USA > Georgia > Bibb County > Macon > Georgia Baptists: historical and biographical > Part 7
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In 1823 Jordan Smith is moderator. Appropriated $86 00 to corresponding messengers. In 1826, rejected the request of Buck-head and Brushy creek churches to send messengers to view the order of the General Association of this State. The decorum was altered so as to make it disorder for any brother to move for a correspondence, either by letter or messenger. with any general association or committee, missionary society or board! Such disorder to be reproved by the moderator ! The anti-mission party seem now to be dominant. Some of the ministers of that party were James Granade, (excommuni cated for immorality,) Jordan Smith and John Blackstone.
The session for 1828 was at Little Brier creek, Warrer county. The missionary party have regained the ascendancy and Jordan Smith, James Gray and others withdraw and forn
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Savannah River Association.
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the Canoochie Association, (anti-missionary,) which holds no correspondence with other bodies. Several churches get letters to form the Washington Association, viz : Beulah, Darien, Beth- lehem, Sisters' meeting-house, Jackson's meeting-house, etc. In 1832, recommended the churches to take collections for itin- erants-three chosen, McCall, Maund and Polhill.
At the session for 1834, William L. Tucker, from the Georgia Convention, is invited to a seat. Reports from domestic mis- sionaries received, and appointed five more. Paid missionaries $140 00; $252 93 in hand. Ministers now in the body are J. H. T. Kilpatrick, W. W. Maund, Joseph Polhill, O. Smith, J. Moon, J. Huff, M. D. Holsonback, etc.
In 1836 the body met at Providence church, in Jefferson county. According to previous understanding, the churches reported in favor of becoming a component member of the Bap- tist State Convention by a large majority, only five voting against this measure. In 1837 a collection was taken for Jud- son's Burman Bible, amounting to $78 20. Domestic mission fund, $356 38. The body now seems to be hearty and active n every good work. The shackles of anti-ism are broken off. Their progress up to 1874 is still onward !
SAVANNAH RIVER ASSOCIATION.
This union was at first called Savannah Association, and was ormed in Savannah, in April, 1802, of Savannah, Newington und two colored churches of the city. Henry Holcombe was noderator and Elias Robert, clerk. Thomas Polhill and John fodwin were delegates from Newington, and Andrew Bryan, Evan Grant and H. Cunningham, colored preachers.
In January, 1803, the session was held in Savannah, and even churches admitted, all from South Carolina, except Ogee- hee, a church of colored persons. Holcombe, Tison and Pol- ill were appointed to meet the " General Committee " at Pow- Iton.
In 1804, fifteen churches ; three hundred and seventy-eight aptized; total, one thousand seven hundred and thirty. In Tovember, 1805, the session was at Black Swamp, South Caro- na. Alexander. Scott, moderator, Joseph Clay, clerk. Ap-
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proved the measures of. the " General Committee " concerning a Baptist college. Sand-hill church (now Power's meeting- house,) admitted as a member. In 1806 it was decided, in an- swer to a query from Beaufort church, that feet washing is not an ordinance. The Sunbury church joined.
In 1808 there were three hundred and sixty-two baptized ; increase, one thousand one hundred and twelve; total, five thousand six hundred and eighty-eight. In 1812, Sunbury en- tertains the Association, which regrets the death of Andrew Bryan, a colored preacher of great worth. C. O. Screven and W. T. Brantly, officers. William B. Johnson is requested to write the next circular letter on the importance of itinerant and missionary effort. One thousand four hundred and ninety- two baptized.
The session in 1813 was at Union, South Carolina. Luther Rice, having just returned from India, was present. A general committee on missions is formed : W. B. Johnson, president , Thomas Williams, secretary. Three hundred and thirty-seven dollars in hand. This is the first move in missions since about 1807, or since the general committee was dissolved.
For several years the progress of the body was pretty uni form, until 1817, at Newington, it was agreed to divide the body, the Savannah river to be the line; and in November 1818, the churches on the Georgia side united in the Sunbury Association, at Sunbury. The general committee of the Asso ciation report several domestic missionaries engaged in itin erant preaching. The following answer is given to a query " That as a member is received into a church by general con sent, so none has a right to leave it without general consent otherwise he despises the church, breaks fellowship, and shoul be dealt with," etc.
OCMULGEE ASSOCIATION
Was formed at Rooty creek meeting-house, November 10tl 1810, of twenty-four churches, by a committee from the Geo gia Association, consisting of Robertson, Matthews, Shacke ford, Thompson and McGinty. These twenty-four churches al not known exactly, as the old minutes are not accessible.
