USA > Georgia > Gwinnett County > Gwinnett churches; a complete history of every church in Gwinnet County, Georgia, with short biographical sketches of its ministers > Part 8
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The clerks have been J. N. Williams, G. A. Cham- blee, J. R. Baxter and C. M. Cooper. Mr Cooper has served in this capacity twelve years.
The church has the following members:
C. L. Mason, G. M. Atkinson, J. R. Baxter, L. J. Hambrick, J. T. Cantrell, Manon Weathers, C. M.
ZION.
Cooper, Frank Tumlin, E. W. Casey, Claud Cruce, J. L. Warbington, C. S. Harmon, C. A. Mitchell, Emma Wright, Octavia Elliott, Mrs. F. C. Hambrick, Lurany Franklin, Mrs. Cantrell, Mrs. Garrett, Mealy Tumlin, Mrs. S. J. Casey, Mrs. M. J. Baxter, Maud Cruce, Sarah Warbington, Savannah Mitchell.
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GWINNETT CHURCHES.
Shiloh.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist church is in Pinkneyville district, near the Chattahoochee river. It was constituted in 1868 with B. F. Clement, Major James, Mrs. Major James, Mrs. M. K. Nesbit, John H. Westmoreland, and Mrs. Massey as members. The organization occurred in Washington Academy, and there services were held until 1885, when the present house of worship was erected at a cost of $800.
Rev. Westmoreland was the first pastor and served three years. The Rev. B. F. Clemant served the church twelve years, M. P. Talton two years, B. F. Sargent three years, N. B. Lee one year, E. M. Pilgrim two years, W. L. Singleton two years, Rev. Hase one year, Rev. Birgess one year, Clifford Liddell one year, W. J. Wooten two years, S. K. Beal four years. The last named is the present pastor.
Not far from this church in the Kirkland graveyard is buried an ex-congressman. His name was Hackett. He was in office before the civil war, and his grave is unmarked.
This church has fifty-eight members as follows :
J. S. Adams, Elizabeth Adams, Tylor Adams, Thomas Ashworth, Ida Ashworth, G. O. Ashworth, Malinda Ash- worth, Isabel Ashworth, William Ashworth, Loula Ash- worth, Ina Ashworth, Miss Abot, J. A. Adkins, Julia Ashworth, M. Anderson, S. E. Anderson, Mrs. Anderson, J. W. Bentley, M. Bentley, B. B. Bentley, G. L. Bentley, T. E. Bentley, Mrs. Bromalo, I. A. Crow, Elizabeth Cas- tleberry, Charley Croy, Susy Croy, C. Duncan, L. O.
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Dean, Lizzie Fowler, M. E. Honea, Dock Heney, Josa Herrington, Charley Herrington, Almer Lowery, Julia Massy, M. P. Nesbit, Lucy Roebuck, W. A. Singleton, Ida B. Singleton, O. U. Singleton, P. V. Singleton, W. A. B. Smith, Ana Smith, Alma Smith, Robt. Smith, S. C. Tidwell, Clifford Tidwell, Robt. Tidwell, Carl Tidwell, G. W. Tidwell, L. M. Tidwell, O. L. Tidwell, G. D. Turner, Murty Turner, Eunice Turner, Maybell West- brook, Z. Turner.
Bethel.
This is one of the forty-four Missionary Baptist churches in Gwinnett county, and is located two miles west of Norcross.
It was organized August 11, 1869, and had as mem- bers : J. T. O. Beard, Mrs. J. T. O. Beard, J. F. Holbrooks, Mrs. J. F. Holbrooks, M. L. Wallace. The ministers participating in the organization were B. F. Clemant and W. G. Akins.
