USA > Indiana > History of Coffee Creek Baptist Association, (Southern Indiana): an account of present churches, and biographical sketches of its ministers > Part 5
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LICENTIATES AND ELDERS.
Nine men have been licensed, viz: Thomas: Hill, Jr., Zachariah Bush, Jesse W. Robinson, Charles Snowden, Wm. B. Lewis, Henry Cobb, T. B. Lewis, Absalom Hudson and U. M. McGuire. Seven have been ordained, to-wit: Thomas Hill, Jr., in 1825; Zachariah Bush in 1832; J. W. Robinson and John Hill in 1837; Charles Snowden in 1838; W. B. Lewis in 1848, and U. M. McGuire in 1881. T. B. Lewis and Henry Cobb were ordained by other churches -Absalom Hudson went with the "Disciples."
BUILDINGS.
The first house was of hewn logs, built in 1822. In the fall of 1834 the present house-a brick 30x34-erected near the site of the old one, was dedicated.
LABORS AND RESULTS.
Coffee Creek was a member of Silver Creek Association from 1822-1826. She was one of the first churches in this vicinity to contribute
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to the cause of Missions, and also furnished the first missionary in Southern Indiana, Elder Thom- as Hill, Jr., who devoted thirteen years of his early ministry mainly to mission work. She also engaged actively in Domestic Missions, estab- lishing branch meetings at several different points. At Six Mile and Neil's Creek ARMS were or- ganized, with the privilege of administering the ordinances and exercising Six Mile was constituted into a church in 1837, and First Marion, one of the branches, in 1849. At Neil's Creek regular monthly meetings were continued about eighteen years, with Elder W. B. Lewis Moderator and pastor, and J. C. Tibbets Clerk. Several precious revivals were enjoyed and many baptized. The constitution of Lancaster Church, in 1859, caused the meetings to be discontinued.
Discords and divisions have often occurred, and many sore trials have been endured, yet probably no church in the Association has been more abundantly blessed. For many years her membership was larger than that of any other in the vicinity, reaching as high as 225; but re- movals, dismissals and deaths have greatly re- duced the ranks, leaving the present number only 112.
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ELIZABETH. Constituted in January, 1824.
This church is situated in Jefferson County, about two miles from the Ohio River, and six- teen miles below the city of Madison. It was constituted the 24th day of January, 1824, but the minutes of the proceedings and names of the council of recognition are lost. The names of the constituent members (furnished by Elder John Chambers, deceased) were: James Glover, Elizabeth Glover, John West, Polly West, Rob- ert Montgomery and wife, and Mordica Cole and wife. Of these, only Sister Glover is now living. She resides with her daughter, Mrs. Achilles West, near Vernon.
PASTORS.
The first was Elder Mordica Cole, who served two years. Elder Isaac Foster was then pastor one year, after which Elder James Glover held a pastorate to the time of his death, in 1857, a period of thirty years. Since that time, Elder John Chambers has served nine years; Elder W. J. Buchanan, three years; W. H. Niles, licen- tiate, one year; Elder Wm. McCoy, three years ; Elder A. J. Robins, one year; W. McCoy again
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two years ; Elder J. N. Spillman, two years ; Elder Marion Noell, one year; after which Elder Spill- man was again called and is pastor at the pres- ent time.
DEACONS AND CLERKS.
William Montgomery was the first deacon, serving about fifty years. I have not been able to ascertain who succeeded him.
Clerks .- Robert Montgomery, Thomas Scott, John Rankin, J. B. Coleman, J. T. Deyurnett, Achilles West, E. B. Glover, Jonas Giltner, Thomas Montgomery, J. D. Glover, J. A. Cole- man, J. T. West, J. M. Stacey and B. R. Mont- gomery, the present Clerk. Address: Otto, Clark County, Ind.
BUILDINGS.
The church was constituted in Clark County, about three miles above the town of Bethlehem. In 1848 a house was built on the Ohio River bluff, one mile east from the first location, which was occupied about twenty years, when a change was again made, Elizabeth uniting with the rem- nant of Zoar Church in purchasing the house built by the latter, and moving and rebuilding it centrally between the two neighborhoods.
