USA > Alabama > Dallas County > Selma > History of the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church, Selma, Alabama > Part 2
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Besides spinning and weaving for their own household, they wrote to the Governor for cloth to make clothes of all kinds of the soldiers. He responded by sending them bolts of cloth. The basement of the church was their gathering place, here the work was cut and equally distributed. Socks were knit by the dozen pairs, one lady obligated herself to knit twenty-five dozen pairs. At the organization of this band of "willing workers," Mrs. Mary Pinckney Russell McIlwain was made president. Mrs. Mary Jane Morrison Russell, Secretary. With all this bearing upon them they did not forget the heathen in their darkness, but kept a torch burning for them, which sent a ray of light far across the sea. Miss Jenny McMurry was a great spirit wending her way from home to home, carrying her Bible and knitting in her reticule, praying and pleading for our sisters and brothers in the dark lands. This spirit for foreign missions was constantly kept ablaze. It was stated in one of our papers that Valley Creek Church was second in her foreign mission contribution, considering her membership and wealth. The soldiers attended the Valley Creek Church while they encamped at Kenan's Mill.
After the war though disturbed, crushed and dishartened our God fearing people hoped for and could see the dawning of better times, they could see the light bursting forth, they looked to a Heavenly Father, humbly trusting that he would hear their prayers. This congregation, through faith in their Master held firmly, in about 1873 the crops were a failure, their families could hardly be sustained; through all this time of want the church was not neglected.
Tenth Pastor.
Rev. W. W. Carothers was pastor from 1876 till his death March 1886, his life abounded in acts of kindness and friendly assistance under all circumstances, he bore himself with mod- eration, dignity and simplicity, his highest aim in life was to do his 'Master's will. I find the following clipping preserved in a scrap book of one who loved him. I take the liberty to republish it:
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"Valley Creek Church, April 20, 1881."
Rev. W. W. Carothers writes we have just enjoyed a most precious communion service at Old Valley Creek Church in the Presbytery of South Alabama. During the past few years, God has greatly afflicted this church, taking away from us by death one after another of our members and several of our most beloved church officers, and leading to other localities some of our excellent members with their families. Our con- gregations were materially affected by these causes; and the church session was reduced to two members, one of these on account of very feeble health, being unable except very rarely, to attend the church services, my own heart was sad, and a spirit of gloom seemed to pervade the church. But on last Saturday, April 16, 1881, we ordained and installed two addi- tional ruling elders, viz: Mr. William J. Morrison and Mr. Wm. M. Carothers. The services both on Saturday and Sab- bath, appeared to be peculiarly solemn and impressive and I trust the Master was with us to comfort our hearts and stren- gthen our hands. Eight persons united with the church, six on profession of faith and two by certificate. There are still some others who I trust will ere long profess Christ and cast in their lot with us. "My heart is filled with gratitude to God for bis great goodness," and I plead with him for his con- tinued favor and enlarged blessings."
Mr. Carothers is buried in Valley Creek Cemetery, he was a pastor beloved and missed by all.
Deacons installed by Rev. W. W. Carothers .- J. H. Mcll- wain, Wm. J. Morrison, R. Russell Carothers, R. Howard Jones.
Elders ordained .- R. W. Morrison, Wm. M. Carothers, Wm. J. A. Morrison.
Eleventh Pastor.
Rev. James A. McLees, 1886-1888.
Eledrs Ordained .- Wm. J. Waugh, Jas M. Carothers. Deacons Installed.
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Twelfth Pastor.
Rev. A. S. Doak, 1888-1891.
Elders Ordained .- A. L. Gilmer, (Mr. Gilmer is one of the oldest living members of the church.)
Thirteenth Pastor.
Rev. H. E. McClure, 1892-1900. .
Mr. McClure was much beloved, he was thoughtful and congenial in his home and always on the elert to promote iris Masters Kingdom. He was the first to occupy the new manse at Valley Creek, his doors were opened in love to all.
Deacons installed by Rev. H. E. McClure .- Thomas Kenan, Chas. Irwin, W. J. Rountree.
Elders Ordained .- R. Howard Jones. (Served as Deacon then Elder.) R. M. Rountree.
Fourteenth Pastor.
Rev. Francis Tappy, 1900-1903.
