USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 10
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Bro. Catt Smith made a real report upon the work of the Home Board as Max- well had upon the Foreign.
Bro. Upsnaw from State of Religion reported that the news generally indicated a gracious favoring of Zion, and moving forward in mission lines, but that in our own association the prospects were not so good.
Bro. Smith also submitted a real isport on State Missions, and urged the effort being made to try to raise the #222 asked of the association for State Work.
The Central Committee gave a despondent report. Seemed to think the spirit of Anti-mission prevailed to considerable extent from the failure of response on part of most of the churches. They had simply continued Bro. J. M. Johnson with the indefinite plan before pursued. They seemed ready to despair of doing anything on former plans. They now asked the Committee on Nominations to be authorized to nominate a Missionary for the association, and then the body to reject him unless they intend to sustain him suitably. If they vote approval they ask the inembers of the churches to secure a pledge from their churches at the first meeting as to what
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the church will do, and to report the action to the Central Committee by November so the Committee may know how to proceed. A motion then prevailed that J. S. Bently, J. C. Maxwell, and W. P. Ward be added to the Committee on nominations.
Bently, Pennington, and Norrell were made the Central Committee, and L. H. Hastie was nominated as Missionary Colporter.
By motion, a page of the Minutes was to be 'left as a memorial page to the . memory of Deacon I. W. Suttle, who dicd fune 6th, 1884. This ended the life of one who perhaps did more for the asseciation, nll tlungs considered, than any other member. .
A special committee consisting of J. S. Bently, F. M. Maxwell, Robert Christian, W. B. J. Stone, and W. P. Ward, was appointed to fix the salary of Bro. Hastie, When their reportcame up they recommended $50.00 per month ; commended him to State Board, and pledged the Board to sustain it in maintaining him in the Associa- tion as missionary and colporter, except two days in each month to be given Mace- donia church as pastor. .
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It was resolved to hold a meeting of the Central Committee at Rockford on Sat- urday betore the 4th Sabbath in October, and that Secretary 'f. M Bailey, and Bro. Hastie, with any others wishing to do so be asked to meet with them.
A good paper was read from the committee on Sunday schools, in which the sub- ject is well discussed. They show that the number of schools is increasing, hut many of the churches are without schools still. The report is signed by R. B. Smith, T. A. Kelley, and J. S. Bentley.
Bro. Johnson had labored 35 days successfully, and it was agreed to pay him at the rate agreed upon tor Bro. Hastie.
It was agreed upon motion of W. P. Waro, that the association meet on Wednes- day before the ist Sabbath of October next year This has since been the time of , meeting.
The circular letter took a new form, being from the messengers of the churches and pastors to the brethren at home, and was signed by moderator and clerk. It urged a falling into line harmoniously with the boards of the Southern llaptist Con- vention and that of the State; nnd a more general and liberal sustenance to them.
Five useful and good men had fallen by the hand of death this year, John Welch, L. M. Deloach, Stephen Jackson, Thos. McDonald, and I. W. Suttle.
"There were baptized 100 ; letter 70 ; restored etc. 19 : dismissed 77; excluded 54 ; died 21 ; total 2129. Contributions $251.15. Of this amount $37.55 was for foreign missions, the largest amount given in a long while for this cause, if not the largest to date. .
1885. .
The session lor 1885, the fist, was held with Antioch church, Sept. 30 to Oct. . 2nd, sermon by |. M. Johnson from Is. 52:13. There were no new churches. W. T. Stewman, and J. 11. Taylor were added to the ministry. 1 .. M. Hastie was clected moderator, and Martin and fennigton re-elected.
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The correspondents were T. M. Bailey, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer State Board, Geo. F. Brewer from Liberty, and Green Jeter from Morning Star. Brethren Win. Upshaw and Catt Smith were to preach to-night at . the church and Grange.
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A committee of seven, with the moderator as charman, was appointed to visit Mountain Springs during the year, and report the result of their labors at the next
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session. The committee was Hastie, Lowery, Looney, Stone, A. J. Smith, Blockers and M. E. Stone. J. W. Ledbetter was here for the first time, but he was afterward, one of the working members of the body. J. A. Harden had also been a useful man that has not been mentioned before.
At 11 o'clock the second day the body adjourned to hear a sermon from Bro. Brewer, which was favorably noticed in the minutes. He followed it with nn appeal for Foreign Missions and took a collection of $26.40.
Good reports on State Missions by J. S. Bentley and J. L. Jones ; Home Missions by Upshaw ; Foreign Missions by D. S. Martin were read, and discussed by Bro. Bailey in a thrilling speech, at the close of which he called for pledges and secured $520.00.
