Lay Bricks of Faith
By Bryce Conrad

Brickwork architecture is an American tradition as old as independence. In our first
colonies-turned-states, we can observe bricks older than anyone alive today, still holding strong
to keep our history standing. For instance, the oldest church in Virginia also happens to be the
oldest brick church the Mountain State has to offer, that being St. Luke’s Church in Smithfield,
with every brick of it laid in 1632, and still standing strong.

There’s something especially beautiful about red brick in the fall. If you were to take a
long walk westward from the door of St. Luke’s Church, you may find yourself in the wooded
town of Bethany, West Virginia. As you go, you’d see the leaves on every tree turning color to
match the abundant bricks surrounding them on all sides. As you enjoy the warm shades our
creator made for us in the chilly season, you’ll soon stumble upon the steps of another old
American institution built in kiln-fired clay. You’ve found Bethany College, the oldest institute
of Higher Education in West Virginia, founded in 1840 by none other than Alexander Campbell.
Known as one half of the Stone-Campbell movement’s titular leaders, Campbell was another
hand, heart, and mind in the eclectic many that pushed for the mission of Restoration and unity
of all God’s people on the early American frontier. Born on September 12 th , 1788 as an
Ulsterman, Campbell would follow his father to America in the early fall of 1809 to change the
landscape of American history and Christian theology forever.

Like his contemporaries in the early Restoration movement, Campbell was a man
obsessed with sharing God’s word. Borrowing shades of Martin Luther’s strategies of spreading
the Gospel, Campbell was one of many early Restorationists to mass print and distribute
Christian teaching in the form of periodical publications. (The Christian Baptist, 1823-1830;
The Millennial Harbinger, 1830-1870) One article at a time, month after month, Campbell
would give his sharp insights on scriptural wisdom, preaching on paper the ideals of Biblical
authority, Christian unity, and God’s nature. These many articles and the teaching therein are
compiled today in The Christian System (1835), a foundational text to the beliefs of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Like a mason with his mud and trowel, Alexander
Campbell laid down landmarks of American Christian authorship. With lectures, articles, and
pamphlets as his bricks, he constructed the still-standing theology which outlives, endures, and
informs us today. In this passing season that turns leaves red and orange, accenting the bricks of
God’s own institutions like St. Luke’s Church and Bethany College, we can also be reminded of
those who loved Jesus before us, and all they did to spread the Good News.

As you go into October, remember that every brick you see is there because someone put it there.
As you remember September, recall the work of your leaders, those who spoke to you the word
of God. Consider the outcomes of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

Remember as you watch the leaves turn, wither, and fall, that though we can’t see the mason, we
can see His work all around us.