OCTOBER 27, 1861:
During the Civil War, Sundays
frequently serve other purposes in the name of the Kingdom of God. With many
Southern Baptists convinced that the Confederate States of America is God’s
Kingdom on earth, church buildings and yards are frequently appropriated for
the commissioning and blessing of men in arms. Sometimes, the intertwining of
religion and patriotism takes places on the day of worship. Such is the case
today at the Green River Baptist Church. Gathered on the steps of the Green
River Baptist Church are 84 new soldiers anxious to do battle against the
northern enemy. The scene takes place in Kentucky, a Border State that is not a
part of the Confederacy, although many citizens of Kentucky choose to side with
the South. The oath of loyalty to the
Confederacy is duly administered to the soldiers gathered on the church steps
who comprise the Lexington Rifles. John Hunt Morgan is elected as captain, and
the company eventually becomes known as “Morgan’s Company,” named in honor of
the man who becomes a famous Confederate cavalry leader. Morgan has a
connection with the Green River Church: he has been using the church as his
headquarters while training his men.
No comments:
Post a Comment