MINUTES

OF THE

TWELFTH ANNUAL SESSION

OF THE

CHEROKEE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION,

HEtD WITH

THE UJVIOJy CHURCH

DeKALB county, ALABAMA:

FridAJ/y "before Zd Sahhath in Septemher X853.

Printed at the office of " Stif rs Radical Reformer, '^

GADSDEN, ALABAMA: 1854.

MINUTES

1st. Tho DeJe£rates of the Cherokee Baptist Association Afeem Lied at Union Clmrcb, DeKalb County, on Friday the l(]th,"day of Sej^ternber, A. D. 1853. The introductory sermon was preached by Elder, J, J. D. Ruiifroe Irom the 8th, chap- ter and 33, verse of Pauls letter to the Romans.

2nd. Read the letters and enrolled the names of delegates from the churches.

Srd. The constitution and by-laws were called for and read.

4th. Received to membership tlie following newly constituted churches, viz: — Mouu/- Olivet, Jackson county. Mount Pleasant, Marshall county, Clear Creek, St, Clair county and Massadonia, DeKalb county.

Adjourned to 9 o'olock to-morrow morning.

Saturday Moenikg, 9 o'clock, Sept. 17, 1853

The Association convened per^iant to adjournment, prayer by Elder, W. ^JI, Wilson.

5th. Called the roll and marked the absentees.

6th. Elected by ballot Elder, Wm. C. Mynatt Moderator and W. B. Wvnno Clerk. ^ • _ "^^i r--"'.-^

Received Correspondence from the Tallassehatchee Association, a letter, and El- der "Wm. M. Wilson and P. Archey Messenger; from the Coosa a letter^' min- utes, and Elder Wra.Kimsey Messenger. "^

8th. Invited Ministers of the Gospel of our order, who are not members of this body, to seats with us.

9th. Called for, and read, the minutes of the last Association.

10th. Appointed the following committees, viz : On preaching A. B. Smith and J. Coats fr.'m the church, and J. T. Morgan, Redin Hodges and Jas. Grogan from -the body; on the State of Religion, A. W. Cunningham, J. J. D. Renfroe and W. B. Wynne; on Correspondence, A. Hawkins, E. T. Gogginand T. N. Apple, ton; on Domestic Missions, Johi; Lawrence, R. M. Williams and Redin Hodges; on Temperance H. O. Goiightly, M. B, Gaines and E, T. Goggin; on Finance, J. Coats, Aiicrs Lee and J. B. High.

11th. On motion agreed to have no committee on Subbath Schools, but recom- mend the ministers in the bounds of the Association, to establish Sabbath Schools in the several churches, under their respecCive charges.

ISih. Appointed correspondents to tJie following Associations, viz; to tho Tallas- gohatchee J. J. D. Renfroe, Wm. C. Mynatt, J. A. Reave, T. ]N". Appleton, and W. B. Wynne to write. To the Coosa, A. W. C'uuningham, Renfroe, Slaton, and J. Lawrence to write.

13th. Ordered, that the four new churches received at this session be attached ta the 2nd. district.

I4th. Appointed Union Meetings as follows : 1st. district at Holly Springs to commence on Friday before the first Sabbath in August, 1854. 2nd. district at Pleasant Grove, to commence on Friday before the ord. Sabbath in July, 1854.

15th. Appointed by ballot, Elder W. C. Mynatt, to i>reach the next Introducto- ry sermon, at the next annual session. Elder J. A. Reave Alternate, and appointed Elder J. J, D. Renfroe to preach a Missionary sermon at 11 o'clock, on Sabbath of next session, J. A. Reave alternate.

16th. Appointed Elder J. J. D. Renfroe and Brother ^. W. Cunningham dele- gates to the uilabama Baptist State 6bnvention, to bo held with the Baptist church

in Selma, Dallas couuty , to commence on Saturday before the first Lord's day in ; J^Tovember next.

i 17th. Ordered, SCO copies ot" the minutes printed, that tbe 6'lerk superintend 'the same and retain all the funds sent up for that purpose (after paying for the printing) for his services.

ISth. ^'Ippointed distributing agents in the 1st. district, Brother A. Hawkins and M. B. Gaines; in the the 2nd. district, Brothers ^. B. Smith and J. T. Morgan.

