USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 8
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Petitionary letters were called for before the organization, when Tallassee from the Tuskegee, New Hope, and Antioch No. 2, newly constituted churches joined. This made Brewer again a n'ember of the body as he belonged to Tallassee. Antoch No. 2, was near where Eclectic now stands. Eclectic has absorbed it. New llope is about 11 miles South of Alexander City. It has never been strong. There were too many churches crowded together In that region for any of thein to do well. There were Mt. Zion, Liberty West, New Hope, and County Line in a few miles of each other. ,
f. W. Suttle was re-elected moderator, Geo. E. Brewer clerk, D). J. Thompson treasurer. The new minister was John C. White. He was a grandson of Cyrus
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The correspondents were Eldera A. K. Trebble and Joel Simms, F. H. Moss, and Brethren Manning Ray, and Wm. Walker, a singer from S. C., and author of a music book as well as preacher. The preaching was done by Skipper, Brewer, Rains, / Fulmer, Simms, Trebble and Walker. The missionary sermon by Rains, was followed by a $20.80 collection.
On Monday morning Isaiah Holmes, who had gone off with the faction at Beth- :: any, and had been restored, now appeared as a messenger from Macedonia, said he lelt that he was due an acknowledgment to the whole body, and asked the privilege of making it. It was granted and he made an effective one.
The circular letter was read by the appontee J. A. Suttle, on the "Second com- ing of Christ."
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There were no reports of interest from the committees. The Executive Com- inittee reported that they had employed no missionary, as the funds at their command did not authorize them to get an efficient one, and any other would not meet the needs. They recommended the necessity of one.
The committee on deceased ministers noticed the death of old Bro. Hill, over one hundred years old, who died about the ist of November, 1871. He was born in 1770. Came to Alabama In 1814. Was unable to preach after 1858.
The Executive Committee were J. A. Suttle, 1. W. Suttle, A. J. Brooks, F. M. Maxwell, and J. F. Edwards.
Bro. S. Ray called the attention of the association to the exposed condition of . the graves of Elders Benj. Wilson and Jos. Bankston, former moderator, and asked that a fund be raised to suitably enclose and mark them. Some $24.00 was raised, which was subsequently added to, until the work was eventually done.
An additional amount was pledged to swell the mission funds of the association amounting to $143.60.
Baptized 180 ; letter 141 ; restored and youcher 33 ; dismissed 206; excluded 27; died 16; total 2015. Contributions for Stewart $27.00 ; for other purposes about $100.00.
1873.
The 29th session was held with Bethesda church from Oct. 5th to 6th, 1873. The sermon was preached by T. C. Boykin, General Sunday School Evangelist for the . " State, from Neh. 2:17. It was a fine sermon.
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Suttle and Brewer were re-elected moderator and clerk, and W. C. Brown, treas- urer. Mt. Gilead, a new church, was received. Nothing particular is remembered of its history. Elder J. H. Thompson was the only new minister. Ile is a good man, of deep piety, but has never been very actively engaged in the misistry. lle was a member of Bethlehem, in the southwestern part.
: The correspondents were from 'Tallapoosa River, A. K. Trebble, D. Ilorn, J. W. Baker. From Liberty, Elder John Bledsoe. From Shelby, T. C. Boykin. He also represented the State Convention as General Sunday School Missionary. This was the first signs of awakening power on the part of the State Convention after the war, except that the Alabama Baptist was again dawning upon us. The development con- tinucd, until under T. M. Bailey, work was again brought into organic form, and Ala. bama has since, in some parts, been doing a good work in carrying out the Great
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. Commission. Boykin was very superior as a Sunday school man. Georgia after- wards took him from us for the same work, and of late years Texas has taken him from Georgia.
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Skipper preached Saturday night, Bledsoe at 10 A. M., Brewer the mirsionary ser- mon at 11, Boykin addressed the body on his work in the afternoon, in an impressive way. Elder Normandy preached at night. The collection was $41.65. The Mission- ary Sermon produced such an impression, that, at the suggestion of Bro. Boykin, the association asked Bro. Brewer to prepare it and publish it with the minutes, and the minute fund was sufficiently increased to justify it. It was so published with the minutes of 1873.
H. C. Taul, pastor of the Wetumpka church, also became a member this year by reason of his connection with the church, but was not present. He remained some years in the body, and became right influential. He was a man of good family, fair education, and was above mediocrity in pulpit abilty. He has buried himself in the mountains, and almost passed from public notice. He was once pastor of Adams Street Church, Montgomery.
