Author

William Hicks

William Hicks was a nineteenth-century historian and Baptist minister whose scholarly work documented the development of African American religious institutions in the American South during a transformative period spanning emancipation and Reconstruction. His comprehensive History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914 stands as a foundational text in African American religious historiography, providing crucial documentation of Black Baptist organizational life, leadership, and theological autonomy in Louisiana during an era of profound social and political upheaval. Through his historical scholarship, Hicks preserved the institutional memory and spiritual legacy of African American Baptist communities while establishing an important precedent for Black scholars' self-documentation of their own religious and cultural traditions.

From History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914

Preface. While thinking of the -welfare of our Baptist Zion throughout the state, and wondering what would best serve as a stimulus to encourage our brethren, and arouse our churches to more religious activity, it occurred to me that a faithful record of past achievements both by our pioneer fathers and ourselves would give much impetus to lagging denominational pride, and set up a beacon light to guide and inspire the young preacher of today. To this end I cheerfully set myself to the task, and after consulting God and writing the late Bishop A. B. Flood (President Louisiana Baptist State Convention); Secretary W. E. Purvis, Treasurer T. L. Welch, Sr., Vice President W. M. Taylor, Drs. H. C. Cotton, John IVIarks, Taylor Frier-son, J. M. Carter and others, I received Divine approval and hearty endorsement by the above-mentioned brethren, the State Executive Board and the Louisiana State Convention. This…

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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914 1914 A history of Black Baptist churches and associations in Louisiana from the first congregations in 1804, with biographies of pastors and accounts of the state's Baptist schools. →

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