19th. Appointed E.xecutive committees, in the 1st, district, W. B Wynne, Jas McGhee, Geo. Harkrider, II. O. Goliu^htley and M. B. Gaines; in the 2nd. district [IT. M. ^ippelton^ C. P. Johnson, JohnGlazner, J. T. Morgan and J. 6bats, I 20ti:. JLppointcd a committee of five, consisting of Brothers John Lawrence J. ' Coats, A. W, 6\mningham, D, II. ^Imos and AV, B, Wynne to examino the pe- i tition sent up from Providence, Pleasant Hill and Bethany 6*hurches, and or: m*>- } tion Erders ylrchey. IFilson and Ramsey were reqitested to meet with said commit-. ^ tee and they make their report as early as practicable. I ^Idjourned to 2 o'clock, P. M.

2 O'clock, P. M. ' Met pursuant to J.djournment,'*Prayer by Elder Kim9ey.

21st. .^ppointei' Elder Ivimsey to preach a missionary sermon on to-morrow at 11 o'clock. Elder J/ynatt alternate. 22d. Read and adopted of the report the special committee appointed, to examine the petition of Providence, Pleasant Hill and Bethany churches. (See exhibit A.) 23rd. On motion Elder J/ynatt was released from appointing the committee de- signated in above report: and Brother TT^'yuno requested to make the appointment, irho oppointed as that committee- Elders t/t/.D.i^enfroe, t/,J.. leaves and Broth- ers A. W. Cunningham, John Lawrence and II. O. Golightly.

2-ith. called for and read the reprot of the Committee, who met at Newton ville, DeKalb county, on Friday the 19th vlugustlast, and ordered that'it be spread up- on the minutes of this session. (See exhibit B.)

25th. Received and adopted the reporis of the following committees : 1st. on Temperance, (see exhibit C) on the State of Religion, [see exhibit D.) Adjourned to Monday morning 0 o'clock.

On Sabbath the stand was occupied by Elders James Fields, W. Kimsey, W. C. J/ynatt and J. J. D. Renfroe who preached in the order of their names to a very large T,nd attentive congregation, and we are fu'ly assured that their labors were not in vaiu

Monday Mokniugj 9 o'clock. J/et pursuant lo adjournment, Prayer by the JLfoderator. 2(]th Called the roll and \narked absentees. .

27th. Read and adopted the report of the book board, at the la-^: session of this body, and agreed to continue the same reducing the number of memlars to seven, and appointing them near or within reasonable bounds of Cedar Blufi^", and ordered the (71erk to have the constitution of the board placed on the back of the minutes. The board to consist of W. C. J/ynatt, Renfroe, J. Lawrence, G. Harkrider J. B. High, W. B, Watt and A. W. Cunningham.

28th Recoived and adopted the reports of the following committees, viz: On Do- .mestic il/issions, (see exhibit F.) Executive committee 1st. district, (see exhibit G.) report ot Executive committee of 2Dd. district, (see exhibit H.) report'of commit.^ tee on Corroapoadence (see exhibit 1.) on Finance (see exhibit K.)

29th. Granted a letter of dismisBion to ValleyjHead chnrcb.

30tb. The next session of this body will be held with Lebanon church, Turkey Town, Chorokee county, to commence on Friday before the 3rd Sabbath in Septem- ' ber, 1864.

31st. On motion the following resolution was adopted :

Resolved^ That the thanks of this body are due to the brethren of Union church, and the surrounding community, for the kind and hospitable manner they have re- ceived and accommodated the delegates, as well as all others visiting this meeting.

32Dd. Adioumed, W. C, J/YNATT, il/oderator.

W. B. Wynne, Clerk.

EXHIBIT A. — We, your committee, to whom was referred the subject of the petition aocom- anying the letter of Pleasant Hill, Providence, (DeKalb) and Bethany Churches, beg leave*to ubmit the following report : We recommend that this body proceed to select a judicious com- mittee to labor with the brethren composing said Churches, and, if possible, reconcile them in re- lation to the act of this body, al lodged by said churches as grievances.

Kespectfully submitted,

JOHN LAWRENCE, Ch'rm.

