USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 4
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Rev. Z. G. Henderson, agent of Howard College, made a good and strong speech in its interest.
The association by resolution and preamble, acknowledged their action on Bible Revision as taken at a former sesslou In considerate and erroneous, and declared the brethren perfectly free, without censure, to contribute for the work.
The Southwestern Baptist, Home and Foreign Journal, Indian Advocate, and the Tennessee Baptist were commended to the brethren for patronage.
Williams and Melver were sent to the Southern Baptist Convention. This was the first time delegates had been appointed.
The same Board of Trustees were re-elected, and Pylant was continued as gen- eral agent.
The same Depository Board was re-elected, and the Depository continued at Rockford.
It was decided in the future to carry on Domestic work through the Board at Marlon. 1
It was made a rule at this session, that if a member left without permission be- fore adjournnient the name was to be erased from the roll.
Baptized 180; letter 227; restored 7 ; dismissed 240; excluded 61 ; dead 15 : total 2126. Contributions $$24.68.
1855.
The eleventh session was held with Rockford church, Oct. 6th, 1855. Sermon by Jas. Russell, from Ps. 22:30, and Matt. 24:34.
Bankston and Lindsey were re-elected. New churches Town Creek, ten miles north of Alexander City, and Spring Hill, Coosa county. H. G. Smith, a member of this church, was the new minister added. Among the prominent correspondents were
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Hugh Carmichael of the Liberty, Jesse A. Collins, and H. F. Talliaferro, of Coosa River, A. T. M. Handy, Samt. Henderson, and Z. G. Henderson of the Tuskegee, B. 11. Smith, J. R. Sorter, and J. Parrish of Unity.
J. A. Collins was agent of Domestic Mission Board, and F. M. Law of Alabama Baptist Bible Board.
Those who preached Saturday night and Sunday were Carmichael, Colley, Wil- liams, S. Henderson, B. B. Smith, and J. M. Russell to the blacks.
The report of the Board of Trustees was read and referred to a special commit- tre consisting of 1. W. Suttle, G. M. Gamble, W. H. Womble. and Geo. F. Brewer. This was necessary for the work had not yet opened in the school, as had been ex- pected, for the building was not completed for want of funds. No special effort had been made to increase the subscription by the agent, acting under direction of the trustees, because of the stringency of money. The work had made progress, how- ever, by the trustees becoming personally responsible for $2,700, and the building "was now nearly completed. When the special committee reported, they commended the course the trustees had pursued,and the association adopted the report, which also recommended for patronage the Fast Alabama Female College.
W. C. Barnes from committee on Documents and Requests reported that New Salein, or Goldville, New Hope, and Providence churches of Tallapoosa county, de- sired letters, wishing to unite with other churches contiguous in forming a new asso- Mation. This was subsequently done, and the Carey was the result. He also called attention to the discussion going on in the Southwestern Baptist between Revs. Saml. Henderson and F. J. Hamd! as to the nature and tendencies of methodismn. "The association, by his recommendation and that of the committee, requested its pubhca tion in book form, and appointed Barnes, Brewer, and Smoot a committee to solicit subscriptions to the hook when published. The Southwestern Baptist, and Home and Foreign Mission Journal were recommended. Bro. Henderson was allowed to present the claims of the paper and take subscriptions.
The superintendent of Book Depository reported that little had been done. Most of the supplies sent out for colportage had remained unpaid for. He advised that the small suin due from J. M. Butler, deceased, be donated to his family. He suggested that it would be better to turn over the assets to the State Depository.
J. M. Russell made the first real report on missions of the Southern Baptist Con- vention. The preceding ones had been rather essays on Christian duty to missions. This was a report of what was being done, and gave details of the work. Ile noted that " Indian Missions " had been placed in the hands of the Domestic Mission Board.
The report on Bible and Pubhcation Cause, by Williams, brought no new matter to light, bat reiterated and emphasized what hid before been said. The report on Ministerial Education by Smoot was a strong one, showing the great need of at least a part of the ministry being well educated, and all to possess as much learning and knowledge as could be obtained. He strongly recommended lloward College and our own opening school. He also recommended the continuance of colportage as being educational in its results, and highly helpful to such as could not attend the schools.
A beautiful report, or paper, was read by Bro. Stecley on Indian Missions; and showed that the work among them was moving on finely. 1. W. Suttle from Com- mittee on Sunday Schools, reported that a number of the churches had Sunday schools, and that where they existed the moral tone of the young was improved. He
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announced in the report that Rev. J. M. Butler, the appointed chairman of the com- mittee, had died during the year, and had thus ended a beautiful and useful life.
