The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Baptist Church of Christ, The

BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST, The, came into separate existence in Tennessee about the beginning of the 19th century as a reaction against certain features of excessive Calvinism. General redemption and the perseverance of the saints form cardinal articles of their belief; and the washing of feet is by them practised as an ordinance. Congregations of the Baptist Church of Christ are found in Tennessee, their chief stronghold, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Texas. In all there are about 150 churches with a total membership of over 8,000.