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Chapter V
Fifth Sunday Meetings and Debates
Any history of this association would be incomplete without an account of the
"Fifth Sunday Meetings". The
origin of these meetings reach back to Colonial days when Baptist preachers and
churches were few and far between. Elias
Keach, a Baptist preacher in the Deleware [sic] Valley, with preaching points on
both the Jersey and Penn. Sides of the River, by 1692 had developed a set-up
where he had one anual [sic] meeting (district association), and four quarterly
meetings each year. By this method
he was enabled to multiply his services to the churches and pastors.
The Fifth Sunday Meetings are commonly called Quarterly Meetings in some
parts of Virginia and the Carolinas even today.
The first account of these meetings in this association that the writer finds is
in the minutes of the first session for 1881.
A motion was passed "that this association hold a minister's and
deacon's meeting to be held with Liberty Church, Cherokee Bay on the first fifth
Sunday after Oct." And this
was followed by a motion that the moderator appoint a committee of three to
write subjects for essays for this meeting.
In other words this committee was to make out the program by choosing
several topics to be discussed (perhaps the discussions were to be written out
beforehand and read before the body.)
The first detailed account of one of the programs is found in a copy of the Clay
County Courier. This states that
"Current River Bible Institute" met with Richwoods (Shiloh) Church,
June 28, 1889, beginning Friday evening."
Some of the features on the program were these:
Query No. 1. Can we consistently
engage in union meetings? …S. K.
Dungen
Query No. 2. Does The Bible support
the principles of prohibition as held by the party? …D. W. Smith
Sermon: "The Mission of the
Church", by F. C. Neely
(This sermon was for criticism by the body).
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Sermon: "Systematic Christian
Giving", by M. V. Hinson
Exegisis [sic] of Matt. 3:11 by Dennis W. Reynolds.
(He was a layman).
Query No. 3. What are the Keys?
A. Aorner
Sermon on Ministerial Education by W. P. Kime.
It might be well to state here that the selection of the fifth Sunday for the
time of these general meetings was very naural [sic].
Nearly all the churches in those days (we could say all for this
association) were what we call fourth-time, or half-time churches.
This means that the pastor preached only once a month of [sic] twice a
month to this church, and in this left fifth Sundays open for the preachers.
What would be more natural that that [sic] they would have a general
meeting for the purpose of instruction, inspiration, and fellowship.
The next information that we find on these meetings of any importance is a
detailed account of a meeting held with Mt. Pleasant East Church July 28 – 30,
1893. This was called Current River
Baptist Bible Institute", at this time.
and [sic] seems to have been well organized with a "president"
and "secretary", and even had an "Introductory Sermon" very
much like the annual meeting of the Association.
It opened on Friday afternoon at two o'clock and continued throughout
Sunday noon. These excerpts from
the "Clerk's" account of this meeting give us a pretty good picture of
what took place.
"T. J. Watson talked on the matter of deacons, followed by G. Townzen and
S. K. Dungen."
"The question, Was Christ's body human or divine, was talked on by Elder A.
Connor, G. Townzen, J. A. Wheetley, and F. C. Neely."
"The matter of missionary work was discussed by S. K. Dungen, W. T.
Griffith, G. Townzen, F. C. Neely, J. A. Wheatley, A. Conner, T. J. Watson, and
Mr. McCann"
"Introductory Sermon was preached by F. C. Neely" (Saturday 11:00 A.
M.)
"The matter of the immediate state of man's soul was discussed by F. C.
Neely and others."
"Is it baptistic to hold meetings with other denominations?"
(Discussed by three).
"What relation is baptism and salvation was discussed by F. C. Neely, and
his views were indorsed by the body."
"Two essays were presented by Sister Mollie Neely and one by Rosie Patrick
which were read before the body and heartily indorsed."
(Note: Molly Neely was the
wife of F. C. Neely. This is the first time this writer has found where women took
any public part in these associational
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meetings, or the annual meetings. They
were not elected as messengers from the churches until after the turn of the
century).
"Adjourned to meet on Friday before the next fifth Sunday at 2:00
o'clock."
"W. T. Griffith, Mod., R. R. Black, Clerk."
The "Query Box" which is referred to in some of these programs, was a
box placed on the platform for the purpose of depositing questions to be
discussed. Anybody could write out
a question to drop it in the box and coul [sic] designate someone in parcular
[sic] to discuss it. sometimes
these were not vital questions, viz, "Where did the foolish virgins go for
oil?" was discussed in one meeting, but for the most part it served a
worthy purpose.
After 1900 these meetings were referred to simply as "Fifth Sunday
Meetings." In connection with
a published program found in the Clay County Courier under date of September,
1906, this explanatory note was added:
"These fifth Sunday meetings are for the discussion of doctrinal points as
held by Baptists, and to more clearly understand the Holy Scriptures.
On December 28 – 31, 1905, a joint meeting was held at Biggers for the State
Line and Current River Associations. Some
of the features of this program were as follows:
Introductory sermon by D. K. Foster. Subject:
"An Ideal Church."
What is the great need of Baptist churches today?
J. A. Wheatley.
What must be done to awaken a better interest in missions among Baptists?
S. M. Shaw.
Is it Scriptural for churches to pay their preachers a stipulated salary?
Knox Belew and W. F. Bridges.
Who is to blame for the sale of liquor? E.
T. Lincoln
Sunday Schools. S. W. Brumfield and
L. F. Maynard
The pattern of these meetings changed some through the years as we can see from
the accounts given above, but the time, the purpose, and the general plan of the
meetings did not change much, and remain about the same today wherever they are
held. These meetings were the
occasion frequently for the ordination of deacons or preachers, or even the
dedication of a church house, as was true with Landmark Missionary Baptist
Church, March 31, 1907.
The value of these meetings to the preachers, laymen, and
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churches in those days was tremendously great.
in them points of doctrine were clarified, difficult passages of
Scripture were discussed helpfully, matters of church polity [sic] were often
settled, new and young preachers were given an opportunity to exercise their
gifts before the brethren, and the fellowship of pastors, laymen, and churches
was wonderfully enriched. One of
our seminary professors, Dr. W. W. Barnes, states that he had his theology fixed
when he was a young man by attending the Fifth Sunday meetings in North
Carolina.
Current River Association discontinued these meetings about 1930, and instead
began to hold what is called "Monthly Workers Conferences."
These meetings were held for several years on Sunday afternoons, and the
purpose was two-fold: fellowship,
and to give emphasis to Sunday School and Training Union work.
At present these meetings are held on the Monday evening following the
second Sunday in each month, and the program consists of a cooperative lunch
followed by a meeting of the executive Board, and then a service of devotion,
discussion, and preaching. Usually
the Sunday School Training Union, or the Woman's Missionary work is emphasized
in the discussions. Ths [sic] type
of general meeting has taken the place of the "Fifth Sunday Meeting"
for the following reasons: 1. Most of the pastors have had theological taining [sic] in
college or seminary, and do not find the same need which our fathers found.
