James O’Kelly (1735-1826)
James O’Kelly is considered by many knowledgeable men as the very first to plead for the ideals as would later be called the Christian Church. His date and circumstances of birth are disputed with several giving different dates and even different continents. After much discussion and review, it can be said that James O’Kelly was likely born in Ireland and that he came to this country at an early age and settled near to Moring’s Post Office in Surry County, Virginia. He resided there for some time before moving to North Carolina.
Regarding his education, none is given and we are left to wonder what and how he came to be an educated man. If he was in fact born in Ireland, as facts seem to indicate, he very well might have attended Trinity College in Dublin. From looking at his work, it can be deduced that he had received a higher education as he appeared to be able to proceed in both Greek and in Latin. There is some evidence, taken from his work Apology, that he had a fair knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages and that he was very well versed in general history. Tradition also tells us that in his early life he was a champion fighter and fiddler. Also, there is no date known of his marriage to Elizabeth Meeks. Tradition is mute except that they knew each other in early days. Again, it is thought that they were married early in life. Mr. O’Kelly being under twenty-five and she under twenty. This would put their marriage around the year 1760.
At some point afterward Methodist preachers came into the neighborhood where they lived and she was at once converted and joined the society. His son William was twelve years old and was also converted. He was instrumental in his father’s conversion. He felt that he ought to preach but was dissuaded by his father. James was converted in 1774 and began to work on behalf of Methodist principles. He labored in word and deed for several years and was raised to the level of Circuit Rider, or lay preacher, meaning he travelled around a circuit of different Methodist Churches each month and ministered to their various spiritual needs. He was highly regarded in this task. O’Kelly was of the sort of whom scripture saith: whatever you seek to do, do it with all of thy might. He was a mighty man, and was recognized as such by the Methodist leadership in that area. He immersed himself in the Scriptures so he was able to make proper judgment in spiritual matters whenever and wherever they might arise.
After the close of the Revolutionary War, when the Methodists of America had separated from their brethren in England, John Wesley wrote from Bristol, England, September 10, 1784, to Dr. Coke, Francis Asbury, and others, advising them how to proceed in the future. Asbury and Coke desired to Episcopize the church in America, and made an announcement to that effect in the conference; and for the purpose of deciding the matter, a General Conference was called to meet in Baltimore in 1792. Preparatory to this meeting, James O’Kelly, too, had been studying concerning this subject, and came to the conclusion that the Bible was sufficient as a standard of faith. During the discussion, he arose with the Bible in his hand, and cried out, “Brethren, hearken unto me. Put away all other books and forms, and let this (holding up the New Testament) be the only criterion, and that will satisfy me.” This, with other propositions of the same nature, was bitterly opposed by many, and the majority voted against him, Francis Asbury was made Bishop, the first in the Methodist Church, and James O’Kelly, with about one thousand others, left the body and organized the Christian Church. After the close of the Revolutionary War, when the Methodists of America had separated from their brethren in England, John Wesley wrote from Bristol, England, September 10, 1784, to Dr. Coke, Francis Asbury, and others, advising them how to proceed in the future. Asbury and Coke desired to Episcopize the church in America, and made an announcement to that effect in the conference; and for the purpose of deciding the matter, a General Conference was called to meet in Baltimore in 1792. Preparatory to this meeting, James O’Kelly, too, had been studying concerning this subject, and came to the conclusion that the Bible was sufficient as a standard of faith. During the discussion, he arose with the Bible in his hand, and cried out, “Brethren, hearken unto me. Put away all other books and forms, and let this (holding up the New Testament) be the only criterion, and that will satisfy me.” This, with other propositions of the same nature, was bitterly opposed by many, and the majority voted against him, Francis Asbury was made Bishop, the first in the Methodist Church, and James O’Kelly, with about one thousand others, left the body and organized what was originally called “Republican Methodists.” His purpose was organize a body on a scriptural and not a man-made basis. In this he labored long and hard. He was a pure, good and holy man, to the day of his death, and even to the present time, the name of this good man is held with peculiar veneration by thousands of his fellow church members. Meeting houses and other things of sacred association are named after him. He was a writer of considerable ability. The following are some of the works he published : “A notation, his book of Discipline,” 1809, “Apology for Rejecting Episcopacy” 1802, “Vindication of the Author’s Apology,” with reflections on the reply and remarks of Bishop Asbury, “The Divine Oracles Consulted, or an Appeal to the Law and Testimony,” 1820, “Church Government,” in which he opposed American Slavery.
He was also a friend of Thomas Jefferson’s and spoke in congress at his request. He went to the Capitol to see his friends, Jefferson and Henry, who were to speak the next day. Mr. Jefferson told O’Kelly that after the speaking, he must preach. He tried to excuse himself, but his two friends would have no excuse, so he consented. The next day, the speaking being over, Mr. Jefferson moved an adjournment to give Mr. O’Kelly an opportunity to preach. Congress was adjourned, and he preached one of his best sermons to the Congress of the United States, in the Capitol. After the sermon, Mr. Jefferson arose with tears in his eyes and said he was no preacher, but he believed that James O’Kelly was one of the greatest divines living.
After Mr. O’Kelly left the Methodist Church, he became a leader and established the Christian Church, then moved to Chatham County, North Carolina. It is said that Mr. O’Kelly preached to five different congregations in one day, and there was no sameness in any one of the sermons—all different. Mr. O’Kelly was a strong advocate of infant baptism, was virtually opposed to immersion, and would not baptize by immersion.” He was a man of deep piety. He breathed his last near O’Kelly’s Chapel, in Chatham County, N. C., in the midst of his children, grand-children, and friends, and was buried at the church which bears his name. He is quietly waiting for the resurrection morn.’’