USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 2
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Goldville is in the gold bearing region of northern Tallapoosa. It has had some good strong men, especially when the mines were being worked. One, W. H. Wom- ble, was a man of superior parts, and introduced the first temperance resolutions into the association. He was licenced to preach later. Two of his sons are useful Bap- - tests in Texas, and one of his daughters is the wife of J. M. Carroll, the beloved corresponding secretary of Texas until recently.
The new ministers added were J. D. Williams, A. Van Hoose, and P. H. Lundy. all ol Wetumpka. Asa M. Hutner, Jas. Jeter, and Robert Stewart were licentiates, A. Van Hoose was a strong man and well educated. He remained only a few years in Alabama and then returned to Georgia. He still lives in the Empire State, (1895) and has charge of a prosperous school at Gainesville, though now advanced in age. P. H. Lundy was for some years pastor in Wetumpka, and would probably have re- inained longer but for a sad family trouble. Ile continued to preach in the central part of the State until his death some twenty years since. He was a good preacher, well educated, and ot unquestioned piety.
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An additional district was formed this year; and correspondence inaintamed with the same bodies with which it had been opened before.
The spirit of the body in its outlook cver the field ot Christian effort is indicated hy a series ot resolutions, the most important of which embraced,
1. Approval of the Southern Baptist Convention and its work.
2. To forward the funds on hand to the Alabama Baptist State Convention, to be apphed to mission work within the associational bounds.
3. Asking the churches to report to next session whether or not they were wil- ling for the body to become a constituent member .. f the State Convention.
4. Recommending the members of the churches to take for information on mission subjects "The Southern Baptist Missionary journal, published by the Do- mestic Mission and Foreign Mission Boards of the Convention," at Richinond, Va. .
5. A hearty endorsement of a Southern Baptist Publication Society, and a re- commendation to the churches to make their pastors hfe members of it.
6. Recommended a ministers, and deacons' meeting to be held in Wetumpka on the and Sunday in April, 1848.
7. That the best way for parents to carry out the injunction " to train up their children in the nurture and admoninition of the Lord," is to bring them together in Sabbath schools for the study of the Holy Scriptures.
8. Recommending every church to meet every Sonday for religious worship.
12 9. Renewed recommendations of the work of Domestic Missions; strict Sab- bath observance ; and religious instruction of the slaves.
10. Appointed j. 1). Williams, W'm. Atkinson, and Jas. Jeter to visit churches in their bounds, and solicit them to unite with the body.
The following note from the minutes of Sunday's proceedings will show the spirit in which the sessiony of these times were held.
"SUNDAY, 11 A. M., ()ct. 17th 1847.
. Pursuant to a previous resolution the association convened with the church at Hill thee for celebration of the Lord's Supper. to www. however, of the deep state of feeling In the church and congregation, i' was ch trimmed to postpone the delight- tul privilege of celebrating our Savior's pission ani drath, and to engage in one united, fervent, and prayerful effort for the further ontpouring of the spirit, and the salvation of sinners. Accordingly, Elder A. Van Hoose addressed a large, attentive. and serious congregation, as we trust, in the power of Elijah's God ; and with the demonstration of His Holy Spirit. The stately steppings of God were seen in the sanctuary ; hit children had refreshings froin his presence, some that mourned in Zion were comforted ; and many, very many sinners were made to inquire in their hearts . men and brethren what shall we do.' Elder James Russell preached again at night, when a greatly increased interest was manifested in the church and among sinners, and was finally closed amid the joyous tears of saints, and the limentations of those who were not comforted because 'C'hrist was not forined in their souls the hope of glow.'
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The report of the committee on the "st ite of religion," was a model in its matter. diction and spirit, as illustrated by the following extract from it: Let your watch- word be onward, your aim cultivation of the whole field, and your end in view tn erect the standard of the cross in every valley and on every hill and mountain top through- out your geographical limits."
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Number received by baptism, 28 ; letter, 52 ; restored 1 ; dismissed by letter, 50 ; excluded : 4 dird. 3 ; total, 391. . Contributed for Domestic Missions $47.45.
1848.
