Spencer County has been home for black families since the middle 1800's. The History of Warrick, Spencer, and Perry Counties, written in 1885, states there was an effort made by community leaders in 1851 to "colonize" the negroes and mulattoes, however in 1862 a resolution was heartily endorsed in favor of tHe coming Emancipation Proclamation which had been forecast. The Ohio River divides Kentucky and Indiana and Rockport, the county seat of Spencer County, is located on the river. I have been told many times that run-away slaves were given protection here or helped on their northern route because of this geographical situation.
The History of the Smithfield Baptist Church of Rockport gives some enlightenment to the migration here. This Church was a branch of the Rock Spring Baptist Church of Yelvington, Kentucky. During the civil War members of that church disbanded and many of them crossed the Ohio River and settled in Rockport. In 1865, with Elder Dabney Jewel, who became the first pastor, they met and formed a congregation. Meetings were held for some time in the Rockport United Brethren Church. This congregation was called 'The Wooden Shoe Church'. In 1869 they built their first church. It was a small frame structure dedicated in 1870. Brother Charles Johnson was the first clerk and the first Deacons were: Brothers Simon Brown, Abram Derritt, and Charles Johnson. In 1875, their brick church was built for them by Philip Eigenmann. Rev. Green McFarland presided at the dedication in 1877.
Elder George Fields was the pastor for many years. Also serving as early Deacons were: Brothers Aaron Richardson, Sam J. Johnson, William Grimes, Abram Taylor, Simon Brown, Abram Crowe, and Charles Johnson. Brother Prince Brown served as church clerk. Officers serving when Elder Fields was pastor were: Brothers Elonzo Taylor and Ed Robinson. This brick church was remodeled in 1965 under the present pastor, Rev. Raymond Alson. The church has withstood many storms under the wise and benevolent guidance of Rev. Walter Highbaugh and Rev. Raymond Alson, both having served this congregation for many years; thereby strengthening a congregation which is very active today.
Written by: Ellen Joyce Brown County Historian Spencer County Rockport, Indiana
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