On Friday morning the report on Sabbath schools was made by Bro. Kelley, and the one on temperance by B. Il. Vickers. This was emphasized by an impressive speech from Bro. Upshaw, The committee on the State of Religion gave the most cheering report that had been made for years. It spoke of gracious revivals, repaired houses of worship, increased interest in, and a larger number of Sunday schools. This was signed by Hastie, Looney, ar.d W. B. J. Stone.
, l'ennington made a good report on Religious Literature, which was followed by speeches from Brethren Brewer and llailey, and 28 new subscribers were obtained for Alabama Baptist. At 11 o'clock the body adjourned to hear a soul stirring sermon from Bro. Bailev.
A committee consisting of Bentley, Jas. Walker, Smith, Bailey, and l'ennington, was appointed to examine the report of Bro. Hastie. They reported he had done. eight month's work, and was entitled to $400.og of the State Mission Funds.
J. M. Johnson took a collection of $10.00 to complete the I. W. Suttle Fund, which, with the profits in Hastie's hands made up the full $1oo. The same Central Committee was elected.
Alexander Logan ano'her old and useful member died this year. This session was the hest and most soul inspiring all things considered since the war. And could the impulse then given have been continued, the body would now be where she mighth rank, among the best in the State.
Baptized 123; by letter 89 ; restored etc., 19 ; dismissed 99 ; excluded 65 : died 23 ; total 2131. Contributions about $400.
1886.
The 42nd, session was held with wayside church from Sept. 19th, to Oct. Ist, 1886. Sermon by W. T. Stewman from Jno. 20:27 J. 1). Hughes was a new minister added to the list. Though without the advantages of education, God has greatly blessed his labors among the churches. Ilastie, Martin, and Pennington were re- elected.
The correspondents were from the Liberty, Brewer, Bledsoe, and J. F. Moss. Weogufka, Elias Kelley. Coosa River, J. D. Rentroe. Tallapoosa River, J. . Il. Norton, W. II. Crumpton Corresponding Secretary of State Mission Board. Renfroe represented the Alabama Baptist, of which he was editor. Our esteemed old brother and fellow laborer of the past, Jas. M. Russell of Texas was also present for the first time in 20 years.
Bro. Crumpton preached at night. After appointment ot Committees the asso- ciation adjourned until Thursday morning. A half hour was plesantly spent in devotional exercises led by Bro. Norton. The reports from the several Committees
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on Musslons were read and adopted. Pending the motion to adopt a telling speech was made by Bro. Crumpton.
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At [I A. M., the body adjourned to hear one of Renfroe's fine sermons from [ Pet. 2:5. .
The Central Committee In the afternoon session reported, stating that the re- moval of Bro. Bailey, Corresponding Secretary from Alabama had deranged business. and this disaster added to prevailing floods had deterred them from undertaking any work. But as the way was now open they proposed to unite with the East Liberty in the employment of Elder J. F. Bledsoe as joint Missionary Colporter for the two associations, each to take half his time, and work under the State Board. This arrangement was consummated very satisfactorily to the associations and State Board. He was reported the most efficient man in the State at the work.
Bro. Green Jeter was received from the Morning Star association. And corres- - pondence returned to it.
The reports on missions was further discussed by Brethren Brewer and Russell. Pledges to the amount of $255 were taken. A balance of more than $100 was still in Treasurer's hands.
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The third day Bro. Hughes preached in the morning at the house. Bro. Brewer presented earnestly the claims of Foreign Missions, and secured the promise front nine of the pastors present to take a collection for it at their first meeting with their churches, and forward to the Board.
The report on Sunday schools by J. L. Jones, was adopted after being discussed . by B. H. Young, Brewer, and Hastie.
That on Temperance by Catt Smith was discussed by Jas. Russell and Geo. W. Harrington.
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At 11 the body adjourned to listen to a sermon from our old father in the gospel, Jas. M. Russell. After the sermon, the body collected $29.55 for him as some ex- pression of appreciation for him.
J. If. Colley and C. M. Moore reported the State of Religion as equal to it not better than the year before. ·
W. P. Ward from Religious Literature made a strong appeal for Alabama Bap- tigt, especially since it is now conducted by Bro. Renfroe. He secured a good list of subscribers.
Cranford, Corley and Cooper from Finance Committee showed that the contri- butions were reasonably good.
The Central Committee was l'ennington., J. C. Maxwell, Cranford, and Bentley. Bro. Ed. Gandy took a collection for a house at Mt. Moriah, amounting to $17.35. The cominittees to report at next session were appointed, and the body adjourned after another pleasant session. One brother who had long been with the body, E. M: Devaughn, died this year. Two most excellent sisters had also been called home, Sisters P. Y. Thomas and Emily P. Gary. The latter was one of the true mothers in our Israel, the kindest of friends to all, especially to the sick and poor. She was the incarnation of an ideal woman.
