USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 3
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History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
the Bible alone" has been their slogan through all these years of conflict. A "thus saith the Lord" has been demanded at every point. They have stood a "pecul- iar people zealous of good works," and have ever refused to form any alliance with the advocates of error. They have been Landmark Baptists in the strictest sense of the term. A few quotations taken from the minutes from time to time will give an idea of the doctrinal cast of this people. In the minutes of 1850 we have the following :
"Resolved, That the churches be advised to receive none but those who have been BAPTIZED on a profes- sion of their faith in Christ, by a legal administrator ; and that we esteem legal only such as act under the authority of the regular Baptist Church, as organized after the model of the gospel."
In the minutes of 1844 A. D. we have the fol- lowing :
"WHEREAS, The Freedom Association has pro- posed a correspondence with us; resolved, therefore, that we send a friendly letter and delegates to inform them that we are willing to correspond with them, provided they will correct the error of one of their churches, for receiving members into their fellowship who were immersed by unauthorized administrators."
It might be remarked for the benefit of those who would brand us as "Gravesites," that this record was made before J. R. Graves ever appeared before the public as editor. All honor to J. R. Graves ; but he was simply a Baptist, such as he found when he came upon the stage.
In the minutes for 1854 we find the following record of a resolution presented by Brother P. Gold and unanimously endorsed by the Association :
23
Salem Association
"Resolved, That it is inconsistent for Baptists to recognize Pedo-baptist preachers, as gospel ministers, denying as we do the legality of their official acts, by inviting them to occupy our pulpits, or preaching with them.
P. GOLD."
Again in the minutes for 1855 we find the follow- ing entry :
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Associa- tion, that it is a violation of the usage of Baptist churches, and disorganizing in its tendency, for a min- ister to receive and baptize individuals in the presence of churches, or within their jurisdiction, without their authority ; and we hereby enter our protest against such action."
The above quotations demonstrate that this Asso- ciation has stood, through her history, with a fixed purpose against alien-immersion and pulpit affiliation with preachers of error.
It might be remarked just here that these principles were never applied to either the "Primitive" or "Sepa- rate" Baptists. They were always regarded as sound Baptists, only differing in methods, while they agreed in doctrine. With reference to the attitude of this body toward the "Primitive Baptists" we find in the minutes for 1849 this entry.
"Resolved, That E. W. Haile, A. W. Meachem and N. Hays be appointed to write a letter to the Round Lick Association (of Primitive Baptists) and bear it to their next session for the purpose of laboring for a union between us, and to become one body."
Again in the minutes for 1870 we find the fol- lowing :
24
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
"Moved and seconded that a committee be appointed to meet with the Round Lick Association ( Primitive Baptists) next fall, carried, and H. Bass, T. H. Gold, J. W. Bowen, H. T. Rucks, N. Smith and L. D. Smith, were appointed."
Also in 1871 we find the following :
"By motion, Brother P. G. Magness, of Round Lick Association, was invited to a seat."
In regard to the people known as Separate Baptists, in the minutes of 1842 we find this language:
"WHEREAS, That union so desirable among breth- ren of the same Christian family does not exist be- tween the united Baptists, and those denominated the Separate Baptists, and as this Association think there is no good reason why all the relations of Christian fellowship should not exist between them and us; therefore,
"Resolved, That we open a correspondence with Mount Zion Association (of Separate Baptists) with the view of effecting a union of the two parties, which have so long stood aloof from each other; and for this purpose have appointed our brethren, Elders Elijah W. Haile, James Bond and Brother William Martin to attend their next Association, and confer with them on this subject, and report the result to our next Association."
Also the following foot note is appended :
"The reason why a communication as above was not made to the Duck River Association (of Separate Baptists) was because our brethren of Concord, in union with us, are in correspondence with them and Concord 2nd (of Separate Baptists) on the same sub- ject."
The above is sufficient to show that they always re-
25
Salem Association
garded the Primitive and Separate Baptists as parts of the same family, and hence they always recognized their administration.
Salem Association has always been aggressive along educational lines. Her members have always stood in the front rank in building up schools in the com- munity where they have chanced to live. In addition to this, Salem Association has owned and controlled several good schools, from whose walls numbers, of men and women, have gone out to bless the world. Among these we mention first Marion College, situ- ated near Readyville, Cannon County, Tennessee. This institution of learning was established in 1850 A. D., and was ably manned for many years by that scholarly man, James A. Delk. This was the pride of Salem Association and the idol of the lamented J. M. D. Cates, near whose home it was located, and who was president of the Board of Trustees. Though long a thing of the past, its influence is still felt.