E. T. Akins reported from the Temperance Committee that some of the churches had taken a high and firm stand on the subject of drinking intoxicants, and their course was exerting a healthful influence around them.
A clear and strong appeal was read before the body, prepared by J. D. Williams, representing the Foreign' Board, and Jesse A. Collins, representing the Domestie Mission Board, urging to intenser interest and larger contributions to the missions of . the convention. They recommended an effort to be made and pressed until it shall become a regular custom to have District inass meetings for three days, covering Christmas holidays, devoted to prayer, talks, songs, and other religious exercises to awaken interest in missions ; and to turn the period from the wretchedly abused per- version of the present, to something more in consonance with the purported object of its celebration. A collection was taken after the reading, amounting to $40.25 for Indian Musions; and to other inissions $139.80 ; and $33.00 to Bro. Law tor Alabama Baptist Bible Society. 1
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The Board of Trustees were, Joseph Bankston, president ; A. B. Callaway, secre- tary; W. C. Barnes, treasurer; and J. W. Jeter, A. T. Maxwell, P. MeKinney, Richard Smoot, J. D. Letcher, I). W. Bozeman, J. A. Pylant, W. M, Lindsey, F. F. Wood, and Owen Swindal.
Depository Board, I. W Suttle, W. II. Womble, and Geo. K. Brewer.
Baptized 168 ; letter 172; restored 17; dismissed 196; excluded 37; died 14 ; total 2157, but deducung the withdrawing churches left 1955. Contributions $357.50.
Neither Town Creek or Spring Hill which joined at this session ever becanie strong. They lived a feeble life for a few years, and then went out. Bro. Smith way a man of strong native mind, and some education and magnetism. His character- istics were rather ruggedness than roundness or smoothness.
1856.
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The 12th session was held with F'riendship church, on the 4th of October, 1856. Sermon hy J. Bankston, from Kom. 12:4. 5. The opening prayer after recess, was by A. I'. Holmes, and the letters read by J. W. Bozeman and A. T. Maxwell. No new churches. New ministers J. W. Jeter, Y. D. Harrington, and W. T. Rogers, (ordained this year,) and A T'. Holmes, Platt Stout, and B. T. Smith. Lioentiates D. Harring- ton, Charles Gregory, and W. H. Womble. Bankston was re-elected moderator, and Geo. E. Brewer elerk.
The association had been a strong body for two or three years, and had now reached the zenith of her power and influence, which it continued to hold until the war's desolating influences brought down its resources and men, and with them much of its power. This session will be more fully reported than others have been, that the make up of the body, the transactions of business, and the personell ot it niay be better understood by those unfamiliar with the period.
There were present at this session as ministers of the body, Bankston, B. Skip. per, J. M. Russell, Jeter, A. T. Holmes, Nickols, I'latt Stout, and J. R. Sterley. The visiting ministers were Hugh Carmichael, J. M. Newman, J. J. Bullington, Oliver Welch, Russell Hollman, and H. L. Harlan. Prof. H. H. Bacon of East Alabama Female College was also present.
There was in the association at this time quite a number of strong, intelligent. and influential laymen, wno for some years preceding and following helped largely to
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make the association the strong body It became,' Of these there were present A. H. Kendrick, Rigdon Edwards, Asa Little, A. T. Maxwell, Jas. Walker, Patrick Mc- Kinney, Robt. Goodgaine, W. H. Thomas, John Coffman, John Benton, Seaborn J. Jackson, Isaac Smith, Jacob Moon, J. W. Bullard, David Conner, J. Smith, L. Thomas, W. C. Barnes, J. D. Letcher, A. B. Callaway, J. W. Bozem in, F. M. Letcher, W. M. Lindsey, Nathan Jester, J. R. Cross, J. H. Cleveland, J. A. Suttle. Levl Justice, Stephen Jackson, A. B. Garey, Jones Stephens, L. Chadwick, C. J. Crew, G. B. Allen, E. R. Smith, J. Johnson, Jas. L. and Joseph W. Rogers, F. W. Tunmerman, J. N. Garrett, M. Joiner, Richard Smoot, Evan Calfee, D. A. Griffin, Sim. Hughes, Benj. Callaway, Abel Lewis, Guy Smith, J. A. Pylant, Geo. Ellis, I. W. Suttle, Geo. E. Brewer, J. I .. Gilder, Win. Conaway. Henry Norrell, J. W. Boatright, W. C. Brown, Adkin Corley, E. Lambert, and J. R. Morris. Among those not present now, but equally useful and influential, were E. Conger, G. W. Burke, Aaron Harlan, S. J. Thomas, Reuben Maxwell as also Frank and Willis, Lennard Marberry, C. L. Walker, H. Thomas, F. F. Wood, O. Swindal, Wm. Reeves, M. Ray, Stephen Ray, G. W. Willbanks, and J. H., Hiram Bently, John S. Bentley, W. G. MeWilliams, A. G. Due, W. Price, W. Il. Womble, Isaac Jones, Wm. Chancellor, John Chancellor, J. D. Mur- phy, Hardy Jones, Moses Hollingshead, David Lawson, E. Pinson, J. T. P. Christian, Jas, Sandlin, E. J. Wommack, A. J. Terrell, J. H. Norton, J. R. Morris, L. W. Press ley, A. J. Smith, W. B. J. Stone, Richard Looney, Wm. Adkins, Wm. Allen, G. B. Al- len, A. Logan, John A. Logan, Jas. Hart, Win. Justice, A. W. Colley, H. Meadows, W. T. Hatchett, A. Hatchett, E. Holtzclaw, D. J. Thompson, Wm. Jennings, Jax. Willis, F. M. Allen, and N. Tekell, At a later day another set of young men came and took the places of those.
