The Great Awakenings were periods when Christians re-examined their religion and searched for better ways to reconnect with God on a personal basis. The Second Great Awakening took place in the United States in the early nineteenth century and led to what became known as the Restoration Movement.
Barton Stone
The movement continued from around 1790 until 1870. It gathered millions of worshipers and resulted in the formation of many new denominations. Camp Meetings spread across the frontier and sometimes ran for weeks. One of the largest gatherings was held at Cane Ridge in Kentucky during 1801. Nearly 20,000 people gathered to hear Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist ministers. Featured prominently in this group were Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell.
Alexander Campbell
Stone and Campbell are known as the founders of the Disciples of Christ denomination.
Today’s Disciples Church works industriously toward the unity of all Christians. It is active in mission work throughout the world with many organizational arms working toward this goal.
The First Christian church in Madisonville, KY that my family and I attend was established in the 1800s and has been actively serving our community ever since. Next week’s post will discuss that history.
