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 5
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
periodicals, Mark Harris, J. W. Haines, B. L. Mitchell ; obituaries, J. J. Reynolds, A. E. Crawford, W. E. Hoover; intemperance, A. D. Powers, A. Hopper, H. Southard ; denominational schools, C. P. Williams, A. S. Ingman, Jas. Bennett; foreign missions, R. T. Ellis, Jas. T. Wilson, Jas. Owen; finance, John Baker, J. F. Goodman, Henry Short; Sabbath schools, E. D. Fortner, Wm. Haydon, J. A. Math- is. Eld. R. B. Carnett preached Saturday night; subject. I John I :10. Eld. W. D. Clark preached Sunday ; subject, " Is life worth living?" Eld. T. A. Davis preached Sun- day; subject, Rev. 22: 17. Eld. J. H. Stinecipher preached Sunday night; subject, "The great Salvation."
On Monday morning I. M. Beckner presented report of home missionary and missions. Eld. J. H. Highfill labored 144 days; 101 professions; SI baptized and 13 received by letter ; ordained 4 deacons; received $90.55; $53.45 due the missionary, which was promptly paid. The report was quite encouraging, and after the reading of the report and the resolution to employ a missionary for another year, Eld. J. H. Highfill was chosen, and authorized to go into the destitute fields and preach the word.
The subject of foreign missions was next presented by R. T. Ellis. God, in his commission, declared that repent- ance and remission of sins should be preached in all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, where they were endued with power from on high, that those who sit in darkness might be brought from darkness to light, and turned from the power of Satan unto God. We therefore urge the importance of prayer. Then reference was made to them who plead for His Son. Paul was bound in prison, but his prayer was heard. Peter, also, was in prison and the Lord heard the prayers of the brethren for him. Therefore, we say to the
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brethren, cease not to pray and to help, and sav to our mis- sionaries, " Go forward, you shall have our prayers and fi- nancial aid." $46.50 was raised for this work.
Eld. A. S. Ingman next reported denominational schools: Dear brethren, from experience and observation we are convinced that it is best to run our schools under de- nominational control. A school of such a character is a strong center of influence. From it educated men and wom- en are sent out to train the youth of our land, and to teach and defend our doctrines. Such a school we have in South- west Baptist college, located in our midst. We feel assured that the board of trustees and the faculty are making every effort to make this the best school in the west. The school needs support, and we call upon all lovers of truth and edu- cation to give it all the support they can, both in patronage and money.
Pending this report some strong appeals were made to the association to rally to the assistance of the school and clear the house of the present debt, and put their children in school at once.
Brother Jas. A. Mathis brought up a report from the committee on Sunday schools : Eight churches have Sunday schools, Bolivar, Mt. View, Enon, Rose Hill, New Hope (Dallas county), Reynolds Chapel, Pleasant Hill and Brush Grove. This, indeed, denotes improvement. Let us labor and hope and pray that all the churches will be blessed with Sunday schools.
Eld. Mark Harris, from committee on periodicals, says : We would recommend the Bible, the book of books, to be read and studied. We would also recommend that our de- nominational literature be kept in our houses, churches and Sunday schools.
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Brother A. D. Powers, from committee on intemper- ance, would say : Whereas, Intemperance is killing its thousands yearly, and spreading distress all over our land, and sending its millions to despair and hell, be it therefore, Resolved. That this association recommend total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, and that we teach our children that it is a disgrace to use the intoxicating cup, and that we dis- countenance the right to sell the same. Therefore be it fur- ther resolved, that we are in sympathy with anything that has for its object the prohibiting of its manufacture or sale.
W. E. Hoover, from committee on Obituaries, tells us of 26 persons who have been stricken off our church rolls and left the church militant to enter the more glorious realities of the church triumphant. Only three of these names are given. Deacon Obediah Ashlock, who died January, 1886; Sister Mary Worthan died February, ISS6; Sister Sharp died April, 1886.
Brother J. F. Goodman reports the financial work of the association for the year ending with this session: For home missions, $144.00; foreign missions, $46.50; pastor's sal- aries, $1,392.00; incidental expenses, $131.15; Sabbath school, $208.00 ; printing minutes, $24.50. Next associa- tion at Senter church Wednesday before fourth Sunday in September, 1887.
