USA > Kentucky > Golden jubilee of the general association of Colored Baptists in Kentucky : the story of 50 years' work from 1865-1915 including many photos and sketches, compiled from unpublished manuscripts and other sources > Part 5
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During 1872, the Baptists of the State suffered a great loss in the death of Rev. Henry Adams, a recognized leader in denominational work, which oc- curred, November 3, 1872.
The Association in 1874, held its session with the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green, Ky., which was largely attended. There were 14 new churches enrolled at this session, and the old officers re-elected without contest.
The Seventh Anniversary was held in York St. Baptist Church, Louisville, August 11-14, 1875. Some few changes were made in officers this year ; Rev. W. W. Taylor becoming assistant Moderator in place of Rev. James Monroe, and Peter Johnson becoming treasurer in place of Brother Peter Smith, who had served the Association from the date of its organization. Another feature of this Association was the large number of laymen who were messen- gers this year and took an active part in the delibera- tions. The Theological school which was opened, November 24, 1874, at Olivet Baptist Church, corner West and Walnut Streets, Louisville, Ky., was en-
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dorsed and authorized to continue. This was a small beginning but it indicated that the pioneers in our organized denominational work had never abandon ed hope of the final success of that movement. The sale of the Hill property, which had been discussed at former meetings, now took definite shape and the trustees were ordered to sell the same. Steps were also taken at this meeting to join in the Centennial celebration in 1876, of the preaching of the first Bap tist sermon in the State of Kentucky. It also en- dorsed the publishing of the Baptist Herald, which was issued at Paducah by Rev. G. W. Dupee. The death of Rev. James Monroe, one of the pioneer ministers, which took place, November 25, 1875, was announced at this meeting, and a suitable tribute to his memory was spread upon the records.
In 1876, the session was held in Harrodsburg Ky., which was one of the stormiest sessions in the history of the Association, growing out of contests over the admission of messengers from several churches which were in dispute. Otherwise it was a sucessful session and there was no controversy about any other matter.
The First Baptist Church, Frankfort, Ky., was the place of meeting in 1877, and this, like the meet- ing in Harrodsburg, was a little exciting, growing out of controversy about the admission of some new churches. Prof. L. B. Tefft, of Nashville Institute Rev. W. M. Pratt, Shelbyville; J. M. Stephenson Stamping Ground, were among the white Baptists who attended the session and gave the force of their experience in directing affairs. There was only one change in the list of officers and that was in the se- lection of W. H. Steward, who had served previous, ly as assistant secretary to recording secretary.
Zion Baptist Church, Georgetown, Ky.
222222222
Lampton Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.
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Mrs. Mary Stout, Louisville, Ky.
Rev. W. B. Wood, Somerset, Ky.
Prof. H B. Britt, A.B. Gospel Soloist
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Rev. J. H. Henderson Lexington, Ky.
Prof. Harvey C. Russell, A.M. Normal Instructor, City Schools Louisville, Ky.
Rev. J. M. Williams Louisville, Ky.
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Harrod's Creek Baptist Church.
First Baptist Church, Georgetown, Ky.
: 101
1
Mrs. L. B. Sneed, A.B., A.M. Prominent Teacher
Rev. A. W. Nix, D.D. Georgetown, Ky.
William Gohiggin Charter Member Portland Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.
Mrs. Mattie E. Carter, Louisville, Ky.
Mrs. M. S. Blackburn Lexington, Ky.
Miss Ethel C. Helmes, Owensboro, Ky.
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Brother Steward has served continuously since that time. There were 33 new churches admitted to mem- bership in the Association that year. Among the vis- itors to the Association was Rev. J. G. Fee of Berea College, who delivered an address on Education. Among the resolutions adopted at this session of the General Association was the following: There is to be held a National Baptist Convention at some place suitable to this body, one of the objects of which is to found or establish a Book Concern in the interest of our denomination, and produce harmony of ac- tion among our churches of each State in relation to Education and Mission work. The following breth- ren were appointed to represent this Association, when the Convention should be held : G. W. Dupee, J. F. Thomas, W. H. Butler, Allen Allensworth, W. W. Taylor, J. H. Parrish, A. Heath, I. Slaughter, R. Martin, C. Smothers, E. W. Green, P. Johnson, M. Campbell, E. M. Manuel, C. Clark, W. J. Brown, S. Grigsby. From this it will be seen that the idea of a National Baptist Convention and a publishing house was founded among Kentucky Baptists as early as 1877.
