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 Please handle 
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ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE. 
 
 [Reproduced from an oil portrait in possession of the Library of Richmond College,] 
 
History of the Rise and Progress 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BAPTISTS IN VIRGINIA,/ 
 
 BY 
 
 . ROBERT B. SEMPLE, 
 Minister of the Gospel in King and Queen County, Va. 
 
 'REVISED AND EXTENDED 
 
 Rev 
 
 . G. 
 
 BY 
 
 w. 
 
 BEALE. 
 
 ) RICHMOND, VA.: 
 Pitt & Dickinson, Publishers. 
 
 18^4. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress in tlie year 1894, by 
 
 PITT & DICKINSON, 
 
 In the office ot the Librarian at Washington. 
 
S0 
 
 The Baptist General Meeting of Correspondence 
 
 AND TO 
 
 The BAPTIST Association in Virginia 
 IS Affectionately Dedicated 
 
 BY 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
RECOMMENDATORY LETTER. 
 
 The following letter from Rev. Andrew Broaddus, Caro- 
 line, and Peter Nelson, Esq., Professor of Wingfield 
 Academy, Hanover, is so gratifying to the feelings of the 
 author that he cannot withhold from publication the re- 
 commendation of men so capableof judging of the merits 
 of such a work : 
 
 August SO, 1810. 
 
 Dear Sir, — The examination of your "History of the 
 Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Virginia" has in- 
 deed been to us a pleasing task ; not merely as it has 
 afforded us an opportunity of complying with the requi- 
 sition of a friendship we highly value, but from the man- 
 ner in which the compilation is executed. 
 
 We are far from intending the complimentary style of 
 recommendation when we say that we consider this a 
 truly valuable and well executed work. The style is per- 
 spicuous, concise and well adapted to history, the arrange- 
 ment clear and happily calculated to prevent confusion, 
 and the matter it contains highly important and interest- 
 ing to every friend of truth and piety. 
 
 We cannot conclude without congratulating _yoa on the 
 completion of an undertaking so laborious as this has 
 been, and the public on the acquisition of a work calcu- 
 lated, in a considerable degree, to gratify the curious and 
 inform the inquisitive, as well as to promote the cause of 
 true religion. 
 
 Accept the assurances of our friendship and esteem. 
 
 Peter Nelson. 
 Andrew Broaddus. 
 [ V ] 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Unless the compiler is wholly deceived in himself, his 
 attempt to write a history of the Virginia Baptists did 
 not spring either from the love of money or the love of 
 fame. To say that these things never entered his thoughts 
 would be saying what no one would believe. His mo- 
 tive was an ardent wish for the prosperity of truth, which 
 he really thought could be greatly promoted by a plain 
 and simple exhibition of God's dealings towards His peo- 
 ple. The rise and rapid spread of the Baptists in Vir- 
 ginia were so remarkable that there are but few who do 
 not believe that some historical relation of them will be 
 productive of real advantage to true religion. So much 
 were our revolutionary reformers persuaded of this that 
 they made arrangements, as early as 1788, to collect ma- 
 terials and publish a history, as may be seen by turning 
 to our history of the proceedings of the General Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 If his book does not recommend itself by its polished 
 style, deep erudition or rhetorical flights, he thinks that 
 it possesses qualities that are more valuable in such a 
 work. Candor and simplicity, in chuixh history, appear 
 to the author properties of primary importance. He has 
 faithfully recorded the foibles and failures, as well as the 
 virtues and praises, of his own people. 
 
 The documents which were before him were of various 
 sorts. Some were printed, and, of course, rested upon 
 the veracity of the author. Some were old manuscripts 
 gathered from the papers of persons long since dead, and 
 
 Ivii] 
 
viii PREFACE. 
 
 which might have been hastily composed, their authors 
 not expecting their publication and not being alive to 
 give explanations. Some, and indeed many, were fur- 
 nished by living characters, who doubtlesss always gave 
 as correct information as they possessed. But from the 
 contradictory statements of the same facts by different 
 persons there must have been many mistakes. The com- 
 piler always strove to select from the various statements 
 that which seemed most likely to be correct; yet without 
 doubt he will be found sometimes to have been mistaken. 
 His errors, however, if there are any, are chiefly, if not 
 wholly respecting matters of secondary importance. To 
 make a satisfactory selection was often extremely diffi- 
 cult indeed, yet the arrangement of materials received 
 was not the most arduous part. An unaccountable back- 
 wardness of many to furnish in any way the information 
 possessed rendered the task almost impracticable. All 
 these difficulties considered, with many that cannot be 
 expressed, the reader will do no more than justice to say 
 that, however incorrect the' work may be in some of its 
 parts, and however deficient in others, it is still a per- 
 formance that must have cost no inconsiderable labor and 
 solicitude. 
 
 Whilst he expresses regret at the backwardness of some, 
 he feels a more than commensurate pleasure in expressing 
 his gratitude for the laudable forwardness of others. These 
 are so numerous and so deserving that he is fearful, whilst 
 he cannot insert the names of all, the sensibility of oth- 
 ers might be wounded if he should mention those of the 
 Rev. William Mason, of Culpeper ; John Poindexter, of 
 Louisa ; A. Waller, of Spotsylvania ; William Br ante, 
 of Richmond ; Benjamin Watkins, of Powhatan ; Wil- 
 liam Richards, of Mecklenburg ; Josiah Osborne and 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 John Alderson, of Greenbrier ; William Howard, of 
 Montgomery ; yohn Jenkins, of Pittsylvania ; Jeremiah 
 Moore, of Fairfax ; and Mr. Thomas Buck, of Frederick. 
 From these a prompt and friendly aid was afforded ; and, 
 indeed, some exerted themselves above what could have 
 been expected. From the histories of the Kehukee and 
 Ketocton Associations extracts have been made as to 
 Portsmouth and Ketocton. To their authors he must, 
 therefore, express his obligations. Mr. Leland's Virginia 
 Chronicle, his manuscript collection, &c., were the more 
 valuable because they furnished matter which could not 
 have been easily, if at all, obtained elsewhere. 
 
 There are some parts of the history, such as treat on 
 churches, &c., which will not be interesting to many 
 readers ; yet to others these places may be the most de- 
 sirable. 
 
 The tables prefixed to each Association are designed 
 to exhibit a compendious view of the churches of which 
 they are composed. 
 
 In treating on churches and Associations, opportuni- 
 ties are often taken of delineating some living charac- 
 ters, and thereby to hold up for imitation the praisewor- 
 thy properties of good men ; and, in a few instances, by 
 exhibiting the true characters of bad ones, a warning is 
 offered to the unwary. 
 
 Finally, whatever may be the censures of bigots and 
 cynics, the author hopes for the candid and liberal sup- 
 port of the friends of truth and piety ; and for these this 
 book is particularly designed. 
 
 Notwithstanding great pains have been taken to pre- 
 vent it, some grammatical and some typographical errors 
 have imperceptibly crept into this work. These, it is 
 believed, seldom, if ever, affect the sense. 
 
Preface to the Revised Edition. 
 
 Thb reasons for the republication of this History are not 
 far to seek. The eyes which greeted its appearance in 
 1810 have all long since closed in death, and two full 
 generations have since then passed away, leaving scarcely 
 one in a thousand now who is familiar with the events 
 of which it treats. Meanwhile, time that spared the 
 statue of Adrian's horse but overwhelmed that of the 
 emperor himself, has been busy, obscuring the real actprs 
 in great movements and exalting other claimants in their 
 stead. Its changes have not spared the worthy characters 
 of this history, but threaten to confuse their actions, and 
 to efface their written memorials, the names of the places 
 associated with their toils and sufferings, and even their 
 graves. The lines of the State which they helped to 
 make illustrious have been altered, and one-third of its 
 counties have entered into the formation of a new Com- 
 monwealth, while nearly a like proportion of the re- 
 mainder have been brought into being since this work 
 was written. 
 
 The endeavor to found Baptist churches in Virginia 
 was in its earlier stages an extraordinary and unique re- 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 ligious movement, unparalleled elsewhere in the history 
 of Christianity on the American continent, and the like 
 of which, it is not to be supposed, will ever occur again. 
 The causes of this may be traced in the origin and his- 
 tory of the colony of Virginia, the successful undertaking 
 of which found its most zealous and effective advocate in 
 a prebendary of the Established Church of England, 
 whose pen drafted the rules of government under which 
 the first expedition sailed. Priests of the church accom- 
 panied the earliest and most important voyages, and for- 
 mally signalized their landings on James river with their 
 prayers. Among the earliest buildings reared at James- 
 town was one consecrated to the services of the church. 
 The most zealous care of the Colonial Assembly for more 
 than a century after the settlement was to cement the 
 union between the government and the church, and to 
 make the claims and offices of the latter as binding as 
 possible upon the people. Thus legalized, the church 
 anticipated the birth of the children of the colony, and 
 did not forsake them in their death. It offered its bless- 
 ing on their natal hours in prayers " for all women in the 
 perils of child-birth." It sealed their tender infancy with 
 its baptismal sacrament, under rubrics which provided : 
 " The priest shall take the child ip his hands, and naming 
 the child, shall dip it in the water ' discreetly and wa- 
 rily.' " It published the bans of matrimony on its church- 
 doors, and solemnized the rite with its formula. It en- 
 forced Sabbath worship in accordance with its ritual and 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 creed, and under heavy penalties for its neglect ; and the 
 obsequies of the dead it directed after its own impressive 
 burial service. Even its church-yards were made by law 
 cemeteries, so that the Establishment which nursed its 
 children so closely in life, ceased not to cover them with 
 its shadows in death. 
 
 A church whose offices were brought so intimately into 
 contact with the most important concerns and sacred re- 
 lations of the colonists could not fail to become endeared 
 in the hearts of many with a love and veneration strength- 
 ened by the strongest bonds of their habits, associations, 
 traditions and memories. It therefore should not excite 
 great surprise that when the Baptists arose in Virginia 
 with principles so antagonistic to the union of church 
 and State, so clamorous for a regenerate church-member- 
 ship, for the baptism of believers only, for independence 
 in church government, and the voluntary principle in 
 support of religion, they should have met with deter- 
 mined opposition, and that all the machinery of the law 
 and the courts should have been employed to restrain and 
 silence them. 
 
 In the contest which ensued, which was a truly noble 
 and heroic phase in the development of religious freedom, 
 while we must accord their full meed of praise to all 
 others who co-operated in the struggle, it is but simple 
 justice to say that no other parties in Virginia, religious 
 or political, saw so clearly as the Separate Baptists the 
 stand which it was necessary to take, and the sacrifice 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 which it was necessary to makCj in order ta secure per- 
 fect religious equality and freedom. And having seen 
 thus clearly, their record shows how ready they were to 
 take the stand and to suffer the penalty. Many a rude 
 arbor and shaded grove and private dwelling, unlicensed 
 by the general court as places for preaching, yet used as 
 suck by the Baptist preachers, became witnesses of the 
 stand which they took ; while the jails in Alexandria, 
 Warrenton, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Tappahannock 
 and Urbanna, as well as those in King and Queen, Caro- 
 line and Chesterfield, became witnesses of the penalty 
 which they endured. 
 
 The formidable opposition which confronted this early 
 work did not make it more remarkable than did the 
 abundant successes which crowned it. The force which 
 sought to stifle it seemed to^add new vigor to its life. Its 
 growth after the Revolution became phenomenal. A 
 letter written from Baltimore, February 4, 1790, and pub- 
 lished in London, said : " The Gospel of Christ has ob- 
 tained a glorious conquest over thousands in the United 
 States of America. Virginia in particular is wonderfully 
 blessed with large effusions of the Holy Spirit. A few 
 months since I received a letter from one of the ministers 
 in said State, giving an account of between four and five 
 thousand persons added to one Association in less than 
 fifteen months' time." A correspondent writing from 
 New York of the same work said : " The progress of 
 divine truth is amazing." Another, in a letter dated 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 "^Boston, November 4, 1789," said of it: "By accounts 
 from those parts it has seemed something like the day of 
 Pentecost." Through a series of large ingatherings such 
 as are here reported, the Baptist churches of Virginia, 
 though it was the last of the thirteen original colonies in 
 which they gained a permanent footing, were enabled 
 during the lifetime of many of their founders to report a 
 membership nearly, if not quite, as large as that of all 
 the other colonies combined. 
 
 The work was remarkable not only in the manner of 
 its increase, but in that of its depletion as well, by which 
 its ministers by the score, and its members by the thou- 
 sand, were withdrawn from Virginia on the tide of 
 southern g.nd western emigration. This exodus was by 
 individuals, by families, by companies, and in some in- 
 stances by churches, which, gathering together their pas- 
 tors, deacons and members, with their children and ser- 
 vants, their household goods, provisions, cattle, horses 
 and wagons, set oht on the i-ugged paths of the emigrant, 
 across mountains, through dense forests and over rushing 
 rivers, to find new settlements, and to rear new meeting- 
 houses on the plains and among the valleys of Kentucky, 
 Tennessee and other States. Thus the work in Virginia 
 became an important factor in extending Baptist princi- 
 ples to the Mississippi river and beyond, and from the 
 Ohio to the Gulf, and thereby helping to create within 
 the territory of the Southern Baptist Convention the 
 'most numerous Baptist constituency in the world. 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 Of this History, as prepared by its author, an authority 
 no less competent than the kte Dr. J. L. Burrows (a 
 name greatly honored and revered by Virginia Baptists) 
 has expressed the following estimate : " It is one of the 
 most successful attempts of the sort that has ever been 
 made for any section of our world. It was well, master- 
 fully done. Our people have never appreciated this work 
 as it deserves. It is to-day one of the most suggestive, 
 disciplinary, inspiring treatises on Baptist doctrines, 
 methods, developments, to be found in our libraries. In 
 style simple and clear, conscientiously veracious in its 
 facts and figures, accurate in its statements of doctrine 
 and polity, calm and faithful in narrating the sufferings 
 of the fathers, honest and precise in portraying discus- 
 sions and controversies, furnishing the sentiments and 
 facts from which we can trace the development of our 
 principles and practices to the present time ; it is a trea- 
 sury of knowledge without which much that is valuable 
 in the past would be impenetrably obscure. All honor, 
 and more honor than has ever yet been given, is due to 
 the memory of this industrious and trustworthy compiler 
 and preserver of our early history." 
 
 Of the author of the History, whose portrait appears 
 as the frontispiece of this volume, Dr. Charles H. Ryland, 
 secretary of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, and 
 one of the ministerial sons of Bruington church, has ap- 
 propriately written : 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 "The church at Bruington, King and Queen county, 
 Va., was constituted in 1790. While they were anxiously 
 seeking a leader, it was revealed to them ,that there was 
 a young man, one of their own number, before God cry- 
 ing : ' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? ' That man 
 was Robert Baylor Semple, a young lawyer, twenty years 
 old, who, the year before, had been baptized by Elder 
 Theodorick Noel and joined Upper King and Queen 
 church. He was born at ' Rosemount,' near Bruington, 
 was a widow's son, of respectable family and well edu- 
 cated. The church laid their hands upon him in ordina- 
 tion and made him their pastor. His first efforts at 
 preaching, were so stammering that a distinguished law- 
 yer and statesman, hearing him, 'predicted that young 
 Semple would never in the character of a minister gain 
 the attention of the community.' But this was the man 
 who led the flock for more than forty years. His first 
 text was the index of bis long and able ministry: 'That 
 /^Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners?^ It is 
 no exaggeration to say that the Baptists of Virginia have 
 never had another figure so influential and commanding, 
 nor one more useful in their ministry. His labors in the 
 pastorate, his work for education and missions, his great 
 and wise leadership upon all questions of denominational 
 polity, and last, though not least, his invaluable services 
 as the historian of his people's principles,- sufferings and 
 work, were such as to entitle him to the encomium, ' He 
 
 was a father in Israel.' 
 b 
 
8 PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 " His body sleeps under the oaks in Bruington church 
 yard, and over it, upon a broad marble slab, is this in- 
 scription : 
 
 " '/« Memory of 
 
 ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE, 
 
 Minister of the Gospel. 
 
 Born Jan. 20th, 1769. 
 
 " ' In life's early prime he was called to the knowledge 
 of the truth, and baptized upon profession of his faith. 
 For more than forty years, with unwearied diligence and 
 zeal, he devoted the powers of an energetic mind, fur- 
 nished with a classic education, to the service of his Di- 
 vine Master in the work of the ministry. 
 
 " ' Having finished his course on earth, he was called to 
 rest from his labors December 25, 1831, being near the 
 close of his sixty-third year. ' Well done, good and faith- 
 ful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'' The 
 church and congregation at Bruington have erected this 
 tablet as a testimony of esteem for their beloved and la- 
 mented pastor.^ " 
 
 With the exception of the biographical sketches (which 
 appear in a condensed form) the present work is a faith- 
 ful reproduction of the original. The annotations which 
 have been supplied are simply designed to throw light 
 on points in the narrative which time has tended to ob- 
 scure. The other matter added is, for the most part, in- 
 tended to indicate briefly the lines of the subsequent 
 development of the work portrayed in the History. If 
 
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 
 
 with the divine blessing upon it, the publication, as it 
 now appears, may extend an intelligent acquaihtance 
 with the Baptist fathers and their deeds, and thus endear 
 and confirm the principles for which they toiled and suf- 
 fered, a rich satisfaction will reward the aim which 
 prompted, and the hope which guided in its preparation. 
 
 G. W. B. 
 
 HoLLiNS, Va., fune, 189^. 
 
A HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Rise and Progress of the Baptists 
 IH Virginia. 
 
 By ROBERT B. SEAPLE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 OF THE ORIGIN OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 
 
 The Baptists of Virginia originated from three sources. 
 The first were emigrants from England, who, about the 
 year 1714, settled in the southeastern parts of the State. 
 
 About 1743 another party came from Maryland and 
 formed a settlement in the northwest. 
 
 Each of these will be treated of in their proper places. 
 
 A third party, from New England, having acted the 
 most distinguished part, first demands our attention. 
 
 By the preaching of Mr. Whitefield through New Eng- 
 land a great work of God broke out in that country, dis- 
 tinguished by the name of the Ne-w Light Stir. All who 
 joined it were called Neiu Lights. Many preachers of the 
 established order became active in the work. Their suc- 
 cess was so great that numbers of the parish clergy, who 
 were opposed to the revival, were apprehensive that they 
 should be deserted by all their hearers. They therefore 
 not only refused them the use of their meeting-houses, 
 but actually procured the passage of a law to confine all 
 preachers to their own parishes. This opposition did not 
 
 [11 ] 
 
12 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 effect the intended object. Tbe hearts of the people, be- 
 ing touched by a heavenly flame, could no longer relish 
 the dry parish service, conducted, for the most part, as 
 they thought, by a set of graceless mercenaries. 
 
 The New Light Stir being extensive, a great number 
 wrere converted to the Lord. These, conceiving that the 
 parish congregations, a few excepted, were far from the 
 purity of the Gospel, determined to form a society to 
 themselves. Accordingly, they embodied many churches. 
 Into these none were admitted who did not profess vital 
 religion. Having thus separated themselves from the es- 
 tablished churches, they were denominated Separates. 
 Their church government was entirely upon the plan of 
 the Independents, the power being in the hands of the 
 church. They permitted unlearned men to preach, pro- 
 vided they manifested such gifts as indicated future use- 
 fulness. They were Pedobaptists in principle, but did 
 not reject any of their members who chose to submit to 
 believers' baptism. 
 
 The Separates first took their rise, or rather their name, 
 about the year 1744. They increased very fast for seve- 
 ral years. About a year after they were organized into 
 a distinct society they were joined by Shubal Stearns,* 
 who, becoming a preacher, labored among them until 
 175 1, when, forming acquaintance with some of the Bap- 
 tists, he was convinced of the duty of believers' baptism. 
 Being a good man, to know his duty vvas sufficient to in- 
 duce him to perform it. The same year in which he was 
 baptized he was ordained, and took the pastoral care of a 
 church. 
 
 *SliulDal Stearns was born In Boston, Massaelmsetts, jAnuary 28, 1706. 
 He was for six years a minister among the New Lights, as the converted 
 Congregational communities were called. He became a Baptist in 1751 at 
 Tolland, Connecticut. 
 
ORIGIN OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 13 
 
 Mr. Stearns and most of the Separates had strong 
 faith in the immediate teachings of the Spirit. They be- 
 lieved that to those who sought Him earnestly God gave 
 evident tokens of His will. That such indications of the 
 divine pleasure, partaking of the nature. of inspiration, 
 were above, though not contrary to reason, and that follow- 
 ing these, still leaning in every step upon the same wisdom 
 and power by which they were first actuated, they would 
 inevitably be led to the accomplishment of the two great 
 objects of a Christian's life — the glory of God and the 
 salvation of men. Mr. Stearns, listening to some of these 
 instructions' of Heaven, conceived himself called upon 
 by the Almighty to move far to the westward to execute 
 a great and extensive work. Incited by his impres- 
 sions, in the year 1754, he and a few of his members 
 took their leave of New England. They halted first at 
 Opeckon, in Berkeley county, Virginia, where he found 
 a Baptist church under the care of Rev. John Garrard,* 
 who met him kindly. Here, also, he met his brother-in- 
 law, f the Rev. Daniel Marshall, just returned from his 
 mission among the Indians, and who after his arrival 
 at this place had become a Baptist. J They joined com- 
 panies and settled for awhile on Cacapon, in Hampshire 
 county, about thirty miles from Winchester. Here, not 
 meeting with his expected success, he felt restless. Some 
 of his friends had moved to North Carolina ; he received 
 letters from these, informing him that preaching was 
 greatly desired by the people of that country ; that in 
 some instances they had ridden forty miles to hear one 
 
 *The pastor of Op^quan church at this time, as the author elsewhere 
 states, was Elder Samuel Hetou. . 
 
 + Danlel Marshall married Martha Stearns, In 1748, as his second wife. 
 She is said to have been to Mm a " PrlsclUa," Indeed. 
 
 t See our history of Ketocton Association.— .4u(/ior'5 note. 
 
14 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 sermon. He and his party once more got under way, 
 and, traveling about two hundred miles, came to Sandy 
 Creek, in Guilford county. North Carolina. Here he took 
 up his permanent residence. Soon after his arrival, viz., 
 November 22, 1755, he and his companions, to the num- 
 ber of sixteen, were constituted into a church called 
 Sandy Creek * a.nA to which Mr. Stearns was appointed 
 pastor. In this little church in the wilderness there were, 
 besides the pastor, two other preachers, viz., Joseph Breed 
 and Daniel Marshall, neither of whom was ordained. 
 
 Thus organized they began their work, kindling a fire 
 which soon began to burn brightly indeed, spreading in a 
 few years over Virginia, North and South Carolina and 
 Georgia. 
 
 The subsequent events seem completely to have veri- 
 fied Mr. Stearns's impressions concerning a great work 
 of God in the West. 
 
 *The constituent members of this church consisted of eight men and their 
 wives. The names of tlie male members were Shubal Stearns, Peter Stearns, 
 Ebenezer Stearns, Shubal Stearns, Jr., Daniel Marshall , Joseph Breed, Enos 
 Stimpson and Jonathan Polk. The church was located in Guilford (now 
 Randolph) county. The first Association in North Carolina, formed in 1758, 
 bore the name of Sandy Creek. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 FROM THEIR FINAL SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA 
 UNTIL THE COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 
 
 Ti-iE natives around about this little colony of Baptists, 
 although brought up in the Christian religion, were 
 grossly ignorant of its essential principles. Having the 
 form of godliness, they knew nothing of its power. 
 
 The doctrine of Mr. Stearns and his party was conse- 
 quently quite strange. To be born again appeared to 
 them as absurd as it did to the Jewish doctor, when he 
 asked if he must enter the second time into his mother's 
 womb and be born again. Having always supposed that 
 religion consisted in nothing more than the practice of 
 its outward duties, they could not comprehend how it 
 should be necessary to feel conviction and conversion. 
 But to be able to ascertain the time and place of one's 
 conversion was, in their estimation, wonderful indeed. 
 These points were all strenuously contended for by the 
 new preachers. 
 
 But their manner of preaching was, if possible, much 
 more novel than their doctrines. The Separates in New 
 England had acquired a very warm and pathetic addi'ess, 
 accompanied by strong gestures and a singular tone of 
 voice. Being often deeply affected themselves while 
 preaching, correspondent affections were felt by their 
 pious hearers, which were frequently expressed by tears, 
 trembling, screams, shouts and acclamations. All these 
 they brought with them into their new habitation. The 
 
 [ 15 ] 
 
16 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 people were greatly astonished, having never seen things 
 on this wise before. Many mocked, but, the power of 
 God attending them, many also trembled. In process 
 of time some of the natives became converts, and bowed 
 obedience to the Redeemer's sceptre. These, uniting 
 their labors with the chosen band, a powerful and exten- 
 sive work broke out. From sixteen, Sandy. Creek church 
 soon swelled to six hundred and six members, so mightily 
 grew the work of God ! 
 
 Daniel Marshall, though not possessed of great talents, 
 was indefatigable in his endeavors. He sallied out into 
 the adjacent neighborhoods and planted the Redeemer's 
 standard in many of the strongholds of Satan. At Ab- 
 bott's Creek, about thirty miles from Sandy Creek, the 
 Gospel prospered so largely that they petitioned the 
 mother church for a constitution and for the ordination 
 of Mr. Marshall as their pastor. Mr. Marshall accepted 
 the call and went to live among them. His ordination, 
 however, was a matter of some difficulty. It required a 
 plurality of elders to constitute a presbytery ; Mr. Stearns 
 was the only ordained minister among them. In this di- 
 lemma they were informed that there were some Regular 
 Baptist preachers living on Pedee. To one of these Mr. 
 Stearns applied, and requested him to assist- him in the 
 ordination of Mr. Marshall. This request he sternly re- 
 fused, declaring that he held no fellowship with Stearns's 
 party; that he believed them to-be a disorderly set, suf- 
 fering women to pray in public and permitting every ig- 
 norant man to preach that chose ; that they encouraged 
 noise and confusion in their meetings. Application was 
 then made to Mr. Henry Ledbetter, who lived some- 
 where in the Southern States, and who was a brother- 
 jn-law of Mf. Marshall, He and Mr. Stearns ordained 
 
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA. 17 
 
 Mr. Marshall to the care of this new church. The work 
 of grace continued to spread, and several preachers were 
 •raised in North Carolina. Among others was James 
 Read,* who was afterwards very successful in Virginia. 
 When he first began to preach he was entirely illiterate, 
 not knowing how to read or write. His wife became his 
 instructor, and he soon acquired learning sufficient to en- 
 able him to read the Scriptures. 
 
 Into the parts of Virginia adjacent to the residence of 
 this religious colony the Gospel had been quickly carried 
 by Mr.- Marshall. He had baptized several in some of 
 his first visits. Among them was Dutton Lane,f who 
 shortly after his baptism began to preach. A revival 
 succeeded, and Mr. Marshall at one time baptized forty- 
 two persons. In August, 1760, a church was constituted 
 under the pastoral care of Rev. Dutton Lane. This was 
 the first Separate Baptist church in Virginia, and, in 
 some sense, the mother of all the rest. The church pros- 
 pered under the ministry of Mr. Lane, aided by the occa- 
 sional visits of Mr. Marshall and Mr. Stearns. They en- 
 dured much persecution ; but God prospered them and 
 delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies. 
 
 Soon after Mr. Lane's conversion the power of God 
 was effectual in the conversion of Samuel Harriss, a man 
 of great distinction in those parts. Besides being bur- 
 gess of the county and colonel of the militia, he held sev- 
 
 * Elder Read's labors were highly blessed in the lower part of Mecklen- 
 burg county, where he was instrumental in the establishment of Buffalo 
 church, which he served for some yeara as pastor. He died in 1798, aged 
 seventy- two years. A sketch of his life appears in Taylor's Virginia Baptist 
 Ministers, first series, page 26. 
 
 + Dutton Lane came to Virginia from the vicinity of Baltimore, where he 
 was born, November 7, 1732. He was baptized by Shubal Stearns in 1758. 
 A sketch of him may be found in Virginia Baptist Ministers, first series , 
 page 29. 
 
18 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 eral other offices.* Upon being honored of God, he laid 
 aside all worldly honors and became a laborer in the 
 Lord's vineyard. In 1759 he was ordained a ruling elder.. 
 From the time of the commencement of his ministry for 
 about seven years his labors were devoted chiefly to his 
 own and the adjacent counties. Being often with Mr. 
 Marshall in his ministerial journeys, he caught the zeal, 
 diligence, and, indeed, the manners of Marshall. His 
 labors were crowned with the blessing of Heaven wher- 
 ever he went. 
 
 Stearns, though not as laborious as Marshall, was not 
 idle. He seems to have had the talent of arranging the 
 materials when collected. He understood well discipline 
 and church government. Having now constituted seve- 
 ral churches, and there being some others that exercised 
 the rights of churches though not formally organized, 
 Mr. Stearns conceived that an association composed of 
 delegates from all these would have a tendency to impart 
 stability, regularity and uniformity to the whole. For 
 this prudent purpose he visited each church and congre- 
 gation and explained the contemplated plan, induced them 
 all to send delegates to his meeting-house the ensuing 
 January, which was in the year 1760. 
 
 Their regulations and proceedings may be seen in our 
 account of the General Association. Here it may suffice 
 to observe that through these meetings the Gospel was 
 carried into many new places, where the fame of the Bap- 
 tists had previously spread, for great crowds, attending 
 
 * Colonel Harriss was a resident of Pittsylvania county, wliere at differ- 
 ent times he held the offices of "church warden, sheriff , justice of the 
 peace, burgess for the county, colonel of the militia, captain of Mayo Fort, 
 and commissary for the fort and army." He appears to have first received 
 serious religious convictions under the preaching of Joseph and William 
 Murphy '* at a meeting-house near Allen's creek, on the road le^iding from 
 Booker's Ferry, Staunton river, to Pittsylvania Courthouse." 
 
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA. 19 
 
 from distant parts, mostly through curiosity, many became 
 enamored with these extraordinary people, and petitioned 
 the Association to send preachers into their neighbor- 
 hoods. These petitions were readily granted, and the 
 preachers as readily complied with the apppointments. 
 Thus the Association became the medium of propagating 
 the Gospel in new and dark places. They were instru- 
 mental in another way in advancing truth. When assem- 
 bled their chief employment was preaching, exhortation, 
 singing and conversing about their various exertions in 
 the Redeemer's service and the attendant success. These 
 things so inflamed the hearts of the ministers that they 
 would leave the Association with a zeal and courage which 
 no obstacles could impede. 
 
 Mr. Marshall's impressions led him to travel farther 
 south. Of his success in those quartei's, see some account 
 in his biography.* 
 
 Mr. Harriss was destined of God to labor more exten- 
 sively in Virginia than in any other State. Having done 
 much good in the circumjacent parts, the time had now 
 arrived for him to lengthen his chords. In January, 1765, 
 Allen Wyley,f an inhabitant of Culpeper, and who had 
 been baptized by David Thomas, hearing of the Separate 
 
 * Elder Marshall, on Ms removal soutli, settled first at Beaver Creek, S. 
 C, where a church vfas formed under his labors. Subsequently he went to 
 Horse Creek, fifteen miles north of Augusta, where he was again instru- 
 mental In forming a church. In January, 1771, he located at the Kiokee, 
 Ga., where an efficient church was speedily reared under his ministry. 
 Dying November 2, 1784, he left among his children a son (Abraham), to 
 whom has been ascribed " the highest place among the Baptist pioneer 
 preachers of Georgia." Succeeding his father as pastor of the Kiokee 
 church — " the mother of churches and ministers " — he remained as such for 
 thirty-five years. A sketch of Elder Marshall is contained in the first se- 
 ries of Taylor's Virginia Baptist Ministers. 
 
 + Mr. Wyley Is now living, and furnished from under his own hand the 
 above account. He has maintained ever since an upright character as a 
 zealous and pious professor.— 4»Wior's note. 
 
20 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Baptist preachers, traveled from Culpeper to Pittsylvania 
 in order to get one or more of them to come and preach 
 in Culpeper. He traveled on, scarcely knowing whither 
 he went. An unseen hand directed his course. He pro- 
 videntially fell in with one of Mr. Harriss's meetings. 
 When he came into the meeting-house Mr. Harriss fixed 
 his eyes upon him, being impressed previously that he 
 had some extraordinary message. He asked him whence 
 he came, &c. Mr. Wyley told him his errand. Upon 
 which, after some deliberation, believing him to be sent 
 of God, Mr. Harriss agreed to go. Taking three days to 
 prepare, he started with Wyley, having no meetings on 
 the way, yet exhorting and praying at every house where 
 he went. 
 
 Arriving in Culpeper, his first meeting was at Wyley's 
 own house. He preached the first day without interrup- 
 tion^ and appointed for the next. He the next day began to 
 preach, but the opposers immediately raised violent op- 
 position, appearing with whips, sticks, clubs, &c., so as 
 to hinder his labors ; in consequence of which he went 
 that night over to Orange county, and preached with 
 much effect. He continued many days preaching from 
 place to place, attended by great crowds and followed 
 throughout his meetings by several persons, who had been 
 lately converted or seriously awakened under the minis- 
 try of the Regular Baptists, and also by many who had 
 been alarmed by his own labors. When Mr. Harriss left 
 them he exhorted them to be steadfast, and advised some 
 (in whom he discovered talents) to commence the ex- 
 ercise of their gifts and to hold meetings among them- 
 selves. 
 
 In this ministerial journey Mr. Harriss ^sowed many 
 good seed, yielding afterwards great increase. The you ng 
 
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA. 21 
 
 converts took his advice and began to hold meetings every 
 Sabbath, and almost every night in the week, taking a to- 
 bacco house for their meeting-house. After proceeding 
 in this way for some time they applied to Mr. David 
 Thomas,* who lived somewhere north of the Rappahan- 
 nock, to come and preach for them, and to teach them 
 the ways of God more perfectly. He came, but in his 
 preaching expressed some disapprobation of the preach- 
 ing of such weak and illiterate persons. This was like 
 throwing cold water upon their flaming zeal. They took 
 umbi-age, and resolved to send once more for Mr. Harriss. 
 
 Some time in the year of 1766, and a short time after 
 Mr. Thomas's preaching, three of the parties, viz., Elijah 
 Craig and two others, traveled to Mr. Harriss's house, in 
 order to procure his services in Orange and the adjacent 
 parts to preach and baptize the new converts. They 
 found to their surprise that he had not been ordained to 
 the administration of the ordinances. To remedy this 
 inconvenience he carried them about sixty miles into 
 North Carolina to get James Read, who was ordained. 
 
 There is something singular in the exercises of Mr. 
 Read about this time. He was impressed with an opin- 
 ion that he had frequent teachings from God ; and, in- 
 
 * Elder Thomas, wlioae labors are frequently mentioned in this volume, 
 was born at London Tract, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1732, and educated at 
 Hopewell, New Jersey. The degree of A. M, was conferred upon him by 
 Rhode Island College (Brown's University). After many years of arduous 
 and succesafulj tinerant labors in Virginia, during which he founded seven 
 or eight churches, and served Broad Run, Occoquan.aud Mill Creek as pas- 
 tor, he removed, in 1796, to Kentucky, and became pastor of Washington 
 church, in Mason county. Soon afterwards he removed to the vicinity of 
 East Hickman church, in Jessamine county, where he died about the year 
 1801. He was, in Virginia, a noble champion of religious liberty, and suf- 
 fered severe persecutions. Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry held him 
 in high esteem, and he highly valued them as friends of liberty. He will 
 be long remembered as the author of a stirring poem on " Freedom." See 
 an Interesting letter written by him In the appendix to this volume. 
 
22 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 deed, from the account given by himself, we must either 
 doubt his veracity or admit that his impressions were su- 
 pernatural.* He declares that respecting his preaching 
 in Virginia, for many weeks he had no rest in his spirit. 
 Asleep or awake, he felt his soul earnestly impressed with 
 strong desires to come to Virginia to preath the Gospel. 
 In his dreams he thought that God would often show him 
 large congregations assembled to hear preaching. He 
 was sometimes heard by his family to cry out in his sleep, 
 O Virginia, Virginia, Virginia / Mr. Graves, a mem- 
 ber of his church, a good man, discovering his anxiety, 
 and believing his impressions to be from God, offered to 
 accompany him. Just as they were fixing to come off, 
 Mr. Harfiss and the three messengers mentioned above 
 came for him to go with them. The circumstances so 
 much resemble Peter's call from Joppa to Csesarea, that 
 we can hardly for a moment hesitate in placing implicit 
 confidence in its being a contrivance of divine wisdom. 
 
 Mr. Read agreed to go without much hesitation. One 
 of the messengers from Spotsylvania w^ent on to appoint 
 meetings on the way. The two preachers, after filling 
 up some appointments in their own parts, pursued their 
 contemplated journey, accompanied by Mr. Graves and 
 the other two. In about a fortnight they arrived in 
 Orange, within the bounds of Blue Run church as it now 
 stands. When they came in sight and saw a very large 
 congregation they were greatly affected. After a few 
 minutes of prayer and reflection, they recovered their 
 courage and entered upon their great work. They 
 preached with much effect on that day. The next day 
 they preached at Elijah Craig's, where a vast crowd at- 
 tended. D. Thomas and John Garrard, both preachers 
 
 *In a manuscript furnished from his own li&uA.— Author's note. 
 
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA. 23 
 
 of the Regular order, were at this meeting. The minis- 
 ters on both sides seemed desirous to unite, but the peo- 
 ple were against it, the larger part siding with the Sepa- 
 rates. As they could not unite, both parties held meet- 
 ings the next day, being Sabbath, but a small distance from 
 each other. Baptism was administered by both. These 
 things widened the breach. Messrs. Read and Har- 
 riss, however, continued their ministrations. Mr. Read 
 baptized nineteen the first day and more on the days 
 following. They went through Spotsylvania into the 
 upper parts of Caroline, Hanover and Goochland coun- 
 ties, sowing the seed of grace and peace in many 
 places. So much were they inspirited by these meetings 
 that they made appointments to come again the next 
 year. In their second visit they were accompanied by 
 the Rev. Dutton Lane, who assisted them in constituting 
 and organizing the first Separate Baptist church* be- 
 tween the Rappahannock and James rivers. This took 
 place on the 20th of November, 1767. The church was 
 called Upper Spotsylvania, and consisted of twenty-five 
 members, including all the Separate Baptists north of 
 James river. This was a mother to many other churches. 
 Read and Harriss continued to visit these parts for 
 about three years with wonderful effect. In one of their 
 visits they baptized seventy-five at one time, and in 
 the course of one of their journeys, which generally lasted 
 several weeks, they baptized upwards of two hundred. 
 It was not uncommon at their great meetings for many 
 hundreds of men to camp on the ground, in order to 
 be present the next day. The night meetings, through 
 the great work of God, continued very late. The minis- 
 
 *Thl3 0liurch sometimes conlounded by writers with Lower Spotsylva- 
 nia, like many others of our early churches, came soon to be called after 
 its pastor, " Craig's "—a title which It still bears. 
 
24 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ters would scarcely have an opportunity to sleep. Some- 
 times the floor would be covered with persons struck 
 down under conviction of sin. It frequently happened 
 that when they would retire to rest at a late hour they 
 would be under the necessity of arising again through 
 the earnest cries of the penitent. There were instances 
 of persons traveling more than one hundred miles to one 
 of these meetings ; to go forty or fifty was not uncom- 
 mon. 
 
 On account of the great increase of members, through 
 the labors of Messrs. Read and Harriss, aided by a num- 
 ber of young preachers, it was found necessary to consti- 
 tute several other churches. Accordingly, on the zd day 
 of December, 1769, Lower Spotsylvania church was con- 
 stituted, with 154 members, who chose John Waller* for 
 pastor. He was consecrated to this office June 2, 1770. 
 Lewis Craig was consecrated pastor to the mother church 
 November, 1770. Blue Run church was constituted De- 
 cember 4, 1769, and choosing Elijah Craig for their pas- 
 tor, he was consecrated May, i77i-t 
 
 Read and Harriss, particularly the latter, were men of 
 great zeal and indefatigable diligence and perseverance 
 in their Master's cause ; their spirit was caught by many 
 of the young prophets in Orange and Spotsylvania. 
 
 * John Waller was born in Spotsylvania county December 23, 1741, and 
 gained In early life notoriety for recklessness and profanity, which secured 
 tor him the soubriquets of Swearing Jack Waller and the Devil's Adjutant. He 
 was one of the jury who presented Lewis Craig for preaching. He was 
 baptized by James Read in 1767, during one of his visits with Samuel Har- 
 riss to Orange county. The church constituted to bis care in 1769, which 
 became subsequently known as " Waller's," was only one of nine which he 
 was chiefly Instrumental in planting within the bounds of Goshen Associa- 
 tion. He removed to Abbeville, S. C, in 1793, where he died July 4, 1802, 
 aged sixty-one years. 
 
 + These foregoing accounts were taken from manuscript, received from 
 Mr. John Leland, J. Waller, E. Craig, James Read, &e. 
 
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA. 25 
 
 Lewis and Elijah Craig, John Waller, James Childs,* 
 John Burrus, &c., animated by an ardent desire for the 
 advancement of their Master's kingdom, sallied forth in 
 every direction, spreading the tidings of peace and sal- 
 vation wherever they vsrent. Most of them illiterate, yet 
 illumined by the wisdom from above, they would defend 
 and maintain the cause of truth against the arguments of 
 the most profound. Without visible sword or buckler, 
 they moved on steadily to their purpose, undismayed by 
 the terrific hosts of Satan backed by the strong arm of 
 civil authority. Magistrates and mobs, priests and sher- 
 iffs, courts and prisons all vainly combined to divert them 
 from their object. He that was for them was greater than 
 all that were against them. They found that 
 
 " Prisons would palaces prove, 
 If Jesus would dwell with them there." 
 
 There was an Established religion. The Nebuchad- 
 nezzars of the age required all men to bow down to this 
 golden image. These Hebrew children refused, and were 
 cast into the burning fiery furnace of persecution ; the 
 Son of God walked with them there, to the utter dismay 
 of their enemies. The decree finally went forth that 
 none should be any more forced to worship the golden 
 image. The Establishment was overturned. 
 
 Their labors were not limited to their own counties. 
 In Goochland, Messrs. Harriss and Read had baptized 
 several ; among whom was Reuben Ford, who had pro- 
 fessed vital faith about seven years before, under the 
 ministry of the renowned Whitefield and Davis. Mr. 
 Ford was baptized in the year 1769, by James Read. 
 
 These plants were watered by the labors of the Spot- 
 sylvania preachers, particularly J. Waller, who, early in 
 *For further mention ol him, see Appendix, 
 
26 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 his visits to Goochland, baptized William Webber and 
 Joseph Anthony,* who, with Reuben Ford, had been ex- 
 horting, &c., previous to their being baptized. By the 
 united labors of these several servants of God, the work 
 of godliness progressed in Goochland and round about. 
 The conquests of Jesus differ from those of the kings of 
 the earth ; they aim to destroy their enemies; He turns 
 enemies to friends; He arrests an infuriated Saul from 
 the ranks of Satan, and makes him an inspired advocate 
 for that cause which heonce destroyed. So it fared with 
 all these young preachers. They were no sooner capti- 
 vated by the King of Zion than they immediately began 
 to fisrht under His banner; their success was commensu- 
 rate with their diligence; many believed and were bap- 
 tized in Goochland ; insomuch that they thought them- 
 selves ripe for an independent government, and were 
 accordingly constituted as a church towards the last of 
 the year 177 1. It was called Goochland church, and 
 contained about seventy-five members. This was the 
 mother church of those parts, for from it have since been 
 constituted several others. Dover and Licking Hole 
 were both, shortly after, taken from Goochland church. f 
 William Webber became pastor of Dover, which office 
 he held until his death, in 1808. | Reuben Ford adminis- 
 tered the Word and ordinances to Goochland and Licking 
 Hole. 
 
 The spread of the Gospel is somewhat like the spread 
 of fire. It does not in all cases advance regularly ; but a 
 spark being struck out, flies off and begins a new flame 
 
 *Baptized June, 1770, Into fellowship with Dover church. For further 
 account of him, see Appendix. 
 
 + Chickahominy church was constituted also principally from Goochland 
 the same year (1776) with Licking Hole. 
 
 t See hiographical sketch in Appendix. 
 
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA. 27 
 
 at a distance. In this manner did the Gospel ta.5;e its rise 
 in the counties of Middlesex, Essex and the adjacent 
 counties. One William Mullen, afterwards an useful 
 preacher, had moved from Middlesex and settled in the 
 county of Amelia. When the Gospel reached Amelia, 
 Mr. Mullen embraced the truth. Coming afterwards, in 
 1769, on a visit to his relations in Middlesex and Essex, 
 by arguments, drawn from the Scripture, he convinced 
 his brother John, and his brother-in-law, James Green- 
 wood,* with several others, of tjie necessity of being 
 born again. Of these, some found peace in believing, 
 before they ever heard the Gospel publicly preached. 
 November, 1770, John Waller and John Burrus came 
 down and preached in Middlesex. They continued 
 preaching at and near the same place for three days ; 
 great crowds came out ; Waller baptized five. Persecu- 
 tion began to rage. Some said they were deceivers ; 
 others that they were good men. On the second day, a 
 magistrate attempted to pull Waller off the stage, but 
 the clergymen of the parish prevented it. The next day, 
 a man threw a stone at Waller while he was preaching ; 
 the stone missed Waller and struck a friend of the man 
 who threw it. James Greenwood and others now began 
 to hold public meetings, by day and by night. Much 
 good was done by them ; many believed and only waited 
 
 * James Greenwood was born about 1749, and was converted under the 
 ministry of William Mullen, his brother-in-law. He became a licentiate of 
 Glebe Landing church in 1769, and pastor ol Pisoataway (now Mount Zion), 
 in Essex, in 1774. He was chiefly instrumental, among human agencies, in 
 planting Bruington church. He held a relation of marked prominence 
 and usefulness for many years in the Dover Association. He died April 15, 
 1815, in the 66th year of his age. William Mullen is mentioned elsewhere in 
 this volume as one of the ministerial sons of Nottoway church. His la- 
 bors in the pastorate of Hermitage and Farnham churches were eminently 
 useful. 
 
28 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 an opportunity *to be baptized, there being no ordained 
 preacher nearer than Spotsylvania. 
 
 In the mean time the laborers had not been idle in that 
 part of the vineyard south of James river. The two 
 Murphys, viz., William and Joseph, aided by the inde- 
 fatigable S. Harriss, had carried the Gospel into some of 
 the counties above Pittsylvania, where Robert Stockton 
 and some other preachers were raised. S. Harriss, J. 
 Read, Jeremiah Walker,* &c., had proclaimed the tidings 
 of peace in Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Mecklen- 
 burg, Amelia and almost all the counties above Rich- 
 mond, on the south side of the river. In these gatherings, 
 there were many useful and several eminent ministers of 
 the Gospel brought in, viz., John Williams, John King, 
 James Shelbourne, IJenry Lester, with some others. The 
 Gospel was first carried hither, nearly as it was, into Cul- 
 peper and Spotsylvania, viz. : in consequence of a special 
 message to the preachers from some of the inhabitants. 
 They constituted the first church in 1769, with about forty 
 members, which was called Nottoway.-f Mr. Walker 
 soon moved and took pastoral charge of them. He had 
 been preaching some time before this in North Carolina, 
 his native State ; he now removed to Virginia, and for 
 several years acted a conspicuous part in the concerns of 
 Virginia Baptists. 
 
 * Jeremiah Walker was a native of Bute county, North Carolina. He was 
 born about the year 1717 ; became pastor of Nottoway church In 1769. This 
 church under his ministry not only had large prosperity, but over twenty 
 churches south of James river were gathered mainly through Ms labors. 
 Later in life he fell into immorality and adopted erroneous views of doc- 
 trine, which cast a blemish on his character and impaired his usefulness. 
 He died November 20, 1792. 
 
 + For further mention of Nottoway church, see history of Middle District 
 Association. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION 
 UNTIL THE ABOLITION OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH. 
 
 When the Baptists first appeared in North Carolina and 
 Virgmia they were viewed by men in power as beneath 
 their notice; none, said they, but the weak and wicked 
 join them; let them alone, they will soon fall out among 
 themselves and come to nothing. In some places this 
 maxim was adhered to, and persecution, in a legal shape, 
 was never seen. But in many places, alarmed by the 
 rapid increase of the Baptists, the meij in power strained 
 every penal law in the Virginia code to obtain ways and 
 means to put down these disturbers of the peace, as they 
 were now called. 
 
 It seems by no m^ans certain that any law in force in 
 Virginia authorized the imprisonment of any person for 
 preaching. The law for the preservation of peace, how- 
 ever, was so interpreted as to answer this purpose ; and, 
 accordingly, whenever the preachers were apprehended, 
 it was done by a peace warrant. 
 
 The first instance of actual imprisonment, we believe, 
 that ever took place in Virginia, was. in the county of 
 Spotsylvania. On the 4th of June, 1768, John Waller, 
 Lewis Craig, James Childs, &c., were seized by the 
 sheriff and hauled before three magistrates, who stood in 
 the meeting-house yard,* and who bound them in fhe 
 penalty of one thousand pounds, to appear at court two 
 
 *Thl3 meeting-house was doubtless that known as Craig's, situated in 
 the northwestern part of Spotsylvania. 
 
 [ 29 ] 
 
30 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 days after. At court they were arraigned as disturbers 
 of the peace ; on their trial, they were vehemently ac- 
 cused, by a certain lawyer, who said to the court, " May 
 it please your worships, these men are great disturbers of 
 the peace ; they cannot meet a man upon the road, but 
 they must ram a text of Scripture down his throat." 
 Mr. Waller made his own and his brethren's defence so 
 ingeniously that they were somewhat puzzled to know 
 how to dispose of them. They offered to release them 
 if they would promise to preach no more in the county 
 for a year and a day. This they refused ; and, therefore, 
 wei'e sent into close jail. As they were moving on, from 
 the court-house to the prison, through the streets of 
 Fredericksburg, they sung the hymn 
 
 " Broad is the road that leads to death," &e. 
 
 This had an awful appearance. After four weeks' con- 
 finement, Lewis Craig* was released from prison and 
 immediately went down to Williamsburg to get a release 
 for his companions. He waited on the deputy -govern or, 
 the Hon. John Blair, stated the case before him, and re- 
 ceived the following letter, directed to the King's attor- 
 ney in Spotsylvania : 
 
 " Sir, — I lately received a letter, signed by a good 
 number of worthy gentlemen, who are not here, complain- 
 ing of the Baptists ; the particulars of their misbehavior 
 aie not told, any further than their running into private 
 houses and making dissensions. Mr. Craig and Mr. 
 Benjamin Waller are now with me and deny the charge ; 
 the;)r tell me they are willing to take the oaths as others 
 have ; I told them I had consulted the attorney-general, 
 who is of opinion that the general court only have a 
 right to grant licenses, and therefore I referred them to 
 
 *For notice of Lewis Craig, see Appendix. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 31 
 
 the court; but, on their application to the attorney-gene- 
 ral, they brought me his letter, advising me to write to 
 you. That their petition was a matter of right, and that 
 you may not molest these conscientious people so long as 
 they behave themselves in a manner becoming pious 
 Christians and in obedience to the laws till the court, 
 when they intend to apply for license, and when the gen- 
 tlemen who complain may make their objections and be 
 heard. The act of toleration (it being found by experi- 
 ence that persecuting dissenters increases their numbers) 
 has given them a right to apply, in a proper manner, for 
 licensed houses- for the worship of God, according to their 
 consciences ; and I persuade myself that the gentlemen 
 will quietly overlook their meetings till the court. I am 
 told they administer the sacrament of the Lord's supper, 
 near the manner we do, and differ from our church in 
 nothing but in that of baptism, and in their renewing the 
 ancient discipline ; by which they have reformed some 
 sinners and brought them to be truly penitent. Nay, if a 
 man of theirs is idle and neglects to labor and provide 
 for his family as he ought, he incurs their censures, which 
 have had good effects. If this be their behavior, it were 
 to be wished we had more of it among us. But at least, 
 I hope all may remain quiet till the court. 
 " I am, with great respect, 
 
 " To the gentlemen, &c., 
 
 " Your humble serv't, 
 
 "John Blair. 
 " Williamsburg, July i6, 1768." 
 
 When the letter came to the attorney he would have 
 nothing to say in the affair. Waller and the others con- 
 
32 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 tinued in jail forty-three days, and were discharged* 
 without any conditions. While in prison they constantly 
 preached through the grates. The mobs without used 
 every exertion to prevent the people from hearing, but to 
 little purpose. Many heard, indeed, upon whom the 
 Word was in power and demonstration. 
 
 After their discharge, which was a kind of triumph. 
 Waller, Craig and their compeers in the ministry, re- 
 sumed their labors with redoubled vigor, gathering forti- 
 tude from their late sufferings, thanking God that they 
 were counted worthy to suffer for Christ and His Gospel, 
 Day and night, and indeed almost every day and night, 
 they held meetings in their own and the adjacent neigh- 
 borhoods. The spread of the Gospel and Baptist princi- 
 ples was equal to all their exertions ; insomuch that in 
 very few sections of Virginia did the Baptist cause ap- 
 pear more formidable to its enemies and more consoling 
 to its friends than in Spotsylvania ; and we may add, so 
 it is at this day. 
 
 We have already observed the spread of the Gospel in 
 the county of Goochland, and that certain promising 
 young preachers were thrust into the work. Animated 
 as they were with strong desires for the welfare of 
 souls, they could not restrain themselves within the 
 limits of one county. In December, 1770, Messrs. Wil- 
 liam Webber and Joseph Anthony, two zealous young, 
 preachers, passed James river into Chesterfield, having 
 
 *It has been believed In some quarters tbat Patrick Henry represented 
 these imprisoned preachers before the court and pleaded (or their release, 
 and the speech made by him in their defence hag been published a'nd 
 ■widely circulated. There is, however, no historical ground for this belief, 
 and the speech accredited to Henry has been shown to be wholly apocry- 
 phal. It is the production of Rev. J. M. Peck, and ** what he supposed 
 Patrick Henry might have said." Mr. Henry does appear to have been 
 counsel for one or more imprisoned Baptist preachers in Caroline county. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 33 
 
 been previously invited by some of the inhabitants. 
 They, however, met with rigid treatment; the magis- 
 trates, finding that many were turning to righteousness, 
 (to madness, as they would have it) and, that these 
 young laborers were likely to do them much harm, issued 
 warrants, and had them apprehended and cast into prison. 
 The court requiring them to bind themselves to do what 
 they could not in conscience comply with, they continued 
 in jail until the-March following. While in prison they 
 did much execution by preaching through the grates ; many 
 people attended their ministry and many professed faith 
 by virtue of the labors of these the Lord's persecuted 
 servants. This was the beginning of God's work in the 
 county of Chesterfield ; no county ever extended its op- 
 position and persecution to the Baptists farther than 
 this; and yet in few counties have Baptist principles 
 prevailed more extensively than in Chesterfield.* 
 
 When Webber and Anthony were let go they returned 
 to Goochland to their own company, and resumed their 
 great work. Mr. Webber, however, enjoyed his liberty 
 only a few months ; he consented to travel with John 
 Waller on a course of meetings to Middlesex. They ar- 
 rived in the upper end of Middlesex on the loth of Au- 
 gust, 1 771; they came, but soon found there was no 
 chance to proceed in their work. While William Web- 
 ber was preachingf from these words, '■'■Show me thy 
 faith without thy works, and J -will show you my faith by 
 my works" a magistrate pushed up, and drew back his 
 club with a design to knock Webber down. Some per- 
 son behind him caught the club and prevented the mis- 
 
 *See Middle District Association, Chesterfield church. 
 
 + This preaching occurred at the house of James McKan, who had applied 
 to the county court for a license for his residence as a place of preaching 
 for Protestnnt dissenters, but his application had been denied. 
 3 
 
34 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 chief. Having a warrant to apprehend all who preached, 
 and being backed by two sheriffs, the parson and a posse, 
 he seized William Webber, John Waller, James Green- 
 wood and Robert Ware.* On the same day Thomas 
 Wafford, who had traveled from the upper country with 
 the preachers, though no preacher himself, was severely 
 beaten by one of the persecutors with a whip, the scar of 
 which he will probably carry to his grave ; he, with the 
 four above-named preachers, were tried by James Monta- 
 gue. They first searched their saddle-bags to find trea- 
 sonable papers ; finding none, they proceeded to trial, 
 taking them one by one into private rooms, proposing to 
 them to give bond and security not to preach in the 
 county again. Each of them expressly refused. Waf- 
 ford was discharged, not being a preacher ; the other four 
 were ordered to prison, and, being conducted by two 
 sheriffs, they were safely lodged in close jail that night 
 about 9 o'clock. The prison swarmed with fleas. They 
 borrowed a candle of the jailer, and having sung the 
 praises of that Redeemer whose cross they bore and from 
 whose hands they expected a crown in the end ; having 
 returned thanks that it was a prison and not hell that 
 they were in ; praying for themselves, their friends, their 
 enemies and persecutors, they laid down to sleep. The 
 next day being Sunday, many of their friends came to 
 see them and were admitted into the prison. James 
 Greenwood preached to them. They were well supplied 
 by their friends with the necessaries and comforts for 
 
 * In the "warrant (still on file in the clerk's office of Middlesex county) for 
 the apprehension of Waller and his companions the following parties are 
 named; John Waller, Robert Ware, James Greenwood, William Webber, 
 Richard Faulkner and Thomas Wafer. At the examination before the mag- 
 istrate the two latter were discharged, and " the other four having declared 
 that ' they had no power or authority for that which they had done (preach- 
 ing the Gospel) but from above,' were committed to jail." 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 35 
 
 living* which, added to the sense of Divine goodness 
 that they enjoyed, they had no unpleasant season. They 
 gave notice that they would preach every Wednesday 
 and Sunday. Many came to hear them, insomuch that 
 their enemies began to be enraged, and would frequently 
 beat a drum while they were preaching. 
 
 On Monday, the 24th, being court day, they were car- 
 ried to the court-house to be tried. A guard attended 
 them, as if they had been criminals. They were not al- 
 lowed to speak for themselves, but peremptorily required 
 to give bond and security for good behavior, and not to 
 preach in the county again for one year. These terms 
 they expressly refused, and were remanded to prison, and 
 orders given that they should be fed on bread and water. 
 Accordingly, the next day they had nothing else, and not 
 enough of bread. So it continued for four days, until 
 the brethren and friends found it out ; after that, they 
 were furnished so plentifully that they bestowed in bounty 
 upon the poor inhabitants of the town. On September 
 the loth they were allowed the prison bounds, by which 
 they were much relieved ; yet they were frequently under 
 the necessity of resorting to the jail to avoid the rage of 
 persecutors. The Lord daily opened the hearts of the 
 people ; the rich sent many presents — things calculated 
 to nourish them in their sufferings and to alleviate their 
 sorrows. William Webber fell sick. This excited the 
 sympathy of their friends in a higher degree ; they paid 
 him great attention. The persecutors found that the im- 
 pi-isonment of the preachers tended rather to the further- 
 ance of the Gospel. They preached regularly in prison ; 
 crowds attended ; the preaching seemed to have double 
 weight when coming from the jail ; many viewed it with 
 superstitious reverence, so that their enemies became de- 
 
36 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 sirous to be rid of them. Accordingly, on the f6th day 
 of September, after having been thirty days in close con- 
 finement and sixteen days in the bounds, they were libe- 
 rated upon giving a bond for good behavior.* 
 
 The rage of persecutors had in nowise abated ; they 
 seemed, sometimes, to strive to treat the Baptists and 
 their worship with as much rudeness and indecency 
 as was possible. They often insulted the preachers in time 
 of service, and would ride into the water and make 
 sport when they administered baptism ; they frequently 
 fabricated and spread the most groundless reports, which 
 were injurious to the characters of the Baptists. When 
 any Baptists fell into any improper conduct, it was always 
 exaggerated to the utmost extent. On one occasion, when 
 Robert Ware was preaching, there came one Davis and 
 one Kemp, two sons of Belial, and stood before him with 
 a bottle, and drank, offering the bottle to Jiim, cursing 
 him. As soon as he closed his service they drew out a 
 pack of cards and began to play on the stage where he 
 had been standing, wishing him to reprove them that 
 they might beat him.j 
 
 Notwithstanding these severe oppositions, the Word of 
 the Lord grew and multiplied greatly. Young preachers 
 were ordained and churches constituted, the first of which 
 was Lower King and ^ueen church, constituted October 
 17, 1772, with seventeen members, and on the nth of 
 
 * The jail in -whicli Waller, Ware, Greenwood and Webber were confined 
 was in the village of Urbana, at that time the connty-seat of Middlesex, A 
 neat and commodious cliapel, consecrated to the free service of God, now 
 stands within a few feet of the spot on which the jail stood, and here a 
 vigorous Baptist church are wont to meet statedly for worship. For a let- 
 ter written by John Waller and dated *' Urbana Prison, Middlesex county, 
 August 12, 1771," see Appendix. 
 + It is worthy of note that these two men both died soon after ravlngly 
 
 distracted, each accusing the other of leading him Into so detestable a 
 
 crime. — Autlior^s note. 
 
COMMENGSMEnT op LBOAL PSRSPCUTlON. 37 
 
 February following Robert Ware was consecrated as 
 pastor. Glehe Landing church was also constituted at 
 the same time, and James Greenwood ordained a lay- 
 elder. Exol and Piscataivay churches were constituted 
 in no great while after this (the former in 1775 and the 
 latter, March 13, 1774). These new churches, filled with 
 young and inexperienced members, were visited fre- 
 quently by J. Waller, accompanied sometimes by one, 
 and sometimes another of the preachers of his own vicin- 
 ity. His ministrations were, on the one hand, exceedingly 
 salutary and comfortable to his friends; but on the other, 
 highly displeasing to the enemies of the Baptists. They 
 viewed Waller as the ring-leader of all the confusion and 
 disturbance that had befallen them. Great congregations 
 of people attended the Baptist meetings, while very few 
 went to the parish churches. The zealots for the old 
 order were greatly embarrassed. " 7/"," said they, " we 
 permit them to go on, our church must com.e to nothing, 
 and yet if we punish them as far as we can stretch the 
 law, it seems not to deter them; for they preach through 
 prison windows in spite of our endeavors to prevent it." 
 Sometimes the rector of the parish would give notice 
 that, on a certain day, he would prove the Baptists to be 
 deceivers and their doctrines false. The attempt was 
 often made, but they uniformly injured their own cause ; 
 their arguments were generally drawn from the extrava- 
 gancies of the German Anabaptists. To this the Bap- 
 tists in a word replied : that they disclaimed all connec- 
 tion with the Anabaptists, and felt themselves no more re- 
 sponsible for their irregularities than the Episcopalians 
 could feel for the fooleries of the Papists; that the 
 Bible was the criterion; by that they were willing to 
 stand or fall. Not unfrequently their leading men 
 
38 fflSTORY OF VIRGINtA BAPTISTS. 
 
 would attend the Baptist meetings, and would enter 
 into arguments with the preachers ; they insisted that 
 their church was the oldest and consequently the best; 
 that their ministers were learned men, and consequently 
 most competent to interpret Scripture ; that the better 
 sort and well-informed adhered to them, whilst none, or 
 scarcely any except the lower order, followed the Bap- 
 tists ; that they were all in peace and friendship before 
 the coming of the Baptists ; but now their houses and 
 neighborhood were filled with religious disputes ; that 
 the Baptists were false prophets who were to come in 
 sheep's clothing. 
 
 To these arguments Waller and the other preachers 
 boldly and readily replied that if they were wolves 
 in sheep's clothing, and their opponents were the true 
 sheep, it was quite unaccountable that they were perse- 
 cuted and cast into prison. It was well known that 
 wolves would destroy sheep, but never, until then, that 
 sheep would prey upon wolves ; that their coming 
 might, indeed, interrupt their peace ; but certainly if it 
 did it must be a false peace, bordering on destruction, 
 ancl to rouse them from such lethargy was like waking a 
 man whose house was burning over him ; that the effects 
 of their coming were similar to those foretold by Christ, 
 as arising from the propagation of His word, namely : 
 " thai there should be Jive in one house, three against two, 
 and two against three "/ that if the higher ranks in 
 society did not countenance them it was no more than 
 what befell their Master and His inspired Apostles ; that 
 rich men in every generation, with some few exceptions, 
 were enemies to a pure Gospel ; but that God had de- 
 clared that He had chosen the poor of this world to be 
 rich in faith ; that it was true that most of their preach- 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 39 
 
 ers were unlearned, yet that they had evidences that they 
 were called to the ministry by the will of God ; that this 
 was the most essential qualification of a minister, the 
 want of which all the learning of all the schools could 
 not supply. 
 
 The Baptist preachers would often retort their own in- 
 consistencies upon them : that while they professed to be 
 Christians, they indulged themselves in the violation of 
 most of the Christian precepts ; that their communion 
 was often polluted by the admission of known drunkards, 
 gamesters, swearers and revellers ; that even their clergy, 
 learned as they were, had never learned the most essential 
 doctrine of revelation, the indispensable necessity of the 
 new birth or being, born again; that their public dis- 
 courses were nothing more than moral addresses, such as 
 a pagan philosopher, unassisted by the Bible, could have 
 composed. 
 
 Foiled in their arguments, and galled by the reproaches 
 cast upon them, which doubtless were often done with 
 too much acrimony, they again resorted to the civil power. 
 In August, 1772, James Greenwood and William Loval 
 were preaching not far from the place where Bruington 
 Meeting-House now stands, in the county of King and 
 Qiieen, when they were seized, by virtue of a warrant, 
 and immediately conveyed to prison. After the first day 
 and night they were allowed the bounds. Having con- 
 tinued in prison sixteen days, /. e., until court, they were 
 discharged upon giving bond merely for good behavior. 
 At this season they received the most unbounded kind- 
 ness from Mr. Harwood, the jailer, and his lady. They 
 preached regularly while in prison, and to much purpose. 
 
 On March 13, 1774, the day on which Piscataway 
 church was constituted, a warrant was issued to appre- 
 
40 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 hend all the Baptist preachers that were at meeting. Ac- 
 cordingly John Waller, John Shackleford, Robert Ware 
 and Ivison Lewis were taken and carried before a mag- 
 istrate. Ivison Lewis was dismissed, not having preached 
 in the county ; the other three wei-e sent to prison. It 
 appears from Mr. Waller's journals, which we have be- 
 fore us, that while in prison, God permitted them to pass 
 through divers and iiery trials ; their minds, for a season, 
 being greatly harassed by the enemy of souls. They, 
 however, from first to last of their imprisonment, preached 
 twice a week, gave much godly advice to such as came 
 to visit them, read a great deal, and prayed almost with- 
 out ceasing. In their stated devotion, morning, noon, 
 and night, they were often joined by others. They con- 
 tinued in close confinement from the 13th to the 3ist of 
 March, which was court day. Being brought to trial, they 
 were required to give- bond and security for their good 
 behavior for twelve months, or go back to prison. Ware 
 and Shackleford gave bond and went home ; Waller be- 
 ing always doubtful of the propriety of giving any bond 
 whatever, determined to go back to jail.* 
 
 The trials of this man of God were now greater than 
 ever. Deserted by his brethren, scoffed and persecuted 
 by his enemies, locked up w^ith a set of drunken, profane 
 wretches, he had no alternative but to commit himself to 
 the hands of Omnipotence, and wait his deliverance. 
 After remaining in prison fourteen days, he gained his 
 own consent to give bond, and go home. 
 
 We have thus stated a few instances of the suflTerings 
 of God's ministers, in those times : time and space would 
 
 * This imprisonment and trial toot place in Tappahannook, tlie county- 
 seat ol Essex. The old eourt-liouse, before whose bar these godly men 
 were arraigned, was a lew years since purchased, remodelled and fitted up 
 as a house of worship for the Centennial Baptist church. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 41 
 
 fail to enumerate them all ; many of them, however, will 
 be rehearsed, in treating upon the churches, and in the bi- 
 ography of some of the sufferers. The trial and imprison- 
 ment of all the rest differ only in small matters from those 
 already described. From the beginning, the Baptists 
 were unremitting in their exertions to obtain liberty of 
 conscience ; they contended that they could not be im- 
 prisoned by any existing law; that they were entitled to 
 the same privileges that were enjoyed by the dissenters 
 in England. Their judges, however, decided otherwise, 
 and as there was no regular appeal, the propriety of that 
 decision has not been legally ascertained.* The pre- 
 vailing opinion in the present day is that their imprison- 
 ment was unlawful. When they could not succeed in 
 this, they resorted to the general court, for the purpose of 
 obtaining licensed places for preaching, etc., agreeably to 
 the Toleration law in England. 
 
 It was in making these attempts that they were so for- 
 tunate as to interest in their behalf the celebj-ated Patrick 
 Henry. Being always the friend of liberty, he only needed 
 to be informed of their oppression, when, without hesita- 
 tion, he stepped forward to their relief. From that day 
 until the day of their complete emancipation from the 
 shackles of tyranny, the Baptists found in Patrick Henry 
 an unwavering friend. May his name descend to pos- 
 terity with unsullied honor! After some difficulty they 
 obtained their object, and certain places were licensed 
 accordingly. ]3ut to a people, prompted as the Baptists 
 were with unwearied zeal for the propagation of the 
 
 *In the trial of this question before the courts of the colony, with Peyton 
 Randolph representing tlie one side, and Rev. Samuel Davies the other, the 
 latter obtained from the law offices of the Crown in England an opinion 
 that the act of the Colonial Assembly of October, 1705 (Hening's Statutes 
 III., p. 360), gave effect In the colony to the Toleration Act of I. William 
 and Mary. 
 
42 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Gospel, a few licensed places in each county was but a 
 small acquisition. They thirsted for the liberty of preach- 
 ing the Gospel to every creature. In the mean time every- 
 thing tended to favor their wishes. Their persecution, 
 so far from impeding, really promoted their cause. Their 
 preachers had now become numerous, and some of them 
 were men of considerable talents. Many of the leading 
 men favored them, (some from one motive, and some 
 from another) — their congregations were large, and when 
 any of their men of talents preached they were crowded. 
 The patient manner in which they suffered persecution 
 raised their reputation for piety and goodness in the 
 estimation of a large inajority of the people. Their 
 numbers annually increased in a surprising degree. 
 Every month new places were found by the preachers 
 whereon to plant the Redeemer's standard. In these 
 places, although but few might become Baptists, yet the 
 majority would be favorable. Many that had expressed 
 great hostility to them, upon forming a closer acquaint- 
 ance with them professed to be undeceived. We have 
 already seen that the first Separate Baptist church north 
 of James river was formed in 1767, and the second in 
 1769; so that at the commencement of the year 1770 
 there were but two Separate churches in all Virginia north 
 of James river; and, we may add, there were not more 
 than about four on the south side. In 1774, by referring 
 to the history of the General Association, we find that 
 there were thirty on the south and twenty-four on the 
 north side that sent letters, etc., to the Association, be- 
 sides a probability of several that did not associate. 
 This must be considered a very rapid increase for so short 
 a time. The Baptist interest increased in a much greater 
 proportion. So favorable did their prospects appear that 
 
COMMBNCEMtlNT OP LEGAL PERSECVTION. 43 
 
 towards the close of the year 1774 they began to enter- 
 tain serious hopes, not only of obtaining liberty of con- 
 science, but of actually overturning the Church Estab- 
 lishment, from whence all their oppression had arisen. 
 Petitions for this purpose were accordingly drawn and 
 circulated with great industry.* Vast numbers readily, 
 and indeed eagerly, subscribed to them. The great suc- 
 cess and rapid- increase of the Baptists in Virginia must 
 be ascribed primarily to the power of God working 
 with them ; yet it cannot be denied but that there were 
 subordinate and co-operating causes, one of which, 
 and the main one, was the loose and immoral deport- 
 ment of the Established clergy, by which the people 
 were left almost destitute of even the shadow of true 
 religion. 'Tis true, they had some -outward forms of 
 worship, but the essential principles of Christianity 
 were not only not understood among them, but by 
 many never heard of. Some of the cardinal precepts 
 of morality were disregarded, and actions plainly for- 
 bidden by the New Testament were often proclaimed by 
 the clergy as harmless and innocent, or at worst, foibles 
 of but little account. Having no discipline, every man 
 followed the bent of his own inclination. It was not 
 uncommon for the rectors of parishes to be men of the 
 loosest morals. The Baptist preachers were, in almost 
 every respect, the reverse of the Established clergy. The 
 Baptist preachers were without learning, without patron- 
 
 *Sundry petitions, as tlie Journal of the House of Burgesses shows, liad 
 been previously presented to the assembly by Baptists setting forth that 
 they were restricted in the exercise of their religion, their teacliers impris- 
 oned under various pretences and the benefits of the Toleration Act denied 
 them, and praying that they might be treated with the same indulgence in 
 religious matters as Quakers, Presbyterians and other Protestant dissent- 
 ers. Petitions to this effect from Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Sussex and 
 Caroline counties are noted under the following dates : February 12th, 22d, 
 24th and March 14th, 1772. 
 
44 msTORY OP nnaimA baptists. 
 
 age, generally very poor, very plain in their dress, un- 
 refined in their manners, and awkward in their address, 
 all of which, by their enterprising zeal and unwearied 
 perseverance, they either turned to advantage or prevented 
 their ill-effects. On the other hand, most of the min- 
 isters of the Establishment were men of classical and 
 scientific education, patronized by men in power connected 
 with great families, supported by competent salaries, 
 and put into oflSce by the strong arm of the civil power. 
 Thus pampered and secure, the men of this- order were 
 rolling on the bed of luxury when the others began 
 their extraordinary career. Their learning, riches, power, 
 etc., seemed only to hasten their overthrow by producing 
 an unguarded heedlessness which is so often the prelude 
 to calamity and downfall. 
 
 We are not to understand that this important ecclesi- 
 astical revolution was effected wholly by the Baptists. 
 They were certainly the most active ; but they were also 
 joined by other dissenters. Nor was the dissenting in- 
 terest, all united, by any means at that time, equal to the 
 accomplishment of such a revolution. We must turn our 
 eyes to the political state of the country to find adequate 
 causes for such a change. 
 
 The British yoke now galled to the quick ; and the 
 Virginians, as having the most tender necks, were among 
 the first to wince. Republican principles had gained 
 much ground, and were fast advancing to superiority. 
 The leading men on that side viewed the Established 
 clergy and the Established religion as inseparable ap- 
 pendages of monarchy — one of the pillars by which it 
 was supported. The dissenters, at least the Baptists, 
 were republicans from interest as well as principle ; it 
 was known that their influence was great among the 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 45 
 
 common people ; and the common people of every coun- 
 try are, more or less, republicans. To resist British op- 
 pressions effectually, it was necessary to soothe the minds 
 of the people by every species of policy. The dissenters 
 were too powerful to be slighted, and they were too 
 watchful to be cheated by an ineffectual sacrifice. There 
 had been a time when they would have bee-n satisfied to 
 have paid their tithes if they could have had liberty of 
 conscience ; but now the crisis was such that nothing less 
 than a total overthrow of all ecclesiastical distinctions 
 would satisfy their sanguine hopes. Having started the 
 decaying edifice, every dissenter put to his shoulder to 
 push it into irretrievable ruin. The revolutionary party 
 found that the sacrifice must be made, and they made it. 
 
 It is said, however, and probably not without truth, 
 that many of the Episcopalians who voted for abolishing 
 the Establishment did it upon an expectation that it 
 would be succeeded by a general assessment. And con- 
 sidering that most of the men of wealth were on that 
 side, they supposed that their funds would be lessened 
 very little. This, it appeared in the sequel, was a vain 
 expectation. The people having once shaken off their 
 fetters, would not again permit themselves to be bound. 
 Moreover, the war now rising to its height, they were in 
 too much need of funds to permit any of their resources 
 to be devoted to any other purpose during that period ; 
 and we shall see that when it was attempted, a few years 
 after the expiration of the war, the people set their faces 
 against it. Having thus mentioned the Establishment, it 
 will be proper to treat more fully respecting the origin 
 and nature of those laws by which it arose and fell. 
 
 Our ancestors, being chiefly emigrants from England, 
 brought with them all that religious intolerance which 
 
46 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 had so long prevailed in the mother country. Thus we 
 see that the first care of our early legislatures was to pro- 
 vide for the Church of England, as established by the act 
 of Parliament. By the first act of 1623, it is provided 
 that in every plantation or settlement there shall be a 
 house or room set apart for the worship of God. But it 
 soon appears that this worship was only to be according 
 to the canons of the Church of England, to which a strict 
 uniformity was enjoined. A person absenting himself 
 from divine service on a Sunday without a reasonable 
 excuse, forfeited a pound of tobacco; and he that ab- 
 sented himself a month, forfeited fifty pounds. Any 
 minister who was absent from his church above two 
 months in a year, forfeited half his salary ; and he who 
 absented himself four months, forfeited the whole. Who- 
 ever disparaged a minister whereby the minds of his 
 parishioners might be alienated, was compelled to pay 
 500 pounds of tobacco and ask the minister's pardon 
 publicly in the congregation. No man was permitted to 
 dispose of any of his tobacco till the minister was satisfied, 
 under penalty of forfeiting double his part of the minis- 
 ter's salary. 
 
 The first allowance made to the ministers was ten 
 pounds of tobacco and a bushel of corn for each tithable ; 
 and every laboring person, of what quality or condition 
 soever, was bound to contribute. In the year 163 1 the 
 Assembly granted to ministers, besides the former allow- 
 ance of ten pounds of tobacco and a bushel of corn, the 
 twentieth calf, the twentieth kid and the twentieth pig. 
 This was the first introduction of tithes, properly so 
 called, in Virginia. But it did not continue long, for in 
 1733 the law was' repealed. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 47 
 
 To preserve the purity of doctrine and unity of the 
 church, it was enacted in 1643 that all ministers should 
 be conformable to the orders and constitution of the 
 Church of England, and that no other persons be per- 
 mitted to preach publicly or privately. It was further 
 provided that the governor and council should take care 
 that all non-conformists departed the colony with all 
 conveniency. 
 
 The statute of England of the 3d of James I. against 
 Popish recusants, was also adopted in the year 1643. 
 This statute declared that no Popish recusant should 
 exercise the office of secret counsellor, register, commis- 
 sioner (a term then used for justices of the peace), sur- 
 veyor, or sheriff or any other public office. Nor should 
 any person be admitted into any of those offices before 
 he had taken the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. 
 The same act of Assembly by which the statute of 3d 
 James I. was adopted, further declared that if any person 
 should assume the exercise of any of those offices and 
 refuse to take the said oaths, he should be dismissed, and 
 moreover forfeit 1,000 pounds of tobacco. No Popish 
 priest thereafter arriving in the colony was permitted to 
 remain more than five days, if wind and weather per- 
 mitted his departure. 
 
 During the existence of the Commonwealth of Eng- 
 land, the church government of Virginia experienced an 
 important change. Instead of enjoining obedience to the 
 doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, no in- 
 junction in favor of any particular sect appears. Every- 
 thing relating to the affairs of the church was left at the 
 entire disposal of the vestry, who being elected by the 
 people, it may, in effect, be said that the people regu- 
 lated their own church government. 
 
48 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 The above law passed at the March session, i657-'58. 
 But only two years afterwards (at the March session, 
 1659-60), when the Quakers first made their appearance 
 in Virginia, the utmost degree of persecution was exer- 
 cised towards them. No master of a vessel was per- 
 mitted to bring in a Quaker under the penalty of £100 
 sterling ; all Quakers were imprisoned without bail or 
 mainprize till they found sufficient security to depart the 
 colony ; for returning, they were directed to be proceeded 
 against as contemners of the laws and magistracy, and 
 punished accordingly ; and if they should come in a 
 third time they were to be prosecuted as felons. All 
 persons were prohibited, under the penalty of £ioo ster- 
 ling, from entertaining them or permitting their assem- 
 blies in or near their houses ; and no person was per- 
 mitted to dispose of or publish any books or pamphlets 
 containing the tenets of their religion. An awful me- 
 mento of the danger of giving to the civil authority 
 power over the consciences of the people ! This severe 
 law against the Quakers passed during the Common- 
 wealth, when the people were unrestricted in matters of 
 religion ; but it happened in this case, as it generally has 
 where the civil power undertakes to interfere at all, that 
 the ruling party in the State will tolerate no religion in 
 the church but their own. 
 
 A levy of fifteen pounds of tobacco per the poll was 
 laid, in the year 1655, upon all tithables, the surplus of 
 which, after paying the minister's salary, was to be laid 
 out in purchasing a glebe and stock for the minister. 
 This law was re-enacted in the revisal of 1657. After 
 the restoration of Charles II., which happened on the 29th 
 of Mar iCoo, a temporary provision was again made for 
 the:iE^'^,ished Church. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 49 
 
 In the year 1661 the supremacy of the Church of Eng- 
 land was again fully established. The first nine acts of 
 the session held in March, 1661-62, are devoted to that 
 subject, A church was to be built in each parish, and 
 vestries appointed. Glebes were directed to be procured 
 for the ministers, and convenient houses built thereon ; in 
 addition to which their salaries were fixed at £80 per an- 
 num, at least, besides their perquisites. No minister was 
 permitted to preach unless he had received ordination from 
 some bishop in England. If any person without such 
 ordination attempted to preach, publicly or privately, the 
 Governor and Council might suspend and silence him ; 
 and, if he persisted, they were empowered to send him 
 out of the country. In those parishes where there was not 
 a minister to officiate every Sunday, a reader was to be 
 appointed, whose duty it was to read divine service every 
 intervening Sunday. The liturgy, according to the 
 canons of the Church of England, was to be read every 
 Sunday by the minister or reader; and the administra- 
 tion of the sacraments was to be duly observed. No 
 other Catechism than that inserted in the Book of Com- 
 mon Prayer could be taught by the minister; nor could 
 a reader attempt to expound that or the Scriptures. 
 Ministers were compelled to preach every Sunday ; one 
 Sunday in a month, at the chapel, if any, and the others 
 at the parish church ; and twice a year he was compelled 
 to administer the sacrament of the Lord's supper. Every 
 person was compelled to attend church every Sunday, 
 under the penalty of fifty pounds of tobacco. But 
 Quakers an4 non-conformists were liable to the penal- 
 ties of the statute z^d Elizabeth, which was £20 sterling 
 for every month's absence, and, moreover, '*f»«r twelve 
 months' absence, to give security for their gooirWiaff ior. 
 4 
 
50 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Qiiakers were further liable to a fine of two hundred 
 pounds of tobacco for each one found at one of their 
 meetings; and -in case of the insolvency of any one of 
 them, those who were able were to pay for the insolvents.* 
 
 Various other laws passed between the above period 
 and the commencement of the American revolution by 
 which the established religion of the Church of England 
 was protected by the State. The salary of the ministers 
 was first settled at 16,000 pounds of tobacco, in the year 
 1696, to be levied by the vestry on the tithables of their 
 parish, and so continued to the revolution. Any minis- 
 ter admitted into a parish was entitled to all the spiritual 
 and temporal rights thereof; and might maintain an 
 action against any person who attempted to disturb him 
 in his possession. 
 
 The same acts provided for the purchase of glebes for 
 the ministers. 
 
 Though the Toleration Act is not believed to have been 
 strictly obligatory in Virginia, yet, as was frequently the 
 case at that period, it was acted under in many instances, j- 
 That it was doubtful whether acts of Parliament respect- 
 ing religion were in force in Virginia, appears by the act 
 of October, 1776, chapter 2, section i. Even this act of 
 toleration is a most flagrant violation of religious freedom. 
 
 * See Hening's Statutes at Large, Vols. I. and II., for the above laws. 
 
 t The Toleration Act of 1682 (I.William and Mary) was only adopted by 
 the General Assembly of Virginia*' by a general reference" (April 29,1699). 
 The records of Accomac county (October 15, 1699) show that Francis 
 MalCemie, a Presbyterian preacher, obtained from the court a construction 
 of the law favorable to the licensing of places for preaching by dissenters. 
 Key. Samuel Davies subsequently obtained from the law ofRcerg of the 
 Crown in England an opinion supporting this view of the case. Of this 
 act the able collator of the statutes of Virginia says : " It is surely an abuse 
 of terms to call a law a toleration act, which imposes a religious test on the 
 conscience, in order to avoid the penalties of another law equally violating 
 every principle of religious freedom."— Hctm'tsj's Statutes, Volume III.,page 
 
 m. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 51 
 
 At the October session, 1776, the first law passed sus- 
 pending the payment of the salaries formerly allowed to 
 the ministers of the Church of England.- The preamble 
 to this act is worthy of consideration,* and was probably 
 drawn by Mr. Jefferson, who was then a member. A 
 number of memorials from different religious societies, 
 dissenters from the Church of England, were presented 
 to this Assembly, praying to be exempted from the pay- 
 ment of parochial dues to the Church of England, and 
 for the abolition of the Established Church. In opposi- 
 tion to these there was a memorial from the clergymen of 
 the Church of England praying that the Establishment 
 might be continued. 
 
 These memorials formed the basis of the act of that 
 session, above mentioned. This act for " exempting the 
 different societies of dissenters from contributing to the 
 support and maintenance of the church as by law estab- 
 lished, and its ministers," was preceded by a set of reso- 
 lutions recognizing the same principles which were after- 
 wards engrafted into the act itself. It does not appear 
 by what majority this act passed, as the ayes and noes 
 were not taken on it. At the May session, 1777, the pay- 
 ment of the salaries allowed to the clergy of the Church 
 of England was further suspended ; and at the October 
 session, 1779, so much of every act as related to the sala- 
 ries formerly given to the clergy of the Church of Eng- 
 land was repealed. 
 
 The question as to the propriety of a general assess- 
 ment had long been much agitated, and a great variety of 
 opinions existed respecting it. By the fifth section of the 
 act of October, 1776, which first suspended the payment 
 
 * This preamble, which must have given great comfort and encourage- 
 to the friends of religious liberty, Is quoted in full in the Appendix. 
 
52 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 of the salaries allowed to the clergy of the Church of 
 England, this question as to a general assessment is ex- 
 pressly left undecided. 
 
 In 1784, the subject of a general assessment was again 
 revived. A bill, which had for its object the compelling 
 of every person to contribute to some religious teacher, 
 was introduced into the House of Delegates, under the 
 title of " A bill establishing provision for the teachers of 
 the Christian religion ; " but on its third reading it was 
 postponed till the fourth Thursday in November then 
 next — ayes, 45 ; noes, 38. The following resolution was 
 immediately afterwards adopted : 
 
 " Resolved, That the engrossed bill establishing a pro- 
 vision for the teachers of the Christian religion, together 
 with the names of the ayes and noes on the question of 
 postponing the third reading of the said bill to the fourth 
 Thursday in November next, be published in handbills, 
 and twelve copies thereof delivered to each member of the 
 General Assembly, to be distributed in their respective 
 counties ; and that the people thereof be requested to 
 signify their opinion I'especting the adoption of such a bill 
 to the next session of Assembly." 
 
 The above resolution drew forth a number of able and 
 animated memorials from religious societies of difTerent 
 denominations against the general assessment. Among a 
 great variety of compositions, possessing different degrees 
 of merit, a paper drawn up by Colonel James Madison 
 (now President of the United States), entitled "A Me- 
 morial and Hemonstrance," will ever hold a most dis- 
 tinguished place. For elegance of style, strength of rea- 
 soning, and purity of principle, it has, perhaps, seldom 
 been equalled ; certainly never surpassed by anything in 
 the English language. 
 
COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PERSECUTION. 53 
 
 The sentiments of the people appearing to be decidedly 
 against a general assessment, the question was given up 
 forever. 
 
 At the same session, however, (October, 1784,) in 
 which the bill providing for a general assessment failed, 
 an act passed for " incorporating the Protestant Episco- 
 pal Church." This bill passed the House of Delegates 
 by a small majority only, being ayes, 47 ; noes, 38 ; but 
 in 1786 it was repealed. By the repealing law, the pro- 
 perty belonging to all religious societies was secured to 
 those societies respectively, who were authorized to ap- 
 point from time to time, according to the rules of their 
 sect, trustees for the managing and applying such pro- 
 perty to the religious uses of the society. And all laws 
 which prevented any religious society from regulating its 
 own discipline were repealed. 
 
 Under the old ecclesiastical establishment no person 
 could celebrate the rites of matrimony but a minister of 
 the Church of England, and, according to the ceremony 
 prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer; cases, how- 
 ever, frequently occurred, especially during the war, 
 where the marriage ceremony was performed by others. 
 This gave rise to an actof October, 1780, which declared 
 all former marriages celebrated by dissenting ministers 
 good and valid in law ; and authorized the county courts 
 to license dissenting ministers of the Gospel, not exceed- 
 ing four to each sect, to celebrate the rites of matrimony 
 within their counties only. It was not until the year 
 1784 that the dissenters were put on the same footing as 
 all other persons with respect to celebrating the rites of 
 matrimony. By this act the marriage ceremony might 
 be performed by any minister licensed to preach, accord- 
 ing to the rules of the sect of which he professed to be a 
 
54 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 member. The same act has been incorporated in the late 
 revisal of our laws. 
 
 The Legislature of 179S repealed all laws vesting pro- 
 perty in the hands of any religious sect ; by which the 
 Episcopalians were deprived of the glebes, etc. ; by which 
 all religious sects were put into a state of perfect equality 
 as it respected the favoi's of government.* 
 
 *Most of the above history of the laws of Virginia respecting religion 
 was furnished by William W. Hening, Esq^.— Author's note. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FROM THE ABOLITION OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH TO 
 THE PRESENT TIMES, BEING THE END OF THE GENE- 
 RAL HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 
 
 The war, though very propitious to the liberty of the 
 Baptists, had an opposite effect upon the life of religion 
 among them. As if persecution was more favorable to 
 vital piety than unrestrained liberty, they seem to have 
 abated in their zeal, upon being unshackled from their 
 manacles. This may be ascribed to several causes : both 
 preachers and people were so much engrossed with anx- 
 ious thoughts and schemes for effecting the revolution, 
 as well as with alternate hopes and fears for the event, it 
 was not probable that religion should not lose some por- 
 tion of its influence upon the minds of professors thus 
 divided. The downfall of Jeremiah Walker and some 
 other preachers of less note, together with the conten- 
 tions arising from Waller's defection, contributed, not a 
 little, towards dampening the zeal of the Baptists. Hav- 
 ing lost some of their champions in Israel, they could 
 not, with the same boldness, face their enemies. Per- 
 haps we may add, that many did not rightly estimate the 
 true source of liberty, nor ascribe its attainment to the 
 proper arm. In consequence of which God sent them 
 liberty, and with it leanness of soul. This chill to their 
 religious affections might have subsided with the war, or 
 perhaps sooner, if there had not been subsequent occur- 
 rences which tended to keep them down. The opening 
 a free trade by peace served as a powerful bait to entrap 
 
 [55] 
 
56 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 professors who were in any great degree inclined to the 
 pursuit of wealth. Nothing is more common than for 
 the increase of riches to produce a decrease of piety. 
 Speculators seldom make warm Christians. Kentucky 
 and the Western country took off many of the preachers 
 who had once been exceedingly successful in the ministry. 
 From whatever cause, certain it is that they suffered a 
 very wintry season. With some few exceptions the de- 
 clension was general throughout the State. The love of 
 many waxed cold. Some of the watchmen fell, others 
 stumbled, and many slumbered at their posts. Iniquity 
 greatly abounded. Associations were but thinly attended, 
 and the business was badly conducted. God has left many 
 promises that He will not always chide, nor be angry 
 with His people ; that He will turn again the captivity 
 of Zion, etc. The long and great declension induced 
 many to fear that the times of refreshing would never 
 come, but that God had wholly forsaken them. -f 
 
 Their enemies likewise often reproached them, saying : 
 "Where is the promise of His coming? We believed, 
 and said, they would come to nothing, and our prediction 
 is fast fulfilling." But let God be true and every tnan a 
 liar. The set time to favor Zion at length arrived, and 
 as the declension had been general, so also was the revi- 
 val. It may be considered as having begun in 1783, on 
 James river. It spread as fire among stubble, continuing 
 for several years in different parts. Very few churches 
 were without the blessing. How great the change ! When 
 religion was down nothing but lamentations mixed with 
 groans and tears could be heard from its zealous advocates. 
 " Oh ! that it were with us as in days past when the candle 
 of the Lord shone upon us." " How is the gold become 
 dim; hotv is the most Jine gold changed / " 
 
A GREAT REVIVAL. 57 
 
 This cry was reversed so soon as Heaven smiled. " We 
 are as men that dream. This surely is too great to he 
 real. Our mouths are filled with laughter, and our 
 tongues with singing." On the part of the many who 
 were convicted in the congregations you could hear earnest 
 cries for mercy, with many tears and lamentations. From 
 lips that had previously been employed in blasphemy, you 
 would hear, " What shall we do to be saved ? God be 
 merciful to me a sinner.'''' In a time of revival there are 
 but few who go to meetings that are not more or less 
 affected. Some, indeed, are much exasperated, and call it 
 hypocrisy, delusion, enthusiasm, etc. Yet, even of these 
 it does not unfrequently happen that some will become 
 deeply convicted, and finally profess that faith which they 
 once despised. The manner of conducting the general 
 revival was somewhat extraordinary. It was not unusual 
 to have a large proportion of a congregation prostrate on 
 the floor ; and, in some instances, they have lost the use 
 of their limbs. No distinct articulation could be heard 
 unless from those immediately by. Screams, cries, groans, 
 songs, shouts, and hosannas, notes of grief and notes of 
 joy, all heard at the same time, made a heavenly confu- 
 sion, a sort of indescribable concert. Even the wicked 
 and unenlightened were astonished and said, the Lord 
 hath done great things for this people. At associations 
 and great meetings, where there were several ministers, 
 many of them would exercise their gifts at the same time 
 in different parts of the congregation ; some in exhorta- 
 tion ; some in praying for the distressed; and some in 
 argument with opposers. At first many of the preachers 
 did not approve of this kind of work. They thought it 
 extravagant. Others fanned it as fire from heaven. It 
 is not unworthy of notice that in those congregations 
 
58 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 where the preachers encouraged these exercises to much 
 extent, the work was more extensive and greater numbers 
 were added. It must also be admitted that in many of 
 these congregations no little confusion and disorder arose 
 after the revival had subsided. Some have accounted for 
 ' this by an old maxim ; " WMre much good is done much 
 evil will also be done. Where God sows many good seed 
 the enemy will sow many tares." Be that as it may, cer- 
 tain it is that many ministers who labored earnestly to get 
 Christians into their churches were afterwards much per- 
 plexed to get out hypocrites. Perhaps the best conclusion 
 is to avoid either extreme. A stiff formality or an inor- 
 dinate confusion ought each to be shunned. A scriptural 
 and rational animation- is from God, and ought to be 
 indulged and encouraged. Yet vigilance ought to be 
 used to keep off actual fanaticism as being the effect of 
 natural and unenlightened emotions. 
 
 It has already been said that this revival commenced in 
 the year 1785. It continued spreading until about 1791 
 or 1792. Thousands were converted and baptized, be- 
 sides many who joined the Methodists and Presbyterians. 
 The Protestant Episcopalians, although much dejected 
 by the loss of the Establishment, had nevertheless con- 
 tinued their public worship, and were attended by re- 
 spectable congregations. But after this revival their 
 society fell fast into dissolution. This revival among 
 the Baptists did not produce as many young preachers as 
 might have been expected. Mr. Leland, in his Virginia 
 Chronicle, from which many of the foregoing remarks 
 have been taken, makes the following observation : 
 
 "In the late great additions that have been made to 
 the churches, there are but few who have engaged in the 
 work of the ministry. Whether it is because the old 
 
A GREAT SEVIVAL. 59 
 
 preachers stand in their way, or whether it is because the 
 people do not pray the Lord of the Harvest to thrust out 
 laborers, or whether it is not rather a judgment of God 
 upon the people for neglecting those who are already in 
 the work, not communicating to them in all good things, 
 I cannot say." 
 
 From this revival great changes took place among the 
 Baptists, some for the better and others for the worse. 
 Their preachers became much more correct in their man- 
 ner of preaching. A great many odd tones, disgusting 
 whoops and awkward gestures were disused. In their 
 matter, also, they had more of sound sense and strong 
 reasoning. Their zeal was less mixed with enthusiasm, 
 and their piety became more rational. They were much 
 more numerous, and, of course, in the eyes of the world, 
 more respectable. Besides, they were joined by persons 
 of much greater weight in civil society ; their congrega- 
 tions became more numerous than those of any other 
 Christian sect, and, in short, they might be considered, 
 from this period, as taking the lead in matters of religion 
 in many places of the State. This could not but influ- 
 ence their manners and spirit more or less. Accordingly 
 a great deal of that simplicity and plainness, that rigid 
 scrupulosity about little matters which so happily tends 
 to keep us at a distance from greater follies, was laid 
 aside. Their mode of preaching, also, was somewhat 
 changed. At their first entrance into the State, though 
 not incoherent in their method and language, they were 
 quite correct in their views upon all subjects of primary 
 importance. No preachers ever dealt out to their hearers 
 the nature of experimental religion more clearly and 
 more warmly. As their respectability increased the 
 preachers and their hearers found a relish for stronger 
 
60 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 meat, which, to a proper extent, was very suitable ; but 
 it too often happened, in indulging this, that party spirit 
 and even vanity had too much influence. To dive deeply 
 into the mysteries of the Gospel ; to tell or to make a 
 plausible guess about what happened before the world 
 was made or what will happen before it shall end, looked 
 more wise and excited more applause than to travel 
 on in the old track. Some of the preachers, likewise, 
 falling unhappily into the Arminian scheme, stirred 
 up no small disputation, and thereby imperceptibly 
 drove their opponents to the borders, if not within 
 the lines of Antinomianism. Practical piety was, in 
 many places, too little urged. These things were fol- 
 lowed by a relaxation in discipline in many of the 
 churches, and a consequent state of disorder. It must 
 not be understood that these irregularities went to very 
 great lengths, or that they generally prevailed ; this was 
 by no means the case. They had not become as the 
 church at Laodicea or Sardis ; but rather as the church at 
 Ephesus ; they had in a degree left their first love. 
 Wherever these evils prevailed disagreeable consequences 
 sooner or later sprung from them. The Baptists' name 
 fell into disrepute, their principles were reprobated as 
 leading to licentiousness ; their meetings were deserted 
 by the people, who, thus misled, turned in many places 
 to other societies. 
 
 It is a fact quite obvious to every religious character 
 jvho has traveled through Virginia and made observations, 
 that there are few instances in which the Baptists have 
 not flourished to a considerable extent, except in places 
 where their cause has been badly supported or com- 
 pletely betrayed by the disorders of professors. 
 
A GREAT REVIVAL. 61 
 
 Since the great revival just described,* there have 
 been several partial ones, which will be taken notice of 
 in their proper places. 
 
 *The great revival described in the foregoing chapter seems to have been 
 most powerfully marked and efEective in the Dover, Goshen, Culpeper and 
 Ketocton Associations. In the former its influence was generally felt; 
 Lunsford and Toler reaped a large harvest in Morattico and Nomini 
 churches in the Northern Neck, and Noel and Shackleford in upper King 
 and Queen and Tuckahoe (in Caroline) baptized a yet larger number of 
 converts. County Line, Wallers, North Fork of Pamunkey, Wilderness and 
 Goldmine, in the Goshen Association, were signally blessed, as also were 
 Crooked Run, F. T., Rapid Ann and Blue Run, in the Culpeper. Among the 
 Ketocton churches Bull Run and Chappawamsic were most highly blessed. 
 
ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 CONTAINING A HISTORY OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION 
 OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS, FROM THEIR FIRST SES- 
 SION, UNTIL THE DIVISION IN 1783. 
 
 An Association is a council or assembly, composed of 
 delegates or representatives from each church within the 
 bounds designated for that purpose, the object of which 
 is to take into consideration the welfare of the churches, 
 and to assist them by their counsel in the preservation of 
 order and discipline among themselves. Each church 
 sends by their delegates a letter directed to the Associa- 
 tion. These letters inform the Association whom they 
 have deputed as delegates ; what is the state and stand- 
 ing of the church ; their number, deaths, removals, addi- 
 tions and exclusions, etc.* The Baptist Churches are 
 independent, and consequently the business of Associa- 
 tions is not authoritative ; they may advise, and indeed 
 urge their advice, but cannot compel. 
 
 The business of Associations is commonly drawn from 
 the letters, being inserted by the churches, by way of 
 query. This, however, is not the only mode of in- 
 troducing it. The debates are generally short, and the 
 whole business is commonly completed in two days. 
 In Virginia most, if not all the Associations, include 
 Sunday as one of the days for their being together. 
 
 *In a^time of revival it is quite animating to liear the letters read. — Au- 
 thor's note, 
 
 [L62 ] 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 63 
 
 Nothing is attended to on this day, except preaching, 
 and the different parts of public worship. Vast crowds 
 in most places attend Associations for the purpose of 
 hearing the preaching. For, in addition to the ministra- 
 tions of Sunday, the congregations who assemble on the 
 other days are entertained at some convenient place by 
 preachers sent out by the Association for that purpose. 
 Therefore, besides the good derived fi'om the immediate 
 business of an Association, the indirect advantages -are 
 very great. From a conviction of this truth, the Dover 
 Association^ in one of her circular letters,* inserts the 
 following remarks : "The indirect advantages of Asso- 
 ciations can only be known by experience. Those who 
 have been accustomed to attend them have seen and felt 
 the blessings conveyed through them. We conceive it is 
 no inconsiderable advantage that an opportunity should 
 be offered for brethren to see each other. 'As iron 
 sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of 
 his friend.' A second advantage is that they communi- 
 cate to each other the transactions of the different parts 
 of the country from whence they came. They tell how 
 richly the grace of God is communicated ; how profusely 
 His blessings are poured out, and how wisely ordered are 
 all His providences. 'As cold water to a thirsty soul, so 
 is good news from a far country.' Thirdly, they maj' be 
 beneficial to the church and neighborhood in and about 
 which they may be holden, seeing they have it in their 
 power to hear those gifts and talents displayed that are 
 best calculated to instruct, and most likely to profit. 
 Fourthly, advantages may arise to almost every part of 
 the district by the visits of the ministers as they pass to 
 and from the Association." 
 
 *This circular letter was read at the Association, held October 11,1794, 
 Tvith Nomini church, Westmoreland county. 
 
64 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 There are fifteen Associations wholly within the State 
 of Virginia, besides four others, of which a part only 
 are within this State, the other part being in ,some 
 adjacent State. Of the fifteen, six lie north of James 
 river— viz., Ketocton, Culpeper, Albemarle, Goshen, Do- 
 ver and Accomac ; six south of James river — Portsmouth, 
 Middle District, Meherrin, Appomattox, Roanoke and 
 Strawberry; and three west of the Alleghany Moun- 
 tains — New River, Greenbrier and Union. The four, a 
 part of which only lie in Virginia, are : Mayo, on the 
 borders of Virginia and North Carolina; Mountain, on 
 the borders of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee ; 
 Holston, on the borders of Virginia and Tennessee ; and 
 Redstone, on the borders of Virginia, Pennsylvania and 
 Ohio. A particular account of each of these will be 
 given in their proper order. In the mean time we must 
 begin with the Original Separate Baptist Association.* 
 
 Having related how, through their evangelical labors, 
 the Separates had disseminated the principles of the Bap- 
 tists — or, rather, the doctrines of the New Testament — 
 through various parts of the State of Virginia and North 
 Carolina, we shall now inquire after what manner they 
 were employed in their deliberative assemblies. We have 
 already noticed that through the counsel of Mr. Stearns an 
 Association was formed and organized January, 1760,! 
 and who met again in July of the same yeai". Including 
 both these meetings, the list of their churches stood thus : 
 
 Sandy Creek — Elder Shubal Stearns. 
 Deep River — Nathaniel Powel (a brother). 
 
 * This first Association was held with Sandy Creek church. Their meet- 
 ing-house was situated near the stream of the same name, in Guilford (now 
 Randolph) county, N. C. 
 
