USA > North Carolina > Lincoln County > Lincolnton > History of African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches in the Lincolnton District of the Western North Carolina Conference > Part 2
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The first trustees in the history of the church witnessed and signed their names to this deed, which remains in the possession of the present Trustee Board. These men were: Messieurs Jerry Roberts, William House and John Elder.
The charter members consisted of Mr. and Mrs. John Elder, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sanders, Mr. & Mrs. Logan Enloe, Mr. & Mrs. Adolphus Rice, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Robers, Mr. & Mrs. William Lockett, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Houston and Rev. and Mrs. B.F. Martin.
As years passed, the second meeting house to be erected was later destroyed by a wind storm; consequently, it was necessary to rebuild. This time, although the structure was small, it was more substantial than the previous ones.
Because of additional members during the years 1901 and 1902, when the late Rev. H. Blake came to serve the church as pastor, there was a great need for expansion. Soon after his arrival, he instituted a remodeling program which supplied more space. When the program was finished the first corner stone which reads "Rev. H. Blake 8 mos. 1901-1902" was laid.
When the late Rev. J.D. Moose came as the new pastor in 1922 he observed the urgent necessity of a new church and immediately launched a drive. Soon the old building was demolished and a larger and more beautiful one was erected.
Later a parsonage was added.
You have done church work know that it is never finished. There is always something to be done, and something to replace. The church has undergone a great face-lifting, beginning with the parsonage and renovation of the fellowship hall and several auxiliary rooms of the church.
All of these accomplishments have been realized through the visions, the hard planning, and diligent labor of these good men that God has sent to lead us:
Dr. B.F. Martin Rev. E.L. Campbell
Rev. A.S. Cottingham Rev. S.T. Hawkings
Rev. J.J. Nicholson
Rev. H. Blake Rev. H.W. Richardson Rev. G.E. Murdock
Rev. H.P. Lankford Rev. R. Mitchell
Rev. A.C. Cook Rev. J.W. Hill
Rev. W.M. Witherspoon Rev. T.C. McDougall
Rev. E.H. Daniels Rev. J.A. Belton
Rev. J.D. Moose
Rev. F.T. Roberts
Rev. G.H. Hairston
Rev. L.C. Siler
Rev. J.A. Belton
Rev. A.C. Hunnicutt
Rev. L. Evans
Rev. S. Lewis
Rev. H.L. Hall
Rev. Robert L. Perry, Present Pastor
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HUMPHREY'S CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH West Main Street Dallas, N.C. 28034
Prior to the year 1880 several families came together and began worship services in various homes. In October, 1880, the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Humphrey felt the need for a permanent site for a church. They deeded the present land to the charter members of this organized group. As a result the members decided to name the mission group Humphrey's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. Little is known about the early years of the church but a small building was erected at the back of the lot near the big oak tree. Regular services were conducted twice a mont. In 1950 Humphrey's Chapel and Shiloh were circuit churches and were pastored by a Rev. Johnson. He preached at Humphrey's Chapel on the first and third Sundays. In 1951 the old church was torn down and the founation for a new church was laid. In 1957 work was begun on the sanctuary and was completed in the 1960s. Our present pastor is Rev. Cornelious Bell. With the help of God, we will continue to work for the upbuilding of God's Kingdom here at Humphrey's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.
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VESTIBULE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH County Road 2248 Kings Mountain, North Carolina
In the latter part of 1866, some three and one-half years after Emancipation, a group of Negroes began talking about a church of their own where they could sing, preach, and pray as they desired.
In 1867, the exact month and date are not known, the white people gave some land a building to the Negroes for a place of worship.
The Negroes gradually left the white churches and began to worship in the building known as the Washington Baptist Church. In the beginning it was also called a Congregational Church.
Brother George Roberts along with some others and father of the late Rev. John W. Roberts, who was A.M.E. Zion by denomination, work with the congregational church. There was a discussion as to whether the church should be Methodist or Baptist. Votes were cast and Baptist won. As a result of the split, Vestibule A.M.E. Zion Church was founded.
