USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 7
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On Monday the circular letter was read by Geo. E. Brewer, subject, "l'eet Washing." Ile assumed it was designed by the Savior as a perpetual ordinance, a symbol of the Incarnation of the Son of God, as the Supper symbolized his suffer- ings and death, and Baptism his burial and resurrection, thus fully symbolizing all that Christ was, became, and did for man's redemption. The letter produced a pro. found impression, but as there was a difference of opinion the adoption was not asked for, but the hearty endorsement ol many was given, and an enlargement of the minute fund was made to have it printed in them. It was so done.
W. I'. Mackey was made treasurer. Elder Rains from committee on correspon- dence reported that the State Convention had endorsed the nomination made by this association of Chilton, Watts, and Curry to represent the Baptists in any Conference
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that might be raised for an attempted union of branches of the Baptist family in Alabama. It also urged a better representation of the associations in the Conven- tion.
Bro. B. T. Smith's resolution was adopted, that in view of the recent political changes, all the privileges ot church membership, except that of controlling us by numbers, be extended to our black members. If they will not conform to our selection of officers &c., they should be accorded the privilege of forming separate organizations.
A note of grateful thankfulness from Jos. Hill was presented by S. B. Ray, for kindness shown him by the body.
It was requested of the churches to send annually funds for Bro. Hill's help, who had now been in the ministry over 70 years. $16.25 was added to Sunday's . collection, and was given to Bro. Ray for Hill's benefit
Baptized 130; letter 110 ; restored 16; dismissed 247 ; excluded 84 ; died 28 ; total 2449 : contributions $150.00.
1867.
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In its twenty-third session the association met with Unlon Springs church, Oct. 5 to 7th, 1867. The sermon was preached by W. M. Davis from Matt. 5:16. The moderator was absent, and Lindsey, the clerk, called the body to order. Geo. E. Brewer was made temporary moderator, and afterwards elected as such, and Lindsey, clerk, and R. P. Mackey, treasurer.
Correspondents were Saml. Henderson, W. W. Mason, A. McKee, A Frasier, Danl. Wallis.
The preaching was done by Akins. Colley, Davis, Rains, Henderson, and Brewer. Collection $11.00.
The circular letter was prepared by T. J. Russell, and sen: up by him. It was referred to a committee of Davis, Hart, and Henderson. The letter was an earnest exhortation to growth in divine life, to thankfulness to God for the return of better times to our land, for the gracious revivals of the year, and exhortations to the churches to support their pastors so as to separate them from secular pursuits.
The new ministers were W. M. Davis, O. M. Lucas, G. Parker, J. M. Willis, A. G. Beckham, S. W. Speer, W. H. Bailey, and J. Nelson. Of these, the only ones who were inuch identified with the work of the ministry were W. M. Davis and S. W. Speer. The others were good and useful men, but preached only occasionally. . W. M. Davis was an excellent and consecrated preacher, and though not long in the association he left his impress upon it. He went to Georgia about 1868 or 1869, and " has spent most of the time since, there and in Florida, at Lake City. He still lives, having returned to Georgia about a year since. S. W. Speer was developing rapidly Into a preacher of power when death cut him down at the threshold of what prom- ised to be a very useful life. .
The committee on Deceased Ministers gave a fitting tribute to the memory of one of our wisest and best ministers, l'latt Stout, who died Oct. ist, just before the meeting of the body. Among other things they say of him : " Elder Stout was among the purest of saints. l'erhaps no man in our State ever had a more excellent charac- ter than he. As a preacher he was clear, sound, sensible, and earnest. His life was a commendation of piety, known of all who knew him. He laid not up for hlin. self treasures upon earth, but in heaven he laid them up. " lle was worthy of all that was said of him, for the writer knew him well, and has never seen a purer, nobler
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man. He was the father of John Stout who impressed himself upon South Carolina much as did his father upon Alabama, only he became more prominent, owing to the changed condition of the tines. Just about one year ago John died in Dallas, Texas; having sickened during the convention, and was carried home a corpse to sleep in the soil of South Carolina, where God had given him a large field of usefulness.
Bro. Ilenderson urged the claims of the Southwestern Baptist.
A collection of over $64 oo was raised for Domestic Missions under an appeal from Bro. Brewer.
Brethren Rains, Davis, Skipper, and A. T. Maxwell were appointed to present the Articles of Faith with proof texts to the next session. 'Ilro. Patrick Mckinney was made custodian of the funds for Bro, Hill, being more convenient than Ray. *51.80 was sent for hin.