Brethren Skipper and Rains, preached on Monday.
The Executive Committee consisted of J. S. Bentley, IJ. D. Letcher, I. W. Suttle, J. F. Edwards, and F. M. Maxwell.
A good report on Sunday schools was submitted by Colley, chairman of cominit- tee. The report closed with the recommendation of a committee of three in eachi district to work up a Sunday school Interest therein, and report to next session .. These committees were for the ist, F. M. Maxwell, T. P. Christian, and Wm. McKin- ney. For and, J. H. Colley, I. D. Letcher, and H. Haney. For 3rd, S. W. Spear, Jones Stephens, and Henry Giliner. For 4th, J. S. Bentley, W. C. Brown, and J. W. Fulmer.
Bro. White from committee on deceased ministers made a fitting tribute to Elder Benj. H. Timmerman, who died Sept 22nd, 1873. He, was not a man of what would be called good pulpit ability, but he was sound, and deeply spiritual. He was much ' more useful and influential than many of superior talent, because of his earnestness, humility, and readiness to do his best at any work asked of him by his brethren.
The Executive Committer had employed Elder Dormandy from about the ist of March to the tune ot .the session. He had labored faithfully, but lacked the talent and tact to do what was hoped for. No funds were on hand to continue the work longer.
Bro. S. Ray, reported that he enclosed in a stone tomb the grave of Elder Joseph Bankston. Bro. Letcher reported that he had not finished that of Elder Wilson, and , was granted further time.
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One-halt of Sunday's collection was paid to Bro. Boykin as evangelist, the re- mainder was given to F. W. Timmerman, for the use of the widow of B. H. Timmer- inan, who had been sorely bereaved in tile death of three of the members of the family front typhoid fever, and the other three sick for a long time from the same, . leaving her in a destitute condition.
Bro. Boykin said of Brewer's sermon that it was the most conclusive argument for the correctness of the position of the Baptists he had ever heard. .
Baptisms 152; letter 159 ; restoration etc., 23 ; dismissed 195; excluded 35; died 17 ; total 2040. Contributions exclusive of salary to Elder Dormandy $125.25. What was paid him does not appear in minutes.
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1874 1
Lebanon church entertained the association in its thirtieth session from Oct. 3 to 5, 1874. Sermon by Skipper from Jno. 1:29. An hour had been spent in prayer by . those who reached the place early. The effect seemed to pervade the entire meeting, for it was one of the most spiritual sessions ever held. Suttle and Brewer were re- elected, J. A. Robinson, tresurer.
The committees to report during the session were appointed as usual, and H. C. Taul moved to hereafter appoint as a standing committee one or more on inissions.
Union church which had formerly dissolved, had reconstituted, and was received. New ministers S. W. Melton, T. B. Cooper, and C. F. Sturgis, Jr. None of these ministers remained long in the association, nor were they pastors, so did not enter largely into the history of the body. Sturgis was from the Southern Baptist Theolog- ical Seminary. ` His father was a scholarly man, and received the prize once offered for the best scriptural argument for slavery as held In the South. Cooper was a wise man just past the middle of life, and a good plain preacher.
The preaching was done by Norton, Cooper and Sturgis, White and Jas. L. Thompson, Taul, and Jones. The missionary sernion by Brewer from Rev. 20:6, pro- duced a profound impression, and there was much weeping for joy at the Christian's hope as set forth. It was followed by a collection of $38.35. Much of the benefits of the service were doubtless due to a precious prayer meeting preceding. During the intermission the stand was tendered the colored people, and Gilbert Crawford . preached a good sermon with good effect. Sturgis and Skipper preached on Monday. Norton, Baker and Horn, were the correspondents.
Jones Stephens was elected treasurer, but dec"ned to serve, and then Robinson was elected.
1. W. Suttle read the circular letter upon the subject of missions as assigned at last session. It was a good letter.
, The Executive Committee elected consisted of [. S. Bentley, J. D). Letcher, 1. W. Suttle, D. J. Thompson, and I'. C. Fawards.
