Pastor Al at the Leland-Madison Memorial Park in Orange, Virginia

Pastor Al and Mrs. Kim Davis visited the Leland-Madison Memorial Park in Orange, Virginia, on Wednesday, 18 Sep 19. The park commemorates the meeting between Baptist pastor John Leland and James Madison that resulted in the Bill of Rights being added to the United States Constitution.

Pastor John Leland was an influential, outspoken leader of the Baptists in Virginia who were concerned that the new Constitution lacked sufficient protection for religious minorities. Leland appeared to have the votes to unseat Madison and vote against ratifying the Constitution. If Virginia had voted to reject Constitution, then it would likely have failed to receive a majority vote of the 13 states and been rejected. Rejection of the Constitution would likely have resulted in the breakup of the United States into two or more smaller countries.

Madison, learning of the threat to his seat and the ratification of the Constitution, traveled to meet with Leland and discuss the situation. They met near the site of the Leland-Madison Memorial Park where Madison listened to the concerns of Leland and the Baptists. They came to an agreement where Leland agreed to drop out of the race and endorse Madison and the Constitution upon Madison's promise to sponsor a Bill of Rights to the Constitution guaranteeing, among other things, religious liberty.

Unfortunately, the influence of Leland and the Baptists of Virginia in the ratification of the Constitution and inclusion of the Bill of Rights is little known to most Americans. However, if you are a lover of freedom or a student of history, the Leland-Madison Memorial Park is a must see. If you are a Baptist, then it should be on your Baptist Bucket List.