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 7
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The third day in the forenoon state missions were amply illustrated by Elds. P. M. Johnson, N. O. Sowers and W. T. Campbell. The general association was organized in IS34, a feeble band then, but now over 121,000 members ; but there is much to do among 2,000,000 of non-church-go- ers, 36 county seats with no Baptist church. $37.25 in cash and pledges was secured for state missions. Home missions includes in its field of operation the southern states, Mexico, the island of Cuba, and is under the direction of two boards, one at New York and one at Atlanta. A great work has been done, but a great deal more is yet to be done. Foreign missions opens up the whole world to be taken for Christ and redeemed by His blood through the gospel.
The committee on obituaries report 17 deaths, but few names are given. Sister Mary J. Organ was born 1839, died April 6, 1893 ; an exemplary Christian ; Elds. J. C. T. Wood and F. M. Kelley preached her funeral at her request. The subject of temperance now engages our attention. The evils of our land are very great, and that of the sale and use of intoxicants is one of the greatest; every year our minutes ex- hibit a standing protest against the traffic in ardent spirits. The committees on the sanitarium, on resolutions, ministers'
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names, finance, and the executive board, were all hurried through in the last hours of the association.
The twenty-eighth annual session of Polk County Bap- tist association convened with Mt. Olive Baptist church, Polk county, Missouri, August 14, 1894, at 10 o'clock A. M., Eld. J. C. T. Wood in the chair. Eld. J. A. Newport preached introductory, Ps. 119: 130. All the churches represented but Senter and Concord, the latter being in disorder; Schofield church was admitted, the delegates being J. H. Gordon, D. P. Brockus, and sisters E. M. Brockus and D. E. Schofield. The association elected permanent officers, Eld. J. C. T. Wood re-elected moderator, J. L. Kinder clerk and B. F. Chamberlain treasurer. The place of holding the next asso- ciation was Providence, about 12 miles southeast of Bolivar, and Tuesday before the third Sunday in August, 1895, the time, at II A. M .; Eld. D. P. Brockus to preach the intro- ductory and R. E. L. Burks alternate. Visitors enrolled at the present session, W. L. Boyer, of Marshall, Mo., home mis- sions, B. G. Tutt, D. D., of Liberty, Mo., foreign missions, M. W. Morton, from Webster County association, J. H. Stine- cipher, Dallas County association. Regular committees were appointed. Brother John Inglis was received as messenger from Old Path association.
The second day, report of missionary board. Eld. J. L. Taylor labored 61 days; 16 conversions; amount per month, $50, all paid. Collection for district missions was taken in cash and pledges, $39.56. At this point Eld. W. T. Campbell, state secretary, and A. W. Payne were enroll- ed as visitors, and aided in discussion of religious literature. Brother Payne, who represented the Central Baptist, pre- sented and defended the Central, as well as other good works. Brother Campbell presented report on state missions and
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urged the brethren to lend their aid to lift the debt of $9,000. He raised a collection of $17.12 cash and $1 pledge.
Sunday school report was presented by Eld. J. H. Stine- cipher. Only 15 Sunday schools. Jesus who commands us to teach all, would charge us with sin if we fail to do this. Home missions were advocated by brother W. L. Boyer and others and $11.55 was raised. Foreign missions were dis- cussed by Eld. B. G. Tutt, $9.55 raised. Third day the greatest part of the work to be done. Denominational schools, ministerial education, temperance, were ably dis- cussed. Finance, resolutions were hurriedly passed. Obituaries, 23 deaths reported, Lou (Chandler) Coffman, Artemisia Ellis, Maggie Harrill, C. E. Stiles, E. C. Cavin, Eva Wilson, Jane Davis, G. W. Atwood, Anne Haralson, A. J. Pierce, Addie Cunningham, Sarah Harris, Augusta Northern, Mary Polly, are all the names reported. The sta- tistical table gives a gain of two hundred members, a fact which should fill all hearts with gratitude.
The twenty-ninth annual session of Polk County Baptist association convened with Providence church Polk county Missouri, August 13, 1895, at II A. M., Eld. J. C. T. Wood in the chair. Eld. D. P. Brockus preached the introductory sermon, Mark 16:15. Brothers A. B. Bush and W. S. Ask- ren were appointed to assist the clerk in reading letters and enrolling delegates. Every church in the association was represented and one new church was added to the list (Bis- mont) ; 28 churches enrolled. Eld. J. C. T. Wood was elected moderator. J. L. Kinder clerk, and B. F. Chamber- lain treasurer. These with four others constitute the mission- ary board, the four consisting of Elds. J. W. Haines, T. J. Akins, D. P. Brockus and T. B. Gordon. Three of these may form a quorum for business. At this time Eld. T. J.
