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--by Nancy Ehrlich

Oral tradition, written reminiscences, snippets of his public life, and a few public records offer glimpses of Nicholas Carper’s call to use his gifts and talents to preach God’s word.[1]

Nicholas Carper was born enslaved in 1776, probably in the western Virginia mountains. His mother, name unknown, was the property and daughter of German Evangelical John Jacob Carper. At some point, Nicholas and his mother came into the possession of Jeremiah James “Jerry” Jack of Huguenot descent...

--by Zandra Maffett

I was an infant when my father the late Reverend Robert Lee Maffett founded Bethel Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. My formative years, and those of the countless young people who passed through its doors, was nurtured, encouraged and supported by dedicated and loving adult leaders. Through its community center there were a variety of programs for adults and families.

Sadly today, congregations are smaller and many church...