Carmichael preached at night, A. L. Holmes at 9 A. M., B. Skipper at 11 A. M., Russell Hollman at 3 P. M., and Oliver Welch at night. All the serions were good, and the missionary sermon by Skipper received encomiums on every "and.
J. W. Bozeman and F. M. Letcher were appointed to assist the clerk in making a digest of the letters. Geo. F. Brewer, who was this year made clerk, and held that or the moderator's place in the body until removing to East Alabama, was a young man who joined the church at Rockford under the pastorate of J. M. Butler in 1854. The next year he was a delegate front Rockford, and has always been a member when in the bounds, and an almost regular visitor when out of them. He was at this time County Superintendent of Education. The next year he was elected to the Ilouse of Representatives, and in 1859 to the Senate. In 1860 he yielded to the impressions to preach; and gave up political life, unless holding the position of Adjutant and In- spector General of the State for 1866 be an exception. When ordained in the fall of 1860, he was called to the care of Wetumpka church for two Sundays. The other two were given to Concord and Poplar Springs. Ilis ministerial work was interrupted hy his going to the army in Feb. 1862. In 1867 he returned fully to the work of the min- istry, and has since had all his tune occupied in the Central, or East Alabama. Ile has had the confidence and esteem of his brethren, and rarely fails to be called upon to preach at the general gatherings of his people. In his ministry he has had two . good church buildings erected; rix repaired and improved, and a good pastor's home built, and helped three churches lift a burdensome debt. He has been moderately successful in gathering new recruits, but seems better adapted to indoctrinate, and stunulate to liberality.
A. T. Holmes was fromn Cuthbert, Ga., and was the president of the Central In- . stitute. Ile was a finished scholarly man, of polished address, Ilis sermons were
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well prepared and delivered. He was highly esteemed the few years he was in the association. He returned to Georgia when he left the Institute, and still holds a good place in the estcem of Georgia Baptists.
James Russell was a strong and good preacher, and was a power for good thorough the many years he was with the association. No man perhaps had so much to do with shaping the course of the body. Platt Stout was an educated man, pure minded and Godly, and was a courtly Christian gentleman. He was a good preacher, a wise counselor, and reliable in all respects. But his crowning glory was the purity, refinement, and gentleness of his exalted Christian character, blended with a firm, but gentle unswerving fidelity to his convictions of right. J. J. Bullington was compara- tively a young preacher, but he had already taken rank with the preachers of marked ability. He was at this time County Superintendent of Talladega, noted then for the number of leading men politically and legally who resided in it, men of wide repute ; , and also noted for i's educational institutions. He remained an able preacher, con- stantly growing until his death about the close of the war. He was also a good pas- tor, a pure Christian, and fast friend. Hugh Carinichael was at this time in the prime of his manhood, and was a fine preacher, well educated, instructive, and possessing fine hortative power. He was nervous, lilled with zeal, but tempered by wisdom and upheld with strength. He lived to a good age, and died in Chambers county, hav- ing spent most of his active years after the war in Georgia.
