Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers – JOHN GARRARD

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Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers By John B Taylor

JOHN GARRARD.

The subject of this memoir was among the earliest and most successful Baptist ministers of Virginia. Nothing is known of his parentage, the circumstance of his conversion, or his entrance into the ministry. He migrated from the State of Pennsylvania to the County of Berkeley, Yirginia, in the year 1754, and there labored for some time as a preacher of the gospel. That part of the country was then sparsely inhabited, and subject to the assaults of the Indians. Having been frequently annoyed by them, most of the Church, with Mr. Garrard, removed below the Blue-ridge, and settled for awhile in the County of Loudon. During his stay there, he was instrumental in the conversion of many sinners. From house to house he went, warning men to flee the wrath to come, and preaching Christ, and him crucified. Thus, what seemed at the time a heavy trial, was made to eventuate in good. Such was his success that it was deemed expedient to constitute another church, which was called Ketockton. When the Ketockton Association was formed, consisting only of four churches, he was one of the delegates, and assisted in the deliberations of the meeting. This was after his return to the County of Berkeley. He continued to serve the Mill Creek Church until his death. For some time he was also employed in supplying Buck Marsh Church, in the County of Frederick. In addition to these efforts in his own immediate vicinity, he delighted to spend as much time as possible in carrying abroad the blessed gospel. Like the Apostle of the Gentiles, he cherished a holy ambition to preach Christ where he had not been named. In the journeys of that devoted man, David Thomas, he was frequently accompanied by Elder Garrard, and proved a most faithful and successful coadjutor. His talents were by no means inconsiderable. Such was the estimation in which he was held by his brethren, that for several years in succession he was chosen Moderator of the Association. He was a speaker of lively address. In his whole ministerial course, he was distinguished by a glowing and persevering zeal. He continued to vindicate his Master’s cause, until, at an advanced age, he was called to give account of his stewardship.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 :.Photo is of the Old Buckmarsh Church. It is believed that he is buried in an unmarked grave in the cemetery there. James Ireland would later pastor here.