USA > Alabama > A history of the Central Association of Alabama : from its organization in 1845 to 1895 > Part 9
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The preaching was done by Caldwell, Catt Smith, J. M. McCord, Colley, W. Wilkes, Brewer, Faulkner, and J. M. Johnson. The missionary sermon was by Wilkes. Collection $19.85.
The circular letter was a good one from 'T. J. Pennington on the "prerequisites to church membership."
Brewer asked for help for a house for the church at Alexander City, and secured . $7.50.
The report on missions from Bro. Taul, urged the association to try to have preaching at every church by helping the weak churches to secure pastors ; to co-op- erate with the State Mission Board in the effort to evangelize the State ; and to help in Foreign and Indian Missions.
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They appointed T. J. Pennington, N. Hines, J. F. Edwards, R. S. Penton, and D. J. Thompson the Executive Committee. 236.50 was raised for the State evan- gelist.
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The Executive Committee had employed for a time, in different parts of the as- sociation J. W. Fulmer, J. L. Thompson, J. M. Johnson, and J. M. McCord, and they were paid one dollar per day while at work. J. Steeley and J. R. Caldwell had also Tendered some service, and were compensated likewise. There is no report of results of labor of any of them but McCord, 46 had been added through his labors.
Haptized 250 : Jetter 102 ; restored etc, 28; dismissed 92; excluded 21 ; died 17 : total 2025. Contributions about $150.00.
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1878.
- Concord church had the 34 session with it from Oct. 5th to 7th, 1878. The ser- mon was preached by J. M. Johnson from Acts 9:6. Suttle, Lamar, and l'ennington were re-elected Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer. The new churches were Alexander City from the Tallapoosa River Association, and the Coosa River church, newly con- stituted. Reference has been inade before to Alexander City church, being con- posed largely in its organization by the absorption of old Elkahatchie, the banner church of the Association. So the Alexander City church leads the way in progress now in the association. It is the only church having a parsonage. For the past two years it has paid nearly half the money reported in the hinancial column. The writer knows nothing of the Coosa River church.
Poplar Springs appeared with two sets of delegates, owing to a trouble that had split the church. The matter was referred to a cominittee of five whose duty it was to Investigate the causes leading to the split, and report whether the minority or ma- jority held the true principles of the church, and report accordingly. They reported In favor of the minority, and Its delegates were seated.
Eloer G. B. Jenkins preached at night. A Sunday school mass meeting was held at 9 A. M. Sunday, and addressed by W. T. Davis, T. M. Bailey, and W. Wilkes. At 1 1A. M., T. M. Bailey preached the Missionary serinnn, and a collection of $47.35 was raised. Wilkes and Taul preached in afternoon and night.
The Correspondents were T. M. Bailey, W. and J. 1 .. Wilkes, G. B. Jenkins, Sr.
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1. and Jr., W. T. Davis, and J. R. Caldwell. This was the first visit of Bro. Bailey to the Association. He came as Financial Secretary of the State Mission Board, and This visit did much good here as elsewhere in arousing.an interest in mission work. No man has done more or as much as Bro. 'Bailey in arousing the spirit of missions, and organizing for work at Missions, in Alabama. His work will live when he is dead. Could the State have had four or five such inen to canvass it for a few years, the State would now be far in advance of its present position. He came to the Bap- tists from the Moravians, and did not leave that best feature of the Moravians behind him, but brought and linked it into the truths which drew him to the Baptist church.
The Executive Committee consisted of J. C. Maxwell, J. B. Wilkerson, D. S. Martin, C. L. Walker, and H. Norrell,
The Alabama Baptist edited by Dr. F. F. Winkler, and J. L. West, was strongly urged for patronage upon the people by Bro. Bentley from Periodicals, also Kind Words.
C'att Smith froin correspondence committee urged that the association do all in its power to encourage continued correspondence, that the association might have the benefit of the wise counsel of good brethren from other parts of the State. Holly Springs that had been dropped from the list for continued non-representation, sent a delegation this time and was restored again.
