AUflAMAIAPnST IB^RKia SOCIEtf MINUTES "^"^M OF THE ELEVENTH flNNUflU SESSION Gonecun mM fissociaiion HELD WITH BAPTIST CHURCH AT BROOKLYN, CONECUH COUNTY, ALA., OCTOBER 19th, 20th & 21$t, 1897. OFFICERS. P. M. Brunee, Moderator Evergreen, Ala. W. D. Kyle, Clerk aud Treasurer .Evergreen, Ala. The next session of the Association will he held with the Church at Evergreen, Conecuh County, Ala., on the first Tnesday after the third Sunday in October, 1898. MONTGOMERY, ALA.: ^^^yWWi ALABAMA PRINTING COMPANY. ^^i^^^' 0 ORDER OF BUSINESS. 1. Reading letters and enrolling names of delegates. 2. Election of officers. S. Appointment of Comnaittee on Preaching. 4. Recognizing messengers from corresponding bodies. 5. Invitation to ministers present, not delegated, to seats with us. 6. Appointment of committees to report during the session — 1. Time and Place. 2. Nominations. 3. Appointment. 4. Finance. 7. Receiving new churches^ 8. ReiK)rts of committees appointed at last session. 9. Reports of committees of the present session. iO. iVioiious and resouuious. 11. Miscellaneous business. 12. Treasurer's report. IS. Disbursements of funds on hand. NOMINATIONS FOR SESSION OF 1898. State Missions— W C Crumpton, W H Joiner, I Spence. Home Missions— J M Rabb, G R Farnham, J H Satterwhlte. Foreign Missions — J W Stewart, C S Rabb, J H Higdon. Christian Education -W l> Hubbard, A T Sims, J E Deer. Woman's Work — E P Loveless, M F Brooks, M McCreary. Sabbath Schools- J T Fiucher, S J Vincent, J W Joiner. Tern Iterance — L M Bradley, S P Lindsey, Peter Spence. Orphan's Home— J W Stewart, D B McKenzie, W A Johnson. Executive Committee — E P Loveless, W B Salter, G R Farnham, W R Martin, S P Lindsey. Introductory Sermon — A T Sims; W D Hubbard, alternate. Missionary Sermon — J W vStewart; T Spence, alternate. To attend Southern Baptist Convention— S P Lindsey; L M Brad- le.y, alternate. To attend State Convention— P M Brunei; A T Sims, alternate J. T. Hudson, Chairman. MINUTES. The Couecuh Baptist Association assembled for its Eleventh An- nual Session with the Brooklyn Baptist Church, at 11 o'clock a. m., on Tuesday, October 19th, 1897, and was called to order by Bro. P. M. Bruner, the former Moderator, Bro. W. D. Kyle, Clerk pro tem. Letters were read and messengers enrolled from the different churches, as follows: Arkadel})hia— J H Kyser, George Lee. Brewton — E P Loveless. Brushy Creek — L B Cohron, R A Lancaster. Brooklyn — C A Thames, L J Raburn, J W Williams^ J E Thames, W N Brawner. Castleberry — J E Bra\\ner, D L Carter. Cedar Creek — M C Kirkland, R C Johnston. Damaseas— J M Dauford, D D Coon, W S Davis, J A McCall, W H Saunders. Evergreen— 8 P Lindsay, P M Buner, J W Stewart, W D Kyle, W C Crumptou, H N (.Jrumpton, A E Henderson, J F Jones, Charles. Simms, J B English, Luiuan Sinquefield. Elim— J E Deer, W C Parker, R S Parker, W A Hicks, T B Cole- man. Fairfield— W B Salter, G E Ellis. Johnsonville — J B Davison. Mt. Olive — Letter received. No messengers j^resent. Mt Pleasant — J H Johnson, J W Joyuer, J A Satterv/hite. New Home — Letter received. No messengers present. Old Town— J T Hender.son, Peter Spence. Spring Hill — Letter received. No messengers present. Union — W A Jernigau, G T Cross. Note. — Since adjournment of Association the following church let- ters have been received: Catawba Springs, Point Pleasant, Georgiana, Wallace. After reading minutes aud correcting roll of churches and messen- gers an election of permanent officers was ordered, resulting as fol- lows : P. M. Bruner, JNIoderator, W. D. Kyle, Clerk and Treasurer. The Moderator next announced the following committees to report at this .session : On preaching — J F Williams, J M Robinson, C A Thames, L J Ra- burn, W N Bravv'uer. On recognizing messengers from foreign bodies — G M Parker, J M Robinson. On Time and Place— J E Deer, A E Henderson, W M Cross. On Nominations— J T Hudson, J H Johnson, George Lee. On Apportionment — F B Cohron, M C Kirkland, J E Brawner. On Finance — W M Brawner, J M Danford, H N Crumpton. In the absence of Bro. Bradley, appointed fo preach the associa- tional sermon, Bro. G. M. Parker was appointed to supply his place. Adjournment at noon for dinner, in which an enjoyable repast was served on the church grounds. AFTERNOON SESSION. The association was called to order by the Moderator at 2 p. m. . Prayer by Bro. Lindsey. Association sermon by Rev. G. M. Parker. Text, Ex. 14:15. Order of business again re&ftimed in the appointment of following committees : State Missions — J E Deer, M C Kirkland. Home Missions— W C Crumpton. Foreign Missions — J W Stewart. Christian Education — J F Jones, J A McCall. Sunday School — S P Lindsey, W B Salter. Orphanage — J W Stewart, Jesse Thames. Temperance — J H Higdon, L J Raburn. Woman's Work — E P Loveless. Executive Committee — The following resolution was presented by Bro. E. P. Loveless : Resolved, That the Conecuh Baptist Association be and is hereby authorized to employ the services of an evangelist, whose work shall be within the bounds of said association, and to be further subject to the State Mission Board. Said engagement to be made for a period of one year. Bro. J. F. Jones submitted the following amendment, which was accepted by the author of the resolution, to- wit: Resolved, That the Conecuh Baptist Association employ a mission- ary for the next ensuing year on a salary of six hundred dollar's, to work within the bounds of said association, and that it shall be the duty of the said missionary to make collections during his work, which collections shall be turned over to the Finance Committee of this association, and he shall work under the direction of the State Board of Missions. The amendment as 'accepted, was discussed at some length by Bros. Loveless, Jones, Lindsey, Stewart, Deer ani others. Pending said discussion a motion to adjourn prevailed. Committee on preaching asked permission to make the following report: Sermon 11 a. na. Wednesday, Missions, Rev S P Lindsey. Sermon 7:30 p. m. Wednesday, Rev B H Crumpton. Bro. Stewart tonight, Tuesday; text, 1st Epistle Peter, 4:16. WEDNESDAY— Morning Session. Association called to order by the Moderator at 9 a. m. Prayer by Bro. Lindsey. On motion, Rev. B. H. Crumpton, of the Bethlehem Association, was invited to a seat in this association and requested to participate : . - 3 ia its discii(5sions. Bros. Fails of Old Tonyb Church and T. M. Wig- gins of the Bethlehem Association were also invited to seats in the association. By request of Bro. Johnson the church at Spring Hill was granted a letter of disuiissal from this association, it being the wish of the Spring Hill church to unite with another body. The discussion of yesterday on the amendment closing as unfin- ished business, was next resumed. Bro. Stewart introduced the fol- lowing substitute, which was finally adopted: Resolved, That this association authorize, through its Executive Committee co-operating with the State Board of Missions, the em- ployment of a missionary to work within the bounds of this associa- tion, whose duty it shall be to take collectiou.s and turn them over to the Executive Committee, who shall designate the salary of said mis- sionary. The committee on State Missions presented the following report: REPORT ON STATE MISSIONS. Your committee beg leave to report that State Missions is still an important work, from the fact that there is still a great deal of desti- tution within the borders of Alabama. That while we feel that it is our duty to employ a good man in our own bounds, that we are still iu sympathy with the State Board of Missions, and that we do our work in connection with the Board. Respectfully submitted, ■j. E. Deer, M. C. KlRKLAND. Discussed by Bros. Deer, Crumpton and others and adopted. The hour of 11 a. m. arriving Rev. S. P. Lindsey preached from 2 Cor., 7th verse. Adjourned at noon, at which time another bountiful repast was served on the church grounds by the hospitable ladies of Brooklyn and vicinity. AFTERNOON SESSION. Association called to order by the Moderator at 2 p. m. Prayer by Bro. Deer. The following committees presented reports : On Finance, and Re- port of Treasurer. (See reports.) . REPORT ON NOMINATIONS. State Missions— W C Crunapton, W H Joiner, I Spence. Home Missions— J M Rabb, G R Farnham, J H Satterwhite. Foreign Missions— J W Stewart, C S Rabb, J H Higdon. Christian Education— W D Hubbard, A T Sims, J E Deer. Woman's Work— E P Loveless, M F Brooks, M McCreary. Sabbath School.s— J T Fiucher, S J Vincent, J W Joiner. Temperance— L M Bradley, S P Lindsey, Peter Spence. Orphan's Home— J W Stewart, D B McKenzie, W A Johnson. Executive Committee— E P Loveless, W B Salter, G K Farnham,. W R Martin, S P Lindsey. Introductory Sermon — A T Sims; W D Hubbard, alternate. Missionary Sermon — J W Stewart; I Spence, alternate. To attend Southern Baptist Convention — S P Lindsey; L M Brad- ley, alternate. To attend State Convention — P M Brunei; A T Sims, alternate. J. T. Hudson, Chairman Committee. REPORT ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. The subject of Christian education is one that should not only receive our endorsement, but our prayerful consideration. It i& extremely important to purify the fountain if we would have the stream pure. The first impressions made upon the mind are the most lasting, hence they should be ennobling, and such as will cause the mind to run out after a higher and nobler life. There should be the