ELDER WILLIAM BLANKENSHIP

 

   William Blankenship came from Kentucky and located on White River, in Jefferson County, while Indiana was yet a Territory; probably as early as 1810 or ‘11. Of his early years but little is known. His own statement was that he had been “a wicked man,” but as a citizen and neighbor he was well repescted. During the ministerial labors of Elder Jesse Vawter at White River, it pleased the Lord to awaken him to a consciousness of his being a sinner, and of his need of pardoning mercy. He was enabled to repent and believe; was baptized and untied with the church about 1813.

   The change in Brother Blankenship was sudden and permanent. Instead of the thoughtless, indifferent man-treating religious matters as of little importance-he became the humble, devoted follower of Jesus; testifying by his daily walk and conversation, that Christ hath power on earth to forgive sins.

   In 1818 White River Church gave him license to preach. The same year Scaffold Lick was constituted, and he moved his membership to that body-it being more convenient to him-and was there ordained in 1823; commencing pastoral labors immediately, and serving successfully four years. He then moved to the northern part of Jefferson County, where he united with Indian Kentucky Church and became its pastor. He also had pastoral care of several other churches; and, though uneducated, possessed good natural abilities and was a very pleasant and attractive speaker. His pure Christian deportment, and his piety and zeal in the cause, enabled him to accomplish much in his pastoral work.

   In 1827, as messenger from Indian Kentucky Church, he assisted in the organization of Coffee Creek Association, and was a useful member of that body until the formation of Madison Association; in the bounds of which he labored faithfully for two or three more years, when he was called to his heavenly inheritance, about the year 1835.


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