USA > Georgia > Bibb County > Macon > Georgia Baptists: historical and biographical > Part 4
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It was under this unhappy state of affairs that the Conven- tion met in Savannah in April, 1856. The following extracts from the minutes show the action of the body on the subject : " Read the report of the trustees of Mercer University, and, on motion of brother Gaskill, adopted the following resolution : ' Resolved, That the report of the Board of Trustees be referred to a select committee of seven, and that said committee be re- quested to examine the proceedings of the Board of Trustees concerning their dealings with brother Mell, seeking all the in- formation they can get from both parties.'
"In accordance with this resolution, the moderator announced the following committee: Brethren M. A. Cooper, R. L. Mc- Whorter, V. A. Gaskill, J. S. Baker, D. W. Lewis, and H. C. Hornaday.
"Brother Baker having resigned his place on the committee to whom was referred the report of the Board of Trustees, the moderator appointed brother D. A. Vason to fill the vacancy.
"The committee to whom was referred the report of the Board of Trustees, reported on Monday afternoon. During the reading of the report the convention adjourned until eight o'clock." At the appointed hour, " Resumed the reading of the report of the committee to whom was referred the report of the Board of Trustees, which was adopted," and is as follows :
"REPORT ON THE REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
" The committee to whom was referred the consideration of the report of the trustees of Mercer University, report that they have endeavored to discharge the duties assigned, as indicated by the resolution of their appointment, which requires them 'to examine the proceedings of the Board of Trustees concerning their dealings with brother Mell, seeking
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all the light and information they can get from both parties.' Your committee deemed it most advisable to invite from Rev. P. H. Mell and the trustees respectively, a full exposition of the facts deemed by them pertinent and material to the subject submitted to them, and to require of each to submit what he had to present in writing, whether it consisted of testimony or ex parte statements. After careful examination of all the information afforded by the parties, your committee find the facts to be as follows, to-wit: beginning in July, 1854, on Mon- day of Commencement week, President Dagg, at Mercer Uni- versity, was found feeble and infirm, unable to meet with the Board of Trustees. He expressed his willingness to retire from the presidency, and take a subordinate position. The Board informally decided on this as desirable, and informed President Dagg of their views. His resignation was tendered and ac- cepted. The resignation of Dr. Dagg is ordered to be published with the reasons of its acceptance by the Board. The reasons stated in the notice to be published, as the grounds of accept- ance are the 'failing health and want of 'strength' of Dr. Dagg.
" He objects to the reason as stated, as to the grounds of ac- ceptance. On the 7th of August, Dr. Dagg, by letter, calls on the faculty to testify to the fact that 'failing health and want of strength' are untruly stated as reasons stated in the pro- posed notice of resignation. On the same day, three of the professors, to wit: Mell, Sanford and Willet, responded and tes- tified as desired by Dr. Dagg. Professor Willet dissenting to some particulars.
" Professor Crawford declines to unite with these professors in this testimonial, assigning as his reasons, by letter, dated 14th August, addressed to Professors Mell, Sanford and Willet, in reply to Professor Mell, inclosing the letter of Dr. Dagg and the reply of the three professors, requesting the signature of Professor Crawford to the reply.
" On the 13th December, 1854, the trustees met at Penfield. Dr. Dagg being present, presented to the Board his letter to the faculty, and the reply of Professors Willet, Sanford and Mell. A trustee asks if all the faculty had signed it. Another trus- tee replies that one member of the faculty had not, but had de-
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clined doing so, giving his reasons in a letter to the other members of the faculty. As this letter had not been produced with the testimony, he had a copy of it, which was at the service the trustees. Dr. Dagg asked if that letter was addressed to the board ? The reply was, 'it is not.' A trustee asks, has any one authority for presenting it to the Board? A trustee replies that he has authority whenever he deemed it necessary to explain the course of its author. He then deemed it neces- sary. It was then produced and read. It is-the reply of Dr. Crawford, setting forth his reasons for not signing the testi- monial sought by Dr. Dagg of the faculty.
" The trustees pass resolutions in favor of Dr. Dagg, explana- tory and commendatory. Dr. Dagg expresses himself entirely satisfied.
