Silas M. Noel was born near Richmond, Va., August 13, 1783. His father gave him an English education, but he educated himself in the classical languages, after which he studied law. He removed to Frankfort, Ky., and commenced the practice of law, and continued in the practice until he was appointed judge by Gov. Slaughter. Soon after he came to Kentucky he joined the church under the preaching of Wm. Hickman. In a short time after his conversion, he was called to the ministry, and took charge of Big Spring Church, Woodford county. In speaking of this church, Eld. John Taylor says: "The first preacher I knew of in this church was Silas M. Noel; there I think he was ordained as their pastor, when only a young preacher." Says the same author: "After he had been ordained several years, he laid aside his gospel ministry for a year or two of the honors of this world," referring, doubtless, to his serving as Circuit Judge for two years. According to the same author: "He came forward again as a preacher, with more zeal, consistency, and apparent stability than at any time in his life before." Soon after this, in January, 1827, he was chosen pastor of Great Crossings Church. Speaking of him about this time, John Taylor, says: "Silas M. Noel is now a great traveler, and one of the best preachers the Baptists have in Kentucky.

      For about three years past I suppose he has baptized more people than any other man in Kentucky. His labors seem blest whatever direction he takes. The conversion of sinners to the Lord seems to be the greatest object of his address. Repentance and faith, or faith and repentance, connected with a godly life is the main drift of his discourses, with profuse invitations to every man to come to the supper; speculative trifles are barely found in his exhibitions. God bless the heavenly man, may he thus press on to the end. Mr. Noel's literary accomplishments, together with his zeal in the gospel, with his great success therein, has procured him the high appellation of D. D. The high powers at Lexington, authorized to make Doctors of Divinity, a year or two back, have saluted him with a flowing diploma. But it is pleasant to see that these high-flying trifles do not prevent his yet going into the thickets; or, according to his own term, while at his work, the highways and hedges, to invite the poor, the halt, the blind, and the lame, with every other soul, to seek the salvation of God," His success at Great Crossings has been seen, and needs no further comment. He was a member and President of the Board of Trustees of Georgetown College, was instrumental in obtaining the Paulding fund, and subscribed $5500 to the college endowment fund. His son writes: "He was called to Lexington Church in 1836, and remained there until his death. May 5, 1839."

=========== [From "History of Great Crossings Baptist Church," Scott County, KY, p. 26. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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