Memorial Biographies of General Baptist Ministers
of the
Union Association
Rev. C. R. Kinnin
The Rev. Kinnin was born in Posey County, Indiana, November 10, 1864. He moved with his parents and a younger brother to Kentucky when a small boy. He was orphaned at the age of 13 years; struggled for an education, many times studying by the firelight in the various homes in which he worked for his room and board. He professed faith in Christ, joined the General Baptist church, and began ministerial work in early manhood; was ordained October 31, 1886, and came to Crittenden County, Ky., in 1887. He joined Enon General Baptist church and remained a member until his death. he was often referred to as the "boy preacher."
Among the many churches he pastored are the following: Cumberland Valley, Ditney, Calvert City, Sisco's Chapel, Freedom, Pleasant Grove, Dixon, Enon, Beulah, Clay, Free Union, Little Zion, Sebree, Providence and Corydon, in Kentucky; Rosiclaire and Omaha churches in Illinois, and Campbell church in Missouri.
there were hundreds of conversions and baptisms credited to his work, but no actual record. He performed many marriage ceremonies.
Rev. Kinnin was a man of deep consecration, having great power with God in prayer. He was very enthusiastic about his work; manifested great interest in the unsaved, and by his powerful preaching, won many to Christ. Being blessed with a clear, strong voice, and a wonderful delivery he was qualified to stand before a congregation as a mouth-piece for God. He possessed a lovable disposition among children. They loved and respected him as a father.
For a number of years, Rev. Kinnin made his home four miles from Marion, Kentucky. He then accepted the pastoral charge of a church at Campbell, Missouri, where he was making his home at the time of his death, which occurred June 6, 1921.
He had a desire to come back to his old home, so in compliance with his request the family brought his remains to Sisco's Chapel in Kentucky for burial.
Rev. Kinnin had a brilliant, spiritual mind; was an eloquent speaker, sincere and humble, had scores of friends, was always fair, impartial, gentle and kind, and was loved by all who were privileged to know him, and he left the world a richer place for his having lived in it.
A loving tribute by one of his daughters,
--Nell Kinnin Barrie