Rev. Francis Tappy was born in Petersburg, Virginia, some of his ancestors having been in that state from the earliest days of its settlement and once one having been a refu- gee from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. In early life Mr. Tappy united with the Washington Street Presbyterian Church. He attended the school of his home and afterwards Hampden, Sidney College Virginia. After several years spent in business Mr. Tappy, feeling that God had called him to the ministry gave up his business and took the Theological course at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, completing his course he came at once to Alabama, having determined to do mission work for at least a few years preach- ing his first sermon at Catherine, Alabama May 1, 1897. After spending several years with the weaker churches of Tusca- loosa Presbytery, he accepted a call to the historic Valley Creek Church near Selma. Beginning his work there the second Sabbath in May 1900. Meanwhile the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa had licensed him to preach the gospel as a "Pro- bationer for the Gospel Ministry" at an adjourned meeting
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held in the First Church, Selma, on May 18, 1897 and had or- dained him to the Ministry on December 6. 1897 at the regu- lar fall meeting held at Eutaw, Alabama. On February 1, 1903, he was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, Alabama, where he yet remains as pastor. On December 16, 1897, Mr. Tappey was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Strother Robins, daughter of Col. and Mrs. Joo Robins, of Wilcox county, she has proved a veritable "help mete" to her husband in every field of labor.
Deacons Installed by Mr. Tappey .- W. E. Callen, J. E. Morrison, Wm. Russell Jones.
Elders Ordained .- D. B. McMillian.
Fifteenth Pastor.
Rev. R. F. Otts, 1903-1906.
Sixteenth Pastor.
Rev. T. A. Bradshaw, remained a few months.
Seventeenth Pastor.
Rev. Junius Marcus Batte, the present incumbent of the pastorate of Valley Creek Church, was born in Panola County, Miss., son of Richard Baugh and Mollie Louice Batte, both Virginians. His home from early childhood was Jackson, Miss., his father being engaged there in business. Mr. Batte united with the First Presbyterian Church, at the age of twelve of which his father was a greatly beloved deacon.
But after the war financial trouble embarrassed the home this causing himself and his two brothers to battle in the tide of life to help the family. Mr. Batte after serving one frm for seven years, decided to swim the tide alone and own his business, which he did and managed it successfully. He ma"- ried when about twenty-one to Miss Sallie Fitzgerald, of Sardis, Miss., a most noble Christian woman.
Shortly after that time he felt called to the Gospel Min- istry, he responded to the call and resumed his college course, having a small family to support and himself to educate, he
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battled on the way, he thought the guiding Providence led him. £ Through many difficulties land discouragements he conquered and won the prize of the high calling, finishing his course at the Louisville Theological Seminary, was licensed to preach the Gospel, April 1895, by the North Mississippi Presbytery. Few men have fought more bravely than he. He has been a successful minister and has always been much beloved and appreciated in his congregations.
His ancestors on his father's side were French-Hugue- nots, but during the great persecution, they emigrated to Yorkshire, England, where they built Mansell Castle, which for generations has been the home of some of the family, who have always stood for truth and right. His great-grand- father emigrated to Virginia in the latter part of the seven- teenth century. Mr. Batte is a decendent from a long line of ministers many having distinguished themselves in Ameri- can pulpits. His mother was known for her piety and sought diligently to instruct her children in the "paths of righteous- ness." In his every day walk, he shows the training of that gentle motherly hand that taught him daily the ways of love and purity. Mr. Batte losing his first wife was married again to Miss Katherine Alice Shipman, of Salem, Virginia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Shipmam. Mrs. Batte is an accomplish- ed woman, capable of adapting herself to all circumstances. and is a great help to her husband in his work. He is a gifted Minister besides having great evangelistic powers. In his pastorate of about fourteen years he has been instrumental in adding 1,200 members to the communion. Mr. Batte was called to his present charge August 1908, was installed at Valley Creek Church in October and at Pisgah in November.
The Old Valley Creek Church.
It was my pleasure on Sunday, October 25, 1908 to at- tend the installation services of Rev. Junuis M. Batte at the Old Valley Creek Church near Selma, Alabama. She is the mother of the First Presbyterian Church, Selma, and the grandmother of the Alabama Street Church, Selma.
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My heart swelld with pride as I gazed upon those sacred walls built there almost a century ago. The gray-headed fathers and mothers have crossed to the other side. They are singing the anthems in that happy land, "that is fairer than day." But they have left behind a legacy of which Pres- byterians should be proud -- a building which has stood the storms of years. She is still holding out the banner of the cross of Christ and crying, "I rocked your fathers and mothers in the cradle of Christ's love, now, as the century presses heavily upon my brow, hold my hands that I, too, may rock you in the cradle of love for the sake of him who died for you upon Calvary's brow."