CHURCH WORK.
One man has been ordained, James Glover, in the fall of 1825. Sunday-schools have been.
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maintained for many years (except in winter); and a good degree· of interest has ever been manifested in missionary operations, Bible dis- tribution and all denominational work-contri- butions being made to each. Domestic mission work has also been done to a considerable extent, her branch organizations resulting in one case, at least, in the constitution of a church. Eliz- abeth at first united with Silver Creek Associa- tion, and was one dismissed from that body to form Coffee Creek.
RESULTS.
Although called to pass through many seasons of gloom and despondency and division, yet Elizabeth has great cause of gratitude for bless- ings received. In the early years of the church revivals were frequent, and more recently there have been several which were productive of very precious results. In 1872, under the labors of Elder McCoy, there was a net gain of sixty-four, raising her from one of the smallest in the Asso- ciation, to rank with the strong churches. In 1879, under Elder Spillman's ministrations, there was a large ingathering of worthy members ; but soon the number was greatly reduced, fifty-two being dismissed by letter, most of whom united in the constitution of New Prospect Church. Present membership, 53.
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LICK BRANCH. Constituted in June, 1824.
In the spring of 1824, a few brethren and sis- ters residing in Graham Township, Jefferson County, decided to call for a council from the various Baptist churches in the vicinity, with a view of being constituted into a church. Their invitations were responded to as follows: From White River-A. Chambers, J. Wheatly, M. Monroe; Scaffold Lick-Elder W. Blankenship, R. Chasteen, Gary Davis; Coffee Creek-Elder Thomas Hill, Sr., Thomas Hill, Jr., John Hop- kins; which council convened the 9th day of June, the year named, and organized by select- ing Elder Thomas Hill, Sr., Moderator, and Thomas Hill, Jr., Clerk.
Wm. Whitsitt, Nancy Whitsitt, Abraham Walton, Polly Walton, Archibald Cosby, Ma- linda Cosby, R. M. Cosby, Wm. Admire and wife, Elizabeth Nay and Fanny Sage were, with usual ceremonies, recognized as the "Lick Branch Church;" a "deer lick" in a branch near by, giving rise to the name.
On adjournment of council the little church
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proceeded to business, electing Moderator and Clerk, and extending a call to Elder Thomas Hill, Sr., to become their pastor, who accepted and immediately commenced pastoral work. In- itiatory steps were also taken towards building a meeting-house.
PASTORS.
Elder Thomas Hill, the first pastor, served a little more than a year, when Elder Thomas Hill, Jr .- just ordained-took charge of the church, continuing nine years. Since that time, the . pastors in succession have been: Elders J. M. Cox, eight years; Thomas Hill, Jr., four years; J. B. Swincher, three years; J. M. Cox again one year. W. Y. Monroe, three years; Thomas Hill, Jr., two years; W. Y. Monroe, five years; Thomas Hill, Jr., five years; W. B. Lewis, seven years; John Chambers, one year; W. B. Lewis, one year; G. W. Thompson, four years; Allan Hill, one year, when Elder Thompson again served one year. The present pastor is Elder A. Jackson, recently from Kentucky.
DEACONS AND CLERKS.
Wm. Whitsitt, Abraham Walton, W. M. Bax- ter, Harrison Nay, Simeon Piper, Wm. Landon, John Tobias and Dudley Walton have been the deacons.
Clerks .- R. M. Cosby served five years; Ben-
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net Nay, twenty-eight years; Samuel Nay, two years; E. F. Hamil, seven years; Wm. McClan- ahan, ten years; G. W. Dodd, three years; and the present Clerk, T. N. Cosby, three years. Address: Graham, Jefferson County, Ind.
BUILDINGS AND LOCATION.
Lick Branch is located on the Madison and Deputy gravel road, about four miles east from the latter place. The present building is a sub- stantial frame, 35x45 feet, with cupola and bell, and was erected in 1850. Previous to that time, a hewed log-house was occupied, built in the fall of 1824, and situated about one-half mile north of the present location.
