On this Sunday morning, many Baptists North and South hear sermons that mention, some as part of the main message and others in passing, the danger to freedom in America. While southern Baptist preachers addressing the topic proclaim freedom for white people, contrasted with divinely-sanctioned slavery for black people, northern Baptist preachers focus on freedom for all. Among the latter is a sermon delivered at the First Baptist Church of Providence, Rhode Island (the nation’s first Baptist church), preached before the Second Regiment of Rhode Island volunteers.
Also today, the War Department of the United States authorizes the United States Sanitary Commission. The USSC is commissioned with three purposes: to oversee military hospitals and army camps in order to improve living conditions for soldiers; to raise money from civilians and businesses to provide for the medical needs of soldiers; and to assist disabled soldiers in returning to civilian life. The Sanitary Commission is an outgrowth of earlier scattered efforts by private entities – including Christian organizations – to aid soldiers. During its four year existence, many Christian congregations and ladies societies support and work with the Commission.
Sources: A Baptist Bibliography, edited by Edward C. Starr, 1952, p. 10; U. S. Sanitary Commission overview (link); illustration (link)
