USA > Kentucky > Golden jubilee of the general association of Colored Baptists in Kentucky : the story of 50 years' work from 1865-1915 including many photos and sketches, compiled from unpublished manuscripts and other sources > Part 13
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THOMAS JEWEL SMITH
Was born in Ballard County, Ky., Sept. 20, 1871. After finishing the common schools, he entered the State Normal at Frankfort, Ky., and finished the Normal Course. He took a special course at the In- diana University. He taught in the rural schools in Ballard and Carlisle counties for several years and
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then was elected to the principalship of the Ver- sailles High School, which position he has held for 17 years. He has held many teachers' institutes and was Historian of the State Teachers' Association for 10 years and Secretary of the Central Kentucky Principals' Union during the seven years of its ex- istence. He is the author of the "Boy Problem." Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons, Pyth- ians and Odd Fellows. He was ten years Grand Secretary of the Odd Fellows in Kentucky and two years the Grand Master. He was eight years Notary Public in Woodford county. In 1898 he was mar- ried to Miss Emma T. Winn.
He united with the First Baptist church, Ver- sailles, Ky., under the pastorate of the Rev. C. Smothers; was licensed to preach in 1903 and or- dained in 1908. In 1909, he was called to the pas- torate of the Baptist church at Centerville, Ky., and in 1912 to the Zion Baptist church, Paris, Ky. Dur- ing his present pastorate he has added about 50 members to the church and greatly reduced the orig- inal debt on the building.
REV. JAMES RAY
Was born August 14, 1859. The Sharpsburg Bap- tist Church, of which he is pastor, was organized October, 1869, by Revs. Natas and Elisha Green.
CONSOLIDATED BAPTIST CHURCH
Lexington, Ky., July 13, 1915. (A brief sketch of the history of Consolidated Bap- tist Church, Lexington, Kentucky.)
In the year of 1885, a branch or small body of members from the First Baptist Church, Lexington,
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under the leadership of Rev. S. P. Young, with a council organized that was known as the "ROSE STREET CHURCH." But, seven years later, the Rose Street Church had a split and in the year of 1892 the split from the Rose Street Church was or- ganized by Rev. Alfred Britton and called the Mace- donia Baptist Church. This body located on Wins- low street, near South Limestone street.
Four years later, in 1896, the Rose Street and Macedonia Churches met together and agreed to consolidate. Under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Hopewell they chose, after the consolidation, to be named after the Consolidated District Educational Association, hence the present "Consolidated Bap- tist Church," located on Winslow street, near South Limestone street, and after a few years' rapid growth the Rev. Robert Jackson took charge of the pastor- ate and led them to great success, for it was un- der his pastoral care and labor that they bought and paid for the valuable piece of property which they now own.
At present this church ranks foremost with the Baptist churches of the city, having a membership of about four hundred (400.) .
Note her success in the past nine (9) months under the pastoral care of Rev. T. W. H. Gibson.
Received by baptism - ....
28
By watch-care 16
Restored 8
Total
52
Rev. T. W. H. Gibson, Pastor.
Anderson Wade, Clerk.
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REV. J. W. GIBSON
Was born September 22, 1882, in Henderson Co., Kentucky, twelve miles from Henderson, Ky. Was converted in the year of 1897, and baptized into the fellowship of Lick Creek Baptist Church by Rev. C. H. Rabbs. Served as Superintendent of Sunday School of said church for ten years; deacon for two. Entered the ministry in 1907. His first call was to the First Baptist Church, Irvington, Ky., in 1908; pastored one year. Second call to the Cloverport and Maceo Baptist churches, in 1909, and served same until 1913, when called to the Portland Baptist church, Louisville, Ky., where he now pastors. Bap- tized 141 persons ; conducted a number of successful revivals, in which many were converted. Member of Executive Board of General Association of Ken- tucky Baptists. Student, State University, since 1908.
PORTLAND BAPTIST CHURCH, LOUISVILLE, KY.
Was organized soon after freedom by a small band of Baptists ; William Gohiggin as leader, Amos Dorsey, Ann Jones, Millie Winn, Ellen Thrift, An- nie Young, Nancy Brown, and a few others were the first members. The first meeting was held in Cutley Alley, between 33rd and 34th streets. The first pastor was Lee Smith. The following have pastored the church. Revs. Ewards, Charlie Wil- liams, who was pastor when purchase of the first lot on Missouri Avenue, between 37th and 38th streets. Built a church, which was washed off foundation in 1884. Rev. C. Williams was then pastor ; then fol-
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lowed Revs. J. M. Buckner, M. C. Finley, M. C. Rid- ley, Sturms, J. Williams. Jackson Riley took charge and bought a lot on Missouri avenue between 33rd and 34th, and built a church. Rev. T. Faulkner and Rev. E. W. Reed pastored while they remained here. Then Rev. E. W. Reed, during his pastorate moved the church on Lytle between 27th and 29th streets. They built a new house; he was pastor for about fifteen years.