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Ocmulgee Association.
In 1812, the session is at Shoal creek, Jasper county. Joseph Baker and William Williams, officers. Rev. F. Flournoy had been impeached before the Senate, and a committee was ap- pointed to examine into the matter, who reported, " He is still held by us an orderly christian and faithful minister." The circular for this year alludes to the war, and urges the exercise of true patriotism. In 1813, six churches were dismissed to form the Ebenezer Association.
The session for 1815 is at Fellowship, near Madison. Elijah Mosley preached from the commission. Churches forty-one; ordained and licensed peeachers, twenty-five; baptized, seven- ty-six-total, two thousand two hundred and sixty-six.
For 1817, the session was at Elim, near Clinton. The circu- lar, "on the sin of drunkenness," by L. Battle, is a good pro- duction. In 1819, in answer to a query, the body replies : ' Masters should treat them (slaves) with humanity and justice, 'Ephesians, vi. 9, Colossians, iv. 1,) and we recommend the mem- vers of our churches to watch over each other, and if any hould treat them otherwise, that they be dealt with as trans- ¡ressors." This is the universal sentiment among christians n Georgia. F. Flournoy is appointed an agent to visit the Creek Nation of Indians and solicit a site for a school. A com- mittee to form a plan for a school was appointed, as follows: 1. Mosely, A. Davis, E. Talbot and Pitt Milner.
In 1820, the plan for a school in the Creek Nation (to be con- ucted by this, and the Georgia and Ebenezer Associations,) was dopted and spread upon the minutes. Trustees, B. Wilson, Davis, B. H. Willson, W. Williams and Wilson Lumpkin, fterwards Governor of the State. In 1821, the body votes a ordial concurrence with the Sarepta touching "general meeting correspondence," and R. McGinty, J. M. Gray, and C. White pointed delegates.
September, 1822, the session is at Mount Gilead, Jasper county. be report on Indian reform was read: F. Flournoy had re- gned as superintendent, and L. Compere was appointed. On proposition of the Ocmulgee Missionary Society, that body consolidated with the Association, and it annually elects ven trustees. For missions in hand, $445,87}. The constitu- on of the General Association is taken into consideration,
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" examined article by article, and unanimously approved." Five delegates appointed : J. Milner, C. White, J. M. Gray, William Williams and A. Davis.
Ten newly constituted churches join the session at Fellow- ship in 1823. Churches, fifty-five ; members, two thousand five hundred and two. Mission funds sent up by churches, $318,18 After considering the need of preaching in the new counties, sixteen ministers agree to spend some weeks in proclaining the Saviour among the new settlements.
Murder creek church, Jasper county, entertained the session of 1824. The mission school at Withington, in the Creek Na- tion, is in a prosperous condition-forty-two pupils in it, mak- ing rapid improvement. Mission moneys sent up, about $280. Several churches dismissed, to form Flint river and Yellow river Associations. The care and management of missions were transferred to the General Association of the State, by the session of 1825. The circular for 1826 was written by Thomas Cooper, and unanimously adopted. An able produc tion !
The session for 1827, at Antioch, Morgan county, will never b forgotten. Brethren Colley, Sherwood and Shannon preache on the Sabbath. Great excitement prevailed-hundreds upo hundreds were crying for mercy-thousands were powerfull awakened ! The oldest ministers never witnessed such a scen before! Several churches petitioned to withdraw from Gener: Association-petitions laid over. Opposition to missions begin to be pretty plainly developed, which wrought great confusic and mischief afterwards.
The revival spread from this into the Flint River and oth Associations.
Hephzibah, in Jasper county, is the place of meeting in 182 Baptized, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-two; tot: three thousand four hundred and fifty-five. At the session Shiloh, the following year, the subject of withdrawing from t General Association was again discussed. But it was not un 1830, at Harmony, in Putnam, that this sad event took pla Contention and division follow this step, and a mournful decl is the consequence. The body withdraws from Bethlehem chu on account of opposition to her minister, Cyrus White. N
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Ocmulgee (Junior) and Ebenezer Associations.