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Akins was called to the chair, while the moderator retired to make up the committees. Eld. R. Harrison was appointed to preach the next introductory and Eld. T. J. Akins alter- nate ; place, Pleasant Hill, time, Tuesday before the third Sunday in August, 1896. Visiting brethren were Eld. W. T. Campbell of Houstonia, Mo., representing state missions, W. L. Boyer home missions, A. W. Payne Central Baptist, Eld. W. B. Epps from Greene county.
Sixteen committees were appointed, and each brought his report with little variation from that of other years. There was no missionary work done, therefore no debt; some money in the treasury, and pledges taken from individ- uals for themselves, and for some of the churches. Solicitors were appointed to collect funds for the missionary, and broth- er B. F. Chamberlin was appointed to travel and preach in the bounds of Polk county, with the understanding the work will cease when the funds give out, or from any sufficient cause. The board, in making their engagement with him, sent a request to his church (Mt. View) asking for the or- dination of Bro. Chamberlain. Collections were taken for several objects, viz: The four departments of missionary work, district, state, home and foreign. The work in each is not retrograding, but moving steadily on. There is a grat- ifying advance in Christian education, and still higher appre- ciation of denominational work. It is hoped the churches will co-operate with the schools and our young ministers will be judiciously aided. Literature and temperance are subjects that stir the heart of the philanthropist. No one, with the smallest percentage of humanity about him, but will be moved to protest against the dark tide of pernicious literature that sweeps over our land day and night, and the darker tide of intemperance that boasts unblushingly of its successful
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conquest over the virtuous, the innocent and the pure. Some good reports are given concerning the Orphans' Home, the Baptist hospital and the Sanitarium, the society for the relief of aged ministers. Some respect is being paid to the dead ; in a meager way the churches are gathering data and report- ing the departure of their loved ones; too often it is the church letters read by the clerks give the number of deaths without name or date. The Sunday school is taking on new life.
The thirtieth annual session of Polk County association convened with Pleasant Hill Baptist church, Polk county, Missouri, August 11, 1896, and was called to order by the moderator, Eld. J. C. T. Wood. Eld. J. S. Buckner read Ps. 103 and led in prayer ; Eld. R. K. Maiden preached the introductory, subject, Jno. 12:23, 24 ; it was an eloquent de- fense of the doctrines of Christian life and final preservation. T. B. Gordon and W. S. Askren read the letters from the churches, and brethren A. B. Bush, T. B. Gordon, Lon In- gram and D. P. Brockus, sr., were appointed a committee on credentials, who reported 28 churches in' regular form. The former officers were elected, viz : Eld. J. C. T. Wood moderator, J. L. Kinder clerk, and Eld. B. F. Chamberlin treasurer.
Eld. B. F. Chamberlin was called to the chair while the moderator retired to make up the regular committees. Dur- ing this interval it was decided to have the next meeting of the association at Dunnegan, 12 miles northwest of Bolivar, beginning on Tuesday, August 10, 1897, Eld. S. S. Pike to preach the introductory and Eld. J. W. Mayfield alternate. The moderator resuming the chair announced the committees, the pastor and delegates of Pleasant Hill church to be a com- mittee on religious exercises. The others were 14 in num-
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ber, embracing all the delegates and visitors. Of the latter were Elds. W. T. Campbell, secretary of state missions, J. S. Buckner, of Greene County association, R. K. Maiden, of Kansas City, editor of the Word and Way, E. D. Fortner, of Dallas County association, J. L. Downing, of Liberty, representing the sanitarium at St. Louis, Mo.
State mission report claims 60 missionaries at work and 1,517 converted, $12,480.55 expended this year, and $4.65 raised at this meeting. For district missions, Bro. Chamber- lin reports 61 days work, 19 professions, 21 members added, I church constituted, $11.87 collected on the field. An ex- ecutive board was appointed, consisting of seven members, three of whom form a quorum. The Sunday school reports 24 Sunday schools in the county ; the home mission work re- ports a great advance, but an alarming destitution ; schools and education are developing an encouraging growth. Home missions embrace the western continent, but more particularly the southern states, Mexico and Cuba ; foreign missions take in the eastern continent and the islands; here the heart is faint in view of the ravages of sin.