Owing to some irregularity, a question was sprung by Union church as to the legality of the baptisms that had been adininistered at Sand Tuck at a successful meeting that had been held there by Elder J. M. Johnson, and referred to a com- mittee of which J. M. McCord was chairman. Some irregularity was found to exist, but the association advised that there was not sufficient seriousness about it to cause any trouble. And advised the brethren to overlook it in view of the great good done and to love and cherish each other. .
T. J. Pennington from Executive Committee reported that the funds on land, and the dissatisfaction with the work done by the Executive Committee for the past few years prevented the committee from attempting any extensive work. The funds would not authorize the employment of a man or men of ability, and such only could meet the wants of the body. So they had contented themselves with securing such work as Bro. J. L. Thompson could give in school vacation, and some evange- listic work done by Bro. J. M. Johnson. The labors of these brethren had been much blessed. Bro. Wilkes, under employment of the State Board had also rendered some good service.
When the report of the committee on Missions was read, Elder Wilkes gave an . account ol his work as State Evangelist in this association. Bro. Bailey then ex- planed his mission, and the object of the State Board. His address thrilled and stirred the body. A contribution in cash and pledges for $193.50 for the State Mis- sion Board was made; and $97.75 for the support of J. I .. Thompson at Howard Col- lege also, which added to the amount sent from the churches for the same purpose, secured his continuance at College.
The Comunittee reported the death this year of car afflicted Bro. Stewart who from paralysis had been unfitted for ministerial work. Hle was a brother beloved, that had been in the constitution of the association, and a preacher since 1848.
. Coosa River church reported that Sim. Melton, though excluded still continued to preach, and asked what course to pursue. The body advised that he be adver- tised in the Alabama Baptist. .
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The circular letter was read by Taul, "On the duties of a deacon." It was a good paper.
Baptized 155 ; letter 99; restored etc. 42 ; dismissed 165 ; excluded 124; died 21; total 1988. Contributions about $300.00. The large number of exclusions wasowing to the split in Poplar Springs. Y 1879.
The 35th Session 'was held at Mt. Olive from Oct. 4 to 6, 1879. Sermon by Catt Smith from Jno. 16:13. Sand Tuck, and Mountain Spring, Talladega county, new churches were added. The new ministers added this year, wore J. M. McCord, W. J. Bone, J. Nelson, I. Holmes, O. C. Swindal, W. A. Ross, W. J. D. Upshaw. Of these the writer knows but Ilttle of Bone, Nelson, and Ross, Of Holmes mention has been made before. J. M. McCord soon worked his way through college by the help of the brethren, and has been a good exemplary, and useful minister. He did not continue long in the association. O. C. Swindal was advanced somewhat in life before entering the ministry. He has not given much time to the pastorate. His education is fairly good. He is a good and wise man. Though not fluent as a speak- er, he is always sensible. He writes well. W. J. D). Upshaw is a man of clear head, .great earnestness, of piety unfeigned, a warm hearted missionary, a good preacher and pastor. He has gone to Lineville where in it and surrounding churches he is doing a good work. The same officers were re-elected.
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Those who preached were Caldwell, Cumbie, Wilkes, Brewer, and Hastie. Wilkes preached the missionary sermon and a collection of $35.35 was taken.
Correspondents were H. S. Ham, W. H. Malone, W. Wilkes, J. D. Quarles, Geo. E. Brewer, R. A. J. Cumbie, and J. R. Caldwell. Geo. E. Brewer in addition to rep- resenting Tuskegee association, also represented the State Board. Bro. Wilkes rep- resented Coosa River, and was received also as State Evangelist in the Association.
The Executive Committee elected, were W. C. Brown, 1). J. Thompson, J. Bailey, R. Corley, and B. Caffee.
J. C. Maxwell was now for some years made chairman of Finance Committee. The report this year showed $235.05 sent up to the association from the churches.
