Trials and Tribulations of Pioneer Baptists
by Thomas Ray
During the American Revolution the Baptists of South Carolina suffered for their loyalty to the American dream of independence. Richard Curtis Sr., a Baptist deacon, his son Richard Curtis Jr., a licensed Baptist preacher, and his stepson John Jones served with honor under the command of General Francis Marion, known as the Swamp Fox.
Their commitment to America’s independence did not escape the notice of their British adversaries and Loyalist neighbors. In retaliation, British troops and Loyalist sympathizers destroyed their homes and crops and stole their livestock. The Curtis families were subjected to frequent attacks and unable to provide for their families. They decided their only hope was to immigrate to the West (present-day Mississippi.)
In 1780, the Curtises and several neighboring families began their long and difficult journey. They planned to travel to East Tennessee where they would float down the Holston and the Tennessee into the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Upon reaching the Holston, they began to construct three large flat bottom boats. They finally began their journey in the spring of 1780. Unfortunately, some of the members of the expedition contracted smallpox. Those infected were placed on the third boat and were required to follow about 200 yards behind the other boats.
The Curtises and their fellow travelers were aware of the potential dangers they faced, especially from hostile Indians. Upon reaching the Tennessee River, the first boat was suddenly attacked by hostile Cherokees. Skilled marksmen of the Curtis family were able to repel their attackers while experiencing only minor injuries. During the attack the second boat was able to sail out of danger. When the Indians realized their plan had failed, they directed their attack to the third boat and were able to board the vessel massacring everyone on board except one woman. Their victory would prove to be a disaster, however. Unfamiliar with smallpox, and with no immunity, the disease spread like wildfire through their village with deadly consequences.
The Curtis family and their companions were saddened by their loss but thankful for their own deliverance. They continued their journey, landing about 20 miles above Natchez. The families built log cabins and prepared the land for crops. And these stalwart Baptists did not forget nor neglect their commitment to Christ.
Richard Curtis Jr. travelled far and wide holding services in private homes. It is said among these new settlers that there was not a home where the Bible was not read daily and family and private prayers sent up to Heaven. However, there was no religious freedom in Mississippi, which was controlled by the Catholic Spanish government. The only religion allowed was Catholicism, and Baptist preachers were forbidden to settle in the territory. The Baptists were able to avoid the Catholics’ wrath, but the activities of Richard Curtis Jr. did not go unnoticed — especially after the Baptists organized a church in 1791 and called Curtis as their pastor.
In order to avoid detection by the Catholic authorities, baptisms were often held at night by torchlight. However, when Stephen De Alvo renounced the Catholic religion and united with the Baptists, religious persecution began in earnest. An arrest warrant was issued for Curtis and De Alvo. If arrested, they would have been sent to the silver mines in Mexico, which amounted to a death sentence. Fortunately, Curtis and De Alvo were warned and were able to hide in a thicket. Knowing they must leave Spanish-controlled Mississippi, the church collected the necessary supplies for their journey. A brave woman named Cloe Holt dressed as a man, avoided the authorities, and delivered the supplies.
Curtis and De Alvo travelled to South Carolina, to Curtis’s old home place, arriving in 1795. Curtis was not idle. He frequently exercised his preaching skills. In 1798, word was sent to the exiles notifying them that it was safe to return to Mississippi. Curtis and De Alvo immediately returned to their families. Curtis renewed his ministry and was able to establish several Baptist churches.
The hardship experienced by our Baptist forefathers is almost impossible to comprehend. Richard Curtis died October 28, 1811, at about 60 years of age.