WASHINGTON COUNTY, GA - BIOS  Rev. Jordan Smith (1777-1835)
(Primitive Baptist)

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The Reverend Jordan Smith
Biological sketch
Author unknown
Apparently taken from a History of the Hepzibah Association  

The Reverend Jordan Smith was not a member of the
Hephzibah Association at the time of his death, yet
having spent more than twenty years laboring with the
churches of it's connection, and having spent here the
strength of his manhood, and having occupied most
prominent positions in that body, this history would
not be complete without an account of this worthy man.

Mr. Smith was the fourth child of Benjamin Smith and
Mary Thomas, the father reaching America from England
in 1750.   The subject of this writing was born in
North Carolina, Nash County, January 16th, 1777 and
moved to Georgia about the year 1795.  He pitched his
tent on Limestone Creek, Washington County, and here
remained until August 25, 1835 , when he was called to
his home above.  Mr. Smith was baptized by Reverend
George Franklin about 1807 at Nelson's Church,
afterwards known as Jordan's Meeting House, where
Davisboro now stands.  Soon attracting the attention of
his brethren by the zeal in his Master's cause, he was
licensed to preach the following year.   His name first
appears on the minutes of the association as an
ordained minister in 1816.  His educational advantages
were limited, though they compared favorably with those
of other ministers around him, for there was scarcely a
single educated Baptist minister in the state at that
time.

His services were sought by churches far beyond his own
immediate vicinity, as well as by those nearer; among
the former were Providence, Bark Camp and Rocky Creek;
Among the latter were Jordan's, Gum Log and Limestone. 
In his pulpit ministrations he was slow and deliberate
though tender and pathetic, delighting to dwell more on
the abundant mercy of a Father then on the stern
justice of a Judge.

In 1823 he succeeded Rev. John Stanford as Moderator of
the Hepzibah Association and for three consecutive
years filled this position.  About this time the
association (1826) became violently agitated on the
subject of missions through the influence of J.H.T.
Kilpatrick and Joshua Key, who had but recently located
within its bounds.  Mr. Smith was the recognized leader
in the Association of those who were now assuming the
name of "Primitive Baptists," but  who were known to
the world at large as "Anti-missionaries."  The dispute
culminated in 1828.  Those who opposed certain recent
actions of the Association favorable to missions met at
Limestone Church in Washington County under immediate
leadership of Mr. Smith and drew up a "Letter of
Grievance", determining to present the same at the
session of the Association in the year just named. 

The manner in which this letter was received by that
body not being in accordance with the wishes and
expectations of the malcontents, the disaffected
churches withdrew, entering into other alliances.  No
one  ever called in question the purity of Mr. Smith's
motives in this matter, however incorrect may have been
the conclusion which he reached.

Jordan Smith was a man of the strictest integrity, of
unswerving devotion to what he felt was his duty, and
of ardent but unaffected piety.  His kindness of heart
opened his hands in generous deeds to the poor around
him-- His ample fortune affording the means of
gratifying the desires of his heart.  His hospitality
was unbounded and an eyewitness declares, "It was a
common thing for forth or fifty guests to dine with him
after services helped at the church in his immediate
vicinity. And that by for the larger number of these
guests were of the poor of the congregation."

Mr. Smith was stout in person, weighing over two
hundred pounds; of fair complexion and pleasant
address.  He was married to Miss Mary Gainer, of his
adopted county:  nine children were the fruit of this
union.

All cherish the memory of Jordan Smith as a good and
useful minister of Christ, but those whose peculiar
views were in accord with his do especially cherish his
memory as their valued leader.


Source:  Maxine (Mrs. John Martin) of Macon, Georgia.
John Martin was a descendant of  Reverend Jordan and
Mary Gainer Smith's daughter, Mourning who married John
Wright-a transcribed typed sheet.  1994