This session was held with Friendship church embracing front Oct. 14th to 17th inclusive, 1848. The anniversary sermon was preached by Elder j. D. Williams from Rom. 10:13-15. The prayer at the opening of the business was led by J. M. Newman Elder Wilson was re-elected modertor, Bro, A. Hatchett was elected clerk, Bro. Mason not being present. He was never'a 'member of the association. Ifav- ·ing been made Chancellor for the Middle Chancery Division of Alabama, he removed to Tuskegee. He was a noble layman, full of faith and good works, and a man of superior intellect, as indicated by being made a chancellor, and subsequently speaker of the House of Representatives. Ile never lost interest in the Master's cause be- cause of his judicial and civic honors, but was in the religious gatherings of his brethren whenever he could be absent from his public duties. He served several terms as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. the wis a good worker and liberal contributor in his home church. His manners were genial and all that characterize a christian gentleman.
Five churches were added this year, all in Coosa county, Concord, Fellowship, . Poplar Springs. Flint Hitl or Salem, and Shiloh Concord was seven iniles south of
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Rocktord. It was a good church, and has had many good members, among them Hiram Bentley, Stephen Jackson, Jones Stephens, A. B. Garey, Frank Simms, Simeon and John Penton, Col. Austin, - Kincaid, G. W. Walker, J. C. Maxwell, Jas. Sand- lin, Jack Gilliland, and others.
The location and history of Fellowship is not remembered. Poplar Springs was a new church six miles north of Rockford. It afterwards had the largest membership of any church in the association. For a good while it ranked among the best churches of the body, but an unfortunate affair broke its peace 1878, causing a division from which it never recovered. Among its influential inembers may be named Elders J. M., Butler and J. R. Steeley, and Laynien J. A. I'ylant, John Chancellor, Joseph Mur- phy and his sons William and Mark, John A. Logan, A. Logan, Guy Smith, Danl. Thompson, Jas. Logan, and John Smith.
Flint Hill, afterward Salem, was six miles west of Rockford. It was never a strong church. Shiloh has already been noticed. Several of these churches came from the Mulberry. The new ministers added this year were Elders Joseph Bankston, G. W. Scoggin, J. R. Stecley, J. M. Butler, J. M. Buiser and J. W. Jeter, ordained this year. Four require special notice for their faithful work. Elder Joseph Bankston was a native Georgian, and entered the ministry in early life, and soon rose to local prominence. He had been moderator of the Western Association of Georgia, and a pre acher there until he reached the strength of his manhood. He came to Alabama soon after the removal of the Indians. He was for some years moderator of the Mul- berry Association. When Shiloh united with the Central Association, he being a member and pastor of the church, i: made him a member of the body. It was not long before he was made moderator, which place he held 14 years. He was a strong preacher, a good presiding officer, and was pastor of some of the best churches until about 80 years of age. He died at about 84, full of years and honors from his breth- ren. He sleeps in a much neglected cemetery on the banks of the Tallapoosa river. Near him sleeps another loved brother, in the same cemetery, Elder T. J. Russell, who also presided over the Centra; for six years.
Jas. M. Butler was deficient in education, and was not characterized by strength as an expounder of scripture, but his power in exhortation was remarkable but few ever having been his equal in Alabama. This wonderful gift, combined with strong personal magnetism, and a fine capacity to work his members in spheres for which they were adapted; and sustained by unquestioned piety, made him a successful pastor. He was quite a revivalist, and during the time of his ministry baptized more . persons than any other pastor of the time in his section. He has been known to drop into a meeting in a cultured community, where a meeting of days had been going on under the lead of some of our ablest ministers without much visible result, and under his first serinon, if it could so be called, a movement of wonderful power spring up. llvt owing to his modest opinions of his own efforts it would take much insistence to get hun into the pulpit under such circumstances. He died before he reached the prime of life.
J. R. Stecly was also a man of not much note as an expositor, but also possessed of fine gifts as an exhorter and in prayer. He also was permitted by God's blessings to burry in baptism with Jesus a very large number of behevers. He still lives, though opward of 80 years of age. He is poor, and not able to preach often now, but his brethren take pleasure in ministering to his wants.
J. W. Jeter, did not occupy much of his time as pastor, nor did he do a great deal of preaching. Ilut he was a man of mems, and his fine business sense way con-
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stantly brought under ir bute by his brethren and no one rendered any service- in his power more readily than Bro. Jeter, either for hi ; brethren or master. It was seldom he was absent from the meetings of church, or association, and was also found at the larger gatherings of the brethren. He wis mu the first ingeting and continued with the body until death released him in 1861.
. Correspondence was commenced this year with the Taskegre Association, and the association also, by vote, become a member of the Alabami Baptist State Convention.
