Ralph's Rest Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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You are looking for a small thermos container, with swag and log, hidden near the grave of a remarkable man. You will have to cross through a cemetary to get there, give the area the respect it deserves. Also, turning onto Cemetary Road in Ansonville feels like you are driving into someone's driveway. Trust me, you are not.
The following is from an article in "The State" magazine. It was publised in the April 14, 1954 issue, some of the language is not entirely politically correct, but it is an important story to tell:
"An odd story out of Anson County is that of "Ralph", the slave who followed his master into the pulpit, and took over when the latter went off to Congress. Ultimately, his freedom was bought by his congregation.
In the early 1800's in Anson County, the Rev. John Culpepper preached at the Rocky River Baptist Church. In 1806, Rev. Culpepper ran for U.S. Congress when an undesirable cadidate was up for re-election. The popular Culpepper won the election by a landslide and began a congressional career which would last for the next 25 years.
Culpepper's faithful slave, Ralph, took over the services when his master was away. The slave rose to the occasion, revealing a firm faith, an earnestness, and a force which drew crowds from miles around. He administered the sacraments to both white and colored, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
He won friends along the Pee Dee section, and the Bear Creek Church purchased his freedom. Ralph continued in his new calling, preaching in many churches. Wile making pastoral calls on his white worshippers, he was honored with a special dining table. He slept in his own room, after family devotionals before the fire.
The career of Ralph, a gifted and unique character, was ended by a law which the legislature of the state passed, inspired by the Nat Turner insurrection in Virginia. The act forbade Negro preachers to talk in public in the service of any church. Ralph bore this with meekness, but his days were shortened by his keen disappointment. He passed away in 1838. A small memorial stone to him was erected at his gravesite in 1907."
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
ng gur onfr bs n gevavgl bs gerrf
Treasures
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