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 4
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Eld. T. J. Akin was elected moderator, J. C. Smith clerk, and A. Hopper treasurer. Visitors invited were Eld. L. J. Tatum, Old Path; Eld. J. T. Metcalf, Antioch; Eld. J. S. Buckner, Greene county association, and represents American Baptist Missionary Union ; Elds. W. B. and R. D. Lollar, from Tebo; Eld. Peter Brown represents general association.
Committees were appointed as follows: On Arrange- ments, E. P. S. Roberts, H. C. Turk, Eld. B. L. Mitchell ;
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
on Sabbath Schools, Obe Ashlock, G. W. Ward. W. S. M. Barnett, Eld. R. D. Lollar; on Home Missions, J. O. Mc- Gee, G. H. Higginbotham, J. H. Highfill; on Periodicals, J. F. Ingram, Milton Brown, W. H. Branham, Eld. L. J. Tatum; on Preaching, J. R. Bass, B. T. Morris, W. W. Grimes, A. S. Vaughn; on Obituary, J. L. Norton, T. W. Simpson, G. M. Botts. Eld. W. B. Lollar ; on Temperance, J. C. Smith. R. F. Norman, A. Hopper; on Denomina- tional Schools, H. C. Turk, D. W. Beckner, T. B. Gordon ; on Foreign Missions, E. D. Fortner, G. W. Williams, J. H. Kepley, Eld. J. S. Buckner.
Eld. J. R. Maupin was appointed delegate to general association. Received for printing minutes, $25.70. Next association to meet with the church at Bolivar Thursday be- fore fourth Sunday in September, ISS2. Eld. Geo. Long to preach annual sermon, Eld. W. W. Palmer alternate.
Moderator being absent on the second day, Eld. Geo. Long was chosen pro tem. Committees begin to bring re- ports. First, on Arrangements, would suggest the following order of business: Ist, report of committee on Sunday Schools; 2d, roll call; 3d, Home Missions; 4th, Periodicals ; 5th, Obituaries; 6th, Temperance; 7th, Schools; Sth, For- eign Missions.
Four Sunday schools reported in the association, viz: Bolivar, Mt. View, Pleasant Hill and Union Hall. The Sunday school is considered to be "The church at work, studying and teaching the Holy Scriptures." A very im- portant work. The home mission question is one demand- ing the most serious and prayerful consideration. It is urged that a missionary be sent into our bounds to preach and cir- culate Baptist literature.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
The question of foreign missions was presented through Eld. J. S. Buckner, who makes some startling statements. The Roman Catholics number about 190,000,000, Moslems, 170,000,000, pagan idolators, 885,000,000, Protestant Chris- tians, 115,000,000. China alone has one preacher for about 13,000,000 souls. In view of these alarming figures, it is earnestly requested that money be raised and missionaries be sent to all lands, to cry aloud and spare no pains in com- municating the word of life to the perishing. Eld. Buckner having been appointed last year to preach on foreign mis- sions, taking for his text Luke 24:47, " That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, beginning at Jerusalem." Considerable prejudice had existed against allowing anyone to make any collections until our domestic mission cause had been subserved ; but when the Elder had spoken in his nervous style for about one hour he had swept away all objections, and a contribution was made in cash of $47.30, and pledges to the amount of $13.
Eld. B. L. Mitchell was elected missionary for the en- suing year, and money and pledges were raised for his sup- port amounting to $106.50. A number of brethren volun- teered to make collections in their churches for the use of the missionary, viz: E. P. S. Roberts, W. H. Branham, W. S. M. Barnett, A. Davis, Obe Ashlock, J. C. Smith, G. H. Higginbotham, T. B. Gordon, D. W. Beckner, J. A. Pen- dleton, Jno. Murray and others.
