USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 5
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This church is evidently the mother of Round Lick. An arm was extended there in April, 1803, which re- sulted in the constitution of that church July 2, 1803. They extended an arm to Liberty, DeKalb County (then Smith County), in 1804, which resulted in the constitution of Salem Church in August, 1809. In 1805 they extended an arm to Hickman, which re- sulted in the constitution of Hickman's Creek Church in July, 1806. Besides these, they have furnished members in later organizations.
They have sent out the following ministers: Levi A. Durham and John P. Walker, ordained June, 1827, by Elders John Jones, Cantrel Bethel, Presley Lester, H. W. Pickett, Miles West and Thomas Hooker.
Also William Allen, ordained April, 1834, by Eld- ers Wm. P. Hughs, William Dale, Cantrel Bethel, John Fite and James Evans.
J. W. Saulman, ordained January, 1874, by Elders R. A. Dillard, Henry Bass, J. K. Womack, L. D. Smith and J. T. Oakley.
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G. A. Ogle, ordained second Sunday in October, 1875, by Elders L. D. Smith, T. J. Eastes, J. R. Hearn and J. W. Saulman.
S. B. Whitlock, ordained February, 1888, by Eld- ers William Simpson, L. D. Smith and J. C. Brien.
L. L. Allen, ordained February 9, 1894, by Elders M. W. Russell, T. J. Eastes, John Washburn and A. B. Cabaniss.
This church has had rather a stormy career. When the division came in 1837, and the Primitive Baptists split off from the United Baptists and formed Round Lick Association of Primitive Baptists, this church took no action. However, there was an unsettled ele- ment in the church that leaned toward the Anti-mis- sion party. In July, 1838, they so manipulated mat- ters as to elect Elder Sion Bass pastor, who had gone with the Anti-mission party. Once on the inside, he began to sow the seeds of discord and succeeded in keeping the church from representing in Salem As- sociation that year. Seeing something had to be done, forty-two of the members covenanted together and protested against the action of the church in calling and retaining as pastor a man who had withdrawn from the general body. This was the signal for ac- tion and in January, 1839, the church divided, each side retaining equal interest in the church property. Those protesting and retaining membership in Sa- lem Association were greatly in minority. Out of 157 members represented in the Association for 1837, they were able to get to the Association in 1839 with only 38; thius leaving 119 to go with the Primitive Bap- tists. Our brethren, however, had the clerk (Samuel Paschal ) and retained the records, giving to the other side a copy. They have worshiped agreeably together
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in the same house, each party bearing their equal part of expense in keeping up the property, ever since the division until about 1898. Then they mutually dis- solved partnership in the property, tearing away the old house and each building a neat, new house on ad- jacent lots. The minority has grown until it now numbers 158 members, while the majority has dwindled till only a remnant is left.
The early history of this church shows it to have been very prosperous. I notice they baptized in one year as many as 105 persons. Since 1827 about 700 persons have found a Christian home with this old church. I suppose it would be safe to say that 1,000 persons have been received into the fellowship of this old church since it was constituted. Of late years, under the pastoral care of Elder T. J. Eastes, this church has taken on new life; and with a new house of worship, in a flourishing railroad town, it would seem that the new century brings with it a new era of prosperity for this church. This church united with Cumberland Association in 1809, when in ses- sion at old Spring Creek Church, four miles east of Lebanon. It was a constituent member of Concord Association, 1810; of Salem, 1822, and of New Sa- lem, 1888.
HICKMAN'S CREEK.
