USA > Missouri > Polk County > The history of the Polk County Baptist Assciation : with history of churches, biographies, Southwest Baptist College, articles of faith, and church covenant > Part 2
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Timber Ridge-Eld. J. H. Wommack, pastor; dele- gate, J. P. Thomas.
Mt. Moriah-Eld. L. J. Tatum, pastor ; delegates, L. J. Tatum, C. C. Pearce, R. H. Dooley, G. M. Alexander.
Liberty-Eld. J. P. Akin, pastor ; delegates, J. P. Akin, J. J. Dooley.
Senter-Delegate, Francis Tillery.
Brighton-Eld. H. J. Mapes, pastor; delegate, W. J. Tiller.
Mt. Zoar and Elkton were represented, but names of delegates are not known.
Ordained Ministers-L. J. Tatum, J. P. Akins, Jas. Spain, J. H. Wommack, L. A. Smith, D. R. Murphy, H. J. Mapes.
Licensed Ministers-G. W. Dooley, Alfred Mingus.
Eld. J. P. Thomas, moderator ; Eld. L. J. Tatum, clerk. Invited ministers and others to seats. Accepted by Eld. Pleasant Maines, from -; Eld. J. H. Wommack, Cedar Bluff; Eld. Jas. C. Keyes, Springfield; J. Dooley, Liberty ; Shepherd J. Starns, from Illinois; Bro. J. A. Kyle, Pros- pect : Welcome Letchworth, Pleasant Hope.
The following committees were appointed, viz: On Finance, Emory Webb, Wm. Owen; on Arrangements, Francis Tillery, J. P. Akins, J. J. Dooley and the moderator and clerk; on Destitution, the moderator, clerk and W. J. Tiller. Adjourned to 9 o'clock Monday morning.
Committee on Finance reported that they received from the churches $8. 15, and from individuals $21.00. The oth- er committees reported in due time. Eld. J. H. Wommack was appointed missionary for the ensuing year. The next
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
association was appointed to meet with the church at Brigh- ton, L. J. Tatum to preach the introductory sermon and J. H. Wommack his alternate.
We here insert the constitution as a fundamental law which was enacted by the suffrage of a free people, and will naturally challenge the freest criticism of the wise and pru- dent.
CONSTITUTION.
"ART. I. This association shall be composed of mem- bers duly chosen by the churches in our union, and sent to represent said churches in the association; and said mes- senger or messengers, on producing a letter from his or their church, certifying his or their appointment, shall be entitled to a seat, and when thus convened shall be denominated ' The Freedom Association of United Baptists.'
2. In the letters from the different churches shall be ex- pressed the number in fellowship, also the number baptized, received by letter, dismissed, excluded, restored and dead since the last association ; also their church meeting days.
3. The association, when convened, shall have no ec- clesiastical authority or legislative power to impose laws on the churches, but will only act as an advisory council, to give advice to the churches when called for.
4. This association claims the right to withdraw from any church that may have departed from any constitutional principle of this body.
5. The association shall elect a moderator and clerk annually, for the time being, who shall continue in office un- til the association is organized at the next session.
6. New churches that petition by letter and delegates for admission, may be admitted into our union if, on exam- ination, they are found orthodox and orderly, and their recep-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
tion manifested by the moderator extending to the delegates the right hand of fellowship; but this Association considers none in order that have not been properly constituted by a regularly ordained minister or ministers of the gospel.
7. Every query presented to the association, by any church in the union, shall be read, on which the sense of the association shall be taken whether it shall be considered, and if a majority are in favor of taking it into consideration it shall be examined, otherwise it shall be withdrawn. No query shall be received from any church which has not been deliberately considered in the church from which it came.
S. Any church failing to represent herself two consec- utive years shall be inquired after, and if satisfaction is not given this association shall be at liberty to withdraw from said church.
9. This association shall be governed by a majority in all cases, but in the reception of new churches, which shall be by unanimous vote.
IO. This association shall have the power to form proper rules of decorum for itself.
II. Two-thirds of the members enrolled shall be a quorum to do business.
I2. This constitution may be amended at any regular session of this body, by a concurrence of two-thirds of its members."
RULES OF DECORUM.
RULE I. This association shall be opened and closed by prayer.
2. A moderator shall be chosen by private ballot of the suffrage of the members present, whose duty it shall be to state and explain all questions properly brought before the association.
-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
3. Only one person shall speak at a time, who shall rise and address the moderator, and shall confine himself strictly to the subject in debate, and shall not be interrupted, unless he digress from the subject, and shall in no case re- flect on any other speaker, so as to make remarks on his fail- ings or imperfections, but shall give his own views of the subject.