The Methodist disciples decided to establish their church on the east side of Buffalo Creek. The church was named Vestibule in as much as it was an entrance into a new place of religious life and also as it was opening the door to black Methodists in this vicinity. The chief character and first pastor of this black church was the Sainted Caleb Roberts.
Among the pioneers who founded this Vestibule Congregation were the Caleb Roberts family, the George Roberts Family, Peter Forney, Gilbert Ware, John Hinton. the Berry Webber family and others
It was during the late 1880's when Camp meetings and Brush Arbors were highly valued by slaves that a Rev. Mr. Bynum conceived the idea of a religious meeting place in the southern part of historical Kings Mountain. Because of his pastorate at Vestibule A.M.E. Zion Church, Old Bynum Chapel became Vestibule's offspring.
Subsequent to Vestibule's first generation persons and families have made contributions to Vestibule. Among those are: the Moores, McClain, Hendrixs, Twittys, Bess, Henry Gordon's, Levi Gordon's, Will Gordon's, George Bailey and other faithful servants of the Lord.
The Rev. Walter L. Adams is the present pastor.
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TRINITY A.M.E. ZION CHURCH Gastonia, N.C. 28052
Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church was first organized around 1870 in the Crowders Creek Community. Its membership was composed of black and white. In 1876 the white members organized their own church, leaving the black members with no place to worship. During this period services were held in a Brush Arbor and later in a school house. Our first pastor was Rev. Samuel Alexander and the first Presiding Elder was Rev. Harris. Brothers Berry Love, Ruben Gladden, Nelson Quinn and E. Green Holland were Trustees, Stewards, and Class Leaders.
In 1876 a new church was erected on property purchased from Mrs. Grace Falls and Edward Ned Holland, Sr. Mr. Edward Holland also gave one acre of land to the church. Trustees responsible for the purchase and whose names appear on the deed are E. Green Holland, Landis Hill, and Edward Ned Holland.
In 1963 under the leadership of Rev. T.M. Powe, a new church was erected. Pastors who served Trinity are Rev. Froneberger, Rev. Smith, Rev. McCoy, Rev. Pagon, Rev. Herndon, Rev. Campbell, Rev. Arnold, Rev. Wheeler, Rev. Coefield, Rev. Jones, Rev. A.D. Seagle, Rev. E.L. Goode, Rev. P.B. Falls, Rev. B.A. Crawford, Rev. H.A. Keaton, Rev. John Wesley, Rev. Ingram, Rev. Davis, Rev. Armstrong, Rev. Ford, Rev. E.C. Kennedy, Rev. A.W. Williams, Rev. T.M. Powe, Rev. J.H. Finkley, Dr. Frank R. Brown, Rev. R.O. Davis.
We are now under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Frank W. Davis, Jr.
CHURCH HISTORY LINKS CHAPEL
Up until and during 1868, the ex-slaves in the Western Ironton and Dallas townships attended the Will Link's log cabin home as their church.
The tiny church served the plantations at Old Plank Road between Macpelah and Hardin in Gaston County. Included in this area were the Link, Forney, Friday, Barlett, Smith Derr, and Brevard families.
The church was officially organized around 1869, but the church building wasn't erected until 1878. At this time, the church included the Shipp, Derr, Link, Johnson, Forney, Brevard and Fullwilder families. Between 1878 - 1889, the church experienced great leadership under Reverend Robert Fennison. During the 1890's, Old Link's Chapel membership started to decline because of migration of its members to other areas.
In 1898, the remaining church members relocated and build Link's Chapel on the Old Plank Road. wellington In 1902, land was purchased from Wilson and Jennie Watts by Trustee Miles Foster, William Lomax, and Patsy Link.
Another tract of land was bought from Freddy and Frances Watts by Trustees Roy Young, John Alexander, Maceo Anthony, Sr., Tom Lomax, and Oley Alexander in November, 1960. At this location, two churches were erected. The Cemetary WAS increased
The present Link's Chapel Church was erected in 1969-70 on land donated by the Lomax family. This land from which this present plot of land on which this church stands was bought by Bishop T.M. Lomax and given to his son, Willington and his wife, Fannie and children. Reverend Charles A. Pettice served as its pastor until declining health forced his retirement.
