USA > Georgia > Bibb County > Macon > Georgia Baptists: historical and biographical > Part 5
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43. The Convention met in her forty-third anniversary at Atlanta, in April, 1864. The moderator, Rev. P. H. Mell, D. D., preached the opening sermon, from Acts xxi. 14, " The will of the Lord be done." The meeting was largely attended, both by delegates and visitors. Among the latter were Rev. William C. Buck, late of Kentucky, and Hon. J. L. M. Curry, of Ala- bama. The speeches of the latter gentleman were among the most eloquent and powerful ever delivered in presence of this Convention.
The subject of establishing an asylum for the orphans of Confederate soldiers.(introduced by Rev. W. L. Mansfield,) ex- cited deep interest, and occupied much of the time of the ses-
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sion. As it was doubted by some whether such an object came legitimately within the sphere of the operations of this body, an opportunity was allowed to form an organization for this . special purpose, and the organization was accordingly formed and a large amount pledged for its support.
On Saturday night a mass meeting was held, which was ad- dressed by Hon. J. L. M. Curry, in favor of army missions, and $2,105 63 were contributed for that purpose.
Seven hundred and five dollars were appropriated to J. H. Campbell, army evangelist.
A letter from General John B. Gordon was received and read, urging the appointment of ministers to preach the gospel to the army in Virginia. Sunday night was devoted to a meeting of prayer for the country. Thus the orphans of soldiers, the army, the country-these subjects engrossed the attention, and absorbed the feelings of all present. The army, under General Joseph E. Johnston, were lying at and around Dalton. Several ministers, and other brethren who had been laboring in that army as missionaries and colportuers, were in attendance at Atlanta. Colonel Edwards, a Georgian, a young man of noble person and mein, in full uniform, was there pleading for reli- gious papers, tracts, etc., for his regiment. Several of the minis- ters went up to the army and preached on Sunday, some of whom had never enjoyed such a privilege before. A wonder- ful revival of religion had been prevailing for months among the soldiers, and there was scarcely a regiment, or even a com- pany in which there had not been conversions. It was under these circumstances that the Convention held its session at Atlanta ; and it was not wonderful that the hearts of all were stirred to their profoundest depths, especially when it was well under- stood that the spring campaign would very soon open. It did open within two weeks thereafter, and resulted in the fall of Atlanta, and finally in the destruction of the Confederate Gov- ernment. What hope would there be for us and our posterity, were it not that "the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth !"
(The session for 1865 was appointed to be held in Columbus the fourth Sabbath in April, 1865; but that city fell into the hands of the enemy about a week previous, so that no meeting was held that year.)
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44. The forty-fourth session of the Georgia Baptist Conven- tion was held in Macon, commencing April 20th, 1866. Intro- ductory by Rev. B. F. Tharp, from Gal. i. 8, 9. The war was ostensibly closed, and the country in such a condition that few had the means of attending. There were very few visitors, and the delegation about half as large as usual. It was clearly manifested, however, that the few who assembled still retained, in all its fullness and profundity, their interest in that cause which was still dearer to them than that of their ruined country.
The 5th and 6th articles of the constitution were amended, so that the officers of the body and the members of the executive committee "shall hold their offices until their successors are elected, in case, from any cause, an election shall fail to take place at the proper time."
The treasurer of the Convention and of Mercer University, Mr. Thomas J. Burney, was highly commended for his efficient management of the funds in his hands, by which so much were saved "from the general wreck of the late war."
The death of nine ministers within the past two years was recorded : C. D. Mallary, W. A. Callaway, Robert Gibson, N. B. Cobb, W. D. Cowdry, E. M. Galt, Jarvis G. Johnson, A. C. Dayton and James M. Watt.
Rev. N. M. Crawford had resigned the Presidency of Mercer University, and taken that of Georgetown College, Kentucky, and Rev. H. H. Tucker, D. D., was elected in his place, and finally accepted. The interest of the people in the cause of education had not abated but rather increased-so said Report on Education.
