Interview with Theodore Calvin Wallace, Sr., December 6, 1978

Partial Transcript: My name is Edward Owens. I'm working for Dr. George Wright, a history professor at the University of Kentucky, on his oral history project, The Black Church in Kentucky.

Segment Synopsis: Wallace discusses his personal background and how he came to be a member of the Church of Christ. He also speaks on how the church came to be founded in Lexington.

Keywords: Alabama; Baptist church; Bible; Bonnie Jean Gabbard; Church membership; Church of Christ; Historical records; History; Marriage; Preaching; Religious beliefs

Subjects: African American churches--Kentucky; African American clergy; African Americans--Religion; Family history

Partial Transcript: What location was the church founded in?

Segment Synopsis: Wallace discusses where the church was founded and some of the past ministers. He also touches upon some of the activities of the Church of Christ.

Keywords: Barbourville (Va.); Black youth; Brad Turner; Church services; Congregation; Crank's Creek; Evangelism; Founders; Harlan (Ky.); Johnson City (Tenn.); Milo Jones; Recreational activities; Religious beliefs; Social issues

Subjects: African American churches--Kentucky; African Americans--Conduct of life; African Americans--Recreation; African Americans--Religion

Partial Transcript: Then I started--(coughs)--and this is according to scripture but had always been overlooked. In First Corinthians: Sixteen, it says: "Now concerning the collection for the saints."

Segment Synopsis: Wallace discusses one of the programs he instituted in the Church of Christ. He also speaks on his own education and the role of the minister in the church.

Keywords: Bible; Community leader; Congregation; Education; Elderly; Ministers; Ordination; Southeastern Christian College

Subjects: African American churches--Kentucky; African American clergy; African American leadership; African Americans--Religion; Education, Higher--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: How have ministers changed over the years?

Segment Synopsis: Wallace discusses how ministers have changed over the years, and the church's involvement in politics.

Keywords: Bible; Career preachers; Change; Civil rights; Education; Ministers; Politics; Religious beliefs

Subjects: African American churches--Kentucky; African American clergy; African Americans--Education; African Americans--Politics and government; African Americans--Religion; African Americans--Social conditions

Partial Transcript: What are the strengths of the Church of Christ?

Segment Synopsis: Wallace discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Church of Christ.

Keywords: Apostle Paul; Bible; Love; Religious beliefs; Strengths; Weaknesses

Subjects: African American churches--Kentucky; African American clergy; African Americans--Religion; African Americans--Social life and customs

Partial Transcript: What accomplishments has the church had, such as a new building or what have you?

Segment Synopsis: Wallace discusses some of the accomplishments of the Church of Christ.

Keywords: Bible; Buildings; Construction; Economic assistance; Harlan County flood; Meeting houses; Poverty; Religious beliefs

Subjects: African American churches--Kentucky; African Americans--Economic conditions; African Americans--Religion; African Americans--Social conditions; Lexington (Ky.)--Buildings, structures, etc.