In 1851 she began the operation of Central Female Institute in the town of McMinnville, Warren County. This institution prospered for many years under the efficient tutorage of Elder John Powell, a man of fine accomplishments and sterling worth. This school was kept in successful operation for several years by the Association and was quite an impetus to the Baptist cause in this section.
In 1852 Salem and Enon Associations purchased property near Castalian Springs in Sumner County and began the operation of a school with the title of Enon College. This school had a prosperous career of a few years, but owing to some financial mistakes the institution was closed and the property sold.
Apart from her own schools, she for many years
26
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
kept a beneficiary in Union University at Murfrees- boro.
Her ministry, in the main, has been a strong body of men-strong in intellect, many of whom possessed fine scholarly attainments, and a courage which laughed at difficulties and cried "it must be done." The sacrificing energy of these men of God cries with thunder tones to the marshalled hosts of the King of Zion, urging them on to nobler deeds of chiv- alry in this holy war.
NAME.
Many people become confused in regard to the Bap- tist denomination because of prefixes attached to the name Baptist. Let me say once for all that in history they are known simply as Baptists. Sometimes we are spoken of as "Missionary" Baptists. In the sense that we practice missions this is correct, provided you use the prefix as an adjective and not as a title. In history we are known simply as Baptists. Differ- ent prefixes have been used at different times in con- sequence of peculiar surroundings; when the condi- tions cease to exist the prefixes are dropped. In the early part of the century in the States most all Bap- tists were spoken of as "United Baptists." This grew out of the union of the General and Separate Baptists who afterwards were denominated United Baptists. This, however, by degrees, was being dropped off and the simple title of Baptist was again coming into use, when the Campbellites came on the stage and sought to propagate their doctrine, while they wore the name Baptist. This caused the Salem Association to pass the following resolution which we find recorded in the minutes for 1830:
27
Salem Association
"WHEREAS, There has grown up around us, vari- ous sects of professed Christians denominating them- selves Baptists, and between whom and us there are such marked lines of distinction as to bar them from our union and communion. In order, therefore, to have a definite prefixed character for ourselves in this respect, and to prevent the confusion to which this state of things exposes us, in our official inter- view ; be it
"Resolved, That in future, this body be known and distinguished by the name of the Salem Associa- tion of United Baptists; and so denominated in all its official acts, and that it be recommended to the churches of this Association, that they, in all their official acts, use this appellation as well in letters of dismission to members to join other churches, as in letters to the Association," etc.
This resolution was strictly observed till 1872 A. D. when the Association convened at Sycamore Fork Church. Up to this time all the minutes are headed "Salem Association of United Baptists." At this meeting T. T. Eaton was present and suggested that the conditions no longer existed which made the prefix necessary. Then it was duly dropped from the min- utes. From that time on, they have borne the title of Baptists.
Before closing this chapter we will append a tabu- lated statement of the meetings of Salem Association, as follows :
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History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
YEAR.
PLACE OF MEETING.
PREACHER.
MODERATOR.
CLERK.
1822
Cedar Creek.
Thos. Durham
Cantrel Bethel.
Geo A. Lucas.
1824.
Second Creek.
Cantrel Bethel.
John Jones.
Geo. A. Lucas.
1825
Hogan's Creek.
Joshua Lester .
John Wiseman ..
Joshua Lester.
1826.
Smith's Fork.
John Wiseman
John Jones.
Geo. A Lucas.
1827
.
Big Cedar Lick
Wmn. Flowers ..
Cantrel Bethel
.Joshua Lester.
1828.
Peyton's Creek
Presley Lester.
Josiah Rucks
Joshua Lester.
1829.
Brush Creek.
H. W. Pickett ...
Miles West ..
Joshua Lester.
1830.
.
Brawley's Fork.
Levi A. Durham ..
Thomas Hooker
Joshua Lester.
1831
Round Lick.
John Wiseman.
.John Wiseman.
Joshua Lester.
1832.
Salt Lick.
Joshua Lester
Levi A. Durham
Joshua Lester.
1833
Salem
Miles West ...
Wm. Flowers.
Joshua Lester.
1834.