The committee on Denominational Schools report through H. C. Turk: Whereas, There is a great increase in interest and zeal in the cause of education ;
Resolved, Therefore, that while we endorse every Baptist school in the state, we would especially recommend the Southwest Baptist college, situated in Bolivar, Mo., now
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
about completed in its building and faculty. That it com- mends itself to the highest regards of all Baptists, because of its success in the past and its promise of future useful- ness. It requires still the fostering care of the brotherhood and an endowment to sustain its several departments.
Resolved, Further, that we will pray for its continued success and we will contribute thereto of our means as we are prospered and as necessity demands.
On Periodicals we have the Bible mentioned as the book of books, with the admonition that it be read more than it is, and that every household be supplied, also that the Central Baptist, American Baptist Flag, Journal and Messenger, National Baptist, The Baptist, by J. R. Graves, and the col- porteur work by Eld. J. W. Haines, also the Young Reaper and Kind Words are all worthy of our patronage.
The unholy traffic in ardent spirits receives its usual share of attention and the Bible is drawn upon to support the plea of total abstinence, Lev. 10:9, 10. God's people are called the " light of the world," therefore they are advised to refrain from dram-drinking, from visiting places where al- coholic drinks are sold, and from signing petitions for dram- shops, or from encouraging the sale or use of alcohol as a beverage in any way whatever.
The mortuary list has increased. The committee on Obituaries report 16 deaths during the past year.
Sister Elizabeth Jarnigan was born in Granger county, East Tennessee, in 1805, and died in the triumphs of faith. Sister Ruth Kennon died in good hope.
Eld. Geo. W. Kelley died November 24, ISSo, while holding a protracted meeting at Pleasant Ridge, Polk county.
Sister Luvicey Boone died March 3, 1881 ; a consistent Christian.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Brother Benj. Brown died February 14, ISSI ; a faithful member 25 years.
Brother Monroe P. Barnett, born July 17, 1860, died January 2, ISSI, in faith.
Other names are not given by the committee.
It will appear to the casual reader that there is much ap- parent repetition in the account of each year's work, but two objects are gained in this, viz: In calling to mind the actual workers in the field, and next, the progress and improvement of all departments of associational work.
The sixteenth annual session of Freedom association convened with the church at Bolivar, Mo., Thursday, Sep- tember 21, 1882, at II A. M. Eld. Geo. Long preached the annual sermon, subject, " Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not pre- vail against it." Objection was offered to one point in the sermon, viz : If one should say he was converted, and yet refuse to be baptized, he would doubt the conversion. Eld. B. McCord Roberts and others stoutly protested that such language was rank Campbellism; but Eld. Long slowly evolved the idea that a man must be soundly converted before he was entitled to baptism.
Eld. Jehu Robinson was elected moderator, J. C. Smith clerk and G. H. Higginbotham treasurer. Letters and dele- gates announced from 21 churches, and two more added, Weaubleau and New Hope. Eld. J. S. Buckner represents American Baptist Missionary union, Eld. L. M. Berry the general association, Eld. B. McCord Roberts Greene county association, and Eld. Isaac Ingram of Slagle Creek, Profs. Allison and Ingram of Southwest Baptist college. The us- ual roll of committees were set to work, and pending their reports it was agreed that the next association meet with Mt.
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Pleasant church in Dallas county, Thursday before fourth Sunday in September, 1883. Eld. B. McCord Roberts to preach annual sermon, and Eld. Jehu Robinson alternate. $29.05 for printing minutes.
Could the ten committees all be heard, and could their several admonitions be duly impressed on all minds and hearts, there would be little need of additional legislation. The Sabbath school, the college, the home mission and the foreign, the temperance interest and appropriate care for the dead, would all rise to the high ideal of the most sanguine ; but unfortunately for our race, and the age in which we live, we are duly impressed for the moment, but the most impas- sioned thoughts are permitted to subside and give way to sor- did gain. The things that make for our present comfort are held at a high premium, while the things that inure to our future prosperity, or ultimate glory, are pleasant phantoms that may beguile us as we pass along. Martha was cumber- ed with much serving; but Mary hath chosen that better part that cannot be taken from her. Upon the part of every com- mittee, and the subject they present, there is an earnest plea for greater activity and for prayerful consideration of the needs of the hour, and for the best methods.
