GREENVILLE
Report of Rev. R.E. Murray.
This is the last report of the excellent Murray, an account of
whose death has been published in the Journal.
Greenville, August 26, 1856
Dear Brother,
In complying with your request, I think it best to give a
short history of the origin of the Baptist Church in this country.
On my arrival in Liberia, September 4th 1843, I found
Brother Hilary Teage, pastor of the Providence Baptist Church,
Monrovia. On the 5,h instant, my letter, in which my wife was
included, was handed to the pastor, and, a few days after, we were
received into the communion of the church.
In May, 1 844, I received, through the kindness of some
dear friends, to whom I will ever feel grateful, the office of
Superintendent of Emigrants, for Sinoe, which was then attached
to Grand Bassa County.
On the arrival of the brig “Lime Rock,” with emigrants for
Sinoe, I commenced preparations to embark on board with my
family. There being a few Baptists at that place, the brethren at
Monrovia gave me a letter of recommendation to them, with
authority to use my talents, (if any,) to the advancement of the
Redeemer’s Kingdom. I rejoiced at the confidence reposed in me
by the brethren, but trembled at the idea of the responsible duties
imposed on me. I felt sensible of my inefficiency, but asking
counsel of God, I took courage, and resolved by His help to do my
duty. We sailed from Monrovia on the 10th May, 1844, and arrived
at Sinoe, on the 15th instant.
After a little inquiry, I discovered but two Baptists in the
place. Brother Samuel Delany, and sister Maria Peel — the latter
from Charleston and an old acquaintance of mine. Brother Delany
was overjoyed to leam that there was a prospect of communion
with his own people, for though the worshipped with the Methodist
brethren, yet he could not be induced to unite with them.