Fall Creek
Daniel Smith
John Wiseman
Joshua Lester.
1835
Spring Creek
H. W. Pickett ..
Daniel Smith
Joshua Lester.
1836.
Testament.
Joshua Lester
John Wiseman
Joshua Lester.
1837.
. New Hope
Miles West ..
James Bond ..
Joshua Lester.
1838. Sander's Fork.
Wm. C Bransford
John Wiseman
Joshua Lester.
1839. .
Knob Spring ...
E. B. Haynie
Daniel Smith
Joshua Lester.
1840. East Fork Goose Creek.
E. W. Haile
Elijah Maddox
James R. Lowry.
1841
Hogan's Creek.
John Wiseman.
James Bond.
Joshua Lester.
1842
Prosperity
Jonathan Wiseman.
Cantrel Bethel
Henry Fite.
1843
Round Lick
H. W. Pickett.
E. W. Haile .
Wm. Dale.
1844.
Bledsoe's Creek
E. B. Haynie
Daniel Smith
Henry Fite.
1845.
Hickman's Creek
Levi Smithwick
E. B. Haynie
Henry Fite.
1846.
Smith's Fork
Daniel Smith
Jonathan Wiseman.
Henry Fite.
1847. Cedar Grove.
E. W. Haile ..
E. W. Haile.
Henry Fite.
1848
Dixon's Creek .
E. B. Haynie.
Daniel Smith
Henry Fite.
1849
Bethel.
Daniel Smith
Jonathan Wiseman.
Henry Fite.
1850.
Brawley's Fork
A. W. Meacham
A. W. Meacham
J. M. D. Cates.
1851. . .
Plunkett's Creek
J. M. D. Cates.
E. W. Haile . J. M. D. Cates.
Thomas Fisher.
1853. . . McMinnville ..
J. M. D. Cates
James A. Delk.
Thomas Fisher.
1854. . Brush Creek.
John Powell .
Thomas Fisher.
1855
Macedonia.
John Powell J. M. D. Cates.
H. W. Pickett ..
Thomas Fisher.
1856 Fall Creek
J. W. Bowen.
James Barrett. .
J. M. D. Cates.
1852. Wolf Creek.
N. Hays.
William Borum.
.
1823.
Round Lick.
Elijah Maddox.
YEAR.
PLACE OF MEETING.
PREACHER.
MODERATOR.
CLERK.
-
1857
Salem
A. J. Brandon
J. M. D. Cates
1858.
Woodbury.
J. W. Bowen
J. W. Bowen
1859.
Round Lick.
L. H. Bethel.
L. H. Bethel.
1860.
Athens
J. M. D. Cates
N. Hays.
1861.
Hogan's Creek
G. W. Griffin
A. J. Brandon
1862
New Hope.
No minutes printed.
1863.
Smith's Fork.
No minutes printed
1864
¡Maccedonia.
No minutes printed
H. Bass ..
Thos. P. Jones.
1866
Hickman's Creek
J. M. D. Cates
H. W. Pickett.
L. D. Smith.
1868.
Cedar Grove
A. J. Brandon.
J. M. D. Cates.
L. D. Smith.
1869. .
Spring Creek.
J. M. Phillips.
James Barrett.
L. D. Smith.
1870
Bethel .
L. H. Bethel.
L. H. Bethel
L. D. Smith.
1871
Providence
T J. Eastes.
J. M. D. Cates
L. D. Smith.
1872
Sycamore Fork
J. M. D. Cates.
H. Y. Riddle
L. D. Smith.
1873
.
Smith's Fork.
T.J. Eastes
H. W. Pickett.
L. D. Smith.
1874.
Smithville.
J. M. D. Cates.
J. M. D. Cates.
L. D. Smith.
1875
New Hope.
J. J. Martin.
J. W. Hunt
L. D. Smith.
1876
Auburn
T. J. Eastes
T. J. Eastes.
L. D. Smith.
1877.
Brush Creek
J. J. Martin. .
J. J Martin
L. D. Smith.
1878.
Plunkett's Creek
J. T. Oakley.
. J. Eastes.
L. D. Smith.
1880
New Salem.
T. J. Eastes.
J. T. Oakley.
L
D. Smith.
1881.
Fall Creek.
J. M. D. Cates
J. C. Brien ..
L. D. Smith.
1882.
Woodbury.