A letter was read from Eld. W. R. Manley, who is now in India. The letter was directed to Freedom association and asks that the association continue to ยท sustain Caravulla Davidu, a native preacher, who is a good man and doing a good work. $29.90 was raised in money and pledges, one- half of which was raised by the sisters present to support Davidu's wife in her noble work of teaching. A special prayer was offered for our missionary in India. $71.25 was raised in money and pledges for home (district) missions. Eld. B. L. Mitchell elected missionary.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Eld. J. F. Suter, chairman of committee on Temper- ance, presented an elaborate report that is characteristic of the man, and embraces about all that need be said to con- vince the most skeptical or indifferent.
We, your committee on Temperance, would state that of all evils on earth which are most detrimental to the pros- perity and happiness of the human race, the use of alcoholic and malt liquors is the worst. By its use the mind is injured, the body wrecked, the energies paralyzed, and everything within man that is pure and noble is brought to shame and disgrace. His whole moral character is blighted. See him as he reels and totters under the influence of this degrading curse, with his mind deranged, and his limbs paralyzed, and ask, what benefit is man to society in this condition? Yea, brethren and friends, ask yourselves, with an honest heart be- fore God, what benefit are these intoxicating drinks to men ? Reason and common sense say they are worthless, a blighting curse. Then,
Whereas, All intoxicating drinks, used as a beverage, are not only worthless, but lead to drunkenness, to riot and to murder; and,
Whereas, It leads to poverty, to the overthrow of do- mestic happiness, to the corruption of youth, to the ruin of society ; and,
Whereas, It is a hindrance to national prosperity, to educational progress, to religious advancement ; and,
Whereas, It is manufactured for the pecuniary benefit of a few, regardless of the interest of the many, and of the evil consequences that follow its use; therefore, be it
Resolved, That Freedom association would recom- mend the total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors as a beverage; and also be it
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Resolved, That we petition the legislature of Missouri, when next assembled, to submit to the voters of this state the following proposition : That the manufacture, sale and im- portation of all alcoholic and malt liquors be prohibited in Missouri, except for medicinal, mechanical and scientific purposes.
The seventeenth anniversary of Freedom Baptist asso- ciation was duly observed by meeting with the church at Mt. Pleasant, Dallas county, Missouri, brother M. L. Reynolds moderator pro tem, T. B. Gordon clerk. Owing to the death of Eld. B. McCord Roberts, who was to preach the annual sermon, also the alternate, Eld. J. Robinson, being absent, Eld. B. L. Mitchell was chosen to that duty, taking for his text 2 Tim. 4:2, " Preach the word."
Letters were received from 16 churches and delegates enrolled. Two churches were added, Buffalo and Pleasant View. Brother Mark L. Reynolds was elected moderator and brother T. B. Gordon clerk, G. H. Higginbotham treas- urer. Visitors invited to seats were: Eld. J. S. Buckner, represented American Baptist Missionary Union and Greene county association ; Eld. D. P. Brockus, of Greene county as- sociation ; Elds. J. H. Stinecipher and W. E. Speers, of Old Path; Eld. R. S. Duncan, vice-president and corresponding delegate of Foreign Mission Board, Richmond, Va. ; Elds. J. H. Wommack and F. A. Miner, of Webster county as- sociation.
Committees, having been appointed in due time, were ready on the second day (Friday) to bring up their reports. From these reports the brotherhood, and the communities who may read them, are gathered the condition of the churches and the general needs of the field. Brother D. W. Beckner, chairman of committeee on Home (District) Mis-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
sions, would advise more systematic work, in giving to the canse, in order to the support of pastors and missionaries.
