This month the First African Baptist Church of Savannah, Georgia licenses Deacon James M. Simms to preach. Born in Savannah, Georgia in 1823, Simms for much of his life was not involved in church. But in 1857 he had purchased his freedom, and in 1858 returned to the church and within a few months had…
As the second anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War inches ever closer, many Baptist congregations of the South by this point have largely redirected their mission efforts to Confederate soldiers by collecting funds to support army chaplains and provide Christian literature to soldiers. Helping Baptist soldiers maintain their faith and evangelizing non-Christian soldiers…
Today the Senate of the Confederate States Congress convenes in Richmond, the nation’s capital. The session opens with a prayer by Rev. Secley, pastor of the Second Baptist Church. The proceedings that follow include debating a request for additional funds for the Ordnance Department, issues related to Confederate bonds, and consideration of a tax bill.…