greatest care exercised in the selection of teach- ers in our schools. A very potent factor in Christian education is the reading matter placed in the hands of the young. We believe many of our brethren are criminally careless in the selection of the reading matter for their children. None but the best books, papers and mag- azines without an undoubted Christian spirit should be furnished the .young. Your' committee believes that the great lack of proper mis- sionary spirit is attributable to a wan^ of information on the subject of missions, and we recommend that our brethren be urged to leave off'Bome, or if needs be, all of the poisonous political trash and sensa- tional contaminating love story papers, and substitute for these the Alabama Baptist and the Foreign Mission Journal. In conclusion we beg to call special attention to our institutions of learning, the Judson, for the education of our girls, and Howard Col- lege, for the education of our boys. These are our institutions and should receive our patronage and support. Respectfully submitted, S. P. Lindsey, Ch'n, J. A. McCadl. Report discussed by Bros. Lindsey, Bruner, Deer, and Stewart and adopted. REPORT ON HOME MISSIONS. Your committee on Home Missions beg leave to submit the follow- ing report: The term, Home Missions, in a broad sense, considered in the light by the facilities for communication of this advanced age, may be easily taken to include the world, for in late years the genius of our race has so lessened the dangers of travel, and, as it were, an- nihilated distance, that the erstwhile dwellers in darkness have been brought into the marvelous light of our Christian civilization and al- most at our very doors, are the Pagans of the East and the inhabi- tants of what was once known as Darkest Africa. But we are not to consider the term Home Missions in this sense. It is not intended to refer on this occasion to the glorious work done for God's glory on foreign shores, but to embrace the specific work done by our Home Mission Board within the bounds or our own fair land. And in this sense it appeals to the interest and sympathy of the most selfish Mis- sionary Baptist; if we might so term those brethren who are some- times inclined to minimize the importance'of foreign missions. The specific work referred to, like all other denominational enterprises, has surtered from the dark clouds upon the tiuancial horizon at home, and a devastating war in the neighboring island of Cuba. But in spite of these obstacles, which we are firmly convinced are only man- ifestations of God's providence, we find much to encourage us in the work done within the past year, and reviewing this period we are led to thank God and take courage, The work of our Home Mission Board has been to develop the resources of churches in destitute sec- tions and thereby to enlarge the Christian forces engaged in the great work of evangelizing the world. There is at this present moment an urgent demand for the employment of every capable and energetic man in God's kingdom, and considering these demands, it is the opinion of your committee that there is no work of greater magnitude than the work done by the Home Mission Board in calling into action slumbering energies of our churches, of building up the waste places and generally arousing our Christian people to the realization of their immeasurable power. Respectfully submitted, W. C. Ckumpton, Chairman. Report discussed by Bros. W. C. Crumptou, Stewart, Lindsey, Deer and others and adopted. REPORT ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This is the law of missions. It is divine in its origin, commanding in character, and world-wide in its purpose. If the time has ever been when Christians might ask whether the heathen might be saved without the gospel it has passed. The great matter that concerns him now is to obey the orders he has received from his risen Lord. There are some encouraging features of the, work which your com- mittee is glad to know. China, as a result of the war with Japan, seems eager as never before, to listen to the missionaries, and the reports from our workers in that country are very encouraging. Bra- zil has been greatly blest during the past year, though our forces in that country have been greatly reduced. Bro. McCollum reports that Japan i\ever had such a year before as last year was. Mexico does not report as many baptisms as m some former years, but there has been considerable development of the churches in the work of sup- porting their own pastors and building their own houses of worship. In Italy the work shows good advancement, though this is one of our hardest fields. Africa, with its awful climate, has again driven some of our missionaries from the field, but the work goes prosper- ously on, and needs reinforcements as soon as they can possibly be sent. It is seen from this report that we have missionaries in six dif- ferent countries, as follows : i China, 39 missionaries, 167 baptisms; Africa, 7 missionaries, 29 bap- tisms; Italy, 3 missionaries, 93 baptisms; Mexico, 15 missionaries, 112 baptisms; Brazil, 19 missionaries, 251 baptisms; Japan, 6 missionaries, S baptisms. Eighty missionaries to preach the gospel to more than half the human race is the number that the Southern Baptists are supporting. For this work was contribut^ed last year ?125,681.99. Of this amount Alabama gave $6, 563. 