Before moving here to Charleston, SC I was introduced to JLG by Prof. Willborn at Greenville Presbyterian. Theo. Seminary. I've not read it (would love to), but he wrote his dissertation on JLG
[Willborn, C. N. "John L. Girardeau: Pastor to Slaves and Theologian of Causes", unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, 2003)]. We travelled back an forth from G'ville to Chas for over 6 months before we made the move and I spent as much time as possible trying to track down information re: JLG.
His son-in-law put together an excellent biography with sermons and poetry attached:
- Blackburn, George A., editor, The Life Work of John L. Girardeau, D.D., LL.D. (Columbia, S.C. : The State Co., 1916), 432pp.
See also:
- Kelly, Douglas. Preachers with Power: Four Stalwarts of the South, (Edinburgh : Banner of Truth Trust, 1992), 198pp.
I've found a couple locations where he lived downtown. I've found the location of the church he pastored downtown. I've been to Willtown where he first pastored but the location of the site is a bit confusing due to the fact that later on Baptists met there and then finally Anglican met there. I think that I know the location.?.
I found the location of his gravestone in Columbia. He is buried near J.H. Thornwell and his son-in-law Blackburn. I've also toured the old Theological Seminary in Columbia. It's awesome standing there in that restored house imagining sitting under his teaching. He was a brilliant intellect who trained his mind very sharply. His memory was excellent and his logic was very clear. He was passionate about his state, his calling and, above all, the Gospel. He was a man of great piety.
His ministry among the slaves was unique and abundantly blessed. Dr. Kelley wrote that he is convinced that Charleston wasn't burned like other major southern cities due to the general love and admiration of the slaves for JLG.
I recommend you all to get acquainted with John L. Girardeau. I'm especially glad for the addition of some of his poetry. He possessed great skill with words. I have especially appreciated his poetic versions of some of the psalms. I even wrote a few simple (traditional) tunes to go along with a few of his psalms.
I'll see if I can post some pictures of JLG interest. Anyone else out there acquanted with JLG?