USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky Baptists : From 1769 to 1885, including more than 800 biographical sketches, Vol. II > Part 46
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In 1846, on motion of Wm. Morrison, the churches were requested to observe "a day of fasting, humiliation and pray- er," and to maintain " weekly prayer meetings as a means, under God, of preserving them in a thrifty state." The latter recommendation was repeated frequently, from year to year, with the additional request that especial prayer should be made for the success of their missionary. In 1847, the following item was recorded : "Took up the following query : 'Is it in accord- ance with the Christian character and the spirit of the gospe! for a professor of religion to retail spirituous liquors ?' We as an association, answer unanimously : It is not."
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In 1848, Richland church divided on the subject of Free- masonry. The matter was brought before the Association, and was discussed at much length. The following decision was finally rendered: "We do not know that belonging to the Free- masons, or any of the secret institutions, is a violation of the gos- pel, therefore, we do not declare non-fellowship for any breth- ren who may belong to such institutions, or may wish to do so." This did not altogether allay the disturbance. In 1850, there was a division in Friendship church, on the question, and the subject was again brought before the Association. The fol- lowing resolution offered by L. W. Bailey, was adopted without debate, by a vote of 30 to 28 : " Seeing that brethren's identi- tifying themselves with the Freemason Lodge produces unkind feelings among us, therefore, Resolvca, That we advise them to discontinue frequenting the Lodge, and endeavour to carry out the principles of charity, benevolence, fidelity and temperance, in and through the church of God." This was the last time the subject was brought before the body.
The subject of alien baptism was brought before the body, in 1854, by a query from Liberty church. The question was answered as follows: " We advise the churches in our Associa- tion not to receive any into their communion, who shall not have been baptized by a regularly ordained Baptist minister," When the subject. came before the body again, in 1873, it was,
" Resolved, That the reception of all such immersions is inexpedient and unscriptural."
This fraternity has made good progress, in numerical strength. In 1850, it numbered 27 churches with 1, 837 mem- bers; in 1860, 32 churches with 2,389 members, and, in 1868, 36 churches with 2,952 members. At the last named date, it dismissed 8 churches, aggregating 879 members, to go into the constitution of Henderson County Association. In 1870, the fraternity numbered 38 churches with 2, 206 members ; in 1880, 37 churches with 2,348 members and, in 1882, 39 churches with 2,941 members. From the time of its constitution, in 1836, to its meeting in 1883, there have been baptized for the fellowship of its churches 7,989 converts, exclusive of those baptized in 1840, of which we have no report. This is an ex- traordinary work, and will compare favorably with that of most associations in the State.
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There are, it is believed, no very old churches in this body. The oldest that have belonged to it, have gone to other associa- tions, under the heads of which some of them will be noticed.
WILLIAM MORRISON was among the fathers in this fratern- ity. He was born of Presbyterian parents at Aberdeen, Scotland, May 25, 1795. Having been well educated, he embarked for America, at the age of 23, and arrived at Philadelphia, in the fall of 1818. Here he found the Presbyterian General Assem- bly in session, Forming the acquaitance of Rev. N. H. Hall, of Kentucky, he was induced to accompany him to his home, and was employed by Mr. Hall as a clerk in a dry goods store at New Market in what is now Marion county. After two or three years, he established himself as a grocer, in Springfield, Washington county. Here, on the 7th of August, 1823, he was married to Elizabeth G. Seay, a lady of eminent virtues. In the fall of 1827, he closed up his business in Springfield, and moved to Union county, where he bought a farm and settled, about six miles from Uniontown, and near the same distance from Morganfield. In the following spring, he and his wife pro- fessed religion and united with the Presbyterian church at Mor- ganfield, he having been christened in the "Kirk o' Scotland," in his infancy. Soon after his union with Morganfield church, he was elected to a ruling eldership. He was zealous in public prayer and exhortation, and through the solicitation of his brethren, was preparing to attend the approaching meeting of the Presbytery, in order to be set apart to the ministry. Meanwhile, his wife had become convinced, by a close study of the subject, that infant baptism and affusion for baptism, were unscriptural. She now induced her husband to read that im- mortal work, Pengilly on Baptism. This raised so many doubts in his mind, that he declined to attend the Presbytery, and re- solved to thoroughly study the whole subject. He finally ar- rived at the conclusion, that nothing but the immersion of a true believer in Christ, is scriptural baptism.