Freedom association met at II A. M. with Senter church, Humansville, Polk county, Missouri, Wednesday, September 21, 1887. Eld. J. H. Stinecipher called association to order. Prayer by Eld. J. S. Buckner. S. D. Tidwell clerk pro tem. Eld. J. S. Buckner preached annual sermon. Twenty-five churches were represented by letters and delegates. Eld. T. J. Akin elected moderator, J. L. Kinder clerk, A. Hopper treasurer. Constitution and by-laws were read, and corres-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
ponding delegates and visitors invited to seats with privilege of counsel, but not to vote. Eld. Charles Ingram of Cedar County association ; Eld. M. Thrailkill of Zion association ; Eld. Joshua Hickman of General association; Eld. J. S. Buckner of State Sunday School work.
Some new committees were added as follows: District missions are defined to be within the limits of Freedom asso- ·ciation ; State missions belong to the State of Missouri ; Home missions to the southern states, or under the supervision of the Southern Baptist Convention ; foreign missions to foreign lands. Ministerial education is also added. The following committees were named by the Moderator: On arrange- ments, J. W. Haines, S. D. Tidwell, A. Hopper; home missions, J. H. Stinecipher, B. F. Chamberlain, E. D. Fortner; periodicals, J. W. Burks, J. P. Brownlow, Benj. Wingo; obituaries, W. S. M. Barnett, J. A. Mathis, J. H. Kepler; intemperance, J. H. Stinecipher, E. Beck, J. L. Kinder, D. E. Schofield; denominational schools, Dr. J. E. Loafman, J. P. Brownlow, James Brock, P. M. Hardy, W. H. Branham; foreign missions, J. C. T. Wood, G. M. Botts, J. F. Ingram, Thos. Semands, G. W. Williams; fi- nance, A. Hopper, N. S. Harrill, A. J. Lower; Sabbath schools, W. McGee, S. J. George, W. A. Burks, A. Voris, J. Barclay ; State missions, J. C. T. Wood, J. W. Pope, B. F. Chamberlain ; ministerial education, J. W. Burks, M. L. Leach, S. Mapes, J. W. Haines, D. E. Schofield; religious exercises, J. W. Burks. S. J. George, A. Hopper, John Molder; district missions, B. F. Chamberlain, Thos. Se -. mands, J. C. T. Wood, E. D. Fortner, W. H. Branham. Committee on arrangements report : I, association to be called to order by the moderator; 2, introductory sermon ; 3, temporary organization ; 4, roll of churches called ; 5, per-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
manent organization ; 6, admission of new churches ; 7, ap- pointment of committees, viz : On a, arrangements ; b, home missions ; c, foreign missions; d, State missions ; e, district missions; f, denominational schools; g, ministerial education ; h, periodicals; i, Sabbath schools; j, religious exercises.
Every report brought in is full of earnest entreaty, sup- ported by statistics and cogent argument, so much so that if space would permit we should publish them entire. Brief mention must suffice.
On ministerial education it is recommended that young men bearing evidence of a call to the ministry be encouraged to consecrate their talents to the Master's service, and that the churches of this association assist them in their prepara- tion. To this end it is urged that Baptist parents send their sons and daughters to the Southwest Baptist college to obtain that broad culture so essential to our life and growth.
On denominational schools there is a similar plea, with further incentive to the support of the above-named school. The names of Allison, Maiden, Elliott, Ayres, Brownson, Bowerman, John Young and his sister, Emma Young, are mentioned out of a host of worthies who are filling important places in the Master's service.
On Sabbath schools it is stated that a little over half the churches in Missouri are without Sunday schools. Twelve churches report Sunday schools in our association. $4.00 collected for Sunday schools.
On intemperance, the committee depicts in glowing terms the sin of intemperance, resolutions are offered, invok- ing all good citizens, our government, and God Almighty to come to the rescue and put down this monster evil.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
On the subject of home missions we are told of the cry- ing need in our Southern Baptist convention district, embrac- ing the southern states, Mexico, Cuba, etc. Bros. Hyde and Marston deserve our prayers and hearty support. Our preachers are requested to preach one sermon each, through the year, on this subject. The destitution of the district is proportionate to the larger fields. Only the trouble is that nine-tenths of all contributions is given by one-tenth of the church members. The proportion of expenditure is 98 per cent. at home and 2 per cent. abroad. Also, there is one minister for every 600 persons in America, and in foreign lands one minister for half a million. Pastors are recom- mended to preach on missions and take collections for foreign missions, and it is desired that the sisters take collections for Miss Emma Young, our missionary in China.
On periodicals, the importance of religious literature is insisted upon. The three periodicals in St. Louis and the American Baptist Publication society of Philadelphia are highly recommended.
On obituaries, we have the statement that 27 of our number have passed to that bourne whence no traveler re- turns, but no name is given.
On state missions, 40 men are employed, 1,500 souls converted. Each church is asked to set apart one day in the year for solid work, and importunate prayer and liberal con- tribution.