2. More churches are full-time now and the fifth Sunday is not
an open Sunday for all the pastors. 3.
A definate [sic] need is met by using these meetings to promote the
Sunday Schools, Training Unions, and Woman's Missionary Societies in the
churches of the association.
DEBATES
This history book would be incomplete if it did not give a brief account of the
religious debates which were frequently held back in the days of our fathers.
These "discussions" as they were sometimes called were usually
held with the elders of the Church of Christ, frequently referred to in those
days as "Campbellites." One
congregation in a community – either the Baptists of the Church of Christ –
would challenge the other for a "public discuss-
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ion of their doctrinal difference." and [sic] if the challenge was accepted
each church would choose a debater to represent its side [sic] Dr. Bogart of
Little Rock was sometimes secured by the Baptists, and is still regarded as an
outstanding man for that purpose. Elder
E. H. C. Kenner was regarded by the Baptists as more than a match for anyone the
opposition could find, and Eld. J. A. Wheatley was widely reputed as a strong
man in this type of work.
The question usually chosen by them was worded this way:
"Resolved, that the church of which I am a member, called the Baptist
Church, is a true New Testament church in history, doctrine, and practice."
In that case the Baptist speaker would affirm and the Church of Christ speaker
would deny. But if it were worded
to affirm that the church of Christ is a true New Testament church, etc., as it
frequently was, the Baptist speaker would have the negative side.
These debates usually lasted about four days with a two-hour period in
the mornings, another two-hour session in the afternoons, and a preaching
service at night, taking it time about – that is one preaching one night and
the other the next. Great members
came to hear these discussions and it was not unusual for them to be held out
under a brush arbor to accommodate [sic] the crowds.
But sometimes these sessions were held only at nights with an hour given to each
speaker. We have space to mention only a few of these debates.
J. A. Wheatley debated J. Will Henley at Success and at the same place E.
H. C. Kenner debated Joe H. Blue. (We
are sorry that we do not know the dates of these debates).
About 1911 or '12 J. A. Wheatley debated Joe H. Blue at Pleasant Grove,
in which Eld. R. L. Powell was moderator for the Baptists and John J. Kennon was
moderator for the Church of Christ. The
discussions were held during the day and the night sessions were given to
preacing [sic]. Five were received
for baptism by the Baptist church at the close. Eld. W. E. Sherrell represented the Baptists and Joe H. Blue
represented the Church of Christ in a discussion held at Mount Pleasant church.
The Clay County Courier carried this item in its Oct. 11, 1895, issue:
"A religious (?) debate was engaged in by Elder J. H. Peay of the Baptist
Church and John Rush of the Christian Church at Union Church
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near R. A. Hawthorn's this week. The
gentlemen debated for three and a half days as to which was the better route to
Heaven – the Christian or Baptist – and it was finally decided that the
Baptist gentleman had a shade of best argument.
* * *"
These debates were fruitfull [sic] of both good and evil.
No doubt that many people were made to think deeper and to search the
Scriptures more in regard to their doctrinal beliefs – and that was good.
But on the other hand, doubtless, much unkind feeling was aroused and
prejudices were deepened by them. At
any rate, they have come to be almost wholly a thing of the past.
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Chapter VI
Organizations
Sunday School, Training Union, and W. M. U.
These three organizations deserve a long chapter in this book but the author
finds his time and space so limited that he can give but a very brief account of
them.
The earliest minute of State Line Association (1879) that we have had a report
on Sunday Schools but reported simply that "the churches have not reported
any Sabbath Schools of interest." It
was possible that the churches did not have any to report but it is significant
that a report was on the program. The
first minutes of Current River Association also had a report on "Sabbath
Schools" but it simply recommended that the churches "keep up Sabbath
Schools to the purpose of instructing the young and rising generation."
A year or two later it was stated that only two churches had schools.
Thus we find that our earliest minutes show that the Sunday School was
regarded a part of church work.
Very little empasis [sic] was put on Sunday School work through the
associational meetings prior to the coming of Bro. W. O. Taylor as missionary in
1935. He came to this work about
the same time our Sunday School Board began the so-called "Five Year
Program" which was simply a definite plan for promoting Sunday School work
in all the churches of the association through an associational organization.
Bro. Taylor succeeded in a remarkable manner in getting a good staff of
officers, getting them to attend state and associational meetings and thus to
improve the work in churches and organize new schools. At one time he led the association to hold the distinction of
having a Standard Associational Sunday School – which was one of the few, if
not the only one, in the Southern Baptist Convention at that time.
Mr. Norace Adams has been Assocaional [sic] Superintendent ever since
1935.
THE ASSOCIATIONAL TRAINING UNION work has followed about the same course as the
Sunday School work. A "Five
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Year Program" was launched at the same time the Sunday School work was, and
was built on the same idea – that through an associational organization, and
special meeting once a month, the work along this line could be improved.
In 1936 nine churches had Training Unions with a total enrollment of 372.
Mitt Bennett of the First church, Pocahontas, was B. T. U. Director for
the association from 1936 to about 1941 when Tillman Tipton of the Biggers
Church was elected to that office. He
still serves in that capacity. In
1946 ten churches out of the sixteen listed had Training Union work, and the
total enrolment [sic] was 531.
THE ASSOCIATIONAL WOMAN'S MISSIONARY UNION (W. M. U.) work began back in 1924
when Mrs. O. H. L. Cunningham organized the women of the association, but so far
as we can learn the organization did not function wel [sic] and soon died out.
About 1830 [sic] the work was renewed under the leadership of Mrs. F. W.
Varner, wife of the pastor of the Pocahontas Church.
Her report to the association in 1931 reads in part as follows:
"* * * Your Associational Superintendent * * * and Mrs. Clifford Price,
Young Peoples' Leader of Pocahontas, together with Mrs. M. C. Bennett of
Pocahontas as Secretary-Treasurer are anxious to cooperate with you in any and
all enterprises mentioned in this report; as
will also Mrs. L. C. Haynes, Stewardship Chairman, of Success, and Mrs. Haas,
Hospital Chairman, of Ravenden Springs."
Mrs. Varner came to Corning October 15, 1931, and organized a missionary society
with eleven members.
Others who have served as Associational Superintendents are Mrs. Golden Neely
(1933), Mrs. J. S. Compere (1934, '35, '44), Mrs. Dollie Smith (1938, '39, and
'41), Mrs. George Jimerson (1940), Mrs. Harvey Gray (1943), Mrs. Sallie Park
(1945), Mrs. Ruth Bly (1946), and Mrs. L. C. Tedford who serves in that capacity
at present. Mrs. Norace Adams has
served as Young People's Leader for about ten years, but Miss Magdelene Hubbard
serves in that office at present. Mrs.