There was an increased interest reported his year in Domestic Mission, by the committee on the state of Religions, and that contributions for the same linal been inade by most of the churches. They also expressed gratitude to the State Conven. tion for sending. Elder Jas. M. Russell to hibor in the bounds of the body : as also gratitude for the success that had attended his labors. The Convention was asked to continue him among them. They also sud that " while rejoicing in the interest taken in missions among the whites. we feel deeply the importance of devising some better means for the religious instruction of our colored population, and recommend em- playing a preacher to devote his whole time to their instruction ; visiting them with the permission of their masters, at their masters' houses; and where there were not meeting houses couvenien', they were advised to provide them for the colored people. A committee of five slive holders was appointed to take the mitter in charge 'and secure a pastor.
Poplar Springs, Flint Hill or Salem, Elkahatchie, Union, Harmony. Good Hope, ' and Bethlehem had been graciously revived ; while Concord, Fellowship, Shiloh, New Salem, Friendship. Illabee. Liberty, and Wetumpka complained'of coldness and barrenness. Some of the sister associations, especially the Alabama, were congratu- lated upon the success of their missions.
It was determined that the union meetings should decide where the associations should be held: and that they rotate, beginning with the first district, and embrace the ist Sunday in October.
W. 11. Womble offered a resolution that was adopted condeinmig making. selling, or using ardent spirits as a beverage. Elder MMsey F. Hunter died this year, and the . . body said his patience and piety would long be remembered, as also his meckness. Baptized 140: letter 157 ; restored 2 : dismissed 63: excluded 4: died 6; total 788. Contributions $111.20.
The fifth session was held with Union church, Oct. 6th, to 8th, 184.). Sermon hy J. Bankston, Jude 3. Owing to the death of Elder Wilson during the year, Kilder I lavid Culberson was appointed moderator pro ten.
Elder Wilson was a native of Georgia. His efforts largely stayed the tide of anti-missionisin in the split, and mainly guided the movements of the Missionary Baptists within these bounds in the early formative period. He was the first mover for the organization of an association-was its first moderator and remained continu- ously so until reheved by death, April 15th, 1849, at his home in Coosa county. The notice of his death in the minutes uses this expression. " Ilis labors among the churches were greatly blessed of God to the conversion of many souls ; and his praise is in all the churches."
The election for moderator resulted in the choice of Elder Joseph Bankston. 1. ": Suttle was elected clerk. Four churches, all located in ('oosa county, joined at this session, Mt. Zion, Bethel, Antioch, and Weognika. Mt. Zion was about ten miles
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east of Wetumpka, in a pretty lere! helt of pine land. It did not long survive the war. There were twn ordained ministers in this church, Joel Nickols and Robert. Stewart. They were men of fair prenching capacity, of good property, and who stood well with the brethren. They did not serve churches as pastors much of the time, Init were wise counselors among their brethren. Elder Nichols was advanced in life when he came into the association. He was baptized at old Flam church, near Mont- gomery, in 1834.
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llut little is known of Bethel. . Antioch was about twelve miles north of We- timpka, and was a good church. For a long while it had fright Skipper tor its pastor, Its leading members were David I.wwson, Joseph and Robert Rogers, Elijah Holtz- claw, - Collier, and -- Holifield. .
Weogufka was twelve miles northwest of Rockford, on the large creek of the same name. It came from the Mulberry to the Central. It was here that Dr. Dasil Manly. Sr. visited the association while acting as general missionary for the State .. For a while it was a strong church, and numbered among its members, Wm. M. Lindley, Win. Wilson, David Griffin, Win. Thompson, Sim Hughes, and three men who were the fathers of Gr children, viz : Evan Caffee 16, Benj. Callaway 21, and Robert Taylor 24. There were only four mothers for all these children.
Elders Williams. Colley, and Culberson did the pre iching on Sunday, and the notes say " that believers rejoiced, and sinners mourned and asked the prayers of God's people." This Bro. Culberson was the father of Hon. David Culberson so long and at present a distinguished member of congress from Texas, and grandfather to Chas. Culberson, the governor of Texas. Elder Joel Nickols was a new addition to ministry, and Robert Stewart had been ord:uned. They were hoth members of Mt. Zon. The licentiates were I. Holmes, E. T. Akin, W. Adkinson, T. II Wilson, and E. P. Spivey.
Elder Joseph Bankston had been under the joint employment of the association and Domestic Board as missionary for the year, and bis labors had been much blessed. It was decided by the body that the best way to provide for the religious interest of the slaves, was to assign them a part of the house used by the whites, at the same service with thein, and to furnish them with decent clothing to wear to church : and thas both enjoy the same opportunities. Favorable notice was made of the Alabama Baptist Advocate, a weekly paper published by A. W. Chamblis, Sr.