This old church is an offspring of Brush Creek Church, and is situated in the flourishing railroad town of Hickman, Smith County, Tennessee. Among the first ministers to occupy this point was Elder John Wiseman, who emigrated to this State in 1805. This church was constituted of members belonging to Brush Creek in the month of July, 1806. As to what ministers were present we are not informed, but feel
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we would be safe in saying that Elders John Jones, Joshua Lester, Cantrel Bethel and John Wiseman were there. Elder John Wiseman became her first pastor and remained so probably till about 1810, when he was followed by Elder Thomas Durham, who had moved into that community from North Carolina and become a member of said church. He served till death released him in 1823. Other ministers served
DEACON JESSE H. BAIRD.
as pastor most probably in the following order, but for want of records we cannot give dates. Following Elder Thomas Durham, we have Elders William Flowers, Hiram Casey, Levi A. Durham, Archamac Bass, E. W. Haile and N. Hays. He was released from his labors with this church by death in the latter part of 1868. Soon after his death Elder T. J. Eastes
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was called to the care of the church and served till June, 1881 ; Elder J. W. Patton, 1881-82; Elder M. W. Russell, 1882-83; Elder J. M. Stewart, 1883-86; Elder T. J. Eastes, 1886-88; Elder N. R. Sanborn, 1890-92; Elder M. W. Russell, 1892-96; Elder R. Brett, 1896-99; Elder M. W. Russell, 1899-1900. Elder W. J. Watson is the present pastor since De- cember, 1900.
CLERKS: We have no means of ascertaining the early clerks. Brother J. B. Baird was elected Jan- uary, 1876, and served till February, 1894, when H. C. Gwaltney was elected and still serves in that ca- pacity.
DEACONS: We can only give of the later deacons, Jeremiah H. Baird, 1875; Josiah Baird, 1875; Bethel Eskew, 1875; W. C. Jones, 1890; T. F. Gwaltney, 1890; J. E. Gold, 1890; N. L. Gold, 1890; T. L. Win- frey, 1890; L. C. Smith, 1897; S. J. Thomas, 1897; H. C. Gwaltney, 1897. In addition to these we might mention Pleasant Gold, Nathan Word, and others, with our venerable Brother J. H. Baird, who still lives.
This church, too, has had a stormy voyage. In 1826 this church had nearly one hundred members in fellowship, but dissensions crept into the body, and it seemed impossible to advance farther than they were. So, in November, 1827, a council was called, con- sisting of Elders Cantrel Bethel, Thomas Hooker, Levi A. Durham and Daniel Blue. These brethren advised a dissolution of the church, giving, to such as coincided with them, letters of recommendation. (See Minutes of Salem Association for 1828). After matters had somewhat quieted, these brethren came to- gether and reorganized, leaving the disturbing ele-
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ment on the outside. This reduced their number to twenty-six. They returned to the Association in 1830. Whatever may be said on the propriety of the above methods, it was certainly an effective way of dis- pensing with a difficulty where the majority was on the other side. Matters went well till 1837, when they again numbered eighty-four, and the unfortunate di- vision on the mission question came and again en- tered her ranks, and a second division occurred, with about equal numbers on either side. They agreed to mutually share the property and worshiped agreeably in the same house till about 1875, when, under the ministry of Elder T. J. Eastes, our brethren secured a compromise with the other side. Then the old house was divided and each built a commodious new house on different parts of the old original lot. This church now numbers 142, while those denominating them- selves Primitive Baptists are not nearly so strong, yet have a fairly good church.
This church was first a member of Cumberland As- sociation and was a constituent member of Con- cord in 1810, of Salem in 1822, and of New Salem in 1888. Concord Association convened with this church in 1817. At this meeting a resolution was passed on Saturday to take a collection for Foreign Missions on Sunday, which was done at the close of the sermon. (See Bond's History of Concord Association, p. 27.) This was twenty years before the name "Primitive Baptist" was ever heard of, or any division on the mission question ever took place.
As to ministers and churches sent out by this church, we can not determine in the absence of rec- ords. This author is quite sure that some ministers were raised up by this church, but as it is our object
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to state only that which is authentic we will not venture an assertion.
SALEM.
This old church has long been a noted landmark with the Baptists of this section. There is perhaps no church in Middle Tennessee which wields a greater influence in the section where it stands than this old church.
This church is an offspring of Brush Creek Church and was for some time an arm of said church. It was constituted into an independent body August, 1809, with thirty-one members, Elder Cantrel Bethel head- ing the list. The presbytery consisted of Elders Daniel Burford, John Wiseman and Thomas Durham. They adopted a strong Calvinistic Confession of Faith, which is but an abridgement of the Philadelphia Con- fession.