MEETINGS AND CHURCH WORK.
The regular meetings, like all other churches of the Association, are but one Saturday and Sunday in each month; yet special meetings are often held, and prayer-meetings a good part of the time. For many years a good Sabbath-school has been kept up during each summer season, which is well attended by parents and old mem- bers. All branches of Christian enterprise are heartily endorsed and encouraged by prayers and contributions. Prior to 1827, she was a member of Silver Creek Association; and since the or- ganization of Coffee Creek Association, has al-
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ways been represented in that body by letter and messenger.
TRIALS AND REWARDS.
Lick Branch has had times of coldness, and inaction, and division, and consequent discour- agement. Death has thinned the ranks, claim- ing all the constituent members, and many who came in at a later date; yet during all their trials and afflictions the Lord has dealt kindly with them, in hearing and answering prayer and re- storing peace and harmony. He has also per- mitted them to witness many seasons when sin- ners have realized the pardoning mercy of the Savior, and been buried by baptism into his death, and raised again, in likeness of his res- urrection, to walk in newness of life. In early times, 1842, 1851 and 1857, and later, 1867, 1877 and 1879, were the years most peculiarly blessed.
Being pleasantly and healthfully located, in a community of moral and intellectual citizens, with a commodious house and a good proportion of working members, it is hoped much good may be accomplished in the years to come. Present membership, 95.
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FREEDOM.
Constituted in July, 1827.
Freedom Baptist Church was constituted the fourth Saturday in July, 1827. Elders John Vawter and W. T. Stott had for some time been preaching in the cabins of different settlers in the neighborhood, and their labors were blessed to the saving of souls. Some of the settlers were already Christians, and were ready helpers in the work, and eventually a council from the churches of the vicinity was called to recognize these "believers" as a regular church of Christ.
The council met in the woods some three or four miles southeast from Vernon, on the date above given, and elected Elder John Vawter Moderator and Elder J. B. New Clerk. After an appropriate sermon, fifteen brethren and sisters, to-wit: Chesley Woodward, Elizabeth Woodward, Pleasant Carney, Elizabeth Carney, Elijah M. Edwards, Hannah Edwards, Jesse Branham, Polly Branham, John Chambers, Jesse Stockton, Margaret Carney, Polly McGannon, Francis Chandler, Bracket Owen and Jemima
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Owen, presented articles of faith and church covenant, and were recognized as a church, to be known by the name of "Freedom."
PASTORS.
Elder J. Vawter, the first pastor, served until his removal to Morgan County in 1848, a period of twenty-one years, and was followed by Elder W. T. Stott in a pastorate of nine years, after which Elder J. B. Swincher was pastor thirteen years. During the forty-three years' labors of these three veterans, the church was greatly built up and strengthened. Since 1871 the pas- tors have been: Elders J. E. McCoy, six years; Allen Hill, one year; W. E. Spear, one year; - Randolph, one year, and the present pastor, J. N. Spillman, two years.
DEACONS AND CLERKS.
The Deacons have been : Bracket Owen, Jas. Butler, E. M. Edwards, Francis Chandler, John McGannon, Henry Carney, John S. Torbet and Achilles West.
Clerks .- Bracket Owen was Clerk six years ; Pleasant Carney, six years; W. R. Walker, seven years; Edward Walker, two years ; Henry Carney, eleven years; W. D. Hill, five years; Henry Carney again, six years, and Robert
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Torbet from 1871 to the present; Post-office address, Dupont, Jefferson County, Ind.
BUILDINGS.
Regular meetings continued to be held in the grove until November, when they were moved to the school-house. The following April a hewed-log meeting-nouse, built near the grove where the church was constituted, was com- pleted, and was occupied until 1845, when the present house was purchased. It is a substantial frame, located on the Madison & Indianapolis State Road, about three miles southeast from Vernon.
LABOR AND RESULTS.
