USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > The first century of the First Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. 1780-1880 > Part 7
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
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 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
He was a man of strong convictions, and
-
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 137
tenacious of his opinions. He would, I know, readily enough yield when convinced of error, but it was not easy to convince him. He was also as much bent, as any man, upon making his convictions the convictions of others also. Yet he possessed such sublime generosity of forbearance, as to make it impossible for him to be bitter or even discourteous towards others, not agreeing with him. Blessed combination of splendid qualities!
He was-at least as I saw him-fully con- scious of his own powers. This is true of every man who is born to lead. Yet he was truly humble. Free from vanity, he was equally free from an assumed and pretentious humility. They were equally alien to his realness. But I cannot portray him. He was as Dr. J. A. Broadus has well said, " Saul in stature and Samuel in spirit." But you know him, and for the privilege, many of you will thank God on earth and in heaven. Oh, even as John the Baptist came in the power and spirit of Elijah, so may God also send us others in the power and spirit of Jeremiah Bell Jeter "of blessed memory."
After the resignation of Dr. Jeter, the Church remained without a Pastor for some time. The
I 38 CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
pulpit was supplied occasionally by the late Dr. James B. Taylor, and the Rev. Dr. Robert Ryland, still spared to the world, and whom we welcome here to-day ; and for several months by the Rev. C. B. Jennett, young, handsome, gifted, and pious, who died in Augusta, Georgia, at the early age of twenty-seven years.
Ye are God's building, and these are the laborers, whom, having finished their appointed work upon his house, he has taken into rest. They were very unlike each other; but they were all yours, and the same Lord gave them. He wisely sent them one after another to do the needed work. With their different gifts they have wrought at different stages in the progress of the building-some digging out the founda- tion; some laying down the lowest stones, soon all covered up and out of sight; some bringing together the lively stones; some arranging and placing them in position; some cementing and riveting them together ; and some, with delicate skill. polishing and adorning. The workmen are many and the workmanship is varied, but the building is one; and all the work wrought upon it in the name of the Lord shall abide forever. So that in the end, the building finished, the builders shall all rejoice together, and that
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 139
old strife, "Who shall be accounted the greatest," together with that old division, "I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas," over for- ever, shall with one mind and one heart join in the song, "Not unto us, but unto thy name be the glory."
-
HOUSES OF WORSHIP.
BY W. H. GWATHMEY AND C. WALTHALL.
'THE HOUSE OF ONE FRANKLIN." BY W. H. GWATHMEY.
From Mrs. Ann M. Shepherd, an intelligent and worthy member of our Church, who is now sixty-seven years of age, I learn that the house of "one Franklin" in which the First Church was constituted, in the year 1780, stood at the Northeast corner of Carrington and Pink Streets, near the present Northeast suburbs of the city. Her oldest sister, Mrs. Tyler, long since dead, formerly resided on the adjoining lot, and in visiting her sister, she has many a time seen the Franklin House, and has been in it.
She describes it as a small wooden building, containing a single room, of scarcely more than sixteen or eighteen feet in dimensions, with a smaller shed-room attached on the western side, and a chimney in the middle. The lot fronted about forty feet on the north side of Carrington Street, and the house was
I43
144
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
on the Southeast corner of the lot. It is a part of the property of the estate of the late Bern- hard-commonly known as " Barney "-Briel, where he resided for many years before his death, which occurred in the year 1875, at eighty-two years of age. Some of these facts I ascertained by personal inspection of the premises, which I recently visited with her. Mrs. Briel - the widow of Mr. " Barney Briel"-is still residing on the old homestead, and is the youngest sister of Mrs. Shepherd. She is a Baptist, and a lady of much energy, which she exhibited, in the management of busi- ness matters, previously to her husband's death. She conducted me to the spot, which is now enclosed as a part of her flower garden. She fully substantiated the statement of Mrs. Shep- herd, and told me further, that for many years she had in her personal possession the original Title Deeds to the property, conveyed to her husband by the heirs of Mr. Franklin; and had frequently examined them, and conversed with her husband on the subject. The house was removed only a few years before the com- mencement of her residence there as the sec- ond Mrs. Briel. In her earlier life, she had often seen the house, and having been in it, she
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 145
remembers its appearance and character per- fectly well.