Baptized 305 ; letter 204 ; restored 27 ; dismissed 209 ; excluded 61 ; died 9 ; total 2463. Contributions about $165.00. Bro. Brewer had spent all the year as inission. ary, preaching only to Lebanon as pastor. This was a year of the largest ingathering of the association in its history except one.
1868.
The 24th session was held with Providence church Tallapoosa county, Oct. 3 to 5th, 1868. This was a rainy time, there being a heavy fall of it, so that inany of the members reached there drenched. The sermon was by J. Il. Colley from Eph. 2:19-20. The clerk being absent B. T. Smith acted temporarily. The letters were read by Jas. Walker and Lewis Maxwell.
Geo. E. Brewer was re-elected Moderator, and B. T. Smith clerk. One new mmister, J. K. Weatherly. He was a man of good education and good character, but devoid of the magnetism so essential to effective pulpit work. He remained in the association only two or three years. Ile was for awhile chaplain of the 46th Ala- bama Regiinent Alabama Volunteers during the war. Jas. Russell was chaplain of the same regiment also for awhile. Russell removed from the association, having gone to Texas in the winter ol 1865-66. Way-side, a newly constituted church eight miles. below Rockford was received at this session. It has been a church of medium capacity. It would probably have been more efficient had Rains not trained them into the adoption of his peculiar views.
- Those who preached were L. B. Abbott, of Liver Medicine fame, Geo. E. Brewer, R. T. Sinith. The rain prevented a good attendance. After Mission sermon by Brewer, collection of $12.68. On Monday, Hatchett Creek church, newly consti- tuted, joined. This church has never developed much strength, but has been quiet . and orderly. It is near the Coost River, west of Rockford. Bethany church had split as before stated from political considerations. The minority now appeared set- ting forth the grounds of the split. The association received this minority as the original church, because conforming to accepted Baptist usage. Jas. M. Hart was made Treasurer.
L. Gibson, Jas. Toland. T. G. Flournoy, and T. G. Abbot were the corres- Dondents.
A. G. Rains prepared a circular letter of less than five lines. It was good, what there was of it. The committee on Documents recommended highly a catechism prepared by Sister B. T. South lor young children in Sunday school. The manu. script is still in existence in the hands of her daughter, Miss Kate Smith, River View, Ala. The writer of this has recently seen it, and believes it superior to any- thing of the kind he has seen.
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There had been three deaths In the ministerial ranks of the association, T. J. 'Russell, Y. D. Harrington, and A. G. Beckham. Their deaths were properly noticed.
A preamble and resolutions was offered by Geo, E. Brewer and adopted, that occupied considerable attention for three sessions. They were as follows : 1
"Whereas, Baptists have always held, that connecting merely political designs with any of their religious meetings, or attempting to do that which belongs to the civil power of the land is spiritual whoredom and more severely condemned by the Word of God than the same offense against the civil law and,
" Whereas, The Committee of the Home Mission Society, raised, during their late session at New York, to respond to the communication submitted to thein by the delegates from the Southern Baptist Convention, used the following language which presents a purely political end contrary to the purporses for which Christ's kingdom . was established, viz : " Let us unite heart and hand, as far as we can, and the prov- idence of God shall direct, ·
· especially in aiding to lift up millions of freed. men to the exercise of all the rights and duties of citizenship ; therefore be It
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Resolved by the Central Association of Alabama, ist. That we cannot recognize as a purely Scriptural Baptist organization any body which can declare such an end as a part of the design for which it labors, and still more difficult to recognize one which declares it a special object. And we earnestly recommend the Southern Baptist Convention to withdraw correspondence from that body unless she recedes from the position. And, with regret, we declare that unless the correspondence between these two bodies is dropped, until such recession on the part of the Home Mission Society, It will become our imperative duty to withdraw all connection from the convention.
" and. Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and these resolutions be furnished the " Index aud Baptist," at Atlanta, Ga., and the " Baptist," at Memphis, Teun., for publication, and also a copy be furnished the secretary of the convention to be laid before that body at its next session."
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The terms of the surrender had been violated, and military rule had been estab. ' lished over the South. The South was at this time putting forth her best efforts to prevent. the adoption of what was known as the " Reconstruction Measures." By these it was proposed, in the reorganization, to make the South degrade herself by establishing negro citizenship and equality, and thus ruin the fairest part of her do- main. Degrading conditions were artfully interwoven with essentially necessary ones In such form as to almost compel acceptance, or remain ut .erly disfranchised, and mere military serts. The whole aim appeared a determined effort to humiliate our ' people, and place us at the mercy of our late foes. The consciousness of these things ; the depression arising from our poverty and political ruin ; and the " Home Mission Society " asking Southern Baptists, at this time, to aid her to do these very thingy so hateful to us, seemed but adding grossest insult to injury, and caused the preamble and resolutions, radical as they were, to pass unanimously when brought to a vote.