Rev. E. T. Offutt took charge after Rev. E. W. Reed, repaired and beautified the building ; pastored two years. The present pastor took charge two years ago. The old lot was sold on the North side of Lytle St. A lot on the South side of Lytle was bought, 170 feet front, where the old church was moved, looking forward to building a new brick church some day.
THE ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, GEORGE- TOWN, KY.
Came out from the First Baptist Church, George- town, Ky., under R. F. Huffman, October, 1878. It was organized by Revs. Rhodes, Hines, John Mor- gan and R. F. Huffman. The following have served the church : Revs. R. F. Huffman, D. W. Seals, W. J. M. Price, James Miller, E. W. Hawthorne, H. C. Baker and T. H. Smith. The present building was erected during the administration of Rev. D. W. Seals, 1897.
REV. HENRY BUTON ORNDOFF.
Born in Logan Co., Ky. Attended school in Rus- sellville, Ky. Converted, 1884. Pastored 7 church-
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es; erected 3, and baptized 500 persons. Rev. Orn- doff is pastoring the Baptist church at Madisonville, Ky.
REV. J. W. LEWIS.
Was born in Shelby County, Ky., May 31, 1845. Enlisted in the Civil War, 1865. Converted, 1874, and joined the Baptist church at Bridgeport, Ander- son county, Ky. Ordained, 1875. Attended the pub- lic school at Camp Nelson. Pastored six churches; has been the means of conversion of 2,000 souls. Rev. Lewis is pastoring the Centennial Olivet Baptist church, Louisville, of which he has been the pastor for 31 years.
PROF. HARVEY CLARENCE RUSSELL.
Was baptized by Rev. S. Mack at Bloomfield, Ky., and has been a member of the church 17 years. . He is Normal Instructor in the city schools of Lou- isville; State Secretary U. B. F. Grand Lodge; a graduate of Eckstein-Norton Institute, and student at Chicago and Miami University.
REV. G. W. WARD, B.D., D.D.
Was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky. At- tended school at State University, Louisville. Car- penter by trade. Converted, 1871 ; baptized by Rev. Sneethen. Ordained, July 19, 1875, at the Green St. Baptist Church. Pastored six churches, bought one, and baptized about 1,500 persons. The Bear- grass Church, Louisville, of which Rev. Ward is
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pastor, was organized in 1880, by Rev. E. P. Marrs, D.D., who served this congregation for thirty years. The church has had only two pastors. After Rev. Marrs' death, Rev. Ward was called to this church and has been serving four years. The church is in good condition, and 150 have been added by baptism since Rev. Ward has been pastoring.
MR. H. E. HALL
President Mammoth Life and Accident Ins. Co.
Was born in Henderson, Ky. He received his preliminary education in the public school in Hen- derson, after which he attended the Hampton Nor- mal Institute of Hampton, Va. He taught school in the county of Henderson three years, and in early manhood showed a decided business acumen. He gave up teaching for the purpose of taking the agen- cy for the Benevolent Insurance Co., of Virginia, which company made him manager of the business in Kentucky. His success manifested unmistakable signs of his becoming a leader for the Negro race in the insurance field. His business sagacity as President and Manager of the Benevolent organiza- tion brought about a consolidation of the Atlanta Mutual. As before, the business of the Consolidated companies continued to grow and prosper under his direction, until Kentucky was the best State in which the Atlanta Mutual was operated. When the business of the Atlanta Mutual in Kentucky was taken over by the Standard Life Insurance Co., he still remained in charge of the three departments, Ordinary, Industrial Life, and Health and Accident departments of the Standard Life. After the Acci-
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dent department was forced to withdraw from Ken- tucky, he immediately began to organize the present home company, The Mammoth Life and Accident Insurance Company, which is destined to be one of the greatest Negro companies in the country.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST COLORED BAP- TIST CHURCH, OF LEXINGTON, KY. Organized in 1791. BROTHER CAPTAIN, ITS FOUNDER. (By A. C. Quisenberry.)