On finance, we have the four distinct branches clearly outlined of our mission work, viz: District, state, home and foreign. There were raised for district missions, $10; state, $21.50; home, $137.55; foreign, $60.00; for Sabbath schools, $71.00; for printing minutes, $25.70. By resolu- tion it was ordered that a Sunday school board be named,
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TIISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
whose duty will be to hold Sunday school institutes in our bounds, to collect and report in full the Sunday school statis- tics to next association. Said board consists of brethren J. W. Burks, J. P. Brownlow, M. L. Leach, Thos. Semands.
Next association to meet with the church at Buffalo, Dal- las county, Missouri, Wednesday before the fourth Sunday in September, IS8S. Eld. T. J. Akin to preach annual ser- mon, Eld. J. C. T. Wood alternate.
Freedom Baptist association met with the church at Buffalo, Dallas county, Missouri, Wednesday, September 19, ISSS, at 10:30 A. M., Eld. T. J. Akin in the chair. Prayer by Eld. D. R. Jones. Eld. T. J. Akin preached an- nual sermon at 7:30 P. M. The roll of churches was called and letters from the churches read and delegates received as follows: Bethel, Thomas Gann, C. Burkley ; Bolivar, Elds. J. W. Haines, J. M. Wheeler, R. E. Burks, J. F. Hampton, W. C. Armstrong, Bros. A. J. Lower and J. T. Wilson and Sister Ida Utley ; Buffalo, M. G. Lovan, M. Harris, J. P. Brownlow; Elkton, E. N. Jerome, Jas. R. Bass, A. S. Vaughn ; Enon, James Ballenger ; Campbell's Grove, N. S. Harrill; Concord, W. W. Hamilton, R. C. Sell ; Mt. Olive, Polk county, James Northern, J. A. Johnson; Mt. Olive, Dallas county, J. M. Pfeifer, E. D. Fortner, A. C. Barnett ; Mt. Pleasant, S. P. Williams, Norris Creek, J. N. Beckner, W. E. Hoover; Mt. View, B. F. Chamberlain, John Har- rell, H. H. Richter; Mt. Zion, Polk county, J. L. Kinder; Mt. Zion, Dallas county, J. W. Jones, J. D. Newport ; Mace- donia, W. D. Cheek, W. A. Standley; New Prospect, A. J. Redd, S. Mapes; New Hope, Polk county, A. J. Mead ; New Hope, Dallas county, J. H. Stinecipher, W. W. Mc- Gill, W. H. Short, J. A. J. Baker, H. Southard ; Oak Grove, John Lightfoot; Pleasant View, Richard Brown, John David-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
son, J. J. Vickery ; Reynolds Chapel, Jas Mayfield, Mark L. Reynolds; Senter, J. W. Burks, J. L. Strader, Mrs. J. L. Strader, Eld. and Mrs. T. J. Akin; Turkey Creek, Wm. Owens, J. C. T. Wood; Weaubleau, Timothy Martin. Three new churches were received, viz: Louisburg, Dallas county, Dunnegan Springs and Fairplay.
Eld. T. J. Akin was elected moderator, J. W. Burks clerk, and M. G. Lovan treasurer. The church at Pleasant Hill being divided, sent two sets of delegates and letters, whereupon the association appointed a committee, viz: M. L. Reynolds, J. M. Wheeler, J. P. Brownlow, J. C. T. Wood and J. O. McGee, to examine and report upon the rights of the two sets of delegates to seats in the association. Their report was that neither were entitled to seats.
Visitors are supposed to have a different status from cor- responding delegates. The following, perhaps, would fitly represent the case: A visitor comes of his own accord to the association, while a corresponding delegate comes with a rec- ommendation from some church or association. Both classes are received and invited to participate in the counsels, but not to vote. For the sake of brevity both classes will be spoken of as visitors. Eld. G. W. Black of Oregon, former- ly of Greene county, Missouri; Eld. D. R. Jones of Old Path ; J. H. Smith, of Zion; Eld. D. P. Brockus of Greene county; Eld. J. Hickman, of General association were wel- comed to seats.
The roll of committees being appointed, now begin to bring in their reports. The first one was on periodicals: "In order to counteract the baneful influence of pernicious litera- ture of the age, it is necessary that Baptists awake to the im- portance of occupying the field with a sound literature. In addition to the Bible, every family should be supplied with
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
good religious books and periodicals. To this end we rec- ommend that each church and Sunday school establish a li- brary of suitable reading in their own locality. Also, the Central Baptist, the American Baptist, Ford's Christian Re- pository, American Baptist Publication Society of Philadel- phia, National Baptist Publication company of St. Louis, are all highly commended.