The committee ot last year reported that for want of funds, they had failed to employ any missionary. Itut a meeting of consultation had been held at Rockford, with a number of brethren from over the association, and they had asked Hrethren Brewer, Rains, Taul, and Fulmet, each, with the consent of their churches, to give one month's service, in each of the four districts, one to each, during the leisure sea- son, by way of stirring up the brethren in the churches therein. And asked the churches to give such compensation as they might voluntarily offer. This program . had been carried out, and Brethren Brewer, Rains, and T'aul made verbal reports of their work. Bro. Fulmer was not present. The reports gave good satisfaction to the body.
l'lcdges were taken for carrying on the work of missions, for some of the churches were without pastors, and had been for some years. These churches had neither Sunday schools, prayer mectings or other services. The members had lost interest, and it was rarely the churches came together for anything. . Most of the others had meetings but once a month, and but few of them had Sunday schools. . The depression Irom the fatal results of the war was beginning to give way, but the spirit of henevolence, and caring for the evangelization of others had largely died out during the decade of war and subjugation. The hearts of a few were imbued with the desire to arouse the indifferent, and to minister to the needy, as well as to give the gospel to those dwelling in darkness. Tallassce and Wetumpka were the
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only churches that had services all the time. The Manufacturing Co., at Tallasspe, supplemented what the church could ralse for pastor with $400.00, and thia enabled them to keep a pastor for all his time. Bro. Brewer had held the position of pastor there from the time of the arrangement, in the winter of 1870. The pledges, from individuals and churches amounted to $99.50, and Tallassee promised $25.50, making a total of $125.00.
The citizens of Alabama and of this association In common with them, now be- gan to wear a more cheerful look ; for the long reign of Federal power, and " scalla- wag rule," was broken, The old hero, Geo. Houston had been chosen governor, and the legislature was in the control of men who loved and had an interest in the State, and " Home Rule " was again inaugurated. From then things have been brighten- ing. But the habit of doing but little had been formed. There were after this time but few progressive pastors, or they lacked the gift of leadership, so that the body has never since manifested the spirit which characterized the earlier years of her his- tory. But improvement has begun again, and it is hoped before many years the asso- ciation will rank, as once before, with the most aggressive of the State.
Thirteen Sunday schools were reported by the committees appointed upon the subject last year. But they stated there was a large lack of interest.
Several papers were specially commended by the committee on periodicals, through Bro. Colley, chairman, especially the newly started " Alabama Baptist, " In- dex. Baptist, and Kind Words, with Home and Foreign Journal.
Bro. Letcher reported the grave of Bro. Wilson suitably enclosed. . J. S. Bentley made a good report on Sunday schools. $16.75 was raised for Bro. Stewart.
Bro. Jones Stephens from committee on deceased minsiters, paid a high tribute to the worth ot Elder S. W. Spear, who died in November 1873, triumphant in the faith of the gospel. He was a young and rapidly rising preacher. The influences of his early life were not favorable to Christianity, and especially to the Baptist faith. But through grace all these were overcome, and before manhood he joined at Con- cord, and adorned his profession.
The minutes close' with the statement that the parting at this session was very tender. and that it had been one of the most harmonious and pleasant sessions ever. held.
Baptisms 123 ; letter 128 ; restored etc. 20 ; dismissed 128 ; excluded 56 ; died 18 ; total 2006. Contributions $160.28 exclusive of pledges for next year.
1875.
The thirty-first session was held with Rockford church Oct. 2 to 4th, 1875. Ser- mon by K. M. Perry, of Coosa River Association. New church was Enon, Elinore county, and W. T. Larey and R. Barefield represented it. Bro. J. L. Thompson en- tered the list as an ordained minister. He had been a useful and exemplary member from boyhood, and was put forward in work early in life. Though still quite a young man he was now fully in the ranks as a preacher. Though not naturally brilliant, by dint of application he pressed his way through Howard and the Seminary, and has served to the good satisfaction of the brethren some of our strong churches. He is now pastor of the strong and growing church of West Montgomery. He is a good preacher, a wise pastor, and a pleasant geniai companion, with whom his brethren love to associate.
Suttle and Brewer were re-elected moderator and clerk, and Robinson treasurer. Upon motion of Bro. Taul, Taul, Kains, and Fulmer were appointed to report on the
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. centennial movement. Those who preached were Colley, Horn, Taul, Wilkes, Hen- derson, Brewer, and Jas. Johnson. The correspondents were Reems, Horn, Henderson, Witkes, Perry, Cross and E. . Conger.
The following is the report of the "Centennial Committee :"
If'hereas, We are entering upon the hundredth year of our national existence ; and Whereas, This anniversary of civil liberty will be celebrated by the nation July 4th, 1876 ;
" Resolved 1. That we hale with joy the approaching day that will make the hun- dredth year of God's goodness to us in giving us that degree of civil liberty that it has been our privilege to enjoy.