EXHIBIT B. — To the Brethren com])osmg the Cherokee Bajytist Association, and all others who may have an interest in the dissemination of truth ^ throughout all countries, and among aU':> 2)eople, greeting : — Whereas, many difficulties have heretofore existed in the church of Clirist, ' at Pleasant Grove, DeKalb county, Alabama, which difficulties, we believe, have' been fully in- vestigated and determined, after the manner and under the circumstances following, to wit : —

The church at Pleasant Grove, in consequence of said difficulties, conceived h'erself not in a proper condition to settle them satisfactorily, consequently she agreed to call a committee to be composed of brethren from six sister churches ; three from each church, to act as an advisary council, to meet with said church on Friday before the 3d Sabbath in Nov'r 1851. The com--.- mittee conaisted of the following brethren : George Harkrider, A. Hawkins and F. M. HardJftj wick, from Cedar Bluff; O. Hester and A. B. Smith, from Union Church ; Henry Hurley, d^»^ Puckett and S. J. AVilhams, from Unity Church ; E. P. Johnson, from Providence ; W. S. Pitts j and Sam'l Miller, from Mill Creek ; and William Gray, from Bethany Church, who, after some ] discussion in the church, ■nere received, and full and complete authority w?!<5 given them to^in- i vestigateand determine the whole matter of difficulties, which had marred the peace and happi- ness of said church. The church then submitted to the committee their records containing the specification of charges alleged against Brother Mynatt by Brother J. M. Mitchell, with direc- tions to call before them any testimony from the church that might be necessary in the investi- gation of the caae ; and, it was further agreed by tne church that the decision of 6aid committee should be her decision. The committee then retired and commenced their investigation by an examination of the church records relating to the existing difficulties — containing also, the spe- cification of charges alleged by Brother Mitchell against Brother Mynatt. They also called be- fore them Brother E. P. Reed, Josiah Brock and Harris Brock, who made the following state- ments, to wit:~That at the time the delegates were appointed to the Association, in August '51, there was not a full representation of the church present, yet, notwithstandmg several of the brethren present entered their protest against the action of the church on that day, she proceed- ed to appoint delegates to the Association, and recommended the church to withdraw from the Baptist State Convention. Among the delegates, they placed the name of Bro. J. M. Mitchell, who was then under censure of the church, but the charges had not been preferred. They fur- ther stated, that Brother Mynatt had fully satisfied the church that the several charges allege*:} ;i9;ainst him by Brother Mitchell were without foundation, and, therefore, she refused to notice iurther said charges ; and. with regard to the call meeting, at which the church changed her deb

I

orations to llio Association, tlioy statoJ Lliat public notice was n;ivon ti)at sucli mooting would be bold, and that they had good reason to believe that e'. '.ly member of the church had knowl- edge of it.

The committee, after debatinir on, and invesfitjating the whole matter, made out a report justi- fying the church in the course she liad taken in changing her delegates to the Association, and in preferring charges against Brother Mitchell, whirh report was presented to the church and re- ceived by him. Brother Mitchell then asked the church to postpone the further consideration of his case until the next Conference, which she did.

The Pleasattit Crove church at her December meeting, took up the case of Brother Mitchell upon the charofis ]>referred a^inst hirn at the call uieetingin September, and ratified by the committee in November 1851, which charges were couched in the following words, lo wit: — For using the same words for whicli T. B. Watts was excluded, sa}ing, "he (Mitcheil) would not

•vote for the charge against said AYatts, for he had used the words.". Also for l)ringing bafore the church a written instrument containing several specifications from rdmof agamst our Pastor,

;without giving him any notice of the same prior to the meeting at which they were presented; involving the church in maiters, part of which wera past and settled, and for prosecuting and trying to establish the same, which he failed to do, and denied at first their being charges, and for

.other irreligious conduct towards the pastor and church.

The foregoing charges were then tak'jn up, and Bro. Mitchell required to answer. The vote ■was first taken to ascertain whether hl^ ^^Mitcheli) had used the language embraced in the first specification, which the church decided in the negative. On motion, it was erased from the

'charge. The second specification was then taken up, and, after much debate, amotion was made

,to exclude Bro. Mitcheil from the church, which motion was decided by the following vote: yeas 25'; nays 33! So Bro. Mitchell was sustained.