Bro. Upshaw wrote a good circular letter on the "Relative duties of Pastors and Churches."
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Baptized 205 ; letter 92; restored and voucher 48; dismissed 120; excluded 54 ; died 24; total 2237. Contributions about $330.
1887.
The 43rd session was held at Union Springs Sept. 28 to 30th, 1887. J. F. Bled- ·
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From the minutes of this year it appears that the treasurer received for and paid to Bro. Russell $124.25. And the collections arranged for amounted in the ag- gregate lor the past year to $448.60. The cominittees were appointed, and the body adjourned until Thursday.
The report on State Missions was by Upshaw, who urged the association to re- spond promptly to the call of the Board as it would not be more than an average of 25 cents to each Diember. He wished the body to join the march forward that was going on in the State. 56 missionaries and colporters were employed. The commit- tee on ilome Missions had prepared no report. J. S. Bentley presented a good paper on Foreign Missions. The figures showing the work done did not appear in the re- port. The reports were discussed by Bledsoe, Stewman, Upshaw, and Cunibie ; and the cash and pledges for the work amounted to $276.45.
At 11 A. M., the body adjourned to hear Bro. Cumbie preach.
The report on Sabbath schools by R. B. Pruett was spoken toduring the evening, and again on the next day by Bledsoe, Harrington, Maxwell, and Martin It showed progress in Sunday school work.
The report on Temperance by l'enningto i was spoken to by Brethren Cumbie, Culpepper, Stewman, Harrington, Hughes, Martin, Looney, Kelley, Grant, Upshaw, and others.
Mt. Moriah was granted a letter to join the Weogufka Association.
The C'entral Committee reported the arrangement as having been consummated by which Bro. Bledsoe had acted as joint missionary colpoiler for this and the Liberty Association, His work had been highly satisfactory. It would be continued for the year to come. Ile had traveled 1203 miles ; preached 53 sermons ; delivered is ad- dresses ; sold books to the value of $301.37 ; and had given 123 days service.
The Finance Committee reported receipts of $344.85, Foreign Missions received of this amount $38.05.
The Central Committee was J. S. Bentley, J. C. Maxwell, Pennington and Craw- ford.
Baptized 118 ; letter 69 ; restored 21 ; dismissed 117: excluded 33 ; ched 21 , total 2371. Elder Bledsoe died suddenly before leaving the neighborhood. A good and useful man was lost to the denomination.
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1888.
The 44th, session was with Goodwater, Oct, 3rd, to 5th, 1888. Sermon by Hastic, 2 l'et. 3:18. Neither new churches or ministers. There was a re-election of the same officers.
C. S. Johnson preached at night.
The correspondents were Brewer, Baber, C. S. Johnson, Conger N. E. & J. R., M. M. Driver, W. R. Whatley. D. J. Thompson, J. P. Shaffer, Thos. B. Fargason, J.
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soe preached the serinon from Eph. 4:3 and 13. Catt Smith was the appointee, but was absent. The minutes say the sernion was edilying. No new churches. Elder R. A. J. Cumbee this year was added to the ministry by becoming a member of Al- exander City church. He had been with the association so much of late years that he was already at home. He had done much in building up the churches at Alex- ander City and Goodwater. Ife is a great revivalist, and has baptized more people, , perhaps, in East Alabama than any other one. '
The same officers were re-elected by acclamation. The correspondents were Ham, Steeley, Bledsoe, and G. A. G. Morris. The rule was suspended and the con- stitution so amended as to make ministers ex-officio members.
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J'. Hunter, G. L. Bell, C. H. Gilliland, J. R. Steeley, C. Smith, W. Wilkes, J. M. Fluker, C. W. Hare, G, B. Jeter (colored) nnd Sol Marberry (colored.)
At 11 A. M., the body adjourned to hear a sermon from Brewer.
'T'he reports upon the different Missions were read. On state by Cumbie ; Home, by Upshaw ; and Foreign, by C. M. Moore. These were discussed by Baber, Shaffer, Smith, Brewer, Fargason, Hare, Upshaw and others, and then adopted.
At night Bro. Shaffer, Financial Secretary of Howard College, addressed the body in the interest of that Institution, and raised in cash and pledges for it $79.85. J. S. Bentley read a good report on Religious Literature, and Hare spoke to „the' report.