Salem church had brought charges against Eatonton ; the case is in an unsettled state in 1831 and 1832; and in 1833, at Elim, in Jones, the Association withdraws from Eatonton church likewise. The sessions of those years were exceedingly conten- tious. So, also, of several following years-1834 and 1835. At Concord, in Jasper, the body declares, "Non-fellowship with all benevolent societies," or rather approves of the act as done by Mount Gilead church. In the meantime, many churches had seceded from the body, and formed the Central Association. Some of these were among the most flourishing and intelligent churches in the union. In 1837, she declares the institutions of the day " unscriptural."
In ten years, (from 1820 to 1830,) four thousand eight hun- dred and nineteen were baptized. Look at the contrast: In 1830, when she left the Convention, she had forty-one churches ind three thousand four hundred and sixty-one members. Now, 1844, she has four ministers and nine hundred and seven mem- pers. Baptized twenty-eight. "How are the mighty fallen !"
OCMULGEE (JUNIOR) ASSOCIATION.
As the small party which left the Ocmulgee Association In 839 claims to be the true and original body, we use the word unior merely to distinguish between the two. This body as- embled, it is presumed, for its second meeting, at Elim, in Jones ounty, the 11th September, 1840. T. D. Oxford preached the itroductory sermon, was moderator, preached on the Sabbath- deed, was the only minister belonging to the concern. Letters om three churches were read-two others join-five churches i all. Four baptized, nineteen excluded, forty-one dismissed, he minister, and three hundred and nineteen members. The andy has no correspondence with other Associations, and very atle is known of its history of late years.
EBENEZER ASSOCIATION
it Wa's formed in March, 1814, of churches chiefly from the epzibah and Ocmulgee. The minutes of a session held in Au- st of the same year are printed : Thirteen churches; nine
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baptized-total, five hundred and seventy-five. The presby- tery from the Ocmulgee were Joseph Baker, V. A. Tharpe, D. Wood, H. Hooten and E. Talbot. Fulgam and Taylor, officers. Circular letter by ...... Love. Churches dismissed by the Oc- mulgce to form the Ebenezer were Mount Nebo, New Provi- dence, Ramah and Trail Branch.
The session for November, 1816, was at Mount Horeb. Dozier Thornton, Jesse Mercer and Luther Rice were present, and preached on Sabbath. Opened correspondence with Baptist General Convention. In 1817, at Wood's meeting-house, voted to stop correspondence with the General Convention. Agreed to appropriate the surplus funds in hand to itinerant preaching in lower parts of the State. Baptized eighteen. Two new constitutions joined-Camp Creek and Antioch.
In 1818, at New Providence, agreed to resume correspond- ence with the General Convention. Received circular from Kentucky Mission Society. Appropriated $50 00 for expenses of corresponding messengers. The minutes show twenty-one churches, thirty-two baptized, eight hundred and seventy-six members. In 1819 the session is at Rocky creek. Introduc- tory sermon by Eden Taylor. V. A. Tharpe and Ezekiel Taylor were officers. A committee is appointed to co-operate with one from Ocmulgee Association in making arrangements for Indian reform. For corresponding messengers, $58 00.
At Ramah, in 1820, agreed to concur in the plan for Indian lea reform. Appointed trustees and ministers are requested to explain this matter to the churches and suggest plans to raise T G.A. forse de f burc o pro funds. The institution to educate young ministers, suggested by the General Convention, was under consideration. " W are of opinion that such an institution appears laudable, bu are not prepared at present to go into it." Twenty-five churches and fifty-six baptized. Circular letter, on ministerial support by brother Fulgam-an excellent article. In 1821, at Myrtl Spring, John Ross preached the introductory sermon. The In 1 el C. Tas rej Voarche pest sid
ophilus Pearce and. John McKinzy officers. Adam Jones Thomas Glenn and Joseph Sharpe, trustees for Indian reforn in connection with committees from Ocmulgee and Georgia A: sociations. Churches twenty-eight, baptized thirty-eight ; tota one thousand and eighty-five. Brother Mc Kinzy wrote circule
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Ebenezer Association.
" On the Universal Spread of the Gospel." The importance of exertion in this cause, and of translating the Bible, urged with clearness and warmth. All this by Rev. John McKinzy !*
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The church at Mount Horeb provided for the Association in 1822. Read the report of Indian reform. Unanimously agreed to aid in the laudable pursuit. " Resolved, That brother Com- pere, missionary for Indian reform, be invited to take a tour of preaching through our bounds and solicit contributions for that purpose." The subject of uniting with the General Association of Georgia is laid over until next year. Next year, in 1823, at Stone creek, " Took under consideration the reference of last year relative to the General Association, which was thrown under the table !" "Took under consideration the Indian reform, as to whether we continue or discontinue, and it was discontin- ued ! Preachers on the Sabbath were Perryman, Hooten and Blackstone. Churches twenty-eight, baptized sixty-seven, mem- bers one thousand and forty-eight.