' January Term, 1852 ; the church at Pleasant Grove — Bro. Ramsey in l'} chair : — The ag- grieved party petii'on 'he church to reconsider so much of the last Minute a related to the jus- tification of Bro. Mitchell, and his restoration without any concession — tons 37, nays 39. February Term, 1852 : — The aggrieved party continue their application in the manner follow-

''ing, to wit : "To that numter of brethren and sisters, of Pleasant Grove Church, who have sus- tained Bro. J. M. Mitchell, in voting his justification nnder charge preferred against him, at the call meeting", 4th Sept.. 1831 ; — Brethren and sisters — We believe you have erred in so doing, therefore we humbly ask you to aid as in calling for another committee from eight churches, in the Association, 3 members from each church," to meet the church at Pleasant Grove, on Fri- day before the 3d Sabbath in March next, to investigate the decision of the December Confer- ence, upon Bro. Mitchell's case. We hope you will religiously comply with our wishes, as the aggrieved party, believing it will be for the glory of God and safety of the church. If our re- quest and petition are refused, and cannot be heard, or granted by you for the good of the cause

i-.of Christ, that is bleeding at every porft, we do by these presents and our name>* assigned, hum-

■bly say to you that we cannot fellowship you in your course of discipline in sustaining Brother Mitchell in his conduct under charge. Therefore we withdraw our fellowship from you as breth- ren and sisters iuMisorder, retaining the Constitution and By-Laws of the church, and papers and records thereunto belonging, claiming ourselves to be the church of Christ, m Pleasant Grove." }

^■^ To the above petition there were 40 names subscribed — members of the Pleasant Grove church

i lit was read in the church, and contemptibly voted out. The members whose names were as- signed to the above petition, withdrew and convened at Newtonville, oh Saturday before the 3d ^Sabbath in March, to carry out the spirit of said petition, at which lime they determined to call ■,a committee to be composed of brethren from ten churches, each church sending three brethren

r to meet with the brethren calling themselves the church of Christ, at Pleasant Grove, on Fri- d.ay before the 3d Sabbath in April 1852, in order to scrutinize their act in relation to their withdrawal from the Mitchell party, as they were generally denominated, and to justify or cen- sur«* thein for their said conduct, as the facts would authurize. The churches nam>d were 'lie

fcllowinff, to wit: Mount Harmony, Union, Trovidence, Pleasant Hill, Belbany, Lebanon, Yel- low Creek, Codar Jiluft', Unity, and Mill <.;reek.

At the time and place designated for the tneetiiiir of the comniitte, the following brethren- presented themselves, to wit. Geo. llarkridor, A.Hawkins, Sampson Donalds, Philip Turner,' J. B. High, C. C. Killings, M. Cr. Williams, C.P.Johnson, E. i Goggin, 0. Hester, A. B. Smith, W. a Whitten, Dan'l Plackwell, S. W. Crow, S. Waldiop. J. T. Morgan & D. A. Heftner. Tho? church then presented said committee with the records of Pleasant Grove church, showing fully the course they had pursued, requesting them to investigate the subject thoroughly, and report as justice required. The following is the report of said commmittee: '*'

We, your committee, to whom were submitted the records of your church, have carefully e.\- ^ amined the same as far as relates to the case in point. With regard to the action of the church in the c?...o of J. M.Mitchell, at the Dec'r term 1851 : Resolved, We, your committee, believe that Pleasant Crrove church has acted in bad faith in releasing J. M. Mitchell from tha cbarges-, preferred against hira in September, and ratified by the committee that met in November '51, because we believe the discipline as taught in the word of God, has been utterly disregarded, and set aside by the church in that act.

2d- We believe that that part of the church claiming to be the majority, did wrongin refus- ing to reconsider the act of the December meeting, and also in refusingjto call^anothor commit- tee.

3d, W"e believe that if the (so called) majority had granted the petition of the (so called) mi- nority, it would have released them, and there would have been no separation in the church at Pleasant (J rove.

4th. We, your committcf, believe that the (so called) majority have departed from the discip- line as taught in the New Testament, and, as such, are in disorder, and, we also believe that the (so called) minorit}- have acted agreeably to the true discipline, and are, consequently, the true . church, whereunto we, as your committee, have signed our names.

GEORGE HAUKRIDER, Chr'm.

A. Hawkins, Sec'y.

Brom the report of the last mentioned committee it is very' apparent'that'they recognized'the brethren with whom they met as the church at Pleasant Grove, now holding^her monthly meet- ings at Newtonvilie. So the brethren at Newtonville sent delegates to the Association m Sep't 1852, which delegation was rec'd by said body, as the proper Representatives of Pleasant Grove I church, DeKalb Co., Ala. Statistics 53 original members. 'j

The excluded members also .sent their delegates to the Association, who presented] the letter ; they boro, asking admission into the body as RepresentBtives of Pleasant Grove churcla, but they were not recognized, and were, consequent!}-, rejected. Statistic, 45 original members.

