USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 03545 2157
Go 976.3 H529h Hicks, Wm. 1869- History of Louisiana Negro Baptists
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyoflouisia00hick 0
1
HISTORY
OF
Louisiana Negro
Baptists
From 1804 to 1914
. .
BY
WM. HICKS, B. A., D. D., 11 Author of "Bible Thoughts, With Questions and Answers," and "Things Necessary for the Preacher, Deacon and Layman to Know."
With a Biographical Introduction by Bishop W. B. Purvis.
NASHVILLE, TENN .: NATIONAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING BOARD. R. H. BOYD D. D. SECRETARY.
La 286.176
LOUISIANA STATE LIBRARY P. O. BOX 131 BATON ROUGE, LA. 70821
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
05:01
FEB 1 8 57
WM. HICKS, A. B., D. D.
291776 Louisiana State Library State Capitol Grounds Raton Rouge, Louisiana
17 286.176
PREFACE.
While thinking of the welfare of our Baptist Zion
serve as a stimulus to encourage our brethren, and arouse throughout the state, and wondering what would best
our churches to more religions activity, it occurred to me that a faithful record of past achievements both by our pioneer fathers and ourselves would give much impetus to Ingging denominational pride, and set up a beacon light
the State Executive Board and the Louisiana State Con- and hearty endorsement by the above-mentioned brethren, son, J. M. Carter and others, I received Divine approval M. Taylor, Drs. H. C. Cotton, John Marks, Tayior Frier- E. Purvis, Treasurer T. L. Welch, Sr., Vice President W. dent Louisiana Baptist State Convention) ; Secretary W. ing God and writing the fate Bishop A. B. Flood ( Presi- end I cheerfully set myself to the task, and after consuit- to.guide and inspire the young preacher of today. To this
vention. This volume promises to set forth as faithfully .
them. It is out of the question to look for all that Louisi- the critic must be charitable and fair enough to accept Roses with their thorns may be found in this work, but enjoy its fragrance without being torn by the thorns. God gives us the rose with the thorns: we must learn to to be reasonable, remembering that it is "human to err." not finish in its entirety, hence the critic must be asked ful of the fact that this is a Herculean task which I can ministers and teachers to the present. I am not unmind- ing into ante-belium times; (b) the work of the young as possible: (a) The pioneer work of our fathers extend-
(3)
4
Preface
ana Baptists have said and done since 1801. It would re- quire too many scribes to write their doings, and too large a volume to contain them. Because of inability to obtain cuts and biographies as I desire, mention of many excellent men of our denomination is omitted. I could not tell everything, nor have I tried. I have simply humbly en- deavored to answer the questions in part as a denomina- tion: From whence have we come? What have we done? To what have we attalned? What are the possibilities before us? Being aware of the fact that we are denomi- nationally young, a voluminous history should not be ex- pected. I simply pray that this may serve as a nucleus of Louisiana Baptist history. Other writers more able than I will tell the Baptist story more fully.
BIOGRAPHIES.
T. A. Walker, A. M., M. D. 74
I. J. Washington, M. D. 77
O. L. Coleman, A. M. 137
Elder J. A. Carter
152
Melvin L. Collins
81
Thomas Henry Kane
83
George W. Green
86
Thomas Lee Weich, M. D.
87
Miss Elizabeth Norrington
88
I. C. Chaptman, M. D., LL. B.
90
R. P. Player
94
N. H. C. Henderson, M. D.
89
William McDonald
96
Elier if. C. Cotton, D. D. 97
100
Elder T. L. Welch 103
104
Bishop D. M. Brown
105
Bishop R. A. Mayfield
107
·
Elder Ander Back Fiood 112
Bishop W. B. Purvis . 114
Bishop P. B. Lewis 109
Elder J. J. Fuller
111
Bishop W. M. Taylor 116
Elder Bryant Wright
118
(5)
85
John Milton Smith
92
Madison James Foster, A. B.
