USA > North Carolina > Gates County > Reynoldson > Pride of the past, hope for the future, 1827-1977 : a history of Reynoldson Baptist Church written in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the church > Part 7
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Brother James M. Taylor associated himself with Mr. Boushall in 1861 at Chowan Reynoldson Seminary. Soon Piney Grove was requesting "Brother Taylor to open Sunday School beginning the 5th in this month (March)."5 In a short time the call of battle was heard and the school was closed. Brothers Taylor and Boushall, along with many young men from the seminary, marched off to war - some never to return.
When the clouds of war had subsided, Brother Taylor resumed his work at both the seminary and church. Change was slowly taking place in the Reynoldson community. 1865 had seen Rev. C.T. Bailey come to the Institute to assist Brother Taylor. Here he preached second Sundays.6 Thus, Piney Grove now had preaching both second and fourth Sundays every month. Therefore, Piney Grove had two very competent people to aid with the growth of this community. More messages and information concerning Baptists were forthcoming. For example, on March 23, 1867 Rev. Bailey spoke to conference on the claims of the Baptist paper, the "Bibical Recorder". Elder William Potter, editor, had presented The Family Visitor, a literary paper to conference in 1858. He also informed conference of the much good work taking place at Chowan Female Collegiate Institute and urged the Christians here to "attend and support the Sabbath School in the church."8
May of this same year (1867) the first official superintendent was appointed for the Sabbath School.9 This person was none other than the much beloved Brother James M. Taylor. Brother Taylor soon departed this life and Brother Julius F. Howell became the second superintendent.10
The following year (1868) a special table for Sunday School reports was included in the church letter.11 In 1894 Reynoldson reported 20 teachers and 95 scholars enrolled in Sunday School.12 Reynoldson was an "Evergreen" school meaning that Sabbath School was held every Sunday.
In the later part of the nineteenth century (1882), the church was being asked to help finance the Sunday School. At conference Brother I.A. Hines, superintendent, requested a contribution to purchase books and
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$8.36 was raised. Later special committees were appointed to solicit funds in order to buy literature.13 However, by 1894 Sunday School leaders were returning to conference requesting help in order to purchase needed literature.
During this era the Sunday School began fostering recreation for its members - a tradition which still exists today. The first Sunday School picnic was held on the church ground Wednesday after the 4th Sunday in October in 1889.14 In 1904 the church decided to have the picnic during the summer rather than fall. At this picnic the cost of supplies was $4.63.15
Reynoldson Sunday School in the 1890's.
During this era the Sunday School began to foster activities that were of both recreational and educational value. Many of these activities are still provided by the church. In 1897, the church decided to hold an entertainment for the benefit of the children on Tuesday night after Christmas. The church requested the Sunday School superintendent to select someone to purchase the confectionaries for the Christmas entertainment. The deacons were assigned the responsibility of looking after the funds and training the children. 16 This tradition continued, but in 1932 due to inclement weather the treat, a bag containing an apple, orange and candy, was given on Sunday morning, January 4, 1933 at Sunday School.17
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An event long to be remembered occurred December 20, 1950 during the Christmas party. While the program was in progress, the congregation realized that the church was on fire. A gas heating system had recently been installed to replace the wood heaters. Due to what was proven to be faulty installation of the system, a fire had started. The men went to fighting fire. Lloyd Hayes and others had soon cut through the walls, and were already in action by the time Gates Volunteer Fire Department arrived. Thankful were we that a program was in progress, many men were present and the Gates Volunteer Fire Department was nearby. Otherwise a different and sadder story may have resulted. Mr. S.P. Cross, insurance agent, refused to settle the claim until the repair work had been completed and it had been inspected by an inspector from his company.18
Around the turn of the century, the communtiy decided that the library would be of more use to the youth and citizens of the community if it were located at the church, rather than the school. The library books were moved from the school to the church in order to enable the citizens to have greater access to the books the year round. There were around 100 volumes located at the church. The sexton, Hillary Eure, was selected as librarian.19
When the Chowan Baptist Association met in May, 1902, the committee on Sunday Schools submitted the following report concerning the importance of Sunday Schools.
"In submitting a report on Sunday Schools your committee would recommend that a greater effort be made to put into our schools efficient teachers, as this would bring greater results. It is not the multiplication of schools we need so much, but more Godly, consecrated men and women at work in training the young for Christ and His services. The Roman dogma is "Give me the child from five to seven years, and you may have him." This proves to us the importance of early training, and this training should be confined strictly to the word of God, whose we are and whom we serve. It is useless for us to stop to discuss the importance of this work, when we take into consideration that most of our churches grow out of this work.
