1850-002: John R. Plecker vs. Peachy Harrison, etc.

Scope and content:

The case revolves around the relationship between the Methodist Episcopal Church and slavery. During the years leading up to the Civil War, the church was divided on the issue of slavery, leading to a division into two denominations: the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South. This case in particular focuses on which sect (the northern anti-slavery or the southern pro-slavery) had the right to use the church in Harrisonburg. The suit provides a detailed background on the creation of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and numerous depositions discuss the split.

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