The next session of the General Association was held in Richmond, 1878. There were twenty new churches enrolled, which increased the number of churches to 184, and the membership to 32,305. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. D. A. Gaddie and the amount raised during the session, was $53.05. Rev. G. Clay Smith, one of the white brethren in the state, who had been deeply interest- ed in our work, was present and addressed the As- sociation. The Board of Trustees were instructed to sell the Hill property in Frankfort, and a Com- mittee, consisting of A. Heath, D. A. Gaddie, C. C.
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Stumm, Jas. Thomas, I. Slaughter, P. Johnson, G. W. Ward, J. M. Harris, Wm. Miller and J. H. Par- ris, was appointed to examine the property and act with the Board before the purchase was made. At this session, the Association also appointed Brother A. O. Kennedy, Georgetown; J. Q. Wilhite, Port- land ; P. H. Kennedy, Greenville, as students to the Nashville Institute, and appropriated $40.00 each, toward their expenses, provided they should raise $10.00 each.
The session of the General Association in 1879, met in the First Baptist Church, Lexington, and was opened, August 13. The officers were re-elected with the exception that two assistant moderators were elected, in the person of E. W. Green, Mays- ville, and Allen Allensworth, Bowling Green. This session was distinguished from the fact that the Hill property of Frankfort was sold this year to Peter Smith, May 3, 1879, for $2,000, and the Zane proper- ty was purchased and deeded to the General Asso- ciation of Colored Baptists in Kentucky, May 10, 1879, for $13,800. The sale of this Hill property had been pending for several years.
The first money paid on the Zane property, $300, was borrowed, February 17th, and was repaid, May 19th, according to contract, from part of the pro- ceeds of the sale of the Hill property. The Zane property in Louisville was used for picnics and out- ings during the summer this year, and a school was opened, November 25, under the supervision of Mr. E. P. Marrs and his brother, H. C. Marrs. In the early days of the Association, the white friends took considerable interest in our work, and there was present in this session : President E. H. Fairchild, Berea College; E. G. Savage, American Baptist
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School; R. T. Sumner, Secretary American Baptist Pub. Society ; S. W. Riland; Rev. A. C. Caperton, Editor Western Recorder; W. M. Pratt, Midway ; J. M. Frost, Lexington. These brethren addressed the Association at different times during the meet- ing. The number of churches enrolled this year was 195, and the membership was 36,634.
In 1880, the Association met in Hopkinsville. There were 15 new churches enrolled at this session and the membership increased to 41,858. The selec- tion of the committee of ladies to solicit funds proved helpful, and the amount raised was $1,406.60, nearly three times as large as the
year before. The death of Brother Charles Clark, one of the pioneer ministers of the Association ; Rev. Wm. Fowler, and Rev. Thomas Adams, were reported at this meeting. The Ameri- can Baptist Home Mission Society of New York, began its co-operation with us in the conduct of our educational work this year, and appropriated $1,500 toward the payment of teachers' salaries.
The session of the Association in 1882, was open- ed, August 16th, in the Baptist Church at Versailles, Ky. There had been considerable unrest shown dur- ing the year as to the administration of Rev. G. W. Dupee as Moderator, and in the opening of the As- sociation, he tendered his resignation, which was ac- cepted, and when the election took place, Rev. Peter Johnson was elected Moderator. The work of the Normal and Theological Institute had grown in im- portance, and 140 students had been enrolled during the term. The American Baptist Home Mission So- ciety had increased its appropriations to $2,500 to- ward the payment of teachers' salaries, and $500.00 had been collected at the White General Association
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at its session in Hopkinsville. There were present, Rev. George Hunt, Rev. G. F. Bagby, Rev. E. V. Kirtley, bearing greetings of this body. The death of Rev. W. W. Taylor, pastor of York Street Baptist Church, Louisville, which took place, April 21, 1882, was announced, and appropriate reports adopted.
The session of 1883, was held in the Baptist Church, Maysville, and the session of 1884, in the Alpha Baptist Church, Franklin. These years were devoid of any special incidents, with the exception that the women had been invited to attend the ses- sion of 1883, with the view of organizing a Women's Educational Convention, but the church was unwill- ing to entertain them, and the result was that the idea was abandoned. The Association appointed a committee to form the organization, which took place in the Fifth Street Baptist Church, Louisville, September 11, 1883. The enrollment at the Institute had increased to 192 and we had the first graduates from the Academic and Normal departments.
