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M.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02300 9951
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/oldstonechurchoc00brac
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11 26.
THE
OLD STONE CHURCH
OCONEE COUNTY
SOUTH CAROLINA
PUBLISHED BY
The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association with the Cooperation of the Andrew Pickens and Cateechee Chapters, D. A. R.
COLLECTED AND EDITED BY
RICHARD NEWMAN BRACKETT, PH. D. Associate Professor of Chemistry Clemson College, S. C.
GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF UTAH 8006
DATE MICROFIL 12-10-70 ITEM ON ROLL
CAMERA NO. SLC-2 CATALOGUE NO. 823835
COLUMBIA, S. C. THE R. L. BRYAN COMPANY MCMV 1905
"A people who forget the noble deeds of their remote ancestors will achieve nothing worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants."
ADDENDA AND ERRATA.
Frontispiece for "captured" read "completed." Page 17, after Sitton, II. P., add (Treas.) Page 166, seventh line, for "March 8, 1839," read "March 8, 1810." Page 206, for "Cary, J.," read "Cary, J. W." Page 207, for "Hardin, Mary Payne," read "Hardin, Mary Massie."
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CONTENTS
PAGE.
INTRODUCTION 1
The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association. 1
Constitution 13
By-Laws 14
Members 15
Officers and Members of the Andrew Pickens Chap- ter, D. A. R. 19
Officers and Members of the Cateechee Chapter, D. A. R. 19
Dr. Wm. Backly Cherry, by Mrs. Fannie Cherry Davis
20
Dr. Oliver M. Doyle, by a Life-long Friend. 21
Old Stone Church Property, by Major A. T. Broyles, late of Anderson, S. C ..
25
Survey of Old Stone Church Property, by J. P. Smith, Liberty, S. C. 28
John Miller, The Printer, by Major A. T. Broyles, late of Anderson, S. C. 30
John Miller and His Descendants, by Mrs. Julia Miller Brown 37
Transcript-Extract of the Earliest Session Book of Hope- well Congregation 40
Hopewell Congregation and Old Stone Church, from Howe's History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina 87
"The Old Stone Meeting House" 101
Old Stone Church. 105
The Old Stone Church, by W. A. Dickson 107
Old Stone Church and Cemetery, Address by D. E. Frier- son, D. D. 110
The Old Stone Church, Editorial, Keowee Courier, Wal- halla, S. C. 124
Memorial Address, May 4, 1901, by Wm. S. Morrison,
Professor of History, Clemson College, S. C ... . . . . 127 Andrew Pickens, from Cowpens Centennial, 1781-1881,
by permission of Capt. W. A. Courtenay, Newry, S. C. 137 Robert Anderson, by Professor J. J. Halsey, Lake Forest, Il1. . 146
II.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
The Anderson Family, by Mrs. O. L. Burkhead, Mount Meridian, Augusta Co., Va .. 157
The Anderson Family, from W. F. Boogher's Gleanings of Virginia History 159
The Reese Family 161
Thomas Reese, D. D., from Ramsey's History of South Carolina, from Its Earliest Settlement in
1670, to the Year 1808, Vol. 2. 161
James McElhenny, D. D., by Mrs. P. H. Mell, Clemson College, S. C. 165
Thomas Livingston McBryde, D. D., by John T. McBryde, D. D., Soddy, Tenn. 166
John Baily Adger, D. D., by Miss Susan D. Adger, Pen- dleton, S. C. 171
Lemant and Walker Families, from Information Furnished
by Mrs. Annie Lee Hudson Hill, Washington, Ga ... 174 Joseph Whitner, by Major Jno. C. Whitner, Atlanta, Ga .. 178 Turner Bynum, by Mrs. Sallie Chase Patillo, Atlanta, Ga .. 180 Old Pendleton, from Keowee Courier, Walhalla, S. C., May 7, 1891. 182
Old Pendleton, Address by Wm. S. Morrison, Professor of History, Clemson College, S. C., Before the Pen- dleton Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy . 186
List of the Dead in the Old Stone Church Cemetery 206
Confederate Dead 211
Revolutionary Soldiers 212
Indian Creek War, 1815-1816. 212
FOREWORD
Two years have elapsed since the writer began, at the re- quest of "The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association," collecting the material here presented. Every effort has been made by correspondence and through the secular and reli- gious press to obtain original documents, sketches and infor- mation of any and all kinds bearing upon the history of the Old Stone Church, and of the illustrious sons and daughters of South Carolina who found their last resting place in the cemetery attached to the old church.