- Baptized 176; letter 152 ; restored 25 ; dismissed 144 ; excluded 48 ; died 17 ; total 2496. Contributions about $125. The variation apparent in the totals in different years, is owing to absence of returns from some churches.
. $35.75 was sent for Bro. Hill.
1869.
In its 25th session the body met with Liberty West, Oct. and, to 4th, 1869. The . sermon was by Skipper from : Cor. 6:17. The new ministers were Posey (live,
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newly ordained, J. W. Fulmer, and F. H. Moss. Olive is a good orderly, humble, and pious man. Fulmer is of excellent character, fair preaching ability, and for some years was pretty fully in the care of churches. Of late years he ses us to avoid the .. care of churches, but preaches at will. He has a good farm for his support. Moss was a man of good advantages, and both served churches, and engaged at times in teaching. He was a useful man, a good preacher, and died at a good age, at Jack- son's Gap, a few years since. One new church, County Line, Tallapoosa county, near, the river, was added. Bro. Brewer declined a re-election as moderator, and Bright Skipper was elected, and Geo. E. Brewer clerk. J. M. Hurt re-elected treasurer. . The preaching was done by Spear, Moss, Brewer, Timmerinan, Abbot and Figh. .After the missonary serinon by Moss, a collection of $31.84 for Domestic Missions followed. Correspondents were Abbot, S. Henderson, J. B. Land, and Harrison Land.
Elder Harlan appointed for circular letter, being absent, Bro Moss was appointed to prepare one. It was not furnished, however.
. After calling attention to the resolutions adopted last year, bearing upon the overture from the Home Mission Society, and stating that the convention had paid no regard to the request from this association, but ha I received with inarked distinc- tion Dr. Armitage from it, Bro. Brewer offered the following :
" Resolutions declaring a separation between the Central Association and the Southern Baptist Convention.
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" Whereas, The Southern Baptist Convention in its late session at Macon, Ga., failed to rebuke the Home Mission Society, which had declared a purely political end as its especial objective point ; and also failed to declare a non fellowship, with said society therefor; but, on the contrary, expressed warin fraternal regard for said body. and declared it to be "eminently proper" that Christian courtesies should be ex- changed between the two bodies, thus recognizing, and even expressing that the two should be one, (therefore equal,) and
. "Whereas, By linking themselves with these large bodies, which are without 'Scriptural warrant, our churches are placed in an attitude where they become respon- sible for, and are, troin contract, contaminated by false practices and doctrines of those over whom they can exercise no control, therefore, be it, merely
" Resolved by the Central Baptist Association, That we heardly forever sever our connection with the so called Sothern Baptist Convention ; and also with all bodies forming a constituent part thereof, or which are correspondents of the same so long as they maintain that character."
This brought up an earnest discussion. All were indignant at what was con- ceived to be a gross violation of Religious principles in Religious meetings, and a still worse insult, when in pretended restoration of a long broken fraternity, we should be asked to do the very thing that in the keenest instincts of self preservation the South was putting forth every effort to defeat. It was foreseen clearly that in every heavily populated portion by negroes, to raise them to all the duties of citizenship. was to strip ovrselves of the right to rule our own affairs, and turn the power of gov- ernment over into the hands nf an ignorant race, who to do their best could but ruin themselves and us ; and who were being led like sheep by the hand of a designing sct, who proposed to clothe these uncultured people with civil power that they might more effectually subdue us than we then were. Civil power had been taken away from us, and a military despotism placed over us. Our conquerors by this means of enfranchising the former slaves, under northern manipulations of them, added to such
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renegades as would adhere to those conquerors, for the loaves and fishes, they hoped " to wrest ail power from the hands of those who had so iong successfully resisted their encroachments upon the constitutional rights of the States. In the end of the con- test, we won at the ballot box, but a frauduient government forced their policy upon us by flying in the face of the reconstruction laws, and against law, enfranchised the negro any way. For self preservation, a Pandora's box of frauds were inaugurated, the ill fruits of which are not yet all gathered. .