4. No member of this association shall absent himself therefrom without leave of the association.
5. No member shall speak more than three times on any subject, without leave of the association.
6. No member shall whisper, or laugh, or read any book or paper in time of a public speech, to the interruption of the speaker.
7. No member shall address another by any other ap- pellation than that of brother.
S. The names of the members shall be enrolled and called over as often as the association shall direct.
9. The moderator shall be entitled to the privilege of speaking as another member, provided the chair be filled, but shall not vote unless the association be equally divided, then he shall give the casting vote.
IO. It shall be the duty of the moderator to call any member speaking to order; nevertheless, it shall be the privilege of the speaker to appeal from the judgment of the moderator to the house.
II. Any member who shall wantonly violate any of the above rules shall be reproved as the association may di- rect."
The next associational meeting was appointed to meet with the church at Brighton, Friday before the fourth Sab.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
bath in August next; Eld. L. J. Tatum to preach the intro- duetory and Eld. J. H. Wommack alternate.
The meeting for 1866 was held with the church at Sen- ter, in Humansville, Polk county, Missouri, September 28, 1866, instead of Brighton, as previously appointed. Intro- ductory sermon by Eld. Jas. Kennon from 2 Cor. S:9, "Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye, through his poverty, might be rich."
Eld. Jas. Kennon was chosen moderator pro tem. Nine churches were enrolled. Permanent officers were elected, L. C. Frazer moderator and W. M. Delaplain clerk. Anti- och association was represented by Bro. Wm. Hammon. Committees appointed : On Finance, Francis Tillery, David Brockus; on Arrangements, S. S. Heydon, A. Hopper, J. P. Akin, with the moderator and clerk; on Destitution, Eld. Jas. Kennon, H. L. Green, Dennis Skaggs.
Committee on Finance report $9. 15 received. Commit- tee on Arrangements report Articles of Faith and rules of decorum, which were received and adopted. Committee on Destitution report as follows: In 1860 there were over thirty churches in our district, generally supplied with ministers. We have now about seventeen churches in process of recon- struction, partially supplied, in feeble condition, destitute of houses, and but five resident preachers; no Sabbath schools or Bible classes.
H. C. Ayers and W. M. Delaplain were appointed to bear our correspondence to 'Union association. Next associa- ciation to meet with the church at Freedom, in Polk county, Friday before the first Sabbath in September, 1867. Eld. H. J. Mapes to preach the introductory and Eld. J. P. Akin alternate. Prayer by Eld. Jno. C. Mitchell.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
On Friday before the first Sabbath in September, 1867, the association met with the church at Freedom, near Half- way, in Polk county. Introductory sermon by Eld. H. J. Mapes from Is. 62:66-67, " I have set watchmen on thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night. Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent. And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."
Letters from nine churches were read and delegates en- rolled. The churches were Bolivar, Brighton, Senter, Lib- erty, Elkton, Enon, Green Mountain, Salem and Freedom. Bro. L. C. Frazer was elected moderator and Bro. W. M. Delaplain clerk. Four new churches were received, viz: Antioch, Shiloh, Mountain Valley of Greene county, and Timber Ridge of Webster county. Letters of correspond- ence called for. Bro. Jos. Carter was admitted from Union association. The following ministers were admitted as visit- ing brethren, viz: L. A. Smith, D. R. Murphy, Geo. Long, C. L. Alexander, G. W. Kelley and J. E. B. Justice.
Three committees were appointed as in the year 1866, on Finance, Arrangements and Destitution. The committee on Finance report $15.50 for printing minutes. The churches were advised to enlarge their contributions for print- ing minutes, for supporting pastors and missionaries. They were also advised to send delegates instructed as to their wishes concerning the second article of faith as published in the minutes of 1866, which was as follows: " We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the writ- ten word of God, and the only ( true ) rule of faith and practice ; and that they inculcate strict loyalty to civil government, and that we will not fellowship with those that have been in re- bellion against the government of the United States, without
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
evidence of Gospel repentance." The article was brought up for reconsideration at the present session ( 1867), but was sustained as above written. It was also resolved to send Eld. Joshua Baker a delegate to the convention which was to meet at Jefferson City, Mo., on Monday after last Sabbath in September, 1867, Eld. H. J. Mapes his alternate.
