USA > Alabama > Dallas County > Selma > History of the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church, Selma, Alabama > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Mr. M. R. Boggs died at his residence a few miles from Selma. He was a a deacon in the Valley Creek Presbyterian Church, installed in 1851, died April 1884. He was one of the foremost citizens both as merchant and planter. He was a native of South Carolina. But for many years prominently identified with the interests of Selma and Dallas County. He was at the head of Boggs, Mott & Wood, large grocery, after- wards the leading member of Boggs & Co., Cotton Factory, He was a consistent influential member of the Presbyterian Church and was gretly beloved. Died April 18, 1884 at his home in Dallas County, Alabama, of malarial apoplexy. Mr. William J. A. Russell was a native of Dallas County, born April 20, 1820, he spent his entire life near the home of his childhood. In 1839 he made apublic profession of religion aud united with Valley Creek Church. December 21, 1843 he married Miss M. J. Morrison and they began life together. He was a member of the first board of county commissioners and continued so till two years before his death, he resigned on account of failing health. In 1852 he was ordained Ruling Elder of Valley Creek Church and for more than thirty years he faithfully performed his duty in that office. In all reis ... tions of life he was honored, trusted and loved. As a husband and father he was devoted, he was a wise councellor and a pru- dent adviser, both in church and in secular things. In all this he had a help mete, who was a guiding star, his beloved and devoted wife. It was beautifully said, "she was a woman without a defect," she gave food, clothing and shelter to the
33
needy, the colored people as well as the white people were recipients of her favors. Many miss the tender care of "Aunt Jane," as she is so lovingly called. A good man and woman have gone to Heaven to join loved ones gone before. "Bless- ed are the dead who die in the Lord."
Mr. George C. Phillips was ordained deacon January 7, 1866 and died August 30, 1872.
Mr. Robert W. Morrison was ordained deacon May 15. 1870 in seven years he was given the honored position as Ruling Elder and served in this capacity till his death, Sev- tember 15, 1878.
Mr. J. H. McIlwain became a member of Valley Creek Church in 1860 was ordained deacon July 1, 1877 died Sep- tember 15, 1878.
Mr. W. J. Morrison was installed deacon 1877 was or- dained elder April 16, 1881 and served till the chain was broken by death, September 18, 1898.
Mr. R. Russell Carothers was admitted as a member of Valley Creek Church April 16, 1881, was installed as deacon June 15, 1884 an dcontinues to hold this office, though living at Oak Hill, he remained faithfull to his church.
Mr. R. H. Jones was ordained deacon June 15, 1884, hav- ing served faithfully that office he was made elder Argust 21, 1892 and he is a faithful praying elder.
Mr. Thomas Kenan was ordained deacon August 21, 1892, was dismissed to Broad Street Church 1894, returned to Val- ley Creek Church 1901. January 1909 was dismissed with. his wife to Second Presbyterian Church Birmingham, Ale- bama.
Mr. Charles F. Irwin ordained deacon August 21, 1892.
Mr. W. J. Rountree was admitted as a member of Val- ley Creek Church April 2, 1899, on examination. Mr. Roun- tree was raised at Pea Ridge, Alabama, married Sarah Eliza- beth Morrison, a grand-daughter of Robert Morrison an elder of Valley Creek Church and a daughter of James E. Morrison also an elder. Mr. Rountree finally making Valley Creek:
34
neighborhood his home, he identified himself with that church, he was soon made a deacon and treasurer of the church which position he has filled with great satisfaction. He is also a teacher in the Sunday School. Mr. Rountree is a gentleman, genial and kind always ready to show kindness and great favors. He is one in whom the Ladies Aid Society find great / comfort to lighten their burdens and level down the rough places. He is loved by all.
Mr. William Russell Jones, son of R. H. and Mary I'. Russell Jones. Mr. Jones became a member of Valley Creek Church 1890, he has been raised in the lap of the mother church and he like some of the other sons has become an off !- cer in the church. In 1892 he was ordained a deacon follow- ing the footsteps of his father and grand-father. It is with pride that Valley Creek can record many of her young son:, becoming officers, to fill the ranks made vacant by those who have answered the roll call in the great beyond. Mr Jones was married a few years ago to Miss Iliene Cloud, of South Carolina. He is a young man full of energy and enter- prise.
