Benjamin Randall

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For the American congressman, see Benjamin Randall (Maine).

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Benjamin Randall (1749-1808), born into a sea captain's family and a former orderly in the American Revolutionary War, was the main influence in organizing the Freewill Baptists in the northeastern United States.

Benjaming Randall was converted in 1770 through the influence of George Whitefield. He first united with the Congregationalists, but later was baptized in 1776 and united with the Baptists. He became a layman preacher in the Particular or Calvinistic Baptists in 1777. He split with the Calvinist Baptists over their belief in predestination in 1779. Randall was ordained April 5, 1780, at New Durham, New Hampshire. In the summer of 1780, a church was formed at New Durham, and the articles of faith and covenant were drawn up by Randall. By the end of the year the church numbered seven men and thirteen women. From the time of his lay preaching until his death of tuberculosis on October 22, 1808, Randall was instrumental in planting many Freewill Baptist churches throughout New England.

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[edit] References

Buzzell, John (1827). Life of Elder Benjamin Randal. Limerick, ME: Hobbs, Woodman and Co..
Mead, Frank S. (2001). Handbook of Denominations in the United States. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. ISBN 0-687-06983-1.
Wiley, Frederick Levi (1915). Life and Influence of the Rev. Benjamin Randall: Founder of the Free Baptist Denomination. American Baptist Publication Society.