In 1884, the charter of the General Association had been amended, and the Institute was changed to State University under its authority. There was a gift of $500.00 made this year through the solicita- tion of President Simmons, from J. D. Rockefeller, which was used for special improvements. The death of Mr. H. C. Marrs, who had been the leading spirit in the establishing of the school, took place in August, and it was a source of sincere regret, and a loss to the denomination.
The session of 1885, was held in the First Baptist Church, Danville. The one of 1886, in the State St. Baptist Church, Bowling Green, and in 1887, in the First Baptist Church, Georgetown. Nothing of spe-
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cial interest was done at the session of 1885 except the usual routine business, the officers all being re- elected.
In 1886, however, the session was again a little stormy. Numerous reports had circulated in the State relative to the educational work, and a com- mittee was appointed to examine into these state- ments. So eager were the brethren to hear these re- ports, that they were submitted before the letters were read. Everything being favorable and satis- factory, they were approved. Dr. E. P. Marrs was elected Treasurer at this session, and remained in that position until his death. The appointment of Rev. Allensworth as Chaplain of the 24th U. S. In- fantry was approved and the thanks of the Associa- tion tendered to President Cleveland for this action. The call to organize the proposed National Baptist Convention in St. Louis, August 25, 1886, was ap- proved, and the pastors urged to attend the meeting. The work of State University had been very satis- factory, and it had its first graduates from the col- lege department this year.
In 1887, at Georgetown, Rev. S. P. Young, was elected Moderator and aside from the usual business there was an address from Chaplain Allensworth, and from President R. M. Dudley of Georgetown College.
The session of 1888, was held in Clay Street Bap- tist Church, Shelbyville, Ky. The auditing com- mittee, which had been adopted as a policy of the Association, made a satisfactory report which was approved. The unwritten two-year rule of the elec- tion of Moderator was begun in this session, and Rev. S. P. Young of Lexington, re-elected, though there was quite a contest over the other offices.
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In 1889, the session was held in Lampton Baptist Church, Louisville. Under the two-year rule, Dr. D. A. Gaddie, after an interval of two-years, was elected for another term as Moderator. The com- mittee on grievances, which was a fixture, apparent- ly, of the early Associational meetings, was much in evidence at this session, and reported on a num- ber of cases. In the report of the Board of Trustees, was the very encouraging announcement that the last note, $7,800, on the property, had been paid by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in ad- dition to their usual contribution to the work.
The 22nd annual session of the General Associa- tion was held in the First Baptist Church of Hen- derson, August 12-17, 1890, and the 23rd session in Main Street Baptist Church, Lexington, August II- 16, 1891. Rev. J. K. Polk was elected Moderator at the Henderson meeting, and presided at both ses- sions. There were seven new churches admitted at Henderson. Rev. G. H. Summers was among the corresponding messengers representing the White Baptist Association. Rev. E. M. Brawley, D.D., represented the American Baptist Publication So- ciety. The serious illness of Rev. Wm. J. Simmons was announced, and special prayer services for his recovery were held. The report of the Board of Trustees showed that Dr. W. J. Simmons had ten- dered his resignation as President of the University to engage in another phase of educational work. Dr. C. S. Dinkins, who had been connected with the University, was elected President, but finally decid- ed that he could not accept the work. Rev. R. L. Thurman was engaged in the work of raising a fund among the White Baptists for the University this year, and had met with reasonable success. At the
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Lexington meeting, Rev. J. H. Garnett, D.D., the new President of the University, was introduced, and made a strong plea for that work. This session was distinguished particularly for the enrollment of a large number of young men in the Association. The death of Dr. W. J. Simmons at Cane Spring, Ky., August 30, 1890, was announced, and a suitable tribute to his memory was passed and an offering raised for the Simmons' Memorial Fund. Appropri- ately the remains of Dr. Simmons lay in state in the University until the time of his funeral in the Fifth St. Baptist Church. The funeral was preached by Dr. C. H. Parrish, at the request of the deceased.