Mr. Jas. Edward Morrison, son of W. J. and Georgia Mor- rison, he is a child of Valley Creek, born and raised under her influence. He became a member of Valley Creek Church 1890. Within a few years he was ordained as deacon, following the example of his father who served in the capacity of elder and deacon. Mr. James Edward is a young man of fine quali- fications, genial in manner, always kind and obliging.
Mr. W. E. Callen, son of Hamilton Henderson and Eu- genia Florence Harris Callen. Mr. Callen losing both of his parents in early childhood, waas forced to stem the tide of life without the guiding hands of his parents. He was a guardian and brother to his sisters. Mr. Callen was born near Selma, descending from a long line of Callens, who originally came from the Carolinas, he is a self-made man; highly esteemed by ali for his high standard of morality and honesty. He has from his boyhood been connected with the church, having
35
served at one time as Secretary of the Sabbath School of the First Presbyterian Church, Selma, Alabama. In 1895 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Lester Roane, daughter of Judge A. T. Roan, of Grenada, Mississippi. in 1896 he with his wife united with Valley Creek Church, in 1902 he was or- dained deacon, which position he has faithfully served. Mr. Callen is a man full of energy, zeal and good works.
First Manse.
In writing a history of this nature it will be necessary to lay aside system. Let us pause a while and take an imag- inary view of the old manse, which stood about one mile north of W. E. Morgans and about two miles from the church. This property originally belonged to Rev. Junius B. King, once pas- tor of Valley Creek Church. He had it built, the work was done by John Taggart an elder and MoCamma Morgan. M :. King on a trip to New Orleans took the cholera and died at this home. Dr. Cater of the First Church, Selma, attended upon 'Mr. King in his last hours. 'As the spirit took its flight. Dr. Cater remarked; thus: "I feel as if my greatest stay has been ·shot from under me." It was but two days from that time, that Dr. Cater lay in death's cold grasp, his spirit had winged its flight. The same disease had carried him to his eternal resting place. They sleep near each other in the Val- ley Creek Cemetery. After Mr. King's death his home way bought by the church and used as a manse. In the course of time, the gnawing pangs of ruin saw it rapidly decaying, but at last the angry tongues of fire licked it out of existence.
The situation was an inconvenient one. Shortly before it was burned, it was sold and the price used to help build a new manse. A neat five room cottage situated on the Range Line Road, two miles from the edge of Selma. It has an en- closure of three acres of land, which was bought of W. J. Rountree at thirty dollars an acre. I will incidently state, the Ladies Aid Society is making strenuous effort to raise money to build another room to it and make other improvements.
36
The writer is safe in saying those things will be about con- pleted when this little volumne is beginning its tour of ci ... culation.
The little clipping below may appeal to the hearts of some.
Valley Creek Supper.
"Wednesday night a delightful church supper was given by the ladies of Valley Creek Presbyterian Church, at the Manse, two miles from Selma.
Mr. Sadler Carothers took a Times man out, as newspaper men always have a fine time when there are plenty of good things to eat, and pretty girls. It is needless to tell you that we had a delightful time.
Will Rountree and Eugene Morrison introduced us around as a widower, that was all that was necessary. The hospitali- ty of the good people of Valley Creek was that open genial kind, that would make a man with even less timidity than a news gatherer feel perfectly at home. The supper was such as to tempt the appetite of the Gods. Miss Nannie Phillips was the fair waitress in white apron that waited on the news man. The only way that the scribe could be induced to leave the table was; by some one saying double price was charged to a fellow who ate an hour. But the shover of the graphite was not eating all that time. He was watching Jim Kennedy. Pres. Partridge, Jim Privitte and Charlie Johnson store away turkey and nick nacks.
While looking at them he had one ear open listening at Gene Morrison make love to a pretty girl between times when his knife and folk were making excursions to his mouth, which flew open every time his elbow bent and that was with the regularity of clock work. Walton Callen did not seem to enjoy himself as much as usual, a little beauty with lovely orbs under a pair of drooping lashes, was not there; Walton was sad, very sad.
Miss Jessi Eskridge did much to enliven the evening and her sparkling wit and brilliant conversation was highly enjoy - ed by all.
37
Many went out from the city. The supper was for the purpose of paying off a little debt of fifty dollars on the Manse, over seventy-one dollars was realized. Valley Creex Church round which so many sacred memories cluster has lost thirty members during the year; but it is hoped that the old organization, which has gone through so many trying times will regain her former strength and will continue to be a power of strength in the land.
The Present Church.