In closing this brief and imperfect sketch of the "Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia," the most important and in- fluential Baptist organization in the State, the churches always excepted-it may be proper for the author to indulge in a few general observations. There are some who are opposed to all organizations of the kind, believing them unscriptural, and that their natural tendency is dangerous to the authority of the churches. The author has been a member of this Convention for thirty-eight years, having missed but one session in that time; and if any church has ever complained, or had cause to complain of its interference with her rights, the fact has never
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come to his knowledge. Churches may abuse their own au- thority, and do sometimes interfere officiously with the rights of each other.
The plans and operations of this body are more comprehen- sive and efficient than those of any kindred organization known to the writer. It is an educational society, both literary and theological; a Foreign Missionary Society ; a Domestic Mission Society; a society for the promotion of Sabbath-schools, Bible distribution, etc. And yet all its operations are carried on har- moniously and successfully.
The wise and good men who organized the body, and who managed its affairs in its earlier history, have nearly all passed away. But they have left their impress upon those who re- main, and it is believed their influence for good will be felt as long as the Convention shall continue to exist. For this, the author most fervently prays!
The affairs of Mercer University have mainly occupied the attention of the Convention for several years past, as may be seen by referring to the history of that Institution. As the minutes of several recent sessions are not in the hands of the author, he does not deem it important to give an account of them separately, but refers the reader to the sketch of Mercer University. Such account can be given in some future edition.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
FORMATION AND EARLY HISTORY.
With respect to the precise date of the constitution, there is some doubt, as the records of the early proceedings of this infant body were not preserved. There are no documents from which either the date or place of its formation can be fixed with certainty. It is most probable it took place at the Kiokee church. This was the mother church, and it would seem rea- sonable to suppose that the union was formed there. Indeed, Mr. Benedict, in his History of the Baptists, seems to admit it, and the testimony of Rev. Mr. Cartledge, then a licentiate in the church, goes to the same point, though the Rev. Mr. Sherwood, in his " Gazetteer of Georgia," places it at Fish-
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ing creek church, but without any testimony now in his pos- session.
It is generally agreed that it was constituted in 1784. It is evident it was a regularly constituted body in 1785, because the Rev. Mr. Mercer and Rev. Mr. Smith were received by the Charleston Association in November of that same year as mes- sengers from the Georgia, then but recently formed. Admit- ting, however, that it was constituted in 1784, then the con- stituent members would have been only Kiokee, Fishing creek, Upton's creek, (now Greenwood,) Red's creek, (now Aberleen,) and Little Briar creek ; but if it be placed in 1785, then must be added the churches at Phillips' mill and Whatley's mill, constituted in that year.
The principal ministers belonging at that time to these churches were Abraham Marshall, Sanders Walker, Peter Smith, Silas Mercer, Loveless Savidge, William Franklin, and perhaps Alexander Scott. Mr. Scott soon after the war settled in South Carolina, and closed, (if he ever had any,) his connec- tion with this body.
The Association, for some time after its constitution, held its sessions semi-annually in May and October; but of the body itself, or of the churches, which at that time increased with great rapidity, only a partial history can be given.
In May, 1786, the body sat at Fishing creek, but of the pro- ceedings of that session there is no record, except the letter from the church to the Association, inviting the session of the body to be held with that church at that time. From this letter it appears that the Rev. Jeremiah Walker was then the clerk of the church and one of the messengers of the Associa- tion. Mr. Walker had then but recently emigrated from Vir- ginia and settled on Broad river, in Elbert county, and as there was no church nearer, he united with this church, but was soon dismissed, with others, to form another church, which was con- stituted in this same year and called Hebron.
In October, 1787, the body assembled at Greenwood, as ap- pears from a letter of correspondence from the church at Phil- lips' mill, but of the proceedings of that meeting there is no ac- count.
In October, 1788, the session was held at Clark's station. Of
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this meeting we have the first printed minutes, and it would seem that there ought to be minutes of all the subsequent meet- ings, as the churches were requested to send their contribu- tions for this purpose ; but, alas! but one solitary copy can be found until the session in 1795.