Pending the discussion of the resolution it carried, by motion of I W. Suttle, to postpone the further consideration until the afternoon session.
In the afternoon, after further discussion, on motion of I. W. Suttle, the prcam- ble and resolutions were ordered spread upon the minutes, and a delegate from this body be sent to the next session of the Southern Baptist Convention to lay the whole matter before it ; and after such steps have been taken, if the convention does not dissolve all connection with the Home Mission Society, then this association to stand entirely disconnected trom the convention. Geo E. Brewer was elected as the dele- gate to the convention for the purpose indicated.
Upon motion of Bro. Moss the circular letter for the next session was to be . omitted, and, in place of it, the committee on nominations were to designate two brethren, one to write a paper on duties of pastors to churches, and the other the duties of churches to pastors. F. M. Maxwell from committee on nominations ap- pointed Moss for the first and Rains tor the second. The pastors were requested to preach to their churches on ministerial support. There was. a renewal of former recommendation mu regard to the colored members of our churches. Suttle, Letcher, and A. T. Maxwell were appointed Executive Committee.
$75.10 was sent up tor Bro. Hill, and $32.50 for Bro. Robt. Stewart. '
A. G. Due from committee on Sunday Schooly reported a growing interest in them, but great neglect prevailing among most of the churches. He asked for greater / effort in this good work.
Upon the resolutions offered by Bro. Brewer, he went to the State Convention at Oxford, in November, and sought to commit the State Convention, but his propo- sition was voted down by a small majority, but received high commendations for his cfforts even by those who voted against him. Their sympathies were with the move- inent, but feared it would a waken more persecution for the South, He was appointed a delegate from the State to the Southern Baptist Convention. At thus convention he preached the convention sermon.
Baptized 153 ; letter 190 ; restored and voucher 34; dismissed 365 ; excluded 87 ; died 24 ; total 2310. Contributions $211.80. Emigration West brought an actual re- duction in membership, in spiteof additions received. 1
1870.
The 26th session was held with Wayside church fron Oct. Ist to 4th, 1870. Ser- mon by Moss, from 1 Cor. 3:9. The moderator being absent the body was called to order by Brewer, clerk, Suttle was inade temporary inoderator, and afterwards elected as such, Brewer clerk, Hart, treasurer. Bro. Burke, of Wetumpka, was the only new preacher, No new churches. The preaching was done by Colley, Fulmer, Brewer, Steeley, and Figh preached the missionary sermon. Collection $22.25. The only correspondent was T. B. Abbot. Upon the call for the essays requested of Brethren Kains and Moss, Rains said he hid not had time to prep irs such a one as he wished, and had theretore prepared none. Bro. Moss read a good paper which was published
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with the minutes. Bro. Brewer reported that the Southern Baptist Convention de- clined to receive him as a delegate from the association as it had failed to contribute $100.00 as required by the constitution. He stated that he asked the convention to be heard in behalf of the association simply upon the grievance ansing from complica- tion with the Home Mission Society. This was refused. He then as a delegate from the Alabama Convention, in his own right, offered a resolution dissenting from that part of the report of the visitors from the convention to the Home Mission Society, adopted at Macon, Ga., page 21 of the ininutes of Southern Baptist Convention 18Gg which accepted of the overture. He addressed the convention, upon the resolution, which called forth lengthy notices in the daily papers. But the resolutions were tabled. Subsequently A. M. Poindexter and S. H. Ford tried two or three times to take them from the table, but failed.
The matter was referred to the Executive Committee of the association to report upon. When their report was made, they quoted the full text of Brewer's resolutiona of last year, and offered the following av a substitute for them : "'T'hat we do unani- mously express our disapproval of the action of said convention, and that we earn- estly recommend to all constituent parts of said Southern Baptist Convention a like course.
" Resolved further, 'That we do inost solemnly protest against the spirit expressed hy the report of the Home Mission Society, and regard it as furnishing sufficient rea- . sons for a discontinuance of further correspondence with the said Home Mission So- cicty, (or other body endorsing said spirit directly or indirectly.)" (The words ein. braced in the parenthesis were stricken out.)
" Resolved further, That we do most heartily endorse the position taken by our brother, Elder Geo. F. Brewer, and commend him for the zeal he has manifested in sits defense.
1. W. SUTTLE, Chairman."
'The report was adopted and thus ended the matter. But it was many years be- fore the convention had further correspondence with the "Society." Whether this episode led to the discontinuance or not, is not known.
$61.90 was contributed for Bro. Hill, and $38.50 for Bro. Stewart.