The present church building was erected in 1857-58 a few years before the cry of war was heard. Judging from the style and elegance of the building, the congregation from its organization, grew in number and in prosperity. A fev char ges have taken place. The pulpit has been lowered a little and the gallery closed. The drivers sat in the gallery, for at this time such great advancement had taken place, the mem- bers all came in their carriages and driven by one of their slaves. The basement was used for the slaves. After the . morning service of the white people, the slaves assembled in the basement and listened to a sermon, from the same minis- ter. Some member sof the white congregation were appoint- el to remain with the minister, it was generally an elder or a deacon. There was a large negro membership and they gave liberally of what they had to African Missions. But when the cry of freedom was heard they were not long in withdrawing themselves from, the Valley Creek Church and uniting with one of their own color, there were about one hundred colored communicants at the close of the war. The basement was also used as an assembly hall for the "Grange," a monthiv meeting of the men, where they discussed the current events and studied the trend of things in general; thereby, making of themselves better, nobler and more useful and intelligent citizens. In the earlier days prayer meetings were held from house to house, but when the handsome brick building was completed which cost no less than $15,000 Rev. Jas. M. Wat-
VALLEY CREEK CHURCH
39
son, her first pastor, held prayer meeting services every Thurs- day afternoon in the church, as from its organization, night services have never been held.
This new building was for years heated by a furnace. The wreckage of which now remains in the basement. After the war, it was difficult to get the furnace attended to, so it was removed and stoves put in the church. Doubtless many will remember what became of the frame church. It was sold to Mr. John Callen and torn down and the material used in building cabins for negroes.
Deed of the Church Land.
Deed from R. J. W. Russell to W. J. A. Russell and J. E. McNair and J. E. Morrison, representatives of Valley Creek Church. The State of Alabama, Dallas County, Alabama.
Know all men by these presents, that we, Robert J. W. Russell and Elizabeth Ann Russell his wife, of the county and state foresaid, do for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars, to us, secured to be paid by the representa- tives of Valley Creek Church, hath this day bargained, granted. sold and conveyed, and doth hereby bargain, grant, sell and convey unto, William J. A. Russell, John C. McNair and James A. Morrison, the acting representatives or their successors in office a certain tract or parcel of land, designated and known, and described as follows; to-wit: Commencing at the south- west corner of the lands deeded to said church by David Rus- sell and running in a north-western direction along the road, that leads by the said R. J. W. Russell's, from the said south- west corner to a corner on the due north and south line, divi- ding the said land from the said Russell, within ten feet of his peach orchard fence, thence north till it comes opposite the north east corner of the lands belonging to the said Valley Creek Church, thence east to said corner, containing two acres more or less. To have and to hold the same with all and sin- gular, the hereditaments and appurtenances to the premises aforesaid, thereunto pertaining, to have and to hold the same
.
40
forever against the claim or claims of all and every person or persons lawfully claiming the same, and against one and each of our heirs, executors, administrators and assigns for- ever, unto the within named persons as the representatives of the said Valley Creek Church and their successors in office signed, sealed and delivered, the same on this the 21st of Feb- ruary, A. D., 1853.
In presence of
R. J. W. Russell, (Seal. )
E. A. Russell, (Seal. )
Hugh McIlwain. (Seal. )
THE STATE OF ALABAMA, DALLAS COUNTY.
Before me James Gilmer, Jr., an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the state and county aforesaid, personally came the above named persons, whose names is subscribed to foregoing deed and in my presence, acknowledged that they signed, sealed and delivered the same to the said represen tatives of the Valley Creek Church, and their successors in office for the consideration therein expressed and on the day and year there written, and said Elizabeth Ann Russell, being by me examined separate and apart from her said husband, acknowledge that she signed,sealed and delivered the forego- ing deed freely and of her own accord without fear, threat or compulsion of her said husband. Given under my hand and seal, this 21st day of February, A. D., 1853.
James Gilmer, Jr., (J. P. Seal.)
STATE OF ALABAMA, DALLAS COUNTY.
J. Thomas Rainer, Judge of the Probate Court of said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing dee dand certifi- cate wa sthis day recorded in this office in Book 2 of Deeds at pages 657 and 658 and that the same was filed in this office for record on the 11th day of June, 1855.
Given under my hand and seal this day at office in Cahaba, this 14th day of June, 1855.
Thomas Rainer,
Judge of Probate.
41
In the days of our forefathers, organs, pianos, flutes and violins were not used in the churches.