Our present church family is guided by Reverend John E. Coulter, Reverend Coulter came to Link's Chapel in July, 1980.
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BYNUM CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH 1880 - 1982
In the late 1880's Camp meetings and brush arbors were highly valued by former slaves as religious meeting places. It was in a brush arbor that Bynum Chapel had it's umble beginning.
Rev. Mr. Bynum who was then pastor of Vestibule A.M.E. Zion Church, located in Western Kings Mountain, had a burning desire to continue to spread Methodism throughout the Kings Mountain area. He conceived the idea of a religious meeting place in Southern Kings Mountain thus Bynum Chapel was born. Rev. Bynum chose a brush arbor located on what is now Cherokee Street in Kings Mountain. A frame building was erected in this brush arbor by Rev. Bynum and his followers in late 1880. This building was detroyed by fire and a new church was erected and dedicated under the leadership of Rev. A.L. Martin, May 20, 1899. Bynum Chapel continued to grow at this location under the leadership of such pastors as Rev. A.L. Martin, Rev. Cooper, Rev. Spurgeon, Rev. John Wesley, Rev. S.T. Cooke, Rev. Cochran, Rev. Hamilton, Rev. McWalten and Rev. Reid White.
Bynum Chapel also had strong lay leadership from such men as Mr. Roy Brown, Hillard Hunter, Andrew Wilson, John J. Jackson, Raleigh Brown, John Setzer, Will Brown, George Patterson, John Berry and Freeman Dooley. These men served as Trustees and Stewards in Old Bynum Chapel. Mr. Roy Brown served as Chairman of the Trustee Board for over 40 years, 1932 - 72.
Bynum Chapel was not only concerned with the spiritual life in the community but also the educational life. It was Bynum Chapel that organized the first school for blacks in the Kings Mountain area. This school eventually became known as Davison.
The membership had a desire for a more central location. Under the leadership of Rev. Reid White, land was purchased on the corner of Canseler and Ellis Streets in early 1950. A new church was built and the first service was held September 1954. Rev. White never preached in the new church because of re-assignment. Rev. Frank Jones held the first service and served for two years, 1954-56.
The first trustees of New Bynum Chapel were Roy Brown, Chairman, J.A. Gibson, John Jackson, John Leach, James Adams, Hillard Hunter and Rev. Reid White.
Rev. William J. Campbell (1956-72) completed the building of New Bynum Chapel and a dedicating service was held with the laying of the cornestone. Rev. Campbell left the church debt free and retired July 1972. Rev. Campbell served 16 years.
Rev. William Scott (1972-79) continued improvements with a new organ and heating system. On May 28, 1972 a mortgage burning service was held in honor of Rev. W.J. Campbell.
Rev. John Holmes (1974-76) gave New Bynum Chapel a new look. New furniture and air conditioning was a part of the remodeling of the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Holmes also help organize the first Youth Lay Council in the history of the A.M.E. Zion Church. It was organized in New Bynum Chapel by Mr. William Orr and Rev. Holmes.
Rev. S.T. Cooke (1977-81) returned to Bynum Chapel in 1977 having pastored in Old Bynum Chapel 1941-45. Under Rev. Cooke's administration the church grew in membership, additional land was purchased and a new piano. Rev. Cooke donated to the church a public address sytem. Rev. Cooke is the only pastor to have the honor of pastoring in both churches. Rev. Cooke retired July 1981.
Rev. Victor Carson (1981-) received his appointment to New Bynum Chapel to continue to lead it's members to great heights. Bynum Chapel under his leadership has purchased a parsonage to expand it's holdings. The present Trustees for 1982 are: James Adams, Chairman - William Orr, Nina Mitchem, Benjamin Brown Sr., James Rice, William H. Hager, and Gaiter Mast.
With the Lord's help Bynum Chapel will continue to have a rich history.