Freedom has been a willing helper in all ad- vance movements of the denomination, contrib- uting for missionary work at home and abroad. The attendance of the membership at all regular meetings is usually good, and a fair proportion are earnest Christian workers. Sabbath-schools are encouraged and maintained, prayer-meetings often held, and special efforts frequently made, resulting many times in very precious revivals. Many times the church has been privileged with visiting the baptismal waters ; many times ex- tended the hand of Christian fellowship to happy converts, and many times with these converts
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surrounded the sacramental table, for which blessings she will ever thank God and take cour- age.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Freedom was the last constituent member of Coffee Creek Association, being constituted about six weeks prior to the organization of that body, and has ever manifested a deep interest in its annual sessions. The constituent mem- bers of the church, it is believed, are all gone, and it is due to their memories to say that, in intelligence and moral worth, and in pure Chris- tian character, they ranked with the best in the neighborhood. The church has never been numerically strong, but is sound on all denom- inational questions, and ever ready to do her full part in all benevolent Christian enterprises.
Present number, 47.
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ASSOCIATION.
HOPEWELL.
Constituted in May, 1829.
The church of. Hopewell was constituted the 16th day of May, 1829. Benj. Fewel, Sr., Ann Fewel, Rachel Fewel, James Griffey, Sallie Griffey, Achilles Ford, Robert Pearcy, Polly Pearcy, Archibald Cosby, James Ford and Ma- linda Marshall were the constituent members. The council called for the occasion met at the house of Robert Ford at the stated time, and recognized the above-named members with the usual ceremonies as a regular gospel church, after which the little band elected a Moderator and Clerk, and arranged for future meetings.
PASTORS.
Up to the early spring of 1831, the church had no paster, but regularly kept up meetings. In March of that year, Jacob M. Cox (recently ordained) commenced pastoral duties, continu- ing fifteen years. He was succeeded by Elders Thomas Hill, Jr., nine years; W. Y. Monroe, seven years, and John Chambers, four years. During the first three years of the last pastorate,
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Zion, as well as the entire community, mourned, the great Rebellion affecting almost every house- hold; but, on the return of peace, Elder Cham- bers was blessed in his labors, and many were baptized the last year of his service. Since that time the church has had the pastoral labors of Elders G. D. Griffith, two years; John Cham- bers, four years; John E. McCoy, four years; W. Y. Monroe, three years; G. W. Thompson, three years, and has recently again called Brother McCoy.
DEACONS AND CLERKS.
Deacons .- Noah Merriman, John Lawler, Geo. Stribling, Osbourn Lawler, John Conway, Elias Abrams, James Wallace, Achilles Ford and David Watson.
Clerks .- J. H. Fewel, Warner Ford, Levi Buchanan, P. G. Magness, Sylvester Roberts, J. Hawkersmith, Osbourn Lawler, J. Golds- borough, John Conway, G. W. Hensley, J. M. Wallace, W. Moncrief and T. J. Kinnear, whose Post-office address is Volga, Jefferson County, Ind.
LICENSED AND ORDAINED.
Jefferson Goldsborough was licensed in 1844, and Jacob M. Cox, who had been licensed at Mt. Pleasant, was ordained in 1830.
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ASSOCIATION.
BUILDINGS AND LOCATION.
The first house was of hewed logs, built in the spring of 1830, and occupied until the fall of 1848, when the present one was dedicated. This is a commodious stone building, located on the south side of Harbert's Creek, nine miles northwest from the city of Madison, on what is known as the "Deputy Gravel Road."
SUCCESS ATTAINED.
A good degree of success has attended all the pastorates in this church. Many special meet- ings have been held, wherein the members were greatly revived, and many converts gathered in, but dependence has not been placed altogether on protracted efforts nor on pastoral labors, as the people "have a mind to work," and are ever ready to engage in all departments of Christian duty. All denominational enterprises are liberally supported, and her Sunday-school is a credit to the church and neighborhood.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Hopewell is centrally and pleasantly situated in a good farming community. The location is healthful, yet death has often visited them. The last of the constituent members, Deacon A. Ford, died in 1879. Two other deacons, John Conway and James Wallace, had preceded him
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but a few years; yet, while these pillars of the church have been taken, others equally worthy have been raised up to fill their places, and it may be truly said no church in the Association has been blessed with a more devoted and con- sistent membership. But while, as a rule, they have been prosperous, seasons of darkness and adversity have come upon them-seasons of lukewarmness and inaction and discouragement, through all of which the Lord has graciously led them; and their prospects for the future are encouraging.
