Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. I, Part 82

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > Kentucky > Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. I > Part 82

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* Benedict, vol. 2, p. 231. Il Benedict. vol. 2. p. 233-4.

+ Ib., 241.

¿ Baptist Herald of 1914, p. 90.

( Benedict, vol. 2., p. 545. and Bap. Mem'l. Feb. 1846, p. 54.

** Baptist Memorial, ut supra, p. 55.

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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF

The depletion proved to be sanative. The increase of the Baptists since then nas been unprecedented. Disturbed by no serious discord, if we except the clamor raised against missionary and other benevolent efforts, they have been blessed with many remarkable instances of divine favor. In the next ten years they had doubled their numbers ! But it is not in this way alone that they have been the most blessed. They have been aroused to every good work. They have engaged, with considerable zeal, in the cause of missions, foreign and domestic. They have now a GENERAL ASSOCIATION, for the purpose of aiding weak churches, and of supplying the destitute portions of the state with the gospel. They have also a state society for foreign missions; and a state bible society for the circula- tion of the holy scriptures in all lands. The board of the American Indian mis- sion association is located in Louisville. They have a weekly newspaper and a monthly magazine published in the state. The subject of education, too, has engrossed a large share of their attention. The Georgetown college is under their patronage, and is one of the most respectable and flourishing literary insti- tutions in the West. The Western Theological institute of the Baptists is situa- ted in Covington. We have not the means of arriving at the precise number of Baptists now (March 1847), in the state; but there are in the General Union, 42 associations, 685 churches, and at least 65,000 members. To these add the 7.085 anti-missionary Baptists, many of whom claim to be United Baptists, and differ from the great body of their brethren only in relation to the propriety of missionary and kindred institutions, and we have the present grand total of the Baptists in Kentucky, 72,085 members, which we are sure falls under the actual number. The proportion of the Baptists to the population of the state may safely be set down at one to eleven. Thus it will be seen that the Baptists have steadily and rapidly increased-that they have come triumphantly through every trial. Hitherto hath the Lord helped them.

In looking over the list of the early Baptist ministers, the pioneers of the gos- pel in our state, we cannot choose one for a biographical sketch, agreeably to the suggestion of the compiler of this work. Out of a host equally deserving, it would be invidious to make a selection. Besides, the brief space that remains for us, would not allow of justice to any one of them. We will therefore let it suffice to submit some characteristic anecdotes and sketches of several of them.

WILLIAM HICKMAN, as the first preacher in Kentucky, claims of course, the first attention. He commenced his ministry in this state. Then he returned to Virginia, and for several years labored there with great success. In 1784, he be- came a permanent resident in the state. Here he encountered peculiar trials. The country was sparsely populated, while tribes of wandering savages were continually making depredations on the property and lives of the settlers. But Mr. Hickman was not silent because of danger. He traveled extensively. and even in the most distant and exposed settlements, and at the peril of his life, bore the tidings of salvation. Elder John Taylor said of him in 1822, " Though now about 76 years of age, he walks and stands erect as a palm tree, being at least six feet high, and of rather slender form. His whole deportment is solemn and grave, and is much like Caleb, the servant of the Lord, who at fourscore years of age was as capable to render service in war, as when young. This veteran can yet perform a good part in the gospel vineyard. His style of preaching is plain and solemn, and the sound of it like thunder in the distance ; but when he becomes animated, it is like thunder at home, and operates with prodigious force on the consciences of his hearers." He was pastor a number of years to the church at the " Forks of Elkhorn." He baptised, it is thought, as many persons as any minister that ever labored in the state.

LEWIS CRAIG was the founder of the first worshipping congregation in Ken- tucky. He had been a valiant champion of the cause in Virginia. He was sev- eral times imprisoned in that state for preaching the gospel. The first time, he was arrested in company with several other ministers. The prosecuting attorney represented them to be a great annoyance to the county by their zeal as preachers. " May it please your worships," said he, " they cannot meet a man upon the road, but they must ram a text of scripture down his throat." As they passed on to prison, through the streets of Fredericksburgh, they united in singing the lines,

" Broad is the road that leads to death," &c.

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THE BAPTIST CHURCH.