The church was filled with those who loved the memory of the dead. The morning sermon was preached by Rev. I ... G. Hames, of Demopolis, Alabama; it was full of the Gospe; and the love of Christ. The ladies at one o'clock showed their ancestral hospitality by spreading dinner for all.
The regular installation service began at two o'clock. Rev. Mr. Hames again preached to a large audience another of his soul searching sermons from 1st John 3; 1, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."
Rv. E. B. Robinson of the Alabama Street Church, in an unassuming, gentle and Christlike way, charged the pastor. Judge Pitts, of Selma, charged the people. He counseled them not to neglect the pastor, to see that he was given the neces- sities of life and to hold up his hands in love and never allow him to be an object of criticism.
Mr. Batte has come into our midst to spread the love of Christ in our Valley Creek Church and community. Let us all come forward as banner bearers of Christ and help enable our mother church, Valley Creek, to wave her banner of glory for the coming century as she has done in the past.
"I love Thy church, O, God! 'Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, Engraven on Thy hand."
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Elders from the Organization .- Departed this life on Sep- tember 16, 1839, in Pleasant Valley, Dallas County, Alaba- ma. Mr. William Morrison, Sr., 75 years of age. A good man has gone to his rest. Mr. Morrison for many vears sustained the office of Ruling Elder in the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church, to the doctrines of dicipline of which he was ardently attached. While his whole character bore the impression of evangelical piety, there was perhaps no feature of it more re- markable than his love of the church and his earnest desire for her prosperity.
He was the son of James Morrison who came to this country ome time in 1700. He finally located in North Car)- lina. William was his father's oldest son and succeeded him as Elder in the Rocky River Church in 1804, serving in thai capacity till 1816 when he moved to Alabama. He showed so much zeall in building up the church that he was called the "Apostle of the Valley." He was one of the Elders at the organization of Valley Creek Church. He truly said :
"I love Thy kingdom, Lord, The house of Thine abode,
The church our blest Redeemer bought, With His own precious blood."
Mr. Robert Morrison was made Elder at the organization of Valley Creek Church and for years served faithfully this church. Going shoulder to shoulder with others building up a church in the wilderness. He moved to Mississippi in 1842. He and William Morrison, Sr., were brothers, coming together from the Rocky River Church, North Carolina.
Mr. David Russell was born January 7th, 1778 in North Carolina and came to Dalas County, Alabama: about 1818. He was an elder in the Valley Creek Church from, its organi- zation till his death, February 15, 1857. He was faithful in every avanue of life. He loved to do his "Master's" work. He always deemed it a pleasure to extend a helping hand.
As the last golden sun of his years set glorious, he is at rest.
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Mr. Enoch Morgan, born in North Carolina. Died Sep- tember 3rd, 1840 in Dallas County Alabama, as an elder in the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church he was greatly beloved and respected, he was one of the faithful organizers and pro- moters of this church, whose untiring energies did much i:) build up the church. He always had a willing hand extended to do all in his power. His death was greatly lamented.
Mr. Benjamin A. Glass, died October 20, 1864, he was 70 years old. He emigrated from Mechlenberg County, North Carolina to Dallas County, Alabama in 1818. He was ordain- ed ruling elder in the Presbyterian church, Valley Creek, in 1832 and continued in active duty till released by death.
"Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord.''
Mr. John Russell, son of James and Elenor Russell, died June 29, 1837. He was made ruling elder in the Valley Creek Church 1832, died when he was only 28 years old, his life was short but faithful to the cause of his Master.
Mr. Samuel H. N. Dickson was made deacon of Valley Creek Church December 5, 1837, ceased to act in 1843, died .--
Mr. Ira Sterdevant was installed deacon in Valley Creek Church February 12, 1843, moved to Texas June 1854, died at an early age of 39.
Mr. Samuel B. Pickens was ordained deacon of Valley Creek Church in its early years, in 1843 he was made ruling elder in which capacity he sreved till his death 1851.
Mr. John N. Taggart, an old and honored citizen passed away in 1890 at his home at Mt. Pleasant, he was for a num- ber of years ruling elder of Valley Creek Church and early in the 50's he and Mr. James E. Morrison alternately were Su- perintendents of the Sabbath School. January 1866 he moved to Mount Pleasant Church. No citizen was held in higher es- teem, he was one of the early citizens, his old time virtues and honesty made him a man of mark in his community. He is buried at Valley Creek Cemetery. Rev. Doak officiated.