This church is located in the town of Liberty, De- Kalb County, Tennessee, on Smith's Fork Creek, one of the most fertile sections in the State. This is said to be the first town located and named in the Upper Cumberland Valley. To write the history of this church would be to write a volume.
PASTORS : Elder Cantrel Bethel, 1809-37; Elder Wm. Dale supplied during this time for a period while Elder Bethel was engaged in a missionary tour ; Elder Joshua Lester, 1837-46; Elder Henry Fite, 1846-47 ; Elder Nathaniel Hays, 1847-70; Elder L. H. Bethel, 1868-71 ; Elder J. W. Hunt, 1871-72; Elder J. R. Bowman, 1872-73; Elders J. W. Hunt and J. R. Bow- man, 1873-75 ; Elder J. W. Hunt, 1875-76; Elder T. J. Eastes, 1876-83; Elder J. M. Stewart, 1883-86; Elder Wm. Simpson, 1886-87; Elder T. J. Eastes,
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1887 to present, 1901. It has been twenty-five years since Elder T. J. Eastes was called to the care of this church. With a short intermission, he has served it ever since, and at present is preaching two Sundays in the month.
CLERKS: Adam Dale, 1809-16; Wm. Givan, 1816- 20; Tilman Bethel, 1820-50; Seth Whaley, 1850-51; James Bratten, 1851-71 ; J. A. Fite, 1871-72; James Allen, 1872-78: I. N. Fite, 1878-79; L. J. Bratten is the present efficient clerk and has served since 1879, a term of twenty-two years.
DEACONS: John Horn, 1814; Nehemiah Garrison, 1814; Wm. Dale, 1810: James Evans, 1818; Edward Parsons, 1820; Joseph Hays, 1820; Moses Fite, 1822; Henry Fite, Sr., 1829; George Givan, 1845; Seth Whaley, 1845 ; Thomas Givan, 1851 ; James Hollands- worth, 1851 ; James Stark, 1871; Thomas Fite, 1871 ; I. N. Fite, 1878; Wm. Robinson, 1878; T. M. Givan, 1886; Jno. A. Bass, 1886; Henry Fite, Jr., 1886; F. M. Turner, 1889: J. C. Bass, 1889; H. M. Fite, 1891 ; J. D. Smith, 1891 ; T. G. Bratten, 1891 ; Horace Evans, 1897 ; James Stark, Jr., 1897.
From this church has sprung a family of churches. Those coming directly from this church, either wholly or in part, are New Hope, March 27, 1819; Enon, May 24, 1821, this church was located in the Masler settlement between Alexandria and Statesville ; Goshen, July, 1821, this church was located on Dis- mal Creek, four miles north of Liberty ; Short Mount- ain, January, 1824; Prosperity, 1837; Smithville, 1846; Indian Creek, 1848; Mount Zion, 1851; Sycamore Fork, 1871; Cooper's Chapel, 1880; Dry Creek, 1886; Dowelltown, 1894; while Alexandria, New Union, Mt. Pleasant and Snow's Hill are granddaughters.
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History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
This church can boast of sending out a long list of ministers, viz .: Elder John Fite, ordained August, 1815; Elder Nathaniel Hays, October, 1846; Elder J. L. Perryman, October, 1872; Elder Wm. Dale, August, 1815; Elder James Evans, August, 1825; Elder John Horn, October, 1819; Elder Richard Wil- son, October, 1819; Elder Henry Fite, August 1837; Elder J. H. Vickers, February, 1881; Elder R. E. Smith, December, 1886. Elder L. H. Bethel was licensed by this church, October, 1833. Besides the above, quite a number were licensed as exhorters, a thing unknown to-day. Among these we note the fol- lowing: Jonathan Hendrixson, John Haas, Lemuel G. Griffons, Wm. Gosset, Moses Fite and others.
This church has furnished a Christian home since 1809 for 1,423 persons, the majority of whom are in their happy home above.
The first house of worship this church built was a log structure twenty-five by thirty feet. They now worship in a modern frame building forty by seventy feet. This is a great place for the hosts of the Lord to gather. They maintained preaching two Sundays in the month.