T. J. Eastes ..
D. B. Vance.
L. D. Smith.
1883. Round Lick
D. B. Vance.
J. M. D. Cates.
L. D. Smith.
1884. . .. Buena Vista
J. M. D. Cates
J. J. Martin.
D. B. Vance.
1885.
Mt. Zion
J. H. Grime.
J. T. Oakley
D. B. Vance.
1886
Prosperity .
T. J. Eastes .
T. J. Eastes.
D. B. Vance.
1887. . Hickman's Creek.
J. H. Grime. . .
J. T. Oakley.
J. R. Rushing.
1888. Marion
J. M. Stewart.
J. F. McNabb
J. R. Rushing.
1889.
Cooper's Chapel.
J. T. Oakley
J. T. Oakley.
Jno. C. New. Jno. C. New.
1890. . .. Auburn
J. M. Stewart.
J. J. Martin
1891.
Ramah
D. B. Vance
J. H. Williams
Jno. C. New.
-
Mt. Zion
S. L. Summar
J. M. D. Cates.
L. H. Bethel.
Thos. P. Jones.
1867.
Prosperity.
James Barrett
William Borum. William Borum. William Borum. H. Y. Riddle. H. Y. Riddle.
Salem Association
29
·
L. D. Smith.
L. H. Bethel
1879.
Salem.
J. M. D. Cates
.
.
1865.
30
YEAR.
PLACE OF MEETING.
PREACHER.
MODERATOR.
CLERK.
1892.
Woodbury .
J. T. Oakley.
W. P. Maury
Jno. C. New.
1893
Smithville
D. B. Vance.
J. H. Williams
Jno. C. New. .
1894
.
Smith's Fork
J. T. Oakley.
C. B. Odum
Jno. C. New.
1895.
Salem
J. H. Davis.
J. H. Williams
W. A. Cathcart.
1896. . .. [Sycamore Fork.
J. T. Oakley.
M. H. Grimmett
W. A. Cathcart.
1897
Green Vale.
A. C. Webb.
J. H. Williams.
W. A. Cathcart.
1898
Doweltown
D. B. Vance.
J. T. Oakley.
W. A. Cathcart.
1899.
Dry Creek
J. M. Stewart
J. M. Stewart.
J. T. Oakley. .
1900.
Auburn
D. B. Vance.
J. H. Williams.
J. T. Oakley. .
1901
Mt. Zion
J. T. Oakley.
M. H Grimmet.
J. T. Oakley.
.
.
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
CHAPTER IV.
NEW SALEM ASSOCIATION.
This body of Baptists is an offspring of Salem As- sociation. In the minutes of Salem Association for 1888, when convened with the Marion Church, Can- non County, near Readyville, we find the following record :
"WHEREAS, In the providence of our Heavenly Father, Salem Association has grown to be a very large body, embracing a large territory, making it burdensome for some of the messengers to attend the meetings of the body :
"We, Round Lick, Shop Spring, Buena Vista, Macedonia, Hogan's Creek and New Salem churches, all situated in the northern boundary of the Associa- tion, entertaining the most fraternal feeling for the Association, believing it to be for the glory of God and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom to form a new Association, now ask letters from Salem Association, believing it to be for the glory of God, and while we entertain the most friendly feelings will work in harmony with our mother Association, using all endeavor to perpetuate our fraternal love and fel- lowship.
"Also we ask that the churches immediately sur- rounding this new organization be assured that if they desire to go into the new organization it will not be regarded a breach of good order, or a violation of the principles of courtesy for them to do so."
31
32
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
In consummation of the purposes herein described a council was called to meet at Buena Vista Church, Grant, Smith County, Tennessee, on October 30, 1888, to form a new Association. In this council the fol- lowing churches were represented :
Alexandria, Athens, Barton's Creek, Bethel, Buena Vista, Brush Creek, Carthage, Hickman's Creek, Hogan's Creek, Knob Spring, Liberty, Linwood, Macedonia, New Salem, Plunkett's Creek, Riddleton, Rome, Round Lick and Shop Spring.
Messengers from the above nineteen churches or- ganized by the election of J. W. Bryan, Moderator, L. D. Smith, Clerk, and W. S. Neal, Treasurer.