The time ot meeting was changed to Friday before ist Sabbath in October. The churches were asked to make up their funds at the churches so that all might partici- pate, and not leave the fund raising to be done by the few who attended the meeting. They were also asked to give the names of the deceased members, so their names might be inserted in the minutes.
The Sabbath school report showed commendable progress, but several good schools known to exist had made no report. The churches were asked to make re- ports of their schools in their letters. A Sabbath school meeting was called for at Shiloh church, embracing the 5th Sabbath in November for the discussion of this sub- ject, and a full attendance was asked for. T'aul chairman.
Tallassee and Bethlehem were granted letters to join the Tallapoosa River .Asso- ciation.
The report on periodicals by H. Gilmer, recommended the Alabama Baptist, Christian Index, Haptist, and Religious Iferald. .
$13.85 was made up, under the report upon missions, as an expression of appre- ' ciation of Bro. Wilkes' labors, and appropriated to his wife, Sister M. E. Wilkes. $80.05 was also raised to aid. Bro. McCord to attend Howad College. Bro. Brewer presented the work of the State Board, and raised for it $94.00. Bro. Cumbie raised $10.00 to assist Alexander City church.
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Bro. Maxwell, J. C., from Executive Committee, reported that the tunds in their hands did not authorize them to try to employ a regul ir mission ary. But they con- tracted with Brethren Thompson and McCord to send their vacation at work in the association, and for the days they labored in destitutions they would pay thein $1.00 . per day. These brethren accepted, and so worked, except when assisting pastors 'These brethren reported 43 days employed, for which they had been paid as per con. tract. The churches were urged to better contributions.
The committee on deceased ministers paid a fitting tribute to Bro. Chas. Gregory, who died March 28th, 1879, in his 88th year, having been born in 1791. ile came to Alabama about the time of the removal of the Indians, and was soon baptized by El- der John Humphries, at Sardis church, Chambers county, Ala. lle was soon inade a deacon, and not long after licensed to preach, but would not consent to ordination It is said of him, " that such was his integrity, deep piety, and familiarity with the Word of God, that he carried an unusual weight of influence. He was a living epis- tle, known and read ot all men. He fully carried out the injunction, dilligent in bus- iness, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." The writer can fully aver to the truthful- ness of these statements, for he knew him well for many years. He was always lib- eral in his contributions, and especially to Indian Missions. The war took away his negroe property, but, undaunted, he went to the field, and up to almost the time of his death, he worked like a man in the prime of life, and God gave him strength and success. Ilis home was a home for his brethren, for he was given to hospitality. Such men are rare, like comets in the sky.
Baptized 151 ; letter 118 ; restored etc. 28 ; dismissed 149; excluded 67 : dead 19 : total 2001.
1880.
.Alexander City church entertained the association in its 36th session, from Oct. ist to) 4th, 1880. The sermon was by 1 .. H. Hastie from Is. 54:17. Friendship, Coosa county, a newly constituted church joined. No new ministers.
Suttle, Lamar and Pennington were re-elected.
The correspondents were J. F. Bledsoe, Brewer, Cumbie, J. P. Shaffer, J. A. Cor- ley, Il. Vines, W. D. Bulger, W. H. Faine, O. P. O'lirien, J. L. Watts, Caldwell, J. C. White, J. M. Berry, W. L. Banks, and J. Upshaw. Brewer was received as the repre- sentative of the State Board, and Illedsoe of that of the Foreign Board.
The M. F. Church, tendered the use of their house. Elder Bledsoe preached in the Baptist church at night, and J. M. Johnson at the M. F. Church.
The report on missions the minutes saty " called forth highly interesting and en- couraging speeches from Elders Brewer, Bledsoe, Shaffer, Smith and Cumbie." The report as made by J. M. Johnson, recommened the adoption of the plan of work as proposed by the last session of the State Convention, held in Greenville. They also recommended the Executive Committee to employ an efficient missionary to work in the bounds of the association, and furnish him with suitable literature for colportage work. And that the funds that may be collected or sent up be devoted to this work.