 +The account of this Association is taken from Baochus's History of the 
 Baptists of New England, Volume III., page 'Hi.— Author's note. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 65 
 
 Abbofs Creek— F,]der Daniel Marshall. 
 Little River — Joseph Breed (a brother). 
 Neus Rivet — Ezekiel Hunter. 
 Btdck River — John Newton. 
 
 Dan River, Pittsylvania county, Va. — Elder Samuel 
 Harriss. 
 
 Lunenburg county, Va. — William Murphy. 
 
 We are not to look for regularity and method among a 
 people whose only study was the prosperity of vital god- 
 liness. No church had been regularly constituted in Vir- 
 ginia at the time of either of these Associations. It would 
 seem, however, that those two mentioned in the list were 
 sufficiently numerous to exercise the privileges of a church, 
 and were therefore admitted into the Association. The 
 chief business of these Associations was to receive peti- 
 tions and to appoint preachers to travel into new places 
 where the Gospel was likely to flourish. " We continued 
 together (says the manuscript of James Read, who was 
 present) three or four days. Great crowds of people at- 
 tended, mostly through curiosity. The great power of 
 God was among us. The preaching every day seemed to 
 be attended with God's blessing. We carried on our 
 Association with sweet decorum and fellowship to the 
 end. Then we took leave of one another with many 
 solemn charges from our reverend old father Shubal 
 Stearns, to stand fast unto the end." 
 
 At their next Association multitudes, both of friends and 
 strangers, came, many from a great distance. The Rev. 
 John Gano, from New England, was there. He was sent, 
 it seems, to inquire into the state of these New Light 
 Baptists. He was received by Stearns with great afTec- 
 
■ 66 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 tion. But the young and illiterate preachers were afraid 
 of him, and kept at a distance. They even refused to 
 invite him into their Association. All this he bore pa- 
 tiently, sitting by while they transacted their business. 
 He preached also every day. His preaching was in the 
 Spirit of the Gospel. Their hearts were opened, so that 
 before he left them they were greatly attached to him. 
 So superior were Mr. Gano's talents for preaching that 
 some of the young and unlearned preachers said they 
 felt as if they never could undertake to preach again. 
 This Association was also conducted in love, peace and 
 harmony. When Mr. Gano returned to his own country, 
 being asked what he thought of these Baptists, replied, 
 that " doubtless the fo-wer of God was among them; that 
 although they were rather immethodical, they certainly 
 had the root of the matter at heart."* 
 
 At their third Association it seems they were gratified 
 with the most pleasing accounts of the great spread of the 
 Gospel. Very many requests were also sent from various 
 quarters for preachers to be sent them. They had a very 
 happy Association. 
 
 The Associations continued thus happy and thus in- 
 creasing, insomuch, that at their fifth or sixth session, it 
 appears they received delegates from some churches as 
 high up as the mountains, and from thence to the ocean. 
 
 *Ilev. John Gano was born at Hopewell, New Jersey, July 22, 1727. He 
 was ordained May 29, 1754, and became pastor of Scotch Plains church. He 
 subsequently spent four years in the South, and in 1762, at the constitution 
 of the First Baptist church of New York city, he was chosen as their pas- 
 tor, and served as such for twenty-six years, save that during the Revolu- 
 tion he acted as chaplain in the New York brigade under General Clinton. 
 In 1788 he moved to Kentucky and became the pastor of Town Fork ehurcli, 
 near Lexington. There he died in 1804. The recently published account ol 
 his having secretly immersed General Washington is without the slightest 
 warrant in fact. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 67 
 
 In 1767, some of the Spotsylvania preachers attended 
 the Association, and obtained the attendance of a presby- 
 tery, to constitute their first church. The sessions were 
 all held in the vicinity of Stearns and the older preach- 
 ers. The younger ones, from Virginia and both the 
 Carolinas, attended constantly, and derived much know- 
 ledge and consolation from the conversation of the more 
 experienced. From such accounts as can be had, it ap- 
 pears that all these Associations were conducted with 
 peace and harmony, and were productive of extensive 
 usefulness. 
 
 After the disagreement between the Regulars and Sep- 
 arates, which took place in Spotsylvania, attempts were 
 made, on both sides, to effect a reconciliation. Among 
 the Separates, the objections raised by a few popular 
 characters prevailed. They, it seems, thought the Regu- 
 lars were not sufficiently particular in small matters, 
 such as dress, etc. They also expressed fears, that the 
 confession of faith adopted by the Regulars might in 
 time bind them too much, as there were some objectiona- 
 ble parts. A majority of the Regulars were favorable 
 to an union. Some, however, wished that the confession 
 of faith should be adopted by the Separates by way of 
 condition. 
 
 In 1769 an Association was holden by the Separates, in 
 North Carolina, to which the Ketocton or Regular Bap- 
 tist Association, sent as messengers the Rev. Messrs. 
 Garrett, Major, and Saunders with a letter, of which the 
 following is an extract : 
 
 " Beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ: 
 
 " The bearers of this letter Can acquaint you with the 
 design of writing it. Their errand is peace, and their 
 
68 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 business is a reconciliation between us, if there is any 
 difference subsisting. If we are all Christians, all Bap- 
 tists—all JVew Zi^kis— why are we divided ? Must the 
 little appellative names. Regular and Separate, break 
 'the golden bond of charity, and set the sons and daugh- 
 ters of Zion at variance? 'Behold how good and how 
 pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ' ; 
 but how bad and how bitter it is for them to live asunder 
 in discord. To indulge ourselves in prejudice is surely a 
 disorder, and to quarrel about nothing is irregularity with 
 a witness. O ! our dear brethren ! endeavor to prevent 
 this calamity for the future." 
 
 This excellent letter was presented to the Association, 
 and, after a lengthy debate, the proposal for a union was 
 rejected by a small majority. 
 
 The Separate Baptist Association met again in 1770 at 
 Grassy Creek meeting-house,* in North Carolina. The 
 churches had now become numerous, there being a con- 
 siderable number in each of the three States. It had been 
 usual with them to do nothing in Associations but by 
 unanimity. If in any measure proposed there was a single 
 dissentient they labored first by arguments to come to 
 unanimous agreement ; when arguments failed, they re- 
 sorted to frequent prayer, in which all joined. When both 
 these failed, they sometimes appointed the next day for 
 fasting and prayer, and to strive to bring all to be of one 
 mind. At this session they split in their first business. 
 Nothing could be done on the first day. They appointed 
 the next for fasting and prayer. They met and labored 
 the whole day, until an hour by sun in the afternoon, and 
 
 * This meetlng-liouse was situated about two miles from the Virginia line 
 in Granville county, N. C, and near the creek after which it was named— a 
 tributary of Roanoke riyer. 
 
HISTORY OP TSB SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 69 
 
 could do nothing, not even appoint a Moderator. The 
 third day was appointed for the same purpose, and to be 
 observed in the same way^ They met early and con- 
 tinued together until 3 o'clock in the afternoon without 
 having accomplished anything. A proposal was then 
 made that the Association should be divided into three dis- 
 tricts, that is, one in each State. To this there was an 
 unanimous consent at once. 
 
 Whereupon they appointed the first session for the As- 
 sociation in Virginia to be holden at Thompson's meeting- 
 house, in Louisa county, the last Saturday in September, 
 
 1771- 
 For North Carolina, at Haw-River meeting-house ; and 
 
 For South Carolina, at Seleuda. 
 
 The Association then dismissed, without transacting 
 any other business.* It was, however, privately agreed 
 upon among the Virginia delegates to hold an occasional 
 session at E. Craig's meeting-house, in Orange county, 
 the second Saturday in May, 177 1. This was designed 
 more particularly for the purpose of forming regula- 
 tions, etc. 
 
 They did accordingly meet in May, and as this was 
 the first session of the Virginia Separate Baptist Associa- 
 tion, it will not be unacceptable to our readers to insert 
 the proceedings in full. 
 
 MINUTES OF THE FIRST SEPARATE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, f 
 
 At an occasional Association, held at Craig's meeting- 
 house, in Orange county, second Saturday in May, 177 1. 
 
 *The above relation is taken from a manuscript of Elijah Craig, who was 
 present. — Author's note. . 
 
 + For a further account of this Association , held with Blue Run Church , see 
 extract in the Appendix to this volume, copied from the journal of Elder 
 .Tohn Williams. 
 
70 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 By a private poll Samuel Harriss was chosen moderator^ 
 and John Waller, Jr., clerk. The letters from the several 
 churches vi^ere read. The state of each wras as follows : 
 
 Names of Chukches. 
 
 Names of Delegates. 
 
 3 
 
 Ml 
 
 h 
 
 4 
 
 1.1 
 
 is 
 
 o <a 
 
 II 
 
 •d 
 
 (■• 
 .a 
 
 -d 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 B 
 O 
 B 
 
 C3 
 
 .s 
 
 B 
 S 
 
 i 
 
 o 
 
 m 
 
 g 
 g 
 
 0^ 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 ■6 
 
 s 
 s 
 
 ■6 
 
 O 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 u 
 
 OJ 
 
 ■O 
 B 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 rail's Creek church, j 
 Pittsylvania . . . . S 
 
 Bedford ch., a new eh. 
 
 Amherst church, aj 
 new church ] 
 
 Buctingham church . j 
 Amelia church ... > 
 
 Louisa church . . . V 
 
 Lower ch., in Spotsyl- ( 
 vania ( 
 
 Middle ch., in Spot-) 
 sylvania ( 
 
 Upper church, in ( 
 Orange ... t 
 
 Culpeper church . ■ ■ \ 
 
 Carter's-Run church,} 
 
 in Fauquier . . . . ( 
 Shenandoah church, j 
 
 in Frederick .... J 
 Black Water church, 
 
 in Bedford ... . ( 
 Dan River church, in ) 
 
 Pittsylvania . . . . j 
 
 Total 
 
 Samuel Harriss, Jacob 
 Meteiff 
 
 William Lovell 
 
 Thomas Hargitt and 
 James Meneese . . . 
 
 Eane Chastain, Jr., 
 and Wm. Johnston . 
 
 Jeremiah Walker, Da- 
 vid Ellington and 
 John Williams .... 
 
 James Childs, David 
 Thompson and An- 
 drew Tribble .... 
 
 Jno. Waller, Jno. Bur- 
 rus, Reuben Ford 
 and Wm. Webber . . 
 
 Lewis Craig, Jos. Bled- 
 soe, Wm. Card and 
 John Craig 
 
 Elijah Craig, Geo.Twi- 
 man, Bartlet Bennet 
 and George Eves. . . 
 
 John Monrow and Th. 
 Peyton 
 
 Joseph Hotsclaw and 
 James Wethers. . . . 
 
 William Marshall and 
 Reuben Pickett . . . 
 
 Neither delegate nor 
 letter 
 
 Neither delegate nor 
 letter 
 
 32 
 
 16 
 66 
 17 
 103 
 31 
 
 1" 
 76 
 78 
 
 420 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 10 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 19 
 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 5 
 
 * 
 
 4 
 9 
 3 
 
 1 
 4 
 
 2 
 23 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 2 
 
 1 
 3 
 
 20 
 
 3 
 2 
 57 
 1 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 62 
 29 
 
 26 
 
 52 
 
 260 
 
 100 
 
 253 
 
 105 
 
 120 
 21 
 148 
 159 
 
 1335 
 
 Adjourned till Monday morning 8 o'clock. 
 
 May IS, 1771.— Monday Morning:— Met together, all 
 except our brethren David Ellington, James Childs and 
 Thomas Peyton, who disappeared. We all agreed to 
 proceed to business as follows : 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 71 
 
 1. It is unanimously agreed that the Association has 
 no power or authority to impose anything upon the 
 churches ; but that we act as an advisory council. 
 
 2. We believe we have a right to withdraw ourselves 
 from- any church that may neglect to correspond with 
 us, and justify their conduct. 
 
 3. IViik regard to the constitution of churches. — Any 
 number of members that live at a distance too far to as- 
 semble with ease, with the body of the church, at their 
 monthly meeting, having first obtained leave from their 
 church, have a right to petition any ordained minister of 
 the same faith and order, with what helps he chooses, 
 being approved of by the members, to look into their 
 stability; and if found ripe, to constitute them a church, 
 describing their boundary and allowing the privilege to 
 any member who lives near to the said limits to join 
 which of the churches he pleases. 
 
 4. With regard to ordination, etc. — Every ordained 
 minister of the same faith, etc., being legally called upon 
 by any church, may administer the sacraments among 
 them, and with the help of their church, ordain their 
 elders or deacons if found qualified ; and in case they 
 have made choice of a minister whom they desire to be 
 examined and ordained, they may petition neighboring 
 ministers to proceed in the said work, and on special oc- 
 casions any of them failing to come, one ordained minis- 
 ter with an ordained elder or elders may proceed in the 
 ordination. 
 
 5. We advise any church, in distraction or distress, to 
 send for helps from one or more sister churches to assist 
 them in such a case. 
 
 6. It is agreed that if any delegate sent from any 
 church should transgress, in any instance, unknown to 
 
72 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 fais church, the offended party, his fellow-delegate and 
 the moderator, may bar him from sitting. 
 
 7. All matters brought before the Association for their 
 advice to be determined by a majority of voices, except 
 what from the clearness of Scripture light, forces con- 
 viction on all ; then there is no necessity for putting it 
 to the decision of votes. 
 
 8. It is agreed that an itinerant minister may be or- 
 dained without applying to the Association, by a presby- 
 tery of ministers (and we advise that as many as con- 
 veniently can, may be called for that purpose), upon 
 their examination and a recommendation of his doctrine 
 and manner of life from the church he is a member of. 
 
 9. It is agreed that a circular letter be sent by the As- 
 sociation to each church, informing them something of 
 the heads of their business, etc. 
 
 Adjourned till to-morrow morning 7 o'clock. 
 
 Tuesday Mormfig:^-Came together and proceeded as 
 follows : The delegates' names being called over, our 
 brethren David Ellington, David Thompson, Andrew 
 Tribble and Bartlet Bennet, failed to appear. 
 
 Presents-David Thompson and Andrew Tribble* 
 
 It is agreed that every church, with respect to cove- 
 nanting, is left to use their own liberty. 
 
 We advise every church to insert all their queries in 
 their letters to the Association. Present^Brother Bart- 
 let Bennet. 
 
 * Andrew Tribble was a son of George Tribble, of Caroline county, where 
 he was born in March, 1741. He became an early member of Thompson's 
 (Goldmine) church, in Louisa county. In 1777 he was called as pastor to 
 Albemarle church, and ordained by a presbytery ol which Lewis Craig Was 
 a member. He had previously preached for sqme time in Albemarle. He 
 removed to Kentucky in 1783, and settled on Dix river, and subsequently 
 In Clarke county. In 1786 he organized Tate's Creek church andl became 
 their pastor. He held this relation also to Unity church. H« died at an 
 advanced age, December ii, 1822. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 73 
 
 The church of Shenandoah and Fauquier having re- 
 quested help with respect to the ordination of elders, 
 baptizing, etc., brother Samuel Harriss agrees (God will- 
 ing) to go and answer the said request* 
 
 A query from the church in Orange, viz. : Whether we 
 have a right to dismiss a member from under the care of 
 our order 1 
 
 Answered in the negative.* 
 
 A query from Amelia church, viz, : Whether church 
 dealing ought not to be transacted privately, the mem- 
 bers only being present ? 
 
 Answered in the negative. 
 
 A query from Amelia church, viz. : What are the terms 
 of communion fixed in the Word of God? ^ 
 
 Answered. Fellowship in the same faith and order. -~^ 
 
 A query from Amelia church, viz.: Whether any^ 
 member, who shall refuse to acknowledge himself obliged^ 
 by the Scriptures to observe the Sabbath, should not h&f% 
 avoided as heretical till he retract his sentiments? 
 
 Answered. It is agreed to be referred to the next Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 A query from Lower Spotsylvania church, viz. ; 
 Whether it is lawful and expedient for our ministers to 
 obtain license from the civil law, for only one or more 
 meeting-places, and so be restricted from general license 
 given them by King Jesus — Mark xvith chapter, 15th 
 and i6th verses, etc.? 
 
 Answered. It is agreed to be referred to the next Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Adjourned until to-morrow morning 7 o'clock. 
 
 *Tliis means a dismissal from the Baptist Society altogether, and not a 
 dismissal from one Baptist churcU to join another.— ^ufAor's note. 
 
74 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Wednesday Morning. — Met and proceeded as follows : 
 The church of Christ, on Black Water, in Bedford, hav- 
 ing sent neither .letter nor delegate to this Association, 
 at the request of the Association Brother Samuel Harriss 
 and Brother William Lovell are agreed to visit them and 
 invite them to appear by their delegate at the next Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 The church of Christ, on Dan river, in Pittsylvania, 
 having sent neither letter nor delegate to this Associa- 
 tion, and hearing that said church is in distress. Brother 
 Walker and Brother Burrus are agreed, by and with the 
 consent of the Association, to offer them their help, the 
 second Friday, being the 12th of July, 1771 ; and they 
 are requested to make a, report at the next Association. 
 
 Our Brother Harriss, who was one of our delegates 
 sent last fall to visit our sister churches in the South 
 government in distress, made report full to our satisfac- 
 tion. 
 
 We advise that a committee of three persons be ap- 
 pointed to settle all expenses that may fall upon the As- 
 sociation. 
 
 The committee being sent out, returned and made their 
 report that there was a balance due from us, etc., to the 
 amount of £4 15s., which was received. 
 
 The Association letter to the several churches being read, 
 was approved of. 
 
 Brother Samuel Harriss was chosen as our delegate to 
 hold up our correspondence with the North and South 
 Carolina Associations. 
 
 Then adjourned till the last Saturday in September at 
 Thompson' s meeting-house, in Louisa. 
 
 Samuel Harriss, Moderator. 
 John Waller, Jr., Clerk. 
 
HISTORY OF TSE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 75 
 
 The Association, of which the above are the minutes, 
 was holden nearly forty years past. From them may be 
 gathered a pretty correct view of the mode of government 
 used by the Baptists of that day. It will be seen that the 
 government of the present time varies from it very little. 
 
 It is worthy of note that one of the constitutional 
 articles disclaims all power over the churches. Yet, the 
 next declares a right in the Association to withdraw from 
 delinquent churches in certain cases. Nothing less can 
 be meant by this article than that the Association, in behalf 
 of all orderly churches in her correspondence, would dis- 
 countenance all disorderly ones. It is then a question 
 whether a church, discountenanced by the Association, 
 can any longer be considered a part of the Baptist Society. 
 Would it not be deemed disorderly for any other church 
 to continue their fellowship towards one that could not 
 meet in the same Association ? Churches may not only 
 become disorderly inpractice, but heterodox in sentiment. 
 In Virginia, perhaps, we have been more fortunate ; but 
 in Kentucky, and in England, the majority of some of the 
 Baptist churches have become Arians or Socinians. To 
 give an Association power to deal with, and finally to put 
 such out of their connection must be proper, and, indeed, 
 must be what is designed by the above article. By no 
 other means could a general union be preserved. By the 
 article which disclaims all power, we must understand 
 all power over the internal government of the churches. 
 It is also worthy of note that while one of the articles 
 declares that churches may be constituted, and preachers 
 ordained without any application to the Association, it is 
 recorded in the same minutes that at the request of a cer- 
 tain church a minister is appointed by the Association to 
 assist in the ordination of elders, etc. From which it 
 
76 HISTORY OF VIROINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 would seem that any Association is a suitable medium 
 through which such matters can be advantageously ar- 
 ranged. 
 
 The next session, they assembled at Thompson's meet- 
 ing-house, the last Saturday in September, according to the 
 appointment made at Grassy Creek the year before. From 
 , thence they adjourned to Lewis Craig's meeting-house, 
 at which they held their next session, the second Satur- 
 day in May, 1772. 
 
 Their next session was holden at Waller's meeting- 
 house, the last Saturday in September, 1 772.* Of the pro- 
 ceedings of these three sessions we can obtain no certain 
 account, j- 
 
 The next Association was holden at Dover meeting- 
 house, in Goochland county, commencing May 8, 1773. 
 Samuel Harriss was appointed moderator, and John Wal- 
 ler, Jr., clerk. Letters and delegates from thirty-four 
 churches were received. These churches contained 3,195 
 members, of which 526 had been baptized subsequent to 
 the last Association. The largest church was Carter's 
 Run, in Fauquier, under the care of the Rev. John Picket, 
 which contained 278 members. The largest number bap- 
 tized in any one church was fifty-five, in Reedy Bottom 
 Church, in Halifax, under the cai"e of Reuben Picket. 
 There were sixty-one delegates, including among them 
 almost every distinguished preacher in the State. 
 
 The following queries and solutions are recorded in the 
 minutes of this Association, viz. : 
 
 I. Is the laying on of hands upon baptized members, 
 merely as such, a Gospel ordinance or not? 
 
 * For a reference to a correspondence between the General and Separate 
 Baptists at this meeting, see History of Portsmouth Association, 
 
 f The time and place "were discovered from the letters of correspondence 
 found among Mr. John Williams's [for brief sketch of elder John Williams, 
 see Appendix] papers.— ^Mtftor's note. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 77 
 
 Answer. The churches are left at their liberty to act 
 as they may think best. 
 
 2. Ought persons in general, who are possessed of 
 ministerial gifts, to be ordained merely as ministers, or - 
 ought they to be ordained to a particular charge? 
 
 Answer. A majority in favor of the latter. 
 
 3. Is it lawful to receive a member into fellowship 
 who is married to his wife's sister? 
 
 Answer. No. 
 
 4. Is it agreeable to Scripture for an unmarried man to 
 take the pastoral care of a church ? 
 
 Answer. Yes. 
 
 An appointment of four ministers was made 'at this 
 session to visit the Kehukee Regular Association and 
 churches, in order to know their standing and make re- 
 port. Samuel Harriss, E. Craig, John Waller and David 
 Thompson were appointed. 
 
 A motion was made by E. Craig to divide the Asso- 
 ciation into two districts, viz., one north and one south 
 of James river. 
 
 The motion was inserted in the minutes and referred 
 to the next Association. 
 
 They held their next session at Meherrin meeting- 
 house, Lunenburg county, in the fall of the same year, 
 
 2- <^-, ^773- . 
 
 Not being able to obtain the minutes of this session, 
 we do not know what business was done, except that they 
 agreed to divide the Association, according to the plan 
 proposed in the last Association. 
 
 The Southern District agreed to meet at Hall's meeting- 
 house, Halifax county, second Saturday in May, 1774. 
 The Northern, at Pickett's meeting-house, Fauquier coun- 
 ty, the fourth Saturday in May, 1774. This it will be 
 found in the sequel was only a temporary division. 
 
78 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 The Southern District met, according to appointment, 
 at Hall's* meeting-house. Samuel Harriss was chosen 
 moderator, and John Williams clerk. Letters and dele- 
 gates from twenty-seven churches were received. It ap- 
 pears that the churches in this district contained at that 
 time 2,033 members, of whom 259 had been baptized 
 since the last Association. The most numerous church 
 was Banister, under the care of Nathaniel Hall, contain- 
 ing two hundred and ten members. The greatest num- 
 ber baptized in any one church was forty-two, in Meher- 
 rin, in Lunenburg county, under the ministry of John 
 Williams. 
 
 For -three or four years there had been severe persecu- 
 tions against the Baptists in many parts of Virginia. 
 Letters were received at this Association from preachers 
 confined in prison, particularly from David Tinsley, then 
 in Chesterfield jail. The hearts of their brethren were 
 affected at their sufferings, in consequence of which it 
 was agreed to raise contributions for their aid. The fol- 
 lowing resolution was also entered into : 
 
 " Agreed to set apart the second and third Saturdays in 
 June as public fast days, in behalf of our poor blind 
 persecutors, and for the releasement of our brethren." 
 
 At this Association, for the first time, the following 
 query was introduced, which afterwards produced some 
 weighty consequences : 
 
 ^uery. Ought all the ministerial gifts recorded in the 
 4th chapter of Ephesians, nth, 12th and 13th verses, be 
 in use in the present time? 
 
 Answer. A great majority suppose all the ministerial 
 gifts recorded in said Scripture are, and ought to be, in use 
 
 * The frequency with.whleh the churches with which these meetings were 
 held, are designated by the names of their pastors, malces It probable that 
 the " Hall's meeting-house," here mentioned, was that of Banister church, 
 then under the pastoral care of Nathaniel Hall. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 79 
 
 in the churches. Although we pay a due regard to the 
 distinction between ordinary and extraordinary gifts. 
 
 They appointed their next session to be at Walker's 
 meeting-house,* in Amelia county, the second Saturday 
 in October, 1774. 
 
 The Northern District also met in Fauquier, ■]■ according 
 to their appointment, on the fourth Saturday in May, 
 1774. 
 
 Samuel Harriss and John Williams having attended 
 this Association as corresponding delegates from the 
 Southern District ; the former was appointed moderator, 
 and John Waller clerk. 
 
 Letters were received- from twenty-four churches, 
 stating their numbers in all to be 1,921, of whom 158 had 
 been baptized since the last Association. The largest 
 church, viz.. Lower Spotsylvania, now called Waller's, 
 contained 188 members, being under the charge of John 
 Waller. The greatest number baptized in any one church 
 was twenty-eight. This was the church called the 
 White-House, probably under the ministry of John 
 Koontz. s 
 
 / 'a query. Whether the doctrine of the non-eternity 
 of hell-torments, ought to be deemed heretical, and what / 
 should be done with a member who held it, was / 
 
 Ansvjered. That the doctrine was heretical, and all / 
 persons holding it ought to be purged out of the churches. 
 
 To this Association was also sent the query mentioned'^ 
 above, viz. : Whether the ministerial gifts mentioned in 
 E^hesians J^th chapter, and 11th, ISth, and ISth verses, 
 
 *Nottoway church, under care of Jeremiah Walker, located in the south- 
 ern end of Nottoway county, near the Lunenburg line. This section was a 
 part of Amelia till 1788. 
 
 t At Carter's Kun meeting-house, in the lower part of Fauquier county, 
 near the Rappahannock river. 
 
80 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 are now in use? After two days' debate, a majority de- 
 cided that it ought to be put off until the next Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 The question respecting a confession of faith was agi- 
 tated at this session, and decided that each church might 
 exercise her own discretion in adopting the confession of 
 faith or not. * 
 
 The Southern District met in an annual Association, 
 according to appointment, at Walker's meeting-bouse, in 
 Amelia county, second Saturday in October, i774- 
 
 Letters from thirty churches were received, stating 
 their number in all to be 2,083, '^^ whom 416 had been 
 baptized subsequent to the spring Association. The 
 greatest number baptized in any one church was seventy- 
 two, in Banister church, Halifax county, under the pas- 
 toral care of Nathaniel Hall ; this was also the largest 
 church, containing 229 members. Samuel Harriss was 
 appointed moderator, and John Williams clerk. 
 
 A letter was received from the Philadelphia Associa- 
 tion, with a copy of their minutes. Likewise the min- 
 utes of the Charleston Association were received; all of 
 which were read. 
 
 At this Association the query respecting the proper in- 
 terpretation of Ephesians 4th chaptei", nth, 12th and 
 13th verses, was again debated, and by an almost unani- 
 mous vote, three excepted, it was resolved that the said 
 offices are now in use in Christ's church, and the said 
 three submitted to the majority. It was further resolved 
 that the said offices be immediately established, by the 
 appointment of certain persons to fill them, provided any 
 possessed of such gifts could be found among them. 
 
 ♦This was called an occasional Association, lor although they held an 
 Association almost every spring, yet it was a standing rule to have one ses- 
 sion in each year, with the liberty to hold another occasionally, when cir* 
 cumstances required it. — Auihor^s note. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 81 
 
 They then proceeded to the choice of an apostle, by 
 private poll, and the lot fell, by unanimous consent, upon 
 Elder Samuel Harriss. For the discipline of this high 
 officer, the following rule is entered on the minutes, viz. : 
 "Jf our messenger or apostle shall transgress in any 
 manner, he shall be liable to dealing in any church where 
 the transgression is committed, and the said church is 
 instructed to call helps from two or three neighboring 
 churches, and, if by them found a transgressor, a general 
 council of the churches shall be called to restore or ex- 
 communicate him." They then proceeded to ordain him, 
 according to the following method : 
 
 " The day being set apart as a fast day, we immediately 
 proceeded to ordain him, and the hands of every ordained 
 minister was laid on him. Public prayer was made by 
 John Waller, E. Craig, and John Williams. John Waller 
 gave a public charge, and the whole Association gave 
 him the right hand of fellowship." 
 
 His work was to pervade the churches ; to do, or at least 
 to see to, the work of ordination, and to set in order things 
 that were wanting, and to make report to the next Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 The discussion of this subject caused no little warmth 
 on both sides. Jeremiah Walker first agitated it, and was 
 supported by most of the preachers of popular talents, 
 not without suspicion of vanity and ambition. The op- 
 position was headed by Reuben Ford, followed by a 
 numerous party in the Northern District. Walker wrote 
 a piece upon the subject, entitled J^ree Thoughts, etc., in 
 which, as also in his arguments, both in Associations and 
 private companies, he very ingeniously maintained that 
 all the offices mentioned in the above texts were still in use. 
 Mr. Ford also wrote a pamphlet in answer to Mr. Walker's^ 
 6 
 
82 HISTORY OF VIROINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 in which he rebutted his arguments with considerable 
 ability. Both these were read before the Association. 
 The majority favoring Mr. Walkei-'s system, an experi- 
 ment was made. 
 
 At an Association holden for the Northern District thfs 
 fall, John Waller and E. Craig were appointed apostles 
 for the north side of the river. 
 
 It is sufficient to inform our readers that this scheme 
 did not succeed. Either the spirit of free government 
 ran too high among the churches to submit to such an 
 officer or the thing was wrong in itself, and, not being 
 from God, soon fell. These apostles made their report to 
 the next Association, rather in discouraging terms, and 
 no others ever were appointed. 
 
 The judicious reader will quickly discover that this is 
 only the old plan of bishops, etc., under a new name. 
 
 In the last decision it was agreed that the office of 
 apostles, like that of prophets, was the effect of miracu- 
 lous inspiration and did not belong to ordinary times. 
 
 Both the Associations of this fall appointed their next 
 session to be holden at Manakin town, or Dover meeting- 
 house, the fourth Saturday in May, 1775. 
 
 May 27,1775. — Both Associations met by their delegates, 
 at Dover meeting-house.* Letters from sixty churches 
 were received, viz. : Twenty-nine from the north and 31 
 from the south side of James river. Samuel Harriss was 
 chosen moderator, and John Waller and John Williams 
 clerks. Only about 300, for both districts, are numbered 
 as having been baptized since the last Association. This 
 number, compared with what had been for years pre- 
 viously, proves that cold times were now not only appear- 
 ing but actually arrived. The events which occurred at 
 this and the succeeding session prove it more certainly. 
 * Situated in Goochland county, ten or twelve miles west of Rlchinond. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 83 
 
 \ 
 /^ The following query first occupied their attention : 
 
 "Is salvation, by Christ, made possible for every indi- 
 vidual of the human race?" The debate on this query i 
 took up the whole of Monday. Every thinking man in i 
 the Association felt himself seriously interested. Most of 
 them spoke to it, more or less. The weight of talents and 
 influence seems to have been on the Arminian side. Samuel 
 Harriss, Jeremiah Walker, John Waller, and many other 
 distinguished preachers stood forward and zealously, as 
 well as ably, supported the argument in favor of univer- / 
 
 sal provision. — 
 
 \ Talents and ingenuity were not wanting on the other 
 side. William Murphy, John Williams, and E. Craig 
 stood foremost in favor of a Calvinistic solution. These 
 supported by truth, or at least by the more generally re- 
 ceived opinion among Baptists, obtained after a long and 
 animated debate a small majority. This decision was on 
 Monday afternoon immediately before an adjournment. 
 That evening the Arminian party holding a consultation, 
 determined to bring on the subject again the next day, and 
 to have a determination whether their opinions upon this 
 point should be a matter of bar to fellowship and com- 
 munion. On Tuesday when they met, the business became 
 very distressing. The Arminian party, having the mode- 
 rator with them, withdrew out of doors. The other side 
 also withdrew, and chose John Williams as moderator. 
 Everything was then done by message, sometimes in 
 writing and sometimes verbally. 
 
 After some time spent in this way, the following pro- 
 posal was made by the Arminian party : 
 
 " Dear Brethren, — A steady union with you makes 
 us willing to be more explicit in our answer to your 
 terms of reconciliation proposed. We do not deny the 
 
84 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 former part of your proposal respecting particular elec- 
 tion of grace, still retaining our liberty with regard to 
 construction. And as to the latter part, respecting merit 
 in the creature, we are free to profess there is none. 
 
 " Signed by order. 
 
 " Samuel Harriss, Moderator." 
 
 To which the other party replied as follows : 
 
 "Dear Brethren, — Inasmuch as a continuation of 
 vour Christian fellowship seems nearly as dear to us as 
 our lives, and seeing our difficulties concerning your 
 principles with respect to merit in the creature, particu- 
 lar election, and final perseverance of the saints are in a 
 hopeful measure removing, we do willingly retain you in 
 fellowship, not raising the least bar. But do heartily wish 
 and pray that God, in His kind providence, in His own 
 time will bring it about zuhen Israel shall all be of one 
 mind, speaking the same things. 
 
 " Signed by order. 
 
 "John Williams, Moderator" 
 
 These terms being acceded to on both sid&, they again 
 met in the meeting-house and resumed their business. 
 Their union was as happy as their discord had been 
 distressing. 
 
 It was determined that the two Associations should 
 again unite at their next session, and that that should be 
 at Du Puy's meeting-house,* Powhatan (then Cumber- 
 land) county, the second Saturday in August, 1775. 
 
 It seems that one great object in uniting the two dis- 
 tricts at this time, was to strive together for the aboli- 
 tion of the hierarchy or church establishment in Virginia. 
 
 *Tliis meeting-house was that of old Powhatan church, called Dn Puy's 
 after their pastor, John Du Puy. Elijah Craig, Lewis Craig, Jeremiah 
 Walker and John "Williams were appointed at this meeting to wait on the 
 Convention with the petition for leave to preach to the army. For the 
 text of this petition, see Appendix to this volume. 
 
SISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 85 
 
 The discontents in America, arising from British oppres- 
 sion, were now drawing to a crisis ; most of the colonies 
 had determined to resist, and some went for indepen- 
 dence. This was a favorable season for the Baptists. 
 Having been much ground under the British laws, or at 
 least by the interpretation of them in Virginia, they were 
 to a man favorable to any revolution by which they could 
 obtain freedom of religion. They had known from ex- 
 perience that mere toleration was not a sufficient check, 
 having been imprisoned at a time when that law was 
 considered by many as being in force. 
 
 It was therefore resolved at this session to circulate 
 petitions to the Virginia Convention or General Assem- 
 bly throughout the State in order to obtain signatures. 
 The prayer of these was that the church establishment 
 should be abolished, and religion left to stand upon its 
 own merits, and that all religious societies should be 
 protected in the peaceable enjoyment of their own reli- 
 gious principles and modes of worship. They appointed 
 Jeremiah Walker, John Williams and George Roberts to 
 wait on the Legislature with these petitions. They also 
 determined to petition the Assembly for leave to preach 
 to the army, which was gi'anted. 
 
 Jeremiah Walker and John Williams being appointed 
 by this Association, went and preached to the soldiers 
 when encamped in the lower parts of Virginia. They 
 not meeting with much encouragement, declined it after 
 a short time. 
 
 They appointed the ne^^t Association to be holden at 
 Thompson's meeting-house, * Louisa county, on the se- 
 cond Saturday in August, 1776. 
 
 * The meeting-house of Lower Goldmine church, of which David Thomp- 
 son was then the pastor. 
 
HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. - 
 
 They met accordingly, and letters from seventy-four 
 churches were received, bringing mournful tidings of 
 coldness and declension. This declension is accounted 
 for, by some of the letters, as arising from too much con- 
 cern in political matters, being about the commencement 
 of the revolution. Others ascribe it to their dissensions 
 about principles, etc. Both, doubtless, had their wreight. 
 After they met, John Waller was appointed to preach, 
 and took his text I. Corinthians 13th and nth. He had 
 fully embraced the whole Arrainian system, and was de- 
 termined to preach it at every risk. Being called to 
 account before the Association, he and all his adherents 
 withdrew from the Baptists and immediately set up for 
 independence. The result may be seen in his biography. 
 This was an exceedingly sorrowful time. Waller -wiis 
 held high in estimation among the Baptists. Serious 
 consequences might reasonably be expected. The As- 
 sociation, however, took such measures as were within 
 their power to prevent unpleasant effects. 
 
 It appears that it was agreed at this Association to 
 divide into four districts — probably such a division as 
 afterwards took place in 1783, viz., two south and two 
 north of James river. But as this division was not per- 
 manent, we shall pursue the narrative by attending to 
 the whole under one view, as if no such division had 
 taken place. 
 
 The first session for that district, which included Hali- 
 fax, etc., was holden at Fall's Ci'eek meeting-house,* 
 Halifax county, first Saturday in November, 1776. 
 
 * This churcli became subsequently known as County Line, their meet- 
 ing-house being near tlie line between Pittsylvania and Halifax counties. 
 
History of the separate baptists. 87 
 
 Their next session ■was at Williams's Sandy Creek 
 meeting-house,* the last Saturday in April, 1777. Of 
 these sessions we could obtain no regular account. 
 
 By some means it happened that the districts were 
 again united about this time. Being the height of the 
 war, the Associations were but thinly attended and little 
 business done. 
 
 /^ Third Saturday in May, 1778, a General Association 
 /was holden at Anderson's meeting-house, in Buckingham 
 j county. Letters from thirty-two churches were received. 
 1 William Webber, moderator; John Williams, clerk. 
 
 A committee was appointed to inquire whether any 
 grievances existed in the civil laws that were oppressive 
 to the Baptists. In their report they represent the mar- 
 riage law as being partial and oppressive. Upon which 
 it was agreed to present to the General Assembly a me- 
 morial praying for a law affording equal privileges to all 
 ordained ministers of every denomination. f 
 
 They appointed their next Association at Du Puy's 
 meeting-house, Powhatan county, second Saturday in 
 October, 1778. They met" according to appointment, and 
 chose Samuel Harriss moderator, and John Williams 
 clerk. Letters from thirty-two churches were read. 
 
 A committee of seven members were appointed to take 
 into consideration the civil grievances of the Baptists 
 and make report. 
 
 1st. They reported on Monday that should a general 
 assessment take place, that it would be injurious to the 
 dissenters in general. 
 
 •El'der John Williams was pastor oJ Sandy Creek cUuroh, in Cliarlotte 
 county. Tlie situation ot their meeting-house we are unable, after many 
 inquiries and much correspondence, to ascertain. 
 
 + For the memorial addressed to the Assembly by the Association as 
 adopted two years later at Sandy Creek meeting-house on the subject of 
 these resolutions, and the consequent act of the Assembly, see Appendix. 
 
 \ 
 
88 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 2d. That the clelgy of the former Established Church 
 suppose themselves to have the exclusive right of offici- 
 ating in marriages, which has subjected dissenters to 
 great inconveniences. 
 
 3d. They therefore recommend that two persons be ap- 
 pointed to wait on the next General Assembly and lay 
 these grievances before them. 
 
 Jeremiah Walker and Elijah Craig (and in case of the 
 failure of either, John Williams) were appointed to 
 attend the General Assembly. 
 
 Some rules for the government of Associations were 
 formed at this session. In consequence of the warm dis- 
 sensions that had taken place at some of the Associa- 
 tions a few years before this, combined with the ravages 
 of war, the Associations were not so fully attended as 
 they had been. From 60 and 70 churches, which usually 
 corresponded, they had fallen to about 30 or 40. It seems 
 that some had contracted unfavorable opinions of Asso- 
 ciations, and wished them to be laid aside. This subject, 
 being agitated at this session, produced the following 
 entry : 
 
 Resolved, That a society of churches combined to seek 
 the mutual good of the whole is desirable ; that it also 
 promotes acquaintance among brethren, and affords op- 
 portunity to consult respecting the best modes of counter- 
 acting national grievances. But Associations are not to 
 interfere with the internal concerns of churches, ex- 
 cept where their advice is requested by any church, in the 
 way of query. 
 
 The next Association appointed the second Saturday in 
 May, at Dover meeting-house. 
 
 On the second Saturday in May, 1779, the Association 
 met at Dover meeting-house, Goochland county, of which 
 session we have no account. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 89 
 
 On the second Saturday in October, 1779, the Associa- 
 tion met at Nottoway meeting-house, Amelia county. 
 Samuel Harriss, moderator ; Jeremiah Walker clerk. 
 
 The report by Jeremiah Walker, as delegate to the 
 General Assembly, was highly gratifying, upon which 
 the following entry was unanimously agreed to be made: 
 
 " On consideration of the bill establishing religious 
 freedom, agreed: That the said bill, in our opinion, puts 
 religious freedom upon its proper basis ; prescribes the 
 just limits of the power of the State, with regard to re- 
 ligion ; and properly guards against partiality towards 
 any religious denomination ; we, therefore, heartily ap- 
 prove of the same, and wish it to pass into a law." 
 
 Ordered, That this our approbation of the said bill, be 
 transmitted to the public printers, to be inserted in the 
 Gazette's. 
 
 It seems that many of the Baptist preachers, presum- 
 ing upon a future sanction, had gone on to marry such 
 people as applied for marriage. It was determined that a 
 memorial should be sent from this Association requesting 
 that all such marriages should be sanctioned by a law for 
 that purpose. The law passed accordingly. 
 
 For a set of preachers to proceed to solemnize the i-ites 
 of matrimony without any law to authorize them might 
 at first view appear incorrect, and, indeed, censurable ; 
 but we are informed that they were advised to this mea- 
 sure by Mr. Patrick Henry as being the most certain 
 method of obtaining the law. It s^ucceeded. It is, how- 
 ever, still questionable whether this was not doing evil 
 that good might come. 
 
 The next Association was holden at Waller's meeting- 
 house, Spotsylvania county, the second Saturday in May, 
 1780. No account could be obtained of the proceedings 
 
90 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA RaPtISTS. 
 
 of this session. The next was appointed to be at Sandy 
 Creek meeting-house, Charlotte county, second Saturday 
 in October, 1780. 
 
 They met at the time and place appointed. Samuel 
 Harriss, moderator ; John Williams, clerk. Letters from 
 only twenty-nine churches were received. 
 t From the minutes it appears that some jealousy was still 
 entertained respecting the power of Associations. In 
 consequence of which an entry is made disavowing any 
 authority over the churches. 
 
 A letter was received from a committee of the Regular 
 Baptists, requesting that a similar committee should be 
 appointed by this Association to consider national griev- 
 ances in conjunction.* This was done accordingly, and 
 Reuben Ford, John Williams and Elijah Craig were ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 The third Thursday in November following was ap- 
 pointed a day of fasting and prayer, in consequence of 
 the alarming and distressing times. 
 
 The next Association was appointed at Anderson's 
 meeting-house, Buckingham county, second Saturday in 
 May, 1 78 1. They met according to appointment. About 
 this time the British, under Lord Cornwallis, were march- 
 ing through Virginia from the South, and were now at no 
 great distance from the place of the Association. On this 
 account there were but sixteen churches that corresponded. 
 They chose William Webber moderator, and J. Williams 
 clerk. After making some few arrangements and ap- 
 pointing the next Association at Dover meeting-house, 
 Goochland county, the second Saturday in October, 1782, 
 they adjourned. 
 
 *For the memorial to the House of Delegates on the subject ol the right 
 ol Baptist ministers to solemnize marriages., adapted at this meeting (Octo- 
 ber 16, 1780), see Appendix to this Tolume. 
 
HISTORY OP THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 91 
 
 They met at Dover meeting-house agreeably to appoint- 
 ment. Letters from thirty-two corresponding churches 
 were read. William Webber, moderator ; John Williams, 
 clerk. 
 
 Jeremiah Walker was appointed a delegate to attend 
 the next General Assembly, with a memorial and peti- 
 tions against ecclesiastical oppression. 
 
 Robert Stockton attended the Association, as a delegate 
 from the Strawberry Association. 
 
 The large number of churches and the great distance 
 which many of their delegates had to travel rendered a 
 General Association in Virginia extremely inconvenient, 
 so that they would, probably long before this date, have 
 divided into districts if they had not been holden together 
 by apprehensions of oppression from civil government. 
 
 They could not make head against their powerful and 
 numerous opponents with any hope of success unless they 
 were united among themselves. In order to be all of one 
 mind it was necessary that they should all assemble around 
 one council board. For these reasons the General Asso- 
 ciation was kept up as long as it was. Finding it. how- 
 ever, considerably wearisome to collect so many from such 
 distant parts, and having already secured their most im- 
 portant civil rights, they determined to hold only one 
 more General Association, and then, dividing into dis- 
 tricts, to form some plan to keep a standing sentinel for 
 political purposes. In order to mature this plan for di- 
 viding into districts they agreed to have two spring 
 Associations, one on the south side and one on the north 
 side of James river. It was expected that the churches 
 on each side would send delegates to the Associations in 
 their respective districts. 
 
92 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 They then proceeded to appoint the Association* at 
 Du Puy's meeting-house, Powhatan county, second Satur- 
 day in October, 1783. The one on the south side was 
 appointed at Nottoway meeting-house, in Nottoway 
 county, the second Saturday in May, 1783 ; the one on 
 the north side, at Noel's meeting-house, in Essex county, 
 the first Saturday in May, 1783. 
 
 The first Wednesday in November was appointed a 
 day of fasting and prayer, on account of the prospects of 
 famine, and to avert the judgments of God on account of 
 the increasing wickedness of the land. 
 
 On the second Saturday in October, 1783, they met in 
 General Association, according to appointment, and for 
 the last time. Thirty-seven delegates, including most of 
 the active preachers in Virginia, were present. William 
 Webber, moderator ; John Williams, clerk. 
 
 The following business was transacted in this Associa- 
 tion : 
 
 Resolved, That our General or Annual Association 
 cease, and that a General Committee be instituted, com- 
 posed of not more than four delegates from each District 
 Association, to meet annually, to consider matters that 
 may be for the good of the whole society, and that the 
 present Association be divided into four districts — Upper 
 and Lower Districts — on each side of James river. 
 
 A motion was made by John Williams, that as they 
 were now about to divide into sections, they ought to 
 adopt some confession of faith, by way of affording a 
 standard of principles to subsequent times. 
 
 They then agreed to adopt the Philadelphia Confession 
 of Faith, upon the following explanations : " To prevent 
 
 ♦This last meeting of the General Association was at Powliatau meeting- 
 house, Powhatan county. 
 
HISTORY OF THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS. 93 
 
 its usurping a tyrannical power over the consciences of 
 any : We do not mean that every person is to be bound 
 to the strict observance of everything therein contained, 
 nor do we mean to make it in any respect superior or 
 equal to the Scriptures in matters of faith or practice ; 
 although we think it the best human composition of the 
 kind now extant, yet it shall be liable to alterations 
 whenever the General Committee, in behalf of the Asso- 
 ciations, shall see fit." 
 
 Reuben Ford and John Waller were appointed dele- 
 gates to wait on the General Assembly with a memo- 
 rial ; then dissolved. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CONTAINING A HISTORY OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE 
 FROM THEIR FIRST SESSION UNTIL THEIR DISSOLUTION 
 IN 1799. 
 
 Circumstanced as the Baptists were at this period, it' 
 would have been the height of folly to have dissolved the 
 General Association without substituting some other as- 
 sembly capable of consulting and devising measures for 
 the benefit of the whole connection. In most respects a 
 meeting composed of representatives from the different 
 Associations was preferable to the General Association. 
 Being a small number, they could act more promptly ; 
 they would have fewer local matters, and could, there- 
 fore, devote their attention more intently to those of 
 general concern ; and lastly, there being three other Asso- 
 ciations now in the State, besides the one called the Gene- 
 ral Association, these could unite in a General Commit- 
 tee and contribute their aid in measures interesting to all. 
 
 The General Committee accordingly met for the first 
 time on Saturday, October 9, 1784.* Delegates from four 
 Associations assembled. William Webber was appointed 
 moderator, and Reuben Ford clerk. 
 
 Of the plan of government the following are the only 
 articles proper to be noticed : 
 
 1. The General Committee shall be composed of dele- 
 gates sent from all the District Associations that desii'e to 
 correspond with each other. 
 
 2. No Association shall be represented in the commit- 
 tee by more than four delegates. 
 
 *The author does not state, and we are in Ignorance as to where the first 
 meetinK of the General Committee was held. 
 
 [ 94 ] 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 95 
 
 3. The committee thus composed shall consider all the 
 political grievances of the whole Baptist Society in Vir- 
 ginia, and all references from the District Associations 
 respecting matters which concern the Baptist Society at 
 large. 
 
 4. No petition, memorial or remonstrance shall be pre- 
 sented to the General Assembly from any Association in 
 connection with the General Committee ; all things of 
 that kind shall originate with the General Committee. 
 
 Under this constitution they proceeded to business. 
 
 The law for the solemnization of marriage and the ves- 
 try law were considered political grievances. They also 
 resolved to oppose the law for a general assessment and 
 that for the incorporation of religious societies, which 
 Were now in agitation. 
 
 A memorial to the General Assembly praying for a 
 repeal of the vestry law and for an alteration in the mar- 
 riage law was drawn and committed to the hands of the 
 Rev. Reuben Ford to be presented to the next Assembly. 
 
 Saturday, August IS, 1785. — The General Committee 
 met a second time at Du Puy's meeting-house, Powhatan 
 county. Delegates from four Associations were present. 
 William Webber was chosen moderator, and Reuben Ford 
 clerk. 
 
 Reuben Ford* reported that, according to the directions 
 given him, he presented a memorial and petition to the 
 honorable General Assembly ; that they met with favora- 
 ble reception ; that certain amendments were made to the 
 marriage law which he thought satisfactory. j- 
 
 * For notice of Reuben Ford, see biographical sketches at end of this vol- 
 ume. 
 
 + The law respecting the celebration of marriages restricted the granting 
 o! liceiiBes by the county courts to dissenting ministers ioTioi more thanjour 
 in-each sec/, to celebrate the rite within the limits of their counties only. The 
 effect of the above amendments was to remove these unjust discriininations 
 and to place dissenting ministers on the same tooting as others. 
 
96 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 To this report the General Committee concurred. 
 
 They were further informed that at the last session of 
 the General Assembly a bill for a general assessment 
 was introduced and had almost passed into a law ; but 
 when at that stage in which it is called an engrossed 
 bill, a motion was made and carried, that it should be 
 referred to the next Assembly in order to give the people 
 an opportunity to consider it. 
 
 The General Committee, as guardians of the rights of 
 the Virginia Baptists, of course took up the subject and 
 came to the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to those counties 
 which have not yet prepared petitions to be presented to 
 the General Assembly against the engrossed bill for a 
 general assessment for the support of the teachers of 
 the Christian religion, to proceed thereon as soon as pos- 
 sible ; that it is believed to be repugnant to the spirit of 
 the Gospel for the Legislature thus to proceed in matters 
 of religion ; that no human laws ought to be established 
 for this purpose ; but that every person ought to be left 
 entirely free in respect to matters of religion ; that the 
 holy Author of our religion needs no such compulsive 
 measures for the promotion of His cause ; that the Gospel 
 wants not the feeble arm of man for its support ; that it 
 has made, and will again through divine power, make its 
 way against all opposition ; and that should the Legis- 
 lature assume the right of taxing the people for the sup- 
 port of the Gospel, it will be destructive to religious 
 liberty. 
 
 Therefore, This committee agrees unanimously that 
 it will be expedient to appoint a delegate to wait on the 
 General Assembly with a remonstrance and petition 
 against such assessment. 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 97 
 
 Accordingly, the Rev. Reuben Ford was appointed. 
 
 It was then consulted, whether, it would not be de- 
 sirable to establish among the Baptists some uniform 
 mode for the solemnization of marriage. Upon which 
 it was resolved to adopt and recommend the form laid 
 down in the Common Prayer- Book, leaving out a few 
 exceptionable parts ; and that it be printed together with 
 the catechism entitled Milk for Babes. * 
 
 Saturday, August 5, 1786. — The next meeting of the 
 General Committee was holden at Anderson's meeting- 
 house, Buckingham county. Delegates from five Asso- 
 ciations assembled. 
 
 Reuben Ford, who was appointed to wait upon the As- 
 sembly with a memorial and petition against the bill for 
 a general assessment, reported that he waited on the 
 House of Assembly according to appointment ; that the 
 law for assessment did not pass, but on the contrary, 
 an act passed explaining the nature of religious liberty. 
 
 This law, so much admired for the lucid manner in 
 which it treats of and explains religious liberty, was drawn 
 by the venerable Thomas Jefferson. It may be found in 
 the 29th page of the Revised Code of the Virginia laws. 
 
 The committee concurred in the report and declared 
 themselves well pleased with the law above mentioned. 
 
 Here let us remark that the inhibition of the general 
 assessment may, in a considerable degree, be ascribed 
 to the opposition made to it by the Baptists, for 
 it is stated by those who were conversant with 
 the proceedings of those times, that the reference 
 made to the people, after the bill was engrossed, was 
 done with a design to give the different religious societies 
 
 * It is much to be deplored that this, or some other form of religious in- 
 struction for children, has not been in more common use among the Barp- 
 Xlata.— Author^ s note. 
 
 7 
 
98 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 an opportunity of expressing their wishes. The Baptists, 
 we believe, were the only sect who plainly remonstrated.* 
 Of some others, it is said,' that the laity and ministry 
 were at variance upon the subject, so as to paralyze their 
 exertions either for or against the bill. These remarks, 
 by the by, apply only to religious societies, acting as such. 
 Individuals of all sects and parties joined in the opposi- 
 tion. 
 
 The General Committee then went into the considera- 
 tion of a law for the incorporation of the Episcopal 
 society, and thereby vesting certain property in them. 
 Upon this subject they 
 
 Resolve'd, That petitions ought to be drawn and circu- 
 lated in the different counties and presented to the next 
 General Assembly, praying for a repeal of the incorporat- 
 ing act, and that the public property which is by that act 
 vested in the Protestant Episcopal Church be sold and 
 the money applied to public use, and that Reuben Ford 
 and John Leland attend the next Assembly as agents in 
 behalf of the General Committee. 
 
 The schism which took place among the Regular and 
 Separate Baptists soon after their rise in Virginia had 
 never been, as yet, entirely removed, although a very 
 friendly intercourse had been occasionally kept up among 
 them. 
 
 The time was now at hand when all differences and 
 party spirit was about to be forever wiped off. The 
 
 * The firm and united stand made by the Baptists against the general as- 
 sessment bill occurred at a most critical juncture in the struggle for religi- 
 ous freedom, and when the other religious bodies which had been their 
 allies in the contest were now wavering, or opposing them. Their action 
 at this period, reinforced by the powerful support of James Madison, 
 Thomas Jeftersou aud George Mason, forms one of the brightest chapters 
 in the history of Virginia. For the famous statute referred to above as 
 " explaining religious liberty," see Appendix at the end of this volume. 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 99 
 
 Ketocton or Regular Baptist Association sent delegates 
 to this General Committee, and they were received upon 
 equal footing with those from the other Associations. 
 This gave rise to the following recommendation : 
 
 " It is recommended to the different Associations to 
 appoint delegates to attend the next General Committee 
 for the purpose of forming an union with the Regular 
 Baptists." 
 
 Friday, August 10, 1787. — The fourth session of the 
 General Committee was holden at Dover meeting-house, 
 in Goochland county. Delegates from six Associations 
 assembled.* 
 
 The Rev. Messrs. Ford and Leland, who were appointed 
 to wait on the General Assembly, reported that according 
 to their instructions they presented a memorial praying 
 for a repeal of the incorporating act; that the memorial 
 was received by the honorable house, and that that part 
 of the said act which respected the incorporation of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church as a religious society, and 
 marking out the rules of their procedure, was repealed ; 
 but that that part which respected the glebes, etc., re- 
 mained as it was. 
 
 Whereupon the question was put whether the General 
 Committee viewed the glebes, etc., as public property. 
 By a majority of one they decided that they were. They 
 did not, however, at this time send any memorial to the 
 General Assembly. 
 
 Agreeably to appointment the subject of the union of 
 Regular and Separate Baptists was taken up, and a happy 
 and effectual reconciliation was accomplished. 
 
 The objections on the part of the Separates related 
 chiefly to matters of trivial importance, and had been for 
 
 '''There were only six Aasociatious at this time in the State, so tliat they 
 were all represented. — jlutAor's noie. 
 
100 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 some time removed as to being a bar of communion. On 
 the other hand, the Regulars complained that the Separates 
 were not sufficiently explicit in their principles, having 
 never published or sanctioned any confession of faith ; 
 and that they kept within their communion many who 
 were professed Arminians, etc. To these things it was 
 answered by the Separates that a large majority of them 
 believed as much in their confession of faith as they did 
 themselves, although they did not entirely approve of 
 the practice of religious societies binding themselves too 
 strictly by confessions of faith, seeing thei-e was danger 
 of their finally usurping too high a place ; that if there 
 were some among them who leaned too much towai'ds the 
 Arminian system they were generally men of exemplary 
 piety and great usefulness in the Redeemer's kingdom, 
 and they conceived it better to bear with some diversity 
 of opinion in doctrines than to break with men whose 
 Christian deportment rendered them amiable in the esti- 
 mation of all true lovers of genuine godliness. Indeed, 
 that some of them had now become fathers in the Gospel, 
 who previous to the bias which their minds had received 
 had borne the brunt and heat of persecution, whose labors 
 and sufferings God had blessed, and still blessed to the 
 great advancement of His cause. To exclude such as 
 these from their communion would be like tearing the 
 limbs from the body. 
 
 These and such like arguments were agitated both in 
 public and private, so that all minds were much mollified 
 before the final and successful attempt for union. 
 
 The terms of the union were entered on the minutes 
 in the following words, viz. : 
 
 "The committee appointed to consider the terms of 
 union with our Regular brethren reported that they con- 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 101 
 
 ceive the manner in which the Regular Baptist confes- 
 sion of faith has been received by a former Association 
 is the ground-work for such union." 
 
 After considerable debate as to the propriety of hav- 
 ing any confession of faith at all, the report of the com- 
 mittee was received with the following explanation : 
 
 "To prevent the confession of faith from usurping a 
 tyrannical power over the conscience of any, we do not 
 mean that every person is bound to the strict observ- 
 ance of everything therein contained ; yet that it holds 
 forth the essential truths of the Gospel, and that the doc- 
 trine of salvation by Christ and free, unmerited grace 
 alone ought to be believed by every Christian and main- 
 tained by every minister of the Gospel. Upon these 
 terms we are united ; and desire hereafter that the names 
 Regular and Separate be buried in oblivion, and that, 
 from henceforth, we shall be known by the name of the 
 United Baptist Churches of Christ in Virginia.^' 
 
 This union has now (1809) continued upwards of 
 twenty-two years without any interruption. The bonds 
 of union are apparently much stronger than at first. It 
 is quite pleasing sometimes to find that members and 
 even ministers of intelligence among the Baptists have 
 manifested a total unacquaintance with the terms Regular 
 and Separate^ when they have been occasionally men- 
 tioned in their company. From this it is plain that all 
 party spirit is now laid aside, and that it was a union of 
 hearts as well as parties. 
 
 It is worthy of remark that this conjunction of dis- 
 severed brethren took place at a time when a great re- 
 vival of religion had already commenced, and not far 
 from the time when it burst forth on the right hand and 
 the left throughout the State. Some of our reflecting 
 
102 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 readers will impute this to a providential interference of 
 God, disposing the hearts of His people to love and 
 peace in order to prepare them for the day of His power. 
 Others will say rather the work having already begun, a 
 revival of true religion always tends to open the hearts 
 of the friends of God and makes them stretch the robe of 
 charity so as really to cover a multitude of faults. 
 Whether to the one or the other, or to both these causes 
 may be ascribed the accommodating temper of the two 
 parties, certain it is that nothing could be more salutary. 
 The ointment poured upon Aaron's head was not more 
 savory ; the dew on Hermon was not more fructifying 
 than is the union of brethren ; it is there " even where love 
 reigns," that the Lord commands His blessing — life eter- 
 nal — life forevermore. 
 
 The next General Committee met at Williams's meet- 
 ing-house,* Goochland county, Friday, the 7th of March, 
 1 7^8. Delegates from four Associations attended. 
 
 The religious-political subjects which were taken up at 
 this session were : 
 
 1. Whether the new Federal Constitution, which had 
 now lately made its appearance in public, made sufficient 
 provision for the secure enjoyment of religious liberty ; 
 on which, it was agreed unanimously that, in the opin- 
 ion of the General Committee, it did not. 
 
 2. Whether a petition shall be offered to the next Gen- 
 eral Assembly, praying for the sale of the vacant glebes. 
 
 After much deliberation on this subject, it was finally 
 determined that petitions should be presented to the next 
 General Assembly, asking the sale of the vacant glebes, 
 as being public property ; and accordingly four persons 
 
 * The place of this Important meeting of the General Committee was in 
 the upper part of Goochland county, near the Louisa line. John Waller 
 ■was pastor of the church at the time. 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 103 
 
 were chosen from the General Committee to present their 
 memorial, viz. : Eli Clay, Reuben Ford, John Waller and 
 John Williams.* 
 
 3. Whether a petition should be offered to the General 
 Assembly, praying that the yoke of slavery may be made 
 more tolerable. Referred to the next session. 
 
 It appears from the minutes of this session that letters 
 had been received from the Rev. Asa Hunt, of Massachu- 
 setts, and the Rev. Lemuel Powers, of New York State, 
 proposing a correspondence between the General Com- 
 mittee and the Northern Associations, to which proposal 
 the General Committee readily agreed, and appointed 
 Mr. Leland to visit as many of them as he could conve- 
 niently. Letters of correspondence were also prepared. 
 Hopes were entertained by some, about this time, of 
 forming a general meeting, to be composed of delegates 
 from all the States in the Union. Such a plan, however 
 desirable, was never put into practice. 
 
 The first proposal for publishing " A History of the 
 Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Virginia " was made 
 at this session. 
 
 The next session . of the General Committee was at 
 Du Pay's meeting-house, August the nth, 17S8. Dele- 
 gates from five Associations attended. 
 
 The question whether a memorial should be sent to 
 the General Assembly at their next session respect- 
 ing the glebe lands, was taken up ; whereupon it was 
 resolved that the business should be entrusted to the 
 care of Elders Leland, Waller and Clay, to be left discre- 
 tionary with them to present a memorial or not, as they 
 might think best. On examining the papers directed to 
 
 * The memorial was presented, and similar memorials and petitions con- 
 tinued to be presented to the Legislature from the General Committee 
 until 1799, when they gained their object. — Author's note. 
 
104 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 the General Committee at this session,* it was found that 
 a letter was received from Rev. James Manning, presi- 
 dent of Providence College, in Rhode Island, recommend- 
 ing and encouraging the Baptists of Virginia to erect a 
 seminary of learning. This subject was, of course, taken 
 up, and they came to the following decision, viz. : 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of five persons on each 
 side of James river be appointed to forward the business 
 respecting a seminary of learning ; accordingly Samuel 
 Harriss, Eli Clay, Simeon Walton and David Barrow 
 were appointed on the south, and Robert Carter, John 
 Waller, William Fristoe, John Leland and Reuben Ford 
 on the north side of said river. 
 
 Resolved, That Samuel Harriss, John Williams, Simeon 
 Walton, John Leland, Henry Toler and Lewis Lunsfordf 
 be appointed to collect materials for compiling and pub- 
 lishing a History of the Baptists in Virginia, and report 
 to the next General Committee. 
 
 The next General Committee met in Richmond, Au- 
 gust 8th, 1789. Delegates from seven Associations met. 
 Samuel Harriss, moderator ; Reuben Ford, clerk. At 
 this session letters and minutes of Correspondence were 
 received from various quarters. The usefulness of the 
 General Committee in keeping up a correspondence and 
 intercoiirse among the Baptists throughout the United 
 States was inconceivable. From Georgia to Massachu- 
 setts they were known, and received occasionally from 
 some, and statedly from others, letters, minutes and other 
 indications of fellowship. So that, if a general union of 
 
 * The General Committee at this meeting adopted an address to General 
 Washington, congratulating him on his elevation to the Presidency of the 
 newly formed United States, and declaring their jealous concern for the 
 rights of conscience under the Constitution recently adopted. For this ad- 
 dress and Washington's £tdmirable reply, see Appendix. 
 
 + For notices of Elders Lunsford and Toler, see Appendix. 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 105 
 
 men, embarked in the same heavenly cause, could be es- 
 teemed desirable, then ought we to esteem the General 
 Committee as an institution founded in wisdom. 
 
 The committee for the promotion of a seminary of 
 learning, appointed last year, was continued, with the 
 alteration of a few persons. 
 
 Sundry persons were also added to those appointed 
 last year for the collection of documents for printing "A 
 History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Vir- 
 ginia." 
 
 The propriety of hereditary slavery was also taken up 
 at this session, and after some time employed in the con- 
 sideration of the subject, the following resolution was 
 offered by Mr. Leland and adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That slavery is a violent deprivation of the 
 rights of nature and inconsistent with a republican 
 government, and therefore recommend it to our brethren 
 to make use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrid 
 evil from the land ; and pray Almighty God that our 
 honorable Legislature may have it in their power to pro- 
 claim the great Jubilee, consistent with the principles of 
 good policy. 
 
 Those who had formerly gone under the name of Reg- 
 ulars sent a letter to this General Committee, remonstrat- 
 ing against some things licensed among that part of the 
 Baptists formerly called Separates. 
 
 To which an answer was sent by the General Commit- 
 tee, which proved satisfactory. 
 
 At this General Committee was Joshua Barnes, a 
 preacher, who was born blind. As the God of nature 
 would be merciful, whenever he deprives any of His 
 creatures of one natural endowment He commonly doubles 
 their capacity in something else. Mr. Barnes probably 
 
106 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 possessed the most singularly retentive memory as to any- 
 thing he heard, especially what was read to him, of any 
 other man living. He would preach a long sermon and 
 quote an uncommon number of texts of Scripture to 
 prove his points, of which he would always tell both 
 chapter and verse. He was an excellent preacher and a 
 very pious man. He was a native and resident of North 
 Carolina, but traveled much in Virginia. He died in the 
 year 1796. 
 
 The select committee appointed for compiling a History 
 of the Baptists in Virginia reported that they had pro- 
 ceeded so far therein as to find a foundation laid for enter- 
 ing on the said work. 
 
 Resolved, therefore. That the Rev. John Leland and 
 John Williams be recommended by the General Commit- 
 tee to engage in compiling the said History, and that the 
 brethren hitherto engaged in collecting materials do fur- 
 nish the said compilers as far as they can, and that the 
 profits arising from the work be wholly to the compilei"s. 
 
 The business respecting a seminary of learning was 
 referred to the next General Committee. 
 
 The next General Committee met at Nuckol's meeting- 
 house, Goochland county. May 14, 1791. Delegates from 
 seven Associations were enrolled. 
 
 The first business in which they engaged was to con- 
 sider whether they had not departed from their former 
 plan. This question produced a long debate. It was 
 determined that they had deviated from their original 
 plan ; that the original design of the General Committee 
 was only to consider religious-political grievances and to 
 seek for redress. 
 
 " Resolved, therefore. That that part of the third article 
 which contains these words, ' And all references from the 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 107 
 
 District Associations respecting matters that may concern 
 the whole body,' be struck out." 
 
 Considering that neither the Associations nor the 
 General Committee ever pretended to anything more than 
 the power of giving advice, this decision was certainly 
 very injudicious. What possible mischief, it may be 
 asked, could arise from receiving references from the As- 
 sociations respecting matters of a general nature? It 
 would seem to an impartial mind to be the surest road to 
 uniformity and, consequently, to harmony and peace. 
 This decision, or something else, proved fatal to the rising 
 prosperity of the General Committee, for from that ses- 
 sion it began to decline, and so continued until it was 
 finally dissolved in the year 1799. 
 
 Having thus cramped themselves, they proceeded to 
 the consideration of other matters. The memorial against 
 the glebes, etc., was the only business before them. 
 
 This session of the General Committee was the fullest 
 and the most respectable of any that had ever been holden 
 in Virginia, there being an assemblage of the greatest 
 Baptist preachers residing within the State, besides two 
 or three from Georgia, who in point of talents might be 
 honorably compared with any in any part of the world. 
 These were the Rev. Silas Mercer* and the Rev. Jere- 
 miah Walker,! of the latter of whom much has already 
 
 *lClder Mercer removed from Halifax county, N. C, to Wilkes county, 
 Ga., about the year 1775. He was accompanied on tliis visit to Virginia by 
 bis son Jesse, then a young preacher of great promise, in the twenty-second 
 year of his age. The father and son conducted a tour of preaching through 
 various parts of the State during tliis visit, and were heard in many places 
 by vast audiences. The son became " the most distinguished and influ- 
 ential Baptist minister ever reared in the State of Georgia," and the most 
 liberal patron of the university which bears his name. 
 
 + Elder Walker was at this time the leader of the General Baptists of 
 Georgia, comprised of those who sympathized with his Arminian views. 
 This was his last visit to Virginia prior to his death, the year following, on 
 September 20th. 
 
108 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 been said. These two men, although agreed upon the 
 point of baptism, and therefore both Baptists, were much 
 at variance upon the doctrines -of free will and free 
 grace ; or as they are sometimes, by way of distinction, 
 called Calvinism and Arminianism. Mr. Mercer was a 
 decided Calvinist, and Mr. Walker as decided an Armin- 
 ian; though it must be confessed that neither of them 
 carried their system to such extremes as they have been 
 carried by many. Mr. Mercer denied the doctrine of 
 eternal reprobation, and Mr. Walker acknowledged that 
 of imputed righteousness. In the General Committee 
 each had a respectable party, though the Calvinistic side 
 was much the largest. It is hard to say which of the 
 two had the advantage in point of talents. They were 
 both men of superlative original genius, and nei^ther had 
 the advantage of a classical education, to remedy the 
 defect of which each of them had applied himself to read- o 
 ing, though at somewhat a late period of life, and it is 
 not easy .to determine which of the two was most advanced 
 in the knowledge of books. As it respected address, 
 either in or out of the pulpit. Walker had greatly the 
 superiority. His manners in private companies were ex- 
 ceedingly engaging. Gentle, affable, polite, familiar yet 
 dignified ; he was, in a word, everything that could en- 
 courage the backward or soothe the irritable. His con- 
 versation was sensible and judiciously adapted to. those 
 with whom he was conversing. He was by no means 
 urgent or positive in supporting his opinions, but would 
 ply his competitor with strong arguments, as if they 
 were pearls thrown before him, which he might gather 
 up as his own or leave them ; and it is probable few men 
 could make gewgaws look more like jewels than Jere- 
 miah Walker. His was a sweetened dose. In the pul- 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 109 
 
 pit, although Walker possessed but little oratorical fire 
 (at least in his last days), yet he was singularly enter- 
 taining. When Walker preached there were few listless 
 hearers. 
 
 Mercer, on the other hand, both in his countenance and 
 manners, had considerably the appearance of sternness ; 
 and lo feel quite free in his company it was necessary to 
 be well acquainted with him. He seldom talked on any 
 other subject except religion ; and when in company with 
 young preachers, or those who might question his doc- 
 trine or his opinions, his remarks chiefly turned on pole- 
 mical points. He was indefatigable in striving to main- 
 tain his points, and for this purpose would hear any and 
 all objections that could be raised, and would then labor 
 assiduously to remove them. His arguments, however, 
 neither in private nor public, were ever dressed with ora- 
 torical ornament. He did not aim at it. Indeed, he did 
 not seem to wish it. He spoke and acted like one who 
 felt himself surrounded by the impregnable bulwarks of 
 truth, and therefore did not wish to parley. Regardless 
 of the mountings of his armor, his whole attention was 
 occupied in wielding it well, and in assuring himself 
 and others that it was made of durable metal. He 
 seemed to be afraid of marring the real splendor of his 
 diamonds by a fictitious glistening. Having thus shortly 
 portrayed these two men as they appeared to us when in 
 Virginia in 1791, we will give some account of their 
 measures to support their opinions while with us. Mer- 
 cer, being on the popular side, was chosen to preach on 
 Sunday. Walker, with some difficulty, obtained leave 
 tp preach on Monday. Mercer went fully into the argu- 
 ments tending to illustrate and prove his system. He 
 was masterly, indeed. He spoke as one having authority. 
 
110 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 His sermon left deep and durable impressions. Walker 
 also defended his principles in an ingenious and masterly 
 manner. Feeling himself measurably pressed down by 
 the popular current, he could not display the same bold 
 and commanding spirit as his competitor felt. He was, 
 however, by no means deficient in close and forcible ar- 
 guments. From the General Committee they both trav- 
 eled and preached extensively through the State, creating 
 wherever they went much conversation and agitation of 
 mind among the people. Walker published a pamphlet 
 entitled" The Fourfold Foundation of Calvinism Exam- 
 ined and Shaken." It was certainly no mean perform- 
 ance, and was thought to have made temporary impres- 
 sions upon many strong Calvinists. Mercer also had 
 books upon the contested points, but not of his own com- 
 position. The ultimate consequence of this investigation 
 of principles was a decrease of Arminianism among the 
 Baptists of Virginia, and a much greater uniformity in 
 the doctrines of grace. Some were thought also, after 
 these events, to have pushed the Calvinistic scheme to an 
 Autinomian extreme. 
 
 Their next meeting was at Tomahawk meeting-house, 
 Chesterfield county. May 12, 1792. Delegates from nine 
 Associations met. 
 
 It was now made a question whether the last General 
 Committee had not cramped themselves by the amend- 
 ment to the constitution, in the third article. In order 
 to decide this point a committee was appointed to frame 
 a solution, which, after some amendments, was in the 
 following words, vtz. : 
 
 "After maturely deliberating on a variety of circum- 
 stances, your committee suppose that the business of the 
 General Committee is to consider all the political griev- 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. m 
 
 ances of the whole Baptist Society in Virginia and all 
 references from Associations, as also other circumstances 
 which evidently relate to the external interest of the 
 whole body of Baptists, and no other concei'ns what- 
 ever." 
 
 This explanation of the power of the General Com- 
 mittee is certainly very obscure. It is still doubtful how 
 far their power extended, seeing various constructions 
 might be put upon the import of the words " external 
 interest." But the most obvious impropriety exists in 
 the proceedings of this and the last General Committee 
 upon this subject. The General Committee for 1791 
 alters the constitution by which it exists; that of 1792 
 alters it again, and almost, if not altogether, brings it 
 back in statu quo. Now it may be asked, Can it be 
 proper for any Assembly who derive their powers, not 
 from themselves, but from some other source, to abridge 
 or enlarge those powers without consulting those from 
 whom they originated? The constitution having been 
 either directly or indirectly sanctioned by all the Asso- 
 ciations composing the General Committee, no alteration 
 could rightly be made without their approbation. If it 
 were otherwise, it would be perfectly needless to have 
 any constitution, as they would be no longer bound by 
 any part offensive to themselves than the time it would 
 take to alter it. Frequent changes in any institution in- 
 variably tend to lessen its stability. 
 
 The old question, respecting the glebes and churches, 
 as it was generally called, of course was taken up, and 
 fell into its usual channel. At this session several books, 
 designed for publication, were offered to the General 
 Committee in order to obtain their sanction. This was 
 granted. This is one of many ways in which such a 
 
112 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 meeting might be useful. To bring a book, designed for 
 publication, immediately before a public assembly, in 
 order to gain their approbation, would be impracticable ; 
 but a general meeting might be useful, by appointing a 
 standing committee for the purpose of examining any- 
 thing intended for the press which directly concerns the 
 honor and interests of the Baptists. This select com- 
 mittee might make a report stating the outlines of the 
 boolc, according to which the general meeting could pro- 
 perly give or withhold their recommendation ; this would 
 probably, on the one hand, give currency to such tracts 
 as possess merit ; while, on the other hand, it might 
 happily suppress such as would do injury to the cause of 
 God and truth. 
 
 The General Committee continued to be holden at the 
 usual time of year, at the following places, viz. : 1793 at 
 Muddy Creek meeting-house, Powhatan county; 1794 at 
 Winn's meeting-house, Hanover county ; 1795 at Round- 
 about meeting-house, Louisa county; 1796 at DuPuy's 
 meeting-house, Powhatan county; 1797 at Upper King 
 and Qvieen meeting-house. King and Queen county ; 1798 
 at Buckingham Old Church, Buckingham county ; 1799 
 at Waller's meeting-house, Spotsylvania county, where 
 they agreed to dissolve. During this period an unrea- 
 sonable jealousy of their exercising too much power was 
 often manifested, both by Associations and individuals. 
 This, added to some other causes, produced a gradual de- 
 clension in the attendance of members as well as a nerve- 
 less languor in the transaction of business. The remon- 
 strance respecting glebes, &c., was the only business 
 which excited no jealousies, and that was the only mat- 
 ter which was ever completed after the year 1793. 
 
GENERAL COMMITTEE ORGANIZED. 113 
 
 The business respecting a seminary of learning was, 
 in 1793, committed to the hands of the Rev. John Wil- 
 liams and Mr. Thomas Read, of Charlotte, who reported 
 the following plan : That fourteen trustees be appointed, 
 all of whom shall be Baptists ; that these at their first 
 meeting appoint seven others of some other religious de- 
 nomination ; that the whole twenty-one then form a plan 
 and make arrangements for executing it. This scheme 
 was proceeded in so far as to appoint the whole of the 
 trustees, who had one or two meetings, in which advances 
 were made towards maturing the plan. But apprehen- 
 sive that they should not be able to procure sufficient 
 funds, with some other discouragements, they finally 
 abandoned it. The compilation of a history of the Vir- 
 ginia Baptists having been committed wholly to the 
 hands of Mr. Williams, after Mr. Leland's removal, he, 
 after making no inconsiderable progress in collecting 
 documents, in consequence of the decline of his health, 
 found himself under the necessity of resigning his trust. 
 This he did in a letter to the General Committee in 
 1794. The Committee received his resignation, and re- 
 solved to decline it for the present. 
 
 The last act of the General Committee was to recom- 
 mend to the Associations to form a plan for a general 
 meeting of correspondence to promote and preserve union 
 and harmony among the churches. Of this meeting a 
 short account may be found in the following chapter. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE QfNERAL MEETING 
 OF CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 May, 1800, delegates met at Lyle's meeting-house* from 
 several Associations for the double purpose of revising 
 the Confession of Faith and as a convention to form a 
 constitution for a general meeting. The business was 
 committed to a select committee. On Monday morning 
 the constitution, as prepared by the select committee, 
 was reported and received. The great jealousy which 
 had been expressed by the Associations respecting the 
 General Committee, put the Convention so much upon 
 their guard that in forming the constitution they almost 
 gave themselves nothing to do. Their business, if it 
 could properly be called the business of a meeting, was 
 to collect and publish useful pieces, somewhat in the 
 nature of a magazine, which was to be sold to defray its 
 own expense. The advantages resulting from a general 
 intercourse of the Associations in Virginia were so obvi- 
 ous that its friends were willing to have a meeting upon 
 any tei'ms which would accomplish that end. It must 
 have been foreseen that unless they could be employed in 
 something which might be thought beneficial, the meet- 
 
 * Lyle's meeting-house, In Fluvanna county, five miles north ol the court- 
 house. 
 
 [ 114 ] 
 
GENERAL MEETING OF CORRESPONDENCE. 115 
 
 ings would be but thinly attended. But few could be 
 found willing to travel long distances without having 
 any other business, except that of seeing each other and 
 communicating the good or evil tidings which every one 
 brought with him. Accordingly the meetings were at- 
 tended by but few for several years. Only three Associ- 
 ations, viz., Dover, Goshen and Albemarle, adopted the 
 constitution at first. When they met from year to year, 
 nothing being prepared for the press, little else was done 
 than to regulate the internal concerns of the meeting 
 and appoint the time and place of the next. So dragged 
 on the General Meeting of Correspondence, until May, 
 1807, when, they met at Buckingham Old church, in 
 Buckingham county. Delegates from four Associations 
 met (Appomattox having fallen in). Likewise the Roa- 
 noke sent a messenger to gain information, not having as 
 yet determined. This meeting, finding from experience 
 the improbability of ever carrying the first constitution 
 into efTect, resolved to form a new one * ; such as they 
 in their judgments, believed to be for the good of the 
 cause, and not merely with a view to adapting it to the 
 suspicious minds of a few leading characters, who were 
 perhaps actuated by upright though mistaken motives. 
 In order to give full time for the investigation of this 
 new constitution, the next General Meeting was fixed on 
 the fourth Saturday in October, 1808. 
 
 Accordingly, on the above date, the General Meeting 
 assembled at Bethel meeting-house,f in Chesterfield 
 county. Six Associations had adopted the new consti- 
 
 * By this constitution tiiey could talce up any matter, previously decided 
 on, in any Association. — Author's note. 
 
 + Bethel oliurcli, still a member of tlie Middle District Association, liave 
 tlieir meeting-house near tlie line of the Richmond and Danville railroad. 
 
116 EISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 tution and sent their delegates, viz., Dover, Goshen, 
 Albemarle, Appomattox, Roanoke and Meherrin. 
 
 The former moderator being absent by death, Robert 
 B. Semple was chosen moderator, and Reuben Ford 
 clerk. The General Meeting took up the following busi- 
 ness : The propriety of offering an address to Mr. Thomas 
 Jefferson, President of the United States, who, having 
 served his country faithfully for many years, was now 
 about to retire from public life. The address was unani- 
 mously voted and sent on ; to which the President re- 
 turned an immediate answer. (See Appendix.) It also 
 appeared from some late publications that the Baptists 
 in Virginia had been misrepresented as to their senti- 
 ments respecting human learning. It was determined at 
 this meeting to rebut this calumny by publishing a few 
 remarks on that subject in the form of a circular letter, 
 which was accordingly done. 
 
 The Philadelphia Association, a short time before this, 
 had published their centurial sermon, the author of which 
 had written on that he had reserved 150 or 200 copies of 
 that sermon for the disposal of the General Meeting, as 
 a present to them. At this meeting harmony and peace 
 reigned. The preaching and the public exercises gene- 
 rally appeared to have the divine smiles. It was an en- 
 couraging meeting. 
 
 The next General Meeting of Correspondence was 
 held at Tarwallet meeting-house, October 28, &c., 1S09. 
 Delegates from five Associations assembled.* 
 
 The same moderator and clerk were chosen as last 
 year. Two subjects were brought forward at this meet- 
 
 * The constitution of the General Meeting of Correspondence had now been 
 adopted by a majority of Associations in the State, but from some cause 
 several failed to meet. — Author's note. 
 
GENERAL MEETING OF CORRESPONDENCE. 117 
 
 ing,* which, if ever matured, must greatly conduce to 
 the future happiness of the Baptists as a religious society : 
 The religious education of children and the establish- 
 ment of some seminary or public school to assist young 
 preachers to acquire literary knowledge. 
 
 The first was disposed of by recommending to parents 
 the use of catechisms, and especially one lately published 
 for use of the Baptist Society ; and the other, by appoint- 
 ing two persons to acquire information and digest a plan 
 for such a seminary. 
 
 In the following and all the tables of the Association 
 there are a few cases in which no positive information 
 could be had, particularly respecting the time of the con- 
 stitution of churches, and their number at constftution. 
 In such cases our informants made their statements to the 
 best of their recollection. 
 
 *Tarwallet meeting-house, wliere this meeting of the Committee was 
 held, was near Cumberland Courthouse. The Committee continued in exist- 
 ence until June 7, 1823, at which time, in the Second Baptist church, Rich- 
 mond, the General Association was formed with R. B. Semple moderator, 
 and William Todd cleric. There were fifteen delegates in attendance. 
 Tlaere were in the State at the time about 40,000 Baptists, white and colored, 
 and twenty District Associations. J. B. Jeter and Daniel Witt were ap- 
 pointed missionaries at this first meeting of the Association. The annual 
 gatherings of this body became popularly termed in subsequent years "the 
 June meetings." 
 
118 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GENERAL MEETING OF CORRESPONDENCE. 119 
 
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CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE HISTORY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DOVER ASSO- 
 CIATION. 
 
 In our history of the General Association the reader will 
 find that in 1783 they divided into four districts, of which 
 two were on the south and two on the north side of 
 James river, called the Lower and Upper Districts, &c., 
 fixing their boundaries on the north side, from Manakin 
 town, on James river, in a straight line by Fredericks- 
 burg to the Potomac. The two on the north side, it ap- 
 pears, agreed to meet together once a year, and to hold 
 besides one separate session in each district.* 
 
 The minutes for 1784 and 1785 have not been pro- 
 cured. In November, 1786, they met at Ground-Squir- 
 rel meeting-house, in Hanover county. William Web- 
 ber was chosen moderator, and Reuben Ford clerk. 
 
 The only business of general application transacted 
 at this session was the solution of the following query : 
 
 How is ordination legally performed ? 
 
 Answer. " A presbytery of* ministers are fully em- 
 powered to ordain any faithful man properly recom- 
 mended, whom they shall judge able to teach others ; 
 and that ministers shall be subject to ministers with re- 
 
 *These separate assoclational meetings seem to Iiave been held in the 
 early summer. A manuscript journal kept by Richard Dozier, ol West- 
 moreland county, has the following entry with reference to one of 
 these meetings in 1786: " Association held at the Middle meeting-house in 
 Northumberland; began on Saturday, June 3d, and continued till Monday 
 following. I went Sunday and returned home Monday night. Four 
 preachers there, viz., Toler, Saunders, McLane and Lunsford. About 2,000 
 people present." 
 
 [ 120 ] 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 121 
 
 gard to their call to the ministry and the doctrines they 
 preach. The church where the minister is a member 
 shall take cognizance of his moral character." 
 
 This decision, though founded in reason and Scripture, 
 gave umbrage to some, who indulged strong jealousies 
 respecting ministerial influence, and who held that a call 
 from a church was sufficient ordination. In consequence 
 of this opposition, the subject was again introduced into 
 the Dover Association in the year 1792, to our history of 
 which the reader is referred. 
 
 October 12, 1787. — They met again at the Factory,* 
 in Westmoreland county. Letters from twenty-one 
 churches were received. Many local matters were taken 
 up and decided. The preaching at this Association was 
 warm and heart-searching. Some who were there speak 
 of it as a very precious season. Such is always the case 
 when God is about to revive His work. 
 
 October S, 1788. — The next and last session of the 
 united districts was at Burruss's meeting-house, in Caro- 
 line county. Twenty-one churches corresponded. After 
 attending to a great deal of local business, they agreed 
 to finally divide. f To the Lower District they agreed to 
 attach the name Dover, and Orange to the Upper. 
 
 Afay 16, 1789. — The Dover Association met at Upper 
 King and Queen meeting-house. Letters were received 
 from twenty-one churches. This being the time of the 
 great revival, almost throughout the district, the letters 
 teemed with the most glorious intelligence. This Asso- 
 
 *Tlie Factory was a meeting-place in the bounds of Nomini cliurch. situ- 
 ated on the road from Tlie Hague to Warsaw, not far north of Morris's run. 
 The manuscript journal of Ricliard Dozier, under date of October H, 1787, 
 mentions Elders Ivison Lewis and William MuUin as '* on their way to the 
 Factory, where the Association meeting begins next day (Friday)." 
 
 + Tlie Lower District held several meetings separate from the other, but 
 they were thinly attended, and but little was done. — Autlix)fsiwie. 
 
122 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ciation was attended by preachers from various quarters 
 of the State. Their labors, by day and by night, were 
 abundantly blessed. The souls of saints were comforted, 
 and many, very many, sinners were won over to Christ. 
 It was a blessed time. At this Association, as well as at 
 several before and after this, the perplexing question 
 with regard to the marriage of slaves was introduced. 
 The Association resolved that the state of the slaves of 
 Virginia was of so singular and delicate a nature, that no 
 general rule could apply. They therefore advised the 
 churches to adapt their proceedings to the nature of each 
 case in the most prudent way. 
 
 October 16, 1789. — The Association met at Kilmarnock 
 meeting-house,* in Lancaster county. Seventeen churches 
 corresponded by letters, in which very refreshing news is 
 communicated. The revival was still progressing. Many 
 hundreds had been baptized in the course of the year. 
 No business of importance was entered upon. 
 
 May 1, 1790. — They met at Boar Swamp meeting- 
 house, •[ Henrico county. Letters from nineteen churches 
 were received. The revival, it appeared from the letters, 
 had subsided in a considerable degree. The preaching 
 and other i-eligious exercises at this Association were ex- 
 ceedingly pleasant to the pious who were present. 
 
 A matter that had produced considerable confusion in 
 some parts of the Association was now considered, viz., 
 whether baptism was valid when administered by an 
 unordained person. To which the Association replied : 
 "That in cases where the ordinance had been adminis- 
 tered in a solemn and religious manner, that it might be 
 
 * The principal meeting place of Morattico church, near the village of Kil- 
 marnock. 
 
 t Situated in the lower end of Henrico county, about fifteen miles below 
 Richmond. The name early disappeared from our list of churches. 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 123 
 
 considered as valid, and that persons so baptized might 
 be admitted as members of the church upon hearing and 
 approving their experience." 
 
 October 9, 1790- — They met at Diamond meeting-house, 
 i_n Essex county. Letters from twrenty-nine churches 
 were received, which speak of pleasant times. The only 
 business of a permanent nature transacted at this Asso- 
 ciation was the decision of the following query : 
 
 Is a minister in duty bound to serve a church who do 
 not support him ? 
 
 Answered in the negative. 
 
 The correctness of this decision has since been much 
 questioned. 
 
 Is the union of pastor and church merely a contract 
 between them as parties? If it is, then the decision is 
 correct ; but if the assuming the pastoral care of a 
 church partakes of the nature of a vow to God, as well 
 as a contract with the church, then the minister is bound 
 to discharge the duties of a pastor until he has satisfac- 
 tory evidence that God has exempted him from such du- 
 ties and designs him for some other place. The non- 
 compensation of ministerial services is not sufficient 
 proof that God does not will his further labors in such a 
 place, seeing many ministers have been highly favored 
 of God in places where they have received little or no 
 compensation from their hearers. The best conclusion, 
 therefore, is, that although the church is censurable 
 for withholding from the pastor his just right, yet the 
 pastor is bound to God, and has His promise that he that 
 trusts in Him shall want no good thing. 
 
 The circular letter on justification, by Mr. Toler, was 
 much approved, and was ordered to be printed with the 
 minutes. This is the first instance of the minutes of this 
 Association being printed. 
 
124 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 October 8, 1791.— Pursuant to appointment the Asso- 
 ciation met at Kingston meeting-house, Mathews 
 county.* Letters from twenty-seven churches were re- 
 ceived. They give no pleasing accounts of revivals, but 
 hold forth a state of peace and tranquillity among the 
 church. 
 
 October IS, 1792. — The Association met at Bruing- 
 ton meeting-house, King and Queen county. Letters 
 from twenty-five churches were received. By them it 
 appeared that in Dover District the harvest was past and 
 the summer ended. Coldless and languor were generally 
 complained of. The great revival had now subsided and 
 the axe of discipline was laid at the root of the tree. 
 Many barren and fruitless trees were already cut down. 
 In many of the churches the number excluded surpassed 
 the number received. The Association, however, was 
 full. Great crowds attended the preaching, and it was 
 doubtless a happy season to God's children. 
 
 Among other business of less note, the subject of the 
 ordination of elders, 6r church officers, was taken up at 
 this Association. A question had been agitated for some 
 years, whether ordination ought to be by the imposition 
 of the hands of a presbytery or plurality of elders (the 
 mode commonly practiced in Virginia), or whether a 
 solemn call from a church was not sufficient. 
 
 On the part of the advocates of ordination without 
 the imposition of hands, it was argued that churches were 
 acknowledged to be independent, but if they could not 
 obtain the full services of a minister, unless he had been 
 previously examined and ordained by a presbytery, their 
 independence was so far destroyed ; that churches were 
 better judges what gifts would suit them than presbyte- 
 *Now called Mathews meeting-house. — Aiithor^s note. 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 125 
 
 ries could be ; that the imposition of hands mentioned in 
 the Scriptures was with a view to miraculous and not 
 common gifts ; and lastly, that it had the appearance of 
 being governed too much by forms. 
 
 To these arguments it was answered that the New 
 Testament did surely sanction the practice of laying on 
 of hands in some cases where no miraculous consequences 
 did ensue ; that although the imposition of hands was a 
 form, yet it was a significant form used in all ages of the 
 Christian Church for the purpose of consecrating or set- 
 ting apart persons for holy offices ; that baptism and the 
 Lord's supper were also external forms, but being signifi- 
 cant and sanctioned by the Word of Inspiration, they 
 were owned and blessed to the church ; that it was true 
 that churches were, and ought to be, independent, to a 
 proper extent, but this independence did not authorize 
 them to ordain officers contrary to revelation, unless they 
 were independent of God also ; that no minister or deacon 
 was imposed upon them but by their own consent ; that 
 although a church might judge better than a presbytery 
 what suited her, it was not reasonable that those who had 
 not exercised a public gift should be so competent to 
 judge of public gifts as those who had. 
 
 After the subject had been investigated for years at 
 diflierent times and in diflTerent ways, it was finally de- 
 cided in this Association in favor of the imposition of 
 hands. After this very little was ever said about it. 
 
 The purchase of lottery tickets was considered by this 
 Association as a species of gaming, and not suff^erable in 
 members of churches. 
 
 October 12, 1793. — They met at Glebe Landing meet- 
 ing-house, in Middlesex. Most of the letters complained 
 of cold times. The only business of a general nature 
 
126 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 which occupied their attention was the recommending 
 that rules for family discipline and the instruction of 
 youth should be formed. This, however, has never as 
 yet gone fully into operation. It was at this session that 
 a church in the city of Williamsburg, composed wholly 
 of black people, or rather people of color, was admitted 
 into the Association. They have continued ever since to 
 send their delegates. It was in this year that the pesti- 
 lential fever prevailed to such a distressing extent in the 
 city of Philadelphia. The Association, believing it to be 
 a judgment of God, appointed a day of fasting and prayer 
 to deprecate .His wrath. 
 
 At this Association the preaching was uncommonly 
 animating ; the business was conducted with much har- 
 mony, and all parties, pleased with the interview, sepa- 
 rated from each other in love and peace. The circular 
 letter was written by Mr. Lunsford on the covenant of 
 grace. 
 
 October 11, 179^. — They again met at Noniini meeting- 
 house, Westmoreland county, according to appointment. 
 Nothing of a singular or general nature was transacted 
 at this time. The letters said nothing of a revival, but of 
 the contrary. The preaching, debates, conversation, &c., 
 were all apparently calculated to do permanent good as 
 well as to minister immediate gratification. It was a 
 feast to the Lord's family. The circular letter was writ- 
 ten on the " Nature of Associations," from which a 
 quotation has been already made. 
 
 October 10, 1795. — The next session was at Four-Mile 
 Creek meeting-house, Henrico county. No business was 
 transacted worthy of notice. From first to last of the 
 meeting everything went on agreeably. The circular 
 letter was written by Elder Reuben Ford on the duty of 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 127 
 
 ministers, deacons and churches. The writing of the 
 circular letter on this subject arose from this circum- 
 stance : A very worthy and useful minister had under- 
 taken to discharge some public office, by which he was 
 much hindered from his ministerial duties. It was sup- 
 posed that the reasonable demands of his family made it 
 necessary, he having been neglected by the church. The 
 letter was composed with a view to stimulate churches, 
 ministers and deacons to a regular performance of their 
 duties to each other. The next Association was ap- 
 pointed at the Lower College meeting-house, in King 
 William county. 
 
 October 8, 1796. — Met agreeably to appointment. 
 Nothing important was attended to. There were no 
 angry disputations, no whisperings, no parties ; but after 
 friendly debates, there were most commonly unanimous 
 decisions. The circular letter was composed on the reli- 
 gious education of children, which subject was also taken 
 up upon the following query : 
 
 How ought the religious education of children to be 
 conducted? 
 
 Answer. By the use of catechisms ; and we recom- 
 mend for the present such as may be judged useful. 
 
 A committee* was also appointed to compose a suit- 
 able one for the use of the members of the Association. 
 
 "The next Association was appointed at Bestland meet- 
 ing-house, in Essex county. 
 
 October H, 1797- — Met agreeably to appointment. El- 
 der John Leland, from New England, attended. His 
 preaching and conversation at this Association were 
 
 * The author of this history was a member ot this committee, and a cate- 
 chism published by him in 1809 was undertaken in conformity with the 
 resolution adopted by the above meeting. The worlc is mentioned with 
 high commendation in the sketch ot Its author In Virginia Baptist Ministers. 
 
128 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 highly entertaining, as well as instructing, especially to 
 young and inexperienced ministers. At this session 
 nothing but business of a local nature called their atten- 
 tion. The circular letter for this Association was written 
 by Elder Reuben Ford, without any appointed subject. 
 The Association met in peace, continued in love, and 
 parted with soitow and hope. 
 
 October IS, 1798- — The next Association met at 
 Mathews meeting-house, Mathews county, according to 
 appointment. The letters did not detail anything very 
 interesting. The business was altogether local, except 
 as to the following query : 
 
 What is the opinion of the Association concerning 
 the washing the saints' feet? 
 
 Answer. We do not consider the washing of feet an 
 ordinance of the Gospel, but an act of entertainment, and 
 being a servile act, appears to have been enjoined by 
 Christ, to be observed by his disciples, as a token of hu- 
 mility, and may include any other act usually performed 
 by servants. 
 
 The circular letter was written ujton the subject of 
 fasts. As usual, it was a time of love to God's people. 
 The next Association was appointed at Hickory Neck 
 meeting-house, James City county. 
 
 October 12, 1799. — They met according to appointment. 
 The letters of correspondence seemed now to afford more 
 pleasing accounts. The day-star began to dawn. Great 
 revivals were in embryo. The place of this meeting was 
 inconvenient to a majority of the churches ; in conse- 
 quence of which there was not so full a representation 
 of the churches as at some other Associations. It was also 
 thought that the congregations were not so large as they 
 usually are on such occasions. The business of the Asso- 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 129 
 
 ciation, which was entirely'local, was, however, conducted 
 harmoniously. The circular letter was written on the 
 connection between pastors and churches.* The next 
 Association was appointed at Nuckol's meeting-house, 
 Goochland county. 
 
 October 11, 1800. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. Good news and glad tidings now saluted the ears 
 and hearts of the pious. Glorious revivals were spoken 
 of in most of the letters. So pleasing was the informa- 
 tion that the Association resolved to decline printing for 
 the present the circular letter written by the directions 
 of the last Association, and now to draw up an account of 
 the revival, which was accordingly done. Nothing sin- 
 gular or general was transacted at this Association. It 
 was a time of life, love and peace. The next Associa- 
 tion was appointed at Mattaponi meeting-house. King and 
 Queen county. 
 
 October 10, 1801. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. From the letters it was learned that the revivals 
 spoken of last year were still gloriously going on, and 
 some new ones begun. At this Association the preach- 
 ing and other religious employments seemed to have sin- 
 gular effects. The souls of Christians were enlivened, 
 and although for many years the Association at all her 
 meetings had experienced uninterrupted harmony and 
 peace, it must be admitted that the religious enjoyment 
 at this rather surpassed that of any other. 
 
 A good deal of local, but no general business occupied 
 the attention of the Association. The circular letter was 
 written upon the use and abuse of spirituous liquors. 
 The reason for taking up this subject is obvious to any 
 
 ♦This circular letter was from the pen of Elder James Greenwood, and Is 
 preseived in McGlU's History of the Rappahannock Association, page 106. 
 
 9 
 
130 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 who know the state of civil society. The next Associa- 
 tion was appointed at Nomini meeting-house, Westmore- 
 land county. 
 
 October 9, 1802. — They met according to appointment. 
 By the letters it appeared that the revivals in some places 
 were rather on the decline ; in others new ones were 
 commencing. Upon the whole the cause of godliness 
 was progressing. At this Association an attempt was 
 made to establish an uniformity among the churches, in 
 holding their church meetings. Some churches admitted 
 to their church meetings, even for discipline and govern- 
 ment, all the members of the church, male and female, 
 bond and free, young and old. Others admitted all male 
 members, whether slaves or free. By experience this 
 plan was found vastly inconvenient. The degraded state 
 of the minds of slaves rendered them totally incompetent 
 to the task of judging correctly respecting the business 
 of the church, and in many churches there was a major- 
 ity of slaves ; in consequence of which great confusion 
 often arose. The Association at Mattaponi directed that 
 the subject should be treated of in a circular letter.* 
 The letter argued and advised, that although all members 
 were entitled to the privileges, yet that none but free 
 male members should exercise any authority in the 
 church. The Association, after some debate, sanctioned 
 the plan by a large majority. Nomini meeting-house 
 stands in the Northern Neck, quite inconvenient for a 
 majority of the churches. The Association was of course 
 not so full as usual, but as usual it was an agreeable time. 
 The next Association was appointed at Upper King and 
 Queen meeting-house, King and Queen county. 
 
 *This letter was tlie joint work ol Elders B.. B. Semple and James Green- 
 wood, and Is preserved in MoGlll's History of the Rappahannock Associa- 
 tion, page 110. 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 131 
 
 October 8, 1803. — Met according to appointment. By 
 tiie letters we learn that in some churches times were 
 very pleasing ; but in others very much the reverse. A 
 subject, long a matter of debate among the Baptists of 
 Virginia; was debated and settled at this Association, 
 viz., the propriety of preaching funeral sermons. A 
 query had been inti'oduced into the Association the year 
 before, and it was made the subject of the circular let- 
 ter. The sentiments of the letter were, that preaching 
 funeral sermons and funeral ceremonies generally were 
 matters of perfect indifference, and could have neither 
 good nor evil in them ; but that things of indifference 
 could be turned by bad men to bad purposes, and it was 
 equally obvious that good men, when it was in their 
 power, could, and ought to direct them to good pur- 
 poses ; that the Gospel ought to be preached on all oc- 
 casions when there was a hope of its doing good ; that 
 preaching over the dead was a kind of invitation to go 
 to the house of mourning where the living might lay it 
 to heart. These, with some other arguments of less 
 weight, seemed to clear up most of the doubts. The 
 letter was received with an almost unanimous vote. 
 
 In this Association an animated debate took place on 
 the propriety of passing church censures upon members 
 who will not contribute a reasonable proportion to the 
 expenses of the church. The decision was that no cen- 
 sure ought to pass on that account. The subject was, 
 however, resumed the ensuing year, and the decision was 
 given in the following words : 
 
 "We never doubted but that according to the Gospel 
 it was the duty of every member of the church to con- 
 tribute to the expense of the church according as the 
 Lord had prospered him ; but we supposed it might be 
 
132 HISTORY OP VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 productive of disagreeable consequences if the church 
 undertook to judge of the ability of members and to 
 censure or approve them." 
 
 At this Association times virere agreeable, so far as 
 respected religious employment, but the happiness of 
 many was somewhat lessened by a practice which had 
 long prevailed, more or less, at Associations and great 
 meetings, but which here arose to a very distressing 
 height, viz., the selling of spirituous liquors by wicked 
 and worthless persons, in consequence of which many 
 who were so unprincipled and wicked as not to restrain 
 themselves became intoxicated, and of course disorderly. 
 Warned by these events, measures have been taken by 
 the Association, since the above period, to prevent such 
 abuses, and they have been as successful as could be ex- 
 pected in such a case. The next Association was ap- 
 pointed at Four-Mile Creek meeting-house, Henrico 
 county. 
 
