The Old Regular Baptists | Brittany Goetting and Jeff Little

The Old Regular Baptists are among the oldest religious denominations in Appalachia. In 1825, the New Salem Association formed from eight Baptist churches in Pike, Floyd, Perry, and Harlan Counties, considered to be the first official association in eastern Kentucky. Old Regular Baptist theology evolved throughout the nineteenth century, including the rejection of missionary societies and Sunday Schools, and the development of unique religious practices such as foot washing and “lined-out” singing. Join us today for a discussion with two researchers who have studied the history of the Old Regular Baptists and their influence on the religious landscape of Kentucky, Appalachia, and the United States.
Brittany Goetting is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Pikeville. Her research focuses on late eighteenth and early nineteenth century North American religious print culture. Her article, "“And She Threw in Two Mites”: Maine and Canadian Maritime Female Baptist Voluntary Societies and the Development of Religious Community, 1800–1830," was recently published with the Bulletin of the Canadian Baptist Historical Society. Her chapter on the evolution of Baptist ministerial education in Northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes will be released in a collaborative work with other religious historians with Mercer University Press in Spring 2027.
Jeff Little is a retired high school teacher, Old Regular Baptist minister, and assistant clerk of the Union Association of Old Regular Baptist, a position he has held since 2016. Recognized as an area expert on Old Regular Baptist history, he brings both lived experience and careful historical interest to the study of the faith tradition. He was also co-compiler of From a Long Series of Experiences: Select Circular Letters of the Union Association, a work that helps preserve and share important historical writings from the association. Jeffrey is currently working on a research project with Brittany Goetting exploring aspects of Old Regular Baptist history and heritage. His perspective reflects a deep commitment to preserving the stories, practices, and religious life of the Old Regular Baptist community.
Hosted by Dr. Allen A. Fletcher, associate editor of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society and coordinator of our Research Fellows program, which brings in researchers from across the world to conduct research in the rich archival holdings of the Kentucky Historical Society.
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Kentucky Chronicles is presented by the Kentucky Historical Society, with support from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation.
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This episode was recorded and produced by Gregory Hardison, with support and guidance from Dr. Stephanie Lang. Our theme music, “Modern Documentary,” was created by Mood Mode and is used courtesy of Pixabay.
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