29; not quite five and a half cents apiece. Do we really believe that the heathen are lost; and that the gospel will save them? Respectfully submitted, John W. Stewart, Ch'n. 6 Report discussed by Bros. Stewart, Crumpton, Lindsey, Bradley and others and adopted. On motion the association adjourned until tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Preaching at 7 :30 p. m. by Rev. B. H. Crumpton. Text, John 6:37. THURSDAY— Morning Session. Association called to order by the jModerator. Prayer by Bro. Cohron. The following committees submitted reports: REPORT ON TEMPERANCE. Your committee has had such little time we could not prepare a report which will do justice to the subject, nor reflect credit on this^ association. We can do nothing further than to emphasize the im- portance of Christian endeavor in the work of eradicating the evil of the whiskey traffic from the laud, and to say a word of encourage- ment to the brotherhood. To do the first, we have only to point to the tremendous influence of the whiskey men in all the departments of business, and to the relentless grip their combines have upon our government. To do the latter, we desire to say, that while drunken- ness is still a present blotch upon our fair country, sometimes de- bauching the membership of our churches, the temperauce and pro- hibition cause has made great strides toward the ultimate accom- plishment of the desired end, viz: the removing of drunkenness, with, its concomitant evils, entirely from the land and the complete de- struction of the whiskey business, the most potent evil in the world today. We would suggest redoubled diligence and energy on the part of Christians, and as next to creating moral sentiment, the exer- cise of our franchise rightly, is the best expression of our principles. We further suggest that we ought, and urge that we do, hereafter up- hold no political party that does not align itself against thie shame- ful evil. . Respectfully submitted, J. H. HiQDON, Chairman. Report discussed by Bros. Kyle, Loveless, Deer and others and adopted. REPORT ON WOMAN'S WORK. Your committee find from the report of the Vice-President for this Association that reports have been sent from only two Ladies' Mis- sionary Societies, as follows : Ladies Missionary Society, Greenville: State Missions, $5.00; Home Missions, $5.00; Church Aid, $90.00; Total, $100.00. Ladies' Missionary Society, Evergreen: State Missions, $25.25; Home Missions, $49.90; Foreign Missions, $16.20; Total, 191.35. We cordially commend this work to the churches of our Association, and recommend that all the Ladies' Missionary Societies make their reports to Mrs. G. R. Farnham, Vice-President, at Evergreen, Ala, Respectfully submitted, E. P. Loveless, Chairman.^ Discussed by Bros. Loveless, B. H. Crumpton aud Lindsey, and adopted. REPORT ON SABBATH SCHOOLS. It ip startling to see the number of churches in our Association that are without Sabbath Schools. Less than half the churches in this Association report Sal)bath Schools. No church can do its full duty to the young of a community without having a Sabbath School. It is there that the young minds are taught in simple terms that Jesus loves them, and the young hearts touched by the saving influence of our Heavenly Father. One encouragement received from our Sabbath School work' is that where there Is a live, active, working Sabbath School, there have been reports of conversions from the same. From three of our Sabbath Schools there have been tv»'euty-nine accessions to these three churches. This should stimulate those who have no schools to organize at once and achieve great results in the future. We recommend the literature of our own Southern Baptist Conven- tion, published at Nashville, Tenn. Respectfully submitted, S. P. Lindsey, W. B. Salter. Report discussed by Bros. Lindsey, Loveless, Stewart and Robin- son^ and adopted. REPORT ON ORPHANS' HOME. Your committee beg leave to make the following report: Its name is Louise Short Baptist Widows and Orphans' Home of Alabama. ' The first steps taken towards its establishment