" The trustees elect Dr. N. M. Crawford President of the Mer- cer University; Professors Mell and Crawford being the only names voted for.
" Dr. Crawford accepts the office, and at the suggestion of the committee notifying him of his election, has an interview with Dr. Dagg, which, as far as conducted, is by Dr. Dagg declared satisfactory.
" Dr. Dagg agrees to continue as professor of theology until July thereafter.
" At commencement in July, 1855, it is found that there had been a want of co-operation between Professor Mell and Presi- dent Crawford.
"On the 23d of July, 1855, at Penfield, Dr. Dagg resigned the professorship of theology.
" Professor Mell resigned his professorship of languages at this time also, giving as his reasons his dissatisfaction with Dr. Crawford as the president. It is accepted. At this time Pro- fessor S. G. Hillyer also tendered his resignation, and it is ac- cepted.
"On Tuesday following the trustees reconsidered their accept- ance of the resignation of Professors Mell and Hillyer, and appointed a committee to strive for a reconciliation of the fac- ulty.
" On this day President Crawford also tendered his resigna-
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tion as president. This was not acted on, but left to wait the action of the committee.
"On Wednesday thereafter, the committee reported that a reconciliation had been effected, so as to produce co operation in the faculty.
" Thereupon President Crawford, Professors Mell and Hillyer were, by the trustees, requested to withdraw their resignations, and Dr. Dagg requested to continue as professor of theology.
" The resignations are withdrawn, and Dr. Dagg agrees to serve as professor of theology, if such services are needed. The election of Dr. Crawford as president is reaffirmed by unanimous resolution of the Board of Trustees, concurring in the choice and tendering him their cordial support.
" The president and faculty now meet with the board, and evince a purpose to co-operate in their business.
"On the 25th of August, 1855, Dr. Crawford having heard of statements as coming from Professor Mell, derogatory to him officially and personally, addressed him a note repeating what he had heard, and asking Professor Mell how far it was truc. On the 4th September, 1855, Professor Mell replied at length, waiving a direct or categorical answer-but reiterating the charges made by him against Dr. Crawford, numerically three, anterior to the reconciliation before the trustees in July previ- ous, with an apparent purpose to reaffirm those charges, and a labored effort then to urge and establish them.
" On the 14th of September, Dr. Crawford replied to Professor Mell's letter, giving his views and opinions at length. On the 17th September, 1855, Professor Mell acknowledges the receipt of Dr. Crawford's letter of the 14th, only to satisfy the de- mands of courtesy ; declines further discussion, and closes by saying that if from any cause Dr. Crawford finds himself an- noyed by the present aspect of things, it is entirely out of his power to relieve him.
"On the 18th of September, 1855, Dr. Crawford tendered his resignation to the trustees, as president, advising them of a want of harmony in the faculty, stating the impossibility of co-operation, because of the hostility of the professor of lan- guages to the president.
" On this occasion Dr. Crawford submitted to the Board, the
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correspondence between Professor Mell and himself, to-wit: the four letters dated 25th August, 4th September, 14th Sep- tember and 17th September, 1855.
"On the 23d October, 1855, the trustees met at Penfield, and the resignation of Dr. Crawford was submitted to them, with the correspondence above specified. By a committee appointed for that purpose by the trustees, Dr. Crawford and Professor Mell were invited to add to the statements contained in their correspondence, anything they might offer, and for this to come before the trustees. They respectively appeared, and presented what they had to offer.
" After consideration the trustees resolved to retain Dr. Craw- ford, and dispense with the services, as professor, of brother Mell, and so advised them.
" Brother Mell felt aggrieved, and prepared, published and cir- culated his 'Exposition of Recent Events,' setting forth a com- plaint against the trustees of injuring him, wronging him in this, that they condemned him without a hearing, and refused to submit their charges against him, or to confront him by his witnesses.
" From the foregoing facts, your committee are of opinion that the proceedings of the Board of Trustees, in their dealings with brother Mell, have been prompted by a desire faithfully to ad- minister the trust confided to them; that in the course of ad- ministration, they were under the painful necessity of re-organ- izing the faculty of the College under circumstances of great trial, arising from the want of harmony and co-operation in the faculty. The difficulty and magnitude of these trials arose mainly from the fact that the schism existed between the most worthy brethren and eminent professors, making it indispen- sable in either alternative to set aside one or more professors, who, under other circumstances, they might and would have gladly retained.
