GUM SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH
This church is located in Chatham county, N. C. between Pittsborough and Haywood. It was constituted on the 3d Saturday in July, A. D. 1829, by Elders H. Harman and Isaac Kirby.
The conviction, conversion, and baptism of Brother William Drake, the first deacon of this church, was of a peculiar nature.
During an interesting revival, perhaps in 1802, Mr. Drake’s wife was converted and received to baptism by the New Hope Mountain church. This very much enraged the feelings of her husband, who was disinclined to religion. Previous to the baptism of his wife, he affirmed that, if Mr. Hicks drowned his wife (a thing that he was fearful of), he would shoot him. When the baptism took place he was so much excited that he followed her into the water, to a considerable depth, without being conscious of it. God blessed the obedience to Christ in the baptism of his wife, to his conviction; he went home greatly distressed, took to his bed, and was unable to be up for some weeks. He did not know what was the matter, but was certain that he would die.
At his request Elder Hicks preached one night at his house. After preaching, he related his experience to the brethren, and was received for baptism. Mr. Drake then said to Elder Hicks, “You must baptize me.” Elder H. replied, “I will in the morning.” “No!” said Mr. Drake, “it must be now.” Elder H. consented, the servants obtained some torches of light wood, and they all set out for Haw river, which was near by. Mr. Drake, being unable to walk, was carried to the water; after being immersed, he came up out of the water and walked home, happy in the love of Christ, and free from any bodily or mental affliction.
This statement was made by ‘Brother and Sister Drake, to the writer, at their own fireside. They were exemplary Christians.
(Sandy Creek Baptist Association from its Organizaton in A. D. 1755, TO A.D. 1858, By Elder George W. Pureeoy Pages 283-284)