NEELY'S GROVE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH FOUNDED 1876
Trustees, E.A. Suggs, John Reid, Miles Suggs, W.M. Johnson, Miles ruthledge
Church burned April 13, 1941, rebuilt same year, finished September 20, 1941.
Trustees: L.C. Reid, C.B. Farris, J.P. Leeper Sr., S.E. Sloan, Belvie Jackson Sr., J.H. Blake, F.D. Barnett. The church was destroyed by fire again in April 1958, rebuilt and finished in August, 1958.
Trustees: S.E. Sloan, F.D. Barnette, J.P. Leeper, J.H. Blake, L.M. Jackson, C.L. Adams, Miles Jackson, Sr., M.A. Johnson, L.F. Crawford, Peter Ramseur.
Names of present Trustees: C.L. Adams, Miles Jackson, Sr., W.C. Johnson, M.L. Jackson, Bobby Hart, Miles Jackson, Jr., William Patterson.
Ministers that served at Neely's Grove are as follows:
Reverends: John Travis, W.A. Wheeler, H.A. Keaton, E.W. Stewart, T.P. Turner, D.D. Moore, D.L. Conyers, I.L. Houston, B.A. Crawford, E.L. Goode, F.J. Vorice, S.I. Clement, M.L. Campbell, S.T. Cooke, J.W. Holmes, G.L. Godfrey and H.L. Hall.
Presiding Elders that have served:
Reverends: S.M. Hamilton, J.R. Glenn, A.D. Seagle, W.D. Carson, I.L. Houston, J.D. GLadden, F.R. Blakey and S.I. Clement.
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WRIGHTS CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH LOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
Was built July 8, 1908 and rebuilt in 1923. Wrights Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church is a striving church with a bright future.
We look forward to many years of christian service. We are working in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and hope to leave a history of a job well done.
Rev. G.H. Washington, Sr. is our Pastor.
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ST. TITUS A.M.E. ZION CHURCH (Summary from Historical Outline)
In August 1968, several members of an interdenomintional Bible Study group bought a house at 412 Queens Road, South Gastonia, North Carolina. The building was to be used for holding various Christian worship services. The mission took its name, Queens Road Mission, from the location of the structure.
Some of the early participants included A.M.E. Zion ministers Rev. S.I. Clement, presiding elder of the Lincolnton District, Rev. Robert O. Davis and Rev. Walter L. Adams; Mrs. Walter Adams (Violet); Mr. Willie Good and Mrs. Willie Good (Martha); Reverend Geneva Lomick, Bessie Patterson, and Alice Johnson, members of the Wesley Chapel AMEZ Church, Bessemer City, N.C. Mr. and Mrs. Willie Good were members of the Gold Hill Baptist Church, S.C.
A fruitful bus ministry was part of the mission's activity.
In 1973 the members purchased a lot on Shannon-Bradley Road in West Gastonia for the purpose of building a house of worship. The land ws deeded to the A.M.E. Zion Church. At this time, St. Titus A.M.E. Zion Church was chosen to replace the name Queens Road Mission, and to represent the two properties owned by the group. At the Eighty-fourth Session of the Western North Carolina Conference Annual Conference of the AMEZ Church. St. Titus became a member of the A.M.E. Zion Church on August 16, 1974.
SUMMARY
Rev. R.O. Davis was given the first pastoral appointment to St. Titus, followed by Revs. Pruella B. Kilgore, Paul Stanton Hoggard, and the current pastor Edward R. Duren. (Rev. Kilgore served actively as preacher the first two years, 1974-1976).
The first members were: Mr. Willie Good, Christopher Diggs, Goldie Diggs, Martha Good, Bessie Patterson, Alice Johnson.
Six members of the Mission have been called to the preaching ministry, and five of them, along with other local ministers had the opportunity to exercise their calling regularly at St. Titus, allowing Rev. Davis to fulfill his pastoral duties at the Vestibule and Trinity churches.
St. Titus moved from the Queens Road address to its present quarters on Route 6, Shannon-Bradley Road, in January 1978. The church acquired these facilities in December 1977.