" As regards the wrong and injury complained of by brother Mell, your committee are of opinion: 1st. That Professor Mell was not removed on account of charges preferred -- not as the re- ult of a trial and conviction for malfeasance or non-feasance- icts committed or duties neglected-but simply for and on ac- count of the fact, that there was not and could not obtain a
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co-operation between him and President Crawford, whom the trustees deemed it best to retain; in doing which they have borne testimonial to the eminent services and the distinguished ability of Professor Mell, and their confidence in him as a chris- tian minister. Your committee think it indispensable to a suc- cessful administration of the trust reposed, that the trustees should exercise the power of removal, with or without a trial, or charges preferred. The committee find that such has been the course in brother Mell's case, and that the result ought not to disparage his character as a professor and instructor, and may well have been done without imputation on his high char- acter as a christian and a minister of the gospel.
MARK A. COOPER, Chairman."
When the trustees took action on the dismissal of Professor Mell, "the members of the Board present, were brethren Thos. Stocks, J. H. Campbell, V. R. Thornton, S. Landrum, H. Bunn, B. T. Tharp, Juriah Harris, James Thomas, D. E. Butler, T. J. Burney and O. L. Battle-just a quorum. Rev. E. W. Warren came into town after a decision was arrived at." They were unanimous in that action. Whether it was wise on the part of the Board in remaining silent as long as they did, or on that of the Convention in calling them to account, are questions which others must decide. The author being an interested party, may not be qualified to decide them impartially. They are questions, however, which deserve, and will doubtless attract the attention of the student of history.
Rev. Willard Preston, D. D., pastor of the Independent Pres- byterian church in this city, having died suddenly since the session commenced, it was resolved to regulate the sittings of the Convention so as to allow the members an opportunity to attend his funeral; and expressions of sympathy for his afflicted family were entered on the records.
It was resolved to remove the "Christian Index" from Penfield to some one of the principal cities of the State, and to place the management of it for the future, in the hands of a com- mittee, to be styled "The Index Committee." The executive committee was instructed to determine the location, and ap- point said committe, which they subsequently did by removing it to Macon.
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Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia.
The Savannah Baptist Publication Society were authorized to turn over their business and assets to the Southern Baptist Publication Society.
36. The session of 1857 was at Augusta, commencing the 24th of April. A large delegation and many visitors were present.
Hon. Thos. Stocks declined a re-election, and Rev. P. H. Mell, D. D., was elected moderator. Resolutions were adopted ex- pressive of the high esteem in which Mr. Stocks was held by the body as a presiding officer and as a christian gentleman. The clerks of last year were re-elected.
Rev. P. H. Mell preached the introductory, and Rev. William Williams the missionary sermon.
Mercer University was reported "in a prosperous condition," and the following resolution adopted > " That the thanks of this Convention be tendered the late Board of Trustees of Mercer University for the efficiency and fidelity with which they have discharged their official duties." The old Board, especially the acting members, were all re-elected.
An earnest and persistent effort was made to remove the University from Penfield, which failed. Hon. Mark A. Cooper in favor of, and Hon. N. G. Foster against removal, were con- spicuous among the debaters. They both made powerful speeches, but Foster's side got the most votes. The current on this subject will no doubt change some day.
37. The thirty-seventh anniversary was held at Americus, in connection with the fourth Sabbath in April, 1858. The ven- erable Adiel Sherwood, D. D., preached the opening sermon, from Acts v. 41. The education sermon was preached on Sab- bath by Rev. J. H. De Votie, pastor at Columbus.
Among the prominent brethren present were S. Henderson, of Alabama, J. E. Dawson, William Williams, and Joseph E. Brown, then Governor of the State, who was a delegate from the Central Association.
The " Christian Index " paper had "paid into the treasury of the Convention the sum of five hundred dollars for benevolent purposes."
The income of Mercer University for the year amounted in the aggregate to $13,444 71, and the amount reported by the
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finance committee sent up for the various objects of the Con- vention, was $14,602 40.