J. C. Lewis is Secretary-Treasurer at present.
Six churches in the association have one or more of the W. M. U.
organizations with a total enrollment of 169.
They are Corning, Biggers, Reyno, Pocahontas, Success, and Hopewell.
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Chapter VII
APPENDIX
Minutes of 1881 Session
Historical Tables
Miscellaneous
Pioneer Churches and Services (W. E. McLoud)
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MINUTES OF THE CURRENT RIVER MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
1881 – First Session
Minutes of the organization and first annual meeting of the Current River
Missionary Baptist Association held with the Antioch Church, Randolph County,
Arkansas, October 7th, 8th, and 10th, 1881.
Officers: Arthur Conner, Moderator;
Julius A. Leroux, Clerk.
From a series of experiences, we the churches of Jesus Christ being legally
baptized upon a profession of our faith in Christ, and convinced of the
necessity of a combination of churches to perpetuate a union, and communion
amongst us, and to maintain and preserve a correspondence with each other, we
therefore propose to maintain and keep the order and rules of our Association
according to the following form and plan of government:
1st. The Association shall be
composed of members chosen by the different churches in our union not exceeding
three messengers from each church who on producing their letters shall be
entitled to seats.
2nd. Letters from different
churches to express their number in fellowship, those baptized, received by
letter, dismissed, restored, excluded, and dead since the last Association.
3rd. The members thus chosen and
convened shall be denominated Current River Association of United Missionary
Baptists, being composed of sundry churches lying and being in the states of
Missouri and Arkansas, who are to have no power to lord it over God's heritage,
nor to have any ecclestiastical [sic] powers over the churches, reserving the
right to withdraw from any churches acting accordingly.
4th. The Association when convened is to be governed by regular
and proper rules of decorum which they are hereby authorized to form for
themselves.
5th. The Association shall have a
moderator and clerk who shall be elected annually by the members present.
6th. New churches may be admitted
into this Association who are to petition by letter and delegates, and if upon
an examination they are found orthodox and orderly may be received by the
Association, the Moderator giving the right hand of fellowship.
7th. No query shall be discussed in this Association coming from
any church until it has been first thoroughly discussed in their own church.
8th. Every motion made and seconded
is to come under the consideration of the Association except it be withdrawn by
the member who made it.
9th. The Association is to endeavor
to furnish the churches with the minutes of the Association in proportion to
their contribution from each church and to be distributed amongst the churches.
10th. The clerk shall keep a
regular file of the minutes of our Association.
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11th. The minutes of the
Association are to be read and corrected if necessary and signed by the
Moderator and Clerk before the Association rises.
12th. Amendments to this plan or
form of government may be made at any time by the majority of members present
when they deem it necessary.
13. Sec. 1.
The Association in case of any church failing to attend may inquire the
cause.
Sec. 2. May appoint any member or
members with their consent to transact any business of the Association.
Sec. 3. May admit visiting
brethren.
Sec. 4. The Association shall have
power to adjourn to such time and place as it may think proper.
Presbytery organized the Current River Association,
Elder A. Conner, Elder J. J. McGuire, Elder W. C. Trice, J. A. Leroux, Clerk.
FRIDAY'S PROCEEDINGS
Service was opened by singing a hymn, "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," and
prayer by Elder A. Conner. The
Introductory Sermon was delivered by Anthony Foster, from the 19th chapter and
6th verse of Revelation.
On motion Elder A. Conner was nominated Moderator, pro tem;
and J. A. Leroux, Clerk, pro tem.
1. Motion to adopt the constitution
of Cane Creek Association.
2. Motion to solicit a presbytery
to organize the Association consisting of Elders F. C. Trice, J. J. McGuire, and
A. Conner.
3. Motion to adopt the rules of
decorum and the articles of faith of the Cane Creek Association.
4. Motion to receive the Covenant
of Cane Creek Association and sealed with prayer by Elder J. J. McGuire and
delegates extending the right hand of fellowship to each other.
Recess until 4:00 P. M.
1. Called for letters to organize.
2nd. Proceeded to elect a moderator
and clerk by private ballot resulted in electing A. Conner, Moderator, and J. A.
Leroux, Clerk.
3rd. Called for correspondence from
sister Associations, received from Cane Creek, W. C. Garrett, Elder Wash Pomero
(?), Goel Cochran as messengers. They
were invited to seats by moderator and extended the right hand.
4th. Motion to hold election by
private ballot to name the Association. Carried
to name it Current River Association.
5th. Motion for Moderator to name certain committees.
1st. Committee on Preahcing [sic]
– Delegates from Antioch Church, Brothers Tomas Cherry, D. Blackburn, J. L.
Futrell.
2. Committee on Arrangements –
Brothers J. T. Watson, L. W. Patrick, J. J. McGuire, with Moderator and Clerk.
3rd. Committee on Resolutions –
Berry Wright, H. McCrary, and R. R. Black.
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4th. Committee on Itineracy – J.
J. McGuire, J. A. Leroux, and A. Foster.
5th. Committee on Publication –
W. T. Boyd, G. Townsend, and J. T. Watson.
6th. Committee on
Sunday Schools – F. C. Trice, W. T. Boyd, and George Gibson.
7th. Committee on Obituaries – R.
R. Black, H. M. McCrary, and D. Blackburn.
8th. Committee on Correspondence
– Berry Wright, F. C. Trice, and James Mulholem.
9th. Committee on Destitutions –
Berry Wrights, J. A. Leroux, and Anthony Foster.
Motion to adjourn until Saturday morning, 9 o'clock.
Closed with prayer by Elder L. W. Patrick.
Preaching at night by Elder F. C. Trice and A. Foster from the 10th chapter and
35th verse of Acts of the Apostles.
SATURDAY'S PROCEEDINGS
Opened by Elder A. Foster reading the first psalm, and singing, and prayer.
The Moderator called the Association to order and proceeded to business
by calling for the report of the Bill of Arrangement.
Received and the Committee discharged.
1st. Called the roll of delegates.
2nd. Read the rules of decorum.
3rd. Motion to call reports read,
received and committee discharged.
Committee on Itineracy
"We your committee on itineracy beg leave to make the following report:
That we as an Association, though young, have a great work to perform,
and we are surrounded by territory destitute of peraching [sic], and especially
Baptist preaching, therefore we would recommend to this body the importance of
having an itinerant or missionary preacher in the field to preach to the
destitution and to the churches when not in the destitutions."
-- A. Foster, J. J. McGuire, J. A. Leroux, Committee.
Committee on Resolutions
"1st. Resolved that the
churches where they call their pastors they make provisions for their support,
and we recommend that the sister churches pay special attention to their needy,
and our brother deacons be made diligent in doing their duties toward our
ministers and the poor and needy. 3rd.