A highlight of 1982 was a May 9th visit by the Right Reverend James Clinton Hoggard, presiding Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal Area AMEZ Church, and Mrs. Eva Stanton Hoggard, Missionary Supervisor. Bishop Hoggard delivered the Mother's Day sermon; Mrs. Hoggard served as pianist during the Sunday morning worship.
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ST. PETERS TABERNACLE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH NORTH YORK STREET AT DAVIDSON GASTONIA, N.C. 28052
It was in the year of 1908 that a group of devout men and women felt the need for another church in the community. They withdrew from St. Stephens A.M.E. Zion Church and organized St. Peters A.M.E. Zion Church. Services were held in a small building on Davidson Avenue near York Street. The first form of worship was that of a Holiness Church. William Lockhart served as the pastor. After the first year they joined the Western North Carolina Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church. The Reverend Joshua Pagan was the first pastor to be appointed by the conference. The services were well attended by people of other denominations and soon many new members were added. The property that we presently occupy was purchased at a reasonable price. It was mass of solid rocks, and it was several years before they could build our present structure. The church was designed from plans of one in Salisbury, N.C. It was completed in 1929. When the necessity of a parsonage was realized, the property adjacent to the church was purchased. After the parsonage was built and furnished the dining hall was completed and other repairs made. Later a new fence was installed around the parsonage, the driveway paved and a house and property on Davidson Street was purchased. Other improvements have also been made such as air conditioning, an intercom system installed, the dining hall and pastors study, completely remodeled and stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary. Today our membership and attendance has increased and by the help of God we are pressing on to higher heights.
Our present pastor is the Reverend Dr. Bernett S. Lane.
PLEASANT RIDGE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH 908 Spencer Avenue Gastonia, North Carolina 28052
Gaston county court records show land for our church was bought in 1876. The first building was a one room log cabin which was used both as a church and school. The name "Pleasant Ridge" came from the beautiful scenery and ridged topography of the land. The first pastor was Rev. Edmon Davis. In 1915 our second church was erected. The need for a parsonage was realized in 1919. It was erected and dedicated in 1920. It was named "The Floyd-Woodford Manse" in honor of Mrs. Mary F. Floyd and Mrs. Callie Woodford who were very instrumental in leading two fund-raising efforts. Our present structure was built in 1957. We have had thirty-seven pastors including our present leader, Rev. Larry Crossland.
YOUNGS CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH MOORESBORO, N.C.
Located approximately ten miles west of Shelby on business highway 74 in Cleveland County, Youngs Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church was first organized in 1895 by J.C.L. Logan. Land for the first church was given by Mr. John Logan.
In 1893 the cornerstone was laid at the first Youngs Chapel Church by Logan and his Friendship Masonic Lodge. Rev. J.R. Gleen was the pastor and trustees were: J.C.L. Logan, W.L. Dogget and S.W. Smith.
In 1908, Orange Logan Allison became a trustee and served in this capacity until she deceased (1972).
In 1932 a new church was erected. Presiding Elder Gleen held a church meeting and burned the old church roll. A motion was made and seconded that Orange Logan Allison be the only member to remain on the roster. The invitation to a christian dicipleship was extended and a new roll for the church began. Rev. P.B. Falls was Pastor, Rev. J.R. Gleen, Presiding Elder and Orange Logan Allison, Secretary.
The church burned in 1953. The third church was erected on its present site in 1953-54.
Many dedicated Bishops, Elders, Ministers and Officials of the church have given their time and services to make Youngs Chapel a church to be proud of.
Our present Bishop is The Rt. Rev. Wm. Milton Smith, our Presiding Elder Rev. S.I. Clement, Chairman of Trustees, E.H. Freeman, Pastor Rev. John W. Holmes.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF RUDISILL CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
According to the most reliable sources we have found, the first Rudisill Chapel Church was completed about 1896.
