2 Peter 3:17, 18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen”
I would like to write for you an article regarding one of my forefathers. Brantley York was his name. He is not well known, Yet he impacted American society. Something that still rings true today.
Let me share some historical background with you. North Carolina back country of the early 19th century, people were more concerned about survival, more than education. So educated people were teachers, pastors and the like.
Thus, the development of the “circuit-rider.”. An educated preacher that went from church to church. A church may not see a preacher for a month or two. These en were trained by a mentor and approved by the church council. The leading churches at the time were Methodist and Quakers in NC. Brantley York was a Methodist Deacon.
People of the time were engulfed in superstitions. To this day, you can see past influences. Barns with symbols above the doors. To chase away evil, is an example.
To York, education was the solution, to many problems. If someone could read the Bible, they’d understand the power of God is above everything.
I remember, His name being tossed around in family get togethers.
I imagine what it would be like in the frontier days of North Carolina. Here’s what I imagined.
A few men were standing outside a cabin. Their eyes straining to see a horse and rider in the distance. Glare from the snow made it hard to see. “Is that the circuit rider?” One man exclaimed. “Yes sir! I believe it’s Deacon York.”. Said the second.
“Good!” Retorted the third man. “He’s gonna help us understand Jesus and our letters.”
York, was famous for sermons on temperance. “Fire from a bottle, destroyed many a family. Whilst the fire from God joins them.” I can hear him say, with his southern draw.
“Sunday meeting,” was an all day event. Revival music. “Love your neighbors,like Jesus loved me.” “My best day is when Jesus saved me.” “Holy Spirit strengthen me.” “God give me what I need not what I want.”
Then the sermon. Something to breathe life in old bones.
Lunch and fellowship.
Classroom time. York taught basic reading.
“Deacon York, spell Jesus again?” “George, Everytime I come here, you ask me the same thing. Practice your letters.”. Brantley was patient though. He slowly spelled Jesus on a chalk pad. He handed the pad over to George. “Now, trace over my letters. George did as he was told, exclaiming, “You know deacon I have a family to support. I’m up at dawn and home at dusk. By night fall I’m way too tired to practice. “
A terrible burden came over York. Pray immediately, the spirit told him. He went outside and knelt in the snow. Buried his face in his hands. “How does ONE person help so many in need?”. He continued, “Lord, these people depend on fortune tellers to guide them.”. Give me a spark, an idea.
He was flooded with emotions. Then he looked up and saw a cabin in the distance. “For you.”. That’s all he heard. He knocked, no answer. Peaked inside. There were 2 rooms. Perfect he thought, children here. Adults over there. Eventually York took it over and named it Trinity college. This name was to honor God.
Trinity college still thrives today. It is now known as Duke University.
I once heard a church leader say, “I can’t help everybody.”. Yet if you don’t try, you will succeed in helping no one.
Brantley York, preacher, educator and God fearing man. He helped millions. Showing what one man and Jesus can do.
God bless.
Called 4 Jesus 