Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers – WILLIAM MURPHY
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Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers
By James B Taylor
WILLIAM MURPHY.
Although Elder William Murphy finished his course in one of the Western States, a brief reference to his life and labors deserves a place in this work. Under the ministry of Elder Shubael Stearns, he was awakened and led to Christ, and by him he was baptized. He began to proclaim the gospel at a very early period of our denominational history, and occupied quite a conspicuous station in the ministry. His labors were mostly performed in the southwestern parts of the State,—the region now occupied by the Roanoke and Strawberry Associations. He preached much also in the State of North Carolina. His exertions were attended with success. As his natural powers of mind were good, his addresses attracted considerable attention, and many were brought to a knowledge of the truth. The Lord honored him with being the principal instrument in the conversion of Samuel Harriss, whose usefulness in the church was afterwards so extensive. His discourses were of a doctrinal cast. About the year 1775, a very considerable discussion took place among the churches, on the extent of the atonement. In this controversy. Elder Murphy took an active part. It is believed, however, that he was more ambitious to become the instrument of glorifying the Saviour in the salvation of souls, than to distinguish himself as an able polemic.Taylor, James B. (James Barnett), 1804-1871; Jeter, Jeremiah Bell, 1802-1880. Introduction. Virginia Baptist ministers Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co. ; Richmond, Va. : J.G. Starke ; Baltimore :.NOTE: Samuel Harris was from Pittsylvania County near where I live. William’s preaching was the cause of his conversion and this happened in the northwest part of the county but I have not been able to determine the exact location of the house where it happened. William would also have a hand in planting one of the first churches in the county. Later he would move west and would pass away in Tennessee.
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