The Stiths And Religion;
A Humorous Story about Nancy Stith An Exerpt from Methodism In Kentucky Vol. I by Rev. A. H. Redford, Southern Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, TN 1868Return to Stith Valley, return to Big Spring Methodist Church, return to Big Spring, return to Jesse Stith farm.
The following is a transcription from pages 457 - 460.
"These Churches were established as the result of
a great revival which took place in December, 1808, commenced by the Presbyterians, in
connection with two or three local preachers, who had settled in this part of the country.
"The first and leading local preacher connected with this work was
Thomas Traylor, a man of more than ordinary ability and decisive character; and, through
his influence, the masses of the converts were led into the Methodist Episcopal Church.
"Associated with him was Lodwick Davis, also a man of good
preaching ability; also Joshua Barnes, of ordinary talents.
"During the Conference-year commencing in the fall of 1804, this
circuit was blessed with extensive revivals of religion. They swept, like fire in dry
stubble, all over the country. The people went from far and near to attend them - were
awakened, and converted to God." *
These early societies were a nucleus, from which went out a fine
religious influence into all the surrounding country. From the time of their first
organization to the present, they have prospered, being the scenes of many revivals of
religion. * *
During this year, Mr. Walker entered Breckridge county, and organized a
society at Thomas Stith's, on the road from Hardinsburg to Louisville, sixteen miles from
the former place. The names of the members who composed this society were: Thomas and
Rhoda Stith, William and Nancy Stith, Richard and Betsy Stith, Matthew Sanders, MRs.
Jordan and her two daughters, (Lucy and Katy) Little Dick Stith and his wife, and Betsey
Hardaway - thirteen members.
"A few years afterward, Stith's Meeting-house, a log church, was
built, at an obscure point, four miles west of Big Spring. The first camp-meeting in this
county was held on Sugar-tree Run, sixty years ago, under the supervision of John
Craig." * **
In this community Methodim has always prospered, and at the present
period presents one of the most interesting fields in the State.
The original thirteen members were burning and shining lights. Without
a single exception, they all died in holy triumph. The last of the number, Katy Jordan,
(first the wife of Rev. W. F. King, and, after his death, of the Rev. Pleasant Alverson,
both itinerant ministers in the Methodist Episcopal Church,) survived the toers, have died
in hope of eternal life, in Breckinridge county, in 1867.
The most of them were remarkable for their zeal, but none more so than
William and Nancy Stith. Mrs. Stith, before her conversion, had been fond of the gayeties
and amusements of the world; and when she embraced religion, she was equally zealous as a
Christian. At home, in the family circle, as well in her private devotions, she frequently
praised God aloud. In the house of God her feelings often overcame her, and she shouted
his praises.
On one occasion, the minister, interrupted by her shouts requested her,
in a private interview, to restrain her feelings until he could close his sermon.
Unwilling to be a source of annoyance to any one, the old saint readily promised, and
requested him, if he should observe any signs on her part of an intention to shout, to
wink at her, she should repress her feelings. At the first meeting after this interview,
he thought he discovered indications of her purpose to shout, and he gave the promised
wink. In a minute she was calm, but it was only for a moment. He winked again, and again
her feelings were subdued. Once more her countenance, beaming with joy, told too plainly
of the pent-up emotions struggling to be free; and once more the preacher winked, but it
was in vain. She arose from her seat, exclaiming, "Brother, you may wink, and you may
blink, as much as you please, but I must shout!" Her end was joyous and triumphant.