Letter of correspondence from New Prospect association was presented, proposing consolidation of the two associa- tions. The next meeting of association to be with Enon church, eight miles south of Bolivar, on Friday before the third Sabbath in August, 1868. The following is a list of ministers' names: James Spain, Fair Grove ; Jas. P. Akin, Hickory Barrens; L. A. Smith, Boyd, Mo .; Jas. M. Chand- ler, Springfield, Mo .; H. J. Mapes, Brighton, Mo .; Jas. Schofield, Buffalo, Mo .; D. R. Murphy, Martin, Mo. Li- centiates, S. S. Hayden and G. N. Dooley.
In 1868 Freedom association met with the church at Enon, Polk county. This is the third session since the late civil war. Introductory by Eld. J. P. Akin, Matt. 16: 18, "And 1 say also unto thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church ; and the gates of hell shall not pre- vail against it." Thirteen churches reported and delegates enrolled. Brethren L. C. Frazer moderator and W. M. Delaplain clerk. Three new churches, Enon of Dallas, Un- ion and Union Grove. Eld. J. E. B. Justice visitor from Old Union association. The following visiting ministers were invited to seats : Jas. Schofield, A. C. Bradley and Isaac Ingram, and brethren J. C. Heyden, Jos. Carter and Daniel Brockus.
Four committees were appointed, viz: Finance, Ar- rangements, Destitution and Preaching. Association ad- journed for preaching by Eld. J. E. B. Justice.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Committee on Finance report $20.20 for printing min- utes. Committee on Arrangements reported the following as a substitute for the second article of faith as found in the minutes of 1866, viz:
" Ist. That we believe that civil government is of Di- vine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society ; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscien- tiously honored, and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.
2d. We recommend this association not to consolidate with New Prospect association.
3d. We recommend that the association do not appoint a missionary for this year.
4th, That our next meeting be held with Senter church at Humansville on Friday before the third Sabbath in August, 1869, and annually thereafter on the same day."
Committee on Destitution report great destitution, al- though there is a pastor for every church but one, yet, owing to a lack of energy on the part of the churches to support the ministry, the gospel is greatly hindered. We would ask the association to take such action that the blood of sinners will not be required at the hands of the Christians of this as- sociation. Churches are requested to send up to the next meeting of the association a statement of the amount paid the pastors, and for building and charitable purposes.
Resolved that Eld. Jas. M. Lappin be sent as delegate to the general association, and a collection taken to pay his expenses. Union, Zion and Old Path associations were then considered as entitled to correspondence. Eld. J. P. Akin served 60 days as missionary. Collected on the field $20.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
He was chosen to preach next introductory, and Eld. Jas. Spain his alternate.
The year 1869, August 13-14, has rolled around, and the association convenes with Senter church at Humansville, the fourth session. Eld. J. P. Akin preached the introduc- tory, Jno. 12 and latter clause of tenth verse. Thirteen churches reported and delegates enrolled. Four new churches added to the roll, viz: Halfway, Friendship, Buf- falo and Oak Grove. Eld. Jas. Schofield was chosen mod- erator and Thos. Cossins clerk. Antioch association was represented by V. Burgess. Union association responded in the persons of Eld. J. E. B. Justice, A. W. Pickett and J. Carter. Old Path was represented by Eld. L. J. Tatum. The following ministers were invited to seats: M. G. Conn, A. W. Fitch, A. C. Bradley, Jas. Kennon. Four commit- tees were appointed, viz: Committee on Finance, Arrange- ments, Destitution and Preaching.
Report on Finance, $26.30 received for printing minutes. Committee on Arrangements report a series of resolutions as follows, viz :
I. That this association advise the organization of Sun- day schools in all our churches.
2. That the amounts paid to pastors and for other ob- jects be reported next year.
3. That we correspond with Union, Antioch, Old Path and Zion associations.
4. That the articles of faith be printed with the min- utes.
5. That the Central Baptist is worthy and deserves our patronage.
6. That we tender our thanks to Eld. Jas. Schofield for the able manner of conducting our affairs as moderator.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
7. That our next meeting of association be at Halfway, Polk county, on Friday before the third Sunday in August, 1870. Eld. Jas. Schofield to preach the introductory ser- mon, and J. Baker his alternate. No missionary work re- ported.