We recommend that our ministerial brethren preach one missionary sermon,
or more each year, that they may cultivate missionary principles wherever they
go. 4th. We recommend that each church hold two communion meetings
each year. 5th.
Recommend that this Association report in their minutes the names of all
the ministers in their bounds, both ordained and licentiates.
6th. Resolved that whereas
we feel the necessity of the teaching of the whole duties of the churches and
members with the pure Gospel. 7th.
Resolved that our ministers be urged to make a full report of their
sermons, exhortations, public prayers, miles traveled, etc., and their pay for
the same. 8th. Resolved
that the Clerk
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furnish the publishers of the paper that this Association has adopted, with two
coppies [sic] of each of our minutes. 9th.
We recommend to this body that they use their influence against the use
of ardent spirits as a beverage." – Berry Wright, Robert Black, Hugh
McCrary, Committee.
Committee on Publications
Motion to receive the same and committee discharged.
"We your committee on publication beg leave to make the following report:
Resolved that we recommend to this body the following described
literature, namely, the 'Baptist Flag,' published by D. B. Ray of St. Louis, Mo.
Also his text book on Campbellism and the Baptist Succession, also the
'Baptist', published by J. R. Graves of Memphis, Tenn.
We further recommend that the Bible remain thoroughly read and studied
than heretofore in being the Book of all books.
Resolved, that offer the following resolution that the churches hold
regular prayer meetings." – W. T. Boyd, J. T. Watson, G. Townzend,
ommittee [sic].
Committee on Sunday School
Motion to receive on Sabbath School beg leave to report as follows:
That we would recommend to the churches the importance of keeping up a
Baptist Sabbath School, to the purpose of instructing the young and rising
generation; that we buy our books from the Baptist Publishing Co." – F.
C. Trice, W. T. Boyd, G. W. Gibson, Committee.
Committee on Obituary
Motion to receive report and committee discharged.
"We your committee on Obituary beg leave to make the following report, that
there has died in our bounds during the last year Sister Gambill of Mt. Pleasant
West, Ark. Sisters Marshall and
Bellomy of Antioch; Sisters McCann,
Magee, and Cole of Shiloh, Ark.
1st. Resolve whereas the good Lord
has seen fit to remove from our midst those dear sisters, we would bow in
submission to His will. 2nd.
Resolve that we sympathize with the bereaved families, and friends of the
deceased in their afflictions believing that our loss is their gain.
3rd. Resolved that a copy of
these resolutions be spread upon our minutes and a minute be given to the
families of the deceased." – Hugh McCrary, D. Blackburn, R. R. Black,
Committee.
Committee on Correspondence
Motion to receive the report and committee discharged.
"We your committee on correspondence beg leave to make the following
report: We would recommend that we
open correspondence with Cane Creek, State Line, Spring River, and Bethlehem
Associations, and that we correspond by minutes." – F. C. Trice, James
Mulholen, Berry Wright, Committee.
10. Moderator appointed Brother W.
T. Boyd and R. R. Black committee on finance.
11th. Motion to have recess until after preaching by Elder L. W.
Patrick and W. Powers, alternate. Text,
the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father who art in Heaven."
12th. (After recess). Motion that Brother Dennis Reynolds act as delegate instead
of D. Blackburn for the time being. (Antioch
church).
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13th. Committee on Destitutions.
Motion to receive the report and committee discharged.
"We your committee on destitutions beg leave to make the following report.
Our destitution is extremely great, there being a long scope of country
west of Current River and east of Black River from Walnut Ridge to ridge east of
Corning and extending on the west of Black Rover [sic] as far as Neelyville,
Mo." – J. A. Leroux, Berry Wright, Anthony Foster, Committee.
14th. Motion to hold the election
by private ballot to fill the stand Sabbath resulted in the election of Elder L.
W. Patrick, and A. Conner, alternate.
15th. Election by private ballot where to hold the next Association
carried to hold it with Mt. Pleasant East, Ark.
16th. Election by private ballot
who shall preach the next introductory sermon, elected J. J. McGuire and A.
Conner, alternate.
17. Motion to have 500 minutes
printed and brother clerk superintend the printing and distribution of the same.
18. Motion and carried to call this
Association the "Current River Missionary Baptist Association."
19. Motion to go into an
examination of Brother W. T. Bond as requested by his church for ordination.
20. Motion for delegates of Liberty Church to choose three
ordained ministers out of this body and set the time for this ordination.
A. Conner, J. J. McGuire, and A. Foster were chosen.
21. Motion that the Association
recommend to Mt. Pleasant West, Ark., the propriety of the ordination of F. C.
Trice.
22. Motion that we have a traveling
missionary the ensuing year and to choose him by private ballot resulted in
electing J. J. McGuire.
23. Motion that we take a public
collection on the Sabbath for the benefit of Bro. F. C. Trice, resulted in
geeting [sic] $6.25.
24. Motion to take a subscription
individually for the traveling missionary, amount $44.50.
25. Motion to adjourn until Monday
morning at 9 o'clock and closed by prayer led by Elder W. Powers.
Preaching Saturday night by Elders J. J. McGuire and G. Townzen from the 4th
chapter and 34th and 35th verses of St. John.
Preaching on Sabbath at 11 o'clock by Elders L. W. Patrick and A. Conner,
alternate; from the 11th chapter
and 17th verse of Revelation.
Met for the ordination of W. G. Boyd at 4:00 P. M., opened by singing "Go
Preach My Gospel, Saith the Lord," and prayer by J. J. McGuire, and sermon
from the 24th chapter and 14th verse of St. Matthew, and proceeded to question
and give charges by Elder J. J. McGuire, and ordination prayer by Eledr [sic] A.
Foster; preaching Sunday night by
J. J. McGuire and W. G. Boyd from the 13th chapter and 30th verse of St.
Matthew.
MONDAY'S PROCEEDINGS
Association met pursuant to adjournment by reading the 43rd Psalm and singing
"Amazing Grace," and prayer by Bro. A. Foster.
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1st. Motion that we call for
volunteer messengers to different Associations as correspondents.
1st. To Cane Creek – J. A.
Leroux, A. Conner, T. J. Watson, G. Townzen, W. G. Boyd.
2. To Spring River – J. J. McGuire, A. Foster, and Berry
Wright.
3. To State Line – A. Foster, W.
S. Boyd, D. Blackburn, and J. J. McGuire.
4. To Bethlehem – A. Conner,
James Mulholen, F. C. Trice, and T. J. Watson.
2nd. Motion that this body
recommend to the several churches that their clerks keep their books in good
order and a form was written by J. J. McGuire for clerks to work by, which was
as follows:
1. Resolved that we recommend to
the churches the necessity of kepeing [sic] strict records of all the
proceedings.
2. The names of all the preachers.
3. His text.
4. The members present.
5. Those received or dismissed, and
how.
6. Contributions received and for
what purpose and who by.
7. All other business transacted.
– J. J. McGuire.