Oliver Welch was a fine old Virginia gentleman of wealth, education, refinement, and piety. He delighted to be with his brethren, and his conversation was almost ** always seasoned with scriptural allusions, or a strong vein of religious sentiment. His little pocket Testament was always with him, and though the Word was well writ- ten in the old man's mind, if need called for it, out came the little book and settled the point at issue. Though he came to Talladega among the Indians, in 1834, he never lost the polish of refined Virginia society. The Lawlers ind Reynolds of Tal- ladega were of his family.
. B. T. Smith was professor of mathematics and chemistry in the Central Institute, He was also a practicing physician. He was a good preacher, a clear reasoner, and good writer. He remained in the association uirtil sometime after the war, when he removed to West Point, where he died only a few years since. I'wo of his sons are prominent inerchants and farmers ol Chambers County.
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The report of the Board of Trustees was the first general subject of interest. They reported that they had secured the services of Rev. A. T. Holmes of Cuthbert, Ga., as president of the Institute for five years from 23rd of January, 1856. He was to have the property free of charge, and was to make the school what was contem- plated by the body in its origin. He was obligated to return the property at the end of the lease in as good condition as when received, the wear of age excepted. He was also to keep a corps of good teachers. They reported that to date he had more than met their expectations, and that now they felt that the fond wishes and hopes of the brethren had fructified, so that the Institute was equal to any of like grade any- where. Expenses had been reduced to the minimum. Tuition was $40, $32, $24 or $16 per session of two terms. Board, including everything, $10.00 per month. The expense of the building and agent was $9058.23. There had been purchased a good $500 apparatus for $333. There was a debt on the institution of $4000, but assets thought to be worth about $2000 In collectible subscriptions. Funds were needed for beautifying and enclosing the grounds. The patronage was such in promise that it would require more buildings to accommodate it. Special correspondence was opened
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for securing help. and inviting co-operation from the Tuskegee, Alabama, Coosa River, Liberty, Unity, Arbacoochie, and Carey associations.
The report of A. T. Ilolmes, principal, to the Trustees was submitted in connec- tion with their report. This shoved the number for first terin to be 52 pupils. The and term to. One pupil, Julius Norton of Montgomery had died, Prote. P. Savage and B. T. Smith were the assistant teachers. More apparatus was reported as nec- essary. A bell was needed. Some few books had been contributed as a nucleus of a Library, a thing needed also for the school.
Business was suspended for special prayer to God for his blessings upon the in- stitute. The prayer wus led by Elder Bankston. A very fine report on Ministerial Education was made from a committee of W. C. Barnes, J. D). Letcher, and J. M. Russell. There were two heads to it. ist the nature of the education neede:i, and the kind demanded by the denomination. 2nd The means by which the demand may be supplied. It was argued that we needed some thoroughly educated men to meet the scholarship of the world and our opponents, and the foes of the Bihle. We needed also a large number of men with a good common and English education, For the first class we need but one great school for the Southern Bapti.ts. For the second we need a number of colleges such as Howard and institutions like our own C'entral. This demand could be met by endowing our colleges and high schools, and endowing a Theological Chan in each. Griffin, Suttle, and G. Smith were appointed to fill blanks in report of Board of Trustees.
J. W. Jeter stated that he was the only member of the committee on Missions of Southern Baptist Convention present, and that he was not prepared with a report. Bro. Stout moved the addition of A. T. Maxwell and A. B. Callaway to the commit- tee, which was done. . -
William Chancellor made the report on Temperance, setting forth that a low type of temperance sentiment prevailed in many churches. That too much of a habit was indulged in by many in visiting grogshops, mingling, treating and drinking with the drunken. The report elicited consklerable discussion. Some sentences were re- garded as too strong, while others thought they were fair utterances of truth. Kussell, Carmichael, Stout and Skipper took prominent parts in the discussions. A resolu-, tion attached and some few sentences were stricken out
A. T. Holmes from the committee on Southern Baptist l'ublication Society re- ported the condition of the world as such as to awaken emotions truly sublune. Science and arts were making astounding development, knowledge was being widely diffused among the masses : the nations of the earth are agitated : kings tremble upon their thrones : the world is approaching a tremendous crisis ; and our own Southland lay in the track of a tornado that threatened to bury it in destruction. There was a divine conservative power which could arrest and shape the tempest, and that power is the religion of the Bible. Any other hope is vain. That power can be utilized by the preached and printed word. Therefore the need of qualified preachers, and the Publication Society to furnish the printed page. To enable the society to perform the work, more funds are needed. Reliable pledges have been secured, that by June 1857 will add $20,000, thus making a capital stock of $40,000, hut at least $50,000 arc needed. The managers have on hand a plan for furnishing an approved catechism for the oral instruction of the colored people. Also a plan for furnishing a $10.00 library for poor ministers. The associations are asked to co-operate with them, and we ought to do so. Two resolutions were appended, viz :
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"1. That the Southern Baptist Publication Society is worthy of the co-operation, confidence, and support of the entire Baptist family South.
