Case-A
Spiritual communities started in 18th century colonizer settler homes, connecting isolated believers into communities in Illinois territory. Reverend James Lemen Sr. crafted this Bible and paper box using an axe and hunting knife at Fort Piggott in Monroe County. Lemen was an early abolitionist in 19th century Illinois Territory. This led to him founding the Cantine Creek Church of Christ, Friends to Humanity in 1809 in his home, after breaking from the New Design Baptist congregation. His parish was the first anti-slavery Baptist church in the state, and by Lemen’s death in 1823, eight similar churches sprang from his efforts. Congregants renamed the church Bethel in 1849 and used this Bible box long after his death.
Abolitionist Preacher’s 1787 Bible Box
Gifted by the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region
Label Audio