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 6
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The amounts paid out this year for church building, re- pairs, college and mission work, $11,639.47. The next as- sociation to meet with the church at Concord, Wednesday, September 24, Dr. W. H. Burnham to preach the annual sermon and Eld. J. F. Hampton alternate.
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Pursuant to adjournment, the Polk County Baptist asso- ciation met in its 24th annual session with Concord Baptist church, Polk county, Missouri, Wednesday, September 24, 1890. Prayer by Dr. W. H. Burnham. Eld. J. W. Haines moderator pro tem. A special committee on credentials was appointed, who made a partial report recommending the re- ception of all the messengers and letters of the churches to this association, except Rural Hill and the two bodies called Pleasant Hill. The association then proceeded to the en- rollment of churches and delegates. Permanent organization resulted in the choice of Eld. J. C. T. Wood moderator, C. W. Hamlin clerk, A: J. Lower treasurer, Eld. J. F. Hamp- ton assistant clerk. Dr. Burnham was called to the chair while the moderator made up a list of the committees. Vis- itors were Dr. A. F. Baker, secretary of state mission board ; Eld. W. W. Palmer, of Old Path association; Eld. D. P. Brockus, of Greene County association ; Eld. J. A. New- port, Webster County association, and Elds. D. T. Baucom, W. C. Armstrong and M. Slaughter, of Springfield, Mo. Brighton church was received on letter from Greene County association. Eld. J. W. Mayfield, of Greene County asso- ciation, and Eld. E. D. Fortner were invited to seats.
Dr. A. F. Baker preached on the subject of Christian giving, I Cor. 16:2. Took up collection for state missions, cash, $23.10, pledged, $5. Thursday morning, September 25, Dr. W. H. Burnham delivered the annual sermon, sub- ject, I Cor. I : 20, earnestly and eloquently spoken.
Let us review the different phases of mission work as reported severally by the committees. District missions give some hopeful signs of improvement. Help is needed at Cooper school house, Pleasant Hope and Morrisville. An executive board and missionary recommended, and auxiliaries
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in the several churches. On state missions, Dr. Baker says there are 50 missionaries in the employ of the state board. Fifty churches and associations are making piteous cries for help, but there is not money enough for but very few. Could our association be in sympathy with the general association they could be mutually benefitted. For home missions it is recommended that collections be taken up in every church at stated times for this extensive work. The foreign mission field is so vast as to bewilder the bravest heart. Yet the sol- emn injunction is laid upon the hearts of many, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
The missionary, Eld. J. F. Hampton, reports his work for the past year: Labored 20S days ; preached 225 sermons ; 186 professions; 136 baptisms ; 197 added to the churches ; organized I church (Morrisville) ; organized 4 prayer meet- ings and I Sunday school; assisted in ordination of 2 minis- ters and in dedication of I church house; collected on the field, $132.41; received from the board, $74.85; balance due missionary, $109.74 ; which was promptly paid by the delegates at the association.
The committee on periodicals recommend the usual pub- lications of St. Louis, with one new applicant for our patron- age, the Baptist and Messenger, published at Springfield, Mo. The importance of religious reading cannot be properly estimated. The editor of the Central Baptist claims that one person was converted on reading his paper.
The Sunday school committee recommend that a conven- tion be held semi-annually at some suitable time and place. B. F. Chamberlain was appointed president, C. W. Hamlin secretary, A. J. Lower treasurer, and a vice-president in each church in the association. A constitution was published de- fining the powers and duties of the officers and aims and de-
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signs of the institution. The committees on denominational schools and ministerial education report the utility of both, and mention the fact of the two schools in Southwest Mis- souri, the Pierce City Baptist college and the college at Boli- var, with a strong appeal to all citizens, and especially Bap- tists, to patronize the school in their midst.
The name of a few of our yoke-fellows whom the Lord has called from the confines of death to eternal life are Sister M. O'Neil of Fair Play, Brother Hall of Brighton, Brother J. K. Dyall of Brighton, Brother Frank Dyall of Brighton, Sister Victoria A. Gilmore of Slagle church, and Sister Mar- tha Gordon of Pleasant Hill church. More extended notice will be given in third division of this book. The committee on finance report amount expended for pastors' salaries, build- ing and repairs, missions, Sunday schools, printing minutes, college, in all $2,748.58. The next meeting of the associa- tion to be with the church at Brighton on Tuesday, August II, IS91. Eld. J. C. T. Wood to preach the annual sermon and Eld. J. F. Hampton alternate.