The mother of these ladies, Mrs. Murray, was long a member of our Church, and died in 1850, at an advanced age. From her and their uncle, Mr. Thomas Murray, who was considerably 4 older, and who joined the Church while yet an apprentice boy, they derived what they know of the matter.
Mr. Murray died about 1831 or 1832, at sixty- one years of age. He was an earnest and ac- tive Christian, well posted in the early history of the Church, and enthusiastic in his interest in it.
Mrs. Shepherd states that she has often lis- tened to the animated conversations between him and her mother on the subject. Her father and uncle remembered well events that tran- spired during the Revolutionary War, and one of their sisters was then a grown woman. The testimony of other elderly persons who have resided in the vicinity in years long past, is of the same tenor.
One venerable and trustworthy gentleman, Mr. Wm. Allen,-now in his eightieth year,- states that he was intimately acquainted with Mr. Wm. Franklin, the only son of Mr. John
13*
146
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
Franklin, and that he distinctly remembers him as having served his time with Mr. Thos. Did- dep, a famous tailor of those days, and that he never knew a more genial or kindly-hearted man, though neither he, or his only sister, Mrs. Haywood, were ever professors of religion, as far as can be ascertained. He remembers once attending a wedding at this house, then occu- pied and owned by Wm. Franklin, by inheri- tance, from his father.
The main facts as to the identification of the "Franklin House" and its location seem not to be disputed: and it is presumed that there need be no future doubt or question on the subject.
I learn that besides Mr. John Franklin, at whose house the Church was constituted ; Mr. John Williams, grandfather of our sister, Miss Susan Williams-lately deceased, but well- known to many of us; Mrs. Lewis, great- grandmother of our sister, Mrs. Julius A. Hob- son ; and Mrs. Martha Miller, grandmother of Mrs. Shepherd,-were constituent members. At the house of Mrs. Miller, situated near the corner of Eighteenth and Venable Streets, the Church met for worship. For how long a period it is not known. Probably sometimes
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 147
also in other private houses in the vicinity-and subsequently in the Hall over the Market House on Seventeenth and Main Streets. Mrs. Shepherd states that her mother told her, that she had many times attended the service there, and that the Church while worshipping there had been favored with a gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people, and a more or less extensive revival of religion.
And finally, it is stated, that the services con- tinued to be held in this Hall, till the meeting- house on Cary Street was built and ready for the occupancy of the Church.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP. BY C. WALTHALL.
T HE first house of worship, erected by the Church, was located on the north side of D, or Cary Street, at a point near the centre, between Second and Third Streets. Some think it was west of the line that divides the two quarter sections of the square. The assessor's book of 1798, 1799, and 1800, places it on lot 659, which lot is east of that line.
The question has been raised whether the Church owned the ground on which the house stood. The assessor so regarded it; for, on his book, under the head of proprietors, the lot is charged to the "Baptist Meeting." The same assessor transferred this lot in 1801 to another
party. This indicates that the Church sold it at some time between 1798 and 1801. Of course, nothing can be learned from the assessor's books as to "the exact position of the house. But that he assessed the Church with that lot is
148
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 149
clear; and as there is circumstantial evidence that it was not on the eastern side, we place it at or near the western boundary of the lot. It seems probable that it stood somewhat removed from the street, or highway. At this late day, no more minute description of the house can be given than that quoted by Dr. Burrows from Mr. Mordecai, on page 65 of this volume. It
was, doubtless, very economically built. The Church had only a few members; and they, we suppose, were in limited circumstances. It is not unlikely that members of the Church built the house by their own personal labor. Unpre- tending as it was, still it was a sanctuary, where much fervent prayer was made for blessings which we enjoy to-day.
But we take leave of this spot, and follow this devoted band to their new church-house, of which we may speak more understandingly.
The next house of worship was erected on ground presented to the Church by Dr. Philip Turpin, of Chesterfield County, in 1802, at the northeast corner of H, or Broad, and College Streets. As first built, this house stood at some distance from both Broad and College Streets, and also from the eastern boundary of the lot. Its dimensions were about forty by forty feet,
150 CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
with a recess on the west side large enough for a small gallery, and possibly a corresponding recess and gallery on the east side.