The Association then ordered the reports of the cotnmittec which had laboied with ihe'Pleas- ant Grove church, to be published in her Minutes, which was accordingly done, and we had hop- ed that a publication of all the facts conu;.cted with the ct-c would have been sufficient to satisfy the minds of the most scrupu!o"r:, but in this we were .-^adly disappointed, as the sequel will '' show.

On the 19th Dec'r 1852, the following brethren, C. W. Sparks, deacon, from Cave Spring church, and Elder J. M. Wood, from Cedar Town church, Coosa^l>apiist|Association ; Geo. S.J. Whatley, deacon, and J. R. Green, from Mt. Zion church, Coosa River Association. Ala.; Elder M. W. Thornton and Elder G. D. Johnson, from Oreensport, Ala; Eider A. G. Hammock, from Sand Mountain, Liberty Association, Ala.; Heniy Tidmore, from Liberty church, Tallasahatchee Ass., Ala. ; Elder W. Penn, fro'n Union church, and Elder Jan)es M. Ramsey ; A. "V7. Shepherd, deacon ; A. J. Land, deacon ; J. T. McBrayer, and William Gray, from Bethany church, Chero- j kee Baptist Ass., convened at the house formerly occupied^by Pleasant Grove church, with the members which had been previously excluded from the communion of said church, and who] were thus rerrr.rrl'.d by the Cherokee Baptist Association. They then j^qd there formed them-

'elves into r. committee, and proceedod to investigate the sources of diflicultv which had reiulted in the division of said cburcb, which difficulties, we believe, had been previously settled legally, and j.nch was the docission of the Association.

l' The result, of the investigation of said comniiitee now appears in the Jacksonvflle Republican, Iby order of the exc'iided members of said church, bearing date 18th Juno l8o3, and not by order oi' ^aid coniriiltee

In said report, the Pleasant Grnve church, now located at Newtonville, avers that great injus- tice has been done her, and not only her, but the report has assailed the acts of all former com- mittees, as also the act of the Cherokee Baptist Association. We now propose to point out some of die errors and irregularities they have made manifest in their report as published.

1st. We aver that brethren from sister Associations have no right to inierfero in settling dif- ficulties in churches of this Association, where they have been previously adjudicated.

2d. They say in their report that the tacts in the case were submitted by the parties interest- 4d without debate, when, in truth, the church had no voice in the investigation. The brethren at Newtonville were requested to produce the church records, which they refused to do, and ■made no funher statements in relation to the case.

3d. Th v say that they acted mainly upon an affirmed copy of the record, when they could have no i coord' of November meeting, at which time the entire source of difficulties was investi^ igated. The petition of the brethren now at Newtonville, recognized as Pleasant Grove Church, •was drawn from recollection, all of which fiicts were stated to the committee by J. Brock, who jread what tbey claimed to be a correct copy of the church records, in their meeting. I 4th. In pointing out irregularities of brethren without having a knowledge of facts governing jRl&m in making up tbfir decissions,

5ih. Id representinar those excluded members as the majority, when facts show the contrary to ^Be true.

0th. They conclude by assuming the prerogative of recommending those brethren in disorder to the ''favorable notice and consideration of Baptists generally."

'< All of which assumption, errors, irregularities and misrepresentations, have been published, ex- hibited and circulated, for the purpose of creating prejudice in the public mind .ngainst not only (the acts and doings of Pi^^asant Gi .ve church, b'-t ''so of the Cherokee Baptist Association. !' Without a knowledge of facts^ we cannot say ttu.o any of the brethern wbo acted as memberj jof said committee, had authority vested in them, either by their Association or churches, but we ate fully conscious that some of them, and, perhaps all, were volunteers, having rec'd noappoiat-" ment either from Cburcb or Association.