The Polk county Baptist Association met in its twenty- fifth annual session with the church at Brighton, Polk county, Missouri, on Tuesday, August 11, IS91, moderator in the chair. Devotional exercises conducted by Dr. W. H. Burn- ham. Eld. J. C. T. Wood preached annual sermon, sub- ject, "The Relation of Church and Pastor." Brother J. L. Kinder was appointed assistant clerk. Twenty-two churches were enrolled with their letters and delegates. Rock Prairie church, of Greene County association, was received. It was advised that the association aid the church at Humansville in the vindication of the character and faith of its pastor. On permanent organization, Eld. J. C. T. Wood was elected moderator, J. L. Kinder clerk, B. F. Chamberlain treasurer.
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The following visitors were announced: Eld. W. C. Armstrong, of Lawrence County association, Eld. R. G. Mitchell, of Dallas County association. Eld. S. M. Brown, corresponding secretary of state board, Eld. W. H. Williams, editor of-Central Baptist, Eld. D. P. Brockus, of Greene County association, brother W. L. Boyer, corresponding secretary home mission board. The time and place for the next meeting of Polk County association is to be at Fair Play on Tuesday before the third Sunday in August, 1892, Eld. W. H. Burnham to preach the annual sermon and T. J. Akin alternate. Eld. Isaac Ingram was enrolled as a vis- iting brother.
Fourteen committees were set to work with proper sub- jects assigned to them. The first to report was on arrange- ments. It is published with the rules of order. It includes one more on religious exercises, which committee is usually the delegates of the church with which the association meets.
The second report was on district missions. A board of five brethren is recommended in addition to the moderator and clerk who shall constitute an executive board. The messengers from each church shall constitute an auxiliary committee to collect money and assist the executive board. A missionary should be selected by the association for the ensuing year, who should visit weak churches, preach to des- titute fields, do colporteur work, organize Sunday schools and collect money on the field. A majority of the board to consti- tute a quorum. It is also advised that our association co- operate with, and ask aid from the general association. $152.40 was pledged at once to support the missionary. Eld. J. F. Hampton was elected for the ensuing year.
The third report was on state missions. Nearly 3,000,000 population in Missouri, 2,400,000 "without God and without
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hope in the world." A large per cent of this population is
German. The general association spent $14. Soo in state mis- sion work, $20,000 in building church houses. There are now about 40 men employed as missionaries in the state. Dr. A. C. Rafferty and Dr. A. F. Baker are general missionaries for the two halves of the state. Polk County association is solicited to aid the state board to pay its present indebtedness of $4.Soo.
The fourth report is on periodicals. The usual and forcible argument is put forth in regard to religious reading. and the commendation of the St. Louis Baptist publications.
The fifth report was on foreign missions. The commit- tee would enforce the idea and rivet home the duty of carry- ing the gospel into all lands, and insist upon it that ministers persist in teaching the people the duty of making known the way of life to those that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The sixth report would tell of the blessing of intellect- ual attainments when connected with religious influences. Such is the case in Southwest Baptist college, as facts will show. Pierce City college also affords ample opportunities of doing good. These are recommended by the committee and adopted by the association. Cash and pledges for the Southwest Baptist college, $34.15.
The seventh report is in regard to ministerial education. It is stated as a truism that the preacher is to be the teacher, and the teacher must know more than the taught. Other de- nominations are filling the land with educated preachers. Baptists must educate to keep pace with them. God does not depend upon the educated, for He could save the world by one word of His power, but He chooses for His leaders on earth men of strong mind and willing heart, and puts it
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into their hearts to prepare by the most vigorous exertion to qualify their minds to impart instruction to their fellow men. Moses spent 40 years in the courts of Pharaoh .- Paul spent many years at the feet of Gamaliel. Timothy spent his time from childhood in the study of the Scriptures, and yet he was commanded to study that he might be a man approved, that he might rightly divide the word of truth.
The eighth report was on Sunday schools. Seventeen of the 23 churches report Sunday schools. Seven conversions are reported as the result of Sunday schools. A convention was organized in order to foster the Sunday school interests, brother B. F. Chamberlain president, brother W. D. Wim- pey secretary, brother W. C. Degraffenreid treasurer, and a vice-president in each church was named. 1032 scholars re- ported in the association. At this stage of proceedings Eld. S. S. Pike reported 50 days labor as missionary, 30 profes- sions, 3 baptisms; collected on the field, $10.45; for which work he received $62.50.