was v.'hen Mrs. M. L. B. Woodson made known to the State Baptist Convention, in No- vember, 1890, that she would give all her real estate for the ijiainte- nance of the Baptist Widows and Orphans' Home of Alabama. The Home was temporarily located at Evergreen January 16th, 1896, the present Financial Secretary being asked to take the management of it, without remuneration, he being then jtastor at Evergreen. March 10th, 1898, in a small rented house, the Home was opened to receive the first inmates. By November of tiiat year we had received 22 children, and the trustees decided to locate the Home permanently. After daily advertising for bids for a location, Evergreen was chosen, and property purchased, consisting of 80 acres of laud lying on Main street, 30 of which is in cultivation, 30 in pasture and 20 in woods. The buildings were a teu-roora brick house and three tenant houses. The purchase price of the property was !S.5,000. which, with interest on the deferred payments, amounte 1 to |o,400.33, which has been paid. The boys are taught to do farm work and the girls do various kinds of house work. All that are old enough attend the Southwest Alabama Agricultural School, where no tuition is charged, the matriculation and incidental fees amounting to about ijio to $10 per year for each pupil. All attend Sunday School and church. The current expenses amount to about $6 per month for each child. Since the Home was started there have been gathered into it 33 boys and 37 girls, and out of it have gone, by apprenticeship, 2 boys; re- turned t<; their people, 5 boys and 4 girls; by adoption, 10 boys and 12 girls, leaving in the Home 16 boys and 21 girls. Importaut improveinents are being made in the arrangement of the Home by which we are to have eleven new rooms added and all the old ones renovated. Money is greatly needed to complete this work and pay for food for the children. Will not the churches, Sunday Schools, Missionary Societies and friends remember us and send regular contributiou.s? The children have come from nineteen counties, as follow!^ : Barbour S, Butler 8, Conecuh 2, Escambia 7. Ijee :J, Marengo 4, Montgomery 2, Bibb 2, Chambers 1, Covington 8, Jefierson 8. Limestone 1. Monroe 4, Pike 2, Russell 1, Talladega 8, Tallapoosa 2, Tuscaloosa 3, Walker 6. Respectfully submitted, J. E. Thames, J. W. Stewart. Report discussed by Bros. Kyle, Deer, Lindsey, Stewart, Loveless and Bruner, and adopted. REPORT ON MINISTERIAL EDUCATION. Your committee beg leave to submit the following report: We sug- gest it as an opinion that no branch of our denominational work has a greater claim on your sympathy and interest than that of Ministerial Education. In this age of eulighteumeut there is an urgent demand for educated men in all the secular walks of life — men with minds specially trained along the line of their life work. This condition in secular affairs places on the Christian hosts the duty of sending out men with cultivated minds to declare the unsearchable riches of the kingdom of God. The prayer to the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers into the harvest might be amended to include an increase in the efficiency of our Christian laborers. If the condition of our re- ligious aflairs in this Christian land were the eflects traced from the causes, much might be laid at the door ofthe inefficiency of our clergy. In saying this we do not intend to depreciate *he work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of our. preachers, but assert as a truth that our preachers, no matter how great they may be in proclaiming the word of God, might be much greater men, with greater power as servants ofthe Most High, had they enjoyed the benefits of an education of the mind along with the development of the resources of the heart. How will the Baptist hosts meet this demand for educated minis- ters? The encouragement given this by and through your liberality toward this department of our work will largely determine the future progress of the Baptists in the State of Alabama. We deplore the scant contributions reported by our churches, and in conclusion sub- mit as a query the words of the apostles; "How shall they (the people) call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they l>elieve in him of whom they have not lieard? And how shall they learn without a preachtjr? Ajid how shall they preach unless they be •sent?" As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of ihem that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things.'' Respectfull.y submitted, W. C. Crumptox. Report discussed )jy Eros. W. C. Crumpton, B, H. Crumpton, Lind- sey, Stewart, Robins.m, Deer and otbtrs, and adopted. REPORT ON APPORTIONMENT. Your committee beg leave to submit the following : Greenville 5=400 00 Evergreen ^400 00 Brewton 250 00 Georgiana 100 00 Fairfield 15 00 Autioc-h 10 00 New Prospect 5 00 Union 5 00 JohnsouviJle 5 00 Arkadelphia 20 00 Brooklyn- 25 00 Old Town 10 00 Catawba Springs 10 00 Elim 40 00 Damascus 20 00 Mt. Pleasant 15 00 Brushy Creek 5 CO Castleberry 20 00 Dunham _-. 