In process of time it became necessary to in- crease its seating capacity. The house was enlarged by extending the eastern wing, and by adding to the front or southern side. Thus the house was brought near to the line of Broad street. There are no records extant that show when these additions were made.
From the records of the Court we learn that in or about the year 1819 a second deed was made by Dr. Turpin to this lot. The objects were to correct the first deed, it having been discovered that there was some discrepancy between the quantity of ground conveyed and the actual quantity the lot contained; and to cor- rect some irregularity in the trusteeship. It is probable that this discovery resulted from a survey of the ground then made with a view to enlarging the house. If so, these additions were made at or about the time this amended deed was granted. This, however, is con- jectural.
In 1827, the Church, receiving large acces- sions, found it necessary to increase still fur- ther the capacity of the house. This was done
15I
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
by adding twenty feet to the west wing. This being accomplished, the house assumed the form and dimensions which it had when pulled down, in 1876, to build on the same site the First African Church.
In 1838, the Church, then composed of whites and colored members, had so increased, that the house, capacious as it was, could not hold even the membership, when there was a full attendance.
This necessitated the adoption of some means of relief. The subject was discussed from time to time till 1840, when all necessary arrange- ments were made for the white and colored members to separate. The former proposed to the latter, to relinquish the house to them, on certain conditions stipulated. The proposi- tion being accepted by the colored members, the whites purchased the eligible lot at the northwest corner of Broad and Twelfth Streets, on which they erected a new and spacious edi- fice. It was dedicated October 17th, 1841. The house was designed by Mr. Thomas U. Walter, of Philadelphia. The several parts of the work were done as follows : the stone work by Alvey Take, the brick by Jesse Williams, the carpentering by John and Samuel
I52 CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
Freeman, the roofing by D. and C. R. Weller, the upholstering by John D. Smith.
In 1858, the building was enlarged by adding to the rear some thirteen or fourteen feet. In the spring of 1868, with a view of making room for the organ, which the Church had agreed to put in the house, further alterations were made in the rear.
In 1870, the attendance, especially of young children of the Sunday-school, having in- creased, the room now known as the Side Chapel, was built at the northwest corner of the main building.
The whole cost of this house of worship, embracing the original, and all subsequent en- largement, aggregates about $49,000. Several thousand dollars had been spent in repairing, renewing furniture, and repainting. Not less than $55.000 have been spent on the house. This is the House in which we to-day assemble. May it stand, as it promises, for ages to come, and within its walls, may multitudes be fitted for dwelling in the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
BY
J. B. WATKINS.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
T HE discourses of the morning have given adequate attention to the Pastors of the Church. My task is limited to sketches of other officers. Propriety suggests that these delineations be devoted chiefly to the dead. The future annalist will do justice to the memory of the men now moving among us.
Among the living, we have had, as Clerks, Christopher Walthall and John C. Williams ; as Treasurers, James P. Tyler and James L. Ap- person. The present Clerk is D. O. Davis. The present Treasurers, R. B. Lee and Wm. H. Tatum. The former Deacons, now living, are John C. Stanard, Geo. J. Sumner, J. B. Watkins, U. G. Hoyt, and John Hart. The present Deacons are L. R. Warren, J. B. Hill, R. S. Sadler, O. H. Chalkley, William F. Har- wood, William G. Dandridge, A. P. Fox,
155
156
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
William H. Gwathmey, Robert H. Bosher, and Christopher Walthall.
These sketches must be brief. Those of the earlier officers will be less complete because of lack of information. Greater detail will be given to those living later, and better known, and whose terms of service were longer.
Herbert C. Thompson and Thomas J. Glenn were the earliest Clerks of whom we have any record. They were faithful officers and good men. The former withdrew from the Church in 1820 to assist in the formation of the Second Church ; and the latter, in 1832, united with those who held the views of Mr. Alexander Campbell.
David Roper Crane and John Humes Mc- Carthy served the Church as Clerks, each about five years. The former from 1848 to 1853, the latter from 1854 to 1858. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death, they were not long divided.
