Categories: Historical Documents

The American Bible Society

the-american-bible-society-2The Bible has often been described as the book that built America. As President Franklin Roosevelt affirmed:

We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a Nation without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. 1

Significantly, it was many of America’s Founding Fathers who worked actively to spread the Bible and its influence across America.

the-american-bible-society-3For example, Benjamin Rush (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) in 1809 helped establish the first Bible Society in America. 2 By 1816, 121 more Bible societies had been started across the nation, many of them with the help of key Founding Fathers. 3(Information relating to early Bible societies is available in the commentary for Psalm 119 in The Founders Bible.)

This was particularly true with the American Bible Society – the first national Bible society in America. WallBuilders vast collection of original documents includes the original constitution of the Society as well as the first Bible printed by them. The list of the first officers of the Society is a who’s who of American political leaders at the time, and included signers of the U. S. Constitution, revolutionary generals, U. S. Supreme Court Justices, U. S. Attorney General, U. S. Secretary of the Treasury, state governors, and others. 4

For more information on the American Bible Society see David Barton’s short video about this remarkable organization.

Endnotes

1 Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Statement on the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the Printing of the English Bible,” The American Presidency Project, October 6, 1935.
2 The First Report of the Bible Society Established at Philadelphia; Read Before the Society at Their Annual Meeting, May 1, 1809 (Philadelphia: Fry and Kammerer, 1809), 2.
3 The Eighth Report of the Bible Society of Philadelphia; Read Before the Society, May 1, 1816 (Philadelphia: Will Fry, 1816), pp. 44-52.
4 Constitution of the American Bible Society, Formed by a Convention of Delegates Held in the City of New-York, May, 1816 (New York: G. F. Hopkins, 1816), 7.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

As Black History Month comes to a close, let us take time to reflect on a man who is remembered for his efforts to ensure equal rights for people of all nationalities. The name of Martin Luther King Jr. is well known today, and while most citizens know something about him and what he did, there is much about which most citizens know very little today, perhaps because of the overt Christian nature of his message and work (some of which you will see below).

Born in Atlanta in 1929 into a family of preachers, both his father and grandfather were ordained ministers of the Gospel. At the age of fifteen, he entered Morehouse College, then Crozer Theological Seminary, before earning his doctorate at Boston University.1

While pastoring the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, King was chosen as leader of Montgomery’s Bus boycott, a movement begun by the Rosa Parks incident in 1955. During this time, his house was firebombed, and he was arrested.2

He continued to advance the non-violent Civil Rights movement, and in 1964 won the Nobel peace prize for his work, becoming (at 35 years old) the youngest recipient of this award.3

The Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights was an organization he worked closely with in Birmingham.4  Below is their Ten Commandments Pledge that each member signed upon joining. Nine of these ten should still be followed by every citizen today!

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Endnotes

1  “Martin Luther King, Jr.: Biographical Sketch,” Louisiana State University, accessed December 18, 2023;”Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Nobel Prize, accessed December 18, 2023.
2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., ed. Clayborn Carson (New York: Warner Books, 1998), ch. 8.
3 “Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Nobel Prize (accessed February 12, 2015).
4 Andrew Manis, “Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights,” Encyclopedia of Alabama (August 27, 2014).

united states flag

The Battle of Baltimore

The Battle of Baltimore was fought in September 1814–during the War of 1812 as a part of the British’s attempt to reclaim America. Having just burned the U. S. Capitol and the White House, the British boldly advanced on Baltimore and Fort McHenry. The Americans there defended against two land attacks, only to have the British begin bombarding Fort McHenry from their ships at sea.

the-battle-of-baltimore-2 Fort McHenry had been named for Constitution signer James McHenry, who was Secretary of War under both President George Washington and President John Adams. [1]  Interestingly, McHenry’s own son John fought as a volunteer in that battle [2] — a battle best known for birthing America’s national anthem: “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Before the battle began, Francis Scott Key, local attorney on a mission from President James Madison, boarded a British ship to secure the release of a prisoner taken by the British. Although successful in his mission, the British held Key aboard the ship until the attack was finished.

Anxiously watching as the fleet fired round after round into the fort, darkness fell, but the fierce bombardment continued throughout the night. When the guns finally fell silent, Key worried that the Fort had fallen. But when the sun arose, he spied the American flag still flying over the fort, unconquered!

