He united with the Church of the Disciples and preached in that connection until 1859.[1] In some cases colored preachers were judged sufficiently informed, not only to minister to the needs of their own congregations, but to preach to white churches.

There was a Negro thus engaged in the State of Florida.[2] Another colored man of unusual intelligence and much prominence worked his way to the front in Giles County, Tennessee.

In 1859 he was the pastor of a Hard-shell Baptist Church, the membership of which was composed of the best white people in the community.

He was so well prepared for his work that out of a four days' argument on baptism with a white minister he emerged victor.

From this appreciative congregation he received a salary of from six to seven hundred dollars a year.[3] [Footnote 1: Simmons, _Men of Mark_, p.