David R. Crane was the eldest son of James C. Crane, a Church Deacon, of whom mention will presently be made. He was gifted in prayer, and in public address ; and was favored with a fine voice, and excellent musical talent. He was an efficient Sunday-school teacher, a con-
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. I57
scientious, lowly Christian ; and as a recorder and keeper of the proceedings of the Church he had no superior. He died of consumption in 1853, leaving a young wife and tender babe to lament their loss.
Failing fast, while with the family of his father- in-law near this city, his wish to be brought home to die was gratified. As he calmly passed away, in 1855, he murmured: "accepted in the beloved ; the will of the Lord."
John H. McCarthy was a victim of the same fell disease. At the age of twenty-seven years, he fell asleep in Jesus in 1859, calmly directing arrangements for his funeral, and giving me- mentoes of affection to weeping ones at his bed- side. His life was an appropriate prelude to such a death. His official duties were faithfully and satisfactorily performed.
Without regard to chronological order, the following sketches are of deceased Deacons:
Robert Hyde, Onan Ellyson, and Charles H. Hyde were among the earliest of whom we
have any record. When Robert Hyde was appointed Deacon is not known, owing to the loss of the first record books. Mr. Ellyson was made Deacon in 1825. Mr. Charles H. Hyde, a son of Robert, entered the deaconry in
14*
158
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
1827. These three brethren left the Church in 1832, and assisted in the formation of the Dis- ciples Church, now worshipping in the building at the corner of Seventh and Grace Streets. The Hydes have descendants in some of our churches, and Mr. Ellyson has two well-known sons, who are members of the Second Baptist Church of this city.
Anthony R. Thornton was a Deacon of the Church until his death in 1828. The length of his official term is unknown. Probably it was twenty-five or thirty years. He was a con- spicuous man in the community, and exerted a good influence. He is represented as tall and commanding in person. The office of Deputy Marshall of the United States Court, under General J. W. Pegram, was filled by him. His associates, now living, bear testimony to his in- terest and usefulness in the Church.
Peter Winston united with the Church in 1826. He was an honored Deacon, perhaps for ten or twelve years. Active and attentive to duty, genial and pleasant in manner, he was universally esteemed in the community, and in the Church. He died in the neighboring county of Chesterfield in the year 1841, the funeral services taking place from this Church.
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 159
Prof. Charles H. Winston, one of his sons, is a member of our Church. Samuel Hardgrove was a Deacon of the Church from 1827 to 1829, and continued an esteemed member until his death in 1862.
Zachary Lewis was a Deacon from 1827 to 1833, when he withdrew from the Church by letter. His subsequent history is unknown. He is represented as a faithful Christian and officer, with an unblemished reputation. Simon Frayser was a Deacon from 1829 until his death in 1834, in the forty-third year of his age. Grateful witness is borne to the faithful and acceptable manner in which he discharged his official and Christian duties. He was peculiarly gifted in prayer. The eloquent Mr. Kerr often called on him to lead the supplications of the assembly, at the close of his thrilling ser- mons. Of fine personal appearance, and engaging manners, he was very popular with all classes of the community, and dispensed a generous hospitality. He has in this city a well- known son, identified with the origin and growth of the Venable Street Baptist Church.
F. J. Lewis, Joseph Starke, and B. W. Wal- thall were elected Deacons in 1833. Mr, Lewis served about two years, and was dis-
160 CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
missed from the Church by letter, and removed to the West. Mr. Starke served about the same length of time, and withdrew from the Church to assume the duties of a gospel minister. Mr. Walthall served as a Deacon four years. He then moved to Mississippi, where he maintained a high character, and reared an interesting family. At an advanced age he still lives, and is a member of the Episcopal Church. During their official terms, these brethren were consistent and efficient Christians. Mr. Starke as a minister has re- ceived to-day a deserved tribute at the hands of Dr. Burrows.
