James J. Durham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James J. Durham
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Durham in 1892
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| Born | April 13, 1849 |
| Died | December 11, 1920 (aged 71) |
| Alma mater | Fisk University, Meharry Medical College |
| Occupation | Minister, educator |
| Political party | Republican |
| Religion | Baptist |
James J. Durham (born April 13, 1849 – died December 11, 1920) was an important leader. He was a Baptist minister in South Carolina. He also founded Morris College in 1908. Durham helped lead the Morehouse College board. He was also a leader in Baptist groups across the state and country.
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Early Life and Education
James J. Durham was born on April 13, 1849. His parents were James W. Durham and Dorcas Durham. They lived near Woodruff, South Carolina. James and his mother were enslaved by his father.
When he was about ten, they moved to a farm. He worked there until he was fifteen. Then, he started learning to be a blacksmith. He worked as a blacksmith until 1870.
Becoming a Minister
In July 1867, James became a Baptist. He joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church. Later that year, he was allowed to preach. In June 1868, he became a pastor. He led Foster Chapel in Spartanburg County.
He left that job after eighteen months. He wanted to go to school in Greenville. He worked on Saturdays and in the summers to pay for it. In 1873, he studied Latin and Algebra. He tried to get into South Carolina College.
College Years
He did not get into the college right away. He taught school the next summer. In October 1874, he started his first year at South Carolina College. He had a scholarship and help from his father.
The college closed in 1877 due to funding issues. In October 1877, he joined Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. He left there in May 1879. In March 1880, he went to Fisk University. He earned his degree in May.
After graduating, he became a pastor in Columbia, South Carolina. He saw a need for doctors. So, in October 1880, he enrolled at Meharry Medical College. He graduated in March 1882 as the top student. In May 1885, he received another degree from Fisk.
Career and Leadership
Durham returned to Columbia. Soon after, he moved to Bethseda Church. This was one of the largest churches in South Carolina. He also started a successful medical practice.
In October 1883, Durham took on new roles. The American Baptist Publication Society asked him to lead their work in South Carolina. He also became a leader for the Baptist Education Missionary and Sunday School Convention. These new jobs meant he had to stop being a pastor and a doctor. He held these important roles for eight years.
Later, he moved to Savannah, Georgia. He became the pastor of the Second Baptist Church there. In September 1900, he led the National Baptist Convention. He was also chosen as its vice-president. From 1905 to 1920, he was the president of the state Baptist Convention.
Founding Morris College
In 1901, Durham joined the board at Morehouse College. In 1907, he started a big project. He wanted to create a Baptist college in South Carolina. Durham became the chairman of the Board of Trustees. He worked hard to raise money for the new college.
This college became Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. It opened in 1908. By 1909, he was the pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken, South Carolina.
Powerful Speaker
Durham was a very strong speaker. He spoke out for civil rights for African Americans. He also spoke against lynchings. Lynchings were terrible acts of violence.
During World War I, Durham believed African Americans should serve in the Army. He thought they should be allowed to serve at all levels. In 1901, he gave a speech to President William McKinley. President McKinley told Durham it was "one of the most beautiful and eloquent addresses I ever heard." In 1909, a book of his speeches was published. It was called "The Hand of God in the Affairs of Nations."
Death
James J. Durham passed away on December 11, 1920. He died in Columbia, South Carolina, from heart disease.
