On a magnificent fall Sabbath earlier this year, William E. Hatcher enjoyed a return to Mount Hermon Baptist Church in his native Bedford County. The occasion was the church's 220th anniversary. The church was packed with members, former members and…
Generations
For nearly 180 years, across five generations, the Religious Herald has arrived uninterrupted in the homes of the Ryland family of Virginia. Samuel Peachey Ryland subscribed when the first issue of the Herald came off the press in January 1828….
Time out of joint
Last issue this column told about a man — Henry Keeling Ellyson, the long-time executive leader of Virginia Baptists in the 19th century — and his vision: the planting of new church starts wherever the railroads placed depots. No matter…
A man and his vision
Henry Keeling Ellyson became possessed with a vision. It is the mark of any effective leader that a vision is forthcoming and that it is articulated. Ellyson was the executive leader of Virginia Baptists. His actual title was corresponding secretary….
Welcoming the strangers
“The influx of large numbers of people from foreign parts has always been regarded as dangerous to American institutions, civil and religious,” said the speaker at the annual meeting of the General Association in 1885. The meeting was held at…
Victories in Victoria
The small Southside Virginia town of Victoria in Lunenburg County is “the place to be” on Sunday, Oct. 14, as the church celebrates its centennial. The events are the culmination of a year-long celebration. John V. Upton, executive director of…
‘The Negro problem’
It was a “sunny, balmy and bracing” day in Lynchburg in late February 1883 when about 300 persons gathered for the first Congress of Virginia Baptists. For several days ministers and laypersons listened to lectures on various issues of the…
Imagining the future
In the summer of 1877, “the June meeting” or annual meeting of the General Association was held in Danville. Jeremiah Bell Jeter, one of the grand old men of the Association, was present and actively engaged in the meeting. Jeter…
A day in the country
William E. Hatcher, the 19th and early 20th-century minister, used to escape the pressures of his city pastorate at Grace Street Baptist Church of Richmond by enjoying a day in the country with his friend, Bob Winfree of Midlothian. When…