Their cemetery is one of the most interesting feat- utres of this old church. Near by in a beautiful plot of ground, and made more beautiful by the touch of loving hands, there sleep some three-thousand of earth's departed ones. In this old graveyard rest some twelve of God's ministers. Among these we note Elders Cantrel Bethel, James Evans, Wm. Dale, Archamac Bass, Nathaniel Hays, Henry Fite, John Fite, J. W. Hunt and others.
The church united with Cumberland Association in 1809, when it met with old Spring Creek Church, four
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miles east of Lebanon. In 1810 she helped to con- titute Concord Association at Smith's Fork Church ; and in 1822 she helped to constitute Salem Association at Cedar Creek Church, near Big Spring, Wilson County. From that time to the present she has repre- sented yearly in this body, a term of seventy-nine years. No stauncher Baptists can be found anywhere. They seem to be in the zenith of their glory with a membership of 321. This church, through her history, has practically stood as a unit in doctrine. The divis- ions which disturbed the Baptists during the last cen- tury had but little to do with this church.
NEW HOPE.
This church is situated three miles east of Alex- andria, in DeKalb County, Tennessee. In 1817 Elder William Dale, who was a member of Salem Church at Liberty, DeKalb County, began preaching at the private residence of Thomas Findley, in this com- munity : and in 1818 an arm from said church (Salem) was established there. The community then began the erection of a house of worship, which was completed and the first meeting was held in this house in October, 1818. This arm or branch of Salem Church consisted at first of eleven members. By the following spring they had increased to eighteen members, when they were constituted into an independent church on March 27, 1819. The following Presbytery officiated: El- ders Cantrel Bethel, Joshua Lester, Presley Lester and Deacons J. Eaton and Barton Cook, Elder William Dale becoming one of the constituent members. In a sketch of this church written by Elder Dale we find this statement: "This church adopted the principles
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and rules of the mother church, which are not foreign to those contained in the Philadelphia Confession of Faith."
Elder William Dale served this church both as pas- tor and clerk. He served as clerk as long as he was able, - to 1844. He served as pastor to 1835, and as joint pastor till 1844, dying in 1845.
PASTORS : Elder William Dale, 1818-35 ; Elder Wm. P. Hughes, 1835-38; Elder Archamac Bass, 1838-45; Elder Henry Fite, 1845-47; Elder N. Hays, 1847-69; Elder T. J. Eastes, 1869-76; Elder J. C. Brien, 1876- 82; Elder J. R. Hearn, 1882-84; Elder J. C. Brien, 1884-85; Elder J. M. Stewart, 1885-87; Elder J. C. Brien, 1887-88; Elder Wm. Simpson, 1888-89; Elder A. C. Webb, 1889-94; Elder J. F. McNabb, 1894-98; Elder Stephen Robinson, 1898, is still the shepherd of the flock.
CLERKS : Elder William Dale, 1818-44 ; Caleb Pres- ton, 1844-54; Wm. B. Grandstaff, 1854-60; J. C. Measles, 1860-62 ; J. H. Martin, 1862-73 ; W. C. Pres- ton, 1873-87 ; G. E. Henley, 1887-88; E. J. Grandstaff, 1888-91; R. H. Sandlin, 1891-94; J. H. Akin, 1894- 98; Samuel Malone, 1898-00; J. H. Akin, 1900, and still holds the records.
DEACONS : John Wauford, 1819; James McCor- mick, 1819; Caleb Preston, 1839; Andrew Williams, 1839; Levi Foutch, 1850; Yancy Malone, 1850; W. B. Grandstaff, 1857; J. C. Measles, 1857; John Chap- man, 1874; J. H. Williams, 1874: W. M. Malone, 1874; W. C. Preston, 1874; J. H. Akin, 1890; Henry Foutch, 1890; Robert Sandlin, 1890; J. H. Foutch, 1899; I. N. Brown, 1899; Samuel Malone, 1899.