Elder J. H. Flemings
Eider George W. Waiker
Bishop L. C. Simon
:
£
6
Biographies
Elder A. H. Samueis 120
Eider F. J. Davidson, A. M., D. D. 121
Elder S. T. Clanton, A. M., D. D. 123
Bishop W. W. Hill 125
Bishop C. S. Collins, B. A., M. D. 126
Eider Caroliner Fuller 128
Bishop Aibert Henry 129
Eider Lorenzo Smith 130
Eider Alien Stevenson
:133
Elder-James Roberson
.131
Elder Luke Allen, Sr
.133
Elder J. M. Carter 152
Bishop J. H. Henderson
153
Elder A. F. Owens, D. D. 136
J. W. Wliey, M. D. . 138
Eider J. L. Burreil, D. D. 140
Eishop C. W. Brooks, B. A 141
Ira Henderson
Elder C. L. Roberts, D. D. 143
Emmett L. Washburn, B. A. 144
Elder H. B. N. Brown, D. D. ·147
Elder Armstead Mason Newman, D. D. 145
Eider A. S. Jackson, D. D. .148
Elder Join Marks, D. D .. .149
Elder C. L. Fisher, A. M., D. D.
Professor R. E. Jacobs 79
Elder S. D. Nance 167
John Jones
.150
I. A. Carter 155
INTRODUCTION.
It is indeed a source of piersure to introduce the writer of this history. The highest aim of the author, who will be blessed, honored and revered more by future historlans, orators and statesmen than the present, is to so portray the life history of men who have risen out of the very depths of poverty and obscurlty to places of honor and trust of men of science, arts and letters that the young of ali generations, ciimes, peoples and tongues while read- ing and studying shali catch inspiration that will make the great of mankind the greatest, and the jowiy of inan- kind the better. The writer of this history was born in Shreveport, La., April 9th, 1869, of Square and Jane Hicks. When but a child he showed signs of marked intelligence. Ile attended the schools of his home city, and being seized by a desire for higher education he left his home and went to New Orleans, La., in 1887, where he entered Leiand University. Here he distinguished himself as a hard stu- dent, and graduated from this University with high honors, graduating the first time May 9th, 1803, receiving the Normal and College Preparatory diplomas after the Jeilvery of one oration. After finishing these two courses and studylng on through the freshman to the sophomore year, he accepted a call to the Thirteenth District Academy at Shreveport. Here he wrought successfully and weil seven consecutive years, when he feit so keenly his need for more thorough preparation that ho returned to Leland, resumed his studies and graduated from the B. A. degree course In 1902. After pushing the work of the Shreveport
1
(7)
8
Introduction
school on another year, and after carrying the school from a very small enrollment to a maximum enrollment of nearly 300, and from an old one-story frame building with wany jeaks therein to a $3,000 two story frame building nicely painted and reasonably well equipped, he accepted a call to the Deanship of the Theological Department of Coleman College, Gibsland, La. Here he realized hls need for more Biblical knowledge, and agam returned to his Alma Mater, graduating the third time. This the he won the B. D. degree. After making good here at Gibsland as a theologian and pastor of abiilty, he was called to Atlanta, Texas, and Junction City, Ark. Locating In Texas he pastored a two-Sunday church in each state until he was called back to his home city by the Trinity Baptist Church. When he had succeeded two years phenominaliy at Trinity, he was called to Meridian, Miss., by the Ei- Eethei Baptist Church. Finishing hls well-done labors here, he moved to Uniontown, Ala., and took charge of the First Baptist Church of that place at the urgent request of the members of said church. Selma University, at Seima, Ala., recognizing the accomplished work, and the intellectual ability of Bishop Hicks, conferred upon him the D. D. degree May, 1913.