On the the 19th of August, 1832, he and his wife were bap- tized into the fellowship of Highland Baptist church in Union county, by Wm. C. Buck, and, at the following church meet- ing, he was licensed to preach. On the resignation of Mr. Buck, Mr. Morrison was called to the pastoral care of Highland church, to which office he was ordained by Wm. C. Buck, Mar.
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16, 1834. This ordination caused some dissatisfaction, on ac- count of its having been performed by only one minister. The subject was brought before Highland Association, in 1834, and the following opinion was given: "This Associatlon is of opinion that although the act was in violation of the letter of the constitution of the Association, yet the Association deemed it prudent to acknowledge the ordination, while it hopes that Bro. Buck, the church at Highland, and all others concerned, will be more tenacious of this rule in future."
Mr. Morrison continued to serve Highland church, as pas- tor, from his ordination, till his death, a period of about 24 years. Under his ministry, it was exceedingly prosperous, and no less than six other churches have been constituted of its membership. Of these, Mr. Morrrison was directly instrumental in gathering Zion and Uniontown, in Union county, and Mt. Pleasant and Bethlehem, in Henderson. He was laborious also in the broad mission field beyond the bounds of his pastoral charge, and was the first missionary employed by Little Bethel Association. He continued to preach with untiring zeal and activity, till the Master called him from the field, to his rest, on the 24th of August, 1858. On a marble slab that marks his resting place are engraved the words : "a sinner saved by grace," placed there by his request.
Mr. Morrison's preaching talents were not above medium ; but they were supported by an undoubted piety, and used with consecrated diligence. He was greatly beloved, and implicitly trusted by the people among whom he labored, and his influence was extensive and salutary. His eminently godly and faithful wife is (1884) still lingering on the shore of time, and doing what she can to advance that cause to which she has been scarcely less useful than her husband. *
JOHN BRYCE was born of wealthy Scotch parents, in Gooch- land county, Va., May, 31, 1784. He was put to school early, and was thoroughly educated in the primary English branches, acquiring also some knowledge of the Greek and Latin lan- guages. He chose the profession of law, and entered upon its
practice, at about the age of 21 years. Being brought up strictly in the faith of his parents, who were Episcopalians,
*She has recently been called to her reward.
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he heartily dispised all dissenters and more especially the Bap- tists. It is probable that he never heard a Baptist sermon, be- fore he attained his majority. But about the time he came of age, he and a number of other gay, aristocratic young people attended a Baptist association, near his father's residence. Of this meeting, he gave the author the following account : " When we reached the place of meeting, there was an immense con- course of people assembled in the shade of the forest trees. , Three preachers were sitting on a temporary stand, erected for the occasion. As I had not gone to hear preaching, the first two men that spoke had very little of my attention. But when he third speaker arose, the first sentence he uttered riveted my attention. There was an easy, graceful elegance in his man- ner, a thrilling sweetness in his voice, and a solemn dignity and snblimity of eloquence in his diction and delivery, that I have never met with in any other man. The gospel of Christ flowed from his lips, a living power that penetrated my heart with an acuteness, sharper than a two-eged sword. When he closed his sermon, notwithstanding I was a member of the Episcopal church, I felt myself a lost and undone sinner."
The preacher here referred to, was the distinguished An- drew Broadus. Mr. Bryce soon afterwards obtained peace in Christ, and, despite the opposition of his aristocratic parents and friends, united with the Baptists. He began to warn sinners to repent, almost immediately after he was baptized, and was soon afterwards ordained to the ministry.
He did not give himself wholly to the ministry, for many years after his ordination. He practiced law in Richmond and Lynchburg, and was master in chancery under Chief Justice Mar- shall, several years. In 1810, he was chosen assistant pastor of the First Baptist church in Richmond, the venerable John Courtney being the pastor. This position he filled till 1822, ex- cept during a short period, in which Andrew Broadus occupied the place. During his residence at Richmond, he was president of the fire department of that city, several years, at a salary of $1,000 per annum. He was also chaplin in the army, one year, during the last war with Great Britain. In 1822, he accepted a call to the church at Fredericksburg, where he remained two years. He then accepted a call to the church at Alexandria, D.C., where he preached one year, and then returned to Fred-
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ericksburg. During his pastoral labors in his native State, he was one of the prime movers in the erection of Columbian Col- lege. He was also a prominent member of the American Colonization Society. At one time, he freed 40 of his own slaves, and sent them to Liberia, through this society.