While fully realizing the incomplete and fragmentary nature of the material contained herein, the compiler feels that, in justice to those who have aided him in so many ways, as well as to the mere subscribers to this book, longer delay in publication would be unwarranted.
It is a matter of profound regret that no original records of the Old Stone Church could be found. The "Session Book," which was doubtless kept, must have been destroyed. An almost complete transcript is given of the first "Session Book" of the Hopewell congregation after its place of wor- ship was transferred from Old Stone Church to a frame building in Pendleton village. This book contains the oldest records of the Hopewell congregation now extant, and gives us much interesting information about the earlier members of that congregation, who had worshipped at Old Stone Church, as well as of their descendants.
While no deed to the land on which the church and ceme- tery are located could be found, Major A. T. Broyles, of Anderson, S. C., by a careful and painstaking search through the records in the Court House at Anderson, has established beyond any doubt the fact that John Miller, the Printer, donated the land. This paper of Major Broyles on the dona- tion of the land is one of the most interesting and important in the collection, and is especially valuable as a piece of
II.
FOREWORD.
research work by one eminently qualified as a lawyer to in- vestigate and sift the evidence.
The sketch of Rev. John Bailey Adger, D. D., written by his daughter for this book at the request of the writer, has been introduced because of Dr. Adger's great interest in the Old Stone Church, where he frequently held services during his long pastorate at Pendleton.
It would have been quite impossible for the writer, amidst the numerous duties incident to the life of a busy teacher, to have collected and prepared unaided even this meager ac- count of Old Stone Church. It is, therefore, with pleasure that he acknowledges his indebtedness for much valuable assistance from the members of "The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association," and from many others. Special mention should be made of Mrs. P. H. Mell for her valuable help both in work and suggestion ; of Capt. W. A. Courte- nay, of Newry, S. C., for permission to use the sketch of Andrew Pickens, and for the loan of the two cuts accompany- ing this sketch; of Miss Minnie Wannamaker, Stenographer to the President of Clemson College, S. C., and of Prof. J. V. Lewis, now of Rutgers College, N. J., both of whom gave freely of their time in helping to prepare the manuscript; of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Whitten, of Anderson County, who reside within a stone's throw of the Old Stone Church Ceme- tery, and without whose invaluable help, no list of the dead in that cemetery, in any measure approaching completeness, could possibly have been prepared, as many of the graves are unmarked; of Mr. W. W. Klugh, of Clemson College, who kindly made the drawing of the plat of the church lot. Major A. T. Broyles, I had hoped thus publicly to thank for his in- valuable contribution, but he passed over the river only a few months since. Finally, to my wife, but for whose help, ad- vice and encouragement this work would never have reached even this unsatisfactory shape, I must accord grateful ac- knowledgment.
R. N. BRACKETT, Ph. D., Assoc. Prof. Chemistry.
Clemson College, S. C., June 22, 1905.
INTRODUCTION
The Hopewell congregation was composed of some of South Carolina's most illustrious sons and daughters, many of whom, with other brave and noble citizens, found their last earthly resting place in the old cemetery. The material con- tained in this book has been collected for the two-fold pur- pose of preserving the history of the Old Stone Church and of stimulating the interest of South Carolinians, and possibly others, in the restoration and preservation of the church building, and in the improvement and perpetual care of the cemetery and grounds. It is hoped that the interest thus aroused will prompt many to contribute in a substantial way in aiding "The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association" and the Andrew Pickens and the Cateechee Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution in the prosecution of this worthy work.
