William Elgin, Baptist minister, is chaplain of the 14th United States Colored Infantry. As the third full year of the war draws to a close, the Union increasingly depends on the growing ranks of black regiments to provide the extra manpower needed to finally win the war against the rebelling Southern states. Elgin is “a…
The Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church of Bloomington, Indiana, while far from the battle fronts of war, is nonetheless impacted by the great conflict. The current pastor, D. E. Maxson, is a war veteran, recently released from service due to illness. Among other Union soldiers from the congregation is Leroy Skaggs, who is ordained following…
First Baptist Ellettsville, Indiana was established in 1858 by 28 persons, men and women, who initially met in members’ homes to worship and pray. Within a few short years, the congregation constructed a simple meeting house, a frame building costing a mere $95. The price of the church building reveals the common folk nature of…