Nathaniel Chambles was born in 1762 in Sussex, Virginia. Even though his parents were faithful and godly Baptists, Nathaniel didn’t see himself as an unworthy sinner and in need of Christ until he was twenty-six. After his conversion he was received into the membership of the High Hills Baptist Church. Then fifteen years later he was ordained and became the pastor at High Hills. History tells us that Elder Chambles was an excellent, but not exceptional, pastor. He never wrote any books; never was asked to preach in large conferences; never became famous. But he loved his people and sacrificed to serve them, preaching the whole counsel of God.
Fifteen years into his ministry he became burdened by the coldness of his heart and of that of the congregation. He asked the church to set aside a special day in 1822 for fasting, humiliation and prayer. God heard those prayers. About that time, several itinerant evangelists were providentially sent into the area, and a revival was ignited. In about a year more than sixty people were added to the church. The resurgence of life, reinvigorated the pastor, and he began preaching with the warmth, love and enthusiasm of a young convert.
Three years later Nathaniel Chambles’ health began to deteriorate. His last message came from I Peter 5:7-8 – “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Two weeks later, on this day in 1827, Elder Chambles passed into the presence of the Lord, where he most likely received the honor which was never given to him in this world.