Elias Camp Morris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elias Camp Morris
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | May 7, 1855 |
| Died | September 5, 1922 (aged 67) |
| Occupation | Minister, businessman, political activist |
| Known for | Founder of National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. |
Elias Camp Morris (born May 7, 1855 – died September 5, 1922) was an important American minister, businessman, and political leader. He was born into slavery but became a powerful voice for African Americans. Morris led the National Baptist Convention for 27 years, making it the largest group of black churchgoers in America. He also helped start the Arkansas Baptist College and was active in politics.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Elias Camp Morris was born into slavery on May 7, 1855, in Murray County, Georgia. His parents were James and Cora Cornelia Morris. Even though he was enslaved, his father, who could read and write, taught young Elias these important skills.
After slavery ended, Morris went to schools in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. By the time he was 14, both of his parents had passed away. To support himself, Morris worked as a shoemaker for many years. In 1874, he started studying at the Nashville Normal and Theological Institute. This is where he earned his license to preach in the Baptist church.
In 1877, Morris moved to Helena, Arkansas. Two years later, he became the pastor of Centennial Baptist Church. He led this church for the rest of his life. Morris was also busy helping the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. He even started a newspaper called the Arkansas Times, which later became the Baptist Vanguard. In 1884, he helped create a seminary (a school for religious studies) in Little Rock, which is now known as the Arkansas Baptist College.
Leading the National Baptist Convention
In 1895, three different black Baptist groups joined together. Elias Camp Morris was chosen as the first president of this new organization, called the National Baptist Convention (NBC). He stayed in this important role for the rest of his life. By 1900, the NBC represented more than 60% of all African American church members.
Morris also became a leader in other big religious groups. He was on the executive committee of the Baptist World Alliance and was a vice president of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ. He worked with famous leaders like Booker T. Washington to help black businesses. When Morris passed away, the NBC was the largest black church group in America, with over two million members.
Public Service and Activism
Elias Camp Morris was also involved in important public service. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt asked Morris to travel to the Congo Free State (in Africa). His job was to investigate reports of unfair treatment against the local people there.
During World War I, Arkansas Governor Charles Hillman Brough asked Morris to be one of his "One Hundred Speakers." Morris toured the state, encouraging people to join the military and support the war effort. Governor Brough also sought Morris's advice after a difficult event in 1919, showing how much Morris was respected.
Personal Life and Legacy
Elias Camp Morris married Fannie E. Austin on November 27, 1884. They had five children together. He received special honorary degrees from the University of Louisville in 1892 and Alabama A&M University in 1902. These degrees recognized his great achievements and contributions.
Morris was also an early leader in the Arkansas Republican Party. He was chosen as a delegate to the Republican National Convention three times (in 1884, 1888, and 1904). Later in his life, some white supremacists tried to stop his nominations.
Elias Camp Morris died in Little Rock on September 5, 1922, after being ill for a long time. He was buried in Dixon Cemetery in Helena. Although it is now in ruins, the Centennial Baptist Church, where Morris was pastor, was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2003. This shows how important Morris and his church were to American history.
See also
