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The Life and Ministry of Alexander Campbell in Historic Bethany

Explore the early life, teachings, and legacy of Alexander Campbell, a prominent figure in the restoration movement of the Christian church. From his upbringing in Ireland to the establishment of Bethany College, this narrative delves into Campbell's journey of faith and service. Learn about key events, such as the Brush Run years and the challenges he faced in promoting his beliefs. Discover the impact of his publications, including the Millennial Harbinger, and the controversies surrounding his missionary and educational endeavors. Gain insights into Campbell's influence on the Disciples of Christ movement and the evolution of Christian practices based on his teachings.

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The Life and Ministry of Alexander Campbell in Historic Bethany

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  1. The Life and Ministry of Alexander Campbell in Historic Bethany

  2. Early Life • Alexander was born Sept. 12, 1788, in a location about 25 miles northwest of Belfast, Ireland. • In 1798, Thomas Campbell (1763-1854) moved to Ahorey, Ireland. • In 1807, Thomas immigrated to Washington, Pennsylvania

  3. Early Life • In 1808, Thomas Campbell renounced the Presbyterian Church. • The family was shipwrecked on the coast of Scotland. • Alexander then entered the University of Glasgow, where he came under the influence of Greville Ewing, John Glas, and the Haldanes.

  4. Early Life • 1809: Christian Association of Washington • Declaration and Address • Unity document • Only what is expressly commanded • Each judges for oneself • Alexander and the family travel from Greenock, Scotland to America.

  5. Brush Run Years • “Where the scriptures speak, we speak; and where the scriptures are silent, we are silent.” • In the spring of 1811, Thomas Campbell began to believe the Association must become a church. • May 4, 1811 -- • Thomas Campbell appointed Elder • Alexander Campbell licensed to preach • Sunday, May 5, 1811: first worship service

  6. Brush Run Years • Problem of the form of baptism • Three people requested baptism: Margaret Fullerton, Abraham Altars, Joseph Bryant. • Bryant thought immersion was the only proper form. • Thus baptism became an issue • Thomas Campbell was accused of being… • Inconsistent – immersing others, though he still believing in sprinkling • Unqualified to immerse others – since he himself was not immersed.

  7. Brush Run Years • Alexander and baptism--- • At first, issue of no great importance • Three sermons to defend INFANT baptism • Birth of first child: began serious study • Concluded… • infant baptism was not present in the NT • immersion was the form of baptism in the NT • Asked Matthias Luce to baptize him.

  8. Brush Run Years • Thomas Campbell was still reluctant, he was in heart still Presbyterian • June 12, 1812 was the date set for baptisms • Thomas and wife and daughter Margaret arrived prepared to be immersed. • Thomas Campbell asked to be allowed to make a statement on his reasons for being immersed

  9. Brush Run Years • Alexander’s words: this is the NT way • Immersion • on confession, not of a human creed, but of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. • Two others in the crowd then requested baptism • The meeting continued 7 hours • Next Sunday, 13 requested immersion, among them James Foster.

  10. Brush Run Years • Redstone Baptist Association--Brush Run Church was received in 1813 • Immediate problems: Brush Run is too independent, and is non-Calvinistic • In his Sermon on the Law, Alexander claimed the OT is no longer applicable • Departure from Redstone was in September, 1823

  11. Brush Run Years • After departure from Redstone Association in September, 1823, the Brush Run church joined the Mahoning Baptist Association • A sequel to the “Sermon on the Law” preached there (in Canfield, 1826) • The text of sermon was Malachi 4:2: “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in its wings.” • Theme: “The progress of revealed light”

  12. The Christian Baptist • “The Restoration of the Ancient Order of Things” • the nature and work of the church of the NT based on the “pattern” of the apostolic church as recorded in the NT. • Revised, it was published in book form later: first edition, Christianity Restored; later editions, The Christian System • Alexander Campbell was in this time period a champion of the Baptists • [Insert information about Alexander Campbell and the Baptists]

  13. Later Years • Publication of Millennial Harbinger beginning in 1830 (which continued after his death) • Bethany College was established (1841) • The Lunenburg Letter • American Christian Bible Society (1845) • General Convention of Disciples or Campbellite churches • Immediate opposition: no NT authority for such a meeting or proposal

  14. Missionary Society Question • Raised the issue: what is a “matter of faith,” and what is a “matter of opinion”? • Raised the issue of “expedients” • Orphans’ Homes • Herald of Truth • Giving to colleges • Any “Para-church” organization

  15. Close of an Era • Deaths of leaders • Barton W. Stone, Nov. 9, 1844. • Thomas Campbell, January 4, 1854. • Walter Scott, April 23, 1861. • Alexander Campbell, March 4, 1866.

  16. Historic Bethany • Historic Bethany is just north of Bethany, WV. This is a picture of the visitor center.

  17. Historic Bethany

  18. Historic Bethany

  19. Historic Bethany • This a group of Sojourners whom I was privileged to lead on a tour of Bethany while they were on a “sojourn” at OVU.

  20. Historic Bethany

  21. Historic Bethany

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  28. Historic Bethany • The well house on the north side of the “mansion” served as cold storage. The buildings have been preserved beautifully.

  29. Historic Bethany • The path to the schoolhouse also leads by an outer door to the basement--the only access now.

  30. Historic Bethany

  31. Historic Bethany

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  33. Historic Bethany • The grounds at Bethany are well-kept and park-like. Here is an alternate view of the study as it appears from the house.

  34. Historic Bethany • The mantle in the original house and an early recliner, used by Thomas Campbell in his declining years.

  35. Historic Bethany

  36. Historic Bethany • Kneeling benches used by Alexander and Margaret when they were married in this house.

  37. Historic Bethany • Early baby bed.

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  39. Historic Bethany • A single bed/cot in the original bedroom. Note the pitcher and bowl.

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  41. Historic Bethany • A very narrow double bed in the Campbell bedroom.

  42. Historic Bethany • The “death mask” for Alexander Campbell, indicative of what he looked like at his death.

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  44. Historic Bethany • The infamous long table in the dining room.

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  47. Historic Bethany • The living area of “stranger’s hall.”

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