Elias Camp Morris

Elias Camp Morris
Elias Camp Morris
Born(1855-05-07)May 7, 1855
DiedSeptember 5, 1922(1922-09-05) (aged 67)
Burial placeDixon Cemetery, Phillips County, AR
Alma materNashville Normal and Theological Institute
Occupation(s)Minister, businessman, political activist
Known forFounder of National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Elias Camp Morris (May 7, 1855 – September 5, 1922) was an American minister, politician, and businessman. Born a slave, Morris attended seminary then preached at Centennial Baptist Church in Helena, Arkansas. He rose to prominence among black Baptists, leading the Foreign Missionary Convention. When the convention merged with two other black Baptist organizations in 1895, Morris became the president of the resulting National Baptist Convention, leading it for twenty-seven years. Morris was also active in the Arkansas Republican Party, serving as a national delegate three times, and co-founded the Arkansas Baptist College.