The trustees of Mercer University held a meeting, and once more elected Rev. N. M. Crawford, D. D., as its president, which position he accepted.
The utmost harmony and good will prevailed throughout the session, and much important business was transacted with dispatch.
[During this meeting the author came near losing his life by a fall, occasioned by an attack of vertigo, brought on by over-exertion, mental and physical, from the effects of which he has not recovered to this day, and probably never will.]
38. The ensuing session, 1859, was held at Columbus, in April. The introductory, a characteristic and memorable dis- course, was preached by that man of God, C. D. Mallary, from 1 John v. 21-"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." The officers of last year were re-elected.
" On motion of brother Landrum, adopted the following pre- amble and resolution :
" WHEREAS, Individuals are contributing funds to sustain brother J. H. Campbell as an evangelist in Georgia for one year ; and whereas, we are pleased with the movement, therefore
" Resolved, That we cheerfully commend brother Campbell to the confidence and kind regards of the brethren generally."
Contributions were made for the Tallahassee and Brunswick churches.
Rev. J. E. Ryerson, pastor at Augusta, preached the educa- tional sermon on Sunday.
Twelve young ministers were receiving aid from the educa- tion fund, and there was still room for more.
During the preceding Conventional year, there had been re- ceived by the Domestic Mission Board for domestic and Indian missions, $38,834 37. The contributions for foreign missions had also been liberal, and the missionaries were encouraged in their work.
The body expressed their regret that Rev. Joseph Walker had resigned the editorship of the "Christian Index." The paper was prosperous, and was paying a handsome profit.
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Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia.
The Southern Baptist Publication Society and its publica- tions were noticed in commendatory terms.
39. The anniversary for 1860 was held in Macon, in April. The opening sermon by Rev. N. M. Crawford, D. D. The edu- cational sermon, on Sabbath, was preached by Rev. H. A. Tupper, pastor at Washington, Wilkes county.
The body received an invitation to attend an exhibition of the pupils of the Georgia Asylum for the Blind, which was ac- cepted.
The question of selling the "Christian Index " paper had excited more or less interest for years. At this session such a step was strongly recommended by the following committee : Mallary, Sherwood, Burney, Stocks, William Cooper, Irwin, and L. W. Stephens. This recommendation produced an animated discussion ; but, "on motion of brother Campbell, the whole subject of the 'Index' was laid on the table " for the balance of the session.
The question of continuing correspondence with the General Association of Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama, also excited considerable interest and elicited some warm debate. This subject was also laid on the table, and correspondents were not appointed, and have not been since. Among the more prominent disputants on this subject were Rev. Mr. Hills- man, of Tennessee, and Hon. Lott Warren, of Georgia.
Mercer University had been visited the preceding fall by a gracious and remarkable outpouring of God's Spirit, and many of the students had been converted to Christ. The institution was "in a condition of unusual prosperity." This was also true of foreign and domestic missions, Sabbath-schools, etc.
The trustees of Mercer University and the executive com- mittee are again mentioned in most commendatory terms by the Convention.
40. The Convention met with the Baptist Church, at Athens, April 26th, 1861, and held its fortieth session. Rev. E. W. Warren preached the introductory discourse, and that on min- isterial education, on Sabbath, was delivered by Rev. S. G. Daniel.
Mrs. Jane Posey, relict of the late Rev. Humphrey Posey, had bequeathed to Mercer University, for ministerial education,
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one hundred shares of the stock of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, (understood to be worth ten thousand dollars,) which was designated as the "Jane Posey Fund," and her likeness was ordered to be secured and deposited with others in the Uni- versity. The fund is to be permanent, the interest only to be used. This bequest was subsequently paid in full. The Uni- versity had " never been so prosperous as during the last two years."
