Record Baptisms In 1857
Beaufort Baptist Church, SC
By Ben Stratton

      "The largest number baptized by any Baptist minister in America into one church, in one year, has been baptized by Bro. J.M.C. Breaker of Beaufort, S.C. - being nearly 600 persons into one church this year!" On July 12, 1857, alone, before thousands of witnesses, Breaker baptized 223 "rejoicing converts" in "one hour and five minutes."

      Being a staunch Baptist, Breaker added, "This is nearly four to the minute, and it demonstrates, that the three thousand on the Day of Pentecost could easily have been baptized by the twelve Apostles (each taking two hundred and fifty) in one hour and thirty minutes!"

      This was the result of "one of the most remarkable revivals that has taken place in modern times." Breaker went on to say, "There has been no outburst of excitement at any time, but only a deep solemnity, and an earnest attention to religious instruction, with a general reformation of life. These people are well informed on all the doctrines and duties necessary to a right understanding of the Gospel method of salvation."

      Jacob Manley Cantey Breaker (1824-1894) pastored the Beaufort Baptist Church from 1854-1859. Although forgotten today, Breaker was an important Baptist leader in his day. He edited a Baptist newspaper, served as a college president, and authored numerous booklets and articles on Baptist distinctives. He also served churches in North Carolina, Missouri, Texas, and California. These quotes are taken from the Tennessee Baptist newspaper, 1857

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[Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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