 October IS, 1801^. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. From the letters it appears that no revival existed 
 in any church ; but from some there were considerable 
 expectations. Several matters of a general and impor- 
 tant nature occupied the attention of the Association at 
 this meeting, viz.: "The Confession of Faith," "The 
 History of the Baptists in Virginia," " The Appointment 
 of Union Meetings," and "A Remonstrance against a 
 Law of Virginia Respecting Night Meetings " — all of 
 which will be noticed in other places of this work. 
 About this time the Baptists in this Association received 
 a grievous wound in the wretched apostacy of one 
 Thomas Bridges, who had been a preacher of some cele- 
 brity, but was now convicted and sent to the penitentiary 
 for horse-stealing. The friends of Zion mourned, not 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 133 
 
 because the foundation of -God was shaken, or could be 
 shaken, but because the cause of truth was too plausibly, 
 though fallaciously, reproached. To obviate the evil as 
 much as possible, the circular letter was written upon 
 the subject of religious apostacy.* It was thought 
 that good effects arose from it. The next Association 
 was appointed at Bruington meeting-house, King and 
 Queen county. 
 
 October 12, 1805. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. By the letters of correspondence the Associa- 
 tion was informed of great and good news from several 
 parts. In most of the churches in the lower end of the 
 district, between Rappahannock and James rivers, there 
 were previous revivals. In some, several hundreds had 
 been baptized. The preaching and other religious exer- 
 cises at the Association were correspondent with this 
 heavenly news. It was a time of feasting upon fat 
 things. No business whatever of a singular and general 
 nature was transacted, except that some attention was 
 paid to the history noticed in the last. Elder Toler, ac- 
 cording to appointment, produced a most excellent circu- 
 lar letter on the subject of brotherly love. The next 
 Association was appointed at Grafton meeting-house, 
 York county. 
 
 October 11, 1806. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. Information was received that a great and glorious 
 work of God was going on in the Northern Neck. Most 
 of the churches in this quarter participated more or less ; 
 but Nomini, under the care of Mr. Toler, was superla- 
 tively favored. The business which occupied the atten- 
 tion of this Association was altogether local. The Asso- 
 
 *This letter, prepared by Elders Semple aud Greenwood, is preserved in 
 MoQUrs History of the Rappahannock Association, page 113. 
 
134 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ciation was not so full as usual, being in an eccentric 
 place ; but those who did go said it was good for them 
 that they were there. The circular letter was written on 
 the place and object of good works. The next Associa- 
 tion was appointed at Ware's meeting-house, King and 
 Queen county, which, on account of the pressure of busi- 
 ness, was appointed to hold four days. 
 
 October 11, 1807. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. No new revivals are spoken of in any of the let- 
 ters. In some places where revivals had been a few 
 years past, they speak of distressing times ; that the love 
 of many was waxing cold. There must be a fanning 
 time as well as a harvesting time. The Association, ac- 
 cording to last year's appointment, continued four days. 
 
 Some business of a general, and much of a local na- 
 ture occupied their attention. The year i8o6 was a year 
 of great drought; and crops of corn were uncommonly 
 scanty, insomuch that many poor people suffered for the 
 necessaries of life. In the time of the drought most of 
 the Baptist churches appointed and observed fast days. 
 The crops of the year 1807 were uncommonly plentiful. 
 The Association, taking this matter into consideration, 
 determined to appoint a thanksgiving day.* The cir- 
 cular letter, appointed to be written upon the nature of 
 sanctification, by Elder Toler, was read and approved by 
 a majority ; but supposing that the investigation of a 
 subject, sufficiently settled on the main points and too 
 intricate on subordinate ones to expect unanimity, would 
 produce no good effect, it was determined not to print it. 
 A short address on the propriety of appointing public 
 days for special religious purposes was printed in the 
 
 *The day was unitorinly observed throughout the district, to the great 
 satlslaotlon of almost all sorts ot people.— ^iit7io»''s note. 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 135 
 
 place thereof. For the space of eighteen years the Asso- 
 ciation fund had been gradually increasing, so that, on 
 the settlement this year, it was found that there were in 
 the hands of the treasurer £68 iis. 6d., which, with the 
 present contribution, after paying all expenses, amounted 
 to £78 9s. 8d. This being a respectable sum, and upon 
 inquii'y, finding that in case of the death of the present 
 treasurer, the Association not being incorporated, they 
 might find some difficulty in regaining the money, it was 
 resolved that three trustees should be appointed to take 
 the obligations of the treasurer, payable to them as trus- 
 tees ; thus having a definite number, an action at law 
 might be maintained. It was also agreed to pay one 
 hundred and fifty dollars for the encouragement of the 
 history of the Virginia Baptists. The next Association 
 was appointed at Salem meeting-house, Caroline county. 
 October 8, 1808- — They met according t6 appointment. 
 The letters generally spoke of languor and lukewarmness 
 among the churches. There was no business proper to 
 be noticed in this history transacted at this session. The 
 public ministrations were pleasing, and the time of con- 
 tinuing together was spent in a happy and useful manner. 
 The circular letter was written upon the " Duty of Chris- 
 tians to Obey the Civil Laws." 
 
 October H, 1809. — The Association assembled at Ma- 
 thews meeting-house, in Mathews county. The uniform 
 language of the letters was complaint of the lifeless state 
 of religion in all the churches, yet it appeared that peace 
 and harmony and brotherly love, with earnest longings 
 foj.- a revival, were generally felt. At this Association 
 it was proposed to recommend to parents, &c., the use of 
 a catechism that had been lately published for the reli- 
 gious instruction of children. This catechism, though 
 
136 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 too long deferred, had really been published in conform- 
 ity to the resolution of the Association in their session of 
 1796. It, however, met with great opposition upon the 
 principle that nothing of the kind was necessary ; that 
 the Bible was sufficient; that things of that kind had a 
 dangerous tendency towards lessening the dignity of the 
 Scriptures ; that the most corrupt and absurd sentiments 
 had been inculcated through catechisms. 
 
 The advocates of the recommendation replied to these 
 objections that corrupt men could communicate corrupt 
 sentiments through the most sacred channels ; that the 
 pulpit and the press, conversation, and even public 
 prayer had been occasionally the vehicles of unsound 
 doctrines; that it could be Jio indignity to the Scriptures 
 to inculcate in the minds of children principles and duties 
 completely sanctioned by the Scriptures ; that such forms 
 of instruction greatly assisted parents in the discharge of 
 their duty, seeing there could be few parents capable of 
 explaining the Bible suitably for the instruction of chil- 
 dren ; that the manners and morals of the children of 
 Baptists lately grown up plainly evinced that religious 
 education had been too much neglected ; that the oppo- 
 nents to the measure had probably fallen into the same 
 mistake that the cotemporary disciples of Christ had who 
 forbade little children to be brought to their Master, for 
 which they received His rebuke. After a long and warm 
 debate, the majority decided in favor of the recommenda- 
 tion. 
 
 The same subject was taken up a few weeks later by 
 the General Meeting of Correspondence, and by a unani- 
 mous vote the catechism was recommended. It is de- 
 voutly to be wished that this may be the beginning of a 
 reformation among the Baptists of Virginia as to this 
 
PROCEEDINGS OF DOVER ASSOCIATION. 137 
 
 duty. For, considering their exemplary piety in other 
 respects, they have certainly been too remiss in train- 
 ing up their children in the nurture and the admonition 
 of the Lord. The circular letter was written upon " Chris- 
 tian Order." The next Association was appointed to be 
 holden in the city of Richmond. 
 
 [From the account of the Dover Association as here 
 given and the table preceding this chapter, it appears that 
 in 1809 the body bad increased to thirty-seven churches, 
 with an approximate membership of 10,500. During the 
 succeeding twenty-five years, without territorial enlarge- 
 ment, the Association increased to seventy-four churches, 
 with a membership of 26, 134, when (in 1843) the body was 
 divided, and thirty-nine churches south of Mattaponi and 
 York rivers remained in the Dover, and thirty-five north 
 of said rivers were dismissed to form the Rappahannock. 
 In the. territory of the old Dover Association (now held 
 in part by the Rappahannock) there are now (1893) 113 
 churches and 21,000 members.] 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES OF THE FIRST 
 UNION MEETING DISTRICT, IN DOVER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Having detailed the proceedings of the Dover Associa- 
 tion at her different sessions, we shall now proceed to the 
 history of the churches. We have mentioned, in our ac- 
 count of the session of 1804, that the Association estab- 
 lished union meetings. This was done by laying off the 
 district into three sections. These were called union 
 meeting districts, and were numbered first, second and 
 third. The first included all the churches between York 
 and James rivers; the second, all between York and 
 Rappahannock ; and the third, all between Rappahan- 
 nock and Potomac. In these districts it is expected that 
 the preachers shall meet two or three times every year, 
 agreeably to the appointment of the Association, and 
 keep up preaching for two or three days. The tneetings 
 have accordingly been observed tolerably regularly ever 
 since, and from them it has been thought that many ad- 
 vantages have resulted. In' treating of the churches, we 
 shall be governed by this arrangement, and shall com- 
 mence with those of the first district, 
 
 Dover.* 
 This church has already been mentioned in the general 
 account of the rise of the Baptists in these parts. Siijce 
 
 * Dover church continues a member of the Association to which it gave 
 its name in 1784. The church has bad among its pastors Meriweather L. 
 Jones, A. B. Smith, H. D. Ragland, D. B. WinJree, and, since 1884, 1'rofessor 
 Edmund Harrison. 
 
 r 138 ] 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 139 
 
 that time it has been a flourishing church, having had 
 some very refreshing revivals. That which took place in 
 1799 and 1800 was a great one indeed. 
 
 From soon after their constitution until his death El- 
 der William Webber was their pastor. He died in 
 1808. They have not secured the services of any min- 
 ister as yet in the character of a pastor. Mr. Matthew 
 Woodson was a member and a deacon of this church, 
 and one of the best of men. In this church there have 
 been several preachers raised up, viz., Joseph Anthony, 
 concerning whom see biography. 
 
 Augustine Eastin,* who removed to Kentucky, and 
 who, though a man of some talent, was never any credit 
 to the cause of truth. He appears always to have been 
 carried away with the opinions of others whom he 
 wished to imitate. Sometimes he was a professed and 
 positive Calvinist; then shifting about he becomes as 
 warm an Arminian. Then to the right about again he 
 is reconvinced that Calvinism is the only true way. 
 Having moved to Kentucky he finds some professors of 
 high standing in civil life who lean to the Arian scheme. 
 Mr. Eastin soon becomes their champion, and even writes 
 a pamphlet in defence of Arianism. This last change 
 has made much noise among the Baptists in Kentucky. 
 But, thanks to Divine protection, no Arian or Socinian 
 Baptists are known in Virginia. Mr. Eastin's moral 
 character has not been impeached. On this head both 
 he and his coadjutors are men of high respectability. 
 
 Mr. Farro, an ordained preacher, still resides in this 
 church. He is a respectable man. 
 
 *Augastine Eastin removed to Fayette county, Ky., in 1784, and subse-- 
 quently settled In Bourbon county. In conjunction with James Garrard 
 he formed Cowper's Run church In 1787. After his adoption of the Arian 
 heresy ythls church was dropped from the Elkhorn Association In 1803T ~-~ 
 
140 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Goochland. 
 
 This is a mother church, as may be seen elsewhere. 
 From about the year of their constitution (1771) to the 
 present time they have been blessed with the pastoral 
 care of the Rev. Mr. Ford. Nothing singular has hap- 
 pened since the period to which her history was brought 
 down. (See page 12 of the General Rise of the Bap- 
 tists.) They were revived in the year 1799, which, says 
 Mr. Ford in his manuscript, "was as pleasant as rain to 
 the thirsty ground, or bread to the hungry soul." About 
 120 were added to the church. It has sometimes hap- 
 pened among the churches that partial revivals have 
 been granted in which there would be only those of a 
 particular description biought in. A remarkable stir of 
 this kind took place among the black people in this 
 church in the year 1806. More than 100 of them were 
 baptized. 
 
 The following churches have been constituted off from 
 this church, viz.: Dover, in 1773; Chickahominy, in 
 1776; Licking-Hole, in 1776; Hungry, in 1791 ; and 
 Hopeful, in 1807. Several preachers have also been 
 raised and have resided in this church. 
 
 Mr. Ford is now about 68 years of age, and is a vene- 
 rable man indeed. Few men ever deceived less by their 
 physiognomy than Elder Ford. No man ever sees him, 
 who does not view him with reverence at his first ap- 
 pearance, and no man ever was disappointed in him. 
 Grave, without the least moroseness; cheerful, without 
 a symptom of levity ; modest, gentle and affectionate 
 in his manners, yet firm in his purposes ; he has every- 
 thing out of the pulpit which might serve as a model of 
 a Gospel minister; his life is truly spotless ; his talents 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 141 
 
 are of the useful kind ; in his doctrine he is somewhat 
 tinctured with Armiuianism. 
 
 [Goochland church still continues a prosperous body, 
 located in the northeastern section of the county of the 
 same name, near its union with Henrico and Hanover. 
 Among their pastors have been M. L.Jones, A. B. Smith 
 and H. D. Ragland.J 
 
 Hopeful. 
 
 This is quite a new church. The members live partly 
 in Hanover and partly in Louisa. They are a pious, 
 orderly and affectionate people. The church was raised 
 almost wholly through the ministry of the venerable 
 Mr. Ford, to whom they are uncommonly united. They 
 were formerly a branch of the Goochland church. 
 
 [This body maintains their connection with the Dover 
 Association still. Among the pastors who have served 
 the church since Elder Ford's death the following names 
 are recalled, viz., T.T.Swift, S. Harriss and L.J. Haley.] 
 
 Chickahominy.* 
 This church is composed of members living partly in 
 Hanover and partly in Henrico. Their meeting-house is 
 in Hanover, a very short distance from the county line. 
 Soon after their constitution they chose Mr. John Clay as 
 their pastor. Under his care they did not prosper. He 
 died in about four years. The church having been raised 
 chiefly through the labors of Elders Ford and Webber, 
 they again resorted to them for aid. They attended them 
 jointly once a month for several years. In 1785 they had 
 a pleasant refreshing ; about sixty were added, and among 
 
 *Thi8 church is perpetuated under the title of Winns, located In Hanover, 
 near the line of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad. Their 
 early pastor (John Clay) was father to the eminent statesman Henry Clay. 
 
142 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 them two young preachers, viz., John Penny,* who after- 
 wards moved to Kentucky, and Benjamin Bowles, their 
 present pastor. 
 
 In 1800 they were again favored with the smiles of 
 heaven, when about eighty were baptized. 
 
 Elder Bowles is a solid, experimental preacher. When 
 he feels religion he is more transported than is usual, 
 and on such occasions will not, cannot, cease to proclaim 
 the Divine goodness to all around him. Such exhortations 
 have done much good. 
 
 Hungry, f 
 
 This church was constituted from Chickahominy, and 
 had at first Mr. Peter Cottrel for their pastor ; he falling 
 into disorder and being expelled, the church was left des- 
 titute. They then procured the stated attendance of El- 
 ders Courtney and Webber until about 179S, when Elder 
 Bernard Reynolds settled among them, and was chosen 
 pastor, in which office he has continued until this time. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds was once a preacher in the Methodist 
 connection, but being fully convinced of the verity of 
 Baptist principles, he united with them, and has since re- 
 mained unwavering. His preaching is now sound and 
 evangelical ; he is respected in civil as well as in religious 
 matters, having been appointed a magistrate for the 
 county. Whether holding this, or any such office, is en- 
 tirely compatible with that ministry, which should not 
 
 * EemoTed to Kentucky about 1790 and settled in Anderson county, where 
 soon afterwards he hecame pastor of the " Reformed Baptist church," on 
 Salt river. He subsequently became pastor of Salt River church, and later 
 of Mill Creek and Goshen. He was pastor of three churches in Anderson 
 county, Ky., at the time of Ms death, June 15, 1833. He left among his chil- 
 dred two sons— William White and Eli — who became preachers. The former 
 fell a victim to cholera, as his father did, in 1833. The latter labored many 
 years, and died in Missouri. 
 
 + This church was located near the line of the Richmond and Fredericks- 
 burg railroad, a station of which perpetuates the name. The church under 
 this designation early disappeared from our published lists of churches. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 143 
 
 be entangled with the affairs of this life, is a matter to 
 be settled by each man's conscience. It is probably bet- 
 ter left to laymen. , 
 
 City of Richmond.* 
 
 Within the limits of the Dover Association is Rich- 
 mond, the metropolis of Virginia ; here, although the 
 Baptists are not the most flourishing sect, they stand 
 upon respectable ground. They have built by public 
 subscription a large brick meeting-house, and probably 
 move on, both as it respects discipline and the conduct- 
 ing of public worship, with as much regularity as any 
 people in the Union. Their pastor, Elder Courtney, took 
 the care in the year 1788, and under his labors they have 
 enjoyed peace and prosperity. He is now (1809) about 
 sixty-six years of age. 
 
 This church arose fi'om the labors of Joshua Morris, 
 their first pastor. He, living in the Boar Swamp church, 
 set up a meeting at one Franklin's, near the city of Rich- 
 mond, where, baptizing a few and soon after moving to 
 Richmond to live, a church was constituted under his 
 care. After residing in Richmond some years he moved 
 to Kentucky. 
 
 Within this church there are, besides Elder Courtney, 
 several ordained and licensed preachers, viz. : George 
 Williamson, who is first master armorer ; Herman 
 Sneade, a teacher ; William Brame,| who travels and 
 
 *Thls body I9 perpetuated in the well-known First Baptist church of 
 Riclimond, and the " large brick building" here mentioned is still used by 
 the First African Baptist church. The centennial of the former body was 
 celebrated in 1870 and their interesting history published. For mention of 
 Elder John Courtney, see Appendix. 
 
 + William Brame was brother to the gifted young pastor of Millstone 
 church, Halifax, and destined, like him, to die early. His decease occurred 
 November, 1814. The Dover Association testified to his godly zeal in these 
 words : " His labors in the Gospel as a minister and servant of the churches 
 have been more extensive than those of any other minister in our Associa- 
 tion." 
 
144 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 preaches a great deal, and others not so permanently 
 
 fixed. 
 
 Boar Swamp.* 
 
 This church is about fifteen miles below Ric-hmond 
 and about ten northeast of Four-Mile Creek. This was 
 once a prosperous and flourishing church, but having 
 had no pastor for many years they have rather declined. 
 
 Four Mile. 
 The meeting-house to this church is about nine or ten 
 miles below Richmond. They have Elder John Lindsey 
 for their minister. He is old and infirm-, but a pious and 
 useful minister. They have some very respectable pious 
 members.- 
 
 Chari.es City. 
 
 This church is in the county of the same name, and was 
 raised by the labors of Elijah Bakerf and Joseph An- 
 thony, who first began their service in this neighborhood 
 about the year 1774. They at first sustained much oppo- 
 sition, but no personal violence. During the year 1775 
 several were baptized. In the year 1776 James Bradley, 
 afterwards their pastor, was converted and baptized, and 
 soon began to preach. 
 
 Soon after the church was constituted Mr. Bradley was 
 chosen pastor, and continued to discharge the duties 
 thereof until he died, on the 6th of September, 1803. 
 Mr. Bradley at first preached by form, or, in other words, 
 read his sermons to the people ; but soon laid aside his 
 notes and preached ex tempore.. Although he was not a 
 very successful nor popular preacher, there were few men 
 who stood in higher estimation, in point of piety and 
 
 *Thls church has been £or some years past known by the name of An- 
 tioch. 
 + For notice of Elijah Baker, see Appendix. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 145 
 
 uniformity of conduct, than Mr. Bradley. He was uni- 
 versally esteemed an honest and faithful servant of God. 
 Since his death, Mr. William Clopton,* vs^ho had long- 
 been a leading member of the church, seeing the great 
 need of a preacher, began to speak publicly, and finally 
 was ordained to the ministry. The state of religion in 
 this church is rather adverse, yet order and peace are pre- 
 served among the members, while the wicked will do 
 wickedly. When the set lime to favor Zion shall arrive, 
 she will doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing 
 the sheaves of the spiritual harvest. In this church there 
 used to be, and still are, a great number of blacks. For 
 some cause they were forbidden to preach, upon which 
 they set up a kind of independence, and went on, not 
 only to preach, but to baptize. It all, however, ended in 
 confusion. 
 
 Black CuEEK.f 
 
 This church has gone through as many revolutions as 
 any in the Association. Her misfortunes arose, as is 
 often the case, from the errors and misconduct of their 
 preachers. Their first pastor was William Barnes, who 
 being a remarkably weak, though a well-meaning preacher, 
 the church languished under his care ; he moved away 
 about the year 1785. In 178S Thomas Courtney moved 
 
 *Elder Clopton was baptized by Elijah Baiter about tlie year 1782, and in 
 1808 became the pastor of Charles Cityoliuroh. His death occurred January 
 18,1816. He wag father to Elder James Clopton, who became extensively 
 useful In the region between Richmond and Williamsburg; and the latter 
 was father to Rev. Samuel C. Clopton, who tell at his missionary post in 
 China July 7, 1847. 
 
 + Black Creek church still continues a member of the Dover Association. 
 The meeting-house is in the lower part of Hanover county, not far from the 
 New Kent line. The church was reared under the labors of Elder John 
 Clay, who lived near Ashland. He was the father of Elder Porter Clay, 
 who became a prominent Baptist minister in Kentucky, and of the Hon. 
 Henry Clay. John Clay died in 1782. 
 
 10 
 
146 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 from King William into the bounds of Black Creek, and 
 the church being in much confusion, was reconstituted 
 under Mr. Courtney's care. About 1791 they had a re- 
 vival, when some very respectable members w^ere added. 
 Mr. Courtney moved, in 1795, to Richmond, and there 
 died with the small-pox. After Mr. Courtney's death, 
 the church fell into confusion again, and was constituted 
 a third time. From the first origin of this church, R. 
 Snead, a preacher of some talents, resided within her 
 limits. This man w^as the cause of a great part of the 
 confusion ; he was really a double-minded man, who was 
 unstable in all his ways ; sometimes he would be a 
 Quaker ; sometimes a Pedo-Baptist ; and again return 
 with double violence to] Baptist principles. He was 
 alternately a Calvinist, an Arminian and an Universalist. 
 When excommunicated for his principles (for his morals 
 were correct), he would return after some time and make 
 such apparently sincere concessions that it would seem 
 uncharitable not to excuse him. He died in the church. 
 John Turner, who has lately undertaken the care of the 
 church, Herman Snead and John Goodman, preachers, 
 were all sons of this church. 
 
 While Thomas Courtney resided among them, they 
 enjoyed considerable prosperity. Mr. Courtney was 
 brother to Elder Courtney, pastor of the Richmond 
 church. Though not a very able, he was a lively and 
 agreeable preacher ; he was singular for his good humor 
 and pleasant temper ; he was a bad economist, and by 
 that means was often embarrassed in his afTairs. This 
 excepted, Mr. Courtney might be considered a first-rate 
 religious character. He died triumphing in redeeming 
 love. Mr. Clopton, who has for many years represented 
 this district in Congress, is a member of this church. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 147 
 
 James City.* 
 This church, in the county of the same name, was also 
 planted by the labors of Elijah Baker, who began his 
 labors within its limits about the year 1772. Previous to 
 this, Jeremiah Walker had preached among the people, 
 and was much opposed by the parson of the parish and 
 others; his preaching, however, was not effectual. Soon 
 after, Mr. Baker visited this neighborhood, and several 
 obtained hope in Christ and were baptized. Mr. John 
 Goodall, who had been much approved as clerk of the 
 church, obtained a hope but thought he would do without 
 baptism, but going to see some of his neighbors baptized, 
 he could no longer rest, but sent the next day for the 
 ministers and was baptized. Soon after his baptism he 
 began to preach, and was ordained to the care of the 
 church a few years after it was constituted. He con- 
 tinued to exercise the pastoral functions until 1806, when 
 he removed to Kentucky. This church is not at present 
 in a flourishing state. The Methodists are numerous in 
 this neighborhood. Elder Joshua Morris, a preacher of 
 considerable gifts, who afterwards resided in the city of 
 Richmond and then moved to Kentucky,! was a native 
 of this church. His father and uncle also occasionally 
 preached. 
 
 ♦James City church Is located In the upper part of James City county, 
 and has oontinued as a small body to the present day. 
 
 + Elder Morris's removal to Kentucky was In 178S. Soon after his arrival 
 on the Elkhorn, he was induced to accept the care of a small church on 
 Brashear's creek, in Franklin county. He was then the only preacher in 
 that county. Here he gathered several churches, among the number Elk 
 Creek, for a long time the largest church in the county. When about fifty 
 years of age he removed to Nelson county, where he served Cedar Creek 
 and Mill Creek churches, also Severn's Valley, in Hardin county. Among 
 the fruits of his ministry in the latter church was Isaac Hodgen, the great 
 itinerant evangelist of Kentucky. Elder Morris's eminently useful life 
 closed about 18S7, and his departure was sincerely mourned. 
 
148 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Williamsburg.* 
 This church is composed ahnost, if not altogether, of 
 people of color. Moses, a black man, first preached 
 among them, and was often taken up and whipped for 
 holding meetings. Afterwards, Gowan, who called him- 
 self Gowan Pamphlet, moved from Middlesex, where he 
 had been preaching for some time. He became popular 
 among the blacks, and began to baptize as well as to 
 preach. It seems the Association had advised that no 
 person of color should be allowed to preach, on .the pain 
 of excommunication ; against this regulation many of 
 ithe blacks were rebellious, and continued still to hold 
 meetings. Some were excluded, and among this number 
 was Gowan, just mentioned. Continuing still to preach, 
 and many professing faith under his ministry, not be- 
 ing in connection with any church himself, he formed 
 a kind of church of some who had been baptized, 
 •who, sitting with him, received such as offered them- 
 selves ; Gowan baptized them, and was, moreover, ap- 
 pointed their pastor. Some of them knowing how to 
 write, a church-book was kept. They increased to a large 
 number, so that in the year 1791, when the Dover Asso- 
 ciation was holden in Mathews county, they petitioned 
 for admittance into the Association, stating their num- 
 ber to be about five hundred. The Association received 
 them, so far as to appoint persons to visit them and set 
 things in order. These making a favorable report, they 
 were received, and have associated ever since. A few 
 years since Gowan died. 
 
 *Tlii8 church had » brief existence. The present cliurch of the same 
 name was organized in 1828, an'd occupies the ground of the original one. 
 Soervant Jones was for years their pastor, whilst they worshipped In the 
 famous Old Powder Magazine on the public square in Williamsburg. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 149 
 
 Grafton.* 
 
 This church was planted by the labor of the indefatiga- 
 ble E. Baker. His first labor in the bounds of this church 
 was about the year 1775; some were awakened. This 
 encouraged him to continue to visit them, and in no great 
 while he baptized several. Joshua Morris, a youngpreacher 
 from James City, watered the plants. John Wright was 
 baptized about 1776, and soon began to exhort and preach. 
 In 1777 they were constituted, and Mr. Wright became 
 their pastor. Mr. Wright was a blessed man of God. 
 He was faithful to occupy his talents. No man could 
 find him out of his place. He lived and died a pious 
 Christian, and a faithful as well as useful minister of 
 Christ. He was a poor man, and had a family to labor 
 for, which prevented him from being as extensively use- 
 ful as he would probably have been under more affluent 
 circumstances ; but his vineyard, though small, was well 
 kept ; his duty was his delight. In discipline he was 
 tender, yet vigilant and impartial. 
 
 Once when much disorder had crept into the arm of 
 the church, round about Hampton, through the miscon- 
 duct of Chisman, the old man went down and began to 
 winnow with so heavy a hand that some persons ob- 
 served in company he would leave but few of the Doc- 
 tor's disciples ; yet, said a gentleman who knew him, he 
 would turn out the last man to-morrow before he would 
 countenance disorder. He died about 1795) much re- 
 
 * The meeting-house of GraJton church was in York county, three miles 
 east of Willlamaburg. In 1850 their membership numbered only thirty-five, 
 and a few years later their name ceased to appear in the list of the Dover 
 Association. The existing body bearing this name was organized in the 
 vicinity of the old Grafton in 1877. Ivlson Lewis and Robert Stacy were 
 ministerial sons of the early Grafton church. 
 
150 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 spected by all sorts of people. Contrasted with this 
 character lived in the same church Dr. Thomas Chis- 
 man, a practitioner of physic, but who, professing grace, 
 was baptized about 1781 or 1782. He soon commenced 
 preaching, and soon also became popular. With the 
 judicious he never ranked above mediocrity, and, indeed, 
 hardly ascended to that grade ; but with many he was 
 considered almost inimitable. Some of the externals of 
 the orator he possessed in a great degree ; his person and 
 mien were dignified ; his voice clear and sonorous ; his 
 gesture, though violent, was expressive, and his style 
 by no means contemptible ; his manner warm, and 
 sometimes pathetic ; but his mind a perfect chaos ; dark- 
 ness and confusion sat regents ; he had no invention, 
 no wit, a fallacious judgment and but little informa- 
 tion. But these defects were considerably remedied by 
 an invincible boldness. Taking the most ingenious 
 texts, he would push on, in the fullness of confidence, 
 giving interpretations which were never dreamed of by 
 the inspired author. These discourses were much ad- 
 mired by many, and gained for the Doctor a great name. 
 All this, however, might have been swallowed, even by 
 those who knew his weight, if the Doctor had possessed 
 that part of the preacher without which all others are 
 null, viz., a pious life. For seven or eight years he was 
 thought by most of his acquaintances to be singularly 
 zealous and pious. He emancipated his slaves, and in 
 other respects made great apparent sacrifices ; but his 
 day ended in darkness. Yielding to temptations of the 
 most diabolical sort, he became the greatest stumbling- 
 block that that county ever witnessed. The effects were 
 melancholy beyond description ; he was quickly excluded, 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 151 
 
 but continued his vicious pursuits for a considerable 
 time. At length he was found by the hand of God, and 
 surely few men ever felt the rod more severely. To 
 appearance he was exceedingly penitent, and many 
 pitied him, and regained some faith in his piety, but 
 others thought differently. He had been baptized by 
 Elder Leland while he resided in Virginia, and was un- 
 commonly attached to him. Just before he died, which 
 happened in the year 1797, he was informed that Mr. 
 Leland had come into Virginia and had made appoint- 
 ments to come down to York. On hearing this he raised 
 himself in bed and expressed great joy at the expectation 
 of seeing him once more. But as if God had resolved 
 that his expectations should perish, he died a few days 
 before Mr. Leland got down. It is not for us to decide 
 how God has disposed of him, but it is surely lawful to 
 wish and to pray that none such may ever again be per- 
 mitted to dishonor a Gospel church in so gross a manner. 
 Elder Matthew Wood, a pious and useful preacher, still 
 resides in this church, but Elder Gayle, who moved 
 from Mathews, was, anno 1796, chosen pastor. They 
 had in the year 1805, under the united labors of Elders 
 Gayle and Wood, one of the most heavenly revivals ; 
 not less than about 330 or 340 were baptized. After the 
 revival they had a winnowing season. Many that 
 seemed to be somewhat proved to be nothing. Yet there 
 is still a large and respectable church. Elder Robert 
 Stacy, now pastor of Abingdon, was raised up and or- 
 dained in Grafton. 
 
l52 HtStOkY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Hampton.* 
 
 This church, through the downfall of Chisman, never 
 prospered much until 1805, when they had a revival, and 
 about 200 were baptized ; after which they chose Elder 
 Richard Hurst to be their pastor, who had been raised 
 up in the church, and under whose labors chiefly the re- 
 vival had been conducted. 
 
 He is a lively and warm preacher. Before the revival 
 Elder Gayle had attended them statedly. 
 
 *TJiis body maintains a vigorous existence, and have bad a varied and 
 eventful history. Principally under the pastoral care of John Goodall, 
 Joseph Walker, D. Shaver and J. R. Garliek, they flourished until 1860. In 
 1858 they entertained the General Association in most hospitable style. 
 During the war the congregation was scattered, and the church edifice 
 destroyed. Since then the church has risen as it were from its ashes, and 
 under care of George F. Adams, F. R. Boston and A, B. Woodfin, have more 
 than regained their former prosperity. In 1887 they transferred their con- 
 nection from the Dover to the Accomac Association. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 historical sketch of the churches in the second 
 union meeting district in dover association. 
 
 Reed's.* 
 This church lies in the lower end of Caroline, having 
 some members in the upper end of King William. The 
 first laborers within the limits of this church were Har- 
 riss and Read. John Young soon after this became a con- 
 vert and a preacher, and was ordained pastor to the 
 church at her first constitution. The church, however, 
 rather languished until 1788, when sixty or seventy were 
 added. 
 
 About 1798 Mr. Young moved to Albemarle, where 
 he has been useful, and is still living. After Mr. Young's 
 removal the church chose for their pastor Elder John 
 Self, who had long been an assistant elder in this church. 
 Nothing remarkable has occurred since Mr. Self took 
 the care. This church has generally had more than one 
 •ordained preacher. Elder Hipkins Pitman was for many 
 years a resident member. At present Elder Richard 
 Broaddusf is a member, and labors jointly with Elder 
 Self. Samuel Brame, a young preacher of the most con- 
 spicuous talents, was raised in this church. He after- 
 wards removed to Halifax and died. His mother, Mrs. 
 
 *Thl9 church wa3 located in Caroline county, ten or twelve miles south- 
 east ol Bowling Green. It many years ago changed its name to Mt. Horeb', 
 under which it still appears in the list of Dover Association. 
 
 + Richard Broaddus was for some years a school teacher, and subse- 
 quently devoted himself to farming, preaching meanwhile as he had op- 
 portunity. He married a Mrs. Jeter, and had four children— all daughters. 
 He died aged 63 years. 
 
 [ 153 1 
 
154 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Brame, is now living, and a member of this church, and 
 was in her early days a stated hearer and communicant 
 of the famous Mr. Samuel Davies. She frequently heard 
 Mr. Whitefield in his travels through America, and some- 
 times had him at her house. 'Tis pleasant to hear this 
 mother in Israel tell the interesting anecdotes which she 
 treasured up respecting these great men of God. Mrs. 
 Bi-ame is truly one of the daughters of Sarah. 
 
 Considering the date at which the Baptists began to 
 preach within the limits of this church, it might rea- 
 sonably be expected that persecution more or less at- 
 tended them. Nor will this expectation be disappointed. 
 Mr. Young was committed to jail for preaching, and there 
 kept for four months, until he appealed to the general 
 court, and by a writ of habeas corpus was carried to 
 Williamsburg. Elder H. Pitman was once taken up 
 and threatened to be whipped, but was discharged with- 
 out any further injury. 
 
 TUCKAHOE. 
 
 The first Baptist preacher that ever ministered within 
 the bounds of this church was John Corbley.* After Mr. 
 Corbley had preached, the clergyman of the parish, who 
 had come to hear him, attacked him by way of argu-- 
 ment. After the argument had been continued for some 
 time, and, as might be expected, they came to no con- 
 clusion, the parson appointed the next Sunday to preach 
 against the Baptists. His text was, "Will ye also go 
 away?" His discourse made not much impression, and 
 
 * John Corbley was a native of Ireland, and came to Virginia from Penn- 
 sylvania; was imprisoned in Culpeper for preaching the Gospel; was 
 pastor of Goshen and Forks of Cheat churches in the Red Stone Associa- 
 tion ; returned to Pennsylvania, where he suffered imprisonment on the 
 charge of complicity in the " Whiskey Insurrection," and died in 1805. His 
 wife and several children were brutally murdered by the Indians, 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 155 
 
 indeed from his subsequent conduct there were grounds 
 to suspect that he was shaken in his own mind. For 
 afterwards when Waller and Craig were put into prison 
 at Fredericksburg this gentleman went to the prison and 
 entered into a friendly conversation upon the subject of 
 religion, and before he left them offered to be their secu- 
 rity if they chose to give bond. It does not appear that 
 anything effectual was done by the preaching of Mr. 
 Gorbley. In the year 1771 Lewis Craig came and 
 preached in the bounds of this church. God owned and 
 blessed his labors. Many were awakened and some con- 
 verted. After him came John Waller, and preached 
 with considerable success. Mr. Craig continued to visit 
 this place and to cultivate the seed sown. Believers 
 were added from time to time. Satan took the alarm 
 and stirred up opposition to Mr, Craig. A warrant was 
 issued, and Mr. Craig was carried before a magistrate, 
 to whom he gave bond not to preach in the county 
 within a certain number of days ; but feeling himself 
 hampered by this measure he thought it best to incur the 
 penalty, and accordingly preached some little time after 
 at one Reuben Catlett's plantation, and was taken up by 
 virtue of a warrant and committed to prison, where he 
 stayed three months. When Mr. Craig went to jail he 
 found Edward Herndon and B. Choning there, who, 
 being nothing more than exhorters, were soon turned 
 out. In the year 1773, James Ware and James Pittman 
 were imprisoned sixteen days for having preaching in 
 their houses. They offered to give bond for good beha- 
 vior generally, but not for permitting preaching in their 
 houses in particular. This at first was refused them, but 
 afterwards was acceded to and they were discharged. Of 
 these James Pittman is still living, and a member of 
 Tuckahoe church. 
 
166 SISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 The last violence offered to any within the bounds of 
 this church happened in the year 1775, when Younger 
 Pitts, a preacher, and a man by the name of Picket 
 were taken up and carried by force some distance, as 
 if with a view to bring them before a magistrate, but 
 after some abuse, &c., they set them at liberty. Tiicka- 
 hoe church, though small at first, became a flourishing 
 church under the care of Elder John Shackleford, who 
 about two years after its constitution moved from Spot- 
 sylvania and took the pastoral care. It was not until 
 1788 that they had a revival. It was a memorable time 
 indeed, not in this church only, but almost throughout 
 the State of Virginia. In the course of this divine season 
 Mr. Shackleford baptized about 300. Mr. Shackleford's 
 narrow circumstances, with some other causes, induced 
 him to move to Kentucky in the year 1792.* He was 
 an excellent Gospel preacher and an affectionate man. 
 Since his removal to Kentucky he has been very useful 
 in the ministry. Some time after Mr. Shackleford left 
 the church they were fortunate enough to secure the ser- 
 vices of Elder John Sorrel, under whose pastorship they 
 have been happy and pQjaceable. 
 
 [Tuckahoe church was located in the northeastern sec- 
 tion of Caroline county. In 1819 the name of the church 
 was changed to Upper Zion. Mt. Calvary church was 
 in part formed from Tuckahoe in 1847. John Micou, 
 
 *Mr. Shacklelord reached Kentucky about the time that Lewis Craig, his 
 former associate in toils and sufferings, retired from the care of South 
 Elk Horn church, and he was chosen as his successor, and he continued to 
 serve in this relation for nearly forty years. His church, distracted by the 
 Craig vs. Creath feud, and rent in twain by the Campbellite controversy, 
 saddened his declining years. He died in 1829, when 79 years of age, 
 " probably the last (says the historian of the Kentucky Bapf.sts) of that 
 noble band of preachers who were confinedin Virginia jails for preaching 
 the Gospel." 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 157 
 
 Mordecai W. Broaddus, Robert W. Cole, George W. 
 Trice, William A. Baynham, A. J. Ramsey and Andrew 
 Bi'oaddus, Jr., have served in the pastorship of Upper 
 Zion.] 
 
 Salem. 
 
 This church was taken off from Upper King and 
 Queen. Until the year 1787 there were scarcely any 
 Baptists within the precincts of this church. In this 
 and the succeeding year was the great revival in the 
 neighboring churches, viz., Upper King and Qiieen and 
 Tuckahoe. They met here as upon half-way ground. 
 The meetings were exceedingly powerful, and great 
 numbers were baptized; most of them were united to 
 the Upper King and Queen church, and fell under the 
 care of Elder Noel ; they remained as an arm of that 
 church until 1802, when they were constituted. They 
 have had uniform peace and love among themselves. 
 Elders Andrew* and Richard Broaddus were raised here. 
 
 [The first house of worship erected by this church was 
 a wooden hull without ceiling of any kind, and was 
 situated in Caroline county, near the King and Queen 
 line. A second wooden building was erected on the 
 same site, and in 1S52 a handsome brick building. The 
 church now worships in an excellent house of brick, 
 situated in the village of Sparta, six miles distant from 
 the original site. The following ministers have gone 
 out from Salem : Mordecai W. Broaddus, Henry G. Se- 
 gar, Albert Anderson, Robert W. Cole, Joseph W. At- 
 
 * Andrew Broaddus was born November 4, 1770, and died December 1, 
 1848. His ministry was confined principally to Caroline, King William and 
 King and Queen counties, tiiough he was at various times urged to accept 
 pastorates in some of the chief cities of the Union. His fame as a fascina- 
 ting and eloquent preacher extended throughout the country, and his 
 name will be long cherished as one of the brightest ornaments of the pul- 
 pit America has produced- 
 
158 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 kinson, Maurice E. Broaddus, Andrew Broaddus and his 
 three sons, Julian, Luther and Andrew. Elder John 
 Sorrel and then Spilsbe Woolfolk were pastors here 
 from 1809 to 1819. From 1820 to the present time El- 
 ders Andrew Broaddus and Andrew Broaddus, Jr., have 
 held the pastorate. Mt. Calvary church was formed in 
 1847 of members who withdrew from Salem.] 
 
 Upper College. 
 
 This church is so called from many of their members 
 living on and about the lands appropriated for the use 
 of the College of William and Mary. The Gospel was 
 first brought into these parts by Elder John Young 
 and others. Their first pastor was Elder John Courtney; 
 under his care the church prospered. When he moved 
 to Richmond they made choice of Elder William Breed- 
 ing ; he was a pious and zealous preacher, and under his 
 care they had in the years 1788 and 1789 a great revival ; 
 great numbers were baptized ; but Mr. B., exerting him- 
 self beyond his strength, broke a blood vessel, and died 
 not long after with the puking of blood. Elders Court- 
 ney, Toler, Breeding, Abraham, Whitlock and Brame 
 are sons of this church. 
 
 [This name was afterwards changed to Sharon, which 
 has still an honored place in the register of Dover Asso- 
 ciation. John O. Turpin was long the pastor here.] 
 
 Lower College. 
 This church was for a long time an arm of Upper Col- 
 lege. About the time of their constitution they were 
 attended by Elders Thomas Courtney and Robert B. 
 Semple jointly. After Mr. Courtney removed to Rich- 
 mond, R. B. Semple attended them until the year 1796, 
 when they made choice of their present pastor, Elder 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 159 
 
 John Mill. In 1800 they were favored with divine 
 showers, and many were added. Elder Mill has been 
 for several years in bad health, too much so to preach 
 often. Of late he has much recovered. He was previous 
 to his baptism in the Methodist connection ; he is now a 
 sound, steady, pious Baptist preacher. His labors in the 
 church previous to his ill- health were greatly blessed, and 
 it is hoped God has raised him up again for a good pur- 
 pose. William Hargrove is an ordained preacher in this 
 church, and is useful in supplying other churches as well 
 as his own in the inability of their pastor. 
 
 [This church was located in the lower part of King 
 William county, the meeting-house being six miles below 
 the court-house, in the vicinity of a 10,000 acre tract of 
 land, formerly donated by the Crown for the use of Wil- 
 liam and Mary College. Colosse church, organized in 
 1837, became a prosperous body, and absorbed the older 
 constitution at the Lower College. The old colonial 
 edifice, ten miles above West Point, in which this church 
 formerly worshipped, is now seldom used. J 
 
 Upper King and Queen.* 
 
 This church, in the county of the same name, was first 
 
 constituted under the care of Younger Pitts, but he be- 
 
 * Upper King and Queen meeting-house was located about two miles 
 below Newtown. The small frame structure, built in 1774 or 1775, was suc- 
 ceeded in 1818 by a substantial but rude brick building, and this gave 
 place in 1860 to the present commodious and handsome one in which the 
 church still worship. These houses, occupied the same site. Ministers 
 ordained from this church: Younger Pitts, 1774; Bernard Phillips, 1821; 
 William Hill, 1823; B. P. Walton, 1854. After the death of Elder Noel, in 
 1813, the church enjoyed the pastoral services of K. B. Semple till 1827. 
 Elder Andrew Broaddus succeeded to the pastorate in that year, and 
 served the church until his death, December 1 , 1848. Andrew Broaddus, Jr., 
 son of the former, was soon afterwards chosen pastor, and continued in the 
 office with great acceptance and efficiency till the year 1892. The church 
 maintains two mission stations at present — Harmony and Grace chapel — 
 with a Sunday-school at each. F. B. Beale succeeded Andrew Broaddus as 
 pastor here. 
 
160 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 coming disorderly was silenced. The church languished, 
 and by the advice of experienced ministers dissolved 
 their constitution, intending to join the Upper College, 
 but being required by that church to relinquish their 
 monthly meeting, and not vi^ishing to do so, they again 
 the next month resumed their constitution and chose 
 Elder Theodrick Noel for their pastor. This happened 
 in the year 1780. Under the ministry of Elder Noel 
 the church flourished, and gradually increased until the 
 year 1788. In this year God descended in mighty 
 power. A greater work of grace has probably never 
 been known in Virginia within the limits of one church. 
 It continued with little abatement during the year 1789. 
 It was usual to baptize every monthly meeting, and for 
 many months there were seldom, if ever, less than twenty 
 baptized, but more frequently forty, fifty and sixty. 
 Many respectable private persons and three or four 
 preachers were among these. Since this blessed and 
 memorable season there have been but few additions. In 
 1802 Salem was taken off from this church. 
 
 Bruington. 
 
 This is a large and prosperous church indeed. Unless 
 the compiler feels a blinding partiality for these people, 
 they have from their beginning, and do still experience a 
 larger portion of religious harmony and happiness than 
 ordinarily falls to the lot of churches. But lest this fine 
 gold should at some future day become dim, we will cur- 
 tail our remarks. 
 
 [This church was formed in 1790 of 150 members dis- 
 missed from Piscataway. Their first meeting-house stood 
 about one hundred yards north of the site of the present one, 
 on the opposite side of the road in a field now belonging 
 to the parsonage, and nearly opposite to the Bi-uington 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 161 
 
 Female Institute. " It was a wooden structure, unplas- 
 tered, without stoves or heating appliances of any kind, 
 without glass lights except a single narrow window in 
 the rear of the pulpit." This house, erected in 1791, was 
 succeeded by one of brick in 1823, and the latter by the 
 present one, reared on the same site in 1851. The pas- 
 tors of Bruington have been R. B. Semple, Richard 
 Claybrook, Eli Ball, Thomas W. Sydnor, R. H. Bagby, S. 
 C. Boston, W. R. D. Moncure and B. C. Henning. The 
 following ministers have been ordained from Bruington, 
 viz. : R. B. Semple,William Todd, Robert S.Jones, Robert 
 Ryland, Thos. W. Sydnor, Alfred Bagby, Geo. F. Bagby, 
 Charles H. Ryland, John W. Ryland, H. H. Fones, F. 
 R. Boston, R. R. Acree, Alexander Fleet; and the fol- 
 lowing, reared in this church, were ordained elsewhere : 
 R. H. Bagby, J. A. Haynes, Richard Griffith and Wil- 
 liam S. Ryland. St. Stephen's church was constituted 
 from Bruington in 1842, and the Pine Bluff Baptist 
 church, Arkansas, sprang largely from members who 
 had moved thither from this same parent body.] 
 
 EXOL.* 
 
 This is a church of long standing, for though not the 
 first, yet she was among the first in those parts. Mr. 
 Ivison Lewis is still their pastor, and has been ever since 
 their first constitution. This church, though blessed 
 
 * The meeting-liouse of Exol church Is situated in King and Queen county 
 near the head of the Dragon, about seven miles northeast of the county- 
 seat. Elder Ivison Lewis, mentioned above, did not long survive as pastor 
 of this church, having died January 5, 1815, aged seventy-four years. He 
 ■was followed in the pastorate by Philip T. Montague, William Todd, 
 Thomas B.Evans, Robert W.Cole, A. Bagby, R. H. Land, and A. Bagby 
 again. John Clark, John Richards, Jr. (who subsequently adopted the 
 views of Alexander Campbell and was excluded), John Bird, Edward Gres- 
 ham, John W. Hundley and George T. Gresham have been contributions of 
 tlfls church to the ministry. 
 11 
 
162 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 with a faithful and amiable pastor, has sustained great 
 injury in past days through disorderly preachers. Some 
 of them becoming popular, drew many astray through 
 their bad examples. The church for several years has 
 enjoyed peace and harmony, and some degree of pros- 
 perity. Elder John Clark is an ordained and useful 
 minister in this church. 
 
 Exol was an orderly and thriving church until 1788, 
 when they had a considerable revival, in which about 
 two hundred and fifty were baptized. It was after this 
 revival that the bars of discipline were measurably 
 broken down. Few churches have raised more preachers 
 than this ; some good and valuable, others the reverse. 
 Mr. Lewis, their pastor, is in the highest estimation as a 
 good man and a zealous, active, heart-searching preacher. 
 He aims chiefly at persuading sinners to repent, and 
 many, through him, have been persuaded. 
 
 Lower King and Queen.* 
 
 This is a mother church, spoken of in our General 
 History. The church did not advance in any considera- 
 ble degree, under the care of Elder Ware, yet there 
 were some very respectable and valuable characters added. 
 After his death, which happened about the year 1804, 
 Mr. William Todd was called to the pastoral care. Few 
 churches are moi'e united to a pastor than this church is 
 to Mr. Todd. In the years 1805 and rSo6 they were 
 visited by sovereign mercy. Her cords were lengthened 
 and her stakes were strengthened. In 1807 the lower 
 arm of this church was constituted and called Pocorone. 
 
 * The meeting-liouse of Lower King and Queen churcli is situated about 
 ten miles from the county-seat of King and Queen, and near the Dragon, 
 ■which separates that county from Middlesex. Elder Todd' served the 
 church as pastor for oyer half a centviry , until his death, December 29, 1855. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 163 
 
 They have two meeting-houses, some distance from each 
 other, in both of which business is transacted. 
 
 POCORONE. 
 
 This church was taken from the last-named church, 
 and is orderly and happy, feeding upon the bread of life 
 sent them from God by Elder James Healy. 
 
 [This church, which now frequently appears in our 
 lists as "Poroporone " (the original Indian name of which 
 Pocorone is a corruption), is located in the lower section 
 of King and Queen county, not remote from the Gloucester 
 line. At their constitution they numbered twenty-three 
 white members (seven males and sixteen females), and 
 seventy-seven colored. Elder James Healy served them 
 as pastor until his death, October 4, 1820. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Elder John Spencer, whose labors with them 
 continued for thirty years. Among their subsequent 
 pastors have been Thomas B. Evans, W. E. Wiatt, R. A. 
 Folkes, J. H. Newbill and F. H. Hall. Edward S. Amory 
 was ordained from this church in 1833.] 
 
 Upper Essex. 
 This is a mother church. Lewis Craig and others, as 
 early as 1768 or 1769, preached in these parts. Their 
 labors were not in vain ; a few were baptized from 
 time to time, until in the year 1772 a church was organ- 
 ized and lay elders ordained. Not having any pastor, 
 Mr. Craig continued to visit them, and was much beloved. 
 
 In addition to Pocorone, above mentioned, two otlier cliurclies have sprung 
 from Lower King and Queen— Mattaponi, in 1828, and Olivet in 1842. Elder 
 Thomas B, Evans was licensed and ordained at the call of Lower King and 
 Queen church; Richard Hugh Bagby, William B. Todd, William Pollard 
 and John Pollard were ordained at the call of Mattaponi ; R. F. Stubbs was 
 ordained from Olivet, and Edward S. Amory from Pocorone. Lower King 
 and Queen church has had among their pastors Isaac Diggs, William A. 
 Street and Joseph R. Garlicli:. 
 
164 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 When he could not attend as often as they wished, they 
 invited Elder Joseph Bledsoe to take the care of them. 
 He, however, living in Spotsylvania could not, or did 
 not, perform the duties of pastor. This ended rather in 
 confusion. In August, 1773, Elder Noel was baptized, 
 and soon began to blow the Gospel trumpet. Being or- 
 dained, he discharged the duty of pastor without being 
 regularly inaugurated. Few men have been more suc- 
 cessful in the ministry than Mr. Noel. It is probable 
 that he has baptized as many persons as any other 
 preacher now living in Virginia. Among them have 
 been a number of preachers, some of whom rank high in 
 the ministry as men of talents and usefulness. He is 
 now, and has been for many years, pastor of the Upper 
 King and Queen church. 
 
 The first person that Mr. Noel baptized after he was 
 ordained was a young woman. Her brother promised 
 to dip any person who should dip her. In fulfillment 
 of his word, he made the attempt, but could not get 
 Mr. Noel under the water. Being pursued by some of 
 the wicked, who resented this treatment of the preacher, 
 he was obliged to make the best of his way off. He died 
 a few weeks after, having first sent for Mr. Noel to ask 
 pardon. Mr. Noel's talents as a preacher seemed to be 
 singularly calculated for a revival* ; hence, from this or 
 some other cause, since the revival has declined, his pop- 
 ularity as a preacher is considerably lessened ; his friends, 
 however, hope to see him blaze forth again in his last 
 days. Upper Essex church has been, in one sense, a 
 
 *Elder Noel's ministry was spent mainly in connection "with Salem, 
 Upper Essex and Upper King and Queen churches. He grew in pulpit 
 power and success to the end ol his life, his last year heing an eminently 
 fruitful one. He died August 27, 1813. His son, Silas M. Noel, hecame one 
 of the most Influential and valuable of the early Baptist ministers of Ken- 
 tucky, 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 165 
 
 little like the burning bush : they have had, from the 
 first, much of the fire of contention among themselves, 
 and yet they are a respectable church. They have no 
 pastor, but procure the stated services of neighboring 
 preachers. They have some very worthy private mem- 
 bers. 
 
 [The meeting-house of Upper Essex was situated, as 
 at present, in the vicinity of Lloyds, in Essex county. 
 The body was constituted October 25, 1772, having been 
 previously a branch of Craig's church, in Spotsylvania. 
 Elder Noel's pastorate closed with his death in 1813, 
 and William Hatchett succeeded to the care of the 
 church. T. M. Henley was the next pastor. He, hav- 
 ing adopted the views of Alexander Campbell, was dis- 
 missed, when Philip T. Montague was chosen to succeed 
 him. Among subsequent pastors have been John Bird, 
 H. W. Montague, W. G. Roane, A. Fleet, H. L. Quarles 
 and W. R. D. Moncure. From Upper Essex church have 
 sprung Upper King and Queen (1774) and Enon, in 
 Caroline county (1820).] 
 
 PiSCATAWAY. 
 
 This church is under the care of the Rev. James 
 Greenwood, as may be seen by the table. From its con- 
 stitution Mr. Greenwood has been the faithful minister 
 of this people. The church, under his care, has pros- 
 pered without intermission. In 1788 and 1804 there were 
 precious revivals, in each of which years a respectable 
 number was added to the church ; but it is worthy of 
 note that even in the coldest and dullest seasons this 
 church still gradually gained strength, enjoying uniform 
 serenity and peace. Elder Greenwood has been for some 
 time in a very low state of health ; but the friends of 
 
166 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 piety begin to hope that he will recover, and that God 
 will add a few more years to so useful a life ; for if it 
 were said that of all religious characters he is the most 
 spotless, all who know him, himself excepted, would 
 pronounce it a well-merited eulogy. He is now (1809) 
 about sixty years of age, and has been truly a laborer in 
 the Lord's vineyard nearly or quite forty years. From 
 Piscataway was constituted, in 1790, Bruington, under 
 the care of Robert B. Semple. 
 
 [This church was located in Essex county, seven or 
 eight miles southwest of Tappahannock. Their name 
 was some years since changed to Mount Zion. Elder 
 Greenwood, their first pastor, was succeeded in 181 1 by 
 Philip Montague, who made his residence within the 
 bounds of the church in January of the year following. 
 Here he continued to reside and labor until his death, in 
 1852, in the seventy-sixth year- of his age. His son, 
 Howard W. Montague, succeeded to the pastorate of 
 Mount Zion — a relation which was terminated only with 
 his death on June 9, 1876. The subsequent pastors of 
 this church have been W. G. Roane, J. R. Garlick, H. L. 
 Quarles and W. R. D. Moncure. The churches which 
 have sprung from Piscataway are Bruington (1790) and 
 Ephesus (1844).] 
 
 Glebe Landing. 
 
 This is a mother church, for the account of whose 
 origin see General History (page 20). William Mullen 
 was their pastor for many years, and a faithful one he 
 was. During his continuance among them order and 
 peace prevailed. They were revived by divine grace in 
 the year 17S8, when about one hundred were added. The 
 church was happy, and gradually increased until the year 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. IQf 
 
 1792, when God called hence their faithful and diligent 
 pastor. No church probably ever felt the loss of so 
 valuable a preacher less than they did that of Mr. Mul- 
 len, for they immediately procured the stated monthly 
 services of Elder Lewis, who has attended them ever 
 since. 
 
 As to discipline, they had several old and experienced 
 members who were fully competent to the task of setting 
 things in order. Of these Richard Street was first appointed 
 moderator. He dying in some short time, they appointed 
 John Sadler, who lived many years, and during his life 
 discharged the duties of his office with as inuch diligence, 
 judgment and success as any minister in Virginia could 
 have done. These may be called the precious sons of 
 Zion. They have entered into their rest, and their works 
 will follow them. 
 
 Mr. Mullen as a preacher could not be said to rank 
 high. His talents in the pulpit were not conspicuous, 
 yet he might be called a solid and sound experimental 
 preacher. He was a judicious disciplinarian, and in 
 preserving order he succeeded better than common. He 
 died in full hope and assurance of a resurrection to a 
 better life. 
 
 [This church, located in the upper part of Middlesex 
 county, still maintains a vigorous existence. Not long 
 after Elder I. Lewis's pastorate closed here Philip T. Mon- 
 tague became pastor and served until his death, July 11, 
 1846. R. A. Christian, T. B. Evans, W. A. Street and 
 A. F. Scott have during the past half century fulfilled the 
 pastoral office. P. T. Montague, Philip Montague, John 
 Mullen, John C. Montague, George W. Trice and Zachariah 
 Street were ministerial sons of this body ; and Hermitage 
 
168 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA SAPTlSfS. 
 
 church, constituted in 1789, was composed mainly of 
 members dismissed from Glebe Landing.] 
 
 Hermitage.* 
 
 This is a church of long standing, having been con- 
 stituted from Glebe Landing under the care of John Mul- 
 len. During his life they enjoyed peace and prosperity 
 in a moderate degree; but about the year 1793 or 1794 
 they lost their pastor. Soon after his death John Healy 
 was ordained to the pastoral care, having long exercised 
 a public gift among them. In 1802 he also died. Since 
 his death the church has had no pastor, but are favored 
 with the monthly services of Elder Lewis. They have 
 also two gifted members, viz., James Healy, ordained, 
 and Samuel Jesse, licensed. These are old Baptists, but 
 young preachers thrust into the vineyard at the eleventh 
 hour. Being faithful, they will, doubtless, receive their 
 penny. Mr. Healy attends Pocorone church in the 
 nature of a pastor, though not regularly installed. Mr. 
 John Mullen was among the first who professed vital 
 faith in those parts in which he resided. From the time 
 of his profession to the day of his death he had the repu- 
 tation of being a spotless Christian. He was indeed a 
 good man, though not an able preacher. His life was 
 good preaching to all who knew him. As he lived so he 
 died, beloved of God and approved of men. 
 
 *The meeting- liouse of Hermitage church was situated a mile distant 
 from the present one, on the road to Urbanna, and near the residences of 
 K. M. Trice and E. D. Dillard. Its sale was authorized hy the church In 
 May, 1846; since then the church have worshipped in the substantial build- 
 ing' which was known under the establishment as the " Upper Church." 
 Ivison Lewis, Richard Claybrook,E. A. Christian, John Pollard and John 
 W. Eyland have served as pastors. James Healy, Richard Claybrook, R. 
 A. Christian, Nathan Healy, George Healy, Thomas Muse, Edward S. 
 Seward and J. Horace Newbill have been ordained to the ministry from 
 Hermitage. Zoar church was formed from it in 1808, and Clark's Neck in 
 1842. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION. 169 
 
 ZOAR* 
 
 This church was stricken off from Hermitage, under 
 the charge of Elder David Corey, but in the midst of 
 their flattering prospects the Great Shepherd and Bishop 
 has in the mysteries of His providence thought proper 
 to snatch from them their beloved pastor ; he died Feb- 
 ruary, 1809, lamented, deeply lamented, by every good 
 man that knew him. Captain Corey was a native of 
 New England, but came to Virginia and professed reli- 
 gion at an early period of life. It was not, however, 
 until he had been baptized fifteen or sixteen years that 
 he began to pi'each. He laboi-ed only five or six years 
 in the ministry ; during that time he did much good round 
 about in his neighborhood. He had followed seafaring 
 for a livelihood for many years, but in consequence of 
 its interference with his ministry he had in a great meas- 
 ure laid it aside and commenced farming. 
 
 Pettsworth or Gloucester. 
 
 The Gospel first made its way into this neighborhood 
 through the ministry of Elder Lewis. Mr. Robert Hud- 
 gin, a native of Mathews, had moved into this part of 
 Gloucester, but in some of his visits to Mathews having 
 heard Mr. Lewis preach he invited him to come into his 
 neighborhood, which he did in the year 1775. His labors 
 were productive of great good. Several joined the so- 
 
 *This chureli is located In tlie lower section of Middlesex county, be- 
 tween the Rappahannock and Piankatank rivers, John Healy, Jr., suc- 
 ceeded Elder Corey as pastor, and served them about three years. The 
 church subsequently declined, and In 1818 had only one white male mem- 
 ber—Major Thomas Healy. George Northam became their pastor in 18S0, 
 and served them with marked success for seventeen years. The succeed- 
 ing pastors have been R. A. Christian, Holland Walker, W. W. Wood and R. 
 A. Folkes. Lewis H. Williams was ordained from this church. 
 
170 HISTOMY of VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ciety, and finally a church was constituted,* under the 
 care of Robert Hudgin, who began to preach soon after 
 he was baptized. This church continued to prosper 
 moderately until Mr. Hudgin's death. They were then 
 left without any person to go in and out before them. 
 They at length did what it would hardly have been sup- 
 posed would have been done by Virginians ; they chose 
 for their pastor William Lemon, a man of color. He, 
 though not white as to his natural complexion, had been 
 washed in the laver of regeneration ; he had been puri- 
 fied and made white in a better sense. As a preacher, 
 though weak, he was lively and affecting. He also died 
 after several years. Since then they have been destitute 
 of stated ministerial aid. Mr. William Leigh exercises a 
 public gift, and, it is said, is useful. The Methodists are 
 numerous in these parts. 
 
 Abingdon, f 
 
 This church in the lower end of Gloucester was taken 
 off from Petts worth. The members' chiefly live in that 
 part which has sometimes been called Guinea. When 
 Mr. Lewis first preached in this neighborhood he met 
 with violent opposition from individuals ; but treating 
 them with levity and meekness he soon made many of 
 them as friendly as they had been hostile. This church 
 
 * This church was sometimes called " Ware's." William Leigh acted as 
 their pastor lor twenty-flve years. Philip Taliaferro subsequently served 
 them, assisted .by Elder E. S. Amory, and John P. Turner, a licentiate. In 
 1850 the church was in a declining condition, and soon afterwards was dis- 
 solved. Abingdon church (now Union) was formed from Pettsworth in 
 1801, and Ebenezer in 1826. 
 
 + This church is located in the section of Gloucester county known as 
 Guinea. It appears in the list of the Rappahannock Association as Union 
 church, and is a flourishing body. Since Elder Stacy, Henry Mourning, 
 William Daniel, L. W. Allen, William A. Wright, W. S. Hawkins, J. W. Tay- 
 lor and K. A. Folkes have served in the pastorate of this church. John 
 Goodall was baptized and ordained in connection with this body. 
 
DOVER ASSOCIATION, 171 
 
 is under the care of Robert Stacy, a sound, good preacher. 
 They appear to be happy under his ministry. 
 
 Mathews. 
 
 As early as the year 1771 one Johnston, a Baptist, 
 preached within the bounds of this church. His preach- 
 ing left no durable impression. In 1772 or 1773 Rev. 
 Ivison Lewis, who was not yet baptized, went down on 
 a visit to his relations, who lived in this county, and 
 having lately obtained a hope of salvation, he was zeal- 
 ous to inculcate the necessity of vital religion wherever 
 he went. His conversation made such impressions upon 
 the minds of those with whom he conversed that it was 
 rumored about in the neighborhood that a new preacher 
 had come among them. This drew out a large company 
 of people to the house where Mr. Lewis stayed to hear 
 him preach,' without any previous appointment. Mr. 
 Lewis, having never attempted to preach in regular form, 
 felt much alarmed ; but, relying upon supernatural aid, 
 he went on to address the people. God unstopped their 
 ears and opened their hearts. They received his doctrine 
 as from God. Mr. Lewis, not long after, became a Bap- 
 tist and a preacher, and continued to visit Mathews with 
 much success. A number of respectable characters pro- 
 fessed faith and were baptized. Mr. Lewis, though he 
 lived about forty miles off, visited this place once a 
 month for several years. In the year i782;the church in- 
 duced David Tinsley to settle among them. His labors 
 were not as beneficial as was hoped. In the course of 
 two or three years, viz., 1785, he moved off to Georgia, 
 where, turning an Arminian, he joined the General Bap- 
 tists, headed by Jeremiah Walker. Tinsley was a good 
 preacher, and had been, in the early part of his ministry, 
 considerably successful as an itinerant. 
 
172 niST&RY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 After Mr. Tinsley's removal Mathews church* had no 
 preacher until John Gayle, a gifted member, was or- 
 dained. Under his ministry and the ministry of visiting 
 preachers they had a great revival in the year 1787 ' seve- 
 ral hundreds were baptized. By many judicious profes- 
 sors this revival was thought not to have been prudently 
 conducted, as it respected some of the leading visiting 
 ministers. Persons were baptized upon too slight rea- 
 sons, as many thought. This circumstance, added to the 
 slackness of their discipline, produced a good deal of un- 
 happiness after the revival subsided. Nor, indeed, have 
 they since ever completely regained that regularity and 
 order so necessary to the full enjoyment of religious so- 
 ciety. In many respects, however, this is a commendable 
 church, having some who have not defiled their garments. 
 They long tried to secure a preacher of talents to reside 
 among them, but did not succeed entirely. For a few 
 years Mr. Jacob Creath, a preacher of popular talents, 
 dwelt among them. He, however, married in Lancaster, 
 and removed thither, and then went to Kentucky, where 
 he still lives. A few years past they made choice of Mr. 
 William Fitchell, a gifted man and one of their own 
 members, as a pastor. No persecution further than re- 
 proaches and slander has ever disgraced the people in 
 this neighborhood. 
 
 *Matliew3 ehureh waa originally, and until 1S04, called Kingston, and 
 located in Gloucester prior to the formation of Mathews county. After 
 the creation of the latter county the court-house was erected in its imme- 
 diate vicinity. Elder Fitohell's pastorate continued until about the year 
 1820. In 1821 Peter Ainslie became pastor. John Daingerfield next served 
 as pastor, from 1825 to 1835. His adoption of the views of Alexander Camp- 
 bell led to Serious divisions in the church during the latter years of his 
 pastorate. L. W. Allen became pastor in 1837, and continued till 1845. 
 William S. Hawkins was the next pastor. Lewis H. Williams and Dr. 
 Richard M. Glascock (who removed to Texas) were ordained from this 
 body. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 historical sketches of the churches in the third 
 union meeting district. 
 
 Hanover.* 
 
 This church was taken off from Tuckahoe and Nomini. 
 Jesse Davis, some years after their constitution, was 
 inducted into the church as pastor. Before Mr. Davis 
 became pastor a Mr. Sthretchley used to preach and read 
 sermons for them ; but this not being satisfactory to the 
 church, Mr. Sthretchley took umbrage and joined the 
 Methodists, and afterwards positively professed himself 
 a deist. 
 
 Under Mr. Davis's ministry Hanover has been a respect- 
 able and orderly church. Mr. Toler once attended them 
 
 statedly. 
 
 Nomini. f 
 
 Mr. Lunsford was the first who preached in these parts. 
 He had baptized a few scattered members previous to the 
 
 *Hanover oliuroh, belonging to the Rappahannock Association, is located 
 in the vicinity of Edge Hill, King George county, and is still a prosperous 
 body. Elder Davis served the church until 1820. Elder Philip Montague 
 became their pastor in 1821, and, though living forty miles distant, con- 
 tinued to visit them in this capacity for nearly thirty years. Elder J. A. 
 Billlngsley has for the past forty years or more been their pastor. Hanover 
 church had no Associational connection for many years, but has been a 
 regular and liberal contributor to the cause of missions. Round Hill 
 church was constituted largely from this body in 1820, and Shiloh in 1866. 
 Elder Billlngsley died April 13, 1893, and W. H. Savage has been called to 
 succeed him. 
 
 + Nomini church was constituted April 23, 1786, with John Leland, James 
 Greenwood, Henry Toler and Lewis Lunsford as the council. The meeting- 
 house was erected on the road leading from Farmer's Fork to Templeman's 
 Cross Roads, In Westmoreland county, on the hill above Pantico creek. In 
 
 [ 173 ] 
 
t 
 174 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 year 1783. In this year Elder Toler, who is now the 
 pastor of this church, was invited by an old lady, who 
 had been baptized by Mr. Lunsford, to preach in the 
 neighborhood of the present meeting-house ; he went, 
 and but few people attended ; these were distant and re- 
 served ; none but a very poor man invited him to his 
 house. Yet how unsearchable are the ways of God ! This 
 meeting was the beginning of great events, as it respects 
 this neighborhood. Mrs. Pearce, wife of Captain Joseph 
 Pearce, attended, having been in a low state of health for 
 some time ; the Word reached her. When Mr. Toler 
 attended again, Mrs. Pearce sent for him to Mr. Temple- 
 man's, her son-in-law, and had the preaching at his house, 
 he being from home on a journey. His preaching made 
 deep impressions upon her mind. When Mr. Temple- 
 man returned, he was sorely displeased at the liberty 
 which had been taken with his house, and talked of leav- 
 ing it, as being contaminated. Before Mr. Toler came 
 again, Mrs. Pearce died a great penitent, enjoining it on 
 her husband to open his house for preaching. To this 
 Captain Pearce consented, and had Mr. Toler's next 
 meeting appointed at his house. Light dawned. The 
 prejudices of the people wore off. Several persons of 
 different classes were converted and baptized. Among 
 them was Mr. Templeman, mentioned above, and his 
 wife, Captain Pearce and some of his children, and in 
 a few years all of them, and some other people. This, 
 
 1858 the present brick meeting-house was erected two miles distant from 
 the former site. Alter Elder Toler, Samuel Templeman was pastor here, 
 and since his term Thomas M. Washington, Nathan Healy, R. H. Sedgwick, 
 George Northam, George F. Bagby, George H. Northam, r. B. Beale, J. D. 
 Berry and S. P. Hull have served. Hanover, Pope's Creek, Round Hill, 
 Menokin, Machodoc and Currioman churches were all largely formed from 
 Nomini. Samuel Templeman, John Neale, William Hazard, T. M.Washing- 
 ton, John PuUen, A. D. Reynolds and M. P. Sanford have been ordained 
 from this church. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCnES. 175 
 
 says Mr. Toler,* was a gracious, glorious, pleasant time- 
 Those who had been baptized by Mr. Toler, together 
 with a few others who had been baptized previous to his 
 coming, were formed into a church April 29, 1786, having 
 in all seventeen members. Elder Toler was chosen to 
 attend them as pastor, and in a year or two moved here 
 to live. 
 
 On the same day after the constitution of the church 
 five others were baptized, and at the end of this year the 
 number was seventy- three. In 1787 it increased to 119; 
 in 1788 to 222 ; in 1789 to 300 ; in 1790 to 331 ; in 1791 
 to 348; in 1792 to 354; in 1793 to 357; in 1794 to 367, 
 and in 1795 to 408. From, this date for ten years there 
 were but few additions. Order and discipline were pre- 
 served, but professors seemed to lack life and spirit in 
 religion. By deaths and removals the church was much 
 reduced in number. The preachers continued their 
 meetings, and afterwards found that even in this lifeless 
 season their labors were not lost. This was a trying 
 time to the feelings of these public servants, especially to 
 Mr. Toler, their pastor. So much was he worn down by 
 discouragements that he had strong thoughts of moving 
 off. When every hope of another revival was almost 
 given up, quite unexpectedly, in the early part of the sum- 
 mer of 1806, the work of God again appeared. In a short 
 time it spread to an extent beyond the former revival. 
 In three months ninety were baptized. At various times 
 thirty, forty, fifty and sixty were baptized at one time, 
 so that from first to last in this revival there have been 
 added between five and six hundred, mounting the church 
 from its low standing up to eight hundred and seventy- 
 
 *This account of Nonxini is taken, almost verbatim, tTOJix a manuscript 
 furnished by Mr. To\ei.— Author's note. 
 
176 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 five — the most numerous church in Virginia. This was 
 a pure revival. Very little extravagance of any kind was 
 ever seen. The convictions appeared to be deep and 
 powerful, and the conversions clear and rational. It was 
 a harvest indescribably glorious. 
 
 Mr. Toler, the pastor of the church, became a Baptist 
 at a very early period of life. He soon commenced pub- 
 lic speaking ; appearing to be promising, was assisted 
 by a friend to acquire a more extensive education, having 
 had rather limited opportunities previously ; accordingly 
 he read under the tutorage of Dr. Samuel Jones in Penn- 
 sylvania.* His progress was considerable. After Mr. 
 Toler left school he became, a correct and handsome 
 speaker. As a speaker he was sound and experimental, af- 
 fectionate in his address, and when animated himself, very 
 animating to his hearers. Few preachers having fami- 
 lies have been more indefatigable in propagating the 
 Gospel than Mr. Toler. He has been in the service now 
 between thirty and forty years. 
 
 Mr. Templeman,j- mentioned above, began to preach 
 soon after he was baptized, and was ordained anno 1792. 
 Having been long accustomed to public life as an active 
 magistrate, as a merchant, and as one who is often called 
 on to transact the affairs of others, Mr. Templeman has 
 divided his attention between these employments and 
 
 * Dr. Jones was pastor of the Lower Dublin Baptist cliurch. He also con- 
 ducted an academy there £or eighteen years, at whieli many young men 
 were aided in preparation for the ministry. 
 
 f Samuel Templeman was a native of Westmoreland county. In early 
 life he spent some years with an uncle in North Carolina, where he did 
 service as a minute-man in the Revolutionary army. After becoming a 
 minister of the Gospel he was pastor for a short period of Farnham church, 
 as well as of Nomini. For the greater part of his ministerial life he held 
 no pastorate, but preached as opportunities offered. He engaged in the 
 mercantile business for many years at Templeman 's Cross Roads, which 
 bears his name, and his secular affairs became extensive and varied. He 
 died about the year 1847 at the advanced age of 83. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 177 
 
 his ministry. It is hardly probable that many, if any, can 
 be found in Virginia who have succeeded so completely 
 in giving satisfaction in so many various occupations. 
 There are but few that ever heard him who do not think 
 him a good preacher; and it happens, unfortunately in 
 some respects, that himself is one of those few, for it is 
 exceedingly difficult to get him to preach where there 
 are any others. As a man of business, both as it re- 
 spects integrity and cleverness, he is universally esteemed 
 by all who know him. In 1807 he was chosen modera- 
 tor to the Association, and acquitted himself with gen- 
 eral approbation. His absence prevented his continuance 
 in that office. Besides these there are other preachers 
 and public speakers in this church. Of these Mr. Hazard 
 has been ordained. 
 
 Besides those remaining in this extensive church they 
 have lost some distinguished members. Captain Pearce, 
 mentioned above, from the time of his profession until 
 his death, was a pious and steady member, as well as an 
 excellent deacon.* His house was a house of preaching 
 as well as prayer. 
 
 Mrs. Steptoe,| a lady of the first rank, both as to 
 family and fortune, was long a member of this society. 
 She was an ornament to religion. She took her seat in 
 the church about 1786. In her will she left an annuity 
 of £10 to Mr. Toler so long as he should remain pastor 
 of Nomini church. 
 
 ♦Captain Pierce lived In tlie Tloinity of Nomlnl meeting-house, which 
 waB erected on his land. He was the most active and influential of the 
 early Baptists of Westmoreland county. He died In 1798, and In his will 
 bequeathing a considerable amount of pro.perty to his son and four daugh- 
 ters, he provides for the gradual liberation of his numerous slaves. 
 
 +Mrs. Elizabeth Steptoe was the relict of George Steptoe, Esq. She re- 
 sided near Westmoreland Courthouse, and was by marriage closely con- 
 nected with the families of Washington and Lee of that vicinity. 
 
 12 
 
178 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Robert Carter,* Esq., once a member of the Virginia 
 Executive Council, and on that account commonly called 
 "Counsellor" Carter, was baptized by Mr. Lunsford 
 shortly after he began to preach in these parts. He was 
 one of the richest men in the State of Virginia, having, 
 as some say, 600 or 800 negroes, besides immense bodies 
 of land, &c. After being baptized some years he be- 
 came conscientious about the lawfulness of hereditary 
 slavery. In a letter to Mr. Rippon, of London, he says : 
 " The toleration of slavery indicates great depravity of 
 mind." In conformity to this sentiment he gradually 
 emancipated all that he possessed. 
 
 This was a noble and disinterested sacrifice. For four- 
 teen or fifteen years he continued an orderly Baptist ; 
 but being a man naturally of an unstable disposition, 
 and falling in with certain Arminian writings, he fully 
 embraced their doctrines. Had he stopped here he might 
 still have continued in the Baptist society, though not so 
 happily as before. But, alas, there are so many wrong 
 roads in religious pursuits, that when a man once gets 
 wrong, it is impossible to foresee where he will stop. 
 From Arminian errors Mr. Carter fell into the chimeri- 
 cal whims of Swedenborg. When he first heard of the 
 books of Swedenborg he made very light of them ; but 
 upon reading them, having a mind naturally fond of 
 specious novelty, he fully embraced the whole of that 
 
 *ilobert Carter was grandson to " King " Carter, of Currotoman. His 
 residence, " Nomlnl Hall," was during his eonnection with Nomini church 
 often visited by Baptist ministers. Jeremiah Walker, John Taylor, Lewis 
 Lunsford, Theoderick Noel and others preached there from time to time to 
 congregations ranging from 200 to 500. Sishop Asherry records in his 
 journal for "Sunday, December 19, 1790, visited Counsellor Carter, and 
 spent the evening in much peace and love. He has the manners of a 
 gentleman, the attainments of a scholar, and the experience of a Chris- 
 tian. He Is a very social gentleman— a Baptist." He died In Baltimore in 
 1804. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 179 
 
 absurd system, and was of course excluded from the 
 Baptists. He was now as zealous for the New Jerusa- 
 lem church as he had been formerly for the Baptists. He 
 moved to Baltimore in order to find a preacher and a so- 
 ciety of his own sentiments, and expended large sums of 
 money to have Swedenborg's writings republished. He 
 continued orderly in his moral conduct, and died a few 
 years since, after having lived to a considerable age. 
 Mr. Toler's amiable character may be gathered from his 
 labors described above. 
 
 Farnham.* 
 
 This church was raised under the united labors of 
 James Greenwood and William Mullen. About 1776 Mr. 
 Greenwood was invited by a Mrs. Bucket, who lived in 
 Richmond county, on the Rappahannock, to preach at her 
 house. Before he went he was apprehensive of consid- 
 erable opposition, but was agreeably disappointed. The 
 people were attentive. Being encouraged, he and Mr. 
 William Mullen continued to visit them, preaching at 
 private houses, until a stage and seats were fixed. They 
 were sometimes threatened to be treated roughly, but 
 these threats never were executed. Their labors proved 
 effectual, and several were baptized and a church consti- 
 tuted. Mr. Mullen continued to visit them statedly for 
 
 * Farnham church is located near the village of the same name, the site 
 of the meeting-house being not far from the Rappahannock river. Among 
 those who ministered to this church after Elder Philips's death, in 1806, 
 were Samuel Templeman and George Patterson. Eli S. Patterson became 
 pastor in 1825, and Thomas C. Braxton three years later. In 1834 Elder 
 William H. Kirk accepted the care of the church and served for fourteen 
 years. In 1848 Elder EllshaL. Williams became pastor. He was succeeded 
 by Robert Williamson, and he In turn by A. B. Dunaway. P. W. Claybroolj, 
 H. H. Fones and J. M. Dunaway have been pastors here in recent years. 
 Jerusalem and Totuskey churches are in the bounds formerly occupied by 
 Farnham alone. 
 
180 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 twelve or thirteen years and the church prospered. Af- 
 ter him they chose Mr. Philips for their pastor, who had 
 been raised among them. Mr. P. not being a man of 
 popular talents, the church rather declined until a little 
 time before his death, which happened in the spring of 
 1806. Truly could it be said of Mr. P. that his last days 
 were his best days. For two or three years times werS 
 much better and the church looked up. He baptized a 
 considerable number within about two years before he 
 died. He is one of the very few concerning whom there 
 is any good ground to suppose that his death was brought 
 on by the ordinance of baptism. Having several per- 
 sons to baptize on a cold, damp day, and having also to 
 preach out of doors on a stage, where he was much ex- 
 posed to the wind, he observed to some friends that he 
 had rather wear out than rust out, and went on with his 
 service. In a few days he was taken with a pleurisy. 
 In his illness he appeared to have and to enjoy the divine 
 presence in a glorious manner so long as he was in his 
 senses ; and even in his delirium his conversation, though 
 incoherent, was almost wholly upon religion. Just be- 
 fore he died he said with a strong voice, " Come, let us 
 go," arid immediately fell asleep. If any shall say. Here 
 is an instance of baptism killing a person, we reply. So 
 it may be ; yet it proves that God blesses the ordinance 
 either by preventing any evil even where it might rea- 
 sonably be looked for, or that, permitting the evil. He 
 makes it terminate in the greatest good. Since Mr. P.'s 
 death they have had no pastor, but have had preaching 
 from neighboring ministei-s and from some licensed 
 preachers in their own church. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 181 
 
 Wicomico.* 
 
 This church was taken off in the year 1804 from Mo- 
 rattico and constituted under the care of Elder Samuel 
 Straughan. Few churches enjoy more harmony and 
 brotherly love than this. They seek not their own things, 
 but the things of Jesus Christ. As it is a new church 
 there has nothing extraordinary occurred worthy of 
 notice, except that soon after their constitution they had 
 a comfortable revival, which swelled their number from 
 twenty to two hundred and forty. 
 
 Mr. Straughan was baptized about the year 1803, and 
 after some time began to preach. His gifts are of the 
 most useful sort. He is "an eloquent man and mighty 
 in the Scriptures." As he is still young we will only 
 add our devout wishes that he may go on in the way 
 he has begun, and that he may abound more and more. 
 
 MORATTICCJ 
 
 This has been a church of as high standing as any 
 in the Dover Association. Mr. Lunsford was the most 
 
 * Wicomico cliureli was organized November 17, 1804, at tlie private house 
 of John Atlvins, in Northumberland county. Samuel L. Straughan was 
 chosen pastor in March, 1806, and served until his death, June 8,1821. Elder 
 J. B. Jeter became pastor in 1828, and served till 1885. Elder Addison Hall 
 succeeded Dr. Jeter in 1836, and served till , 1815, assisted for a number of 
 years by the joint labors of Dr. W. H. Kirk. Dr. Kirk became pastor in 1845, 
 and continued until his death, March 15, 1884. The subsequent pastors 
 have been C. N. Betts and A. Judson Reamy. At the dedication of the sub- 
 stantial and spacious meeting-house of this church, on October 3, 1847, the 
 name was changed to Coan. Gibeon, Fairflelds and Providence churches 
 are oil-shoota of tiiis mother church. 
 
 +The meeting-house of Morattico church was situated in the village of 
 Kilmarnock. The church has for many years past been wont to hold ser- 
 vices at two points, Kilmarnock and White Stone meeting-houses, the 
 former above and the latter below the village. Elder S, L. Straughan 
 served as pastor here from 1808 till 1821. In 1827 J. B. Jeter assumed care of 
 
182 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 successful Baptist preacher in these parts. Soon after 
 he first visited them his labors were blesssd, and the church 
 was constituted, including all the members within the 
 four or five lowest counties in the Northern Neck. It 
 appears from their church book that in no great while 
 after they were organized as a church they were respect- 
 able both for number and for men of weight. Mr. Luns- 
 ford was their pastor from the time of their constitution 
 until his death. Never was a minister more beloved by 
 a people, and never, probably, was there one that deserved 
 it more. He has now been dead more than fifteen years, 
 and yet he is seldom mentioned by any of the members 
 of the church without some lamentation. [See more of 
 him in his biography.] ^J_- 
 
 When Mr. Lunsford died they were left destitute. Mr. 
 Toler attended them statedly for some time, but being 
 nearly forty miles from them he could not perform those 
 duties, which were requisite. In the year 1799 Mr. Ja- 
 cob Creath married and settled within the bounds of the 
 church. Mr. Creath being a man of talents, the church 
 soon called upon him to take the pastoral care, which he 
 accepted. Under his ministry they seemed rather to 
 rise ; but in a few years Mr. Creath became dissatisfied 
 with his circumstances, and in order to better them 
 
 tlie churcli and remained till December, 1835. Addisou Hall became pastor 
 in 1835 and continued till December, 1870. Since then Wayland F. Dunaway, 
 Andrew Broaddus, Jr., and F. W. Claybrook have held the pastorate of the 
 church. Morattico church, the oldest ol the Northern Neck, once contained 
 all the Baptists in the four adjacent counties. Lebanon church was formed 
 of members dismissed from Morattico in 1841. Elders William M. Gasklns, 
 Z. .Teter George, Oscar F. FUppo, Wayland F. Dunaway and F. H. Hall were 
 reared up in this church. Mrs. Henrietta Shuck, wife of Rev. J. L. Shuck, 
 and Mrs. Isabella Tobey, wile of Rev. Thomas W. Tobey,both daughters of 
 Rev. Addison Hall, went from Morattico church to China as missionaries. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 183 
 
 moved to Kentucky, anno 1803.* The church was again 
 left destitute. Mr. Toler and others visited them occa- 
 sionally,until about 1808, when they procured the stated 
 services of Elder Samuel Straiighan, a preacher who has 
 the care of Wicomico church, and who had been baptized 
 by Mr. Creath just before he moved. The church, from 
 the- time of Mr. Lunsford's death, had by deaths, remo- 
 vals, &c., gradually declined ; but few were baptized. 
 But within three or four years past all the churches in 
 the Northern Neck belonging to the Dover Association 
 have somewhat revived. Moi-attico, among the rest, has 
 gained some ground, though by no means equal to some 
 others. The remains of a respectable congregation of 
 Presbyterians are still in this neighborhood. This congre- 
 gation had once the celebrated Mr. Waddell for their min- 
 ister. Since his removal they have declined, and but few 
 remain. Their meeting-house is occupied by the Bap-, 
 sists chiefly. 
 
 * Elder Creath settled near Lexington, in Kentucky, and became pastor of 
 Town Pork church on the death of the venerable John Gano, Augusts, 1804. 
 Vigorous in health, handsome in appearance, neat and stylish in dress, of 
 superior intelligence, and easy and engaging manners, he had scarcely 
 an equal as a pulpit orator at that time in Kentucky. He soon, however, 
 became involved in a difficulty over a business transaction, which led to a 
 division in his church and also in the Elkhorn Association. He served in 
 the pastorates ol Stamping Ground, Clear Creek and South Elkhorn 
 churches, the latter of which he led oft into " Campbellism." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 HISTOKY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ORANGE AND GO- 
 SHEN ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 The proceedings of the two districts north of James 
 river, from the division of the General Association in 
 1783, to the sub-division in 1788, have already been 
 given. 
 
 After the separation from the Dover the Orange Asso- 
 ciation met for the first time at Crooked Run meeting- 
 house, in Culpeper county, May 8, 17B9. Letters from 
 twenty-two churches were received, affording the most 
 pleasing intelligence of the spread of the Gospel and of 
 the increase of the churches. 
 
 October 9, 1789. — They met at Pamunkey meeting- 
 house, in Orange county. 
 
 yune ^, 1790. — Mr. Leland, as moderator, called an 
 extraordinary session of the Association at Thompson's 
 meeting-house, Louisa county. 
 
 October 8, 1790. — They met at Carter's Run meeting- 
 house, in Fauquier county. 
 
 October 13, 1791. — They met at Rapidan meeting- 
 house, Culpeper county (now Madison).* 
 
 There was no business transacted at any of these ses- 
 sions which will not be noticed in some more conve- 
 nient place, except the division of Orange District into 
 
 ♦Messrs. Waller and Leland acted alternately as clerk and moderator 
 until Mr. Leland removed to New England In 1790, when Mr. Jolin Poln- 
 dexter was appointed clerk, and continued until the division of the Asso- 
 ciation.— jluiftoi-'s note. 
 
 [ 184 1 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 185 
 
 three others, by which the name Orange was dropped. 
 The entry for the division is in the following words : 
 
 " We have agreed to divide our Association into three 
 District Associations, as follows : Beginning at Fred- 
 ericksburg ; thence up the Rappahannock river to Bar- 
 ret's Ford ; thence along the Carolina road to the Three- 
 Notched road ; thence down the same to the Burnt Or- 
 dinary ; thence down the Byrd creek to James river, to 
 compose one Association to be known by the name of 
 ' Goshen Association.' 
 
 " Secondly. Beginning at Barret's Ford ; thence up 
 the Rapidan to the head of the same, leaving Blue Run 
 church to her choice which of the two upper Associa- 
 tions she chooses to join. All the churches of the south 
 side of the said boundaries to compose a second Associa- 
 ■ tion, which is to be known by the name of the ' Albe- 
 marle Association.' 
 
 "Thirdly. All churches on the north side of said boun- 
 daries to compose a third Association, to be known by 
 the name of the ' Cvilpeper Association.' " 
 
 Of these three districts we must treat separately, be- 
 ginning with the Goshen. 
 
 [The Goshen Association have maintained their exist- 
 ence intact until the present time, and occupy their origi- 
 nal territory, with slight, if any, change. Their growth 
 has been hi'ghly gratifying. In 1809 they numbered nine- 
 teen churches and about 1,500 white members. In 1892 
 they reported fifty-one churches and 6,000 white mem- 
 bers.] 
 
 This Association contains all the churches in the coun- 
 ties of Spotsylvania and Louisa, together with a part of 
 those in Caroline, Hanover, Goochland and Orange. 
 
186 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 a 
 
 o 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 187 
 
 They held their first meeting at Roundabout meet- 
 ing-house, Louisa county, Friday, 17th October, 1792. 
 Letters were received from fifteen churches, eleven of 
 which sent an account of their members in full fellow- 
 ship, amounting to 1,434, ^'^ w^hich also it was stated 
 that there had been 170 baptized in the course of the pre- 
 ceding year. In no church is any revival mentioned, 
 except at the Roundabout, where Elder John Poindex- 
 ter had the pastoral care. In that church there had been 
 109 baptized in the course of one year. 
 
 No business of a general nature was transacted ; and, 
 indeed, very little of any sort. The next Association 
 was appointed at Burrus's meeting-house, in Caroline 
 county. 
 
 October 18, 1793. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. Letters were received from sixteen churches. 
 Two only speak of a revival, viz., Salem and Round- 
 about ; the rest complain of great coldness and languor. 
 The Rev. John Waller, the oldest minister in the Asso- 
 ciation, and among the oldest in Virginia, applied to the 
 Association for, and received a letter of recommendation, 
 having resolved to move to South Carolina. 
 
 It was agreed to print the present minutes. The next 
 Association was appointed at Thompson's meeting- 
 house, Louisa county. 
 
 October 17, 1794.. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. They were visited by John Waller, a father in 
 this Association. Letters from seventeen churches were 
 read. Several churches speak of hopeful appearances ; 
 but none of revivals. Since the last Association it ap- 
 pears that in all the churches there were 126 baptized. 
 No business of a general nature was transacted. The 
 next Association was appointed at Bledsoe's meeting- 
 
188 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 house, Orange county, beginning on the third Saturday 
 in October.* 
 
 Saturday, October 17, 1795.— They met according to 
 appointment.! Letters from seventeen churches were 
 read. A complaint of coldness is universal in all 
 the churches. The Association recommended a day of 
 fasting and prayer to be observed throughout the 
 churches to avert the dangers apprehended from the 
 treaty of amity and commerce between Great Britain 
 and America. This measure, doubtless, arose from the 
 violent party heat which at that time agitated the minds 
 of Americans generally, and which it seems frequently 
 made its way into the pulpit and religious assemblies. 
 If the Association stepped out of her province by an inter- 
 ference in political measures, she seems to have done it 
 in a safe way. Fasting and prayer will seldom do us 
 much injury, although we may be put to it from strange 
 causes. 
 
 The following query was introduced : " Has a minister 
 a right to baptize persons and join them to a church at a 
 remote distance ?" which was answered in the negative. 
 From this query and solution it seems great disturbance 
 arose. George Morris, an ordained minister, had been 
 in the habit of violating this rule. When the subject 
 was debated in the Association Mr. Morris became so 
 exasperated that he abruptly left his seat and went home. 
 Continuing still to profess the same principles, and pub- 
 licly to censure the Association for their decision, and 
 thereby to create no little confusion, the moderator, by 
 
 * Upon trial it was found more convenient for the Association to com- 
 mence their session on Saturdays and adjourn on Mondays. — Author^s note. 
 
 + This meeting was held at the North Pamunkey meeting-house, called 
 Bledsoe's after A. Bledsoe, who preached there statedly at the time. 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 189 
 
 the advice of friends, thought proper to call a confer- 
 ence, i. e., a kind of occasional Association. The* con- 
 ference accordingly met at Waller's meeting-house on 
 the first Saturday in January, 1796. Thirteen churches 
 were represented, and Morris was present. The modera- 
 tor, by the instruction of the conference, asked Morris 
 such questions as tended to effect a reconciliation if it 
 was possible ; but Morris continued refractory. Where- 
 upon he was censured by the conference, and cited to 
 appear at the next Association to answer for his con- 
 duct. At the next Association no reconciliation could 
 be effected, and a committee was appointed to deal with 
 Morris before his churches. The committee reported 
 that they had settled the existing differences to the mu- 
 tual satisfaction of all parties. This, however, was but 
 the beginning of trouble arising from Morris. The next 
 Association was appointed at Waller's meeting-house, 
 Spotsylvania county. 
 
 October 15, 1796. — They met according to adjourn- 
 ment. Only twelve churches were represented. Three, 
 under the care of George Morris, adhered to him in his 
 contest with the Association, and at this session wrote 
 to the Association remonstrating in favor of Morris. A 
 committee was appointed by the Association to visit 
 and admonish these churches. Their return is in these, 
 words : 
 
 " The committee are happy to inform the churches that 
 they have settled the existing differences to the satisfac- 
 tion of Elder Morris and his churches." 
 
 For the credit of religion it is devoutly to be wished 
 that this reconciliation had been permanent ; but the se- 
 quel will show that Morris was not for peace. 
 
190 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 It had been the rule hitherto for the Association to 
 appoint quarterly meetings, from };ear to year, in the 
 different parts of the district. At this session a yeai-ly 
 meeting to last two days was agreed on in lieu of quar- 
 terly meetings ; the ministers to attend them were 
 nominated by the Association, and responsible for fail- 
 ure. It is pleasing to find from the record of this Asso- 
 ciation that in the midst of distress the Lord remembered 
 mercy to some of the churches. Two churches speak of 
 a comfortable revival. The next Association was ap- 
 pointed at Burrus's meeting-house, Caroline county. 
 
 October 21, 1797. — They met according to appoint- 
 ment. Letters were received from seventeen churches ; 
 most of whom complain of coldness. Some precious 
 exceptions, however, are made. The churches at Wal- 
 ler's, Burrus's and Williams's meeting-houses speak the 
 language of praise. At this Association was Elder 
 John Leland from New England ; his preaching was not 
 in words only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost. No 
 business worthy of historical attention was transacted. 
 It was an agreeable time. The next Associatidn was 
 appointed at Foster's Creek meeting-house, Louisa 
 county. 
 
 October 20, 1798. — They met according^ to appoint- 
 ment. Letters from sixteen churches were received. 
 With scarcely an exception, they all expressed sad com- 
 plaints of a declension in religion. No important mat- 
 ter was taken up except the revisal of the confession of 
 faith. The next Association was appointed at Wilder- 
 ness meeting-house, Spotsylvania county. 
 
 October 19, 1799. — Letters from eighteen churches 
 were received. It appears to have been a comfortable 
 season. The following is an extract from the general ob- 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 191 
 
 servations made in the record book: — "Nothing of the 
 pleasing kind appears on the face of the letters except a 
 spirit of general love and union." It was at this session 
 that Elder H. French, and his church at Licking Hole, 
 were received as a part of^this Association. No business 
 of a general nature, not mentioned elsewhere, occupied 
 their attention at this session. The next Association 
 was appointed at County Line meeting-house, Caroline 
 county, to commence on the third Friday in October. 
 
 October 16, 1801. — Letters from twenty-one churches 
 were received, all of whom either say that they are in a 
 state of languor, or that the revival is in a state of de- 
 clension. Winter and summer do not more regularly 
 succeed each other in the natural world than revivals 
 and declensions in the religious. A good God makes 
 them both subserve His purpose. The next Association 
 was appointed at Roundabout meeting-house, to com- 
 mence the second Saturday in October. 
 
 During this year a mournful scene took place. George 
 Morris (of whose turbulent deportment towards the As- 
 sociation mention has already been made), a preacher of 
 some talents, who had the pastoral and partial care of 
 three churches, was by common report charged with 
 crimes of the deepest dye. Such was his influence with 
 the church of which he was a member that, notwith- 
 standing the reports were well authenticated, they paid 
 no attention to them until urged to it by a committee 
 appointed by the Association. Morris contrived to keep 
 back many of the charges, and finally to obtain from the 
 church a favorable decision as to such as were exhibited. 
 The moderator of the Association, who was one of the 
 committee, finding the matter thus smothered to the dis- 
 grace of religion, called the Association together. They 
 
192 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 met in conference, in Waller's meeting-house, on the 
 fourth Saturday in February. Twenty churches sent 
 deputies. After a fair and full investigation of the busi- 
 ness before the conference, it was decided that Morris 
 was guilty of the crimes laid to his charge, and that the 
 church had manifested a criminal partiality in retaining 
 him in her fellowship. The church was excluded from 
 the Association and a committee appointed by the con- 
 ference to visit them for the purpose of pronouncing the 
 sentence of exclusion, as also to invite a minority of the 
 church, who differed from the other part, to form a 
 church among themselves. 
 
 The new church, under the name of Goldmine, was 
 accordingly constituted, and in a little time was joined 
 by several of the majority. But what was more con- 
 soling, they were blessed with the outpouring of the 
 Holy Spirit. A precious revival ensued. Many were 
 added by baptism. Morris and his party, as being the 
 majority, retained the old meeting-house and kept up 
 preaching. But to tl:iem none were disposed to unite 
 themselves. After a vain attempt for two or three years 
 to stand upon independent ground, being forsaken by 
 their most respectable members, Morris proposed that he 
 and his party should again coalesce with the Goldmine 
 church by making concessions. To this the Goldmine 
 church replied that they were at all times ready to hear 
 what any individuals of them had to say, but could not 
 receive them as a body, seeing this would recognize in 
 them a character which they had hitherto discounte- 
 nanced. Another reason, it was said, existed for not re- 
 ceiving them into their body, viz. : There were among 
 them many persons under the imputation of gross immo- 
 ralities. So the matter rests. Morris and some of the 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 193 
 
 most obstinate of his party continue out of communion. 
 The churches called Salem and Bethesda, of whom Mor- 
 ris had the ministerial care, adhered to him in his con- 
 test. These churches were also expelled from the Asso- 
 ciation and a new one, formed out of the minority, re- 
 ceived. In these proceedings some, who w^ere by no 
 means favorable to Morris, were of opinion that the 
 Association were in some of her measures rather precipi- 
 tate ; not using towards the churches deluded by Morris 
 a sufficient degree of lenity. Such opinions were proba- 
 bly induced by a partial view of the subject, especially 
 through the want of sufficient acquaintancie with the in- 
 triguing temper of Morris. The following is a short 
 comment made on his character by the secretary and 
 sanctioned by the Association : 
 
 " Like Diotrephes, he loved and sought the pre-emi- 
 nence. Jealousy and discontent apparently were his in- 
 separable concomitants. In a word, he was not unlike 
 Jude's wandering stars, always unsteady, until they shoot 
 in some eccentric direction, and disappear forever." 
 
 Having given a succinct account of this schism, from 
 first to last, it is proper to return to the common proceed- 
 ings of the Association. 
 
 October 15, 1802. — The Association met according to 
 appointment.* Letters were received from eighteen 
 churches. The comment made by the secretary as to the 
 state of religion is in the following words : 
 
 " It appears as if poor Zion will shake to her centre, 
 and her watchmen proclaim ' the glory is departed from 
 Isi-ael.' Yet the mighty God of Jacob is still the same, 
 and His everlasting arms are underneath the mourning 
 
 * They met at Roundabout meetlng-bouse In Louisa, situated on tlie old 
 Richmond and Gordonsville road. 
 13 
 
194 sistohy of Virginia baptists. 
 
 sons of Zion. Several of our churches seem to enjoy 
 gentle breezes of divine grace," &c., &c. 
 
 In Bethel church, one of the constituents of this Asso- 
 ciation, a rule had been formed, by a large majority, com- 
 pelling each person, under the penalty of the displeasure 
 of the church, to contribute towards her expenses accord- 
 ing to what he was worth.. This rule gave great um- 
 brage not only to a minority in the church, but to other 
 churches likewise. At this Association a query was in- 
 troduced in the following words : 
 
 " Does the i^sociation approbate a church that raises 
 money by assessing her members ? " which received the 
 following solution : 
 
 " We do not approbate the method of raising money 
 by assessments, upon the principle of its not being sanc- 
 tioned by New Testament examples, and the general 
 principles of the Baptists, and because of the unhappy 
 consequences which may result from such a practice." 
 
 Would not the solution to this query have been better 
 thus : The New Testament certainly requires of every 
 member of a church to contribute to the expenses of re- 
 ligion according to what he hath, but says nothing as to 
 how this must be carried into effect, leaving the mode of 
 collecting discretionary? We are therefore persuaded 
 that the above mode is lawful ; but all things that are 
 lawful are not expedient. We are of opinion that at this 
 time this mode is not expedient, because of the prejudices 
 of many who have not rightly considered the subject. 
 
 This was an agreeable session. The next Association 
 was appointed at Licking Hole meeting-house.* 
 
 *This meeting- house was situated In the western part of Goochland, on 
 a road leading to the court-house. The site has long since been abandoned 
 as a place of worship. 
 
GOSHEN ASSOCIATION. 195 
 
 October 15, 1803. — Letters from sixteen churches were 
 read. The comment made by the secretary was, " that 
 the letters breathe the spirit of universal love and har- 
 mony, but complain of coldness." Of the Association he 
 says : "Much peace and love prevailed among the mem- 
 bers of this Association during the whole session." 
 
 It was at this session they first took up the business of 
 composing a history of the Baptists in the Goshen Dis- 
 trict, and accordingly made an order requesting the 
 churches to send accounts to the next Association. This 
 plan was afterwards relinquished in favor of the present 
 ■ work. The next Association was appointed at Bethel 
 meeting-house, Caroline county. 
 
 October 20, 180^.. — Letters from eighteen churches were 
 read. In a few churches revivals are mentioned. All the 
 churches seem to enjoy peace. The next Association was 
 appointed at Waller's meeting-house. 
 
 October 19, 1805. — Letters were received from eighteen 
 churches. Two or three churches speak of revivals. 
 From the foregoing Association 216 had been baptized. 
 The next Association was appointed at Goldmine meet- 
 ing-house, Louisa county. 
 
 October 18, 1806. — Letters from eighteen churches were 
 received. No revival, yet times were rather promising 
 than otherwise. The subject of encouraging missiona- 
 ries was taken up in this session. The Association ex- 
 pressed her approbation of encouraging missionaries to 
 travel and preach the Gospel among the Indian tribes, 
 provided any practicable plan could be invented. 
 