By the minutes of this meeting it appears that Abraham Marshall presided as moderator and Jeremiah Walker served as clerk. The number of churches represented at the meeting was thirty-one. Besides those mentioned before, there were at this time the following churches, viz : Horne's creek, South Carolina; Briar creek, Burke county ; Stephens' creek, South Carolina ; Vann's creek, Long creek of Ogeechee, Providence, Hebron, Walker's bridge, Buffalo, South Carolina; Ebenezer, Lower Rocky river, South Carolina ; Upper Rocky river, South Caro- lina; Rocky creek, Dove's creek, Clark's station, Hutton's Fork, (now Sardis,) Millstone, Williams' creek, Tugalo, African, Soap creek, Cloud's creek, Falling creek and Indian creek. The additional ministers were Hezekiah Walker, James Mathews, Charles Bussey, Dozier Thornton, John White, Thomas Gil- bert, Jeptha Vining, John Newton, Jeremiah Walker, John McLeroy, Nathaniel Hall, Mathew Talbot, and John Cleveland, besides about a dozen licentiates. The Rev. Alexander Scott and Jacob Gibson, from South Carolina, attended this meeting as visitors and were cordially admitted as assistants in counsel.
Several queries of moment were received and answered at this meeting, which will appear under the head of queries an- swered.
One thing, however, occurred on this occasion, which de- serves a passing notice. Mr. James Hutchinson, a Methodist preacher, appeared at this session and requested an opportu- nity to relate his experience and faith in Christ, with a view to his becoming a member of the church at that place. This privi- lege was granted him, and his relation being satisfactory, he was received into membership. But although he gave up the Methodist discipline and doctrines, and embraced fully those of the Baptist 'denomination, he did not feel at liberty to give up his baptism, having been immersed, upon a profession of his faith, by the Rev. Mr. Humphries, a regular minister of the Methodist connection. This was made a question for the As-
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sociation, then sitting, and to the body there appeared so much of gospel order in it, that Mr. Hutchinson was admitted by the consent of the body upon his baptism thus received. But in the end it terminated unfortunately. Many were not well pleased with such a course, and therefore it led on to strife and confusion. However, as he was an eloquent man, and truly fervent in spirit, many were conciliated by his zeal and perse- verance, and strong hopes were entertained that much good would be effected through his instrumentality.
Not long after this, Mr. Hutchinson made a visit to his rela- tions in Loudoun county, in Virginia, and commenced preaching in the woods. The people erected a commodious arbor and stand, and here he continued his ministrations with great suc- cess for the space of twelve months. He received and baptized about one hundred persons as the fruit of his labors, and they were formed into a church. But here ended the joy ; for no sooner did they apply for admission into the Association, than the validity of their minister's baptism was called in question, which, of course, involved a question as to the validity of the baptism of the whole church. It became a subject of deep in- terest in the Association ; a majority prevailed against it, and consequently the church was rejected. At this particular crisis Mr. Hutchinson submitted to a re-immersion, and his people, with two or three exceptions, followed his example. Thus ter- minated a most fierce and distressing controversy. So much for admitting a pædo-Baptist administration of the ordinance of baptism !
Soon after this Mr. Hutchinson returned to Georgia, loaded with goods. He entered into merchandise, and in him was ful- filled the declaration of Paul to Timothy, " But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdi- tion ; for the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." He plunged into worldly cares, lost his zeal for God, fell into transgression and was excluded from the church. And although he afterwards professed repentance, and was in some degree restored, he never regained his former standing and usefulness. He struggled
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through a few miserable years in worldly pursuits, and died at last, under a cloud of darkness and deep distress.
In May, 1789, the Association assembled with the church on Long creek of Ogeechee. And regular annual sessions were held at Whatley's mill, Botsford's meeting-house, Powel's creek, Red's creek, Phillips' mill and Island creek, up to the year 1791; but of the proceedings of these meetings there are no records to be found. This is the more to be regretted, as some very important and truly interesting occurrences took place during this period. Besides the prosperity and rich increase enjoyed by the body, there was a season of sore trial-a season of distressing controversy and division. And it is now to be regretted that no record of these transactions has been left as a beacon to those who live in after times, to warn them of simi lar errors and similar troubles. As it is, however, we can only give a few sketches from memory.