The college at Bolivar was represented by its president, who called particular attention to its 18 years of history. It must be supported by an endowment, and suitable buildings and apparatus. The periodicals were discussed by editors and competent critics who could suggest our best reading. The curse of drink was not forgotten, nor will be while the evil lasts. Obituaries reveal 2 1 deaths ; only four are named. They are Benton Cox, C. T. Robinson, Eda Jones and Martha M. Odor. Now in the view we've had of our associ- ational work, shall we take conrage in the thought that it has been the exponent of the Divine Principle of love, prompt- ing to enlarged views and more earnest labor, or shall we
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spend our time in building platforms for ambitious and de- signing people, who would ruin, if they cannot rule? The Lord help us, that each may consider the welfare of his brother rather than his own.
At the suggestion of a friend, special mention is made of Spring River association, which met with Peace church,. Jasper county, Missouri, - September 13, 1850, the 11th anni- versary ; the introductory sermon by Eld. Wm. H. Farmer, subject I Cor. 16:16, Greenville Spencer moderator and Wm. B. Taliafero clerk. Wm. H. Farmer, Benj. Marley, Geo. Bright and A. May were appointed with the moderator and clerk to arrange business for Monday. Eld. Josiah Davidson preached Friday night, subject, Gal. 4: 4: "When the fullness of the time." Eld. Jas. Bell followed with ex- hortation. On Saturday Eld. J. F. Pinson preached, sub- ject Rom. 5 :20, "Where sin abounded ;" Eld S. L. Beckley followed with a warm exhortation. After a short intermis- sion Eld. Ellis Niece preached, subject, Job 22 :21, "Ac- quaint now thyself:" W. B. Taliafero followed with exhor- tation. Saturday night Eld. R. T. McCormick preached, subject, Luke 24:46, 47; Eld. Niece followed with exhorta- tion. Sunday A. M. Eld. Jno P. Robinson preached, subject Jno. 3:14, 15, W. B. Taliafero followed with exhortation. Sunday P. M. Eld. W. H. Farmer preached, subject, Rev. 14:13 "Blessed are." At night Eld. A. Brown preached, subject, Heb. 2:3, "How shall we escape." Eld. W. H. Farmer and Eld. J. F. Pinson were appointed messengers to the general association, their expenses to be paid by our association, with $ro for the benefit of the general association. Closed with $75.86 in the Treasury.
BOOK II.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES.
PROVIDENCE.
The oldest church that has come under our notice is Providence ; it was organized on Saturday, September 4, 1839, about two and a half miles northwest of Pleasant Hope, Polk county, Missouri. The names, as far as could be as- certained, of the constituent members, were James Driskill, Martha Driskill, Henry Ross, Judea Ross, Nancy Ross, Sarah Ross, James W. Tiller, Sarah Tiller. The names of its pas- tors in the early days of its history are not before us, but we would naturally suppose that Elds. Wm. Tatum and J. R. Callaway would occupy the stand in the primitive meeting house ; and later on the voices of Eld. Isaac Ingram and his yoke-fellows could be heard, and the waters of the Pomme de Terre would be disturbed with the baptismal scenes as the people gladly testified to the death and burial of Jesus Christ by being buried beneath the waves of the running river; the analogy of the whole scene would also confirm the beholder in the wholesome doctrine that the candidates for baptism had gladly received the word of life and were now willing to fol- low the Lord in the symbolic ordinance. The church has
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lived through many years and suffered many hard trials, but it is now a living monument of God's amazing mercy. Its present pastor, Eld. J. W. Mayfield, has served them a num- ber of years; they have a new meeting house, built of con- crete material. May the house and the worshippers in it represent the sturdy principles inherent in the Baptist faith.
There are many interesting incidents in the history of this church we would gladly record if we could get at the proper facts and dates. The solemn question will arise as to the ultimate destiny of those early workers ; we see evidences of their strong faith, their simple habits, their self-sacrificing devotion ; they were human beings, capable of much good, yet susceptible to the touch of time, and liable to be swayed by the evil influences that forever infest our fallen race. We should keep these thoughts in view while we dwell upon the labors of our brethren. We said they were capable of much good. It is not to be supposed that there is a fund of latent good in man; the Scriptures and experience tell us that there are none that doeth good and sinneth not, I Kings 7:46, Eccle. 7:20, Jas. 3:2. Yet, as the great poet said when in exile from his native country, "with all thy faults I love thee still." Our brethren have passed from us to a spirit world ; their faults may have been many, but their virtues haye also been many, and we cherish their memory as we would the sweetest note in seraph's song; their songs and cheerful voices are hushed now, but soon we may hear them and join them in unending praise. Providence had in 1896 89 mem- bers.