The first independent colored Baptist Church ever organized in Kentucky was what is now called the "First Colored Baptist Church," situated at the corner of Short and Deweese Streets, in Lexington, Ky. The exact date of its organization is not known, as the church kept no records in its early years, but it was probably instituted, in an irregular way, about the year 1790. It was gathered by a colored man who had no other name than "Captain," and who was known to everybody white and colored, as "Brother Captain," or "Old Captain."
Brother Captain was born in Carolina County, Virginia, in 1733, the slave of a gentleman named Durrett. In 1758 he was converted, baptized and re- ceived into membership of a white Baptist Church near his home, and he immediately began to exhort among the people of his own race from house to house. He was taken to Kentucky as a slave in 1785, and was one of the "Charter Members" of a small white Baptist Church which was constituted
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as "Head of Boone's Creek Church," in Fayette County. A few years later this little church dis- solved, and then Brother Captain hired the time of himself and his wife from his owner and settled in Lexington.
Mr. John Maxwell, one of the pioneers of Lex- ington, gave Brother Captain a building site, helped him to erect a cabin upon it, and was his kind and generous friend as long as they both did live. Brother Captain immediately began to hold meet- ings in his little house, and soon had made quite a number of converts. These desired to be baptized by him, but he at first declined to perform the rite, because he had not been ordained as a minister of the gospel; but he finally went to a meeting of the South Kentucky Baptist Association, accompanied by fifty of his converts, and applied for ordination. "The fathers and brethren, after having taken the matter into consideration, did not consider it proper to ordain him in form; but, being fully informed of his character and labors, they gave him the right hand of Christian affection, and directed him to go on in the name of their common 'Master.'"
The giving him the right hand of fellowship and directing him to go on in the name of the Master was considered by Brother Captain as a sufficient ordination ; or, at least, as sufficient as one could be given to a colored man at that time ; so he began to examine such penitents as applied to him, and, if satisfied of their conversion, he baptized them. It is not known that he was ever regularly ordained. These converts were constituted into the first col- ored Church that was ever organized in Kentucky. They met at first, and for some years, from house
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to house, and had no regular Church building in which to meet until 1801 when they erected one in Lexington.
Although Brother Captain appears to have con- sidered that he was sufficiently ordained, it seems that his white brethren did not think so, for the South Kentucky Baptist Association, at its meeting, held in 1801, passed the following order: "Brother Captain, a black man, who was a member of our Society, and who is now preaching and baptizing without having been ordained, is advised to join some convenient Church, together with those he has baptized."
He continued to watch over the Church he had gathered-"The First African Baptist Church," of Lexington-and to labor in the gospel until his strength failed. He died in his little cabin, near Lex- ington, in the summer of 1823, at the ripe old age of ninety years. As the first colored man who ever labored as a minister of the Gospel in Kentucky, the colored people of the State, regardless of creed, or denomination, owe to themselves and to him to erect in Lexington a monument to his memory, even though it be not a costly one.
Brother Captain built the First African Baptist Church up to a membership of more than three hundred. After his death he was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. London Ferrill, a remarkable col- ored man, who took regular charge of the Church in 1824, and served it until his death in 1854. Un- der his care its membership increased to more than eighteen hundred, making it the largest Church con- gregation in Kentucky.
London Ferrill was born a slave in Hanover Co., Virginia, about 1789, and he was the grandson of
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an African King. Although he was without scho- lastic training, yet Rev. William Pratt said of him : "He had the manner and authority of command, and was the most thorough disciplinarian I ever saw. He was respected by the whole white population of Lexington, and his influence was more potent to keep order among the black's than the police force of the City." He was in every way a very remark- able man, who is, no doubt, well remembered by many of the older people of Lexington.
Rev. Frederick Braxton succeeded the Rev. Lon- don Ferrill. He served the church for about nine years. Many of these years, peace and prosperity attended the church, but his administration ultimate- ly resulted in the organization of the Main Street Baptist Church.
After him came Rev. James Monroe of Frank- fort, Ky., who served this people about eleven years, baptizing a large number into the fellowship of the church, of whom many are now living rendering great service to the kingdom of God.
He died full of good works, honored and beloved. Then the church called Rev. J. F. Thomas of Bowl- ing Green, Ky., who labored faithfully in word and doctrine for about five years. The church grew very signally under his pastorate, and many speak of the work of those days.
After his retirement came Dr. Wm. J. Simmons, who served the church one year, after which he was elected president of the State University, at Louis- ville, Ky. During his administration the church took on new life in many respects, to the gratification of the membership.
Then came Rev. S. P. Young, D.D., who served the church for twenty odd years; many, under his
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preaching, were brought to Christ, and stand today as monuments in the church of Jesus Christ.