Dr. Hicks married Miss Olivia Josephine Madison, a graduate of Leland University, December 27th, 1897. Their union has been blessed with nine children and a 'modei home. Elder Hicks Is one of the most scholarly of our brethren, and is rapidly galning renown, having been se- jected by the National Baptist Publishing Board to write articies for the National Baptist Sundav-School Teacher, to write monthly for the National Baptist Union-Review, and to a Bible Teachership in the National Baptist Sun- day-School Congress, which represents about 14,000 Sun- day-schools. Editorial Secretary W. S. Ellington, speak- ing of the writer of this history, says: "Rev. Wm, Hicks Is a conscientious Christian gentleman in whom there is no guile. He loves his Bible and is an exeperienced ex-
Introduction
9
pounder of its truths. The Sunday-School Congress is to be congratulated for obtaining the services of so compe- tent a man."
His services have been secured by Dr. Booker T. Wash- ington to lecture to the students of the Phelps Bible Training School at Tuskegee. Dr. Hicks was ordained at the Evergreen Baptist Church, Shreveport, April 28th, 1899, by the following brethren: Bishops I. A. Carter, J. M. Carter, L. W. Canfield, Robert Taylor, C. S. Shelton, H. R. Flynn and A. T. Sumpter. In disposition Dr. Hicks Is ag meek as a child. In dress he is not extravagant. His face wears the expression of thoughtfulness. His will Is iron and his nerves steel, yet meek and mild in deport- ment. As a professor he is deep and thoughtful; as a preacher he is known. His arguments are convincing and conclusive, being a ready speaker, a clear scholar, an ac- curate thinker, he is always in demand. When I contem- plate the life of such a man, it makes me feel that God has created no man for naught but rather that He has put into the reach of every man vast possibilities which only need be turned into right channels at the right time.
"Piuck bright honor from the pale-faced moon, Or dive into the bottom of the deep,
Where fathom-line could never touch the ground, And pluck up drowned honor by the locks."
Such is the character of the writer of this history, loved and admired by all who know him.
W. B. PURVIS, Pleasant Hill, La.
LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND ENDORSE- MENT.
Pelican, La., May 1, 1909. Rev. Wm. Hicks, E. D., Shreveport, La .:
Dear Brother-In reply to your communication, we take pleasure in saying that we approve of the task (of writing the History of Louisiana Negro Baptists), which you are un- dertaking, and any help we can give you In the way of data, etc., we shall gladly do so.
Done by order of Lonisiana Baptist State Executive Board in session at Opelousas, La., May 5th, 1909. REV. A. E. FLOOD, President. W. B. PURVIS, Corresponding Secretary. * Delhi, La., December 24, 1909.
Rev. Wm. Hleks, D. D., Shreveport, La .:
Dear Brother In the Lord, your very timery message by mall has been received and read carefully. In response I must say that your idea meets my hearty approval. Louisl- ana Baptists deserve a history of thelr work. The old leaders made history but were unable to put it in print. So I think it is the work of you young men to put it in print. I shall do what I can to help you. I shall let you have my cut and sketch of my life as early as possible. With love and best wishes to yourself and famlly, wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I am,
Yours in Christ, A. B. FLOOD,
President Loulslana Baptist State Convention. (10)
: 1.
Letters
11
Belle Alliance, La., January 20, 1909.' Rev. Wm. Hicks, Shreveport, La .:
Dear Brother-Your letter bearing date of the twelfth Instant Is received and has been read with a deal of satis- factlon. The work you are about to undertake is beyond doubt a much-needed one, and is worthy of the man un- dertaking It. I am sure you will find a rich field of in- teresting material from which to make up your forthcom- ing volume. There is no doubt that your book will be halled with great delight by the progressive Baptists ail over the state, and will find a ready market. I hope that you will be granted abundant life and health to complete the arduous task .It is a much-needed work, and It appears that you are the man for it. The brethren will appreciate its worth. It will accomplish a wonderful amount of good In stimulating and putting new life in the brotherhood of the state. It will be a source of Informa- tion revealing facts that cannot be found from any other source. I hope that you will continue the work to an hon- orable and successful conclusion.