"2. That it is the interest and doty of Southern Baptists to sustain and enlarge its operations."
The Committee on Nominations consisting of Platt Stout, 1). A. Griffin, and R. Edwards, named for preaching Introductory Sermon, A. T. Holmes, with J. Nickols alternate ; J. M. Russell, missionary sermon, J. 1). Williams alternate. Board of Trus- tees, J. Bankston, W. M. Lindsey, W. C. Barnes, J. W. Jeter, A. T. Maxwell, A. B. . Callaway, I'. Mckinney, Richard Smoot, J. D. Letcher, D). W. Bozeman, J. A. Pylant, F. F. Wood, and Owen Swindal.
A committee consisting of Stout, Steeley, Suttle, Smoot, Cross, Russell, Barnes, and Letcher opon recommendations from report of trustees and ministerial education, s ggested the names of the associations before given, which should be asked to co- operate in furnishing the Institute with the needed facilities for making it un institu- tion which will command patronage from the whole State. It and the Talladega Baptist Institute were recommended as deserving schools for patronage by the Bap- tists for their sons ; and the East Alabama Female Institute at Tuskegee, and the La- Fayette Female Institute as worthy places for their daughters. They also recom- mended the appointment of a suitable agent to canvass the State for funds and pat- ronage.
Bro. Newman of the Tuskegee proposed to be one of twenty who would pay $1, ooo hy the next session of the association for the Institute.
Bro. Suttle asked for a committee to examine the report of the Depository Board, upon which was appointed D. A. Griffin, Guy Smith, A. Little, and W. C. Barnes. Their report was briefly as follows : " We find in the hands of the superintendent $95-58 cash ; in hands of J. A. Pylant $16.20 ; F. T, Akins $31.67: A. W. Bullard $0.92; Jas. W. Bullard $1.954 J. R. Stecley $11.16 ; J. H. Colley $1.29 ; books on hand $50.00 ; subscription of 1854 $87.52 : total $297.07. Your committee helieve that the Book Depository has accomplished about all that it can do at Rockford ; and we therefore recommend that the funds and books be turned over to the State Deposi- tory, or the Executive Committee to he used in our bounds as recommended at last session.
By motion of 1. M. Russell, printing the digest of the letters was dispensed with, ' and the churches requested to give with their letters to the next session, a short his- tory of the church; who have served them as deacons and pastors ; incidents con- nected with the origin and history, etc., so as to furnish material for the history of the association. To accomplish the publication with the minutes the churches were asked to enlarge their minute funds.
The report on Missions of Southern Baptist Convention, made by A. T. Ilolmes, chairman, was a fine paper. He showed that the Lord gave us the world as our field of labor. The Convention recognized it hy organizing a Board for Home work, and one for Foreign Work. The Home Work was confined to some destitutions in the South, and the evangelization of the Indians in some of their tribes by Buckner, Murrow and others. The Foreign Work as yet embraced only the missions in China and Africa. This was but a slight attestation that we recognized our obligations. The questions put in the report were pertinent and striking. " Are we doing all we can for those who have not the gospel, whether at home or abroad? What have we done? What are we doing? Are our sympathies enlisted as they should be? Are we realizing our obligation ? Are the missions of the Southern Baptist Convention
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sostained by us as faithful stewards in the service of the Great Head of the church ? Do the names of Bowen, Clarke, Priest, Buckner, etc., when soonded in connection with their respective missions excite within us those emotions, which our relation to . them and our common master would natur illy produce ? If Paul was debtor to the Greek and the Barbarian, becaus: Christ had saved him by his grace, certainly we are dehors for the same reason to the destitote, the benighted, and the lost in every land."
The report of Bro. Stout from a committee to draft a plain for ministerial educa- tion is given in full. "In regard to a Southern Theological College, your committee sympathize with the action of the late committee, and would hope that at their ad- journed meeting to be held at Louisville, Ky., next May, that the body may devise a comprehensive practical plan that will unite the denomination In the South in building up such an institution as should meet our wants,
" Your committee are deeply impressed with the importance of having the theol- ogical department of Howard College speedily placed in a condition to meet the wants and wishes of our churches, in the education of our young men called of God to the gospel ministry, who, in providence, may be permitted to avall themselves of the advantages of the middle course of education suggested in the report.
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