USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 6
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The report of the Board of Trustees was referred to a special conmivittee con. sisting of Suttle, T. J. Russell, W. T. Hatchett, W. G. McWilliams, and Jas, Walker, The committee subsequently reported hack that submitted to them by the trustees. This showed that I'rof. P. Carter had leased the Institute for five years, and had as- Nociated Prof. Andrew Goddard with him. The school had grown in interest. l'rof. Carter had resigned, and the resignation was accepted. The trustees had committed the school to Prof, Goddard, and were well pleased with his administration, believing he would meet the demand, and give efficiency to the schoul. Ile was one of us, and had a local interest. The Female Academy was doing well under the management of Miss Funma (:, Mason, Elder Stout had heen appointed agent for the Institution, but circunstances had prevented his traveling to any extent, and comparatively noth- ing had been done to relieve the financial embarrassment. The notes had been ex- . tended to January 1860, when they must he paid. They amounted to $4, 200. There were on hand only about $500 in solvent notes. They asked the body if they would raise the money to lift the debt froin them, or inust the trustees, to secure themselves, suffer the loss of the property to the association ?
F. T. Aekin in the report on the State of Religion showed there had been quite an improvement in additions-a deep tone of piety-a better acquaintance with the doctrines of salvation-and greater zeal in the work of the Master-and more sympa- thy for the lost.
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Bro. Stout made a long and good report upon the general subject of education, and then dwelt especially upon the need of an educated ministry, not educated for the ministry, but being called of God, educated better to prepare him to do the work to which God had called.
The report of the Executive Committee was highly gratifying. They with the Tuskegee Association had jointly employed Deacon J. A. Pylant as colporter for eight working months at $500.00. He had most satisfactorily done his work. He had yold of Bibles, books etc., 1862 volmes, worth $1,064.97. His prase was in all the churches. He had stimulated the organization of a good many Sunday schools, and given a fresh impetus in several directions. The committee had given the $50.00 in theological works donated by the Emporium to the association, in lots of $5.00 each to Brethren Akins, Stecley, Timinerinan, Harrington, Colley, McDermid, Isaiah Itolines, J. H. Norton, and Brewer. There was still $45.00 worth there to the credit of the association. The association never had such a satisfactory year in its col- porter work. The Board owed nothing, and had increased its capital $63.17.
Baptized 214 ; letter 203 ; restored 23 : voucher and watchcare to : dismissed 240 ; . excluded 46; died 14 ; total 2289. Contributions about $300.00.
1860.
The sixteenth session was held with Shiloah church from Tuesday Oct. 2nd to Friday 5th, 1860. The sermon was preached by 'I'. J. Russell from Jno. 13:35. T. J. Russell was elected moderator and Geo. E. Brewer re-elected clerk. No new churches, The new ministers were A. G. Rains from Cary, and G. W. Bearden and J. H. Norton, newley ordained. Rains was a young man and promised to be quite useful, and for a fev years took a prominent stand in the ininistry. But taking up the views of J. R. Graves, in after years, on the restricted communion, confining the participants to the members of the local church, and following largely to the logical deductions flowing from it, he lost companionship to a good extent with his breihren, and finally became almost a recluse. Bearden was a good man, but without education, and largely de- void of strength of intellect to supply the deficiency, he never became prominent. Norton was a young man who developed into a man of fair local influence. He died some years ago near Notasulga, Ala.
"The corresponding visitors were S. A. Creath, J. J. Bullington, S. Henderson, W. W. Mason, and 1 .. McDonald. Creath represented the Foreign Mission Board, Henderson the Southwestern Baptist, and Stout, Bullington, and Jas, Russell the Fast Alabama Convention.
B. T. Smith read a well prepared circular letter based upon Kom. 8:28-30. A re- cess was taken at It A. M., and Sinith preached froin the theme " The Covenant of Redemption is the only true ground of hope for success in missionary enterprise. " A collection of $20.00 was taken.
The report of Board of Trustees was subinitted, and referred to Jas. Russell, B. Skipper, A. 11. Kendrick, Wm. Adkins, and S. Hughes, The committee reported back subsequently that the agents appointed at the last session failed to raise the needed funds by the time specified. The debt had to be paid. It was resolved to sell the property. Extensive notice was given, and on the ist Monday in February, 1860, the property was sold to the highest bidder, Thos. C. Hragg, for $4,025. This with what funds could be commanded would liquidate the debt, or so nearly so, that the Trustees would present the matter no more. . This was to be a final report. They thanked the body fer the confidence and courtesy extended them, They recom.