Yours in Christian service,
H. C. COTTON.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Elder A. E. Flood.
Louisiana Baptist State Convention Leaders In 1879. Elder J. M. Carter. Elder J. M. Carter's Home.
Elder L. Allen, Sr.
J. W. Wiley, M. D. Miss Elizabeth Norrington. Theological Class, Leland University.
Bishop W. W. Hiil.
Mrs. L. D. Pruitt.
Elder J. A. Carter.
City Ministers' Union, New Orleans. Evergreen Baptist Church. Louisiana Baptist State Convention Leaders, 1914. Eider F. J. Davidson, A. M., D. D.
Proposed Theological Department, Coleman College.
Eider A. H. Samuels.
Administration and Dining Departments, Coleman Coi- lege. Eider L. Ford. Reynold's Hall, Girls' Dormitory, Coleman College. Bishop John Harris Henderson, B. D. Main Buliding, Coleman College. Elder Jackson J. Fuller. Boys' Dormitory, Coleman College: Dr. H. C. Cotton. Bishop E. S. Stills. Elder George W. Walker.
(13)
11
Illustrations
Galilee Baptist Church, Shreveport, La. Bishop William Hicks, B. A., D. D. Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute. Chamberlain Hall, Leland University. Faculty of Sabine N. & I. Institute. Leland Hall, Leland University. Industrial Hall, Sabine N. & I. Institute. Bishop P. B. Lewis. Elder H. E. N. Brown, B. D. Elder C. L. Fisher, D. D. Elder C. L. Roberts, D. D. Prof. R. E. Jacobs. Bishop C. W. Brooks, B. A. Elder J. L. Burrell, D. D. John Milton Smith, Sr.
C
To the Negro Baptist Pioneer Preachers of Louisiana (many of whom having preached the Gospel in log cabins with dirt floors, thereby laying the foundation upon which our brick and stone church houses of today STAND) Is this volume with our abiding gratitude dedi- catod. The Author.
CONTENTS.
Page
Preface
3
Introduction
7
Letters of Endorsement 10
General History 17
Pioneer Work in and Around New Orleans Before and After the War
21
Organization of First Louisiana Baptist Asociation. 29
First Free Missionary Association 29
First District Missionary Baptist Association. 30
Second District Missionary Baptist Association 39
Third District Missionary Baptist Association 40
Fourth District Missionary Baptist Association 41
Fifth District Missionary Baptist Association 42
Sixth District Missionary Baptist Association 44
Seventh District Missionary Eaptist Association 45
Second Eighth District Missionary Baptist Association. 46
Tenth District Missionary Baptist Association 47
Twelfth District Missionary Baptist Association 48
Thirteenth District Missionary Baptist Association 52
Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association No. 1. 56 Springville Missionary and Educational Association 65
Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Association 58 Gum Spring Missionary Baptist Association 59 Friendship Missionary and Educationai Association 73 Caivary Missionary Baptist Association 61 Union Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Association 64
Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist Association New Hope Missionary Baptist Association 63
67
The Woman's Baptist State Convention 71 Northwest No. 2, Missionary Baptist Association 62 New Beniah Missionary Baptist Association No. 4 .... Louisiana Baptist State Convention Louisiana Baptist State Sunday-School Convention 68 Biographies 74 A SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER. Negro Baptist Beginnings in America
(16)
GENERAL HISTORY.
