Perhaps they had not heard about the 13th amendment?

June 16, 1865: The baptist church of Christ at Ebenezer met in
conference. The Door of the church was opened for the reception
of members. The committee appointed to investigate the conduct
of the colored members of this church, reported a number of them
for going from their homes to the Yankey without the consent of
their owner. On Motion they were excluded from the fellowship of
the church. Moved and seconded the church elect two deacons at
our regular conference in September. Motion carried. Conference
then adjourned. Elder M. S. Shirk, Mo., W. H. Gunby, Ch. Clerk.