The committee disagree in relation to the correctness of the report as published in the Jackson* U-ille Republican. Bros, Whatley and Johnson say that the committee only recommended those jcxcluded members back to the Cherokee Baptist Association. Other reports are in circulation said 'to bage eminated from a member of said committee, that the brethren composing said committee {were severally appointed by their respective Associations, which report we incur the responsibil- jhy to deny.

i fn the circulation of the above enumerhttni reports, originating in the action of said committee, the bretb- rrfen composing th«> Pleasant Grove church, located at Newtonville, are primarily the injured party. And ^feeling that great injustice has been done them in the circulation of said reports, they by an act of the church ■linconffcrencc, on Friday before the 3rd. Sabbath in .Tuly 1853 ; cordially invited those Brethren from Sister I Associaiiona end 'vho had composed the committee, who investigated the matter in December, 1852, with (those excluded members known as the Mitchell party, to meet with them, in connection with all the mem"" jbers of committees who have heretofore acted in the investigation of their church difficulties, on Friday before ithe ord.^ Sabbath in August, 1852.

j The church met in conferance, on Friday before the 3rd. Sabbath in August, 1853, when the major part ;'of the brethren who bad composed the two committees from the cliurches, within the limits of Cherokee iBaytist Association, who had heretofore .lided in the adjudicatian of ditficulties existing in said churches pre- isented themselves. Thejmembera of said committees were invited by the church to sit in council with her, in iotder to investigate wrongs, errora, irregularities and misrepresentettions contained, as she believe(3 in the re-

jiorMnaJu aii.lcli'oul;itL-.l by llu biiUu ill aliu:ietei) in" Concert willi the rncinbers cxolu.led from Pleas;»*«t Grove church, which invitjilion was cordially accepted. The church then asked the brethren present, whu had acted with the excluded members in December 18.")2, to w:t : Wood, Sparks and Tidmore, if they were willing to takes the records of the church, and hear from the committee all they had done, and enter into a' thorough investigation of every subject relating to her difhculties, and if upon such invcstigation,ithey fonnd they had erred in their report, if they would erase it, as they hadpromised to do. They declined actim^jUpon the ground . that but three of the committee were present, aud that they \yere unwilling to presume to answer . in the name of said committee. The church then asked in? brotljiren, to answer as individuals alone for them' selves, and not for another, but the brethren secms'to fear the light, because their deed? are evil. We hope not, if so, may they speedily come t > the light that their deeds may be reproved.

A proposition was then made to the brethren, that if they could produce their church records, and consent . to enter into a full investigation of all the causes of discontent, call in all the testimony from the church and those members with whom they had previously acted in committee , necessary to elucidate the subjebt thor- oughly, and make such a decision as the facts would authorize, and the church would abide by it. ^ The brer then declined alledging as a reason, that the other party might be ready. In fact every proposition was made to those breihren to favor an investigation, that we conceive could be brought within the compass of justice and fair play, to the end that the matter might be reconci fed between the church and the committee tbat'^ had acted wsth those excluded members, by the correction of those misrepresentations, which they pronj- * iso to erase whenever convinced. But it is utterly impossible to prc/duce conviction without a hearing, and who so deaf as those who have ears to hear and still refuse ,

And those brethren declining to act, we feel it our duty to expose their errors, and herewith psesentthe facts, and submit them for the consideration of our next annual meeting. And we as members of said committal in connection with Pleasant Grove church, do believp that those brethren, who acted with those excladcd members have assumed powers, which are not authorized in the New Testament, and likewise unknown to this Baptist denomination generally, at least, as far as we have informed ourselves in <he history of its usage. — Their action has been production of much evil within the limits of our Association uncalled for by us as an » Association, or as churches. And when every thing had been done, that could be done legallj'. to have the matter adjusted, we are mortified do find that there are brethren disposed to add fuel to the flames ; and instead of expressing a wish to put an end to strife and confusion they are busily engaged in sowing the seed of discord by acknowledging friendship for excluded members of Pleasant Grove Church, for whom we, as delegates of several churches in the Cherokee Baptist Association have none. Hoping, that a spirit of justice and recon- ciliation may animate the bosom of the brethren, who have thought proper to sit injudgment upon our oousci- ij cnces, without even allowing us the privilege of answering for ourselves, we beg leave to submit our oause % to God, the church, and an intelligent world,

F. M. Hardwick, Sec'y. G. HARKRIDER, Ch'm.

Exhibit C. — TFe, your committee on Temperance, beg leave fx) report that the cause of Temperance in our bounds, since our last issue, has made a coniiiderable advance ; and we are happy to see the time making its appearance, when our churches will be regarded as strictly Temperate , and that our denomination will give a united voice against the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, aud we would further remark, that we have witnessed the good effects of the labors of the ' J/inisters of the Gospel in compliance with the recommendation of the Temper- ance committee, at our last session. And would recommend the ministers all to persevere in their efforts on this subject, until a bible temperance shall prevail throughout our land. All of which is repecti ully submitted.