In 1827 he moved to Georgetown, Ky., and engaged in the practice of law. During an exciting political contest, in 1832, he was induced to "take the stump," in favor of the Democratic party. As the campaign progressed, it grew more exciting, and the eloquent lawyer of Georgetown was led into the habit of drinking too freely. He was soon awakened to a sense of his guilt and shame, and, at once, abandoned the use of intoxicating drinks forever. But a remembrance of his shameful fall, and the reproach it brought on the cause of Christ, filled him with remorse, during the remainder of his days. He at once left Georgetown, and went to Crawfords- ville, Ia. Here he united with the "hardshell" Baptists. He remained at Crawfordsville, about ten years, representing his county in the State Legislature, at least one term. From Crawfordsville, he moved near Indianapolis, where he lived about two years.
In 1844, President Tyler appointed him Surveyor of the port at Shrievesport, Louisiana. This was pending the annex- ation of Texas to the United States; and Mr. Bryce is suppos- ed to have been Mr. Tyler's confidential agent, in that import- ant affair of State. The time he remained at Shrievesport, was, by far, the most useful period of his life, in the ministry. The duties of his office, which he held but a short period, required but a small portion of his time. The remainder of his time, he devoted very actively to the ministry. There probably was not a Baptist church, or another Baptist preacher, within two hun- dred miles of that town, and the rite of immersion had never been performed there. Mr. Bryce preached in the open air, when the weather would permit, and, at other times, like Paul at Rome, "in his own hired house." He was soon brought into controversy with Leonidas Polk, then Bishop of an Episcopal diocese, and since Major General in the Confederate Army, on the subject of baptism. Shortly after this, he constituted, in his room at a hotel, a church, consisting of himself, his wife and son, Dr. W. George, John Howell and one other person.
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Within a year the little church increased to 42 members, and before two years had expired, it built a large, commodious house of worship. Mr. Bryce did not confine his labors to the city, but, as if inspired with a new and irresistable zeal, he preached with wonderful power and success, throughout a large district of country, embraced in western Louisiana and eastern Texas. The people that sat in darkness saw a great light. The whole country appeared to be inundated by a holy relig- ious influence. Churches seemed to spring up as if by magic. Within the seven years that Mr. Bryce remained at Shrieves- port, about twenty churches were constituted and two associa- tions formed.
After his term of office, under appointment of the General Government, expired, Mr. Bryce was elected Mayor of Shrieves- port, the duties of which office he discharged with faithfulness, and to the satisfaction of the people.
In 1851, he returned to Kentucky, and located in Frank- fort. He was invited to the pastorate of the church at that place, but on account of an irreconcilable division of that body, he de- clined the invitation. In July of the next year, he moved to Henderson, Ky., and took charge of the church in that village. The relation between him and his people there was remarkably pleasant, and he continued to minister to them about ten years, when he resigned on account of the encroachments of old age. After this, he preached when his strength would permit, but his long and eventful life was drawing to a close. He died at Henderson, of congestion of the brain, July 22, 1854.
Mr. Bryce was a man of extraordinary gifts, and a liberal culture; but while he did much good in his generation, his ca- pacities were by no means used to the best advantage. His father left him a good estate, he acquired enough in the prac- tice of law, and in filling lucrative offices, to have made a hand- some fortune, and married wealthy four times, yet he squan- dered it all, and was reduced to poverty in his old age. He spent three-fourths of his life and strength in purely secular pursuits, when his inherited estates, properly husband- ed, would have enabled him to give his whole time and strength to his holy calling. Let young men emulate the vir- tues of this good and great man, and carefully avoid the mistakes that deprived the cause of Christ of so large a portion of his ex-
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traordinary powers. His fifth wife, with whom he lived 40 years, survived him a short time.