The records of this church, like that of many others, have been lost or misplaced. It is important that com- petent clerks be selected, the records kept correctly, and the church history preserved, so that a hundred years from now, if need be, the historian can turn to the rec- ords and see what the churches have done. On account of the loss of the books of Bethel church, a correct list of the pastors cannot be given. B. F. Sargent was elected pastor January 22, 1897 ; S. L. Hays succeeded Mr. Sar- gent in October of the same year; W. W. Owens was chosen June 24, 1899, and served till 1902, when he was succeeded by J. J. Adams ; J. W. Singleton became pas-
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tor February 13, 1904, serving to January 9, 1906, being succeeded by J. W. Montgomery, who pastored the church for two years, or up to the election of V. H. Britt June 13, 1908. Mr. Britt is the present pastor.
Since 1897, the church has had the following clerks. E. W. Fuller, G. T. Brannan, J. E. Bowen, W. J. Beard, J. C. Holbrook, J. E. Osborn, and T. L. Hester. Mr. Hester is the present clerk.
The present board of deacons consists of J. H. Hop- kins, T. A. Adams, and T. L. Hester.
The membership of the church includes the following names : C. H. Nuckolls, W. H. Harper, G. T. O. Wallace, F. C. Holbrooks, B. N. Nuckolls, J. W. Wilbanks, Thos. Phillips, Peter Hester, Thomas Garrett, T. A. Adams, G. J. Wethers, V. W. Smith, Jessie Barnett, T. L. Hester, W. H. Lamar, Carl Lamar, M. J. Wallace, R. A. Nuck- olls, B. T. Berry, Elizabeth Beard, Lama Nuckolls, Wil- lie Holbrooks, Nora Dodgins, Jennie T. Osborn, Ella Nuckolls, Ruth Berry, Esther W. Kown, Vica Wilbanks. Margarett Phillips, Maran Hester, Allice Stevens, Elize- beth Adams, M. E. Ray, S. A. Wommack, M. E. Weth- ers, Cloe Barnett, Hattie Smith, Lela Wood, Estelle Wilbanks, Lulu Lamar, Lue Garrett, Ida Bell Hester, Almer Jane Hester.
Rocky Branch.
The only new church organized in Gwinnett county during the year 1911 is Rocky Branch Missionary Bap- tist church, which was organized September 16, at the Rocky Branch school house four miles southwest of
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Lawrenceville on the Stone Mountain road. Rev. H. N. Rainey, Rev. J. M. Montgomery, Rev. J. S. Settle, and deacon J. M. Bailey constituted the presbytery.
A very able sermon was preached by brother Rainey on this occasion. Brother Montgomery participated in the organization of the church, and his questions, though searching and pointed, were answered with eminent satisfaction both to the presbytery and the church.
The following men and women presented letters and were accepted as members of the new church: J. M. Bailey, Bessie Bailey, E. M. Bailey, Pearl Bealey, Vera Bailey, Emma Herrington, W. A. Bailey, Nathan H. Fowler, Ara Fowler, N. D. Fowler, J. W. S. Fowler, Elsie Fowler, W. M. Cowart, M. E. Cowart, Lonnie Cowart, Gertie Cowart, W. M. Freeman, S. L. Freeman, Minne Freeman, Jessie W. Parton, J. L. Parton, Annie Harper, J. M. Pierce, James Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Alma Bailey, Annie Bailey, Andrew Bailey, Henry Staples, Ada Pierce.
The church then went into conference and elected H. N. Rainey moderator and J. M. Bailey clerk.
W. M. Cowart and J. W. S. Fowler were chosen deacons. The church extended a call to Rev. J. S. Settle as pastor, which call was accepted.
Services will be held on the third Sunday afternoon and Saturday before in each month in the school house. As soon as possible a house of worship will be erected.
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Winder.
The First Baptist church of Winder, Ga,, was organ- ized on July 29, 1893, with twenty-one members, twelve males and nine females.
