Luther Lee

1373 Words3 Pages

Luther Lee is known as a Methodist Episcopal minister. Many critics consider him a deserter from the foundation that inspired his spiritual growth and clerical appointment. Luther can be viewed as an apologist, editor, organizer, abolitionist, church builder, and administrator. He had a pioneering interest in women’s rights and liberty. Luther Lee’s story is very seldom shared with the general public. His beginnings were humble and over time translated into a story of struggle, pain, and triumph. Luther Lee’s mother, Hanna Williams, had a direct impact and influence on his life before she died. She infused into his character a firm foundation of Christian values and morals. The first statement “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” is very powerful and continues to remain true to this day. However, it is uncertain when she was influenced by the Methodist ideology. His mother read to him the accounts of Garretson and how he was persecuted. The accounts of Freeborn Garrettson resonated so deeply within Luther at that time he felt that he would become a minister. Luther was a self educated minister. He did not have a formal classroom education or instruction. Most of his materials he used to preach from he had to rely on personal experiences. As a traveling preacher for the Genesee Annual Conference he was able to learn from and gain knowledge from other ministers who attended the conferences. Traveling from place to place for the Conference aided him in his quest for knowledge. Even though he his formal education was limited he did not allow that to stop him. He became a college professor and then onto president. During a debate he was able to defeat a Harvard educated theologian. The father of Methodism, Bishop Fran... ... middle of paper ... ...pt. Luther Lee was a logical man. Attempting to capture and put into plain words the true fundamental nature of this great man was difficult due to all of his ideas and accomplishment. He was antislavery, pro women rights, and an excellent preacher. As a result of his lack of formal education he made strides to be the best at whatever he pursued. Luther believed that integrity was worth more than money. He was very proud of himself for not compromising his beliefs and maintaining his viewpoint. He marveled at the struggles of an honest man. Riches, material possessions, and luxuries did not impress him. Luther would have preferred a poor man’s life, die in a poor man house instead of selling his integrity throughout his life. Luther Lee made his transition from the physical world to the spiritual world at the age of eighty nine on December 13, 1889 in his home.

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