The session in 1892, was held in Richmond, and in 1893, in Harrodsburg. Rev. C. Smothers of Ver- sailles, was elected Moderator and served at both these sessions. Twelve new churches were admitted in 1892, and four in 1893. The death of Rev. Isaac Slaughter, assistant moderator of the General Asso- ciation occurred, February 6, 1892, and that of Rev. M. Harding, a pioneer minister of the State of Ken- tucky, April 4, 1892. The frame chapel at State University burned in 1891, and the trustees reported that a new brick chapel had been erected and com- mendable progress made in paying for the same. L. M. Luke of the Foreign Mission Board, represent- ing its claim; Rev. J. W. Warder, Corresponding Secretary of the White General Association, bearing greetings from that body, and W. P. Harvey, busi- ness manager of the Western Recorder, were among the visitors.
The General Association met in Owensboro in 1894, and the clamor for recognition among the Western Kentucky Baptists resulted in the election of Rev. G. W. Dupee as Moderator again, with C. C.
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Bates and D. S. Slaughter as assistant moderators. Rev. F. D. Hale, Rev. S. W. Ryland, Rev. W. J. Holzclaw and Rev. J. W. Warder, representing the White Baptist Association, gave interesting ad- dresses. The Board of Trustees reported the resigna- tion of Dr. J. H. Garnett as President, after four years of excellent service. This came as a surprise to many of the brethren and provoked quite an ani- mated discussion. The death of Bro. Q. B. Jones, Corresponding Secretary of the Association, oc- curred, September 15, 1894.
In 1895, the Association met in Paducah again, when three new churches were admitted. Dr. C. L. Purce, the new President of State University, made his initial address and was favorably received. The special committee appointed at Owensboro last year to examine the accounts and methods of business of State University, made a very satisfactory report and began a new reign of peace in our denomination- al work.
The 28th annual session of the General Associa- tion met in the First Baptist Church at Lexington, August 12, 1896. Rev. C. C. Bates was elected Mod- erator, and Rev. R. H. C. Mitchell and Rev. J. F. Hummons as assistant Moderators, the other officers being re-elected. This seems to have been a year of church troubles, for there was no end to the num- ber of objections to the enrolling of messengers, and the appointments of committees to investigate troubles. The most of them were adjusted amic- ably.
In 1897, the experiment of holding the Associa- tion under a tent on the campus of State University was tried, and was successful only in the way of being a novelty. Among the distinguished visitors
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present were: Rev. S. N. Vass, representing the American Baptist Publication Society ; W. B. John- son, representing the Baptist Magazine ; R. H. Boyd, representing the Baptist Publishing House, and Rev. L. G. Jordan, representing the Foreign Mission Board.
The session of the General Association in 1898, was held in Frankfort in First Baptist Church, Au- gust 17. Rev. G. W. Bowling was elected Modera- tor, and Rev. John Johnson and Rev. E. Williams, were elected as assistant Moderators. Governor W. O. Bradley delivered the address of welcome and it was cordially received. The death roster this year was large, embracing such pioneers as Rev. G. W. Dupee of Paducah; Rev. M. Campbell, Richmond. A memorial serviec was held during the session in honor of their memories. Rev. W. H. Craighead, who had served as corresponding secretary since the death of Brother Q. B. Jones, retired in order that Dr. P. H. Kennedy, general missionary, could be elected, following the policy of the White Baptist Association. There were four new churches admit- ted this year, which brought the number of churches up to 365, and the membership to 60,248.
The session of the General Association in Paris in 1899, was a veritable love feast, as there was no controversy about any matter, and the officers were re-elected without contest, but the program which had been prepared by the Executive Board was not accepted by the Association as it preferred to go along the well-trodden paths which it had follow- ed for years. Among the visitors at the Association this year was Rev. Peter Johnson of Topeka, Kans.,
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formerly a treasurer and a Moderator of the General Association. He was given a most cordial welcome and extended every courtesy.
The session of 1900, was held in the First Baptist Church of Georgetown, August 15th. There were no particular matters of controversy, and the officers were easily elected and the business transacted. Rev. J. H. Frank, D.D., was elected Moderator ; Rev. W. H. Leavell and Rev. G. M. Moore, assistant Modera- tors; the other officers being re-elected. There were two new churches added. Dr. Frank, the new Mod- erator, immediately began a debt campaign and when the Association met in Versailles, in 1901, $2,444.03 were raised, which was the highest amount ever raised by the General Association in any given year up to this time. Among the visitors to this session were: Rev. C. H. Clark of Nashville, and Rev. J. M. Morton of Indianapolis, both being for- mer Kentucky pastors.