Mr. James A. Blair was ordained elder April 11, 1852, ceased to act July 30, 1854, died August 20, 1,882.
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Mr. John Johnston was ordained elder of Valley Creek April 11, 1852, died December 11, 1891.
Mr. Josiah Alexander 'ordained elder of Valley Creek Church April 1, 1852, he became a member of this church 1837, at the time of his death April 1, 1892 he had been el- der for forty years.
Mr. James Kenan was ordained elder July 14, 1865, died January 27, 1874.
·Mr. James Edward Morrison fell asleep in Jesus at his residence near Selma, Alabama May 1, 1874. He was born in Cabarras County, North Carolina June 3, 1811 and came to Alabama when quite young. In early life he became a chris- tian and all through life he endeavored to let his light so shine that others seeing his good work might glorify ou" Father in Heaven. He worshiped God, as the God of ihs fam- ily. The Lord spared him to see them all grown and Profes- sors of the Gospel he loved so well. He was a warm friend and a kind neighbor. For nearly twenty years he was ruling elder at Valey Creek Church. His prayer sand counsel has been greatly missed. His seat was never vacant when able to fill it. He loved the gates of Zion. "Mark the perfect man, behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."
Mr. George M. Callen was born in Dallas County, Alabama: January 14, 1841. Of his very early life no more need be said than that he was a truthful, earnest, modest boy, and these traits of character marked him all throuh life. When 20 or 21 years old he joined the Confederate Army, continued to serve his country till the surrender of Lee's Army in April 1865. He made a profession of his faith in Christ a short time previous to the war and united with the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church on the day that the present church building was opened for worship April 17, 1859. All through his entire career as a soldier, his religious principles were maintained though subjected to many evils. He was a great promoter of education and for many years worked in the Public Schools of Selma. He was Sunday School Superinten-
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dent. As an evidence of his esteem, he was elected ruling elder of Valley Creek Church. He was a liberal contributor to all that was good. He died at his home in Selma January 14, 1881. It can truly be said of him, "Not Lost, But Gone Before."
Acrostic-Addressed to Mrs. Fanny L. Callen, his wife.
In this world of sin and care Notes of sorrow still strike our ear.
Man falls beneath the spoilers dart
Each land is filled with stricken hearts;
Mourn not, the clouds, are o'er us driven, Our hearts to draw from earth to Heaven, Receive in hope the chastening rod, Your heart to school, and lead to God.
Our Father calls for those we love- Faith points us to their home above.
Grieve not then for thy loved ones Each heart should say, "Thy will be done." O sooth thy heart all pierced and riven! Rich grace sustains and fits for Heaven Great as are our sorrows. One above Ever looks with sympathy and love.
Many cares and griefs are here our lot, And trusting God, we'll murmur not Relying on his precious word In Christ, our Shepherd, King and Lord, Of all he does we may not tell, Nor need we know-"It all is well."
"Cast all your burdens on the Lord And he'll sustain-it is His word List, as for Him beloved you weep, Learn now, "The dead in Christ shall sleep" Endless life's beyond the shining shore." "Not lost; not lost, but gone before." Pastor Valley Creek Church.
January 25, 1881.
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Died in Dallas Cunty, Ala., July 10, 1877, Mr. Virgil Irwin in the fiftieth year of his age. From his childhood he was trained in the christian religion. About twenty years before his death he made. a profession of religion and united with the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church. In early life by the death of his father he was left to the maternal care of his mother, a most excellent, pious christian woman. All through life he exhibited the fruits of her christian training and Godly example. Mr. Irwin was endowed with a mind of great strength. His temperament was kind and genial, his nature warm and generous, his conduct through life was marked by the same strict integrity, conscientious adherence to principle and to duty, unselfish regard for the right and good of others, which caused his teacher to say of him, "He is an ornament to my school, and a model for my boys." In all the avenues of life he was earnestly respected. He was ordained ruling elder of the church and died a short time afterward. He loved the church, was a Bible scholar, the prin- ciples of that sacred volume gave directions to the tenor of his life. "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Mr. R. W. Morrison was ordained elder July 1, 1877, died September 15, 1878, he served as deacon eight years before being ordained elder. His grandfather, Robert Morrison and his father James E. Morrison had served years before him as deacons, he was admitted to the communion of the church October 23, 1857.