Respectfully submitted
N.P. Stallings For Committee"20
The associational statistics for Sunday Schools named E.J. Freeman of Somerton, Virginia as superintendent. The school boasted 15 teachers and 100 scholars with an average attendance of 65. There had been 14
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conversions and baptisms from the school. The expenses of the school had been $10.00 and 100 books were housed in the library.21
Another form of education and recreation came into being during the early twentieth century. This was the program known as Children's Day. Planning for this first activity began in June, 1903 when the following committee was appointed to make plans for this program: E.J. Freeman, G.R. Eure, T.E. Parker, J.B. Holland, I.A. Hines, W.M. Matthews, W.B. Parker, E.L. Smith, Mrs. J.A. Edwards (Bettie), Mrs. W.B. Waff, Edith Freeman, Lizzie Long, Hilda Powell and the preacher. This program was to be held the first Sunday afternoon in August and collections were to be taken at this time.22 This collection was to be used for various things. In 1912 it was "used to purchase Bibles for those not able to buy them."23 Children's Day was a source of education for the youth and pleasure for the adults. Adults enjoyed seeing and hearing the youngsters sing and repeat recitations.
Singing was becoming a more cherished activity and the Sunday School decided that it was time for them to buy books of their own. The same year that they purchased the Bibles, they, also purchased fifty copies of Tillman's Sunday School and Church Songs.24
VOL. LIX. SECOND QUARTER, APRIL, 1914. No. 2.
PICTURELESSONCARD SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION SERIES
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL BOARD OF SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION NASHVILLE, TENN. TERMS: 3 CTS. A NUMBER, 10 CTS. A YEAR Entered at Nashville Post Office as second class matter
Children's Sunday School literature, April, 1914.
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In 1932 there was a successful effort made to build up the Sunday School membership. The church decided additional room was needed for Sunday School classes. The July, 1933, conference voted to proceed with the plans. A committee was appointed to solicit funds for the building. The first educational building was erected as an addition to the second church.25
Recorded here are the names of the first teachers whose names are recorded in the church minutes. Beginning this year (1935) the list of teachers and officers are recorded more often. Many of these persons named remain faithful servants and members of Reynoldson. T. Beaurie Parker, Superintendent; Kermit Matthew, Secretary; M.P. Ellis, Treasurer; Sunday School teachers: Class 1, Mrs. T. L. Brown and Gertrude; Class 2, Mrs. J. Ray Freeman and Edith Holmes; Class 3, Mildred Parker and Mrs. Earnest Parker; Class 4, T.J. Jessup and Mrs. H.C. Eason; Class 5, Mrs. A.C. Matthews and Mrs. T. Beaurie Parker; Class 6, Miss Mamie Horner and Miss Glenn Smith; Class 7, Mrs. L.C. Powell and Winfred Smith; Class 8, A.M. Eure and Carlyle Eure; Class 9, Mrs. Judson Ellenor and Mrs. W.P. Lowe; Class 10, T.L. Brown and J.G. Pollock.26
During the war years and the beginning of daylight saving time, conference decided to begin Sunday School at 11 o'clock in the morning and the worship service at noontime. People have now become accustomed to the time change both spring and fall, so services remain the usual hours of 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock A.M.27
After World War II Vacation Bible School was started during the summer for the children and youth. This was to provide greater opportunities for them to learn more Bible truths and more about mission opportunities.
Vacation Bible School during the late 1940's. Teachers are: Signa Eure, Ethel Eason, and Genevieve Smith.
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Vacation Bible School during the late 1940's or early 1950's. Teachers are: Mrs. Mae Goodman, Mrs. Ruth Eure, and Mrs. Ida Langston.
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Vacation Bible School in 1953. Teachers are: Mrs. Hattie Bracy, Mrs. Ruth Eure, Mrs. Louise Neble. and Mrs. Hazel Parker.
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Vacation Bible School in 1956.
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7th, 8th, 9th graders painted a wall mural during the summer of 1977. Jennifer Frank, painter, directed the project.