MT. ZION
was organized in 1840. Eld. Daniel R. Murphy officiated, and had with him the following persons, viz: E. M. Camp- bell, Wm. P. Hughes, Pleasant Crain, Rutha Crain, N. W.
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Wilson, and Sarah H. Wilson. These were the constituent members of the old time-honored Mt. Zion. This church has stood as a beacon light in the wilderness. But few are living to tell of the hardships of its early organization; in- deed, we know of none of the above names that are now liv-
ing. It is located 12 miles southwest of Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri. Its house of worship was of primitive style ; the one the writer knew was a building of about 50x30 ; its ceiling about ten feet from the floor; a stone chimney at each end of the house, with fire-places that would receive a good lot of wood ; a door-way about eight feet wide opened on the side of the house, with folding doors; the pulpit was on the opposite side, and this was so constructed that when the preacher was seated in it he could not be seen except at the open end. In course of time the house had settled ; while the middle of the floor, from one fireplace to the other main- tained its integrity, the sides were considerably depressed, leaving the floor like an inclined plane. The seats were made of heavy oak, with high backs; the one tilted against the other would start a third, and so on till there would be a general crash. It is remembered, however, with gratitude, the good meetings that have happened in that primitive place of worship. In the earlier days, during the administration of Eld. D.R. Murphy, the people would gather for miles around to this venerated spot of earth to hold a series of meetings, and the Lord would get great glory to himself in the numbers that would be added to the church. We have not the regular succession of pastors at hand, but we remem- ber some names of pastors that are spoken of with great re- spect. Wm. B. Senter served the church for nine years; G. W. Kelley, and a number of others until the So's, when the writer became more intimately acquainted with the church as
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pastor; for three years he served the church. One incident will suffice for this pastorate. It was the custom to hold pro- tracted meetings once a year. During one of these, there were a number of penitents, one of whom we will name, Miss Lucy Coffman, who had been an earnest inquirer for five years. The year before, Eld. G. W. Kelley offered prayer for her and others and fell to the floor stricken down and died soon after. On this particular evening Miss Lucy was, as usual, a penitent, she seemed as one bereft and un- done; the hand was raised and the tongue ready for the benediction, when Lucy arose from her recumbent position on the floor and began to shout the praises of the Redeemer she had found. But at this point of the story the pen falters in the feeble effort to describe the scene that followed. Her mother joined her in the glad hosannas; the brethren and sisters of the church caught the inspiration, and for over an hour there was such a tumultuous season of rejoicing as would exhaust the power of description. Lucy is still a shin- ing light in the church, and does honor to her profession. The church has built a neat frame house to worship in.
The present pastor is Eld. J. C. T. Wood, residing in Walnut Grove ; he has served the church a number of years ; many souls given for his hire; may prosperity attend both pastor and people. It would seem invidious to mention nanies without naming all, but we hope we will be excused if we single out a few, who have gone before and are watching and waiting for us: John Chandler, John Crain, Jesse H. Murray, Jacob Phipps. Peace to their ashes, blessings to their children. Mt. Zion had in 1896 151 members.
ENON
was organized by Eld. Daniel R. Murphy in I841. Its first meetings were in an old building belonging to Samuel Davis.
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The names of the constituent members were Samuel Davis, Jas. Gilmore, Wm. Daly, Wm. Northern, Elijah Foly, Jas. Box, Lydia Davis, Elizabeth Murphy, Nancy Daly, Mary Gilmore, Anna Gilmore and Elizabeth Gouty. There were others in the organization, but we cannot get the names at the present. Its first house was built in the fall of IS42, and was located about ten miles southwest from Bolivar, and about three miles from Morrisville. It was built of heavy logs; a large door eight feet wide; the pulpit set in the wall like a bay window; a large fire-place in the end of the build- ing. Here the gospel was preached and many were the slain of the Lord. We are left to conjecture as to the regular succession of pastors, but we feel that all the old worthy ministers of that age that wrought cotemporary with Murphy would be with him in battling for the truth. Such men as Tatum, Senter, Williams, Ingram, Callaway, Wilson, Ken- non, Pitts and others, mighty men, all of them, and true sol- diers of the cross. The writer held a meeting of some days in the old building. The weather was quite cold, but we managed to keep warm by the aid of a huge fire in the fire- place. Since that time a spirit of enterprise took possession of the brethren, and we have worshipped with them in a new and commodious frame building. Elds. I. Ingram, G. L. Wilson, Geo. Long, Marion Kelley, Wm. Horner, Thos. Baucom, Wm. Gaylord, Jas. Owen, Reuben C. Gilmore, J. M. Payne, W. A. Gilmore and J. W. Mayfield served the church in more modern days.