The Association in 1902 met with the Washing- ton Street Baptist Church of Paducah, Ky., in its 34th annual session. The Association was so well pleased with the record which Dr. Frank had made that they broke the two-year unwritten rule and re- elected him Moderator again; Rev. J. W. Hawkins and Rev. J. E. Wood, assistants. Eighteen new churches were admitted in this session. Not a single objection being raised, there was no grievance com- mittee appointed. The banner for liberal giving to the Association was awarded the Green Street Sun- day School of Louisville, which contributed $160. to the Association. The monument which was erect- ed by the Washington Street Church to the memory of the late Rev. G. W. Dupee was dedicated and un- veiled at this session of the Association and the me-
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morial sermon preached by Rev. C. Smothers, D.D. Almost invariably in the history of the Associa- tion, after a long season of quietude and peace, there comes a session full of apprehension and uneasiness. Such was the 35th annual session of the General Association which was held in the First Baptist Church of Danville, August 12-16, 1903. There was a feeling during that year that there would be seri- ous dissensions when the convention should meet, and this fear was realized, at the very opening of the session. The Association was divided upon one general proposition and at one time it would seem that one faction was in the ascendency, when it would turn and the other faction carry the point. There was a general disposition to change officers and while the Moderator was reluctant to serve, still it seemed for the best interest of the Association to re-elect the entire corps of officers, and this was fi- nally done. The wisdom of this action was fully dem- onstrated, because the next year at Winchester, the Baptists of the State came up again united, deter- mined that the work should not slacken.
At Winchester, in 1904, Rev. G. W. Ward, D.D., was elected Moderator, and Rev. C. P. M. Bigbee and Rev. H. D. Carpenter a's assistant Moderators. There was some little friction at the opening of the Association, but that was soon removed, and things went along quietly. Dr. J. K. Frank, Moderator, was detained at home at the opening, and Rev. J. W. Hawkins, D.D., called the meeting to order. Church letters were read as usual and ten new churches were enrolled. Rev. A. J. Barton, D.D., Field Secretary of the Southern Baptist Convention was in attend- ance and explained the co-operative plans of doing mission work among the colored people in the South.
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The report of the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees, showed the work to be in an encouraging condition, and the out-look for the future bright. Dr. C. H. Parrish, fresh from the Holy Land, gave the Association a most interesting account of his trip and observations in the Holy Land and present- ed to Moderator Ward a gavel made of olive wood from the Holy Land, which was accepted in a fitting address by Moderator Ward.
The session of 1905, was held in the Lampton Street Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., August 16- 20. There was no change in the officers and they were promptly re-elected. A feeling of gloom and sadness was thrown over the Association by the serious illness of President C. L. Purce, and his sub- sequent death while the Association was in session. Suitable resolutions of sympathy were adopted and the Association attended his funeral in a body at the Fifth Street Baptist Church, which was preached by Rev. Cary Smothers, D.D. There were eight new churches enrolled at this session of the Association, and no committees on grievances were appointed. There was a large number of visitors in attendance this year, among whom were: Rev. J. W. Carr, Savannah, Ga .; Rev. E. W. D. Isaacs; Rev. W. M. Beckham; Rev. L. G. Jordan and Rev. Sutton E. Griggs. A cablegram of greeting was received from Dr. C. H. Parrish who had not returned from his trip to Europe in attending the World's Baptist Congress in London. The unfortunate death of the lamented President Chas. L. Purce, and the election of his successor furnished food for a needless con- troversy, almost from August, 1905, to August, 1906, and when the General Association met in its 38th annual session in Main Street Baptist Church, Lex-
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ington, August 15-19, it was feared that there would be an animated and perhaps exciting meeting. This proved to be true and at the very opening of the ses- sion the reading of the church letters and the report of the committee on credentials was dispensed with in order that the Association might go into a com- mittee of the whole for the purpose of considering the report of the Executive Board and the report of the Board of Trustees. This continued for almost two days when these reports were finally adopted. How- ever, the question of the election of the new Presi- dent of State University, was the bone of contention, and it was prolonged until the special committee to which the question had been referred, reported on Saturday. It was evident that the business could not be completed during the allotted time and by common consent it was continued over until Mon- day, when the roll of the messengers was made up, the report of the committee heard and the business of the Association completed.
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