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The K in James K Polk stands for Knox. His mother was Jane Knox, a direct descendant of John Knox, the Scottish preacher who faced off against Bloody Queen Mary. His mother, it is said, held to four things: the Bible, the Confession of Faith, the Psalms, and Isaac Watts’ Hymns. His father on the other hand, scoffed at religion. Read more...
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Before you leave Plymouth, head on up to Burial Hill. It’s a steep climb, but there are steps. Inside a white fence is not a grave, but a cenotaph, “a monument to someone buried elsewhere.” Adoniram Judson was the son of a Congregational minister in Plymouth, but he fell in with the wrong friends. While at Brown University, he was Read more...
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Her funeral was held at her church, now Golden Hill Methodist, close to downtown Bridgeport. She is buried in Mountain Grove Cemetery, built by her friend P.T. Barnum. Just down from Fanny’s grave you’ll see the statue of General Tom Thumb, and Barnum’s own grave. Fanny requested a simple grave, but forty years after her death, the townsfolk built Read more...
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Watch our interview on George Whitefield Sept 30th, 10:30 AM – Historic Reenactment Service The congregation began meeting in the 1750s, following the ministry of the Methodist evangelist and preacher George Whitefield in the region. He died in Newburyport in 1770 and his remains were buried under the pulpit of the meeting house at his request. The bell Read more...
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Blaine Myron Cedarholm (1911–1999) was a devoted pastor, teacher, and writer whose life’s work left a steady mark on mid-20th-century Baptist life, particularly among churches committed to historic doctrine and local church ministry. Though not a household name, his influence was widely felt through his preaching, pastoral leadership, and printed works that encouraged clarity in belief and consistency in practice. Read more...
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The grave of Henry Dunster, first president of Harvard College, is in the Old Burying Ground (adjacent to First Church, Unitarian) on Church Street. Harvard forced Dunster out of the presidency for his defense of believer’s baptism by immersion. Harvard never had a greater president. (See Chapter 13.). Copyrighted and used by permission from David Beale, Baptist History in England and America: Read more...
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From Wikipedia: William Bell Riley (March 22, 1861 in Greene County, Indiana, USA – December 5, 1947 in Golden Valley, Minnesota) was known as “The Grand Old Man of Fundamentalism.” After being educated at normal school in Valparaiso, Indiana, Riley received his teacher’s certificate. After teaching in county schools, he attended college in Hanover, Indiana, where he received an A.B. degree in 1885. In 1888 he graduated from the Southern Read more...
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Section 20, Lot 120 Author of Wonderful Grace of Jesus: 1. Wonderful grace of Jesus, Greater than all my sin; How shall my tongue describe it, Where shall its praise begin? Taking away my burden, Setting my spirit free; For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. Refrain: Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, Deeper than the Read more...
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Henry M. Morris (1918–2006) was a prominent American engineer, educator, and Christian author best known for his role in developing and popularizing modern young-earth creationism. Often referred to as the “father of modern creation science,” Morris combined his technical training with a strong commitment to biblical authority, shaping a movement that would influence religious thought and education across the United Read more...
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Francis Asbury (1745–1816) was one of the most influential religious leaders in early American history and a central figure in the rise of Methodism in the United States. As a tireless circuit rider, organizer, and bishop, Asbury helped transform a small movement into one of the largest Protestant denominations in the young nation. Born in Staffordshire, England, Asbury was raised Read more...
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John Weatherford (c. 1740–1833), often remembered as Elder John Weatherford, was part of the generation of early Baptist ministers who helped establish and spread Baptist principles in the American South during the late colonial and early national periods. Though not as widely documented as some of his contemporaries, his long life and ministry reflect the steady, grassroots expansion of Baptist Read more...
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John Leland (1754–1841) was one of the most influential Baptist preachers and advocates for religious liberty in early American history. Known for his plainspoken preaching, independent spirit, and unwavering defense of freedom of conscience, Leland helped shape the emerging nation’s understanding of the proper relationship between church and state. Leland was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, and raised in a Congregationalist Read more...
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Isaac Backus (1724–1806) stands as one of the most influential Baptist leaders in early American history, particularly known for his tireless advocacy of religious liberty. A pastor, historian, and public spokesman, Backus played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between church and state in the formative years of the United States. Backus was born in Norwich, Connecticut, into a Read more...
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The Roger Williams National Memorial preserves one of the most meaningful historic sites in early American religious history: the resting place and memorial statue of Roger Williams. Both the statue and the story of his ashes reflect not only the life of a remarkable man but also the enduring ideals of liberty of conscience and separation of church and state. Read more...
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The grave of Virginia Governor Patrick Henry, a friend of persecuted Baptists, is at Patrick Henry National Memorial, 1497 Red Hill Road, Brookneal, VA 24528. This beautiful plantation is called Red Hill. Copyrighted and used by permission from David Beale, Baptist History in England and America: Personalities, Positions, and Practices Patrick Henry (1736-1799) loved freedom – risking his life and Read more...
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Shubal Stearns (1706–1771) was one of the most influential figures in the spread of Baptist life in the American South during the eighteenth century. His leadership at Sandy Creek Baptist Church helped spark a powerful revival movement that reshaped the religious landscape of the southern colonies and left a lasting legacy on American Christianity. Stearns was born in Boston, Massachusetts, Read more...
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“I determined never to rest until it pleased God to show mercy or cut me off … I hasted into a neighbouring wood, and dropped on my knees before God, to beg for mercy. In an instant, I felt my heart melt and a sweet application of the Redeemer’s love to my poor soul.” John Waller was somewhat of Read more...
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Luther Rice (1783–1836) was a pivotal figure in the early development of Baptist missions and institutions in the United States. Though less widely known than some of his contemporaries, his influence was profound, particularly in organizing support for global missions and in helping to establish what would become one of the leading Baptist universities in America. Rice was born in Read more...
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Hymn History: He Lives Author: Alfred Henry Ackley “He once said, ‘The thought of His ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.’” (Bruce Creswell) The Origin of the Hymn “He Lives” (I Serve a Risen Savior) Few gospel hymns capture the joy and assurance of the resurrection as powerfully as “He Lives”, also known by its opening Read more...
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John Blair Smith was a significant figure in the early history of American higher education and Presbyterian leadership, best remembered for his role as the first president of Hampden–Sydney College. His life, though relatively brief, was marked by intellectual ability, religious conviction, and a steady commitment to shaping young men for both ministry and civic responsibility in the formative years Read more...