 During the foregoing year, and for many years, the 
 churches had been much imposed upon by certain im- 
 postors, who went under the appellation of Baptist 
 preachers. In order to detect such characters the Asso- 
 ciation entered into the following resolution : 
 
196 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 "In order to detect impostors traveling through the 
 churches under the name of licensed or ordained Baptist 
 pi^eachers, this Association resolves to adopt the follow- 
 ing method, viz. : Every stranger coming under the name 
 of a Baptist preacher shall produce to the church where 
 he may preach, or have opportunities to preach, a copy of 
 the minutes of the Association where he professes him- 
 self a member, showing his name in the list of dele- 
 gates, the minutes to be dated within one year." 
 
 The Association authorized the secretary to publish this 
 resolution in some public paper printed in the city of 
 Richmond, i-ecommending and requesting at the same 
 time the adoption of a similar rule by all our sister Asso- 
 ciations in the State. Nothing could be more salutary 
 than a regulation of this sort. The society had been 
 much disgraced by some of these miscreants, who had 
 been fostered by inexperienced, well-meaning Baptists. 
 The next Association was appointed at Guinea's Bridge 
 meeting-house. 
 
 Several excellent circular letters were written for this 
 Association by Messrs. A. Broaddus, A. Waller and John 
 Poindexter, alternately ; but being chiefly on doctrines of 
 divinity often treated of in religious books, they have not 
 been noticed. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 historical sketches of the churches in the 
 goshen association. 
 
 Waller's.* 
 
 This is a mother church indeed. Their corresponding 
 letter to the Association in 1791 says : " We have lately 
 constituted two new churches, which make fifteen that 
 have been taken off from our church." She was first 
 called Lower Spotsylvania, in contradistinction to Upper 
 Spotsylvania, now called Craig's. Elder John Waller 
 was chosen pastor January 2, 1770, which was a few 
 months after the church was constituted ; he continued 
 to fill that office until 1793, when he moved to South 
 Carolina. When Mr. J. Waller declared himself indepen- 
 dent, this church adhered to him, and was, of course, ex- 
 cluded from the Association. When he was reinstated, 
 so was the church. It is worthy of remark, that although 
 Mr. Waller was an Arminian, and on that account broke 
 with the Association, and carried with him this church, 
 yet the church was far from being unanimously Arminian. 
 
 *The meeting-house of this church was situated about fourteen miles 
 southwest of Spotsylvania Courthouse. The present house of worship, 
 erected in 1874, occupies the original site. A former building was burned 
 in 1873. Elder John Waller was succeeded in the pastorate of this church 
 by his nephew, Absalom Waller. The subsequent pastors have been John 
 A. Billingsley, Charles A. Lewis, Joseph A. Billingsley, John Bray, Edward 
 G. Baptist, Samuel B. Eice, F. L. Kregel, L. J. Haley, W. G. Roane, E. W. 
 Winfrey and C. T. Taylor. John Waller, Absalom Waller, John A. Billings- 
 ley, James King, William Waller, Addison M. Lewis and Joseph A. Billings- 
 ley are gifts of this mother church to the Gospel ministry. From Waller's 
 church, County Line, Bethany, Elk Creek, Good Hope, Mine Road, Hebron 
 and other churches have in whole or large part sprung, 
 
 [ 197 ] 
 
198 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Some of Mr. Waller's nearest relatives stood firm to the 
 Gospel plan. At one time, previous to Mr. Waller's re- 
 instatement into the Association, there were few, if any, 
 less than 1,500 members in this church. Although she 
 has had various ebbs and flows, and knows well the dif- 
 ference between declensions and revivals, yet few, if any, 
 have experienced more uninterrupted prosperity. Of so 
 much importance to the good standing of a church is 
 an exemplary preacher, who understands the art of com- 
 bining the hearts of all in one great object, it seemed 
 providential that, when their former pastor, who had 
 grown old, and thought proper to change his place of 
 residence, their present pastor was ripe, both in talents 
 and experience, to fill his place ; and, it would seem, had 
 obtained his uncle's mantle and a double portion of his 
 spirit ; for under his care the church has flourished more 
 than under that of their first pastor. They have one of 
 the best built and most comfortable meeting-houses in 
 Virginia. For, however the Baptists may excel in mat- 
 ters of greater magnitude, they cannot be admired for 
 the elegance or convenience of their houses of worship.* 
 In 1787, the set time to favor this part of Zion arrived, 
 and under the ministry of Elder Harriss, who w^as now on 
 a visit to them, this revival burst forth on every hand, nor 
 did the war cease until many of the sons and daughters of 
 the enemy of God fell as victims to invincible grace. 
 About two hundred were baptized. In 1790, as if to en- 
 courage their young and ardent pastor, God granted a 
 heavenly move among the people, and Mr. Waller bap- 
 
 *The meeting-liouses of tlie early Virginia Baptists were eomtnonly plain 
 weather-boarded structures, without paint either on the outside or within. 
 There were no facilities provided for heating them. As a rule, the windows 
 were high and narrow, and the seats were rude benches without backs. To 
 enlarge their accommodations, sheds were sometimes added on two sides, 
 which gave to some of the churches a barn-like appearance. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. I99 
 
 tized fifty-four. Few years have elapsed in which there 
 were not some baptized. 
 
 Mine Road.* 
 
 This is a small church taken off from Waller's in 1791. 
 Mr. Henry Pendleton was ordained to the care of the 
 church at the time of the constitution. From first to 
 last this church has rather dragged on heavily, having 
 had no revival, or none to any extent. Their present 
 number is now less than at their first constitution. 
 
 They have, however, some useful members, among 
 whom is Mr. Henry Pendleton, Sr., father of the preacher, 
 and himself a preacher in another sense. He preaches 
 by a pious walk and godly conversation. He is now a 
 venerable old man, of about four-score years of age. 
 
 Henry Pendleton, their first pastoi", was, until a few 
 years before his death, considered a very pious and ra- 
 tional man. He had fallen into the Arminian system, to 
 which he adhered in all its branches ; but, being viewed 
 as a pious man, was held in estimation. Strange to tell, 
 in 1800, he put an end to his own existence by shooting 
 himself. His conduct for some length of time previous 
 to this fatal extent indicated some degree of melancholy 
 insanity. To this state of mind charity requires us to 
 ascribe an act so unpardonable, if perpetrated by one not 
 in a state of insanity. 
 
 Elder Philip Pendleton is their present pastor. 
 
 *Tlie meeting-house of Mine Road cUuroh was situated about nine miles 
 to the west of Spotsylvania Courthouse. The present house, erected in 
 1856, stands one-half mile northeast of the original site. It is the third 
 house erected by the church. Since Elder Philip Pendleton, William R. 
 Powell, Bernard Phillips, John Bray, E. G. Baptist, A. H. Bennett, F. L. 
 Kregel, L. W. Allen, B. G. Baptist, M. S. Chancellor and E. G. Baptist have 
 successively served as pastors. William R. Powell, Joseph T. Massey and 
 John E. Massey have been ordained to the ministry from this body. Glady 
 Bun (now extinct) and Hebron churches were formed from Mine Road. 
 
200 SISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Craig's. 
 
 This church, formerly called Upper Spotsylvania, is 
 the oldest constitution between James and Rappahan- 
 nock rivers. It was not until November, 1770, about 
 three years after their constitution, that they received 
 Lewis Craig as pastor. Under his care, and pi'eviously, 
 this was a flourishing church. In 1776 the Word of God 
 grew mightily among them, and one hundred were added. 
 But in 1781:, to the- great mortification of the remaining 
 members, Mr. Craig, with most of the church, moved to 
 Kentucky. Soon after this event, the mother church was 
 obliged to relinquish her constitution. In 1788, being re- 
 inforced by some new recruits, they resumed their consti- 
 tution. They have not flourished of late, as much as 
 some other churches ; yet their number, though small, 
 contains some worthy characters, on whose shoulders the 
 government of the church seems chiefly to rest. 
 
 For a season they had Elder Ephraim Abel for their 
 pastor, but he also moved away. At present Elder Ed- 
 ward Elly attends them occasionally.* 
 
 PiNEY Branch. •(■ 
 
 . * 
 This church was taken off" from Waller s. Their meet- 
 ing-house is about twelve or fourteen miles from Frede- 
 
 *This church, known as " Craig's," continue tlieir constitution still. The 
 meeting-house is situated twenty-two miles southwest of Fredericksburg 
 and four miles from Parker's station, on the " Narrow Gauge," or Frede- 
 ricksburg and Orange Courthouse railroad. The larger part of this body 
 who moved with Lewis Craig to Kentucky located in Lincoln (now Gar- 
 rard) county on a branch of Dick's river, called Gilbert's creek, and united 
 in forming Gilbert's Creek church. They were the third Baptist church con- 
 stituted in Kentucky, and held their first meeting on the second Sunday in 
 December, 1791. A graphic account of this emigration , by George W. Ranck, 
 has been recently published in Louisville, entitled, "The Traveling Church." 
 
 •^Their place of worship was about six miles west of Spotsylvania Court- 
 house. John A. Billingsley was their pastor in 1852. The name has not ap- 
 peared in the list of Goshen churches for many years past. Elder Chand- 
 ler, mentioned as the pastor of this church, lived to the advanced age of 
 eighty-five years. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 201 
 
 ricksburg. They have had from first to last as their 
 pastor Elder Henry Goodloe. Nothing remarkable has 
 occurred in this church. Their course has been smooth 
 and even, having had neither revivals nor declensions 
 worthy of note. They began with the number of forty, 
 and they continue nearly at the same stand. 
 
 Elder Jeremiah Chandler has lately become a minister 
 here, and has been useful in the ministry. The church 
 appears of late rather to be on the increase. 
 
 Massaponax. 
 
 This church is in the vicinity of Fredericksburg. 
 Messrs. Dudley,* Shackleford and Mason had preached 
 with some success in this neighborhood previous to the 
 year 1785, when Mr. Mastin moved among them. Some 
 who were seals to the ministry of the first-named preach- 
 ers were baptized by Mr. Mastin. These, together with 
 a considerable number who professed faith under the 
 ministry of Mastin, were constituted in the year 17S8. 
 Mr. Mastin was a confirmed Arminian, having been or- 
 dained to the ministry by Mr. J. Waller in the time of 
 his independence. 
 
 Most of those who had been proselyted by his minis- 
 try received the stamp of his principles, whilst a respect- 
 able part of the church, who had been illumined through 
 the ministry of others, were of Calvinistic sentiments. 
 This diversity of opinion was a source of great unhap- 
 piness among them. The Arminian party were most 
 numerous, and were not only unsound in principle, but 
 negligent in discipline. It seems, indeed, that Mr. Mas- 
 tin, in receiving and baptizing members, was too remiss, 
 which, together with the slackness of his discipline after 
 * Ambrose Dudley. See Appendix. 
 
202 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 they were received, proved a source of much confusion 
 and disorder. There virere a few who were much cha- 
 grined at these things. They took opportunities to re- 
 monstrate against them with the pastor, as also against 
 his legal doctrines. He was displeased. In 1801, Elder 
 Hipkins Pitman, who. was a supporter of Calvinism, 
 moved into the bounds of this church. His ministry 
 being acceptable to that part of the church who coin- 
 cided with him, Mr. Mastin grew jealous and almost 
 declined preaching among them. Finally, the contest 
 rising to a great height, the church withdrew from the 
 care of Mr. Mastin, and chose Messrs. Waller and Pit- 
 man to attend them jointly. The ensuing year Mr. 
 Waller was called to take charge of the church as a 
 stated minister. Under him as their preacher they have 
 been a happy people, and the church has increased.* 
 
 Wilderness. 
 
 This is a numerous church, in the upper end of Spot- 
 sylvania. They had for their first pastor Joseph Bledsoe. 
 They were not happy under his care. When he moved 
 to Kentucky, f his brother, Aaron Bledsoe, became their 
 
 *Tlii3 church contained twenty- five members when first organized. 
 Their first place of worship was distant about two miles Irom the site oJ 
 their preseu t substantial building (erected in 1859) , In an easterly direction, 
 "and about halt- way in a nearly direct line between where Mr. Palmer 
 now lives and the place where Mr. Abner Keeton once lived, now owned by 
 Arthur Lewis, a colored man." The pastorate of Massaponax has been 
 filled by the following ministers, viz. : T. Mastin, Hipkins Pitman, Absa- 
 lom "Waller, Addison M. Lewis, Lawrence Battaile, Jr., Joseph A. Billings- 
 ley, F. L. Kregel, W. R. D. Monoure, B. G. Baptist, Andrew Broaddus, Jr. 
 Eev. James D. Coleman also supplied the pulpit tor the greater part of three 
 and a half years. Joseph A. Billingsley was ordained from this body in 
 December, 1842, and Warren G. Roane, October, 1875. 
 
 t Joseph Bledsoe became pastor of Gilbert's Creek church, in Kentucky, 
 in 1783. He left a son, William, who became a Baptist minister ; also a son, 
 Jesse, who became a prominent lawyer and politician, and was for seve- 
 ral years judge of the Circuit Court, and also in the United States Senate. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 203 
 
 stated minister. In 1788 they enjoyed the smiles of 
 Heaven in a precious revival conducted chiefly under the 
 ministry of Aaron Bledsoe. The church increased to 
 one hundred and thirty. Mr. Bledsoe's labors were much 
 blessed among them, until some unhappiness arising from 
 his eccentric flights he resigned his care. 
 
 Since that time Mr. Edward Elly has been an occa- 
 sional pastor for them. Mr. Elly is a worthy man, and 
 a sound preacher. The church has enjoyed peace and 
 harmony under his ministry.* 
 
 It was in this church that Thomas Bridges, now a pri- 
 soner in the penitentiary for horse-stealing, was baptized 
 in 1788. Bridges began to preach soon after he was bap- 
 tized ; but being very illitei-ate, and of obscure parent- 
 age, he was not much noticed in his own neighbor- 
 hood. He was, however, so far encouraged by the 
 church as to obtain ordination. Having, from his youth, 
 a propensity to lying, he was detected in this mean prac- 
 tice after he commenced preaching. The church, how- 
 ever, admitting his excuses, did not exclude him. Feel- 
 ing restless under these charges, he asked and obtained a 
 letter of dismission from the church. He now traveled 
 off into Loudoun and the adjacent counties, where he 
 became considerably popular as a preacher. He cer- 
 tainly had some talents. He was fluent in his delivery, 
 and, for his education, spoke in handsome language. His 
 memory was exceedingly retentive, and he had, after be- 
 coming a preacher, read a good deal. He had also a 
 large stock of that kind of wit which pleases without 
 profiting; but, in point of judgment, he was probably as 
 
 ♦wilderness meeting-house was situated In the northwestern corner of 
 Spotsylvania county, and the original site Is still occupied by the church 
 as a place ol worship. The country adjacent was more than once occupied 
 by contending armies during the civil war, and the records of the church 
 were destroyed. M. S. Chancellor was ordained here. 
 
204 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 deficient as ever man was. His opinions upon subjects 
 that he had often studied and discussed were always in- 
 correct ; upon others, he was a mere child. After all, it 
 is not likely that Bridges would ever have become so 
 entirely abandoned had he not unfortunately married a 
 wife with a considerable estate, by which his spirits 
 being elevated far above their common level, he lost all 
 the stock of prudence he previously possessed. Not ac- 
 customed to the management of property to any tolerable 
 extent, he soon, very soon, spent what he had gotten by 
 marriage. Still retaining the relish for his new sphere 
 of action, but having lost all lawful resources, he strangely 
 resorted to the shocking alternative of stealing horses ; 
 for which, being condemned in 1803, he was confined in 
 the penitentiary, where he now is. 
 
 Guinea's Bridge.* 
 This church, so called from its vicinity to a bridge of 
 that name, is a church of high standing, having a num- 
 ber of pious and worthy members. The Gospel was 
 preached here in its power and purity at an early date 
 after the rise of the Baptists. This place was not with- 
 out persecutors also. At one time several preachers were 
 apprehended by virtue of a warrant from a magistrate. 
 Among them was Joseph Craig,-|' remarkable for his 
 eccentric manners. On their way to the magistrate's 
 
 *Tliis body did not continue to be represented long under the above name. 
 Its surviving members probably went Into the constitution ol Round Oak 
 church In 1840. The early meeting-house was in the vicinity of the house 
 since made historic by the death oJ General " Stonewall" Jackson. 
 
 + Joseph Craig, son of Tollver Craig, of Orange county, was younger 
 brother to Elijah and Lewis Craig. He is believed to have accompanied 
 his brother Lewis to Kentucky, with the greater part of Craig's church, in 
 1781. He was of mediocre gifts as a preacher, and his eccentricities marked 
 him through life. He served Head of Boone's Creek church (Ky.) as pastor, 
 ajid probably was instrumental in organizing It. He was successful in busi- 
 ness andleft hlsnumerous family In affluent circumstances. He died about 
 1827, having nearly or quite reached eighty years of age. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 205 
 
 house Mr. Craig, thinking it no dishonor to cheat the 
 devil, as he termed it, slipped off his horse and took to 
 the bushes. They hunted him with dogs, but, Asahel 
 like, he made good his retreat. 
 
 The church was constituted under the care of Mr. N. 
 HoUoway. After various success, Mr. Holloway left 
 them and moved to the county of Halifax. They then 
 procured the stated ministrations of Elder John Waller, 
 under whose care they were prospered. 
 
 In 1797 the Lord poured out His Spirit abundantly, 
 and many were turned to righteousness. More than one 
 hundred were added. After the removal of Mr. J. Wal- 
 ler, in 1793, they were destitute of stated preaching for 
 several years. So great was the decline that they had 
 serious thoughts of dissolving their constitution, but 
 finally, having obtained the regular ministrations of 
 A. Waller, they again raised their heads. In 1800 
 they had the happiness to see a precious work of God 
 among them. As many as 104 were baptized, and some 
 of them were clever and useful men. Their meeting- 
 house is a very short distance from the county line, in 
 Caroline. Mr. Waller still attends them. 
 
 Fredericksburg.* 
 
 This church, in the town of the same name, is a small 
 but happy one. They have no resident pastor, but are 
 
 *The meeting-house of the Fredericksburg church was situated at or near 
 the site of the present station of the Bichmond and Frederickshurg rail- 
 road. It was abandoned about the year 1857, on the completion of the 
 present church building, and was subsequently used as a machine shop. 
 This church was a constituent member of the Columbia Association, and 
 afterwards united with the Goshen. The pastors have been Andrew Broad- 
 dus, Robert B. Semple, George F. Adams, S. F. Smith, William F. Broaddus, 
 W. H. Williams and Thomas S. Dunaway, the latter of whom has served for 
 over twenty-six years. The church building here suffered from the bom- 
 bardment of the Federal troops on the occasion of their capture of Fred- 
 ericksburg In 1862. 
 
206 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 supplied by Mr. A. Broaddus, who attends them monthly. 
 If there is any objection to Mr. Broaddus's ministry in 
 this city, it is that he is too popular with the irreligious. 
 It may be said of him, as was said of Ezekiel, " Lo ! thou 
 art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a 
 pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for 
 they hear thy words, but they do them not." This re- 
 mark by no means applies to the church, for although 
 they hear with much pleasure, they practice with more. 
 It is a young and rising church. 
 
 ZOAR.* 
 
 This is a small church made up of certain members 
 who felt themselves aggrieved by the conduct of the 
 Salem and Black Walnut churches in the affair of Morris, 
 and therefore formed themselves into a separate church. 
 
 The two churches out of which Zoar arose were origi- 
 nally the fruits of Mr. John Leland's labors. Mr. Leland 
 was a native of Worcester, in Massachusetts, was bap- 
 tized in 1774, and in the fall of 1776 he married and 
 moved to Virginia and settled in the county of Orange 
 in the neighborhood of those churches. He continued in 
 Virginia about fourteen years, in which time he traveled 
 and preached very extensively and very successfully. He 
 baptized between six and seven hundred persons while 
 in the State, and in January, 1791, he removed to Massa- 
 chusetts, and settled in Cheshire. Mr. Leland, as a 
 preacher, was probably the most popular of any who ever 
 
 * Zoar meeting-house was situated in Orange county, on tlie road from Rac- 
 coon Ford to Locust Grove, three miles distant from Kapidan river. The 
 old house of worship has been recently pulled down, a new one having been 
 erected on a site three miles distant in a westerly direction. Elder Perry, 
 who labored in West Virginia, and Joseph Gordon were ministerial sons of 
 this church. Nathaniel Saunders, John A. Billingsley, John C. Gordon, A. 
 H. Bennett, Hillary E. Hatcher and W. J. Decker have served the church as 
 pastors. Flat Run church was formed fiopi Zoar in 1849. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 207 
 
 resided fn this State. He is unquestionably a man of 
 fertile genius. His opportunities for school learning were 
 not great, but the' energetic vigor of his mind quickly 
 surmounted this deficiency. His memory was so reten- 
 tive that by a single reading he stored up more of the 
 contents of a book than many would by a dozen careful 
 perusals. It is probable that his knowledge derived from 
 books at this day, taken in the aggregate, is surpassed by 
 few. His preaching, though immethodical and eccentric, 
 is generally warm, wise and evangelical. There are not 
 many preachers who have so great command of the at- 
 tention and of the feelings of their auditory. In effect- 
 ing this his manner has been thought by some to ap- 
 proach too near to the theatrical. Cowper, the poet, 
 says : 
 
 " He that negotiates between God and man, 
 As God's ambassador, the grand concerns 
 Of judgment and of mercy, should beware 
 Of lightness in his speech." 
 
 Here Mr. Leland and the poet are at variance ; he does 
 sometimes, and, indeed, not unfrequently, " court the 
 skitteth fancy with facetious tales." If Cowper says, so 
 did not Paul. Leland can say so did George Whitefield, 
 Rowland Hill, &c., and they have been the most success- 
 ful of modern preachers. Mr. Leland's free and jocund 
 manners have excited the suspicions of some that he 
 wanted serious piety. His intimate friends are confident 
 that these are groundless suspicions. They believe that 
 among his other singularities he is singularly pious. 
 
 While in Virginia he wrote several treatises, and was 
 certainly very instrumental in effecting the just and salu- 
 tary regulations concerning religion in this State. He 
 has been similarly employed since his removal to New 
 
208 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 England. He has always been a zealous advocate for re- 
 publican government. When Mr. Jefferson was raised to 
 the presidential chair the ladies of Mr. Leland's congre- 
 gation made a cheese of immense size* and sent it by Mr. 
 Leland as a present to Mr. Jefferson. This affair made 
 no little noise in the United States. 
 
 County Line.| 
 This church was a part of those who broke off from 
 the Association with Elder John Waller, and were con- 
 stituted into a separate church during his seclusion, 
 having been previously an arm of the church called 
 Waller's. After Elder Waller made peace with the As- 
 sociation this church was received as a member. At her 
 constitution Mr. William WallerJ was installed as her 
 pastor, but he moving to Kentucky in 1784, they procured 
 the stated attendance of Elder John Waller. Under his 
 ministry, in 1787, the windows of grace were opened and 
 God rained down righteousness among them. The church 
 
 * It was said to have In it 1,400 pounds of curd, and to have weighed 900 
 weight when taken Irom the press. The enemies ol Jefferson called it the 
 Mammoth Cheese. They also wrote poems and vented much wit upon the 
 occasion. It was, however, received by the President with pleasure, and 
 viewed by the impartial as a singular pledge of patriotism. — Author's note. 
 
 + This church is situated near the dividing line between Spotsylvania and 
 Caroline counties; the meeting-house is in Caroline county, one-fourth of 
 a mile from Chilesburg and about three miles from the North Anna river. 
 The site of the original meeting-house was distant about a mile and a half 
 from the present one and nearer the Spotsylvania line. Elder A. Waller 
 served the church until his death, about 1820. Among the subsequent pas- 
 tors have been J. A. Billingsley, L. W. Allen, C. R. Dickinson, J. L. Lawless, 
 J. T. Dickinson, E. W. Winfrey and T. R. Corr. 
 
 J William Edmund Waller was brother to BJder John Waller. He settled 
 in Garrard county, Ky., in 1784, and two years later moved to Fayette 
 county. In 1798 he made his residence in Shelby county and organized 
 Buck's Creek church. He also aided in the formation of Cane and Back 
 Eun (or King's) churches. In 1803 he returned and settled in his native re- 
 gion in Virginia, and assumed pastoral care of Goldmine ch urch, in Goshen 
 Association. He died in his eighty-third year. His descendants in Ken- 
 tucky have been numerous swd prominent in ministerial and buslpess 
 relations. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 209 
 
 multiplied. When Mr. John Waller moved away they 
 procured the stated attendance of Mr. Absalom Waller. 
 He still preaches for them once a month. This is a 
 church of considerable respectability. 
 
 Bethel. * 
 
 This church is in the neighborhood of Bowling 
 Green, Caroline county. There are not many, if any, 
 churches in the Baptist connection more worthy of com- 
 mendation than this. Though not large, they are, by all 
 who know them, much respected for their work of faith 
 and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. If Paul said that the Thessalonians were en- 
 samples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia, so 
 may we say that most of the members of this church are 
 ensamples to their cotemporaries. Their meetings are 
 solemn without austerity, and lively without any mixture 
 of enthusiasm ; their hospitality cordial without parade, 
 and their manners simple and easy without affectation. 
 They love without dissimulation, and therefore often 
 meet, not only publicly, but from house to house, for so- 
 cial prayer and conversation. 
 
 •Though they have no resident ordained preacher, yet 
 several of their members have occasionally exhorted and 
 preached in their assemblies. Elder A. Broaddus, pastor 
 of Burrus's, attends here monthly. He is viewed as their 
 father, and from him, as children from a father, they re- 
 ceive that counsel by which they are nurtured up into 
 everlasting life. Two of their most valuable members 
 have already finished their short but happy course. 
 
 ♦Bethel meeting-house was situated about three miles from Bowling 
 Green, the seat of Caroline county. Among the pastors of the church have 
 been S. Wooltork, H. W. Montague, J. D. Coleman, E. H. W. Buckner, A. B. 
 Dunaway, A. Broaddus, Jr., and C. W. Trainham. 
 14 
 
210 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Mr. Charles Woolfork was a deacon at their first con- 
 stitution. He discharged the duties of that office with 
 great fidelity and promptitude. Having been accustomed 
 to genteel society, and having an independent fortune, he 
 had it in his power to do many good acts, and to do them 
 likewise with a good grace. He was a man of God. 
 Living in this spotless manner, in a few years he fell 
 asleep, deeply regretted by all his acquaintance ; but by 
 his family and church in a more singular degree. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Jones, a relation of the deacon, was also 
 a deacon of this church, and may be said to rank in the 
 first grade. From the day he professed godliness until his 
 death he appears t® have devoted his whole soul to his 
 Master's service. It is not likely that any private char- 
 acter ever did more good in so short a time. Though in 
 affluent circumstances, he knew how to use this world as 
 not abusing it. After a lingering illness he also fell 
 asleep anno 1805. 
 
 He was an Israelite indeed in whom there was no guile. 
 Here we must pause and consider why such men as these 
 should run so short a course. To which we can only say, 
 that all who understand much of the ways of Providence 
 have plainly discovered that a high degree of prosperity 
 is seldom of long duration. Things were too well in 
 Bethel church to abide long in such a world as this. 
 
 BURRUS'S.* 
 
 This church is in the southwest part of Caroline, hav- 
 ing some members also in Hanover. It could be wished 
 
 * Elder John Waller was the first pastor of Burrus's church. He was 
 assisted at times by John Burrus, a licensed preacher of the church. Elder 
 Waller resigned care of the church in 1793, and was succeeded by Andrew 
 Broaddus, who served them about thirty years. A new meeting-house was 
 dedicated in September, 1838, at the White Oak Seats, and the name of the 
 church changed to Carmel. Twelve members of this body were dismissed 
 in 1800, to unite in the constitution of Bethel church. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 211 
 
 that as favorable things could be said of this as of the 
 foregoing church. But candor compels us to state, that 
 although they have some worthy and valuable members, 
 there have been a more than common proportion of apos- 
 tasies and fallings off. So much had the church declined 
 at one time that the pastor had serious thoughts of pro- 
 posing to them to dissolve their constitution, or rather to 
 blend theirs with the Bethel. !^ut God, who loves to 
 surprise us with unexpected mercies, proclaimed a jubilee. 
 'This work of grace began in the summer of 1808, and in a 
 few months some very valuable members were added. This 
 church was first called Polecat, and the meeting-house 
 Burrus's, after Rev. John Burrus, who was once a preacher 
 among them, but never was ordained. 
 
 Of Elder Andrew Broaddus, pastor of this church, 
 much may be truly said. The next Association that was 
 holden after he took the ministerial care of the church 
 entered upon their record the following eulogy : " In the 
 midst of affliction, we have to mention with thankful- 
 ness to the great head of Zion, .that Elder A. Broaddus, 
 who has been a shining light in the churches these several 
 yeai's past, has, at the call of Burrus's, consented to take 
 the pastoral care of that church, and is consequently a 
 member of our Association." 
 
 Williams's.* 
 
 This church, chiefly in the upper end of Goochland, is 
 a church of long and high standing in religious society. 
 For several years they were under the stated ministerial 
 care of Elder John Waller. When he resigned some 
 little time previous to his removal, they called Mr. Good- 
 
 *Wllllam3'a church disappeared Irom the list of the Goshen Association 
 In 1878, having been for several years previously in a weak and declining 
 state. 
 
212 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 loe, who accepted the call, and accordingly preached for 
 them statedly until the year 1796, after which Mr. John 
 Poindexter, at their request, attended them occasionally. 
 Under Mr. Poindexter's ministry they enjoyed a pleasant 
 revival — a revival conducted with harmony, solemnity 
 and order, in which about ninety or one hundred were 
 baptized. Of these, says their manuscript furnished us, 
 only fourteen have been excommunicated in about ten or 
 eleven years ; and yet their discipline has been regular. 
 A few years ago Mr. Elisha Purrington, who had been 
 previouslj' ordained, was chosen as pastor. Under him, 
 as pastor, there have been peace and happiness in the 
 church. 
 
 The church is much attached to Mr. Purrington, as a 
 man of unaffected piety and mild and pleasant manners. 
 As a preacher he is sound in doctrine, very lively and 
 affectionate in his address, and has talents of the sort 
 which are calculated to do good. He is a native of New 
 England, and came to Virginia in the character of a 
 teacher of psalmody or church music, in which he is ex- 
 celled by none and equaled by few in the State. 
 
 In this church lives Thomas Waford,* an old and 
 faithful disciple of Christ, who was among the first to 
 profess religion at the rise of the Baptists. He is not a 
 preacher, but has done more good than a score of 
 preachers qf a certain description. When Waller and 
 others used to travel off into strange places, Mr. Waford 
 used to go on sometimes beforehand and publish their 
 meetings and procure places for them to preach at ; 
 
 * He -will be recalled as having suffered cruel treatment in Middlesex 
 county when Webber, Waller and other preachers were imprisoned. His 
 name, and that of Allen Wylle, of Culpeper, deserve to be held in perpetual 
 remembrance as examples of self-denying consecration to Christ and His 
 cause among the humble early Baptist laymen of Virginia. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 213 
 
 then he would return and accompany them. He would 
 enforce by private arguments and admonitions what the 
 preachers advanced from the pulpit. He also shared in 
 their persecutions. Once he was taken up with them in 
 Essex county and carried before a magistrate and ex- 
 amined and his saddle-bags searched, and then dis- 
 charged, not having disturbed the peace by preaching, 
 &c. At another meeting, when persecution ran high, he 
 ' went to the spring to drink, and there meeting with one 
 of the sons of Belial was severely whipped, the scars of 
 which he will doubtless carry to his grave. Mr. Waford 
 is now ( 1809), more than four-score years of age, and 
 has professed religion more than forty years, during 
 which time he has maintained a spotless reputation, not 
 only for order and piety, but for steady and unabating 
 zeal. Old as he is he misses very few Associations. 
 
 Licking Hole.* 
 This church, in the upper end of Goochland, is proba- 
 bly the largest church in the Goshen Association. It was 
 planted under the ministry of Elder Ford and others. 
 (See page 26.) For several years after the constitution 
 Elder Ford was their occasional pastor, but at length they 
 made choice of Rev. Hugh French for their pastor. Un- 
 der his care they enjoyed peace and harmony. Until 1798 
 they were connected with the Dover Association ; but 
 being more convenient to the Goshen, they petitioned 
 and obtained a dismission to join the Goshen, where they 
 have been ever since. In 1804 they enjoyed one of the 
 most heavenly revivals that ever was seen ; four or five 
 
 *Tlie ineeting-liouse of this cliuroh was situated In the western part of 
 Goochland county on the road from the court-house to Hadensville. The 
 church subsequently worshipped in Liberty meetinghouse, now occupied 
 by the colored people. Their place of worship was a second time changed 
 to the present site of Smyrna, the name by which the church has been 
 styled since 1885. Rev. H. D. Eagland is at present their faithful pastor. 
 
214 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 hundred were baptized, and among them some very re- 
 spectable characters indeed. Elder Leonard Page, who 
 was very active and useful in the revival, has been since 
 chosen pastor.* There are few, if any, churches in the 
 State that possess a greater number of intelligent men 
 than Licking Hole. Besides their pastor. Dr. John Mor- 
 gan, a practitioner of physic and a preacher of the Gos- 
 pel, resides among them. 
 
 Here also died that amiable and beloved servant of. 
 Christ, Peregrine G. Smith. Mr. Smith was a native of 
 Massachusetts, and at an early period in life professed 
 vital religion. Having received a classical education, he 
 began to preach the Gospel. After continuing a short 
 time in New England he was advised to travel in the 
 Southern States for his health, which was now very low. 
 He came to Virginia, and after traveling through various 
 parts of the State, and finding it, as he thought, more con- 
 genial to his constitution, he resolved to settle here. His 
 residence and ministrations were much wished in many 
 places. He, however, gave the preference to Licking 
 Hole, and accordingly came here to live. Mr. Smith, it 
 appears, had for several years been afflicted with the con- 
 sumption, a complaint so flattering in its nature that few 
 who have it ever think they have. He entertained some 
 expectation of recovery until a, few days before his death, 
 which took place in 1807. 
 
 Mr. Smith was a preacher of fine talents indeed. His 
 delivery was easy ; his style very elegant ; his action be- 
 
 * Leonard Page, son of Jolin Page of Goooliland county, was a soldier In 
 the army of the Revolution. He remained pastor of Licking Hole church 
 till 1811, when he removed to Kentucky and settled seven miles west of 
 Russellville.'in Logan county. He organized a church at Russellville and 
 became their pastor. He also organized Union, Mount Gilead and Pleasant 
 Grove churches. Towards the close of his life he joined the " Reformers" 
 under the lead of A. Campbell, and he died March 28, 1836, from the effects 
 of cholera. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 215 
 
 coming, and his manner warm and animating. His 
 knowledge of books was considerable, and having trav- 
 eled very extensively for one of his a^e, he had also ac- 
 quired considerable experience of men, &c. By these 
 things, added to his mild disposition, his pious spirit and 
 accomplished manners, his company and conversation 
 were very attractive to all who had even a slight ac- 
 quaintance with him. Licking Hole church did them- 
 selves much credit by their benevolent conduct towards 
 his amiable and afflicted widow and child. So friendly 
 were they towards her that when she passed through 
 Richmond on her way to New England she said to a 
 friend that she " had not believed there were such people 
 in the world as she had found in this neighborhood." 
 
 Elder French, though not a man of distinguished 
 talents, was esteemed a warm and experimental preacher. 
 As a Christian he was very pious and exemplary; and 
 as a man he was in high estimation in all the rela- 
 tions of social life. He only lived a few years after he 
 joined the Goshen Association, and at one of the sessions 
 he was made moderator. At the next Association his 
 death is entered upon their records, with some com- 
 mendatory remarks upon his character. 
 
 Thompson's or Goldmine.* 
 
 The preaching of the Rev. David Thoinas, in Orange, 
 made serious impressions upon some in this neighbor- 
 
 * Goldmine churoli is in Louisa county. Their meeting-house Is situated 
 two hundred yards east of Goldmine creek, and about seyen miles north 
 of the county-seat. The old site of Thompson's meeting-house, where the 
 church worshipped prior to 1805, was about two miles west of its present 
 site. William Waller seryed as pastor to this church until 1818. W. Y. Hiter 
 was then pastor for thirty years, until 1848. Herndon Frazer, A. E. Dickin- 
 son, Samuel Harris, L. J. Haley, E. P. Hawkins, A. M. Poindexter, Charles 
 Scott and I. N. May have been pastors here since 1850. Dr. H. H. Harris, of 
 Klchmond College, was baptized into the fellowship of this body, at the age 
 of fifteen. 
 
216 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 hood who went there to hear him. This induced them to 
 look out for preachers to come into their own vicinity, and 
 accordingly they procured the services of Mr. Nathaniel 
 Saunders and others. Finally, when Messrs. Harriss and 
 Read came on in their circuit, this neighborhood partici- 
 pated in the blessing. Some were baptized. This in- 
 duced Lewis Craig and other young preachers to visit 
 them, so that in 1770 they were constituted as a church. 
 They were much straightened to choose a pastor, being 
 divided among three. At length they agreed to receive 
 David Thompson.* The church had now become large. 
 Under Mr. Thompson's care the church declined and 
 fell into some unhappy contentions. He finally moved 
 off, and the church obtained the stated attendance of 
 Rev. Mr. Leland. Mr. Leland's ministry was greatly 
 blessed. The church increased to a great extent. Few 
 preachers were ever more popular in any place of their 
 stated ministry than Mr. Leland was in these parts. 
 But much to the regret of those without and within the 
 church, Mr. Leland in 1791 removed to New England, 
 his native country. This church then made choice of 
 George Morris, one of their own members, who had been 
 for some time preaching among them. The event of 
 this choice may be seen in the account given of the 
 Goshen Association. Morris, in the division of the 
 church, gaining a majority, held on upon their meeting- 
 house. The minority, who were by the Association pro- 
 nounced the church, built them a stage, and finally a 
 meeting-house, a few miles off, where, under the minis- 
 try of visiting preachers, in 1804 and 1805, they were 
 revived, and have flourished greatly. Many of Morris's 
 
 * David Thompson appears as a messenger to the Elkhorn Association 
 (Ky.) from Boone's Creek churcli In 1788. Later he moved to Madison 
 county and served Tate's Creek church. 
 
mSTORICAL SlCETCHES. 217 
 
 friends have left him and joined this church, who called 
 themselves Goldmine church. In 1807 they chose Elder 
 William Waller as pastor, who continues to attend them 
 once a month. 
 
 Roundabout.* 
 
 This church, somewhat above the court-house, and on 
 the soutli side of Louisa, is a church of the first grade as to 
 intelligent members and regularity in discipline. The 
 Gospel was first brought into this neighborhood by seve- 
 ral of the old preachers, particularly Mr. John Waller. 
 In 1 79 1, Mr. Poindexter, who had been baptized a short 
 time before, began to preach. In 1792 he was chosen as 
 pastor. As if God would clearly sanction the appoint- 
 ment. He granted a powerful revival of religion soon after 
 he was called to the pastoral care. More than one hun- 
 dred were baptized in the course of a few months. This 
 work went on until they increased to more than three 
 hundred. The revival began about Roundabout, but 
 spread upwards, so that in 1795 a church was constituted 
 about Foster's creek called Siloam. 
 
 This church was raised chiefly under the ministry of 
 Mr. Poindextei-, and was an arm of Roundabout until 
 constituted, j- He was chosen their stated preacher or oc- 
 casional pastor. It was, when constituted, a considerable 
 church, having nineteen or twenty white males and about 
 
 *T)ie meeting-house o( Roundabout cliurcli stood on the north side of the 
 old Elchmond and Gordonsvllle road, about three miles east of Ball's Cross 
 Koads and about seven miles due south of Louisa Courthouse. It was 
 burned in 1820, when the ehureh became practically extinct, and a majority 
 of the members united with Foster's Creek. Deacon Daniel Saunders, of 
 Berea church, remembers seeing the bushes growing on the site of the old 
 Eoundabout meeting-house in lS38. 
 
 + Foster's Creek meeting-house was situated one mile southeast of Mun- 
 ford's Bridge. It was turned oyer to the colored members in 1866, and a new 
 house erected one-half mile northeast of Munford's Bridge, and the name 
 of the church changed to Berea. 
 
218 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 thirty females, besides a great number of blacks. They con- 
 tinued to prosper until George Morris stirred up his schism 
 in some of the neighboring churches. Having a brother 
 a member here, he was too successful in forming a party 
 in Siloam also. This brought on great distress, until 
 they came to a determination, in 1802, to dissolve their 
 constitution and rejoin the Roundabout. This measure also 
 seemed to meet the divine approbation ; for immediately 
 after their dissolution a small but comfortable revival 
 took place, and about twenty were added to the church. 
 Elder Poindexter had also extended his labors as far as 
 Albemarle, and formed a church called Bethel, consisting 
 of upwards of one hundred members. It being too far 
 for Mr. Poindexter to attend them, they chose Mr. Robert 
 Jones, a young preacher, who some time afterwards moved 
 away, and Hephzibah church being constituted a little 
 distance above, Bethel was dissolved, some of the mem- 
 bers joining the new constitution, and some falling back 
 into Roundabout. Thus these three churches were again 
 united into one. No revival has appeared in Round- 
 about of late years. They are, however, in peace and 
 harmony among themselves. Mr. Poindexter, their pas- 
 tor, is clerk of the court of Louisa, and a man of high 
 standing, both in civil and religious matters. He has 
 made, and is still making, great pecuniary sacrifices for 
 religion. 
 
 Scarrott's.* 
 
 This church, though not large, is of good standing. 
 Nothing uncommon has occurred among them. .They 
 have moved on smoothly for many years under the stated 
 
 *The situation of tliis cliurcli was in Louisa county *' not far from "wliere 
 tlie sulphur and copper mines are now at worlc." Trinity cliurcli is now in 
 the same locality, hut an entirely new organization. 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 219 
 
 ministry of Elder Henry Goodloe. Early after their 
 constitution Mr. William Dawson was their pastor, but 
 he did not continue long among them. Mr. Goodloe 
 then became and has continued ever since to be their 
 preacher. 
 
 Little River.* 
 
 Although this church has not lengthened her cords 
 to as great extent as some others, she has passed through 
 very, few afflicting scenes, having generally enjoyed a 
 considerable share of peace imder her worthy and zeal- 
 ous pastor. 
 
 North Fork of Pamunkey. 
 
 This is a large church, but has been much larger, 
 having of late passed through not only cofd but very 
 afflicting times. Some of the old Baptist preachers 
 labored in these parts at an early period of the rise of 
 the Baptists. Mr. Aaron Bledsoe was among their first 
 proselytes, having been previously a dissipated character. 
 So soon as he believed himself to be a convert he began 
 to persuade others. His zeal was unabating. He missed 
 no opportunity to exhort, advise and admonish any and 
 every man he met with. He was really in season and 
 out of season. Having a singular degree of boldness he 
 would not be abashed. Great man, little man, rich man 
 or poor man were all equal with him, as it respected his 
 confidence. He was never to be swerved from his point 
 or put to the blush. B^ his unwearied zeal, though far from 
 being a man of knowledge or gifts, he made serious im- 
 pressions upon many. A church was constituted and he 
 chosen their pastor. The discipline of the church was 
 
 ♦Little Elver ohuroh Is In Louisa county, southeast of tlie court- liouse 
 and near the line of the C. & O. road. Among Its pastors have been B. 
 Phillips, W. G. Turner, Samuel Harris, L. J. Haley, K. E. Chambers. 
 
220 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 by no means regular. No decision could be had without 
 unanimity, which often clogged, often discouraged 
 them. But the zeal and forwardness of their pastor sur- 
 mounted many of these obstructions. The church in- 
 creased. In 1788 they experienced an extensive revival ; 
 several hundred were baptized, so that in 1792, when 
 they became a part of Goshen Association, they had 
 about 350 members.* 
 
 In the year 1806, Mr. Bledsoe was accused of fraudu- 
 lent dealings, which he denied, though too plainly proven. 
 The church excluded him, although there w^as a large 
 minority in his favor who thought him innocent. No 
 man probably ever felt more chagrin at being excluded 
 than Mr. Bledsoe. He soon moved away out of the State, 
 and is since dead.j Many gfiod men doubted w^hether 
 Mr. Bledsoe ever designed anything improper. 
 
 * The meeting liouse of this church was situated about eight miles south- 
 east of Orange Courthouse, on the road leading to Orange Springs, and sub- 
 stantially on the same site occupied by the brick edifice in which the church 
 worships at present. Among the pastors who have served the church since 
 the loss of Elder Bledsoe appear the names of Jeremiah Chandler, James 
 Powell, Dr. Charles Quarles, J. W. McCown and W. J. Decker. Joshua L. 
 Brockman entered the ministry from this church. 
 
 + Aaron Bledsoe was brother to Joseph, a Baptist preacher previously 
 mentioned in this volume as having removed to Kentucky. 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING 
 THE SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 By reference to Chapter XII. it will be found that the 
 Orange Association was in 1791 divided into three dis- 
 tricts, of which one was called Albemarle. This was 
 then, and is now, much the smallest of the three, having 
 never had more than nine churches. They held their 
 first session in 1792, and have continued to meet from 
 year to year ever since. We have not been able to pro- 
 cure a full file of their minutes, but from such as we have 
 seen, it appears that their business is conducted in Asso- 
 ciations with the utmost harmony and love. Elder Martin 
 Dawson has generally discharged the duty of moderator, 
 and Elder Benjamin Burgher* of clerk. The district in- 
 cluded the churches in Amherst, Albemarle and Fluvanna 
 only.f Having given pretty full accounts of the proceed- 
 ings of several Associations where the minutes were in our 
 possession, it is the less necessary to enter into a detail of 
 others, seeing the proceedings of one Association are very 
 similar to all the rest in the same connection. We shall 
 therefore proceed to give historical sketches of the 
 churches in this Association, beginning with 
 
 * In the fall of 1770, Benjamin Burgher made a journey to Grassy Creek 
 meeting-house, North Carolina, where a session of the Sandy Creek Asso- 
 ciation was held, and this led to his baptism. As a preacher, his influence 
 was second to none among the early ministers of Albemarle Association. 
 He died November 12, 1822, being nearly seventy-eight years of age. 
 
 + Nelson has been stricken off from Amherst since our documents came 
 to h&nd.— Author's note. 
 
 [ 222 ] 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 223 
 
 Albemarle.* 
 
 This is the oldest church in this Association. It was 
 once under the pastoral care of William Woods, who is 
 still a member. Mr. Woods resigned the care of the 
 church, together with his credentials, in order to take off 
 the disqualification from representing the county as a 
 delegate in the General Assembly. If he were called of 
 God to this work, it is hard to say how Mr. Woods will 
 in the last day render an account of his stewardship. He 
 is esteemed a useful and respectable man. Mr. Watts 
 now labors for them as pastor, and is profitable in the 
 ministry. 
 
 ToTIER.f 
 
 This church was planted by the labors of Rev. David 
 Tinsley,J and watered by those of Rev. B. Burgher, Wil- 
 liam Woods and David Patterson. Tinsley preached in 
 the bounds about 1770, but was not very successful. 
 About 1773 Mr. Patterson, who was a resident of Buck- 
 ingham, preached with much power, and baptized many 
 in the neighborhood of Totier, who were considered as 
 members of the church in Buckingham, of which Mr. 
 Patterson was pastor. In 1774 Rev. Martin Dawson was 
 baptized and soon began to preach. When the church 
 was constituted he took the pastoral care and has contin- 
 
 *Thlg body, organized in 1773, was originally an arm of Blue Run church, 
 in Orange county. For some years the church worsl^ipped in Lewis's 
 meeting-house, about one and a half miles west of Charlottesville. In 1801 
 they took possession of the Buck Mountain church-house, and became 
 known by that name. In 1833 their place of worship was changed again to 
 a union meeting-house In Earlysville, and they adopted their present 
 name— Chestnut Grove. In 1879 they erected a new meeting-house, which 
 they still occupy. 
 
 tThis church probably did not long survive the lifetime of their first 
 pastor. 
 
 } For further notice of the preachers named in connection .with_.Totier 
 church, see Appendix. 
 
224 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ued ever since. Under his ministry the church has en- 
 joyed great prosperity and "peace, arid has been favored 
 with several precious revivals. Many of the members 
 have at different times emigrated to the western country, 
 so that the church has been more numerous than it is at 
 present. Mr. Dawson, their pastor, is now (1809) about 
 sixty-five years of age. He has always maintained a re- 
 spectable standing, both in civil and religious society. 
 He has been moderator to the Association for many years, 
 a place which he fills with considerable propriety. 
 
 Prethis Creek * 
 
 church was for many years under the care of Rev. George 
 Eve, who left them and went to Kentucky. During his 
 continuance among them there was no extraordinary re- 
 vival, but, in 1803, coming from the westei-n country on 
 a visit, the power of God revived in this church, under 
 his temporary labors, and while he stayed there were 
 added to the church upwards of one hundred. Elders 
 Jones and Goss preached for them statedly for some time. 
 
 Hephzibah. 
 
 This church, for two or three years after her constitu- 
 tion, seemed to decline, but in 1805 a small revival was 
 granted, when about twenty-five were added. Since that 
 time they have been in peace and harmony under the 
 stated ministry of Elder Dawson. Mr. Thomas Hendei-- 
 
 *Tlie meetlng-liouse of this church, known as Freddie's Creek, Is in Al- 
 bemarle county, one mile from Stony Point, on the road leading to Bar- 
 boursviUe. It is two miles distant from the site of the original meeting- 
 house on Freddie's creek. After Elder J. Goss, Benjamin Creel served the 
 church for fourteen years. Isaac S. Tinsley, W. F. Farish, Joseph H. Fox, 
 Charles Quarles, A. Eubank and J. M. Farrar have been pastors in succes- 
 sion since 1852. Gilbert Mason was ordained from this Body April, 1829. 
 Liberty church, five miles distant, was largely formed of members dis- 
 missed from this one. 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 225 
 
 son, the clerk of the church, also exhorts and preaches at 
 times. 
 
 Whitesides 
 
 has been a prosperous church. Her pastor, Mr. B. 
 Burgher, was in the ministry among the first that are 
 now living, and is esteemed a sound and able preacher, 
 especially when he feels what is called the liberty of 
 preaching. He used to be more laborious in the minis- 
 try than at prtsent ; having been for many years very 
 corpulent, traveling and preaching are not so practica- 
 ble. Mr. Burgher has some poetical genius, having com- 
 posed several songs and other small pieces of poetry. 
 He has been clerk of the Association for many years 
 and has composed most of their circular letters. The 
 church has been generally happy under his ministra- 
 tions, and has been favored with several comfortable 
 revivals. 
 
 [This church was located near Batesville, in Albe- 
 marle county, and its name was in 1806 changed to 
 Mount Ed, by which it is still known. Elder Burgher, 
 the first pastor of this church, died November 12, 1822. 
 Subsequent pastors of this church have been William 
 Duncan, P. Cleveland, Joseph H. Fox, John E. Massey, 
 S. P. Huff", B. H. Dement and W. H. Savage. The pres- 
 ent house of worship, built in 1806, is situated on the 
 opposite side of the road from where the old Whitesides 
 meeting-house stood.] 
 
 BUFFALOE 
 
 church is now prosperous and happy ; but for some time 
 after her constitution there was considerable confusion, 
 through the misconduct of Benjamin Coleman, their first 
 
 15 
 
226 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 pastor. In 1799, Elder John Young,* who had moved 
 from Caroline, settled in the bounds of this church and 
 became their pastor the ensuing year, viz., 1800. In 
 1803 God smiled, and as many as eighty or ninety sinners 
 were enticed to Jesus. Mr. William Duncan, f a preacher 
 of useful gifts, is a member of this church, and has been 
 ordained to the ministry. 
 
 [The meeting-house of Buffaloe church stood in the 
 vicinity of Amherst Courthouse. At an early period in 
 their history the name of the church was changed to 
 Mount Moriah, by which they are still known. John 
 Davis, S. B. Rice, F. M. Barker, T. W. Roberts, William 
 A. Tyree, H. Petty, C. Tyree, W. C. Tyree, S. P. Mas- 
 sey and O. Hughson have filled the pastorate here. Cor- 
 nelius Tyree (1839) and A. B. Brown (1S45) were or- 
 dained from this body.] 
 
 Ebenkzer 
 
 church was under the pastoral care of Elder Orson 
 Flowers until 1805, when he was drawn into the vortex 
 of Baptist preachers — Kentucky.]; Since his removal 
 they have been attended by Elder Duncan. They had a 
 revival in 1804. 
 
 * John Young removed to Amherst county, after having labored in Caro- 
 line for twenty-six years. For a time previous to his death he was laid 
 aside from pastoral labors by the infirmities of old age. He died April 16, 
 1817, and was succeeded by William Duncan. A son of liis — George White- 
 field Young— became an eminently useful minister in the Big Hatchie Asso- 
 ciation, of Tennessee, and was repeatedly called to act as president of the 
 West Tennessee Baptist Association. 
 
 + William Duncan served various churches in the Albemarle Association 
 as pastor until 1830, when he removed to Calaway county, Missouri. He 
 subsequently located in Boone county, where he acted as a domestic mis- 
 sionary. He died in 1846. 
 
 J It is questionable with some whether halt the preachers who have been 
 raised in Virginia have not emigrated to the western country.— ^li((7ior's 
 note. 
 
ALBEMARLE ASSOCIATION. 227 
 
 [This body was located four or five miles to the south- 
 east of Amherst Courthouse. They still sustain an effi- 
 cient connection with the Albemarle Association.] 
 
 Lyle's 
 
 church was planted by the united labors of Elijah Craig 
 and David Thompson. These preachers were induced to 
 visit this place in consequence of three or four persons 
 in the neighborhood going, in the year 1769, some distance 
 off to hear preaching, and being thereby awakened they 
 invited the preachers to come and visit them. They did 
 so. Their labor was not in vain. A few were admitted 
 to divine favor and were baptized. Among these was 
 their present pastor, Mr. Basket.* As soon as God 
 wrought in them they began to work for God, and held 
 private meetings. The work progressed and a church 
 was constituted. Their first pastor was Philip Webber, 
 who moving to Kentucky, the care of the church de- 
 volved upon Elder Basket. In 1788 the Master of As- 
 semblies paid them a visit and introduced a considerable 
 number into the divine favor. It is a peaceable and 
 prosperous church. 
 
 Fork, 
 
 in Fluvanna, was constituted off from Lyle's. They were 
 at first tolerably prosperous, but, through the misconduct 
 of their minister, they fell into great confusion, so far as 
 to require the interposition of the Association in order 
 
 ♦William Basket was pastor of Lyle's church for twenty-one years. The 
 union terminated with his death, April SO, 1815. Hia aged companion died 
 only a few days previously, and their joint commemorative service on June 
 24th, following, drew together a vast concourse of sympathetic admirers 
 and friends. Elder Basket was In opulent circumstances, and left a num- 
 ber of children, one of whom, Susanna, became the wife of Elder Warren 
 Cash, of Kentucky, whom she greatly aided in his extensive usefulness. 
 
228 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 to regulate them. But perhaps ere this Jesus has spoken 
 the storm into calm. 
 
 [The situation of the meeting-house of this church 
 remains, as originally, in the village of Fork Union, about 
 seven miles west of Columbia, on the old stage road from 
 Richmond to Lynchburg. Among the pastors of this 
 church have been Elders Jenkins, P. P. Smith, William 
 Moore, W. A. Whitescarver, J. L. Johnson, J. B. T. Pat- 
 terson, Andrew Broaddus, Jr., and George H. Snead, 
 M. D. Corinth church sprang from Fork, to the pastoral 
 care of which P. S. Henson, D. D., was called and or- 
 dained February, 1856. The first efforts of Dr. John A. 
 Broadus as a preacher were in connection with the Fork 
 church while teaching in a private family in the vicinity. 
 William A. Tyree, George H. Snead and James K. Gait 
 entered the ministry from this body.] 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 229 
 
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 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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CHAPTER XV. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE CULPEPER ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING 
 THE SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES. 
 
 For the origin, &c., of the Culpeper Association, see 
 Chapter XII. 
 
 Their first session was holden at Smith's Creek meet- 
 ing-house, commencing on the fourth Friday in October, 
 1792. This session was occupied in organizing. 
 
 They met a second time at Thornton's Gap, on Friday, 
 the 4th of October, 1793, and continued together three 
 days, Letters from fourteen churches were received, 
 stating their whole number to be 1,212. Rev. George 
 Eve was chosen moderator, and Rev. Lewis Conner* 
 clerk. Nothing more than local matters was transacted 
 at this session. The limits of our work will not admit of 
 lengthy details of the proceedings of each Association 
 in the State, nor indeed can it be desirable, seeing the 
 proceedings of one Association are so similar to those of 
 another, that by passing over the records of four or five 
 of the largest and oldest and selecting such general mat- 
 ter as may have called their attention, we obtain every- 
 
 *Lewis Conner was a native of Culpeper county, and was baptized by 
 David Thomas about the year 1769. He, with one of the Craigs, built a 
 meeting-house on Mountain river, in Orange, where a church was consti- 
 tuted, which ceased to meet at the opening of the Revolution. Elder Con- 
 ner served as a soldier in the Colonial army, and with Green in the South, 
 and also at the siege of Yorktown. Subsequently he was pastor of F. T., 
 Thornton's Gap and Battle Run churches, in a ministry extending for forty 
 years. He died at his home, near Battle Run church, in June, 1832, aged 
 eighty-six years. 
 
 [ 231 ] 
 
232 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 thing, or nearly everything, worth regarding in any. A 
 few general observations, therefore, as to the proceedings 
 of the Culpeper Association will, we presume, be satis- 
 factory ; especially as a pretty full attention has^ been 
 paid to the history of the churches in this Association. 
 
 Elder Lewis Conner acted as clerk of the Association 
 from their first organization until a few years past. At 
 present Mr. Richard I. Tutt discharges the duties of that 
 office. Mr. George Eve generally acted as moderator 
 during his continuance in the State. Of late years Elders 
 Mason and Conner — sometimes the one and sometimes 
 the other — have filled the moderator's chair. Their course 
 has been even and smooth ; their business managed pru- 
 dently and peacefully ; their number of churches has in- 
 creased, but their number of members rather decreased, 
 owing chiefly to the great number of removals to the 
 western country. This Association has never as yet 
 joined the General Meeting of Correspondence, but it is 
 hoped, when the principles and utility of that meeting are 
 better understood, that not only this, but all the Associa- 
 tions in the State, will become members. Upon this short 
 view of the Association, we shall now proceed to speak 
 of the churches. 
 
 Upper Goose Creek* and Bethelj 
 
 are churches of happy standing, but nothing has occurred 
 among them necessary to be noticed here. Brother Koontz 
 attends Upper Goose Creek with much success. 
 
 * The churcli ol this name was located on the headwaters of Goose creek, 
 In the upper end of Fauquier, and has been for many years connected with 
 the Potomac Association. John Ogilvie served as pastor here for twenty- 
 five years, and Barnett Grlmsley for seventeen. 
 
 + Bethel was in the southwestern corner of Culpeper, not far from Madi- 
 son, and the church maintains its place still in Shiloh Association. Elder 
 T. F. Grimsley has been for year's pastor here. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 233 
 
 Thornton's Gap* and Fiery Run 
 have furnished no historical account. 
 
 Crooked Run. \ 
 This is a daughter of Blue Run, and was for about two 
 years under the care of E. Craig, who was pastor of Blue 
 Run. God having raised up ministers among them, viz., 
 Elders J. Garnett and Thomas Ammon,J (the latter ot 
 whom was once imprisoned in Culpeper jail for preach- 
 ing), Mr. Garnett was ordained as pastor. Under the 
 ministerial care of this amiable man, the church has en- 
 joyed peace and harmony. In 1788 and 1789 they had a 
 glorious revival; 115 were added. In 1S02 they were 
 again blessed, and about thirty were baptized. By emi- 
 gration, &c., their number is not so great as it has been. 
 Mr. John Garnett, one of the ministers, has lately as- 
 cended the pulpit, and is said to be a young man of pleas- 
 ing manners and promising talents. 
 
 MOUNTPONEY. 
 
 This church was taken off from a church called Moun- 
 tain Run, in Orange county, constituted in 1768 and since 
 dissolved. The Rev. David Thomas was the first Baptist 
 preacher that ever proclaimed the Gospel of Peace in the 
 counties of Orange and Culpeper, which took place in 
 the year 1763. His preaching was in power and demon- 
 
 * Situated near the pass In the Blue Ridge of that name. The name has 
 been changed to SperryvUIe. 
 
 + Thls church continues a vigorous and active body, located In the lower 
 part of Culpeper bordering on Rapidau river. James Garnett was pastor 
 here for about flfty-flve years, and was succeeded at his death (April 16, 
 1830) by his grandson of the same name. J. W. MeCown and J. C. Willis 
 have served the church In this capacity in recent years. 
 
 JThomas Ammon became a useful and valuable preacher in Kentucky, 
 where he served Hicliman's Creelc church as their first pastor. He is 
 honorably mentioned in John Taylor's History of Ten Churches, p. 102. 
 
234 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 stration of the Spirit. Mr. Nathaniel Saunders, who 
 afterwards became a preacher, was among the first seals 
 to his ministry. Many others were also baptized about 
 the same time. In 1766, about two or three years after 
 he was baptized, Mr. Saunders began to preach, and in 
 1768 was ordained to the care of Mountain Run church, 
 which was constituted at the same time. Mr. Saunders 
 held the care of this church until it was dissolved in 1782, 
 and most of the members joined Mountponey.* 
 
 Mountponey, as will appear from the table, was consti- 
 tuted in 1774. Elder Saundersf served them as a supply 
 from a short time after their constitution until some time 
 in 1777. When the Rev. John Leland, from New Eng- 
 land, came preaching among them, and became a member 
 of Mountponey church, the church unanimously called 
 him to the administration of the Word and ordinances 
 without ordination by the imposition of hands. This 
 being contrary to the established rule of the Ketocton 
 Association, aud indeed of the Baptists of Virginia gen- 
 erally, when the church sent her delegates to the next 
 Association they were rejected. The habits of the Bap- 
 tists in New England and of those in Virginia respecting 
 apparel were also much at variance. Mr. Leland and 
 others adhered to the customs of New England, each one 
 putting on such apparel as suited his own fancy. This 
 was offensive to some members of the church. The con- 
 tention on this account became so sharp that on the 25tli 
 
 * Nathaniel Saunders, though not a preacher of great talents, was sound 
 In the faith. He lived and died In the estimation of all that knew him, a 
 pious and good man. After suffering a great deal, with a long and painful 
 illness, he finished his earthly pilgrimage towards the last of the summer, 
 1808. — Author^s note. 
 
 + For the writ under which Elder N. Saunders was arrested in August, 
 1773, and committed to the Culpeper jail for preaching the Gospel, see. Ap- 
 pendix. See there also a letter written to him while in prison {with 
 Elder William McClannahan) by Elder David Thomas. 
 
CULPEFER ASSOCIATION. 235 
 
 of July, 1779, about twelve members dissented from the 
 majority of the church and were of course excluded. The 
 dissenting members formed themselves into a church, and 
 sued for admission into the next Association, and were 
 received. The majority dismissed Mr. Leland in order, 
 and soon after this he submitted to oi-dination by the im- 
 position of the hands of a presbytery. 
 
 After Mr. Leland's departure Mr. Saunders resumed 
 the pastoral care of the church. A reconciliation was 
 effected. Mountain Run being dissolved, Mountponey 
 had three preachers in her government, viz.. Elder Wil- 
 liam Mason, who is now their pastor, and N. Saunders 
 and John Pi-ice, all of whom labored together in great 
 harmony until Mr. Price moved to Kentucky. In 1798, 
 the set time to favor Zion having arrived, her gates were 
 crowded with converts. To Mountponey church were 
 added by baptism about two hundred, chiefly through 
 the ministerial labor of Elder Mason. It was about this 
 time that Elder Mason was chosen by the church as their 
 pastor. Gourdvine and Bethel were constituted out of 
 this church. Mountponey* was a member of Ketocton 
 also until 1803; they then joined Culpeper. Mr. Mason, 
 pastor of this church, has been long laboring to turn 
 sinners to righteousness, and under God he has turned 
 
 *The meeting-house of this churcli was situated at the foot of Mount- 
 poney, on the road leading from Culpeper Courthouse to Stevensburg. 
 Their name was changed to Culpeper April 20, 1873. In 1834 the church 
 erected a new house of worship on the edge of the village of Culpeper, on 
 the right of the road leading to Brandy station, near where It crosses 
 Mountain Eun ; and In 1858 they occupied the house, lately burned, which 
 was that year completed, on a " lot bought from the county court and on the 
 spot where stood the old jail In which Rev. James Ireland was Imprisoned 
 and otherwise badly persecuted." Since William Mason, the pastors of this 
 church have been John Churchill Gordon, Cumberland George, James B. 
 Taylor, A. C. Barron, C. P. James and E. W. Winfrey. Three churches have 
 been formed, principally of members dismissed from Mountponey — Gourd- 
 vine, in 1791 ; Bethel , In 1803 ; and Stevensburg, in 1833. 
 
236 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 many. To say much in favor of a living man has too 
 much the appearance of flattery. We must, therefore, 
 curtail ; but our feelings will not permit us to be entirely 
 silent. Suffice it to say that in all the relations of life he 
 stands acknowledged through the whole circle of his 
 acquaintances as one of the most exemplary men living. 
 As a preacher, although he has no claim to learning or 
 refined eloquence, he possesses gifts that are incompara- 
 bly more valuable. Cowper's description of a Christian 
 minister is realized in Mr. Mason : ''^ ~"\ 
 
 / " Simple, grave, sincere, \ 
 
 / In doctrine uncorrupt ; in language plain, ^ 
 
 / And plain in manner. Decent, solemn, chaste j 
 
 / And natural in gesture. Much impressed s 
 
 / Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, i 
 
 I And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds 
 
 I May feel it too. Ailectionate in look. 
 
 And tender in address, as well becomes 
 
 \ A messenger of Grace to guilty men." 
 
 F. T.* 
 
 This church is so called from its being contiguous to a 
 place of that name. It was formerly called Ragged 
 Mountain. Through the pious labors of Elders Saunders, 
 Eve, Picket, &c., the Gospel was first successfully intro- 
 duced within the limits of this church. A malignant op- 
 position soon appeared to the Word. They threatened 
 the preacher, but God bade them preach on ; and so they 
 did, until persecution was silenced. After the constitu- 
 
 *The body bearing this somewhat singular title were located in that part 
 of Culpeper which, on the formation of Rappahannock county in 1831, be- 
 came Its lower section. The name was applied to an early colonial Episco- 
 pal church, " which took Its name from being near the starting-point of a 
 survey of land taken up by Mr. Frank Thornton, who carved his Initials, 
 "F. T.,'onan oak tree near a spring, where his lines commenced." The 
 church Is still a member of the Shiloh Association. William P. Broaddus 
 was ordained from this body in 1824. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 237 
 
 tion of F. T., George Eve was their minister, whose 
 labors were much blessed. Nothing notable, however, 
 transpired until 1788, when W. Mason, in consequence 
 of the resignation of Mr. Eve, became their minister. 
 That was a year long to be remembered by F. T. A 
 blessed revival appeared in all her borders. The work 
 continued during that and the succeeding year. The 
 heavens seemed to rain righteousness. Many of the 
 votaries of Mammon and of Belial renounced their idols, 
 and gave their hearts to their Redeemer. From this the 
 Robinson River church was taken off. Benjamin Fewel 
 was raised here, and afterwards moved to North Caro- 
 lina, where he has been eminently useful, and is clerk of 
 Mayo Association. 
 
 GOURDVINE. 
 
 This is another of the churches attended by Elder Wil- 
 liam Mason. The Gospel was first introduced into the 
 neighborhood through the invitation of sundry persons 
 to Mr. Picket * and others to come and preach in their 
 houses. Among others was a Mr. Sam Ferguson, a rich 
 man, who had been an opposer ; but God conquered him 
 by His grace, and in return he made his house a house of 
 prayer and preaching. The church has prospered mod- 
 erately, with the enjoyment of peace and love. 
 
 Battle RuNf 
 
 is one of the daughters of Carter's Run, and for many 
 years fed upon the heavenly manna dealt out by the Rev. 
 John Picket. Their course has not been very remarkable. 
 
 * For notice of Elder John Picket, see Appendix. 
 
 ■i- Battle Ran church had as pastor after Elder Picket, Lewis Conner, who 
 served them until near his death, in June, 1832. Elder Thomas Buck, Jr., 
 succeeded him as pastor. The name has not appeared tor many years in 
 the list of Virginia Baptist churches. 
 
238 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Their winters have not been more severe, nor their sum- 
 mers more fruitful, than those in their sister churches. 
 
 Rapidan.* 
 
 This is a daughter of Blue Run church. The Gospel 
 vf^s first carried into the bounds of this church by Messrs. 
 Harriss and Read. The plant which they planted was 
 watered by Mr. Waller and Mr. E. Craig. When the 
 Gospel was first preached in the bounds of this church 
 persecution ran high. Warrants were issued to appre- 
 hend the preachers. E. Craig was taken out of the pul- 
 pit and committed to Culpeper jail. Thomas Maxfield, 
 some time after, was imprisoned for exhorting. Mr. 
 Adam Banks about the same time was committed to jail 
 for praying in the private house of a Mr. John Dulaney, 
 and Dulaney himself, who was not a Baptist, for permit- 
 ting it. Persecution often defeats its own cause. Men 
 cannot be restrained from thinking, and they will think 
 that a bad cause which requires force to support it. In 
 the midst of these violent persecutions the cause of God 
 flourished about Rapidan abundantly. In this church 
 Rev. George Eve, one of the most successful preachers in 
 these parts, was raised up, and about 1775 was ordained 
 to the care of the church. During the years I'j'jG-^'j'j-'jS 
 they were much revived; as many as 130 or 140 were 
 added under the ministry of Mr. Eve. By removals, 
 deaths, &c., the church was again considerably reduced, 
 but in 1788 a heavenly work commenced and went on 
 until 1796, when, after having been about twenty -one 
 years under his pastoral care, the church reluctantly gave 
 
 * The Rapidan meeting-house stood six or seven miles to the southeast of 
 Madison Courthouse. The church was eminently fruitful in their contri- 
 butions to the ministry of Virginia and Kentucky, and is still a constituent 
 of Shlloh Association. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 239 
 
 Mr. Eve a letter of dismission, he being about to move to 
 Kentucky.* After a space of about eight years, in which 
 they were supplied by visiting ministers, Elder Joshua 
 Leather was appointed pastor,' but he, after about two 
 years, also went to Kentucky, since which time this 
 church, which has been the nursery of several useful min- 
 isters, has been without a pastor. \ 
 
 ' Joseph Early joined the Baptists in 1772, and was a 
 member of Rapidan church. He was a distinguished 
 character in his sphere. Though not a preacher, he had 
 his gift, and he did not neglect it. He was rich in this 
 world, and he was willing to communicate. Viewing 
 himself as a steward for God, he laid out his Lord's mo- 
 ney according to His instructions. His hands were open 
 to the poor and needy. He was the friend of the friend- 
 less. He also bestowed liberally for all religious pur- 
 poses. When a meeting-house was to be built or any 
 other plan was in agitation that required money, Mr. 
 Early's purse was easily commanded. His fellow-citizens 
 elected him to represent them in the Legislature, but God 
 had elected him to much higher honors. In 1783, after 
 maintaining for about eleven years a most unblamable I 
 reputation for piety and goodness, he died in great peace, 
 going forth to meet the Bridegroom, and has doubtles? 
 
 ■ entered with Him into the marriage chamber. 
 
 Robinson River. 
 
 Within the bounds of this church Mr. Mason preached 
 for several years, having singular respect and attention 
 
 ♦Elder Eve settled in Boone county, Kentucky, In 1797, and joined Bullits- 
 burg cliurch. He subsequently moved to Frauklin county and united with 
 Great Crossing church. Possessing great gitts for exhortation and song, 
 many were led into the churches through his labors. North Fork church 
 was constituted by him and William Hickman. His latter days were sadly 
 clouded , and he died in exclusion from the church tor repeated intoxication. 
 
240 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 shown him by all sorts of people ; but, to his great mor- 
 tification, he could make no effectual interest for his 
 Master. This was so discouraging to his soul that he had 
 strong thoughts of turning his attention elsewhere. But 
 an unseen power impelled him to the work until the set 
 time for God to work ; then were their mouths filled with 
 laughing and their tongues with singing. A certain 
 woman on her death-bed obtained a hope of eternal life, 
 and when dying requested Mr. Mason to preach at her 
 funeral, saying, at the same time, that it would be a great 
 day. Accordingly at her funeral the revival commenced, 
 and continued until many were turned to righteousness. 
 Mr. Mason has ever since continued his ministrations 
 among them, to the satisfaction of all ; but through re- 
 movals, deaths, &c., this church is not now as large as 
 when constituted. 
 
 Blue Run.* 
 
 An account of the rise of this church may be seen in 
 our account of the rise and progress of the Separate 
 Baptists in Virginia. By recurring to that recital it will 
 be seen that this was among the first places that the Gos- 
 pel took effect, through the labors of Messrs. Harriss and 
 Read, and that as early as the 4th of December, 1769, 
 this church was constituted under the pastoral care of 
 Elijah Craig. Her history since that period remains to 
 be4iere inserted. 
 
 *The present site of Blue Run" meeting-house, six miles from Orange 
 Courtliouse, Is three miles north of the-orlglnal one. The former one was 
 sold to the colored people In 1876. John Goss continued as pastor here from 
 about the year 1800 till 1838.' BE. G. Ship served for ten years subsequently, 
 his place having been supplied one year by James Fife. W. D. Thomas was 
 chosen In 1859. A. M. Poindexter^was pastor for a few months prior to his 
 death. The following names: C. P. Scott, H. E. Hatcher, Hugh Goodwin, 
 J, B. Cook and W. E. Robertson, are recalled as having served the church 
 since that time. Pleasant Grove, Greene county, sprang from Blue Run. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 241 
 
 It appears that they prospered under the care of Elder 
 Craig ; many were added to the church, and it was large 
 and prosperous for many years. In 1786 E. Craig moved 
 to Kentucky,* and then the church procured the services 
 of Elder George Eve, who continued to officiate as min- 
 ister until 1794- His ministrations were much blessed. 
 During the years 1788 and 1789 the church was highly 
 favored. Many precious souls were enlisted to fight un- 
 der the banner of Christ and in the ranks of Blue Run 
 church. In 1794 Mr. Eve resigned his care of Blue Run, 
 having to attend two other churches. Elder Hamilton 
 Goss was then called to the pastoral charge of this 
 church. Under his ministry in 1802 they had a small 
 revival. After continuing in the church for nine or ten 
 years in love and peace, Mr. Goss removed to Harrison 
 county, in the western part of Virginia. Mr. Robert 
 Jones, then a resident of Albemarle, and unordained, was 
 called to the pastoral care ; having accepted the call, he 
 was accordingly ordained for that purpose, and removed 
 his residence to Blue Run. He is still their pastor and 
 has been among them in love and harmony. Their num- 
 ber at present is one hundred, but they have been far 
 more numerous, having been reduced by death and fre- 
 quent removals. It is worthy of notice that there does 
 not remain a single member in the church who was in it 
 when first constituted. 
 
 * Elder Craig had been preceded to Kentucky by his brothers, Lewis and 
 Joseph. He removed in 1787 and settled in Scott county, where he pur- 
 chased one thousand acres of land on and adjoining the present site of 
 Georgetown. He established the first classical school in Kentucky, the 
 first saw and grist-mill, the first fulling and paper-mill, and the first rope-- 
 walk. His business engrossments impaired his ministerial usefulness. 
 He was the first pastor of "Old Crossing" church. " His preaching was of 
 the most solemn style ; his appearance as of a man who had just come from 
 the dead; of a delicate habit, a thin visage, large eyes and mouth; the 
 sweet melody of his voice, both In preaching and singing, bore all down 
 before it." He died in 1803, set. sixty. 
 16 
 
242 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Carter's Run.* 
 
 This church was the first fruits of the Rev. John Pick- 
 et's ministry, and is the mother of most of the neigh- 
 boring churches ; for, from her, were constituted the fol- 
 lowing, viz.. Mill Creek, Battle Run, Hedgeman's River, 
 Fiery Run and Upper Goose Greek. 
 
 Shortly after her constitution until his death Cartei-'s 
 Run was under the pastoral care of the venerable Mr. 
 John Picket. If anything remarkable has transpired 
 within their limits it has not been communicated. See 
 further account in the biography of Mr. Picket. 
 
 Mill Creek. 
 This is also a mother church, being the first fruits of 
 the labors of several old and faithful fathers in the min- 
 istry in that part of the district. Rev. John Koontz was 
 the first that preached a pure gospel within the limits of 
 Mill Creek. Having been baptized in Fauquier Decem- 
 ber, 1768, and living at the time in Frederick county, 
 near Front Royal, he began in a few months after his 
 baptism to exhort and preach in his own neighborhood. 
 So he continued until November, 1770, when he resolved 
 to go up to Shenandoah, into the neighborhood of Mill 
 Creek, where his brother Geoi'ge lived. It is easy to 
 conjecture that Mr. Koontz would hardly visit in a dark 
 and unenlightened place without making some essay to 
 spread the savor of the knowledge of Christ. He did 
 
 *The meeting-house of this church was situated near the stream from 
 which their name was taken, in the western part of Fauquier county. The 
 .present house of worship is located half a mile east of the former site. In 
 the list of pastors of this body, in addition to that of John Picket, their 
 founder, appear the following names: Silas Bruce, A. H. Splllman,H. H. 
 Wyer, J. A. Chamhllss and S. M. Athey. In addition to the numerous 
 churches that have originated from Carter's Run may be added the Orleaii 
 church, organized in 1860. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 243 
 
 blow the Gospel trumpet, and it gave no uncertain sound. 
 Many were roused from their sleep, took the alarm and 
 fled for refuge. Zion's gates were crowded with return- 
 ing rebels. Soon after Mr. Koontz's labors began to be 
 prospered about Mill Creek other preachers visited them. 
 Among them were Lewis Craig, John Picket, &c. Mr. 
 Koontz not being ordained, Mr. Lewis Craig baptized 
 the first converts. 
 
 Among the first that were baptized was Martin Kauf- 
 man, who soon after became a preacher. The work went 
 on. Mr. Koontz labored much. There were in the neigh- 
 borhood many Dutch or Germans. Mr. Koontz being a 
 German, could preach in either language, and would often 
 preach twice to the same congregation, once in Dutch 
 and once in Engjish. But shall we say that this work of 
 godliness progressed to so great an extent without any 
 opposition ? Far from it. Can the lion be ousted from 
 his den and make no resistance? Can the bear be peace- 
 fully robbed of her whelps ? Will the strong man armed 
 give up his palace and his goods without a struggle? It 
 is not so. Mi\ Koontz found and sustained with fortitude 
 no little opposition. At first they were contented to 
 offer reproaches and threats, but as the work increased 
 they resorted to more harsh treatment. Once Mr. Koontz 
 was met on the road and beaten. On another occasion 
 he attended a meeting towards Smith's creek. When he 
 arrived at the place he was met by a set of ruffians, who 
 forbade his preaching. One Captain Leahorn, a respect- 
 able man, interfered and insisted he should preach, and 
 prevailed. The persecutors, however, threw out heavy 
 threats that if he ever came that way upon that errand 
 again they would beat him severely. Mr. Koontz could 
 not be deterred from coming, and they kept their word. 
 
244 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 He went not long after. His enemies had thrown in 
 money and hired a son of darkness to beat him. Ac- 
 cordingly, as soon as he arrived, the miscreant began to 
 strike him with the butt end of a large cane, requiring 
 him to promise never to come there again. This Mr. 
 Koontz pointedly refused to do. The fellow continued 
 beating until he had almost disabled him. Then he left 
 him. While thus suffering Mr. Koontz felt nothing more 
 than a firm determination not to yield. But the savage 
 had left him but a few steps before he felt his soul ex- 
 ceedingly comforted. He could then thank God that he 
 was counted worthy to suffer persecution for the name of 
 Christ. 
 
 Some time after this he and Martin Kaufman went to 
 a place about six or seven miles from thence, and while 
 they were preparing to preach he heard a man in a room 
 adjoining that in which he and Mr. Kaufman were sitting 
 inquire for John Koontz. When he heard the inquiry he 
 immediately suspected that some mischief was in agita- 
 tion, and stepped into a third room and got out of sight. 
 The fellow, who had probably been instigated by some 
 other persons, did not know either Koontz or Kaufman. 
 When he came into the room he supposed Martin Kauf- 
 man to be John Koontz, and without asking any questions 
 fell upon him with a stick, or something of the kind. It 
 was not until after poor Martin had received many blows 
 that he could convince the barbarian that he was not 
 named Koontz. In the mean time the fellow's wrath was 
 satiated and he went off without finding Mr. Koontz at 
 all. 
 
 On another occasion he attended an appointment, but 
 before he had begun to preach they, took him off and said 
 they would carrj' him to prison. At a small distance 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 245 
 
 from the place they met a man coming to meeting. He 
 said he had come to hear Mr. Koontz preach ; that they 
 should not carry him any farther, and attempted to rescue 
 him, but the persecutors beat him off. When they had 
 carried him a small distance farther he said to them : 
 " Take heed what you do. If I am a man of God you 
 fight against God." One of the party was immediately 
 alarmed. The warning dropped was owned of God, 
 working in him a repentance never to be repented of. 
 They had proceeded but a little way, when the whole 
 company began to relent and agreed to let him go. The 
 man who first took the alarm, and two or three more of 
 the company, afterwards became Baptists. This was the 
 last violent attack made upon Elder Koontz. From the 
 time of his initiation into the ministry until this day he 
 has continued faithfully to declare the counsel of God. 
 Among the Baptists there are and have been many active 
 and laborious preachers, whose souls have glowed with 
 seraphic ardor ; leaning upon the sacred promises, they 
 were willing to suffer with Christ here that they might 
 reign with Him hereafter. But considering Mr. Koontz's 
 unwearied labors in the ministry, the length of time in 
 which he has been engaged (about forty years) ; consid- 
 ering that he has a constitution that has seldom or never 
 failed him, requiring short and few intervals of rest, it 
 may be fairly stated that few if any in the State have 
 surpassed him as to the quantum of service devoted to 
 the Lord's vineyard. He has been a laborer indeed, and 
 no doubt will receive his full wages whenever the Lord 
 of the Vineyard shall reckon with His servants. Mr. 
 Koontz is still living, and, although grown old in service, 
 he does not in any great degree slack his hand. 
 
246 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Mill Creek was a large church when first constituted. 
 Most of the people in the neighborhood, previous to the 
 preaching of the Baptists, were Dutch Menonists. The 
 Kaufmans and others who were of that sect being bap- 
 tized, excited great displeasure among the Menonists 
 generally. In order to overturn the works of Satan, as 
 they called it, they sent for preachers from Pennsylvania. 
 In some short time four or five Pennsylvania Menonist 
 preachers came. They labored much to prevent the work 
 then going on. They conceived that John Koontz was 
 the chief cause of this disturbance, and thought if he 
 could be convinced or overset by any means there would 
 be no more of it, seeing he could preach in Dutch. To 
 this end the preachers came to his house and labored 
 much to convince him. They contended that Christians 
 ought not to hold with going to war, with slavery or 
 taking legal oaths ; that these were fundamental points. 
 To this Mr. Koontz replied that the Baptists, upon these 
 points, left every man at discretion, wishing all to follow 
 the dictates of his own conscience. He then questioned 
 them as to the reason of their hope in Christ ; whether 
 they had felt the power of godliness in their hearts, or 
 whether they relied upon their nursery faith. He found 
 them entire strangers to vital godliness, denying the ex- 
 istence thereof. They left him and held meetings in the 
 neighborhood two days, striving publicly and privately 
 against the revival that was then happily progressing. 
 
 Their labor was in vain. God still added to His people 
 such as should be saved. 
 
 When the church, now called Mill Creek (then White 
 House) was first constituted, there were two preachers in 
 it, viz., Anderson Moffett and Martin Kaufman, for Mr. 
 Koontz had not then moved from his residence near Front 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 247 
 
 Royal. There being two preachers, inquiry was made 
 which should be chosen as pastor. On this question they 
 were divided, and being customary to have it unani- 
 mous, no choice could be made. So the affair stood until 
 the year 1774 or 1775, when Mr. Koontz, having settled 
 among them, he was ordained to the care of the church. 
 About the same time Smith's Creek was constituted off, 
 partly from the White House and partly from Lynville's 
 Creek, and A. Moffett became their pastor. 
 
 Martin Kaufman having been a Menonist previous to 
 his conversion, retained most of their principles after he 
 became a Baptist. When the American Revolutionary 
 war broke out, most of the Baptists, being attached to 
 the principles of the Revolution, took the oath of alle- 
 giance, and many of them joined the army. This gave 
 great offence to Martin Kaufman and ten or twelve 
 others who ha;d been Menonists. 
 
 Some ineffectual attempts were made to satisfy them, 
 in which it was urged that, inasmuch as they were not 
 hindered in the enjoyment of their own opinions, they 
 ought to leave others in the same enjoyment; that mutual 
 forbearance in all matters of secondary importance was 
 indispensably necessary to the happiness of society ; 
 that in our present imperfect state perfect coincidence of 
 opinion in all matters was not to be expected, and' that 
 at least when it was found that so large a majority of 
 the society to which they were united differed from them, 
 they ought to suspect the correctness of their own opin- 
 ions, so far as to yield the liberty of conscience to others, 
 without pushing matters to extremes. To all these ar- 
 guments they replied that to them it appeared that the 
 points of difference were of primary importance, and 
 that they could not in good conscience hold fellowship 
 
248 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 or communion with persons who allowed such unlawful 
 practices. All attempts to reconcile them failed, and 
 they finally broke off and formed a separate party. 
 
 From time to time others fell into their way of think- 
 ing, until their number ultimately swelled to sixty or 
 seventy. Mr. Kaufman became their preacher, having 
 been ordained by two of his own members. Their doc- 
 trine was not so Calvinistic as that of the Baptists gen- 
 erally. i,^They_grofessed to believe in universal provision 
 and final perseyeranceiy Their discipline was nearly tEe 
 ganie as that of^ the Baptists. This party continued to 
 increase moderately for some time, until some other 
 churches were formed and preachers raised up. Mr. 
 Kaufman, however, was the soul of 4:he party, and when 
 he became old and less capable of active exertion they 
 declined fast. After his death, which took place in 1805, 
 they dispersed. Some joined the old Mill Creek church 
 and some Smith's Creek. Kaufman was generally con- 
 sidered a pious and inoffensive man, very zealous and 
 indefatigable. His intellectual powers, however, were 
 very small and his prejudices strong. He seldom or 
 never adopted harsh terms in his opposition to the Bap- 
 tists ; always manifested considerable afTection and friend- 
 ship towards them when in their company. All things 
 considered, it is most rational as well as most charitable 
 to presume that Martin was actuated by pure motives, 
 and that he conscientiously believed that he ought to do 
 what he did. 
 
 At an Association held for the Orange District in May, 
 1809, an entry is made in the following words : "A letter 
 came to the Association from the Menonist Baptist 
 church, at the White House, praying for a reconciliation ; 
 which church separated from us in the time of the wa 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 249 
 
 because they would keep no slaves, swear no oaths, nor 
 bear arms in defence of their country. A letter was writ- 
 ten by the Association in answer to the one received, and 
 a committee appointed to wait on the church, who re- 
 ported to the next Association that they attended and 
 found that there was no probability of a reconciliation." 
 Mill Creek church has had many ebbs and flows, but is 
 now in good standing and about as numerous as when 
 first constituted.* 
 
 Smith's Creek. 
 
 This church was constituted off from Mill Creek, for- 
 merly called the White House. The first dawn of divine 
 light in this neighborhood arose from a few Baptists who 
 had moved into its limits and adopted the practice of 
 meeting at private houses on Sundays for the purpose of 
 singing and praying and reading the Scriptures. By 
 these means impressions were made upon the minds of 
 many, so as to induce them to go a greater distance to hear 
 preaching and to invite preachers. They were also fa- 
 vored with the divine mercy so far as to have preachers 
 raised up among them. These were Mr. Ireland and Mr. 
 Moffett, the latter of whom took the care of the church 
 about two years after her constitution and has ever since 
 retained it. They have had many revivals and declen- 
 sions, but none of them were remarkable. Mr. Moffett, 
 from the time of his first entry upon the ministry until 
 this time, has been a' steady, pious and useful minister of 
 the Gospel. Some years past, by an unfortunate fall 
 from his horse, he got very much crippled, since which 
 time he has been so lame as not to be able to move about 
 
 * This body does not seem to have existed as a missionary Baptist church. 
 The name disappeared early In the century from the list of churches of the 
 Shiloh Association. 
 
250 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 without great inconvenience. He continues, neverthe- 
 less, to labor in the vineyard as far as he is able, and will 
 probably ere long finish his course with joy.* 
 
 Lost River 
 
 has not been so large or flourishing as many others. At 
 times, however, there have been some lively stirs, in which 
 the church would increase considerably, but by frequent 
 removals, deaths, &c., they were again reduced to a small 
 number. At their first constitution they procured the 
 stated ministry of Rev. A. Moflfett, whose labors were 
 owned of God. After Mr. Moff'ett left them they pro- 
 cured the attendance of John Koontz. In a few years Jo- 
 siah Osborne commenced preaching, but after a little time 
 moved to Greenbrier. Since that time they have obtained 
 the occasional and stated services of Elders Moffett, 
 Koontz and Monroe just as they could. At present a 
 promising preacher by the name of Sperry is among 
 
 them. 
 
 Lunie's Creek. 
 
 This church was planted by the united labors of Elders 
 Joseph Redding and John Taylor, who, at the time of their 
 coming among them, were young and unordained preach-, 
 ers. By the occasional visits of Elder Koontz and others, 
 ordained ministers, a sufficient number were baptized to 
 form a church, and they were constituted, under the care 
 of Mr. Redding, who had now moved within their limits, 
 and was ordained for that purpose. The church greatly 
 flourished under his ministration, until some unpleasant 
 dispute arising about Regulars and Separates, Mr. Redding 
 
 *He was one of the old ministers imprisoned in Culpeper jail; "was a 
 preacher for seventy years, and died in Rockingham county, May 14, 1835, 
 aged nearly eighty-nine years. He was a great-uncle of Rev. John E. Mof- 
 fett, assassinated In Danville, November 11, 1892. 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 251 
 
 moved away.* The discipline of the church was thrown 
 aside, and of course everything fell into confusion. No 
 Baptist preacher preached among them for the space of 
 four years. It fell to the lot of the faithful Mr. Koontz 
 to restore order among them ; after which he preached 
 statedly for them during a considerable time, although he 
 resided about seventy miles from them. A certain Mr. 
 Walker, an excommunicated Baptist, imposed himself 
 upon this church,. and was by them imprudently received 
 and ordained among them ; which furnishes additional 
 proof that more caution ought to be used in the ordina- 
 tion of ministers. This church is now destitute of a pas- 
 tor. 
 
 Lynville's Creek, 
 
 called at first Smith and Lynville's Creek, is noticed in 
 our general history of the origin and progress of the Reg- 
 ular Baptists. It will appear from what is there stated 
 that this is among the oldest Baptist churches in Vir- 
 ginia, and that Elder John Alderson, Sr., was their first 
 pastor. Under his care they went on very happily, hav- 
 ing considerably increased, until the fall of 1757, when the 
 Indians invaded their country and scattered the church, 
 'many of whom moved forty or fifty miles below the Blue 
 Ridge. After two or three years they rallied again, put 
 their church matters in a regular train, and on the 12th 
 
 ♦Joseph Redding was born in Fauquier county about 1750, and was bap- 
 tized by William Marshall at the age of twenty-one. He, with his brother 
 Isaac, began early to preach, and John Taylor became one of the first fruits 
 of their ministry. Joseph Redding made extensive tours of preaching — to 
 North Carolina and the frontier counties of Virginia. In the tall of 1779 he 
 went with a company of Immigrants to Kentucky, his wife being one of 
 the party, and probably the first wife of a minister that set foot on the soil 
 of the State. He returned to Virginia, spent several years in South Caro- 
 lina, and settled finally in Kentucky iu 1789, where his ministry was popu- 
 lar and useful in the pastorates of Great Crossing and Dry Run churches. 
 He .died In 1815, aged sixty-five years. 
 
252 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 of October, 1762, were received as a member of the Phil- 
 adelphia Association. 
 
 In the summer of 1763 they were again disturbed by 
 the irruptions of the Indians, but returned again in a 
 short time and continued their church state peaceably 
 and tolerably prosperously for many years. In 1775 John 
 Alderson, Jr., son of their first pastor, was ordained and 
 toolc the pastoral care of the church. In 1777 their be- 
 loved pastor moved into Greenbrier county, leaving the 
 church destitute of any stated ministry ; in consequence 
 of which discipline was neglected and everything fell 
 into confusion, and so continued for about ten years. In 
 1787 they gathered the fragments of the church, set 
 things in order, agreed to keep up regular discipline and 
 obtained the stated services of Elder Anderson Moffett, 
 a neighboring minister. They now went on smoothly 
 and frequent additions were made to the church. In 
 1791 they received as member and pastor Mr. James 
 Johnson, hitherto a licensed preacher in Buckmarsh. The 
 church flourished under his ministry. But, to the great 
 loss of the church, Mr. Johnson also moved off into 
 Kanawha county in 1794. Since that time they have 
 had the stated and occasional services of the faithful but 
 aged Elder A. Moffett. This has never been a large 
 church, but can boast of several worthy and valuable 
 members. 
 
 Silas Hart, a native of Pennsylvania, moved into the 
 bounds of this church and became a member. He died 
 and left by his last will to the Philadelphia Association 
 property sufficient to yield an annuity of £50, to be kept 
 in the hands of trustees and applied to the education of 
 young preachers. The Philadelphia Association ap- 
 pointed the Rev. David Jones to receive the money, in 
 
CULPEPER ASSOCIATION. 253 
 
 their behalf; but upon application the executors of Hart 
 refused to pay it, upon the ground that the Association 
 was not incorporated, and consequently not known in 
 law or capable of maintaining an action. David Jones 
 commenced a suit in chancery in Rockingham court, and 
 in 1802 a decree was pronounced in favor of the execu- 
 tors. Jones appealed to the Staunton High Court of 
 Chancery, when, in 1803, the decree was affirmed. He 
 then appealed to the High Court of Appeals, where, in 
 [807, the decree was finally affirmed. Between the 
 time of the decision in the Staunton Chancery Court 
 and that in the Court of Appeals the Philadelphia Asso- 
 ciation became incorporated. This, taking place subse- 
 quent to the commencement of the suit, did not avail as 
 to the suit then depending. The Court of Appeals, 
 however, made a reservation in the decree, stating that 
 nothing done in this suit should affect any other suit 
 which should be hereafter brought by the Baptist Asso- 
 ciation meeting in ordinary at Philadelphia; so that by 
 resorting to another original action the Association will 
 ultimately receive the money. This is certainly an im- 
 portant case to the Baptists of Vii'ginia. From the de- 
 cision above mentioned it would seem doubtful whether 
 any property holden by the Baptists as a religious society 
 is safe. It remains, therefore, for them hereafter to de- 
 cide whether it will be best to suffer their meeting-houses 
 and other property to continue thus jeopardized, or to 
 become incorporated. If their becoming incorporated 
 would be a dangerous precedent, leading in any wise to 
 religious oppression, it is better to remain as they are, 
 for it would certainly be more wise to jeopardize property 
 than principles. A fair and unprejudiced investigation 
 of this subject is desirable at this time, and would proba- 
 bly lead to beneficial effects. 
 
254 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATIOX, IN- 
 CLUDING THE SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 When the General Association was divided, the lower 
 district, on '^ the south side of James river, assumed the 
 name of the Middle District, being between the upper, 
 which was called Strawberry, and the Portsmouth, which 
 was then a part of the Kehukee. The Middle District 
 included all the churches between the upper boundary of 
 the Kehukee and the lower boundary of the Strawberry.* 
 The exact number of churches cannot be ascertained, as 
 they were not entered in the Association minutes in those 
 days. 
 
 The Middle District Association met in 1784 and 
 organized themselves. | Their second session was held 
 at Rice's meeting-house. Prince Edward county, May 9, 
 1785. A general dearth in religion existed almost 
 throughout the State. The names of fifteen delegates 
 only are entered upon the minutes as sent from all the 
 churches. 
 
 The business of this session related chiefly to state 
 grievances, all of which are noticed elsewhere. 
 
 The Association continued to meet twice a year during 
 this cold and wintry state; but they took up very few 
 subjects except those that respected local matters. 
 
 * The lines here referred to may be Indicated by one roughly drawn on 
 the map from City Point, on James river, to Petersburg, and thence to the 
 western corner of Brunswick county on the North Carolina line, and the 
 other from Lynchburg to the corner of Henry county on the North Caro- 
 lina line, fifteen miles west of Danville. 
 
 + The minutes of this session could not be procured.— jluWor's note. 
 [ 255 ] 
 
256 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 In May, 1787, they met at Nottoway meeting-house. 
 The prospects began to be more auspicious ; about four 
 times as many delegates attended the Association. Many 
 churches speak of revivals either already commenced or 
 ready to break forth. As soon as there w^as sufficient 
 vsrarmth to put the churches in motion, so as to induce 
 them to send their delegates to the Association, it was 
 found that the district was too large to assemble in one 
 body. Accordingly, when they met at Mossingford, May, 
 1788, they agreed to divide into two districts, or rather 
 to strike off the upper churches in order to form a new 
 Association, which was called Roanoke. The boundaries 
 were fixed as follows : beginning where the Kehukee As- 
 sociation line crosses the Meherrin river ; from thence 
 upward by Lunenburg Courthouse to the Double Bridges ; 
 from thence to Charlotte Courthouse ; thence the Law- 
 yer's road to New London * to the upper line dividing 
 Strawberry District, leaving it optional with churches 
 near the line to associate in either district as might suit 
 their convenience. 
 
 They held their first session, after the division, at Rice's 
 meeting-house. Prince Edward county, where they made 
 some new regulations for the government of the Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 During the different sessions between 1788 and 1791 t 
 nothing of any importance was done. The accounts re- 
 ceived from the churches were interesting. It was a time 
 of ingathering of souls. 
 
 * This dividing line between tlie Portsmouth and Middle District Asso- 
 ciations ran in a north-westerly direction from the Brunswick line nearly 
 through the centre of Lunenburg, Charlotte and Campbell counties to the 
 edge of Bedford at a point ten or twelve miles below Lynchburg. 
 
 +These sessions were held as follows: May and October, 1788, at Mossing- 
 ford and Rice's meeting-house ; May, 1789, at Rehoboth , Chesterfield county ; 
 October. 1789, at Rice's; October, 1790, at Mountain Creek, Prince Edward. 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 257 
 
 In May, 1791, they met at Cedar Creek meeting-house, 
 in Lunenburg county. Here it appears that the revivals 
 in some places had subsided, but in others vsrere going on. 
 
 The circular letter for this session was a pleasing per- 
 formance. It contains these forcible remarks upon min- 
 isterial support: "We fear covetousness and want of 
 reasonable support of the ministry is one great reason 
 why we are so languid in vital religion. When our min- 
 isters ought, to be out and working in God's vineyard, 
 behold they are forced to leave the_flock, Jjiingering for 
 Jhebreajd__of_2ifejwhile_they^ ^•!£_§i?uS&li?£- *^° provide 
 necessaries for theii^ families. / When we consider the 
 many pSTCment publications on this subject, as well as 
 the clear and obvious manner in which it is laid down in 
 the Scriptures, it is somewhat astonishing that this duty 
 is still so little attended to. What is man in his best 
 estate?" 
 
 From this session until October, 1792, when they met 
 at Appomattox meeting-house, the business was alto- 
 gether local. At the above session they made an ar- 
 rangement of rather a singular nature. It was agreed 
 that persons appointed by the Association should visit 
 every church in the district, and " inquire into their state 
 and standing ; to see whether the Word and ordinances 
 are duly administered ; discipline kept up ; gifts encour- 
 aged and licensed ; a sufficient number of deacons or- 
 dained ; pastors supported ; flocks visited from house to 
 house and their numbers known ; churches destitute of 
 pastors instructed in their duty ; small constitutions not 
 able to live to be dissolved ; overgrown churches to be 
 constituted for convenience." 
 
 From this, as well as many other proceedings in the 
 different Associations, it clearly appears that the churches 
 17 
 
258 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 are often willing to depute to the Associations a portion 
 of power as being necessary for the promotion of order 
 and good government, and that when rightly used it is 
 always productive of good effects. It is incumbent on 
 the churches to inhibit them from the abuse of such 
 powers. 
 
 From October, 1792, until October, 1797, they met, as 
 usual, twice a year. Complaints of the cold state of reli- 
 gion during this season are universal. In 1797 the tone 
 is much changed. At their session at Traylor's,* in 
 Chesterfield, they say in their circular letter, " How are 
 our joys and sorrows heightened by turns, whilst we hear 
 from some parts that God is magnifying the riches of His 
 grace in the salvation of sinners, and from others that no 
 symptoms of revivals appear ! " 
 
 The sessions were as usual imtil October, 1800, when 
 they met at Tarwallet meeting-house, in Cumberland 
 count}'. This is said to have been one of the most un- 
 pleasant, and, indped, confused meetings that the Associa- 
 tion had ever witnessed. The consequences did not sub- 
 side for several years, as we shall presently show. 
 
 * William Traylor married 5th December, 1695, Judith, daughter of George 
 Archer and his wife, Elizabeth Harris (Henrico county records), and died in 
 1753 {Chesterfield county records). He patented about three thousand 
 acres of land on Appomattox river, Nooning creek and the waters of Win- 
 terpook creek (Virginia Land Office records). One of his grandsons. Archer, 
 who died in 1803, son of John, who died in 1775, resided in 1797 on Nooning 
 creek near " Spring Hill." The residence of another grandson, Jesse, who 
 died in 1795, son of Joseph, who died in 1777, was In the vicinity of " Nine 
 Oaks." The present Second Branch church was probably constituted from 
 the congregation worshipping at " Traylor's " meeting-house. The only 
 Baptist preacher of the name in Chesterfield belonged to a later period. 
 Rev. Boswell Traylor, son of Daniel, son of the Archer above, was born 
 about 1786, married about 1809, Sallie, daughter of Rev. John Goode, the 
 second pastor of Skinquarter church, and died at Castle Craig, Campbell 
 county, 27th October, 1876. One of his great-grandsons, Rev. James Boswell 
 Traylor, class of 1892, Waco (Texas) University, is now pastor of the Baptist 
 church at ClarksvlUe, Texas. [Mr. Robert Lee Traylor of Richmond, Va., 
 is my authority for the statements in this note.] 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 259 
 
 It was at this session that Mr. Conrad Speece (now a 
 Presbyterian preacher), who had been baptized in the 
 course of this year by Elder James Saunders, was intro- 
 duced as a Baptist preacher, and was found both in the 
 pulpit and in private conference agreeable and clever. 
 He w^as a man of considerable learning, having been 
 educated for a Presbyterian preacher. By reading some 
 treatise on believers' baptism, as it is said, he became con- 
 vinced of the impropriety of infant baptism. After some 
 time devoted to the study of the subject, he offered him- 
 self a candidate for baptism, and was accordingly bap- 
 tized by Mr. Saunders. Soon after this Association he 
 professed to be again convinced of the validity of infant 
 sprinkling, and wrote a letter to Mr. Saunders to that 
 effect. He rejoined the Presbyterians and has since con- 
 tinued with them. 
 
 Of his motives it is difficult to judge. By some it 
 was said that he was disgusted with the turbulent pro- 
 ceedings of the Association at this session ; by others, 
 that Mr. Speece was much disappointed on finding that 
 Baptist preachers received little or no compensation for 
 their ministerial services. It is, perhaps, more probable 
 that he found the general tenor of the manners and cus- 
 toms of the Baptists quite different from his own and 
 his former associates. Finding his temper soured at the 
 loss of society to which his habits were assimilated, and 
 not able at once to accommodate himself to that into 
 which he had now fallen, he was the more easily per- 
 suaded of the truth of principles which but a few months 
 previously he had announced as erroneous and false. It 
 has sometimes been made a question in private companies 
 whether it would not have been wiser on this occasion 
 to have separated baptism and church membership. 
 