On his resignation, the church called Rev. S. E. Smith, D.D., of Owensboro, Ky., who repaired the church and otherwise improved it in many ways. He was honored and beloved by a large number of many of the strongest members of the church.
Following him came Rev. J. W. Hawkins, D.D., of Paducah, Ky., who lived only a short time, but did a splendid work for the Master during that time.
Then came Rev. W. Augustus Jones, D.D., of Louisville, Ky., who after serving the church ac- ceptably for nearly six years, resigned to take charge of the Mt. Zion Baptist church, Knoxville, Tenn.
The church then extended a call to Rev. Robert Mitchell, A.M., D.D., of Bowling Green, Ky., who is doing a grand work for the old First Baptist Church.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY.
"The Calvary Baptist Church, near York on Fifth street, is built on a lot deeded, May 7, 1833, deed book KK., pp. 33, 37, by Benjamin Stansberry, Lou- isville, Ky., to Henry Smith (a free man of color), in consideration of grantor's good opinion of said Henry's piety and usefulness as a Baptist preacher, and one dollar cash; and the better to enable said Henry to devote a sufficient portion of his time from his domestic labors to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ to his black brethren, and for the purpose of erecting a house of worship for the regu- lar Negro Baptist association.
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"The purpose of helping said Smith and securing a church for the regular Negro Baptist association at the same time, was carried out by said Smith in consideration of $150.00 cash paid him, deeding said ground, August 1, 1834, to Benjamin Duke, the elder and Jere Sample, free persons of color, to have and hold as trustees for Baptist congregation of persons of color in and near the city of Louisville, for the purpose of building a church thereon."
Calvary is the "Mother Church Lot." The Fifth Street Baptist Church worshipped on this spot till 1845, when they moved to their present site.
The members refusing to leave the old spot in 1845 were known as the York Street Baptist Church. They were pastored by Rev. W. W. Taylor until his death in 1882. During the end of his pastorate the Zion Church was organized by members who with- drew from York Street Church. Under Dr. C. S. Dinkins the York Street Church was dissolved in 1883.
On Thursday night, October 11, 1883, at the Fifth Street Baptist Church, at 8:00 o'clock, the members of the York Street Baptist Church, having called a Council, met for the purpose of re- organization. After the Moderator of the Council, Dr. T. T. Eaton, declared the meeting organized for business, a motion was then made that letters of dismission be granted all the members of York Street Baptist Church. It was unanimously carried. On motion, it was unanimously voted that the York Street Baptist Church disband. One hundred and eleven members then expressed their willingness to go into the new organization. It was then voted that the new organization adopt the name of Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. C. S. Dinkins, A.B., was
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unanimously called as pastor. Ben Burbridge, War- field Carpenter, Henry Prior, Elias Palmer, and Charles Smith, were elected as Deacons ; E. J. Jack- son, Clerk; Chas. Smith, Treasurer; Tobie Bostic, Wm. Starrs, Steven Williamson, Israel Smith, and John Parris, Trustees. The Council then voted to recognize the organization as a regularly organized Baptist Church.
The following were among the members of the Council: Dr. T. T. Eaton, Dr. Wm. J. Simmons, Rev. Jas. H. Wright, Rev. C. H. Parrish, Rev. J. W. Smith, Rev. A. Heath, Brethren L. P. Garrett, S. Wells, Henry Wilson.
At the time of the organization the property at the corner of Fifth and York streets was in debt $5,200, and the membership was III. Elder C. S. Dinkins' resignation took effect, September 27, 1885, Rev. C. H. Parrish was called and took charge of the pastorate, September 27, 1885, the same night.
The church now owns the valuable property on the north and south side of it, and Mission property at 28th and Walnut. Membership, 1,304. Valua- tion of property, $37,000.
MISS LILLIE A. SINKLER
Graduate Selma University, Selma Ala .; taught at Selma University, Selma, Ala., and State Uni- versity, Louisville, Ky. Vice-Principal Polytechnic Seminary, Danville, Ky., several years. Now teach- er in the grades and of music in Danville Public School. State Secretary Endowment Bureau of Sa- maritans; State Secretary B. W. M. Convention ; Member of Executive Board, City Federation Wo- men's Clubs, Danville, Ky .; Assistant Secretary State Federation Women's Clubs of Kentucky.
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REV. J. K. POLK, MIDWAY, KY.
Was ordained, January, 1870, by the late Rev. R. Lee. He established the Pilgrim Baptist Church, Midway, Ky., second Sunday in May, 1871, with sixteen members, most of them being from the Old Big Spring Baptist Church. He has pastored con- tinuously ever since the organization. Membership, over 900. The church has licensed and ordained twelve ministers of the Gospel.
