State

Ralph; Famous Slave Preacher When Ills iiiasler went to Congress. Italpli took over in the pulpit, ami for a niiinher of years preaelieil to white anil colored si I ike. fit/ PAUL Л II Fit AX odd story out of Anson County is that of “Ralph," the slave who followed his master into the pulpit, and took over when the latter went off to Congress. The stone marker in Bethlehem Cemetery at Ansonville is to “Ralph,” who died about I83S. He was a Primitive Bap¬ tist preacher, like his master. John Culpepper, and his freedom was bought by the Bear Creek Baptist Association. lu the early 1800’s in Anson County John Culpepper preached at the Rocky River Baptist Church, at that time only a stone’s throw from the river. Since then t lie church, shown here, has been moved, and now stands oil a hill live miles from the town of Ansonville. An Old Church The Primitive Baptists founded the church in 1 7 7 Г. or 1770, and its vari¬ ous branches served Anson. Montgom¬ ery. Moon*. Randolph and Diividson counties. At the time of this story ( 1800), an undesirable candidate for Congress was up for re-election. The Rev. John Culpepper and his friends were aroused to opposition. Then, when stronger measure's were de¬ manded, Culjiepper himself decided to run, though ministers were seldom sent to Congress. Culpepper declared he bail "as sacred a right as any jack- leg lawyer that ever came down the pike,” and the vituperative preacher began his political career. The cam¬ paign opened with a debate ill the church. Crowding the pews were the Federalists, adherents of Culpepper. The Democrats pushed into the rear and looked in at the windows. Culjiepper was a novice in polities, lie began by asking a series of ques- t ions which the lawyer could not answer, but which he could not answer himself. It was a technical defeat. The minister turned to his own metier, lie called for jirayer, and it is said that his prayer lusted until mid- Top — Rock River Baptist Church, formerly known as "Culpepper’s Meeting House.” Bottom — The marker erected over Ralph's grave. night. 1'sing this technique more than once, ('ul|M*|)per swept across the >li- trict, and won the election by a land¬ slide. lie rode olf to Congress on a mule, beginning a career which lasted 25 years. Cnljiepper's faithful slave. Ralph, took over the services when hi> master was away. The slave rose to the oc¬ casion, imitating Culjicjiper. and re¬ vealing a firm faith, an earnestness, and a force which drew- crowds from miles around. lie administered the sacrament to white ami colored, vis¬ ited the sick, and attended to the numerous church olliccs so well that lie was held in esteem by all who knew him. He won friends along tin- Pee Dee section, and the Bear Creek Church |iurchased his freedom. Ralph con¬ tinued in his new calling, preaching in many churches, lie attended the Association meetings, once |>reaehiug the main sermon in Greensboro. While making jiastoral calls on hi' white worshipjiers, he was honored with a sjH-einl dining table, lie sl.-j.t in his own room, after the family dcvotionals before the lire. A Famous Friendship Ral|di lias been described as being • piite black, of medium height, with a constant smile on his face. It is suid that a peculiar light shone on his face when In- administered the holy sacrament. An old Bu|itist almanac, printed in 18.42, carries a brief sketch of Kaljih and his famous friendship with Rev. John McGee. The latter was strongly attached to the old Negro preacher, and the two made a jiart that the first 10 die would have his funeral |>ronchcd by the other. McGee moved westward into Tennessee, where lie died after a few years. On his death led In- requested that Ral|di come and jtrcach his funeral; and lie be¬ queathed to ltal|di his riding horse, overcoat, Bible and fifty dollars in cash. Ralph received the message and lit-gan the journey to Tennessee. Me- Gee was a Methodist, and certain dis¬ sent ion arose as to the propriety of a Methodist bequeathing to a Primitive Baptist Negro preacher money and good.-. But McGee’s opiniou, given before bis death more than once, held firm. -Ralph.’’ said Met o-c, “preaches the truth." The career of Raljdi, a gifted and I I'uiiliiiifil on page tirenhj-six) 3