The year 1870, Friday before the third Sunday in August, is here, and the association is convened with the church at Halfway. Introductory is preached by Eld. Jas. Schofield, Isa. 40:9. Seventeen churches are reported and their delegates enrolled. Three new churches are added this year, viz: Mt. Pleasant, Macedonia and Mission Chapel. Eld. Jas. Schofield was elected moderator and Thos. Cossins ' clerk. Zion association was represented by Eld. Geo. Mitchell. The following brethren were invited to seats : Eld. L. J. Tatum, Eld. Geo. Long, Eld. B. McCord Rob- erts, S. O. Gordon, R. H. Chiles, J. K. Knoble, M. Wallis and D. Dyel. Eld. Roberts is agent of the general associa- tion, Eld. S. W. Marston general agent of Sunday schools, Eld. E. T. Brown agent of Baptist Bible and Publication Society. Five committees were appointed, on Finance, Ar- rangements, Preaching, Obituaries and Sunday Schools, be- sides special committees.
Finance committee report $28.45 for printing minutes. Committee on Arrangements report a series of resolutions as follows, viz: Resolved,
I. That Eld. J. Baker be appointed a messenger to the general association, and that this association be auxiliary to general association.
2. That the churches be advised to report amounts paid to pastors, and for other objects.
3. That we open correspondence with Webster associa- tion.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
4. That the cause of foreign missions is worthy of our prayers and contributions.
5. That sound religious reading promotes intelligence and piety in our members; we therefore recommend the Central Baptist of St. Louis.
6. That we appoint a committee of three to collect material for a history of this association and forward to Eld. S. W. Marston of St. Louis, Mo.
7. That the names and post-office addresses of all the ministers in our association be published in our minutes.
S. That our next association meet with the church at Buffalo Friday before the third Sunday in August, IS71. Eld. J. Baker to preach the introductory, S. L. Collins al- ternate.
The names of ordained ministers are as follows: D. R. Murphy, Humansville ; J. Schofield, Buffalo; Geo. Mitchell, Buffalo ; J. Baker, Brighton; H. C. Ayres, Brighton; Geo. Suitor, Halfway; T. Buckner, Faulkner's Hill; J. Spain, Fair Grove; J. P. Akin, Hickory Barrens. Licentiates, T. Balkum, J. K. Knoble, G. W. Dooley, T. Matthews and M. K. Pitts. No missionary work reported.
The year 1871 finds Freedom association convened with the church at Buffalo, Dallas county, Mo. Eld. J. Baker preached the introductory, text Rom. 5 : 1. Twenty churches on the roll, all represented but one (Union). The names of the churches, with their pastors, were: Buffalo, Geo. Mitchell; Brighton, J. Baker; Bolivar, Geo. Mitchell ; Sen- ter, Geo. Mitchell ; Elkton, V. Burgess; Enon, Geo. Long; Enon, Dallas county, W. C. Edwards; Friendship, Jas. Spain ; Green Mountain, T. Buckner; Halfway, Geo. Suitor; Liberty, J. Baker; Mission Chapel, Geo. Suitor ; Macedonia, Geo. Suitor; Mountain Valley, J. M. Chandler ;
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Mt. Pleasant, J. W. Fitch; Oak Grove, I. Ingram ; Shiloh, H. C. Ayres; Timber Ridge, -; Union Grove, Geo. Long; Union, -. Eld. Geo. Mitchell was elected mod- erator, and W. M. Delaplain clerk, and Washington Galland assistant clerk. The four principal committees were on Ar- rangements, Destitution, Sabbath Schools, Finance. Others were added, as on Correspondence and Preaching. Com- mittee on Arrangements presented six inquiries, viz :
I. Shall we continue to correspond with Bros. Osgood and Tolman, secretaries of Foreign Missions?
2. With the general association ?
3. Shall the pastoral accounts be entered on the min- utes ?
4. Where shall the next association be held?
5. Shall we continue correspondence with sister associ-
ations?
6. Shall we seek amalgamation of Freedom and Old Path associations?
Also we recommend collections for foreign missions and the general association. The Central Baptist is commended as a live Baptist newspaper.
Finance committee report $27.95 for publishing min- utes. Eld. Geo. Mitchell, Bro. Henry Lovan, and pastor and clerk of Buffalo church, were appointed a committee to devise a plan for uniting Old Path and Freedom associations. The committee on Destitution report great lack of spiritual interest. A committee of three was appointed to devise some plan for the support of old and indigent ministers. Bros. Delaplain, Galland and F. Tillery were appointed said committee. No missionary work reported. Next associa- tion to be held at Union Grove, Polk county. Eld. Geo. Mitchell to preach the introductory, and Eld. Mark Harris
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
his alternate. $27.25 was subscribed for district mission work. Eld. Jehu Robinson was appointed missionary for the ensuing year.
