David Thomas was born on this day in 1732. He trained for the ministry at Hopewell, N.J. and was recognized by Rhode Island (Baptist) College, the predecessor of Brown University with the bestowal of a Master of Arts degree. In 1762 he became the pastor of the Broadrun Baptist Church in Fauquier (FaaKEER) County, Virginia. There he suffered a great deal of abuse by his neighbors, with such things as hornet’s nests and live snakes being thrown through windows into the congregation, during the preaching. Brother Thomas was dragged from his pulpit, and on one occasion only the intervention of another hearer kept him from being shot with a pistol. But God blessed his ministry, and people came great distances to hear his messages on Christ. Also, the Broadrun church sponsored at least five other congregations. Eventually, as more and more people were moving west, Thomas joined them, finishing his life and ministry in Kentucky.
Source: This Day in Baptist History III, by David Cummins