Baptists and the American Civil War: November 21, 1862

Publication and distribution of Confederate religious periodicals is a priority of Baptist leaders of the South. The cessation of commerce between North and South has forced the Confederacy to become self-dependent, while Southern Baptists in particular are abhorrent of the abolitionist sentiment that is so often expressed in Northern religious literature, and thus avoid Northern…

Baptists and the American Civil War: January 7, 1861

Alabama’s secession convention begins in Montgomery. Among the delegates is James DeVotie. One of the most respected preachers in the state, DeVotie had pastored (in succession) Montgomery First Baptist, Tuscaloosa First Baptist, and Siloam Baptist in Marion. While pastoring Siloam, DeVotie helped establish Howard College (now Samford University) and held a variety of elected positions…