The circular letter prepared by J. I .. Thompson was read. It was a good paper upon the benefits of Christian co-operation.
Elder Catt Sinith made the report on Sunday Schools and it was still the com- plaint of negiect on the part of many of the churches.
11. C. Taul was to preach at the Baptist church tonight, Saturday the 2nd, Cum- bie at 10 A. M., Shaffer at 11.30 A. M., at the M. F. Church, Caldwell at 10 A. M.,
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Brewer at 11.30 A, M., a collection was taken, to purchase a Cyclopedia for Catt Smith amounting to $104.
The committee on Periodicals, through Pennington, recommend highly the ben- efits of religious periodicals in families, and urged for patronage the same papers as last year, with the addition of the Home and Foreign Journal, and Kind Words.
The Executive Committee elected were J. C. Maxwell, R. S. Penton, H. Norrell, W. H. Jones, and J. L. Thompson. The former committee reported that having only $69.65, they deemed it best not to attempt employing any one, but hold In . reservation to add to what might be raised this time, hoping thus to have enough to work effectively the following year.
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The churches were then called upon to know what they would try to raise for the work during the year, and cash and pledges amounting to $216.05 was raised. $77.25 was also raised to aid J. M. McCord through college. Nine churches re- ported Sunday schools.
Baptisms 191 ; letter 96 ; restore'd etc., 39; dismissed 104 ; excluded 41 ; died 15 : total 2149. Total contribution and pledges $517.65.
CHAPTER VI.
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(PROSPECTS BRIGHTENING.)
1881.
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The 37th, gathering of the body took place at Antioch No. 2 and lasted from Oct. 1st, to 3rd, 1881. J. L. 'Thompson preached the serinon trom 'i Pet. 1:3,4. H. Jones preached in the afternoon. Mt. Pleasant, Tallapoosa Co., was received. J. . If. Colly was elected moderator, Lamar clerk, and Pennington, Treasurer. Among those who for a few years became active meinbers of the body may be mentioned, in addition to those already given J. L. Austin, R. W. Cunningham, 'T. L. Austin, J. A. R. Baxley, J. F. Patterson, M. J. Dozier, R. M. Murchison, J. H. Hickman, J. B. Wilkerson, E. J. Bryant, B. F. Harris, E. Cason, M. L. Welch, H. B. Young, W. M. Emfinger, J. Wideinan, W. J. Johnson, W. J. Edwards and f). W. McCoy. The cor .. respondents were W. G. Worrell, J. F. Bailey, and from the Morning Star Associa- tion (colored) G. W. Jeter and W. J. Holmes.
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'The preaching was by Steetey, Taul, McCord, T. A. Kelley, and J. M. Johnson, After the missionary sermon by Taul $21.75 was collected.
The Executive Committee was J. C. Maxwell, R. S. fenton, H. Norrell. J. F. Lancaster, and R. M. Cunningham.
Elder Taul made the report on Missions, from which is extracted the following expressions : " The churches of our Lord Jesus Christ certainly must have some higher, grander work to perform than merely maintain their organizations-to hold the land already occupied. The whole spirit of the New Testament indicates that these churches are here for the purpose of making conquests of other lands, of spreading far and wide the knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ. The practical question for us to consider is, what part of this great Christian Enterprise are we to perform? While God is preparing his people for the second coming of His Son, wifl We not undertake to do our part ? Co operation with the Baptist State Convention - in efforts to evangelize the world was urged, and especially the colportage work.
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The deacons were asked to press the claim for missions in the churches, $243.50 Was pledged.
Maxwell, from the Executive Committee showed that Bro. Smith had been em- . ployed for six months at a salary of $300, to preach as missionary and act as Cof- porter. That he had rendered efficient service, except that sickness had deprived him of two months of the time. He had been paid $126.20, the balance was due. He had traveled 1373 miles, visits 155. preached 75 sermons, organized to Sunday schools, visited 35 churches, and 15 destitute places. Had ordained two deacons; sold $60.00 worth of books and gave away $40.00 worth.