WILLIAM HATCHETT was in the constitution of Little Bethel Association. He was a native of Virginia, and began his ministry in Lunenburg county, in that State. He was licensed to preach, in 1817, and ordained, in 1821. In 1828, he emi- grated to Kentucky and settled in Henderson county. The next year, he succeeded John Dorris in the pastoral care of Grave Creek church. In this position he continued about 30 years, although he had the aid of an assistant pastor, a number of years before his death. In 1835, he withdrew from High- land Association, with his church, and, the following year, en- tered into the constitution of Little Bethel Association. He was a man of meek and gentle spirit, was greatly beloved by his people, and was a good plain, gospel preacher. He was called to his reward, in 1860. His son, Abraham Hatchett, is' a useful preacher in Henderson County Association.
TIMOTHY SISK was a native of North Carolina. He emi- grated to Kentucky with his parents, at an early period, and settled in Hopkins county. Here he united with Flat Creek, the oldest church in Hopkins county, it having been constituted in 1803. Mr. Sisk was licensed to preach, by this church, in 1819, where also he was soon afterwards ordained. As his church went into the constitution of Highland Association the same year he was licensed to preach, most of his ministry was spent in that fraternity. In 1835, he dissented from that body on account of its intolerance to missions, and, the next year, became identified with Little Bethel Association. But his con- nection with this fraternity was short. Before its first anniver- sary meeting, in 1837, he had gone to his final reward. He is said to have been a good, useful preacher.
GABRIEL SISK, a son of Elder Timothy Sisk, was a young preacher of excellent gifts. He was probably raised up to the ministry in old Flat Creek church, not far from 1843; but be- came identified with Sharon church, in what is now Webster county, in 1846. But his ministry was short. He was both preacher of the introductory sermon, and moderator of Little Bethel Association, in 1852. But before the next meeting of that body, the Lord had called him to give an account of his stewardship.
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JOHN WITHERS was a native of Union county, Ky. In the 24th year of his age, he professed conversion and united with Little Bethel church in his native county. In 1840, he was ordained to the the deaconship, and, in May of the next year, was licensed to preach. In May, 1842, he was ordained to the ministry, by Wm. Morrison, Joseph Board, and Joel E. Grace. In July of the same year, he ac- cepted the pastoral care of Little Bethel church, in which capac- ity he served about 13 years, when he resigned, in order to ride,as missionary of Little Bethel Association. The next year he resumed his old charge, where he continued to serve till the Master called him from his labors. In 1858, the church en- joyed a precious revival under his ministry, and about twenty were added to her number. From Little Bethel, he went to Vanderburg in what is now Webster county, to begin another meeting. Here he was taken ill, and, after a few days, passed to his final reward, Nov. 30, 1858. At the time of his death, he was pastor of four churches, as he had been during the greater part of his ministry. He was noted for his piety and faithfulness, and his ministry was much blessed. His son, S. B. Withers, is now in the ministry, and is said to be every way worthy of so godly a father.
RICHARD JONES was among the most prominent and useful preachers in Little Bethel Association, during his brief ministry. He united with Grave Creek church in Henderson county, in 1822. He was licensed to preach, in 1829, and was ordained to the ministry, in 1836. At the last named date, he entered into the constitution of Little Bethel Association, among the churches of which he was a zealous and effective laborer, for a number of years. In 1839, he was chosen to succeed Wm. Morrison as missionary of Little Bethel Association, at a salary of $300 a year. Heafterwards moved to Muhlenburg county and united with South Carrollton church. While living here, he was pas- tor of Beaver Dam, Nelson Creek and Pond Run churches, all in Gasper River Association. About 1850, he was appointed agent for the Indian Mission Association, a position he was oc- cupying at the time of his death. On his way to his association, in 1851, he was taken ill at the house of James Collier, in Muhl- enburg county, where, after a few days illness he departed this life on the IIth of October.
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JOSEPH BOARD was a member of Richland church in Hop- kins county, and an early minister in Little Bethel Association, which body he served as moderator, from 1842, to 1845. He appears to have been a preacher of fair gifts, and was regarded a good and useful man. It is regretted that more is not known of his life and labors. He was called to his reward, about 1871, at a ripe old age.