From the time it was organized until 1908 the con- gregation held services in a little frame building situated where the Winder Lumber Company now stands. Not until 1906, except for a short time, did the church have preaching but one Sunday in each month and not until this same year did the pastor live in Winder. In Sep- tember, 1908, the church voted to have preaching three Sundays in each month and in December, 1909, the church began to have preaching twice every Sunday. The following men have been pastors of this church: Rev. A. J. Kelly, W. M. Coil, L. T. Reed, T. E. Mc- Cutchon, A. E. Booth, Dr. M. M. Riley, Rev. J. D. Mell, Rev. R. D. DeWeese, Rev. J. W. Perry, D. D. and the present pastor Lester Alex Brown, D. D., LL. D., D. G. L.
The congregation bought a lot and moved the house, a good six roon cottage, to the rear of where the church now stands and uses that as a parsonage. In 1908 they began to build a beautiful brick and stone church which was completed in 1910. The church property is worth about twenty thousand dollars. The church auditorium will seat about six hundred and by using the gallery and chairs at least one thousand people can be seated. Back of the pulpit is the pool, two dressing rooms and the pastor's study. There is also a basement for Sunday school, Young People's Society, etc. This has twelve
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class rooms. Each class room is furnished with chairs, table and carpet on floor. The Sunday school auditorium will seat about two hundred and fifty, and if the class rooms are opened into, it can be made to seat four hun- dred.
This church paid the pastor, in 1893, one hundred dollars per year. It now pays twelve hundred dollars per year and furnishes him a house and water which means a salary of fifteen hundred dollars per year. Eighteen years ago this church gave to all missions about five dollars. This year it gave in one offering to State missions (we have seven Boards in all) between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and sixty dollars. Then it gave nothing to education. This year it has given over one thousand dollars to Christian education. Then it had no Ladies Aid Society. Now it has one of the most wide awake societies in this part of the State. This band of women raised and paid out last year nearly three hundred dollars. Then there was no Woman's Missionary Society. Now there is a well organized one which paid out last year two hundred and fifty-six dol- lars. The church in 1893 had twenty-one members. It now has about two hundred and fifteen members.
This church owns the best church property in the town. The Baptist is not the largest church, in number, in the town yet they have the most wealth. They pay fifty cents taxes out of every dollar paid in Winder. This church has a well organized B. Y. P. U. Prayer Meeting which meets every Wednesday night. From thirty to one hundred attend this service every week.
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This is the department in which church workers are developed. One of the best Sunday schools in the coun- try meets in this church every Sunday. The first Baraca and Philathea classes ever organized in Winder were started in this Sunday school in 1910.
Last year the church raised and paid out over six thousand dollars and the present prosperity of the church is due to the splendid organization of all its departments through the ability, skill and energy of its pastor.
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PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHES.
Haynes Creek.
Haynes Creek church was constituted April 1, 1826, by the following presbytery: Elder John Landers and brethren Rice, Hooker, and Williams, from Rockbridge church, brethren John Barrett, Morgan, and Chandler, from Bay Creek church (now Shiloah), and John Ben- nett from Redland church. A sermon was preached from the text, "Upon this rock I will build my church."
The charter members of the church were: Richard Hutchins, John Lambert, John S. Head, Joseph Morrow, Mary, Curruth, Elisebeth Brand, Charity Hutchins, Eli- sebeth Tribble, Barbara Head, Mary Lambert.
Later and previous to the division of the Baptists on missions, boards and conventions, the roll of members include the following names: Reuben Weaver, John Rutledge, J. Rutledge, H. Head, Miles Langley, Willis Moore, Isham Moore, Jacob Moore, A. R. Smith, Wn. Brooks, R. Hutchins, K. Jenkins, Asa Wade, W. S. Fults, Allen Knight, Allen Baggett, Ed. White, Wm. Horden, Stephen Bennett, John Bennett, Stephen White, Elijah Cullins, Ephrim Ford, Jesse Peters, Wm. Smith, John McCurdy, Jim (a slave), Jim (a slave), Ben O'Kelley, Elisha Jacobs, Wm. Coffee, C. C. Calaway, John Ham- mock, Wm. Chesser, S. B. Cofield, Isaac Tinney, James Lanier, Thomas Sanford, E. B. B. Shaw.