The story behind this accomplishment is a very interesting one. A few men and women of the community wanted a church and so, they banded themselves together for this purpose with Calvin Rudisill being the motivating spirit behind this effort. Those who composed this little band were: Calvin Rudisill, Rufus Rudisill, Jerry Summitt, Laura Summitt Ingram and Robert Young. The building of the church, however, was not without discouragement and difficulties.
With the completion of the church building, an organization was set up. The membership was so small that the men elected "officers" attended to all of the business of the church. Calvin Rudisill was the first class leader and needless to say, he had all the members in his class. As the membership increased, other class leaders were needed. Wash Anderson and John Jackson became the next two leaders. Others of the early members coming into the church were: C.L. Garland, Mary Patterson, Bertha Black and Sarah Garland.
In the meantime, the large group of young people in the community made it possible to organize a Sunday School in the church. To Mrs. Laura Summit Ingram went the honor of being elected the first Sunday School teacher. Some of the young people in the early group were: Cora Watts, Anna Watts, Mamie Watts, Callie Sutzer, Emma Cobb Bess and others.
The first cornerstone was laid A.D. 1901 by Rev. J.J. Hunter. From this time on the church was served by regular ministers and it enjoyed rapid growth. In fact, the church grew to such proportions that in 1918 it was necessary to add a wing to the existing structure. A second cornerstone was then laid July 26, 1918 by the Rev. M.B. Barnett. About 20 years later, the building began to deteriorate very fast. With the leadership of Claude Dixon, Sr. Walter Bess, J.W. Little, Floyd Byers, P.S. Anderson and others a new edifice was built under the administration of Rev. G.M. Lipsey with improvements made by Rev. L.C. Thomas and Rev. J.W. Powell.
The church will never forget the late Willie J. Little who was able to get the late Ben Rudisill to donate a four room house for a parsonage. Money was raised to have the house moved to the lot purchased for a parsonage and three rooms were added.
In 1964 under the leadership of Rev. E.E. Little, a new edifice was erected by the members after discovering a large crack in the cement block building. Ten years later, the remaining debt on the church was over $9,000.00. Under the leadership of Rev. Victor L. Carson, an eight week drive was organized to liquidate the debt. On December 22, 1973, we gave thanks to God for the culmination of this drive on schedule time.
Recently we have made great improvement in our church and we are still in the process of more improvements. It is very hard to give full history of our church when we realize that space is limited in this publication. We are small in numbers but very large in the spirit of cooperation when we set a goal to reach.
We cannot end this history without giving thanks to the ministers who made our success possible. In the line of great ministers who have helped to make Rudisill Chapel what it is today are: Reverends J.J. Hunter, H.T. Medford, ---- Carpenter, ---- Floyd, ---- Barnes, Dan Thompson, ---- Shuford, Moton Rhinehart, Alex Rhinehart, J.P. Sloan, George Dixon, M.B. Barnett, A.W. Williams, G.M. Lipsey, O.L. GLover, L.C. Thomas, Kyle Watkins, W.J. Powell, ---- Strong, David Pharr, S.T. Cooke, E.E. Goode, W.J. Neal, E.R. Brown, E.E. Little, Charles Ford, J.D. Armstrong, John Davis, John Wesley, ---- Vickers, Victor L. Carson, J.Q. McMillian, and W.F. Mason who is serving us at the present time.
HISTORY OF THE UNITY A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
The Unity A.M.E. Zion Church on Crowders Creek Road began in the late 1870's under a brush arbor. Brother Eli Holland who was a layman and founder of the church, served as the first pastor for the congregation.
The land was purchased from the Currence and Brown families to build the first church in 1888. Services were held in this structure until 1924, when the present building was erected. This building was remodeled in 1964 under the leadership of Rev. T.M. Powe and dedicated by Bishop W.J. Walls. The church was later remodeled in 1976 under the leadership of Rev. G.H. Washington Sr., at this time a Fellowship Hall was added. Unity became a station church in 1973.
MINISTERS WHO SERVED
Rev. Cofield
Rev. Ford
Rev. Jones Rev. E.C. Kennedy
Rev. E.L. Good
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