Still aboard the ship, on the back of an envelope he began jotting down lines recording what he saw and felt. Later that day after arriving ashore, he finished the poem. Originally called “The Defense of Ft. McHenry,” it would eventually become the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was printed shortly after the battle in the 1814 Analectic Magazine (shown below from our WallBuilders Library).

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Francis Scott Key, a committed Christian, contemplated giving up his profession to become a minister, [3] but decided to continue in law. He befriended John Randolph (a U.S. Congressman who openly expressed a preference for the Muslim faith and an opposition to Christianity) and persuaded him to embrace Christianity, after which Randolph became a strong advocate for his new-found faith. [4] Key wrote Randolph:
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[M]ay I always hear that you are following the guidance of that blessed Spirit that will ‘lead you into all truth,’ leaning on that Almighty arm that has been extended to deliver you, trusting only in the only Savior, and ‘going on’ in your way to Him ‘rejoicing.’ [5]

Key served on the board of the American Bible Society and also the American School Union.

We have a short downloadable video on the origin of the Star Spangled Banner and its declaration of reliance on God. Play this for your friends, or at your church, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of our national anthem. We also have a wonderful biography of this great Christian statesman.

Endnotes

1 Robert K. Wright, Jr. and Morris J. MacGregor, Jr., Soldier-Statesmen of the Constitution, “James McHenry: Maryland,” (Center of Military History United States Army: Washington, D.C., 1987), 106-108; “James McHenry,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, accessed March 20, 2025.
2 Bernard C. Steiner, The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland: Burrows Brothers Co., 1907), 610.
3 “Francis Scott Key,” Fort McHenry, September 3, 2014.
4 Hugh A. Garland, The Life of John Randolph of Roanoke (New York: D. Appleton & Company, 1850), II:87-88, from a letter to John Randolph, May, 22, 1816; 99-100, from a letter to Francis Scott Key, September 7, 1818; 100-103, from a letter to Dr. Brockenbrough, September 25, 1818; 103-104, from a letter to John Randolph; 106-107, Key’s reply to Randolph’s letter of May 3, 1819; 107-108, from a letter to Francis Scott Key, August 18, 1819;109, from a letter to Francis Scott Key, August 22, 1819; 373-374.
5 Garland, Life of John Randolph (1850), II:104, from Francis Scott Key to John Randolph.

A Family’s Enduring Political Legacy

a-familys-enduring-political-legacy-1

Richard Henry Lee was a prominent Founding Father whose influence helped shape several key documents that made America so distinctive among the nations of the world.

He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and became a president of the Continental Congress. After the Constitutional Convention, he was a leading influence in the movement that led to a federal Bill of Rights to protect individual rights, and as an original US Senator from Virginia, he became an actual framer of the federal Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution).

a-familys-enduring-political-legacy-2 Richard Henry Lee was part of a large family that was something of a political dynasty for the better part of two centuries. His father, Thomas, served as governor of Virginia prior to the American Revolution. His brother, Philip, served in the state legislature, and another brother, Henry, was governor of Virginia after the Revolution. Another of his brothers, Francis Lightfoot Lee (pictured to the right), was also a state legislator and he signed the Declaration of Independence along with his brother, Richard (the only pair of brothers to sign the Declaration).

a-familys-enduring-political-legacy-3 After the American Revolution ended, and while serving as President of the Continental Congress in 1784-1785, Richard wrote to John Adams (then serving as ambassador to England), urging him to assure the Archbishop of Canterbury (the senior bishop of the state-established British Anglican church) that Episcopalian Americans would not be resistant to bishops appointed from England. This letter was enclosed with a letter sent by John Jay on November 1, 1785. On January 4, 1786, John Adams replied to John Jay with the account of his meeting with the Archbishop.

One of the many original items WallBuilders is blessed to have in our library is Richard Henry Lee’s original handwritten copy of John Adams’ January 4, 1786 letter. This letter can be viewed in its entirety on the WallBuilders website.

The national legacy of Founder Richard Henry Lee is one that has spanned the generations, and even today we still feel the positive influences from his leadership.

American Revolution – Letter by Rev. Thomas Allen

The Rev. Thomas Allen (1743-1810) was a minister at Pittsfield, Massachusetts and a soldier during the American Revolution. He fought in the Battle of Bennington and also served as chaplain in other battles. This letter from 1793 concerns what is called “Brown’s Bible” – an edition of the Bible printed in New York.