Elizabeth Weaver, Elizabeth Brand, Elizabeth Ford, Elizabeth Bowman, Martha Irvine, Rosey Fults,
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Penelope Fults, Mary Rutledge, Elizabeth Rutledge, Fannie Lester, Piety Brooks, Samantha Brooks, Jane Cooper, Sarah Cooper, Martha Cogswell, Jane Parks, Irena Knight, Ruth Knight, Elizabeth Rawlins, Sarah Brooks, Sarah Hurst, Caroline Smith, Netie Jackson, Edny Harding, Epsey McCurdy, Martha White, Nancy Bennett, Charlotte Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Nancy Moore, Missouria Moore, Elizabeth Langley, Elizabeth Bryant, Rebecca Chesser, Sarah Summerlin, Bettie (a slave), Syntha Hamby, Nancy Stamps, Mary Jacobs, Lucinda Baggett, Nancy Kimbrell, Elizabeth Hutchins, N. M. Cofield, Elizabeth Haney, Nancy Brooks, Epsey Holder, Susan Tinney, Sallie Coffee, Nancy Lanier, Sa- rah D. Cooper, Oney (a slave), Nancy Shaw, Mary Jones.
Among the pastors of the church during its history appear the following : Rev. B. Still, Rev. Kinchin Rambo, Rev. Elijah Moore, Rev. A. R. Smith, who served seven years; Rev. John Landers, six years, thirteen additions ; Rev. E. B. B. Shaw, fourteen years, twenty-two addi- tions; Rev. Wm. D. Almond, forty years, seventy-one additions; Rev. J. B. Brown, one year, two additions : Rev. A. J. Webb, two years, two additions; Rev. J. F. Almond, the present pastor, who has served three years, with six additions.
Just when the first church building was erected is not known, but the present building was put up in 1894, and costs $975. Of this amount Mr. E. M. Brand, presi- dent of the Brand Banking Company, Lawrenceville, gave $500.
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The present membership follows: I. J. Bailey, J. N. Braswell, Henry Thomas, J. H. Nunnally, D. A. Sig- man, W. W. Webb, I. A. Braswell, James O. Wells, Lee Bradford, C. C. Gresham, A. P. Sigman, R. Baker, G. W. Gresham, S. T. Johnson, Henry Hudson, C. L. Moore, Luther Mayfield, W. B. Knight, John Wells, P. C. Upshaw, James George, G. B. Brooks, D. C. Bennett, J. A. Webb, M. E. Cole, Mary Donaldson, Mary Haw- kins, Susan Bailey, Lucinda Jones, Sabra Brand, Mar- tha Graham, Mary J. Harper, M. F. Cannon, E. F. Webb, V. R. Roberts, Mary A. Wells, Francis Griffin, Emma Dabney, Tinie Baker, Cordelia Sigman, Candice Mayfield, Martha Hudson, Mattie Wade, Lou Harris, S. R. Harris, M. E. Johnson, Mary M. Johnson, Lena Upshaw, Julia McCart, Lula Sanders, L. J. Webb, Nancy Thomas, Susie George, M. E. Moon, Mary Webb, A. E. Moore, M. L. Sanders, S. J. Ragan, Tine Mc- Cullers, Ada V. Tuck, Janie Moore, Nancy Braswell, Caroline Stephens, M. A. Rutledge, Julia Knight, E. A. Knight, Catherine Johnson, G. A. Arnold, Sarah Cooper.
Camp Creek.
The Camp Creek Primitive Baptist church is located near Lilburn in Berkshire district. On account of the first minutes of the church being lost, it is impossible to give the exact date of the organization of the church, but the record shows that the first church conference was held in May, 1823. From that date on down to the present time, the record of the church has been kept and its history is one of which its members are proud.
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At the organization of the church, its membership consisted of James Hale, James Wells, Tyrie Landers, Thomas Mason, John Price, Rachel Williamson, Mary Ward, Ridda Mckinney, Susan Lee, Francis Landers,
CAMP CREEK.