260 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 There were at that time several other eminent Presby- 
 terian preachers halting between two opinions. It was 
 thought they were perfectly persuaded of the impro- 
 priety of infant baptism, and therefore did riot for many 
 years baptize a single child, but were averse to joining 
 the Baptists ; or, however, from some cause did not do 
 it. Now, say some, had one or more of these been bap- 
 tized, without requiring them to become members of a 
 Baptist church, they could have baptized the rest, and they 
 might have formed a society to themselves, in which the 
 ordinances would have been preserved pure, although 
 their church government and general manners would 
 have been different from the other Baptists. These sug- 
 gestions were wholly speculative; one thing, however, 
 is certain, that when Mr. Speece deserted the Baptists 
 the scruples of all the others were quickly removed, and 
 they resumed the absurd practice of sprinkling children. 
 Of Speece, we must say, we wish that he had either 
 never submitted to baptism, or that being baptized he 
 had not again turned away. 
 
 After their usual sessions, holden twice a year,* in 
 which they only arranged local matters, the Association 
 met. May, 1803, at Bethel meeting-house, in Chesterfield 
 county. Here they finally settled the confused business 
 arising from the session of 1800. At the session of 1800 
 a censure was voted against a member of the Associa- 
 tion, who had been appointed to attend the General 
 Meeting of Correspondence, but who had not attended, 
 alleging for excuse that he disapproved of the institu- 
 tion. The vote of censure gave great umbrage to the 
 delinquent member. After considerable confusion the 
 
 *They seem to have had only annual meetings during these years. In 1801 
 they met with Cedar Creek church, In Lunenburg.and 1802 with Tussekiah, 
 in the same county. 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 261 
 
 vote of censure was rescinded. This did not prove satis- 
 factory. He complained to the church of which he was 
 a member, and they remonstrated to the next Association. 
 The matter was agitated from session to session, but not 
 effectually settled until the Bethel meeting. It seems the 
 church required of the Association to make concessions 
 for having maltreated their delegate. When the thing 
 was taken up at Bethel the deputies from the churches* 
 made their remonstrances, and the Association made con- 
 cessions. This manifested on the part of the Association 
 a pacific disposition, which is highly commendable when 
 applied to suitable cases. Whether the censure was un- 
 merited or the remonstrance just or not, the mode of pro- 
 ceeding was surely highly incorrect. To ask one Asso- 
 ciation to make concessions for the acts of another is 
 virtually to require of one set of men to repent for the 
 sins of another, seeing no two Associations would proba- 
 bly be composed of the same individuals, and especially 
 at the distance of two or three years from each other. 
 The most that one assembly of representatives in any 
 case can properly do towards making reparation for the 
 offences of another is to rescind their offensive measures. 
 For an Association-to make direct concessions to an indi- 
 vidual or a set of individuals is too great a prostration of 
 dignity ever to be thought of.f 
 
 October, 1803, they met at Walker's meeting-house, in 
 Prince Edward county. 
 
 Here a proposition was made to divide the district. In 
 answer to this it was agreed to call a convention consist- 
 
 * Two or three other cliurclies had united In the remonstrance.— .4u(ftor's 
 note. 
 
 tThe author ot this History was present at the meeting ol this body at 
 Bethel in 1803, and, with Andrew Broaddus, J. Courtney and William Web- 
 ber, preached to the congregations In attendance. 
 
262 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ing of two members from a church, and that an invita- 
 tion be given to the Roanoke and Portsmouth Associa- 
 tions to unite in the convention, so that they might, if 
 agreeable, strike off a part of their churches in order to 
 make the Associations by this new arrangement more 
 convenient for all parties. The convention accordingly 
 met and formed two new Associations, leaving to the 
 Middle District only nine churches.* 
 
 For further account of this division see Appomattox 
 Association. 
 
 The Middle District continued to meet twice a year 
 until 1807, when they resolved to have only one session 
 in each year. No business worthy of historical notice 
 has been transacted since they were thus reduced. They 
 have hitherto refused to become members of the General 
 Meeting of Correspondence. 
 
 From the time of the division in 1783 until this time 
 Rev. Eleazer Clay has generally acted as moderator, a 
 few sessions excepted. Until Roanoke was stricken off. 
 Rev. John Williams acted as clerk. From that time un- 
 til he removed to Kentucky, in 1795, Rev. Simeon Wal- 
 tonf acted. Since that period Rev. Benjamin Watkins 
 has dischaged the duties of that office. The continuation 
 of the same clerk without reappointment at each session 
 seems to be a wise and prudent measure. The papers 
 being lodged in his hands, he would feel it more incum- 
 bent on him to be in place, as well to qualify himself more 
 expertly for his office, when he knows there is no uncer- 
 tainty as to his appointment. 
 
 * The eight churches named In the table at the head of this chapter were 
 of this number. It does not appear which was the ninth, 
 t A brief sketch of Simeon Walton may be found In the Appendix. 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 263 
 
 Nottoway.* 
 
 The first origin of vital religion in this neighborhood 
 began with a Mr. Samuel Thompson. He was not a 
 preacher, yet, willing to do what he had talents for, he read 
 publicly to such as would come to hear him Whitefield's 
 and Davies's sermons. By this means some of his neigh- 
 bors obtained a hope of eternal life. These new converts 
 hearing that there were persons on Dan river that preached 
 these doctrines, they traveled off to look for them. This 
 took place about 1768. They procured the attendance of 
 Harriss and Walker. Their speech and their preaching 
 while among them was in demonstration of the Spirit 
 and power. A great work broke out in those parts ; in- 
 somuch that the above church was constituted in 1769, 
 and called Nottoway, which may be said to be the mother 
 church of all others for many miles in circumference. 
 Jeremiah Walker moved from North Carolina and took 
 the pastoral care of them. Few men in so short a time 
 did more good than Walker did round about Nottoway. 
 Besides his labors in the adjacent neighborhoods, by which 
 many churches were planted, his success in this church 
 was very extensive. Within about two years from its 
 constitution they rendered an account of 260 members to 
 the Association, and it was the largest church in Virginia ; 
 and two years after that, when several others had been 
 taken off, theirnumber was 196. In 1784 Simeon Walton 
 was chosen pastor, who faithfully discharged the duties 
 of that oiBce until 1795, when he moved westward. 
 Simeon Walton, Charles Anderson, David Ellington, 
 
 ♦The meetlng-liouse of Nottoway church was situated some five miles to 
 the east of Burkeville. Its abandoned site was pointed out years ago to 
 Rev. T. W. Sydnor by an aged citizen. Its use as a place of worship has 
 passed, like the last vestiges of the building, from the memory of men. 
 
264 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 William Mullen, Robert Foster and William Ellis were 
 preachers raised in this church. She is now at low ebb. 
 
 * 
 
 Powhatan 
 
 has been long a flourishing church. The Gospel was first 
 carried here by Elders Webber and Anthony, at that time 
 very young preachers. They were followed by Waller, 
 the Craigs, and finally by David Tinsley, who agreed to 
 settle among them. The Word took a rapid spread ; 
 many were added, of whom several became preachers. 
 Tinsley was very laborious among them until the .year 
 1774, when he was clutched by the iron hand of persecu- 
 tion, and immured in Chesterfield prison. The forlorn 
 state of the church, through his absence, stirred up the 
 spirit of John Dupuy, who commenced first as exhorter 
 arid then preacher ; and a few years afterwards, when 
 left by Tinsley, the church chose him for their pastor. 
 Under his ministrations the church was blessed with a 
 revival, in which there were large additions. Like many 
 other sister churches, they fell into a declension in the 
 time of the war. Soon after the war Mr. Dupuy moved 
 to Kentucky. The church then chose Mr. George Smith 
 for their pastor, who was a popular and useful preacher. 
 Under his. care they were happy and united. But him 
 they also lost through the fertility of Kentucky soil. 
 He moved in 1804, The next year they chose their 
 present pastor. Elder Wooldridge. Of late years they 
 have but few additions. Few churches have raised more 
 
 * Powhatan church is located in the eastern section of the county of the 
 same name, in the vicinity of Powhatan station, on the Richmond and 
 Danville railroad. John Wooldridge remained pastor here for nearly fifty 
 years. He died April 18, 1859, In the eighty-eighth year of his age. He left 
 at his death an annuity of about forty dollars, for ten years, to the Foreign 
 Mission Board. After his long term of service the pastoral changes were 
 uumerous. 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 265 
 
 preachers than the above. Their number is no less than 
 fourteen, viz. : John* and James Dupuyf , Edward 
 Maxey, George Smith, George Stoval Smith, J, Lewis 
 Chadoin, B. Watkins, Noah Lacy, Thomas La Fon, Isaac 
 Lookado, Josiah Gayle, John Wooldridge, William Rou- 
 see and Samuel Roper. 
 
 Muddy Creek.§ 
 
 The Gospel was first carried into this neighborhood 
 by Jeremiah Walker, Rane Chastain aud others. After 
 meeting with some opposition it so far prevailed as to 
 bring about twenty or thirty persons into the liberty of 
 the sons of God. With these materials a church was 
 built. Having no stated pastor, however, they did not 
 go on so well as could be desired. They dwindled until 
 about 1784. Elder Samuel Woodfin, their present pastor, 
 was called to preach for them. Under his ministry they 
 soon revived, and additions were made from time to time 
 amounting in all to about forty. They have had small 
 
 * He removed 10 Woodford county, Ky., in ITS-l and became a constituent 
 member of Clear Creek church. In 1801 he moved to Oldham county and 
 joined the church on Patton'a creek. About 1836 he changed his residence 
 to Shelbyville, retaining his membership, however, In the Patton's Creek 
 church, at their particular request. He died October, 1837, having nearly 
 reached one hundred years of age. 
 
 + Wa8 brother to the above, but younger by about twenty years. He 
 joined Clear Creek church, in Kentucky, about the year 1786, and a few 
 months later united in forming BuckEun church. Later he was connected 
 with Tick Creek or Bethel church, in Shelby county. His son. Stark, 
 started the first religious weekly newspaper published west of the Alle- 
 ghanies — The Kentucky Missionary and Theologian. He also compiled a popu- 
 lar and widely used hymn-book— Dtipai/'s Hymns. 
 
 X For notice of George and George Stokes Smith and Lewis Chadoin, see 
 Appendix. 
 
 {This church, situated in Powhatan county, about twelve miles north- 
 west of the county-seat, still maintains a prosperous existence. Elder 
 Woodfln was pastor here nearly halt a century. He died January 13, 1832. 
 Edward Baptist, Jesse Witt, C. Tyree and J. R. Bagby have been among the 
 subsequent pastors. 
 
266 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 additions at different times, though no remarkable revival. 
 For some time back they have, like many other churches, 
 suffered a wintry season. Richard Stratton, a pious 
 preacher, was raised here. His race was short. He was 
 arrested by death at an early period. 
 
 Skinqjjarter* 
 is a large, respectable church, of long standing. Elder 
 William Hickman was their first pastor, and was also the 
 father of the church. He served them about six years, 
 and then moved to Kentucky. Under his care they en- 
 joyed some prosperous seasons. They also felt the bit- 
 terness of some adverse scenes. Mr. Hickman was suc- 
 ceeded in the pastoral office by Elder John Goode. In 
 1785 they were favored with a revival which continued 
 about two years. Many persons during that happy sea- 
 son bowed to the divine sceptre. In 1790 they were 
 bereft by death of their beloved pastor. Mr. George 
 Smith and other neighboring ministers attended them 
 statedly. In 1799 Elder Charles Forsee, their present 
 pastor, was installed in that office. His labors were 
 blessed during the years 1799 and 1800. As many as 
 seventy or eighty were baptized into the church. After 
 this revival, wading through various difficulties from 
 apostasies and other causes, the church at length settled 
 down in peace and happiness. God again visited them 
 in 1807 with a small revival. 
 
 Besides the pastors mentioned, this church is owned as 
 the mother of several other preachers, vi^., Josiah Rucks, 
 
 * The meeting-house ot this body was situated near tlie Appomattox river, 
 in the southeastern corner of Chesterfield county. Elder Forsee continued 
 pastor until December 25, 1S31. B. E. Goode became their next pastor, and 
 the church, in 1836, joined the Zoar (anti- mission) Association. John Johns 
 became pastor in 1848, when the church returned to the Middle District 
 Association, ot which they remain a member. D. B. Winfree was pastor 
 here for thirteen years (1855-1868) . 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 267 
 
 James Rucks, Walthal Robertson, Edmund Goode and 
 Williamson H. Pittman. All these are still living, and 
 are all still members of Skinquarter except Josiah Rucks 
 and Walthal Robertson, who have moved away. 
 
 Tomahawk* 
 
 has passed through many revolutions as to preachers, 
 but by prudence and caution on the part of the active 
 private members they have been a very happy people. 
 Elder Jeremiah Hatcher was their first pastor, who, after 
 serving them about two years, moved to Bedford. They 
 then chose Elder William Hickman,f who, in about three 
 years, moved to Kentucky. They were then served by 
 Elder George Smith as an occasional pastor for about 
 fifteen or sixteen years, during which time they had not 
 only calm and peaceable times, but precious revivals. He 
 also resigned about 1791. They then chose Mr. James 
 Rucks, who, being ordained, acted as pastor about six 
 years, and declined through sickness. They then chose 
 their present faithful minister. A small and unpros- 
 perous church, called Wintercomack, was once a part of 
 the Middle District also, but was dissolved a few years 
 past. 
 
 There was also once a flourishing church called Fine 
 Creek, in Powhatan county. Mr. Maxey was their first 
 pastor. He, though not a great man, was a good and 
 useful preacher. In the midst of his course he was ar- 
 
 *Tlils continues one of the oliurclies of Chesterfield county, located near 
 the post-office of the same name. Since Elder Kuoks's term of service this 
 church has been served by eleven pastors. 
 
 f William Hickman was born in King and Queen county, Va., February 4, 
 1747, and baptized by Elder Reuben Ford, April, 1773. He removed to Ken- 
 tucky in 1784 and settled near Lexington, and became eminently useful as 
 pastor of Boone's Creek, Marble Creek, Forks of Elkhorn and Brashear's 
 Creek churches. Probably no minister In Kentucky baptized more converts 
 than Elder Hickman. He died at Frankfort in the autumn of 1830. 
 
268 mSTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 rested by the small-pox and carried to an early grave in 
 the year 1781. The church declined after his death, un- 
 til, in 1793, they dissolved their constitution, and the 
 greater part, vrith their pastor. Elder Samuel Woodfin, 
 fell into Muddy Creek, where Mr. Woodfin is now pastor. 
 
 Spring Creek.* 
 
 This church was planted chiefly by the labors of Elder 
 Benjamin Watkins, their present faithful pastor. After 
 getting as many as were thought necessary for a consti- 
 tution, they were organized in 1790 ; Mr. Watkins pastor. 
 Few churches have seen more prosperity than this. For 
 some years after their organization there were some added 
 every year. About 1799 some members, feeling impres- 
 sions to pray for a revival, proposed that stated prayer 
 meetings should be kept up. This was acceded to, and 
 proved very efficacious. Fast days were also observed 
 and were thought to do much good. The revival com- 
 menced and continued about two years, during which 
 time more than two hundred were baptized. Since that 
 happy period they have passed through some afflicting 
 scenes, yet out of all God has and will deliver them. 
 
 They have another meeting-house besides Spring Creek, 
 called Bethel. f Here, it is expected, will be another 
 church at some future day. 
 
 The following preachers were sons of Spring Creek : 
 Francis Hancock, Reuben Short, Jordan Martin and 
 Peter M. Carey. Of these, the t#vo last are still mem- 
 bers. Mr. H. is dead, and Short has moved to Patrick, 
 where he is useful. 
 
 *This ohuroli, first known as Cox's meeting-house and now called Bethle- 
 hem, is located in the nortlieastern part ol Chesterfield county. 
 
 t Bethel church was organized eight years later (April 12, 1817), with 
 fifty-six members, and B. Watkins as pastor. 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 269 
 
 Mr. Martin is ordained, and travels and preaches con- 
 siderably. His neighbors say he preaches also by 
 example.* 
 
 Mr. B. Watkins, their present pastor, is one of the 
 most indefatigable preachers in Virginia. Though often 
 laboring under severe infirmities of body, with other 
 obstacles, he halts not at dangers or difficulties. He 
 makes long preaching journeys, in which he every day, 
 and sometimes on nights, proclaims his Master's gospel 
 in its simplicity and power. ■(• He is, indeed, a wise 
 workman and diligent laborer. For more than twenty 
 years he has kept a diary, a custom productive of so many 
 benefits that it is somewhat strange that so few have 
 fallen into it. 
 
 Here the two fires from above and below met; Ches- 
 terfield was considered as an arm of Nottoway, Dupuy's 
 of Goochland. 
 
 Chesterfield. J 
 
 The first preachers who had the honor of preaching 
 the Gospel within the bounds of this church were Wil- 
 liam Webber and Jo. Anthony. For this they were 
 counted worthy of a prison. Their labor was not in vain 
 in the Lord, When they first preached there was not a 
 
 ♦Jordan Martin was baptized by Elder Watkins in September, 1799. He 
 became a member of Tomahawk church in 1817 and the year following was 
 chosen pastor. He also served Spring Creek church, and organized the Mid- 
 lothian African church. He died December 28, 1848, aged seventy-one years. 
 
 + Elder Watkins continued an active and useful ministry in Powhatan 
 and the adjoining counties till he reached an advanced age. He delighted 
 to minister in destitute places, and was remarkable for the simplicity and 
 piety of his life. He died July 17, 1831, having passed the seventy-fifth year 
 
 of his age. 
 
 t This church became a constituent of Zoar (anti-mission) Association in 
 1836. They were later, for ten or twelve years, in nominal connection with 
 the Middle District Association. Their name disappeared about 1867. Sa- 
 lem, Hephzibah, Second Branch and Mt. Olivet churches have sprung from 
 this " Mother in Israel." E. Clay was pastor here for fifty years. W. B. 
 Belcher and James Gregory succeeded him in the pastorate, each of them 
 having served a long term of years. 
 
270 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Baptist in the county. In the course of a few years E. 
 Clay, the pastor of this church, having obtained a hope, 
 was baptized. It seems Ms. Clay had heard the Baptist 
 preachers some years before up in Halifax. He had 
 heard, and was wounded by the two-edged sword ; but, 
 having come out from among them, his wounds were 
 measurably healed, until about this time, being visited 
 by an acquaintance who had become a Baptist, his con- 
 versation opened his wounds afresh. In a few months 
 they were effectually and radically cured by the balm of 
 Gilead. 
 
 Mr. Clay commenced laboring in the Lord's vineyard 
 soon after his baptism, and has continued therein from 
 that time, faithfully testifying to the truths of the Gospel 
 which he had felt. Being rich, he was very attentive to 
 the. preachers who were imprisoned in Chesterfield. 
 With some interruptions he has been moderator to each 
 of the Associations of which he has been a member. 
 His labors for many years have been confined chiefly 
 within his own and the adjacent congregations. He is 
 now an old man, being sixty-six years of age, and will 
 doubtless ere long receive the fruits of his labor.* 
 
 Salemj 
 was an arm of Chesterfield church. Thomas La Fon, the 
 present pastor, having entered upon the ministry, and be- 
 
 *BleazerClay was born May 2,1744, and baptized August, 1771. He became 
 In 1773 one of the constituent members of Cliesterfield church. In 1775 he 
 was chosen pastor, and so continued until near the end of his life, which 
 occurred May 2, 1836, on the ninety-second anniversary of his birth. " He 
 was increasingly attached to the Bible. Besides reading the Old Testa- 
 ment he read the New Testament through once a month." 
 
 + The meeting-house of Salem church was situated one mile from Chester- 
 field Courthouse. The church was for some time a member of the Zoar As- 
 sociation. Elder La Fon's pastorate closed in 1816. Leonard Nunnally then 
 served them for nearly forty years. Samuel Taylor next held the pastorate 
 for eighteen years. The subsequent pastorates have been numerous, sup- 
 plied mainly by students from Richmond College. 
 
MIDDLE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. 271 
 
 ing thought to have promising gifts, a church was con- 
 stituted and he ordained to the pastoral charge. Under 
 his ministry the church has increased by a comfortable 
 revival, in which fifty-nine were added. 
 
 This makes five Baptist churches already mentioned 
 in the county of Chesterfield, and most of them large and 
 respectable. It is worthy of remark that, generally, the 
 Baptist cause has flourished most extensively where it met 
 with the severest opposition in the outset. In Chester- 
 field jail. seven preachers were confined for preaching, 
 viz., William Webber, Joseph Anthony, Augustine Eas- 
 tin, John Weatherford, John Tanner, * Jeremiah Walker 
 and David Tinsley. Some were whipped by individuals 
 and several fined. They kept up their persecution after 
 other counties had laid it aside. They have now in the 
 county more than 500 in communion, among whom are 
 four magistrates, two majors and five captains of militia. 
 
 [The Association above described has enlarged its 
 boundaries by the addition of most, <if not all, of the 
 churches of Amelia county. The nine churches of 1809, 
 with about 1,400 members (of both races), had increased 
 in 1892 to twenty-four churches and 3,090 white mem- 
 bers. The statistics are not at hand as to the increase of 
 colored Baptists within the bounds of the Middle District 
 Association. An admirable " History of the Middle Dis- 
 trict Association," by Rev. L. W. Moore, was published 
 by the Virginia Baptist Historical Society in 1886.] 
 
 * Elder Tanner appears to have begun his ministerial career in Halifax 
 county. North Carolina, where, as early as 1773, he gathered a small church 
 in Rocky Swamp, He was later pastor also in Edgecombe county. He re- 
 moved to Kentucky about the year 1784, and was probably the founder of 
 Tate's Creek church in Madison county. He labored later in Fayette 
 county, and in 1795 settled near Clear Creek church in Woodford. His next 
 removal was to Shelby county, whence he emigrated to Missouri, where he 
 died, near Cape Gerrardeau, in 1812. Mention is made elsewhere in this 
 volume more particularly of each of his companions in Chesterfield jail. 
 
272 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 HISTORY OF APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE 
 SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 It has already been shown in the preceding chapter that 
 from the Middle District were struck off two new Associa- 
 tions, called Meherrin and Appomattox. By reference to 
 the difTerent tables, the bounds of these may be tolerably 
 understood.* Besides the churches contained in the 
 Middle District, several from Roanoke and Portsmouth 
 fell into the new Associations. Of the Appomattox we 
 purpose now to treat. 
 
 The first meeting after the division was at Walker's 
 church, in Prince Edward county. Letters and delegates 
 from eleven churches were received, f This meeting was 
 chiefly employed in forming a constitution and rules of 
 decorum. 
 
 The constitution in one of its articles is rather singular. 
 It declares that the moderator shall not speak to any 
 subject ; nor any person be chosen to that office longer 
 than two sessions successively The design of these re- 
 straints, without doubt, was to prevent any from acquir- 
 ing too much influence. But when we guard against 
 one possible evil we ought not to be unmindful of another. 
 The office of moderator does not appear, in its nature, 
 to afford presumption that it would be often abused for 
 arbitrary purposes. Therefore, to deprive an Associa- 
 
 • We had not thq minutes designating the bounds.— ^luiAor's note. 
 
 + It does not appear certainly from the minutes how many churches were 
 in the Association at this time; but it is probable there were thirteen.— 
 Author's note. 
 
 18 [ 273 ] 
 
274 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 tion of the counsel and skill of one of her most intelligent 
 members to guard against so distant an evil, has the ap- 
 pearance of excessive caution. It is much better to give 
 the power and watch the use of it. 
 
 The next Association was held at Ash Camp church, in 
 Charlotte county, in October, 1805. A query respecting 
 the propriety of admitting unbaptized persons to com- 
 munion was introduced at this session. The question 
 was answered by a large majority that none but persons 
 baptized upon a profession of faith were proper com- 
 municants. The subject of open communion has been 
 more agitated among the Baptists in this part of Virginia 
 than in any other ; arising, as was supposed, from the 
 high opinion which they entertained of the piety of some 
 other Christian sects in the adjacent parts. Some re- 
 spectable Baptists were induced from this consideration 
 to think favorably of a mixed communion. It was cer- 
 tainly a very erroneous mode of forming an opinion. If 
 open communion be wrong in itself, it cannot be made 
 right by the practice of men, however exemplary they 
 may be in other respects. Their proceedings, from the 
 last-mentioned Association until our accounts close, ap- 
 pear to have been prudent and peaceable, but chiefly of a 
 local nature. 
 
 The moderator's chair was filled alternately by Elders 
 Rane Chastain and James Saunders. Elder Bernard 
 Todd uniformly acted as clerk. 
 
 Having given a brief account of the pi'oceedings of 
 the Association, we shall now proceed to give short 
 sketches of the churches of which she is composed, be- 
 ginning with 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 275 
 
 Lower Falling.* 
 
 This has, like many other churches, passed through 
 various scenes. Since Mr. Weatherford has attended 
 them they enjoy better times than formerly. The down- 
 fall of Obadiah Echols was very affecting to all the 
 churches to whom he had ever ministered. This church 
 participated in the distress. 
 
 Ebenezer. 
 
 This church was raised under the labors of William 
 Dodson. Dodson was a man of active zeal, but rather 
 destitute of prudence; he did much good, but he also did 
 much harm. For many years Rev. Charles Cobb was 
 pastor of this church. He had been an elder in a Presby- 
 terian congregation during several years of the early part 
 of his life. It was not until he was advanced in age that 
 he ascended the desk. This prevented his ever making 
 considerable attainments in ministerial talents. How- 
 ever small his ability in the pulpit, he did much good. 
 His life was exemplary, and a hint from such a man is 
 more convincing than labored discourses from learned 
 doctors who neither feel nor practice what they say. 
 After a life of usefulness, Mr. Cobb fell asleep. Since 
 his death Rev. Edmund Johns attends them statedly and 
 usefully. 
 
 ♦Lower Falling oliuroh was In the Ticinity of Brookneal, Campbell 
 county. Tlie meeting-house was situated eome two and a half miles south- 
 east of that of the present Falling church. Lower Falling was disbanded 
 about the year 1840, and most of the members united with the Brookneal 
 church. Falling church was organized in 1858 as an arm of Brookneal. In 
 addition to the pastors of Lower Falling above mentioned were P. Mathews 
 
 and Morton. The younger Falling church has been served by John 
 
 S. Mason, John C. Smith, Weston Wlthlngton, John W. McCown, E. W. 
 Roach, E. A. Leonard and D. S. Hubbell. 
 
276 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 New Chapbl. 
 
 The information respecting this church has been small. 
 It appears, however, from such accounts as can be gath- 
 ered, to be a church of not many years' standing. Mr. 
 Johns, their minister, though regular in his duties about 
 home, travels but little to propagate the Gospel, and is 
 therefore not extensively known. The church under his 
 care is said to enjoy peace and harmony. 
 
 Lower Falling and New Chapel were members of the 
 Roanoke Association from the time of the constitution 
 until 1806. Finding it more convenient, they had them- 
 selves dismissed from the Roanoke, and May, 1805, joined 
 the Appomattox. 
 
 [New Chapel was located near the centre of Camp- 
 bell county, and was served by Elder Johns till near his 
 death, December 29, 1836. S. Davidson, E. W, Roach, 
 E. S. Taylor and W. L. Fitcher have occupied the pastor- 
 ate here.] 
 
 Staunton River. 
 
 There had been some few professors of religion in this 
 neighborhood for many years, but until some little time 
 previous to the constitution of the church the bulk of the 
 people were unusually immoral and wicked. Rev. John 
 Jenkins commenced stated preaching among them, aided 
 by an invisible hand. They received the Word of God 
 which they heard of him, not as the word of man, but as 
 (it is in truth) the Word of God. A refoi'mation of man- 
 ners ensued. Some enlisted under the Gospel banner ; 
 in 1804 a considerable church was constituted. They 
 procured the stated services of Rev. Richard Dabbs, and 
 under his ministry they continue to be a flourishing church. 
 Some of the members live in Halifax. From the time of 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 277 
 
 her first constitution until 1807 she was a member of 
 Roanoke. At that time she was dismissed to join Appo- 
 mattox. 
 
 [This chui'ch was located in Charlotte county, in the 
 section bordering on Campbell,, and near Staunton river. 
 The last reports from the body to the Appomattox Asso- 
 ciation are for the year 1856. Elder R. D. Rucker ap- 
 pears to have served them last as pastor.] 
 
 CuBB Creek, 
 
 now under the pastoral care of Rev. Bernard Todd, is a 
 church of long standing. Early after the rise of the Bap- 
 tists there were some in this neighborhood who embraced 
 religion. They became sufficiently numerous in 177 1 to 
 form an independent church.* They were, a few years 
 after the constitution, placed under the care of Micajah 
 Harris, viz., anno 1779. Mr. Harris resigning on ac- 
 count of difference of sentiment, Rev. John Weatherford 
 became their pastor. Under his ministry they prospered 
 moderately. Several respectable and useful men joined 
 them, and among them some preachers. Mr. Todd,| their 
 present pastor, is a man of education, and, at the time of 
 his becoming a Baptist, was a man of high standing in 
 civil society. He had for several years represented the 
 county as a delegate in the Assembly and was among the 
 most active and useful magistrates in the county. But 
 all this he counted as dross that he might win Christ 
 Jesus and be found in Him. He ascended the pulpit at a 
 
 ♦The name of this church disappeared early from the list of Virginia 
 churches. The stream from which it was named flows as a tributary of 
 Staunton river through the western part of Charlotte county. 
 
 + Elder Bernard Todd removed to Charlotte from King William county. 
 He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Pollard, cleric of Hanover court, 
 and their son, William Todd, became a useful and popular minister in King 
 and Queen county. 
 
278 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 "late period. He is, nevertheless, a sound and useful 
 preacher. Under his ministry the church has flourished. 
 
 Ash Camp 
 
 is a young but prosperous church. It was raised under 
 the ministerial labors of Rev. Henry Lester, who was 
 their pastor until 1808. He then inoved to the western 
 country, since which time they have had the service of 
 Rev. Richard Dabbs. There are some very respectable 
 characters members of this congregation. 
 
 Mr. Lester embraced religion at a very early period of 
 the rise of the Baptists, and when about eighteen years of 
 age. He soon began to preach, and was acceptable as a 
 young preacher. Marrying, however, when quite young, 
 his ministerial labors were somewhat curtailed. He con- 
 tinued still to blow the Gospel trumpet, but not to such 
 an extent as some who were less entangled with the af- 
 fairs of this life. He is now (1809) about fifty-seven 
 years of age, of good constitution, &c. In point of talents 
 as a preacher Mr. Lester may be considered as occupying 
 a respectable grade. 
 
 Rev. Richard Dabbs has been a member of Ash Camp 
 ever since its constitution. He had been baptized for 
 several years before he began to preach. Since he com- 
 menced few persons have risen into notice as rapidly as 
 he, and at present, in point of popularity as a preacher, 
 certainly none in those parts surpass him, if any can be 
 said to equal him. He is, surely, the most indefatigable 
 of preachers. He travels almost incessantly, and is 
 thought by some of his intimate friends for some years 
 past to have preached more sermons than there are days 
 in the year. He does not preach in vain. There are 
 seals to his ministry wherever he goes. His talents do 
 not consist in deep investigation or close reasoning ; not 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 279 
 
 in full and fair explanations of mysterious texts of Scrip- 
 ture or of abstruse points of divinity. He says clever 
 things, and he says them in a winning manner. Besides, 
 his voice is harmonious, his person agreeable, and his 
 manners, both in and out of the pulpit, affectionate and 
 pleasing. He sings well, and is fond of it. His exhorta- 
 tions are warm and pathetic. With all these advantages, 
 it would not, indeed, be strange if Mr. Dabbs's talents were 
 somewhat overrated by many. Be that as it may, unques- 
 tionably, such gifts as he really possesses he improves to 
 the greatest possible advantage; and if he should not be- 
 come biased by excessive popularity, nor be weary in well 
 doing, he will reap a plenteous harvest in that day. 
 
 [The meeting-house of Ash Camp church was situated 
 in Charlotte county, three and a half miles west of Keys- 
 ville station, on the Richmond and Danville railroad. 
 About the year 1859 the site of the meeting-house was 
 changed to Keysville and a new and excellent edifice 
 erected. Richard Dabbs remained pastor of this church 
 until 182 1. The position has since been held by Abner 
 W. Clopton, Elisha Collins, Daniel Witt, Isaac Tinsley, 
 Gilbert Mason, J. D. Hankins, S. G. Mason, John S. Lee, 
 E. S. Taylor (twice), Thomas H. Facer, Joseph Walker, 
 S. G. Mason again, J. A. Leslie and W. B. Haislip. 
 The following ministers have been ordained from Ash 
 Camp, viz., Edward Baptist ( 1822), Elisha Collins (1830), 
 Isaac Tinsley (1832), William Hankins (1834), H. L. 
 Pettus (1837), J. D. Hankins (1839), William O. Bailey 
 (1870). The following churches have been constituted 
 from this parent body, viz., Welsh Tract (1815), Mount 
 Tirzah (1835). The first temperance society organized in 
 Virginia was in connection with this church, and called 
 " Virginia Society for the Promotion of Temperance." 
 The church has recently taken the name of Keysville.] 
 
280 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Rocks* 
 is among the oldest churches in this Association. The 
 Gospel was first brought here by Samuel Harriss in 1771, 
 who in some short time baptized Robert Jennings, 
 a Presbyterian, a man of respectable standing, and who 
 was for many years afterwards an ornament in the church. 
 Other preachers watered the seed sown by Mr. Harriss, 
 and about the year 1772 a churchj- was constituted which 
 fell under the pastoral care of William Johnson. He 
 was succeeded in a few years by one Mr. John McLeroy, 
 an Irishman, who turned out badly, and then moved to 
 Georgia. In 1790 Elder John Weatherford became their 
 pastor and continued for many years ; and he also re- 
 moved. Of late years they have had Elder P. Mathews 
 
 for pastor. 
 
 Appomattox.^ 
 
 This is an old church. When first constituted they 
 were cursed with the services of a wretched traitor to the 
 
 *Tlii3 account was taken from an old manuscript of Mr. John Williams. 
 From some circumstances it is doubtful whether there "were not two 
 churches of the same name, one in Charlotte and the other in Prince Ed- 
 'w&rd.^Author's note. 
 
 + Rocks meeting-house was situated in that portion of Prince Edward 
 county which "became subsequently the southeastern section of Appo- 
 mattox. The site of the building has been retained until the present time, 
 and a new house was erected on it in 1890. Gabriel Walker, J. H. Caw- 
 thorne, A. A. Baldwin, William Moore, J. B. Bristow, S. J. Atkins and Wil- 
 liam Fisher have served in the pastorate here. A church called Mathews, 
 at Walker's creek, was an outgrowth from Rocks. 
 
 JThe old Appomattox meeting-house, commonly called "Peak's," from 
 Richard Peak, a Revolutionary soldier, who donated the land on which it 
 was built, stood near the Appomattox river, four miles north of Prospect, 
 and four south of the New Store, in Prince Edward county. The second 
 meeting-house erected by the church was burned, and the third, now oc- 
 cupied by the colored people, stands on the original site. The pastors of 
 Appomattox were, in addition to those named above, Gabriel Walker, 
 Daniel Witt and Archer Baldwin. At the dissolution of the church the 
 suiTiving members united with several different bodies — Old Grove, Chest- 
 nut Grove, Merry Oaks and Oak Green. 
 
APPOMA TTOX ASSOCIA TION. 28 1 
 
 cause. One McLei-oy, a foreigner, having specious tal- 
 ents as a preacher, became their pastor. After some years 
 of confusion and distress he left them and moved to 
 Georgia, having been previously excommunicated. Thf y 
 then called their present pastor. Rev. James Saunders. 
 Under his ministry they have been a flourishing people. 
 Of late, however, they have passed through very lamenta- 
 ble scenes. 
 
 Sailor Creek 
 
 is a large and respectable church. They have for many 
 years been under the ministerial attention of Rev. Abner 
 Watkins. He has grown old in the vineyard, but he has 
 not grown weary. God has been with him here, and 
 doubtless, if he is faithful until death, he will receive a 
 crown of life. If the temper of a whole people may be 
 understood from that of a few, few ministers are more 
 beloved by their congregation than is Mr. Watkins. As 
 a preacher he is considered plain and practical, not aim- 
 ing to rise very high, nor ever falling very low. In the 
 vicinity of this church was once a church called Liberty, 
 which floui-ished for some years, and then declining, was 
 dissolved, the members falling chiefly into Sailor Creek. 
 
 Robert Foster, the first pastor of Sailor Creek, was 
 brought to the knowledge of the truth under the minis- 
 try of Jeremiah Walker, was baptized June, 1769, and 
 began to preach the following year. He was not con- 
 sidered a preacher of talents, but was respected as a good 
 man an9 faithful to his trust. 
 
 [The meeting-house of this mother church was situated 
 one-half mile from Rice's station, on the road leading to 
 Farmville. It was destroyed by a cyclone in 1832, and 
 the church subsequently worshipped at Jamestown, on 
 the Appomattox river, and near the Sailor's Creek battle- 
 
282 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 field. On August 15, 1857, Pisgah church was formed 
 at Union, and in 1881 they moved to their present build- 
 ing at Rice's station. Pisgah is accordingly the lineal 
 representative of Sailor's Creek.] 
 
 Mountain Creek. 
 
 This church was raised through the faithful and inde- 
 fatigable labors of Rev. Thomas Crymes. He attended 
 them as minister for some time. When he was no longer 
 to be had, they were ministered to by Mr. Lester. Under 
 his ministry they were favored from above. The church 
 grew. When Mr. Lester removed they obtained the at- 
 tendance of Elder Armistead Miller, who still discharges 
 the duties of that sacred office. About the year 1791 
 there were in this church seventy-eight members ; the 
 present number has not been received. 
 
 [Mountain Creek church has passed out of the recol- 
 lection of the present generation. Investigation makes 
 it clear that the meeting-house stood about two and a 
 half miles northwest of Green Bay depot, on the Rich- 
 mond and Danville railtoad. Sandy Creek church was 
 formed in 1827, five miles distant.] 
 
 Buckingham, 
 
 a mother church, in the county of the same name, is one 
 of the largest and most flourishing churches in the Ap- 
 pomattox Association. The first successful preacher in 
 these parts was Christopher Clarke. It was npt long 
 before Mr. Chastain,* their present pastor, commenced 
 preaching. He has been their pastor, their only one, from 
 the beginning. Surely no people need ask to be more 
 blessed in a pastor. Under him the church has pros- 
 * See mention of him in Appendix. 
 
A PPOMA TTOX A SSOCIA TION. 283 
 
 pered almost uniformly. If they have had their wintry 
 state, from which none are exempt, yet, under the prudent 
 management of this venerable pastor, they have not 
 passed through such severe conflicts as some other 
 churches. Mr. Chastain is now an old man, and ripe for 
 the crown that awaits him. As a preacher he is held in 
 high estimation for soundness, simplicity and usefulness.* 
 
 Providence f 
 is not a very prosperous church at present, having been 
 for some years without a pastor. They have but few 
 male members, some of whom, however, are useful men. 
 David Patterson, their first pastor, was part of the first 
 fruits of the Gospel in these parts. After his conversion 
 he quickly commenced preaching, and was distinguished 
 for his steady zeal and exemplary piety. Being a man of 
 independent property, he received no compensation for 
 ministerial labors, which, by the by, is very much the 
 case, either voluntarily or involuntarily, with a large 
 proportion of Baptist preachers in Virginia. 
 
 Wreck Island 
 has for her minister Rev. William Flowers, a preacher 
 of acceptable gifts. They are a church of good standing 
 so far as information has been received. The church was 
 first constituted at a place called Bent Creek, anno 1775, 
 
 * Buckingham ehuroli was located In the lower part of Buckingham 
 county, and joined the James Eiver Association in 1832. Elder Chastain 
 continued their faithful pastor until 1825, leaving served them for fifty- 
 three years. His remains rest in the family graveyard near by, "with 
 nothing over the grave to mark the sacred spot.' Elders P. P. Smith and 
 William Moore were pastors here, and W. H. Taylor served the church for 
 forty-three years. 
 
 ■i-The meeting-house of Providence church was in the northern part of 
 Charlotte county, about twelve miles west of Pampljn's City. The present 
 house occupies the site of the original one. John S. Lee, Elijah Collins and 
 E. W. Roach were among the former pastors of Providence. 
 
284 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 but neglecting discipline, they declined until 1784. They 
 were reconstituted at the place called Wreck Island or 
 Rock Island. Mr. Chastain then attended them statedly 
 and they prospered under his care. He was succeeded 
 by William Johnson, and he by James Saunders as a vis- 
 itor. Mr. Flowers, their present pastor, was a laborer in 
 the church for some time before he was appointed pastor. 
 Since his appointment he has conducted himself so pru- 
 dently as to leave them no grounds to regret their choice. 
 James Doss was also for many years an ordained minister 
 in this church. 
 
 Union. 0\ 
 
 This church, planted by the successful labors of Rev. 
 Rane Chastain, has for some years been under the pasto- 
 ral care of Rev. Jacob Abraham. With some afflictions 
 they have also had some favorable seasons. At present 
 they are a united and happy people. 
 
 Jacob Levi Abraham, the minister of this church, was 
 a native of the county of King William and of Jewish 
 parentage. He may be considered as a rare instance of 
 the conversion of a Jew. Mr. Abraham quotes Scripture 
 with great readiness, but some think that he shows some- 
 thing of the Jew still, in his preaching, by leaning more 
 to the Old Testament in his quotations. Considering 
 that he had but very small opportunities in point of edu- 
 cation, he certainly possesses gifts of no inconsiderable 
 gji^ade. / 
 
 [This church maintains its existence stiil as a member 
 of the James River Association. It is located in the 
 upper or eastern section of Buckingham, and was served 
 for nearly half a century prior to 1885 by Elder John 
 Spencer. J.J. Spencer was their pastor for several years 
 prior to 1892.] 
 
 A 
 
APPOMATTOX ASSOCIATION. 285 
 
 Slate River 
 
 is a small church in Buckingham county. We have not 
 received any remarkable particulars respecting them. 
 Their pastor, Mr. Isaac Garret, has the reputation of a 
 faithful laborer, who mainly designs the advancement of 
 Zion's prosperity. 
 
 Sandy Creek 
 
 is a large church in Amelia county. They were formerly 
 under the watchful care of David Ellington. After he 
 moved southward they procured the services of Rev. 
 John Scurry. Under his ministry they have been doing 
 well. Mr. Scurry has the reputation of being an able 
 minister of the New Testament. God has hitherto stood 
 by him, and he has only to lean upon His omnipotent 
 arm to the end, when God will not forget his patience of 
 hope. In this church once lived John Pollard, a preacher 
 of very considerable talents. In the early part of his 
 ministry he was very popular and apparently very use- 
 ful ; but suflTering his brains to be addled by some unfor- 
 tunate bias, he fell into the doctrine of hell redemption, 
 or the non-eternity of future punishment. He has since 
 dragged on, rather a nuisance in the religious world. 
 
 " Oh, popular applause ! what heart of man 
 Is proof against thy sweet seducing charms? " 
 
 [The above-mentioned Sandy Creek church, located in 
 the southwestei'n part of Amelia county, near the Appo- 
 mattox river, continued in the Appomattox Association 
 till about 182 1, when they became again connected with the 
 Middle District. In 1835 they withdrew from the latter 
 body with Zoar, Skinquarter and Rehoboth and formed 
 the Zoar (anti-mission) Association, which existed only 
 
 / A 
 
286 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 about nine years. For several years previous to 1877 
 this church was ahnost extinct. In the fall of that year 
 a meeting held by William E. Hatcher was greatly 
 blessed in their revival and resuscitation. Since then, 
 mainly under the pastorate of John R. Bagby, they have 
 been a prosperous body and member of the Middle District 
 Association. The Appomattox Association, embracing 
 the territory covered generally by the counties of Prince 
 Edward, Buckingham, Appomattox, Campbell and Char- 
 lotte, was divided in 1832, and the James River Association 
 formed. Within this district there appear to have been 
 several early churches of which no mention is made in the 
 above accounts, among which may be named Liberty 
 Chapel, Mulberry Grove, Red Oak and Union Hill. 
 These Dodies, added to those mentioned, give for the 
 ground occupied by these two Associations twenty 
 churches in 1809, with a white membership of less, 
 probably, than 1,000. In 1892 there were reported for 
 the same territory fifty churches (twenty-nine for Appo- 
 mattox and twenty-one for James River), with an aggre- 
 gate membershp of 5,024.] 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING 
 THE SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 This Association was constituted in the year 1804 (see 
 Chapter XVI.) October, 1804, the churches designated to 
 compose the Meherrin Association assembled by their 
 representatives at Ebenezer meeting-house, Mecklenburg 
 county, in a convention, for the purpose of forming a 
 constitution and rules of decorum. Twelve churches 
 sent deputies. The constitution which they formed is 
 somewhat more energetic than is usually avowed by As- 
 sociations. By one article the Association can withdraw 
 from a church which is not in orderly standing, which is 
 only a soft word used for exclude or excommunicate ; for 
 it unquestionably amounts to the same thing, as is plain 
 from the circumstance : A church thus ejected or with- 
 drawn from by the Association is not admitted to the 
 communion of the remaining churches. All things then 
 fairly considered, it cannot be prudently denied but that 
 Associations ought to possess the power of inspecting 
 both the principles and practices of the churches within 
 their connection. There is no better proof of the neces- 
 sity of this power than the practice of Associations, most 
 of which, if not all, have at times found it necessary to 
 resort to this measui'e in order to preserve uniformity. 
 
 The next session was at Bethel meeting-house, in 
 Mecklenburg county, in August, 1805. At this meeting 
 they agreed to adopt the abstract of principles set forth 
 by the Roanoke Association some years before. This is 
 
 [ 288 ] 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 289 
 
 in substance the same as the Baptist confession of faith. 
 To exhibit something of this sort as a specimen of their 
 principles is a proof of wisdom in a religious assembly. 
 To wish to give it the authority of Holy Writ, or to 
 ascribe to it anything like infallibility, is the absurdest 
 folly and superstition. 
 
 This Association has continued to meet and transact 
 business in a prudent and judicious manner until the 
 present time. Nothing of a general nature not noticed 
 elsewhere has been agitated since the last-mentioned ses- 
 sion, except that they have joined the General Meeting 
 of Correspondence. We shall now proceed to treat of 
 the churches, beginning with 
 
 Sandy Creek.* 
 This is in the lower end of Charlotte, and is a Baptist 
 church of happy standing. They were taken off from 
 the Meherrin church, in the fall of 1785. Rev. John 
 Williams, being in their bounds, became a member and 
 their pastoi\ So he continued until his death, in 1795. 
 After this sorrowful event, Sandy Creek was for a long 
 time without any stated ministry ; but (to their praise be 
 it said) they kept up regular meetings, and preserved 
 order and discipline. At most of their meetings the 
 question which seemed to occupy their attention was : 
 How shall we preserve true religion undefiled amongst 
 us? how shall we advance its interest? It seemed to be 
 the general opinion that a faithful preacher would be the 
 most likely to effect their object. Accordingl}-, God di- 
 rected their attention to Elder William Richards, then 
 
 * The stream after ■which this body was named flows southward from the 
 vicinity of Wylliesburg to the Staunton river. Between 1830 and 1810 the 
 name of the cliurch was dropped from the list of the Association. The site 
 of the early meeting-house, where important associational meetings were 
 held, seems to have faded from the memory of all men now living. 
 19 
 
290 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 pastor of Bluestone, and who lived about twelve miles 
 from their meeting-house. On the 20th of October, 1798, 
 Elder Richards accepted their call, and has been their 
 stated niinister ever since. Under his care they have 
 been a lively and thriving church. Spring, 1802, a work 
 of grace commenced, and continued about eighteen 
 months, during which time about sixty persons were re- 
 ceived and baptized. Four preachers have been raised 
 in this church since Elder Richards had the care of them, 
 viz. : John Ashworth, who, with several private members, 
 moved to the county of Franklin, and there became a 
 separate church, under the name of Pig River (Mr. Ash- 
 worth, pastor), which church is a member of Strawberry 
 Association ; Robert Portwood, who has also moved 
 away ; David McCargo and George Petty, who are now 
 ordained preachers, residing in the church. 
 
 Allen's Creek. 
 
 The Gospel was carried here about 1770, and many 
 persons embraced the truth, under the preaching of Mr. 
 John Williams. They were united and happy until Mr. 
 Williams, in 1790, moved away. Being left destitute of 
 ministerial instruction, and having a considerable num- 
 ber of black people in their society, of whom there were 
 some preachers of talents, they commenced the adminis- 
 tration of the ordinances without ordination. They were 
 persecuted by some of the community and protected by 
 others, equally respectable. They increased rapidly, so 
 that in a few years more than one hundred blacks were 
 bapti2!ed by them. These branched out into different 
 companies, or churches, if they may be so called. When 
 Mr. Williams returned to these parts he had no little dif- 
 ficulty in settling them into order. Many refused to give 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 291 
 
 up their independent state, but the most orderly joined 
 Mr. Williams ; and he leaving it to the choice of those 
 who had been baptized by the blacks to be rebaptized or 
 not, more chose to be rebaptized. Their affairs went on 
 not very well until the year 1790. Mr. William Creath, 
 then a young man and active minister, recommenced 
 the preaching of the Gospel among the people of 
 this vicinity. God owned his labor. A goodly num- 
 bei' were baptized, and constituted into an independent 
 church,* 1791. Mr. Creath was unanimously chosen pas- 
 tor, which office he accepted and discharged the duties 
 of for ten or twelve years, when, moving out of the 
 bounds, he resigned his charge. Since then they have 
 had no regular pastor, but at present are supplied with 
 stated preaching by Mr. Richard Dabbs,| whose minis- 
 trations have been very successful. 
 
 Bluestone. 
 
 It seems the Gospel was first carried into the neigbor- 
 hood of Bluestone by William Murphy and Philip Mul- 
 key about 1756. Their labors were very successful, and 
 in 1758 or 1759 they were sufficiently numerous to exer- 
 cise the rights of a church. There were several white 
 members besides a large number of blacks, belonging 
 chiefly to the large estate of Colonel Byrd, in that neigh- 
 borhood. Many of these poor slaves became bright and 
 
 * The creek from which the name of this church was derived flows through 
 the central part of Mecklenburg county. The church, it seems, was not of 
 many years' continuance. 
 
 + Elder Richard Dabbs continued in the pastorate of several churches in 
 Charlotte county for a number of years. He was also much given to itine- 
 rant labors. The First church of Petersburg was organized in large measure 
 through him. As missionary in the Portsmouth Association and in Lynch- 
 burg bis influence was felt. A few years previous to his death he removed 
 to Nashville, Tennessee. There, in the full assurance of hope, he died May 
 21, 1825. 
 
292 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 shining Christians. The breaking up of Byrd's quarters 
 scattered these blacks into various parts. It did not rob 
 them of their religion. It is said that through their la- 
 bors in the different neighborhoods into which they fell 
 many persons were brought to the knowledge of the 
 truth, and some of them persons of distinction. The re- 
 mains of this church continued in a dwindled state until 
 the Gospel was preached in the neighboi-hood of Meher- 
 rin. T<hey then revived, and others being added, and -a 
 preacher, Mr. John Marshall, being raised up, they were 
 constituted December, 1772. 
 
 Bluestone* was chiefly taken off from Meherrin, but 
 is at present much larger and more flourishing than the 
 mother church. When first constituted. Elder John Mar- 
 shall was installed as pastor, but he leaving them about 
 the year 1786 or 1787, they obtained the stated attend- 
 ance of Mi:. John Williams, who supplied them until 
 1794, when Elder Richards, their present pastor, moved 
 from North Carolina into their bounds. He was then 
 chosen to go in and out before them, and has so continued 
 to this day. Elder Richards, in his manuscripts furnished 
 us, states that the cold and languid state of this church 
 was cause of great grief to his soul, and that he often 
 
 *The site of Bluestone meeting-liouse was on a beautiful eminence on Big 
 Bluestone creek, in Mecklenburg county, about three miles from Abby- 
 ville, on Staunton river, and two from the Charlotte line. In 1800 meetings 
 began to be held at an out-station, some six miles distant from the old 
 meeting-house, and this became a few years later the regular place of wor- 
 ship, the church assuming the name of Bethel, and selling the original 
 Bluestone property to the Presbyterians. Elder Bichards seryed the church 
 as pastor until 1834— a period of thirty-seven years. The ministers who 
 have since been pastors of Bethel are John B. Smith, Robert Burton, 
 Thomas W. Greer, St. George T. Abrahams and J. H. Newbill. The following 
 have been ordained from Bethel, viz., James B.Taylor, Sr., John B. Smith 
 and Edward L. Baptist. The following churches have sprung wholly or in 
 
 large part from Bethel : Clarksville (1833), Liberty (1845), Bethlehem ( ), 
 
 Antiooh (1834), New Hope (1874), Wylliesburg (1883) and Chase City (1884). 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 293 
 
 sought the Lord for a blessing. Accordingly, in the year 
 1799, the heavenly work began and continued for two or 
 three years. More than one hundred members were bap- 
 tized. Although since that time they have mourned under 
 their leanness, yet order and love have mostly prevailed ; 
 not many of their new members have visibly apostatized. 
 Elder Richards, pastor of Bluestone, was a native of 
 Essex county, and of genteel connections. He professed 
 religion and was baptized when quite young. His rela- 
 tions being greatly opposed to it, caused him many severe 
 trials at first ; but he finally removed their opposition 
 by his correct deportrpent. When he first commenced 
 preaching his gifts were rather unpromising. By slow 
 degrees, however, he improved his talents, until he now 
 ranks among preachers of distinction. All sorts of per- 
 sons in his own parts are found to attend his ministry. 
 For, if there are some persons who do not think him the 
 best of preachers, there are certainly none but what ad- 
 mit him to be the best of men. He has acted as mode- 
 rator to the Meherrin Association for several years, and 
 fills the post wi.th great propriety.* 
 
 MALONE'sf OR GeNETO. 
 
 This church was composed of members partly from 
 
 * The records of Grassy Creek church, N. C, show Elder Richards to have 
 been ordained at the call of that body the fourth Saturday in November, 
 1793, with Elders James Read, George Roberts and Reuben Picket forming 
 the presbytery. His chief ministerial labor was performed as pastor of 
 Bethel (old Bluestone) church. In Mecklenburg county. He was also for 
 some years pastor of Sandy Creek, in Charlotte. He died July 13, 1837, in 
 the seventy-fourth year of his age, having spent fifty years in the ministry 
 of the Word. 
 
 + Malone's church was situated in the eastern section of Mecklenburg 
 county, and disappeared from the roll of the Concord Association in 1876, 
 about the date of the origin of Ephesus, a flourishing body of the same 
 faith in the same vicinity. S. A. Creath, W. 0. Bailey and Edward L. Bap- 
 tist were among the pastors on this field. Olive Branch church occupies in 
 part the ground formerly held by Malone's. 
 
294 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Nottoway and partly from Meherrin church. Elder E. 
 Baker was their first pastor, who soon left them and 
 traveled off. Then Elder King took the chair. During 
 his residence among them prosperity attended them ; but 
 to their great mortification he left them and moved to 
 Henry county. Elder Balaam Ezell then preached for 
 them statedly until he moved. Since his departure they 
 have been blessed with the stated ministry of Rev. Wil- 
 liam Creath. Nothing very remarkable has occurred 
 among them. Their present number is almost the same 
 as when they were first constituted. 
 
 Wilson's. 
 
 This church was planted by the labor of Elder Wil- 
 liam Creath while he was pastor of Allen's Creek. At 
 first they were small, but in 1802 God sent them a time 
 of refreshing, when about forty were baptized. Since 
 then there have been deaths, removals and exclusions 
 sufficient to counterbalance their additions, so that their 
 number at present is only fifty-four. Although they 
 have not for some years been blessed with a revival, yet 
 under the care of their active and laborious pastor they 
 enjoy peace, love and good order. 
 
 Elder Creath is a man of strong mind and deep re- 
 search in matters of divinity, and were his manner equal 
 to his matter he would be among the greatest of preach- 
 ers. He is thought by some to be too fond of polemic 
 points, so as to lessen his usefulness by exciting unneces- 
 sary prejudices. One thing is certain, that in subjects of 
 dispute there is a time to speak and a time to be silent, 
 and when we speak unseasonably, and especially if in- 
 temperately also, we damage the very cause we profess to 
 espouse. But with this, if this be so. Elder Creath is a 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 295 
 
 very useful man. He seems willing to spend and be spent 
 for the honor of his Master.* 
 
 Meherrin.j 
 
 As early as the year 1757 or 1758 Mr. Button Lane, a 
 preacher from Pittsylvania, preached occasionally among 
 the people of this neighborhood. Some impressions were 
 made, but the leading men in the neighborhood opposed. 
 Mr. Joseph Williams, a magistrate, charged him before 
 the whole congregation not to come there to preach again. 
 Mr. Lane mildly replied, that as there were many other 
 places where he could preach without interruption, he 
 did not know that he should come there again shortly. 
 After wishing peace to the rest of .the company he 
 gravely addressed Mr. Williams and said : " Little, sir, 
 as you now think it, my impressions tell me that you will 
 become a Baptist — a warm espouser of that cause which 
 you now persecute." This prediction came to pass. In 
 about twelve years Williams embraced religion, was bap- 
 tized, and became a zealous member and useful deacon in 
 the church that was afterwards formed at that place. 
 
 In 1768 the Gospel was preached here by S. Harriss 
 and Jeremiah Walker. The heavenly work was pros- 
 pered from year to year until a considerable number were 
 baptized in this vicinity, all of whom were considered as 
 
 * Elder William Creatli died in 1823, at the residence of John Blunt, in 
 Edenton, N. C, while on u preaching tour in that State. A widow and 
 large family of children survived him, and among the latter J. W. D. 
 Creath, who became a Baptist minister and in 1846 removed to Texas, where 
 " he raised more money for missions and the erection of houses of worship 
 and constituted more churches than any other man in the Southwest. 
 Ever busy doing good In all attainable ways," he Is said to have been " the 
 most apostolic man in Texas." 
 
 +Thi3 church seems to have maintained their organization for thirty or 
 forty years. The present meeting-house, bearing their name. Is several 
 miles distant from the early one, and the exact site of the latter appears 
 now to be unknown. 
 
296 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 members of Nottoway church, at this time the only con- 
 stituted church within many miles. Being considered 
 sufficiently qualified they were pronounced a separate 
 church November 27, 177 1, consisting of 108 members, 
 several of whom became afterwards able ministers of the 
 Gospel, viz., John Williams, Elijah Baker, John King 
 and James Shelburne. Of the two first of these, see biog- 
 raphy ; of Elder John King, see the historical account of 
 Strawberry Association. Elder James Shelburne* is 
 still living in the neighborhood of this church, and is 
 their occasional pastor. When they were first oi'ganized 
 as a church they received their ministerial instruction 
 from Jeremiah Walker, who attended them statedly, and 
 was then pastor of Nottoway. In December, ^772, John 
 Williams was ordained to the ministry, and he became 
 their pastor. The number of disciples inci'eased greatly, 
 insomuch that as many as five or six other churches were 
 taken off" Meherrin and formed into separate churches, 
 Meherrin being the only Baptist church in the counties of 
 Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and Charlotte. 
 
 From deaths, removals, &c., this large and prosperous 
 church is now reduced to twenty-one members, and, in- 
 deed, she has been lower than she is at present, her pros- 
 pects being more auspicious at this time (1808) than 
 they have been for some years. The four preachers men- 
 tioned above will always stand as monuments of honor 
 to this their mother church. The Baptist cause has prob- 
 ably not been more advanced by any four preachers in 
 Virginia. 
 
 * A minute in the churoh-book of Reedy Creek church to the memory of 
 James. Shelburne thus began : " On Monday, March 6,1820, departed this life 
 at his residence in Lunenburg county, in his eighty-third year, Elder James 
 Shelburne, who had been the diligent and affectionate pastor of this church 
 about forty-five years." An interesting sketch of his life is contained in 
 Virginia Baptist Ministers, first series. 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 297 
 
 Reedy Creek,* 
 in Lunenburg, was constituted in June, 1775. Soon after 
 their constitution they made choice of Mr. James Shel- 
 burne as their pastor. He has discharged the duties of 
 that office until this time, being, still a diligent and useful 
 preacher of the Gospel, though about seventy years of 
 age. They have been favored with several comfortable 
 revivals of religion, so that although there have been fre- 
 quent I'emovals and deaths, their number is still more 
 than 100. 
 
 They have four meeting-houses within their limits, at 
 each of which there is stated preaching once a month. 
 The follovving account taken from the venerable Mr. 
 Shelburne himself, as well as from Mr. Richards, who 
 was present, is worthy of note. Mr. Shelburne is one of 
 the most religious men living. He seldom talks on any 
 other siibject. It is easily conceived, then, that whenever 
 Zion languishes, he feels his portion of sacred sorrow, 
 expressed by the prophet Jeremiah, ninth chapter, first 
 verse. It will also be admitted that of this mourning 
 the church to whom he stood committed, in the solemn 
 office of pastor, would share her full portion. Such was 
 the case for several years. The state of religion in Elder 
 Shelburne's church was truly lamentable. He felt it, and 
 mourned. God heard his groans and removed his com- 
 plaints. He is often pleased, however, to take strange 
 ways (strange to mortals) to efTect his purposes. It was 
 deeply impressed upon Elder Shelburne's mind that if 
 he would make a religious feast ; or, in other words, if 
 he would invite his neighbors generally to come to his 
 house, and there, for three or four days, entertain them 
 
 * This body were located near the creek of the same name In Lunenburg 
 county, five or six miles southeast of Lewlstown. 
 
298 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 with such as he had, and at the same time employ every 
 opportunity in exhorting them to repentance, &c., that 
 the Lord would thereby begin a goodly work. He tried 
 it and succeeded. He first appointed meetings at the 
 meeting-house, and from thence invited them, one and 
 all, to his own house. Many went. The time was occu- 
 pied in the most devout manner. Singing, prayer, ex- 
 hortation and conversation were all in their proper sea- 
 son attended to. The heavenly shower descended. The 
 souls of many were refreshed, and from that time the 
 work went on, to the conversion of great numbers. 
 After this revival declined, and times again became un- 
 pleasant, Mr. Shelburne had the same exercises, made the 
 same experiment, and had the indescribable joy to find 
 that the same blessed consequences ensued. Some super- 
 ficial observers will say, " Indeed, then, this old gentle- 
 man could stir up a revival as easily as make a feast." 
 No ; far from it. He never attempted it in any case 
 until urged to it by the spirit of grace deeply impressing 
 his mind. And when divine wisdom points out the way 
 it is as easy to accomplish a revival as it is to bend the 
 knee or open the lips. But all the devices of man are of 
 little avail unless the hand of God be superadded. 
 
 Cedar Creek, 
 
 first planted by the labors of Rev. Jeremiah Walker, 
 was for many years under the care of Rev. Stephen 
 Jones, a pious, faithful and useful preacher of God's 
 word. 
 
 After having fought a good fight Mr. Jones finished 
 his course anno 1806, aged about sixty-three. His death 
 was much regretted by all classes of his acquaintance. 
 Just before he died he called his family together and 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 299 
 
 prayed with them and for them, saying " it was the last 
 time, as he should in a few hours pass over Jordan." 
 Since his death the church has been destitute of a pastor. 
 It is not so flourishing as it has been. 
 
 TUSSEKIAH * 
 
 is an old and numerous church. Thomas Crymes was 
 chosen minister at the time of constitution, having been 
 previously engaged in the ministry among them. He 
 was a faithful and diligent servant of God. By saint and 
 sinner he was esteemed a good man. His constant and 
 unremitting labor in the ministry was supposed to have 
 contributed to the disease of which he died in the year 
 1789. He was willing to be spent in his Master's work. 
 Oh ! let me live the life and die the death of the righteous. 
 After the death of Mr. Crymes, the church, being desti- 
 tute of a preacher, resolved, notwithstanding, to keep up 
 the monthly meetings, and when met, to wait upon the 
 Lord to see whether any would be divinely impressed to 
 exercise any public gift, leaving to each member to 
 sing, pray, exhort or preach as were his impressions. In 
 some short time William Ellis, a man well reported of 
 for piety and zeal, became a preacher. In May, 1790, 
 he was called to the pastoral care, and has continued 
 ever since. Under his ministration the church, though 
 not blessed with any important revival, has had frequent 
 additions, and is a prosperous and happy church. 
 
 *The meeting-house of this body was situated four miles west of Lunen- 
 burg Courthouse on the opposite side of the road, about one hundred yards 
 distant from the present house of worship. Meherrln church (1865) and Mt. 
 Carmel were offshoots from Tussekiah. Among the pastors may be named 
 Pleasant Barnes, Aaron Jones, T. W. Sydnor, E. S. Taylor, William Fisher 
 and W. L. Lemon. Rev. James G. Jeffries entered the ministry from this 
 church. 
 
300 HISTORY OF VIRaiNIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Flat Rock 
 is a new church. They are the effects of Mr. Shel- 
 burne's labors. From the present prospects they are 
 likely to be a united and happy people. 
 
 Cut Banks.* 
 Nothing has been received respecting this church, ex- 
 cept what may be learned from the table. 
 
 Harper's, f 
 
 The Gospel was first carried hither in its purity and 
 power by Elders Harriss, Childs and Walker; great 
 effects ensued. The hearts of many being wrought 
 upon, produced a great reformation among the people. 
 Finally, in 1773, a church was constituted. They were 
 for some time attended by Mr. Walker. After his down- 
 fall they were destitute until, in 1787, Rev. Peter Wynne 
 was ordained to the care of them. They have never been a 
 very numerous church, but have had some useful mem- 
 bers. At present, however, through deaths, removals, 
 &c., they are not so flourishing as they have been. Mr. 
 Wynne is still their pastor ; a man that fears God and 
 works righteousness. 
 
 James's 
 
 is a young church, concerning which nothing worthy of 
 notice can be had. They live in peace and love with 
 one another. 
 
 * Situated In the northeastern section of Dinwiddle county. For several 
 years prior to 1860 the reports from this church Indicate a languishing con- 
 dition, and about that time the body appears to have been dissolved. Elder 
 W. 0. Bailey was for some years pastor here. 
 
 + Thls church is supposed to have been situated in the vicinity of a 
 stream of the same name in the lower part of Dinwiddle county, near the 
 Brunswick line. 
 
MEHERRIN ASSOCIATION. 301 
 
 Reedy Creek,* 
 
 in Brunswick county, together with Fountain's Creek, 
 Geneto, Cut Banks and Harper's, were members of the 
 Portsmouth Association until Meherrin Association was 
 constituted. Hence we may account for the circumstance 
 of there being two churches of the same name in this 
 Association. 
 
 Reedy Creek was planted by the ministerial labors of 
 Mr. Zachariah Thomson, who continued to visit them 
 statedly for some time. After living many years with- 
 out any regular pastor, they at length called and obtained 
 the services of Elder William Dossey, who is a young 
 man of talents, piety and very amiable manners. He has 
 hitherto resided, when in these parts, at the house of 
 Mr. Joseph Saunders, clerk of the Meherrin Association. 
 "Mr. Saunders," says the History of the Kehukee Asso- 
 ciation, " with other members of this church, is remark- 
 able for virtue, piety and usefulness." He was also clerk 
 of Portsmouth. Since Mr. Dossey has had the care of 
 tliem the church has been looking up. 
 
 Fountain Creek! 
 
 is a large church, first planted by* the ministry of Elder 
 Zachariah Thomson. Mr. William Garner took the care 
 of them at their organization and has continued ever 
 
 ♦This ohuroh has maintained its existence to the present time. It is 
 located near the stream of the same name, some eight or ten miles north- 
 east of the county-seat of Brunswick. Rev. J. C. Bailey was long pastor 
 here. Other pastors have been R. B, Collier, W. L. Fltcher, \V. P. Gray, Ver- 
 non I'Anson and G. Y. Bradley. 
 
 + This body was located in the southern portion of Greenesville and the 
 adjacent part of Northampton county, N. C, and derived their name from 
 Fountain creek, in the same vicinity. The church has maintained an un- 
 broken existence until the present time. Elder J. C. Bailey was for many 
 years their pastor. The church has also been served by Elders Vernon 
 I'Anson, Robert Burton, P. T. Warren and W. P. Gray. 
 
302 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 since. They have had their ebbs and floods, but have 
 generally been a prosperous church. In the year 1802 
 the rich clouds of mercy gathered and they had a pleas- 
 ant shower. A considerable number was added. There 
 is an arm of the church in North Carolina, who assemble 
 at Vaser's meeting-house, Northampton county. 
 
 ZiON 
 
 is also some of the fruits of Mr. Creath's ministry. Hav- 
 ing been lately constituted, nothing more need be said 
 than that they are in peace and harmony among them- 
 selves and bid fair to prosper. Mr. Creath still attends 
 them statedly. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROANOKE ASSO- 
 CIATION FROM HER CONSTITUTION UNTIL 1807. 
 
 It has already been shown (page 256) that Roanoke 
 was stricken off from the Middle District in May, 1788. 
 Their first session was holden in October, 1788, at Mil- 
 ler's Ferry, Dan river — Watkins's meeting-house ; in 
 which, according to custom, they were chiefly employed 
 in forming a constitution or rules of government. This 
 constitution possesses more energy in some of its provi- 
 sions than will be found in the form of government 
 adopted by most of the Associations. It has stood more 
 than twenty years, and under it the Association has pros- 
 pered to an unusual extent, as will be seen hereafter. By 
 this constitution the Association is made the medium to 
 procure suitable presbyteries in tl^e ordination of preach- 
 ers, and likewise to obtain seasonable aid in all matters 
 of distress to the churches. 
 
 They* met for the second time in May, 1789, at Grassy 
 Creek meeting-house, in North Carolina, f 
 
 Letters were received from twenty churches, the state 
 of which is described in the following extract from the 
 
 * After the separation from the Middle District they were joined by sev- 
 eral churclies in North Carolina.— 4«(Aor's note. 
 
 + Situated In Granville county, North Carolina, near the line of Mecklen- 
 burg county, Virginia. A history of the chureh at this place was prepared 
 by their pastor, Elder Robert I. Devin, and published in 1880. From this 
 work we learn that among the ministers present at the session of the Asso- 
 ciation in 1789, were Samuel Harriss, John Williams, Reuben Picket, Thomas 
 Vass, ,Tohn Atkinson, James Read, James Watklns, George Roberts, William 
 Dodson and James Hurt. 
 
 20 [ 305 ] 
 
306 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 circular letter : " Excepting a few instances, we had agree- 
 able accounts from the churches touching the advancement 
 of Emmanuel's interest, and from some parts very much 
 so." 
 
 The business with which this session was occupied dis- 
 plays a noble and enterprising spirit, and proves that if 
 they could have effected their intentions they would have 
 done much towards advancing the respectability of the 
 Baptist society. But, alas ! what are the most noble 
 views without means to accomplish them ? 
 
 The erection of Baptist seminaries of learning and the 
 publication of a history of the Baptists in Virginia were 
 the subjects of the greatest importance to which they at- 
 tended. For further information as to their proceedings 
 on each, see the History of the General Committee and 
 other places. 
 
 A copy of the minutes of this Association, accompa- 
 nied by a letter from Rev. John Williams, was sent by 
 him to Mr. Rippon, London, who published extracts 
 therefrom in his Annual Register of the Baptists. 
 
 October, 1789, they met again at Catawba meeting- 
 house, Halifax county. Letters from twenty-eight 
 churches were received. Their tidings were pleasing. 
 
 About this time Henry Pattillo, a Presbyterian preacher 
 of distinction, had preached several times in favor of in- 
 fant baptism, in which he had degraded the Baptists in 
 the most scurrilous manner. The Association, in order 
 to rebut his calumny, appointed John Williams to answer 
 him on a certain day, which they determined should be a 
 day of fasting and prayer. Accordingly, Mr. Williams ful- 
 filled the appointment to the general satisfaction of the 
 Baptists and their friends, and to the annoyance of their 
 enemies. A David can slay a Goliath when he comes to 
 him in the name of the Lord of Hosts. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 307 
 
 Their next session was at White Oak Mountain, Pitt- 
 sylvania county, June, 1790. Letters from thirty-four 
 churches were received, affording no singular intelli- 
 gence. The business of the Association was not interest- 
 ing. 
 
 October, 1790, they met again at Picket's meeting- 
 house.* Letters were received from thirty-one churches. 
 
 At this Association some debate arose as to the au- 
 thenticity of the Christian Sabbath ; but was at length 
 unanimously determined in favor of its being observed 
 as a sacred day. This subject has been not unfrequently 
 taken up among the Virginia Baptists, both in public and 
 private, and the divine authority of the Sabbath day 
 disputed by some. In consequence of such debates, it 
 has been thought that the Sabbath has not been as reli- 
 giously observed in some places as duty would require. 
 
 An abstract of principles, containing twenty articles, 
 was published by this Association. They are substan- 
 tially the same as the confession of faith. 
 
 They met at Dobson's meeting-house, j- Halifax, June, 
 1791. Letters were received from thirty-four churches. 
 They detail nothing singular. It was determined that in 
 future the district should be divided into two; the one to" 
 be called Dan River Association, and the other to retain 
 the name of Roanoke. It is unnecessary to detail the 
 particulars of this division, seeing after two sessions they 
 determined to reunite. 
 
 October, 1791, the Roanoke Association met at Ca- 
 tawba meeting-house, Halifax. 
 
 * By " Picket's meeting-house " is meant that of Mayo church, near the 
 place of that name, in Halifax, of which Reuben Picket had long been the 
 pastor. 
 
 +This was Hunting Creek meeting-house, where W. Dobson preached at 
 the time, as pastor of that church. 
 
308 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 April, 1792, they met at Allen's Creek meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 October, 1792, they met at Mill meeting-house, Pitt- 
 sylvania. No business wrorthy of notice was transacted 
 at these sessions. 
 
 May, 1793, they met at Grassy Creek meeting-house. 
 North Carolina. Letters were received from twenty- 
 seven churches, from which it appeared that the state of 
 religion was very adverse indeed, only twenty having 
 been baptized since the last Association. 
 
 October, 1793, they met at Hart's chapel, North Caro- 
 lina. Letters from thirty-six churches were received, 
 detailing unpleasant tidings as to the low state of re- 
 ligion. 
 
 The following query was introduced and answered, 
 viz. : "Whether the excommunication of a minister does 
 not make his credentials null and void?" Answered in 
 the affirmative. 
 
 This is a subject of general interest. Many evils have 
 been produced from excommunicated preachers availing 
 themselves of their former credentials, yet it is difficult 
 to find a remedy. 
 
 May, 1794, they met at Bluestone meeting-house, 
 Mecklenburg. Letters from twenty-six churches were 
 received, the language of which was lamentable. In all, 
 forty-four had been baptized. The total number in all 
 the churches was 3,148. 
 
 October, 1794, they met at Catawba meeting-house, 
 Halifax. Letters from thirty-six churches were received. 
 They still lament their languid state. The only business 
 transacted at this session worthy of notice was the 
 division of the district. The State line became the 
 boundary between the two districts. The churches in 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 309 
 
 North Carolina were constituted under the name of the 
 Flat River Association. The Roanoke appointed their 
 next session to be holden at Banister meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania county, on the Saturday before the first 
 Sunday in May, 1795. 
 
 Saturday, May 2, 1795, they met at the appointed 
 place. Letters from twenty-five churches were received, 
 all of which bemoan the dark and gloomy state of religion 
 among them. The circular letter to the churches on this 
 subject speaks in this wise : " We have read your letters 
 which give us the doleful tidings of the declension of 
 religion in this district, and also how few there are 
 added to the borders of Zion. O, brethren ! what counsel 
 shall we give you in this distressing situation? We can 
 only say that the cause must exist among the professors 
 of religiop. God has not changed. It must be, there- 
 fore, certain that we have changed, and that our trans- 
 gressions have raised a wall between God and our souls." 
 This letter was composed by Samuel Brame. The whole 
 number of churches now remaining in this distj"ict is 
 thirty-four. The whole number baptized in the corre- 
 sponding churches is eight only. The whole number in 
 all the churches is 2,085. 
 
 October, 1795, they met at Reedy Creek meeting-house, 
 Halifax. 
 
 May, 1796, they met at Sandy Creek meeting-house, 
 Charlotte. 
 
 October, 1796, they met at BufTaloe meeting-house, 
 Mecklenburg. 
 
 May, 1797, they met at County Line "meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 October, 1797, they met at Musterfield meeting-house, 
 Halifax. 
 
310 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 May, 1798, they met at Buffaloe meeting-house, 
 Halifax. 
 
 October, 1798, they met at Emmerson's meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 May, 1799, they met ^t Millstone meeting-house, 
 Halifax. 
 
 October, 1799, they met at Allen's Creek meeting- 
 house, Mecklenburg, 
 
 May, 1800, they met at Arbour meeting-house, Halifax. 
 
 October, 1800, they met at Whitethorn meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 May, 1 80 1, they met at Childrey meeting-house, Halifax. 
 
 October, 180 r, they met at Mossingford meeting-house, 
 Charlotte. 
 
 The business done during this long wintry state is not 
 of sufficient importance to command attention, except as 
 to their mode of proceeding respecting the languid state 
 of Zion. An industrious and careful shepherd watches 
 and feeds his flocks in winter, guards them from wolves 
 and dogs, shelters them from storms, cherishes the weak, 
 stays the wandering, separates . the contagious, puts out 
 the troublesome, &c.. Sec, and has them in spring strong 
 and lively to bring forth and raise their young. So acted 
 the Roanoke Association towards the churches. As a 
 mother nourishes her children, so she nourished her peo- 
 ple. Her conduct during this period is worthy of lasting 
 remembrance. Frequent days of fasting and prayer were 
 appointed and observed through the churches, to bewail 
 their declension and to strive for a revival. Every circu- 
 lar letter contained some exhortation to the churches to 
 search for the cause, to endeavor to rouse up from their 
 lethargj% In 1797 they laid off two districts ^nd ap- 
 pointed two ministers and two laymen for each, to travel 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 311 
 
 through the churches, to examine their state and standing, 
 to stir them up to duty and to inquire if there was no ac- 
 cursed thing in the camp that caused the frowns of the 
 Lord upon the armies of Israel. This measure was faith- 
 fully executed, and at the next Association the church 
 letters expressed great approbation of its beneficial effects. 
 In 1798 a query was sent from one of the churches pro- 
 posing an examination of the ministers as to the perform- 
 ance of their duty, and more particularly as to family 
 worship, suggesting that to some neglect of this kind 
 might be ascribed their languid state. The examination 
 was agreed to, and each minister rose up in his place and 
 rehearsed his exercises. Some, with great contrition, ac- 
 knowledged their neglect and promised future diligence. 
 It was a solemn season. The proverb, " Like priest, 
 like people," though often used in ridicule, is a serious 
 truth. The spirit of the living creature is in the 
 wheels. Seldom do we see a dull preacher and a lively 
 church, or vice versa. Therefore, for the most part, to 
 reform the ministry is to revive the church. The minis- 
 terial examination mentioned above is said to have made 
 great changes. It operated like Paul's epistle to the 
 delinquent Corinthians. They sorrowed after a godly 
 sort. It wrought in them great carefulness, &c. It was 
 not a great while after this, viz., the middle of the year 
 1799, that the dawning of one of the bright days of the 
 Son of Man appeared. The work, however, was con- 
 fined to a few churches until the beginning of the year 
 1802, when it became general. Fair and refreshing gales 
 are not more welcome to sea- worn sailors than these 
 breathings of the Holy Spirit were to the precious sons 
 of Zion in this Association. In some churches the num- 
 bers were more than doubled ; in some, more than two 
 
312 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 hundred were added.* In their circular letter, May, 1802, 
 they publish an account of this work, and state that one 
 thousand three hundred and forty-one had already been 
 baptized, and that the work was still going on. 
 
 The Association for May, 1802, was holden at Buffaloe 
 meeting-house, Mecklenburg. 
 
 October, 1802, they met at Rieve's meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania. 
 
 Notwithstanding the blessed state of the Gospel in this 
 district at this time, they had a severe trial in the.mal- 
 conduct of a certain James Tompkins, and in the op- 
 position made to the prudent discipline exercised towards 
 him by a presbytery united to the churches of which he 
 was a member and minister. The presbytery consisted 
 of ministers appointed by the Association at the request 
 of the churches immediately interested. When the pres- 
 bytery met the Upper Banister and Stewart's Creek 
 churches united, and with the presbytery formed a 
 council to investigate and decide on Tompkins's conduct. 
 On a fair and impartial trial they adjudged him guilty of 
 the crimes alleged against him, and excluded him. 
 Tompkins, however, denied the allegation ; and being a 
 man of address, formed a considerable party in his favor 
 in some of the churches, who very incautiously and pre- 
 maturely expressed their disapprobation of the proceed- 
 ings in their corresponding letters to this session. To 
 these churches the Association sent committees to re- 
 monstrate. The churches and individuals who had 
 caused the distress conceded, and a report to that efTect 
 was made to the next Association. 
 
 *The ehurches in tliis Association are confined witliin much narrower 
 limits than in almost any part of Virginia, so that two hundred was a very 
 large numberlndeed, all things considered.— vl«(ftor's jiote. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 313 
 
 A committee was also appointed, at the request of some 
 of the churches, to attend the churches with which Tomp- 
 kins had been connected and to give him a further chance 
 to exonerate himself from the charges laid against him, 
 or of making satisfactory concessions. They met and re- 
 instated him, with partial concessions on his part. Of 
 his guilt, however, many who were well acquainted with 
 the whole ground entertained very little doubt. In a lit- 
 tle time after his restoration he professed to be convinced 
 of the truth and propriety of infant baptism, and actually 
 joined the Presbyterians. 
 
 Mr. Tompkins did not live long in the enjoyment of 
 his new principles. The scythe of time, that sweeps 
 down without distinction the good and the bad, brought 
 him to the dust in a short time. 
 
 James Tompkins was a young man of considerable 
 talents, and until suspected of disorderly behavior, was 
 very popular as a Baptist preacher. It would seem that 
 his downfall was a species of adversity permitted of God 
 to be set over against the prosperity of the Baptists in 
 this Association. It happened in the height of the revival. 
 
 April, 1803, they met at Ebenezer meeting-house, 
 Campbell county. Letters from twent3'-seven churches 
 were received. As far as the state of religion can be 
 conjectured from the minutes, it appears that the revival, 
 as it respects the conversion of sinners, was somewhat on 
 the decline, the harvest being nearly over. But as it re- 
 spects the state of the churches, it seemed that Christians 
 were in the lively exercise of vital piety ; a number of 
 young and promising laborers thrust into the vineyard ; 
 several new churches constituted ; and, with very few ex- 
 ceptions, peace and love reigned throughout Zion's bor- 
 ders. 
 
314 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 A minister of considerable talents, misled by ambition, 
 having about this time set up as a candidate for Congress, 
 created some distress among the brethren. In conse- 
 quence of which the following query was ofFered to this 
 Association : 
 
 Query. Will the Word of God tolerate a minister of 
 the Gospel in suing for a post of honor and profit in legis- 
 lation and retain the privileges of his ministerial office at 
 the same time? 
 
 For reasons unknown the Association never answered 
 the query. We will offer a few reflections. For a real 
 minister of God's Word to become a candidate for politi- 
 cal office seems to us more absurd than for a man made 
 prime minister to sue for the office of constable. Doubt- 
 less, in the view of a sound mind, the disparity between 
 the office of prime minister and that of constable is not 
 so great as between a legitimate stand in the pulpit and 
 a seat in Congress. As the heavens are higher than the 
 earth, so are God's honors above man's. 
 
 October, 1803, they met at Meherrin meeting-house, 
 Lunenburg. Letters from thirty-two churches were re- 
 ceived. The state of religion was nearly as described at 
 the last Association. No less than nine young preachers 
 had been ordained from the last Association, as appears 
 by the returns of presbyteries. For some sessions back 
 there had been some in the Association who advocated a 
 division of the district. On a fair trial now it was found 
 that a large majority were decidedly opposed to it. It 
 was, however, agreed that any churches lying on the ex- 
 tremity might be dismissed for the purpose of combining 
 with others appertaining to other Associations to form a 
 new Association. By these means it fell out that the 
 Associations now called Meherrin and Appomattox were 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 315 
 
 established. A committee of seven able and experienced 
 ministers was appointed on Saturday to examine the 
 amendments made to the confession of faith, who re- 
 ported on Monday that they were of opinion that " the 
 amendments and alterations are much for the better." 
 To which the Association consented. 
 
 May, 1804, they met at Bethel meeting-house,* North 
 Carolina. Letters from thirty-one churches were re- 
 ceived. Religion seemed not to be so warm and pros- 
 perous as at the last Association, yet there were several 
 applications for the constitution of new churches and for 
 the ordination of young ministers. It was determined 
 that a summary of church discipline should be prepared 
 for the advantage of the churches in their government 
 and sent by the composer to the churches for inspection. 
 This summary was finally ratified by the Association, 
 and two hundred copies were printed. This was cer- 
 tainly a wise and prudent measure, calculated to preserve 
 order and uniformity among the churches. 
 
 October, 1804, they met at Stinking River meeting- 
 house, Pittsylvania. Letters from twenty-eight churches 
 were received ; the state of religion nearly as at last ses- 
 sion. No business worthy of notice was taken up in 
 this Association. 
 
 May, 1805, they met at Catawba meeting-house, Hali- 
 fax. Letters from thirty-four churches were received ; 
 and if any judgment can be formed from the ordination 
 of ministers and the constitution of churches, we may 
 venture to pronounce that the state of religion was by no 
 means very adverse in this district at this time. The 
 circular letter, however, calls it a sifting time. Nothing 
 
 * The meeting-house Is In North Carolina, but it belongs to Mayo church, 
 the larger part of which Is in Virginia. — Author's note. 
 
316 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 except local matters commanded the attention of the 
 Association. 
 
 October, 1805, they met at Hunting Creek. Letters 
 from thirty churches were received. The Association 
 appointed the Saturday before the first Sunday in De- 
 cember for humiliation, fasting and prayer for an increase 
 of grace and a revival of God's work. This practice is 
 surely worthy of imitation. In no Association have the 
 appointments of fast days and such like means for the 
 promotion of the prosperity of Zion been oftener resorted 
 to than in Roanoke District; and it may with safety be 
 said that within her limits the Baptist cause has flourished 
 more than in any section of the State of Virginia, not to 
 say of the United States. They prayed the Lord of the 
 Harvest to send forth laborers, and they were sent. They 
 abound in preachers, some of whom are able, and most 
 are useful. 
 
 May, 1806, they met at County Line meeting-house, 
 Pittsylvania. Letters from twenty-nine churches were 
 received. It was resolved to adopt as a circular letter 
 for this session a letter of Mr. John Newton on the doc- 
 trine of election and final perseverance^ This is cer- 
 tainly an admirable composition. But when we consider 
 the prepossession of most readers in favor of authors 
 with whom they have personal acquaintance ; when we 
 consider the improvement which these annual composi- 
 tions might afford to some of the sons of genius in the 
 Association, we are of opinion that it is impolitic to bor- 
 row, especially from old and known writings which they 
 could easily get without printing. 
 
 October, 1806, they met at Upper Banister meeting- 
 house, Pittsylvania. Letters from eighteen churches 
 were received. Their style is that of complaint on ac- 
 count of the dead state of Zion. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 317 
 
 It is stated in the minutes of this session that in the 
 churches that compose the Roanoke Association there 
 are twenty-five ordained and fiVe licensed ministers. 
 There are in all twenty-nine churches, having on an aver- 
 age more than one preacher for each church. In this 
 session the following query was introduced : " Has a 
 minister of the Gospel any more power in the govern- 
 ment of a church than an individual of the laity? " An- 
 swered in the negative. 
 
 This decision must doubtless carry the principles of 
 free government beyond all Scripture example provided 
 by ministers of the Gospel — pastors of churches are in- 
 tended. Nothing can be clearer than that through the 
 whole tenor of the New Testament they are recognized 
 as having authority of some sort. They are called rulers, 
 and are promised a reward if they rule well. They are 
 called elders, alluding no doubt to elders under the Mo- 
 saic economy, who surely had authority in the nation. 
 Paul writes to the different churches in the language of 
 authority, and advises Timothy and Titus as ministers 
 whom he considers as having power. It will then be 
 asked, What kind of authority do they possess? To 
 which it may be answered. They have a power similar to 
 that of fathers — the authority of love. Hence they are 
 charged by Peter not to lord_jtjxver_God^sJheritag£;.; not 
 to act and feel as if they were lords and masters. This 
 sentiment, while it embraces the plain tenor of the Word, 
 is by no means repugnant to republican church govern- 
 ment, seeing pastors are chosen by the churches, and 
 cannot, thereJore, have any kind of power until given by 
 them. They are, therefore, representatives of the churches 
 exercising various branches of power, in the name and 
 for the benefit of the church, and for the glory of God. 
 
318 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 If this were not the case, how could the pastor be respon- 
 sible for the standing of the church, as is evident from 
 the addresses to the angels of the seven churches of Asia ? 
 
 May, 1807, they met at Seneca meeting-house, Camp- 
 bell. Letters from twenty-four churches were received. 
 The accounts, as usual of late years, represent the 
 churches as in a wintry state. Nothing except local 
 matters was attended to in this session. 
 
 October, 1807, they met at Millstone meeting-house, 
 Halifax. Letters from twenty-seven churches were re- 
 ceived. No revival. The love of many waxing cold. 
 
 Considerable agitation of mind was excited at this 
 session in consequence of a query introduced from a 
 church in the county of Charlotte : Whether it was a 
 maxim, firmly established among the Baptists, that 
 "human learning is of no use." This query arose out of 
 an illiberal assertion contained in a letter from Mr. Rice, 
 a Presbyterian preacher of Charlotte, to the chairman of 
 the committee of missions, and which was published in 
 the Assembly's Missionary Magazine of May, 1807, in 
 which Mr. Rice declares that among the Baptists of this 
 neighborhood it is a maxim, very firmly established, that 
 human learning is of no use. The Association took up 
 the business and appointed a committee of certain breth- 
 ren to answer and explain the subject. The answer, 
 which was strong and energetic, composed by Mr. Kerr, 
 was printed. No reply, or attempt to establish the as- 
 sertion, has been made by Mr. Rice as yet. 
 
 It will easily be discovered by a judicious reader that 
 the administration of this Association has been, from the- 
 beginning, marked with prudence, moderation, zeal and 
 piety, and that to her wise and watchful measures, 
 under God, may be ascribed much of the great success 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 319 
 
 which has attended the Baptist cause within her limits. 
 Her ministers, though not blessed with classic educations, 
 seem well versed in that wisdom which descendeth from 
 above. 
 
 At their first constitution Rev. Samuel Harriss acted 
 generally as moderator. Since his relinquishment and 
 death. Rev. Reuben Picket has commonly filled the 
 moderator's chair. Their first clerk was Rev. John Wil- 
 liams. He was succeeded by Rev. John Atkinson, and 
 since his resignation Rev. John Jenkins has acted as 
 clerk. These offices have been temporarily filled by 
 others, but the above named were their stated servants. 
 A number of excellent circular letters were found in the 
 minutes of this Association. But our limits are becom- 
 ing too narrow to publish the extracts which we at 
 first intended ; and in particular, one annexed to the 
 minutes of 1801, composed by Rev. James Hurt, being an 
 address to young preachers, and so well calculated to do 
 good that it is with real regret we feel compelled to 
 omit it.* 
 
 * Would not a volume made up ol circular letters, judiciously selected, be 
 a pleasing and profitable publication at this time? The compiler would 
 gladly furnish a friend disposed to publish such a volume materials (to a 
 considerable extent now in his possession) from which th6 selections might 
 be made. — Note by the author. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 historical sketches of the churches in roanoke 
 association. 
 
 Catawba. 
 The people of this neighborhood had the proclamation 
 of peace made to them soon after the rise of the Baptists 
 in Virginia. Samuel Harriss was the first successful 
 preacher. His plants were watered by the succeeding 
 labors of himself and others, until a church was consti- 
 tuted, and James Hill, a preachei", raised up among them. 
 He was inducted as their first pastor, and continued for 
 some years. In 1777, Elder Nathaniel Hall became pas- 
 tor, and continued faithfully to discharge the duties of 
 his office until 1785, when, believing himself to be sup- 
 planted by William Dodso n, a preacher of popular tal- 
 ents, he moved to the State of Georgia, where he lived 
 and died a faithful minister of God's Word. He, though 
 a sound preacher, was not a minister of distinguished 
 abilities. 
 
 Dodson having insinuated himself into the favor of the 
 congregation, was chosen as Mr. Hall's successor. Being 
 of a restless spirit, after a few years he left them. In 
 1793 they made choice of their present pastor, who has 
 continued to serve them steadily until this time. Ca- 
 tawba has been a flourishing church from the beginning. 
 They have generally had among them several private 
 members of intelligence, piety and prudence that were 
 rich in this world and willing to communicate, hence 
 they have so frequently had the Association at their 
 meeting-house. 
 
 [ 320 ] 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 321 
 
 Mr. Philip Hurt, their pastor, is a sensible, sound and 
 solemn preacher, a friend to discipline and order, and has 
 done much good in his day and generation. God has be- 
 stowed upon Mr. Hurt one of the greatest of blessings 
 ever enjoyed by a pious father in this vale of tears. He 
 has the happiness to see his own son, living in the bounds 
 of his church, a pious Christian and an eminent minister 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 Robert Hurt was one of the first fruits of the great re- 
 vival. He commenced preaching soon after his conver- 
 sion, and rose into notice as a young man of amiable man- 
 ners, pious life and very promising talents. Although 
 he lives in the bounds of Catawba, he acts as minister 
 for some of the neighboring churches.* 
 
 BuFFALOEf 
 
 was also the fruits of the venerable S. Harriss. Thomas 
 Gilbert, a preacher of zeal and usefulness, was their first 
 pastor. They had also the ministerial services of Nathan- 
 iel Hall and Obadiah Echols at different times ; but we 
 have not had information sufficiently distinct to be able to 
 say at what periods these men served them. Their pres- 
 ent pastor. Elder Clarke Hubbard, is a warm, zealous 
 and pei'severing preacher. Although his opportunities 
 for acquiring literary culture were very small in his early 
 
 * Catawba church Is located in the northern pare of Halifax county, near 
 the line ol the Lynchburg and Durham railroad. The present meeting- 
 house occupies the original site. Elder Philip Hurt was succeeded in the 
 pastorate by his son Robert. The subsequent pastors have been A. M. Poin- 
 dexter, S. P. Mason, John H. Lacy, William A. Tyree, Robert Savage, A. B. 
 Brown, Whit. B. Williams, John B. Williams and J. H. Couch and S. H. 
 Thompson. Elder J. T. McLaughlin was also pastor here at one time. 
 
 + The meetinghouse of Buftaloe church was of stone, situated near Pan- 
 nell's Bridge, near the line between Halifax and Pittsylvania. It is now 
 used by a church of colored people. Buflaloe church became extinct during 
 the late war. Their last pastor was Elder M. Hagood. 
 21 
 
322 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 life, yet as soon as he was arrested by divine grace he de- 
 voted his mind to the improvement of his gifts, and his 
 profiting appears to all who know him. Buffaloe parti- 
 cipated in the revival of 1802, and seventy-six were added. 
 
 Mayo.* 
 
 This is one of the largest churches in Roanoke Associa- 
 tion, yet has been much larger than it is at present. From 
 the beginning they have been a very respectable people. 
 In 1790 they had one hundred and forty members. At 
 subsequent periods they increased by small additions, but 
 in 1802 they enjoyed the outpouring of the Spirit in large 
 portions ; one hundred and twenty were added, after 
 which the church had as many as four hundred members, 
 but by frequent removals, &c., they are now not so nume- 
 rous. 
 
 They have had but one pastor, and no other can they 
 wish, so long as he is enabled by divine goodness to per- 
 form the duties of his office. 
 
 Rev. Reuben Picket, ■(■ their pastor, was born in the year 
 1752, embraced true religion in the year 1769, and was 
 
 *The meeting-house of Mayo ctnirch was situated near the present post- 
 office of tliat name in Halifax county, " on the road leading from Carring- 
 ton's Bridge to Clarksville, and about a mile from Mayo creek." The church 
 was absorbed by Black Walnut on one side, and Bethel, in Person county, 
 North Carolina, on the other, the old Mayo meeting-house having been 
 nearly midway between these churches. 
 
 + Elder R. Picket, of whom so honorable mention is here made, was a na- 
 tive of Pauquler county, and probably a near kinsman of John Picket, the 
 early and faithful pastor of Carter's Run church. He continuad until his 
 death a useful and highly valued laborer in the Roanoke Association. The 
 last session of the body which he attended was in 1822, when, according to 
 the minutes of that meeting, he received marked respect and deference 
 from the body. To his growing infirmities there was added an injury from 
 being overturned in his gig, from which he suffered much, and gradually 
 sunk until his death, October 10, 1823. His remains rest near his old home, 
 two miles from Black Walnut church, in Halifax county, and a slab in the 
 church-yard, secured by Elias Dodson, has been erected to his memory. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 323 
 
 baptized by Samuel Harriss, in Orange county, not far 
 from his place of residence, a few months after his con- 
 version. Although only about eighteen years of age, his 
 mind led him to appear in public in order to persuade 
 sinners to repentance. Hearing of a great work of God 
 in Shenandoah county, he could not be kept back, but 
 went into the midst of it. There he commenced, first as 
 exhorter and then preacher, and soon became very suc- 
 cessful in inducing his fellow-men to turn to God. He 
 and Elder Koontz traveled together ; Koontz preached in 
 Dutch, and he in English ; many of each language, 
 through their labors, were initiated into divine favor. 
 About this time, Mr. S. Harriss coming on a preaching 
 visit through those parts, Mr. Picket felt great desire to 
 travel with him ; but knowing that he was not rich, and 
 that his embarrassment would be great, unless he followed 
 some calling for a livelihood, he was very unhappy for 
 some length of time. Spreading his case, however, be- 
 fore his invisible instructor, this text came forcibly to his 
 mind : " Go ye, and preach my gospel " ; which was suc- 
 ceeded by the promise: " Lo, I am with you always." 
 He immediately forsook all earthly employment, and 
 traveled on with Elder Harriss towards the south, expect- 
 ing to go to an Association in South Carolina. He was, 
 however, stopped by a severe spell of sickness, and left 
 by his brethren in a strange part of the world. His suf- 
 ferings both of mind and body were now extremely 
 severe. But it was only the refiner's fire purging off the 
 dross, and leaving Mr. Picket, like tried gold, to shine with 
 seven-fold splendor. After he was fully recovered from 
 his afflictions, he felt the smiles of God in a more abun- 
 dant manner than he had ever done. He then com- 
 menced his ministerial travels in North Carolina and 
 
324 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Virginia, disseminating evangelical seed in various parts. 
 He -was still only about twenty years of age. Young as 
 he was, his talents were extensively useful. Many 
 acknowledged him as the messenger of peace to their 
 souls ; and several churches were constituted through the 
 instrumentality of his labors. He, at length, in 1772, 
 was ordained and took the care of Reedy Bottom, a 
 church raised under his ministry. The work afterwards 
 spreading to Mayo Creek, a church was constituted by 
 the name Mayo ; and, soon after, Reedy Bottom was dis- 
 solved. To Mayo, Mr. Picket has been the constant and 
 faithful pastor from its constitution until this day. Mr. 
 Picket stands in the highest estimation wherever he is 
 known. Although old and very infirm, he is unremitting 
 in his labors, and not only continues his ministrations to 
 his own congregation, but often visits neighboring 
 churches, especially in matters of distress. For, as a dis- 
 ciplinarian, he is surpassed by none. His talents are 
 more distinguished for warm and searching addresses to 
 the heart than for deep investigation. He has been for 
 many years the moderator of the Association, and doubt- 
 less fills the chair with as much dignity and propriety as 
 any man in Virginia. When he shall fall asleep his sur- 
 vivors will say : "Mark the perfect man, and behold the 
 upright ; for the end of that man is peace." 
 
 Mayo has also two other ordained preachers within her 
 limits, viz., John Brookes * and Abner Harrilason. 
 
 * The ordination of Elder Brookes occurred at " said Brookea's own house, 
 in Person county, North Carolina," June 4, 1803. His credentials, signed by- 
 Reuben Picket, Balaam Ezell and John Atkinson, are still preserved. He 
 died May 12, 1840, aged ninety-one years, five months and six days. Two 
 (twin) grandsons of Elder Brookes were baptized by Dr. John A. Broadus 
 while students at the University of Virginia, and these, with their six sis- 
 ters, were long valuable members of Black Walnut church, Halifax county. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 325 
 
 Winn's Creek.* 
 
 It does not appear that this was ever a thriving church. 
 Her members have not for many years, if ever, exceeded 
 what they are now. Planted by the labors of Obadiah 
 Echols, his downfall in all likelihood proved a shock to 
 the church not easily recovered from. An inveterate dis- 
 tress existed in this church for a long time, which drew 
 the attention of the Association. There were several 
 presbyterial committees sent before they could effect a 
 remedy. They did not participate in the great revival of 
 1802. 
 
 Obadiah Echols, the planter and first pastor of this 
 church, was, for many of the first years of his ministry, 
 the most indefatigably laborious preacher anywhere in 
 these parts ; and being a minister of considerable talents, 
 he advanced the cause of religion to a very great extent. 
 But, alas ! being a man of impetuous passions, and not 
 keeping them under proper restraint, he fell into gross 
 immorality. The mischief arising from his fall was com- 
 mensurate with the good which sprung from his former 
 labors. Not long before his death he professed repent- 
 ance and was reinstated. 
 
 Hunting Creek f 
 was planted by the labors of Rev. Thomas Dobson, and 
 he has continued, from first to last, their pastor. Their 
 course has been as smooth and regular as most churches. 
 They began with eight members, and now have ten times 
 that number. 
 
 *This chureh, still perpetuated, worshipped In a meeting-house situated 
 two and a half miles north of Houston, the county-seat of Halifax. Elder 
 William Slate has since 1879 been pastor here. 
 
 + Hunting Creek meeting-house is situated in the northeastern section of 
 Halifax county. The church still maintains a flourishing existence among 
 the others of the Can Blver Association. 
 
326 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Elder Dobson, their pastor, is now an old man. He 
 was a native of Essex county, but moved to Halifax when 
 young. He embraced religion in his youthful days, and 
 soon lifted up his voice to invite wanderers into the right 
 way. He has traveled little, but in his small vineyard 
 he has willingly worked, and will, ere long, find his re- 
 ward, according to the deeds done in the body. He is 
 esteemed by his neighbors of every description, whether 
 saint or sinner, a man of gravity, sincerity and useful- 
 ness. 
 
 MUSTERFIELD.* 
 
 This has always been a small church ; yet under the 
 care of their faithful pastor they have enjoyed love and 
 peace. Elder Leonard Baker, who has been the pastor 
 of this church ever since they had any, is the brother of 
 Elijah Baker, who was sq distinguished in planting 
 churches in the early rise of the Baptists. He frequently 
 traveled with his brother, and aided him in many of his. 
 useful labors, especially on the Eastern Shore. For many 
 years Elder Baker has confined his labors chiefly to his 
 own vicinity. By those who have a right to know him, 
 he is valued as a man of sincere piety and a minister of 
 genuine worth. Musterfield did not partake of the great 
 revival. 
 