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mended that as the Female school was not of sufficient magnitude to engage the at tention of the body, recommended its donation to a local board, who could make It effective as a local institution. The recommendation was adopted.
. The church at Wetumpka, in her letter, called attention to the fact, that with in- creased numbers and means the body was dolng less for missions than in her earlier years, and asked the churches to begin a better course.
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The association took steps toward providing for the salary of Bro. Steeley who had been employed by the East Alabama Conventio , as missionary, but who was unpaid. His labors had been principally in the association, $60.00 was raised, and $40.00 sent for Domestic Missions were paid him then.
The Executive Committee's report showed that only Wetumpka church with $30.00, and Rockford with $10.00 had responded to the call for funds to employ a colporter, so none had been employed.
The mutterings of the coming storm of war had already sounded in the distance, and Bro. E. Holtzclaw's resolution was adopted, setting apart Friday before the 1st Sabbath in November as a day of prayer, humiliation, and fasting to Almighty God, deprecating his wrath, and invoking his favor and blessings upon the Union.
A committee had been appointed the year before to report the best mneans for raising missionary funds. They were not ready with the report, and Bro. A. T. Maxwell was added to the committee.
Bro. Stout offered resolutions urging the churches to meet every Sunday for worship, whether they had a preacher or not, and urging every church to have a Sun- day school.
Baptized 210 ; letter 186 ; restored 23 ; dismissed 282 ; excluded 43 ; dead 15; to- tal 2338. Contributions $308.10. A financial depression had prevailed from 1857, which had much to do with the loss of the Institute, and reduced contributions.
1861.
The seventeenth session was held with Concord church Oct. 5 to 8th, 1864. The war had commenced, and many had gone to the army, among them Bro. Rains, who had been appointed to preach the serinon. In his absence Bro. M. T. Sumner preached from 1 Kings 19:13. No new churches. Ridge Grove had merged with Salem. The new ministers were Geo. E. Brewer, (ordained the year betore, and pas- tor of the church with which the body was in session, and also of Wetumpka and Poplar Springs,) M. W. Reagan, and E. G. Foster. Brethren Reagan and Foster were not with the body long enough to impress themselves upon its history. Russell and Brewer were re-elected as moderator and clerk.
Corresponding visitors present were S. A. Creath of the Foreign Mission Board, M. T. Sumner of Domestic Mission Board, W. C. Davidson, brethren Shearer and Ray from the Unity.
Bro. Jas. Russell read the circular letter, and his theme was the Lord's Supper. It was a good paper. In view of the surroundings, upon motion of Bro. Brewer, it was determined to open with a half hour of prayer service each session.
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The preaching was on Saturday night by Jas. Russell; at 10 A. M. Sunday, S. A. Creath ; 11 A. M. Geo. E. Ilrewer ; 3 r. M. M. T. Suinner. Reagan was to preach at 11, Monday, and Akins at 3 P. M.
Bro. Summer spoke to Domestic Missions, and secured $189.45 in cash and pledges. Bro. Creath spoke to Foreign Missions and secured $99.25 in cash and pleuges.
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The committee on redistricting the association, through Brewer, chairman, recom- mended establishing permanent boundaries so as to avoid special action in locating each church, and suggested the lines between Townshipy 21 and z2, and Ranges 19 and 20. The recommendation was adopted.
A suitable report was made upon the death of our beloved and useful brother, J. W. Jeter, from the committee composed of Jas. Russell, B. Skipper, and R. Edwards.
A tund of $6.18 was contributed to help furnish the soldiers with Testaments. It was agreed by the messengers to take collection for this purpose from each of the churches at the first meeting : and Geo. E. Brewer was appointed as agent for the as. sociation in the management of the funds. He was instructed to mike no move in the matter until the 3rd week in November, so as to give the churches opportunity for collecting and forwarding funds to him. $34-25 was raised for Bro. Steeley as bal- ance due him from East Alabama Convention.
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A warm, or rather earnest discussion arose during the session, upon the intro- duction of a resolution commeding the cause of States in seceeding, and conducting the war, and declaring our moral and material support to It. Brewer and Skipper op- poseil the introduction of resolutions, of the kind into the body, not that they did not give their heartiest support to the efforts of the Confederacy, but the precedent was wrong in a purely raligious meeting. Others took a different view, citing the action of religious bodies during the Revolutionary War. There was no difference in senti- ment as to the loyalty to the South, but the arguments against the resolution pre- vailed, and it was tabled.