ยท Prudence Wells, Sarah Cannimore, Lucy Cannimore, Elisebeth Hale and Martha Adams.
The first church was built in 1825, the second in 1851, and the present one in 1906, and is worth $1,050.
During the 88 years of the church's history, there have been but six pastors. The first pastor, Rev. James Hale, served 33 years, and received 49 into the church ;
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the second pastor, D. T. White, served two years; the third, Rev. H. D. Teat, two years; the fourth, Rev. G. P. Bradley, four years ; the fifth, Rev. W. D. Almond, two years; and the sixth, Rev. J. T. Jordan, has been pastor 44 years, is serving the church now, and will, in all probability, continue to do so as long as he lives.
Annually on the first .Sunday in May, the church holds an all-day service, which is attended by great crowds from all parts of the country. At this service the ordinance of foot washing is observed.
The present membership consists of the following :
J. T. Jordan, W. C. Cofer, J. A. Jordan, R. H. Flem- ming, T. J. Smith, J. C. Pittard, H. F. Garner, W. T. Dyer, T. J. Nash, J. C. Flowers, J. H. Jordan, J. W. W. Gower, C. R. Smith, E. L. Britt, W. H. Dollar, C. W. Phillips.
L. G. Jordan, Elizabeth Jacobs, Tempie Shinn, R. J. Smith, Charity Smith, Caroline Dickens, S. L. Flowers, P. A. Flower, M. E. Dyer, N. E. Richardson, M. J. Pit- tard, Martha Waters, S. J. New, Mettie New, Laura Brownlee, Sarah E. Glover, Elizabeth E. Britt, Cebelle Jordan, L. V. Jordan, O. M. Phillips, Milda Phillips, M. J. Dickens, N. J. Mathews.
Friendship.
This is one of the several Primitive Baptist churches in Gwinnett county, and was organized May. 25, 1833, and is located near Five Forks.
Elders John Bankston, J. Reeves, F. Parker, John Hale, E. Dyer and Kincher Rambo constituted the pres-
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bytery at the organization of the church, Messrs. Rambo and Reeves acting as moderator and clerk respectively.
The minutes of the church show the following names as members in 1833 and for a short time thereafter:
Thomas Johnson, Lawrence Bankston, Lewis Jenkins, John Lawrence, Sampson Lanier, Abram Garrett, Lodge Langley, Wm. Strickland, Daniel Jenkins, Reuben Jen- kins, David Jenkins, Arthur Dilda, John J. Austin, Cla- burn Vaughn, Allen Jenkins, Dennis Dilda, Nancy John- son, Permelia Bankston, Mary Bankston, Wilie Bank- ston, Judith Langley, Susan Spence, Nancy Jenkins, Re- becca Jenkins, Mary Osburn, Jemima Jenkins, Francis Garrett, Susanna Jenkins, Adaline Spence, Vicy Dilda, Elisebeth Dilda, Nancy Gillam, Eliza Austin, Lucretia Austin, Elisebeth York, Elisebeth Vaughn, Matilda Strickland, Permela Fowler, Jane Dilda, Mary Stanford, Sarah Waters, Margaret Lanier.
As many as three buildings have been used since the church was organized, the present church having been erected in 1886, and worth $600.
The various pastors of the church, the number of years served, and the additions are as follows :
Rev. K. Rambo, twenty years, twenty-eight addi- tions ; Rev. J. P. Hale, two years, four additions ; Rev. E. B. B. Shaw, ten years, seven additions; Rev. G. P. Bradley, two years, five additions; Rev. W. D. Almond, fourteen years, eighteen additions; Rev. N. B. Hardy, three years, five additions; Rev. J. A. Jordan, eleven years, fourteen additions ; Rev. J. R. Chandler, one year, two additions; Rev. J. T. Jordan, three years, ten ad-
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ditions; Rev. G. W. Jackson, the present pastor, has served thirteen years, with twelve additions.