In point of numbers, Hopewell is second in the Association, with a membership of 131.
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ASSOCIATION.
BETHANY.
Constituted in June, 1838.
Avery Chambers, Rhoda Chambers, Wm. Davis, Lydia Davis, John Swincher, Jane Swincher and Samuel Hopper were constituted as the "Bethany Baptist Church " on the 16th of June, 1838. Application had been made to Scaffold Lick, Coffee Creek, Lick Branch and Hopewell for a council of recognition. These churches responded, and their messengers con- vened at the house of John Swincher. Elder J. W. Robinson was Moderator of the council and Wm. D. Bacon Clerk. After praise and prayer and charge to the church, the hand of fellowship was extended and the council ad- journed.
PASTORS.
Immediately after adjournment of the council the church organized for business and arranged for regular meetings. Elder Robinson, who had been instrumental in collecting the church, was the first pastor, serving two years. Elder J. M. Cox was then pastor three years, when J. B.
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Swincher, a member at Bethany and recently ordained, commenced pastoral duties, continuing sixteen years. Elder Wm. Bussey next served six years, when W. A. Chambers, a licentiate, was pastor about eighteen months. The follow- ing Elders have since served: Wm. McCoy, four years ; John E. McCoy, one year; John R. McCoy, two years; John E. McCoy, two years ; G. W. Thompson, four years; J. N. Spillman, two years, and Wm. McCoy from the fall of 188 I to the present.
DEACONS AND CLERKS.
Avery Chambers, J. B. Swincher, Harvey Seburn, Barnet Gaddy, W. C. Mitchell, John Litson, James Seburn, James McCaslin, John Cain and W. H. Davis have severally served as deacons.
Clerks .- Wm. Davis, J. Hankins, M. McLean, James Seburn, M. S. Hancock, Alex. Chambers, S. A. Shrewsbury, W. H. Davis and Isaac Wheat; Post-office address, Deputy, Jefferson County, Ind.
LICENSED AND ORDAINED.
Those licensed have been James B. Swincher, Matthew McLean and Joseph Hankins. J. B. Swincher was ordained in October, 1842.
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BUILDINGS AND LOCATION.
The summer the church was constituted a small log meeting-house was erected and occu- pied until 1853, when the present one was entered. This is a substantial frame, pleasantly located about two miles southwest from Deputy, a sta- tion on the O. & M. Branch Road.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL AND MISSION WORK.
For several years Bethany has been warnily enlisted in Sabbath-school work, and the one she maintains is probably second to none in the Association. Home and Foreign Missions and the work of the Publication Society are also patronized, as are all branches of denominational enterprise, and especially the Indiana Baptist State Convention.
REMARKS.
The constituent members were only seven in number, yet, few as they were, they made that no excuse for idleness, but immediately com- menced cultivating the field they were called to occupy, and the result has been a glorious suc- cess. Many seasons of gloom and discourage- ment and division have occurred, but amid these trials the Lord has been pleased to hear and answer their prayers, and lead them in paths of
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righteousness for His name's sake. He has also rejoiced their hearts in taking the feet of poor sinners from the mire and clay, and placing them on the Rock of Ages. During the first pastorate of Elder Wm. McCoy, more than eighty converts were baptized. In 1876 and 1878 very precious revivals also occurred, and they have often realized the Divine presence and been encouraged and stimulated to renewed con- secration to Christ.
Present membership, 107.
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ASSOCIATION.
ZION.
Constituted in December, 1844.