This church at one time had more members than any other church in the Association; and was in every
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way one of the leading churches in the Association. It was the pride and joy of Brother Dale, who first sowed the seed in that community. But in 1827 El- der William J. Bomer led away after Campbellism and through the pretext of Separate Baptists drew off a number of members. He was ordained by this church, and at this time was assistant pastor, Elder Dale being prostrate with rheumatism. Elder Dale grew more and more feeble and, in July, 1839, they divided, the mass of the church going away with the so-called Primitive Baptists, leaving only sixteen to tell the tale of the wreck. But God blessed this little band, till in 1865 they headed the list of the Association with 298 members and were ready for every good work. I suppose it could properly be said that this was the leading church in the Association. After the "split" both parties worshiped in the same house for some time, when the Primitives moved to another point, changing the name of their church to Helton's Creek. They are few in number and can hardly exist. It was at this church that the division occurred in Salem Association in 1837, and those who withdrew went away and started the "Primitive Baptists" by organiz- ing Round Lick Association. This church has sent out the following preachers : Wm. J. Bomer, or- dained February, 1824 ; Benj. Tubb, ordained August, 1834; W. C. Stiles, ordained November, 1845, by Elders John and Henry Fite; H. Hardcastle, ordained April, 1857, by Elders N. Hays, H. Bass and H. Fite ; J. C. Brien, ordained January, 1859, by Elders N. Hays, H. Fite and H. Bass.
This church first joined Concord Association in 1819, when it was convened at Providence Church, Rutherford County. It was a constituent member 3
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of Salem Association in 1822, and has been repre- sented in this body ever since.
This church has furnished more or less members for the following churches: Mt. Zion, New Union, Cooper's Chapel and Alexandria. This with other circumstances have very much depleted this church, till its power and influence have been much decreased. There are still some as noble spirits in this church as can be found anywhere. Though much reduced in financial strength they arose in their might a few years past and built a neat house of worship. They have at present eighty members. This author breathes a prayer that she may yet put on her strength, that her glory may again be seen.
PROSPERITY.
This church is situated in Wilson County, Tennes- see, near the village of Cottage Home on the bank of Smith's Fork Creek. This is one of the finest farming sections to be found anywhere. This church is an offspring of Salem Church, and was gathered under the ministry of Elder John Fite, who himself became one of the constituent members. Most all the records of this church have been lost, but the best information we can gather indicates that this church was con- stituted about the first of July, 1837, with sixteen members. This church was constituted the year of the rupture on missions, and united with Salem As- sociation at the session the division took place. Elder John Fite was their messenger. Elder John Fite be- came their first pastor and served, perhaps, as long as he was able. He was most probably succeeded by his son, Elder Henry Fite. Elder A. J. Brandon was their pastor during the sixties. After him came El-
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ders A. J. McNabb, J. R. Hearn and L. H. Bethel. The latter was succeeded by Elder J. H. Grime, Janu- ary, 1884, who remained till January, 1889, when he was succeeded by Elder J. T. Oakley, the present pas- tor.
CLERKS: The first clerk we have any account of is A. Hays in 1850. Jesse Paty resigned, September, 1885. W. A. Fite, 1885-87: J. A. Fite, 1887-94; Woods Thomas, 1894-96; J. W. Hays, 1896-99; Lof- ton Fite, 1899, is the present clerk.
DEACONS: Jas. T. Hays, H. M. Fite, 1845; J. M. Sneed, 1854; I. B. David, 1854; J. C. Ford, 1869; W. A. Groom, 1869; J. C. Johnson, 1876; Joseph Young, 1876; W. A. Fite, 1887; J. H. David, 1887; John A. Fite, 1894; A. D. Fite, 1894.
This church furnished a good per cent of the mem- bers in the constitution of the church at Sycamore Fork in 1871. They licensed W. H. Gimmett to preach in 1839. Besides this they have raised up and sent out Elder W. S. Patton and Elder Forest Smith, who is now located in North Carolina.
They constructed an elegant new house of worship in 1885, during the pastorate of J. H. Grime.
Nothing of an unusual character has occurred in the history of this church. This church is in a very prosperous condition under the administration of Elder J. T. Oakley. She is one of the strongest churches in this section every way. They number at present 345 members. To know this people is to love them.