The committee on obituaries tell of 22 deaths, but no names are given. The committee earnestly request the church- es to see that short obituary notices accompany the death re- ports.
The committee on arrangements have eight fundamental facts in their business roll. They are: I, call the associa- tion to order; 2, devotional exercises ; 3, introductory annual sermon ; 4, reading letters and enrolling delegates; 5, admis- sion of new churches ; 6, permanent organization ; 7, appoint committees, as follows : on, a, religious exercises ; b, arrange- ments and order of business; c, periodicals; d, district mis- sions ; e, Sunday schools ; f, denominational schools ; g, min- isterial education ; h, state missions; i, home missions; j, foreign missions ; k, temperance; 1, obituaries; S, appoint time and place for next association and person to preach the introductory sermon.
The committee on district missions speak of great desti- tution in our district. A great many communities have no preaching, and the churches have a supply but one-fourth of the time. But few pastors are able to give their whole time to the work. It is desirable and earnestly requested that the churches give greater contributions, so that pastors may be able to preach every Sunday in their own churches, and also do the work of evangelists in the destitute neighborhoods. That a missionary be employed for all his time, and that a
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missionary board be elected by the association to control the work and raise funds to pay the missionary. Also auxiliaries should be appointed in, all the churches to aid the board in the furtherance of this God-given enterprise. There was raised in cash and pledges for district missions $156.75. There was also in the treasury $46.75 of uncol- lected pledges and cash. The executive board recommended the association be divided, having one district east of the Pomme de Terre, and the other district west of this river. It was so ordered, and Eld. J. N. Stinecipher is to labor in the eastern and Eld. J. F. Hampton in the western district, Eld. G. W. Sherman to labor in both as general missionary. The first two were employed for three months, the latter for the year.
State missions embraces the state of Missouri. Fifty- six men are employed by the general association, who report at the end of the third quarter, 1,280 conversions, 700 bap- tisms, and more than $15,000 given during the year for church building, Sunday schools, and for the payment of mis- sionaries.
Home missions embrace 19 states, one territory and an important interest in Cuba. The executive board that con- trols this work is located in Atlanta, Georgia. They report for the last fiscal year 3,923 baptisms, 119 churches consti- tuted. Another board is located in New York, whose work covers an area from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from Mason and Dixon's line to the extreme north. They report for the past year 678 missionaries, $552,314 expended, 3,300 baptisms, 129 churches constituted, 63 church houses built, and 17 schools of learning.
Foreign missions embrace the world. So wide a field that an extended report would cover more paper than could
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
be retained in the mind of an ordinary thinker. Great good has been done, but the greater good remains to be done. Millions are in a lost condition, with here and there one that is saved. " Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," etc. "But how can they hear?"
Committee on finance report amounts received and ex- pended : Home missions, $54.35 ; foreign missions, $25.90; state missions, $31.95 ; district missions, $166.30; pastors' salaries, $1,725. 15; incidental expenses, $83.So; Sunday schools, $157.55; printing minutes, $30.05 ; building ex- penses, $1,866.00 ; education, $115.35.
Shall we now mention the living workers in the ministry ? They will soon be gone, passing away, one by one :
T. J. Akin, G. M. Alexander, S. W. Ailey, G. M. Botts, R. E. L. Burks, J. R. Callaway, I. W. Canfield, W. D. Cheek, W. J. Denton, E. D. Fortner, R. C. Gilmore, A. Harris, W. E. Hoover, M. Harris, J. F. Hampton, J. W. Haines, G. H. Higginbotham, J. F. Ingram, T. S. M. Mead, A. J. Mckinney, G. W. Pfeifer, J. H. Stinecipher, N. J. Stinecipher, M. Slaughter, L. Scrivener, J. C. T. Wood, G. L. Wilson. Licensed ministers are: J. A. Mathis, W. C. Armstrong, Berry Scroggins, W. J. Joyner, Thos. Seamands, R. G. Mitchell.
The next meeting of Freedom association is to be with the church at Oak Grove, Polk county, Missouri, on Wednes- day before the fourth Sunday in September, ISS9, at IO A. M. Eld. J. H. Stinecipher to preach the annual sermon, Eld. J. M. Wheeler alternate.