On motion of Rev. N. M. Crawford, a committee of five was appointed "to report resolutions appropriate to the condition of the country :" Crawford, Junius Hillyer, Stocks, Sisk, and Stockton. The report (which was unanimously adopted,) as- serts " that while this Convention disclaims all authority, whether ecclesiastical or civil," yet that the members, as citi- zens, " approve, indorse, and (will) support the Government of the Confederate States of America ;" the union of all the people of the South is urged in defense of the common cause ; devout thankfulness to God is expressed for the signal favor with which he had blessed our arms and our policy ; and the first and second days of June following were appointed for fasting and prayer, " that God will deliver us from all the power of our enemies and restore peace to our country." Similar action to this was taken the following year, and religious bodies gener- ally throughout the South expressed themselves in sympathy with the Confederate Government. Yet political differences were not then made, and never have been made, a test of fellow- ship among us.
Under resolutions offered by Mr. T. J. Burney, the " Index " committee was instructed " to effect a sale of the 'Index' with as little delay as possible, including all the outstanding dues and every other appendage connected with it; provided, that a suitable purchaser can be found who will pay a fair price and continue its publication in Georgia ;" and that "the proceeds of the paper be invested in a permanent fund, to be called the ' Index Fund,' the interest of which shall be used for mission- ary purposes, or aid in defraying the incidental expenses of this body." These resolutions were not adopted unanimously. "A suitable purchaser " was found in the person of Rev. Samuel Boykin, and the sale of the paper was effected " with as little
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delay as possible," though, for some reason, the "Index" com- mitte never reported their action to the Convention. It is pre- sumed they did not feel called upon to do so. The paper might have been sold for more than it brought.
Rev. A. B. Cabaniss, missionary to China, and Rev. George Bushyhead, a Cherokee Indian, of North Carolina, were present at this session.
The death of Rev. Kelly Lowe, colored minister, of Augusta, was noticed in affectionate terms.
41. LaGrange, Troup county, was the place of meeting in 1862. Rev. J. H. De Votie preached the introductory, and Rev. N. M. Crawford the annual sermon on education.
An hour each morning was spent in prayer for the country. The news of the fall of New Orleans was received during this session.
At the suggestion of the auditing committee, a note on the late J. E. Dawson of one hundred and sixty odd dollars, sup- posed to have been the balance of an old subscription, was or- dered to be turned over to his widow.
A committee of five was appointed to memorialize the Con- federate Government in favor of a more strict observance of the Sabbath by those in its employ, and the moderator was re- quested to prepare a tract on this subject for circulation among our soldiers.
On Saturdy night a missionary mass meeting was held. Ad- dresses were delivered by Revs. Hornady, DeVotie and Sum- ner, and a collection was taken amounting to about six hundred dollars.
Resolutions were adopted approbatory of J. H. Campbell as army evangelist, and recommending his mission to the counte- nance and support of the denomination.
Correspondence has been maintained for years with the Ala- bama, South Carolina and Cherokee (Georgia) Baptist Conven- tions, and occasionally with kindred bodies of other States. It is deemed unnecessary to repeat a notice of this fact from year to year.
The Georgia Bible Board and Colporteur Society held a meeting in connection with this session.
42. The forty-second session of the Convention assembled at
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Griffin, April 24th, 1863. Rev. W. T. Brantly, D. D., of At- lanta, preached the opening sermon, from Psalm cvii. 7, "And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation." The attention of the large congregation was most profound, and it is not often that the effect produced is more favorable.
Revs. A. E. Dickinson and William Huff, of Virginia, and Rev. M. T. Sumner, of Alabama, were in attendance. A mis- sionary mass meeting was held Saturday night in favor of do- mestic and foreign missions, which was addressed by Revs. Dickinson and Cohen, Governor Joseph E. Brown and Colonel Peeples, and a collection was taken up amounting to $480 00. The collections on Sabbath amounted to $649 00.
On motion of J. H. Campbell, a committee was appointed " to consider the propriety of taking some steps towards the edu- cation of the indigent orphans of our soldiers who have died, or may die during the present war." The committee were J. H. Campbell, M. J. Wellborn, Thos. Stocks, N. M. Crawford and B. F. Tharp. They memorialized the State Legislature, and issued an address to the people of the other Confederate States on the subject. It is believed the effort has accomplished much good.
Five hundred dollars of the funds designated for army mis- sions was appropriated to J. H. Campbell, evangelist in the Confederate army.
" The parting scene was most affecting, and the farewell cor- dial and affectionate. The meeting was unusually interesting, and the business transacted in a most fraternal spirit."
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