If this dude can come outta 21 years of slavery and end up accomplishing whatbhe did is amazing. No one has anything to complain bout to hold them back compared to this. Makes me feel even more like an underachiever. I should be inventing something to cure cancer or something Lemuel Haynes was the first African American ordained by a white mainstream Church in the United States. Haynes, the abandoned child of an African father & white mother born in 1753 bound to service until the age of 21 With only a rudimentary formal education, Haynes developed a passion for books, especially the Bible and books on theology. At age 21 Haynes enlisted as a "Minuteman" in the local militia. Post-war, Haynes turned down the opportunity to study at Dartmouth College, instead he chose Latin & Greek with clergymen in CT. In 1780 he was licensed to preach. He accepted a position with a white congregation & later married a young white Woman. In 1785, Haynes was officially ordained as a Congregational minister. He later lead a mostly white church dor 30 years. Haynes developed an international reputation as a preacher & writer. he received an honorary Master of Arts degree. the 1stever bestowed upon an African American. In 1801 he published "The Nature & Importance of True Republicanism..." in it was his 1 public statement on race or slavery. Haynes was a lifelong admirer of George Washington & an ardent Federalist. last appointment was in VT where he counseled 2 men convicted of murder ...