In view of the fact that the material for this book has been collected under the auspices of "The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association," it would seem only mete and proper that some account be given of its origin, aims and work.
THE OLD STONE CHURCH AND CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
"It was in the summer of 1893 when Dr. O. M. Doyle, of Seneca, S. C., and Capt. J. Miles Pickens, of Pendleton, S. C., met at Calhoun, S. C. They were deploring the condi- tion of the Old Stone Church and the cemetery there, where so many honored dead are buried. They decided to call a meeting of those persons interested in the old church and cemetery to take place in the early fall at the old church. Dr. Doyle had the notice published in the Oconee and Pickens County papers and Capt. Pickens in the papers at Anderson. S. C." This quotation from a letter to the writer by Capt.
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
J. Miles Pickens gives the first step in the organization of this Association. What follows has been taken from the minutes of the Association.
As a result of the call above referred to, a small number met at the Old Stone Church, August -, 1893. Dr. W. B. Cherry was elected Chairman and Rev. John T. McBryde, D. D., Secretary. There were present : Dr. O. M. Doyle, Capt. J. Miles Pickens, Messrs. J. E. Lebby, A. C. Stephens, John E. Lewis, Mesdames B. F. Sloan, J. W. Livingston, T. L. McBryde and Misses Eliza Pickens and Harriet Maxwell. "Short speeches were made by several urging the importance of forming some association for the preservation of the Old Stone Church, one of the landmarks in the history of this part of the State, and for keeping in order this city of the dead, where are buried some of the most honored and distin- guished of South Carolina's many noble dead." After a very encouraging meeting there was appointed, with Rev. Dr. McBryde as Chairman, a Committee consisting of Dr. O. M. Doyle, Capt. J. Miles Pickens and Mrs. J. W. Livingston, to further consider the work and when ready report at a meeting to be called by Chairman Cherry at Pendleton, S. C.
At the call of the Chairman (Dr. Cherry), a meeting of those interested in the preservation of the Old Stone Church and Cemetery was held in the historic Farmer's Hall at Pen- dleton, S. C., October 23, 1893. There were present : Rev. Dr. McBryde, who acted as Chairman, Dr. O. M. Doyle, Major S. P. Dendy, Mrs. J. W. Livingston, Miss Harriet Maxwell, Miss Eliza Pickens, Capt. J. Miles Pickens, Col. C. Randall and Messrs. A. C. Stephens and Geo. E. Taylor. Remarks were made as to the object of the meeting by the Chairman, as well as by Dr. Doyle, Major Dendy and Col. Randall. On motion of Mr. Doyle, Major Dendy was in- vited and consented to act with the Committee appointed at the previous meeting at the Old Stone Church. It was re- solved, that the organization be called "The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Improvement Association." A num-
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
ber of resolutions were adopted, several of which were em- bodied in the Constitution given below :
"Resolved (by Dr. Doyle), That a sub-committee of three, including the Chairman, be appointed from the Committee of ten to formulate a Constitution and By-Laws, to report when the work is finished, and that Major Dendy be re- quested to act with them. Adopted." This Committee con- sisted of Rev. Dr. McBryde, Chairman, Dr. O. M. Doyle and Major B. F. Sloan, Major S. P. Dendy acting with them.
"Resolved (by Mr. Geo. E. Taylor), That the Executive Committee be appointed from the three Counties interested, viz : Anderson, Oconee and Pickens. Adopted." Mr. Geo. E. Taylor acted as Secretary of this meeting, which ad- journed to meet at the call of the Chairman.