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Baptized 73 : letter 177 ; restored and voucher 17 ; dismissed 123 ; excluded 58; died 20 ; total 2259. Contributions $413-25.
W. M. Lindsey had heen treasurer since the removal of Barnes.
1862.
The war was now raging'i@ its full torce. Many were off to the battlefield when the eighteenth session was held at Antioch Oct. 5 to 7th, 1862. Akin who was to preach the sermon, and Brewer to prepare the circular letter, had both led companions to the war. The sermon was preached by B. T. Sinth. No circular letter was prepared. T. J. Russell was elected moderator aml W. M. Lindsey clerk. J. J. Bullington was the only correspondent. Sermons were preached during the session by Steeley, Bull- ington, Willams, Russell, Skipper. Smith, Harrington, Holmes, and Billy Rose, a colored brother. He was a fine old man, and a good preacher, surpassing many white brethren in his pulpit ability. He was weet in spirit. and without hlemsih in char- acter. The writer was once his pastor, and knew him well, and often enjoyed his sound sweet talks about Christ and bis saving grace. There were several colored members of the church at Wetumpka hoth male and female who adorned the doc- trines of God their savior. There was another colored preacher in those days, Gil- lwert Crawford, who was a good preacher, to whom the whites loved to listen, and who was occasionally appointed to preach at the gatherings of the whites.
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I once saw Bro. 11. E. Talliaferro throw his arms around Gilbert in l'oplar Spring church, while tears of gladness rolled down his face, drawn from their fountains by the pathos with which Gilbert had told the story of redeeming love.
F. M. Maxwell was elected treasurer.
Resolutions were passed calling upon the churches to look to the families of the brethren in the army, and see that their needs were supplied. And memorializing the legislature to levy a tax sufficient to provide for the.r maintenance. Three new
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preachers names appeared this year, W. R. Connell, Mitchell Morris, and N. H. Wil- hams. These preachers, however, never entered much into the history of the body. Williams was an able preacher, but remained only a short time, afterwards going to Bibb county. A shadow fell upon him there, and his usefulness was largely stopped.
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The baptisins were 133 ; Ictter 105 : restored 5 : dismissed 91; excluded 29; died 47: total 2062. The contributions were light, and embraced army colportage and Indian Missions. -
1863.
The session ,for 1863 was held with Poplar Springs from ()ct. 3rd to 5th. The war was now raging in all its fury. All thoughts and efforts were bent toward main- taining the independence of government assumed for ourselves, and supporting the people at home and the soldiers in the field. Most of the able bodied men from all ranks and professions were at the front, as soldiers. chaplains, surgeons, and nurses. . The homes were like the homes of widows and orphans, but yet with brave hearts the women carried on their old housework, with all its additions ot multiplied home manufactures of what had formerly been obtained from inarkets, besides superin- tending the out-door affairs. In the early part of the war much success attended the ' Confederate arins, but this summer fortune turned against thein. The 4th of July, so long a gala day, was this year filled with sad memories, for a mortal wound had been inflicted upon our country. About 70,000 soldiers were lost to her armies by the surrender ot Vicksburg and the defeat at Gettysburg. Hardly a home failed to have furnished a victim or more upon the altar of patriotism. When the body met, so many familiar faces were gone, some for always, and probably most of the others " never to return, sadness marked all faces, but determination to stand hy what was felt to be a righteous cause was stamped upon their features. Prayer was mnuch en- gaged in during the session.
The sermon was preached by Y. 1). Harrington. No new churches. . 1. Chris- tian and Hardy Jones were the new preachers. Christian was in the body only a year or two, and not much engaged in the ministry. He was not a preacher of much force, having devoted most of his time to secular affairs. Hardy Jones was a preacher of ordinary capacity, and figured for many years in the body as a useful man, estecined by his brethren. He is now in the Unity, and has been for some years. Christian moved to Mississippi. Jones had a son, J. L. Jones, who promised well, but death soon cut him down.
Russell and Lindsey were reelected. The preaching was done by Russell, Christian, Norton, Ilullington, Colley, and Limmerman. Bullington's missionary scrinon was said to have been one of the ablest and most pathetic ever preached in the association. It was tollowed by a collection of #156.85. Ilut the money now was depreciated Confederate bills.