Time changes nature, even the hardest rock may be worn away by a constant dripping; so in the progress of time Valley Creek Church saw reasons to change some. In 1862 she plac- ed her first musical instrument, a melodian in the church. The older heads could not enjoy the melody as it was heard by the young minds, these gray headed sires, wished to worship God only from the heart and send those sacred thoughts to the pearly gates of glory through the melodies that came from their lips. So the new instrument caused great dissatisfac- tion for awhile till time erased all bad feelings. Mrs. Julia Fythie was selceted as the organist, having had previous ex- perience in the art. During her term of service covering a period of about forty-six years, there have been about five instruments. Mrs. Fythie was always at her post of duty un- less providentially prevented. In the fall of 1908 she begged to be allowed to retire from further service. The mantle has now fallen upon Mrs. J. M. Batte.
Monument.
Valley Creek Church stands as a monument and her in- fluence has been felt beyond the bounds of the state. She is the mother, grand-mother and great-grand-mother of churches and of Presbyterianism.
"There is no velvet so soft as a mother's lap, no star so lovely as her smile, no music so melodious as her voice, no rose so fragrant as the memory of her love." We all look with pride upon Valley Creek Church with her dead heroes and their valliant deeds; which could have only been accom- plished by a brave God-fearing people. Pisgah, First Pres- byterian Church, Selma, and Mt. Pleasant are her daughters, and Alabama Street Church, Selma, her grand-daughter. She has sent forth good men, brave men, deacons, elders and Ministers to other churches, namely:
Rev. Archabald Morgan. Rev. Curdy Emmerson and
1
42
Rev. Jesse D. Rountree were once boys in Valley Creek Church.
Like a mother who loves her children she has gathered them under her wing for protection and has ministered to them in their troubles and deeds.
The First Presbyterian Church, Selma, was submerged in debt and would have been sold, had it not been for the mother church. She gave to her of her substance and caused her to stand. Pisgah, her oldest daughter, was in a similar condition, the extended to her the hand of benevolence, through that and other causes, Pisgah has blos- somed like a rose. The following clipping will tell her sorrow, her trials, her triumphs:
Pisgah Church.
The Pisgah Church, near Selma, which is a branch of the niother church at Valley Creek, on Sunday, November 8, 1908, had her first installation service in thirty years. Time has wrought many changes, the hoary heads were very few. Rev. F. E. Bagley, of Plantersville preached the morning sermon and charged the pastor. Mr. Bagby performed his duty as one of the Master's servants could do. Rev. E. B. Robinson, of Alabama Street Church, Selma, preached the afternoon sermon. Elder L. W. Hubbard, of Selma, charged the people. At the close Judge Pitts warned the congregation not to neglect the Sunday School. The original Pisgah church was built in 1832; it was active and progressive till 1866 when a cyclony swept it from its foundation and hurled it to destruction. Those dear old sainted fathers and mothers, who are now singing in Glory, by toil and sacrifice built another church, that their children might still have a house of worship. As time rolled on, those faithful servants were called to heaven, the membership became small, the church was closed and ale most sold. But God never intended it so. Almost four years ago He sent two of His undershepherds, Rev. N. B. Keahey and Rev. J. M. Batte, the former was called last summer to his reward of eternal rest. These servants conducted a series
PISGAH CHURCH
44
of sermons in the forsaken little building; at this time the church was reorganized. Last summer Mr. Batte was called as their pastor; he is now working among them. The congre- gation is alive with enthusiasm. The church has been newly painted inside and out; there is a beautiful new carpet on the floor; other things have been added for the comfort of the congregation. The Sabbath School has been reroganized. At the close of the morning service a bountiful dinner was spread for all. We believe the prayers of those sainted fathers and mothers are still being answered.
In 1832 Rev. Alexanda, an Evangelist, held meetings near Pisgah, he perhaps organized the church. Mr. and Mrs. James Gilmer moved their membership from Valley Creek and united there.
Mr. James Gilmer, Mr. Craig, Mr. Fair and Mr. Drennon and Mr. Emerson were the first elders of Pisgah.
The Present Officers Are.
Deacons-Mr. Claud Harrison, Mr. John Logan.
Elders-Mr. B. M. Summers, Mr. W. H. Harrison, Mr. !. M. Gilmer, grand-son of Mr. James Gilmer and son of Mr. A. L. Gilmer, both having served as elders, one in Pisgah, the other in Valley Creek.
Hospitality of Valley Creek Church.
