Henry Evans, 1760–1810

Henry Evans, 1760–1810

Apostle of Hope

Henry Evans was a freeborn native of Virginia and preacher who laid the foundation for the first Methodist church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. When traveling to South Carolina, Henry stopped in Fayetteville and was so distressed by the spiritual state of the slave population there that he decided to move to the area and minister to the people there who at that time had not heard any preaching and were living lives completely devoid of hope.

Initially Henry was met with tremendous opposition from the white slave owners who pushed him out of the area. But Henry persisted preaching the gospel and would hold meetings in the woods. Eventually, the fruit of the gospel in the slave’s lives was such a testimony to the transformation of God’s word, that not only did the white slave owners allow Henry back into town – they began joining his meetings and encountering the Lord.

“None but Christ. Three times I have had my life in jeopardy for preaching the gospel to you. Three times I have broken the ice on the edge of the water and swum across the Cape Fear to preach the gospel to you. And now, if in my last hour I could trust to that, or at anything else but Christ crucified, for my salvation, all should be lost, and my soul perish forever.”

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Lemuel Haynes, 1753–1833

Lemuel Haynes, 1753–1833

Patriot & Pastor

Not only was Lemuel Haynes a patriot who fought for the independence of the United States in the Revolutionary war, but he was also the first ordained black pastor in American History, the first black man to receive a degree, the first black man to pastor a congregation, the first black American to be internationally published for the writing of the first abolitionist essay: “Liberty Further Extended”, and he was also the first black American to speak boldly and publicly about the degradation of slavery and how it was in direct contradiction with our nation’s platform of freedom and liberty to all.

If the church is to prosper and mature, she will need faithful men to lead and care for her. The church will need men who are sound in doctrine, whose lives are guided by the Word of God, and who are willing to defend the truth. The church will need to hold up as its ideal those who model fidelity and love toward God, men who will pour themselves out for the benefit of the Lord’s sheep. Men of this mold are gifts to the church from her Lord. In the late 1700s the Lord did indeed give such a gift to the church”

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Phillis Wheatley, 1753-1784

Phillis Wheatley, 1753–1784

Poet

Born in 1753 in Gamba, West Africa, Phillis was caught by slave traders who later sold her to a tailor from Boston named John Wheatley. John Wheatley’s wife, Susanna, taught Phillis how to read from the Bible and she began to study English, Latin and Greek. Phillis then began to write remarkable poetry that became famous across the world with her faith as the message of her poetic platform. Phillis wrote how salvation was not just for the white man but was available for every person. Phillis spoke the truth of God’s love for all people not from a pulpit, but by way of her pen.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye, "Their colour is a diabolic dye." Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

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Harry Hosier, 1750–1806

Harry Hosier, 1750–1806

Circuit Preacher & Evangelist

Born in Fayetteville, NC during the Revolutionary War, Harry began to travel when he was around 30 years old as a methodist preacher. Though illiterate, he would memorize entire passages of scripture. He was such a gifted preacher that he was considered the greatest orator in the entire nation. He preached to black and white congregations alike and led many to Jesus.

Harry preached in the meeting house to more than one thousand people[…] I have never seen so tender a meeting in this town before, for a general weeping ran through the assembly, especially while Harry gave an exhortation.

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February: Black Church History / Honoring Lives of The Saints

Black CHurch History

In our nation, we honor the month of February as Black History Month – a time we collectively recognize the contributions made by African-Americans and their central role in U.S. history. As a church, Antioch Raleigh feels a calling to become further educated in church history, a subject that is a general weak point in western Christianity. SO we thought February would be the perfect launch point for us to honor the spiritual mothers and fathers that contended for much of the revelation, freedom, and breakthrough that we as the modern body of Christ get to experience.

This month we are honoring the African American spiritual giants who, compelled by incredible faith, led radical lives of courage.

Join us on our journey by checking out our daily stories on Instagram and Facebook or here on our blog. Links to further reading will be found in each post.