The church roll shows the following membership in July, 1911: G. W. Jackson, H. A. Lester, J. B. Nash, D. Ivey, J. W. Moore, J. O. Moore, Gilbert Upchurch, C. M. Moore, W. R. Moore, W. N. Downs, W. A. Lee, C. L. Moore, W. A Peters, H. T. Smith, L T. Brownlee, J. R. Jackson, A. J. Webb, Jack Brooks, Clarissa Austin, Lucinda Brown, Sarah A. B. Jackson, Rachel Lester, Luna Moore, Dillie Brownlee, Sarah O. Brown, Lou Downs, Malissa Lee, M. J. Brownlee, Elisebeth Brown- lee, Lucretia Hewatt, Mary Hewatt, Jane Crews, Elise- beth Whitworth, Shady Peters, Mary J. Webb, M. C. Moore, M. E. Brownlee, Jennie Upchurch, M. A. Brooks.
Ivey.
The Primitive Baptist church at Ivey was organized June 3, 1854. Its members at that time were Isaac Tin- ney, Susanna Tinney, J. F. Verner, Mary Tullis, Henry Sizemore, Cicaro G. Breedlove, Susanna Breedlove. The presbytery consisted of Elder E. B. B. Shaw, T. T. Lang- ley .
The church has the same decorum and the same con- stitution now as when organized, and stands firm in its principles and its view of church government and Bible interpretation. The first church building was erected in 1854. A part of the church record has been lost and it is not known what year the present structure was put up. The building is worth $500.
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The first pastor was T. T. Langley, who served six years; then came J. C. Daniel, five years; N. B. Hardy, one year; W. H. Gulledge, two years; B. F. Martin, four years ; J. A. Jordan, two years; E. T. Jackson, three years; W. H. Gulledge, three years; G. Henderson, one year; A. J. Webb, four years ; G. W. Jackson, four years ; J. R. Chandler, three years ; S. A. Huff, one year ; J. M. Livsey, the present pastor, has served eight years.
Seven union meetings have been held at this church, viz; in August, 1858; July, 1870; July, 1876; July, 1882; July, 1889 ; July, 1897 and July, 1909.
Two associations have met with the church. The first met there September 28 and 29, 1879, and the se- cond, September 22, 23 and 24, 1899. The faithful clerk, Mr. P. H. Hays, in referring to his church said, "We are few in number. The Scriptures say that there are many called, but few chosen. So we know those who are chosen to be the children of God. That is the rea- son we stand firm in the faith that was once delivered to the saints."
The members are J. L. Brown and M. S. Tullis, dea- cons, P. H. Hays, C. A. Plunkett, H. J. Brown, R. F Harris, B. F. Cooper, J. E. Johnson, Alice E. Cooper, Mary Hanson, Sarah R. Hays, Odessa Plunkett, L. E. Harris, E. J. Tullis, R. A. McCue, Odessa M. Harris, Margaret Johnson.
Bethlehem.
Bethlehem church was constituted March 27, 1827. Prior to that time for some two years, it was a branch
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of Bethel church, and was then located near Norcross where it still remains.
It had the following members on the day of its or- ganization : Jordan Dickson, John Cates, James Waits, Richard Good, Radford Gunn, Wm. Huckabee, Jesse Dukes, Robert Webb, Wm. Gunn, James Collins, Richard James, James Huckabee, A. M. D. Cauley, James May- field, John Webb, Wm. Morris, Crenshaw Duke, Jud- ith Jordan, Hannah Waits, Polly Burge, Sarah Under- wood, Sarah Morgan, Cicilia Cauley, Obedia Proctor, Margaret Gunn, Elizabeth Rhodes, Malinda Underwood, Sarah Henderson, Sussannah Cates, Sabry Thompson, Nancy Pearce, Nancy Dukes, Sarah Huckabee, Eliza- beth Rhodes.
