Uncovering a Lost Piece of History
In a remarkable turn of events, a 178-year-old antislavery document, thought to have been lost to history, was recently rediscovered in the archives of the American Baptist Churches in Groton, Massachusetts. This handwritten resolution, signed by 116 Baptist ministers from Massachusetts in 1847, boldly declares slavery as 'repugnant' and showcases the early resistance to slavery in the northern United States before the Civil War. The discovery has brought renewed attention to the role of religious communities in the abolitionist movement.
The document was found by a volunteer, Jennifer Cromack, in May while searching through boxes in the archive. Church officials had long feared that this significant piece of history was gone forever after unsuccessful searches at institutions like Harvard and Brown universities. The scroll, last referenced in a 1902 history book, is now considered one of the most important abolitionist-era Baptist documents by church leaders.
Significance of the Resolution
The resolution, titled 'A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery,' was adopted on March 2, 1847, in Boston by New England ministers who took a firm stand against the institution of slavery. The Rev. John Odams, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Boston, was among those who recognized the historical weight of the find when it was brought to him. He noted that one of the signatures belonged to a pastor who once led his church, connecting the past directly to the present.
The Rev. Diane Badger, who unfurled the scroll at Grotonwood, the home mission of the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts, expressed awe at the discovery. This document not only highlights the moral stance of these ministers but also serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted opposition to slavery within certain religious circles during a tumultuous time in American history. Its rediscovery has elated faith leaders who see it as a powerful testament to their predecessors' commitment to justice.
The scroll's emergence sheds light on the church's early support for ending slavery, reinforcing the narrative of religious activism in the fight for human rights. Historians and church officials alike are eager to study the document further to understand the full context of its creation and the impact it may have had on the broader abolitionist movement in the mid-19th century.
Preserving and Sharing the Legacy
With the document now safely in hand, efforts are underway to preserve this fragile piece of history for future generations. American Baptist officials are discussing how best to display or digitize the scroll so that it can be accessible to scholars, congregants, and the public. The find has sparked conversations about the importance of archival work and the hidden treasures that may still lie undiscovered in similar collections across the country.
The rediscovery of this resolution also serves as a call to reflect on the ongoing relevance of its message. As faith leaders celebrate this historical artifact, they are reminded of the enduring need to confront injustice in all its forms. This 1847 declaration against slavery stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of collective moral conviction in shaping a more just society.