USA > North Carolina > Cabarrus County > The First fifty years : a history of the Cabarrus Baptist Association of North Carolina > Part 3
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The Petitionary Letters Committee: recommended the following churches be received into full fellowship of the Association : Oak Grove, Mt. Carmel, and Pennsylvania Avenue. Upon their recommendation the following churches were continued under the watchcare of the Association for another year: Four
Lane, Hillside, Sunrise and Concord Lake.
Evangelism report: In the Jubilee Revivals in Cabarrus Association this year the thirty-two churches participating, reported 241 baptisms, 97 transfers, with a total of 338 additions.
The Sunday School: reported that we have fifty-eight churches and fifty-nine Sunday Schools. Thirty-three £ observed January Bible Study Week, fifty-four had Vacation Bible Schools. Two Sunday Schools received the Standard
of Excellence: McGill Street, and Mt. Pleasant First. Fifty-five churches received 1,496 study course reporting.
awards. W.L. Mills,
Training Union: Director Fletcher Hartsell, Sr., reported that "M" Night for 1958 was attended by 493 people even though ice and snow laid on the ground. Dr. Archie Ellis from Columbia, South Carolina, was our speaker.
Resolutions Adopted : (1) That we commend the newspapers and radio stations of Cabarrus County for the publicity they gave us during our Simultaneous Revivals. (2) That we commend the £ television
broadcasting networks for their efforts to remove undesirable programs from their stations, and the
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viewing public. That we urge them to exercise as close observation and control over the production and showing of their television programs in the future as possible, to preserve the trust of the American people in the integrity of our leaders.
April 1960 - Executive Committee Meeting.
Gavel From George W. Truett's Home. : Reverend R. T. Greene, Director of Missions, presented a gavel given to him by Reverend J.G. Miller of Waynesville, North Carolina. The gavel was made of wood from the late George W. Truett's home. A motion was made to receive the gavel and to send a letter of appreciation to Reverend Miller. The motion carried.
July 1960 - Executive Committee Meeting. Reverend Victor L. Trivette, pastor of Young Street Baptist Church, made a motion that the Executive Committee send a telegram stating its disapproval of the Honorable Terry Sanford's choice of John F. Kennedy for the Presidency. The motion carried.
The Odell £ Mision: Was organized as the Odell Baptist Church on Sunday afternoon, October 2, 1960, at 2:30 P.M.
October 24-25,1960 - Annual Meeting with Sharon and Young Street Baptist Churches.
fellowship of the Association.
Odell Baptist Church was received into full The Petitionary Letters Committee: Recommended
that Concord £ Lake Church be received into full
fellowship of the Association. We also recommend that the following churches be continued under the watchcare for another year: Four Lane, Hillside, and Rocky River. The Sunrise Church has ceased to be.
Sunday School: The Associational Director, James E. Furr, Sr., reported: The Association along with First Baptist Church, Kannapolis, hosted a Regional Teaching Clinic which enrolled 544, with 398 average attendance from thirty-two churches. Four hundred awards were earned.
Woman's Missionary Society: Director, Mrs. N.F. Freeze, reported: Marked growth was made in every phase of our work. Two new WMU's, three YWA's, three G. A. 's, three Sunbeam bands were organized. Thirty of our churches now have a full-graded union.
October 23-24,1961 - Annual Meeting with Lakewood and Kerr Street Baptist Churches.
Reverend Henry Register, pastor of Memorial Baptist Church and Moderator, stated: Throughout the year there has been a sweet spirit of cooperation and a willingness on the part of pastors and laymen alike to promote the kingdom of God to the best of ability.
their October 15,1962.
Executive Board Meeting:
At
Greene, Jr., Calvary Baptist Church. A.T.
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Associational £ Missionary, reported that Four Lane Church had withdrawn its request for admission into the Association. The Church was dropped from the watchcare of the Association.
The Petitionary Letters Committee recommended : that Phaniels Baptist Church be received into full fellowship of the Association.
Training Union Report: "M" Night in 1961 met at Brown High School Auditorium. The attendance was the largest ever recorded in the Association. We had 1, 252 in attendance, ranking third in the State. Speaker was Thomas Haggai, High Point, North Carolina. Reported by Fletcher Hartsell, Sr. Training Union Director.
