A Discussion of Religion
As long hunters and settlers first started trekking into
the area we now know as Kentucky and Tennessee, they brought with them the basic
tools needed for survival. In modern times we research historical documents and
period writings to determine as faithfully as possible the look and feel of
those tools. Extensive and endless searching is done to determine the period
correct fabrics for clothing, proper styles to wear and the correct
accoutrements to carry as we reenact those original treks.
Many reenactors and living historians have also done extensive research into the culture of the late 18th century. Through period writings, we know a good deal about the way they spoke, their levels of education and the social structure of their lives. But in terms of religion, we very often see matters of faith being ignored in spite of the overwhelming amount of primary documentation available; not just for the past few hundred years, but for all of recorded history.
On June 17 & 18, 2006, a gathering was held at the Red River Meeting House in Logan County, KY to discuss the condition of religion in Kentucky and Tennessee during the years 1770 to 1800. The site of the beginning of the Second Great Awakening was a beautiful and appropriate backdrop for the “Discussion of Religion.” A gentle breeze through the walnut grove surrounding the meeting house provided relief from the summer heat and the log meeting house protected the 35 attendees from the occasional rain shower.
The
discussion began with Gerry Barker speaking about the fact that you cannot study
18th century society without studying the importance of religion in
society. Gerry also gave an accurate view of life and death on the frontier in
the 18th century and its impact on religious views.
Following Mr. Barker was Jeffrey Talley from Memphis, TN. Reenactors know Jeff as the producer of many authentic 18th c. pamphlets along with an 18th c. style printing of the Book of Proverbs. Jeff’s presentation centered on the use of pamphlets in the 18th c. and their effect on religion in the colonies and on the frontier.
Moving
inside to avoid a rain shower, Mark Sage gave an overview of Christian history
and the religious views of the long hunters. Mark’s talk accurately presented
and illustrated the need that research into a particular time in history must
include the influencing factors that affected that particular time.
Frank Jarboe finished the lectures with an accounting of the arrival of the different Christian denominations and the dates they established churches in Kentucky.
The event will take place again this year on the 21st & 22nd of June 2008. Returning to continue and expand the discussion will be Jeff Talley, Gerry Barker, Mark Sage and Frank Jarboe. Joining them will be Rob Shearer. Rob will be giving an overview of the 17th century. Sunday morning at 10 am will find a historically accurate 18th century sacrament service being held – commemorating the 208th anniversary of the Second Great Awakening.
Additional presentations are being planned and will be announced very soon.
Schedule for 2008 coming soon!
Plan to attend and enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship. Visit www.1800revival.org for directions.