They then proceeded to prepare a basis for future meetings by appointing committees to draw up a Constitution, Rules of Decorum, etc., to be presented at a future meeting. The churches represented here contained a membership of less than 2,000. They had among their members the following ministers : T. J. Eastes, J. B. Moody, J. H. Grime, L. D. Smith, John Harper, Henry Bass, Z. A. Lyon, M. W. Rus- sell, J. D. Howell, L. L. Allen, J. F. McNabb, Wm. Wooten, S. B. Whitlock, T. B. Chapman, A. E. John- son, A. J. Waller, N. R. Sanborn, and J. W. Bowen. This was a fine body of men and would compare favorably with the ministry of most any Association. Besides this they could boast of as noble brethren among the laymen as could be found anywhere. This Association in doctrine is of the same type as the old original Association. In the main her ministers are strong Calvinists, and are strictly Landmark Baptists.
In mission work she has even exceed the mother Association, so far as contributions are concerned. Her work has been steady and progressive, with noth-
33
New Salem Association
ing especial out of the usual line. The following ministers who helped to set her asail, and with a holy pride watched her infant steps, have gone to their reward: J. W. Bowen, T. B. Chapman, S. B. Whit- lock, Z. A. Lyon, Henry Bass. These have crossed the mystic river and joined the great Association above. May we indulge the thought that they are watching the struggles of their fellow-laborers here below, and with a heavenly joy they mark every step of advancement ?
In the twelve years of her existence she has in- creased from nineteen to twenty-seven churches, and they have a membership of some 2,700.
We append here a tabulated statement of her meet- ings : 2
34
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
YEAR.
PLACE OF MEETING.
PREACHER.
MODERATOR.
CLERK.
1888
Buena Vista ...
J. H. Anderson
J. W. Bryan
L. D. Smith.
1889
Hogan's Creek ..
J. B. Moody
W. D. Gold.
L. D. Smith.
1890.
Shop Spring
N. R. Sanborn
H. M. Hale.
L. D. Smith.
1891.
Maccedonia.
J. H. Grime.
W. H. Smith.
L. D. Smith.
1892
Carthage.
T. J. Eastes ..
J. H. Grime ..
L. D. Smith.
1893.
Alexandria
J. P. Gilliam ..
J. P. Gilliam.
J. B. Baird.
1894.
Round Lick ..
T. J. Eastes
T. J. Eastes
.J. B. Baird.
1895.
Brush Creek.
J. P. Gilliam
S. N. Fitzpatrick
J. W. Bryan.
1896 ..
Barton's Creek
T. J. Eastes
J. P. Gilliam
J. W. Bryan.
1898. . . .
Plunkett's Creek
M. W. Russell
R. Brett ..
J. W. Bryan.
1899. ...
Cedar Grove.
S. N. Fitzpatrick
M. W. Russell
J. W. Bryan.
1900.
Lancaster ..
T. J. Eastes
J. H. Anderson
J. W. Bryan.
1901. .. |Hickman's Creek
J. J. Carr
T. J. Eastes
J. W. Bailey.
1897. Riddleton.
R. Brett.
L. D. Smith.
J. H. Grime.
1415169
CHAPTER . V.
CHURCH SKETCHES.
BIG CEDAR LICK-MT. OLIVET.
This old church is situated in the little railroad town of Leeville, eight miles west of Lebanon, Wil- son County, Tennessee, and was constituted April 25, 1801, by a presbytery consisting of Elders Patrick Mooney, Moore Stevenson, Clifton Allen and Frank Weathered. These elders were members of West Station Camp Church, of Sumner County, and the church at Leeville, strictly speaking, is a branch of that church from which she drew a good per cent of her first members. The records are so soiled we cannot ascertain the number of constituent members.
This church is the fruit of the labors of that noble man of God, Elder Moore Stevenson, who first planted the Baptist Standard in Wilson County. The church was first called Cedar Lick after a creek, hard by, by that name. Not long after an arm of this church was extended to another point and denominated Little Cedar Lick, and from this time the mother church was known as Big Cedar Lick, till 1843, when it was changed to Mt. Olivet.
This church has affiliated with four Associations. In 1802 she united with Mero District Association when convened at Richland Creek (Dillahaunty's) Church. In 1803 she went into the constitution of Cumberland Association and remained with this body
35
36
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
till 1817, when she united with Concord Association at Hickman's Creek in Smith County. Then in 1823 she united with Salem Association at Round Lick, Watertown, Tenn. She remained with Salem till 1848 when she secured a letter, returning to Concord in 1849.