September 9,1963 - Executive Committee Meeting at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Reverend Ernest P. Russell, pastor of McGill Street, brought a recommendation from the Pastors' Conference: "That the Association invite the colored Baptist pastors of this area and some of the key men of their churches to participate with us in our Associational Evangelistic Clinic on November 25, 1963. That pastors only be invited to the afternoon meeting and supper, but both the pastor and his key laymen be invited to the night session." The motion carried.
October 28-29,1963- Annual Meeting with Roberta and Franklin Heights Baptist Churches.
Wake Forest Resolution: A resolution opposing the proposed Trustee Plan for Wake Forest College was presented by Reverend Thomas E. Sherrill, pastor of Jackson Park Baptist Church. "We believe it would move Wake Forest College farther away from the original cause for which she was founded and has been supported by North Carolina Baptists." The resolution
was approved.
The Petitionary Letters Committee: recommended
that Central Baptist Church be received into fellowship of the Association. It was granted.
March 23,1964. Executive Board Meeting with Lane Street Baptist Church. A motion was made and adopted that the Depot Street Baptist Mission be organized as a mission at such time as location for church property can be agreed on by the Missions Committee. June 15,1964. Executive Committee Meeting with
Howell's Baptist Church. " The Missions Committee
approves the organization of a new mission in
Harrisburg with all deliberate speed, provided sponsoring church can be secured."
a
A substitute motion was made "That the Missions Committee approves the organization of a new mission in Harrisburg with all deliberate speed." This motion was seconded and carried.
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October 26-27,1964 Annual Meeting with West
Concord and Lakewood Baptist Churches. Evangelism Committee reported that the Jubilee Revival Crusade, during March, 1964, had a total of fifty-six churches participating. Thirty-two reported
132 professions of faith, 167 total additions, five
Christians dedicating their lives to definite Christian vocations. Victor Trivette, chairman.
"M" Night, October 1964 was held at A. L. Brown High
School. Dr. Baker James Cauthen, Secretary for the Foreign Mission Board was the speaker. Attendance was 922. (This is reported in Training Union report on page 34 of 1965 Annual. ) Fletcher Hartsell, Sr., Training Union Director.
Resolution report: "Because of the growing commercialization and desecration of the Lord's Day, particularly the matter of automobile races, we urge the messengers of the twenty-ninth session to return to your churches and encourage resolutions from your individual churches of your concern in this matter. These to be sent to the County Commissioners of Cabarrus County, North Carolina. A motion to adopt carried.
Reverend L. A. Howard, pastor of Southside Baptist Church, suggested that we recognize messengers present who have been attending the Annual Sessions over a period of years. Mrs. Beulah Smith, Southside Baptist, and Will N. Allen, Centerview stood and were recognized for their faithfulness.
Associational Treasurer: A motion was made and carried that the Treasurer be authorized to pay off the balance owed on the Parsonage and Office indebtedness which was $500.00.
December 14,1965. Executive Board Meeting with
Wil-Mar Park Baptist Church. The Missions Committee recommends the following: (1) That we request Pastoral Aid from State Missions for Harrisburg Mission in the amount H
$2400. The motion carried. (2) That we request State Mission Board aid for $2,000 to purchase a lot for the Harrisburg Mission. The motion carried. (3) That our Association with the help of the State Mission Board over a period of years be responsible for the building to be put on the lot for the Harrisburg Mission. A motion was made to refer back to the Missions Committee for further study. The motion carried.
Executive Committee Name was Changed to " The
Executive Board" in 1965.
March 29,1965. Executive Board Meeting with Wil-Mar Park Baptist Church. A recommendation from the Missions Committee, brought by Reverend Gilbert R. Pierce, Shadybrook Baptist Church. "That our Association put $1, 000 a year for the next three years -25-
in the 230 by 900 foot lot for the Providence Mission." A Motion was made and carried that we adopt this recommendation.
Evangelism Committee chairman Victor L. Trivette, brought a recommendation: "That our Association plan a Simultaneous Revival for a two-week period, April 10-24,1966. We strongly suggest that the pastor serve as evangelist in his own church." The motion was adopted.
June 28,1965. Executive Board Meeting with Wil-Mar Park Baptist Church. The Associational Council asked the Executive Board for a vote of confidence in the council's present plans to visit and work with the non-cooperating churches of the Association in an effort to help them to begin cooperating in the spirit of our Constitution, Article III, Section 1,3, and 4. A motion was made that we do this. The motion carried.
August 5, 1965. A special called session
of the
Executive Board meeting with Wil-Mar Park Baptit Church.