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The Temperance report made by Stewman was strong and spoken to by Stew- man, Cumbie, Smith, Shaffer, Brewer, Wilkes, Johnson, nnd Hare. It was followed by a resolution asking the Legislature to use its best effort for prohibition in the State.
The report on Sabbath schools, by Pennington was good. It showed 15 schools existing among the churches ; 64 teachers ; 485 scholars; $33.79 expended for litera- ture. It was spoken to by Johnson and Whatley.
W. D. Smith in the report on Requests, called attention to the propriety of merging the District meetings, into sth Sunday meetings, showing the advantages to be gained. It was agreed to.
"The Finance Committee's report showed the receipt $418.06. A committee on apportionment had been appointed consisting of F. M. Maxwell, N. S. Stone, S. F. Thomas, O. P. Lowery, and W. B. J. Stone, and their apportionment aggregated from the churches $600.00.
The Executive Committee elected, consisted of J. S. Bentley, F. M. Maxwell, l'ennington, and Cranlord.
I'ne Central Committee's report showed that Bro. Bledsoe having died, an ar- rangement had been made between the Liberty Association and the Central, to con- tinue their joint work by employing Bro. T. B. Fargason, at a salary of $soo.oo, the Liberty to pay $300, the Central $200. The committee expressed their satisfaction with Bro. Fargason's work. He had served 253 days ; traveled 1797 miles ; preached 71 sermons ; sold books to the value of $391.35, and did an amount of other work. W. J. D. Upshaw was elected delegate to the Southern Baptist Convention.
J. D). Hughes from State of Religion, showed a good condition existing.
The circular letter by Bro. Bentley was full of good thoughts on our practical christian duties.
The death roll showed the loss of two brethren who had been active workers, D. M. Harris nnd J. C. Wall.
Baptized 175; letter 75 ; restored ete. 26 ; dismissed 136; excluded 36 ; died 20. Total 3271, showing a loss of just 100.
1889). -
The 45th session was held with Good Hope church fiom Oct and to 4th, 1889. The sermon way preached by Z. 1). Roby fromn ist Cor. 3:9. Two new churchey, New Providence, and Hollins were added. They nre both located near Goodwater. Hollins did not continue its existence long, for want of proper help in her infancy. New Providence still preserves its existence, and though weak has been a good ex. emplary body under the pastorate of Bro. Conger. New ministers, C. S. Johnson, W. R. Whatley, and A. C. Swindal. Each of these men are good and useful minis-
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ters. Bro. Johnson has devoted himself partly to teaching, but serving churches in connection. He is educated, a good educator, extensively read, and a good speaker. Bro. Whatley was first a lawyer, but abandoned the profession and a good practice in obedience to his convictions. He is studious, and successful; and noted for piety, and devotion to his convictions. Bro. Swindal has not had good educational advan- lages, but is full of zeal and consecration, which combined with his. natural advan- tages gives him useful strength.
The former officers were re-elected. The committees to report during the session were appointed : and the committee on preaching reported partially, and the body adjourned until Thursday, 3rd. Geo. Gregory way to preach at night at Eclectic, and F. F. Baber at the church.
The devotional exercises of the morning were conducted by W. R. Ivey. The correspondents were numerous, and from the Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Tuske- gee, Coosa River, Tallapoosa River and Morning Star associations.
The ministers among them, were Roby, F'argason, Ivey, Brewer, J. L. Thompson, Baber, Steeley, Gregory, Vickery, Horn, G. M. Harrington, and Green Jeter colored. J. G. Harris represented the Ministerial Board.
At 11 A. M. the body adjourned tor preaching by Bro. Brewer.
In the afternoon the report on Missions was called for, when Bro. Upshaw read a good report on State Missions. There being no report for the Home or Foreign Boards, Bro. Brewer was requested to read some extracts from the State Mission Board Annual. l'ending the motion to adopt, Bro. Harris being compelled to leave, business was suspended to enable him to talk upon Nhmisterial Education. He was followed by Brethren Ivey, Roby, and Thompson. A resolution was adopted de- claring the hearty sympathy of the body with education-both ministerial and secular.
Brethren appointed to preach at different times and places were Thompson, Pruitt, Hughes, Swindal, and Hastie.
Friday morning the first thing done, upon the suggestion of Bro. Roby, $50.00 of Home Mission fund was donated to Havana house. Bro. F. C. P'laister was re- ported as lahoring successlully among the colored preachers.
The discussion of Missions was resumed, when addresses were made by Baber, Ivey, Johnson, and Roby. The report was adopted. Pledges were taken for the ensunng year, when $453 50 in cash and pledges were raised.
Bro. Lett proposed to raise funds to send Bro. A. C. Swindal to Howard Col- lege; and $133 was raised. svo was raised for Bro. Steely, and $12.75 for Bro. J. H. Norton's widow.
