Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers

Sketches Of

Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers

BENJAMIN LANGSTON

(pages 326 - 327)

Benjamin Langston, the son of Thomas and Louisa (Atchley) Langston, was born September 12, 1835. He was the oldest son of a large family and brought up in moderate circumstances, but with limited educational advantages. But he had a strong intellect, was a student and a close observer, and became a preacher of no mean ability. In his early manhood he made a profession of religion and joined Dumplin Creek Church, Jefferson County, Tenn. At different times he held his membership in Providence, Red Bank, Knob Creek, Marshall's Grove and Sevierville churches, all in Sevier County. He was a member of the last-named church at the time of his death, February 17, 1903.

On July 31, 1856, he married Mary H. Atchley, a woman of strong character, lovable disposition, genuine piety; she was a Christian indeed, a "helpmeet" for the Lord's servant in his ministerial labors and sacrifices. They had only one child, Sarah, who is the wife of H. H. Ogle.

In the Civil War B. Langston was a soldier in the Union army; he was sergeant in Company L, 9th Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry. Soon after the close of the war he was ordained to the gospel ministry by Providence Church. His ministerial activities were mostly confined to Sevier County. He was pastor of Shiloh, Gist's Creek, Rocky Valley, Zion's Hill, Antioch, Marshall's Grove, and other churches. He was a solid and instructive gospel preacher, and his pastorates were successful. He believed in progress and urged his churches to go forward in doing the Lord's will along New Testament lines. He was a missionary, a man of good judgment, was interested in his Association and the "Fifth Sunday meetings," was a good citizen and a useful minister of Jesus Christ.

His grandson, B. C. Ogle, one of our Carson and Newman boys, is a good Baptist and a coming lawyer in the city of Knoxville.

Burnett, J .J. Sketches of Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers. Nashville, Tenn.: Press of Marshall & Bruce Company, 1919.

URL: http://www.knoxcotn.org/tnbaptists/index.html

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