"The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Improvement As- sociation" met at the call of the Chairman at Pendleton, S. C., December 4, 1893, probably in the Farmer's Hall, though the minutes do not so state. The meeting was opened with prayer. The following persons were present: Drs. O. M. Doyle and T. J. Pickens, Messrs. J. E. Lebby, J. D. McEl- roy, B. F. Gantt, Samuel McCrary, and James Harrison, Mesdames B. F. Sloan, J. W. Livingston and M. L. Warren. In behalf of the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, Dr. Doyle submitted a Constitution and By-Laws, which were adopted. An election of officers resulted as follows : President, Dr. W. B. Cherry ; 1st Vice-President, Dr. O. M. Doyle; 2d Vice-President, Capt. J. Miles Pickens ; Secretary- Treasurer, Rev. J. T. McBryde, D. D. Several resolutions were adopted and the members paying dues were recorded. Rev. Dr. McBryde acted as Secretary of the meeting.
In a letter dated at Seneca, S. C., January 3, 1894, Presi- dent Cherry requested Secretary McBryde to notify the fol- lowing gentlemen of their appointment on the Executive Committee : B. F. Sloan, Seneca, S. C .; Aaron Boggs, Oco- nee County, S. C .; H. P. Sitton, Pendleton, S. C .; J. D.
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
McElroy, Anderson County, S. C .; Dr. J. H. Maxwell, Greenville, S. C.
The first annual meeting of "The Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association" (the name adopted in the Constitu- tion), was held at the Old Stone Church, October 11, 1894, at the call of the President. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. D. E. Frierson, of Anderson, S. C. Presi- dent Cherry delivered an address urging the necessity of continuing the Association and carrying out its aims. Rev. Dr. Frierson delivered an able address, after which an elec- tion of officers being in order, all the old officers were re- elected. The Executive Committee made a report, which was received as information. Among the resolutions adopted were the following: "That the Executive Committee be in- structed to study the grounds and suggest a plan for im- provement and an estimate of the cost of the same to the Association." "That, in the absence of Rev. Dr. McBryde, Secretary-Treasurer, Major B. F. Sloan be authorized to act for him, and for that purpose he is authorized to get posses- sion of the records of the Association." "That the thanks of the Association be tendered Rev. Dr. Frierson for his able and scholarly address,* and that a copy be requested for pub- lication." The old Executive Committee was reappointed for next year.
There is no record in the minute book of an annual meet- ing in 1895.
The annual meeting for 1896 was held at the Old Stone Church, October 1. Rev. B. P. Reid, of Pendleton, S. C., opened the meeting with prayer and a sermon. Mr. Reid urged upon the Association the desirability of having a narrative of the Stone Church read or delivered each year. "It was resolved that the officers of the Association be re- quired to engage some one each year, at least one month before the annual meeting, to deliver an address before the Association."
*This address is given in full in this book, see page 110.
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
An election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as fol- lows : President, Dr. O. M. Doyle; 1st Vice-President, Maj. J. J. Lewis; 2d Vice-President, Capt. J. Miles Pickens ; Sec- retary and Treasurer, Major B. F. Sloan.
"Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to consider the propriety of publishing a pamphlet for distribu- tion, including a history of the Association, and Rev. Dr. Frierson's address in 1894, and that the President of the Association be made a member of the Committee for this purpose."
The report of the Executive Committee at this meeting contains the first reference to the question of building a fence around the cemetery. Attached to the records of this meet- ing is a circular letter, dated Seneca, S. C., October 3, 1896, written by President Doyle to eleven ladies, requesting them to aid in raising money to build a fence around the cemetery. President Doyle appointed the following Executive Com- mittee for the year: Rev. B. P. Reid, Chairman, Messrs. Aaron Boggs, H. P. Sitton, Bonneau Harris and Capt. J. Miles Pickens.
The annual meeting for 1897 was called for August 21, at the Old Stone Church. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. B. P. Reid. Rev. W. E. Boggs, D. D., was present by invitation to address the Association, but owing to the small attendance caused by the inclemency of the weather, the address was postponed to an adjourned meeting, October 2.
