after Stearns' death, recorded that, "in 17 years, [Sandy Creek] has spread its branches westward as far as the great river Mississippi; southward as far as Georgia; eastward to the sea and Chesopeck [sic] Bay; and northward to the waters of the Pottowmack [sic]; it, in 17 years, is become mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to 42 churches, from which sprang 125 ministers." Based on the testimony of those who remembered him, Edwards described Stearns as fervent and charismatic preacher who was capable of inspiring the most powerful emotions in his congregation. None of Stearns' sermons has survived in writing. His central theme was recounted as discussing the need for followers of Christ to be "born again" from within. At first churchgoers in North Carolina found this a difficult concept. who never thought of their religion as anything more than external. But, Stearns' style of preaching and emphasis on internal conversion were highly important to Southern religion. He became the model for many other preachers who sought to copy his example, down to the least gesture or inflection of voice. Stearns believed that God pours his spirit like water upon a new believer, requiring no special learning or instruction; and this 'outpouring' swiftly became a flood that spread from Sandy Creek throughout all parts of the southern frontier. Stearns was married to Sarah Johnson, and they had no children. References Further reading John Sparks, The Roots of Appalachian Christianity: the Life and Legacy of Elder Shubal Stearns (University Press of Kentucky, 2001; reprint 2005). External links Shubal Stearns and the Separate Baptist Tradition Shubal Stearns, by Timothy Binion Clergy from Boston Baptist ministers from the United States Evangelists 1706 births 1771 deaths People from Boston People from Tolland, Connecticut 18th-century American clergy