Black History Month — Stephen Presley: A Spiritual leader
Stephen Presley. PHOTO COURTESY OF DCHC&M
By Stephan Drew, Editor
In the year 1820, amidst the shadows of slavery that loomed over the United States, a remarkable figure named Father Stephen Presley emerged into a world defined by oppression and hardship. Born a slave to Boykin Witherspoon, a prominent planter in Society Hill, Presley’s journey from bondage to spiritual leadership stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of human determination.
Presley’s early years were marked by the harsh reality of slavery, but he embraced a trade that would later become a tool for both his liberation and the empowerment of others. As a skilled carpenter, he not only honed his craft but also contributed to the construction of Witherspoon’s “Buena Vista Plantation.” This plantation, designed by the architect M. Robbins in 1859, would go on to play a significant role as a Confederate Hospital during the tumultuous years of the Civil War.
The Welsh Neck Baptist Church records shed light on Presley’s journey, documenting his marriage to another slave, Phyllis McIver Presley. The couple found solace in their faith, fellowshipping at the Welsh Neck Baptist Church as slaves. However, their path took a different turn when they were dismissed from the church in October 1854.
The winds of change blew across the nation, and like many others seeking fertile ground, Witherspoon decided to migrate westward. In pursuit of ideal planting conditions, they settled in Desoto Parish, Louisiana, a virtually unoccupied area that was once home to the Caddo Indians. Accompanying Witherspoon on this journey were over 200 slaves, including Father Stephen Presley.
Presley’s carpentry skills continued to be instrumental in the construction of Buena Vista Plantation, but his destiny was not confined to the structures he helped build during the era of slavery. The abolition of slavery marked a turning point in Presley’s life, leading him to embrace a new role as a spiritual leader.
Post-emancipation, Father Stephen Presley embarked on a mission to establish and nurture spiritual communities. His impact resonates through the founding of three churches in Desoto Parish – Bethel Baptist Church in Frierson, Morningstar Baptist Church in Gloster, and Mechanicsville Baptist Church in Caspiana, Louisiana.
Mechanicsville Baptist Church, named in honor of the town and church in Presley’s birthplace of Darlington, South Carolina, became a symbol of continuity and resilience. These churches, founded by Father Presley, not only survived the challenges of time but thrived, remaining active to this day.
Father Stephen Presley’s legacy transcends the boundaries of his time, serving as an inspiration for generations to come. His journey from slavery to spiritual leadership underscores the transformative power of faith, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of a higher purpose. In the annals of history, Father Presley’s story stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the human spirit has the capacity to rise above adversity and create enduring legacies of positive change.