3rd. Resolve that we as a body
recommend that the churches composing this Association instruct their messengers
to continue with the body until the business of the body is completed. – W. G.
Boyd.
4th. Motion that Brother Dennis
Reynolds act as Association treasurer.
5th. Motion that the moderator
appoint seven members to constitute a missionary board – two from Antioch
church and one each from the other churches.
Antioch, Brother Dennis Reynolds, and Joseph Hennen;
Mt. Pleasant, West, A. Foster; Mt.
Pleasant, East, R. R. Black; Shiloh,
W. R. McGee; Liberty, R. F. Riley;
Emmeaus, J. A. Leroux; these
to meet four times a year and report the collections made.
7th. Report of finance committee
$8.30, additional amount $1.20.
7th. Motion that the money be put
in the funds of the clerk for defraying the expense of printing of minutes.
Recess until after 11:00 o'clock preaching by Elder T. J. Watson from the 19th
chapter and 25th verse, and G. Townzen, 19th chapter and 26th verse of St.
Matthew.
After recess:
8th. Motion to turn over the subscription list to the missionary
board.
9th. Motion and by ballot that this
Association be held with Mt. Pleasant East, Ark., commencing on Friday before
the 2nd Lord's Day in October 1882, A. D.
10th. Motion to hold a ministers'
and deacons' meeting to be held with Liberty Church, Cherokee Bay, Randolph
County, on the 1st fifth Sunday after October, or the first month that has five
Sundays in it after October.
11th. Motion that the Moderator
appoint a committee of three to write subjects for essays – appointed Brothers
Berry Wright, Hugh McCrary, and Robert Black.
(For the Fifth Sunday meeting).
Page 132
12th. Motion to return the thanks
of this Association to the brethren and friends of Antioch Church and
surrounding country in general for their kind hospitality during our stay among
them.
13th. Motion to adjourn to meet
with Mt. Pleasant East, Ark., Friday before the 2nd Sunday in October A. D.
1882. Closed with prayer by Elder
A. Conner, and singing "I'm Going Home" and extending the parting hand
to each other.
A. Conner, Moderator.
J. A. Leroux, Clerk.
RULES OF DECORUM
1. The Moderator shall take the
chair at the hour to which the Association shall be adjourned and after prayer
shall proceed to business. It shall
be his duty to keep order and he shall be entitled to the same privilege of
speech s [sic] any other member, provided the chair be filled.
But in no case shall be given a vote unless the Association be equally
divided.
2. Only one member shall be
entitled to speak at the same time, and he shall arise and address the
Moderator, and in no wise shall he be interrupted unless he digresses from the
subject in question, and in no wise cast any reflections on those who have
spoken before him, but shall fairly give his own views without sophistry or
criticism.
3rd. No member shall speak more
than three times on any one subject without leave of the Association.
4th. No member shall address
another by any other appellation than that of "Brother" when sitting
in council.
5th. The Moderator shall not
interrupt nor prohibit a member from speaking until his speech [sic] is finished
unless he violates the rules of decorum.
6th. The names of all the members
shall be enrolled by the clerk and called as often as the Association may
desire.
7th. No member shall absent himself
from the Association without leave of the Moderator.
8th. Every case taken up and
decided shall be announced by the Moderator.
9th. Any member who shall violate
any of the foregoing rules shall be reprimanded as the Association may think
proper.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
1. We believe in one true and
living God, Father, Word, and Holy Ghost, and these three are one.
2. We believe the Scriptures of the
Old and New Testament are the Word of God, and the only true rule of faith and
practice.
3. We believe that by the voluntary
transgression of one man sin entered into the world and death by sin, so death
has passed upon all men for all have sinned and are by nature the children of
wrath.
4. We believe that Jesus Christ by
the grace of God tasted death for every man, and through his meditorial death
the way of salvation is made
Page 133
possible for God to show mercy upon all who come unto Him upon the Gospel terms.
5. We believe that believers are
justified in the sight of God only by righteousness of Christ imparted unto them
by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 [sic]. We believe that saints
will persevere in grace and not one of them be lost.
7. We believe there will be a
resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust and a general
judgment; and that the happiness of
the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal.
8. We believe the visible church of
Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, composed of men and women who
have given themselves to the Lord and attained fellowship with each other,
having agreed to keep up a Godly discipline according to the rules of the
gospel.
9. We believe in revealed religion
by the operation of the Spirit, agreeable to the word of God and that Jesus is
the general head of the church, and the government thereof is with the body.
10. We believe that none but
legally baptized believers have a right to commune at the Lord's table, and that
no person has a right to administer the ordinances of the gospel except he be
legally called and qualified.
11. We believe that water baptism
and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of the Gospel to be continued until his
second coming; and that true
believers are the only fit subjects of baptism, and immersion the only Gospel
mode.
12. We believe that the Lord's day
should be observed and set apart for the worship of God, and that no work of
worldly nature be transacted thereon – work of pity, mercy, and necessity
excepted.
STATISTICS
Antioch Church delegates – Thomas Cherry, D. Blackburn, J. L. Futrel.
Recieved [sic] by letter 2, dismissed by letter 2, excluded 10, dead 2,
(members) total 57.
Mt. Pleasant West delegates – F. C. Trice, Anthony Foster.
Recieved [sic] by baptism 1, by letter 2, by reclamation 3, dismissed by
letter 1, dead 1, total (members) 37.
Shiloh delegates – George Gibson, William Magee, H. D. Sheppard. Received by baptism 2, by letter 1, by recommendation 1,
dismissed 2, excluded 1, dead 3, total (members) 36.
Mt. Pleasant East delegates. R. R.
Black, Eli Miller, James Mulhollen. Received
by baptism 2, by letter 2, dismissed by letter 3, total 34.
Emmeaus (Mo.) delegates – J. A. Leroux, W. A. Jackson.
Received by letter 5, restored 16, total 21.
Liberty delegates – Berry Wright, W. S. Boyd, Hugh McCrary. Total members 27.
Churches, names of clerks, time of meeting, post offices of clerks, pastor's
names:
Page 134
Antioch. Clerk, D. H. Reynolds, P.
O. Cherokee Bay, Ark. Time of
meeting, Saturday before the 4th Sunday. A.
Conner, Pastor.
Mt. Pleasant West. Clerk, D. H.
Sharp, P. O., Pittman, Ark. Tie of meeting Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day.
Pastor, J. W. _____
Shiloh. Clerk, George Gibson. P. O.,
Corning, Ark. Time of meeting,
Saturday before the 2nd Sunday. Pastor,
J. T. Watson
Mt. Pleasant East. Clerk, R. R.
Black. P. O., Corning, Ark.
Time of meeting, Saturday before the 3rd Sunday.
Pastor, A. Conner.
Emmaus. Clerk, J. A. Leroux.
Time of meeting, Saturday before the 1st Sunday.