 Childrey 
 
 has been a church of no small prosperity. She had not 
 arisen, however, to so distinguished a state until the re- 
 vival in 1801 and 1802. In that work from first to last 
 about one hundred were added to Childrey. They have 
 
 *Mu3terfleld church was located seven or eight miles to the northeast ot 
 Halifax Courthouse, on the road to Scottsburg. On the lormation of the 
 church at Scottsburg In 1884, the Musterfield church was dissolved, the 
 great body of the members uniting with the new church. The grave of 
 Elder Baker, their first pastor, is about a mile distant from the site of this 
 meeting-house. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 327 
 
 no regular pastor, but are blessed with the stated services 
 of Elder Jenkins.* 
 
 MiLLSTONEf 
 
 was planted by William Dodson, who also assumed the 
 pastoral care at their constitution. Dodson was a man 
 of ardent zeal, some talents, and but little prudence. 
 Although he did good, he did it in such a way that it 
 was often evil spoken of. 
 
 Their next pastor, Samuel Brame, was probably one of 
 the most amiable, precious young men that ever ascended 
 the pulpit. He was a native of Caroline (see Reed's 
 church, page 153) and embraced religion when very 
 young, under the ministry of the celebrated Mr. Leland. 
 He married in Halifax, and moved into the bounds of 
 Millstone church. He was a great preacher, and bade 
 fair still to be much greater, but for reasons unknown to 
 man, his Maker called him to Himself, when quite young. 
 How unsearchable are the ways of God ! He was brother 
 to William Brame, mentioned in our account of the 
 church in the city of Richmond. 
 
 ArborJ 
 was taken off from a church called Miller's Ferry. Wil- 
 liam Dodson took the care of it at her first constitution ; 
 
 *(Jhildrey, located In the upper part of Halifax county, near Brookneal, 
 remains a vigorous body In tlie Dan River Association, whioli they joined 
 In 1872. After Elder John Jenkins, L. Lovelace and John Hubbard were 
 pastors here till 1840. Since that time Joel Hubbard, W. A. Tyree, Whit.B. 
 Williams, R. H. Booker, E. B. Dillard and William Slate have served the 
 church. 
 
 +The meeting-house of this church was situated on the road from Halifax 
 Courthouse to Republican Grove, in the vicinity of Meadsville. The origi- 
 nal site is still retained by the church as their place of worship. A. M. 
 Polndexter, J. K. Faulkner, J. H. Lacy, William Slate, S. B. Keesee, J. B. 
 Williams and W. J. Shlpman have been among the pastors here. 
 
 X Arbor church is located in the southwestern section of Halifax, near the 
 line of the Richmond and Danville railroad. Among the pastors who have 
 served them were John Kerr, J. G. Mills, A. B. Brown, S. G. Mason, William 
 Slate and J. H. Bass. 
 
328 SISTORY OF VIHGINJA BAPTISTS. 
 
 but in a very short time John Atkinson was ordained, 
 and then chosen pastor. He has continued to discharge 
 the duties of that office ever since. They have had seve- 
 ral revivals of religion, the most remarkable of which 
 began in 1801, and lasted about two years. Upwards 
 of one hundred and fifty were baptized, by which 
 the church was swelled to a larger number than she ever 
 had previously. Two churches, Liberty and Miry Creek, 
 were taken off from this church, since the revival, by 
 w^hich her numbers are considerably lessened. Arbor 
 church has never had less than two preachers within her 
 borders ; and some of them men of the most conspicuous 
 talents. Charles Lovelace and William Dossey were 
 raised in this church. At present, besides their pastor, 
 John Kerr, a preacher of celebrity, resides among them. 
 
 Elder John Atkinson, who has been their pastor about 
 twenty-five years, is a preacher of popular and very use- 
 ful talents. He travels far and near, and has been the 
 instrument in God's hand of turning many to righteous- 
 ness. He is a leading man in the Association, and for 
 many years acted as clerk. 
 
 Elder John Kerr is a native of North Carolina, and at 
 about nineteen or twenty years of age believed and was 
 baptized. It was not long after his baptism before he 
 commenced public speaking. He soon commanded at- 
 tention. His speech and his preaching were in demon- 
 stration of the Spirit and of power. He shortly began 
 to travel, and wherever he went he was highly accepta- 
 ble. His labors were blessed. Marrying within the 
 limits of Arbor church, he became a permanent resident. 
 Although he is a member here he preaches statedly for a 
 church at some distance from him. If Mr. Kerr's atten- 
 tion should not be divided by attempting plans irrelevant 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 329 
 
 to his ministry, he will probably live and die one of the 
 brightest lights of the present age, and receive in heaven 
 a correspondent crown.* 
 
 POLECATf 
 
 is a small and rather declining church, attended at pres- 
 ent by Elder Atkinson. A few were added in the re- 
 vival of 1802. 
 
 Miry Creek and Liberty 
 
 are two churches taken off from Arbor soon after the 
 great revival. We are not informed of anything remark- 
 able among them. 
 
 Elder Charles Lovelace, pastor of the former, is spoken 
 of by his acquaintances as a good man and useful 
 preacher. 
 
 [ "These churches are now extinct. Miry Creek seve- 
 ral years since dissolved its constitution, and the greater 
 part of the members united with Arbor." — Elder David 
 McGehee's note, 184.0. '\ 
 
 * Elder Kerr became later pastor of Arbor and Miry Creek churches, which 
 he served several years. Having entered the political arena, after one or 
 more unsuccessful attempts he was elected to Congress and served in 
 Washington from 1813 to 1817. In 1825 he became pastor of the First Baptist 
 church in Richmond, where for nearly eight years he fulfilled a popular, 
 eloquent and highly successful ministry. He was in 1832 chairman of the 
 committee of the Dover Association that drafted the report against "Alex- 
 ander Campbell and his adherents, afterwards widely denominated the 
 ' Dover Decrees.' " The latter years of his life were spent in Danville, where 
 he died September 29, 1842. Judge John Kerr, LL.D., of North Carolina, 
 was his son. 
 
 + A new meeting- house was erected by this body in 1836 while under the 
 pastoral care of Thomas Lovelace, who a few years later withdrew with a 
 party of anti-mission sympathizers. The new house was erected on the 
 Mountain road, and the name changed to Mount Vernon. The location is 
 In Halifax county not far from the Pittsylvania line. William H. Flunkett 
 was pastor here lor thirty-three years. 
 
330 HISTORY OF VIROINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Dan River* and Twelve CoRNERf 
 
 are churches not distinguished for anything remarkable. 
 They have no regular pastors, but have the stated attend- 
 ance of neighboring preachers, mentioned in their proper 
 places. 
 
 Dan River enjoyed a portion of the refreshing showers 
 of 1802. 
 
 MOSSINGFORD.J 
 
 We extract from the manuscript § of Mr. Williams, 
 the father of this church, the chief of what we shall say re- 
 specting it. " They were an arm," says he, " of Sandy 
 Creek church until [805, but being too remote to attend 
 regularly, they were constituted in December, 1805, with 
 eleven members. They prospered from the beginning, 
 and really excel in harmony and union of the Spirit. 
 And although they are situated so as to mingle contin- 
 ually with Presbyterians and Methodists, a number of 
 whom are in these parts, yet, to the praise of each be it 
 spoken, that, notwithstanding the diversity of sentiments 
 
 *Daii River, the second cliurch of this name in Virginia, still retain their 
 place in the roll and membership of the Association of the same name. The 
 meeting-house is situated now, as formerly, about three miles from South 
 Boston, in a northeastly direction. 
 
 + Twelve Corner continue their existence also as a member of the Dan 
 Elver Association, but under the nameof Republican Grove. The meeting- 
 house of this body is within the vicinity of the small village of the same 
 name, in the northwestern section of Halifax county. Republican Grove 
 enjoyed for years the pastoral services of Dr. A. B. Brown. The nameof the 
 church was changed June 2, 1810. The original name was derived from the 
 log building of twelve corners, in which the church long worshipped. 
 
 t Mossingford church was located near the railroad station of that name 
 in Charlotte county. They were for many years connected wtth the Appo- 
 mattox Association, to which their last report was. made in 1872. 
 
 5 Many of our historical relations of the churches on the south of James 
 river are extracted from manuscripts written by Mr. Williams, aided by 
 Mr. Asplund, and which were taken for the purpose of publishing a history 
 of the Baptists of Vliginia,.— Author's note. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 331 
 
 touching externals with the former, and externals and in- 
 ternals with the latter, no rancor nor root of bitterness 
 seems to be encouraged by either party, but a friendly in- 
 tercourse maintained by mingling in social and private 
 worship. It is no strange thing to see a Presbyterian 
 and Baptist preacher in the same pulpit, each in their 
 turn addressing the congregation. This union and so- 
 ciability, carried as far as conscience will admit, is an or- 
 nament to religion." These are the words of Elder Wil- 
 liams, and his actions squared with the principles here 
 professed. He was a man of catholic temper. 
 
 Mossingford sustained a great loss in the death of Mr. 
 Williams. After some years, however, they obtained the 
 pastoral services of Rev. Richard Dabbs, whose ministry 
 among them has received many seals. 
 
 BUFFALOE.* 
 
 This church lies in Mecklenburg, and may be said to 
 be a church of happy standing. They enjoyed, at differ- 
 ent times, the pastoral labors of James Read in his last 
 years, of Henry Lester, of James Watkins, and now of 
 Balaam Ezell, a man of God and a faithful servant of his 
 people. Buffaloe was one of the favored places in the 
 time of the great revival. Ninety were added. 
 
 Seneca f 
 is a young and thriving church, under the ministerial care 
 of Nathaniel Lovelace, a young and promising preacher. 
 
 *Tlii8 body were in Mecklenburg county in the vicinity of Clarksburg. 
 The meeting-house stands now nearly a mile from the site of the original 
 log building. The church united in the formation of the Flat River Asso- 
 ciation in North Carolina, and in 1852 joined the Concord in Virginia, of 
 which It la atlU a, member. A sketch of the history of the church is ap- 
 pended to the minutes of the Concord Association for the year 1886. Ave- 
 rett church (1888) was formed principally of members dismissed from 
 Buffaloe. 
 
 +Thl8 church was In Campbell county, near the Staunton river; organ- 
 ized August 15, 1801, by Elders Edmond Johns, Clark Hubbard and John 
 
332 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Mill Church.* 
 
 This church was planted by the labors of Rev. John 
 Creel, a Regular Baptist preacher, who about 1765 moved 
 from Fauquier into these parts. In 1770 the church was 
 constituted according to the mode of the Regular Bap- 
 tists, under the name of Birch Creek, and in the same 
 year joined the Ketocton Association. They continued 
 to send delegates to that Association until i773> when, 
 finding it inconvenient to attend at so great a distance, 
 and the prejudice between Regular and Separate wearing 
 away, they were dismissed, and joined the Separates. 
 The names Mill and Birch Creek appear to have been 
 often confounded in the minutes of the Association. 
 They had additions to the number of one hundred in the 
 revival of 1802. 
 
 John Creel, their first pastor and planter of the church, 
 was a most amiable man, and a very successful preacher. 
 His talents, though not conspicuous, were solid, and be- 
 ing well occupied with his five he gained other five. He 
 was universally loved by all descriptions of people. At 
 about fifty-two years of age, while assisting in raising a 
 house, he w^as accidentally killed by the falling of a log. 
 Time and chance happeneth to all men. 
 Upper Banister.! 
 
 This church has been much more numerous than at 
 present. William Blair, their present pastor, is a preacher 
 
 Jenkins, John Jenkins, N. Lovelace, James Warner, Henry Finch and 
 John S. Mason -were successively the pastors here. Seneca has not ap- 
 peared in our lists of churches for many years. 
 
 *Mill church was in the southeastern section of Pittsylvania county. 
 The church divided in 1843 on the question of missions, and the larger part 
 joined the Staunton Rivei (anti-mission) Association. Elder Joel Hub- 
 bard was chosen pastor of the missionary party, and subsequently W. H. 
 Plunkett. Laurel Grove grew largely out of this church at their disband- 
 ment. 
 
 ■hThe meeting-house of Upper Banister church was situated about three 
 miles south of Chatham, the county-seat of Pittsylvania. During the agl- 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 333 
 
 that holds fast the faithful Word as he has been taught. 
 He has already done much good, and being in the vigor 
 of life bids fair to do much more. 
 
 County Line.* 
 This is an old church and was once a very flourishing 
 one. Rev. Samuel Harriss was their first pastor. Al- 
 though she is represented in the table as having com- 
 menced her church state in 1771, which is substantially 
 correct, yet the name is not to be found in any of the Asso- 
 ciational minutes for many years after that time. Fall's 
 Creek appears to have been her original name, which 
 was probably changed by the constitution of new 
 churches. She is the offspring of old Dan River church, 
 now dissolved, and is herself the mother of many others. 
 Each of her pastors is mentioned elsewhere. 
 Union! and Birch Creek | 
 were the offspring and care of the pious and faithful 
 Richard Elliott, who lived respected and died lamented. 
 He was succeeded in the care of Union by James Tomp- 
 kins, mentioned in the preceding chapter. After Tomp- 
 
 tation of tlie subject of missions tlie church was divided. The missionary 
 party erected a new building in 1845, about one-fourth of a mile from the 
 old one, and assumed the name of New Banister. Mount Hermon, Chat- 
 ham and Hollywood have been formed in large part from New Banister. 
 
 *The original meeting-house of this church was of logs, situated near 
 PeytoDsburg, in Pittsylvania. A brick edifice was subsequently built in 
 Halifax county, two or three miles from the line. In 1883 the church again 
 changed their place of worship and erected their present neat frame build- 
 ing in Pittsylvania. The church has had quite a long list of pastors, among 
 whom Dr. A. B. Brown may be mentioned as having served three separate 
 terms. 
 
 + Thi3 body was located In the northern section of Pittsylvania. Most of 
 the members were anti-mission in sentiment, and the church went with 
 that party in the division caused by the agitation of missions, Sunday- 
 schools, &o. A small minority of the church, favorable to missions, consti- 
 tuted a church with W. H. Plunkett as pastor, and subsequently assumed 
 the name of Summersett. 
 
 X Birch Creek church was located in the southeastern section of Pittsyl- 
 vania, about ten miles from Chatham. Their first house of logs was some 
 
334 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 kins's dereliction they were happy enough to procure the 
 pastoral labors of Elder David Nowlen. Birch Creek 
 was a partaker in a small degree of the revival of 1802 ; 
 thirty were added. 
 
 Bennett's. 
 
 This church was the fruit of Elder James Kenny's 
 ministry, who also was their first pastor. Elder Griffith 
 Dickenson* succeeded Mr. Kenny, and Mr. Jenkins suc- 
 ceeded Mr. Dickenson. The two last were not regular 
 pastors, but attended them as supplies. 
 
 Rev. James Kenny, their first pastor, was a Methodist 
 preacher previous to his being baptized. When he first 
 joined the Baptists he retained some tinctures of Armin- 
 ianism. This created some obstacles in his ordination as 
 a Baptist preacher. He, however, was ordained, and 
 continued many years as pastor. The question whether 
 an Arminian preacher ought to be ordained was agitated 
 here with some warmth ; and not only here, but in many 
 other places. It is certainly a question of no small diffi-. 
 culty. The doubt, we conceive, is not whether it is law- 
 two miles distant from their present place of worship. The present is the 
 third house of worship the church has occupied, the second having been 
 one hundred yards distant from it. About 1866 the name of the church was 
 changed to Kentuck, from a plantation in the vicinity, the community 
 having become known by the same name. The pastors here have been 
 Eichard Elliott, James Nelson, Ellas DodsonjWiiliam Blair, 'William H. Plun- 
 kett, W. R. McDonald, I. B. Lake, J. H. Lacy, James Anderson, E.B. Dillard, 
 E. D. Haymore and F. H. Jones. The churches which have drawn largely 
 from Kentuck are Danville (1832) , Einggold (1876), Sandy Creek (1824) and 
 Oak Grove (1879). 
 
 *Elder Griflth Dickenson was a member of Whitethorn eiuroh,and in 
 1800 withdrew with other members to form the body known as Greenfield. 
 This new church he served first as clerk, and at their call was ordained 
 June 10, 1802, and soon afterwards accepted their pastoral care. In this re- 
 lation he did faithful service for forty-one years. Riceville and Republican 
 Grove churches were also served by him as pastor. He befriended the be- 
 nevolent enterprises of his day, and remained firm during the painful 
 divisions which they excited. At the ripe age of eighty-six, he finished his 
 earthly course, October 16, 1843. 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 335 
 
 ful, but whether it is expedient. To decide questions of 
 expediency, much regard ought to be paid to circum- 
 stances. Exactly the same decision might not be proper 
 in different places. Paul circumcised flTimothy at Lystra ; 
 but would not circumcise Titus at Jerusalem. 
 Whitethorn. 
 
 Of this church, we have no information of anything 
 very remarkable. 
 
 Elder Matthew Bates, their father and first pastor, was 
 an amiable and eminent minister of God's Word. The 
 few years in which God permitted him to work in his 
 vineyard were well employed. He died at an early 
 period of life, lamented, just as far as he was known. 
 
 Willis Hopwood, their present pastor, is a young 
 man of strong and ingenious mind. May he have a dou- 
 ble portion of his predecessor's spirit ! 
 
 Lower Banister * 
 is one of the largest and most respectable churches, not 
 only in Roanoke, but in any other place. 
 
 Mr. Jenkins, who has been their pastor from the begin- 
 ning, is a minister indeed. He was a native of Fauquier 
 county, and was baptized previous to his removal to Pitt- 
 sylvania. | He was ordained to the ministry in 1794, and 
 
 * Lower Banister church was located in the eastern part of Pittsylvania 
 county, about fifteen miles from Chatham. Straight Stone church was 
 formed from it in 1807. Elder John Jenkins served as pastor until his death 
 in 1827. Elder G. Dickenson followed him for nine years. Henry Finch 
 served for one year, and was followed by Joel Hubbard, in November, 1841. 
 The name of the church was changed July 17, 1858, to Eiceville, which still 
 appears in the list of the Roanoke Association. Rev. Hartwell Chandler 
 was ordained from this church July 18, 1836. William H. Plunkett, Reuben 
 D. Rucker, and John S. Glass also entered the ministry from this body. 
 
 + Elder John Jenkins was baptized by Jeremiah Moore. He served during 
 the Revolution as commissary in the army, and afterwards taught a com- 
 mon school. On removing to Pittsylvania county he joined Allen's Creek 
 church. His ministry extended over a period of thirty years, from 1796 to 
 1824, and was largely blessed. Traditions of his eloquence and power linger 
 BtlU in the region of his labor. His death occurred January 24, 1824. 
 
336 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 has been one of the most successful preachers ever since. 
 Several churches have been planted by his labors, and all 
 those which he attends seem to prosper more or less. He 
 has a mind susceptible of great improvement ; and al- 
 though for want of opportunity when young, his educa- 
 tion was rather small, yet his literary attainments, ac- 
 quired by dint of close attention, are very considerable. 
 A few years past he published a treatise on "Infant 
 Baptism," and one on "Final Perseverance," both of 
 which display considerable ingenuity, and the last of 
 which was much admired. 
 
 Lower Banister enjoyed the revival of 1801 and 1802, 
 beyond any of her sisters. Two hundred and fifty new- 
 born sons and daughters were added to her former 
 
 family. 
 
 Stinking River 
 
 is the offspring of the excellent Mr. Bates. Elder Grif- 
 fith Dickenson, their present pastor, though a man of 
 some age, has not been a great many years in the pulpit. 
 He is an old Revolutionaiy soldier. He spent his time 
 when young in honorably fighting for his country ; his 
 last days he devotes to the still more honorable occupa- 
 tion of marshaling the host of Israel. His present wea- 
 pons, though, are not carnal, but mighty. As a preacher, 
 when ardently engaged, he displays talents and anima- 
 tion, by which his hearers " take knowledge^of him that 
 he has been with Jesus." 
 
 Shockoe * 
 is a rather thriving church. They have had from the first, 
 as pastor, Elder David Nowlen. If we may judge of him 
 
 *Shoekoe church Is situated in Pittsylvania county, near the line o£ the 
 Elohmond and Danville railroad. The body was organized November 29, 
 1803, by Elders John Atkinson, John Jenkins and Reuben Picket. Elder 
 Nowlen continued their pastor until October 1, 1825. Elder John W. Kelley 
 
ROANOKE ASSOCIATION. 337 
 
 from the various appointments for presbyteries, commit- 
 tees, &c., thrown upon him by the Association, we must 
 say he appears to be a servant ready to every good word 
 and work. 
 
 Double Creek, Zion Hill and Stewart's Creek 
 are small churches in this Association, concerning which 
 we have not been able to learn anything remarkable. 
 
 Elder George Roberts, now a resident of North Caro- 
 lina, in Flat River Association, and who acts there 
 as moderator, was once an active and successful preacher 
 in Virginia. He professed religion shortly after the rise 
 of the Baptists in Virginia, and putting hand to the 
 plow, has never yet looked back. He greatly assisted in 
 procuring the great ecclesiastical revolution in the State. 
 He often attends the Roanoke Association and is useful 
 in their councils. 
 
 [The Roanoke Association, according to the table pre- 
 pai'ed in 1809, contained thirty churches with 2,510 mem- 
 bers. Some of these bodies, as is shown in the foregoing 
 notes, became divided between the missionary and anti- 
 missionary Baptists, while the greater part of the mem- 
 bership went to form the separate colored Baptist 
 churches within the territory of the Association. De- 
 spite these losses there are, for the year 1893, reported in 
 the territory of the Roanoke Association as it existed in 
 1809 (including Dan River, formed in 1838), sixty-five 
 churches and 8,382 members.] 
 
 was pastor for nine years, until January 31,1835. Elder James H. Stone suc- 
 ceeded him. Subsequent pastors liave been W. H. Plunkett, A. B. Brown, 
 M. Hagood, C. W. Wood, H. Petty, T. C. Alderson. Elder John Weatherford 
 died at Mr. Nowlen's. In the vicinity of this church, January 23, 1833, and • 
 his tomb may be seen half a mile distant from the meeting-house. 
 22 
 
338 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING 
 THE SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES. 
 
 It appears from the most authentic documents that this 
 Association was constituted previous to the dissolution 
 of the General Association, and about the year 1776. 
 For, at a meeting of a General Association in the year 
 1782, as appears from the minutes, the Strawberry Asso- 
 ciation corresponded. The entry is made in the follow- 
 ing words, viz., " Robert Stockton, a messenger from the 
 Strawberry Association with a letter, was admitted to 
 his seat." And again, towards the close of the minutes, 
 is the following entry • " The clerk is directed to write a 
 letter to the Strawberry Association in answer to theirs, 
 with a copy of our proceedings." 
 
 The first laborers in the ministry in this district ap- 
 pear to have been the two Murpheys, viz., William and 
 Joseph, Samuel Harriss and Dutton Lane. Soon after 
 the rise of the Baptists in these parts there were several 
 preachers called to the work, the most distinguished and 
 the most useful of whom was Robert Stockton. Through 
 the indefatigable labors of him and others the cause of re- 
 ligion flourished to a considerable extent. The churches 
 from the bounds of this Association met in the General 
 Association until the division in 1776, after which they 
 probably continued as an independent Association and 
 corresponded with the General Association only by mes- 
 sengers sent from the Association. 
 
 [ 340 ] 
 
STRA WBERR Y A SSOCIA TION. 341 
 
 When this district first became independent it must have 
 had very few churches, for in 1787 there were only eleven 
 churches and ten ordained preachers. From 1787 to 1793 
 the increase both of churches and preachers was very 
 great; for, after striking off the New River District, 
 there remained sixteen ordained ministers in Strawberry. 
 In 1798, after Maj'o was taken off, there remained twelve 
 churches and eight ordained preachers. In 1808 they 
 had twenty-four churches and sixteen ordained preachers. 
 From which it appears they just doubled their number, 
 both of preachers and churches, in ten years. 
 
 While Mr. Stockton was among them he generally 
 acted as moderator. Of late years that office falls some- 
 times to one and sometimes to another. Richard Stock- 
 ton is at present their standing clerk. 
 
 This Association, when first constituted, included all the 
 churches in Virginia on the south side of James river and 
 above the upper line of Roanoke (then Middle District). 
 When New River was taken off, it was agreed that the 
 Blue Ridge should be the dividing line between that and 
 Strawberry. When Mayo was taken off, it was agreed 
 that the boundary between that and Strawberry should 
 be as follows, viz. : " Beginning at Elder Stephen's 
 church, leaving it on the south side ; thence to Smith's 
 river at the mouth of Beaver creek ; thence up the said 
 river to the Tarrarat mountain." They have not printed 
 their minutes of late years. This circumstance, added to 
 some other causes, prevented our obtaining as full docu- 
 ments as were necessary in order to give as perfect a re- 
 lation of her proceedings as of other Associations. The 
 proceedings of the Association, however, as far as we 
 can learn, have been regular and peaceable. We must 
 now proceed to the sketches of churches, beginning with 
 
342 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Goose Creek.* 
 
 The great revival in the churches of Roanoke As- 
 sociation in 1802 spread into Strawberry, and con- 
 tinued four or five years. Goose Creek shared largely in 
 the divine blessing. It commenced among them in 1803 
 and continued about two years, in which time about one 
 hundred were added to the church. Their number, how- 
 ever, was lessened by the constitution of Beaver Dam in 
 1804. Two young preachers vvere raised in the revival, 
 viz., William Leftwich, their present pastor, f and Joshua 
 Burnet, both of whom have been since ordained. 
 
 OtterJ 
 is a church of respectable standing. In 1804 a great re- 
 vival arose in this church and continued about two years. 
 Many were baptized and a new church constituted from 
 them called Burton's Creek. Elder John Anthony has 
 been the pastor of this church for many years. Although 
 he has done much, he is not yet weary in well doing. He 
 does not travel extensively, but is desirous to keep his 
 own vineyard well dressed. 
 
 Little Otter. § 
 
 The revival seems to have been more extensive here 
 than in any church. The windows of heaven were 
 
 *This churoli Is located in the lower part of Bedford county, thirteen 
 miles south of Bedford City. In the year 188S the name of the church was 
 changed to Morgan's, hy which it now appears in the list of the Strawberry 
 Association. 
 
 + In treating of churches it is very desirable to exhibit short character- 
 istics of their ministers, and, indeed, of distinguished private members; 
 but our information of this Association is so contracted that there are few 
 ministers of whom we can say anything.— ^w(Aor's note. 
 
 X otter church was located on the creek of the same name, about fifteen 
 miles southeast of Liberty. The ground of this church is at present occu- 
 pied by Bethlehem. 
 
 5 Little Otter has since 1854 appeared in the list of churches in the Straw- 
 berry Association under the name of •' Liberty." Among the pastors of 
 this body have been William Harris, P. M. Barker, A. Eubank, James A. 
 Davis, C. Tyree, J. T. Klncannon, George C. Abbltt and E. L. Motley. 
 
STRA WBERR Y ASSOCIA TION. 343 
 
 opened towards the close of the year 1801 ; abundant 
 showers of refreshing rain were poured forth upon them 
 during the years 1802 and 1803. As many as two hun- 
 dred and twenty-five persons were baptized ; three 
 preachers thrust into the harvest, viz., John Carter,* 
 William Moorman and James H. L. Moorman, and two 
 new churches constituted, viz.. Timber Ridge and Suck 
 Spring, The members of Little Otter live in and about 
 the town called Liberty. 
 
 North Fork of Otter. 
 
 No information has been received respecting this 
 church, except what may be seen in the table. [Elder 
 Jeremiah Hatcher, the early pastor here, died in 1804. 
 He was grandfather to Jeremiah B.Jeter. His descendant. 
 Dr. William E. Hatcher, remembers " the ruins of a long 
 log-house," one mile distant from his childhood home, 
 which was known as "Hatcher's meeting-house."] 
 Staunton.j 
 
 This church, though now small, participated in. the re- 
 vival. Elder John Black and Elder John Jenkins were 
 chief agents in the work. 
 
 Beaver Dam, Suck SpringJ and Timber Ridge § 
 are all new churches constituted since the revival, and 
 all mentioned in treating of the mother churches. 
 
 *Some years later a preacher of this name was the honored and useful 
 pastor of Boar Swamp church, in Henrico county — a man of unspotted 
 character. His son, Dr. John G. Carter, afterwards was also a minister in 
 Dover Association. 
 
 + The meeting-house of Staunton church is situated near the river of the 
 same name, about fifteen miles distant from Liberty. The church had as 
 pastor for many years Elder Abner Anthony, who was succeeded In 1878 by 
 the present pastor, C. L. Anthony. 
 
 X The present house of worship of Suck Spring church occupies substan- 
 tially the same site as the original one— eight miles due north of Bedford 
 City. 
 
 $ Timber Ridge is five miles east of Bedford City, near the line of the 
 Norfolk and Western railroad. 
 
344 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Difficult Creek* 
 is a small church of which we know nothing more than 
 what may be seen in the tables. 
 
 BUFFALOE 
 
 is the only Baptist church in Rockbridge. A part of her 
 members formerly lived in Botetourt. In 1803 God lifted 
 up the light of His countenance upon them and contin- 
 ued to be gracious in adding to them such as should be 
 saved for about two years and a half, until about seventy 
 were baptized. Rock Spring and Mill Creek were taken 
 off from Buffaloe. A good preacher is one of the best gifts 
 of heaven to a pious people, but if he unfortunately forgets 
 his sacred character, and neglects to keep his body under, 
 and thereby becomes a castaway, the affliction is then more 
 than commensurate with the former blessing. Buffaloe 
 found it necessary to exclude her once useful minister. | 
 
 Rock SpringJ and Mill Creek § 
 were constituted from Buffaloe, and were attended statedly 
 by her pastor, and who was also in a degree father to 
 these churches. His backsliding was, of course, very 
 afflicting to them. Their prospects are not promising. 
 
 * Located ten or twelve miles soufrli of Bedford City. 
 
 f No knowledge of the location of a meeting- liouse by the name of Buffa- 
 loe at so early a date seems now to exist in Rockbridge county. The church 
 probably worshipped from house to house and beneath arbors, and had no 
 substantial building. The church did not long survive the disgraceful 
 downfall of their pastor, Elder Moorman. 
 
 t This church was located in the vicinity of Fattonsburg, in Botetourt 
 county. The meeting-house stood one mile north of the village, on the left 
 of the road leading to Lexington, and near a bold spring from which Its 
 name was taken. It fell early into decay and the church became likewise 
 extinct— an event that was hastened by the gross Immorality of their 
 founder and first pastor. The Buchanan church, organized in 1836 with 
 John N. Johnston as pastor, occupies the ground of Rock Spring. The ori- 
 gin of this later church is due largely to the labors of Elder William Bell 
 and " Father " Dempsey, who preached on the field extensively for nearly 
 twenty years prior to its constitution. 
 
 5 The meeting-house of this church was situated on the line of the pres- 
 ent turnpike leading from Buchanan to TroutvlUe, in Botetourt county, 
 
STRA WBERR Y ASSOCIA TION. 345 
 
 Gii.l's Creek. 
 This church was also revived in 1802, under the minis- 
 try of Elder Wilson Turner. A considerable number 
 were added. The church called Blackwater was a 
 daughter of Gill's Creek. 
 
 Pig River and' Snow Creek* 
 is a church of good standing, attendee! by Elder John 
 Ashworth. The reader will recollect that in our account 
 of Sandy Creek church, Meherrin Association, we men- 
 tioned that John Ashworth, a preacher, moved with a 
 party from Sandy Creek into Franklin county, and there 
 formed a new church, composed chiefly of those that had 
 moved with him. Mr. Ashworth has continued to be a 
 steady and" useful minister. 
 
 Chapel,! Bethel, BlackwaterJ and Pig River. 
 
 Of these four churches we know nothing more than 
 can be found in the table, and in what is said of them in 
 treating of other churches. 
 
 Snow Creek 
 has now no resident pastor, but was for many years under 
 the pastoral care of Elder Robert Stockton, now residing 
 in Kentucky. 
 
 about one and a half miles southwest of where the present house of wor- 
 ship stands, and near the creek from which the name of the church is de- 
 rived. Mill Creek church is at present a vigorous and prosperous body. 
 The pastors here have been A. C. Dempsey (whose tomb stands In the 
 ehureh-yard), G. Gray, J. W. Wildman, G. Gray again, and P. G. Elsom. 
 J. Bunyan and W. L. Lemon were ordained from this church. Mill Creek 
 church was one of the constituents of the Valley Association in 1841. 
 
 * Dismissed by letter October 8, 1825, " to enable them to join Pig River 
 Association." Gill's Creek also united with this body. 
 
 + Chapel, Bethel and Pig River churches became constituent members of 
 the Pig River (anti-mission) Association. They are now in*a reduced and 
 feeble state, numbering in the aggregate one hundred and seven members. 
 
 X The Blackwater church (called from Blackwater river, Frankliu county), 
 has been succeeded by Fairmount, one of the churches of the Strawberry 
 Association— at present a strong and influential body. 
 
346 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Mr. Stockton is a native of Albemarle county, and 
 was born December 12, 1743. He became religiously im- 
 pressed while a young man, and had joined the commu- 
 nion of the Presbyterians, among whom, however, he was 
 brought up ; but afterwards, forming an acquaintance with 
 some of the Baptist preachers, he was convinced of the 
 impropriety of infant baptism, and was baptized by Rev. 
 Samuel Harriss, anno 1771. After his baptism, he quickly 
 commenced preaching. His labors were blessed ; and 
 many churches either directly or indirectly arose through 
 his instrumentality. In his communications to the edi- 
 tor he states that he was at the constitution of eleven 
 churches in the Strawberry Association. Although his 
 usefulness was so obvious in this country, and although 
 he was among the richest men in those parts, his mind 
 was not at rest. From some cause not known to the com- 
 piler he moved to Kentucky and settled within the limits 
 of Green River Association.* To leave a people among 
 whom his ministry had been manifestly and extensively 
 owned of God is a hazardous thing for a preacher of the 
 Gospel, and ought never to be done upon slight or trivial 
 grounds, or for the sake of worldly emolument, or with- 
 out strong marks of the divine approbation. Mr. Stock- 
 ton had always an inclination to travel, and perhaps no 
 man ever traveled to greater advantage, for, possessing an 
 invincible boldness, it was quite unimportant to him 
 what kind of house he went to, whether saint's or sin- 
 ner's, friend's or opposer's. He never failed whenever 
 he went to enter largely into religious conversation, and 
 
 * Elder Stockton removed to Kentucky In the year 1800, and settled Id 
 Barren county.. He was for many years the moderator of the Green River 
 Association. His death occurred early in the year 1825, in the eighty-second 
 year of his age. He was for fifty-four years a preacher of the Gospel. He 
 was for some years towards the close of his active life pastor of Dripping 
 Spring church, Metcalf county, Kentucky. 
 
STRA WBERR Y ASSOCIA TION. 347 
 
 having great command of his temper and great presence 
 of mind, he often made religious impressions upon minds 
 previously swallowed up by prejudice. It was also an 
 invariable rule with him to propose, and if permitted, to 
 perform family worship. In doing this he would often 
 exhort a half hour or more to the family. It is very en- 
 tertaining to hear Mr. Stockton relate the various adven- 
 tures of his life respecting things of this sort. 
 
 His talents as a preacher are hardly up to mediocrity, 
 and no man thinks less of them than himself; but his 
 talent for exhortation is very considerable. The way, 
 by the by, that he has done so much good has not been 
 through his great or numerous talents, but by occupying 
 such as he had in an industrious manner. If his strokes 
 were not very heavy he gave the more of them ; if the 
 iron was dull he put on more strength. 
 
 Smith's Run and Jack's Creek. 
 
 Very little, unnoticed in the table, has reached us re- 
 specting these churches. 
 
 Joseph Pedigo, the pastor of Smith's Run, as far as we 
 can hear, is a man of weight in religious matters in those 
 parts. He sometimes acts as moderator of the Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 Leatherwood* 
 was formerly under the care of Robert Stockton, but now 
 of John King. 
 
 Elder King has been already mentioned in treating of 
 Meherrin church in Meherrin Association. Few men 
 open their mouths in the pulpit more to the purpose than 
 Mr. King. His language is strong and nervous, his ideas 
 
 * Leatherwood was located in the eastern part of Henry county, about ten 
 miles distant from Martinsville, and became a constituent of Pig River As- 
 sociation. 
 
343 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 clear and perspicuous, his manner warm and animating, 
 and his countenance grave and solemn. Though modest 
 and unassuming out of the pulpit, when he ascends the 
 sacred stand he speaks as one having authority ; he lifts 
 up his voice and commands all men to repent. His life 
 has been an honor to his Master's cause ; and when he 
 has ceased to suffer here, doubtless his death will be glo- 
 rious.* 
 
 Beaver Creek and Burton Creek.j- 
 
 Of these churches we have no information not already 
 detailed. 
 
 * Elder John King died in 1821, aged about sixty-four years. An interest- 
 ing sketeli of liis life is contained in Taylor's first series of " Virginia Bap- 
 tist Ministers," page 248. Dr. J. B. Jeter remembered blm as " Wooden Leg 
 John King," he having lost one of his limbs by amputation. " He would, I 
 doubt not, have commanded respect in any community where intelligence, 
 truth and piety were held in estimation." — Recollections of a Long Life^ page 
 31. 
 
 t Burton's Creek church suffered a division during the controversy as to 
 missions, the anti-mission members taking the above-named meeting-house 
 and the missionary party retaining the house known as Flat Creek. The 
 former party having become extinct, a new church was organized on the 
 ground of the old Burton's Creek church, in 1886, under the leadership of 
 Elder James A. Davis. This body is known as Beulah. 
 
NEW RIVER ASSOCIATION. 
 
 349 
 
 
 
 
 
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CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE NEW RIVER ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING 
 THE SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 This Association was taken off from the Strawberry and 
 formed into a separate Association in i793' They met 
 for the first time in October, 1794, and organized them- 
 selves. Their number of churches at first was only seven 
 or eight. The dividing line between this and the Straw- 
 berry is the Blue Ridge. It may be seen by the table in 
 what part of the State the district lies. The business of 
 the Association has been conducted in prudence, peace 
 and harmony. It appears that the Baptist interest pre- 
 vails more than that of any other religious society, there 
 being only two or three Presbyterian congregations in 
 the district and but few Methodist classes. Between 
 these and the Baptists a good underLstanding subsists, in- 
 somuch that a considerable party were of opinion in the 
 Association that they ought to invite the Presbyterian 
 and Methodist ministers to sit with them in their Asso- 
 ciations as counsellors, but not to vote. This subject un- 
 derwent a lengthy investigation, and finally was decided 
 against inviting. This was assuredly a very prudent de- 
 termination — first, because it might tend to confusion ; 
 and secondly, because it would probably rather interrupt 
 than promote friendship. Seeing, in most cases, as it 
 respects the intercourse between man and man, too much 
 familiarity often ends in strife. We should be more 
 likely to continue iii peace with a neighbor whom we 
 treated with the distant respect due to a neighbor than 
 if we were to introduce him to our private domestic con- 
 
 [ 360 ] 
 
NEW RIVER ASSOCIATION. 351 
 
 cerns. It cannot, however, but be earnestly desired that 
 party animosity should be mollified by every rational 
 method. Party rage is never the effect of true religion. 
 Well might Paul ask the Corinthian partisans, "Are ye 
 not carnal?" Steadfastness in our own principles and 
 charity towards those of others are not inconsistent with 
 each other. 
 
 The minutes of the New River Association have never 
 been printed. Hence it was not possible to procure 
 them for every session, nor indeed is it important. We 
 have them for four years, from which the character of 
 the Association may be understood. The Calvinistic 
 sentiments are the doctrines of this Association. Yet 
 there are not wanting some who hold some or all of the 
 Arminian tenets. Their views upon this point may be 
 gathered from the following query, with its solution, 
 viz. : Is it right to license any man to preach the Gospel 
 who holds with Arminian tenets.'' Answer. By no 
 means. 
 
 At an Association holden at Pine Creek meeting- 
 house, second Saturday in October, 1803, William How- 
 ard was appointed moderator and Joseph Rentfro clerk. 
 
 The following query was introduced, viz. : Ought not 
 experienced ministers of the Gospel to take under their 
 patronage the young and illiterate preachers? To which 
 it was answered, "Yes; and teach them true principles 
 and sound doctrines, and set good examples before them, 
 and say, ' Be ye followers of us as we are of Christ Jesus.' " 
 Could the principle contained in this solution be carried 
 into effect by some regular and methodical plan, it would 
 produce the most sovei-eign relief to the Baptist ministry 
 in Virginia. It has been a general complaint against the 
 Baptists of Virginia that they sanction men for the min- 
 
352 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 istry who do not possess the necessary qualifications. 
 These complaints without doubt have often sprung from 
 a corrupt taste, and also from men of refined minds, who 
 did not make the proper allowance for hearers of less 
 refinement. Yet, with all due allow^ance the complaint 
 is sometimes well founded. The evil has arisen partly 
 from not making proper distinctions as to gifts, so as to 
 authorize men to preach, who at most only had the gift 
 of exhortation ; and partly from a false delicacy in set- 
 ting up weak preachers, where the people were in ex- 
 pectation of hearing others more capable. If, then, some 
 regular mode of examining and introducing young preach- 
 ers could b;; devised, many weak gifts would be improved 
 and become respectable. Add to this some regulation 
 as to the kind of qualifications each man may properly 
 claim, as well as the time and manner of exercising his 
 talents, and it is not unlikely the inconvenience would 
 be lessened, if not quite removed. In England, and, in- 
 deed, in some parts of America, no man is allowed to 
 preach unless he first makes his wishes known to some of 
 the elders of the church ; they then give him a private 
 hearing, and encourage or stop him, according to their 
 opinion of his qualifications. A middle course between 
 that and the Virginia rule might be useful. At least in- 
 hibit any from preaching at other than an appointment 
 made for himself, until he be licensed by the church ; 
 and, indeed, as to licensed or ordained preachers, the 
 wishes of an audience ought to be consulted in preference 
 to the sensibility of an individual. At their Association 
 '>(or October, 1804, the knotty and intricate doctrine of 
 s\jpporting preachers, or rather of ministerial contribu- 
 tions, was brought forward in the following query • Are 
 the\poor bound by the Gospel to give to the rich for 
 
NEW BIVER ASSOCIATION. 353 
 
 preaching the Gospel? Answer : The Lord loveth a 
 cheerful giver, according to what he hath, and not ac- 
 cording to what he hath not. 
 
 All things considered, a better answer could not proba- 
 bly have been invented. 
 
 The circular letters annexed to the minutes of this As- 
 sociation are very excellent, and but for the want of 
 room, extracts from some of them would have been in- 
 serted. 
 
 Rev. William Howard has generally acted as modera- 
 tor, and Mr. Joseph Rentfro as clerk. 
 
 We will now attend to the churches in this district, 
 beginning with 
 
 Bethel.* 
 
 This church was the first constituted, and, of course, the 
 oldest in the Association. We have not learned by whose 
 labors this church was first planted. It is quite probable 
 that it was by removal of the first members from some of 
 the interior counties. It had no regular supplies or pas- 
 tor for seventeen years after the constitution. The pre- 
 sumption is that if the church had been raised by the 
 labors of any minister visiting those parts, that such 
 minister would have supplied them regularly. Their 
 first regular preacher was Mr. Samuel Goodwin, who 
 moved into their bounds and became their pastor. He 
 continued among them about ten years and then returned 
 to Catawba, fi-om whence he first came to Bethel. 
 Bethel then obtained the attendance of Mr. Howard, who 
 preached for them once a month until a few years past, 
 
 *The meeting-house of this body was located four or five miles from 
 WythevlUe. " It has dropped out of sight, and the Methodists and Luthe- 
 rans now have a new union house there." 
 23 
 
364 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 when old age and infirmities put it out of his power. 
 While Mr. Howard had the care of the church, about 
 the year 1804, a comfortable revival took place, when the 
 church increased from sixteen to seventy-eight. Since 
 Mr. Howard has declined his visits to them they have 
 procured the services of Rev. John Black, who, it is said, 
 is an able preacher. 
 
 Salem 
 was constituted, as may be seen from the table, in 1784, 
 and fell under the care of Mr. Nathan Hall. He retained 
 the charge about six years, and was then silenced 
 for misconduct. After about four or five years the 
 church turned their attention to Mr. Howard, who has 
 been their pastor ever since. In the year 1802 God vis- 
 ited them with a goodly time. Many precious souls were 
 turned to righteousness. When Mr. Howard took the 
 care of them their number was thirteen ; the revival 
 raised them to seventy-nine. In 1803 they dismissed 
 forty members for the purpose of forming a new church, 
 which was called Pine Creek. 
 
 Rev. William Howard, pastor of Salem church and 
 moderator of the Association, is a venerable man, who 
 seemed resolved to exert the last remains of life and 
 strength in advancing the glory of Him who has called 
 him from darkness to light. How useful are such men 
 to go out and in before the young and less experienced ! 
 
 Greasy Creek* 
 
 was raised under the labors of Rev. Robert Jones. About 
 the year 1803 God revived His work among them, chiefly 
 
 * This church was probably on the creek of the same name in that portion 
 of Montgomery county which was subsequently cut off, and at present form- 
 ing part of Carroll county. 
 
NE W RIVER ASSOCIA TION. 355 
 
 through the ministry of Mr. Jesse Jones, son of Robert, a 
 young and ardent preacher, whose labors were accepted 
 of his Master, so that their number increased to forty- 
 three members. Thirty of these were taken off in order 
 to form a new church, which was called West Fork, to 
 which Jesse Jones became pastor. Mr. Shadrach Roberts 
 is a licensed preacher in this church. 
 
 Meadow Creek* 
 was formed partly out of members who moved hither 
 from the State of New York "and partly of natives. Rev. 
 John Lawrence became their pastor. He had been a min- 
 ister for many years in the State of New York, was an 
 eminent servant of Christ and a pious and sensible man. 
 His labors were not very much blessed after he moved to 
 Virginia. Some disturbance happening in the church, 
 and Mr. Lawrence being obviously in dotage, was rather 
 indiscreet in espousing one of the parties so as to give 
 some discontent to the body of the church, in consequence 
 of which, added to his incapacity through dotage and in- 
 firmities, the church dismissed him from his pastoral 
 charge. Soon after he was taken ill, and God dismissed 
 him to the church triumphant. He was eighty years of age 
 when he died. After his dismission Elder Howard 
 preached for them statedly, and God poured out His 
 Spirit upon them. The church increased from sixteen to 
 sixty-four. Elder Howard, through infirmity, is not able 
 to visit them statedly, as formerly, but he attends them 
 occasionally and administers the ordinances. Robert 
 Simpkins is a licensed preacher in the bounds of this 
 church. 
 
 * The stream of this name Is in tlie soutlieastern section of Montgomery, 
 near the Pulaski line. 
 
358 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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HOLSTON AND MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATIONS. 359 
 
 
 
 
 
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CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE HOLSTON AND MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATIONS, 
 INCLUDING THE SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 The Holston Association was constituted about the 
 year 1788, according to Asplund's Register.* They have 
 adopted the confession of faith. They had eighteen 
 churches in all, in 1791. We are informed from an 
 authentic source that they had twenty-five churches in 
 1807, viz., fifteen in the State of Tennessee and ten in 
 Virginia, and their whole number of members, 1,619 ; 
 averaging not quite sixty-five to a church. Those 
 churches that are in Virginia average a little more than 
 fifty-nine. There were two Baptist churches in this dis- 
 trict at a much eai-lier date than anj' mentioned in the 
 table, but they were broken up by the Indian war. We 
 have no account of the Holston Association. We must 
 therefore proceed to speak of the churches, beginning 
 with 
 
 North Fork of Holston. f 
 
 Two large companies have emigrated from this church, 
 in each case taking off their pastor, viz. : Joshua Frost,J 
 
 * John Asplund was a Swede by birth, but went.to England in 1775 and 
 served in the British navy, from which, haying deserted, he came to North 
 Carolina, where he joined the church at Ballard's Bridge, Chowan county. 
 He soon afterwards removed to Southampton county, where he was or- 
 dained. Alter extensive travels, chiefly on foot, for the purpose of obtaining 
 the desired information, he published (1791-94) the " Baptist Register," an 
 Invaluable work on the statistics of the Baptist denomination, at the above 
 dates. He settled lastly in Maryland, and was drowned in attempting to 
 cross Fishing creek, Virginia, in 1807. 
 
 + Now known as Pine Grove, a missionary body of the Holston (Tenn.) 
 Valley Association. 
 
 } Joshua rrost proved very useful In Tennessee, and united his efforts 
 with those of others in forming the Tennessee Association of churches In 
 and around Knoxyille. 
 
 [ 360 ] 
 
HOLSTON AND MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATIONS. 361 
 
 their first pastor, moved into Knox county, Tennessee, 
 carrying with him thirty-three members, and there they 
 became a church. This happened about 1794 or 1795. 
 In 1798 they got another pastor, Moses Foley ;* but in 
 1802 Foley and twenty-six members moved to Abraham's 
 creek and formed another church. In 1808 they pro- 
 cured the pastoral care of Charles Pennington. It is a 
 church of good standing. 
 
 Glade Hollows. f 
 
 This was taken off from Clinch River church, which 
 is one of the two old churches mentioned above as broken 
 up by the war. A few members returning after the war, 
 the church was reconstituted. But shortly after Glade 
 Hollows was taken off the mother church was dissolved. 
 Glade Hollows has always been a prosperous church, but 
 particulaily anno i8oi, under the ministration of Edward 
 Kelly, they had a blessed revival, when the church, in 
 the course of eighteen months, swelled to three hundred 
 and sixty. After this three other churches were taken 
 off, viz.. Stony Creek, Sandy Creek and Castlewoods. 
 
 South Fork or St. Clair's Bottom J 
 was for many years without a pastor, and then really 
 flourished ; but, aiming to choose a pastor, they could not 
 be unanimous. The majority chose Mr. Baker, but a 
 
 * Moses Foley establislied a church after moving to Kentucky, on Abra- 
 ham's creek. In 1815 he moved to near BarboursvlUe, Scott county, where 
 he continued to serve several churches as pastor till near the end ol his 
 life. His son of the same name was long the pastor of Crab Orchard 
 church. Another son, Elijah, after leaving Virginia, labored In Kentucky 
 and afterwards In Missouri. 
 
 + This church was located in the western part of the present county of 
 Russell, near Clinch river. " The church is now," writes Elder N. C. Bald- 
 win, " extinct, having been merged Into the Lebanon ehureh." 
 
 X This church was located in Smyth county. " It is anti-mission, and 
 still has a nominal existence." 
 
862 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 party adhered to Mr. William Brundrage, an emigrant 
 from the North. They were a divided, and consequently 
 an unhappy people, until Brundrage moved to Ohio, in 
 1805. They then became united ; proving that preachers 
 may be the greatest curse, as well as the greatest blessing. 
 
 Mill Creek* 
 
 has been a happy church. Beginning with only eight 
 members, they have increased to sixty-five. 
 
 Rich Valley * 
 
 was at first a thriving church, but through the miscon- 
 duct of their pastor, Moses Foley, they have - had cloudy 
 and unpleasant seasons. 
 
 Rus&EL. 
 There is nothing remarkable of her, except that her 
 members are in union and good understanding. 
 
 Deep Spring 
 had a comfortable revival in 1801, and increased to their 
 present number. They are doing well. 
 
 Stony Creek. 
 This church was also revived about 1802 and 1803, and 
 increased to about eighty-five. Since then, although 
 they have had cold times, they have preserved order, &c. 
 
 Copper Creek. 
 
 As at the beginning, so now they enjoy union and 
 peace.! 
 
 * These bodies are extinct, having been supplanted by missionary Bap- 
 tist cburclies. 
 
 + Deep Creek, Stony Creek and Copper Creek had not joined any Asso- 
 ciation in 1808. It was expected they would join at the next session.— 
 Author's note. 
 
HOLSTON AND MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATIONS. 363 
 
 Castlewoods.* 
 
 Nothing remarkable is said of her in our manuscripts. 
 We would gladly exhibit the character and talents of the 
 preachers and distinguished private members of this and 
 the Mountain Association, but for the want of informa- 
 tion we are unable to do so. The documents we have 
 procured at all respecting the different Associations on 
 the Western waters, have all been obtained through the 
 friendly attention of Rev. Josiah Osburn and John Al- 
 derson.' Our numerous letters written to the ministers 
 residing within the limits of the Association were not 
 attended to. 
 
 Mountain Association 
 
 was constituted August, 1799, the churches having been 
 previously dismissed from the Yadkin Association, and 
 is composed of churches in North Carolina, Tennessee 
 and Virginia. Three only are in Virginia, of which we 
 will say a few things, beginning with 
 
 North Fork of New River. 
 
 William Porter was the pastor of this church, but be- 
 ing unable, through old age, to go through the duties of 
 the ministry, the church associated Daniel Keith in thff 
 pastoral care. This circumstance often occurs in Eng- 
 land, but very rarely in Virginia. It much oftener hap- 
 pens in Virginia that one minister is pastor of three or 
 four churches than that the same church has more than 
 one pastor. The committing the ministerial authority of 
 
 * We find El oliUroli of this name located In Russell county, Indicated on 
 the map ot Virginia Baptist churches, published in 1851. It was a member 
 of Lebanon Association. The present church ot this name In the New 
 Lebanon Association, organized in 1868, occupies somewhat the ground of 
 the early one. 
 
364 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 the church to more than one elder has in this country often 
 been found upon experience to be bad policy. It often 
 creates parties. In some cases such as the above, how- 
 ever, it is very well. 
 
 Meadow Creek. 
 God has showered down His grace upon this church. 
 They have a happy and increasing people. 
 
 Fox Creek 
 were at first a flourishing church, but, their preachers be- 
 coming disorderly and eventually excluded, they fell into 
 confusion and distress. 
 
 The removal of Elder Andrew Baker among them in 
 1803, under God, healed all their backslidings. God 
 turned their mourning into joy by turning many to right- 
 eousness. For several years Mr. Baker had the gratifica- 
 tion to see his Master's work prosper in his hands.* 
 
 * Among Elder Baker's last public servieea was the baptism in 1816 of Rev. 
 James Gilbert. 
 
ACCOM AC ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 HISTORY OF THB ACCOMAC ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE 
 SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES. 
 
 The Accomac Association district lies altogether on the 
 Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Gospel was first carried 
 thither by Elijah Baker. After Mr. Baker had planted 
 a number of churches both on the Eastern Shore of Ma- 
 ryland and Virginia, and had been joined by other preach- 
 ers from different parts, as well as by young ones raised 
 under his ministry, he proposed that the churches should 
 meet by their delegates and form an Association. This 
 they did anno 1784.* They took the name of the Salis- 
 bury Association from the town of that name in Mary- 
 land where they met. They also became a fostering 
 mother to the churches. They increased from year to 
 year, and many useful preachers were raised up. The 
 business of the Association was conducted with great 
 decorum, and their decisions were wse and prudent. 
 Dr. Robert Lemon, a practitioner of physic, but not a 
 preacher, acted as moderator from shortly after their or- 
 ganization until the division of the district, in 1808. 
 During many years it was customary for them to hold 
 their annual Associations in Maryland near Salisbury, 
 but they held also an occasional Association in Virginia, 
 every August. This arrangement was not satisfactory to 
 the Virginia churches, and they petitioned to be dis- 
 missed, in order to form an Association out of the 
 churches wholly in Virginia. This was done ; and the 
 
 ♦According to Asplund's Register, from oommunicationa made to tlie 
 compiler, lie is inclined to think tliat they associated at an earlier date. 
 
 [ 366 ] 
 
ACCOMAC ASSOCIATION. 367 
 
 new A ssociation, called Accomac, met for the first time 
 at Pungoteague, August, 1809, at which session they were 
 chiefly employed in forming a constitution and rules of 
 decorum. They also agreed to join the General Meeting 
 of Correspondence. At this session Elder George Lay- 
 field was chosen as moderator, and Mr. William Costen 
 as clerk. As this is the first and only meeting they have 
 had since the division, nothing more can be said as to 
 their proceedings. The historical sketches of the churches 
 must now be attended to. 
 
 Pungoteague * 
 
 is a large and happy church. For some time after their 
 constitution they had no regular pastor, but for a good 
 many years they have been under the pastoral care of 
 Rev. George Layfield, to whom they listen as children to 
 a father. 
 
 Mr. Layfield is indeed a father in Israel. He has long 
 professed to know the way of life, and has never since 
 departed from it, either to the right hand or to the left. 
 He was a Presbyterian previous to his hearing the Bap- 
 tists, and could not, for some time after he- heard them 
 and loved them, bring his mind to be willing to give up 
 his infant sprinkling. He finally yielded to the force of 
 truth, and being baptized, commenced as preacher. His 
 first residence was in Maryland, where he continued for 
 many years before he became a preacher. In point of 
 talents Mr. Layfield may be considered as standing on 
 respectable ground. He does not aim to speak in the 
 enticing words of man's wisdom, but in simplicity and 
 
 ♦Still a prosperous body in Aecomac Association. Elders Elijah Baker 
 and George Layfield were chiefly instrumental in its establishment. 
 George Bradford entered the ministry trom this body in 1841. 
 
368 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 godly sincerity commends himself to every man's con- 
 science. He is a man of grave deportment, yet cheerful 
 manners. He is liberal in his sentiments towards those 
 who differ with him on religious subjects. 
 
 Matompkin.* 
 
 This church has also the stated services of Elder Lay- 
 field, and are peaceable and harmonious. They never 
 had any regular pastor. 
 
 Mesongoes I 
 
 is a church of good standing, but has seen better days 
 than the present. Their first preacher was George 
 Northam, who was not distinguished for anything singu- 
 lar. He was succeeded by Mr. Layfield, and he by Elijah 
 Shay. Shay was a preacher of popular talents ; but 
 after raising himself to considerable distinction he sold 
 his birthright for a mess of pottage. He became a 
 drunkard and was excluded from the church. Failing 
 thus of the grace of God, he sought to supply the defi- 
 ciency by art and deception. He moved off to Alexan- 
 dria, where also he conducted himself so disorderly as 
 to incur the censures of all those who made pretensions 
 to seriousness. From thence he traveled off under the 
 name of a Baptist preacher, until the brethren near 
 Alexandria thought it their duty to advertise him as an 
 impostor, which they did in the minutes of the Ketocton 
 Association. What mischief do such traitors do to the 
 best of causes ! 
 
 ♦This church ceased to exist in 1835. Modest Town and Zion churches 
 occupy the ground formerly held by it. 
 
 + Mesongoes church was founded by Elijah Baker in 1779. It is the only 
 Baptist church now existing in the bounds of the Accomao Association 
 that adopted old-school or anti-mission principles. 
 
ACCOM AC ASSOCIATION. 369 
 
 Chingoteague.* 
 
 The Gospel was first carried into these parts by the inde- 
 fatigable E. Baker. His labors were not at first extensively 
 blessed immediately in the neighborhood of Chingoteague. 
 The seed, however, sown by Mr. Baker and others was cul- 
 tivated by Mr. Layfield, and a church was constituted un- 
 der the care of Elder Layfield. After some time he yielded 
 the care to Elder Solomon Marshall, who attended them 
 statedly, but not as an abiding pastor. They now* have 
 the pastoral services of Elder Thomas Waters, whose 
 labors among them have been highly blessed. Mr. Waters 
 is a loving, zealous, laborious and successful servant 
 of the Most High God. Having a warm heart, he enjoys 
 nothing more than to see divine love spreading from 
 heart to heart, warming and animating the souls of saints. 
 On such occasions he seems willing to be spent in 
 praising and adoring his Gracious Redeemer. 
 Lower Northampton.! 
 
 Within the bounds of this church was the place where 
 Mr. Baker began his evangelical career on the Eastern 
 Shore. Here also were the first persons baptized that 
 ever submitted to that sacred ordinance on this coast ; 
 and here was constituted the first church. When first 
 organized Elder Baker became their pastor, and so contin- 
 ued until the day of his death. The church soon after 
 her constitution became large and flourishing, and con- 
 tinues so to this time. There are some very respectable 
 private members among them. Elder John Elliott 
 preaches for them statedly since the death of Elder 
 Baker. 
 
 * Located at the northeastern end of Aceomac county. 
 
 + The name of this church well Indicates its situation. Among its minis- 
 terial Bona have been P. Warren, William A. Dix, A. P. Scott and Samuel 
 Saunders. 
 24 
 
370 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Isaac Broughton is an ordained preacher in this church, 
 esteemed by all who know him a pious and venerable 
 man, but of very infirm health. 
 
 Hungar's* 
 
 has been for some time a declining church, having sus- 
 tained great losses by the death of many of her most 
 valuable private members. They were once a numerous 
 peopte. 
 
 Elder Elliott, their pastor, commenced preaching in 
 1782, when about thirty years of age, but he had been a 
 professor for some time before. Seeing how much labor- 
 ers were wanted in the harvest, his spirit was moved 
 within him. He stepped forward, and the Lord smiled 
 upon his services. He is esteemed by all his acquaint- 
 ances a pious and exemplary man, as well as a steady and 
 useful preacher. 
 
 Machipongo I 
 is a young and somewhat increasing church under the 
 care of Elder Caleb Fisher. Previous to his profession 
 of religion Mr. Fisher was very fond of the fashionable 
 vices of the age. Racing, dancing, gambling and keep- 
 ing wild and wanton company were the objects of his 
 most intense pursuit. Serious reflections, though some- 
 times forced upon his mind, were never welcome. God, 
 in the midst of his wild career, marked him as an object 
 of invincible grace. The arrows of the Almighty stuck 
 fast in him, and although he was at first as an ox unac- 
 customed to the yoke, he finally found that the yoke of 
 
 * Hungar's (or Hungo'3) church was organized by Elijah Baker in 1783. 
 On the removal of the place of meeting near the ocean the name of this 
 church was changed to Eed Bank. 
 
 +The Machipongo church began early to decline, and by 1830 had ceased 
 to be in correspondence with the Association. 
 
ACGOMAC ASSOCIATION. 371 
 
 Jesus was easy and His burden light. He found rest to 
 his soul, and was baptized anno 1792. To his vicious 
 associates he now became as obnoxious as he was before 
 agreeable. After some years — i. e., in 1802 — he began 
 to preach. This gave many of the sons of Belial an op- 
 portunity to insult him. While he preached they would 
 mock, and sometimes openly. On one occasion they 
 stirred up so much disturbance that he thought it his 
 duty to prosecute them. In return one man,* under some 
 frivolous pretence, swore the peace against him and 
 dragged him before a magistrate. While there he lav- 
 ished out the most unlimited abuse against Mr. Fisher ; 
 when lo, he fell speechless by a paralytic stroke ! He 
 lost the use of one side and suffered more than common 
 pain in such cases. f This display of divine vengeance 
 had an awful effect upon the minds of the surrounding 
 people, and, indeed, all who heard of it. 
 
 Mr. Fisher was upwards of forty years of age when 
 he began to preach. It is not to be expected that under 
 those circumstances he should make any great advance- 
 ment in improving his gifts. He is esteemed, however, 
 a man of strong mind, and as a preacher sound and ani- 
 mating. 
 
 The cause of the Baptists is not thought to prevail as 
 much on the Eastern Shore as it did some years past. When 
 they first came into this country they had to combat with 
 the Established Church, armed with the civil sword. 
 Clothed with a heavenly panoply, they went forth in 
 the name of the Lord of Hosts and prevailed. The Es- 
 tablished Church here, as well as in most other places in 
 
 *A Mr. Henderson. 
 
 + Thls happened in 1809, and three months after he remained in the same 
 awful state, suffering very severe pain of body, and, no doubt, as much in 
 mind,— ^utftor'a note. 
 
372 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Virginia, declined rapidly after the rise of the Baptists. 
 Of late they have other opponents that are much more 
 successful. For many years past the Methodists have 
 been a very increasing people on the Eastern Shore. 
 Whether their prosperity is only temporary until the set 
 time to favor Zion shall arrive, or w^hether for some 
 cause God is disposed to permit His people to be led into 
 captivity and to become subservient to the neighboring 
 nations, we cannot determine. As this state of things 
 has occurred in many other places as w^ell as in these 
 parts, it will not be improper to ofTer a few remarks by 
 way of conjecturing the cause ; not because it is believed 
 that the remarks apply to this or that particular place, 
 but with a design to offer a caution to all. Baptist prin- 
 ciples, under right views, have no tendency to paralyze 
 the efforts of man or retard his activity. But how often 
 do these effects follow the misinterpretation of these 
 principles ! How frequently, where error thrives through 
 the industry and zeal of its supporters, do the friends of 
 truth lie still under a mistaken confidence that truth can- 
 not be hurt, and instead of opposing zeal to zeal, indus- 
 try to industry, and all lawful means in a good cause 
 against all lawful or unlawful ones in a bad one, they too 
 often permit the hearts of the people to be stolen and 
 their prejudices set against sound principles before they 
 take the alarm ! Truth is often injured by an unsuitable 
 application of its parts. Strong meat should not be 
 given but to men. To preach the deep, mysterious doc- 
 trines of grace upon all occasions and before all sorts of 
 people is the sure way to preach them out of their parts. 
 To give to any one doctrine more weight than the pro- 
 portion found in the Scripture defaces the beauty of the 
 whole and retards its progress. Unguardedness respect- 
 
ACCOMAC ASSOCIATION. BIB 
 
 ing preachers, in various ways, but especially as to im- 
 postors, has injured the Baptists in many parts, but in 
 none more than on the Eastern Shore. They have proba- 
 bly suffered more- by impostors than any other people in 
 Virginia. The most distinguished of these jwas Joseph 
 Flood. He was for eight or ten years a Baptist preacher 
 of great popularity in those parts, and by many was 
 thought pious. His brilliant talents seem to have blinded 
 the people to his faults. He had married a wife in early 
 life, with whom he lived peaceably. She dying, he mar- 
 ried a second, who proved a heavy curse. He left her 
 and employed his time altogether in preaching. For this 
 he was not much blamed by those who knew all the cir- 
 cumstances. But he would not stop there. He came 
 down into Accomac and actually persuaded a young wo- 
 man of respectable connections to go to Philadelphia and 
 there to be married to him. It is difficult for any at a 
 distance to conceive what a deadly stab this gave the 
 Baptist cause upon the Eastern Shore. Flood sent his 
 credentials to the church, and in many respects acted a 
 candid part. He has since settled in Bedford county, Va., 
 and has occasionally preached, but not as a Baptist. 
 
 Soon after Flood's downfall came one Samuel Counsel, 
 under the name of a Baptist preacher ; and being a man 
 of considerable ingenuity, became popular. He was, in- 
 deed, a wolf in sheep's clothing. He was an Arian in 
 principle, and used great subtlety in maintaining his 
 opinions. He was thought by some to have made im- 
 pressions on some respectable professors, and that if his 
 bad life had not betrayed him he might have formed a 
 party in the churches. The Salisbury Association noticed 
 him and guarded the churches against him, which, with - 
 some other things, drove him off. 
 
374 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 About the same time came one Carey (as he called 
 himself) and pretended that he was a Baptist preacher. 
 Carey was far from possessing distinguished gifts, and 
 indeed could not be said to have any one qualification 
 for making good his way under his assumed character, 
 except an indescribable stock of impudence. Still, how- 
 ever, he imposed upon many, and was noticed in several 
 places as a preacher of gifts. Against him also the 
 churches were cautioned, and he went off elsewhere ; and 
 if not hanged is perhaps still imposing upon the credu- 
 lous somewhere. 
 
 After these repeated slams, it is not strange that the 
 Baptist cause has rather declined of late years in this 
 Association. But, peradventure, these dark scenes are 
 but the preludes of a bright and glorious day, for which, 
 no doubt, many precious and pious souls are daily lifting 
 up their hearts to God ; for, indeed, the Baptists of these 
 parts are a tender, loving, affectionate and pious people, 
 anxious for the welfare of Zion. 
 
 For hospitality and kindness the Eastern Shore people, 
 both saints and sinners, are surpassed by none. 
 
 This is the last Association in Virginiathat can be said 
 to have arisen from the labors of Separate Baptist minis- 
 ters. We shall now proceed to treat of those formerly 
 called Regulars. 
 
CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE REGULAR BAP- 
 TISTS. 
 
 We have already informed our readers (page i) that one 
 of the three original companies of Baptists that emi- 
 grated to Virginia came from Maryland. From these 
 arose the Regular Baptists, as they were for a season 
 called in contradistinction to the Separates. These, 
 though not so numerous as the Separates, are a large and 
 very respectable body of people ; for, with very few did 
 they come into Virginia, and now they are become seve- 
 ral Associations. Besides the Ketocton, which is a very 
 extensive Association, the Red Stone, Greenbrier and 
 Union all sprung from the same source. 
 
 Our papers do not exactly agree respecting the date at 
 which the first Baptists made their appearance in these 
 parts ; but upon a full examination of the different docu- 
 ments it is probable that we shall give a correct state- 
 ment. • 
 
 In 1743, Edward Hays and Thomas Yates, members 
 of a Baptist congregation in Maryland, moved with a 
 company* and settled at Opequon, in Berkeley county, 
 Virginia. Their minister, Mr. Henry Loveall, soon fol- 
 lowed them. His preaching was attended with success, 
 and in a short time he baptized fifteen persons. They 
 continued their church state until 1751 ; but it is proba- 
 ble they were rather remiss in their government, for we 
 
 *This company were from Chestnut Kidge. about ten miles north of Bal- 
 timore city, where Sater's church (named from Henry Sater, a General 
 Baptist who oame from England in 1708), had been established the previous 
 rear, ma. 
 
 [ 876 ] 
 
376 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 are informed that in that year certain ministers* of the 
 Philadelphia Association came among them, and new- 
 modeled the church, forming it, as our manuscript says, 
 upon the Calvinistic plan, sifting out the chaff and re- 
 taining the supposed good grain. From which it may be 
 presumed that the first preacher and his party were either 
 Arminians, or inclined that way. 
 
 In 1754, when Stearns and Marshall were among them, 
 their minister w^as Samuel Heton, who w^as probably 
 their first preacher, after they had been new-modeled 
 as' above. What became of either Loveall or Heton 
 we are not informed. The next preacher that lived 
 among them, and far the most distinguished, was Elder 
 John Garrard, probably from Pennsylvania. The precise 
 year in which he came is not ascertained, but it was pro- 
 bably about 1755. From the time that they were puri- 
 fied, in 1 75 1, this church was in connection with the 
 Philadelphia Association. They were very zealous, had 
 much preaching, and were i-emarkably warm in their i-e- 
 ligious exercises, and more particularly so after Mr. 
 Daniel Marshall came among them. They went to such 
 lengths that some of the more cold-hearted lodged a com- 
 plaint in the Philadelphia Association. Mr. Millerj was 
 sent to see what was the matter. When he came he was 
 highly delighted with the exercises, joined them cordially, 
 and said if he had such warm-hearted Christians in his 
 church he would not take gold for them. He charged 
 those who had complained, rather to nourish than com- 
 plain of such gifts. The work of God revived among 
 them, and considerable additions were made to the church. 
 The country in which they had settled was but thinly 
 
 *Mr. Miller and others. 
 
 •(• Elder Benjamlu Miller, pastor at Scotch Plains, N. J. 
 
REGULAR BAPTISTS. 2.11 
 
 inhabited, and was subject to the inroads of the Indians. 
 Some of these savage irruptions took place not long after 
 Mr. Garrard had settled among them ; in consequence of 
 which he and many of the church moved below the Blue 
 Ridge, and resided for some time in Loudoun county, on 
 Ketocton creek. He was not while there forgetful of 
 his duty, but labored night and day for the instruction 
 and salvation of sinners. God turned the hearts of many, 
 who, believing, were baptized. 
 
 A church was constituted called Ketocton, to which 
 Mr. Garrard was appointed pastor. It is probable that 
 this church was organized in the year 1756 ; for on the 
 second Sunday in June, 1757, the Mill Creek, Ketocton, 
 and the Smith and Lynville's Creek churches held their 
 first yearly meeting, at the meeting-house of the last- 
 named church ; so that we shall probably be correct if 
 we date the constitution of the Ketocton church in 
 1756; of Mill Creek in 1743; her first revival in 1751, 
 and her reinstatement after the Indian irruption in 1757. 
 
 Having briefly shown the origin and progress of the 
 Baptists who first settled in Opequon, we shall now at- 
 tend to another company on Smith and Lynville's creek, 
 in Rockingham. 
 
 The Smith and Lynville's Creek church was constituted 
 August 6, 1756, under the pastoral care of John Alder- 
 son, Sr. There had been some Baptists living in this 
 place for about eleven years previous to the constitution 
 of the church. These were probably a party of private 
 members from some of the churches in the Philadelphia 
 Association, or perhaps some of them from New Eng- 
 land ; for it is stated that one John Harrison, wishing to 
 be baptized, went as far as Oyster bay, in Massachusetts, 
 to obtain that ordinance. As there were Baptist churches 
 
378 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 and ministers much nearer, the presumption is that he 
 had been led to that measure in consideration of some, 
 if not all, of the Baptists of his neighborhood having 
 come from thence. 
 
 During the eleven years, from the time the Baptists 
 first came to this neighborhood until the constitution 
 of the church, they vs^ere visited by several preachers 
 from the Northern States, among whom were Mr. Samuel 
 Eaton, Benjamin Griffith,* John Ganof and John Alder- 
 son, J the last of whom afterwards settled among them 
 and became their pastor. 
 
 The three churches above named became members of 
 the Philadelphia Association soon after their constitution 
 and so continued until they formed an independent Asso- 
 ciation. Previous to this, however, they met in an annual 
 or yearly meeting, alternately at the three meeting-houses. 
 In their yearly meetings preaching was kept up for seve- 
 ral days, ministers from distant parts attended and con- 
 sultations were holden respecting the propagation of the 
 Gospel, as well as advice offered for the good government 
 of the infant churches. These meetings greatly accelerated 
 the spread of the Gospel, as also ripened the churches 
 for a separate Association. 
 
 About 1760 Rev. David Thomas, from Pennsylvania, 
 came to Berkeley, in Virginia, on a ministerial visit. A 
 small time previous to this, two men in the county of 
 Fauquier, on Broad Run, had, without any public preach- 
 ing, become convinced of the reality of vital religion, 
 and that they were destitute of it. Wrought upon by 
 
 *Elder Benjamin Griffitli, a native of Wales, was pastor, at the date of 
 tliia visit, of tlie Montgomery cliurcli, Bucks county. Pa. 
 
 + He had just closed a brief pastorate at Scotch Plains, N. J. 
 
 {John Alderson, Sr., horn in Yorkshire, England, resided some time in 
 Qermantown, Pa., vhenoe he lemoved to Rockingham county, Va., In 1755. 
 
REGULAR BAPTISTS. 379 
 
 such convictions, and hearing of the Baptists in Berke- 
 ley, they traveled thither, a distance of about sixty miles, 
 to hear them. When they arrived and heard the Gospel, 
 it proved a sweet savor of life. They returned home; 
 God built them up by His Spirit, and in a short time 
 they made a second visit to Berkeley, offered an experi- 
 ence of grace to the church, and vsrere baptized. It so 
 happened that these men and Mr. David Thomas came 
 to Berkeley at the same time. They invited him to go 
 down to Fauquier and preach, and he accepted the invita- 
 tion. It was said of Martin Luther that, if the Pope 
 had given him a cardinal's cap, he would never have pro- 
 pagated the principles of the Reformation. It might be 
 so. And it could also be said that, if they had made 
 Paul high-priest, instead of sending him to Damascus, 
 he would not have spread the Gospel among the Gentiles. 
 So also, if Mr. Thomas had not happened to meet with 
 these men, who were hungering for the bread of life, he 
 might never have gone to Broad Run, and from thence 
 over a great part of Virginia, by which thousands were 
 turned from darkness to light. These things in the eye 
 of mere reason look like contingencies ; but by the eye 
 of faith they are all plainly viewed as the contrivance of 
 Infinite Wisdom and executed by an infallible though in- 
 visible hand. 
 
 After Mr. Thomas had labored awhile at Broad Run 
 and in the adjacent neighborhood his labors were so much 
 favored that he resolved to become a resident among 
 them. Many professed faith and were baptized. A 
 church was quickly constituted, to which Mr. Thomas was 
 chosen as pastor. This took place a little after the year 
 1760. He did not confine his ministry to one neighbor- 
 hood. He traveled through all the surrounding country, 
 
380 BISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 lifting up his voice as the voice of God commanding all 
 men to repent. He was in deed and in truth a burning 
 and shining light. There wrere few such men in the 
 world as David Thomas* was at that time. Having by 
 nature a strong and vigorous mind, he had devoted his 
 attention with diligence to the acquirement of a classical 
 and refined education. In this few if any of his cotem- 
 poraries succeeded better. He graduated at an early pe- 
 riod. Besides the endowments of his mind he had a me- 
 lodious and piercing voice, pathetic address, expressive 
 action, and, above all, a heart filled with the love of God 
 and sympathy for his fellow-men, whom he saw over- 
 whelmed in sin and misery. God bade him speak on, 
 and much people believed through him. 
 
 Mr. Thomas drew the attention of the people for many 
 miles around. They traveled in many instances fifty or 
 sixty miles to hear him. It is remarkable that about the 
 time of the first rise of the Gospel in Virginia there were 
 multiplied instances of persons who had never heard any- 
 thing like evangelical preaching that were brought through 
 divine grace to see and feel the want of vital goodness. 
 Many of these, when they would hear of Mr. Thomas 
 and other Baptist preachers, would travel oflT to hear 
 them and invite them to come and preach in their neigh- 
 borhood. By this means the Gospel was first carried into 
 
 *David Thomas, concerning ■wlLom a note is given atpage 21, -was educated 
 under tlie famous Isaac Eaton, at Hopewell, N. J., married tlie widow of 
 "William Shreve, of Marylaud,And after spending nearly two years in Berke- 
 ley county, Va., in 1762 establislied Broad Kun church, in Fauquier, and be- 
 came their pastor. He traveled and preached extensively throughout Vir- 
 ginia. In 1788_ he returned to Berkeley and took the care of Mill Creek 
 church, with whom he remained for eight years. In 1796 he removed to 
 Kentucky and accepted the care of the Washington church. Mason county. 
 Subsequently he removed to Jessamine county and united with the East 
 Hickman church. A well-deserved tribute to his character and eminent 
 labors is contained in the first series of Taylor's Virginia Baptist Mirdslers. 
 
REGULAR BAPTISTS. 381 
 
 Culpeper. Mr. Allen Wyley,* a man of respectable 
 standing in that county, had been thus turned to God, and 
 not knowing of any spiritual preacher, he had sometimes 
 gathered his neighbors and read the Scriptures and ex- 
 horted them to repentance ; but hearing after awhile of 
 Mr. Thomas, he and some of his neighbors traveled to 
 Fauquier to hear him. As soon as he heard him he knew 
 the joyful sound, submitted to baptism, and invited him 
 to preach at his house. He came, but the opposition from 
 the wicked was so great that he could not preach. He 
 went into the county of Orange and preached several 
 times, and to much purpose. His labors were blessed. 
 Having, however, urgent calls to preach in various other 
 places, and being much opposed and persecuted here, he 
 did not attend here as often as was wished. On this ac- 
 count it was that Mr. Wyley went to Pittsylvania for 
 Mr. Harriss. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Garrard, sometimes 
 together and sometimes apart, traveled and propagated 
 the pure principles of Christianity in all the upper coun- 
 ties of the Northern Neck.f Mr. Thomas was far the 
 most active. It was not to be presumed that the friends 
 of the Establishment would feel themselves disinterested 
 in these proceedings. Their Dagon was fast falling be- 
 fore the Gospel. They, therefore, resolved to stir them- 
 selves to prevent this calamity. They adopted various 
 methods to accomplish this object. The clergy often 
 attacked the Baptists from the pulpit ; called them false 
 prophets, wolves in sheep's clothing, &c., &c. But, un- 
 
 * The 3ame who went after Samuel Harriss. {See page 19.) 
 + Mr. Thomas more than once visited the lower counties of the Northern 
 Neck, where he preached to large audiences with great acceptance. One 
 who heard him in Richmond county October 22, 1780, mentions him as 
 "that great old servant of God." He records hearing him there again De- 
 cember 27, 1781, and adds : "O, that I may never forget that sweet sermon— 
 a message from God to me that day !" 
 
382 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 fortunately for them, the Baptists retorted these charges 
 by professing to believe their own articles — at least the 
 leading ones — and charged them with denying them, a 
 charge which they could easily substantiate ; for the doc- 
 trines most complained of as advanced by the Baptists 
 were obviously laid down in the common prayer-book. 
 
 When they could not succeed by arguments they adopted 
 more violent measures. Sometimes, when the preachers 
 came to a place for the purpose of preaching, a kind of 
 mob would be raised, and by violent threats they hin- 
 dered the preaching. 
 
 Sometimes the preachers, and even some that only read 
 sermons and prayed publicly, were carried before magis- 
 trates, and though not committed to prison, were sharply 
 reprimanded, and cautioned not to be righteous over- 
 much. 
 
 In one instance only it appears that any person in these 
 parts was actually imprisoned on account of religion.* 
 He, it seems, was a licensed exhorter, and was arrested 
 for exhorting at a licensed meeting-house. The magis- 
 
 *It seems that tlie persecutions to which the Baptists were subjected in 
 this portion of Virginia assumed chiefly the form of interruptions to their 
 meetings, and often with mob violence. In no other section did the early 
 preachers suffer more of personal indignities and outrage than here. In 
 more than one instance, also, were there actual imprisonments on account 
 of religion. John Picliet, the pastor of Carter's Eun church, was incarce- 
 rated in the Fauquier county jail, where for three months he preached 
 through the grates. Jeremiah Moore " was committed by one of his Ma- 
 jesty's justices of the peace to jail " in Alexandria. John Corbley is stated 
 by his biographer to have been at one period of his ministry " regularly in 
 the habit of preaching from the windows of his prison the Gospel of peace." 
 In the History of St. Mark's Parish, by the Eev. P. Slaughter, it is said of 
 French Strother, of Culpeper county (1772), " He made himself very popu- 
 lar by releasing a Baptist minister who had been imprisoned by a justice 
 of the peace, by substituting his man Tom in his place and letting him out 
 at night. This fact is stated on the authority of Captain P. Slaughter, who 
 married his daughter." James Madison, in a letter to James Monroe, 
 mentioned the imprisonment of six Baptist preachers at the same time in 
 the adjacent county (Culpeper) jail. 
 
REGULAR BAPTISTS. 383 
 
 trate sent him to jail, where he was kept until court ; but 
 the court, upon knowing the circumstances, discharged 
 him. Elder James Ireland was also imprisoned in Cul- 
 peper jail, and in other respects treated very ill ; but at 
 the time of his imprisonment Mr. Ireland was a Separate 
 Baptist, though he afterwards joined the Regulars. The 
 reason why the Re;gular Baptists were not as much per- 
 secuted as the Separates was that they had at an early 
 date applied to the General Court and obtained licenses 
 for particular places, under the toleration law of Eng- 
 land ; but few of their enemies knew the extent of these 
 licenses, most supposing that they were by them author- 
 ized to preach anywhere in the county. One other rea- 
 son for their moderate persecution perhaps was that the 
 Regulars were not thought so enthusiastic as the Sepa- 
 rates ; and having Mr. Thomas, a learned man, in their 
 society, they appeared much more respectable in the eyes 
 of the enemies of truth. 
 
 All their persecutions, combined with their other exer- 
 tions, could not materially retard the progress of the 
 Gospel. The work went oni New churches were con- 
 stituted and young preachers were raised up. Of these 
 none were more distinguished than Richard Major, 
 although he had passed the meridian of life before he 
 embarked in the ministry. He seems to have made such 
 good use of his time that he did more in the vineyard than 
 many who had toiled all the day. Daniel and William 
 Fristoe, Jeremiah Moore and others were early fruits of 
 Elder Thomas's ministry. These young heralds, uniting 
 their endeavors with those of the more experienced, 
 greatly accelerated the progress of the Gospel. The 
 Separates also, in the more southern parts of the State, 
 were carrying on a similar work. These fires met in 
 
384 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Orange county, in the year 1767, as we have already re- 
 lated in another place. Jealousies arising between them, 
 from some cause, produced the unhappy divisions which 
 continued so long to disturb their peace. The breach 
 was never very wide between them ; not so wide but 
 they often met in conferences as fellow-sufferers, and 
 united their counsels to contrive plans for their mutual 
 emancipation from ecclesiastical tyranny. Before the 
 year 1770, the Regular Baptists v^ere spread over the 
 whole country in the Northern Neck above Fredericks- 
 burg. Between 1770 and 1780 their, cords still continued 
 to be lengthened. Mr. Lunsford, a young but extraordi- 
 nary preacher, carried the tidings of peace downwards 
 and planted the Redeemer's standard in those counties of 
 the Northern Neck which are below Fredericksburg. 
 Messrs. Corbley, Sutton and Barnet* had moved over 
 the Alleghany, and had raised up several churches in the 
 northwestern counties as early as 1775. Mr. John Alder- 
 son had gone in 1777 to Greenbrier, and in a few years 
 raised up a people of God in that region. Besides these 
 there were some others wh6 moved more southward, and 
 raised up a few churches. During the time of the great 
 declension in Virginia the Regulars were under the cloud 
 as well as their brethren the Separates, and they also par- 
 ticipated in the great revival. In the year 1782 only 
 twenty-three were baptized in the whole of the churches 
 in the Ketocton Association, whereas in 1789, after the 
 commencement of the great revival, the returns from the 
 different churches amounted to three hundred and fifty- 
 nine. Since the great revival the Baptist cause has con- 
 
 * Joseph Barnet removed to Kentucky as early as 1780, and settled in Nel- 
 son county. He, with Elders John Whitaker and John Garrard, gathered 
 Severn's Valley and Cedar Creek churches In 1781 — the first Baptist churches 
 organized in Kentucky, 
 
SEGVLAR BAPTISTS. 385 
 
 siderably declined in most parts of the Ketocton Asso- 
 ciation. Mr. Fristoe, in his history of this Association, 
 observes that "very few young ministers have been raised 
 up of late, and that the number of members has much 
 decreased." The decrease is certainly not universal ; 
 there are some flourishing churches wriithin the district. 
 As the Baptists have decreased, the Methodists Jn many 
 places have increased. It is not so easy to account for 
 this change. Does it arise from the Arminian doctrine 
 being more palatable to the self-righteous heart of man ? 
 Or, have they been more industrious in propagating their 
 doctrines? Or, have they succeeded, as in some other 
 places, in driving the Baptist preachers, imperceptibly, 
 to dwell too much upon high Calvinistic points, to the 
 neglect of the more simple but more important principles 
 of Christianity? If we were to calculate principles ac- 
 cording to the weight of talents by which they are sup- 
 ported, Baptist principles ought to prevail within the 
 Ketocton Association as much as in any section of Vir- 
 ginia, if not more. The talents of the leading preachers 
 in those parts stand in the first row. After all is said 
 the adversity or prosperity of religion in any place is 
 often wrapped in mystery too dark to be penetrated by 
 mortal vision. The ways of God are past finding out. 
 It is not impossible before this generation passes away 
 that the Son of Man may come in power and demonstra- 
 tion of His Spirit for the salvation of thousands, and 
 quickly place His people above all competition. 
 
 Having thus given a general account of the rise and 
 progress of the Regular Baptists, we shall now proceed 
 to furnish details respecting their proceedings in Asso- 
 ciations and churches. 
 
 25 
 
386 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE KETOCTON ASSOCIATION FROM 
 THEIR FIRST CONSTITUTION UNTIL THIS DATE. 
 
 It has been already shown that the first Regular Bap- 
 tist churches in Virginia were united to the Philadelphia 
 Association, but held yearly meetings among themselves, 
 in which many things were attended to, such as are com- 
 monly done at Associations, and by which they were 
 ripened for independence. In 1765 they were dismissed 
 from the Philadelphia Association, and on the 19th of 
 August, 1766, they met by their delegates at Ketocton, 
 in Loudoun. Their first meeting being at Ketocton, the 
 Association took that name. There were only four 
 churches of this order in Virginia, all of which were rep- 
 resented by their delegates, as follows : 
 
 Ketocton — John Marks, John Loyd. 
 
 Smith and Lynville's Ci-eek — John Alderson. 
 
 Mill Creek— John Garrard, Isaac Sutton. 
 
 Broad Run — David Thomas, Joseph Metcalf.- 
 
 The minutes of this Association say nothing of their 
 appointment of moderator or clerk, nor of their numbers, 
 nor of their regulations of any kind, except a resolution 
 to send to the Philadelphia Association for instructions 
 with regard to this Association, by which they probably 
 meant such rules and regulations as had been, or should 
 be, advised by the mother Association. An affectionate 
 and exhortatory letter was connected with the minutes. 
 
 The business transacted in the Association is so analo- 
 gous to that of the other Associations already commented 
 
 [ 388 J 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 389 
 
 on that it is quite unnecessary to detail. We shall, 
 therefore, in a kind of table represent the times and 
 places, &c., of holding the Associations, and then make 
 some general remarks upon the whofe. 
 
 The first meeting of the Ketocton Association included 
 the third Sunday in August as one of the days on which 
 they were together. This has continued ever since. The 
 day of assembling has been changed from Saturday to 
 Friday, and from Friday to Thursday, which last has con- 
 tinued for many years. Thursday and Friday are devoted 
 to the business of the Association, Saturday and Sunday 
 to preaching and public ministrations. Until 1770, neither 
 the number baptized nor the totals are minuted. In a 
 few subsequent years, also, they are omitted. 
 
 In 1789, the Ketocton Association was divided into 
 two by a line running from the Potomac a south 
 course. The district above this line retained the name 
 Ketocton ; the other was called Chappawamsick. The 
 districts met separately until 1792, when they again 
 united. Some attempts at a division have again been 
 made, but have not succeeded. 
 
 For more than twenty years after the Association was 
 organized the custom of laying on hands upon all per- 
 sons immediately after they were baptized was invariably 
 practiced in this Association. It was an article in the 
 confession of faith, and the want of it was deemed by 
 many a bar to communion. After the great revival, first 
 the necessity and then the propriety of it began to be 
 questioned until' it was finally disused, and in the revisal 
 of the confession of faith that article was expunged. 
 
390 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Table of the Times and Places, &c., of Holding the Ketocton Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 a 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 Places of Meeting. 
 
 S 
 
 
 Or" 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 Sb 
 
 H 
 
 
 d 
 
 s 
 
 oS 
 
 >< 
 
 
 12; 
 
 n 
 
 K 
 
 1766 
 
 Ketoeton 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1767 
 
 Mill Creek 
 
 
 . . 
 
 6 
 
 1768 
 
 Smith's Creek 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 1769 
 
 Broad Run 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 1770 
 
 Chappawamsici;. . . .... 
 
 New Valley • 
 
 209 
 
 624 
 
 10 
 
 1771 
 
 275 
 
 912 
 
 10 
 
 1772 
 
 Mountain Creek 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 1773 
 
 Little River 
 
 270 
 
 1,050 
 
 17 
 
 1774 
 
 BrentTown 
 
 
 
 
 1775 
 
 Buck Marsh 
 
 142 
 
 -1,S49 
 
 23 
 
 1776 
 
 Mount Poney 
 
 82 
 
 1,341 
 
 20 
 
 1777 
 
 Popeshead 
 
 59 
 
 1,322 
 
 
 1778 
 
 
 14 
 41 
 
 836 
 1,059 
 
 15 
 
 1779 
 
 Broad Run 
 
 17 
 
 1780 
 
 Bull Bun 
 
 57 
 
 1,154 
 
 19 
 
 1781 
 
 Seneca 
 
 58 
 
 1,037 
 
 17 
 
 1782 
 
 Mill Creek 
 
 23 
 
 1,036 
 
 20 
 
 1783 
 
 Ketocton 
 
 38 
 
 1,007 
 
 21 
 
 1784 
 
 Brent Town 
 
 33 
 
 1,041 
 
 22 
 
 1785 
 
 Water Lick 
 
 31 
 
 948 
 
 23 
 
 1786 
 
 Goose Creek 
 
 21 
 
 624 
 
 14 
 
 1787 
 
 Chappawamsick 
 
 Buck Marsh 
 
 79 
 
 995 
 
 26 
 
 1788 
 
 168 
 
 1,141 
 
 28 
 
 1789 
 
 Broad Run 
 
 359 
 
 1,372 
 
 26 
 
 Oct'r 
 
 
 
 1789 
 
 Water Lick. . ' 
 
 12 
 
 486 , 
 
 10 
 
 1790 
 
 Goose Creek 
 
 21 
 
 55 
 
 624 
 667 
 
 14 
 15 
 
 1791 
 
 Opeckon 
 
 1792 
 
 
 294 
 
 2,005 
 
 29 
 
 1793 
 
 Water Lick 
 
 138 
 
 2,187 
 
 34 
 
 1794 
 
 Little River 
 
 i-2 
 
 2,017 
 
 31 
 
 1795 
 
 Goose Creek 
 
 39 
 
 1,898 
 
 31 
 
 1796 
 
 ThnmhRun ... 
 
 38 
 
 1,882 
 
 33 
 
 1797 
 
 Frying Pan 
 
 48 
 90 
 
 1,820 
 1,846 
 
 32 
 32 
 
 1798 
 
 Broad Run ... 
 
 1799 
 
 Grove 
 
 63 
 35 
 102 
 216 
 
 1,786 
 1,719 
 1,780 
 1,901 
 1,863 
 
 31 
 32 
 31 
 30 
 
 1800 
 
 Back Lick 
 
 1801 
 1802 
 
 Happy Creek " 
 
 Little River 
 
 1803 
 
 Buck Marsh 
 
 355 
 
 31 
 
 1804 
 
 Broad Run 
 
 143 
 
 1,831 
 1,698 
 2,003 
 
 31 
 
 1805 
 
 Thumb Run 
 
 94 
 126 
 
 25 
 81 
 
 1806 
 
 Frying Pan 
 
 1807 
 
 Opeckon 
 
 64 
 185 
 153 
 
 2,004 
 2.036 
 
 
 1808 
 
 Ebenezer 
 
 28 
 81 
 
 1809 
 
 New Valley ..W 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 391 
 
 In 1791, a case was brought before the Association 
 which produced considerable agitation. James Hutchin- 
 son, who was born in New Jersey, but raised in Loudoun 
 county, Virginia, had gone to Georgia, and there first be- 
 came a Methodist and then a Baptist preacher. Previous 
 to his joining the Baptists he had been baptized by a 
 Methodist preacher. When he offered to join the Bap- 
 tists of Georgia it was made a question whether his bap- 
 tism, being performed by an unbaptized person, was valid. 
 The Georgia Baptists. decided that it was valid. 
 
 In the year above mentioned, Mr. Hutchinson came to 
 Virginia to see his relations in Loudoun county. While 
 he was there his preaching became effectual to the con- 
 version of many. Mr. Hutchinson baptized them. These 
 things stirred up the question in the Ketocton Associa- 
 tion whether the baptism of Hutchinson and his new dis- 
 ciples was valid. The decision here was just the reverse 
 of the decision in Georgia. They determined not to re- 
 ceive either him or those baptized by him," unless they 
 would submit to be rebaptized. After some time they 
 consented and the ordinance was readministered. Their 
 proceeding on this occasion was more strict than that of 
 any other Association upon the same subject. The ques- 
 tion has been before most of the Associations at one time 
 or other, and in every other instance they either deemed 
 it unnecessary to rebaptize or left it to the conscience of 
 the party to be rebaptized or not. The arguments were : 
 That the most important prerequisite to baptism was faith 
 in the subject ; that, although it was expedient to have a 
 fixed rule for qualifying persons for the administration of 
 the ordinances, yet the want of such qualifications in the 
 administrator ought not to be viewed as having sufficient 
 weight to invalidate the baptism. On the other hand, it was 
 
892 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 argued : That if such baptism was sanctioned everything 
 like ordination might be dispensed with ; that ordination 
 was not only expedient, but an institution of the Bible, 
 and, therefore, indispensable ; that such proceedings, if 
 allowed, might go to great lengths, and, ultimately, pro- 
 duce confusion. ■ 
 
 About the same time the Association was consulted as 
 to the propriety of a church's requiring of each of her 
 members to contribute to the expenses of the church ac- 
 cording to their property. The Association determined 
 that a regulation of that kind in a church was lawful, 
 and that persons that would not submit to it deserved to 
 be excluded from the privileges of the church. It was 
 easy for the church to ask, and for the Association to give 
 her advice ; the correctness of which cannot be doubted 
 upon right principles. But it was not quite so easy to 
 execute. The attempt was made in some of the churches, 
 but in consequence of the violent opposition it met with, 
 they desisted from it. 
 
 In 1787, the lawfulness of hereditary slavery was de- 
 bated in this Association. They determined that heredi- 
 tary slavery was a breach of the divine law. They then 
 appointed a committee to bring in a plan of gradual 
 emancipation, which was accordingly done. They were 
 treading upon delicate ground. It excited considerable 
 tumult in the churches, and accordingly in their letters 
 to the next Association they remonstrated so decidedly 
 that the Association resolved to take no further steps in 
 the business. 
 
 The Association took up the subject of the General 
 Meeting of Correspondence at different periods, but in 
 every instance decided against encouraging it. There 
 are, however, within the limits of the district a very re- 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 393 
 
 spectable party who are favorable to the institution of 
 the General Meeting; and it is hoped that at no very 
 distant day the whole Association will discover how 
 requisite such a meeting is towards preserving peace and 
 uniformity among a great people. 
 
 The office of moderator has been discharged by Messrs. 
 Fristoe, Moore and Munroe, alternately, each of whom 
 seems to possess the qualifications requisite to fill the 
 chair with dignity and skill. 
 
 Their standing clerk for many years has been Mr. 
 Thomas Buck. It is not presumable they will want any 
 other as long as he is willing and able to act. 
 
CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 historical sketches of the churches in the ketoc- 
 ton association. 
 
 Ketocton. 
 Of the origin of this mother church some account has 
 already been given in the general history of the Regular 
 Baptists. After Mr. Garrard had removed to Mill Creek, 
 the care of the church fell to Elder John Marks. From 
 the time that their numbers first appear on the minutes 
 until the present day there has been very little variation ; 
 from vv^hich we infer that their course has been even and 
 smooth. 
 
 Elder J. Marks (mentioned above) moved from Penn- 
 sylvania into Virginia either with Mr. Garrard or about 
 the same time. He was rather at an advanced stage of 
 life when he came, but settling in a healthy country, and 
 being very temperate and regular in his life, he lived to 
 be very old. He died about the year 1786, having from 
 first to last maintained a spotless reputation for piety and 
 steadiness. As a preacher he was sound and sensible, 
 yet cold and phlegmatic. Being a poor man and obliged 
 to labor for his support, his ministerial services were con- 
 fined within a small circle. To this circumstance, added 
 to his cold and dry method, may be ascribed his not being 
 more successful. For some years this mother church* 
 
 * This Is the oldest church of the Baptist denomination In Virginia still 
 existent. It Is located near the base of the Blue Ridge. In Loudoun county. 
 Among Its pastors appear the well known names of William F. Broaddus, 
 Barnet Grlmsley, Traverse D. Herndon, H. W. Dodge and I. B. Lake. The 
 church preserve still the early site of their meeting-house, and in 1891 they 
 completed a new and elegant one.helng the third or fourth in which the 
 church has worshipped. The name since 1836 has been written Ketoctin, 
 
 [ 394] 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 395 
 
 was without any regular pastor. Mr. William Gilmore, 
 a warm and active preacher from Maryland, having 
 lately settled within the limits of a neighboring church, 
 has consented to attend them statedly.. 
 
 Little River 
 
 was some of the early fruits of Rev. D. Thomas's minis- 
 try in Virginia. In this work, however, he was power- 
 fully aided by Rev. Richard Major, their first pastor ; for 
 although the first seed were sown by Mr. Thomas, yet 
 Mr. Major watered and nourished the plants until he 
 brought them to perfection. So rapidly did the Gospel 
 spread in this church that just two years after they were 
 constituted they were the most numerous church in the 
 Association, having two hundred and seventy-two mem- 
 bers. Her branches, however, extended into the neigh- 
 boring parts. When any of these branches became suffi- 
 ciently numerous they were constituted into new churches, 
 by which the mother church was reduced in numbers. 
 During 'Mr. Major's life they were a happy and united 
 people, greatly attached to their minister. After his 
 death they were without any regular pastor for some 
 years. Lately they have chosen Rev. Robert Latham* 
 as their pastor, who is a man of gifts, and who neglects 
 not the gifts that are in him. 
 
 [This church is still to be found in the list of the Po- 
 tomac Association. It is in Loudoun county, ten or 
 twelve miles southeast of Leesburg. John Ogilvie was 
 pastor here from about 1830 till his death, in June, 1849. 
 Lovell Marders labored here also for many years. The 
 
 • £ldeT Latham was born In Culpeper county, November 2, 1769, and re- 
 moved early In life to Prince William. He was pastor of Little River church 
 for fifteen years, and of Long Branch for seventeen. He died April 15, 1833, 
 and the Columbia Association paid high tribute to his memory. 
 
396 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 progress of the body may be traced through the reports 
 of the Ketocton, Columbia and Potomac Associations, 
 with which at different periods it has beeii connected.] 
 
 New Valley 
 
 was formed partly by emigrants from Pennsylvania and 
 partly by converts in Virginia. Their first pastor moved 
 from Great Valley in Pennsylvania, and, settling here, 
 took the care of this church. He was not much distin- 
 guished, and the church seems to have trodden in his 
 steps as to her religious prosperity. She was represented 
 by her pastor in the Associations until 1778. After that 
 time her name appears no more upon the minutes until 
 1793, and then she has only thirteen members. For eight 
 or ten years after this they seem still to have been a de- 
 clining people ; but for four or five years past they ap- 
 pear to have been looking up. Mr. Gilmore's labors here, 
 as well as in most of the places where he preaches, seem 
 to be attended by a divine blessing. 
 
 [William Gilmore, pastor of this church, bec'ame a 
 leader among the old-school or anti-mission Baptists in 
 1832—33, and the church followed their pastor.] 
 
 Goose Creek. 
 
 This church exhibits proof of how much good may be 
 done by active and intelligent private members, who, 
 like Aquila and Priscilla, are willing to be heifers in 
 Christ yesus. It does not appear during the thirty- 
 five years they have been acting as a church that they 
 ever had any regular pastor, and yet there are few 
 churches in the Association whose course has been more 
 prosperous. The compiler thinks it worthy of note that 
 in his frequent and diligent researches of the minutes of 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 397 
 
 the Association he has not observed a single session in 
 which this church has not been represented. He has 
 not beeii informed of her internal order, but he infers 
 from what he has learned that she is, at home as well as 
 abroad, a dutiful and obedient daughter of Salem. 
 
 [This church was located in the northwestern section 
 of Fauquier county, near the head of Goose creek. The 
 name of the church was at an early date changed to 
 Pleasant Valley, by which it is now known. John Ogil- 
 vie was pastor of the body for a period of twenty-five 
 years — until near his death, in June, 1849. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Barnet Grimsley, who held the pastorate from 
 1848 till 1865, a period of seventeen years.] 
 
 Leesburg and Ebenezer. 
 These are young churches that have not been distin- 
 guished for anything very remarkable. Neither of them 
 at present has any resident pastor. Ebenezer has, how- 
 ever, the stated services of William Fristoe. Leesburg 
 is frequently visited by Jeremiah Moore. These old, 
 faithful and laborious servants of the most high God, 
 through the scarcity of preachers, are under the neces- 
 sity of serving several congregations besides those in 
 which they are residents. 
 
 North Fork.* 
 This church was once under the care of Elder Alder- 
 son Weeks,! a preacher of acceptance and usefulness. 
 
 * This body was located in Loudoun county, eight or nine miles southeast 
 of Leesburg. The name still appears In the list of churches comprising 
 the Potomac Association. Elder Thaddeus Herndon served as pastor of 
 this church for a period of forty years. Since his death (June 2, 1878) the 
 pastors have been as follows : Samuel Saunders, P. T. Warren, Hugh P. Mc- 
 Cormlck t^nd S. M. Athey. 
 
 ■l-Mr. Weeks, the first pastor of this church, moved to Bedford, and there 
 has the care of a church. We presume it Is the same man. — Author's note. 
 
