The Civil War years are a time of story-telling, corporately and personally. Soldiers and civilians on both sides oftentimes pass along personal stories that reinforce sectional pride and prejudices. The truth of such stories typically cannot be qualified, yet the stories themselves convey truths that transcend questions of factual accuracy. One of the tens of…
Baptist life in the Confederate capital of Richmond is vastly different than a mere twelve months ago. Whereas Baptists have long been a significant presence in the city, the war compels local Baptists to become involved in many new, and highly visible, efforts outside of church walls. Not the least of these endeavors are hospitals…
The First Baptist Church of Dandridge, Tennessee, a notable congregation within the state, struggles to navigate the war years. Founded in 1786 (seven years prior to the formation of the town of Dandridge, named after Martha Dandridge Washington, wife of George Washington), the Jefferson County congregation is no stranger to difficult times. In July 1845,…