P. O., Doniphan, Mo. Pastor,
A. Conner.
Liberty. Clerk, R. F. Riley.
P. O., Cherokee Bay. Time of
meeting, Saturday before the 3rd Sunday. Pastor,
L. W. Patrick.
Page 135
HISTORICAL TABLE
STATE LINE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Year Where Held Moderator
Clerk
Preacher
1873 Howell Valley
R. O. Tribble
1878 ?
H. C. Kirkpatrick
1879 Liberty
R. O. Tribble
W. S. Holland
R. O. Tribble
1880 Pleasant
Grove R. O. Tribble
W. S. Holland Emmanuel Richardson
1882 Pleasant
Hill H. C.
Kirkpatrick W.
S. Holland M.
M. Jackson
1883 Alton
W. S.
Holland A. P. Couch
Jesse Roach
1886 Many Springs
J. B. Roach
Robert G. Pratt
J. B. Roach
1887 Mill Creek
H. C. Kirkpatrick
Robert G. Pratt
S. D. Williams
1888 Concord
D. A. Pressley A. R. Kirkpatrick
M. M. Jackson
1889 Witt's Chapel
D. A. Pressley
J. S. Anderson
D. A. Pressley
1890 Bethany
C. A. Fowler
J. S. Anderson
E. T. Lincoln
1891 Baker's
Creek J. W. Wicker
J. S. Anderson J. W. Wicker
1892 Mud Creek
S. C. McCullough
J. S. Anderson
J. S. Anderson
1893 Hollow Spring
E. T. Lincoln
A. N. Downey E.
T. Lincoln
1894 Antioch
I. H. Witt
A. N. Downey A.
C. Fowler
1895 New Home
E. T. Lincoln
J. S. Anderson
G. M. Wells
1896 Witt's Chapel
O. H. L. Cunningham
J. S. Anderson
O. H. L. Cunningham
1897 Oak Grove
E. T. Lincoln
Knox Belew J.
B. Roach
1898 Concord
Isaac Stephens J. W. Tyer
C. A. Fowler
1899 Bethany
Knox Belew
J. W.
Tyer E.
T. Lincoln
1900 Antioch
Isaac Stephens
W. H. Karnes Isaac
Stephens
1901 New Home
I. H. Witt
Tobias
Chastain E. T. Lincoln
1902 Witt's Chapel
J. F. Rorex
Tobias
Chastain J.
F. Rorex
1903 Poynor
Knox Belew
Tobias
Chastain J. A. Wheetley
1904 Oak Grove
Knox Belew
Tobias Chastain
Knox Belew
1905 Bethany
Knox Belew
Tobias Chastain
J. N. Weaver
1906 Union
Knox
Belew
Tobias Chastain O. T. Finch
1907 Antioch
Knox Belew
Tobias Chastain
Knox Belew
1908 Witt's Chapel
E. T. Lincoln
Tobias Chastain
F. P. Turner
1909 New Home
E. T. Lincoln
Tobias Chastain
Omitted
1910 New Hope No. 2
W. S. Looney Geo. Looney
J. C. Diceton
1911 Poynor
W. S. Looney
Geo. Looney
J. C. Diceton
1912 Bethany
W. S. Looney Geo. Looney
James Sconce
1913 Oak Grove
W. S. Looney
Geo. Looney
James Christian
1914 Richwoods
W. S. Looney Geo. Looney
A. P. Scofield
1915 Union
W. S.
Looney Geo. Looney
G. W. Savage
1916 Witt's Chapel
W. S. Looney John D. Kerley
W. A. Cummings
1917 Ravenden
Springs W. S.
Looney
John D. Kerley
E. T. Lincoln
Page 136
Year Where Held
Moderator
Clerk
Preacher
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1918 New Hope No No. 2 W. S. Looney
J. W. Weaver W.
F. Dorris
1919 Antioch
W. S. Looney C. H. Carter
E. T. Lincoln
1920 Vernon
W. S. Looney C.
H. Carter W.
H. Bradford
1921 Bethany
T. R. Dollahan Mert Waldron
Roger M. Baxter
1922 Oconee
T. R. Dollahan
J. W. James L.
D. Summers
Note: No minutes could be found for
the years 1873-78, 1881, 1884, and 1921. In
all probability the association failed to meet one year between 1879 and 1888,
for the session in 1879 was the seventh and the one in 1888 was only the
fifteenth. There is possibility an
error in the list of moderators as Eld. J. A. Allison says that he was moderator
for one year but he does not remember the year.
Year Where Held
Moderator
Clerk
Preacher
of Int. Sermon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1881 Antioch
A. Conner
J. A. Leroux Anthony Foster
1882 Mt. Pleasant East A. Conner
?
?
1883 Shiloh
A. Conner
R. R. Black Thomas
J. Watson
1884 Mt. Pleasant West A. Conner
R. R. Black A.
Conner
1885 Antioch
A. Conner
R. R. Black W.
B. Richardson
1886 Mt. Pleasant East A. Conner
R. R. Black David
A. Sharp
1887 Hazeldell
(Mo.) A. Conner
R. R. Black A.
Conner
1888 Antioch
T. J. Watson R. R. Black
T. J. Watson
1889 Shiloh
A. Conner
R. R. Black W.
A. Clark
1890 Antioch
A. Conner
R. R. Black Frank
C. Neely
1891 Mt. Pleasant West J. B. Rutledge
R. R. Black C.
Kate
1892 Hazeldell
(Mo.) A.
Conner
R. R. Black E.
H. C. Kenner
1893 Hopewell
F. C. Neely R.
R. Black ?
1894 Corning
J. J. McGuire R. R. Black
W. A. Clark
1895 New Hope
J. J. McGuire R. R. Black
O. H. L. Cunningham
1896 Mt. Pleasant West J. J. McGuire
R. R. Black F.
C. Neely
1897 Shiloh
F. C. Neely R.
R. Black O.
H. L. Cunningham
1898 Union (Ran.)
S. K. Dungan R. R. Black
W. A. Clark
Page 137
Year Where Held
Moderator
Clerk
Preacher
of Int. Sermon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1899 Reyno
S. K.
Dungan R. R.
Black W. F.
Bridges
1900 Corning
S. K. Dungan Kirby
Foster J. H.
Peay
1901 New Hope
W. F. Bridges Kirby Foster
E. T. Lincoln
1902 Mt. Pleasant West
D. H. Sharp Kirby
Foster J. F. Rorex
1903 Datto
J. A.
Wheetley Kirby Foster
Ben M. Bogard
1904 Reyno
J. A.
Wheetley D. Blackburn
Ben M. Bogard
1905 Reyno
J. A.
Wheetley F. C. Gambill
D. H. Sharp
1906 Union (Ran.)
W. F. Bridges ?
Bro. Newman
1907 Landmark
W. F. Bridges
W. F. Bridges
1908 Independence J. A. Wheetley
D. Blackburn R.
L. Powell
1909 Knobel
R. L. Powell A. L. Burson
D. K. Foster
1910 Pleasant
Grove J. A.