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The Women's Missionary Society aided in providing refreshments daily. This was a time the students eagerly awaited. Every day a love offering was taken for missions. In 1965, it was decided for this offering to be sent to the Kitty Hawk Mission and Camp Cale.28
In October, 1953 the church went full time. For the first time Reynoldson members employed a pastor to serve only their church. This year the first goal for Sunday School attendance was set at 200 for November 8, 1953. It was not recorded if this goal was attained. On September 17, 1961 a record for attendance was achieved when 242 persons attended Sunday School. This record still remains unbroken.29 This same year a junior assembly and a couples class for young adults were started at the beginning of the new Sunday School year.30
One other recreational activity which has become an annual affair is the fish fry sponsored by the Men's Sunday School Class. It was begun during the 1950's and has been an annual affair for around 25 years. It is a time when the men do the work and the women and children gather to help enjoy the fruits of their labors. This time of eating and fellowship is enjoyed by Sunday School and church members and invited guests. Hopefully, this is an annual event that will continue for many years.
In 1977 this teaching service of the church continues to strive to teach and train, while improving. We now have a departmentalized Sunday School boasting 4 departments, 18 classes and 35 leaders and teachers. Jimmy Smith, grandson of former pastor T.L. Brown, is director.31 May God continue to bless and direct this segment of the educational work of our church as these leaders work to import to their peers and the youth the truth about God and His Love.
B.Y.P.U. Baptist Training Union
Miss Edith Freeman, daughter of Sunday School Superintendent E.J. Freeman, had been successful in organizing the Sunbeams. As she learned and grew in Baptist work, she realized the need of additional Baptist training for the young people. In order to convince the church of this need, in 1923 she presented to the church the following ten reasons on "Why Have the B.Y.P.U."
First: it is a necessity. The church as it stood, could not perform the duties devolving upon it, and was forced to put forth A BRANCH which was to assist it in its mission of Salvation. This branch was called THE
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SUNDAY SCHOOL. After a while, necessity forced the parent root to put forth other branches, one of which is called the B.Y.P.U.
Second: it assists the mother church to fulfill her God given mission. "How can the B.Y.P.U. assist the mother church?" The Answer to which gives the
Third: Reason for having a B.Y.P.U. It reaches out "where the church and Sunday School cannot go.
Fourth: Reason is, it EQUIPS mankind for work in the master's name.
Fifth: IT EDUCATES people for a proper performance of work which will strengthen the kingdom which our Lord came to establish on Earth.
Sixth: It brings DIFFERENT CLASSES of people together, and causes them to feel that each one has an interest in this special work.
Seventh: B.Y.P.U. has A SOCIAL SIDE to its life.
Eighth: IT IS UNSELFISH in its purpose.
Nineth: It does not confine its efforts to any one locality, but is involved with a missionary spirit which is world wide.
Reason for a B.Y.P.U. is it SERVES IN THE CAPACITY OF TEACHER: And thus performs the will and command of God.
In every child there is a susceptibility of God, which waits to be supplied with its appropriate object.
As you present light to the eye, and music to the ear, so you must present God in Christ to the child's nature, and its glad response will be faith; and the spirit of Christ will perform His share in the crises of the soul's life. If then children are to be useful to Christ, they must be taught Christ. Instinctively the tendrils of the young soul will begin to entwine themselves around Him, and the spirit of life will crown the teachers; faithful endeavour. And nothing less than this will satisfy the true teacher.
By April, 1923 the B.Y.P.U. had been organized and Lynwood Eure was elected the first president.2 This organization met on Sunday evenings. Since they met in the evening, there was need for more light than heretofore. Therefore, in April, 1928 the B.Y.P.U. purchased lamps for the choir.3
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As the work continued, the members decided to divide into two groups and have a contest. A group would be responsible for the program each time and the programs were to be rated on a scale. At the end of three months, the losers would treat the winners and the winners would give the program. Group II, led by Mrs. H.C. Eason, won this contest by 14 points.4
During the 1940's better transportation began to take members further from home on Sunday. Attendance at B.Y.P.U. began to dwindle. The death of our beloved pastor, T.L. Brown, removed from the church and community a vital force. Thus, with no pastor near at hand to guide and direct, better transportation and clouds of war gathering, the B.Y.P.U. slowly ceased to function.
No mention is made of this type of organization again until on November 23, 1953 when the church paid a bill of $80.00 for Baptist Training Union supplies.5 During the 1950's, there was a renewed interest and the name was changed from B.Y.P.U. to B.T.U. or Baptist Training Union. During this era Wallace Ray Doughtie became the president and the work he and his wife did extended far beyond Reynoldson. 1959 and 1960 saw Brother Doughtie working as regional director and Ruth as the secretary-treasure for the region.