The ninth report was on home missions. Brother W. L. Boyer represents this enterprise. He says there are two boards, one at New York and one at Atlanta, both repre- sented by one agency in Missouri. 300,000 Indians and S,000,000 Negroes certainly demand the prayerful attention of every association in the land, to say nothing of millions of Caucasians who are lost. Last year these bodies employed 1,354 missionaries; they aided in building 1,200 church houses, organized 600 churches and mission stations, estab- lished more than 500 Sunday schools, and baptized 9,749 men and women. $12.71 was contributed to this work.
The tenth report was on temperance. Brother Thos. Cossins and Sister Ula Williams, the committee, would say : The theory of temperance as taught in our day reaches out
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to the utter prohibition of the traffic in alcoholic liquors; but while the theory is good, we believe the time has come when simple theorizing on so important an issue is criminal in the highest degree; that a dutiful regard for the purity of our social fabric, the protection of our youth, the economical ad- ministration of our governmental affairs, requires that we rise in the strength of Israel's God, and with united voice declare that local enactments are insufficient in the removal of so great a crime as intemperance. A prayerful consideration of this important subject is respectfully solicited.
The eleventh report is on obituaries. Twenty-two of our members have bidden us a brief farewell to enter into the fuller fruition of earthly hopes and aspirations. The few names we have will be considered in the third division of this volume. The twelfth report is on resolutions, in which oc- curs the usual direction to the clerk in regard to printing minutes and their distribution, the tender of thanks to the church and community for entertainment, etc. The thir- teenth report was on ministers' names and post-office ad- dresses. An extra committee was appointed and reported on family devotions, a very important duty. The fourteenth re- port was on finance ; $3,054.96 total expense last year.
The Polk County Baptist association met in its twenty- sixth annual session with the Baptist church at Fair Play, Polk county, Missouri, on Tuesday, August 16, 1892, at II A. M. Called to order by the moderator. Devotional ex- ercises conducted by Eld. W. H. Burnham, D. D., who al- so proceeded to preach the annual sermon, subject, John 14:15, Baptist "Close Communion." The Doctor handled his subject with his characteristic ability for over an hour, giving able reasons for its practice, and showing its consist- ency from a Bible standpoint. Twenty-three churches were
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represented by letter and delegates. Three new churches were received, Slagle Creek, Providence and Mission Chapel No. 2. Committee on credentials was appointed, Burnham, Chamberlain, Gordon, Gilmore and Newport. Visitors were invited to seats, Eld. W. H. Williams, editor Central Baptist, S. M. Brown of Kansas City, correspond- ing secretary state board. Eld. Brown gave us a song, "Dying From Home And Lost," which must be heard to be appreciated, for nobody but Brown could give it the emphasis. He and Eld. Williams gave us such helpful ser- mons during the session. Eld. G. W. Hyde of Missouri Baptist Sanatarium gave us an excellent discourse, subject, Jas. 5:20. Eld. N. O. Sowers of A. M. B. P. S., Eld. J. J. Parton and Eld. J. L. Leonard of Webster County as- sociation, Eld. W. C. Armstrong of Lawrence County asso- ciation, Eld. T. Peterson of Greene County association, Eld. E. D. Fortner and Jas. McDaniel of Dallas County associ- ation, Eld. Wm. McCord Gilmore of Cedar County associ- ation.
At this point the association went into the election of of- ficers for the ensuing year, Eld. J. C. T. Wood moderator, J. L. Kinder clerk and B. F. Chamberlain treasurer. Rock Prairie church failed to produce a letter; it was agreed to re- ceive the delegates as honorary members. The time and place for the next association was then taken up, and it was decided to meet with the church at Turkey Creek on Tues- day before the third Sunday in August, 1893, Eld. R. E. L. Burks to preach the annual sermon and Eld. R. C. Gilmore alternate. The missionary report was taken up. Eld. J. F. Hampton was sent into the field and labored nine months, $375; 75 professions, 60 baptized, 65 additions to the churches, 3 Sunday schools organized ; profit on books, $30;
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received from state board, $25; sold a great many Bibles, Testaments, tracts, and such useful works as " Grace Tru- man," "Infidel's Daughter," Bunyan's works, "Fatal Ring," and others. The outlook for the district embracing our county limits is hopeful as compared with the years gone by, but there is great and pressing need for more earnest la- bor, and the committee urges the employment of all the avail- able means within our reach. $132 cash and pledges were secured for future work. A part of this was paid over to the missionary, as the association was in debt to him $71.70 ; the whole debt, however, was paid.