Wheetley Robert Black.
R. L. Lewis
1911 Biggers
R. L. Powell F.
C. Gambill R.
L. Powell
1912 Hopewell
R. L. Powell F. C. Gambill
W. E. Turner
1913 Success
R. L. Lewis W.
F. Gambill J.
A. Smith
1914 New Home
R. L. Powell W. F. Gambill
R. L. Powell
1915 Mt. Pleasant East
R. L. Powell Charlie
Blackburn C.
A. Fowler
1916 Union
W. F.
Bridges D.
Blackburn R.
L. Powell
1917 Moark
R. L.
Powell D.
Blackburn C.
Watkins
1918 New Home
R. L. Powell J. D. Redwine
W. T. Cummins
1919 Independence
R. L. Powell G. N. Jones
D. H. Sharp
1920 Datto
R. L.
Powell G. N.
Jones W. T.
Caldwell
1921 Union
R. L.
Powell G. N. Jones
G. B. F. Stovall
1922 Shiloh
Knox Belew G.
N. Jones C.
A. Fowler
1923 Biggers
Knox Belew W.
H. Cherry E. T. Lincoln
1924 Witt's Chapel
Knox Belew G.
C. Faulkner A.
H. Autry
1925 Success
C. M. Myrick Arthur Park
L. G. Miller
1926 Skaggs
Knox Belew Arthur
Park L.
D. Summers
1927 Hopewell
Knox Belew Arthur
Park J.
A. Allison
1928 Ravenden
Springs Knox Belew
Arthur Park Knox
Belew
1929 Moark
Knox
Belew H. W.
Johnston A.
H. Autry
1930 Pocahontas
Knox Belew H.
W. Johnston Knox Belew
1931 Shiloh
Knox Belew H.
W. Johnston F.
W. Varner
1932 Mt. Pleasant West Knox Belew
H. W. Johnston G. E. Neely
1933 Oak Grove
Knox Belew
H. W. Johnston
J. M. Metz
1934 Biggers
Knox Belew H.
W. Johnston H. W. Johnston
1935 Corning
Knox Belew H.
W. Johnston L.
F. Bain
1936 Ravenden
Springs Knox Belew
H. W. Johnston J. S. Compere
1937 Hopewell
Knox Belew H.
W. Johnston W.
E. Chadwick
1938 Moark
Knox
Belew H. W.
Johnston J.
S. Compere
Page 138
Year Where Held
Moderator
Clerk
Preacher
of Int. Sermon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1939 Mt. Pleasant West H. W. Johnston
Arthur Bennett
C. C. Cunnngham
1940 Success
H. W. Johnston Basil Goff
Alvin Allison
1941 Reyno
H. W.
Johnston G.
E. Neely H.
E. Williams
1942 Shiloh (Ran.)
H. W. Johnston H. E. Williams
C. F. Gwinup
1943 Shiloh (Clay)
H. W. Johnston H. L. Waters
H. E. Williams
1944 Attica
H. W. Johnston
R. W. Johnson
U. L. Higgins
1945 Corning
W. Harry Hunt E. Clark Secoy
R. W. Johnson
1946 Hopewell
W. Harry Hunt
L. C. Tedford
L. C. Tedford
Page 139
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES, OBSERVATIONS, AND COMMENTS BY THE AUTHOR
In order to complete the picture of Baptist activities from the days of our
grandfathers until now in this association, it seems necessary to add a few
notes and comments which cannot be placed under any of the other headings in
this book.
At the meeting of State Line Association in 1887 the Hollow Springs Church near
hardy sent two sets of "delegates" as they were called then, and two
letters. he [sic] moderator
appointed a committee to investigate the cause for this dual representation.
The committee reported after a few hours that they found that the Hollow
Springs Church had become divided over the question of holding the Lord's Supper
at night, and the church had decided by majority vote that this ordinance should
be held only after dark. But a
minority revolted against this action and each faction sent its separate
representation to the association. The
committee recommended had [sic] it was not Baptistic for a church to commit
itself to observe the Lord's Supper only at night, and that the minority
delegation should be recognized. The
association accepted the committee's recommendation.
The minutes of that session also reported that a "large and orderly"
congregation met at the hour of 11:00 A. M. on Sunday to hear Elders R. O.
Tribble and S. D. Williams preach. (It
was common practice then to have two sermons on Sunday morning).
The report reads that Elder Tribble finished his sermon and Bro. Williams
took over and was preaching and "seemed to have the whole congregation
spellbound when his discourse was cut short by a rainstorm."
(This indicates that the serves were held out under the trees or under a
brush arbor which was commonly done at these special meetings).
It was customary in those days for churches to bring controversial matters
before the association for counsel. The
association did not pretend to speak with authority in the affairs of the
individual churches, but the opinions expressed by the association were as a
rule respected by the churches. But
the associations refused to consider any matter of controversy in the churches
un-
Page 140
less the churches had exhausted every means of settling it peacefully before
bringing it to the association. A
deacon had baptized some converts over in Lawrence County and perhaps had
assisted in organizing a new church and the matter was brought before State Line
for its opinion in the 1887 session. The "Report on Queries" was as follows:
"1. No unordained minister has
authority to organize or assist a presbytery in organizing a Baptist Church.
"2. No unordained person is
authorized to administer the ordinances of the church.
"D. A. Pressley, M. M. Jackson, R. O. Tribble."
These brethren were not infallible as we can see, for Baptists have not
generally conformed to their decisions in these matters.
It was observed that these queries came before Current River Association
a few years later and it was decided that one ordained minister was sufficient
to organize a church, and "that no person should administer the ordinances
unless legally qualified."
In 1887 Current River Association had some kind of financial difficulty with J.
M. Vanmeter and H. H. Williams. The
minutes read as follows on this matter:
"On motion and second Bro. Scaggs and Roberts be appointed to go to Bethel
and take the depositions of parties there in the case pending between J. M.
Vanmeter and the Association and they be requested to notify Vanmeter of the
time and place.
"On motion and second Squire Wisener was employed in the matter as counsel
for the Association."
A motion carried that after the matter had been settled our treasurer notify the
clerks of the various churches of what is behind on the debt to H. H. Williams.
It is so unusual for an association to take a controversy before a court that
the author made a special effort to learn the details of this controversy but he
did not succeed. It might be well
to note here that Mr. H. H. Williams was lated [sic] baptized by Bro. F. C.
Neely into the fellowship of Landmark Church.
Let us not think that because our fathers had no automobiles and airplanes life
was entirely without excitement. We
found in the files of the Clay County Courier for March 27, 1903, an item under
the caption: "FRACAS AT
CHURCH." This report told of
"an awful fight by a man who was crazy drunk at the morn-
Page 141
ing service at Richwoods (Shiloh) four miles west of town."