Cool Spring church entertains the session of 1824. Agreed to continue correspondence with the General Convention. Moved to reconsider minutes of last year in relation to Indian reform-lost ! Moved to correspond with the General Associa- tion-lost ! Circular letter on practical duties, by Taylor.
Nothing of interest is recorded in the minutes of 1825 at Rocky creek. In 1827 resolutions were passed lamenting the death of Tharp and Pearce, formerly moderators of this body. Circular on brotherly love by J. McKinzy.
Trail branch is the seat of the session in 1828. Circular by J. A. Tharp, on "If thou put thy brethren in remembrance of hese things," etc. Nine impostors are advertised, among them he famous Counsellor or Counsel, who has imposed on the churches near thirty years. The great revival which was then n progress in the Ocmulgee, Georgia and Flint does not seem o have extended into the Ebenezer.
In 1829, at Woods' meeting-house, John Ross was moderator nd C. A. Tharp, clerk. John Gray produced a circular, which vas rejected, and a committee appointed to write one. Four hurches dismissed, probably to form the Itchaconna, on the rest side of the river. At New Providence, in 1830, the anti-
* He became an anti-missionary.
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Georgia Baptists-Historical.
missionary spirit still seems to have been dominant, as had been the case for several years preceding. All found in the minutes is the receiving and appointing correspondence, etc. Four new churches join, and several are dismissed to form the Houston Association. Baptized four hundred and ten ; total, fifteen hundred and two.
The session for 1831 is at Poplar spring, Laurens. Thrce new churches join. Campbell and Sherwood are received as messengers from Georgia Baptist Convention. Six brethren agree to attend next session of Convention at Powelton. Cir- cular on missions by H. B. Hathaway, of Dublin church. The year following at Camp creek, Campbell and Shorter, messen- gers from Convention were refused a seat ! Nothing interesting is found in the minutes of 1833 and 1834. These sessions were at Big Sandy and Hopewell. In 1835, discontinued correspond- ence with Georgia and Washington Associations, because they were in correspondence with the Central Association.
The reader will see he has been following a body, prone to changes. From 1816 to 1823, when she became settled in her opposition to benevolent institutions, her changes were as fre- quent as the annual revolutions of the earth.
The session for 1836 was at Beersheba. Renewed corres- pondence with Georgia and Washington Associations, having heard their reasons for corresponding with the Central; also, opened correspondence with the Central. The following query was discussed onc whole day, viz: " Are the Institutions of the day, such as Missions, etc., consistent with the articles of faith of this Association ?" Answered in the affirmative by an over- whelming majority. Upon this, seven churches withdrew, with Absolom Black, Adam Jones, etc., ministers. These churches hold annual meetings and publish their minutes declaring them- selves to be the true Ebenezer Association. In 1837, the session was quite harmonious. An executive committee was appointed to manage the business of the body with reference to domestic missions, etc: Correspondence from Georgia Convention, cor- dially received.
At New Hope in 1839, domestic missions are reported to be prosperous. $255 were paid out for this object alonc. Churches
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Piedmont Association.
twenty-seven-about a dozen ministers. Great improvement in the churches of this body of late years.
PIEDMONT ASSOCIATION.
This body must have been formed about 1817. The first notice of it is a letter received from it by Savannah river As- sociation on 25th October of that year. In 1818 the meeting is at Westley's creek meeting-house. Peacock and Bates, of the Hephzibah, and Thomas S. Winn, of Savannah river, preach on the Sabbath. Mr. Winn presented the circular of Kentucky Mission Society; this gave rise to considerable debate-laid over till next session. Correspondence is sent to Hephzibah Association. Baptized nine-total, one hundred and twenty- one. The session for 1819, is at Beard's meeting-house, Tatt- nal county. "Voted to have nothing to do with missiona- ries !" It is presumed this little body was formed to avoid connection with the missionary cause. But little information concerning it can be gathered. For several years its history is lost.