The report of the Central Committee showed that Bro. Fargason had put in a good year's work, and had well earned his stipulated wages, as well as the gratitude of the brethren for his work. Ile had given 350 days service in the two associations. Had traveled 2464 miles. Ilad preached 85 sermons, besides addresses and much other work. 22 had united with the churches in connection with his labors. Ile had sold books to the value of $569.65.
The committee on Finance in its report made by Geo. W. Davis showed $413.13, besides amounts collected in the body. The report showed that Foreign Missions was getting more on the hearts of the body. The amount given lor it being $92.87, more than ever before.
The same Executive Committee was continued.
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The circular letter was by Bro. Upshaw, and urged to an awakening zeal in the Master's service.
One of the old hrethren of long connection with the association died this year, Bro. R. C. Goodgame. While many good sisters died, highly esteemed in their neighborhoods, two who were well known through the association because of their frequent attendance upon its meetings and their hearty interest in its affairs, made thein well known and loved-these were sisters Mary L. Pennington and Emma L. Stewman, They were daughters of J. S. Bentley, and granddaughters of I. W. Sut- tle, two men devotedly loved by the whole association. These sisters were compara. tively young, but circumstances had brought them into close relation with the church- es of Christ. They were devoted, hospitable, liberal and lovable ; and their death was felt to be a loss to the association as well as the church of their meinhership.
Baptized 107 ; letter 70 ; restored etc, 38 ; dismissed 146; excluded 45: died 24 : total 2345.
1890
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In its 46th, session the body met with the l'rovidence church, Coosa Co., Oct. Ist, 1890. Sernion by D. I. l'urser, Financial Secretary of Howard College, from 2 Tim. 1:12. The old officers were re-elected. The correspondents were Fargason, Steeley, Purser, and J. M. Kailin of Alabama Baptist. After appointment of com- mittees, and hearing the announcement that Geo. E. Mize would preach at 11 A. 3. tomorrow, the association adjourned. A. C. Swindal conducted devotional exercises in the morning of Thursday.
The reports on Missions were then read. State, by S. F. Thomas: Home, by Upshaw ; Foreign, by l'ennington. These were all good reports, showing what was being done, and that the amount spent for Foreign Missions was yielding better results than that expended at home. These were discussed by Purser and Fargason ; when they were deferred for the present to allow l'urser to present his work for Howard College. There being no report upon education, he discussed the subject upon general propositions, and then called for negotiable notes for the benefit . of the College, and secured them to the amount of $550, in three annual payments.
The ease with which larger amounts were promisd and larger collections inade. in the past few years showed how the benevolent sentiment was growing with the peo- ple, especially when compared with the larger amounts given hy other associations, hetter organized.
Hro. Mize preached at 11 o'clock.
In the afternoon the discussion upon Missions was resumed, by Brethren Up- shaw, Martin and others. The pledges amounted to $315. .
- Two new ministers appear on the roll, J. H. Calley and J. S. Jones. Jones promised much, but death cut him down at the threshold.
The report on Temperance by Jas. Walker, was spoken to by Norrell, J. H. Hickman, l'ennington, R. H. Gullege, Avant and Hastie.
In the report on the State of Religion, Bro. Hastie states that nothing has made more rapid advance in the United States than religion, and that our own state and as- sociation, are keeping abreast with the movement,
Bro. Hughes preached in the afternoon and a collection for Bro. Colley was tak- en amounting to $26.75.
A good report was read on Sabbath Schools by J. F. Edwards, and a resolution adopted to provide a comnuttee for the purpose of organizing a Sabbath School Con-
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vention to which the churches were requested to send messengers, the committee to fix the time and place for holding the first meeting. It was spoken to by Ruins, Up- . shaw, Pennington. Bryant and Jurman. The committee fixed Rockford as the place, Nov. 5th, Sunday as time, Ilastie as president, Upshaw vice president and Martin secretary. This meeting wis held according to appointinent. The attendance way small, but the interest was fine. The organization was not kept up. liad it been, doubtless much good would have been accomplished.
The report on Bible and Colportage Work was made by W. R. Miller; ond i was a good report. It showed the work of Bro. F'argason for the year. It was about the . sune as last year, with some increase in some points.
Hro. Ilastie preached at 11 o'clock. 1
The names of two young brethren appear in this minute for the first time, N. S. Walker, and A. 1). l'entley. The last named from this sime forward because a use- ful number of the body, and prominent in his county as Judge of I'robate, following in the steps of father and grandfather. The mantle of father and grand father seems to have fallen to hmn.
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