50 00 Forest .• 5 00 New Home . 5 00 Mt. Ararat 5 00 Flomaton 10 00 Spring Hill 5 00 Chapman 1 100 00 Cedar Creek " 10 00 Mt. Olive 15 00 Union Springs 5 00 Point Pleasant 5 00 Olive Branch 10 00 Wallace 5 00 Respectfully submitted, L. B. CoHRON, Chairman. REPORT ON TIME AND PLACE. We, the committee appointed to locate the next place and time for holding the Conecuh Baptist Association, have decided upon the place to be Evetgreen, Conecuh County, Alabama. Time, the first Tuesday after the third Sunday in October, 1898. Respectfully submitted, A. E, Henderson, J. E. Deer. Committee. The hour of noon arriving, the Association again adjourned to par- take of a sumptuous repast served on the church grounds. AFTERNOON SESSION. \ Association called to order by the Moderator at 2 p. m. Prayer by Bro. Cohron. Bro. Deer submitted the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That all churches comprising the Conecuh Baptist Asso- ciation be and are hereby earnestly requested to send in more funds for the publicatioD of minutes and other incidental expenses. On motion, the Clerk was ordered to have 400 copies of the minutes printed, and that he pay for same, together with express, postage, ■&c.,iu delivering, out of the minute fund on hand and appropriate balance, if there be any, to himself for his services. Bro. Kyle introduced the following resolution, which was unani- mously adopted: Resolved, That the thanks of the Conecuh Baptist Association be and are hereby extended to the members of the Baptist church at Brooklyn, Ala., and to the noble hearted citizens of the Brooklyn dis- trict, who have so generously entertained us during our stav in their midst. 10 Resolved further, That we, individually and as a body, will bear with us to our respective homes the tenderest recollections of their hospitality. And now, in bidding them farewell, our prayer is, "God be with you 'til we meet again." After singing "God be with you" and giving the parting hand, on motion of Bro. Stewart, the Association adjourned, with prayer by Bro. Cohrou, to meet with the Evergreen Baptist church at 10 o'clock a. m., on Tuesday after the third Sabbath in October, 1898. P. M. BRUNER, Moderator. W. D. Kyle, Clerk. ORDAINED MINISTERS. L. M. Bradley . 1 Brewton, Ala. W. D. Brooks Fairtield, L. B. Cohron Chapnian, E. C. Clayton Brooklyn, J. E. Deer Roberts, W. H. Joyner Shell, R. C. Kirkland Volina, S P. Lmdsey .Evergreen, W. M. Murray Georgiana, W. M Rabb : Garland, J. W. Stewart Evergreen, A. T. Sims Georgiana, I. Spence Evergreen, G. L. Sntton Brewton, J. E. Thames . Brooklyn, TREASURER'S REPORT. To amount received from Finance Committee fl65 OS Cr. ' By amount paid J. W. Stewart, Baptist Orjihanage S 7 90 W. C. Bledsoe, State Missions 71 11 " " Foreign Missions 25 83 " " Home Missions 2157 " " Ministerial Education 4 79 " " Howard College 75 Printing Minutes 15 00 Express, Postage, Stationery, etc fi 11 Clerk. „ .- 12 00-S:i65 06 B. A. LiDE, Treasurer. 11 CONSTITUTION. Article 1. The Association shall be composed of members chosen, by the differeut churches in'our uuiou, who. ou producing their cre- dentials, shall be entitled to seats. Art. 2. The members t&us chosen and convened sliall be known by the name of the "Conecuh Baptist Association," who shall usurp no authority over the churches in our union, or infringe ou any of their internal rights, but shall be merely an advisory council in all matters relative to their internal concerns; It, nevertheless, claims authority over its own members, the delegates of the churches, and in justice and propriety must have power to withdraw from and dis- own all churches that depart from the principles to this compact, by becoming heterodox in faith or disorderly in practice. Its principal business shall be .to cultivate union and fellowship with all the churches of Christ, and the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom, especially with those united m the Association. Art. 3.' Every church in our union shall be entitled to three dele- gates, and for every twenty-five (or fractional part) over fifty mem- bers, an additional delegate. Through them shall be transmitted to every annual session of this Association a letter specifyiug the names of their messengers, number in fellowship, excluded, restored, de- ceased, licensed or ordained to preach the gospel since last session; also postofflce. Sabbath