Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Mercer University Benefactor – Jesse Mercer – Part FIVE of SIX
Thomas E Kresal
January 31, 2020
Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Mercer University – Jesse Mercer – Part FIVE of SIX
Efforts in Behalf of Education.—The cause of education has had no more indefatigable, successful, and liberal advocate in the State of Georgia than Jesse Mercer. He took an active part in the establishment of Mount Enon Academy, in Richmond County, in 1807 He was one of the most munificent supporters of Mercer University from its very inception, and the institution was accordingly named after him. His donations, including legacies to the university, did not amount to less than $40,000.
His Efforts in the Missionary Cause.—No object was dearer to Jesse Mercer than the cause of missions. Through his influence the Powelton Baptist Society for Foreign Missions was established, May 5, 1815 ; and in the year following he procured the appointment of the Mission Board of the Georgia Association to be a component member of the General Missionary Convention of the Baptist denomination, which board existed for many years, and prosecuted its business with much success. He was uniformly appointed a member of the board, was generally its president, and al ways one of its most liberal and efficient supporters. In 1820 and in 1826 he represented this board in the General Convention. Not until merged into the operations of the State Convention was this board dispensed with.
Thomas E. Kresal from: Baptist Encyclopedia by William Cathcart, pg. 779-78
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