Committee on arrangements have nine fundamental con- siderations confronting them. I, call to order ; 2, devotional exercises ; 3, introductory or annual sermon ; 4, appointment of committee on credentials ; 5, calling roll of churches, reading letters and enrolling delegates; 6, permanent organ- ization ; 7, admission of new churches; S, time and place for next association and for preaching annual sermon ; 9, ap- pointment of committees: a, religious exercises ; b, arrange- ments and order of business; c, district missions with report of executive board; d, Sunday schools; e, denominational schools; f, ministerial education ; g, state missions ; h, home missions ; i, foreign missions; j, obituaries; k, temperance ; 1, resolutions ; m, ministers' names ; n, periodicals ; o, finance.
The question of religious reading is an all-absorbing one when we consider the stream of corrupt literature that is mentally digested day and night by the people, especially the youth. Observe the character of the mail matter, and ex- amine the book stores, and see the exciting title page and ex- amine in this connection the catalogue of crimes and those who commit them, and the most indifferent observer will soon see that it is time to call a halt, and revise our reading, and
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
place before our youth such reading as will be profitable to them in future years. The Baptist periodicals of St. Louis are highly commended. No little attention is given in the present age to higher learning. The fact is reiterated and the argument enforced that literary advancement with true religion is a happy combination, and is even essential to the well being of the individual, as well as the society of individuals. And we should hail with infinite relish the instrumentality through which this combination may be effected. To this end the denominational school is established, that it may have the more vigorous support, and the more assiduous care. The Baptist College at Bolivar is in this line and commends itself to the candid and liberal. The people in the immedi- ate vicinity have come to its aid more than once, and yet the institution makes a generous return and ample recompense. Ministers are here aided year by year with tuition and much moral support. The state mission work is represented by Eld. S. M. Brown of Kansas City. $Sooo is to be raised by October to clear the state board from debt. The board has aided Polk county and now asks aid. Collection was taken in cash and pledges of $60.25. A new interest now claims the attention of the brethren. A Baptist Sanitarium at St. Louis, under the care of Dr. W. H. Mayfield has done great good and gives promise of still greater usefulness. Eld. G. W. Hyde represents this much needed institution.
The committee on foreign missions quote Acts I :S, "Ye shall be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." The heathen are holding out their hands to us, beseeching us to send the gospel to them. Shall we disappoint them? Some of our people have gone to them. We hope to see many others ready and willing to enter the difficult fields. The
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committee on obituaries give us the number, but only two names of those who have gone beyond; 20 members, who last year mingled their voices with ours in hymning the praises of the Great Redeemer. Deacon Jas. Goff and sis- ter Artie Dean are the names.
The temperance question is brought before us and the association is enjoined to use all lawful means to eradicate the loathsome disease of intemperance from our common- wealth. It is further desired that the churches use unfer- mented wine in their communion service.
Home missions was represented by brother W. L. Boyer of Marshall, Mo. A house has been bought in Havana, Cuba, cost $60,000; Eld. A. J. Diaz has done a great work in that field. Other parts, Mexico, Alaska, Canada, 15 southern states are under the fostering care of the executive board of the Southern Baptist Convention. $15.75 was raised for that work.
In the Sunday school report, the committee speak of 26 churches that have Sunday schools with a general average attendance of 5S scholars. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: B. F. Chamberlain president, W. D. Wimpey secretary, Eld. Jas. Owen treasurer, and a vice president in each of the churches. Eld. S. S. Pike was elected missionary for the ensuing year. The board will pay him when at work in the field $1. 10 per day. The com- mittee on resolutions recommend the publishing in full, the articles of faith, constitution, rules of decorum and order of business. Also, that scripture giving (one-tenth) would al- lay much of the trouble in raising money.
The Polk County Baptist association met in its twenty- seventh annual session with the church at Turkey Creek on Tuesday, August 15, 1893, at II A. M. Moderator, Eld. J.