The adjourned meeting, 1897, was held at Old Stone Church, October 2, and was opened with prayer by Rev. B. P. Reid. Rev. W. E. Boggs, D. D., delivered an able and learned address. "Rev. B. P. Reid made a short address in re the burial of Mrs. Matilda J. Miller, widow of John F. Miller, who was the son of Crosby Miller, who, with his brother, John Miller, gave the land on which the church was built. Rev. Mr. Reid also read a narrative of the early his- tory of the Old Stone Church and of the people buried in the
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
cemetery." The old officers of the Association were re- elected for the ensuing year. "On motion, the first Friday in October was fixed as the day for the annual meeting each year in the future."
On motion of Rev. B. P. Reid, the President appointed a Committee of three, with the President as Chairman, to be- gin the erection of a fence of stone, or of stone and iron, around the cemetery.
The annual meeting of the Association for 1898 was held at the Old Stone Church, October 7. The meeting was called to order by Vice-President J. J. Lewis, and opened with prayer by Rev. B. P. Reid. Mr. Reid presented a plan for a fence to be built around the cemetery, with an estimate of the cost, and moved its adoption. After some discussion, Major B. F. Sloan moved as a substitute, which was adopted, that the President appoint a Committee of three or more to raise a subscription, adopt a plan of a fence and proceed to the erection of the same. Hon. J. E. Boggs, of Pickens, who had been invited to deliver the annual address, was pre- vented from being present. Rev. B. P. Reid read a short account of the foundation of the Old Stone Church and its early history. Major B. F. Sloan also read a few notes of the early history of the church, copied from the session book of the Hopewell Pendleton Presbyterian Church.
On motion, a Committee of three, consisting of Rev. B. P. Reid, Major B. F. Sloan and Capt. J. Miles Pickens, was ap- pointed to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Dr. O. M. Doyle, the former President of the Association. The Committee appointed to build the fence consisted of Rev. B. P. Reid, Messrs. J. C. Stribling and O. R. Doyle. Major J. J. Lewis was elected President and the other officers re- elected for the ensuing year.
A call meeting of the Association was held at Old Stone Church, August 18, 1899, to consider the building of a fence around the cemetery. The Treasurer reported $220 on hand from dues of the members and subscriptions. An agreement
THE OLD STONE CHURCH
was made to try and raise at least $100 additional by the time for the annual meeting.
The regular annual meeting of the Association for 1899 was held at Old Stone Church, October 6, and was opened with prayer by Rev. B. P. Reid. There seems to have been no annual address. The fence question was discussed and plans laid to raise additional contributions. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Major J. J. Lewis; Vice-President, Mr. J. C. Stribling; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. H. P. Sitton. The Executive Committee was reappointed.
There is no record in the minute book of a meeting in 1900.
The annual meeting of the Association for 1901 was held at Old Stone Church, October 4, with President J. J. Lewis in the chair. Dr. R. N. Brackett presented a set of resolu- tions, looking to the establishment of an endowment fund for the perpetual care of Old Stone Church and Cemetery. These resolutions were adopted, printed in the form given below and sent to all persons likely to be interested in the move- ment :
"An Appeal for an Endowment Fund for the Perpetual Care of the Old Stone Church Cemetery.
Resolutions adopted by the Old Stone Church Association -annual meeting, October 4, 1901. In consideration of the interest which we as patriotic citizens of South Carolina and as members of this Association have in the care and preser- vation of the historic memorials to the illustrious dead, who found their last resting place in the Old Stone Church Ceme- tery; and in view of our own interest in the proper care of these grounds, by reason of those dear to us through ties of blood or friendship whose remains repose here:
Be it resolved, first. That it is the sense of this Association that an endowment fund shall be raised to be known as THE OLD STONE CHURCH PERPETUAL ENDOWMENT FUND, and
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
that every effort be made to raise at least one thousand dol- lars for this purpose.
Be it resolved, second, That a Committee of six be ap- pointed to draw up an appeal for this purpose, that they be authorized to have said appeal printed and distributed to all members of this Association; and, in view of the historic interest of this Cemetery, in order to afford an opportunity to the patriotic citizens of South Carolina of contributing to this cause, to send copies of this appeal to the chief daily papers of the State and to the religious papers also for publication.