It was resolved that the best way to do mission work in their own destitution. was to purchase a home and form, and locate a missionary in the largest destitution, so that the missionary might become a resident among the people, and identified in interest with those among whom he labored ; and also be more with his family. . \ sufficient fund was raised to parchise one sach home, and E. T. Akin was located upon it in the northwestern part of the territory. Subsequently another home was purchased in the northern part, and T. 11. Wilson was located there. But he hved only a short while, and the body then gave the home to his widow.
The Southern Baptist Publication Society was highly commended ; and the asso- ciation the following year raised $50.00 to make Elder Joseph llankston a life director of it.
Baptisms 23%; letters 170; restored 6 : dismissed 198; excluded 20; died 9 ; total 1032. Contributions $260.44.
I. W. Sattle who was elected clerk this year, was the peer of any member of the body for usefulness to it. He came into it with Shilnh church, and continued with it until his death in 1884. Ile was among its wisest counselors and most liberal contributors.
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For twelve or more years lie presided over it. Ile was a man of native intellect and integrity of character. Born in 1808, he came with his father to Alabain tu 1818. Without education, except that self acquired after becoming a man, he was honored about 184) as county judge, and in 1850 as probate judge when the office was estab- lished. Ilis family have held official position in the county and association for nearly 40 years. At times every office in the association was filled by them at once.
1850.
The sixth meeting was held with Good Hope church from (ct. 5 to 7th, 1850. The sermon was preached hy Eller Joel Nickols from Is. 21:41. Three churches, Be- thesda, Shady Grove, and Rockford were added at this session. They were all new churches in Coosa county. Bethesda is one mile northwest from Brooksville. While it has never been a strong church, it has been useful, and has pulled steadily and quietly along. This church owes its origin and upbuilding to J. H. Colley and Bright Skipper. Its leading members were J. R. Cross, J. H. Willbanks, Ben Hodnett, W. (. Elhs, J. H. Cleveland. J. A. Suttle, Jas. Walst m, R. J. Simmons, John Conner, D). M. Harris, and 13. S. Martin. Sha fy Grote is six miles south of Rockford, and was binlt up principilly under the libors ot J. R. Stecley. It was never a strong church, but had some members who were faithful in their efforts to keep the church always in line with associational work. Its prominent menibers hive heen I .. Chadwick, C. J. Crew, W. Murchison, G. W. Bearden, W. Hand, Wade Bussey, S. R. Bullard, G. B. Allen, Wm. Allen, F. M. Allen, T. A. Kelley, and J. J. Grant.
Rockford was constitated this year, at the county sear, which had before this been destirute at laptist preaching. 1. W. Suttle having become judge of probate, got the few Baptists scattered around to come together and hold a meeting. J. M. Batler and J. Hankston preached. The meeting was a gracious one, and a church was con- stituted, the new converts baptized, and from then on, thought never large in numbers, or strong financially, the church has exerted as much influence as any one in the body. Newly all the while it has furnished some of the officers, and sometimes all of them, A house of worship was built soon after the constitution, Suttle furnishing mnost of it At this first meeting, J' S. Bentley and his wife were baptized, and for many years atter the removal of Judge Sattle, they were as parents to the church. F'rom this church has gone our men and women whose' power for good has heen largely felt in this and other States. The Wombles of Texas, Heutley, Brewer, and Shaffer all own this as their mother church. Some of its prominent menthers, hesides those named, have been and are William Chancellor, Danl. McDamel, the Tekels. J. 1 .. Gilder, N. l'. Mackey, J. A. Suttle, T. J. Pennington, J. F. Edwards, J. A. Welch, J. L. Watts, N. Hines, S. M. Suttle, T. S. McDonald, A. D. Bentley, W. T. Stewmau, Thos. John- son, II. Norrell, D. L. Mc.Vlister, I .. Johnson, J. C. Maxwell, Matt Lawson, and otliers.