They remained in prison one month, and while there, Mr.C. preached through the grate to large crowds, and was the means of doing much good. Once after this, he was imprisoned three months. Mr. Taylor says of him, "He was in the gospel ministry near sixty years, and was about eighty-seven when he gave up the ghost. As an expositor of scripture, he was not very skillful, but dealt closely with the heart. He was better acquainted with men than with books. He never dwelt much on doctrine, but most on experimental and practical godliness. Though he was not called a great preacher, perhaps there was never found in Kentucky so great a gift of exhortation as in Lewis Craig : the sound of his voice would make men tremble and rejoice. The first time I heard him preach, I seemed to hear the sound of his voice for many months. He was of middle stature, rather stoop shouldered, his hair black, thick set and somewhat curled, a pleasant coun- tenance, free spoken, and his company very interesting ; a great peace-maker among contending parties. He died suddenly, of which he was forewarned, saying, I am going to such a house to die ; and with solemn joy he went on to the house, and with little pain, left the world."

JOHN TAYLOR was well qualified to labor as a pioneer, having learned by pre- vious hazards in Virginia, to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. When first settled in Kentucky, he itinerated for ten years with much credit to himself, and profit to the cause. He had a fine constitution and much bodily strength ; was as bold as a lion, yet meek as a lamb. In preaching, he attempted nothing but scriptural plainness. The weapons of his warfare were wielded with much power. No man knew better than he, how to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. with all long suffering and doctrine. When he used the rod of correction. all were made to tremble. He was very efficient as a preacher. His judicious zeal, strong faith, and remarkable industry, qualified him to be useful to many souls. He was always cheerful, yet solemn, and willing to preach when reques- ted. His whole demeanor, at home and abroad, was uniformly Christian-like The labors of his ministry extended from the Kentucky to the Ohio river. It was his custom to visit six or eight associations every year. His great skill in discipline and faithfulness in preaching endeared him to all the followers of Christ. He lived to see his children and his children's children rise up and call him blessed. He died in his 82d year .*

JOHN GANO settled in Kentucky in 1788. He was one of the most eminent ministers in his day. He was a native of New Jersey. He spent many years as an itinerant, traveling over the United States, from New England to Georgia. He was pastor for about twenty-five years in the city of New York, and his la- bors were greatly blessed. During the revolutionary war, he was chaplain to the army, and by his counsels and prayers greatly encouraged the American soldiery in those times of peril which tried men's souls. Many interesting anecdotes are related of him, several of which we will quote from Benedict. One morning, while in the army and on his way to pray with the regiment, he passed by a group of officers, one of whom (who had his back towards him) was uttering his profane expressions in a most rapid manner. The officers, one after another, gave him the usual salutation. "Good morning, Doctor," said the swearing Lieutenant. " Good morning, sir," replied the chaplain ; "you pray early this morning." "I beg your pardon, sir." "O, I cannot pardon you : carry your case to your God."

One day he was standing near some soldiers who were disputing whose turn it was to cut some wood for the fire. One profanely said, he would be d-d if he cut it. But he was soon afterwards convinced that the task belonged to him, and took up the axe to perform it. Before, however, he could commence. Mr. Gano stepped up and asked for the axe. "O! no," said the soldier, "the chaplain shan't cut wood." " Yes," replied Mr. Gano, " I must." "But why ?" asked the soldier. " The reason is," answered Mr. G., "I just heard you say that you would be d-d if you cut it, and I had much rather take the labor off your hands, than that you should be made miserable forever."

While he resided in New York, he was introduced to a young lady as the

*Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers, p. 220.

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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF

daughter of a very prominent citizen. "Ah !" replied he. "and I can tell a good match for her, and he is an only son." The young lady understood his meaning ; she was, not long after, united to this Son, and has, for about forty years, been an ornament to his cause.