Bullington and Fluker, from the Coosa River, were the only correspondents. No reports are printed in the minutes for several years, if any were made.
Baptized 106: letter 69; restored 11 ; dismissed 96 ; excluded 19; died 16; total 2120. Contributions 734.70 Confederate money.
1864.
The twentieth session was held with Mt. Zion church, Tallapoosa, Oct. ist to 3, 1864. The war was still raging. The Confedracy still struggled for the maintenance of her life and principles, but it was against fearful odds, and she was sadly dismembercd.
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She had been cut through along the line of the Mississippi River, the Mobile and D)hio Railroad and from Nashville to Savannah.
1. 11. Colley preached the sermon. Russell was re-elected, and W. F. Shumats was made clerk. 18 churches huid no representation, and a number of others only one each. There was no new preacher except Shumate. who was a licentiate. The preaching was done by Shuinate, Colley, J. 1). Williams, Jas. Russell, and Limmer- man. No correspondents .except from the Liberty. O. C. Bentley was elected treasurer. Collection after missionary sermon $171.55.
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The circular letter, on Practical Godliness was read by T. J. Russell. Tho Report on Domestic Missions called attention to the death of two prominent mem- bers connected with our mission work, Revs. S. A. Creath and Reuben Ford ; the former a victim to disease contracted in camp, where he pursued his mission work ; the latter of exposure and suffering in the Penitentiary of Nashville for four months, rather than surrender principle to the despotic demand of Fed- eral usurpation. Also to the death of William Hornbuckle, for 18 years trcax- urer of Domestic Mission Board. He was beloved, and faithful to every trust. 23 pastors had their salaries supplemented by the Board. Many mis- sionaries had been sustained in the army, and especially about the hospitals. 77 missionaries had been sustrined, and the salaries ot 9 army chaplains had been sup- pleniented by it. $36,903.60 had been expended for Bibles and 'l'estaments, tracts, and religious newspapers for the soldiers. They reported seven regiments of Indians in the Confederate army. 'T'hey had continued the salaries of Buckner, Hogue, and Slever among the Indians in the Territory ; and of Rev. Alfred Corn in his mission to the Cherokees in North Carolina.
The committee on deceased ministers made a touching notice of the death of . the old patriarch Joseph Bankston, who had stood on the walls of Zion for 44 years, proclaiming salvation through Christ. Also M. 1). Reagan had died: He had been a Methodist preacher until four years before, when becoming convinced of the truth as held by the Baptists he had come to theni. 'He was a teacher by profession, but . . preached earnestly and zealously as opportunity presented.
Baptized 196 ; letter 83 ; restored to; dismissed 58 ; excluded 24 ; dead 34 ; total 1733. These figures are for the churches represented. Contributions $687.15.
CHAPTER V.
(THE WAR ENDED FOLLOWED BY YEARS HIF POVERTY.) 1
1865.
The war was now over. The survivors had returned to their long neglected homes to find homes and farmes sadly wasted and going to ruin. Their negroes were free, and they could no longer command their Jabor. There was no money to hire them. While many-very many-negroes understood freedom to be exemption from work, and acted accordingly, still there were many from habil, and others from real regard and affection stayed with their old owners, and helped to repair the desolation. as might best he done under the existing conditions. The South was overpowered but not conquercd, nor did she admit she was wrong in principle in the struggle made. But overcome she accepted the situation, and with all the heart left, went to work to build up again upon the ruins of the past. Under such circumstances the brethren came together once more after years ot separation, distress, and death, sui h
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as were left, to again iningle their voices In praise to God, to Listen to the Master's embassadors tell hus will, and to counsel as to how they could best carry out the great commissions. But years were to pass away before real and effective work should again be resumed
Glad indeed were the greetings of these old veterans lof the cross, and veterans of bloody war, as they looked into the faces of comrades! that for four years had not been seen-and the four seemed double four. They were glad, and hearty was the grasp as hand clasped hind again, as the soft winged dove of penice hovered over them. Ilut soon tears would ghsien upon the cheeks, tears of sadness, as one after another loved brother's name was called, and it would be said he is dead. He sleeps in Virginia, or Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, or Georgin. How fitting the name of the place we met. -
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Good Hope was the place where the twenty-first session met, Sept. 30th, 1865. The sermon was by 'T. J. Russell, Matt. 22:42. T. J. Russell, and Geo. F. Brewer were re-elected. Holly Springs and Olive Branch newly constituted churches were added. Shady Grove objected to Olive Branch, but under the labors of a committee the matter was reconciled. Holly Springs was in the northwestern part near Union Springs. Olive Branch was some six miles sou.hwest of Rockford. Neither were ever very strong churches. .