of meeting, by whom supplied, amount paid pastor, and the amount contributed for the different benevolent ob- jects fostered by this body, and the number, ^average and attendance at Sunday Schools, also name of Sunday School superintendent. Art. 4. New churches may be admitted into our union by messen- gers bringing petitionary letters if upon due examination they be found orderly and orthodox. The Moderator shall be elected by, and of the members present, whose duty it shall be to see that the Rules of Decorum are strictly observed, and to take the voice of the Associa- tion on all the subjects legally introduced. A clerk shall be elected, whose duty it shall be to keep a correct record of all the proceedings and discharge such other duties as may pertain to his office. Also, a Treasurer shall be elected, whose duty it shall be to receive all money belonging to the Association and disburse it as directed by the body, and present annually for insertion in the Minutes a clear and full statement of all receipts and expenditures. Art. 5. The Association shall furnish the churches with the Min- utes of every session in proportion to the Minute fund sent up by each individual church. Art. 6. The Association shall have a fund supplied by the volun- tary contributions of churches, and all money raissd during the year for any kind of missionary education, or any other kind of benevo- lent purposes, shall be sent to the Corresponding Secretary of the State Mission Board, and a duplicate receipt taken by each church and the receipt deposited with the Treasurer of this Association; pro- vided, that the funds for State Missions be held subject to the order of the Executive Committee of this Association. Art. 7. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of this Association to keep a regular file of printed minutes of every .session of this body, and de- liver the same to his successor in office. Art. 8. The Association, when convened, shall be governed by proper Rules of Decorum, which it is authorized to form and amend, according to its own views. 12 Art. 9. This coustitution may be altered or amended at regular meetings of the Association by a concurring voice of two-thirds of the members. RULES OF DECORUM. 1. The Association shall be opened and closed by praj'er. 2. At every annual meeting of the Association, immediately after the delegates' names are enrolled, tellers shall be appointed by the Chair, and the Association shall proceed to choose from among their number a Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer, who are to hold their otfices until the new ones are chosen. 3. The Moderator shall take the chair every day at the hour to which the Association shall have adjourned on the preceding day; shall immediately call the members to order, and on the appearance of a quorum, shall cause the Minutes of the preceding day to be read. 4. He shall preserve order and decorum; may speak on the points of order in preference to other members, rising from his seat for that purpose; and shall decide questions of order, subject to an appeal from the Association by any two members on which appeal no member shall speak more than once unless by leave of the Association. 5. He shall rise to put a question, but may state it sitting. 6. Questions shall be distinctly put; those voting in the affirmative shall say aye, and those of contrary opinion, no. If the Moderator doubts, or a division be called for, the delegates shall divide; those voting in the affirmative shall first arise from their seats, and after- wards those voting in the fiegative. 7. The Moderator shall appoint all committees, unless otherwise specially directed by the Association. 8. In all eases of election, the Moderator may vote; in other cases he shall not vote. He may speak on any question, provided he shall call some other member to the chair while he is speaking. 9. The Clerk shaU enroll the names of the delegates, minute the proceedings of the body, and perform such other duties as the Associ- ation may direct. 10. The Treasurer shall receive, account for and pay out all moneys belonging to this body according to the instruction of the Association, and perform such other duties as the Association may direct. 11. When any member is about to speak or deliver any matter to the Association, he shall rise from his seat and respectfully address the Moderator, and shall confine himself to the question under debate and avoid personalities. 