Christopher Gist
1813-1844
The Millennial Harbinger reported a protracted
meeting which continued for six days from the last of
September through the first Sunday in October 1839. The
preachers for the meeting were Carroll Kendrick,
Christopher Gist, Jr., James Holmes, James Gilliland and J.
H. Dunn. There were twenty two additions with twenty
immersions. Prospects for even more were said to be
"flattering."
On October 1, 2, and 3 of 1842 the "congregations of the
churches of Christ in the Western District" held their
annual co-operation meeting at the Roan's Creek Campground.
Bro. J. H. Dunn was called to the chair and brother C. H.
Gist (Jr.) was appointed secretary. Thirteen churches sent
messengers. At this time Roan's Creek was the largest
church in the district with 127 members. It was said to
hold meetings to "break bread" twice each month.
Christopher Gist, Jr. and James Holmes, both members at
Roan's Creek, were two of the five men appointed as
evangelists for the Western District for the year 1843.
On October 2 during the cooperation meeting Christopher H.
Gist , Jr. delivered a sermon. A transcription of this
sermon was published in the Bible Advocate, a
journal published by John R. Howard at Paris, Tennessee in
Henry County. It shows the type of sermon preached at the
Roan's Creek campground in the year 1842. It is made up
almost totally of scriptures with a few connecting
thoughts. About six months after delivering this sermon
Gist died unexpectedly.
Having begun preaching in 1838, Gist was one of the first
of many men who have gone out from this church as
evangelists to other areas. Another very early preacher was
James Holmes, a brother to William Holmes. He was said by
David Lipscomb to be "one of the most efficient and safe
teachers of Christianity in the southwest."
Christopher. Born in 1813. At the age of 31, Christopher
died in Henderson County, Tennessee on 19 Mar 1844. At the
age of 19, Christopher was baptized in 1832. Religion:
Church of Christ Minister - commenced preaching in 1838.