Correspondents were G. W. Gunn, J. H. Norton, B. 11. Timmerman, Win. Har- rington, J. . M. Russell, and f. Phillips, The preaching was done by Akins, Williams, Skipper, Dunn, and Brewer.
The following communication from Judge W. I'. Chilton was read and referred to a committee consisting of brethren 'I'. J. Russell, B. T. Sinith, Lindsey, Callaway. Walker, Brewer, and Skipper.
"DADEVILLE, ALA., Sept. 27th, 186 ;.
1 "To the Moderator and Brethren of the Central Association :
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"Dear Brethren :-- I withdraw for a time from business which brought me to this place, to attend to the Master's business. I trust my heart is inditing a good matter, and I beg your prayerlul consideration of it. It is this: Our Zion is divided. In- stead of one fold and one Shepherd, we have inany folds. Instead of being one, as the blessed Redeemer and His Father are one, we are inany -- divided into factions- Missionaries, P'rinntives, Campbellites, Whiteltes, etc., etc. All this is wrong. Shall no effort be niade to rectify and correct it? Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there none among us, none who are able, hy the grace of our Divine Master, to set on foot some plan by which all difficulties to our union, all obstacles which separate us, can be surmounted, and peace and harinony be restored ? I believe this can be done ; and your body may become the initiator of this great measure, hy appointing, say ·three brethren, as commissioners to conler with a similar commission to be appointed by the Baptists who differ with us, to agree with us ou terins of reconciliation, and report the same to their respective bodies for their confirmation or rejection.
"Brethren think of this matter, and see il your wisdom cannot devise some plan by which we can have peace and union, and thus promote the glory of God, and the welfare of our race. May the good Lord prosper, and preside over your delibera- tions,
Yours in Christ, "W. P. CHILTON."
The committee recommended concurrence with the object in view, and named W. P. Chilton, T. H. Watts, and J. L. M. Curry as the commissioners on the part ol the Baptists. They also asked all the other associations whose sessions were yet to -
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be held, to endorse these as commissioners, thereby making them responsible repre- sentatives of our branch of the family. The association unanimously adopted the . recommendation. Others did likewise. But nothing came of the effort made.
Lindsey was elected treasurer.
'The circular letter was by B. T. Sinith, and the subject, the duty of studying God's Word.
The church at Liberty West sent an inquiry as to whether the colored member- ship of the churches, who had left the homes ol their owners without the consent of said owners, could properly be granted letters in fellowship. The answer was; that if they left prior to the enforcement of the President's Proclamation of freedom, they were in disorder, and could not be granted letters. But if since, they were entitled to them.
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A committee had been appointed, of which W. M. Lindsey was chairman, to consider the relation we sustained to the colored race. The committee reported a lack of time lor mature deliberation, but recommended that, considering all the influ- ences that had been brought to bear to estrange them fromn us, an enlarged Christian charity should mark our bearing toward them, in order to win back their confidence. 2. That churches and pastors extend every facility for their moral and religious training, and allow them to hold their former relations to us in the churches. 3. That their elevation as a race is strongly demanded by the general interests of so- ciety. 4. The planting of large provision crops was recommended as an imperative demand for the benefit of both races in our impoverished condition.
$26.62 was raised for the benefit of old Bro. Hill.
The death of Elder Joel Nickols was suitably noticed. He was 63 years old ; baptized in 1824 at Flam church, Montgomery Co. ; ordained in 1935, in Talbot Co. Ga. ; came to Chambers 1836; to the central in 1848 ; died April 9th 1865.
Baptized 194 : letter 96; restored and voucher 17; dismissed 128 ; excluded 34; died 36; total 2304. Contributions $79.40.
1866.
The twenty-second session was held with Shady Grove church Oct. 6th to 9th 1866. The sermon by J. W. Steeley. The former moderator being sick, was absent, , and the body was called to order by Geo. E. Brewer. clerk. I. W. Suttle was elected moderator, and Geo. E. Brewer not living in the bounds of the association, W M. Lindsey was elected clerk. The country was so prostrated from the war that as yet correspondence had not been resumed. The preaching was done by Colley, B. T. Smith, flrewer, Jones, and Rains. 'The collection after the missionary sermon by Smith was $14.78. This indicates how scarce money was.
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