12." If any member, in speaking or otherwise, transgress the rules of the Association, the Moderator shall, or any member may, call him to order, in which case the member so called to order shall immedi- ately sit down, unless permitted to explain, and the Association shall, if appealed to, decide on the case, but without debate. - If there is no appeal, the decisioii of the chair shall be submitted to; if the decision be in favor of the member called to order, he shall be at liberty to proceed; otherwise he shall not be permitted to proceed in case any member objects, without leave of the Association, 13. When two or more members rise at once, the Moderator shall name the one who Is to speak first. 14. No naember shall speak more than once on the same question without leave of ^he Association, unless he be the mover, proposer or 13 iutroducer of the matter pending, in which case he shall be permitted to speak in reply, but not until every member wishing to speak, has spoken . 15. Every member who shall be in the house when a question is put, shall give his vote, unless the Association for special reason ex- cuse him. 16. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the chair, or, if in writing, handed to the Moderator and read aloud be- fore debate. 17. Every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the chair or any member desire it. 18. After a motion is stated by the chair, or read aloud by the Clerk, it shall be deemed to be in possession of the body, but may be withdrawn by leave of the Association at any time before a decision or amendment. 19. When a question is under debate no motion shall be entertained but to adjourn, to lay on the table for the previous question, to post- pone to a certain day, to commit or amend, to postpone indefinitely; which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged; no motion to postpone to a certain day, to commi|;, or to postpone indefinitely, being decided, shall again be allowed dur- ing the session. 20. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order, except the Asso- ciation be engaged in voting. 21. On a previous question there shall be no debate. All incidental questions of order, arising after a motion is made, tor the previous question and pending such motion, shall be decided, whether on ap- peal or otherwise, without debate. 22. The previous question shall be in this form : "Shall the main question be now put?" It shall only be admitted when demanded by a majority of the members present; its effect shall be to put an end to all debate and bring the Association to a direct vote upon amend- ments reported by committee, if any, and then the main question. 23. No motion or a proposition on a different subject from that under consideration, shall be admitted under color of amendment. 24. When a motion has once been made and carried in the affirm- ative or negative, it shall be in order for any member of the majority to move a reconsideration thereof on the same or succeeding business day, and such motion shall take precedence over all other questions, except a motion to adjourn. 25. No member shall absent himself from the house without leave of the Moderator, or leave the meeting without permission of the Association. 26. Should any member of this Association absent himself before the close of the .session, without permission of the body, he shall be marked in the Minutes as absent without leave. ' .5 ' ' s) s ij ' ' ' ^ - ^ . 0=-S-^-5St-S~£^y£^;;iScs--f-;::^r-*'->., w-S:s- L<-<£;5:555o5-'^sa'^S£i5-2sis2z55a;x:^i^^ s Sf3D •q-jtjqqBg SaiqaBajj •siidnd s.[(j«3X y s.ia»mO diqs.T9qm3K ^nasa-ij , •qtveg Xg •ains'Baa Ag •aoisnioxg Ag •i8j;aT: Xg •noijBJOjs8H Xg •jaqonoA ^g •J9M3T xg •nisncitig Xg p,jJod3.i 'js'Bi d,qnrai\; ^= t^ T?< C»3 C! ^, > i< ov] ir ^" t. o --?- r. Ci *^ ^ SI ^ Sea ■r ^ K 3 s; o I oc^im t~i-c lOOTC^M X -x 1^00 ic^m j I a fl S g I — 3 ■§ -c 3 iS .S Sa— Ss'-S^i; 2 o o &.-S 5J— aT C - a s '•« -S 5 .;5 o ')?§ ■ ^ a lis ha mo. ^2 gr3 > a j: £^ ^ 5 £ o o s '5 "'^ r-^rj 1-"^ : i p •5 '-S-SS i'933 r-j "^k- 2 13 *■£ -" I — '03 Si :^^ 1 V. OJ I l32 ♦;CSa-eawa*^!ij-i^6aa£-'-»*=->^a:3-^»^a-^aau-^a6S 30^0 — O'-'^C — a;aa:o0KSsSC'^aac:^0O«:SO*=c S^j^o^o y ::j — S 3 it ::; :::! a — s :5 o j3 :c X o :2 a :j H :s o S a I -''■ jljil^'tllsj ifjg i|s||Jil|j|i| lui ^ c 3-e-^.a a- ■; ^- ? ciJa j m.S ^-^ Sa ^^^r-^-ip"^ Sf s a s tn ' « „ ao 7^» ^^>, c :; ■;i — := 0 X o 0 a << ^^^ X w -c 2 - " •" ■- rS * CO a s -j:p. < z o < a ::= a ^^ a -" 2 a DIRECTORY. Orphans' Home, Evergreen, Ala., J. W. Stewart, Manager. Howard College, East Lake, Ala,, A. D. Smith, Ch'n of Faculty. JuDSON Institute, Marion, Ala., R. G. Patrick, President. State Board of Missions, Montgomery, Ala., W.C.Bledsoe, Sec'3^ Southern Baptist Sunday School Literature, Nashville, Tenn., J. M. Frost, Secretary. "Foreign Mission Journal," Richmond, Va. "Alabama Baptist," Montgomery, Ala. Foreign Mission Board, R. Willinghara, Sec'y, Richmond, Va. Home Mission Board, I. T. Tichenor, Sec'y, Atlanta, Ga.