Eld. B. L. Mitchell, chairman of committee on De- nominational Schools, would urge the patronage of our own schools, and would call attention to the college located at Bolivar as eminently worthy of being sustained by our breth- ren and friends.
Brother G. H. Higginbotham, chairman of committee on Sunday Schools, claims that there is sad neglect of Sun- day school work in our association. The church that neglects to have a Sunday school fails to do her whole duty. It is the pastor's duty to oversee the church in her work, and quotes Acts 20:28. Therefore, every pastor should endeavor to have a Sunday school in the churches which he oversees.
Dr. J. E. Loafman, chairman of committee on Periodi- cals, insists upon it that the Bible is the book of books and should be closely and critically read and studied. A relig- ions, especially a Baptist paper should contain nothing but the purest religious literature. He objects to so much adver- tising, and especially deceptive and false headings, calculated to deceive. And he recommends the Baptist papers of St. Louis and Memphis as nearest the standard hereby indicated. The doctor was appointed chairman of special committee to report on the death of Eld. B. McCord Roberts. A more extended notice will be given in third division of this book.
C. T. Williams, chairman of committee on Temperance, would recommend the suppression of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors in our state, and next, that the sale and manufacture of the same, by any person. be made a bar to fellowship in the church.
John T. Anderson, chairman of committee on Foreign Missions, qnotes a number of passages of Scripture in sup-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
port of foreign mission work. He would advise, first, that we confess our sin in neglecting this work so long; second, that a united effort be made by pastors to stir up the churches upon this subject ; third, that special times for prayer for for- eign missions be observed and collections taken for the work. First, for our native preacher among the Telegus; second, to assist in sustaining Miss Emma Young, of Dade county, Missouri, who is going to China as missionary of the South- ern Baptist convention. Resolved, That this association adopt Miss Emma Young, a graduate of Southwest Baptist college, and pledge to her our support as far as possible. The amount raised in cash and pledges for her at this time, $21.05 ; for the native preacher, $17.05.
Report on Obituaries gives the aggregate of 15 deaths. Only a few names could be secured.
Sister Martha M. Hayden was born in Tennessee in IS22; moved to Missouri when 16 years of age, and was married to Wm. Hayden March 20, 1849; died August 2, 1883, aged 61 years.
Brother J. V. Mckinney, of Pleasant Hill church, was born IS22, died August 12, 1883.
Deacon Samuel Hendrickson, of Macedonia church, died April 2, 1883.
Sister Lucinda McGinnis, of Reynolds Chapel, died July, 1883.
For printing minutes, $25.00. Donation to Southwest Baptist college, $40.00. The association to meet with the church at Mt. View, 12 miles north of Bolivar, Missouri, Thursday before the fourth Sunday in September, 1884. Eld. J. R. Maupin to preach annual sermon and W. W. Palmer alternate.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
The Baptist Freedom association met with the church at Mt. View, Polk county, Missouri, September 25, 1884. Moderator being absent, the clerk called association to order. Eld. W. W. Palmer was elected moderator pro tem. Twen- ty-five churches on the roll ; 23 represented by delegates. Eld. W. W. Palmer elected moderator and T. B. Gordon clerk. Eld. J. R. Maupin preached the annual sermon, Matt. 28: 19. Visitors, Elds. L. J. Tatum, J. H. Stineci- pher and David Hitson, from Old Path association.
Reports of committees tell us of the labors of our breth- ren in different departments of Christian work. The college is prominent in the number. Dr. J. E. Loafman, Elds. B. L. Mitchell and J. A. Elliott would call special attention to the merits of the institution, winding up with a resolution, " That we will foster it by our prayers, patronage and finan- cial support." Eld. J. R. Maupin was granted the oppor- tunity to address the association in the interest of Southwest Baptist college.