Reverend Howard Dawkins, pastor of Concord First Baptist, and chairman of the Misions Committee, brought the following recommendation: That we purchase the house and lot, at 161 Spring Street, N., adjoining the Associational property, which belongs to Jack McEachern, for future expansion of our Associational needs, and that we pay the sum of $8,000.
Finance Committee chairman, Millard H. Cheek, brought the following recommendations: (1) That the Trustees be authorized to borrow $8,000 at the best available rate of interest, (2) That the budget be amended to provide for a minimum of $100 per month to be paid on this indebtedness, with additional amounts being paid as they are found to be available, (3) That funds also can be provided as are necessary for the closing of the transaction."
Trustee Bill Mills, presented the following resolution: Whereas David McEachern and wife Ruth Y. McEachern have agreed to sell their house and lot ... Be it resolved, that the Trustees of the Cabarrus Baptist Association be authorized and directed to have the title to the property examined, and upon determining that the owners thereof can convey a fee simple title to said property, the Trustees are authorized to pay the sum of $8,000 as consideration for said property. Be it further resolved, that the Trustees be authorized and directed to borrow from the Citizens National Bank of Concord or some other bank or financial institution as they may elect, the sum of $8,000 upon
as favorable terms and conditions as
possible ... " Mr. Mills moved its adoption. It was seconded and discussed. A vote was taken by standing.
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There were forty-two for and one against. The resolution carried. October 25-26,1965 - Annual Meeting with Mt. Pleasant First Baptist and North Kannapolis Baptist Churches.
The Petitionary Letters Committee recommended that Rocky River and Victory churches be received into the Association and extended the right hand of fellowship. The Missions Committee recommends : that you determine the basis of giving now being used in your church and that if your church is not now giving on a monthly basis at least two percent of its receipts to the support of the work of your Association, that you bring this to the attention of your church with a request that your church take action to this effect. Special Information. First Baptist Church, Concord, organized Providence Baptist Mission, Harrisburg. Reverend A.J. Eure, Jr. was called as pastor. They also purchased a house and lot adjoining the church property. Bright Light Baptist Church paid for a new church building in Belem, Brazil.
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CHAPTER FOUR
1966-1975
October 24-25,1966 - Annual Meeting with Shadybrook and McGill Street Baptist Churches.
Evangelism Report: by A.G. Ferris, pastor of Young
Street, and chairman
of this committee: Twenty-seven
churches participated
in the Simultaneous Revivals
held in April. A total of 1767 decisions were
reported including 153 baptisms, 50 transfer of letters, 1563 rededications. One full time commitment for religious service was reported.
The Enrollment Committee reported 274 messengers
and 77 visitors were registered for the
Annual
Meeting. Total 351.
Training Union Report: The 1965 "M" Night was held at First Baptist Church, Kannapolis, in October with Dr. Porter Routh as the inspirational speaker. There were 550 in attendance.
Executive Board Report: In our March 28,1967 meeting the Executive Board voted
to send all legislators in Cabarrus and Rowan counties a letter expressing opposition of the Executive Board to any change in liquor laws in our State.
Executive Board Meeting, July 26,1967, letters of appreciation for opposing the "brown bagging" law in the Legislature was sent to Representatives Dwight Quinn and James C. Johnson of Cabarrus County, and Representatives Austin A. Mitchell, Samuel A. Troxler and C. V. Parrish of Rowan County. Letters of protest for voting for the bills were sent to Senators John R. Boger, Jr., and Frank Griffin.
Telegrams were sent to Representative James C. Johnson and Senator John R. Roger, Jr., asking them to withdraw the enabling act permitting Concord and Mount Pleasant to have a referendum on the establishing of ABC liquor stores and to substitute an act stating a time limit. (Their reply was that the General Assembly adjourned before they received our telegram. )
Resolution Committee: Whereas, the Cabarrus County Board of Education, Concord City Board of Education, and Kannapolis City Board of Education have demonstrated wise and courageous leadership in dealing with tedious problems in regards to the operation of the schools of the area, therefore, be it resolved that Cabarrus Baptist Association in the thirty-second session at Lakewood Baptist Church, Kannapolis, N.C., October 24, 1967, express its appreciation and gratitude for the leadership that has been offered by said Boards of Education on behalf of all citizens of Cabarrus County. Howard Dawkins, Chairman.
October 28-29, 1968 - Annual Meeting with Central
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and Young Street Baptist Churches.