398 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Of late, Elder William Gilmore has become their pastor, 
 and under his ministry God has granted them a precious 
 revival. Returns of twenty-six baptized w^ere made to 
 the last Association, and the work was still going on. 
 Mr. Gilmore is spoken of as a young preacher of good 
 talents, who is willing also to occupy them. 
 
 Alexandria, 
 
 in~the city of that name, though not a large, is a respect- 
 able church. They are the fruits of Elder Moore's min- 
 isterial labors, and with whom they are a very favorite 
 people ; while they, on their part, reciprocate his tender 
 regard. What more glorious sight on earth than a pious 
 and affectionate people receiving the tidings of peace and 
 salvation from pious, animating and affectionate minis- 
 ters ? The Methodists have taken the lead of late years 
 in Alexandria ; indeed, in most of the large towns in 
 Virginia they have greatly outstripped the other Chris- 
 tian sects. Whether their government, being more ener- 
 getic than that of the Baptists, is on that account better 
 adapted to the disorderly habits of a town ; or whether 
 their frequent change of preachers tends to gratify that 
 taste which, like that of the Athenians, prompts them to 
 tell or to hear some new thing ; or whether, having in- 
 fluence with their preachers, they station their best ones 
 in populous cities, which is not the case with Baptists, 
 cannot be easily decided. The friends of the Baptists in 
 some places hope that at no distant day the scene will be 
 changed. 
 
 [The death of Elder Moore occurred February 24, 1815, 
 and Spencer H. Cone soon afterwards became pastor of 
 this church and served for seven years. Rev. S. Corne- 
 lius succeeded him in 1824 and remained thirteen years. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 399 
 
 .Subsequently O. W. Briggs, H. H. Tucker, S. M. Shute, 
 C. C. Bitting, E. J. Willis, C. H. Ryland, W. N. Penick, 
 O. F. Flippo and I. M. Mercer have been pastors here. 
 During the service of Rev. S. M. Shute the present sub- 
 stantial church edifice was erected (i857-'8). The pres- 
 ent pastor is Rev. J. H. Butler.] 
 
 Frying Pan 
 
 has been a larger church than it is at present. Many 
 of the members moving to other parts, and there being 
 little or no revival to fill up the vacancies, they have for 
 some years had rather discouraging prospects. 
 
 Elder Jeremiah Moore, their present pastor, is about 
 sixty-four years of age. He was born June 7, 1746, in the 
 county of Prince William, of parents in the middle rank 
 of life, and raised in the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
 At about seventeen years of age he heard Rev. David 
 Thomas preach, by which his thoughts were turned upon 
 sacred things. He had never given in to the daring vices 
 of the age, but was rather virtuously inclined, having 
 from 'a very early period had some legal notions of reli- 
 gion. His convictions were extremely pungent, and 
 lasted a considerable length of time. At last a revela- 
 tion of the Redeemer's fullness to save the greatest of 
 sinners was made to his mind, and he rejoiced in hope 
 of his glory. His first profession of grace was in the 
 year 1772, and he soon was baptized. 
 
 Mr. Moore is not only a preacher, but a writer. He 
 published some years since two or three treatises in de- 
 fence of his principles, in which very considerable inge- 
 nuity is displayed. His call to the ministry has some- 
 thing worthy ot note. His mind being previously much 
 agitated between his impressions to preach and his appre- 
 
400 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 hensions of unworthiness, God decided his doubts bjr 
 impressing upon his mind in a distinguished manner 
 these words : " Neglect not the gift that is in thee" ; fol- 
 lowed quickly by these : " Study to show thyself ap- 
 proved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." 
 After this he commenced preaching, fully persuaded, 
 weak as he felt himself, that God had called him. Per- 
 secution and affliction are said to be proof of a minister's 
 call. Mr. Moore soon had this proof. In 1773, while he 
 was preaching in the bounds of the church called Diffi- 
 cult, a magistrate, attended by the rector of the parish, 
 had him arrested by a constable and ordered, to prison. 
 His rnittimus was w^ritten in these remarkable words: 
 "I send you herewith the body of Jeremiah Moore, w^ho 
 is a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christj and also a 
 stroller," &c. This was somewhat similar to Pilate's in- 
 scribing over the cross of Christ, "Jesus of Nazareth, 
 King of the Jews." Mr. Moore escaped this imprison- 
 ment by obtaining legal license for places of preaching. 
 
 At another time a lawless mob, headed by two magis- 
 trates, seized Mr. Moore and another preacher who was 
 with him, and carried them off to duck them. After 
 they had ducked Mr. Moore's companion, they discharged 
 them both. These, added to the scoffs and ignominious 
 reproaches unjustly thrown upon him, were a p^rt of his 
 early sufferings in his Master's service. It is. now little 
 less than forty years since he began to preach, during all 
 which time he has labored with increasing diligence.* 
 
 In point of talents Mr. Moore certainly stands in the 
 front row of Virginia preachers. His person and voice 
 
 *Inl795, Mr. Moore preached at a General Committee, In Louisa, where 
 the compiler heard him obaerve that he had traveled and preached dis- 
 tances sufficient to reach twice round the world. He has lost no time 
 since that.— jlutAor'a note. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 401 
 
 are extremely advantageous ; his style is strong and ener- 
 getic, and, indeed, elegant; especially as he had not the 
 advantages of a refined education ; his ideas are brilliant, 
 and really flow upon him so abundantly that by some of 
 his friends it has been thought rather a hurt, as it pre- 
 vented him from making so clear an arrangement as he 
 might otherwise do. He is well versed in the Scriptures, 
 and without doubt often gives lucid explanations of mys- 
 terious texts. His system is high Calvinism, which he 
 preaches with great ingenuity, and, indeed, some of his 
 warmest friends are of opinion that his talents and tem- 
 per tending that way have sometimes prompted him to 
 enter unseasonably upon the mysterious points in that 
 system, and thereby to deal out to weak stomachs meats 
 too strong for their digestion. His talents for pulpit sa- 
 'tire is probably equal to any man's in Virginia. This he 
 is thought sometimes to throw out rather too lavishly upon 
 his opponents. Solomon says : " Though you bray a fool 
 in a mortar, yet will not his foolishness depart from him." 
 If that be correct, then it is better sometimes not to an- 
 swer a fool according to his folly. 
 
 Finally, admitting these inaccuracies, yet it is doubtful 
 whether any other preacher in Virginia has run a more 
 honorable course than Mr. Moore — honorable to his God, 
 honorable to himself and honorable to his people. His 
 age foretells that the crown of glory will not await him 
 much longer. 
 
 [Frying Pan church took its name from the place thus 
 called, near the border line between Loudoun and Fair- 
 fax counties. William Gilmore was their pastor as late 
 as 1833, and they probably adopted his anti-mission prin- 
 ciples. Elder Moore, the founder of the Second Baptist 
 church, Washington, D. C, died February 24, 1815, on the 
 26 
 
402 HISTORY OP VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 field of his life-long labor, having preached his last sermon 
 at Centreville, in Fairfax county. His son Francis, also a 
 preacher, survived him, and proved a faithful minister to 
 the end of his life, which occurred February 15, 1831.] 
 
 Bull Run* 
 
 has been a more numerous church than at present. When 
 the Gospel was carried here by the admirable and amiable 
 Richard Major a gre0,t revival of religion arose, so that 
 in a little time a church was constituted having 126 
 members. From the constitution of new churches, &c., 
 their number had become somewhat reduced, until about 
 1792 they had the smiles of Heaven and large additions 
 were made. Not many less than a hundred were bap- 
 tized, by which this church rose to higher prosperity than 
 she had ever previously, enjoyed. After the loss of Mr. 
 Major they employed Thomas Bridges as their pastor. 
 His conduct while among them was approved of as far 
 as it was known, insomuch that when he left them they 
 gave him a letter of commendation. It was after he left 
 them that his nefarious practices were made manifest.^ 
 
 Difficult and PopesheadJ 
 
 were once large and increasing churches, being the 
 mothers of many pious and useful members, many of 
 whom moved off to the western country. See the note on 
 the Ketocton table. 
 
 *The church of this name disappeared early from our records. It was 
 doubtless situated on the stream of the same name, since made historic by 
 the great battles fought near it in 1861 and 1862. This stream flows between 
 Loudoun and Fairfax counties on one side and Prince William on the other. 
 
 + Of late the compiler has had an opportunity of frequently seeing Bridges 
 in the penitentiary. He professes to haye repented aifd to hope that he has 
 obtained pardon of God for all his crimes. His keepers and fellow-prison, 
 ers say that he has greatly reformed.— ^ufftor's note. 
 
 X See note next page. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 403 
 
 OCCOQU.ON* 
 
 is the only church wholly in Prince William county. 
 She was raised under the ministry of David Thomas, and 
 had him as their pastor for some time. Their present 
 pastor is Elder Philip Spiller, a preacher who confines 
 his labors chiefly to his ' own vicinity. His church has 
 rather increased of late years. 
 
 Chappawamsick.* 
 
 This church has been much distinguished among her 
 sister churches in the Ketocton Association. From her 
 have been constituted several of the neighboring churches, 
 and in her were raised some of the most eminent minis- 
 ters of the Gospel that have ever appeared in the Asso- 
 ciation. William and Daniel Fristoe, Jeremiah Moore 
 and William Grinstead are all sons of Chappawamsick. 
 
 When Mr. Thomas first began to preach in these parts, 
 he met with violent opposition. Public worship was 
 sometimes prevented by the enemies of religion. To 
 please God is to offend the devil. Satan felt his throne 
 shake, and was determined to prop it with the pillars of 
 darkness. Persecutions, scoffs, reproaches, false reports, 
 &c., were tried, but all in vain. They fell before the Gos- 
 pel as the walls of Jericho fell before the blowing of the 
 rams' horns. Mr. Thomas sowed the first seed, which 
 were watered by his ministerial sons, William and Daniel 
 Fristoe, «nd in a few years by Mr. Moore also. So rap- 
 idly did the Word increase among them that in 1770, three 
 years after the constitution, they had one hundred and 
 seventy-six members ; and the following year, after dis- 
 
 * These churches, situated near the Potomac, in Prince William and Staf- 
 ford counties, never appeared in the list of missionary Baptist bodies. 
 The former two became early extinct; the latter yet exists as an anti- 
 mission or Primitive church. 
 
404 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 missing thirty-six members to form the Potomac church, 
 they had remaining two hundred and twelve. The next 
 year, dismissing ninety-seven at once to form Brent Town 
 church, they were reduced to 1 16. From this period Chap- 
 pawamsick gradually declined for many years. William 
 Fristoe had fallen into Potomac, and Daniel into Brent 
 Town, so that the mother church was rather destitute. 
 About 1786, William Fristoe returned and continued 
 among them for many years. In the great revival about 
 1791 and 1792 this church arose from the dust and put 
 on her garments of praise. Her number, from being very 
 small, increased to nearly a hundred. After the revival 
 subsided another winter succeeded. Times grew so dis- 
 couraging that Mr. Fristoe had serious fears that God had 
 removed the candlestick, and that He would no'more be 
 gracious to the people of this vicinity. With these im- 
 pressions he moved some distance up the country. This 
 took place about 1801 or 1802. A few years previous to 
 Mr. Fristoe's removal, Mr. William Grinstead had been 
 baptized. Mr. Fristoe's dejected feelings were caught by 
 Mr. Grinstead. He was filled with anxiety. At length 
 he felt impressions to look out for a remedy. He himself 
 began to exhort, and from that to preach. God smiled, 
 his labors were blessed, and more than sixty added to the 
 church. " God works in a mysterious way." Had Mr. 
 Fristoe continued, Mr. Grinstead, according to human 
 views, might not have become a preacher. Under Elder 
 Grinstead's ministry, they have been a happy people. 
 Mr. Grinstead is a popular preacher, of pleasing manners, 
 and extensive gifts.* 
 
 * William Grinstead removed to Kentucky, where, in 1812, he became pas- 
 tor of MaysyiUe church, and about the same year he began a brief pastorate 
 in May's Lick. His connection with the former charge continued until 1824, 
 when be was excluded for Intemperance. He finished his unhappy course 
 December 23, 1827, haying reached an advanced age. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 405 
 
 Elder William Fristoe, though a considerable distance 
 off, is still a member of Chappawamsick. He was born 
 about 1748, in the county of Stafford. At a very early 
 period of life he heard the Gospel from the mouth of 
 David Thomas. He became seriously impressed, and 
 strove to do many things in a legal way to obtain divine 
 favor. When every refuge failed^ he cast his care upon 
 Christ, and found in Him a rich supply of pardoning, 
 saving love. Although but a mere youth, he felt im- 
 pressions to preach ; and accordingly, at about nineteen 
 years of age, he began to appear in public for that sacred 
 purpose. He demeaned himself with so much gravity 
 and prudence that no man could despise his youth. As 
 he grew older he extended his labors to more distant 
 parts. Wherever he went, his preaching was more or 
 less effectual in the salvation of sinners. Some of the 
 most eminent preachers in Virginia owned him as their 
 spiritual father. Lunsford, Mason, Hickerson, with sev- 
 eral others, received the tidings of peace from his lips. 
 In 1774, when about twenty-six years of age, he was 
 chosen moderator to the Association, although all the 
 older preachers were present. From that time he often 
 discharged the duties of that office. His zeal, like a lamp 
 fed by inexhaustible stores of oil, has never been extin- 
 guished ; indeed, has seldom burnt dim. Forty-three 
 years of weariness and painfulness have not yet made 
 him weary in well-doing. His infirmities of body, for 
 many years, have been constant ; yet, despite all, he 
 travels almost incessantly, and deals out the food of life 
 to the hungry flocks. He attends three or four different 
 congregations statedly ; and these at a considerable dis- 
 tance from each other. 
 
 In the pulpit, though not versed in the learning of the 
 schools, he displays abilities which many doctors of divinity 
 
406 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 have not attained. His language, though plain, is strong 
 and nervous ; his manner is solemn, as one having author- 
 ity ; he is a strong Calvinistin his principles, and preaches 
 them fully as much as is proper. Mr. Fristoe's age and 
 infirmities indicate that he will be called ere long to re- 
 ceive his reward. 
 
 Mr. Fristoe, by the appointment, or rather at the re- 
 quest of the Ketocton Association, undertook to write 
 her history. His book came out in the year 1809. 
 
 , * 
 
 • White Oak| 
 
 appears first on the minutes of the Association in the year 
 1791, having been taken off from Hartwood, and consti- 
 tuted under the care of Andrew Leach. He continued 
 pastor for many years, dui'ing which they had many trials 
 as well as comforts. A few years past he removed to 
 Nanjemoy, in Maryland. Since his removal they have 
 obtained the ministerial attention of Elder Hipkins Pit- 
 man, a resident within the bounds of the Goshen Asso- 
 ciation ; in consequence of which they were dismissed in 
 1809 to join the Goshen. They have had a small revival 
 of late. 
 
 * Elder William Fristoe was torn In Stafford about tlie year 1742. After 
 becoming a preacher lie was long accustomed to ride seventy miles to at- 
 tend his appointments at Buck Marsh (Berryvllle). He was also long pas- 
 tor of Thumb Run church, In Fauquier, forty miles distant from his home. 
 In 1787 he became pastor of Broad Run church, and later removed to Shen- 
 andoah county, still retaining this pastorate. He died in the lattereounty, 
 August 14, 1828, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-six years. His little 
 work on the Ketocton Association, published at Staunton in 1808,1s of great 
 value. 
 
 + The meeting-house of this church was situated in Stafford, about seven 
 miles east of Fredericksburg. They maintained connection with the Go- 
 shen Association till the missionary agitation of 1832-'S3, when they fell 
 into the ranks of the Primitive order. The meeting-house has been re- 
 paired from time to time, and is still in use. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 407 
 
 Hartwood.* 
 
 This church was formerly called Potomac. They were 
 under the care of Elder William Fristoe. Mr. Fristoe 
 remarks in his history of the Ketocton Association that 
 " the weakness of her members in common was such that 
 she was scarcely ever able to direct her own discipline, 
 yet out of her arose a number of useful, and some very 
 eminent gifts, viz., Lunsford, Mason, Hickerson, and sev- 
 eral others that are less known abroad." Mr. Fristoe was 
 their minister for several years, during which time the 
 above preachers were raised up. After he ceased to act 
 as pastor they obtained the ministerial services of Elder 
 John Hickerson. 
 
 Since his death Ephraim Abel attends them in the 
 character of pastor. 
 
 In this church arose James Garrard, late Governor of 
 Kentucky.f While in Virginia he was distinguished by 
 his fellow-citizens, and elected to the Assembly and mili- 
 tary appointments. After he moved to Kentucky he be-, 
 gan to preach, and was thought to possess talents for the 
 pulpit. He continued to preach until he was made Gov- 
 ernor. For the honors of men he resigned the office of 
 God. He relinquished the clerical robe for the more 
 splendid mantle of human power. The prophet says to 
 Asa : " If ye forsake God, He will forsake you." It is 
 
 * Hartwood church was situated about twelve miles west of Fredericks- 
 burg, In Stafford county. The meeting-house continued to be used until 
 destroyed by Federal soldiers during the late war. The church was of the 
 old-school order. 
 
 + Governor Garrard was born January 14, 1749, and served as an ofiacer In 
 the Virginia militia in the early part of the war of the Revolution, and 
 subsequently as a member of the State Legislature. Shortly after removing 
 to Kentucky he was chosen to the Legislature, In which he served several 
 terms. In 1796 he was elected Governor of the State, a position which he 
 filled for eight years with marked ability and acceptance. He resided In 
 Bourbon county, where he died January 9, 1822. 
 
408 HISTOSY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 not strange that Colonel Garrard, after such a course, 
 should fall into many foolish and hurtful snares. While 
 Governor he had for his secretary H. Toulmin, said to be 
 a trans-Atlantic Socinian preacher, but a man of talents. 
 Through this man, report says, Governor Garrard fell 
 into the Arian or Socinian scheme. Through the Gov- 
 ernor many others were corrupted, until a serious and 
 disti-essing schism took place. So it remains at this time. 
 
 Let it be tried a thousand times, and in nine hundred 
 and ninety -nine cases it will be found that preachers who 
 aim at worldly honors will be completely ruined or greatly 
 depreciated as preachers. 
 
 It is due to Governor Garrard to say that his conduct 
 has been orderly and, indeed, gentlemanly, and that he 
 has honored every other character w^hich he has ever as- 
 sumed, except the one which, of all others, he ought to 
 
 have valued. 
 
 Broad Run. 
 The origin of this church is treated of in our general 
 history of the Regular Baptists. Since that time their 
 course has been regular and steady. They have not for 
 many years had any resident pastor, yet they were at- 
 tended statedly for a length of time by Elder William 
 Fristoe. They are blessed with a number of valuable 
 private members, whose actions say that their right hand 
 shall forget her cunning before they forget Jerusalem. 
 They are not so numerous as in the days of their youth. 
 
 Thumb Run 
 was planted by the labors of Mr. William Fristoe, who 
 continued to attend them monthly for a long time, al- 
 though he lived at the distance of forty miles. For 
 many years the church dwindled, until they were almost 
 reduced to nothing ; but being revived in a small degi'ee 
 about 1802, they grew to about fifty members. A few 
 
KETOGTON ASSOCIATION. 409 
 
 years past they had another comfortable revival, by which 
 they have risen to their present state. It does not ap- 
 pear that they have ever had any regular pastor, but have 
 been visited by the preachers of the adjacent churches. 
 They have some zealous and active private members. 
 The labors of Mr. Latham, who is at present their occa- 
 sional pastor, have been blessed among them. 
 Brent Town. 
 This church was stricken off from Chappawamsick 
 under the pastoral care of the indefatigable Daniel Fris- 
 toe. They were a very happy and united people during 
 the time of Mr. Fristoe's continuance among them. By 
 his death they sustained an almost irreparable loss. 
 They have since passed through many perplexing scenes 
 at different times, and have also enjoyed some heavenly 
 seasons. Their state may be said to have been rather a 
 declining one. 
 
 Upper Carter's Run 
 was once a tolerably prosperous church, but by the re- 
 moval of her pastor, with some other causes, she declined, 
 until she has disappeared from the minutes of the Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Long Branch* 
 
 was formerly under the care of Elder John Munroe. 
 Their course has not been marked by anything singular. 
 
 *Long Branch oliurcli was constituted with twenty-five members. Their 
 place of worship was in Loudoun county, half a mile distant from the site 
 of the present meeting-house, in a southeasterly direction, on the road 
 leading to Hopewell. This ohurcli became one of the constituent members 
 of the Columbia Association In 1820. also of the Salem Union Association 
 twelve years later. The pastors of Long Branch have been as follows: 
 John Munroe, M. D., William Grinstead, Robert Latham, William F. Broad- 
 dus, Barnet Grimsley, Traverse D. Herndon, Thomas W. Greer, George W. 
 Harris, James A. Haynea and Wayland F. Dunaway. The following minis- 
 ters have been oidalned from this church, viz.: Thaddeus Herndon, Rich- 
 ard N. Herndon, John C. Herndon, George Love, Traverse D. Herndon, 
 Charles S. Adams, John Picket and James A. Woolf. 
 
410 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Elder William Grinstead is their present minister, though 
 ■ living at some distance from them. 
 Back Lick 
 was first called Accotink, but assumed her present name 
 about 1792. She was made up of members taken off 
 from Popeshead and Difficult churches. Her first minis- 
 ter was Henry Hagan, a preacher of some distinction. 
 He died about 1793. Mr. Moore then preached for them 
 for some time. Of late they have had no stated minis- 
 try. They have had at different times some pleasant re- 
 vivals, and may be said to be a church of very respecta- 
 ble standing. 
 
 Hedgeman's River. 
 
 This church lies upon the borders of Fauquier and 
 Culpeper. The members of which she was first com- 
 posed were dismissed from Hartwood for that purpose, 
 anno 1791. They had Rev. John Hickerson for their 
 preacher from the time of their constitution until he died. 
 Since his death they have had no stated preacher. They 
 have been a flourishing church. 
 
 Elder John Hickerson was born in Fauquier. His father, 
 Nathaniel Hickerson, is still living. John professed to 
 know the joyful sound when quite a young man. The 
 following is a short representation of him given by Rev. 
 Jeremiah Moore, who was his intimate friend: "Bro- 
 ther Hickerson was eminent for piety, zeal and laborious- 
 ness in the work of the ministry. He never lost sight 
 of the precious doctrines of rich and sovereign g^ace. 
 Few, very few, have made equal progress in divine 
 knowledge, who stood on the same ground with him." 
 He died suddenly of cramp in the stomach at Leesburg, 
 Virginia, on Saturday, the 28th of January, 1809.* 
 
 * Very few particulars hare been preserved to us of the life of Elder John 
 Hickerson, who was eminently useful In his day. Rev. Thornton String- 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIA TION. 411 
 
 His remains were conveyed to his mournful family and 
 interred on Monday following. The following verses 
 were composed by Mr. Moore in honor of his memory : 
 
 Hark, hark ! what awful tidings roar ! 
 
 What strains o£ grief we hear ! 
 The mighty herald is no more 
 
 And Zion drops the tear. 
 
 In mournful accents she complains. 
 
 Ah ! must the mighty fall ! 
 And death the tyrant ever reign, 
 
 The grave consume us all ? 
 
 Must prophets and apostles die, 
 
 And saints forever weep ; 
 Must useful gifts and virtue'lie 
 
 In death's eternal sleep? 
 
 No ! Faith forbids these mournful sighs, 
 
 And dries the flowing tear ; 
 Sees saints from sleeping tombs arise 
 
 And the Great Judge appear. 
 
 Then shall the herald quit the tomb. 
 
 With shouts to sovereign grace ; 
 The day of full reward is come 
 
 And saints must take their place. 
 
 At Christ's right hand his bride appears, 
 
 From sin and death released; 
 Her eyes are washed from grief and tears. 
 
 Her soul is filled with peace. 
 
 Eternally his saints shall sing 
 
 His praise in lofty strains, 
 And Heaven with hallelujahs ring, 
 
 " The Lord the Saviour reigns." 
 
 fellow, who preached on the field where he fell, tells us that bis name was 
 " covered with honor and embalmed In love." To the praise of Hedgeman's 
 River (now Jeffersonton) church, the record is made that they gave to Elder 
 Hlckerson a little farm In Culpeper, with occasional helps to cultivate it, 
 that be might give to destitute places his evangelical services. 
 
412 SISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 [This body (now known as Jeffersonton church) wor- 
 shipped at first in private houses in the vicinity of Free- 
 man's Ford, in the northeastern sec.tion of Culpeper 
 county. Their meeting-house was afterwards built at 
 Jeffersonton, within a few feet of where the present house 
 of worship stands. The church was at first an arm of 
 Carter's Run. Cumberland Geoj-ge, Barnet Grimsley, 
 L. R. Steele and M. R. Grimsley have served as pastors 
 to Jeffersonton church ; and among the ministerial sons of 
 the body are George W. Latham and W. W. Wood. The 
 location of this church being within the bounds of the 
 Shiloh Association, they became early connected with 
 that body and so remain.] 
 
 South River 
 has always been a small church, but has had some very 
 worthy and respectable members. 
 
 William Northern, who at present discharges the duties 
 of pastor, has not been many years in the ministry. The 
 pious own him as a messenger of peace.* 
 
 Water Lick f 
 was, in a considerable degree, the fruit of the ministry 
 of Rev. John Price ; and he was their first pastor. After 
 Mr. Price moved to Kentucky, they had the services of 
 Rev. Jaines Ireland, until his death. Since Mr. Ireland's 
 death, God has raised up for this and some of the adjacent 
 churches the active and useful Samuel O'Hendren. This 
 church has passed through a course hitherto not very 
 prosperous nor very adverse. 
 
 ♦South River church (located in the vicinity of Luray) took sides with 
 the " Primitive" or Old-School party in the Black Rock strife. 
 
 + Thls church, situated near Buckton Station, Manassas Gap railroad, 
 adopted the views of the OJd School Baptists. They were formerly an in- 
 fluential and wealthy church, but are at present weak. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 413 
 
 Rev. John Price,* their first pastor, is a man'of consid- 
 erable gifts. He acted for "many years as clerk to the 
 Ketocton Association ; and was, while in Virginia, con- 
 sidered a man of weigTit in religious concerns. In Ken- 
 tucky likewise, he has been distinguished as a man of zeal 
 and parts. By some of his acquaintances, however, it has 
 been thought that his zeal partook too much of the nature 
 of party spirit. In the disputes about hereditary slavery 
 Mr. Price took a very active part in favor of hereditai-y 
 slavery. In the late unhappy divisions in that country 
 respecting the affair of Jacob Creath and others, Mr. Price 
 is on the side of the minority, who seem disposed to push 
 things to extremes. In disputes as inveterate as this has 
 been, it is out of the question, in the estimation of men in- 
 fluenced by pious feelings, whether the merits of the 
 case be on this side or that. Men prompted by disin- 
 terested motives, for the love of God, will say to all par- 
 ties, " Are ye not carnal ? " It is impossible in disputes 
 carried on as this has been but that both sides must be 
 wrong. It is charitable to hope that Mr. Price and those 
 respectable characters engaged with him will in their 
 last days see better times whenever love shall regain its 
 ascendency, and they shall cease to bite and devour one 
 another. 
 
 Thomas Buck, clerk to the Association, is a member 
 of this church. He, though not a preacher in words, is 
 a preacher in works. He is a man of wealth. 
 
 [The " unhappy divisions " here mentioned in connec- 
 tion with Elder Price were those which grew out of the 
 
 *Elder John Price was for a number of years active and useful in build- 
 ing up tbe young churches and carrying the Gospel into new settlements 
 in Kentucky. He was pastor of Marble Creek church and prominent in the 
 creation of Licking Association. A too partisan spirit impaired the useful- 
 ness of his later life. 
 
414 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 refusal of Elder Jacob Creath to pay a note given in ex- 
 change for a Negro girl, and the action of Town Fork 
 church in sustaining him, upon the ground that he " was 
 poor " and the party to whom the' note was due " was 
 rich." Elijah Craig published a pamphlet denouncing 
 Elder Creath's course in bitter terms ; the Elkhorn Asso- 
 ciation became involved in the controversy and was rent 
 in twain on account of it. The echoes of the strife, it 
 appears, were heard and felt in Virginia.] 
 
 Happy Creek.* 
 
 This church was first called Lower South River, and 
 has long been a church of good standing. Although 
 never numerous, there have always been members in her 
 communion who were an honor to the cause which they 
 professed. 
 
 Mr. Ireland was their first pastor. He resigned, and 
 after others had acted and moved off he again became 
 their preacher until his death. Mr. Marshall, the second 
 pastor, was among the first fruits of the ministry of the 
 Separate Baptist preachers in Fauquier, about Carter's 
 Run. He soon became a very zealous and successful 
 preacher. From Carter's Run he went to Battle Run, 
 and preached to much purpose. From thence he traveled 
 over the Blue Ridge, and preached in his zealous way 
 upon South river, where was a considerable and rather 
 singular stir. (It is said that those religiously exercised 
 would bark as dogs. This exercise is said not to have 
 been uncommon when the jerks prevailed in Kentucky.) 
 Mr. Marshall being a man of more warmth than wis- 
 dom, more grace than gifts, did not obtain the pas- 
 
 * Happy Creek church was located in and around Front Royal. It is still 
 an influential body belonging to the Old-School (anti-mission) Baptists. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 415 
 
 toral care of a church at first. After some difficulties 
 he was at last chosen pastor of South River, now called 
 Happy Creek. But, moving to Kentucky about 1782,* 
 he was succeeded in the care of the church by John Tay- 
 lor, one of her own sons. Mr. Taylor also, about 1783, 
 moved to Kentucky, and has been there, as he was in 
 Virginia, a preacher of weight, wisdom and usefulness. •(■ 
 Benjamin Dawson, their present pastor, a few years 
 past moved into the upper end of Fauquier, and although 
 not within the limits of Happy Creek, yet being conve- 
 nient he was called as their pi-eacher. He appears to be 
 highly estimated by his fellow-laborers in the Associa- 
 tion and by his acquaintance generally. He is certainly 
 a man of gifts and of very pleasant manners. \ 
 
 Bethel 
 is a young church taken off, as to the first members, from 
 Buck Marsh, but has since increased rapidly. 
 
 * Elder William Marsliall was an uncle of Chief Justice Marshall, and 
 brother of Colonel '* Tom " Marshall, a distinguished pioneer of Kentucky. 
 He married a daughter of Elder John Picket, and as early as 1780 removed 
 to Kentucky, and located in Lincoln county, and was for a time the only 
 preacher in the country lying west of the present turnpike line from Lou- 
 isville to Nashville, by way of Bardstown. He subsequently moved to 
 Shelby county, where he established Fox Run church, from which he be- 
 came separated at length on account of doctrinal differences. A fall from 
 his horse caused him along confinement and much suffering in bis later 
 life. He died in 1813, aged seventy-eight years. 
 
 + John Taylor was a native of Fauquier county; removed to Kentucky in 
 1779; was instrumental in the first religious revival in the State in 1785; 
 founded Clear Creek church, in Woodford county; Bullitsburg church, in 
 Boone ; Corn Creek church, in Trimble ; Buck Run, in Franklin, and aided 
 In the constitution of a church in Frankfort. " He traveled and preached 
 very extensively, and probably performed more labor and was more suc- 
 cessful than any other pioneer preacher in Kentucky." His travels ex- 
 tended to Virginia, where he preached in many places with great accept- 
 ance. He wrote "The History of Ten Churches" and several valuable 
 minor treatises. He died near Frankfort in the winter of 1836. 
 
 X Elder Benjamin Dawson was brother to William Dawson, also a Baptist 
 preacher, and early pastor of Scarrott's church, in Goshen Association. 
 Between 1790 and 1800, and a few years later, these ministers separately and 
 sometimes together labored extensively In the Northern Neck of Virginia. 
 
416 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Samuel O'Hendren, their pastor, is a young preacher 
 in high estimation wherever he is known. As thriving 
 trees show in spring by their blossoms that ripe fruit in 
 plenty may by and by be gathered, so Mr. O'Hendren's 
 present exhibitions indicate some precious and plenteous 
 ingatherings at a future day. May neither frosts nor 
 blasts corrupt or destroy the ripening fruit ! 
 Buck Marsh * 
 
 has long been far the most numerous church in the Ke- 
 tocton Association. This church was planted by the la- 
 bors of Daniel and William Fristoe and others. After 
 their constitution they were joined by a considerable num- 
 ber of members who were dismissed from Mill Creek. 
 The distance at which the two Mr. Fristoes lived ren- 
 dered it inconvenient for them to act as stated pastors ; 
 they, therefore, procured the attendance of Rev. John 
 Garrard. After Mr. Garrard's death Mr. Ireland became 
 their pastor, which took place about 1788. He continued 
 their faithful and successful pastor until his death, in 
 1806. Mr. Collins, the pastor of Zoar, a neighboring 
 church, then became their stated minister. He also died 
 anno 1808. Of late Mr. Fristoe gives them statedly his 
 ministerial labors in much weakness and in much wisdom, 
 viz., bodily weakness and spiritual wisdom, the result of 
 above forty years' experience. 
 
 Zoar. 
 
 This church was first so called because " she was a 
 
 little one." 
 
 *The meetinghouse of Buck Marsh church stood about one-hall mile 
 north of Berryville, the seat of Clarke county. An old graveyard, which 
 may still be seen, adjoined it. Here, in an unmarked grave, reposes the 
 dust of Elder James Ireland, of precious memory. This early body are 
 well and worthily perpetuated in the present Berryville church, one of the 
 most vigorous constituents of the Shenandoah Association. 
 
KETOCTON ASSOCIATION. 417 
 
 Although somewhat grown, they are still but a small 
 people. 
 
 Mr. Christopher Collins, their first pastor, was a man 
 of strong mind, greatly improved by study and literary 
 pursuits. He moved from Westmoreland to Jefferson 
 some years after he was baptized, but before he began to 
 preach. The great dearth of good things in his new 
 habitation stirred up his spirit to appear in the pulpit. 
 Being advanced in life before he became a preacher, his 
 talents did not appear to advantage. As a preacher, 
 he was rather dry and tedious ; yet what he said was 
 sensible, and his labors were owned of God for good. 
 He kept a kind of diary of his religious movements, by 
 reference to which he could tell every text and the heads 
 of every discourse he ever delivered or heard delivered. 
 In his conduct he was very remarkable for his singular 
 correctness. He died regretted by all descriptions of 
 persons. 
 
 Mr. Francis Moore, their present pastor, has been 
 laboring in the vineyard but a few years. He com- 
 menced after the death of Mr. Collins, and was soon 
 recognized by the church as their pastor. He is the son 
 of Jeremiah Moore, mentioned above, and is thought to 
 have drunk from the same fountain. His ministry is 
 thought already to have been productive of good, and is 
 said to promise much and extensive good. 
 
 [This body worshipped for many years in a stone 
 building situated between Charlestown and Duffield sta- 
 tion, about four miles north of the former place. During 
 the pastorate of Dr. J. A. Haynes, about i860, the church 
 decided to change their place of worship to Charlestown 
 and erect a new house. This building remained in an 
 unfinished state during the war of 1861—6^, and was for 
 27 
 
418 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 some time used as a stable by the United States troops. 
 After the war, by heroic efforts of the congregation, 
 aided, by the eloquent appeals of Rev. W. S. Penick 
 and contributions from Virginia and Baltimore, the edi- 
 fice was completed. The Charlestown Baptist church 
 is now one of the strongest in the Valley of Virginia.] 
 
 Mill Creek. 
 
 This has been shbwn to be the oldest church in the 
 Ketocton Association. (See General History of the 
 Regular Baptists, page 377.) Mr. Garrard continued to 
 be their pastor until his death. After some years, viz., 
 about 1788, they invited and obtained the services of Rev. 
 David TBomas. The church had become much smaller 
 before Mr. Thomas became their pastor. For a season 
 they rejoiced in his ministry ; but some of the members 
 becoming wise in their own conceit, took it into their 
 fancy that Mr. Thomas preached false doctrine. It would 
 be a waste of time and paper to state the ground of dis- 
 pute. It was, in fact, a dispute almost about nothing. 
 But, behold, "how great a matter a little fire kindleth." Out 
 of this they made out to stir up a contention that lasted 
 several years, caused a schism in the church, and inter- 
 rupted the harmony of the Association for several ses- 
 sions. The party who objected to Mr. Thomas's doctrine, 
 and who were excommunicated by the majority, formed 
 something like an independent church, offered to join 
 the Philadelphia Association, got themselves a preacher, 
 baptized several persons, and really caused no little dis- 
 turbance. In 1800, however, the breach was healed in a 
 great measure. Most, if not all, that had been excluded 
 were reinstated, and those that had been baptized by un- 
 authorized persons were rebaptized. Iq the m^an time 
 
KETOCTON A SSOCIA TION. 419 
 
 Mr. Thomas, discouraged by these inauspicious circum- 
 stances, added to some other cause, moved to Kentucky, 
 where he is now living, but is almost blind. After their 
 unhappy disputes were settled, the church invited Mr. 
 John Hutchinson, their present pastor, to come and live 
 among them and take the pastoral care. Since Mr. 
 Hutchinson has resided among them they have moved on 
 in a more orderly and peaceable way. 
 
 Mr. Hutchinson is respected as a preacher of gifts, 
 sound in the faith and successful in doing good. 
 
 Timber Ridge. 
 This is quite a new church, raised by the labors of Mr. 
 Hutchinson. 
 
 North River, Crooked Run, and Patterson's 
 Creek 
 are new churches, concerning which nothing interest- 
 ing is known, except that they are preached to by Elder 
 John Munroe, a practitioner of physic. The two last of 
 these are new churches raised up under his labors. 
 
 Dr. Munroe has long been engaged in the heavenly 
 business of dispensjag. the GoapeL- In the pulpit he is a 
 man of solemn dignity, warm address, and speaks as one 
 having authority. He frequently takes up contested sub- 
 jects, and his opponents sometimes complain that at such 
 seasons he administers very strong corrosives. The Doc- 
 tor, however, independent of this, preaches the Gospel of 
 peace in power and demonstration of the Spirit. He is 
 now getting old, and has professed divine things from 
 early life, yet has maintained from first to last an un- 
 blamable conversation. 
 
 As a physician he has been in extensive practice, and 
 generally viewed as a man of skill. 
 
420 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 [Dr. Munroe was born in 1749. He gathered Upper 
 Carter's Run and Long Branch churches on the eastern 
 side of the Blue Ridge, and having made his home about 
 1796 beyond the mountains in Hampshire county, he there 
 ministered to New River and Crooked Run churches, and 
 also served Buckmarsh, in Frederick. He died on Big 
 Capon, August 17, 1824.] 
 
 Nanjemoy. 
 
 This church lies in the State of Maryland, but having 
 been raised by the labors of preachers within the Ketoc- 
 ton Association, they have hitherto continued among 
 them. 
 
 [This body was located in Charles county, Md., near 
 the Potomac, lifty miles below Washington city. Jere- 
 miah Moore and Henry Hagan were early laborers in this 
 field. The eloquent Samuel L. Straughan labored here 
 also between the years 1814 and 1820, and here his last 
 sermon was preached. The church early united with the 
 Maryland Association, of which it is still a member.] 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 HISTORY OF GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE 
 SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 Besides the churches west of the Alleghany in Green- 
 brier and the adjacent parts, there were some likewise, 
 formed more southward, on New river, &c. These last 
 associated with the Strawberry ; but being very inconve- 
 nient, they were organized in 1793 as a separate Associa- 
 tion under the name of New River Association. The 
 churches in and about Greenbrier associated with the Ke- 
 tocton ; but now, finding it more convenient to unite 
 with the New River, they petitioned the Ketocton and 
 obtained a dismission from them, and in 1795 became 
 members of New River, which then consisted of ten 
 churches. The New River Association were in the habit 
 of holding what they called conference meetings, in which 
 several churches united in communion, &c. The Green- 
 bi-ier churches also met occasionally in what they termed 
 society meetings, in vsrhich they proceeded almost in the 
 same manner as an Association. They received letters 
 and delegates, attended to the requests of churches, gave 
 their advice and sent a circular letter from each meeting, 
 &c., &c. 
 
 The society meetings, it seems, had a happy tendency 
 towards ripening them for a sepai-ate Association, which 
 their inconvenient situation, as it respected the other part 
 of the New River District, seemed to demand. After 
 associating about six years with the New River Associa- 
 tion, they petitioned and obtained leave to form a sepa- 
 rate constitution. Mr. Osburne mentions this subject in 
 
 [ 422 ] 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 423 
 
 the following words : " The reason which induced us to 
 become an Association was convenience. The New River 
 District, being at such a distance from us, made it incon- 
 venient to attend. Brethren Alderson, Johnston and 
 myself were delegated to attend the Association, and 
 while we were there a motion was made by some person 
 that we should become an associate body by ourselves. 
 The next year we accordingly petitioned to that effect, 
 and had our petition granted. This measure threw my 
 mind into a great exercise in respect to supporting the 
 dignity of an Association, seeing at that time we had but 
 four churches and three ordained ministers. When the 
 time came for our society meeting, in which we were to 
 consult whether we were to become an Association or 
 not, my mind was so overpowered with a sense of the 
 greatness of the undertaking that I was determined to 
 oppose its constitution ; but Brother Alderson being ap- 
 pointed to preach the introductory sermon, accordingly 
 preached. In his sermon he showed tha^Cjod 313 not 
 choose the Jews because they were numerous^ut because 
 they were few in number, in order to show His power 
 a nd mak e Himself a glorious namej This discovery had 
 "its proper effect. I plainly "saw that God could, of a 
 handful of weak and despised outcasts, make a great peo- 
 ple. Although pressed on every side. He will cause them 
 to grow and thrive. Thus, while we were but a weak 
 and feeble band, we were constituted, in 1807. At that 
 time we were but four churches ; now we are nine, with 
 a hope that we shall still continue to increase." 
 
 They have continued to meet regularly since their con- 
 stitution. The business of the Associations has been con- 
 ducted prudently ; and at them the preaching and other 
 public exercises have been often very powerful and gen- 
 
424 HISTORY OF VIBOINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 erally happy. Not having any of their minutes, details 
 of the proceedings of the Associations cannot be given. 
 The Association meets annually the Friday before the sec- 
 ond Sunday in September, and continues three days. Mr. 
 John Alderson has generally acted as moderator, some- 
 times Mr. Josiah Osburne ; and Mr. Crutchfield of late 
 years as clerk ; before him Mr. Osburne was clerk. We 
 shall now proceed to the sketches of the churches, be- 
 ginning with 
 
 Greenbrier. 
 
 By giving a historical relation of this church in particu- 
 lar, the reader will be informed of the first rise of the Bap- 
 tists in these parts, seeing this is the oldest church 
 in the district, and is, in a sense, the mother of the 
 rest. They have been from first to last a prosperous peo- 
 ple ;' yet, like all others, have had their ebbs an'd floods. 
 By attending to Mr. Alderson's memoir we shall see their 
 rise and prog'ress. 
 
 Mr. Alderson was born in the State of New Jersey, and 
 was the son of Rev. John Alderson,* a Baptist minister of 
 considerable distinction. His father had the pastoral care 
 of Lynville's Creek church, in Rockingham county, 
 where his son first entered upon the ministry. 
 
 Mr. Alderson, in his communications to the editor, 
 gives the following account of his early life : " My father 
 being much from home, and I being the oldest son, much 
 dependence was placed on me to take care of the farm, so 
 
 ♦John Alderaou, Sr., previously mentioned as having become the pastor 
 of Smith and Ijynville's Creek church, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 
 1699, and afterwards located near Bethlehem church, N. J., whence he came 
 to Virginia. His last years were spent in Botetourt county (then an im- 
 mense domain), where he died in 1781, aged eighty-two years. **He was 
 buried In the graveyard of his neighborhood, afterwards abandoned and 
 overgrown with tall oaks, with neither hillock nor stone to mark his rest- 
 ing-place." 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 425 
 
 that I had very little opportunity to learn." The chief of 
 the books that I read were the Bible and the Baptist cate- 
 chism, which last I got by heart, and not only said it over 
 at school but also in the public congregations on Sundays 
 after sermon. By these means I was kept from all gross 
 immoralities. By an expression dropped from my father, 
 after I had recovered from a very severe spell of sickness, 
 my mind was very solemnly impressed, which I have 
 never lost to this day. After passing through a painful 
 and tedious law work, in which I would set resolutions 
 and then break them, I became at last deeply concerned. 
 I sought the Lord with my whole heart, and at last ob- 
 tained comfort, great comfort, by the application of these 
 wordSj^Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles] 
 ''and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-\ 
 ^stone.' After many trials and doubts as to my conveis/ 
 sion, I began at last to be exercised about preaching. "I, 
 at first, thought it impossible that so weak a creature as I 
 could be called to preach ; but being persuaded at last by 
 many divine tokens that it was the will of God, I entered 
 upon the solemn work." 
 
 October, 1775, which was after tlie removal of his 
 father, he was established as pastor of Lynville's Creek 
 church. A short time after this he visited Greenbrier, 
 and finding a wild, uncultivated place, in which Christ 
 and His cross were seldom, if ever, preached, his bowels 
 yearned toward the people. He proclaimed among them 
 the pure Gospel. It produced some gracious consequences. 
 Some time after his return home he was particularly sent 
 for to revisit Greenbrier. He went, and found one per- 
 son, at least, ripe for baptism, whoni he received (being 
 aided by two of his members who had removed to that 
 country) and baptized. 
 
426 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 At another visit, some time after, he baptized two 
 others. On this visit he began to meet with opposition. 
 Some of the people held the Baptists in very great con- 
 tempt. He continued his ministrations in Greenbrier, 
 and continued them with success. God was with him 
 and prospered him. The desert has blossomed as a rose. 
 
 Mr. Alderson moved to Greenbrier to live in the year 
 1777, and has ever since continued among them in the 
 same place where he first settled. About this time the 
 Indian war broke out, and the inhabitants of Greenbrier, 
 &c., were obliged to shut themselves up in forts. This 
 continued four years, and was a great hindrance to the 
 progress of the Gospel. Mr. Alderson, notwithstanding, 
 continued his ministerial labors. After having preached 
 to the inhabitants of one fort, protected by a small guard, 
 he would travel through woods and wilds until he reached 
 another. In some of the forts he was gladly received 
 and attentively heard. In others he was sometimes much 
 opposed. One fort proposed to shut their gates against 
 him, but he finally obtained admittance. At times 
 he was threatened with very rough treatment, but these 
 threats were never executed. He continued his labors 
 through these various discouragements. Neither cold, 
 nor heat, nor storms, nor perils from savages, nor perils 
 from his own countrymen, nor perils from destructive 
 beasts, nor inward temptations, nor outward afflictions, 
 retarded his labors. He that was for him was more than 
 all that could be against him. Seven long years did Mr. 
 Alderson continue his work, during which he never 
 heard nor saw a Baptist preacher except himself. As 
 many as two or three licensed itinerant Presbyterian 
 preachers passed through the settlement at that time. 
 These preached the doctrine of free grace, and were ac- 
 ceptable to Mr. Alderson and his handful of members. 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 427 
 
 Having gathered as many as twelve members, all of 
 whom, with their preacher, considered themsel-ves as an arm 
 of Lynville's Creek church, they petitioned the Ketocton 
 Association for help that they might be organized into a 
 church. One chief view which they had in applying to 
 the Association was a hope that some other preach- 
 ers might be sent among them. For, some of the op- 
 posers said they were entirely a new people, and that 
 there were none others in the world. In these hopes 
 they were disappointed. The Association replied that 
 if they wished to be constituted they had the power in 
 their own hands. Accordingly, on the 24th of Novem- 
 ber, 1781, they, by mutual consent, formed themselves 
 into a Gospel church called Greenbrier.* They had a 
 written church covenant, which they placed in the front 
 of their church-book. Mr. Alderson, of course, was 
 their pastor. 
 
 The next spring they appointed a communion, or, in 
 other words, the administration of the Lord's supper. 
 Numbers came forward and requested the privilege of 
 communing with them, to whom the church replied, as 
 might be expected, that none were admitted to the com- 
 munion except they were previously baptized upon a pro- 
 fession of vital faith, and had yielded themselves as mem- 
 bers of the church. When they heard this many of them 
 changed their tone and became enemies. 
 
 In 1786 the work of God broke out on the. right hand 
 and on the left through diflferent parts of the country, 
 and continued until 1790. In describing this revival our 
 
 * The location of the Greenbrier church was near the river of the sa'"* 
 name, in the vicinity of the town of Alderson, on the Chesapeake and Ohio 
 railroad, and near the junction of Greenbrier, Monroe and Summers coun- 
 ties, West Virginia. The church still appears in the list of the Greenbrier 
 Association, and for many years L. A. Alderson represented them in that 
 body as their pastor. 
 
428 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 informant, the Rev. Josiah Osburne, makes use of the fol- 
 lowing language : " In this revival a number of members 
 were added, and the mouths of gainsayers were stopped. 
 The people's mouths, ears, hearts and doors were all open 
 to receive the Word. Now the time of the singing of 
 birds was come, and the voice of the turtle was heard in 
 our land ; which caused the heart of the old mourning 
 preacher to rejoice in his God and to say with the prophet, 
 Zion's cords are lengthened and her stakes are strength- 
 ened. Thus where darkness reigned and the savage yell 
 was heard, the unwilling captive, led in chains through 
 the wilderness to a land of sorrow and worse than 
 Egyptian darkness to linger in sorrow and pain the 
 wretched remains of life, the Lord opened a wide and 
 effectual door for the preaching of Jesus, by which num- 
 bers felt the virtue of His blood and were brought home 
 to God." In the midst of these goodly times the Metho- 
 dists made their appearance and raised no small opposi- 
 tion about doctrines. " They," says our informant, " took 
 Brother Alderson's track, made his preaching places 
 theirs. Numbers under conviction and in a hopeful way 
 joined them, and, although alarmed by the preaching of 
 the Baptists, turned to be their persecutors." The revival 
 being over, a declension ensued. The love of many 
 waxed cold, and several were excluded. Mr. Alderson 
 now deplored the state of Zion ; but God heard his 
 groans. 
 
 Indian Creek church, hitherto an arm of Greenbrier, 
 was constituted in the year 1792, under the care of Mark 
 Richards, a preacher who had been raised up in the re- 
 vival. In the constitution of this church, Mr. Alderson 
 obtained the aid of Mr. Johnston, who was the first Bap- 
 tist preacher that ever visited those parts after Mr. A.'s 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 429 
 
 removal thither. Mr. Johnston finally became a resident. 
 After the year 1792 times became better, and they had a 
 gradual revival. In 1794, Elder Josiah Osburne moved 
 from Hardy county and settled in Greenbrier. He was 
 a great accession to Mr. A., who thus speaks of him : 
 "Brother Osburne, then a licensed preacher, moved from 
 Lost river, Hardy county, and settled on the Big Levels 
 of Greenbrier, where there was one arm of our church. 
 Thanks to the Lord, we have stood together ever since." 
 
 Mr. Alderson is now a very old man, yet labors as 
 much as ever, if not more. He has given up the world, 
 as to its cares, and is only waiting for the crown of life. 
 
 [Elder Alderson lived to an advanced age — eighty- 
 six — and at his death his body was laid to rest in the 
 graveyard " adjoining the Greenbrier church." This was 
 the fourth Baptist church established within the present' 
 limits of West Virginia.] 
 
 Big Levels.* 
 
 This church was raised under the ministry of Elder 
 Josiah Osburne, except as to a few who had been bap- 
 tized by Elder Alderson, previous to the removal of 
 Elder Osburne into that country. It has always pros- 
 pered moderately, and has enjoyed harmony and peace. 
 An incident has been told Elder Osburne respecting this 
 church, which appears worthy of notice. A man by the 
 name of Newel was severely afflicted with convulsive 
 fits. He had them so violently that his life was de- 
 spaired of. He became a Christian, and was baptized, 
 since which he has never had a fit within the knowledge 
 
 *The Great Levels aettlement was in the central part of Greenbrier 
 county, north of Lewlsburg. The membership of Big Levels church were 
 transferred to Lewisburg, under which name the church still appears In 
 the register of the Greenbrier Association. 
 
430 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 of any person. How is this to be accounted for ? The 
 unthinking will say it happened so. The philosophers 
 without faith will say it was due to some natural cause ; 
 perhaps the baptizing effected the cure, seeing cold baths 
 are sometimes beneficial in such cases. But a spiritual 
 believer will see in it an unseen hand, capable of work- 
 ing with or without natural causes. 
 
 Elder Josiah Osburne, pastor of the above church, was 
 born March 5, 1750, and raised a Presbyterian. His edu- 
 cation was almost nothing, he being scarcely able to read 
 when he grew up to manhoo'd. Having received reli- 
 gious instruction from his parents, he had early exercises 
 ■about religion, but altogether in a legal way. He con- 
 tinued his outward appearances until he left his father's 
 house. He then gave up all pretensions to seriousness, 
 and became openly vicious, until he was twenty-eight 
 years of age. He then heard a Baptist minister preach. 
 The Word came home to his heart, and he felt himself 
 under the curse of God's broken law. His convictions 
 became so strong that he despaired of mercy. His de- 
 spair, however, was not of long continuance ; in due 
 season God revealed His arm, and showed him that He 
 could justify sinners without the deeds of the law. He 
 rejoiced in the discovery with unspeakable joy. His im- 
 pressions now led him to wish to do something for a Re- 
 deemer, who had done so much for him. But he felt 
 himself incapable. He strove for divine instruction, and 
 God applied forcibly to his mind this text : " I have 
 chosen the things that are not, to bring to naught things 
 that are." He then yielded, and began to preach, yet 
 under very great embarrassments. When a meeting 
 would be appointed he thought that" he would attend 
 that, and would then decline for the future. Having ob- 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 431 
 
 tained help, he has continued from that day to this, 
 preaching the Gospel of the kingdom. Mr. Osburne's 
 labors in the ministry have been exceedingly blessed in 
 the country where he resides. 
 
 As a preacher he stands equal if not superior to any in 
 that country. He has a singular turn for touching the 
 feelings, so that at Associations and great meetings it is 
 generally laid upon him to close the meetings. In such 
 cases God has often owned his exhortations, &c., to val- 
 uable purposes. 
 
 A few years past he was drawn into a debate about be- 
 lievers' baptism by some of the Pedobaptists. In conse- 
 quence of this his mind was imperceptibly led to think 
 much on this subject, and finally to commit his thoughts to 
 writing. This he did in such an able manner that his 
 friends to whom he showed it insisted on printing it. He 
 consented, and it came out under the title of " David and 
 Goliath." By many this is considered one of the best 
 treatises on baptism that has ever been published. 
 
 Tazb's Valley and Mud River. 
 
 Nothing has occurred in either of these churches worth 
 noticing. They lie in the lower end of Kanawha county 
 contiguous to the Kentucky line. 
 
 [This church was located in the southern part of what 
 is now Putnam county. West Virginia, not far from the 
 line of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad. The body 
 united with the Association of the same name, formed 
 only a few years after the above notice was written. The 
 church appears to have maintained its existence to the 
 present day.j 
 
 Kanawha. 
 
 This church flourished greatly while it was under the 
 care of Elder Johnston, insomuch that in a few years two 
 
432 HISTORY OF VIEGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 other churches were constituted from it. But the removal 
 of their minister, who went to Kentucky, proved a heavy 
 misfortune. They experienced great declension, and have 
 ever since been without a pastor. 
 
 Cole River 
 had, at the time of her constitution, a considerable revival 
 within her limits. But her minister. Elder Johnston, re. 
 moving to Kentucky in a short time, they declined in 
 some degree. Elder Lee is their preacher at present. 
 
 Peter's Creek 
 was in a revived state when constituted, but now is the 
 reverse. It was literally, when constituted, a church in 
 the wilderness. 
 
 [This church was near the line between the present 
 counties of Monroe, W. Va., and Giles, Va. The Peters- 
 town church, in the former county, is in the same vicinity.] 
 
 Indian Creek 
 
 was taken from Greenbrier, as has been shown. When 
 constituted, Mark Lacy was pastor. At first, for a small 
 space of time, the church flourished. But Lacy, after a 
 short period, began to conduct himself in a way unbe- 
 coming his station, which finally ended in his exclusion. 
 In consequence of this, the church drooped, and were on 
 the point of dissolving their constitution, when in the 
 year 1797, Mr. Alderson undertook to supply them. Be- 
 ing a favorite son of Heaven, through his labors the 
 church again revived; and God raised, within her bor- 
 ders, what may be termed one of the best gifts that a 
 church can receive, a faithful minister. James Ellison 
 was ordained to the pastoral care of this church, anno 
 1808. 
 
GREENBRIER ASSOCIATION. 433 
 
 [The stream from which this body took their name 
 was in the southern section of what is now Monroe 
 county^ a few miles from Union. Indian Creek church 
 disappeared from the list of the Greenbrier Association 
 in 1870, the difficulty which led to the separation being 
 referred to in the minutes of the following year.J 
 
 Blue Stone. 
 
 There is nothing remarkable respecting this church. 
 They are very destitute of ministerial supply. 
 
 [Blue Stone church was located in Mercer county. It 
 long held connection with the Greenbrier Association, 
 from which it withdrew to become one of the constituents 
 of the Raleigh, and of which it is still a member.] 
 
 28 
 
434 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE UNION ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE 
 SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 The churches of which this Association is composed 
 were in connection with the Red Stone until 1804, when 
 they were dismissed to form an independent Association, 
 having nine churches. They meet once a year, viz., the 
 Friday before the last Sunday in August, and continue 
 three days. Of their proceedings in the Association 
 nothing is known. We can offer a few remarks respect- 
 ing the churches, &c. 
 
 Simpson's Creek.* 
 
 At the time that this church was constituted the coun- 
 try where the members resided was but newly settled. 
 They passed through many difficulties at first, but finally 
 rose above them all. 
 
 Theirfirst pastor, Mr. Sutton, was considered a man of 
 talents, piety and usefulness. Elder Goss, their present 
 pastor, moved a few years past from Albemarle, having 
 previous to that traveled and preached very considerably. 
 It is presumable he is equally industrious in his new habi- 
 tation, and probably more successful. 
 
 BuCHANNON.f 
 
 This church, at first very small, was revived soon after 
 their constitution and became large and respectable ; but 
 
 ♦Simpson's Creek, said to be the oldest existing Baptist ohureh In West 
 Virginia, Is located five miles northwest of Clarksburg, Harrison county, 
 and still a member of Union Association. 
 
 + Situated at Buchannon, Lewis county, W. Va., now a weak body con- 
 nected with the Broad Run Association. 
 
 [435] 
 
436 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 by the constitution of other churches they are now re- 
 duced to seventeen. 
 
 Olive Branch* 
 enjoyed a comfortable revival soon after they were con- 
 stituted. But churches, like individuals, when theythink 
 they stand, lest they fall should take heed. There has 
 been a great declension in this church of late. 
 
 West FoRK,f 
 under the labors of Elder Hickman, has rather flourished 
 
 than otherwise. 
 
 Salem 
 
 has rather prospered. From 1801 until 1805 Elder John 
 Denham was pastor; from 1805 until 1809, Isaac Mor- 
 riss. They now have the ministerial services of Mr. Goss. 
 
 Valley 
 has no regular pastor, but is statedly supplied by Elders 
 Wells and Harriss. They are a thriving people. 
 
 Little Bethel. 
 This church is also supplied by Mr. Wells. And 
 although in the midst of mountains and a wilderness 
 country, they enjoy the sweet sunshine of divine mercy. 
 
 Pritchel's Creek. 
 
 This church, though small at first, increased in 1805 to 
 fifty members, but by the dismission of members, &c., is 
 now reduced to twenty-eight. 
 
 *01ive Branch was in Harrison county, thirteen miles northwest of 
 Clarksburg. The church appears at present as a vigorous member of the 
 Judson Association. 
 
 f This is believed to be the third church, in point of age, connected with 
 the General Association of West Virginia. It is located in Marion county, 
 three miles from Fairmount. 
 
VNION ASSOCIATION. 4S7 
 
 Sandy Creek. 
 
 "This church," says Mr. Alderson (who furnished all 
 our accounts respecting this Association), " has gone 
 through various scenes as to revivals and declensions, as 
 most of the churches on the western waters have. We 
 all have to stand against a torrent of opposition, from 
 different quarters, especially the Arminians." 
 
 Gethsemane 
 
 is at present rather declining. They have no stated min- 
 istry, but catch the Gospel as it is occasionally brought 
 by traveling preachers. 
 
 Good Hope, Union, Pawpaw. 
 
 Of the above churches, concerning which nothing is 
 said, nothing is known by the compiler, except the items 
 found in the table. We should have been highly grati- 
 fied to say something respecting the ministers of the 
 Gospel in this Association, but for the want of acquaint- 
 ance cannot. 
 
438 
 
 HISTORY OF VJROINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE RED STONE ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING 
 THE SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 
 
 Red Stone Association was organized October, 1776. 
 It is not known how^ many churches were in the Associa- 
 tion at the time of the constitution, as it is probable there 
 were some dismissed from different Associations for that 
 purpose. The Ketocton Association, in her session for 
 1775, dismissed the four following, viz. : Laurel Hill, 
 Isaac Sutton,* pastor, thirty-seven members ; Ten-Mile 
 Creek, James Sutton, eighteen members ; Patterson Creek, 
 Joseph Barnet| pastor, six members ; Goshen, John Cor- 
 bley pastor, sixty members — making in all one hundred and 
 twenty-one membei-s, and four preachers. The Red Stone 
 District is partly in Pennsylvania and partly in Virginia.^ 
 The number of churches in Pennsylvania is not known. 
 The proceedings of the Association are not known in any 
 degree. The state of the churches, beyond what is repre- 
 sented by the table, is very little known. Such as is 
 known shall be here given. 
 
 Little Bethel. 
 Soon after their constitution this church had a pleasant 
 revival, and arose from eleven to fifty. They receive and 
 
 * Isaac and James Sutton were brothers to John and David, all of whom 
 were Baptist preachers, from New Jersey. James Sutton removed early to 
 Kentucky with his brother John. 
 
 + Joseph Barnet, mentioned on page 381 as having aided in forming the 
 first Baptist church in Kentucky— Severn's Valley— June 18, 1781, and also 
 Cedar Creek church July 4, 1781. Of the latter church he was pastor for four 
 years. Of his latter days and death there is no record. 
 
 t It is also said there are some churches in the Ohio State belonging to 
 Red Stone Association. — Autlior's note. 
 
 I 439 ] 
 
440 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 feed upon the bread of life, dealt out to them statedly by 
 their beloved minister, John Patterson. 
 
 Forks of Cheat* 
 
 was first organized under the attention of Rev. John Cor- 
 bley. They have been rather a thriving people, especially 
 during the time of Mr. Corbley. 
 
 Mount Tabor. 
 
 They had about the year i8oz a precious revival, when 
 their numbers increased to upwards of sixty. Since that 
 pleasant season they have rather declined. 
 
 Short Creek 
 
 began with the small number of twelve, and have in- 
 creased, through the riches of grace, to one hundred and 
 four. Elder Enoch Martin, their pastor, at the command 
 of Christ, cast the net on the right side, and gathered it 
 
 full. 
 
 Mount Olivet. 
 
 Antioch. 
 
 Cross Creek. 
 
 This also is a thriving church. Elder John Richard, 
 their minister, has the happiness most to be desired by a 
 faithful minister of the Gospel, viz., the success of his 
 labors. 
 
 Nothing more than what is seen in the table is known 
 of the churches passed over. 
 
 The term Regular Baptists is kept up in Red Stone 
 Association, in contradistinction to the Seventh Day 
 Baptists, who are numerous in some parts of the district. 
 
 *Tlil3eliiirch was situated a few miles to the north of TTniontown, and 
 near the junction of Cheat riyer with the Mononghahela. 
 
RED STONE ASSOCIATION. 441 
 
 There are also some who were deluded by the impos- 
 tor Samuel Couftsel, mentioned in our account of the 
 Accomac Association. 
 
 The number of members in all the Red Stone Associa- 
 tion, a few years past, was 1,335, among whom were 
 thirteen or fourteen ordained preachers, besides licensed 
 ones. Some of the preachers in the Red Stone Associa- 
 tion are said to be men of great abilities. 
 
442 
 
 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
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PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 
 
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CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION FROM THE 
 FIRST SETTLEMENT OF BAPTISTS WITHIN HER LIMITS. 
 
 It has already been shown (page ii) that the first Bap- 
 tists who made their appearance in Virginia settled in 
 the southeast part of the State; of these it is now proper 
 to treat. 
 
 The accounts of their origin are somewhat differ- 
 ent. In certain memoranda furnished by Mr. Leland it 
 is stated that " the first society of Baptists that was ever 
 in Virginia that w^e have any account of was in Isle of 
 Wight, at a place called Burley,* about 1727. This so- 
 ciety was composed of emigrants from England, who had 
 Rev. Richard Nordin for their pastor. He soon returned 
 to England, and was succeeded by Messrs. Casper Mintz 
 and Richard Jones. The church was formed upon the 
 Arminian plan and is now extinct. Mr. Leland's manu- 
 script was for some time in possession of Mr. Backus, of 
 New England, who inserted the following note : 
 
 "A letter is now before me, written from Virginia to 
 Elder Eyres,f of New Port, January 28, 1742, by John 
 Hamerstley, where it appears that in consequence of let- 
 ters from Virginia, Robert Nordin and Thomas White 
 were ordained in London in May, 17 14, and soon sailed 
 for Virginia ; but White died by the way, and Nordin 
 
 * Burleigh, " on the south side ol James river and opposite Jamestown." 
 +An early Baptist preacher of New York city, who received a permit to 
 preach January 2S, 1721, the license beginning thus : " Whereas Mr. Nlch. 
 Eyres, brewer, a freeman and inhabitant of ye city of New York, pretend- 
 ing to be at present a teacher or preacher of a congregation of Anabap- 
 tists," Ac, &c. He removed in 1781 to Newport, at which place the letter 
 referred to above was addressed to him. 
 
 [ 444 ] 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 445 
 
 arrived in Virginia and gathered a Baptist church in 
 Prince George county, and held meetings there and in 
 other places until he died, December i, 1725, in a good 
 old age. And on April 30, 1727, the church ordained 
 Richard Jones, their elder, who continued to be their 
 minister. In 1742 the church had about forty members. 
 
 "Isaac Backus." 
 ''May SI, 180S." 
 
 Mr. Backus further notes: "William Sojourner went 
 from that church and gathered a church in North Caro- 
 lina about 1740." Mr. Leland, observing Mr. Backus's 
 note, says in a letter to the editor : " You will see in my 
 manuscript Elder Backus's note. I collected my account 
 from Mr. Morgan's materials. Mr. Backus got his infor- 
 mation from an old letter sent to Elder Eyres. If there 
 was a Robert Nordin in Prince George and a Richard 
 Nordin in Isle of Wight, the difficulty ceases. But if 
 there was but one Nordin who emigrated from England 
 to America, one of the accounts must be wrong. Per- 
 haps Burkit's history will solve the doubt." 
 
 Burkit and Read's history says nothing about it ; nor 
 is it probable there can be any further information ob- 
 tained at this day. It appears, however, to the editor, 
 more than probable that Mr. Backus is substantially cor- 
 rect, for the following reasons : Mr. Backus had a docu- 
 ment before him, written as early as 1742, about twenty- 
 eight years subsequent to the earliest time mentioned ; so 
 that, without supposing the writer to be more than forty 
 or fifty years of age, he might have been an immediate 
 witness of the facts related ; and, indeed, from his exact- 
 ness as to dates, both in London and America, it is quite 
 likely that he was himself one of the first emigrants that 
 
446 HISTORY OF VIROINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 composed the church. At any rate, he writes as one who 
 possesses an intimate acquaintance with the subject from 
 first to last. The difference between the two statements 
 may be accounted for by considering that Mr. Edwards 
 did not procure his information until about forty years 
 after the date of the letter mentioned above, and that at 
 that period a great deal of it must have been traditional, 
 and consequently much more liable to be incorrect. This 
 may explain the difference of names and dates. As to 
 the difference of counties, it is not improbable that 
 Isle of Wight and Prince George might have been at that 
 time all one county.* 
 
 From these considerations, it appears, Mr. Backus's 
 note must be accurate, and that Baptists and Baptist 
 principles have been in Virginia very little, if any, less 
 than one hundred years. 
 
 Let us now pursue the narrative, as we have it laid 
 down in Mr. Leland's memoranda, and in the history of 
 the Kehukee Association. 
 
 We find this church in the year 1742 tolerably prosper- 
 ous under the care of Rev. Richard Jones, who, it ap- 
 pears, from both statements, was installed as pastor in 
 1727. How long Mr. Jones continued after this date is 
 not known. The church itself is now extinct. The last 
 account of her existence was in December, 1756, at which 
 time there was a division among them. Some died, and 
 some moved to North Carolina, &c., so that it is not im- 
 probable that her dissolution took place not long after. 
 Those that moved to North Carolina were much more 
 successful. In the course of ten years after this they were 
 increased to sixteen churches. The Kehukee history re- 
 
 *The counties were quite distinct at that date, one of them having been 
 formed in 1634 and the other In 1702. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 447 
 
 lates that " under the ministry of Messrs. Paul Pahner 
 and Joseph Parker the most of the original churches were 
 planted." It is not said whether they were emigrants 
 from England or native Americans. The most probable 
 conjecture is that they were some of the first fruits of the 
 labors of Mr. Sojourner, mentioned in Mr. Backus's note. 
 And indeed there can be but little doubt that Mr. Nordin 
 and Mr. Jones, the first of whom lived eleven years, and 
 the second at least sixteen, extended their ministry far- 
 ther than the immediate church to which they acted as 
 pastor. Palmer and Parker were both Arminians, and so 
 were the churches and preachers raised under their min- 
 istry; from which circumstance, together with some 
 original papers still extant, it seems almost certain that 
 the first emigrants were what in England are called Gen- 
 eral Baptists. 
 
 Their manner of gathering churches was very loose in- 
 deed, or at least was very adverse to the method now 
 prevalent among the Baptists in Virginia. They required 
 no experience of grace or account of their conversion, 
 but baptized all who asked it and professed to believe in 
 the doctrine of baptism by immersion.* It does not ap- 
 pear that they ever held Associations or meetings by that 
 name, but instead of these they had yearly meetings, at 
 which they transacted business of a general nature, or 
 such as respected the welfare of all their churches. 
 
 Some time previous to the year 1765I Rev. Messrs. 
 Van Horn and Miller,], residents of New Jersey, were sent 
 
 * It Is probable they required a promise on the part of the candidate to re- 
 form his life, and in general to be religious, which It is said is all that Is 
 required by many of the ministers of the General Baptists In England, — 
 Author's note. 
 
 + The editor could not find from the Kekukee history, or from any docu- 
 ments before him, the precise year in which they came. — Author's note. 
 
 X Peter P. Van Horn and Benjamin Miller, both of New Jersey, the latter 
 pastor at Scotch Plains. 
 
448 BISTORT OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 from the Philadelphia Association to visit the churches 
 and to set things in order among them. By some they were 
 viewed with jealousy and distrust, being styled New- 
 lights, but by most of the churches they were cordially 
 received. Their labor was not in vain. They effected 
 much, very much indeed. By their preaching and con- 
 versation many precious souls were raised from the sleep 
 of death. The spirits of such as had ever tasted that the 
 Lord was gracious were much refreshed. The honor of 
 religion, as professed by the Baptists, was exceedingly en- 
 larged. Their speech and preaching were not with en- 
 ticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the 
 Spirit and of power. Many of the members of the 
 churches were convinced of the incorrectness of the Ar- 
 minian doctrine and relinquished it. And where these were 
 sufficiently numerous and otherwise qualified they were 
 newly organized and formed into new churches, accord- 
 ing to the plan of the Philadelphia Association, or rather 
 according to the Baptist confession of faith, published in 
 London in 1689, in conformity with which it seems the 
 Philadelphia and Charleston Associations were organized. 
 What these reverend fathers left unfinished was after- 
 wards completed by their sons in the ministry. The Ar- 
 minian doctrine and discipline soon disappeared, and the 
 churches all became Regular Baptists. It is not intended 
 to be understood that this revolution met with no opposi- 
 tion. This was not to be looked for. Messrs. Parker and 
 Palmer, it has been said, were the fathers of these churches. 
 Mr. Palmer was dead; Mr. Parker was living, and with 
 two other preachers, viz., William Parker and Winfield, 
 continued still to pursue their former method. But being 
 deserted by so large a majority, their party finally dwin- 
 dled to nothing. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 449 
 
 Nothing certainly appears by which it can be ascer- 
 tained whether they corresponded with any other Bap- 
 tists in America previous to the above reformation. 
 There are some circumstances, however, which make it 
 probable that they did : 
 
 First. The letter written by Mr. Hamerstley to Mr. 
 Eyres, mentioned in Mr. Backus?s note, renders it proba- 
 ble that some previous intercourse had subsisted between 
 the Baptists in Virginia and those of New England. 
 
 Secondly. It would appear hardly reasonable that the 
 Philadelphia Association would send messengers to any 
 place or people with whom they had no correspondence. 
 
 Lastly. It is presumable from the correspondence with 
 the Charleston Association, which immediately took 
 place after the Kehukee Association was formed, that 
 there had been some former acquaintance. 
 
 The churches thus newly organized formed themselves 
 into an Association. Their first session was holden in 
 the year 1765, at a place called Kehukee,* and for this 
 reason their Association was called by that name. They 
 immediately established a correspondence with the 
 Charleston Association. The ministers belonging to the 
 Kehukee Association at first, or, however, the principal 
 ones, were Jonathan Thomas, John Thomas, John Moore, 
 John Burgess, William Burgess, Charles Daniel, William 
 Walker, John McGlamre, James Abbington, Thomas 
 Pope and Henry Abbot. Of these only two, viz., John 
 McGlamre and James Abbington, were baptized after 
 the introduction of Calvinistic principles. 
 
 About the time of the constitution of Kehukee, the 
 Separate Baptists became very numerous in the upper 
 parts of North Carolina and Virginia, and had formed 
 
 * Kehukee was the name ot a small creek In Halifax county, N. C. 
 29 
 
450 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 themselves into an Association. The Kehukee Associa- 
 tion being desirous to form a closer connection with peo- 
 ple whose zeal and piety they so much revered, about the 
 year 1772, sent Elders McGlamre and Thomas as depu- 
 ties to the Separate Baptist Association, which was 
 holden at Waller's meeting-house, in Spotsylvania 
 county. The deputies were kindly received, and the 
 Separate Association also deputed two of their minis- 
 ters, viz., E. Craig and David Thompson, to visit the 
 Kehukee the next August, at their Association to be 
 holden at the Kehukee meeting-house, Halifax county. 
 North Carolina. They attended ; the subject was taken 
 up, and the Separates stated the following objections to 
 a communion with them : First, that they were not suffi- 
 ciently strict in receiving church members ; secondly, 
 they were, as they alleged, too superfluous in their dresF, 
 contending that excessive dress ought to be made a mat- 
 ter of church discipline ; thirdly, that their principles 
 and practices were at variance, because, although they 
 believed that faith in Christ Jesus was essential to bap- 
 tism, yet they retained many members in their churches 
 who acknowledged themselves to have been baptized in 
 a state of unbelief. This last was declared to be the 
 main bar to a complete union. Their objection upon this 
 ground was the more effisctual, because it had been a 
 matter of considerable embarrassment to a great number 
 of the Kehukee ministers, who had many thoughts of at- 
 tempting a reformation. This occurrence furnished them 
 with more favorable ground to make a beginning, which 
 was accordingly done in the year 1774. 
 
 Mr. Burkit's church first held a conference and publicly 
 proclaimed that they would commune with none who 
 confessed they were baptized before conversion, alleging 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 451 
 
 that adult persons had no better claim to baptism while 
 they were in a state of impenitence and unbelief than 
 infants had. Mr. Burkit's church was followed by seve- 
 ral others. But when the next Association met, which 
 was that year, viz., 1775, holden at Moore's meeting- 
 house in October, the reformers met with severe oppo- 
 sition. The correctness of their procedings was much 
 questioned. Much dissension arose. One party blamed 
 the other for doing too much, who in their turn were 
 equally blamed by their opponents for not doing enough. 
 Not inclined to associate together, each party claimed 
 the right of being called the Association; the reform- 
 ers, because what they had done was exactly congenial 
 to the original plan upon which the Association was 
 organized ; and the other party, being most numerous, 
 insisting that a majority ought to retain the power, and 
 consequently the name of the Association. They more- 
 over, argued that whatever might be their principles, it 
 was well known at the time of the constitution of the 
 Association that this evil existed in greater force than it 
 did at that time, seeing none had been baptized in known 
 unbelief since the constitution ; that therefore it was vir- 
 tually if not pointedly agreed that such as were then in 
 orderly standing might retain their membership, lest 
 more mischief might ensue by being too rigorous than 
 by submitting to small inconveniences for the sake of 
 peace ; that the Association having been in existence for 
 eight or nine years, during all of which time they had suf- 
 fered the inconvenience, it was now rather strange that 
 they, at this late period, should attempt a revolution so 
 likely to disturb the peace and harmony of the churches. 
 To all these arguments it was answered that to them it was 
 a matter of conscience, which they could not relinquish 
 
452 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 without wounding their own souls. As neither side 
 would give way, things came to extremities. Each party 
 organized a distinct assembly or Association. The re- 
 formers kept possession of the meeting-house, whilst the 
 opposite party retired, first to the woods, and on the 
 second day procured a private house in the neighbor- 
 hood. All attempts at reconciliation proved ineffectual 
 during this session. Each party transacted their own 
 business, of which, however, very little was done. These 
 party broils were exceedingly afflicting to the pious on 
 both sides. It would appear from the arguments on the 
 old side that many of them did not deny the principles 
 of this reformation so much as its necessity, seeing it 
 would unavoidably produce much confusion, and if let 
 alone the evil would, of course, in time vanish. Those 
 who had undertaken to effect the reformation persevered, 
 and finally accomplished their wishes.* 
 
 In August, 1777, they held their first undisputed Asso- 
 ciation at Elder Bell's meeting-house,| in Sussex county, 
 Virginia. They found, on assembling, that their strength 
 had very much increased. Ten churches had sent letters 
 and delegates ; of which it appeared that six were Regu- 
 lars, or the old side, and four were Separate.s, who, find- 
 ing their former obstacles removing, and being conve- 
 nient, were incorporated with this Association. Of these 
 ten churches, four were in Virginia and six in North 
 Carolina. Their whple number of members consisted of 
 1,590, which was indeed very considerable for that early 
 period. They agreed now upon an abstract of principles, 
 which was afterwards printed and published. In doc- 
 
 *The Regular Association dwindled and finally came to notliing, partly 
 by falling in with the Separates and partly by other causes.— ^attor's note. 
 
 + The meeting-house of Sappony church, at that time under the pastoral 
 care of Elder James Bell. 
 
PORTSMO VTH ASSOCIA TION. 453 
 
 trines and discipline it did not substantially differ from 
 the confession of faith generally received among the Bap- 
 tists. They agreed to hold two Associations annually, 
 and appointed the next at Burkit's meeting-house, the 
 next May. The Kehukee Association continued to meet 
 regularly, and to increase rapidly until the year 1790. 
 At their October session for that year it was found that 
 there were no less than sixty-one churches, having more 
 than five thousand members. Several ineffectual at- 
 tempts previous to this had been made to divide the dis- 
 trict. The number of churches was now so large that a 
 division was almost indispensable. They accordingly 
 agreed to divide by the State line, leaving forty-two 
 churches in North Carolina and nineteen in Virginia. 
 
 The Virginia churches * met by their delegates for the 
 first time, May, 1791, at Portsmouth, and on that account 
 named their Association the Virginia Portsmouth Asso- 
 ciation. Their time of meeting has been from the first 
 on the fourth Saturday in May, annually. f Their busi- 
 ness has been transacted in peace and prudence ; the 
 number of churches has increased, but not so rapidly as 
 in some other Associations. 
 
 While Elder McGlamre lived and attended the Asso- 
 ciations, he generally acted as moderator. After his 
 death, and when he was absent, the duties of moderator 
 most commonly devolved upon Rev. David Barrow, until 
 his removal to Kentucky. Since his removal Elders 
 Browne, Bowers, Murrelle, &c., have occasionally acted. 
 
 *The twenty-one churches originally constituting the Association were 
 Blackwater, Cut Banks, Fountain's Creek, High Hills, Meherrin, Ports, 
 mouth, Pungo, Sappony, Seacock, South Quay, Western Branch, Black 
 Creek, Eastern Shore, Great Creek, Isle ot Wight.Northwest, Prince George, 
 Rowan ty, Eeedy Creek, Shoulder's Hill and Sussex. 
 
 ■J-The meetings of this Association were held, with a single exception, in 
 the spring, until 1872. They have since, with a single exception, been held 
 In the autumn. 
 
454 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Until the division of the Kehukee District, Mr. Burkit 
 (joint author of Kehukee history) was the standing clerk. 
 Since the division that office has fallen into the hands of 
 different persons, at different times. 
 
 Elders William Browne, James Wright, &c., were in 
 their turns placed in that office. Not having a regular 
 file of the minutes of the Association, a detail of their 
 proceedings cannot be exhibited. This, however, is the 
 less necessary at this stage of our work, inasmuch as the 
 business of so many others is already detailed that it is 
 not presumable that there would be anything new or 
 singular. 
 
 There are some very valuable and able preachers 
 within the Portsmouth Association ; but it is the opinion 
 of some who are intimately acquainted that in point of 
 ministerial talents they have rather depreciated. A san- 
 guine believer can, nevertheless, anticipate a day when 
 God shall send them judges as at the first, and counsellors 
 as at the beginning ; when the watchmen now upon the 
 walls, aided by a new band, shall proclaim to Zion, 
 " Thy God reigneth." 
 
 PUNGO 
 
 church is among the oldest churches in Virginia. Whilst 
 they have had their days of adversity, as well as their 
 days of prosperity, God has still preserved them a name 
 among the families of Israel. Preachers, like servants, 
 can give us much ease ; they can also stir up much con- 
 fusion. In 1766 their first pastor, George Plummer, was 
 inaugurated. He, forsooth, must marry his wife's sister, 
 and was, of course, suspended. In January, 1774, they 
 made choice of Joshua Lawrence. For some years he 
 stood in high estimation ; but some charges being exhib- 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 455 
 
 ited against him, though not satisfactorily proven, the 
 church, with the assistance of helps, offered an appeal to 
 his own conscience, proposing that he should acknow- 
 ledge or deny the charges exhibited against him. This 
 he refused, and was excluded. He then commenced 
 preaching upon his own independence, and publicly and 
 solemnly denied the charges, thereby showing more re- 
 spect to the world than the church. He formed a party, 
 who built him a meeting-house. After some years, how- 
 ever, he was reinstated. Well might Paul say of minis- 
 ters, " not self-willed." 
 
 [The location of Pungo church was near Back Bay, in 
 the lower section ,of Princess Anne county. They were 
 an arm originally of Shiloh church, in Camden county, 
 N. C. Black water, Muddy Creek and probably other 
 churches were offshoots of Pungo. The name of the 
 church was changed in 1856 to Oak Grove, and under 
 this title they still exist.] 
 
 Blackwater 
 is an arm of Pungo. Nothing very remarkable has oc- 
 curred here. 
 
 [This church, also in Princess Anne county, is situated 
 near the head of Currituck sound and not far from the 
 North Carolina line. Their first pastor, William Sorey, 
 labored with them for a period of twenty-seven years, 
 and the second for twenty years. Their subsequent pas- 
 torshave generally resided in North Carolina. Among 
 these have been William D. Pritchard and N. M. Mun- 
 
 den.] 
 
 London Bridge 
 
 has generally been a prosperous church. Their first pas- 
 tor was William Morriss, who, after serving them faith- 
 
456 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 fully about seventeen or eighteen years, in 1802 took a 
 dismission to Kentucky, the cemetery* of Virginia Baptist 
 preachers. This was matter of great grief to his affec- 
 tionate people. 
 
 They next obtained the services of Jeremiah Ritter, 
 vyho has ministered to them with considerable success. Of 
 late years God has raised among them William P. Biddle, 
 a young preacher of promising talents and very amiable 
 deportment. How refreshing are these young and faith- 
 ful embassadors ! 
 
 [This church is located "seven miles east of Kemps- 
 ville and sixteen miles from Norfolk," near London Bridge, 
 in Princess Anne county. The church paid Elder Ritter 
 at the rate of five dollars per month for his pastoral ser- 
 vices. From 1815 to 1835 Henry Keeling, Sr., and 
 Smith Sherwood served them as pastors. St. John's 
 church was formed from this body in 1835. George Mor- 
 ris, Smith Sherwood and H. H. Banks were ministerial 
 sons of London Bridge.] 
 
 Norfolk f 
 
 church was taken off from Portsmouth. They have had 
 their full share of calamities — calamities severe and sor- 
 rowful in deed and in truth. Before their constitution 
 they were cursed with an arrant impostor by the name of 
 Frost. He came from Europe and pretended to be a 
 preacher. He made much confusion, to settle which the 
 
 *The author does not mean that the climate of Kentucky was unhealthy, 
 but that the preachers seemed destined all to go there, so frequent were the 
 removals. 
 
 +The Norfolk church, at this early date, was composed chiefly of colored 
 members. During the pastorate of James Mitchell, in 1817, the attention of 
 the Portsmouth Association was directed to a serious difficulty in this 
 church, the result of which was that the white members, the pastor and 
 family excepted, withdrew and organized Cumberland-Street church Sep- 
 tember 20, 1817, with twenty-five members, and George Patterson as pastor. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 457 
 
 church appointed certain persons to take him under lead- 
 ings. Frost refused to hear them and attended an appoint- 
 ment of his to^reach that evening. Just as he commenced 
 preaching he dropped down in the pulpit and expired in 
 about three hours. In 1802 one Mather, another European 
 vagabond preacher, came to Norfolk and made no little 
 confusion. He also soon died. In 1803 Benjamin Ashley, 
 Peter Sugg, Henry Keeling and James Mitchell were or- 
 dained to the.ministry. When the church was constituted 
 they had several preachers in their limits, none of whom, 
 however, were called upon by the church to take the pas- 
 toral care. They inconsiderately invited a certain William 
 Goodall to become their pastor. He was then a resident 
 of Hampton. He proved the greatest stumbling-block of 
 all. Goodall was a man of some talents as a preacher ; but 
 devoid of something more valuable than talents, he black- 
 ened the Baptists in Norfolk more than all his preaching 
 could wipe off if he were to live an hundred years. He fell 
 into the sin of polygamy and was put out from among 
 them. Goodall's apostasy, with some other severe calam- 
 ities that have since befallen them, has apparently almost 
 ruined the Baptist cause in Norfolk ; but if it be the cause 
 of Christ it must rise again. The gates of hell may annoy 
 but cannot prevail against the true church. They have 
 still several ordained preachers among them, but no pastor. 
 Elder Browne has of late undertaken to attend them once 
 a month. 
 
 Portsmouth* 
 
 was constituted under the pastoral care of Elder Thomas 
 Armistead. His labors were much blessed, and the church 
 
 *The records ol tliis body for the first half century of their history have 
 been lost. Between 1820 and -1830, D. M. Woodson was their pastor. In 1833 
 Thomas Hume became pastor, and served for twenty-one years. Under his 
 ministry the present church edifice was erected, and the name Court Street 
 assumed. For more than twenty years past A. E. Owen has served in the 
 pastorate of this body with great success. 
 
458 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 grew and multiplied. About 1792, partly from bad health 
 and partly from other causes, Mr. Armistead resigned his 
 charge. After his resignation the church de'clined greatly- 
 They employed Jacob Bishop, a black man of considera- 
 ble talents, to preach for them. This, as might have been 
 expected, could not answer in Virginia. Elder Thomas 
 Etheridge and Jacob Grigg, in their turn, served them a 
 small space of time. In 1802, Elder Davis Biggs moved 
 into the vicinity of Portsmouth, and became'their pastor. 
 Under his watchful care the church has moved on in a 
 much more tranquil manner. 
 
 Elder Armistead, the first pastor of this church, was a 
 man of high family and rich connections. He served as 
 an officer in the American army during the Revolutionary 
 war. He was universally esteemed as an officer of the 
 most unwavering courage. He was also a man of strong 
 mind, and in all likelihood would have made a figure in 
 the military line if he had not become a Baptist. This, 
 by lessening his military ardor as well as rendering him 
 somewhat unpopular in the army, probably prevented 
 that distinction to which he might have been otherwise 
 raised. Few men talked with more pleasure about mili- 
 tary movements than Major Armistead. 
 
 After his resignation, as above, he was never again as 
 useful. He became a merchant, moved from place to 
 place, and preached whenever he found an opportunity. 
 The Major never could completely shake off his high 
 notions of honor and resentment, imbibed in the army. 
 He was not unfrequently engaged in making arrange- 
 ments to settle affairs of honor. Invitations from others 
 he would not refuse ; he would sometimes offer them on 
 his part. This, with some other matters of disoi-der, ex- 
 pelled the Major in 1803 from the Baptist community. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 459 
 
 He still occasionally preached, but not with much, if any, 
 success. In 1809 he was again restored to his member- 
 ship and died shortly after. The Major was thought by 
 many, in his best days, to injure his usefulness by not 
 rightly dividing the word of truth. He dwelt too much 
 upon the deep and mysterious doctrines of Ciilvinism — 
 doctrines hard to be understood, and which therefore 
 ought to be cautiously managed. 
 
 Elder Biggs,* their late pastor, is a sound and inge- 
 nious preacher, and esteemed by his acquaintances as an 
 exemplary man. He also has lately moved to the western 
 country. 
 
 Upper Bridge.! 
 
 Nothing singular has occurred in this church. 
 
 Elder Jacob Grigg, former pastor of Upper Bridge, is 
 an Englishman who received an education at the Bristol 
 Baptist academy after he began to preach. When he 
 finished his education he was sent by the missionary 
 society into Africa. Having some disturbance there with 
 the governor of the colony, he came to Norfolk, in Vir- 
 ginia. After preaching for the church there awhile, he 
 came to Upper Bridge, and was there very useful. At 
 length he moved to Kentucky, and was pastor to one of 
 the most prosperous churches there. But in consequence 
 of the disturbances about hereditary slavery, he again 
 moved to Ohio, and finally to Richmond, Va., where he 
 
 *Elder Biggs settled in Kentuclcy about the year 1804, and became pastor 
 of Indian Creek church, In Harrison county, and subsequently served Silas 
 church, In Bourbon county, and proved himself a useful preacher and 
 worthy character. 
 
 + The location of this church was in the southeastern part of Norfolk 
 county, near the North Carolina line. Their meeting-house was burned in 
 1818, and at the completion of their present building in 1821 the name of 
 the church was changed to Northwest. Pleasant Grove (1844) and Lake 
 Drummond (1860) were principally formed from this body. 
 
460 SISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 now resides. His high, and perhaps in some respects, 
 untenable opinions of civil liberty, involved him in em- 
 barrassments both in Africa and Kentucky. Some of his 
 friends are of opinion that age and experience have cor- 
 rected these protuberances. His moral character has 
 never been assailed. By all who know him he is esteemed 
 pious and zealous. As a preacher, for deep investigation, 
 for clear and lucid exhibition of divine truth, he is un- 
 surpassed by any preacher in Virginia.* 
 
 Shoulder's Hill.j- 
 
 On the first preaching of the Baptists in these parts 
 they met with violent opposition. A mob collected at one 
 of their meetings and seized the preachers, Barrow and 
 Mintz, and carried them to a water not far distant. 
 There they dipped them several times, holding them 
 under the water until they were nearly drowned, asking 
 them if they believed. At length Mr. Barrow replied : 
 '■^ I believe you mean to drown me." After sporting with 
 them thus, they let them go. Notwithstanding this op- 
 position the Gospel progressed. The church, with some 
 interruptions, has enjoyed peace and prosperity. 
 
 * Elder Gregg, after spending some years in Kentuclsy, Oliio and North 
 Carolina, returned to Virginia and settled in Richmond. About the year 
 1817 he removed to Philadelphia, where he became pastor of the Market- 
 Street church. He again returned to Virginia and died in Sussex county 
 in 1836. 
 
 tThe Shoulder's Hill church was organized January, 1787, with Edward 
 Mintz as pastor. Their first place of worship was in Nansemond county, 
 midway between Portsmouth and Suilolk, on land that had been owned by 
 a man named Shoulder. In 1829 the church erected another meeting-house 
 at Sycamore Hill, Norfolk county, and until 1861 meetings were held at 
 each of these points alternately. In 1865 the house at the first-named place 
 was sold and a new one erected at Sycamore Hill a few years later (1869). 
 Though having changed their location the church retains the original 
 name. Elder Reuben Jones was twice pastor of this church and served 
 them over thirty years. His successor. Rev. A. B. Dunaway, finds in this 
 church one of the most liberal and progressive, bodies In the State. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 461 
 
 Western Branch. 
 
 This is a small but increasing church. Mr. Bunting, 
 their present pastor, is a native of the Eastern Shore, and 
 is esteemed both in his new and old habitation a good 
 man and sound preacher. 
 
 [This church was at first an arm of the Mill Swamp 
 church, and is located in Nansemond couiity, near the 
 Isle of Wight line. After Thomas Bunting, John Bow- 
 ers was pastor of Western Branch for sixteen years, and 
 John Harrell succeeded next as pastor for twenty-nine 
 years. Putnam Owens was their pastor from 1846 until 
 his death, in 1867 — thirty-one years. Shoulder's Hill 
 church was formed from Western Branch in 1785, and 
 Windsor in 1879. The following ministers have been 
 ordained from this church, viz., Isaac V. Luke, J. M. C. 
 Luke and Stephen G. McClenny.] 
 
 South Quay. 
 
 Nothing of note has come to our knowledge as to this 
 church. 
 
 [The meeting-house of South Quay church was at first 
 located in Southampton county, near the dividing line 
 between lower Nansemond. David Barrow was pastor 
 of the church about ten years. In 1835 the church was 
 sadly divided between the missionary and anti-mission 
 parties. A permanent division of the church took place, 
 the supporters of missions withdrawing and erecting 
 a new meeting-house near the Blackwater river, in Nanse- 
 mond county, on land donated as a site by E. R. Hunter. 
 From the membership of South Quay have sprung the 
 following ministers : John Darden, Simon Murfee, Jacob 
 K. Daughtrey, Edward Howell and James E. Jones.] 
 
462 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Black Creek 
 has generally been a happy and peaceful church. They 
 sustained a great loss in the removal of Elder David Bar- 
 row in 1797, since which time, however, they have had 
 the occasional ministrations of others, whose labors have 
 been blessed. 
 
 [James Dupee, John McGlamre and David Barrow were 
 early laborers in this field. Elders Barrow and Abraham 
 Marshall organized the church May 27, 1786, with sev- 
 enty members. D. Barrow was their first pastor. John 
 Bowers succeeded him as pastor in 1798. Edward How- 
 ell, James Delk and James L. Gwaltney entered the min- 
 istry from the ranks of this church. They are located 
 near the Blackwater river, in Southampton county.] 
 
 Meherrin 
 is a daughter of Raccoon Swamp, now under the care of 
 Robert Murrelle, a pious and exemplary minister of the 
 New Testament, and a leading man in the Association. 
 [This church was originally an arm of Raccoon 
 Swamp, and was organized in 1788, under the ministry of 
 John McGlamre, who became their first pastor. His suc- 
 cessor, Robert Murrelle, served the church until 1827, the 
 year of his death. His pastorate reached a period of 
 nearly forty years. The site of the meeting-house of 
 this body was donated by John Sturgeon and long 
 known as " Sturgeon's meeting-house," and was in the 
 lower end of Southampton county, near Meherrin river. 
 In 1847, with the erection of a new house, the location was 
 changed and the church called Hebron. The list of 
 pastors of Hebron is a long one, embracing numerous 
 familiar and honored names of living ministers. Smith's 
 church, near Northampton Courthouse, N. C. ; Boykin's 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 463 
 
 (October i8, 1871,) and Fountain's Grove (September 19, 
 1875,) were to a great extent formed of members dis- 
 missed from Hebron.] 
 
 Tucker's Swamp 
 is a small new church under the care of Henry Jones, a 
 preacher of plain but useful gifts. 
 
 [The place of worship of this church is now, as for- 
 merly, in Southampton county, one mile west of Zuni, a 
 station on the Norfolk and Western railroad. The first 
 meeting-house, an humble structure, 20x20 feet in dimen- 
 sions, was enlarged by the addition of sheds, about 1829, 
 and i-eplaced by the present one in 1845. "Samuel H. 
 Holmes and J. E. Stephenson were licensed to preach by 
 this church, and James G. Councill was a member here 
 prior to his entrance on the work of the ministry."] 
 
 Seacock. 
 
 Nothing remarkable has taken place here. 
 
 [The meeting-house of this church stood on the land 
 of Samuel Bain, near Wakefield station, in Sussex county. 
 The church was organized in 1787, with eighteen mem- 
 bers. Elder W. Browne was among their earliest minis- 
 ters. In 1832 a new place of worship, five miles distant 
 from the old meeting-place, was chosen and a house 
 erected. The name of the church was then changed to 
 Elam.J 
 
 Raccoon Swamp 
 
 has been a large and flourishing church. She has been 
 the mother of many ministerial sons. James Bell, Zadoc 
 Bell, Balaam Ezell, John Wall, Randall Nusam and Wil- 
 liam Browne were raised here. 
 
 [This body was constituted June 13, 1772, by Elders 
 John Moore and William Browne. John McGlamre was 
 
464 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 their first pastor and served them twenty-two years. 
 Ruling^ elders were for a time chosen as officers by this 
 church. In 1853 their name was changed to Antioch. 
 The meeting-house of the church is in Sussex county, 
 twelve miles east of Jarrat's Depot. The pastors who 
 have served Antioch constitute a formidable list.] 
 
 High Hills of Nottoway,* 
 
 also a daughter of Raccoon Swamp, has nothing remarka- 
 ble. 
 
 SAPPONVf 
 
 fell first under the pastoral care of Mr. Rivers, a pious 
 minister ; but his life was short. James Bell was then 
 inaugurated as pastor. He also lived but few years and 
 died. Since his death they have had no regular pastor, 
 but have been attended by Mr. Browne statedly. They 
 have had some revivals. 
 
 Mill Swamp. 
 
 Within the limits of this church there have been for 
 many years some Freewill Baptists, as they were termed. 
 Some time previous to the year 1774 several of the Bap- 
 tist preachers holding with free grace preached among 
 them. Their labors proved successful and a church was 
 constituted. They asked and obtained the pastoral ser- 
 vices of David Barrow. From the time of the constitu- 
 
 *The location of this church. In apparent contradiction of their name, 
 was in the southern extremity of Sussex county. Nathaniel Chambliss, a 
 member of the church, was ordained in 1806, and served them as pastor 
 until his death, in 1827. J. B. Jeter was ordained to the ministry here May 
 4, 1824. The house of worship of High Hills was destroyed during the war 
 between the States, and was subsequently rebuilt on the same site. 
 
 + Sapporiy meeting-house is in Sussex county, two miles west of Stony 
 Creek station, on the Petersburg and Weldon railroad, ** During the late 
 war the building was badly marred by shot and shell, the columns being 
 badly torn and the Bible mutilated. It still bears scars of the conflict." 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 465 
 
 tion until this time they have been remarked for their 
 regularity in the preservation of discipline and order. 
 God has been honored among them. Elder Barrow, their 
 pastor, was called of God to occupy the pulpit at an early 
 period of his life. Having a strong wish to advance the 
 Redeemer's kingdom, he availed himself of every oppor- 
 tunity to improve his mind. He applied himself to read- 
 ing, and sought instruction from every quarter within his 
 reach. His progress was very considerable. His preach- 
 ing and conversation were admired. Mr. Barrow had no 
 notion of preaching barely for the sake of being ad- 
 mired. He sought the salvation of men — he sought it 
 earnestly. Receiving from heaven the bread of life, he 
 dealt out to each one his portion in due season. He 
 traveled and preached far and wide. Jesus was with him 
 and gave him many seals. His spotless character as a- 
 Christian greatly aided his pulpit labors.* All who 
 knew him at all knew he was a good man. In the time 
 of the Revolutionary war Mr. Barrow was a warm 
 Whig. He exhorted his countrymen to face the enemy 
 and shake off the yoke of British bondage. He set them 
 the example. When dangers pressed, Mr. Barrow volun- 
 tarily shouldered his musket, joined the army and was 
 found ready for the field of battle. His unexceptionable 
 deportment rendered him very popular with all descrip- 
 tions of men. After the Revolution he was persuaded 
 to accept the office of magistrate, the duties of which he 
 
 * The Mill Swamp church, of which Elder Barrow was pastor, is located 
 in the northwestern part of Isle of Wight county, and still maintains a 
 vigorous existence. Among its pastors have been William Browne, John 
 Gwaltney, Smith Sherwood, Samuel Holmes, John W. Ward, J. J. Taylor, J. 
 C. Hiden, W. A. Pearson and T. B. Shepherd. From Mill Swamp have 
 sprung the following churches ; South Quay (1785) , Black Creek ( 1786) , West- 
 ern Branch (1779), and Smlthfleld (1830). Elder Reuhen Jones entered the 
 ministry at the call of this body. 
 
 30 
 
466 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 discharged with fidelity and ability for some years. Find- 
 ing this office incompatible with the regular discharge of 
 his ministerial duties, he threw it up, resolving not to be 
 entangled with the affairs of this life. 
 
 He carried his opinions of liberty so far as to think it 
 criminal to hold negroes in slavery. He therefore eman- 
 cipated all he had. Although this measure proved his 
 disinterested zeal to do right, it is questionable whether 
 it was not in the end productive of more evil than good. 
 While it embarrassed his affairs at home by lessening his 
 resources for the maintenance of a large family, it ren- 
 dered him suspicious among his acquaintances, and proba- 
 bly in both ways limited his usefulness. After he re- 
 moved to Kentucky it was a source of much vexation. 
 After a life of twenty-odd years' usefulness in Virginia 
 he moved to Kentucky, where he quickly distinguished 
 himself as a man of talents, piety and usefulness. He is 
 still living.* 
 
 Otter Dams 
 
 is now under the care of Beverly Boothe. He is a 
 preacher of gifts and respectable among his acquaint- 
 ances. 
 
 [This church was located in Prince George county, and 
 in 1840 their name was changed to Brandon. Subse- 
 quently, in 1853, they changed it again to Cabin Point. 
 The latter name was dropped from the list of the Ports- 
 mouth Association in 1868. An attempt to revive the 
 old church under the name of Otter Dams was made in 
 1843, but it did not succeed.] 
 
 * Elder Barrow settled In Montgomery county, Ky., June 24, 1798, and soon 
 afterwards united with Mt. Sterling cliuroli, of which he became pastor. 
 He was long involved in controversy and dissension as an anti-slavery agi- 
 tator. He die4 Noveniber 14, 1819. 
 
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 467 
 
 ROWANTY 
 
 was formerly under the care of Jesse Lee, a preacher of 
 information. He died and they have since been destitute 
 of a regular pastor. 
 
 [This church was located in Dinwiddle county, near 
 Rowanty creek. The name was dropped from the roll 
 of the Portsmouth Association in 1819.] 
 
 Davenport's 
 
 has very few white members, but being in the vicinity of 
 Petersburg, there are in that city a number of people of 
 color who are members. These have built a meeting- 
 house and carry on their worship regularly through 
 their preachers of color. Many of them are said to be 
 very pious and respectable, whilst many others by their 
 wretched conduct make the Baptist name a term of re- 
 proach. 
 