Baptized 99 ; letter 123 ; restored and voucher 19; dismissed 299 ; excluded 49 ; died 16; total 1884. Collections $278.10. Emigration still depleting the body, and some churches going to other bodies also helped the loss, .
1871.
l'oplar Spring was the place for holding the 27th session, Oct. ist to 3rd, 1871 . The sermon was preached by Elder Colley from Acts. 8:35. Suttle was elected mod- erator, and Moss clerk, 1). J. Thompson treasurer. B. White and I .. II. Hlastie were the new preachers. Hastie afterwards became locally prominent in the ministry and association. He is perfectly original, and a natural wit. He has heen moderator for many years. Brewer had removed from the association this year.
The preaching was done by Spear, Akin, Brewer, Skipper, Moss, and Timmer- man. After the missionary sermon by Skipper a collection of $51.85 was taken.
Brewer had been appointed the year helore to write a circular letter upon the " Final l'erseverance ot the Saints." Ile responded in a clear argument, based upon 1. The l'urpose of God to save. 2. The Predestination and foreknowledge of God in refer- ence to the Believer. 3. God does not forsake his people. 4. God keeps his people. 5. llis people are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
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The report on Sunday schools showed that many of the churches were yet with- . out them.
'The Executive Committee elected were, I. W. Suttle, A. T. Maxwell, J. A. Suttle, A. G. Due, and A. J. Brooks. They were instructed to try and put an efficient mis- sionary in the field. $210.50 were pledged here for the purpose. Bro. B. White moved and it was carried to observe Friday before sth Sabbath In this month as a day .. of tasting and prayer for more laborers. ,
. A query had come from Mt. Olive church as to how one who had been a minister, and excluded from the church, but afterwards restored to the church, could be rein- vested with his ministerial functions ? It was answered that the restoring church, by so voting, could do it, or by courtesy might ask the presence of a Presbytery.
$40.22 had been sent for Bro. Hill, and $10.87 for Bro. Stewart. Hiram' Haney, Henry Gilmer, and M. L. Fielder were appointed to investigate the reported misuse of funds sent to Bro. Stewart by Henry Meadows. Subsequently it was found he had appropriated some of the money tor himself. It led to his exclusion.
F. M. Maxwell became practically standing chairman of " Finance Cominittec," for some years about this time, as Pylant had been for years before. Several men along these years came into prominence in the association, who were not mentioned in the list at an carlier period. "There were G. M. Pinson, Ezerlah Pinson, D. M. . Harris, A. W. Cohey, S. 1). Hickman, the Gregorys of Liberty East, T. B. Pruitt, M. ' Upshaw, J. A. Robinson, Loflin, Elannegan, Bailey White, W. G. l'ayne, W. Connell, Willis Florence, A. J. Brooks, T. J. Hall, F. M. Allen, W. M. Hand, J. W. Walston, W. Cowart, Henry Gilmer, P. C. Edwards, G. W. Davis, W. P. Ward, J. J. Little, M. . C. Thomas, T. J. Pennington, J. F. Edward+, R. Hand, J. A. Logan, O. C. Swindal, M. S. Bazemore, W. C. Brown, M. Hollingshead, J. W. Balley, J. T. Nelson, J. Blank- enship, J. W. Cooper, R. Looney, Josiah Callaway, N. J. Callaway, E. G. Brown, E. N. Little, T. Dorman, W. Conaway, W. B. J. Stone, J. P. Goggans, T. P. Christian, R. E. Conger, W. A. Harlan, M. Deloach, A. Hardy, B. T. Howle, J. F. Bowlcs, J. B. Wall, K. S. Penton, David Wilbanks, E. J. Wommack, J. P'. Ingrahm, J. J. Grant, A. J. Deloach, R. C. Hardy, Richard Corley, J. S. Bently, J. R. Conger, C. M. Moore, John Alexander, Wm. Einfinger, M. L. Fielder, S F. Thomas, M. B. Arant, L. M. Alman, .W. T. King, 1). S. Martin, J. L. Thompson, B. F. Barnes, Jas. Johnson, F. M. Devaughn, J. M. McCord, T. A. Kelley, W. J. Murphy, J. K. Barton and G. Allen.
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llaptized 129 ; letter 107 ; restored 21 ; dismissed 214 ; excluded so ; died 20 ; total 1930. Contributions $178.20.
1872.
Shiloh entertained the association in its 28th session from Oct. 5 to 7, 1872. S. W. Spear preached the sermon from Jno. 17:14.
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