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William Rogers Buried at Cane Ridge Meetinghouse, Near Paris, Kentucky Significance Of The Grave Marker Of William Rogers William Rogers, along with his father, Nathaniel Rogers, were leaders in the church at Cane Ridge, Kentucky in the early 1800s. It was reported that the served in various capacities among their brothers and sisters at Cane Ridge church of Christ. At one time William was the treasurer for the church. There are some significant things that should be pointed out concerning the grave marker that identifies William Rogers' gravesite. Much has to do with the dates on the marker, as well as the fact that it says that he identified with the church of Christ at Cane Ridge. For years those in Churches of Christ, Christian Church and Disciples of Christ have been falsely identified among religious people as "Campbellites." Alexander Campbell, and his father Thomas, loathed the idea that anyone would identify the church they were apart of as being a "Campbellite" church. Their desire was to simply be members of the Church of Christ, the one that began in the New Testament book of Acts. Roger's grave helps to bear out the fact that the Restoration Movement is not to be identified as the "Campbellite" church. Read the stone below and note that William Rogers, with his father, became members of the Church of Christ at Cane Ridge in 1807. Similar wording appears on his father's marker. Thomas Campbell did not arrived in America until May 18, 1807. Alexander did not arrive until September 29, 1809. Neither had heard of the Church of Christ that met at Cane Ridge until years later. The Campbells remained among the Baptists until as late as 1830. Hence, writings in stone help to verify that the group the Campbells united with New Years Day 1832, had considered themselves the church of Christ many years before. Another point of verification given by the Rogers monument is the name "Church of Christ." Those who participated in the development of the American Restoration Movement desired to do Bible things in Bible ways. They desired to speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent. They desired to use Bible names. There are a number of names used in the New Testament to describe the church that Jesus built. One such name is found in Romans 16:16 - "the churches of Christ salute you." There was common understanding that such an identification should never be a title, but a designation. The desire was to be the church that belongs to Christ, or the Church of Christ.
Location of The Grave of William Rogers The Rogers family plot is in the old cemetery at Cane Ridge Meeting House near Paris, Kentucky. Heading north out of Paris on Hwy. 68. After crossing the old Stoner Creek bridge. Turn right on Hwy. 460. Go a few hundred yards and then turn left on Co. Hwy. 537. The meeting house and cemetery will be about five miles out on the left. Head toward the meetinghouse and park in front of the large monuments in the front. You will see Barton Stone's monument as well as others. Head further into the tree filled cemetery, and look for a fenced-in plot. The Rogers will be found in one of those enclosed areas in the center of the cemetery. GPS Location
The solid limestone grave marker belonging to Nathaniel Rogers has faded over the years. Here lies
Recent Photos After Restoration - May, 2011
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