In Lockland, Ohio the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian congregations join together for a Thanksgiving service preached by Silas Hawley, a Presbyterian minister. Entitled, “National Reconstruction: The Glory and Shame of a Nation,” the sermon celebrates the securing of human equality in the Union victory over the Confederate States of America. America is a “righteous” nation,…
This month the state Baptist Association of Illinois convenes and, following the lead of other state Baptist groups of the North earlier this year, affirms as God’s will freedom for all humans and the righteousness of the war against Southern slavery. In the midst of many dangers and reverses which have overtaken our arms during…
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln‘s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, announced one week ago today, leads to numerous positive affirmations from Baptists of the North. This week’s resolution from the Seneca Baptist Association of New York rejoices that the U.S. is now positioning itself squarely against African slavery, declaring God’s hand upon the nation for its commitment to…