My history would not be complete should I fail to make a few remarks concerning the hospitality, which was born in this church, it has been reared in her people.
If you have never visited among this congregation do so. The gracious hand-shake, the cordial reception and the bountiful repast received at their hands, will make the youth rejoice, the old feel young and the sorrowful will say, "behind the cloud the sun still shining," even the blushing maid is made to feel at ease, and the cry of an infant is hush- ed with a lulabye song.
In this circle of God's children are those who are "carc- ful to entertain strangers," 'thereby they may entertain angels'
45
and in many cases, they have been ministering angels to those who have sought refuge in their homes.
Sabbath School.
Valley Creek from her earliest organization established a Sabbath School where the children and many of the parents were trained in the work of the Lord with her many ups and downs, her many changes, she still boasts of her Sabbath School.
Death with his cycle keen has removed many of the hoary heads, yet, there are some few left who are faithful; being living monuments of encouragements for the young.
Superintendent .- Mr. R. H. Jones.
Secretary .- John Morgan, son of W. E. Morgan ( deceas- ed) who was secretary for many years. This mantle of honor has fallen upon his son who faithfully fills the office.
Teachers .- Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rountree, Rev. J. M. Batte, Miss Flora Gilmer, Mr. R. H. Jones.
Organist .- Miss Idyllette Batte.
Societies.
The churches' records show that there has always been some kind of organization to assist the pastor. The present society is known as the "Ladies Aid and Missionary Society." It is an organization meeting once a month from house to house, each member taking a lunch and spreading it upon the . hostess table; thereby promoting sociability and at the sanie time accomplishing much good.
This organization is about twenty years old, dating from. Rev. A. S. Doak's pastorate. Mrs. W. J. A. Russell (deceas- ed) was the first President; though almost too feeble to do much work, through respect and love, the presidency was given to her. I find the following tribute written by the society: "In the community in which she lived, her life was a sweet benediction and her memory and influence will long live in the hearts of all who knew her."
46
A Charitable Mission.
The ladies of Pleasant Valley Grange assisted by the ladies of Valley Creek are engaged today at social gatherings in the "Grange Hall," three miles from Selma in a quilting for the benefit of an orphan of one of the old members of the Grange, now at Talladega Orphans' Home. These excellent ladies delight in good deeds and are ever active in the perfor- mance of them.
Mrs. W. J. Rountree is now President, she has filled the office with much diligence and honor for twelve or fifteen years.
Vice-President .- Mrs. M. R. McIlwain.
Secretary .- Mrs. W. C. Phillips.
Treasurer .- Miss Flora Gilmer.
This society has a large membership.
Ministers Who Were Boys at Valley Creek.
Rev. Archabald McMorgan, was one of the early Sunday School schollars of Valley Creek he died in Washington, Arkan- sas, he wasreared within a mile of the church, was the son of Mr. Enoch Morgan, from this generation of Morgans there has gone a long line of ministers. Revs. Robert and Milton Kirkpatrick, are great-grand-sons. Four generations of Mo :- gans have served in office at Valley Creek Church. Enoch Morgan elder, Jas. E. Morgan deacon, Wm. E. Morgan Sec., of Sunday Schools and the latters son Jno. Morgan succeeding his father at his death. Rev. Curdy Emmerson, his relatives were very conspicouos in the organization of Pisgah church. Rev. Emmerson died in Brazil.
Rev. Jessie D. Rountree another one of Valley Creek's sons is now located as minister at Apalachicola Florida, he is married and has an interesting family. He is the son of W. J. Rountreeand Sarah Elizabeth Morrison Rountree the only surving one of the three ministers who went out directly from Valley Creek Church. In a letter I received myself directly from Mr. Rountree is found this beautiful tribute to Valley
REV. J. D. ROUNTREE
48
Creek Church. "I am proud of my dear old mother church and everything that pertains to her sacred memory-as she has stood and fought for the victory in her Christ-she has stood for Christ with a nobleness, second to none of her sisters. I believe her name is written in the "Lambs' (Book of Life."
Summary.
Rev. Junius M. Batte, pastor; Ruling Elders .- R. H. Jones - D. B. McMillan, A. L. Gilmer. R. M. Rountree, Clerk of Ses- sion.
Deacons .- Wm. Russell Jones, W. J. Rountree. Treasuer. J. Ed. Morrison, W. E. Callen, Russell Carothers. The church has on her role about 86 members. It has enrolled from her organization perhaps more than five hundred mem- bers.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.