W. E. Clopton and J. Harvie Temple served as Deacons in 1835, about one year each. They were then dismissed by letters and left the city. Mr. Clopton was a brother of an able jurist, the late Judge John B. Clopton, and is represented as a faithful officer and Christian. Similar testimony is borne to the character and services of Mr. Temple. They left the Church and the city about the same time. Mr. Temple resumed his residence here, and died in the year 1871. He has an aged sister, and a nephew bearing his name, who are members of this Church. John Farrar united with the
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY. 161
Church by baptism in 1842. He was elected a Deacon in 1848, and served for ten years, when he died in Richmond in 1858, lamented by a large circle of relatives, friends, and brethren. He occupied prominent business positions, and was at one time in prosperous circumstances.
Richard Reins was born on the 19th of De- cember, 1797, in the county of King William, of wealthy parents, but was early left an orphan, and stripped of his patrimony. At the age of seventeen he entered into business in this city. He united with the Church by baptism in 1826. In 1833, he was made a Deacon, and discharged the duties of the office for thirty-eight years most faithfully, until his death in Richmond in 1871. His nature was generous, ardent, and resolute. He did nothing by halves. Into every enterprise or effort he threw his whole soul. By industry, he accumulated a comfort- able estate, from which he gave liberally to every good cause. No agent of any important enterprise appealed to him in vain. His friends sometimes deemed him extravagant in his gifts. The distinguished Luther Rice, his friend and frequent guest, for whom one of his sons is named, received from him a donation·for Colum- bian College, which was deemed so large, that a
162 CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
pastor present exclaimed: "Brother Reins, the Baptists should certainly see to it that you never suffer want." His decision, promptness, and dispatch were remarkable. Serious mis- takes he doubtless made, but as Bourrienne said of Napoleon, he went forward with so much celerity and vigor that he often ran them down and cleared them. He was a confiding friend, and a hospitable host. Sincere and honest him- self, he lost heavily by unsuspecting faith in others. Adversity at last overtook him. The infirmities of age, and losses and crosses wrecked his earthly hopes. But he had higher hopes, to which he clung to the last. In weak- ness and depression they cheered him, and in the supreme hour they sustained him, until his freed spirit fled to the realms of the blest. One who knew and loved him writes: "A warmer, truer, braver heart never beat in human breast. While many seem to be more religious than they are, Mr. Reins was more so than he out- wardly appeared." He was one of the Build- ing Committee for the erection of this house of worship.
James Sizer was born in Caroline County, Virginia, on the 18th of January, 1784. Like Reins, he embarked in business here in early
163
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
life, and amassed an independent fortune. In 1827, he was baptized into the fellowship of the Church, and two years later was made a Deacon, and discharged the duties of the office for thirty- eight years, until his death in 1867. His nature was not to lead, and to take a promi- nent part in the affairs of the Church.
He was quiet, unobtrusive, uniformly consis- tent, and interested in whatever pertained to the interests of Christ's Kingdom. As Treasurer of the Church, and member of the Building Committee which superintended the erection of this house, he was energetic, atten- tive, and liberal. At length financial embarass- ments overtook him. He lost the gains of years. But his integrity was never questioned, and on his reputation no blemish rested. He submissively met his reverses, and retained the respect of every one. His life extended to four-score and four years. Touching at his birth the close of one revolution and at his death the close of another, he linked together the experiences of four generations. He anti- cipated death, and with entire composure awaited its approach. Among his papers the following was found, written with his own hand, on his eightieth birth-day: "The word of God,
164
CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY.
the Old and New Testament, are precious to read, contemplate, and meditate upon. Read 19th Psalm of David. But my trust is in a risen Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came to seek and to save sinners such as I am. 18th January, 1864. Jas. Sizer." Thus sustained, he trust- fully yielded his long life into the hands of his Saviour on the 18th March, 1867. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Seminary, from which our College sprang.
Archibald Thomas was born March 28th, 1796, in Caroline County, Virginia, where he passed his childhood and youth. In early man- hood he began business in Richmond, which was successfully pursued until he became finan- cially independent. He was converted and entered the Church in 1826, and in February of the following year was made Deacon, filling the office for thirty years, until the date of his death. He was a member and the Treasurer of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, from its formation until near the close of his life. Not confining him- self to the technical routine of duty, he frequently in his correspondence with the missionaries, addressed to them words of affectionate sym- pathy and interest. He was a member of the
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.