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I do hereby certify that I have accounted for all the numbers of Brown’s Bible & that I have more of them on hand except those which I have received by order of the Honb

Thomas Allen

Count of Chancery

Sworn this 10th Day

of Dec. 1793 before me

John Ray McKee

American Revolution – William Williams Letter

William Williams was a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Connecticut. This letter from 1774 deals with the Colony of Connecticut hiring and paying chaplains.

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In the House of Representatives

May 1774

This House grants to the Rev. Meyrs Whitman & Strong, the sum of three pounds for their service as chaplains, to this House in this present session, & the taxpayers of this Colony is order to pay the sums accordingly.

Signed Wm Williams

American Revolution – Letter by Governor Jonathan Trumbull

Jonathan Trumbull (1710-1785) was a Governor of the Colony of Connecticut for many years, serving before, during, and after the American War for Independence. (The Trumbull family was very influential in Connecticut, and one of his sons also became governor of the state.)

This letter, dated February 16, 1782 requests payment for Chaplain Horn, who served in Brigadier General David Waterbury’s Brigade.

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State of Connecticut

By the Governor

To the Committee of Pay-Tables at Hartford

Please to draw bonds on the Treasury in favors of the Rev. John Horn, Chaplain to B. General Waterbury’s Brigade, for his pay – via one month and twenty days pay, on the pay table, payable 1st March cash and another of three months pay, on the half crown. Tax payable 1st December last and charge the some to him – By Requst of the Governor and Council of Safety – Given at Hartford 16th Feby 1782

Jon Trumbull

 

Letter by James Buchanan

During his service as a Congressman, wrote a letter to Secretary of the Navy John Branch, recommending William Kennedy, a Presbyterian minister, be considered for a Navy Chaplain position.

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Lancaster 20, October 1829

Dear Sir,

The Rev. Wm Kennedy of Philadelphia has informed me that he is about making application to be appointed a chaplain in the Navy. W. Kennedy is a Presbyterian Clergyman of respectable connexions & of a fair standing in his profession. He is the nephew of Col. Kennedy of this County who was one of the Jackson elections of the State Const Ball.

Indeed considering his talents & his character & the respectable congregation of which he is the pastor in Philadelphia, I am at a loss to conjecture why he desires to change his situation. No doubt he has good reasons for it. Be that as it may however, I do not hesitate to say that such a chaplain as he would make would be an acquisition to the Navy. If therefore there be a vacancy, to which you can appoint him consistently with the good of the services, you would by doing so much oblige.

Your friend with great respect
James Buchanan

The Hon. John Branch

Sermons by Chaplains

American War for Independence Chaplains
 

Thomas Allen (1743-1810)

Thomas Allen volunteered as a chaplain during the revolutionary war and took up arms in the Battle of Bennington.

 

Manasseh Cutler (1742-1823)

Manasseh Cutler served as military chaplain for multiple American units during the Revolutionary War.

 

Timothy Dwight (1752-1817)

Timothy Dwight served as a chaplain in a Connecticut brigade and later became the president of Yale College.

 

Samuel Spring (1746-1819)

Samuel Spring served as a chaplain during the Revolutionary War (1775-1776) and carried a wounded Aaron Burr from the field during the Battle of Quebec.

 

Nathan Strong (1748-1816)

Nathan Strong became a chaplain in the patriot army during the American Revolution, and was a strong supporter of the American cause. He later was a chief founder and a manager of the Connecticut Missionary Society and was involved in the “Connecticut Evangelical Magazine.”

 

Benjamin Trumbull (1735-1820)

Benjamin Trumbull was a chaplain during the Revolutionary War and served as a minster for almost 60 years.

 

Samuel West (1730-1807)

Samuel West served as a chaplain during the Revolutionary War, joining just after the Battle of Bunker Hill. He later was a member of the Massachusetts state constitutional convention and a member of the Massachusetts convention that adopted the U.S. Constitution.

 

Civil War
John W. Sayers
John W. Sayers served as the chaplain for Camp Geary at Gettysburg in 1883 and delivered sermons as the Pennsylvania “post” chaplain of the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union veterans) from 1894-1899.

Miscellaneous

 

 

Proclamation – Thanksgiving Day – 1789

This is the text of George Washington’s October 3, 1789 national Thanksgiving Proclamation; as printed in The Providence Gazette and Country Journal, on October 17, 1789. (See another national Thanksgiving proclamation issued by George Washington in 1795.)

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By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

proclamation-thanksgiving-day-1789-2Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

G. Washington.