The new minister was Bright Skipper. He was a wonderful man. Without early advantages, or any in fact, with some strong hesetments, barely able to read by spell- ing out his words when he commenced preaching ; by din: of application ; reading at every opportunity from hest writers at command ; by native intellect, good reasoning powers, and personal magnetismi, and God's grace, he became one of the best preach- ers in this part of the State. He never overcame the carly deficiency of education so but that it was manifest in pronunciation and grammer. Ilis vocabulary was good under the circumstances. llis thought, the clearness of his reasoning, his earnest- ness, and the unction accompanying his utterances made one forget his defects, as
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he bore the listener along irresistibly to his conclusions. This was not occasional, / but the rule., Cultivated men and women enjoyed his sermons as well as the common people. His pastorates were among the best churches. Besides Skipper, D. R. W. . Mclver and I. H. Wilson, were added to the list. Mciver was a finished, cultured gentleman, an able preacher, and good writer. He was pastor of the church at We- tumpka. The few years he was in the body, he took a leading part in nll its work, and a deep interest In its prosperity. The facts of his general history are unknown to the writer. Wilson preached but a year or two when he was taken away by death, Ile was a man of lovely disposition, gentle but firm, noted for piety, and much w.1y hoped of him.
- Bankston and 1. W. Suttle were re-elected moderator and clerk.
The correspondents were W. H. Womble, from Coosa River; Frank Callaway and Wm. Harrington, from Liberty ; Beni. Mott, S. 11. Toney, Drury Harrington, and W. W. Mason, from Tuskegee ; Hand from Mulberry: G. W. Davis, representing In- dian Mission ; and Platt Stout, ot the Southern laptist Publishing Society.
Sunday's services were conducted by Stout, Bankston, and Callaway. Collection $38.25. Christians were rejoicing, and sinners crying out for mercy.
Correspondents were returned to the Alabama, Liberty, Coosa River, Tuskegee, and Mulberry Associations. D. R. W. Melver, W. W. Waller, and J. 1). Williams, were appointed delegates to the State Convention. Hly request, a delegation consist- ing of J. Bankston, J. D. Williams, Joel Nickols, E. T. Akin, Robt. Stewart, Bright Skipper, and J. M. Butler, was appointed to assist in the formation of a new associa- tion, at Bethesda church, Autauga county, Saturday before 4th Sund wy in October. This meeting gave birth to the Unity.
W. C. Barnes was made treasurer, and held the place until 1860.
The cominittee on the State of Religion reported the spiritual condition of most of the churches good. The churches generally are supplied with pistors, 1, irge num. bers had been added to the churches.
A Minister's and Deacon's meeting was appointed for Friday before sth Sunday in June, 1851, at Shiloh, for the purpose of trying to bring about more umformity in faith, discipline, and contributions. And W. T. Ilatchett moved that ministers and deacons be requested to urge more liberal and systematic contributions to the benev- olent objects of the Hiptists ; and that the ministers preach to their churches on the subject.
The contributions amounted to $406.75, which finished paymg for the home of the missionary in the northwestern part ; and gave $130.00 toward the new purchase in northeastern part, nfter paying up other appropriations, $186 additional way pledged fot the purchase of the other home ; and $15.25 paid to Bro. Stout for South- ern Baptist Publication Society, making over $600.00 for the year. It is difficult in this early period to tell just whit was done as the work was not systematized as isnow the case in most working associations.
Baptized 134 ; letter 167; restored 2; dismissed 129 ; excluded 36; dead 6; total 1326.
CHAPTER 111.
Working l'eriod, Hrightness, energy, and utility now dominate for awhile.
The formative period has now passed, and the association enters upon a career of usefulness and enterprise that made her share the respect of the leaders of the
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Baptist hosts. From now on instead of struggling to get a footing that she might" stand, she proposed to lift high the royal banner, and press on to conquest.
1851.
The seventh session was held with Poplar Springs church, Oct. 4th, 1851. Ser- mon by B. Skipper, from I's, 133. New churches were Paint Creek, and Providence, Coosa county. and I'rovidence, Tallapoosa county. The new ministers were, II. 1. Harlan, and Joseph Hill.
l'oint Creek in the northwest of Coosa, was for some years a fair but rather weak church, situate i near the creek of the same nune. It never became prominent. The most prominent of its members were B. 1). Harrison, S. Bax'ey, D. Waldrop, and J. l'. Martin. It dissolved about 1857.
Porvidence, Coosa, was a pretty good church located near the Coosa River, some 12 or 15 miles southwest of Rockford. It is still in existence, but through unfortun- ate influences that have affected it and other churches, its usefulness has been handi- capped. Among its most prominent members have been W. J. Long, Henry Norrell, Isaiah and Thomas Holmes, Win. Connaway. T. J. Hull. M. J. Estis, J. P. Ingram, A. I. Clark, D. J. HoB, A. G. Rains, D. A. Harden.
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