Wallace Ray Doughtie was Regional B.T.U. Director in 1959 and 1960.
Monday, April 9, 1958 the North Carolina Regional Training Union Convention was held at Reynoldson. Theme for the program was "One Life To Live". A banquet and social hour were held and Brother Doughtie directed the recreation for the occasion. At the evening session members were blessed by hearing an inspiring message by Miss Inabelle Coleman, Missionary. Norman Earl Godwin, director, presided during this convention. During the business session, Wallace Ray Doughtie was elected to succeed Mr. Godwin as director of Region I, which included Chowan and West Chowan Associations.6
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While Brother Doughtie was director, the conventions were held at Chowan College and the First Baptist Church in Elizabeth City. Rev. Don C. Pryer was the associational missionary at this time.7 After serving in this capacity for two years, Brother Doughtie declined to accept this position for another year.
Under his direction Training Union attendance reached an all time high. In 1963 the enrollment was 75 members.8 The organization continued until April, 1969 and then disbanded. July of the same year conference voted to use the money left in the Training Union treasury to help purchase a refrigerator for the church kitchen.9
Library
Reading has always been a vital force in the life of the Baptist church. However, the early church did not have the wealth of reading material that is available today. Soon after the Civil War a library, containing one hundred volumes, was established at Reynoldson. With an established library, it was necessary to have a person responsible for its operation. Thus, in November, 1883 George R. Eure was selected for this position.1 He held this position until 1889 when Gilbert C. Smith assumed this responsibility.2
George R. Eure
In 1903, while Hillary Eure was acting as church sexton, Reynoldson Institute decided to move their library to the church during the summer
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months. Thus, more books became available for the students to read and enjoy during the time school was not in session.3 Mr. Eure was appointed to serve as the church librarian. At the end of 1907, he resigned this position, The following five years Brothers Clyde and Stanley Smith performed these duties.4
Library reports were included in the associational minutes. Since the 1915 minutes did not include this report for Reynoldson, one could assume there was no librarian. In December, 1915 J.E. Hayes was selected to serve as both sexton and librarian and he held this position for many years.5
Slowly the library disintegrated. The books were shifted from one place to another and finally stored for many years. At the January 22, 1962 conference a motion was made by Mrs. C.T. White, Jr. to reestablish a church library. This motion carried and the church appropriated $100.00 to help accomplish this.6 For the first time this position was to be filled by a woman. Mrs. Ruth Stewart, the pastor's wife, was selected to be the librarian.7 The Stewarts left Reynoldson in 1963 and Priscilla Byrum was appointed to fill this vacated position.8 Priscilla served for two years. In 1965 Mary Lee Harrell became the librarian.9 After twelve years of service, Mary Lee continues to serve the church faithfully in this position.
The library today has many volumes. Some volumes from the first library still remain, but many new books have been added. Often books have been given in memory of loved ones.
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Mrs. Mary Lee Savage Harrell has been Librarian since 1965.
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Music
The order of worship of the early church was not recorded; therefore, one can only draw on his own imagination. If singing occurred, the praises sung were well known by all. The brethern and sisters raised their voices to the Lord acappella, without the accompaniment of instruments.
Not until the end of 1866 did conference decide to purchase song books for the congregation to use. This year they purchased one dozen copies of the Baptist Psalmody in order that the members could learn to sing psalms.1 The first record of a song being sung was on January 24, 1874, when "conference adjourned by singing the L.M. Doxology."2 The Baptist Hymn and Tune Book was adopted as the hymnal in 1883.3
More interest was being shown toward music and in January, 1898, a committee composed of E.J. Freeman, J.T. Lawrence, Willie Jones, Mrs. Willie Waff, I.A. Hines and Mr. Waff was appointed to select a new hymnal for the church.4 This committee recommended that the church purchase 30 copies of Standard Songs.
In the fall of 1897 the church decided to buy an organ at a cost of $85.00. By January, 1898, the full amount had been raised. However, during the cold winter months, the mice had found a comfortable spot to nest and when spring came, the organ was in need of repair. Mr. J.H. Fenimore of Norfolk, Virginia was contacted to come make the necessary repairs. It was August before he finally arrived to repair the organ. No charge was made for repairs, only for the materials needed. Prior to his arrival, the 63¢ necessary to pay for the organ repairs had been raised.