Since the above was written this church has held a centennial in which most all the living pastors par- ticipated. This event took place April 25, 1901, and was one of the happiest events this author ever wit- nessed.
PASTORS: Part of the records are lost, so that we cannot give dates in full, for pastors, etc. Elder Moore Stevenson became their first pastor and re- mained in that position till he fell on sleep March 18, 1818. A Brother Dew was then called, and the next pastor of whom we have any account is Elder E. W. Haile, who was called about 1840. Then follow Elder John Selvidge, Elder R. R. Barton, Elder R. W. January, Elder W. F. Luck, Elder A. J. Brandon, Elder J. P. Weaver, 1873 ; Elder S. G. Shepard, 1873- 76; Elder J. T. Oakley, 1877-80; Elder J. S. Rice, 1880-82; Elder J. H. Anderson, 1883-85 ; Elder J. T. Oakley, 1885-87 ; Elder J. P. Gilliam, 1888-92; Elder J. H. Grime, 1893-95; Elder J. T. Oakley, 1895-96; Elder S. G. Shepard, 1896-99 ; Elder S. N. Fitzpatrick, 1900; Elder J. J. Carr is the present efficient pastor (1901).
CLERKS : John McFarland was first clerk and served till 1847 : William Lanius, 1847-52 ; I. F. Davis, 1852-66; R. T. Davis, 1866-91; J. A. Sullivan has been clerk since January, 1892.
We are indebted to John McFarland and the present clerk for many valuable papers.
37
Church Sketches
DEACONS : The first deacons were James Brinson, Richard Scott, and Newton Drew. The present deacons are W. P. Sullivan, J. W. Clemmons, G. W. Sullivan, J. L. Russell and C. R. Lanius.
This church has sent out the following new churches : Flat Rock, 1819; Bethesda, 1814; Barton's Creek, 1820; Rutland, 1822; Little Cedar Lick and Ridge Meeting House, 1825. These so depleted the old stock that it seemed for a time it would go under. But they rallied about 1848 and built a commodious stone church house and have long been a power for good. In doctrine this old church gave no uncertain sound. In a letter addressed to Concord Association, July 10, 1810, we find the following: "We are yet holding the doctrines of grace, which are in Christ Jesus (i. e.), the doctrine of original sin, particular election, the final perseverance of the saints in grace to glory."
Also in a letter of dismission written by this church Saturday before the fourth Lord's day in August, 1822, A. D., we find the following words: "We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Big Cedar Lick, holding believers baptism by immersion, the final perseverance of all saints in grace to glory, particular and un- conditional election." . .. This letter was given to Barney Eagin.
She sent out some preachers in the early part of her history.
This church contains some noble spirits. Present number in fellowship is 125. It might be stated that this was the first Baptist Church constituted in Wil- son County, Tennessee. This has always been a mis- sionary church, having never divided on the ques- tion.
38
History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
BRADLEY'S CREEK.
This church is situated near the village of Milton, twelve miles east of Murfreesboro, Rutherford Coun- ty, Tennessee. The first Baptist preaching done in this community was by that consecrated servant of God, Elder Moore Stevenson, and this point was held as an arm of Big Cedar Lick Church (now Mt. Olivet), Leeville, Tenn., until May 17, 1806, when it was moved to Statesville, Wilson County, and con- stituted into an independent church now known as Smith's Fork. Some time afterward Smith's Fork Church extended an arm near the same point and be- came foster mother of the same interest. This church was constituted May 22, 1819, by Elders Joshua Les- ter, Gideon Rucker, John Warren, and David Gordon. The church was first called Philadelphia, which title she held till 1833, when a new house was constructed some distance north from the first, and the church moved and the name changed to Bradley's Creek. We have no means of knowing the number of members in the constitution of this church.
PASTORS : Elder Joshua Lester was employed as first pastor of this church and continued till 1829, when Elder Presley Lester moved into the community and took the oversight of the church. This position he held until he was called home, August 26, 1839. Elder John Selvidge, 1840-48; Elder W. H. Grimmet, 1849-51 ; Elder D. H. Selph, 1851-52; Elder J. J. Mar- tin, 1852-67; Elder L. H. Bethel, 1867-69; Elder D. H. Selph, 1869-71; Elder Enoch Windes, 1871-78; Elder Morgan Green, 1878-80; Elder J. H. Jackson, 1880-81; Elder G. A. Ogle, the present pastor, has served since 1881, which marks a very prosperous
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