Mr. William M. Carothers became a member of Valley Creek Church on certificate in 1877, he being a devoted faith- ful member was ordained elder April 16, 1881, was dismiss- ed to A. R. Church, Oak Hill, Wilcox County, November 16, 1884.
Mr. W. J. Morrison, Dallas County, died at Kings' Sani- torium, Sunday morning September 18, 1898. He was a man known for his popularity in state and church. He was tax collector of Dallas County for many years. Mr. Morrison was a modest, unobtrusive man, he loved his family and was a
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companion to his boys. Clifford, Mel, William, Eugene, J. Edward and Robert Wiley. He was always found at home unless urgent business called him elsewhere. He was a de- voted consistent member of the Valley Creek Church and for many years a deacon, then Ruling Elder. He was indeed a brother, a friend and a counselor. His life was so gentle, his heart so full of charity, his devotion to his church so sincere, his life so pure, his little acts of charity so sweet, no one could doubt, that he had gone to that home prepared for the just.
Mr. W. J. Waugh was a member and ruling elder in the Valley Creek Church. He died suddenly June 13, 1891. He married Miss Jennie Russell. In 1885 his wife died leaving one child. In 1887, was elected Ruling Elder and shortly afterwards was made clerk of the session and in both capac- ities he served faithfully till his death. As a business man he was intelligent and capable, as a christian man he was faithful and conservative. He was a true man and a gen- tleman, generous to a fault. He was esteemed and loved by all. We cannot understand the ways of the Almighty. "The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." "He doeth all things well."
Mr. John M. Carothers was ordained elder of Valley Creek Church January 16, 1887, he waas dismissed August 22, 1893 to Newberne Church, he was a worthy officer, loved and esteemed by all. The church was grieved to give up such a noble character and suffered from the loss.
Mr. A. L. Gilmer was ordained elder of Vallay Creek Church December 1, 1889 and has served faithfully in that capacity and was for a number of years clerk of session. Mr. Gilmer is the senior member of the session. His parents Mr. and Mrs. James Gilmer were among the early settlers of this section and were members of Valley Creek Church till the organization of Pisgah in 1832, where they moved their mem- bership. £ December 11, 1879 Mr. A. L. Gilmer placed his
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membership with the Mother Church, he has always been a devoted faithful member.
Mr. R. Howard Jones was ordained deacon of Valley Creek Church June 11, 1884. Ruling Elder Aug. 21, 1892. Mr. Jones is an Alabamaian by birth, taught school at different times in other states. He married a daughter of one of the early settlers of Pleasant Valley, Miss Mary P. Russell. IIe was a member of the Methodist church of his boy-hood. After deciding to make his home in Dallas County, he placed his membership in 1879 with Valley Creek of which he is now a praying consecrated member an elder and Sabbath School Superintendent. He is much beloved by all.
Mr. Robert Morrison Runtree was ordained elder of the Valley Creek Church 1892. He is a young man of exclint ability being ordained an elder when about twenty-one years old that speak's for his former life and later he was made clerk of session. These positions he has filled and still holds with honor. His influence for good can not be recorded, nis . kindness is felt abroad. He is the son of W. J. and Saran Elizabeth Morrison Rountree, both known for their activity in church work. Mr. Rountree was married about twelve years ago to Miss Martha Moore, of Summerfield Alabama.
Mr. D. M. McMillan was ordained Ruling Elder of Val- ley Creek Church January 1902 and remaining in that ca- pacity to the present. Mr. McMillan and his wife came from the Presbyterian Church of Bethel, Alabama and united with this church January 21, 1894.
Deacons From the Organization.
Mr. John C. McNair ordained deacon of Valley Creek Church about 1837 was dismissed to Mount Pleasant Church January 7, 1866, died October 21, 1870.
Mr. Samuel B. Pickens was installed as deacon in the early years of the organization of Valley Creek Church in 1843 he was promoted to the office of Ruling Elder in that capacity he served faithfully till 1851 when death claimed him.
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He was found faithful under all circumstances. After serv- ing so faithfully at every post of duty his Master called him to an eternal rest. He was missed by the church.
Mr. James E. Morrison, Sr., was ordained deacon in his young manhood. 1857 was made elder and died May 1, 187+, he is the father of Mrs. W. J. Rountree and the grand-father of R. M. Rountree who is now elder, he is also an uncle of James Edward Morrison Jr., who is deacon and the father-in- law of W. J. Rountree who is deacon.
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