Dr. Furman, of Charleston, S. C., who knew him intimately, says : "As a minister of Christ, he shone like a star of the first magnitude in the American churches, and moved in a widely extended field of action. For this office, God had endowed him with a large portion of grace, and with excellent gifts. He believed. and therefore spake." Having discerned the excellence of gospel truths, and the importance of eternal realities, he felt their power on his own soul, and accordingly he inculcated and urged them on the minds of his hearers with per- suasive eloquence and force. He was not deficient in doctrinal discussion 'or what rhetoricians style the demonstrative character of a discourse; but he ex- celled in the pathetic-in pungent, forcible addresses to the heart and conscience. The careless and irreverent were suddenly arrested, and stood awed before him, and the insensible were made to feel. * * * * He lived to a good old age ; served his generation according to the will of God ; saw his posterity multiply- ing around him ; his country independent, free, and happy ; the church of Christ, for which he felt and labored, advancing; and thus he closed his eyes in peace ; his heart expanding with the sublime hope of immortality and heavenly bliss. Like John, the harbinger of our Redeemer, "he was a burning and a shining light, and many rejoiced in his light." Resembling the sun, he arose in the church with morning brightness, advanced regularly to his station of meridian splendor, and then gently declined with mild effulgence, till he disappeared, without a cloud to intercept his rays, or obscure his glory."

Such were some of the early ministers of Kentucky. They are but examples of the dispositions, and talents, and high moral worth of their companions and compeers, a sketch of whom we must omit, and who aided these to unfurl the ban- ner of the cross in the valley of the Kentucky, and to maintain it against every danger and privation. The Christians of this State may as proudly refer to their ancestors, in all that is noble and elevating in man, as may the politician. If theirs were mighty in battle and wise in counsel, ours were no less so, and in a nobler sense, because in a higher and holier enterprise.

The foregoing Sketch of the Baptist Church was written for the original edi- tion of this work, in 1847, by the late Rev. John L. Waller, D.D. We prefer to re-print it without alteration.

The following table shows the steady growth and prosperity of the United Baptist church in Kentucky, during the eighty years, from 1790 to 1870:

Years. Associations.

Churches.

Ordained Ministers.

Baptisms during one year previous.

Whole No. of Members.

1790 3.

3,105

1812.

285

183.

22,694

1832

484

236

34,124

1840

about 42,000

1847. 42.

685

65,000

1850. 40.

713.

354.

3,835

62,589

1860. 40.

845.

372

5,136

81.262

1870 47.

1,023 597

8,500.

115,034

Of the members reported in 1870, 85,637 are whites and 29,387 colored. Soon after the slaves were set free by the operation of the amendment to the Constitution of the United States, they very generally withdrew from the white churches and organized churches of their own. They have a General Association, which held its third anniversary in August, 1871; and then in- cluded 67 churches, and over 24,000 members, and reported over 1700 bap- tisms during the year previous. A good many churches of colored communi- cants have not yet come into this General Association, and some colored per sons still retain their membership in the old churches.

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THE BAPTIST CHURCH.

The denomination in Kentucky remained undivided during the civil war, and was never in a more healthy condition or increasing more steadily in members and influence than in January, 1872. It will be seen that the membership growth of the church, however, has not quite kept pace with the population. In 1790 there was one Baptist to about every 23 inhabitants, in 1812 and 1832 about one in twenty, in 1840 a little more than one in eighteen, in 1850 one to less than sixteen inhabitants, in 1860 one to a little over fourteen, and in 1870 not quite one to every twelve. It should be remem- bered, however, that this does not include the anti-missionary Baptists, nor that large and influential denomination which went out from the Baptists since 1832, known formerly as the "Reformation," and now as the Christian.

It appears from the census report of 1860, gathered by the marshals, that at that time there were 788 Baptist churches in the state, (not counting those where a church building was used in connection with other denominations, and therefore called " Union,") and in the whole United States, 12,150. That the aggregate accommodations for worshipers, or sittings, in Baptist churches was 267,860 in Kentucky, and in the United States 4,044,218. That the aggregate valuation of these 788 churches was 8880,530, and that of all the Baptist churches in the United States $21,079,114. It further appears that in the total number of churches, and of church sittings or accommodations for hearers, and in the aggregate value of church property, in Kentucky, the Baptists lead all other denominations. The census returns for 1870 are not yet (Jan., 1872) published, but there is probably no change in the relative strength of the church, in the particulars just named.

There are two flourishing colleges sustained by the denomination in Kentucky; one at Georgetown, with an endowment and property value of $250,000, an able faculty with Rev. Bazil Manly, D.D., as president, over 100 students, and a Theological department; the other at Russellville, with Rev. J. K. Davis, D.D., as president, an endowment and property of $200,000, about 100 students, and with a Theological department also. There are four or five academies and some fifteen female seminaries, supported by the Baptists in different parts of the State. In periodical literature, they have a weekly paper, "The Western Recorder," with a circulation of some 6,000, and a monthly-both edited and published by Messrs. Worrell & Caperton, at Louisville, Ky.