It went on to say that Rev. H. V. Johnson was preaching and a drunk man
came in and began to disturb his sermon. A
Mr. William Griggs assumed the duty of putting him out of the church and a fight
ensued which resulted in the drunk man getting Mr. Griggs down under the
preacher's buggy and Mr. Griggs taking out a pistol and firing at the drunk man
but missing him. The drunk man was
finally subdued and loaded in a wagon and carried to the Corning jail. A trial was held the next morning at which the preacher
testified that Mr. Griggs would have been justified in killing the drunk."
Back in the days of our fathers our Baptist people in this section as well as in
other parts of the country were sharply divided on whether it was right to hold
membership in a secret order such as the Masons, Oddfellows, etc.
The Mount Pleasant Church West had a Masonic Hall above the auditorium
and several of the preachers were Masons then.
But Bro. Emmanuel Richardson was opposed to secret orders and he came to
Mount Pleasant to preach. He made
this remark when he got up to preach: "I
can usually handle Old Satan when he is under my feet but when he is just above
my head I can't feel secure."
The early minutes of Current River Association contain a reference to Dr.
Graves' paper published in Memphis which the Committee on Publications
unfailingly recommended "except for his position on the Lord's Supper,
which we believe to be in error." The
author made a special effort to learn what Dr. Graves' position was on this
ordinance which could not be endorsed. He
found that it was the opinion of Dr. J. S. Compere, and this opinion was
confirmed by Dr. W. W. Barnes of Southwestern Seminary, that Dr. Graves held
that when a church observed the Lord's Supper only the members should partake of
it. In other words he did not
believe that others of like faith and order who know themselves to be in good
standing in their own church should be asked to partake of the Supper with them.
Page 142
PIONEER CHRUCHES [sic] AND SERVICES
(Used by permission)
W. E. McLeod
Most of the early churches built church houses as soon after they were organized
as they could. The houses were of
the same type, built of logs, usually hewn, twenty to twenty-five feet wide, and
as long as the timbers would permit. The
logs were notched down at the corners of the buildings in order to decrease the
size of the cracks between them. The
cracks were closed by chinking them with small pieces of wood plastered over
inside and out with lime or clay mortar, which made them air-tight.
The houses were usualy [sic] located near a spring.
The buildings were roofed with riven boards laid on ribpoles on a frame-work of
pole rafters and riven laths. If
the boards were made of good cypress or pine timber, they lasted for many years,
but some of the churches were situated where such boards were not available, in
which case, oak
boards were used and did not last long.
Each building had one door, usually in the side, and as many windows as was
thought necessary to let in light and air.
The doors and windows were provided with shutters of sawed planks, if
available; otherwise, of riven
boards drawn smooth with a drawing knife. The
windows had glass in them if available.
The floor was made of sawed planks if they could be obtained;
otherwise, of hewn puncheons. Some
of the men in those days were very skillful in the use of the broad-ax and could
hew timbers so straight and smooth that they would fit closely together and make
a better floor than might be supposed.
The space over-head might be closed only by the roof, otherwise by plank or
riven boards laid on joists. Lumber
was very hard to get in those days.
In one end of the house a large chimney fireplace was built for us in cool
weather. The house was comfortable
in winter or summer, because the thick, tight walls served as insulation from
the cold or heat on the outside.
The seats in the building were split logs or puncheons on peg
Page 143
legs driven into auger holes in the under sides.
They were hewn smooth on the upper sides.
They had no backs and were hard and uncomfortable and one's piety could
almost be tested by how patiently he would sit on one of them through a long
sermon. They were arranged to face
the pulpit which was placed on the side of the room opposite the door.
The seats in the corners of the room at the right and left of the pulpit
were arranged in a different direction from the others so they would face the
pulpit. In one of these corners, the deacons and "pillars of the
church" were supposed to sit, follow closely the preacher's sermon and
punctuate at the right place with "holy grunts" or fervent "amens."
The space was therefore called the "amen corner."
The space on the other side of the pulpit was occupied by the devout
though silent women except in singing. Out in front of the pulpit, sat the other members of the
congregation, the males on one side and the females on the other.
The regular services of the early churches were held monthly on a certain Sunday
and Saturday before. The business
meetings of the churches were held on Saturday. The Sundays were devoted strictly to worship, and were
usually well attended. If the
weather was favorable, services might be held on Saturday an Sunday nights.
The buildings were lighted by homemade candles ranged along the sides on
small shelves. They might last
through one service if it was not too long.
The preacher would announce the evening services to begin "at early
candle lighting."
The services in the churches usually began by calling the congregation together
by singing a hymn, as "Amazing Grace" or "Am I a Soldier of the
Cross." The congregation
assembled, the preacher would announce another hymn, which he would read, two
lines at a time, and the congregation repeat in tune after him.
The hymn finished, he or some other devout brother would lead the
congregation in prayer. He would then read a chapter from the Bible, announce his
text and preach, probably for two hours. The
sermon over, the preacher would announce the "doors of the church are open
for the reception of members" while a song was being sung.
That over, he would inquire if there were any announcements to be made.
He would then state that he would be "back again at his next regular
appointment if not
Page 144
Providentially hindered." He
would then say, "If all minds are clear (satisfied, willing), let us stand
together and receive the benediction," which was, "May the blessings
of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you now and
forevermore."
Page 145
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following books, minutes, and periodicals were consulted in the preparation
of this work:
History of Missouri Baptists – R. S. Douglass.
History of Randolph County – Lawrence Dalton.
Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas (1889) – Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Files of the Clay County Courier, Corning, Ark.
Minutes of Spring River Association (1873).
Minutes of State Line Association.
Minutes of Current River Association.
Minutes of Gainesville Association.
Minutes of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Association.
Minutes of Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
Minutes of the Southern Baptist Convention.
A Brief History of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Association – Cooper, Powell,
Holifield, and Thomas.
History of Black River (Mo.) Association – R. F. Lidell.
In addition to the above we had access to the minutes of several churches, the
records in the court houses at Corning and Pocahontas, and personal records in
the hands of interested individuals.
NOTE: The Samuel Colgate Baptist Historical Collection, Colgate
University, Hamilton, N. Y., has minutes of Current River Association for the
following years: 1890-1901; and it
has minutes of State Line Association for the following years:
1881-'83, 1886-1909. The
Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist church has the original copies of minutes for
Current River from the first session in 1881 through 1891 with the exception of
1882. The office of the General
Secretary of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention has minutes of State Line
Association from 1900 through 1922, and for Current River from 1900 up to the
present time with the exception of 1913. (The
Library of Southern Baptist Seminary has a copy for that year).
Mrs. Robert Anderson of Reyno has minutes of State Line for 1879 and
1888.