1843 - On Christian Baptism
A 1795 treaty with Spain opened the Mississippi River to trade as far as New Orleans and there was great rejoicing. Lexington saw its first brick house (at today’s at Gratz Park); the Lexington Library acquired 750 volumes and was the largest and most prominent collection of books in the west; members of the Kentucky Press Association began sending copies of their publications; Kentucky Academy merged with Transylvania Academy forming Transylvania University.
The Baptists were the pioneers of religion in Kentucky. But by 1826, the Stonites and Campbellites were expanding and caused a resolution to be put to the First Baptist Church proposing to change its name to the Church of Christ. Following prolonged debate, the party favoring the resolution “swarmed out” and formed the Church of Christ. Public speaking in those days could become raucous affairs. Worship services were attended by Christians and folks just seeking entertainment who would engage with the speaker. Deacons served as bouncers.
In November 1843, a celebrated debate was convened by Hon. Henry Clay, soon to become the Whig Party presidential candidate). The topic was, “On the Action, Subject, Design and Administrator of Christian Baptism.”
The distinguished champions were Bishop Alexander Campbell and the Presbyterian Minister Nathan Lewis Rice The debate took place before densely packed audiences in the Main Street Church (site of the current public library). From November 15th to December 2nd - except Sundays - daily sessions were held from 10 am to 2 pm, and some evenings. They were described as lively and entertaining, though divisive.
Arguing a Greek word from the scriptures means to “immerse, plunge or dip,” Campbell held that “immersion in water of a proper subject, into the name of the Father, the son, and the holy spirit is the one and only Christian baptism” but may be conducted by the un-ordained. “One lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Rice countered by citing cases where the word meant “wash” or “dye” and stood for baptism through “sprinkling” including the baptism of infants – by ordained bishops.
Both claimed victory, and both called for Christian unity.
The Baptists were the pioneers of religion in Kentucky. But by 1826, the Stonites and Campbellites were expanding and caused a resolution to be put to the First Baptist Church proposing to change its name to the Church of Christ. Following prolonged debate, the party favoring the resolution “swarmed out” and formed the Church of Christ. Public speaking in those days could become raucous affairs. Worship services were attended by Christians and folks just seeking entertainment who would engage with the speaker. Deacons served as bouncers.
In November 1843, a celebrated debate was convened by Hon. Henry Clay, soon to become the Whig Party presidential candidate). The topic was, “On the Action, Subject, Design and Administrator of Christian Baptism.”
The distinguished champions were Bishop Alexander Campbell and the Presbyterian Minister Nathan Lewis Rice The debate took place before densely packed audiences in the Main Street Church (site of the current public library). From November 15th to December 2nd - except Sundays - daily sessions were held from 10 am to 2 pm, and some evenings. They were described as lively and entertaining, though divisive.
Arguing a Greek word from the scriptures means to “immerse, plunge or dip,” Campbell held that “immersion in water of a proper subject, into the name of the Father, the son, and the holy spirit is the one and only Christian baptism” but may be conducted by the un-ordained. “One lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Rice countered by citing cases where the word meant “wash” or “dye” and stood for baptism through “sprinkling” including the baptism of infants – by ordained bishops.
Both claimed victory, and both called for Christian unity.
- History of Lexington, George Ranck, (1872), 307-314.
- The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2004.
- https://www.presbyteriansofthepast.com/2019/03/18/n-l-rice-1807-1877-part-1/
- https://archive.org/details/debatebetweenrev00camp/page/46/mode/2up