Radford Gunn was the first pastor and, served as such for several years. Then the following pastors have served the church: E. Moon in 1835; H. S. Rhodes in 1836; W. M. Gober for 14 years; Hamilton Brooks for four years; Thos. Langley two years; Hamilton Brooks again four years; Thomas Langley again five years ; George Bradley, J. T. Jordan, J. P. McPhearson, A. Melton, B. F. Morton, W. H. Gulledge, J H Cook, G. Henderson, J. A. Jordan, D. S. Gower, H. G. Mitchell, P. N. Phillips, A. J. Webb, W. D. Webb, J. M. Livesey, S. A. Huff, who is the present pastor.
There have been two or more buildings used as a church since its organization. The present church was put up in 1907, and is valued at $600. T. B. Ray, the present church clerk, has held that position since 1877, or for 34 years.
.
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The present membership of the church is composed of the following parties: John W. Ray, Mayfield Nash, Geo. R. Dicken, James I. Gresham, T. B. Ray, Mrs. M. A. Nash, Mrs. S. A. Smith, Mrs. Elizabeth Gresham, Mrs. Phoebe Gresham, Mrs. Jane Turner, Mrs. M. J. Ray, Mrs. Lidden Ford ,Mrs. Piety Warbing- ton, Mrs. Elizabeth Brand, Miss Ophelia Nash, Miss Rosa Nash, Mrs. John T. Smith, Miss Ophelia Nash, Mrs. S. W. Gresham.
Sweetwater.
Sweetwater was constituted December 8, 1824. The movement leading to its organization originated at Camp Creek, an older church. The presbytery was organized by electing Tyre Landers moderator, and G. B. Waldrop, clerk. The membership included Alsey Waldrop, Ben- jamin Waldrop, Bodie Waldrop, James Wells, Prudence Wells, Thomas Mason, James Doneyhoo, Elizabeth Doneyhoo, John Hendrix, Nancy Hendrix, Elley Davis, Editha McDaniel, Cynthy Barnett, Margaret Minchem, " Sarah Shamblee, Heziah Lawrence, Elizabeth Niblet, Hannah Spradlin, Mary Hedrick, Precilla Woodruff, Sah Morgan, Clarissa Woodruff, Frances Lander.
This church was organized in the Wells school house which was used for holding services until 1829, when a church building was erected. The present building was erected in 1909 and is worth $700.
Only eight pastors have served this church since its organization 87 years ago. James Hale was the first pastor and served sixteen years. Simon Edwards was the
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second pastor and served two years. James Hale, the first pastor was again called as the third pastor, which position he held for twelve years. D. T. White served three and a half years. He was succeeded by H. D.
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SWEETWATER.
Teat, who served three years. B. Daniel then preached three years and G. T. Bradley and Wm. L. Beebe, one year each.
J. T. Jordan, the present pastor, was called July 14, 1866, and has served the church continuously since, a period of 45 years.
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The church is 87 years old, and the first and present pastors have served it for 73 years. It is doubtful if any church in America or in the world, can show such a record in point of ministerial service.
The present membership of the church includes Mar- garet C. Franklin, Zippeah Hopkins, Phoebe Mathis, Eliza Massey, Mary McDaniel, Ophelia Atkinson, Em- na Huff, Mattie Wynn, Caroline Arendell, G. W. Hop- kins, W. A. Huff, S. A. Huff. M. H. Nash, J. E. New, J. E. Summerlin, Josie Summerlin, Callie Snmmerlin, E. L. Cooper, N. O. Hanson.
In addition to the names given above, the church has two colored members, viz: Perry Gholston and Frances Gholston. They have been members of this church since the days of slavery. They are regular attendants, enjoy the esteem not only of the church but of the com- munity and belong to that almost extinct type of old time southern "darkies" who flourished in the splendid civil- ization of the Old South. And when the pastor, at the annual meeting during the summer months, when the church observes the ordinance of footwashing, girdles himself with a flowing towel of immaculate white and washes "Uncle" Perry's feet, the scene is one that melts the stoniest heart to tears.
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