|
|
All too often, when one thinks of the Restoration,
he limits his thinking to the 19th century, and to Alexander Campbell
and Barton W. Stone. At least, that is what many in academia seem
to do. However, there is ample evidence that the Lord's church
was in existence in Americaand even Scotlandbefore Campbell and
Stone; indeed, before Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell's father,
was born.
Near Bridgeport, Alabama, there stands the meeting
house of the Rocky Springs Church of Christ. This congregationwhich
still existsbegan in 1803, making it the oldest church of Christ
in Alabama. Thomas Campbell did not come to America until 1807.
Barton W. Stone had not yet fully broken with Presbyterianism.
But, there is more. Near McMinnville, Tennessee,
the meeting house of the Old Philadelphia Church of Christ is
located, although the congregation has not been in existence for
many years. The earliest documented date for the congregation
is approximately the same as that of Rocky Springs, though there
is adequate evidence to suggest the congregation was meeting as
early as 1798. Further, the Rock Springs Church of Christ, near
Celina, Tennesseewhich is still in existencebegan in 1805. Thus,
there are several historic places indicating the Restoration predates
Campbell and Stone.
However, there is much morein, of all places,
the Massachusetts historical records. In the online archives,
there is evidence of a "Church of Christ (Bedford, Mass.),"
dated 1756. It also states, "Town founded in 1729; church
gathered in 1730." In those same archives there exists documentation
of a Congregational Church in New Bedford, Mass. The interesting
thing to note is what the record states: "Church gathered
in 1708 as the Church of Christ in Dartmouth." While these
congregations either later became Congregational, or Unitarian,
the fact alone that the name of both churches was "Church
of Christ" gives one pause. If these congregations originally
attempted to follow the ancient order, here we have more evidence
of Restoration churches that predate Campbell and Stone.
In Britain, there is ample evidence that congregations
existed long before Campbell and Stone. One such example should
be sufficient. There exists a record of a church of Christ near
London that dates back to the 17th century. It states (all spelling
as it appears in the original): "This booke is for the use
off that Church of Christ in Broughton Ffurnessfells and Cartmel
whereof Mr. Gabrill Camelford is teaching elder. 18th day of the
sixth month called August 1669. A Church of Christ was founded
in order and faith drawn together in the fellowship and order
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All the house of William Rawlinge
off Tottlebank in Doulton in Furness there weare present, and
assisted Mr. George Lurkham pastor off a Church of Christ in Cumberland
and Mr. Roger Sawrey of Broughton Tower, a member of Christ and
off that particular Church in London of which Mr. George Coackine
is teachinge elder."
Now, there are several things to consider. First,
this congregation had elders. More on that in a moment. Second,
at least two other congregations existedone at Cumberland and
another in London. Third, "Mr. George Lurkham" is called
a "pastor." This normally would cause some hesitation,
but for two things. First, he is addressed as "Mr., "
not as "Reverend." Second, there are "teaching
elders" mentioned. Could this be a distinction between elders
who teach, and pastorsin the New Testament sense?
Later in the document, this amazing statement
is recorded: "The 10th day of the 11th month called January
1693 the church being solomnly gathered together at Broughton
Tower after prayer and the word preached called Mr. Roger Sawrey,
Mr. David Crossley, William Braithwhaite and William Robinson
to office of elders in the church." Amazing, is it not, that
here we have a group of peoplelong before Campbell and Stoneattempting
to follow the ancient order?
One last point is relevant. In the mid-1960s,
Hans Grimm wrote a book entitled "History and Tradition of
Churches of Christ in Central Europe." His story is amazing
in and of itself. He had never heard of churches of Christ until
the close of World War II, when by chance he met brethren attempting
to evangelize post-war Germany. When he engaged them in conversation,
he discovered that they obeyed the Gospel in the same way he did,
worshipped in the same manner, and attended congregations organized
in the same fashion. Thrilled by this discovery, he and they accepted
each other as brethren. Thus, he subsequently wrote the aforementioned
book.
In his book, he documents several efforts of people,
dating back to the fourth century, to follow the New Testament
order. But, it is one point from his ancestry that is fascinating.
Gregory Grimm was executed by the state church in 1115 for being
immersed for the remission of sins! All told, a fascinating account.
Those peopleboth within and without the Lord's
churchwho attempt to wed us to Campbell and Stone must seriously
rethink their efforts. The fact is, there have been many efforts
over many centuries, following the 1st, to restore the ancient
order of the New Testament. While they were not flawless in their
obedience, they are to be commended for their efforts. May we
all strive to manifest the same spirit in our endeavors.
|
|