REV. J. L. PERRIN, GREENVILLE, TEXAS,
Was converted 47 years ago and baptized by Rev. C. C. Clark at Shelbyville, Ky. Rev. Perrin is now pastoring at Howland, Texas, where he is meeting with great success.
MRS. MARY V. PARRISH, A.M., A.B.
Graduate of State University, Louisville, Ky. Taught in State University and Eckstein-Norton University. President of King's Daughters; Mis- sionary Secretary, Calvary Baptist Church. Treas- urer of Woman's Convention Auxiliary to National Baptist Convention. State Vice-President for Wo- men's Convention Auxiliary to N. B. C. Chairman of Board of Trustees of National Training School for Women and Girls, D. C. Statistician of National Association of Colored Women. Corresponding Secretary Baptist Women's Missionary Convention, Kentucky. Member of Board of Manageres of Bap- tist Women's Educational Convention, Kentucky. President of Parent-Teacher Association, Central High School, Louisville, Ky.
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THE RIVER JORDAN AS SEEN IN PICTURE
The River of Jordan is the most sacred river in the world. From a mountain beyond the Jordan Moses viewed the Promised Land.
"On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, And cast a wistful eve A
To Canaan's fair and happy land, Where my possessions lie."
Its waters were miraculously divided by Joshua for the passage of the Jews en route from Egypt to the land of Canaan. Elisha smote it with the mantle of Elijah and its waters were again divided. John baptized our savior in the River of Jordan. Mur', has been said about its depth. We stood in this sacred stream near enough to the banks to hold to a bough of a tree. At this point it was breast deep. It was near the spot where Christ was baptized. There is water deep enough the year round to bury a man. Indeed the Jordan is said to be the only river of Judea that continues to flow the year round.
The river of Jordan is the principal river in Pales- tine. It rises at the foot of Mt. Lebanon. Fifteen miles south it expands into the marshy lake Merom. Twelve miles from Merom it passes through the sea of Tiberias in a current by itself (here it is 120 feet wide fordable by horses) thence it rushes on with great rapidity and empties into the Dead Sea. The whole course is about 160 miles but in a direct line does not exceed 90 or 100 miles. It is about 60 feet wide and about 7 feet deep near Jericho where the Israelites are supposed to have crossed. The waters of the Jordan are turbid, but when drawn off become clear and bright, pleasant to the taste and remark- able for the length of time during which they will retain their freshness.
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River Jordan and Garden of Gethsemane. Visited by Dr. Parrish, 1904.
First Baptist Church, Danville, Ky.
Main Street Baptist Church, Lexington,
Interior of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky.
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Officers of South District Sunday School Convention, Lancaster, Ky.
Rev. G. I. Britt, A.B. Graduate State University
Rev. J. W. Lewis. Louisville, Ky.
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Group Attending the South District Sunday School Convention, Lancaster, Ky.
Rev. T. J. Talley, Pastor Bland St. Baptist Church. Louisville, Ky.
Rev. W. B. Hall, B.D. Pastor Second Baptist Church, New Liberty, Ky.
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HISTORY OF FIFTH STREET BAPTIST, LOUISVILLE, KY.
In the days of slavery, in most communities of the South where colored people were Baptists, they belonged to the white Baptist churches. This was the case with the members of the Fifth Street Baptist Church, who were established as a separate colony in 1829, from the first white Baptist church. They first worshipped in a building on Market Street near Eighth, then moved to Fifth and York, occupying a piece of property which was given them by a white friend by the name of Benjamin Stansbury. Upon this lot the congregation erected a building which it occupied until 1845, when the present lot on Fifth, between Walnut and Chestnut was pur- chased from the White Christian Church for five thousand dollars. It was then a one-story building, and the present auditorium was built by this con- gregation. In the 86 years of the history of this church there have been only three pastors: Rev. Henry Adams, from 1829 to 1872; Rev. Andrew Heath, 1872-1886; Rev. J. H. Frank from 1886 to the present time. This is the mother church of the Baptists of this city, and all of the present churches, either directly or indirectly, have gone out from this congregation. This church is also regarded as the leading church in denominational work in the State, and has also given liberally to the missionary, educa- tional and benevolent enterprises of the denomina- tion. Its present membership is about 2,015, and its Sunday School, Choir and other church auxiliaries rank with the best in the State. This congregation has recently bought a lot extending through to Centre Street which at some time may be used for the enlargement of the present building or the erec-
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