The sixth annual meeting of Freedom association met with the church at Union Grove, Polk county, on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, 1872. Eld. Geo. Mitchell preached the introductory, Phil. 1 :5. Seventeen churches were represented and delegates enrolled, one of them (Mt. View) received from Old Path. Eld. Geo. Mitchell elected moderator and W. M. Delaplain and E. P. S. Roberts clerks. Visiting brethren were invited to seats. Accepted by Elds. J. Spain, G. W. Kelley, H. C. Ayres and Bros. Brockus and R. Higginbotham. Five committees were appointed, viz: On Arrangements, Destitution, Correspondence, Fi- nance and Sunday Schools. The latter reported first with the motto, " The children of Missouri for Christ and the Baptist church." Every member of the church is urged to become a member of the Sunday school and work in the same.
Committee on Correspondence reported a letter, as the custom has been, addressed to sister associations, urging them to fraternal and renewed effort in gospel work. Eld. J. R. Callaway was appointed as visitor to Old Path association, Eld. Jehu Robinson and Bro. E. P. S. Roberts to Spring- field association, and Eld. Geo. L. Wilson to New Prospect association. Committee on Finance report $22.65 for print- ing minutes. Eld. Jehu Robinson reports 206 days labor, IOS baptized, 52 by letter, I church organized, I deacon or- dained; cash received, $222.40. Shiloh church, Greene county, proposed the following queries, viz :
I. Is it right for Baptist churches to receive Pedos and Campbellites on their baptism ?
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
2. If not, what is the proper course to pursue with churches that do so?
The first inquiry was answered in the negative. The second, to withdraw fellowship from churches that practice it.
The next meeting of the association to be at Oak Grove church on Friday before the fourth Sabbath in September, 1873. There was no appointment made for introductory ser- mon next year.
The seventh annual meeting of Freedom association was with the church at Oak Grove, 12 miles northeast of Bolivar, Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27, 1873. Prayer by Eld. J. R. Callaway. Introductory by Eld. Jehu Robin- son, Ps. IIS: 25. Eld. Geo. Mitchell was chosen moderator
and A. J. Lower and T. J. Bentley clerks. Visiting breth- ren received : Eld. Isaac Ingram from Freedom; from Old Path association, Eld. G. W. Kelley, Eld. S. J. Starns and Bro. E. Rupard; and Bro. J. O. Butler, from New Pros- pect. Eld. Jehu Robinson represented the general associa- tion ; Elds. G. Mitchell and J. R. Callaway represented the Bible and Publication society. Committees appointed as last year.
Finance committee report $20.60 for printing minutes. No missionary work reported; but the brethren are urged to go forward and labor, for the fields are white unto the har- vest. They are requested to have every Sabbath supplied with preaching. It was also resolved that the aged and in- digent ministers be provided for, and that a committee draft a plan to be reported next year. The Bible and Baptist Publication society, a branch of which is at St. Louis, Mo., is recommended. The next annual convocation is to be at Mt. View church, Sentinel Prairie, Polk county, Friday be- fore the fourth Sabbath in September, 1874. Eld. Geo.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Mitchell to preach the introductory and Eld. J. R. Callaway the alternate.
The Baptist Freedom association met with the church at Mt. View, in Polk county, on Friday, September 25, 1874. Introductory by Eld. J. R. Callaway, 2 Tim. 4:2, " Preach the word." Moderator being absent, Eld. Geo. Suitor was chosen temporary moderator. Thirteen churches were rep- resented ; three churches added, viz: Brush Grove, Concord and Mt. Olive, in Dallas county. Bro. W. H. Branham was elected moderator, Brethren A. J. Lower and H. C. Turk clerks, Bro. J. D. Rupard treasurer. Visiting brethren were invited to seats. Bro. Wm. Ayres from New Prospect, Elds. Wm. and H. B. Wommack from Webster, Elds. S. J. Starns and G. W. Kelley and Brethren J. Witt and A. J. Bullen from Old Path responded. Sac River association sent a let- ter. Committees were appointed as last year. The com- mittee on Sabbath Schools, through their chairman, Bro. J. C. Smith, report a series of resolutions setting forth the im- portance of the Sabbath school work, and urging the churches to greater diligence in maintaining the same.
The committee on aged and indigent ministers being absent, brethren J. D. Rupard, J. C. Nun and J. C. Smith were appointed a new one, who reported that they found such ministers in the bounds of this association. Resolved, That we recommend collections to be taken in the churches, in cash or produce, at the November and May meetings, and forward, or notify such ministers of said collections, and that each church report the amount at the next meeting.
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