Of the "Liberal Baptists " or "General Baptists," there are three associa- tions in Kentucky-the Cumberland, which in 1868. reported 348 members, the Union reporting 612 members, and from the third there was no report. These generally agree with the "Free-will Baptists," who are Armenians in theology, and open-communionists, while the United or Regular Baptists are Calvinists and close-communionists.

The " Baptist Orphans' Home," in Louisville, was established in June, 1869. It appealed so touchingly to the generosity of the denomination, that already a building has been erected, large enough to accommodate SO children, and furnished in the best manner. Up to Nov. 1871, 76 orphan children had been admitted, of whom some were adopted into Christian families; others found good homes. There remained 46, all well cared for, in food, clothing, education, and religious instruction. The cost of sustaining the "Home " is $500 per month, or $6,000 per year-or $130 per child. One Baptist lady donated the lot, 200 feet square, and $5,000 cash; and two other ladies 82,500 each, and others contributed $10,000 more, toward the building. Like Chris- tian liberality will make this one of the best sustained and most useful, as it is one of the noblest charities in the State.

Rev. JOHN LIGHTFOOT WALLER, LL. D., was born in Woodford county, Ky., Nov. 23, 1809, and died in Louisville, Oet. 10, 1854. His education was obtained mainly at home. At the age of 19, and for seven years, from 1828 to 1835, he taught school in Jessamine county. He then became editor of the "Baptist Banner," at Shelbyville; and when the " Baptist," of Nashville,

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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF

Tenn., and the "Western Pioneer," of Alton, Ill., were merged in it, and the name changed to " Baptist Banner and Western Pioneer," he continued the editor, in conjunction with the Rev. Drs. Howell and Peck. He was ordained to the ministry in 1840; resigned his editorship in 1841, to accept the general agency of the Kentucky Baptist general association; succeeded his father in 1843, as pastor of the Glen's Creek church, for nine years. In 1845 he commenced the publication of the " Western Baptist Review," monthly, which he continued until his death -changing the title in 1849 to the "Christian Repository," and in 1850 resuming his editorial charge of the "Banner and Pioneer." He was instrumental in organizing the Bible Revision Association, with headquarters at Louisville-in which the Baptists in the southern and south-western states united. In 1852, the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by Madison University. In 1849-his only opportunity for poli- tical or state position or office, as the state constitution prohibited minis- ters of the gospel from a seat in the legislature, etc .-- he was a candidate in Woodford county, for the convention to revise or reform the State consti- tution, and elected by 219 majority over Thomas F. Marshall, the popular orator, who espoused the gradual emancipation side. Dr. Waller was famous and popular as a controversialist. In 1842-3, he held public debates on baptism, with Rev. Nathan L. Rice, D.D., one at Georgetown and the other at Nicholasville; with Rev. John T. Hendrick, D.D., at Flemingsburg, and at Maysville, with Rev. Robert C. Grundy, D.D. He subsequently debated on Universalism, at Warsaw, Ky., with Rev. E. M. Pingree, of Cincinnati; this debate had a fine influence on the community. He also published several controversial works-one on "Communion," and another on "Campbellism," and left the manuscript of a history of the Baptist Church in Kentucky, but it has never been published.

Rev. DUNCAN R. CAMPBELL, D.D., LL.D., was by birth a Scotchman, of eminently pious parentage; and educated at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, spending four years at each. He was first settled over a Presbyterian congregation in London, where his labors were greatly blessed. About 1845, he came to the United States on a visit; and soon after joined the Baptist Church, and was baptized by the Rev. J. B. Jeter, D.D., of Richmond. Va. He preached and taught school for several years in Mississippi; then became pastor of the Baptist church in Frankfort, Ky., and afterward, for several years, was professor of Hebrew in the Western Baptist Theological Seminary at Covington. In 1852, he was called to the presidency of George- town college, which position he filled most honorably and acceptably until his death in July, 1864-aged 47. By his untiring energy, extraordinary business tact, and popular manners, he raised a large endowment-placing the institu- tion upon a solid basis financially, and making it more than ever worthy of confidence and support. Dr. Campbell's remarkable exertions were too great a strain upon him, and prematurely sapped his powerful physical constitution. Few men have possessed the singular combination of talent that made him so eminent as a scholar, college president, and preacher of the gospel.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