We have already seen that the Rev. Jeremiah Walker had emigrated from Virginia and become a member of this Associa- tion. Mr. Walker had been a famous champion for the truth in Virginia. He had vindicated the doctrine of free and sover- eign grace against the Arminian notions of free will and self- righteousness. He was bold and resolute in the defense of re- ligious liberty against the intolerant measures of the estab- lished clergy. For this he was shamefully treated and impris- oned. But he endured all for Christ's sake, not counting even his own life dear unto him, and came off in the end more than a conquerer through Him of whose cause he was the fearless and uncompromising advocate. But strange to tell ! after all this, this man yielded to temptation, and by transgression fell, shamefully fell, from his steadfastness, and sunk into disgrace !
Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he left Virginia, and sought refuge among strangers, in a strange land ; but shame and conviction followed him, and after a short time he returned to his aggrieved and offended brethren, made an humble con- fession, and besought them to forgive and restore him to their fellowship. His plea was heard and he was restored. Thus reinstated, he returned to Georgia, sought and obtained a union and fellowship with the brethren here, and from his self-loathing and deep humility, his burning zeal and powerful talents, he
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acquired again a considerable estimation among the churches. But now he adopted the Arminian scheme of doctrine, and began to build up the things he had in his better days attempted to destroy, thereby making himself, in the estimate of the Apostle Paul, a transgressor.
This change of sentiment was probably the result of a defiled conscience, together with mortified pride; motives, too, de- rived from the same corrupt source, might have induced him to bring the whole force of his mighty genius and the power of the weightiest arguments he could produce, to bear upon his newly adopted and beloved system of doctrines. He was soon joined by several others. These were Mathew Talbot, Na- thaniel Hall, of South Carolina, and David Tinsley. Mr. Tins- ley was his ablest ally. He had been the fellow laborer and joint sufferer of Mr. Walker in Virginia. They were confined for some time in the same prison. And Mr. Tinsley used to say that he received his first Arminian notions from Mr. Walker whilst thus shut up in prison. This occurred in the following way : As they were shut out from the world, incarcerated within the gloomy walls of a prison for the truth's sake, they frequently gave vigor to their minds, and wore the time away by taking different sides upon controverted points in theology. Mr. Walker used to take the Arminian side against his friend Tinsley, and most generally foiled him upon his own ground ; at least he was successful in making "the worse appear the better reason," to the no small injury of his brother; for Mr. Tinsley was induced to adopt the system. This should be a warning to those who would sport with sacred things, or play with feigned arguments ; like edged tools in the hands of chil- dren, they are always likely to do more evil than good. Mr. Tinsley was a man of fine parts, amiable manners and exalted piety. Mr. Hall and Mr. Talbot, though of humbler gifts, in point of piety, would suffer nothing from a comparison with him.
With such aids, it is not at all to be wondered at that Mr. Walker, for a time, spoiled the peace and disturbed the harmo- nious action of the Association. These men were labored with long and affectionately by several of the ablest ministers in the connection, but to no purpose. They continued to propa- gate their Arminian doctrines. This was the more distressing,
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because it occurred simultaneously with the ingress of Metho- dist ministers into the State, who had already opened their artillery upon the principal ministers in the Association. Thus they were assailed by a strong opposition without, and annoyed by a powerful faction within.
The question, as to the propriety of continuing the union under such circumstances, was agitated in the Association ; and after due deliberation, it was determined, that there was no propriety in associational intercourse, where there was no union ; and as they could not maintain fellowship with those who were endeavoring to propagate the erroneous doctrines above men- tioned, the churches were, by a large majority, advised to call these ministers to account, for the propagation of error, and for sowing the seeds of discord among brethren. They were dealt with accordingly, by the respective churches to which they be- longed, and excluded. Few of the private brethren in this State adhered to them, except a minority of the church at Hebron, to which Mr. Walker belonged and of which he was the pastor. These also were excluded. The next step was to gather these excommunicated persons together, with such others as could be induced to unite with them, into little par- ties, which they called churches, six or seven in number, includ- ing the two entire churches on Rocky river, South Carolina, which went off with Mr. Hall, their pastor. Of these materials an associ- ate connection was formed, which seemed to prosper for a time but it soon proved to be of mushroom growth. Mr. Walker, in a very short time, was called to his account, which event had the effect greatly to dispirit his followers ; and the body which he had formed, passed away as though it had not been. The remaining ministers and brethren, for the most part, made their recantations, and were restored to fellowship by their re- spective churches. Thus broke up a fearful and portentous dis- sension, which, like the dark cloud that passes off without rain, produced not such amount of mischief, as was at first appre- hended.