"2. That, while we would enter into this patriotic glee that thrills the hearts of the great mass of our people, and join heart and hand in commemorating the estab- lishment of civil liberty on this continent by our noble ancestry, yet we feel called upon in more earnest tones to celebrate those nobler and higher achievements which have bequeathed to us perfect Religious Liberty.
"3. That, as religious liberty was, from the first, the trophy of the Baptists, and as our fathers, by their earnest devotion to the true principles of the gospel, and by their labors and sufferings, have, under God, been the instruments in establishing soul liberty In this commonwealth as It is enjoyed by no other people in the world, that their glorious deeds should be commemorated in some substantial manner in the coming Centennial year.
" 4. That as our educational interests stand so closely connected with the inter- ests of our Zion, we would turn the energies of all our brethren to establishing per- manent means of educating our young men in a thorough manner, and on as easy terms as possible.
"5. That we heartily endorse the proposition ot our brethren to raise an endow- ment for Howard College, and as an Association we pledge ourselves to do all we can for that purpose.
"6. That according to the plan suggested by the Central Centennial Committee, we adopt as our motto ' one dollar from every Baptist. and one dollar from every man .. woman, and child under our influence,' and then we will solicit all to give as the Lord has prospered them.
"7. That we recommend the appointing of a committee consisting of a working quorum of five, located at Wetumpka, and one meniber from each church in our bounds, to arrange for canvassing of the churches for this purpose.
"8. That said committee be empowered, and are hereby directed to arrange for, and call a general Baptist gathering on the 4th of July next, to observe that day in its religions aspects.
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" 9. That said committee Invite brethren to deliver addresses on that day on the subject of Religious Liberty and the Baptists."
This was ably discussed by Brethren l'aul, Henderson, and Wilkes.
The committee required by the 7th resolution was made to consist of the working quorum of I. W. Suttle, H. C. Taul, J. Bates, Geo. F. Sedberry, and A. G. Due, at Wetumpka, and for the churches J. 7. Edwards, J. N. Fincher, J. T. P. Christian, F. M. Maxwell, W. H. Harlan, J. D. Letcher, J. H. Colley, J. L. Thompson, M. Up- shaw, B. T. Ilowle, C. F. Thompson, D). James, W. L. Williams, W. G. Wood, Geo. E. Brewer, F. S. Thomas, A. G. Rams, E. J. Wommack, T. W. Clark, G. P. Olive,
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H. Gilmore, A. Terrell, W. J. Barrett, J. M. McCord, W. W. Maddox, J. R. Steeley, W. T. Larey, J. S. Bentley, D. J. Thompson, W. C. Brown, J. T. Nelson, H. Jones, A. M. White, W. B. J. Stone, and W. J. Stanley.
There was considerable effort maade by some of those partles and like appointees in other associations of the State ; and J. J. D. Renfroe canvassed the State, devoting the year to the work, but nothing of permanent value In the way of money was ac- complished. But little more than enough to pay the expenses of Renfroe, and other expenses was secured. Now and then a good many ot the members of a church would respond, but most did nothing. The names of all who gave the dollar was to have been enrolled on an honor scroll and preserved in the Institution. But the roll was short. It was thought by the originators, it would be no trouble to get a sum fully + qual to and exceeding a dollar to every Baptist in the State, which would be a good start toward endowing ; and that many brethren who were able would give large sums, and so Howard would be placed on a solid foundation. But like many plausible schemes it miscarried, and a sense of failure-miserable failure was felt by those whose hearts had beaten with high hope. But Renfroe became personally known al- most everywhere, as he had before become known in reputation. The failure was not because he failed to do his part well, but because Howard has not been In the hearts of our people as it should be. .
The circular letter prepared by J. S. Bentley was an earnest exhortation to con- tend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. 1. As to its teachings doc- trinally and in ordinances. 2. In a new life, conformed in spirit as well as outwardly, to these teachings, as a life moulded after Christ's is more influential than the best presented theory. 3. Walking in the faith, avoiding entangling associations, with 'those who disregard and bring it into contempt, is the most successful contest we can make for it.
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The committee on deceased ministers gave notice in a suitable report of the death of Elder Jas. M. Willis. .
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The reports on the various subjects usually reported upon brought out no points of special interest, except the Executive Committee through J. S. Bentley reported that they had called for two general meetings of consultation with as many brethren as they could get together to advise with the committee. The first was held in Janu- ary, at Rockford, but the weather prevented a satisfactory attendance.
