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Abstract

The Sandy Creek Baptist Association played a vital role in North Carolina's religious and political landscape before the Revolutionary War, with many Regulators connected to it. The Regulator movement is most recognized for its resistance to the Royal Governor of North Carolina, William Tryon, and his oppressive actions against the colony's residents. Many Regulators shared a common bond through their affiliation with the Sandy Creek Baptist Association in present-day Liberty, North Carolina. Under the leadership of Reverend Shubal Stearns and Reverend Daniel Marshall, the Sandy Creek Baptist Association helped establish a network of Baptist churches throughout the state. As political tensions escalated due to Governor Tryon’s disdain for dissenting religions, backcountry Baptists felt the impact of his policies. When the War of Regulation reached its peak in May 1771, the conflict was brief, resulting in the hanging of several Regulators. As Tryon regained control over North Carolina, members of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association began to flee the colony out of fear of retribution. Reverend Shubal Stearns passed away shortly after the Battle of Alamance, leaving the leadership of the association uncertain. Reverend Daniel Marshall moved to Georgia to establish the Kiokee Baptist Church, which remains an active congregation today. Reverend Tidence Lane, a convert to the Baptist faith under Stearns, traveled west to Tennessee and is noted as the first Baptist minister in the state. Other parishioners sought refuge in neighboring colonies, forming several Baptist churches, some of which are still active. As the Revolutionary War loomed, former Regulators who left North Carolina emerged as staunch Patriots, with Reverend Lane and his sons fighting at King’s Mountain as members of the Overmountain Men, highlighting the Baptist movement's pivotal role in resistance and patriotism.

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