supply, for brief periods. He was pastor of the last named, from 1860 to 1864. He appears not to have been adapted to the pastoral office. His most val- uable labors were those of a missionary, and in this position, he rendered useful service to the Master's cause. He died suddenly about 1864.
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