Rev. James E. Spencer

Spencer was the reputed leader of the Harmonial Vegetarian Society that flourished in Northwest Benton County just prior to the Civil War. It was the only known commune in Arkansas during the 1800's.

Transcribed by and contributed to Benton County ARGenWeb by Nancy Feroe


James E. Spencer
Minister’s Credentials
Filed in Washington County, Arkansas on October 30, 1856

Called by order of the Session

A Meeting of the Reformed Christian Church in conference assembled at their place or worship In Middle Fork Township Illinois for the express purpose of ordaining and appointing JAMES C SENCER of New York to be their minister and pastor. Proceed to order this the 25 day of December 1855 and to publickly Ordain JAMES C SENCER to become their Minister and pastor and do by these presents in the Name of Jesus Christ appoint and ordain JAMES C SPENCER of New York to be their minister Priest and watchman of the Church of the Christian faith made Impart to him all of the offices and Privalidges granted to any Minister of the Gospel whatsoever by the laws of the States or Territories in which he may heretofore.

In Evidence whereof we the undersigned do unanimously give to him the Right hand of Christain fellowship

J C SPENCER
J N MURPHEY
JOHN MURPHEY
B T STILES
J C SENCER
J N STILES

 Members and Directors of
Sessions for the Church		 MARTHA SENCER
MARY STILES
PHEBE STILES
SARAH DEWEY
I MURPHEY
B STILES
C LAWSON
T DANIELS
J SPENCER
H C DEWEY
A DANIELS
D STILES
S DANIELS
J D PORTER
C PORTER

 Deacons J N STILES
B F STILES
J MURPHEY
HENRY C. DEWEY Clerk

Harmony Springs Benton County State of Arkansas Oct 25 1856 By order of the Session the members of the Reformed Christian Church assembled Whereas the laws of the state of Arks require that the Name of each official priest or minister shall be Duly Registered in the Recorders Office of some county in this state therefore we the officers and mebers of the aforesaid Reformed Christian Church formerly of Middle York Township Illinois and now Citizens of Harmony Springs Benton County State of Arkansas do by these presents affirm and confirm the aforsaid JAMES C SPENCER of New York to be the same person and do therefore confirm his ordination and continue his Services as our Minister and Watchman and sacramental dispenser so long as he shall be pleased to officiate for us we the undersigned therefore authorized the Recorder of any county of this state to make a public Record of the same in the Clerks office as the law Requires

J C SPENCER
J N STILS
J MURPHEY
B B STILES
A B STILES

 Members of session
and Directors:		 J C SENCER
MARTHA SPENCER
J N STILES
JOHN MURPHEY
PHEBE STILES
B F STILES
J D PORTER
C PORTER
JO SENCER
GEO MURPHEY

 Deacons MARY STILES
JOHN MURPHEY
H DEWEY
T DEWEY
HENRY DEWEY Clerk

The foregoing instrument of writing was filed in my office the 30th day of October 1856 and duly recorded the same day.

P R SMITH Clerk and
Ex officio Recorder