J. W. Haines and W. W. Grimes present the names of those who died in the bounds of the association, as far as could be ascertained : Mrs. Nancy S. Pendleton, Hannah Lindsay, Abigail Lindsay, J. K. P. Jump, Henry Highfill, Sister Green, Elizabeth Lindsay, Adaline Delaplain, John L. Mead, Loretta Zumwalt. Bettie Roberts, John Vaughn, Mat- tie Johnson, Sarah Hale, Nathan Redd, Paris McCracken, Jacob Phipps, and Sarah Lunsford.
On Sunday Schools, Geo. Long and S. D. Tidwell urge greater activity.
Elds. J A. Elliott, J. W. Haines and B. L. Mitchell present an elaborate report on foreign missions, with a series of resolutions, among them one remembering Miss Emma
-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Young, the first foreign missionary from our midst. Collec- tion for foreign missions, $45.55.
Brethren G. H. Higginbotham, Geo. Long, W. S. M. Barnett and W. H. Branham report some destitution in our bounds. They urge larger gifts to the pastors so that they may give their entire time to the ministry, and that a mission- ary be chosen to travel and preach only to the destitute. Eld. G. M. Botts, the missionary, reports So days labor; II re- ceived for baptism ; 4 professions; assisted in ordaining one minister; collected on the field, $37.17; collected at present session, $10.15. Eld. G. M. Botts was elected missionary for ensuing year.
Eld. Geo. Suitor, the chairman on periodicals, presents his report in the same language as published last year.
Eld. Geo. Long and J. O. Butler write the most caustic and burning words that could be written, to tell of the moral wreck and horrible wickedness of the liquor traffic, and the association approving, passed the resolution that they will do all that is honorable to drive the evil from our midst.
For printing minutes, $27.00; for foreign missions, $4.75; for district missions, $15.50. Next association to meet with church at Mission Chapel, north of Bolivar 12 miles, on Wednesday before the fourth Sunday in September, ISS5. Eld. B. L. Mitchell to preach the annual sermon, Eld. E. D. Turner alternate.
The nineteenth anniversary of Freedom association met with the church called Mission Chapel, at Rondo, 12 miles north of Bolivar, on Wednesday, September 23, 1885. Eld. J. W. Haines moderator pro tem, W. S. Askren clerk. Eld. B. L. Mitchell preached the annual sermon, theme, "A Call to Duty." Eighteen churches were represented by letter and delegates. Eld. T. J. Akin was elected moderator and W.
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S. Askren clerk. Visitors, Eld. J. H. Smith, of Zion asso- ciation ; Eld. Kain, of Old Path ; brethren Bass and Vaughn, of Elkton church; Eld. M. Root, of Cedar county associa- tion ; J. C. Sheriff, of Old Path association.
Nine committees were appointed, as follows: Arrange- ments, Eld. B. L. Mitchell, Jas. Tillery, W. H. Branham ; Home (District) Missions, Eld. J. W. Haines, Eld. G. M. Botts, Jas. Bennett ; Periodicals, S. Mapes, W. S. Odor, J. H. Highfill; Devotional Exercises, Milton Brown, Samuel Tillery, Obe Ashlock; Obituaries. G. W. Burnes, J. A. Baker, J. C. Cavin ; Intemperance, E. L. Carneal, A. S. McPheeters, J. H. Stinecipher ; Denominational Schools, Eld. B. L. Mitchell, W. E. Hoover, A. H. Slate; Foreign Missions, B. F. Chamberlain, J. A. Sharp, T. Patterson ; Finance, J. W. Pope, Benton Cox, R. F. Norman.
The report of the missionary was heard. Eld. G. M. Botts, the missionary, labored 115 days; 50 professions ; 4 baptized ; 7 approved for baptism; received $42.85, or 3714 cents per day. Eld. J. H. Highfill was selected as mission- ary for next year. The next association is to meet with the church at Pleasant Hill, five miles east of Bolivar, Saturday before the fourth Sunday in September, ISS6. Eld. J. H. Stinecipher to preach the annual sermon and Eld. E D. Fortner alternate. Eld. T. J. Akin to preach the missionary sermon and A. S. Ingman alternate.