SYCAMORE FORK.
This church is situated on the line between DeKalb and Cannon Counties, five miles south of Liberty on the waters of Clear Fork Creek. This church was
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constituted of members belonging to Salem and Pros- perity churches. The church was gathered through the ministry of Elder Henry Bass. A council was first called to consider the question August 30, 1871, and a day set and helps invited to constitute them into a church. This church was constituted September 14, 1871, by a Presbytery consisting of Elders A. J. Mc- Nabb, J. W. Hunt, Henry Bass and James Barrett. They adopted the New Hampshire Confession of Faith.
PASTORS : Elder Henry Bass, 1871-77; Elder L. H. Bethel, 1877-80; Elder J. R. Hearn, 1880-81 ; Elder L. H. Bethel, 1881-82 ; Elder Wm. Simpson, 1882-86; Elder J. H. Grime, 1886-90; Elder G. A. Ogle, 1890- 93 ; Elder J. H. Grime, 1893-98; Elder Stephen Rob- inson, 1898-99; Elder W. J. Watson, 1899-01 ; Elder J. H. Grime is the present pastor.
CLERKS: James King, 1871-75 ; B. H. Givan, 1875- 80; S. J. King, 1880-81; J. T. Hancock, 1881-86; J. L. Hale, 1886-01. A. J. Hancock is the present clerk.
DEACONS: John Hale, 1871 ; George Bratten, 1871 ; J. H. Dodd, 1871 ; J. B. Collins, 1871 ; J. T. Hancock, 1887 ; George Turney, 1887 ; Jordan King, 1895 ; Tay- lor Mulinax, 1895 ; Harrison Craddock, 1895; George Summar, 1898; William Rich, P. I. Turney, John Mathis, and Henry Herndon, dates of the four last not given.
This, in some respects, is the most remarkable church in this section. In a little more than a quarter of a century she has grown from thirty-three con- stituent members till she now numbers 411. There have probably been a thousand persons admitted into this church since her organization. This is the great-
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est place for a gathering, in good weather, known to this author. Under the ministry of J. H. Grime, an elegant new house of worship was constructed in 1895. She has sent out one church since their organi- zation, viz., Mt. Pleasant in 1875. One promising young minister was raised up in their bounds, J. T. Hancock. He was once called to the care of the church, but was called home before his first appoint- ment fell due. Other young ministers have fallen under her foster care, viz .: A. C. Webb, William Summar, M. A. Cathcart and possibly others.
This church is in a fertile, yet very broken section of country. The people are generous and kind though not wealthy. They have an old-fashioned case of genuine religion, and the church is in a highly pros- perous state, being the strongest numerically of any in the Association. Little did Father Bass know how wisely he built when he gathered that little band of thirty-three and constituted them into a church. May God help them to rise and put on their full strength.
COOPER'S CHAPEL.
This church is situated on Dismal Creek, four miles north of Liberty, in DeKalb County. This church was named in honor of Isaac Cooper, who, at the time of the constitution of this church was a Meth- odist. Yet he did more and struggled harder than any other person in the construction of the new and neat house of worship. (Let me say, that after all was complete and the church was comfortably housed, he and his wife, who had been Methodists for many years, were baptized into this church.)
The first account of Baptist interests on Dismal Creek dates back to the early part of the nineteenth
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century, when Elder John Fite began preaching in this section. This culminated in the constitution of a church known as Goshen Church, a short distance below where this church now stands. Goshen Church was constituted July, 1821, by Elders Cantrel Bethel and John Fite, the latter being the only pastor they ever had. From some cause this interest did not pros- per, and the church was dissolved on Saturday before the third Sunday in November, 1837. From this time on the Methodists seem to have controlled the re- ligious sentiment of the community, till about 1879, when Elder J. C. Brien began preaching in the com- munity. An interest was immediately awakened and Mount Zion Church extended an arm there, which re- sulted in the constitution of Cooper's Chapel Church on March 1, 1880, with nine constituent members. The Presbytery consisted of Elders J. C. Brien, J. R. Hearn and J. W. Sandlin.
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