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'The committee on Sunday schools, through Catt Smith, said if the churches would get the real benefit of such schools, they must have, ist A leader ; 2nd Teach Baptist principles ; 3rd Attend regularly, and use American Baptist Publication So- ciety Literature.
The committees on Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Sabbath Schools, State of Religion, 'femperance, and Religious Literature were appointed to report next year, so they might have more time for their work. $21.15 was raised toward getting a library for 1. M. Johnson ; and #26.65 to help Bro. Steeley to procure a horse.
Bro. Suttle, who was to write the circul ir letter, having within a short time lost many of his family, out of the sadness of his heart wrote principally upon the com- fort to be derived from meditation upon the love of Goo toward us, and the need for . resignation to God's will.
Baptized 110 : letter 77 ; restored etc. 32 : dismissed to5 ; excluded 64; died 28 ; total 2121. Contributions #266.95.
1882.
"The session for 1882 was held with Sardis church, from Sept. 30th to Oct. 2. Ser- mon by W. J. 1). Upshaw from Matt. 9:37-38. Bethlehem returned from the Talla- poosa River Association. 'This year D. S. Martin was added to the ministry. He has made fine improvement on his early opportunities. He is a man of naturally lovable qualities, sweet spirited, humble, but firm and true to his convictions, all these mellowed and improved by grace reigning within, makes him one of the most useful of the association. He is a sweet singer, and a good clerk of the association.
Colley was re-elected inoderator, J. C. Maxwell clerk, and 'f. J. f'ennington, treasurer. The preaching was done by B. H. Vickers, J. H. Norton, Catt Smith, J. L. Thompson, and f). S. Martin, F. McCloud, and J. Smith preached the missionary sermon. Collection $27.90.
Correspondents, J. F. Mcleod, J. H. Norton, and G. W. Jeter, (colored.)
Executive Committee, J. F. Edwards, D. J. Thompson, Henry Norrell, F. M. Maxwell, and I). M. Ifarris
Taul read the report on Foreign Missions, but gave no figures, merely told of the nations being open for the gospel, and urging the body to aid in the work.
The report ou Home Missions, made by Bro. Upshaw, was spoken to by Breth- ren Thompson and Smith.
The Executive Committee, through fro. Maxwell, reported that the two month's . service due from Bro. Smith on last year's contract had been rendered. That Bro. D. S. Martin had been employed to preach to the destitutions in the eastern part of the association, but without any stipulated salary. The work had been well done, and liberal compensation was recommended. ffe was paid $100.00. After an ad-
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dress by Bro. Smith upon the subject, there were taken pledges and cash for associa- tional work for the ensuing year, $172.00.
The report on Sunday schools from J. L. Thompson, showed progress in the work, and that opposition to it was giving way. He Insisted that the view taken by some that the work was separate from church work was wrong. It was urged that our peculiar views should be taught in our schools. Thompson and Upshaw spoke to the report.
A good report was made by Smith on Religlous Literature.
Wetumpka, Enon, Sand Tuck, Union, and Bethany asked for letters to go into the constitution of the Montgomery Association. Union and Wetumpka asked to retain their mission fund, but the request was refused, as obligations had been In- curred based upon it.
The Committee on Temperance urged the churches to a higher standard, and to regard regular tippling as a disqualification for membership ; or to aid In making or . selling it, or to sign petitions for its sale equally so.
$13.85 was raised to help build at Mt. Zion, Eclectic, and Friendship. Two brethren who had long been prominent in public life and the association, died this year, A. G. Due of Wetumpka, and A. H. Kendrick of Nixburg.
Ten Sunday schools were reported.
Baptized 117; letter 99 ; restored etc. 23]; dismissed 133 ; excluded 43; died 23 ; total 2201. Contributions about $250.00.
1883.
