Brantly, William T., Sr., D.D., was born in Chatham Co., N. C., Jan. 23, 1787.
Baptist Church History Admin · · Daily Baptist EncyclopediaPost by Jim CurranBrantly, William T., Sr., D.D., was born in Chatham Co., N. C., Jan. 23, 1787. He was con- verted to God in his fifteenth year. He was edu- cated at South Carolina College, Columbia, S. C., of which Jonathan Maxey, D.D., was president. He graduated with distinction in 1808, inspiring hopes in those who. became acquainted with his talents of a bright future for the young minister. In 1811 he became a pastor, though he had preached regularly for years before, and he took the over- sight of the church of Beaufort, 8. C., where he spent eight years in toil and triumphs. The church was increased in numbers, knowledge, and spir- itual strength, and the pastor was regarded as one of the most eloquent preachers in the South. In 1819 he became rector a second time of Richmond Academy, Augusta, Ga., an institution endowed by that State; and immediately he began to preach every Sunday in the chapel of the academy, for there was no Baptist church in Augusta. His talents soon drew throngs, a church was organized, and in two years a meeting-house was built and paid for, at a cost of $20,000, the equal of any sim- ilar structure in the State. His services as preacher and pastor, like many of the earlier Baptist min- isters in the South, he, unwisely for the people, but generously, gave for nothing. His usefulness was felt throughout every part of Georgia. Dr. Holeombe, pastor of the First Baptist church of Philadelphia, on his death-bed, recommended Dr. Brantly as his successor. After a second in- vitation had been extended to him by the First church, he removed to Philadelphia in the spring of 1826. In that city his success was remarkable, —in eleven years he baptized 600 persons into the fellowship of the First church, and he was instru- mental in founding the Norristown church. De- clining health compelled him to turn southward again, and in 1837 he accepted the pastorate of the First church, Charleston, 8. C. Shortly after he came to that city he was appointed president of the College of Charleston, the duties of which he discharged till disease forbade him. He died in March, 1845. Dr. Brantly was a man of fine talents; his learn- ing was profound, his classical scholarship was of the highest order, his voice had unusual compass and melody, and his heart went with his eloquent utterances, so that his oratory was overwhelming ; the whole audience would be alternately bathed in tears or carried up to the third heaven in jubilant de- light. Christ was everything in his heart and in his sermons, and his ministry was a blessing to the North and to the South of untold value. From the Baptist Encyclopedia by William Cathcart
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