Freedom Baptist association met with the church at Oak Grove, Polk county, Missouri, Wednesday, September IS, ISSO, at II A. M. J. W. Burks called association to order. Eld. J. C. T. Wood moderator pro tem. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Sherman. Annual sermon by Eld. J. H. Stinecipher deferred till II A. M. the 19th. Twenty-six churches repre- sented by letters and delegates. Four new churches added,
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Prairie Mound, Salem, Sharon and Bethel. Pleasant Hill being still divided, the two bodies seek admission, but pend- ing the consideration of admission a committee was appoint- ed to examine their claims and report to the association at its next meeting. The committee was Dr. W. H. Burnham, J. P. Brownlow, J. L. Kinder, Eld. T. J. Akin, Eld. W. J. Denton, I. M. Jones, C. W. Hamlin.
On periodicals we have a repetition of last year's re- port. On Sunday schools some increase in interest. A board of five members is recommended. Immediately the following brethren were appointed a Sunday school board, viz: J. W. Burks, C. W. Hamlin, Wm. Degraffenreid, J. L. Kinder, B. F. Chamberlain.
The general missionary, Eld. G. W. Sherman, submit- ted his report : " Days labored, 227 ; number sermons, ISO; professions, 172; baptized, 76; witnessed baptisms, 47; re- ceived on field, $101.65 ; received from board, $142.00; balance due me, $52.55. Helped organize three churches and assisted in the ordination of three ministers and four deacons."
Eld. J. F. Hampton, of the western part of association. reports 56 days work, 50 professions, 22 baptized ; organized one church with, at present, about 60 members, who built a house of worship costing about $1,000; collected on field. $16.15; received from board, $54 ; due me, $70.15. Eld. N. J. Stinecipher, of the eastern district, reports 50 days labor, 55 professions, 13 baptized ; $62.50 received. The amounts due the missionaries have been promptly paid.
Committee on district missions recognize the hand of God in the work of the past year, but discern a deplorable destitution in our bounds and recommend the appointment of five men, good and true, as an executive board. who may ap-
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point a missionary at this session, to travel and preach and collect money on the field; and further, that the messengers of this association shall constitute an auxiliary board to assist in collecting funds. The moderator appointed B. F. Cham- berlain, T. J. Akin, I. M. Jones, J. L. Kinder and A. J. Lower said board. Cash and subscription for district mis- sions, $115.25.
A lengthy report is given concerning the denominational schools, in which reference is made to the college at Bolivar, an institution every way worthy of the sympathy, support and sustenance of the people amongst whom it is located, and es- pecially the Baptist fraternity, who should rejoice at the pros- pect of literary and religious culture in their immediate vicin- ity. The college is free from debt. Its faculty is compe- tent, laborious and earnest. The scale of prices for tuition is not exorbitant. Let all persons who desire advancement in science, and the adornment and elevation of the human race, hasten at once to the solution of the great problem of human enlightenment. The committee on ministerial educa- tion have a subject so nearly akin to the foregoing, that for all practical purposes, it might have been included. Provis- ion has been made in the college for the education of minis- ters, by admitting them to free tuition, except, perhaps, a small contingent fee, which is intended to be for the support of a janitor or for some incidental expense.
State missions now are presented for the consideration of the association. We still hear the cry of destitution and lack of means; but Eld. Joshua Hickman is present to rep- resent that interest, and in his inimitable way raised the amount of $35.05. For district missions there was raised in cash and pledges from churches and individuals, $115.15; for home missions, $1.90; foreign missions, $24.00. The
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
subject of home missions was amply discussed. Foreign mis- sions received due attention. The subject of temperance comes in with its usual burden of warning and timely sugges- tion, saying, if there were no dram-drinkers there would be no drunkards. If there was no tobacco used, there would be more money for the spread of the gospel. Ministers are re- quested to preach on the subject of temperance in their churches, and to work for prohibition. Obituaries follow with a list of names of our fellow workers who have laid down their weapons of warfare, and have gone over to take their places amongst the redeemed. They are :
Maria Wilson, Martha Ingram, S. M. Blakey, Margaret Cossins, Sallie Claypool, M. G. Lovan, C. A. Jennings, A. S. McPheeters, Matthew Alford, Phæbe Beck, Jackson Newport, Sister Barrick, Mol- lie Hale, Mary Pfeifer, Alex. Burks, Sister Harris, Levinda Hutchin- son, Polly McQuillan, Sister Millsap, Elizabeth Neil, J. W. Gilliam, Thos. McDaniel, Thos. Dotson, and William Watson.
The churches of Dallas county having withdrawn for the purpose of forming Dallas County Baptist Association and, whereas, the membership now of this association is almost entirely within the limits of Polk county, therefore be it re- solved that Article Ist of our Constitution -be amended by striking out all after the word " The," in the first line of said article and insert in lieu thereof the words, "Polk County Baptist Association," so that said Article when so amended shall read as follows: "Art. I. This association shall be called the Polk County Baptist Association."
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