For some years prior to the constitution of this church, Elder W. T. Stott and other Baptist preachers had held meetings in the vicinity of Sullivan's Mills, and their efforts were greatly blessed, many being baptized and uniting with the Vernon Church. These young converts, with several old brethren and sisters of the neighborhood, decided to be constitued into a church, and accordingly letters of dismission were granted by the church at Vernon to W. B. McCammon, Fannie McCammon, W. W. McCammon, R. D. McCammon, Nancy Mc- Cammon, Lavina Biggs, Nathan Fitzgerald, Nancy Fitzgerald, Henry House, Mary House, Noah Sullivan, Mary Sullivan, Eliz. McCurry, Nathan Meek, Amanda Meek, Henry Sullivan, Eliz. Sullivan, John Sullivan, Elizabeth Spencer, Langston Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Silas Johnson, James Tate, Minerva Tate, Sarah Mc- Wharter, Jackson Spencer, John Smith, Lucinda Smith, Mary Thomas, Sarah Thomas, Amassa Spencer, Robert Spencer, Elon Spencer, Eliz- abeth Spencer, Mary Spencer, James Green, Mary Green, John Green, Nancy Green, Julia
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A. Meek, Francis Long, Jacob Green, Elizabeth Green, Allen Smith, Elizabeth Spencer, Mary Whiting, Elizabeth Green, John W. Cook, Sarah Cook, Lewis Long, Charles Gahn, Mahala Gahn, L. J. Hudson, Sarah Hudson, Esther Robins and Abigail Green.
A council of delegates from neighboring churches convened at the house of James Green on the 26th of December, 1844, and recognized the foregoing members as the Zion Baptist Church, the exercises consisting of praise and prayer, an appropriate sermon, charge to the church and extending the hand of fellowship.
PASTORS.
Elder W. T. Stott was chosen pastor and served fourteen years, since which the pastorates have been: Elders J. B. Swincher, two years; Orman Feagler, one year; W. T. Stott, two years; O. Feagler, fourteen months; J. B. Swincher, two years; J. M. Cox, one year; W. H. Lawrence, fourteen months; W. B. Lewis, fifteen months; John Stott, one year; A. J. Robins, eight years; G. W. Thompson, two years, and J. N. Spillman about three years.
DEACONS AND CLERKS.
Deacons .- Langston Johnson, John Childs, J. W. Cook, James Green and Abraham Gan- non.
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ASSOCIATION.
Clerks .- J. W. Cook, R. D. McCammon, Henry Sullivan, Nathaniel Robins, D. Marvin and J. M. James; Post-office address, Vernon, Jennings County, Ind.
ORDINATION.
Simeon G. Young was ordained in 1850 and died the same year. He was licensed at Mt. Moriah.
BUILDING AND LOCATION.
The present house, a substantial frame, was erected in 1845, and is located on the south bank of Muscatatack, about five miles southwest from Vernon.
WORK AND REWARDS.
Zion has ever been a good working church, heartily supporting Sunday-schools, missions and kindred enterprises, and is usually liberal and prompt in the support of pastors. Many special meetings have been held which were crowned with great success by gathering into the fold willing converts, and encouraging and strength- ening the brethren. But, while many have been received, many have been taken by death, and many also dismissed by letter-forty being dis- missed at one time, in 1872, to form Tea Creek Church-so that, though prosperous, the mem- bership is not now large.
Present number, 82.
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FIRST MARION.
Constituted in April, 1849.
A branch meeting, established first at Barnes' school-house, afterward at Marion, was regularly attended by Elder Thomas Hill, Jr., and later by W. B. and T. B. Lewis. This branch was constituted into the First Marion Baptist Church on the 26th of April, 1849, by delegates from the various churches of the vicinity, Elder John Chambers being presiding officer of the council, and Elder J. B. Swincher Clerk.
The constituent members were S. B. Carpen- ter, Jane Carpenter, T. B. Lewis, Mahala Lewis, Jeremiah West, Jemima West, Joseph Mosley, Catharine Mosley, Israel West, Lydia West, G. C. Mosley, T. J. Mosley, Elijah Ferrigo, Woodford Barnes, Elizabeth Barnes, D. S. Car- penter, G. W. Carpenter, R. H. Keith and Eliza Keith.
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