Executive Board Report: At Webb Field, Concord, on Sunday Evening, August 1968, at 7:45 PM, in conjunction with the Crusade of Americas Rallies, we held "M" Night with Dr. C.E. Autry, Director of the Department of Evangelism, Home Mission Board, as the speaker.
The Executive Board further reports that we held a Crusade of Americas Rally, designated as Sunday School "Action Night", at the Memorial Stadium, Kannapolis, on Sunday Evening, August 25,1968, with Dr. Vance Havner of Greensboro as speaker. Dr. Claude White also spoke on "The Role of the Sunday School in the Crusade" .
The Petitionary Letters Committee recommended that Gordon Heights and Midway Churches be received into full fellowship of. the Association. The Moderator welcomed the churches.
Resolutions Committee: Therefore be it resolved that the thirty-third Annual Session of the Cabarrus Baptist Association, consisting of sixty-two churches in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties oppose any legislation that will permit liquor-by-the-drink which will add to the problems, and
That we encourage all candidates to the General Assembly to inform the voting public of their stand on this issue, and
That copies of this resolution be sent to all candidates to the General Assembly in both Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. Mrs. John U. Garner, Chairman.
October 27-28,1969 - Annual Meeting with Pitts and Calvary Baptist Churches.
Afternoon sessions dropped. Beginning this year the afternoon session of the Annual Meeting will be dropped -- no more noon-day dinners.
Name Changes: The Associational
Missionary title is changed to "Director of Missions". The Associational Minutes name is changed to "Associational Annual". Executive Board report item 8 and 27, 1969 Annual.
Resolutions Committee Report: Mrs. John U. Garner, Chairman: Be it resolved that we commend the Radio and Television Commission for the production of JOT, which presents spiritual values to children, instead of presenting crime, violence, etc. which are so common .
Be it resolved (1) That the Cabarrus Baptist Association express its appreciation to Representatives Austin A. Mitchell and Samuel A. Troxler and Senator Odell Sapp of Rowan County and to Representative Dwight Quinn, and James C. Johnson and Senator John R. Boger, Jr., of Cabarrus County for opposing all efforts concerning liquor-by-the drink;
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(2) That we express appreciation to Marse Grant, editor of The Biblical Recorder, for his leadership to build support in opposing such measures; (3) That we ask the Christian Action League to implement plans and actions to oppose liquor-by-the-drink legislation at the next Assembly.
Special Information: Royal Oaks celebrated their Twenty-fifth Anniversary. Bright Light contributed $5,000 to Southern Baptist Mission work in St. Kitts.
May 25, 1970. Executive Board meeting on April 26, 1970, a reception honoring Mrs. Diane Cranford's ten years of service as secretary in the Associational office was held. She was given $100 and a pin as an expression of appreciation.
Church withdraws from Association. August 31, 1970. Executive Board Meeting at Parkwood Baptist Church. Reverend Thurman W. Allred, Director of Missions, announced the resignation of Gordon Heights Baptist Church, Concord indicating their withdrawal from the fellowship of the Cabarrus Baptist Association.
October 26-27,1970. -Annual Meeting with
Providence,
Coldwater,
and Centerview Baptist Churches.
Missions
Committee
Report : World Mission
Conference, held April 11-16, 1970, had a total attendance of 10,615.
The Petitionary Letters Committee recommended the Grace Baptist Church be received into full fellowship of the Association.
Substitute Resolution: The following substitute
resolution was adopted in lieu of one by the Resolutions Committee: Be it resolved that we commend our President for his fairness shown to all religious groups and for his image as a leader with personal integrity and religious faith.
We pledge to him our prayerful support during these days of continuing crisis on many fronts.
We voice to him our disappointment over his appointment of a personal emissary to the Vatican. We
are fearful
of the implications of this action. We would hope that the President would continue to
consult religious leaders, statesmen, and other leaders concerning the wisdom of this action with a possibility of it being rescinded. (A letter conveying this message was written to the President).
Cabarrus invaded with "Good News for Modern Man" . With Baptists in the foreground, the "Good News for Modern Man" New Testament was distributed to all the homes of Cabarrus County by over one thousand people, representing 110 churches of all faiths, under the leadership of Reverend Thurman W. Allred, Director of Missions, and Mrs. Allred.
They provided 42,000 copies of the New Testament furnished by The American Bible Society at nineteen
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cents per copy .
American Bible Society Report: by Mrs. Thurman W. Allred. Annie Valloton, Illustrator of the Today's English Version, from Paris, France, came to our Association and spoke concerning the Good News for Modern Man.