The Association convened in October, 1792, at Fishing creek. Abraham Marshall was chosen moderator, and Peter Smith, clerk. It appears from the minutes of that meeting, that the number of associate churches had increased to fifty-six. Hence
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there was an increase of twenty-seven churches in four years. The names of these churches are as follows : Shoulder-bone, Buck-eye creek ; Callahan's mill, South Carolina ; Scull shoals, Head of Briar creek, McBean, Buckhead, Bark camp, First Williamson's swamp, Second Williamson's swamp, Cag creek, White ponds, Fort Creek, Little Ogeechee ; Shockley's ferry, South Carolina ; Bonnell's creek, Upper Little Ogeechee, Ohoopy creek, Averett's bridge, Little Ogeechee; Buck creek, Watery Fork of Buffalo, Fulsome's creek, Sandy hill, Ogeechee, North- fort creek, Beaverdam creek, and Fort of Tugalo. And of min- isters, there appears also to have been the following increase: Isaac Busson, Thomas Daniel, Samuel Cartledge, George Frank- lin, Thomas Mercer, Benjamin Davis, John Thomas, Jesse Mercer, Timothy Carrington, Lewis Shelton, John Harvey, Benjamin Thomson, William Cone, George Tilman, John Hen- derson, John Stanford, and Edmund Byne.
In October, 1800, the Association met at Sardis, Wilkes coun- ty; Rev. Mr. Heflin delivered the introductory sermon, from 2 Corinthians, iv. 5, " For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." Rev. Sanders Walker presided as moderator, and Rev. Jesse Mercer acted as clerk. The church newly constituted at Poplar spring, Columbia county, was received at this meeting, and the Cloud's creek church was dismissed to join the Sarepta Association. At the request of the Sarepta brethren, the time of the annual meeting was changed to the Saturday preceding the second Lord's Day in October of each year.
At this session the following interesting resolution was adopted, viz: "That as a spirit of itinerancy has inflamed the minds of several ministers, who are desirous to enter into some resolutions, suitable to carry into effect a design of trav- eling and preaching the gospel, a meeting be, and is hereby appointed, at Powel's creek, on Friday before the first Sunday in May next, for that purpose ; that the same day be observed as a day of fasting and solemn prayer to Almighty God, for prosperity on the design, and for a dispensation of every new covenant mercy in Christ Jesus."
It must be highly gratifying to that part of those old breth. ren yet living, who entered into this resolution, to look back
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and see how the blessing of the Lord has followed upon these labors of love and faith. It is true they may have sown in tears, but they have reaped in joy a copious harvest.
The meeting of the body in October, 1801, was held with the church at Williams' creek, Warren county. Two new churches were received at this session, Newhope, Jackson county, and Big creek, Oglethorpe county. A proposition was received from the Philadelphia Association, to form " a general confer- ence, to be composed of one or more members from each Asso- ciation in the United States." But the body, from prudential considerations, forebore to express an opinion upon the subject at that time. The churches on Horn's creek and Stephen's creek, South Carolina, took letters of dismission, to join the Bethel Association, it being more convenient to them.
A letter was addressed to the body this year from the meet- ing at Powelton, held in May preceding, "which called the attention of the Association to the propriety and expediency of forming a missionary society in this State, for the purpose of sending the gospel amongst the Indians bordering on our fron- tiers, which was unanimously and cordially approbated." The ministers of those times had too much of the spirit of the apostles in them, to be afraid of missions. It is presumed that a resolution of this sort at the present, would be styled in some places by way of derision, a new measure-man's work-a wool- gathering business ! Let those who call themselves "old side folks," consider this. The meeting adjourned to meet again at Salem, Oglethorpe county, on the 9th of October, 1802.
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