One incident may not be out of place. In the month of September, 1884, we were holding a meeting in the new building. The regular service was begun. The song was sung, the prayer offered, followed as usual with another song. The text was announced, and the vocal organs were being
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put in shape to launch out into the open sea of discussion. when, in front of me, but two or three paces, sat Miss Dona Kennon, who at that moment gave signs that she had found the Lord. Her mother moved forward to rejoice with her. A number of us gathered about her to congratulate her and to shake hands with her and each other, and now, instead of giving a general invitation for penitents to come and seek salvation, I sought the pulpit. and tried to preach that ser- mon ; but alas! it was gone. Let all preachers take warning. 136 members in IS96.
TURKEY CREEK
was organized July 25. IS41, by Elijah Williams, Thos. J. Kelley, Deacon Wm. Savage and Wm. R. Devin. The above presbytery met at the house of Bro. Jesse Niel and proceeded to arrange the following brethren and sisters into a Baptist church, viz: Jeremiah Claypool, Phoebe Claypool, WVm. A. Rector, Mary Rector, Louis Renfro, Mary Renfro. Jesse Niel, Rachel Niel, Nancy Dobbs. The church is situ- ated in the southwest corner of Polk county. three-quarters of a mile from Walnut Grove. It is about 20 miles from Bolivar. It was called Crisp Prairie church until the first Saturday in December, IS52, it took the name of Turkey Creek. One thing remarkable about this church is, the day of meeting in each month has not been changed since its organization. There have been nine pastors since its organization. Eld. T. J. Kelley first pastor Turkey Creek church about 20 years. Eld. J. E. B. Justice succeeded in IS61 and continued until about the year ISTo; then followed Eld. Geo. Long, and again Eld. Justice up to IS76. Eld. J. C. T. Wood served two years followed by Eld. Justice up to about ISSo; then Eld. R. C. Gilmore was called to the care of the church and served four years. Eld. Wood again served the church two
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years; Eld. W. F. Parker one year; then the church called Eld. J. F. Hampton, who occupied the pulpit one year, fol- lowed by Eld. S. S. Pike one year. Eld. R. C. Gilmore was called again and was followed by Eld. J. C. T. Wood, who occupies the pulpit ('96).
During the Civil war the regular meetings were not in- terrupted. About 500 persons were baptized into the fellow- ship of this church in the 52 years of its existence. Many of these have passed beyond to the "land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign," and we can but revere their memory as we reflect upon their early struggles, without house or convenient place of worship yet bravely submitting to all the privations incident to pioneer life, looking forward to the day when their children and successors would enjoy the fruits of their labors and prayers, and worship as they now do in a neat and comfortable house, and wield a benign influence over all the surrounding communities. The above statistics are furnished by Eld. J. C. T. Wood. 216 members in IS96. FREEDOM CHURCH
Was organized in fall of 1845, ten miles east of Bolivar, a little southwest of the present town of Halfway. The constituent members of this early church were G. T. Dowell, Artemesia Dowell, John Abbot, Nela Abbot, Wm. Miles and wife, Wm. Viles, Patsey Viles, Wesley Beckley, Margaret Beckley, Samuel Beckley, Jane Beckley. Meetings were held in a little log school house. The first meeting was held at Bro. Wm. Viles', the second at Bro. Geo. Dowell's. Eld. Elijah Williams and Eld. J. R. Callaway organized the church. Jas. Mckinney and S. O. Gordon and wife were said to be constituent members; Bro. Gordon is still living (March, '97,), Sister Artemesia Dowell deceased. Its first pastor was Elijah Williams and the second Thos. J. Kelley.
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The last notice we have of Freedom church in the minutes is that of IS6S. It was represented by D. Brockus, A. Mc- Kinney, C. Davidson and J. Grove. The causes of its dis- solution are not given. The wine bottle used by the church is now at the house of Deacon J. F. Fulbright ( 1894). When first organized the church was called Bethel, but the name was changed to Freedom in June, 1846. Bethel was organized in IS42.
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