 [This church was in Prince George county, in a south- 
 easterly course from Petersburg, and distant seven or eight 
 miles. The name was derived from a lady — Mrs. Sallie 
 Davenport — who gave the land on which the meeting- 
 house stood. In 1817 the Market-Street church of Peters- 
 burg was formed, principally from members of Daven- 
 port's. For twenty years after this Mrs. Lucy Tucker was 
 the sole member of the mother church. About the year 
 1838 the church was revived, and assumed the name of 
 Old Shop, from a cooper's shop in which meetings were 
 for some years held. During the late war the meeting- 
 house of this church was torn down by Federal soldiers, 
 and the membership became scattered. The body was 
 revived a second time August 19, 1870, and two years 
 later a house of worship was erected on the old site. El- 
 
468 HISTORY OP VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 der J. A. Strachan was for fifteen years the pastor of Old 
 Shop, and the house of worship mentioned above was 
 erected during the latter years of his ministry.] 
 
 This is the latest Association which can now be taken 
 up. Besides those already treated on, there is one other 
 called Mayo, partly in Virginia and partly in North Caro- 
 lina, concerning which the documents have unfortunately 
 miscarried. They are now sent for particularly, and it is 
 hoped may arrive in time to be annexed as a supplement. 
 
Appendix, 
 
 Including biographical Sketches, Copies of Letters, 
 
 Memorials, Addresses, 
 
 And other documents Bearing upon the 
 
 Subject matter of this History. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 Elder William Webber is mentioned in numerous 
 instances in this history. He was born August 15, 1747, 
 and was baptized June, 1770, as one of the first fruits of 
 Elder John Waller's ministry. He was early chosen as 
 pastor of Dover church, and served them long and faith- 
 fully. On various occasions he was called to suffer im- 
 prisonment for preaching the Gospel withoutlicense, and 
 many, it is believed, were savingly reached through the 
 Word preached by him through the grated windows of 
 jails. His talents as a preacher were not of a high order, 
 but his manners were dignified and manly, gentle, affec- 
 tionate and engaging ; he was the soul of simplicity and 
 frank sincerity, and greatly beloved by his members, and 
 highly esteemed by all who knew him. For a number of 
 years he acted as moderator of the General Association, 
 as also of the General Committee. He died in great 
 peace and triumph February 29, 1808. 
 
 Elder John Picket was born in King George county, 
 Va., January 14, 1744. He was in early manhood a lover 
 of pleasure and a dancing master. He was converted to 
 Christ under Joseph Murphy's preaching in North Caro- 
 lina in 1765. Returning to Fauquier county, at that time 
 the home of his parents, in 1767, he began to exhort. 
 Carter's Run church was originated in a large measure 
 from his labors. He became pastor here May 12, 1772, 
 the date of his ordination. He suffered imprisonment in 
 the Fauquier jail, and preached to the crowds that gath- 
 
 [ 471 ] 
 
472 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ered at the windows. He traveled extensively on tours of 
 preaching, in which he was greatly blessed. Fifty were 
 baptized at one time in the Shenandoah river as the 
 fruits of his preaching. His zeal increased with his age, 
 and in June, 1803, God called him to his reward. 
 
 Elder John Courtney was a native of King and 
 Queen county, where his parents and eldest brother were 
 prominent members of the Episcopal Church. He is 
 said to have rendered repeated religious service in the 
 camp and the field during the Revolutionary war. At 
 the close of the war he removed to Richmond and en- 
 tered upon the pastoral care of the Baptist (the old First) 
 church, and in this position he rendered valuable service 
 for forty years. In the feebleness of his later years he 
 was assisted by Elders John Brice, Andrew Broaddus and 
 Henry Keeling. He died December 18, 1824, and an 
 appreciative sketch of his life, prepared by Henry Keel- 
 ing and published in the Evangelical Inquirer, has been 
 preserved in Taylor's Virginia Baptist Ministers. 
 
 Lewis Craig was an elder brother of Elijah and Jo- 
 seph Craig, all of whom were prominent in the early 
 struggles of the Baptists in Virginia and Kentucky. He 
 was largely instrumental in the formation of Tuckahoe, 
 Upper King and Queen and Upper Essex churches in 
 the former State, and of the first Gilbert's Creek and 
 South Elkhorn churches in the latter. About 1 792 he 
 removed to what is now Bracken county, and has been 
 termed the father of the Association of the same name. 
 His noble endurance of persecutions in several places in 
 Virginia, and his leadership of Craig's church from Spot- 
 sylvania, Va., to Gilbert's Creek,, Ky., through the vast 
 forests of 1781, invest his sturdy character with a pictu- 
 resque and stirring interest. He died about A. D. 1824, 
 
APPENDIX. 473 
 
 in the eighty-seventh year of his age, leaving an honored 
 memory as an earnest and powerful exhorter, a sweet- 
 spirited companion, a heavenly minded Christian, and a 
 minister of the Cross who had endured " hardness as a 
 good soldier of Jesus Christ." 
 /■ Lewis Lunsford, who was in an important sense the 
 founder of the Baptist denomination in the Northern Neck 
 of Virginia, was born in StafTord county about the year 
 1753 ; and there he was baptized while yet a youth by El- 
 der William Fristoe. When not yet eighteen years of age 
 he began to exhort, and large crowds flocked to hear " the 
 Wonderful Boy," so remarkable were his talents and elo- 
 quence. About 1774 he made his appearance in West- 
 moreland, Richmond, Lancaster and Northumberland 
 counties, where for a time his preaching was interrupted 
 by mob violence and legal proscriptions, '^[hese persecu- 
 tions served, however, to increase his popularity, and in 
 1778 Morattico church was formed and he chosen as their 
 pastor. His zeal and activity were unabated, and the 
 success of his ministry truly remarkable. No other 
 preacher in Virginia has probably received more conclu- 
 sive testimonials to the eloquence and power of his ser- 
 mons than Lunsford. Semple said of him : " In his best 
 strains he was more like an angel than a man. His coun- 
 tenance, lighted up by an inward flame, seemed to shed 
 beams of light wherever he turned. His voice, always 
 harmoniouSj often seemed tuned by descending seraphs. 
 His style and his manner were so sublime and so ener- 
 getic that he was indeed an embassador of the skies, sent 
 down to command all men everywhere to repent." 
 
 He continued in the pastorate of Morattico church un- 
 til his death, which occurred on October 26, 1793, in the 
 prime of his manhood. From the meeting of the Dover 
 
474 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Association at Glebe Landing church, in Middlesex, he 
 went to preach at Bruington, where, having taken cold, 
 he became rapidly ill, and died in the vicinity of Miller's, 
 in Essex county, where also his remains were interred. 
 Two funeral sermons by Elder Henry Toler were pub- 
 lished and extensively circulated, and he was further 
 commemorated with a marble monument placed by his 
 churches over his grave. 
 
 Elder George Smith was born in Buckingham county, 
 Va., March 15, 1747; married Judith Guerrant October 
 20, 1765 ; died on his farm on Elkhorn Creek, Franklin 
 county, Ky., August 9, 1820. His strong anti-slavery 
 principles made him generally unpopular among the Ken- 
 tucky churches. He lived in Kentucky upon terms of the 
 most endearing intimacy with his old Virginia yoke-fel- 
 low, William Hickman. 
 
 Elder George Stokbs Smith was a younger half- 
 brother to the above, and probably accompanied Lewis 
 Craig and party to Kentucky in 1781. He was a con- 
 stituent member of Gilbert's Creek church, and a messen- 
 ger from that body to the Convention at South Elkhorn 
 in 1785 ; aided in constituting Marble Creek church in 
 1787, and was a member of the political convention at 
 Danville in 1792 which framed the constitution of Ken- 
 tucky. He died in 1809 while pastor of Mt. Pleasant 
 church, in Jessamine county. 
 
 Elder Lewis Chadoin was a native of Chesterfield 
 county, and served as a soldier in the Revolution. He 
 afterwards resided in Goochland county. He was for 
 nearly or quite sixty years an active preacher of the Gos- 
 pel. He died January 4, 1845, aged ninety years and some 
 months. His funeral sermon was preached by Elder An- 
 drew Broaddus, and was in its eloquence and power a fit- 
 ting tribute to a worthy and eminently useful life. 
 
APPENDIX. 475 
 
 Elder Rane Chastain was born in Powhatan county 
 June 28, 1741^ Most of ms life was spent in Bucking- 
 ham, where he served the church of that name for more 
 than half a century. Cumberland, Providence, and Mul- 
 berry Grove churches also enjoyed at times his ministerial 
 supervision. Like many other early preachers he was in 
 straitened financial circumstances, and much of his life 
 spent between the plow handles. Still, when dying in 
 old age, he could say as his last utterance, "I have made 
 full proof of my ministry," 
 
 Elder Henry Toler was a native of King and Queen 
 county, where he grew to manhood. His conversion oc- 
 curred under the preaching of Elder John Courtney. 
 Becoming a member of Upper College church he was soon 
 licensed to exhort, and, being led to the Northern Neck, 
 he attracted the attention of Counsellor Robert Carter, of 
 Westmoreland, who had himself recently become a Bap- 
 tist. By Mr. Carter's friendly assistance he was enabled- 
 to pursue a course of study with Dr. Samuel Jones, of 
 Lower Dublin, Penn. His permanent ministry in the 
 Northern Neck began in 1782 or 1783. In April, 1786, 
 Nomini church was organized and he was chosen pastor. 
 In this relation his labors were greatly blessed for more 
 than twenty years. About the year 1810 he removed 
 with his family to Fairfax county, whence after a brief 
 residence he went to Kentucky and located at Versailles. 
 He became pastor here, where he spent the remainder of 
 his life, and died March, 1824. Few, if any, of the early 
 Baptist pastors of Virginia were permitted to rejoice in. 
 more seals to their ministry than Henry Toler. 0-'-^^''^'^ 
 
 David Tin sley was bor n in Culpeper county in 1749, 
 and soon afterwards was brought by his parents to Ame- 
 lia. He became a preacher in iearly manhood, and Wil- 
 
476 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Ham Hickman (afterwards " Father Hickman," of Ken- 
 tucky) was one of the first trophies of his ministry. 
 Besides Totier in Albemarle, of which he was the first 
 pastor, he served Powhatan church for five or six years. 
 The hand of persecution immured him for four months 
 and sixteen days in Chesterfield jail. Through the grated 
 window of this prison he with others of his fellow- 
 prisoners preached to the crowd without. One who was 
 led to Christ by this preaching has testified : " All 
 around the jail the crowded assembly would stand, some 
 weeping and others rejoicing, as they received the word 
 of truth." In 1782 Elder Tinsley entered upon a brief 
 pastorate with Mathew's church, in the Dover Associa- 
 tion. In 1785 he removed' to Georgia, having sailed from 
 Yorktown to Savannah. .He settled with Abilene (then 
 called Red Creek) church, in the vicinity of Augusta. 
 He died at the age of fifty-two years, in October, 1801. 
 
 William Woods was one of the constituent members 
 of Albemarle church in 1773, and was ordained at the 
 call of that body July i, 1780. There is a record that at 
 the solicitation of Thomas Jefferson he surrendered his 
 credentials as a minister in order to run for the Legisla- 
 ture, to which he was chosen. His relations with the 
 church do not appear to have ever continued long of a 
 peaceful or orderly character. He was dismissed by let- 
 ter, with his wife, in September, 18 10, and removed to 
 Kentucky, where he finished his course in 1819. The 
 place of his ordination and scene of his principal labors 
 in the ministry was about three-quarters of a mile from 
 where the University of Virginia now stands. 
 
 Ambrose Dudley was born in Spotsylvania county 
 in 1750; served as a captain in the army of the Revolu- 
 tion ; preached a few years in Virginia, and in May, 
 
APPENDIX. 477 
 
 1786, settled in the vicinity of Lexington, Ky. Here he 
 became pastor of Bryant's and David's Fork churches. 
 He was highly respected and honored, and became a 
 leader in Elkhorn, and subsequently in Licking Associa- 
 tion. For nearly forty years he pursued, in his adopted 
 State, a popular and useful ministry, unspotted with 
 worldly entanglements, and remarkable for fidelity to 
 truth and duty as well as punctuality in meeting ap- 
 pointments. He died January 27, 1825, having passed 
 his three-score years and ten. Among the numerous 
 children left by Elder Dudley were Dr. Benjamin W. 
 Dudley, an eminent surgeon, and Rev. Thomas P. Dud- 
 ley, who succeeded to the pastorate of Bryant's church 
 in 1825, and maintained it for nearly sixty years. Dr. 
 Richard M. Dudley, the late president of Georgetown 
 College, was a great-grandson of the subject of this 
 sketch. 
 
 James Chiles is said to have possessed " a sturdy set 
 of limbs" and "a resolute spirit," which, prior to his 
 conversion, he sometimes employed "in bruising his 
 countrymen's faces." He was an early instrument in 
 planting the Gospel in the region of Blue Run church, in 
 Orange, and he was a pioneer laborer also in Albemarle. 
 He removed to South Carolina at an early day, where he 
 organized a large church. He is said to have had implicit 
 faith in signs and visions — a weakness which was more 
 than counterbalanced by his ardent zeal and large suc- 
 cess. Going to the house of a woman upon a certain 
 occasion, he informed her that God had said he must die 
 there that day. Despite her remonstrance, he reaffirmed 
 the certainty of the decree, and having so said, "he 
 stretched himself upon the bed and yielded up the ghost." 
 
478 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Elijah Baker was born in Lunenburg county in 1742. 
 He was converted to Christ under the preaching of Jere- 
 miah Walker, or rather received from him his first serious 
 religious impressions. In 1769 he was baptized by Elder 
 Samuel Harriss, and at once began to exhort. His 
 preaching in his native county was instrumental in gath- 
 ering several churches. About 1773, his itinerant labors 
 were extended to Henrico county, and thence down the 
 peninsula between the James and York rivers. In this 
 region he was abundantly blessed in the establishment 
 of churches. Having crossed thence into Gloucester, where 
 he labored a short time, he next set sail, in the spring of 
 1776, for the Eastern Shore. In this new field, amidst 
 much opposition and severe persecution, he founded no 
 less than ten churches. He was brother to Leonard 
 Baker, the pastor of Musterfield church, in Halifax 
 county, to whom in his last sickness he addressed an af- 
 fectionate letter, and who reached his bedside only in time 
 to see him die. His death occurred November 6, 1798, at 
 the residence of Dr. Lemon, where another pioneer Bap- 
 tist preacher — Philip Hughes — also breathed his last. 
 
 William Murphy belonged by birth to the southern 
 part of Virginia, and his earliest ministerial labors appear 
 to have been in the region of Halifax and Pittsylvania. 
 With his brother Joseph he traveled extensively, and 
 though neither of them possessed educational advantages 
 their ministry was popular and efTective. Samuel Harriss 
 was won to Christ through the ministry of William Mur- 
 phy. The two brothers — William and Joseph — after an 
 honorable career in Virginia, where they were widely 
 known as "the Murphy boys," removed, the former to the 
 West, and the latter to North Carolina, where he became 
 a leading figure in the Yadkin Association. The home 
 
APPENDIX. 479 
 
 of the latter was Surry county, where he lived, highly 
 respected and esteemed, to a very old age. 
 
 Elder John Williams was born in Hanover county 
 in 1747, and probably soon afterwards was taken with his 
 parents to Lunenburg county, which became his subse- 
 quent home. Here, about 1769, he served as sheriff. The 
 year following he was baptized. In 1771 he accompanied 
 Jeremiah Walker to the first meeting of the General Asso- 
 ciation at Blue Run meeting-house. In November follow- 
 ing he became pastor of Meherrin church. In i785heunited 
 with Sandy Creek church, in Charlotte, becoming also 
 their pastor, and the next year he began to serve Blue 
 Stone church, in Mecklenburg. Meanwhile he was in- 
 strumental in organizing Allen's Creek church. 
 
 Elder Williams was marked for intellectual force, a 
 broadly catholic spirit, methodical habits, laborious dili- 
 gence in the ministry, and an ardent love for souls. He 
 was a prompt and regular attendant upon the meetings 
 of the General Association and the General Committee, 
 and in the labors and plans of the denomination in be- 
 half of religious liberty, education and the preservation of 
 their history he was a most prominent and efficient actor. 
 Not a few of the memorials and petitions in behalf of 
 religious rights, sent to the Assembly by the early Bap- 
 tists were committed to his hand, if they were not also 
 the products of his pen. 
 
 An accidental fall from a step in 1793 made him some- 
 what of a cripple for the remainder of his life. He 
 would yet hobble on crutches into the pulpit, and there, 
 seated in a chair, proclaim the Gospel that was so dear 
 to his heart. He died from an attack of pleurisy April 
 
 30. 1795- 
 
480 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 John McGlamrk removed to Halifax county, N. C, 
 from one of the Northern States, where he was born 
 June 7, 1730. In the thirty-fourth year of his age he 
 became a subject of redeeming grace, and united with 
 Kehukee church, of which he was soon called to be the 
 pastor. He served here until 1772, making meanwhile 
 numerous preaching tours into Virginia with encourag- 
 ing success. He at length removed to Sussex county, 
 where Raccoon Swamp church was formed through his 
 instrumentality. Various other churches — Mill Swamp, 
 Black Creek, Seacock and High Hills — were brought 
 into being largely through his labors. For twenty years 
 or more he presided over the Kehukee Association as 
 moderator, and a similar respect was shown him when 
 the division occurred and he became a member of the 
 Portsmouth Association. His death occurred December 
 13, 1799, within a few hours of that of " the Father of 
 his Country." 
 
 Reuben Ford was probably a native of Goochland 
 county, where his long and laborious ministry was 
 chiefly spent. He was the principal agent in organizing 
 Goochland church in 1771, from which Dover church 
 sprang two years later. For more than thirty years 
 he served Dover Association as clerk, To him, more 
 than to any other of the early preachers in the days 
 that "tried men's souls," was the duty committed of 
 waiting on the General Assembly with petitions and 
 memorials respecting religious rights. He lived to an 
 advanced age, and towards the end of his life labored 
 under great bodily infirmity. He manifestly was one to 
 whom the inspired testimony applies : " The memory of 
 the just is blessed." 
 
APPENDIX. 481 
 
 [Copy of warrant lor arrest of Elders Saunders and McClannahian, re- 
 ferred to on page 234. The original in the possession of Eev. James B. 
 Taylor, D. D.] 
 
 CULPEPER, Set. : 
 
 Whereas we have received information that Nathaniel 
 Saunders and William McClannahan, stiling themselves 
 Protestant dissenters, does teach and preach contrary to 
 the laws and usages of the Kingdom of Great Britain, 
 raising sedition and stirring up strife amongst His Ma- 
 jestie's leige people. 
 
 Therefore in His Majestie's name we require you, Sam- 
 uel Ferguson and John Lillard, to take Nathaniel Saun- 
 ders and William McClannahan and their abettors and 
 bring before some justice of the peace for the said county 
 to be examined touching the charge, and we do hereby 
 command all His Majestie's subjects to be aiding and as- 
 sisting in the due execution thereof. 
 
 Given under our hands this 21st day of August, i773- 
 
 John Slaughter, 
 George Wetherall. 
 
 To the Sheriff or any Constable of this county, or to Samuel Fer- 
 guson and John Lillard. 
 
 Executed : Pr Samuel Ferguson, 
 John Lillard. 
 
 [Letter written in Middlesex jail by Elder John Waller. Taken from Tay- 
 lor's Virginia Baptist Ministers,} 
 
 Urbanna Prison, Middlesex County, 
 
 August IS, 1771. 
 Dear Brother in the Lord : 
 
 At a meeting which was held at Brother McCan's, in 
 this county, last Saturday, while Brother William Web- 
 31 
 
482 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 ber was addressing the congregation from James ii., i8, 
 there came running toward him, in a most furious rage, 
 Captain James Montague, a magistrate of the county, fol- 
 lowed by the parson of the parish and^ several others, who 
 seemed greatly exasperated. The magistrate and another 
 took hold of Brother Webber, and dragging him from the 
 stage, delivered him, with Brethren Wafford, Robert 
 Ware, Richard Faulkner, James Greenwood and myself, 
 into custody, and commanded that we should be brought 
 before him for trial. Brother WafFord was severely 
 scourged, and Brother Henry Street received one lash 
 from one of the persecutors, who was prevented from pro- 
 ceeding to further violence by his companions. To be 
 short, i may inform j'ou that we were carried before the 
 above-mentioned magistrate, who, with the parson and 
 some others, carried us one by one into a room and exam- 
 ined our pockets and wallets for fire-arms, &c., charging 
 us with carrying on a meeting against the authority of the 
 land. Finding none, we were asked if we had license to 
 preach in the county ; and learning we had not, it was 
 required of us to give bond and security not to preach any 
 more in this county, which we modestly refused to do; 
 whereupon, after dismissing Brother Wafford, with a 
 charge to make his escape out of the county by twelve 
 o'clock thp next day on pain of imprisonment, and dis- 
 missing Brother Faulkner, the rest of us were delivered 
 to the sheriff and sent to close jail, with a charge not to 
 let us walk in the air until court-day. Blessed be God, 
 the sheriff and jailer have treated us with as much kind- 
 ness as could have been expected from strangers. May 
 the Lord reward them for it ! Yesterday we had a large 
 number of people to hear us preach ; and among others, 
 many of the great ones of the land, who behaved well 
 
APPENDIX. 483 
 
 while one of us discoursed on the new birth. We find 
 the Lord gracious and kind to us beyond expression in our 
 afflictions. We cannot tell how long we shall be kept in 
 bonds ; we therefore beseech, dear brother, that you and 
 the church supplicate night and day for us, our benefac- 
 tors and our persecutors. 
 
 I have to inform you that six of our brethren are con- 
 fined in Caroline jail, viz., Brethren Lewis Craig, John 
 Burrus, John Young, Edward Herndon, James Goolrick 
 and Bartholomew Choning. The most dreadful threat- 
 enings are raised in the neighboring counties against the 
 Lord's faithful and humble followers. 
 
 Excuse haste. Adieu. John Waller. 
 
 [The address of the above letter does not appear.] 
 
 [Letter to Elder N. Saunders, while in Culpeper jail, from David Thomas, 
 referred to on page 234.] 
 
 To Nathaniel Saunders, a Minister of Christ, now in prison in 
 Culpeper for preaching the Gospel there, by Mr. Eaton : 
 
 Dear Brother, — I hear you are put in prison for 
 preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you may 
 think it hard. But O, what honor has the Lord put upon 
 you ! I think you may be willing to suffer death now, 
 seeing you are counted worthy to enter a dungeon for 
 your Master's sake. Hold out, my dear brother ! Re- 
 member your Master — your royal, heavenly, divine Mas- 
 ter — was nailed to a cursed tree for us. O, to suffer 
 for Him is glory in the bud ! O, let it never be said that 
 a Baptist minister of Virginia ever wronged his con- 
 science to get liberty, not to please God, but himself! 
 O, your imprisonment (which I am satisfied is not from 
 
484 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 any rash proceedings of your own) is not a punishment, 
 but a glory ! " If you suffer with Him you shall also 
 reign with him." 
 
 Dear brother, the bearer is waiting or I should have 
 enlarged. This is only to let you know that I can pray 
 for you with great freedom. Give my kind love to your 
 fellow-prisoner,* though I know him not. I hope he is 
 a dear child of God. Pray for me, for I need it. I re- 
 main, dear brother, 
 
 Yours in our dear Lord Jesus, 
 
 David Thomas. 
 Fauquier, September 26, 177S. 
 N. B. — Let me hear from you the first opportunity. 
 
 [The Address of the Committee ol the United Baptist Churches in Virginia 
 assembled in the city of Richmond, August 8, 1789.] 
 
 To the President of the United States of America ; 
 
 Sir, — Among the many shouts of congratulation that 
 
 you receive from cities, societies. States and the whole 
 
 *Thls "fellow-prisoner," we may assume, was William McClannahan, 
 named in the writ for Elder Saunders's arrest. William McClannahan was 
 one of the boldest and most enterprising of the early Baptist preachers of 
 Virginia. He was the first Baptist preacher to carry the new doctrine into • 
 the lower counties of the Northern Neck. Traces of his preaching there 
 are to be found prior to the year 1770. Perhaps the earliest convert in 
 Westmoreland county to the Baptist faith, wrote : 
 
 " McClannatfan I plainly see 
 Was Instrument in calling me ; 
 And Fristoe, that dear man I love. 
 Preached I was born of God." 
 
 Howe (Historical Collections, page 238) says of this brave soldier of Christ , 
 who raised one of the companies of Culpeper minute -men for the Revolu- 
 tionary army : " Captain McClannahan was a Baptist clergyman and at first 
 regularly preached to his men. His recruits, were drawn principally from 
 his own denomination. . . . The Baptists were among the most strenu- 
 ous supporters of liberty." 
 
APPENDIX. 485 
 
 world, we wish to take an active part in the universal 
 chorus by expressing our great satisfaction in your ap- 
 pointment to the first office in the nation. When America 
 on a former occasion was reduced to the necessity of ap - 
 pealing to arms to defend her natural and civil rights, a 
 Washington was found fully adequate to the exigencies 
 of the dangerous attempt, who by the philanthropy of 
 his heart and prudence of his head led forth her untu- 
 tored troops into the field of battle, and by the skillfulness 
 of his hands baffled the projects of the insulting foe and 
 pointed out the road to independence, even at a time 
 when the energy of the Cabinet was not sufficient to 
 bring into ac;tion the natural aid of the association from its 
 respective sources. 
 
 The grand object being obtained, the independence of 
 the States acknowledged, free from ambition and devoid 
 of a thirst for blood, our hero returned with those he 
 commanded and laid down his sword at the feet of those 
 who gave it to him. Suck an example to the world is new. 
 Like other nations, we experience that it requires as great 
 valor and wisdom to make an advantage of a conquest as 
 to gain one. 
 
 The want of efficacy in the confederation, the redun- 
 dancy of laws and their partial administration in . the 
 States, called aloud for a new arrangement of our system. 
 The wisdom of the States for that purpose was collected 
 in a grand convention, over which you, sir, had the honor 
 to preside. A national government in all its parts was 
 recommended as the only preservative of the Union, 
 which plan of government is now actually in operation. 
 
 When the Constitution first made its appearance in Vir- 
 ginia, we, as a society, had unusual stragglings of mind, 
 fearing that the liberty of conscience (dearer to us than 
 
486 HISTORY OP VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 property and life) was not sufficiently secured ; perhaps 
 our jealousies were heightened on account of the usage 
 we received in Virginia under the British Government 
 when mobs, bonds, fines and prisons were our frequent 
 repast. 
 
 Convinced on the one hand that without an effective 
 national government the States would fall into disunion 
 and all the consequent evils ; on the other hand it was 
 feared we might be accessory to some religious oppres- 
 sion, should any one society in the Union preponderate 
 all the rest. But amidst all the inquietudes of mind, our 
 consolation arose from this consideration, the plan must 
 be good, for it bears the signature of a tried, t'^usty friend; 
 and if religious liberty is rather insecure in the Constitu- 
 tion, " the administration will prevent all oppression, for 
 a Washington will preside." According to our wishes 
 the unanimous voice of the Union has called you, sir, 
 from your beloved retreat, to launch forth again into the 
 faithless seas of human affairs, to guide the helm of the 
 States. Should the horrid evils that have been so pestif- 
 erous in Asia and Europe — faction, ambition, war, per- 
 fidy, fraud and persecutions for conscience sake — ever 
 approach the borders of our happy nation, may the name 
 and administration of our beloved President, like the ra- 
 diant source of day, scatter all those dark clouds from the 
 American hemisphere. 
 
 And while we speak freely the language of our own 
 hearts, we are satisfied that we express the sentiments of our 
 brethren whom we represent. The very name of Wash- 
 ington is music in our ears ; and although the great evil 
 in the States is the want of mutual confidence between 
 rulers and the people, yet we all have the utmost confi- 
 dence in the President of the States, and it is our fervent 
 
APPENDIX. 487 
 
 prayer to Almighty God that the Federal Government 
 and the government of the respective States, without 
 rivalship, may so co-operate together as to make the nu- 
 merous people over whom you preside the happiest nation 
 on earth, and you, sir, the happiest man, in seeing the peo- 
 ple whom, by the smiles of Providence, you saved from 
 vassalage by your martial valor and made wise by your 
 maxims, sitting securely under their vines and fig trees 
 enjoying the perfection of human felicity. May God 
 long preserve your life and health for a blessing to the 
 world in general and the United States in particular ; 
 and when, like the sun, you have finished your course of 
 great and unparalleled services, and you go the way of 
 all the earth, may the Divine Being, who will reward 
 every man according to his works, grant unto you a glo- 
 rious admission into His everlasting kingdom through 
 Jesus Christ. This, great sir, is the prayer of your happy 
 admirers. 
 
 By order of the committee. 
 
 Samuel Harriss, Chairman. 
 Reuben Ford, Clerk. 
 
 To the General Committee representing the United Baptist 
 Churches in Virginia : 
 
 Gentlemen, — I request that you will accept my best 
 acknowledgments for your congratulation on my appoint- 
 ment to the first office in the nation. The kind manner 
 in which you mention my past conduct equally claims 
 the expression of my gratitude. After we had, by the 
 smiles of Divine Providence on our exertions, obtained 
 the object for which we contended, I retired at the con- 
 clusion of the war with the idea that my country could 
 
488 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 have no farther occasion for my services, and with the 
 intention of never entering again into public life ; but 
 when the exigencies of my country seemed to require me 
 once more to engage in public affairs, an honest convic- 
 tion of duty superseded my former resolution and became 
 my apology for deviating from the happy plan which I 
 had adopted. 
 
 If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension 
 that the Constitution framed in the convention where I 
 had the honor to preside might possibly endanger the 
 religious rights of any ecclesiastical society, certainly I 
 would never have placed my signature to it ; and if I 
 could now conceive that the General Government might 
 ever be so administered as to render the liberty of con- 
 science insecure, I beg you will be persuaded that no one 
 would be inore zealous than myself to establish effectual 
 barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny and 
 every species of religious persecution. 
 
 For you doubtless remember 1 have often expressed 
 my sentiments that every man conducting himself as a 
 good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his 
 religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshipping 
 the Deity according to the dictates of his own con- 
 science. 
 
 While I recollect with satisfaction that the religious 
 society of which you are members have been throughout 
 America, uniformly and almost unaniinously, the firm 
 friends to civil liberty, and the persevering promoters of 
 our glorious revolution, I cannot hesitate to believe that 
 they will be faithful supporters of a free yet efficient 
 General Government. Under this pleasing expectation 
 I rejoice to assure them that they may rely upon my best 
 wishes and enc}eavors tQ advance their prosperity. 
 
APPENDIX. 489 
 
 In the meantime be assured, gentlemen, that I enter- 
 tain a proper sense of your fervent supplication to God 
 for my temporal and eternal happiness. 
 
 I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
 
 George Washington. 
 
 [Extract from a manuscript journal of Elder John Williams, giving ac- 
 count of the first Separate Baptist Association. In the possession of Rev. 
 James B. Taylor, of Salem, Va.] 
 
 Went for the Association about i8 miles (Saturday 
 morning. May, 1771). Got to the Association about one 
 o'clock. Brother Hargitt was then about to preach to 
 about 1, 200 souls, from 40th chapter Isa., nth verse (" He 
 shall feed His flock like a shepherd ; He shall gather the 
 lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and 
 shall gently lead those that are with young.") Brother 
 Burruss got up immediately (after) and preached from Isa., 
 ch. 55, 3d verse (" Incline your ear and come unto Me; 
 hear and your soul shall live ; and I will make an ever- 
 lasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of 
 David") with a good deal of liberty, set the Christians 
 all afire with the love of God ; Assembly praising God 
 with a loud voice ; Brother Waller exhorting till he got 
 spent ; Brethren Marshall and E. Craig both broke loose 
 together, the Christians shouting and they speaking for the 
 space of half an hour or more ; then ceased. Intermis- 
 sion for about one hour, then the delegates associated 
 themselves together ; a moderator chosen, which was 
 Brother Harriss ; clerk nominated, which was Brother 
 Waller. Then the letters from several churches were 
 read. Then concluded for that night. . . . 
 
490 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Sunday Morning : . . . Went to the meeting- 
 house ; Brother William Webber was about to preach from 
 Second Tim., zd ch., last clause of 19th verse (" The Lord 
 knoweth them that are His ") ; Brother Walker preached 
 immediately (after) from 5th Micah, 5th verse (" For now 
 shall He be great unto the ends of the earth ; and this 
 man shall be the peace.") Brother Lewis Craig exhorted. 
 Brother Harriss preached from 5th Isa., 5th verse (" And 
 now go to ; I will tell you what I will do to my vine- 
 yard. I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be 
 eaten up ; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall 
 be trodden down.") Brother Lewis (Craig) exhorted. 
 Brother William Marshall preached from 14th chapter 
 First Epistle to Corinthians. Present that day (supposed 
 to be) 4,000 or 5,000 souls. . . . 
 
 Monday Morning: Monday fast-day among us. The 
 brethren delegates met at the meeting-house by three 
 hours b' sun. Brother Lewis Craig opened Association 
 by divine service. Brother Harriss gave the delegates 
 a very warm and melting exhortation. Then proceeded 
 to business. We went on very well about one hour and 
 a half, then a dark cloud seemed to overshadow us con- 
 cerning a plan. Brother Walker for independency and 
 great part of the brethren against it. . . . Sermons 
 preached that day : Brother Lewis Craig preached first 
 from 8th chapter Romans, last clause 38th verse, &c., 
 ("For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor 
 angels, nor principalities," &c.) ; Brother John Young 
 preached from 14th chapter John, 6th verge ("I am the 
 way, the truth and the life ") ; Brother Nathaniel Saun- 
 ders, 3d chapter John's first Epistle, 13th verse (" Marvel 
 not, my brethren, if the world hate you ") ; Brother Reu- 
 ben Picket from Isa., 66th, 15th verse (" For behol^ 
 
APPENDIX. 491 
 
 the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like 
 a whirlwind," &c.) About 1,000 people to hear preach- 
 ing that day. 
 
 Met the delegates about three hours b' sun, and after 
 divine service proceeded to business. Went on very 
 smooth and brotherly for about two hours, then there 
 raised a dreadful contention among us concerning church 
 covenants. However, we got over it, I hope, to the mind 
 of God. Went on then very calmly for awhile ; came a 
 petition from out of doors that there was a great company 
 of people — 500, I suppose — that came to hear preaching. 
 Brother Lovell and myself were set apart by the Associa- 
 tion to preach. We went. I preached first, from fifteenth 
 of John, second verse : " Every branch in Me that bear- 
 eth not fruit he taketh away, and every branch that bear- 
 eth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit." 
 Brother Lovell preached from sixteenth Revelation, last 
 clause of ninth verse : "And they repented not to give 
 Him glory." A good deal of exercise among the peo- 
 ple. 
 
 Intermission about fifteen minutes. Brother Burrus 
 then set apart and preached to the people, from tenth 
 Numbers, the last part of twenty-ninth verse : " Come 
 thou with us and we will do thee good, for the Lord hath 
 spoken good concerning Israel." 
 
 Intermission for half an hour. Then Brother Joseph 
 Craig preached to the people, from twenty-fifth chapter 
 of Matthew, last verse : "And these shall go away into 
 everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eter- 
 nal." . . . Brother Bartlett Bennett exhorted and 
 concluded meeting. 
 
 But to return :■ I went to the Association after I 
 preached, and oh, what appeared a dismal, gloomy sight — 
 
492 HISTORY OP VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 the Association breaking to pieces concerning the Sab- 
 bath ! Great arguments. At last Brother Walker de- 
 clared no fellowship with Brother Harriss and Brother 
 Chiles. After long debating, they referred the query till 
 the next Association. Then I thought we had gotten 
 over our difficulties, but what appeared dreadful, shock- 
 ing — query concerning preachers getting license — a dread- 
 ful contention about it, and once I thought that every one 
 that had obtained license would absolutely be censured. 
 But the majority was in our favor. After a great debate 
 we agreed to refer it to the next Association. • . . . I 
 begged a dismission, which I obtained with a good deal of 
 difficulty, took my leave of the brethren, and pushed for 
 home. 
 
 [Petition of the Baptist Association^ convened at Dupny's. meeting-liouse, 
 
 Cumberland county, to tlie Virginia Convention, for liberty to preach 
 
 to the troops in the army of the Revolution, August 14, 1775.] 
 
 To the Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esq., and the several dele- 
 gated Gentlemen, convened at Richmond, to concert Measures 
 conducive to the Good and Well-being of this Coljany and Do- 
 minion, the humble Address of the Virginia Baptists, now 
 Associated in Cumberland, by Delegates from their several 
 Churches : 
 
 Gentlemen of the Convention, — While you are 
 (pursuant to the important Trust reposed in you) acting 
 as the Guardians of the Rights of your Constituents, and 
 pointing out to them the Road to Freedom, it must needs 
 afford you an exalted satisfaction to find your Determina- 
 tions not only applauded, but cheerfully complied with 
 by a brave and spirited people. We, however distin- 
 guished from the Body of our Countrymen by appella- 
 tives and sentiments of a religious nature, do neverthe- 
 
APPENDIX. 493 
 
 less look upon ourselves as Members of the same Com- 
 monwealth, and, therefore, with respect to matters of a 
 civil nature, embarked in the same common Cause. 
 
 Alarmed at the shocking Oppression which in a British 
 Cloud hangs over our American Continent, we, as a So- 
 ciety and part of the distressed State, have in our Asso- 
 ciation consider'd what part might be most prudent for 
 the Baptists to act in the present unhappy Contest. Af- 
 ter we had determined " that in some Cases it was lawful 
 to go to War, and also for us to make a Military resist- 
 ance against Great Britain, in regard of their unjust Inva- 
 sion, and tyrannical Oppression of, and repeated Hostili- 
 ties against America," our people were all left to act at 
 Discretion with respect to inlisting, without falling un- 
 der the Censure of our Community. And as some have 
 inlisted, and many more likely so to do, who w'ill have 
 earnest Desires for their Ministers to preach to them du- 
 ring the Campaign, we therefore deligate and appoint 
 our well-beloved Brethren in the Ministry, Elijah Craig, 
 Lewis Craig, Jeremiah Walker and John Williams to 
 present this address and to petition you that they may 
 have free Liberty to preach to the Troops at convenient 
 Times without molestation or abuse; and as we are con- 
 scious of their strong attachment to American Liberty, 
 as well as their soundness in the principles of the Chris- 
 tian Religion, and great usefulness in the Work of the 
 Ministry, we are willing they may come under your Ex- 
 amination in any Matters you may think requisite. 
 
 We conclude with our earnest prayers to Almighty 
 God for His Divine Blessing on your patriotic and lauda- 
 ble Resolves, for the good of Mankind and American 
 Freedom, and for the success of our Armies in Defence of 
 our Lives, Liberties and Properties. Amen. 
 
494 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Sign'd by order and in behalf of the Association the 
 
 14th August, 1775. 
 
 Sam'l Harriss, Moderator. 
 
 John Waller, Clerk. 
 
 Agreeably with the objects of the above petition, the 
 Convention, as appears from the Journal, under date of 
 " Wednesday, August 16, 1775," 
 
 "Resolved, That it be an instruttion to the command- 
 ing officers of the regiments or troops to be raised that 
 they permit dissenting clergymen to celebrate divine wor- 
 ship, and to preach to the soldiers, or exhort, from time to 
 time, as the various operations of the military service may 
 permit, for the ease of such scrupulous consciences as may 
 not choose to attend divine service as celebrated by the 
 chaplain." — Page 17. 
 
 The subjoined extract from the Journal of the Virginia 
 Convention of 1776 indicates the tenor of the petitions 
 which were circulated for signatures by resolution of the 
 General Baptist Association at their meeting at Dupuy's 
 meeting-house, August, 1775 : 
 
 " Thursday, June 20, 1776. 
 " A petition of sundry persons of the Baptist Church, 
 in the county of Prince William, whose names are there- 
 unto subscribed, was presented to the Convention and 
 read, setting forth that at a time when this Colony, with 
 the others, is contending for the civil rights of mankind 
 against the enslaving schemes of a powerful enemy, they 
 are persuaded the strictest unanimity is necessary among 
 ourselves ; and, that every remaining cause of division 
 may, if possible, be removed, they think it their duty to 
 petition for the following religious privileges, which they 
 
APPENDIX. 495 
 
 have not yet been indulged with in this part of the world, 
 to-wit : That they be allowed to worship God in their 
 own way, without interruption ; that they be permitted 
 to maintain their own ministers, and none others ; that 
 they may be married, buried and the like without paying 
 the clergy of other denominations ; that, these things 
 granted, they will gladly unite with their brethren and 
 to the utmost of their ability promote the common cause. 
 
 " Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the 
 Committee of Propositions and Grievances ; that they in- 
 quire into the allegations thereof and report the same, 
 with their opinion thereupon, to the Convention." (Page 
 58.) 
 
 The Convention eight days prior to the consideration 
 of the above-mentioned petition adopted A Declaration 
 of Rights, the sixteenth section of which, as written by 
 George Mason, and amended by James Madison, reads as 
 follows : " That religion, or the duty which we owe to 
 our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be di- 
 rected only by reason and conviction, not by force or vio- 
 lence, and therefore all men are equally entitled to the 
 free exercise of religion according to the dictates of con- 
 science ; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice 
 Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each 
 other." 
 
 [Preamble to an act adopted October, 1776, for exempting the different so- 
 cieties of dissenters from contributing to the support and maintenance 
 of the church, as by law established, &o. Keferred to on page 51 of this 
 history.] 
 
 I. Whereas several oppressive acts of Parliament re- 
 specting religion have been formerly enacted, and doubts 
 have arisen, and may hereafter arise, whether the same 
 are in force in this Commonwealth or not : For pre- 
 
496 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 vention whereof, Be it enacted by the General Assembly 
 of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it is hereby en- 
 acted by the authority of the same. That all and every act 
 of Parliament, by whatever title known or distinguished, 
 which renders criminal the maintaining any opinions in 
 matters of religion, forbearing to repair to church or the 
 exercising any mode of woi'ship whatsoever, or which 
 prescribes punishments for the same, shall henceforth be 
 of no force or validity within this Commonwealth, 
 
 II. And whereas there are within this Commonwealth 
 great numbers of dissenters from the Church Establish- 
 ment by law who have been heretofore taxed for its sup- 
 port, and it is contrary to the principles of reason and 
 justice that any should be compelled to contribute to the 
 maintenance of a Church with which their consciences 
 will not permit them to join, and from which they can 
 therefore receive no benefit: For remedy whereof, and 
 that equal liberty, as well religious as civil, may be uni- 
 vei-sally extended to all the good people of this Com- 
 monwealth, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the 
 Commonwealth of Virginia, and it is Jiereby enacted by 
 the authority of the same. That all dissenters of what- 
 ever denomination from the said Church shall, from and 
 after the passing of this act, be totally free and exempt 
 from all levies, taxes and impositions whatever towards 
 supporting and maintaining the said Church as it now is 
 or hereafter may be established, and its ministers. 
 
 [Memorial of the Baptist Association at Sandy Creek churcli, Charlotte 
 county, October 16, 1780.] 
 
 To the Honourable the Speaker and House of Delegates : 
 
 The Memorial of the Baptist Association, met at Sandy 
 Creek, in Charlotte, the i6thday of October, 1780, in be- 
 
APPENDIX. 497 
 
 half of themselves and those whom they represent, hum- 
 bly sheweth : 
 
 That a due Regard to the Liberty and Rights of the 
 People is of the highest Importance to the Welfare of 
 the State ; That this heaven-born Freedom, which be- 
 longs equally to every good Citizen, is the Palladium 
 which the Legislature is particularly intrusted with the 
 Guardianship of, and on which the Safety and Happiness 
 of the State depend. Your Memorialists, therefore, look 
 upon every Law or Usage now existing among us, which 
 does not accord with that Republican Spirit which 
 breathes in our Constitution and Bill of Rights, to be ex- 
 tremely pernicious and detrimental, and that such Law or 
 Usage should immediately be abolished. 
 
 As Religious Oppression, or the interfering with the 
 Rights of Conscience, which God has made accountable 
 to none but Himself, is of all Oppression the most inhu- 
 man and insupportable, and as Partiality to any Religious 
 Denomination is its genuine offspring, your Memorialists 
 have with Grief observed that Religious Liberty has not 
 made a single Advance in this Commonwealth without 
 some Opposition. They have been much surprised to 
 hear it said of Things indisputably right and necessary, 
 " It is not now a proper Time to proceed to such Affairs ; 
 let us first think of defending ourselves," &c., when there 
 cannot, surely, be a more suitable Time to allow ourselves 
 the Blessings of Liberty, which we have in our own 
 Power, than when contending with those who endeavor 
 to tyrannize over us. 
 
 As the Completion of Religious Liberty is what, as a 
 
 Religious Community, your Memorialists are particularly 
 
 interested in, they would humbly call the attention of 
 
 your Honourable House to a few Particulars, viz. : First, 
 
 32 
 
498 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 the Vestry Law, which disqualifies any person to officiate 
 who will not subscribe to be conformable to the Doc- 
 trine and Discipline of the Church of England ; by 
 which Means Dissenters are not only precluded, but also 
 not represented, they not having a free Voice, whose 
 Property is nevertheless subject to be taxed by the Ves- 
 try, and whose Poor are provided for at the Discretion 
 of those who may possibly be under the Influence of 
 Party Motives. And what renders the said Law a 
 greater Grievance is, that in some Parishes so much time 
 has elapsed since an Election, that there is scarcely one 
 who was originally chosen by the People, the Vacancies 
 having been filled up by the remaining Vestrymen. 
 Secondly, the Solemnization of Marriage, concerning 
 which it is insinuated by some, and taken for granted 
 by others, that to render it legal it must be performed by 
 a Church Clergyman, according to. the Rites and Cere- 
 monies of the Church of England ; conformably to which 
 Sentiment Marriage Licenses are usually worded and di- 
 rected.* Now, if this should in Reality be the Case, your 
 Memorialists conceive that the ill Consequences regult- 
 ing from thence, which are too obvious to need mention- 
 ing, render it absolutely necessaiy for the Legislature to 
 endeavour their Removal. This is an Affair of so ten- 
 der a Nature, and of such. Importance, that after the Re- 
 storation one of the first Matters which the British Par- 
 liament proceeded to was the Confirmation of the Mar- 
 riages solemnized according to the Mode in Use during 
 the Interregnum and the Protectorate of Cromwell. And 
 the Propriety of such a Measure in Virginia evidently 
 appears from the vast numbers of Dissenters who, 
 having Objections against the Form and Manner pre- 
 scribed in the Book of Common Prayer, proceed to 
 * See note on next page. 
 
APPENDIX. 499 
 
 marry otherwise ; and also that in many Places, espe- 
 cially over the Ridge, there are no Church Parsons to 
 officiate. On the other Hand, if Marriages otherwise 
 solemnized are equally valid, a Declaratory Act to that 
 Purport appears to your Memorialists to be highly expe- 
 dient, because they can see no Reason why any of the 
 free Inhabitants of this State should be terrified by a 
 mere Mormo from their just Rights and Privileges, or 
 censured by others on Suspicion of their acting contrary 
 to Law.* To these Considerations your Memorialists 
 would just beg leave to add that those who claim this 
 Province of officiating at Marriage Solemnities as their 
 sole Right, undertake at the same Time to be the sole 
 Judges of what they are to receive for the same. 
 
 Your Memorialists humbly hope that your Honourable 
 House will take effectual Measures to redress these 
 Grievances in such a Way as may manifest an equal Re- 
 gard to all the good People of this Commonwealth, how- 
 ever diversyfied by Appellations or Religious Senti- 
 ments ; and that, as it is your Glory to represent a free 
 People, you will be as forward to remove every just 
 Cause of Offence as your Constituents are tp complain 
 of them ; and in particular that you will consign to Ob- 
 livion all the Relicks of Religious Oppression, and 
 make a public Sacrifice of Partiality at the glorious Al- 
 tar of Freedom. 
 
 Signed by order. 
 
 Sam'l Harriss, MocTr. 
 
 John Williams, Clk. 
 
 *At the October session of the General Assembly, 1780, an act was passed 
 provldlng:"That it shall and maybe lawful for any minister of any so- 
 ciety or congregation of Christians ... to celebrate the rites of matri- 
 mony . . . and su6h marriages, an well as tlmse heretofore celebrated by 
 dissenting ministers, shall be, and they are hereby, declared good and valid 
 in law."— Hen. Statutes at Large, Vol. X., page 363. 
 
500 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 [A Memorial and Remonstrance Against the General Assessment, Presented 
 to the General Assembly of Virginia, at the Session lor the year of our 
 Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-flre. Drawn by James 
 Madison, President of the United States. Referred to on page 98.] 
 
 A MEMORIAL AND REMONSTRANCE. 
 
 To the Honorable the General Assembly of Commonwealth of 
 Virginia: 
 
 We, the subscribers, citizens of the said Common- 
 wealth, having taken into seriaus consideration a bill, 
 printed by order of the last session of General Assembly, 
 entitled "A bill establishing a provision for teachers of 
 the Christian religion" ; and conceiving that the same, if 
 finally armed vs^ith the sanctions of a law, will be a dan- 
 gerous abuse of power, are bound, as faithful members of 
 a free State, to remonstrate against it, and to declare the 
 reasons by which we are determined. We remonstrate 
 against the said bill : 
 
 Because we hold it for a fundamental and unalienable 
 truth, " that religion, or the duty which we owe to the 
 Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be di- 
 rected only by reason and conviction, not by force or vio- 
 lence."* The religion, then, of every man must be left 
 to the conviction and consciences of every man ; and it is 
 the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. 
 This right is, in its nature, an unalienable right. It is 
 unalienable, because the opinions of men depending only 
 on the evidence contemplated by their own minds, can- 
 not follow the dictates of other men. It is unalienable, 
 also, because what is here a right towards man is a duty 
 towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to ren- 
 der to the Creator such homage, and such only, as he be- 
 lieves to be acceptable to Him. This duty is precedent, 
 both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the 
 
 * Declaration of Rights, Article XVI. 
 
APPENDIX. 501 
 
 claims of civil society. Before any man can be consid- 
 ered as a member of civil society he must be considered 
 as a subject of the Governor of the Universe. And if a 
 .member of civil society who enters into any subordinate 
 association must always do it with a reservation of his 
 duty to the general authority, much more must every man 
 who becomes a member of any particular civil society do 
 it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sove- 
 reign. We maintain, therefore, that in matters of reli- 
 gion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of civil 
 society, and that religion is wholly exempt from its cog- 
 nizance. True it is that no other r^ile exists by which 
 any question which may divide a society can be ultimately 
 determined but by the will of the majority. But it is also 
 true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the 
 minority. 
 
 Because, if religion be exempt from the authority of the 
 society at lai'ge, still less can it be subject to that of the 
 legislative body. The latter are but the creatures and 
 vicegerents of the former. Their jurisdiction is both de- 
 rivative and limited. It is limited with regard to the co- 
 ordinate departments ; more necessarily it is limited with 
 regard to the constituents. The preservation of a free 
 government requires not merely that the metes and 
 bounds which separate each department of power be in- 
 variably maintained, but more especially that neither of 
 them be suffered to overleap the great barrier which de- 
 fends the rights of the people. The rulers who are guilty 
 of such encroachment exceed the commission from which 
 they derive their authority, and are tyrants. The people 
 who submit to it are governed by laws made neither b}' 
 themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and 
 are slaves. 
 
502 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Because it is proper to take alarm at the first experi- 
 ment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to 
 be the first duty of citizens and one of the noblest char- 
 acteristics of the late revolution. The fi-eemen of Amer- 
 ica did not wait until usurped power had strengthened 
 itself by exercise and entangled the question ' in prece- 
 dents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, 
 and they avoided the consequences by denying the prin- 
 ciple. We revere this lesson too much soon to forget it. 
 Who does not see that the same authority which can es-' 
 tablish Christianity in exclusion of all other religions 
 may establish with the same ease any particular sect of 
 Christians in exclusion of all oiher sects? That the same 
 authority which can force a citizen to contribute three 
 pence only of his property for the support of any one 
 establishment may force him to conform to any other es- 
 tablishment in all cases whatsoever. 
 
 Because the bill violates that equality which ought to 
 be the basis of every law, and which is more indispen- 
 sable in proportion as the validity or expediency of any 
 law is more liable to be impeached. " If all men are by 
 nature equally free and independent,"* all men are to be 
 considered as entering into society on equal conditions, 
 as relinquishing no more, and therefore retaining no less, 
 one than another of their natural rights ; above all are 
 they to be considered as retaining an " equal title to the 
 free exercise of religion according to the dictates of con- 
 science."! Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to 
 embrace, to profess and observe the religion which we be- 
 lieve to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal 
 freedom to those whose minds have not yielded to the 
 ♦Declaration ol Bights, Article I. +Deolaration of Bights, Article XVI. 
 
APPENDIX. 503 
 
 evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be 
 abused it is an offence against God, not against man. 
 To God, therefore, and not to man, must an account of it 
 be rendered. 
 
 As" the bill violates equality by subjecting some to pe- 
 culiar burdens, so it violates the same principle by grant- 
 ing to others peculiar exemptions. Are the Quakers and 
 Menonists the only sects who think a compulsive support 
 of their religions unnecessary and unwarrantable? Can 
 their piety alone be intrusted with the care of public 
 worship? Ought their religions to be endowed, above 
 all others, with extraordinary privileges, by which prose- 
 lytes may be enticed from all others? We think too 
 favorably of the justice and good sense of these denomi- 
 nations to believe that they either covet pre-eminences 
 over their fellow-citizens or that they will be seduced by 
 them from the common opposition to the measure. 
 
 Because the bill implies either that the civil magis- 
 trate is a competent judge of religious truths, or that he 
 may employ religion as an engine of civil policy. The 
 first is an arrogant pretention, falsified by the extraordi- 
 nary opinion of rulers, in all ages and throughout the 
 world ; the second, an unhallowed perversion of the 
 means of salvation. 
 
 Because the Establishment proposed by the bill is not 
 requisite for the support of the Christian religion. To 
 say that it is a contradiction to the Christian religion 
 itself, for every page of it disavows a dependence on the 
 power of this world ; it is a contradiction to fact, for it 
 is known that this religion both existed and flourished, 
 not only without the support of human laws, but in spite 
 of every oppositi6n from them ; and not only during the 
 period of miraculous aid, but long after it had been left 
 
504 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 to its own evidence and the ordinary care of Providence : 
 nay, it is a contradiction in terms, for a religion not in- 
 vented by human policy must have pre-existed and been 
 supported before it was established by human policy ; it 
 is, moreover, to weaken, in those who profess this- reli- 
 gion, a pious confidence in its innate excellence and 
 the patronage of its Author, and to foster in those who 
 still reject it a suspicion that its friends are too conscious 
 of its fallacies to trust it to its own merits. 
 
 Because experience witnesses that ecclesiastical estab- 
 lishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efRcacy 
 of religion, have had a contrary operation. During al- 
 most fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of 
 Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? 
 More or less in all places pride and indolence in the 
 clergy ; ignorance and servility in the laity ; in both, 
 superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the 
 teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared 
 in its greatest lustre. Those of every sect point to the 
 ages prior to its incorporation with civil policy. Pro- 
 pose a restoration of this primitive state, in which its 
 teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their 
 flocks, many of them predict its downfall. On which 
 side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when 
 for or when against their interest? 
 
 Because the Establishment in question is not necessary 
 for the support of civil government. If it be urged as 
 necessary for the support of civil government, only as it 
 is a means of supporting religion, and it be not necessary 
 for the latter purpose, it cannot be necessary for the 
 former. If religion be not within the cognizance of 
 civil government, how can its legal establishment be 
 said to be necessary to civil government? What influ- 
 
APPENDIX. 505 
 
 ence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on 
 civil society ? In some instances they have been seen to 
 exact a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of civil authority; in 
 more instances have they been seen upholding the thrones 
 of political tyranny ; in no instance have they been the 
 guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers wrho 
 wished to subvert the public liberty may have found an 
 Established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just gov- 
 ernment instituted to secure and perpetuate it needs 
 them not. Such a government wW\ be best supported by 
 protecting every citizen in the enjoyment of his religion 
 with the same equal hand which protects his person and 
 his property; by neither invading the equal rights of 
 any sect, nor suffering any sect to invade those of an- 
 other. 
 
 Because the. proposed Establishment is a departure 
 from that generous policy which, offering an asylum to 
 the persecuted and oppressed of every nation and reli- 
 gion, promised a lustre to our country and an accession 
 to the number of its citizens. What a melancholy mark 
 is the bill of sudden degeneracy. Instead of holding 
 forth an asylum to the persecuted, it is itself a signal of 
 persecution. It degrades from the equal rank of citizens 
 all those whose opinions in religion do not bend to those 
 of the legislative authority. Distant as it may be, in its 
 present form, frovn the inquisition, it differs from it only 
 in degree ; the one is the first step, the other the last in 
 the career of intolerance. The magnanimous sufferer 
 under the cruel scourge in foreign regions must view the 
 bill as a beacon on our coast, warning him to seek some 
 other haven, where liberty and philanthropy in their due 
 extent may offer a more certain repose from his troubles. 
 
506 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 Because it will have a like tendency to banish our 
 citizens. The allurements presented by other situations 
 are every day thinning their number. To superadd a 
 fresh motive to emigration, by revoking the liberty 
 which they now enjoy, would be the same species of 
 folly which has dishonored and depopulated flourishing 
 kingdoms. 
 
 Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony 
 which the forbearance of our laws to intermeddle with 
 religion has produced among its several sects. Torrents 
 of blood have been spilt in the old world by vain attempts 
 of the secular arm to extinguish religious discord by pro- 
 scribing all differences in religious opinion. Time has at 
 length revealed the true remedy. Every relaxation of 
 narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, 
 has been found to assuage the disease. The American 
 theatre has exhibited proofs that equal and complete 
 liberty, if it does not wholly eradicate it, sufficiently de- 
 stroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity 
 of the State. If, with the salutary effects of this system 
 under our own eyes, we begin to contract the bounds of 
 religious freedom, we know no name that will too se- 
 verely reproach our folly. At least let warning be taken 
 at the first fruits of the threatened innovation. The very 
 appearance of the bill has transformed that " Christian 
 forbearance, love and charity," * which of late mutually 
 prevailed, into animosities and jealousies which may not 
 soon be appeased. What mischiefs may not be dreaded 
 should this enemy to the public quiet be armed with the 
 force of a law ? 
 
 Because the policy of the bill is adverse to the diffusion 
 of the light of Christianity. The first wish of those who 
 *Declaration of Eights, Article XVI. 
 
APPENDIX. 507 
 
 ought to enjoy this precious gift ought to be that it may 
 be imparted to the whole race of mankind. Compare 
 the number of those who have as yet received it with 
 the number still remaining under the dominion of false 
 religions, and how small is the former ! Does the policy 
 of the bill tend to lessen the disproportion ? No ; it at 
 once discourages those who are strangers to the light of 
 truth from coming into the regions of it, and countenances 
 by example the nations who continue in darkness in shut- 
 ting out those who might convey it to them. Instead of 
 leveling, as far as possible, every obstacle to the victori- 
 ous progress of truth, the bill, with an ignoble and un- 
 christian timidity, would circumscribe it with a wall of 
 defence against the encroachments of error. 
 
 Because attempts to enforce by legal sanctions acts ob- 
 noxious to so great a proportion of citizens tend to ener- 
 vate the laws in general and to slacken the bands of so- 
 ciety. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not 
 generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the 
 case where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And 
 what may be the effect of so striking an example of im- 
 potency in the Government on its general authority? 
 
 Because a measure of such singular magnitude and deli- 
 cacy ought not to be imposed without the clearest evi- 
 dence that it is called for by a majority of citizens ; and 
 no satisfactory method is yet proposed by which the voice 
 of the majority in this case may be determined or its in- 
 fluence secured. "The people of the respective counties 
 are indeed requested to signify their opinion respecting 
 the adoption of the bill to the next session of the Assem- 
 blv," but the representation must be made equal before 
 the voice either of the representatives or of the counties 
 will be that of the people. Our hope is that neither of 
 
508 HISTORY OF VIRGINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 the former will, after due consideration, espouse the dan- 
 gerous principle of the bill. Should the event disap- 
 point us, it will still leave us in full confidence that a fair 
 appeal to the latter will reverse the sentence against our 
 liberties. 
 
 Because, finally, "the equal right of every citizen to 
 the free exercise of his religion according to the dictates 
 of conscience" is held by the same tenure with all our 
 other rights. If we recur to its origin it is equally the 
 gift of nature ; if we weigh its importance it cannot be 
 less dear to us ; if we consult the " Declaration of those 
 rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia as 
 the basis and foundation of government,"* it is enume- 
 rated with equal solemnity, or rather with studied empha- 
 sis. Either, then, we must say that the will of the Legis- 
 lature is the only measure of their authority, and that in 
 the plenitude of this authority they may sweep away all 
 our fundamental rights, or that they are bound to leave 
 this particular right untouched and sacred; either we 
 must say that they may control the freedom of the press ; 
 may abolish the trial by jury ; may swallow up the execu- 
 tive and judiciary powers of the State ; nay, that they 
 may annihilate our very right of suffrage and erect them- 
 selves into an independent and hereditary assembly ; or 
 we must say that they have no authority to enact into a 
 law the bill under consideration. We, the subscribers, 
 say that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth 
 have no such authority; and that no effort may be omit- 
 ted on our part against so dangerous a usurpation, we op- 
 pose to it this remonstrance, earnestly praying, as we are 
 in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of the uni- 
 verse, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may, 
 
 *Virglnia Bill ol Rights. 
 
APPENDIX. 509 
 
 on one hand, turn their councils from every act which 
 would affront His holy prerogative or violate the trust 
 committed to them, and on the other guide them into 
 every measure which may be worthy of His blessing ; 
 may redound to their own praise, and may establish most 
 firmly the liberties, the property, and the happiness of 
 this Commonwealth. 
 
 ^ 
 
 /^ [An act to Establish Religious Freedom. Drawn by Thomas Jeflerson, and 
 adopted December 16, 1785.] 
 
 " Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That no man 
 shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious 
 worship, place or ministry whatsoever ; nor shall be en- 
 forced, restrained, molested or burthened in his body or 
 goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his reli- 
 gious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to 
 profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in 
 matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise 
 diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities." ^ 
 
 V 
 
 [Congratulatory Address to Thomas Jefferson, referred to on page 116.] 
 Several congratulatory addresses were sent to Mr. Jef- 
 ferson on his retirement from the Presidency by different 
 Baptist bodies in Virginia. The spirit of his replies is 
 well expressed in the following letter to the Buck Moun- 
 tain Baptist church : 
 
 "MoNTiCELLo, April IS, 1809. 
 " I thank you, my friends and neighbors, for your kind 
 congratulations on my return to my native home, and of 
 
510 HISTORY. OF VIROINIA BAPTISTS. 
 
 the opportunities it will give me of enjoying, amidst your 
 affections, the comforts of retirement and rest. Your ap- 
 probation of my conduct is the more valued as you have 
 best known me, and is an ample reward for any ser- 
 vices I may have rendered. We have acted together 
 from the origin to the end of a memorable Revolutiom 
 and we have contributed each in the line allotted to us 
 our endeavors to render its issues a permanent blessing to 
 our country. That our social intercourse may, to the 
 evening of our days, be cheered and cemented by wit- 
 nessing the freedom and happiness for which we have 
 labored, will be my constant prayer. 
 
 "Accept the offering of my affectionate esteem and 
 respect. 
 
 "Th. Jefferson." 
 
INDEX 
 
 The names of churches in small capitals. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Abbot's Creek i6, 65 
 
 Abel, Ephraim 200, 407 
 
 Abingdon 170 
 
 Abraham, Jacob 158, 284 
 
 Accomac Association 64 
 
 Table of 365 
 
 History of • . . 366 
 
 Act, confiscating glebes 54 
 
 exempting dissenters, &c 51 
 
 legalizing marriages by dissenting ministers ... 89 
 
 licensing dissenting ministers to perform nnarriage 
 
 rite 53 
 
 suspending salaries, to clergymen 51 
 
 Albemarle 223 
 
 Albemarle Association 64, 115, 185 
 
 Table of 221 
 
 History of 222 
 
 Alderson, John, Jr 252. 363, 384. 423, 424. 437 
 
 Alderson, John, Sr 251, 377, 378, 380, 388, 424 
 
 Alexandria 398 
 
 Allen's Creek 308 
 
 Amendment to Federal Constitution proposed 102 
 
 Ammon, Thomas 233 
 
 Anderson, Charles 263 
 
 Anderson's meeting-house 87, 90, 97 
 
 Anthony, John 342 
 
 Anthony, Joseph 26, 32, 33, 144, 264, 269, 271 
 
 Antioch ^4° 
 
 Apostles, Chosen 81,82 
 
 Discontinued 82 
 
 [ 511 ] 
 
512 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Apparel — Disagreement respecting 67, 33s, 45" 
 
 Appomattox 257, 280 
 
 Appomattox Association 64,115,262,314 
 
 Table of 273 
 
 History of 273 
 
 Increase of 286 
 
 Arbor 327 
 
 Armistead, Thomas ... 457 
 
 Ash Camp 274, 278 
 
 Ashley, Benjamin 457 
 
 Ashworth, John 34S 
 
 Asplund, John 360 
 
 Assessment, General, memorial and remonstrance against 52 
 
 Report against 87, 96, 97 
 
 Baptists only sect opposing 98 
 
 Associations, The first formed . 18, 64 
 
 Their nature and work . 19,62,75,88,126,257,288,310 
 
 Disturbed by sale of ardent spirits 132 
 
 Those in Virginia (A. D. 1787) . . 99 
 
 (A. D. 1809) .... 64 
 
 Atkinson, John . . 319, 328, 329 
 
 Back Lick 410 
 
 Backus, Isaac 444, 449 
 
 Baker, Andrew 361, 365 
 
 Baker, Elijah 144, 147, 149, 366, 369, 478 
 
 Baker, Leonard 326, 478 
 
 Banister 78, 80, 309 
 
 Banks, Adam. ... 238 
 
 Baptism, Validity of, when irregularly administered . . . 122, 391 
 
 Without church membership 259 
 
 Repetition of . 391 
 
 Treatise on 431 
 
 Baptist preachers, persecution of 29, 33, 39, 
 
 40. 78, 154. ISS. 238, 264, 270, 271, 382, 460 
 Mode of legal procedure against ... 29, 33 
 
 Character of .| ,43, 59, 352, 373 
 
 Impostors among . . . 204, 280, 368, 373, 374 
 Barnes, Joshua 105 
 
INDEX. 513 
 
 P^GE. 
 
 Barnes, William 145 
 
 Barnet, Joseph 384, 439 
 
 Barrow, David 104, 453, 460, 462, 464 
 
 Basket, William ■ 227 
 
 Bates, Matthew 335, 336 
 
 Battle Run 237 
 
 Beal. Henry 357 
 
 Beaver Creek 348 
 
 Beaver Dam 343 
 
 Bell, James , 452, 463 
 
 Bell, Zadoc 463 
 
 Bennet, Bartlet 72 
 
 Bennett's 334 
 
 Bestland Meeting-house I27 
 
 Bethel (Culpeper) . 232, 235 
 
 Bethel (Goshen) 194, 195, 209 
 
 Bethel (Ketocton) 415 
 
 Bethel (Middle District) 115, 260 
 
 Bethel (New River) 353 
 
 Bethel (Strawberry) 345 
 
 Bethel (N. C.) 315 
 
 Bethesda 193 
 
 Biddle, William P 456 
 
 Big Levels 429 
 
 Biggs, David 458, 459 
 
 Birch Creek 332, 333 
 
 Bishop, Jacob 458 
 
 Black Creek (Dover) 145 
 
 Black Creek (Portsmouth) 463 
 
 Black, John 343, 353 
 
 Black Walnut 206 
 
 Black Water 74, 455 
 
 Black Water (Strawberry) 34S 
 
 Blair, John (deputy-governor) — Letter from 30 
 
 Blair, William 332 
 
 Bledsoe, Aaron 202, 319 
 
 Bledsoe, Joseph 163, 202 
 
 Blue Run 22, 24, 69, 233, 238, 240 
 
 Blue Stone (Greenbrier) 433 
 
 35 
 
514 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Blue Stone (Meherrin) 29I1 3°8 
 
 Boar Swamp 122, 143. '44 
 
 Boothe, Beverly 4^6 
 
 Bowles, Benjamin ' 142 
 
 Bradley, James I44 
 
 Brame, Samuel iS3, 309, 327 
 
 Brame, William i43i 3^7 
 
 Breed, Joseph 65 
 
 Breeding, William 158 
 
 Brent Town 404, 409 
 
 Bridges, Thomas 132, 203, 402 
 
 Broaddus, Andrew 157,196,206,209,211 
 
 Broaddus, Richard 153, 157 
 
 Broad Run 408 
 
 Brookes, John ^ 324 
 
 Broughton, Isaac ' 370 
 
 Browne, William 4S4, 457, 4^3 
 
 Bruington 39, 124, 133, 160 
 
 Brundrage, William • 362 
 
 buchannon 43s 
 
 Buckingham 112, 115,282 
 
 Buck, Thomas 393, 413 
 
 BuFFALOE (Albemarle) 225 
 
 BuFFALOE (Mecklenburg) 331 
 
 BuFFALOE (Halifax) 321 
 
 BuFFALOE (Strawberry) , 344 
 
 Bull Run 402 
 
 Bunting, T 461 
 
 Burgher, Benjamin 222, 225 
 
 Burkit and Read's History 301, 445 
 
 Burnet, Joshua 342 
 
 Burrus, John 25, 27, 211, 483 
 
 BuRRUs's 121, 187, 190, 210 
 
 Burton's Creek , 342, 348 
 
 Carey, 374 
 
 Carey, Peter M 268 
 
 Carter, John 343 
 
 Carter, Robert 104, 178, 475 
 
INDEX. 515 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Carter's Run 184, 242 
 
 Castle Woods 363 
 
 Catawba (Roanoke). . . . -. 306, 308, 315, 320, 321 
 
 Catawba (New River) 356 
 
 Catechisms 49, 117, 127, 135 
 
 Catlett, Reuben 155 
 
 Cedar Creek 257 
 
 Chadoin, Lewis 265, 474 
 
 Chandler, Jeremiah 201 
 
 Chapel 345 
 
 Chappawamsick 403 
 
 Chappawamsick Association 389 
 
 Charles City 144 
 
 Chastain, Rane 265, 274, 282, 284, 47c 
 
 Chesterfield 269 
 
 Chickahominy • 140, 141 
 
 Childrey 326 
 
 Chiles, James 25, 29, 477 
 
 Chingoteague 369 
 
 Chisman, Dr. Thomas 149, 150 
 
 Choning, B 155, 483 
 
 Church of England . . 25, 37, 39, 43, 44, 46, 50, 51, 58, 84, 371, 381 
 
 Petition to abolish 85 
 
 Church, Protestant Episcopal 53> 58 
 
 Circular letters 319 
 
 Clarke, Christopher 282 
 
 Clarke, Hubbard 321 
 
 Clarke, John 162 
 
 Clay, Eleazer 262, 270 
 
 Clay, Eli 102, 104 
 
 Clay, John 140, 145 
 
 Clergymen of the Establishment — Their character . 39, 43, 44, 381 
 
 Salaries allowed 46> 48 
 
 Ordination of 49 
 
 Clopton, John 146 
 
 Clopton, William 145 
 
 Cobb, Charles 275 
 
 Cole River 432 
 
 Coleman, Benjamin 225 
 
516 INDEX. 
 
 PAGB. 
 
 Collins, Christopher 4'^ 
 
 Communion — Open 274 
 
 Confession of Faith 67,92,101,114,132,314,448 
 
 Conner, Lewis 231 
 
 Copper Creek 3^^ 
 
 Corbley, John iS4. 384. 439. 440 
 
 Corey, David . . .' 169 
 
 Cornwallis's Invasion 90 
 
 Correspondence — General Meeting of 113 
 
 Costen, William 367 
 
 Cottrell, Peter • 142 
 
 Counsel, Samuel 441 
 
 County Line (Goshen) ... 191,208 
 
 County Line (Roanoke) 86,316,333 
 
 Courtney, John 142, 143, 146, 158, 472 
 
 Courtney, Thomas 14S, 146, 158 
 
 Craig, Elijah . 21, 22, 24, 25, 81, 82, 83, 88, 90, 227, 233, 238, 241, 450 
 
 Craig, Joseph 204 
 
 Craig, Lewis 25, 29, 30, 32, 15s, 163, 200, 216, 243; 472, 483 
 
 Craig's 23, 29, -197, 200 
 
 Creath, Jacob 172, 182, 413 
 
 Creath, William 291, 295 
 
 Creel, John 332 
 
 Crooked Run (Culpeper) 184, 233 
 
 Crooked Run (Ketocton) 419 
 
 Cross Creek 440 
 
 Crymes, Thomas 282 
 
 Cube Creek 277 
 
 Culpeper Association 64, 185 
 
 Table of 229 
 
 Increase of ... - 230 
 
 History of 231 
 
 Cut Banks 300 
 
 Dabbs, Richard . . 3^6, 278, 331 
 
 307 
 
 Dan River Association 
 
 Dan River .. 17, 65, 74, 330, 333 
 
 Davenport's -gy 
 
 Davies, Samuel 25 154 263 
 
INDEX. 517 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Davis, Jesse 173 
 
 Dawson, Benjamin 415 
 
 Dawson, Martin 222, 223 
 
 Dawson, William 219 
 
 Deep Spring • 362 
 
 Denham, John 436 
 
 Diamond Meeting-house 123 
 
 Diary — One kept -269, 417 
 
 Dickenson, Griffith 334, 336 
 
 Difficult ■ . . . 402, 410 
 
 Difficult Creek 344 
 
 Dobson, Thomas " 307, 325 
 
 Dodson, William 275, 320, 326 
 
 Doss, James . 284 
 
 Dossey, William 328 
 
 Double Creek 337 
 
 Dover • 26, 82, 88, 91, 99, 138, 140 
 
 Dover Association 63, 64, 115 
 
 Table of 118 
 
 . History of 120 
 
 Subsequent growth of . • 137 
 
 Divided into districts 138 
 
 Admit a colored church 148 
 
 Dudley, Ambrose 201, 476 
 
 Dulaney, John 238 
 
 Duncan, William 226 
 
 Dupuy, James 265 
 
 Dupuy, John 264 
 
 Dupuy's Meeting-house 84, 92, 95, 112, 269 
 
 Early, Joseph 239 
 
 Eastin, Augustine 139, 271 
 
 Eaton, Samuel . . . • • 378 
 
 Ebenezer (Albemarle) 226 
 
 Ebenezer (Appomattox) 275, 288, 313 
 
 Ebenezer (Loudoun) 397 
 
 Echols, Obadiah 275, 321, 325 
 
 Ellington, David 72, 263, 285 
 
 Elliott, John . . . .' 369 
 
518 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Elliott, Richard 333 
 
 Ellis, William 264 
 
 Ellison, James 43^ 
 
 Elly, Edward 200, 203 
 
 Establishment (see Church of England). 
 
 Etheridge, Thomas 45^ 
 
 Eve, George 224,231,238,239 
 
 ExoL 37. 161 
 
 Eyres, Elder 444, 449 
 
 Ezell, Balaam- ' 331.463 
 
 Factory 121 
 
 Falling River (see Lower Falling). 
 
 Farnham 179 
 
 Fasts '. . . . . 92,126,134,268,316 
 
 Ferguson, Sam 237 
 
 Feet-washing 128 
 
 Fewell, Benjamin 237 
 
 Fiery Run 233 
 
 Fine Creek 267 
 
 First Baptist, Richmond 143 
 
 Fisher, Caleb 370 
 
 Fitchell, William 172 
 
 Flat Rock 300 
 
 Flood, Joseph 373 
 
 Flowers, Orson 226 
 
 Flowers, William 283 
 
 Foley, Moses 361 
 
 Ford, Reuben 25, 26, 
 
 81. 90, 93 95. 97. 99, 102, 104, 121, 126, 128, 140, 141, 214, 480 
 
 Fork 227 
 
 Forks of Cheat 440 
 
 Forsee, Charles 266 
 
 Foster, Robert 264, 281 
 
 Fountain Creek 301 
 
 Four-Mile Creek 126, 132, 144 
 
 Fox Creek ,6^ 
 
 Fredericksburg 20c 
 
 Freewill Baptists .(,. 
 
 French, Hugh igi_ 214, 215 
 
INDEX. 519 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Fristoe, Daniel 383, 403, 416 
 
 Fristoe, William .... 104, 383, 393, 397, 403, 405, 406, 407, 416 
 
 Frost, Joshua 360 
 
 Frying Pan. 399 
 
 Funeral Sermons — Propriety of 131 
 
 F. T 236 
 
 Gano, John 65, 66, 378 
 
 Garner, William 301 
 
 Garnett, J 67, 233 
 
 Garrard, James , 407 
 
 Garrard, John 13, 22, 377, 381, 388, 394, 416, 418 
 
 Garret, Isaac 285 
 
 Gayle, John 151, 152, 172 
 
 Gayle, Josiah 265 
 
 General Assessment S^, 96 
 
 Baptists only sect opposing 98 
 
 General Association (see Separates) 117 
 
 General Baptists 447 
 
 General Committee, Constitution oi . 92, 94 
 
 Meetings of . . , 94 
 
 Action as to the union of the Regulars and Sepa- 
 rates loi 
 
 Action concerning amendment to the Federal 
 
 Constitution 102 
 
 Correspondence with Northern Associations . . 103, 104 
 
 Their proper business defined 106, no 
 
 Division into Calvinistic and Arminian parties . 108 
 
 Declension of 112 
 
 Dissolved I12 
 
 General Meeting of Correspondence 113, 392 
 
 Meetings of 114 
 
 Close of 117 
 
 Gethsemane 437 
 
 Gill's Creek 345 
 
 Gilbert, Thomas 321 
 
 Gilmore, William .• 395, 396, 398 
 
 Glade Hollows 361 
 
 Glebe Landing 37, 125, 166 
 
 Glebes 48, 49, 54 
 
 Petition for sale of 99,102,103,111,112 
 
520 INDEX. 
 
 Gold Mine 76, 85, 184, 187, 192, 195, 215 
 
 Goochland ' 26, 140, 269 
 
 Goodall, John 147 
 
 Goodall, William 457 
 
 Goode, Edmund 267 
 
 Goode, John 258, 267 
 
 Good Hope 437 
 
 Goodloe, Henry 201, 212, 219 
 
 Goodman, John 146 
 
 Goodwin, Samuel ,. 353, 356 
 
 Goose Creek (Bedford) 342 
 
 Goose Creek (Ketocton) 396 
 
 Goshen Association 64, 115, 185 
 
 Table of 186 
 
 Meetings of 187 
 
 Mission to Indians proposed .... 195 
 
 Increase of 185 
 
 Goss, Hamilton 241, 435 
 
 GouRDviNK 23S, 237 
 
 Grafton 149 
 
 Grassy Creek, N. C 305, 308 
 
 Graves, William ; 22 
 
 Greasy Creek 354 
 
 Greenbrier Association — Table of 421 
 
 History of 422 
 
 Greenbrier 424 
 
 Greenwood, James 27, 34, 39, 165, 179 
 
 Griffith, Benjamin 378 
 
 Grigg, Jacob 458, 459 
 
 Grinstead, William 403, 404, 410 
 
 Guinea's Bridge 204 
 
 Hagan, Henry 410 
 
 Hall, Nathan 35^ 
 
 Hall, Nathaniel 320, 321 
 
 Hammerstly, John 444,449 
 
 Hampton i^g_ 1^2 
 
 Hancock, Francis 268 
 
 Hanover ly, 
 
 Happy Creek -i . 
 
INDEX. 521 
 
 PAGE, 
 
 Hargrove, William . . . < 159 
 
 Harper's 300 
 
 Harrilason, Abner 324 
 
 Harris, Micajah 227 
 
 Harriss, Samuel . 17, i8, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 28, 65, 73, 74, 81, 
 82, 104, 198, 216, 238, 240, 280, 319, 320, 321, 323, 333, 340, 345, 381 
 
 Harrison, John 377 
 
 Hart, Silas, bequest of to Philadelphia Association .... 252 
 
 Hartwood 406, 407 
 
 Harwood (jailer) 39 
 
 Hatcher, Jeremiah 267, 343 
 
 Hayes, Edward 375 
 
 Hazard, William 177 
 
 Healy, James - . 163, 168 
 
 Healy, John 168 
 
 Hedgman's River 242, 410 
 
 Henderson, Thomas ■ 224 
 
 Henry, Patrick 4t, 89 
 
 Hepzibah 218 
 
 Hermitage 168 
 
 Herndon, Edward , . . • 155, 483 
 
 Heton, Samuel 13, 376 
 
 Hickerson, John . 405, 410 
 
 Hickman, John 436 
 
 Hickman, William , 266, 267, 476 
 
 Hickory Neck Meeting-house 128 
 
 High Hills 464 
 
 Hill, James 320 
 
 History of Virginia Baptists 103, 104, 106, 113, 132, 306 
 
 History of Goshen Association 195 
 
 History of Ketocton Association 406 
 
 Holloway, N 205 
 
 Holston Association — Table of 358 
 
 History of 360 
 
 Hopeful 140, 141 
 
 Hopwood, Willis 335 
 
 Howard, William 353, 354 
 
 Hubbard, Clarke 321 
 
 Hudgin, Robert 169 
 
522 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Hungry 14°, 142 
 
 Hungar's • ■ • 37° 
 
 Hunt, Asa 103 
 
 Hunting Creek 307i 3i6, 325 
 
 Hurst; Richard 152 
 
 Hurt, James , . . . . 319 
 
 Hurt, Philip 321 
 
 Hurt, Robert. . . . < 321 
 
 Hutchinson, James , 391 
 
 Hutchinson, John 419 
 
 Immersion — Alien (see Baptism). 
 
 Imposition of hands 76, 124, 389 
 
 Independents 12 
 
 Indian Creek . 428, 432 
 
 Infant Baptism — Discussion on 306 
 
 Ireland, James 249,383,412,414,416 
 
 Jack's Creek 347 
 
 James's 300 
 
 James City 147 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 51, 20S 
 
 Jenkins, John 276, 319, 327, 334, 335, 343 
 
 Jennings, Robert 2S0 
 
 Jesse, Samuel 168 
 
 Johns, Edmund 275, 276 
 
 Johnson, James 252 
 
 Johnson, William 280 
 
 Johnston, J 423, 431 
 
 Johnston, 171 
 
 Jones, David 252 
 
 Jones, Jesse 355 
 
 Jones, Richard 444, 445, 446 
 
 Jones, Robert ■ 7 . . 218, 241, 354 
 
 Jones, Samuel , 176 
 
 Jones, Thomas 210 
 
 Kanawha iji 
 
 Kaufman, Martin 243, 246 
 
INDEX. 528 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Keeling, Henry 457 
 
 Kehukee Association . . .- 77. ^sSi 449 
 
 Keith, Daniel 363 
 
 Kelly, Edward 361 
 
 Kenny, James 334 
 
 Kerr, John 318, 328 
 
 Ketocton Association 64i 99i ^34 
 
 Meetings of 390 
 
 Table of 386 
 
 History of 388 
 
 Increase of 387 
 
 Ketocton 64, 377, 388, 394 
 
 Kilmarnock Meeting-house 123 
 
 King, John 28, 347 
 
 Kingston Meeting-house 124, 172 
 
 Koontz, John 79, 242, 250, 323 
 
 Lacy, Mark 432 
 
 Lacy, Noah 265 
 
 La Fon, Thomas 265, 270 
 
 Lane, Dutton i7i 23, 340 
 
 Latham, Robert 395, 408 
 
 Laurel Hill 439 
 
 Lawrence, John 355 
 
 I^awrence, Joshua 454 
 
 Layfield, George 367 
 
 Leach, Andrew 406 
 
 Leahorn, Captain 243 
 
 Leather, Joshua 239 
 
 Leatherwood 347 
 
 Ledbetter, Henry 16 
 
 Leftwich, William 34^ 
 
 Lee, Jesse 467 
 
 Lee, J 433 
 
 Leesburg 397 
 
 Leigh, William 170 
 
 Leland, John S8, 99. 103. 
 
 104, 106, 113, 127, iji, 190, 206, 216, 234,327,444 
 Lemon, Robert 366, 478 
 
524 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Lemon, William 17° 
 
 Lester, Henry 28, 278, 282, 331 
 
 Lewis, Ivison 4°, ^^i, 167, 168, 169, 171 
 
 Liberty 281, 328, 329 
 
 Licking Hole 14°. '91. ^94. 2i3 
 
 Lindsey, John I44 
 
 Little Bethel (Red Stone) 439 
 
 Little Bethel (Union) • 43^> 439 
 
 Little Otter 34^ 
 
 Little River .* 65 
 
 Little River (Goshen) • • • 219 
 
 Little River (Ketocton) 39S 
 
 London Bridge 4SS 
 
 Long Branch 409 
 
 Lost River 250 
 
 Lotteries 125 
 
 Lovall, William 39, 74 
 
 Loveall, Henry 375 
 
 Lovelace, Charles 328, 329 
 
 Lovelace, Nathaniel 331 
 
 Lower Bani.ster 335 
 
 Lower College 127, 158 
 
 Lower Falling 275 
 
 Lower King and Queen 36, 162 
 
 Lower Northampton 369 
 
 Lower Spotsylvania 24,79,89,112,189,192,195,197 
 
 Lugg, Peter 457 
 
 Luckado, Isaac 265 
 
 Lunie's Creek 250 
 
 Lunsford, Lewis 104, 126, 173, 181, 384, 405, 473 
 
 Lyle's 114, 227 
 
 Lynville's Creek 247, 251, 377, 425, 427 
 
 Machipongo 370 
 
 Madison, James 52 
 
 Major, Richard 67, 383, 395, 402 
 
 Malone's 293 
 
 Manning, James T 104 
 
 Marks, John 388, 394 
 
INDEX. 625 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Marriage, Right granted to celebrate 53 
 
 Form of ceremony recommended 97 
 
 Of Slaves 122 
 
 Marshall, Daniel 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 65, 376 
 
 Marshall, John 292 
 
 Marshall, Solomon 369 
 
 Marshall, William 414 
 
 Martin, Enoch 440 
 
 Martin, Jordan 268, 269 
 
 Mason, William 201, 232, 235, 237, 239, 405 
 
 Massaponax 201 
 
 Mastin, Elder 201 
 
 Mathews 128, 135, 171 
 
 Mathews, James 356 
 
 Mathews, P 280 
 
 Mattaponi 129 
 
 Maxey, Edward 265, 267 
 
 Maxfield, Thomas 238 
 
 Mayo 307, 322 
 
 Mayo Association 341, 468 
 
 McCargo, David 290 
 
 McGlamre, John 450, 453 
 
 McLeroy, John 280, 281 
 
 Meadow Creek 355, 364 
 
 Meeting-houses — Character of ig8 
 
 Meherrin Association 64 
 
 Table of 387 
 
 History of 288 
 
 Meherrin 77, 116, 314, 462 
 
 Menonists . . • • • 246, 247 
 
 Mercer, Silas 107 
 
 Methodists — Increase of 373, 385, 398 
 
 Mesongoes 368 
 
 Middle District Association 64 
 
 Table of 254 
 
 History of 255 
 
 Increase of 271 
 
 Mill 332 
 
 Mill Creek (Culpeper) 243, 246 
 
526 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Mill Creek (Holston) 362 
 
 Mill Creek (Ketocton) 377> 4^8 
 
 Mill Creek (Strawberry) 344 
 
 Mill, John 159 
 
 Millstone 337 
 
 Mill Swamp ^ . . . 464 
 
 Miller, Armlstead 382 
 
 Miller, Benjamin 376, 447 
 
 Mine Road 199 
 
 Ministerial authority — Extent of 317 
 
 Ministerial support 123, 127, 194, 257, 283, 352 
 
 Ministers and political ofBces 142. 314, 408 
 
 Mintz, Casper 444, 460 
 
 Miry Creek 328, 329 
 
 Missionaries to Indians proposed 195 
 
 Mitchell,. James 457 
 
 Moffett, Anderson 246, 249, 250, 252 
 
 Montague, James 34 
 
 Moore, Francis 417 
 
 Moore, Jeremiah 383, 393, 397, 399, 403, 410 
 
 Moorman, James 343 
 
 Moorman, William 3^3 
 
 MORATTICO 181 
 
 Morgan, Dr. John 214 
 
 Morris, George 188, 191, 193, 216, 218 
 
 Morriss, Isaac 436 
 
 Morris, Joshua 143. i^y^ ,^5 
 
 Morriss, William acc 
 
 MOSSINGFORD ,,(, 
 
 Mountain Association — Table of 350 
 
 History of 363 
 
 Mountain Creek 282 
 
 Mountain Run 233 
 
 Mount Poney 2153 
 
 Mount Tabor ^o 
 
 Mud River .,j 
 
 Muddy Creek Meeting-house 112 36c 
 
 Mulkey, Philip '29, 
 
 Mullen,, John 27, 65, 168 
 
INDEX. 527 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Mullen, William 27, 65, i66, 179, 264 
 
 Munroe, John 250, 393, 409, 419 
 
 Murphj, Joseph 28, 340, 478 
 
 Murphy, William 28, 65, 83, 340, 478 
 
 Murrelle, Robert 453, 462 
 
 musterfield 3^6 
 
 Nanjemoy 420 
 
 Neus River 65 
 
 New Chapel 276 
 
 New Lights 11,12,65 
 
 New River Association 3^1 
 
 Table of 3^1.9 
 
 History of , . , . 350 
 
 Newton, John 316 
 
 New Valley 396 
 
 Noel, Theoderick 157, 160, 164 
 
 Nordin, Richard 444 
 
 Nordin, Robert 444 
 
 NOMINI 126, 130, 133, 173 
 
 Norfolk 456 
 
 Northam, George 368 
 
 Northern District (General Association) — Meeting of . . 82 
 
 Union meeting of 82 
 
 Northern, William 412 
 
 North Fork 397 
 
 North Fork of Holston 360 
 
 N. F. OF New River 363 
 
 N. F. of Otter 343 
 
 N. F. OF Pamunkey 188 
 
 N. F. of Roanoke 356 
 
 North River 419 
 
 Nottoway 28, 79, 89, 256, 263, 269 
 
 Nowlen, David 334, 336 
 
 Nuckol's Meeting-house io6, 120 
 
 Nusam, Randall 463 
 
 OccoquAN 403 
 
 0"Hendren, Samuel 412, 416 
 
528 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Olive Branch 436 
 
 Opequon 13.37s 
 
 Orange Association 1S4 
 
 Ordination — How performed 120, 124 
 
 Osburne, Josiah 363, 422, 428, 430 
 
 Otter 342 
 
 Otter Dams 466 
 
 Page, Leonard 214 
 
 Palmer, Paul 447, 448 
 
 Pamunkey Meeting-house 184 
 
 Pamphlet, Gowan 148 
 
 Parker, Joseph 447, 448 
 
 Patterson, David 223, 283 
 
 Patterson, John 440 
 
 Patterson's Creek . 419, 439 
 
 Pattillo, Henry 306 
 
 Paw Paw 437 
 
 Pearce, Capt. Joseph 174, 177 
 
 Pedigo, Joseph 3>7 
 
 Pendleton, Henry loo 
 
 Pendleton, Philip iqa 
 
 Pennington, Charles 361 
 
 Penny, John . . . .' ,^2 
 
 Peter's Creek m-,2 
 
 Petitions— For liberty of conscience 43) 8S> 89. 9^ 
 
 To preach to the army 85 
 
 To perform marriages 87, 88, 90, 95 
 
 To legalize marriages 89 
 
 To change vestry laws 05 
 
 To repeal incorporating act 98, 99 
 
 To sell glebes 99,102, 103,112 
 
 Petty, George , 2^0 
 
 PeTTSWORTH jgg 
 
 Philadelphia Association 116, 252, 375, 388, 418, 448 
 
 Philips, Bernard jg^ 
 
 Picket, John 236, 237, 242, 243, 471 
 
 Picket, Reuben 319,322 
 
 Pig River ,.., 
 
 345 
 
INDEX. 529 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Pine Creek 351, 354, 357 
 
 PiNEY Branch 200 
 
 PiscATAwAY 37, 39) 165 
 
 Pitman, H 153, 154, 202, 406 
 
 Pittman, James 155 
 
 Pittman, Williamson H 267 
 
 Pitts, Younger 156, 159 
 
 Plummer, George 454 
 
 PocoRONE 162, 163, 168 
 
 Poindexter, John 187, 196, 212, 217 
 
 Pole Cat (Caroline) 211 
 
 Pole Cat (Halifax) 329 
 
 Pollard, John 285 
 
 POPESHEAD 402, 410 
 
 Porter, William 363 
 
 Portwood, Robert 290 
 
 Portsmouth Association 64, 255 
 
 Table of • . . 442 
 
 History of , • • • 443 
 
 Meetings of 453 
 
 Portsmouth 457 
 
 Potomac 404 
 
 Powers, Lemuel 103 
 
 Powhatan 264 
 
 Prethie's Creek 224 
 
 Price, John 235, 412, 413 
 
 Pritchel's Creek 436 
 
 Protestant Episcopal Church — Incorporation of 53 
 
 Resistance to same 98 
 
 Act repealed 99 
 
 Providence 283 
 
 Pulpit AfBliation 331, 350 
 
 PuNGO 4S4 
 
 PUNGOTEAGUE 367 
 
 Purrington, Elisha 212 
 
 Raccoon Swamp 463 
 
 Rapidan 184, 238 
 
 Read, James 17, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 65, 216, 238, 240, 331 
 
 Read, Thomas 113 
 
 36 
 
530 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Redding, Joseph 250, 251 
 
 Red Stone Association — Table of 438 
 
 History of 439 
 
 Reed's IS3 
 
 Reedy Bottom 76, 324 
 
 Reedy Creek (Brunswick) 301 
 
 Reedy Creek (Lunenburg) 297 
 
 Regulars i, 375, 388,440 
 
 Letter from 90, 105 
 
 Union with Separates 99, 100, 101, 332, 452 
 
 Character of 383, 450 
 
 Spread of 384 
 
 Religious Freedom (see Petitions). 
 
 Rentfro, Isaac 356 
 
 Rentfro, Joseph 351, 353 
 
 Revivals . 57, loi, 129, 133, 139, 140, 151, 157, 160, 174, 198, 217, 384 
 
 Reynolds, Bernard 142 
 
 Rice, Dr 318 
 
 Richard, John 440 
 
 Richards, Mark 428 
 
 Richards, William 289, 292, 293 
 
 Richmond City 143 
 
 Rich Valley 362 
 
 Rippon, John 178, 306 
 
 Ritter, Jeremiah 456 
 
 Roanoke Association 64,116,256,305 
 
 Table of 304 
 
 Increase of 337 
 
 Roberts, George 85, 337 
 
 Roberts, Shadrack 355 
 
 Robertson, Walthal 267 
 
 Robinson River 239 
 
 Rock Spring 3^^ 
 
 Rocks 280 
 
 Roper, Samuel 26c 
 
 Roundabout 112,187,191,193 
 
 ROWANTY .fiy 
 
 Rowzie, William 261; 
 
 Rucks, James ." . , , 267 
 
INDEX. 531 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Rucks, Josiah 266 
 
 RussEL 362 
 
 Sabbath, The Christian — Authenticity of 307 
 
 Sadler, John 167 
 
 Sailor Creek ■ 281 
 
 Salem (Dover) i3Si '57 
 
 Salem (Goshen) 193 
 
 Salem (Middle District) 270 
 
 Salem (New River) 353 
 
 Salem (Union) 436 
 
 Sandy Creek Association 14 
 
 Sandy Creek (Appomattox) 285 
 
 Sandy Creek (Meherrin) 87, 90 
 
 Sandy Creek (N. C.) 14, 16 
 
 Sandy Creek (Union) 437 
 
 Sappony 464 
 
 Saunders, James 259, 274 281,284 
 
 Saunders, Joseph 301 
 
 Saunders, Nathaniel 216, 234 
 
 Scarrott's 218 
 
 Scurry, John 285 
 
 Seacock 463 
 
 Self, John IS3 
 
 Seminary of Learning 104, 105, 106, 113, 306 
 
 Semple, R. B 158, 161 
 
 Seneca ■ 33' 
 
 Separates 12, 15, 17, 23, 42, 449 
 
 Disagreement with Regulars ... .98, 250, 384, 450 
 
 Associational meetings of 64, 65, 66, 68 
 
 First Virginia Association of 69 
 
 Minutes of 7" 
 
 Division into Calvinistic and Arminian parties, 
 
 60, 83, 86, 108, 351 
 
 Agreement 84 
 
 Union with Regulars 99> '0°. i°i. 33^ 
 
 Division of Association 9' 
 
 Discontinuance of 9^ 
 
 Seventh Day Baptists 44° 
 
532 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Shackleford, John 40, 156, 201 
 
 Shay, Elijah 368 
 
 Shelburne, James 28 
 
 Shockoe 336 
 
 Short Creek 440 
 
 Short, Reuben 268 
 
 Shoulder's Hill • 460 
 
 SiLOAM 217 
 
 Simpson's Creek 435 
 
 Sinking Creek 356 
 
 SKINCtUARTER 266 
 
 Slate River 286 
 
 Slavery 103, loS, 246, 392, 459, 466 
 
 Slaves 130, 145, 148 
 
 Marriage of 122. 
 
 Smith's Creek 231, 247, 249, 377 
 
 Smith's Run 347 
 
 Smith, George 264, 265, 266, 474 
 
 Smith, George Stoval 265, 474 
 
 Smith, P. G 214 
 
 Sneade, Herman 143, 146 
 
 Snead, R. 146 
 
 Snow Creek 345 
 
 Society — Meetings 422 
 
 Sojourner, William 445, 447 
 
 Sorrel, John 156 
 
 Southern District (General Association) — Meeting of . . 78 
 
 Union meeting of 82 
 
 South Fork (or St. Clair's Bottom) 361 
 
 South Quay 461 
 
 South River 412 
 
 Speece, Conrad 259 
 
 Sperry, Elder 250 
 
 Spiller, Philip ^03 
 
 Spring Creek 268 
 
 Stacy, Robert icj^ lyi 
 
 Stanley, Joseph ,,5 
 
 Staunton , ' ,., 
 
 343 
 
 Staunton River 276 343 
 
INDEX. 533 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Stearns, Shubal 12, 15, i6, 17, 65, 67, 376 
 
 Steptoe, Mrs. Elizabeth . . 177 
 
 Sthrethley 173 
 
 Stewart's Creek 337 
 
 Stinking River 336 
 
 Stockton, Richard 341 
 
 Stockton, Robert 91, 340, 345 
 
 Stony Creek • . 362 
 
 Stratton, Richard 266 
 
 Straughan, Samuel 181, 183 
 
 Strawberry Association 64, 91, 255 
 
 Table of 338 
 
 Increase and divisions of 339 
 
 History of 340 
 
 Street, Richard 167 
 
 Suck Spring 343 
 
 Suckett, Mrs 179 
 
 Sutton, Isaac 388, 439 
 
 Sutton, James 439 
 
 Swedenborg 178 
 
 Tanner, John 271 
 
 Tarwallet 117, 258 
 
 Taylor, John 250, 415 
 
 Teaz Valley 431 
 
 Templeman, Samuel 176 
 
 Thanksgiving day 134 
 
 Thomas, David .... 19, 21, 22, 215, 233, 378, 388, 395, 399, 418 
 
 Thomas, J 45° 
 
 Thompson, David . . . ." 72, 216, 227, 450 
 
 Thompson, Samuel 263 
 
 Thompson's Meeting-house (see Goldmine). 
 
 Thompson, Zachariah 301 
 
 Thornton's Gap 231, 233 
 
 Thumb Run 408 
 
 Timber Ridge (Ketocton) 419 
 
 Timber Ridge (Strawberry) 34.3 
 
 Tinsley, David 171, 223. 264, 271, 475 
 
 Todd, Bernard 274, 277 
 
534 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Todd, William • ■ . '62 
 
 Toler, Henry . 104, 123, 133, 134, 158, I73, I7S. '76, I77, '82, 475 
 
 Toleration Act 31. 4i. 5° 
 
 Tomahawk 267 
 
 Tompkins, James 3'^, 333 
 
 ToTiKR 223 
 
 Traylor's Meeting-house 258 
 
 Tribble, Andrew 72 
 
 TuCKAHOE • 154, 157. '73 
 
 Tucker's Swamp 462 
 
 Turner, John 146 
 
 Turner, Wilson 345 
 
 TussEKiAH 299 
 
 Tutt, Richard I 232 
 
 Twelve Corner 330 
 
 Union Association-»-Table of 434 
 
 History of 435 
 
 Union (Appomattox) 284 
 
 Union (Roanoke) 333 
 
 Union (Union) 437 
 
 Upper Banister 316, 332 
 
 Upper Bridge . . • 459 
 
 Upper Carter's Run 409 
 
 Upper College 158, 160 
 
 Upper Essex 163 
 
 Upper Goose Creek 232 
 
 Upper King AND Queen 112, 121, 130, 157, 159 
 
 Upper Spotsylvania (see Craig's). 
 
 Valley 436 
 
 Van Horn, P 447 
 
 Virginia Chronicle — Extract from 58 
 
 Voting in Baptist Churches — To whom restricted .... 130 
 
 Waddell, James (Famous "Blind Preacher") 183 
 
 Waford, Thomas ' 34, 212 
 
 Walker, Jeremiah 28, 55, 74, 
 
 81, 88, 107, 108, 147, 171,263, 265, 271,. 281, 479 
 
INDEX. 535 
 
 FAGB. 
 
 Waller, Absalom 196, 209 
 
 Waller, Benjamin 30 
 
 Waller, John 24, 27, 29, 32, 34, 37, 38, 40, 55, 
 
 74, 81, 82, 93, 102, 104, 155, 187, 197, 201, 20s, 208, 211, 264 
 
 Waller, William 208, 217 
 
 Wall, John 463 
 
 Waller's (see Lower. Spotsylvania), 
 
 Walton, Simeon . 104, 262, 263 
 
 Ware, James 155 
 
 Ware, Robert 34, 36, 40, 162 
 
 Ware's Meeting-house 134 
 
 Water Lick 412 
 
 Waters, Thomas 369 
 
 Watkins, Abner . . . . 281 
 
 Watkins, Benjamin 262, 265, 268, 269 
 
 Watkins, James 331 
 
 Watts, Jacob 223 
 
 Weatherford, John 271, 275, 277, 280, 337 
 
 Webber, Philip . . . . . , 227 
 
 Webber, William, 26, 32, 33, 34, 35, 90, I2i, 139, 141, 264, 269, 271, 471 
 
 Weeks, Alderson 397 
 
 Western Branch 461 
 
 West Fork (N. River) 357 
 
 West Fork (Union) 437 
 
 Whitefield, George . . • "i 25, 154, 207, 263 
 
 Whitehouse 246, 248 
 
 White Oak 406 
 
 Whitesidbs 225 
 
 Whitethorn 335 
 
 White, Thomas 44i 
 
 Whitlock 158 
 
 Wicomico i8i 
 
 Wilderness Meeting-house 190, 202 
 
 Williams, John 28, 81, 
 
 82, 83, 88, 90, 102, 104, 106, 113, 262, 306, 330, 479 
 
 Williams, Joseph 295 
 
 Williams 211 
 
 Williamsburg 126, 148 
 
 Williamson, George 143 
 
536 , INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Wjclson's 294 
 
 Winn's Creek 325 
 
 WiNTERCOMACK 267 
 
 Wood, Matthew '. . 151 
 
 Woodfin, Samuel 265, 268 
 
 Woods, William 223, 476 
 
 Woodson, Matthew 139 
 
 Wooldridge, John 264, 265 
 
 Woolfork, Charles 210 
 
 Wreck Island 283 
 
 Wright, James 454 
 
 Wright, John 149 
 
 Wyley, Allen 19. 20, 212, 381 
 
 Wynne, Peter 300 
 
 Yadkin Association (N. C.) 363 
 
 Yates, Thomas 375 
 
 Young, John 153, 154, ,58, 226, 483 
 
 ZioN Hill 
 
 337 
 
 Zoar (Dover) , . , 169 
 
 Zoar (Goshen) 206 
 
 Zoar (Ketocton) , 416 
 
"ss;