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C. T. Wood, opened exercises by reading Ps. 133, and after prayer Eld. R. E. L. Burks preached the introductory ser- mon, subject, Acts 24 : 15, " The Resurrection of the Dead." dwelling at some length upon the future resurrection and recognition of the body. Delegates enrolled as follows :
Brighton, S. S. Pike, C. L. Periman and Benj. Looney; Bolivar, J. L. Taylor, J. W. Haines, R. E. L. Burks, J. A. Newport, Z. T. Simmons, W. M. Delaplain, Martha Cossins; Campbell's Grove, T. B. Gordon, W. B. Cheek; Dunnegan Springs, J. A. Hopper, J. F. Hopkins, J. A. Campbell; Enon, R. Smith, Eld. J. M. Payne, M. H. Davis; Fair Play, J. H. Hopkins, J. O. McGee, Ben. Holmes; Mis- sion Chapel No. 2, R. Gott; Mt. Zion, Wm. Hale, E. S. Murray, Wm. C. Degraffenreid, J. L. Kinder; Mt. Olive, J. A. Johnson, E. A. Dunaway, H. Newhart, Jas. Wise; Mt. View, W. S. M. Barnett, B. F. Chamberlain, J. W. Spilman, W. R. Pitt, W. B. Richter, C. Barnes, Jas. Fraser; Morrisville, Jos. Blakey, E. G. W. Scroggins; Oak Grove, W. H. Roberts, J. Creed; Prairie Mound, Jno. Kennon, J. M. Sims; Pleasant Hill, W. F. Mckinney, R. Brown; Pleasant View, J. H. Hayden, J. A. Cunningham, B. Cox; Pleasant Ridge, Sam'l Neil, J. Blakey, Jas. Owen, R. S. Boone; Providence, W. A. Gilmore, M. A. Rowden, J. M. Looney, Jno. Thompson; Turkey Creek, G. R. Page, W. Owen, J. W. Parker, J. R. McDonald, C. L. Wood; Slagle Creek, Jas. Degraffenreid, Jno. Ballenger, Lon Ingram, G. W. Davis, J. P. Brock; Salem, C. Ashlock, G. W. Troyer; Senter, A. Hopper; Sharon, W. J. Eskew, W. D. Coats, W. D. Wimpey.
Committee on credentials was appointed consisting of J. L. Taylor, J. L. Kinder, J. W. Haines, T. B. Gordon and J. A. Campbell. They reported all the delegates entitled to seats except Concord, the church being divided on a local trouble, its delegates were not admitted to seats. Permanent organization was effected and Eld. J. C. T. Wood was re- elected moderator, J. L. Kinder clerk, B. F. Chamberlain treasurer. The visitors were Elds. J. S. Buckner, W. T. Holbert, C. F. Corum, Jno. Youngblood, Wm. McPherson, T. Peterson from Greene County association, Eld. W. T.
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Campbell secretary state mission board, Eld. P. M. Johnson returned missionary from India, Eld. N. O. Sowers repre- sentative American Baptist publication society, Eld. J. F. Hampton of Lebanon, Eld. J. H. Stinecipher of Dallas county association, Eld. J. H. Burnett of Dade county, Eld. J. M. Bandy of Barry County association, Eld. J. B. Breech of Zion association, Eld. W. H. Williams D. D., of Central Baptist, St. Louis. The next meeting of the association to be at Mt. Olive on Tuesday before the third Sunday in August, 1894, Eld. J. A. Newport to preach the introduc- tory, Eld. J. L. Taylor his alternate.
The regular committees were appointed and the associ- ation adjourned till 9 o'clock Wednesday morning. On the second day the association met and was called to order by the moderator. Prayer by Eld. W. T. Holbert. After roll call, Eld. J. W. Haines presented a gavel to the association from Eld. W. McCord Gilmore of Cedar county, the gavel being made from a piece of timber obtained from old Hope- well Baptist church, Cedar county, Missouri, which was ac- cepted by the association. Committee on arrangements made their report. The constitution, rules of order and articles of faith as in the minutes of IS92 to be inserted in the minutes of the present year. Eld. J. S. Buckner spoke upon the report of Sunday schools. Only 15 Sunday schools were reported this year in the letters that were read. There were twenty-six last year. Why this falling off ? More faith- fulness and zeal is urged. At this point business was suspend- ed to hear a sermon by Eld. W. H. Williams, D. D., of St. Louis, text, John 1 : 12, 13, subject "Son-ship." 'Twas good to be there and hear him.
In the afternoon of the second day the report of district missions, the real ground of justification, or excuse for an
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association. This was followed by a report of the mission- ary board. The missionary, Eld. S. S. Pike, reported 116 days labor at $1. 10 per day ; 49 conversions ; 53 members re- ceived. Report of denominational schools was advocated by Williams, Taylor and Burks. Ministerial education re- ceived the attention due to so important a subject. Religious literature was next introduced, in which it was clearly shown the urgent necessity of counteracting the baneful prevalence of pernicious literature, and to encourage the spread of sound religious reading.
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