David Rice (Presbyterian minister) facts for kids

David Rice (born December 29, 1733 – died June 18, 1816) was a very important Presbyterian minister. People called him "Father" David Rice or the "Apostle to Kentucky." He was famous for working against slavery in the United States before the Civil War. This time was known as the "antebellum era."

The Life of David Rice

David Rice was born in Hanover County, Virginia. He was one of twelve children. His parents were David Rice, Sr. and Susanna (Searcy) Rice. He grew up in the Episcopal Church but became a Presbyterian when he was young.

Early Education and Ministry

David Rice studied at the College of New Jersey in Princeton, New Jersey. After that, he continued his studies with John Todd. Todd had worked a lot with Samuel Davies to help enslaved people. David Rice followed their example. He became a Presbyterian minister and worked with enslaved people in Virginia for over twenty years.

Moving to Kentucky and Fighting Slavery

Later, David Rice moved to Kentucky. There, he joined the Kentucky Abolition Society. This group worked to end slavery. He also became a member of the 1792 Kentucky Constitutional Convention. This was a meeting to write Kentucky's first constitution.

At this meeting, Rice strongly asked for a plan to slowly end slavery. He gave a speech called "Slavery Inconsistent with Justice and Good Policy." He believed that slavery was wrong and went against basic moral laws. He also felt that churches had a special duty to lead the fight for freedom. In 1799, he wrote that he wanted Christians to find a "rational plan for the gradual abolition of slavery." He hoped they would do this because of their faith, not just because of laws.

Founding Important Institutions

Even though his efforts to end slavery were not fully successful at the time, David Rice continued his work. He spent much of his later life with the Kentucky Abolition Society. He also helped start important groups. These included the Transylvania Presbytery and the Synod of Kentucky. He also helped create Transylvania Seminary, which later became Transylvania University.

Family and Legacy

David Rice was married to Mary Blair. She was the daughter of another Presbyterian minister, Samuel Blair. David and Mary had twelve children. David Rice passed away in Green County, Kentucky. He is buried next to his wife in the cemetery of the Presbyterian church in Danville, Kentucky.