EV. JOSEPH B. HINTON was reared in the eastern part of the State of North Carolina, amongst the Methodists. In 1821, the District Conference of local preachers for Roanoke District of the Methodist Episcopal Church in North Carolina, in order to bring the attention of their brethren and the church at large to the encroachments of the General Conference upon their rights sent up an "address" to the Virginia Annual Conference, which was signed on behalf of the District Conference by Jos. B. Hinton, Secretary. At the session of the Roanoke District Conference, held at Whitaker's [224] chapel, in 1822, a resolution was passed authorizing the secretary to forward a copy of the "address" to the Bishops and the Virginia Annual Conference, and to the several District Conferences of local preachers throughout the United States, together with a "circular letter" accompanying the same. A second "address" to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, in 1824, was also signed by Joseph B. Hinton, Secretary.

      He studied and practiced medicine, and later represented Beaufort county in the Legislature, being elected to the Senate first in 1829, and again in 1832.

      Not being satisfied with the Methodist church, he connected himself with the Baptists, amongst whom he labored several years. After the organization of the Christian church in Raleigh,¹ by Rev. H. B. Hayes, Rev. Jos. B. Hinton joined the Christian Church. Rev. H. B. Hayes says, "There is much due to Dr. Hinton for the change that has taken place. He preached to the old Baptist church before her change, and from a strict examination of our principles, he was strongly in favor of the new organization. He is a man of talent, and likely will unite with his brethren that have thus made a change in the name and order of their church. He attends our meetings and seems to be very anxious for our success." In 1847, he was pastor of the church at Raleigh.

      In 1848, the North Carolina Conference met at Raleigh, and Dr. Hinton was still pastor of the church. At this Conference were present Elders D. W. Kerr, A. Iseley and Stephen Turner of the North Carolina and Virginia Conference; Elder W. B. Wellons of the Eastern Virginia Conference; and Elder Isaac, N. Walter of the Central Ohio Conference. It may not be amiss to say that Elders Littlejohn Utley and Jas. I. Robby of the Conference [225] were present. Elder Walter speaking of this Conference says: "I soon felt that I was in the midst of my brethren in the Lord. Dr. Joseph B. Hinton is a man of education and intelligence, and, in many respects, is a distinguished man, having filled among other important stations, the senatorship in the State Legislature for several years, and has always moved in the higher walks of life. But in the midst of all his popularity and high standing, be embraced the doctrine of the Christian Church, became a minister among us, and is now the pastor of the church in this city, where he has been laboring with zeal and success; and the church, which was almost extinct, has been raised up, through his efforts, to a respectable standing."

      The Southern Christian Association met in Raleigh, North Carolina, on May 11, 1849, and Rev. Mills Barrett was elected President and Dr. Hinton Secretary.

      The first colored missionary from the Christian Church to Liberia was ordained in Raleigh, North Carolina, on August 29,1852. The ordination sermon was preached by Dr. Hinton, the prayer was made by Rev. H. B. Hayes, and the charge given and Bible presented by Rev. I. N. Walter. The name of the colored preacher was Isaac Scott, of good talents and deep piety. "His Excellency, Governor Reid, was present to witness the ceremonies and everything passed off pleasantly."

      In 1858, Rev. Joseph B. Hinton sent a letter inviting the Southern Christian Convention which was in session at Cypress chapel in Nansemond county, Virginia, to meet in its next regular session with the church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was at this time pastor of the Raleigh church. In 1860, at the Conference at Pleasant Hill in Chatham county, the Conference Executive committee reported that there was trouble between Revs. Dr. Hinton, H. B. Hayes, and W. N. Bragg, on account of the Raleigh church. Further, the committee on the [226] standing of the ministers report all in good standing "except Dr. J. B. Hinton, whose recent letter to Conference does not manifest that spirit which should ever characterize a minister of the gospel." He withdrew from the North Carolina and Virginia Conference, October 26, 1860. The Raleigh church and parties mentioned were referred to the Conference Executive committee. The matter was disposed of, and the writer is disposed to look upon the affair as the freak of age. Dr. Hinton was a strong man. He afterwards returned to his relatives in the eastern part of the State where he lived but a few years and passed away.

[LCM 224-227]