Can the preacher preach?
by Lisa Y. Henderson
Friday, 30th.
Mr. Morris presented the petition of sundry citizens of Anson, praying the passage of an act to permit Ralph Freeman, a free man of color, to exercise the functions of a Preacher. Referred.
North-Carolina Free Press (Halifax), 11 December 1832.
Fourth Generation Inclusive 
Good Morning Lisa, This is an interesting news article that you have discovered on Elder Ralph Freeman. While it states that Elder Ralph was given the right to preach in December of 1832, those of us that live in Anson County NC & known about the life of Elder Ralph, we know that he was something like an associate pastor & preaching at Rocky River Baptist Church in northern Anson County as early as 1806 through the 1830’s. We know he died in the 1830’s, but closer to the year 1838, but your record lets us know that he was living in December of 1832.
Hi, Steve. Actually, the petition was denied. Free people of color were stripped of the right to preach (among other rights) in the early 1830s. Thus, the need for a special act to allow Freeman to do what he had been doing for decades.
Thanks so much for clarifying & please keep up the good work!!
Thanks so much for your support!