Moderator appointed brethren B. F. Chamberlain, W. E. Hoover and John Higginbotham a missionary board. Their duties are not defined by the association.
Foreign Missions are reported and discussed. China, Japan and Africa are before us as never before. We find in the great commission, " Go ye into all the world," means all nations, kindred and tongues. In Mexico and South Amer-
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ica there is awful destitution. We recommend the continu- ance of our support to the native preacher among the Telegus, also to Miss Emma Young. The Foreign Mission Journal and Heathen Helper are recommended.
Home, or District Missions, tell of good cheer, and yet there is great peril on account of neglect. It was resolved to put a missionary in the field the ensuing year and support him in the work. $17.35 was raised for the work; besides, $8.30 was raised to pay the missionary on last year's service.
The committee on Denominational Schools desire to say they believe in a denominational school, yet it is not the de- sign to teach the peculiar tenets of our faith. It is expected, however, that educated men and women be sent out from Southwest Baptist college that will honor it, and who may be able to defend our faith. An indulgent public is solicited to aid in moral and financial support.
The committee on intoxicating liquors give their voice : " Whereas, The use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage is productive of much evil in our land, and as the church is the ' Light of the world '-' the salt of the earth,' Therefore, we would advise that the Baptists of Freedom association do all in their power to save the people from the sin of intemper- ance ; that we discourage dram-drinking, which is the begin- ning of drunkenness, and that we strive to put down the sale of intoxicating liquors in our county, except it be for medical or mechanical purposes. We would advise that our minis- ters preach against intemperance, and that our churches do not tolerate it in their members, and that the entire member- ship speak and work against it in every Christian way possi- ble."
Eld. J. H. Stinecipher, chairman of committee on Sun- day Schools, names four churches that have Sunday schools,
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
and that glorious results follow where they are maintained. They are, Bolivar, Buffalo, Mt. View, and Weaubleau. He advises that the pastors, members and the missionary give this subject their prayerful consideration.
Bro. J. C. Cavin, J. A. J. Baker and G. W. Burnes, committee on obituaries, report 19 deaths, five of them not named. They are: Eld. Geo. Suitor, Martha Buskirk, John Weise, Sister Scott, E. P. S. Roberts, Jesse H. Mur- ray, Wm. Rogers, Rachel Rogers, Sarah Graham, Rhoda Reed, Nancy Brown, Hannah George, Joseph George, W. A. George.
Bro. S. Mapes, of committee on periodicals, gives us a repetition of last year's report, recommending Central, Flag, Tennessee Baptist, Chicago Standard, and other Baptist pe- riodicals. These are commended as great educators, and would be infinitely better than the mass of fiction and folly that is mentally digested every day.
The twentieth session of Freedom association was with the church at Pleasant Hill, Polk connty, Missouri, Septem- ber 25th, 1886. At 11 :30 the association was called to order by Eld. J. W. Haines. Prayer by Eld. R. B. Carnett. The following officers were elected, viz: Eld. J H. Stinecipher moderator ; Eld. B. L. Mitchell clerk; W. F. Buines treas- urer. Letters read and delegates enrolled from 29 churches. Eld. J. H. Stinecipher preached annual sermon ; text, Matt. 28:19. Eld. W. D. Clark of Baptist Flag; Eld. J. M. Hunt of Central; Eld. D. P. Brockus of Greene County ; Eld. R. B. Carnett of Webster County; Eld. J. R. Calla- way of Freedom, were invited to seats. The moderator made the following appointment of committees : On arrange- ments, J. W. Haines, C. C. Smith, E. D. Fortner; home missions, B. F. Chamberlain, J. H. Highfill, I. M. Beckner;
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