Thread by @chbchistory

To give you a sense of the caliber of Rev. Green Clay Smith, I'll share one anecdote. In 1892 some of the members wondered why he didn't lead the church to celebrate Easter. In response, Smith wrote letters to Alvah Hovey and John Broadus. Both wrote him back.

For reference, Hovey and Broadus were the greatest Baptist theologians alive, Hovey being President of Newton Theological Institute, and Broadus was President of Southern Theological Seminary.

Hovey wrote in response, "I am not aware that the observance of Easter has ever been taught or recommended by any officer of this institution [Newton], and I am confident that the Bible gives no countenance to its observance by Christians...."

"I suppose that the practice of keeping it is adverse to the teachings and general views of the Baptist denom. hitherto. I am sorry that some of our churches and ministers are inclined to observe it, for I fear that as sacred days are multiplied the Lord's Day will be neglected."

Broadus wrote: "You ask whether the observance of Easter is taught in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary [@SBTS], and what I think as to the propriety of its observance on the part of Baptists. No one among us would recommend it."

"I know that some excellent brethren in some parts of our country have fallen into the practice, and I do not presume to censure their course; but my opinion when asked, is that such observance is highly undesirable."

"It will necessarily prove an entering wedge for other things; fostering a natural tendency, the effects of which are widely and sadly manifest throughout the Christian world. Those modes of commemorating our Lord's resurrection are indicated in the New Testament..."

"Namely, the Lord's Day, the ceremony of baptism, and the believer's risen life. I think it is highly desirable to observe all of these and that nothing more is needed. I hope our people will give it no more thought, but believe with all the heart that Jesus rose from the dead.."

"...And has ascended into Heaven, and will come again to take us all to himself. Let us have faith in the resurrection of Christ every day."

In summarizing his own view, General Smith simply wrote, "Every Lord's day is a reminder of His resurrection, and one day is no more sacred than another."