As to the general history of Negro Baptists of Louisiana, according to Dr. W. E. Paxton, author of the history of white Louisiana Baptists, we must go back to 1804 and come forward. When more than half of our state was a wilderness, and there were only a few French settlements in the southern part on the Mississippi River,) Bayou Teche, the prairies of the Opelousas, and the fer- tile bayou that threads the valleys of the Lower Red River, "there came into the state a Negro Baptist preacher, Bishop Joseph Willis, of Mis- sissippi, but probably a native of South Carolina. This was in 1804, the next year after the Louisi- ana Purchase. Louisiana was in her infancy and not a single Protestant or Baptist Church within its bounds. The first Baptist doctrine in Louisiana was preached by this pioneer in November, 1804, at Vermillion, about 40 miles southwest of Baton Rouge in a day meeting. At night he preached at Plaquemine Brule. This preaching was done at the peril of his life, since he was both a Negro and a Baptist. At this time he was on a visit, and had not permanently settled. His labors, however, were successful, turning many from the error of their way. These converts were the first in Louisiana to begin marching under the flag bearing the triple declaration-"One Lord, one Faith and one Baptism." (17)
i
18
History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
Not being ordained he was unable to baptize his converts and organize the First Baptist Church of Louisiana at this time. After urging them, perhaps, to be strong and steadfast in the faith, he returned to Mississippi for ordination, and for other brethren to help him organize the First Baptist Church of the state. | But to his surprise on reaching the church of his member- ship he found it pastorless, and the church, there- fore, felt that it could not arrange and grant his request, although they desired to do so. They advised him to take his letter and unite with a church that had a pastor. . This he did, but the church refused to ordain him, claiming that the Church of Christ might suffer reproach owing to the humble social condition of this Negro
.. preacher. This was a heavy blow to the "Apos- tle of the Opelousas," as he was called, but he did not give up on account of unwavering faith in God, and the large amount of iron in his blood. . How could he give up when he was under march- ing orders and had been told to go into all the world and preach the Gospel? Some prudent white friend advised Brother Willis to get a rec- ommendation from the people among whom he had labored, and present it to the next meeting of the Mississippi Association. This he did in 1811, and the Association appointed two minis- ters, Bishops Thomas Mercer and David Cooper, to visit Brother Willis and his work in Louisiana. These two brethren were providentially hindered and failed to go. This Pioneer Preacher still stood undaunted, like Job, waiting for his change to come. His petition came before the Associa- tion the next year (1812), and two other white brethren were appointed to go and examine the colored brother's work, Elders Moses Hadly and
19
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
Laurence Scarborough. Meanwhile Brother Wil- lis had returned to his field of labor only to find those who had come to Christ through his preach- ing deceived and led off by a Methodist preacher, who had entered the field of Brother Willis and formed the converts into a society of methods at Plaqueniine. Yet this Baptist hero was not dis- couraged, because he had preached the first New Testament doctrine, and made the first disciples in the state of Louisiana. By the time Elders Hadly and Scarborough arrived he had indoctri- hated others, planted the Baptist flag, and was standing ready for ordination and organization. When they reached Bayou Chicot, in St. Landry Parish, one of the places where Brother Willis preached, there were five brothers and one sister whom they formed into a church, called Calvary, November 13th, 1812, thus organizing the first church in the state. These elders were also re- quested to ordain Brother Willis for their pastor.
The request was granted and the Lord blessed their labors by adding nine to the membership the following year. The work of these elders was approved at the next session (1813) of the Mississippi Association. Dr. W. E. Paxton, author of Louisiana Baptist History (white), and to whom we are indebted for above informa- tion, says concerning this pioneer: "The zeal of Father Willis, as he was called by the affection- ate people among whom he labored, could not be bounded by the narrow limits of his own home, but he traveled far and wide. He extended his labors to Cheyneyville on Bayou Boeuff in the Parish of Rapides, some fifty or sixty miles higher up the country where many of his Mis- sissippi acquaintances had settled, and among whom were some of the Bayou Chicot members.
£
20
History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
The history of Louisiana Baptists could not be written without mention of this brother (Joseph Willis), whose name occurs so often in connection with the oldest churches in the Louisiana Asso- ciation." He was born in 1762 and died at Ten Mile Creek in Rapides Parish, September 14, 1854.
