Elder David M. Green
Written by Justin D. Lamb
Elder David M. Green
(Collection of the author)
One of the earliest pastors in Marshall County was Elder David M. Green. For nearly 73 years, Elder Green rode on horseback throughout western Kentucky and Tennessee spreading the Gospel to anyone who would hear the Word.
The son of George Green and Mary Crider, Elder David McLinn Green was born on November 30, 1819 near Piney Creek in Crittenden County, Kentucky. He was raised on his family’s farm which offered little opportunity and Green received no formal education. However, according to Lemon’s Handbook of Marshall County, Green “was a handsome boy with plenty of energy, fine address, and strong native ability which enabled him to better his lot.” Green was raised in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and began preaching at the age of 17. As a strong orator, the young boy captivated congregations and soon made a name for himself as large crowds ascended to hear him preach.
Green married Eliza G. Love on August 22, 1839 and eight children were born to this marriage. Around 1860, Eliza passed away and the following year, Green married Martha E. Roberts and together they had nine children, making a total of 17 children for Elder Green. Additionally, Green had 29 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren throughout western Kentucky.
For reasons unknown, Green left the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1850 and joined the Baptist Church which brought him to Marshall County in 1853 to help assist in organizing a new church. On Thursday, October 4, 1860, exactly one month before Abraham Lincoln was elected as President of the United States, a group of 10 people met to organize the Benton Baptist Church. Among them was Elder Green who was elected as the first pastor. During this time, Elder Green was also elected Commissioner of Marshall County Schools.
Throughout his years in the ministry, Elder Green preached in two states, six counties, and pastored at 14 different churches. He baptized countless people in the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee Rivers and many smaller rivers, lakes, and ponds in the area.
As the 19th Century came to a close and the dawn of the 20th Century began, Elder Green continued to preach throughout western Kentucky despite being in his 80s. It was written “Elder Green is as active and energetic as most men of half his age.” As he got older, Elder Green permanently settled in the Palma community and began preaching in the area.
On April 26, 1909 Elder David M. Green passed away at the age of 89. He was laid to rest in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Palma. Upon his death The Benton Tribune commented, “He has been a faithful stalwart minister in the Baptist Church, and has worked all his long life for the good of souls and society.”