Special Information. Jackson Park Baptist Church,
Kannapolis, held a special meeting on Sunday, September 13, 1970, calling all church members to repentance, rededication, and a new beginning.
Oak Grove Baptist Church asks for Help. February 22,1971. Executive Board Meeting with West Concord Baptist Church. Report from the Missions Committee: Reverend Thurman W. Allred, Director of Missions stated: Oak Grove Baptist Church, Kannapolis, asked for assistance from the Association for their church. The pastor had quit, the attendance was down to only a few people, the church was behind with the payments on their building indebtedness and the Building and Loan Association had served notice they were going to foreclose the next day, January 18. They were also behind on payments on their heating system.
On January 24, the Director of Missions met with a small group of Oak Grove members. As a result, a special meeting of the Missions Committee agreed, in order to save the church from losing their property we would act promptly and take enough out of the "lots for new churches" of the expansion fund of the Associational budget, and make the three back payments of $144.00, bringing the payments up to date for them. This £
we did the chairman of the Finance Committee agreeing to it. The church felt they could handle the $12.00 per month heating system payments. The present indebtedness is $1500.
On the following Sunday, January 31, 1971, the Director of Missions preached for the church. Reverend E.G. Johnson was asked to go the following Sunday .
We believe that we have worked out a plan whereby we can give the church an opportunity to see if it can survive by assisting them for a six month period. On February 21, Reverend Johnson, Allred, and Starnes met with the church to plan what future actions might be taken.
We will work with the church for a six month period to see if there is any possibility for growth. Reverend Starnes, pastor of White Hill Baptist Church, led his church to contribute $36.00 per month for payment on the building debt and furnish the literature for the six month period, providing the Oak Grove Church agrees to come under the watchcare (close supervision) of the Cabarrus Baptist Association. The church agrees to this. The Calvary Baptist Church has
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agreed to give $5.00 per week for this six month period to a special mission fund, to assure the maintenance of Mr. Johnson as pastor. The church will vote next Sunday, February 28, to call Brother Johnson as their pastor.
Mr. Allred, speaking for the Missions Committee, asked the Executive Board for permission to set aside an amount of $1,000 as a reserve fund from the expansion budget, to be used as it becomes available. This is to be used as a stand by fund in order to meet the expenses of the Pastor's salary for the six month period, in case it is needed. A motion was made that we give the Missions
Committee this authority. It was seconded and discussed. The motion carried.
October 25-26,1971 - Annual Meeing with Parkwood, Central and Shadybrook Baptist Churches.
The Petitionary Letters Committee: recommended that Faggart Memorial Baptist Church be received into full fellowship of the Association. Resolutions Committee Report: Was adopted:
1. Constitutional "Non-Denominational
Prayer Amendment", House Joint Resolution 191 -- Therefore be it resolved that the Cabarrus Baptist Association
representing over 19,000 Baptists, meeting in its thirty-sixth Annual Session, go on record as opposing the tampering with
the first amendment to the Constitution .. and that we inform Congressman Earl Ruth of our hopes that he will vote against House Joint Resolution 191. That we inform him of our belief that a vote against this resolution is a vote against regimented and governmentally sponsored religion. And that real prayer and genuine New Testament religion have nothing to gain and all to lose if this amendment becomes a part of the Constitution.
Further, Be it resolved that we urge all the fellow Baptists of the Cabarrus Baptist Association to write and express their concern about this "booby-trap" and "time-bomb" against true religion. (2) The North Carolina General Assembly
liquor-by-the-drink bills -- Be it
therefore resolved that Cabarrus Baptist Association representing sixty-two churches and some twenty thousand Baptists in the Cabarrus, Rowan, and Stanley areas do hereby: (1) Commend Representatives Quinn, Mitchell, and Nash
for
their
consistent
voting
record
opposing
legislation to liberalize liquor laws that would increase consumption and encourage drinking and driving; (2) That we commend Representative Johnson for his voting "NO" six times on liquor-by-the-drink legislation but were disappointed in his conspicious absence on the second roll call of the strategic
liquor-by-the-drink bill; (3) That we Mecklenburg
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cannot understand Senator Kirk's inconsistent voting record of voting YES twice and NO twice seeming to satisfy both sides of the issue; (4) That we express great disappointment in the voting record of Senator O' Neil Jones who supported every piece of pro-liquor legislation and opposed any attempts to make stricter laws on drinking and driving.
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