Henry Adams (pastor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Adams
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| Born | December 17, 1802 |
| Died | November 3, 1872 (aged 69) |
| Occupation | Minister |
Henry Adams (born December 17, 1802 – died November 3, 1872) was an important Baptist minister and leader. He helped the black community in Kentucky during the 1800s.
Henry Adams was born in Franklin County, Georgia. His parents were free, meaning they were not enslaved. When he was 23, he became a minister, which means he was officially recognized to lead religious services. He traveled and preached in the southern United States. In 1829, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky. There, he became a minister for the black members of the First Baptist Church.
Building a Community Church
In 1842, Henry Adams's group of 45 church members decided to start their own church. They named it the First African Baptist Church. Later, this church became known as Fifth Street Baptist Church. It was only the second black Baptist church in Kentucky.
Henry Adams was the pastor of this church for a long time. He led the congregation until he retired in 1871. During his time as pastor, he helped train many other important ministers. These included Daniel Abraham Gaddie and Andrew Heath. Andrew Heath later became his assistant and took over as pastor after Adams retired.
A Leader and Teacher
Henry Adams taught himself to read and study. He became very good at understanding the Bible. For many years, he was a respected leader in the black Baptist community in Louisville. He believed that education and helping oneself were very important. He thought these things would improve life for black people in America.
During the American Civil War, he helped organize black church groups. On August 3, 1869, he served as the leader for the General Association of Colored Baptists. This was a big meeting of black Baptist churches. Henry Adams also taught night classes. Many enslaved people and free black people attended these classes. Some of his students included William Henry Steward and Bartlett Taylor.
A Lasting Legacy
Later in his life, Henry Adams led a movement to create a new school. This effort led to the founding of the Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute in 1879. Today, this school is known as Simmons College of Kentucky.
Henry Adams married Margaret Corbin in 1842. She was the sister of Joseph Carter Corbin. Henry and Margaret had five children together. Henry Adams passed away on November 3, 1872, after having a heart attack.