Be it resolved, third, That this Committee be designated as Trustees of said endowment fund ; that they be required to give bond to the amount of the fund ; that they be required to invest said fund in government stock or other safe securities ; that they be empowered to spend the interest in the care and improvement of the cemetery grounds, which shall always be kept clean and free of weeds and undergrowth, and as oppor- tunity and means offer be improved by being carefully laid off into lots and walks and planted with trees, shrubbery, and grass.
Be it resolved, fourth, That these Trustees shall be self- perpetuating; that they shall make an annual report in writ- ing to be filed with the Secretary of this Association, said report to contain a detailed statement of the administration of the endowment fund, stating the nature of the invest- ments and giving an itemized account of the expenditure of the interest, accompanied by vouchers.
In accordance with these resolutions, the following Com- mittee was appointed : Chairman, R. N. Brackett, Clemson College, S. C .; J. J. Lewis, Pickens, S. C .; Whitner Symmes, Greenville, S. C .; H. P. Sitton, Pendleton, S. C .; Dr. E. C. Doyle, Seneca, S. C .; J. C. Stribling, Pendleton, S. C.
As an Auxiliary Committee, or Advisory Committee, the following ladies were appointed: Mrs. B. Frank Sloan,
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
Seneca, S. C .; Mrs. Chas. Davant, Pendleton, S. C .; Mrs. R. N. Brackett, Clemson College, S. C.
R. N. BRACKETT, Chairman Committee.
March 4, 1902.
Remittances should be sent to H. P. Sitton, Pendleton, S. C."
On motion of Major B. F. Sloan, the President appointed a Committee, consisting of Mr. H. P. Sitton, Drs. E. C. Doyle and R. N. Brackett, to confer with the officers or trus- tees of the Pendleton Presbyterian Church, and, if possible, obtain a title or a transfer of the Old Stone Church property to this Association and its successors, to be used by them entirely for the uses and purposes of a burial ground and reli- gious services as this Association may deem proper. The Treasurer's annual report contains the statement that "the stone wall (around the cemetery) has been built as per con- tract, at a cost of $3.80 per cubic yard, amounting to $516.66." An election of officers for the ensuing year re- sulted as follows: President, Major J. J. Lewis; Secretary, Dr. R. N. Brackett; Treasurer, Mr. H. P. Sitton-the office of Secretary-Treasurer having been divided at this meeting.
The annual meeting of the Association for 1902 was held at Old Stone Church, October 25, and was called to order by Dr. R. N. Brackett, in the absence of the other officers. Capt. J. Miles Pickens acted as Secretary. There was no annual address, as Col. W. S. Pickens, of Anderson County, who had been invited was unavoidably absent. Dr. Brackett made a verbal report of the work of the Committee on En- dowment Fund, appointed at the last annual meeting, with certain recommendations. This report gave briefly a state- ment in regard to the resolutions with reference to an endow- ment fund passed at the last annual meeting. Printed copies of the resolutions were distributed, and it was stated that these printed copies, together with a circular letter, had been
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH
sent to forty or fifty persons, in order to arouse interest until an appeal could be prepared. It was also stated that the thanks of the Association were due President H. S. Hart- zog, of Clemson College, S.C., for having printed the resolu- tions free of charge. It was recommended by Dr. Brackett : First, That members of the Association subscribe at once to the endowment fund in order to furnish a nucleus and act as a stimulus to others to contribute ; second, That the appeal for an endowment fund take the form of a book containing all the interesting historical matter about the Old Stone Church and Cemetery. Typewritten copies of Rev. Dr. Frierson's annual address before the Association in 1894, and several other interesting items were exhibited by Dr. Brackett to illustrate the beginning that had been made in collecting material for a book such as has been suggested. Mrs. P. H. Mell suggested printing all the historical records of the church.
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