WILLIAM WHAYNE was also a good, zealous, preacher in this Association. His membership was at Bethel church in Henderson county, where he was an ordained minister, as carly as 1845. After laboring within the bounds of this Association, both as pastor and missionary, about ten years, he moved west, about 1854, where he has since died.
L. W. BAILEY was a preacher in Sharon church in what is now Webster county, as early as 1845, and was a zealous and useful laborer in Little Bethel Association, about twenty-five years. His preaching gifts were not great, but he used them diligently, and made them useful in the Master's cause. He was a good man, and was much esteemed by his brethren. The Lord called him to his inheritance, Aug. 19, 1870.
L. W. TALIAFERRO was licensed to preach, at Salem church in Hopkins county, as early as 1846, and was ordained to the min- istry, in 1847. For some time, he acted as colporteur for Union Baptist Bible Society, within the bounds of Little Bethel Asso- ciation. Of his subsequent labors, no definite information has been received. But he maintained a good christian character, and doubtless accomplished good in his generation. He left the shore of time, about 1873.
PRYOR S. LOVING was born of pious Baptist parents, in Hopkins Co., Ky., Oct. 13, 1818. At the age of twenty years, he obtained hope in Christ, under the ministry of Richard Jones, by whom he was baptized into the fellowship of Concord church in his native county. In 1841, he was licensed to preach, and was ordained, in the spring of 1844, by Gabriel Sisk and Joseph Board. He was an active and faithful laborer, principally among the churches of Little Bethel Association, about twenty- o.le years. Fair success attended his ministry, and he so lived as to win the confidence and affection of the people among whom he labored. The Lord was pleased to call him from his toils, in the prime of manhood, Jan. 19, 1865.
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WILLIAM McLEAN was born in Barren Co., Ky., Sept. 25, 1805. At an carly age, he moved lower down in the State, where he was married to Harriet Bourland, in Calloway county, April 16, 1832. He professed faith in Christ, and was baptized by T. . L Garrett, for the fellowship of Richland church in Hop- kins county, in July, 1841. After exercising in puplic prayer and exhortation some time, he was ordained to the ministry, July, 2, 1844. From that period till near the close of his life, there were few more faithful or useful preachers in that region of the State. His preaching gifts were by no means brilliant. But he was well versed in the Bible, and his preaching was sensible, practical and safe. He was an excellent singer, and an earnest, quiet and constant worker. His christian character was above reproach, and he had the full confidence of all who knew him. He was usually pastor of several churches, which he labored to build up. But in addition to this, he searched out the destitute places, talked to the people privately, as well as publicly, and encouraged the scattered brethren to organize churches, where it appeared prudent. His labors were so quiet and unpretend- ing, that others were often accredited with the work that he per- formed. He laid the foundation and others built thereon. He quietly prepared the materials and others put them together. The now prosperous church in Madisonville, where he spent his latter years, owes its existence to his labors, more than to those of any other man. He labored in the ministry about thirty-eight years, and then went to receive the reward of one who had turned many to righteousness. He died at the home of his son, in Johnson county, Ill. Oct. 4, 1882.
ROLAND GOOCH was long a prominent and useful member of Olive Branch church in Hopkins county, before he entered the ministry. He was licensed to preach, in 1863, and ordained the following year. His preaching talent was very moderate ; but he was a man of so much practical wisdom, of such exalted piety, and so consecrated a zeal and diligence, that perhaps no preacher in the Association accomplished more for the cause of Christ, during the brief period of his ministry. He was called to his home above, about 1873.
F. J. JESSOP was a native of Ireland, where he was raised up in the Episcopal church, and received a classical education. In his youth, he came to America for the purpose of joining
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Gen. John Morgan's calvalry, during the Civil War. At the close of the War, he located in Central Kentucky. In 1866, he professed conversion and was baptized by Wm. G. Hobbs, into the fellowship of Elk Creek church in Spencer county. He be- gan to pray in public before he was baptized, and was soon af- terwards ordained to the ministry. In 1868, he started to Missouri; but, on reaching Uuion county, he stopped and gave his membership to Highland church. Here he married and settled. During the remainder of his days, he labored among the churches of Little Bethel Association, and was held in high esteem by his brethren. He died in Morganfield, July 21, 1875.
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