In about 1829, an itinerant was passing within the bounds of this Association. Stopped on the Sabbath and preached-was invited to dine with a minister who kept a grog-shop. Relig- ion, of course, at a very low ebb. In 1833, it is understood, a session was held at a church in Liberty county. Mr. West- berry was the only minister present, and was moderator. Bro- ther Peacock would not attend, though the father of the body, because brother Westberry had joined a temperance society ! . In 1838 the session is at Wesley's creek meeting-house, Mc- Intosh county. Nothing of interest is found in the minutes. They seem to have arrived at nothing higher than appointing a moderator and clerk, union meetings, etc. And what have they accomplished in nearly a quarter of a century? In 1819 hey had five churches and two hundred and ninety-four mem- Ders-1838 there are six churches and two hundred and thir- ;een members. This is the legitimate consequence of the anti- missionary principle. They seem to have shut themselves out of the way of others-have had little or no correspondence vith other Associations-and are still in a low state !
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Georgia Baptists-Historical.
SUNBURY ASSOCIATION
Was a continuation of the Savannah river, and by reference it will be seen was constituted in November, 1818. In Novem- ber, 1823, the body meets at Powers' church, Effingham county ; Samuel S. Law and Thomas Meredith, officers. The constitu- tion of the State Convention (then General Association) was presented by A. Sherwood, as messenger, and she became a con- stituent member. Owing to the distance from the centre of the State, she has frequently failed to be represented in the sessions of the Convention, but has been uniformly friendly to the objects aided by that body, and has generally kept domestic missionaries in her own destitute regions, holding forth the word of life.
In 1824, Upper Black Creek church, entertaining sentiments in regard to missions, etc., adverse to those of the Association, desires to withdraw. After an affectionate discussion, the re- quest was granted and a letter of dismission given, expressing the fellowship of the Association. Very different treatment this, from what is experienced by missionary churches in con- nection with anti-missionary Associations! This session was held in Sunbury ; Charles O. Scriven and H. J. Ripley, officers. Two years afterwards, the session was at Salem, Chatham county. Samuel S. Law and H. J. Ripley, officers. John South- well and Jacob H. Dunham, domestic missionaries. Churches, seventeen ; baptized, six hundred and four; ministers, eleven : total, five thousand six hundred and ninety-five. In 1827, the body convened at New Hope, Montgomery county.
The meeting in 1830 was at Power's meeting-house. The at- tendance was good, and the session throughout deeply inter- esting. Since 1822-'23, when a great revival prevailed along the scaboard, the body had been gradually increasing in strength and efficiency. Several young ministers, talented and zealous, had been raised up of late years, whose influence was felt far and wide. They were ever ready to incite the churches to every good word and work. And having, besides these, men o: years, and experience, and wisdom to direct the affairs of the body, its progress was onward. The ensuing session was ir Savannah-S. S. Law, moderator. The religious interest wai
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Sunbury Association.
great, and the business conducted with the utmost harmony. Ministers of other denominations in the city joined heartily in the labors of the meeting. Many were converted unto the Lord, and it is believed the blessing shed down on the occasion will never be fully appreciated on earth. Domestic missiona- ries were yearly employed, who performed much itinerant labor, devoting their attention mostly to the colored population, whose moral and religious improvement was the subject of general re- mark.
The body met in 1835 in the city of Darien. The minutes of this session are not in hand. The ensuing year, Walthourville entertained the body. Several churches had received large ac- cessions during the year. Mr. Edward A. Stevens (now in Bur- mah,) was there, having just completed his theological course at Newton, Mass. His presence, with his youthful appearance and his fervid piety, enhanced the interest of the occasion. He is a native of Liberty county, and was baptized into the Sun- bury church. Of course, the brethren of this Association felt a deep interest in him and his proposed mission to the heathen.
New Providence, Effingham county, was the place of meet- ing in 1833-J. L. Southwell, moderator, William H. McIntosh, clerk. Messengers were in attendance from the Hephzibah, Ebenezer and Savannah River Associations. It was recom- mended that special efforts be made to replenish the treasury of the General Convention. Three domestic missionaries had been in the field a part of the year, namely : J. L. Southwell, J. McDonald and F. G. B. Law. Ministers attached to the body were twenty-four, white and colored. Members, five thousand three hundred and eighty-eight; baptized, three hundred and eleven. The ensuing year the meeting was in Darien ; minutes not in hand.
In 1843, the twenty-sixth anniversary was held at South Newport church, McIntosh county. The minutes of this ses- sion contain the following preamble and resolutions :
WHEREAS, Our esteemed brother, the Rev. J. G. Binney, late fbastor of the Savannah Baptist church, has been providentially 'emoved from his labors among us, and is now on his way as a missionary to Burmah-
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