History of the Restoration Movement

Allen Kendrick was born in Lauderdale County, Alabama March 11, 1811. He grew up on Cypress Creek, and was a boyhood friend of Tolbert Fanning. The Christian movement came to the Shoals area under the influence of the Lynn and Chisholm family who had brought the concept of New Testament Christianity to the area from their Kentucky home around the time of Kendrick's birth. In the fall of 1826, both Allen and Tolbert were converted to Christ under the preachings of B.F. Hall and James E. Matthews. It was not long before both were preaching in the area. Allen would later move to Kentucky and increase his relationship with the movement initiated by Barton W. Stone.

He was married to Nancy Hughes Rose. To their union was born four children: three sons and one daughter. They were: Mansel, born March 12, 1846; Allen Rose, born July 27, 1849; Carroll, born May 24, 1852; and Pauline, born April 9, 1854. All three of their sons in turn became gospel preachers. The Kendrick family was highly esteemed and influential in the Christian movement. They influenced and baptized thousands of people.

Allen and Nancy Kendrick lived many years in the community they settled on the northeastern Mississippi and Tennessee border. Alcorn County, Mississippi is where they planted the old Oak Hill Christian Church. Allen preached there, live and dead in the area. He passed from this life, December 1, 1859 and is buried in the Oak Hill Christian Church Cemetery. Nancy survived her husband nearly forty years, and died October 3, 1898. She was buried by the side of her husband.

The following lines were written by bro. Allen Kendrick in the city of Philadelphia, during his severe illness, and when he had despaired of recovery. They are the expressions of a soul, just ready to depart, and leave the body - a voice speaking format he borders of the grave! He says of them — "They were made about the last day I was able to set up in Phila. I then intended to write more to be read after I was no more on earth, but was not able. His health is still improving. J.R.H. (John R. Howard).

My friends, I die,—but fall to rise,
And meet you all above the skies;
My slender form must sink at last,
But hope is anchored firm and fast.

Poor sinners, who my preaching heard,
Did I proclaim the living word?
O! then, your sins, I pray forsake,
And Jesus for your Saviour take.

O should you where I'm buried pass,
And lowly kneel upon the grass,
Shed not a tear—breath not a sigh,
For all is well—'twas sweet to die.

But shed your tears that you deferred,
The service of my blessed Lord—
And turn in faith, in word, and deed—
O! sinners fly to Christ with speed.

You, young disciples, who confess'd,
When all together we were bless'd,—
Be faithful all, turn not away,
And soon we'll meet in endless day.

Grieve not the Church, but build her up,
And drink with her the sacred cup—
And sinners warn that none may die,
Because in death so still I lie.

The Kendrick family burial plot is at the Old Oak Hill Christian Church cemetery in northern Alcorn County, Mississippi. From Tupelo, head north on Hwy. 45 through Corinth. Just before the Tennessee state line, turn right on Hwy. 2. Go about six or seven miles and turn left on Hwy. 142, known locally as Kendrick Road. Just over the Tennessee line, turn right on Co. Rd. 194, Mississippi Road. The road will dip back down into Mississippi, and you will soon see the Oak Hill church on the right. The cemetery is at the rear of the church building. Go into the cemetery about mid-way and the Kendrick plot should be easily located. Other family members buried at Oak Hill who were preachers are his sons, Mansel Kendrick and Allen Rose Kendrick.