A second meeting was held in May, at Mt. Olive, when the attendance was bet- ter. It was there agreed to put Bro. J. H. Colley in the field to work as he might best judge his work would be needed, and Brethren Jas. I .. Thompson and Jas. M. John- son, were asked to preach as much as they could to pastorless churches, and such compensation would be paid them as the board could afford.
Colley's work had been blessed. He was engaged 66 days, had 27 additions, 20 by baptism. Had visited all the churches but two. He received $120.00. Bro. Thompson had done a good work, preaching 80 serinons, receiving 31 additions, 26 by baptism. He had received $114.00. Bro. Johnson had held two protracted meet- ings, from which 15 had been baptized. The amount of compensation received by hun was $20.00.
Baptized 126; letter 101 ; restored etc. 26 ; dismissed 196; excluded 39 ; total 2043. Contributions $297.80.
Liberty East withdrew to join the Tallapoosa River Association, Bro. Fewer left the Association, going to Opelika.
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60 1876.
The 32nd session was held with Providence church from Sept. 30th, to Oct. 2nd, 1876. The sermon was preached by Bro. Rains from ist Cor. 6:19, 20. The clerk being absent J. I. Lamar, was requested to act temporarily. Suttle and Lamar wcre elected moderator and clerk, and Robinson treasurer. No additional churches. Bro. Catt Smith entered this year as an ordained minister. His early advantages were not good. But nature had done much for hun, and he soon rose to considerable promi. nence which he sustains, and like Thompson, McCord, and Upshaw and Martin rcached ,more than a mere local prominence. They take rank among those whose power is felt in the Convention. He was raised in the limits of the association.
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C. H. Skelton represented the Alabaina Baptist Elder John Jarrell from the Liberty. Those who preached were J. C. White, H. C. Taul. J. Jarrell, and A. A. Flukcr Taul preached the missionary sermon. Providence church obtained a letter to join the Carey. The committee on Sabbath schools asked the pastors in view of the benefits of such schools to become agents in trying to get them established in every church.
The committee on missions, through Taul, the chairman, made an earncst plea for more interest in missions, and larger contributions, especially to Foreign Mis- sions.
Bro. Lamar, in reporting on periodicals, plead strongly for patronage to the Ala- bama Baptist, and said that the heads of families could easily spare enough of their produce to secure the paper, and the outlay would be a good investment. Money was raised to send the paper for a year to Bro. Robt. Stewart, and $5.75 besides for his help.
Bentley from the Executive Committee, said all the work they had been able to secure, because of the want of means, was to induce Bro. Colly to labor in destitu- tions and pastorless churches about two months, and trust to the liberality of breth- ren among whom he labored, and the association for remuneration. That some oth- ers had likewise been conferred with, but had been prevented. Bro. Colley had becn successful, baptizing 29 persons, besides performning many other profitable labors. The committee also bewailed the decline of correspondence among the churches, and a general spiritual decine. Pledges were then taken for the support of a missionary for the next year, which amounted to $112.00.
The contributions of this session amounted to only $115.95. ·
Baptized 71 ; letters 71 ; restored etc. 12 ; dismissed 137 ; excluded 20; dead 11 : tatal 1738.
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1 877.
The 33rd session was held with Tallassee church from Oct. 6 to 8th, 1877. Ser- mon by H. C. T'aul from Phil. 1:12,28. Two churches, Bethany and Pine Grove, were received. Bethany was a small church near the Tallapoosa River below Tallassee. It was never large but a good working church. It now belongs to the Montgomery Association, Pine Grove never took a stand of prominence in the body. J. M. Johnson, T. A. Kelley, and J. M. McCord were the new ministers. These have all proven themselves good and useful inen in the ministry, and are still working faith- fully in the vineyard, with good success. Bro. McCord graduated from Howard Col- lege, and in a few years was called to good fields in other parts of the State. He is now in the Biriningham Association.
Suttle ard Lamar were re-elected moderator and clerk, and T. J. l'ennington,
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treasurer. Some new brethren were now coming to the front, among whom may be mentioned J. C. Maxwell, Wm. J. D. Uupshaw, D. S. Martin, T. P. Moon, S. M. Sut- tle, W. P. Dawson, and J. S. Turner, N. Hines, and J. W. Bussey. Six churches were not represented. . The correspondents were Geo. E. Brewer, A. G. Simpson, H. H. Armstrong, T. J. May, J. Ragsdale, W. Wilkes, Jeff Falkner, J. R. Caldwell, J. W. Baker, J. Carrol, M. S. Glover, J. Evans, and F. Lowe.
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