1840-1850 BAPTIST MISSIONARY. Important Early Baptist Missionary Convention Engraved Membership Large-Format Broadside.

A very scarce large format engraving broadside-sized Lifetime Membership format certificate autographed by the Treasurer, President, and Secretary of the Baptist Missionary Convention [of New York]. Very attractive and we trace no other example. 

At the head, in vignette is a superb engraving of Baptist missionaries drawn by Lewis Bradley [New York, Active c.1840's-1850's] and engraved by J. C. McRae [John C. McRae, 1816-1892]. This was a domestic missionary movement, focused on slaves [the lowest in the right frame]; rural communities, and Native Americans [at the top of the right field]. 

The engraving is followed by a part-lithographed and part manuscript decorative award:

"This Certifies that, by the payment of Ten Dollars, Mrs. Hannah Smith, has been constituted a Member for Life of the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York. 

R. K. Ellenwood, Treasurer [Autograph]

D. G. Corey, President [Autograph]

John Smitzer, Secretary [Autograph]"

Still housed in original gilded frame, handled and nicely patinated. Charming. Some stains and handling as shown. A very rare survivor. 

11.5 x 16 inches.