Oliver Hart and the Rise of Baptist America

by Smith

Baptists in America began the eighteenth century a small, scattered, often harassed sect in a vast sea of religious options. By the early nineteenth century, they were a unified, powerful, and rapidly-growing denomination, poised to send missionaries to the other side of the world. One of the most influential yet neglected leaders in that transformation was Oliver Hart, longtime pastor of the Charleston Baptist Church. Oliver Hart and the Rise of Baptist America is the first modern biography of Hart, arguably the most important evangelical leader in the pre-Revolutionary South.

During his thirty years in Charleston, Hart emerged as the region's most important Baptist denominational architect. His outspoken patriotism forced him to flee Charleston when the British army invaded Charleston in 1780, but he left behind a southern Baptist people forever changed by his energetic ministry. Hart's accommodating stance toward slavery enabled him and the white Baptists who followed him to reach the center of southern society, but also eventually doomed the national Baptist denomination of Hart's dreams.

More than a biography, Oliver Hart and the Rise of Baptist America seamlessly intertwines Hart's story with that of eighteenth-century American Baptists, providing one of the most thorough accounts to date of this important and understudied religious group's development. This book makes a significant contribution to the study of Baptist life and evangelicalism in the pre-Revolutionary South and beyond.

348 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2023

About the author

brother, sisters of the good Samaritan

Reviews

[Jake Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Eric Smith traces out not only the life of Oliver Hart but how the Baptist cause developed during the second half of the 18th century. Smith does a masterful job of not only providing a great resource but it is a good read! He’s an excellent writer and historian!

[Jonathan Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic work not only on Oliver Hart but on the rise and growth of Baptists throughout the eighteenth century. I particularly enjoyed Smith’s chapter on Hart’s involvement in the American Revolution. Well researched and well written. Will definitely consult this book in the future.

[Taylor Lazenby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Smith masterfully weaves his historical storytelling ability across the parallel tracks of the rise of baptists in America and the person and work of Oliver Hart. This work would be beneficial for any Baptist to read, as most have never heard of Oliver Hart. Yet, they are indebted to Hart nonetheless.