THE religious denomination earliest and most generally called " Christian," throughout the United States (except in the middle West)-although it grew rapidly and took a prominent and somewhat important part, in the religious discussions and dissensions in Kentucky, in the early part of this century- had, in 1874, scarcely a foothold in the state. It still has considerable strength and influence in southern Ohio, with Antioch college as its educational cen- ter. In 1859, it had more than 60 conferences in the United States and Canada, about 1,500 ministers and 250,000 communicants. Without intend- ing the slightest disrespect, it may be proper to state that, in Ohio, where they extensively co-exist, this body is familiarly called "New Light Chris- tians," to distinguish it from the more recent and more flourishing denomin- ation familiarly called " Campbellite Christians," or " Campbellites," out of. respect to the ablest and boldest expounder of their views. It is of the latter denomination that this sketch is designed to preserve some account-which, in its rise, was called "Reformed Baptist," or " Reformed," but in northern Kentucky now prefers to be called " The Christian Church," and, in southern and southwestern Kentucky, " The Church of the Disciples of Christ."

The Author feels it due to himself to say that he has applied in vain to one editor, to several of the leading and most esteemed ministers, and to a num- ber of intelligent laymen, for information of the church in Kentucky, its present strength and comparative growth. The very independence of the individual churches seems to be the secret of this general ignorance of the number of their ministers, churches, and communicants. There is no such co-operative system as, in most other churches, brings together the statistics of the church-and thus gives to the world the most unmistakable evidence of strength and power.

[The following was written in Dec., 1816, by Elder James Shannon :]

At a general meeting of the Christian Churches in Kentucky, held in May, 1844, at Harrodsburg, an agent was appointed to visit the churches and gather its statistics. He made this report :

"I find in the state 380 congregations, with an aggregate number of 33,830 members ; average number 83 and a fraction.

"Number of additions reported for twelve months prior to receiving the report from each church, 3,678 : number since reported, 206 ; total number of additions reported, 3,884. It must be remarked, however, that these additions go back as far as June 1st, 1843 ; yet, as the report is for 12 months prior to collecting the items from each church, my returns, with the exception of the 206, show but the increase for one year. It must also be remarked, that many of the churches report no increase at all, owing mainly to the fact, that the information was collected from individuals unacquainted with this item. I have no doubt, could the in- crease have been obtained from all the churches, it would exceed four thousand.

" Number of elders reported, 666 ; number of deacons, 676 ; number of preach- ers, evangelist and local, 195.

" Of the 380 churches, 163 meet for worship every Lord's day ; and, in many places, three times on Lord's day, and several times through the week ; 68 meet semi-monthly, 6 tri-monthly, 92 monthly, and 51 did not report this item. A large majority of those that meet monthly and semi-monthly, would meet every Lord's day, but are prevented in consequence of holding houses of worship in partnership with others.

"I deem it important to state, that 136 of these churches have been organized within the last four and a half years."

As the average time that has elapsed, since the foregoing information was col- lected, exceeds two years, a moderate estimate of the increase to the present

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date (Dec. 1846), will give an aggregate number of 41,186. This calculation is based upon the hypothesis, that the annual increase for the last two years has barely equalled the ascertained increase for twelve months prior to the collection of the statistics embodied in the report. It is confidently believed that this esti- mate falls considerably below the truth.

The churches aforesaid are unanimous in repudiating human creeds and un- scriptural names ; believing that the Bible is ordained of God to be the only authoritative, as it is the only infallible rule of faith and practice; and that all unscriptural names, and all ecclesiastical organizations, not established by the inspired Apostles, are unlawful, and, in their very nature, sectarian and divisive.

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Collins historical sketches of Kentucky. History of Kentucky: Vol. I, Part 82

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn Publication date: 1874 Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Collins, Lewis, 1797-1870. cn; Collins, Richard H., 1824-1889. cn
Publication date: 1874
Publisher: Covington, Ky., Collins & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452