I Am Nothing but a Plain Christian

Abstract

Ben Major, an early member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is deeply committed to his faith and is often referred to as “father” or “reverend.” In an 1846 letter to the American Colonization Society, Ben notes that his copies of the society’s publication are addressed to Rev. Ben Major. He asks them to drop the title in the future, saying that he is “nothing but a plain Christian,” a sentiment that ignores his significant contributions to the church. Chapter 19 details Ben’s involvement in the church, as well as that of his brothers and close friends.