Battles thuan Ca
An organ like this was purchased by the Church in November, 1897 at a cost of $85.00.
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Later during the year a committee of sisters (Mrs. T.E. Parker, E.J. Freeman, J.A. Edwards, G.R. Eure, T.F. Lee and W.B. Waff) was appointed to secure a cover for the organ. This committee was also requested to collect money to be used to purchase a new Bible for the church.5
Mrs. Waff was the first organist. Miss Edith Freeman, her assistant, became the organist after the Waff's left Reynoldson.6 Beginning in 1914, Miss Lillie Smith served as organist for two years.7 At the end of this period, she was succeeded by Miss Mae Sue Parker.8
In the early 1920's while the church was being renovated, conference discussed the musical instrument to be used in the new sanctuary. The organ had seen more than twenty years of service. A committee was appointed to study and recommend a new instrument for church use. Edith Freeman, Lois Lawrence, Mildred Parker, Mrs. L.C. Powell, Mrs. T.E. Parker, Mrs. Pattie Savage, Mrs. A.C. McCall, I.A. Hines and M.P. Ellis composed the committee which chose the new piano.9 In 1923 the W.M.U. was designated to obtain the new instrument.10
From December, 1928 until June, 1950, Mrs. Thomas Everett Pittman (Lillian) served as pianist.11 In June, 1950 Senator J.C. Pittman and Judge William Gladstone Pittman presented and dedicated a Hammond organ to the church in loving memory of the late deacon, Thomas Tayloe Pittman, given by his children and grandchildren. Since this Mrs. Pittman has served as organist.12 December, 1977 begins her forty-ninth year of musical service to Reynoldson Church and God.
Mrs. T.E. Pittman has served as Church Organist since 1928.
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Thomas Tayloe Pittman Family
Front row I. to r. Thomas Pittman and Stella M. Howell Pittman. Back row I. to r. Their children - Virginia Elizabeth Pittman and J. Carlton Pittman Descendents of Thomas Pittman gave the Hammond organ in his memory June 1950. Mrs. Pittman was W.M.U. president in 1892.
Today with Claire Presley as choir director, Reynoldson has an expanded musical program. There are two children's and one adult choir. Rebecca Harrell Williams, Sandi Smith, and Donna Eason work with the children, while Mrs. Presley works with the adults.
The music at Reynoldson is a worship feature all can enjoy either by active participation through singing or by quietly listening while praises are raised to God.
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FINANCES
"Systematic giving to defray the expenses incurred by a Church is a relatively recent practice among Baptists. In former days, occasional collections or "subscriptions" were taken as a particular need arose."]
Piney Grove Church selected its first treasurer the day they organized on December 14, 1827.2 Since enough funds to defray expenses were not collected during these early years, in December, 1831 the church appointed John Saunders to collect the "arrears subscriptions". He was also instructed to hold a special benefit subscription on January 24, 1832.3 Financial problems continued to plague the church, and in September, 1836 two subscriptions were opened for the benefit of the church. John Saunders and Francis Rogers were appointed collectors for these subscriptions.4
In May, 1844 conference voted to take up its first public collection on the Lord's Day. This collection was to be taken every Sunday following quarterly conference.5 Later conference decided to take collection at every Sunday worship service. However, this change did not last long. The members voted at conference in February, 1849 to rescind that motion and revert to taking collections only on quarterly meeting Sundays.6
Church members continued to be lax with their financial obligations to the church. Consequently in 1855, conference requested the clerk "to copy the names of all members and each one be requested to give something for the aid of the gospel."7 J.D. Goodman was appointed collector. The first record of collections was in December, 1856 when fifteen dollars and twenty-five cents was collected. The following members contributed: William Lee $10.00; William Weatherly $1.00; A. Howell 25¢; William Gatling $4.00.8
From the minutes of January 23, 1864, one can visualize the great difficulty the church was exhibiting in her struggle for survival. Prayer and faith in God were the foundation for her continued existence. Jethro D. Goodman was the church treasurer. This day he tendered his resignation. The church was in debt to Brother Goodman. The preceeding year he had paid out $68.50 for church expenses and had collected only$58.50.9 The financial problems continued. A year later conference voted to call the "names of all male members requesting them to state the amount each would give for the pastor's salary for this year."10 These amounts were to be recorded.
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