The 39th meeting took place with Macedonia church Oct. 6th, 1883. Catt Smith preached the sermon from Jno. 18:26. Goodwater church joined, bearing a letter from the Carey. This church is in the town of the same name. It has some most excellent members, but has not accomplished ax a church what its opportunities made possible easily. B. H. Vickers this year passed into the rank of an ordained minis- ter. The election resulted in Colley Moderator, I. S. Martin clerk, and T. J. Pen- * nington Treasurer.
The correspondents were brethren Cumbie, Wilkes, Ingram, Glass, D. J. Thomp- son, and Benj. Calloway. Bro. T. P. Cranford, B. W. Young, D. F. Avant, and J. J. Garrett, N. J. Calloway, G. M. Lowery, W. R. Miller, D. F. Jacks, R. C. Hardy, A. B. Duke, J. F. Bone, and O. P. Looney, J. R. Funderberk for a few years were fre- quently present, and gave strength to the body by their influence.
Preaching was done by Cumbie, Wilkes, Upshaw, and L. H. Hastie. Cumbie preached the missionary sermon. The collection was $75.10, mostly for Mrs. Watts. Several of the reports presented nothing out of the usual line. The Temperance report drew speeches from Brethren W. and J. Wilkes, R. B. Pruett, and I. W. Sut tle. This was followed by a resolution declaring the purpose of favoring strictly temperance men for places of trust; and appointment of a committee to petition the Legislature to grant the Judge of Probate power to order an election to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicants. The committee was R. B. Pruett, Catt Smith, and 'T. J. Pennington.
The Executive Committee, through J. F. Edwards, reported that they had au- thorized D. S. Martin to work in the Southeast part as he had opportunity, and Steeley in the Northwest likewise, without stipulated salary. Their work had been satisfactory. They recommend dispensing with the Executive Committee, and the appointment of a committee of three to co-operate with the State Board in the
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work done. The report and recommendation were adopted. Bro. Steeley was paid $50.00, and Martin $12.00. The committee of conference with State Board was J. S. Bentley, J. B. Wilkerson, and T. P. Cranford. 12 churches reported Sunday schools. Several prominent brethren, much loved by the association died this year viz : M. Upshaw, A. W. Colley, Henry Gilmer, W. T. King, and T. L. Austin.
Bro. W. J. D. Upshaw read the circular letter upon the subject of Ministerial Education.
Baptized 136; letter 136; restored etc. 21 ; dismissed 96; excluded 35 ; died 23; total 1857. Contributions $298.25. Foreign Missions received but little,
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1884.
The 40th session was held with Shiloh church Oct. 4th, 1884. The sermon was hy D. S. Martin from : Cor. 10:12. J. M. McCord preached In afternoon. Union and Sand Tuck returned from the Montgomery ; and Beulah of Elmore, a new consti- tution, joined. G. M. Lowery was added to the ministry. Colley, Martin, and Pen- nington were re-elected.
The correspondents were Cumbie, W. I .. Banks, M. J. Banks, W. D). Bulger, D. J. Thompson, H. Ingran.
The preaching was done by Cumbie, Smith, Hastie, Kelly, and Vickers, Smith preached the missionary sermon, and a collection was taken to raise a Colportage Fund, which was finally completed, and called the I. W. Suttle Fund, amounting to $100.
Correspondence was again opened, and trom the colored association appeared Green Jeter, Jas. Baker, and Levi Whitaker.
A resolution offered by Bro. Upshaw was adopted unanimously, asking any community in which the association may hereafter incet, not to allow the sale of drinks of any kind upon the grounds while the body is in session, P'ending the re- port on Foreign Missions a collection was taken for it amounting to $24.00. The re- port was made by J. C. Maxwell, in which for the first time in a long while, there had been brought out any facts in regard to the work being done. They had been mere essays upon the obligation to the work. They were good as such, but did not appeal to the business sense of the brethren. This report did, as well as to their hearts, and hence the collection. The association was asked by the State Board for $92.55 for both the Foreign and Home Boards.
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