Another pioneer Baptist preacher of these times was Bishop D. H. Willis, grandson of Elder Joseph Willis. He was born on Bayou Boeuff in Rapides Parish, December 28th, 1817. At the age of 11 he was carried by his father to their new home on Calcasieu River in St. Landry Parish, a wilderness country, eight miles from the nearest white settlement. He stayed here nine years, attended school five months, and when 17 years old went to an Academy twenty miles from home, remaining only one month. Being blessed with his grandfather's push and pluck, he studied at every opportunity by the flickering light of pine knots and in this way prepared him- self for the task of continuing the pioneer work so nobly begun by his grandfather in 1804. He married March 15, 1838, and in 1840 was con- verted and baptized into the membership of Oc- cupy Baptist Church, which was then a member of the Louisiana Association. In 1847 ne preached his first sermon, and in 1849, on Spring Creek Rapides Parish at the home of Elder Wil- lis he was ordained to the gospel ministry by Bishops Joseph Willis, B. C. Roberts and John O'Quin. This young Baptist elder continued to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of God un- til he became a beacon light in those dark times. Notwithstanding he afterwards lost his sight, yet, Moses like, he pressed forward along the
21
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
rugged road of those perilous times, crying aloud, "Repent, believe and be baptized."
This period of our General History extends from 1804 to the Civil War. Elder Willis and his grandson were the only Negro Baptist preachers of prominence during the first part of this period. During the latter part the Baptist work was carried on by white preachers who gen- erally preached a sermon in the forenoon to white people and in the afternoon to the colored people. However, a Negro Baptist ministers would rise up occasionally among the slaves, and preach to them despite high water and patroles. And, too, there were a few free-born Negro Baptist clergy- men in some parts of the state, especially in the towns and cities, who were sometimes permitted by the slave master to preach to the slaves.
Bishop Henry Adams was the most noted of this class of preachers. He labored as far back as 1837 with marked success. He was a man of education and ability. After leaving Louisiana he continued his labors as pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., where after accomplishing much for the Master, during twenty-five years of pioneer life, he fell asleep in Jesus. Further mention of the early work of Negro Baptists is not necessary here, since their work before and after the war, especially in New Orleans, will be taken up in the following chapter.
PIONEER WORK IN AND AROUND NEW ORLEANS BEFORE AND AFTER THE WAR.
Because the birth of our organic denomina- tional life is so closely connected with that of the
22 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
white Baptists of the state, and especially those of New Orleans, We must know their beginnings if we would intelligently know our own. The first effort made by the white Baptists to establish a church was in 1817. In that year the Board of the Triennial Baptist Convention sent out as missionary, Elder Jas. A. Randolson, who preached and taught in the "Long Room" which belonged to a Mr. C. Paulding on Dorseive street, near Canal. In this room Bishop Ranaldson or- ganized the first white Baptist church in the city of New Orleans, which was admitted into the Mississippi Association. Dr. Paxton says in his history this church prospered under the pas- torate of Elder Benj. Davis, of Natchez, Miss., who succeeded Bishop Ranaldson. The member- ship soon reached forty-eight-sixteen white and thirty-two colored. These thirty-two Negro Bap- tists were perhaps the first to hold membership in an association except those who were won to Christ by "Father Willis," and with all proba- bility they were the first Negro Baptists of New Orleans. In 1820 Bishop Davis left this church, and it disbanded soon after. Following the dis- solution of this church, Elder Wm. B. Johnson, of South Carolina, came to New Orleans and preached in this "Long Room." From this time until 1826 Baptist preaching was only occasion- ally heard. Frequent preaching was resumed
when Elder Wm. Bondeau arrived from England in 1826, formed a new organization and preached about one year, first in the "Long Room," and then in a school house in Paulding's Row on St. Charles street, and then in a brick building, cor- ner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets. Mr. W. C. Duncans says Bishop Bondeau afterwards went north and settled in Kentucky. His church
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.