H. G. GOLIGHTLY, Chairman.

ExmBiT D. — Your committee to whom was referred the state'ef Religion in your

boimds. after a carelul consideration beg leave to report as follows : Some pf

he churches complain of coldness, which is doubtless owing to indifference and to

n ^reat degree a neglect of a aischarge of duty, on the part of church memberE» ' we It-ar that bretiu-eu do notprav enough in tlicir famlles and at the i)rayer meet^ ings. Those portions that have had the homemission among tliera, "J"^^ 6*^^^ news from a tar, anci by way of encouragement wo recommend the chuiches to keep up this operation, and "be more liberal in their contributing, that the canse may be more tully carried out. Respectfully submitted.

^ ^ J. J. D. llENFPvOE, Chairman.

Exhibit E.— We. your committe, to whom was intrusted the suggestion of apro- per plan ot an ^Issociational Book depository, beg leave to report ; that we met and. organized, and proceeded to purchase $201 90 worth of books We have sold books for cash $161) 52. We have unsold books to the amount of $63 70. '-'"J oi . this the expense of tran%portation is to be paid. IFe beg leave to report turther that we believe our cause has been greatly benefitted by the operation, and m tact we know it. We, therefore, recommend the propriety of contmumg the operation under the plan of our organization. Kespectfully submitted. ,^ , ^ ,

F. C.MTNATT, President of Book Board.

F. M. Hakdwick, Secretary.

Exhibit F.~ TFe, your committee, to whom was referred the cause of Domestic mission, beg leave to submit the following report . From the limited knowledge we have ot the subject, our report will be short. TFe discover Irom the reports of Brother Renfroe and Fields that the cause is not loosing any ot ita interest, as the field is enlarged, the wants of sections of new territory increases the demands for our assistauce. There are several small chuiches almost a one de- pendent upon our missionary operations for the preaching of the word, as they are wholly unable to procure the services of a pastor ; and we are aware, that they wuo preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel. 6'onsequently, we would advise tiie several executive committees, who are appointed for the ensuing year, to double their diligence, and, if possible, the means to have the Gospel preached to every in- dividual within the limits of our Association. Respectfully submitted,

JOHN LA TFREN {7E, (Chairman,

Exhibit G,— The executive committee appointed at the last session of your b(^y for the Ist. district beg leave to submit the following report. T^e employed. £.1- der J. J. D. Renfroe to occupy the field in the Northwestern portion ot ttie ist district, to supply the destitute churches of said field, for wbich we agreed to ]..ay him $200, Brother Rentroe commenced his labors on the 4th Sabbath ot beptem> ber, 18.52, and continued them up to the time of your present meeting, and lor further particulars with regard to the discharge of his duty, we refer J^^J^^J^^f ^^" port, which is herewith submitted. IPe have paid to Brother i?enfroe $100, leav^ ing yet unpaid $100 ; we have collected from the following churches and members thereof, the several sumg annexed to their names.

EoUy Sjrrinrj. g Harkrider ^^^

Esther Jones $1 00 John Lawrence ^ ^^

Elizabeth Morgan 1 00 John james ^ ^^

Josiah Moore 50 w b watt ^ 00

M. B. Gaines 2 00 oeorge wester ; 2 00 |

c. P. Force 2 60 E j Hardwick 59

GVw.Orear 3 00 John crews 100

E. c. Hiatt 1 00 John Long 1 00

A, w. Cunningham' 2 50 E S Hardwick 25

w. D, cobb 2 00 wm. Avilloughbv 25

S.B.Taylor- 2 00 j b 7 Hide " 50

E J Hardwick 25

17 50 G Lawrence 50

i'lt^'U-

w V i;eod

J B. High	$5 00	iijTnrnley
() c. Kidin^s	2 50	A S cliisolm
Jacob coti'inau	2 00	George wester
J as Grogau	2 00
c. Pucket	1 50
J. E. Bradley	1 00	Lebanoi
^ohu Little	1 00	Isaac Green
L. Biackwell	1 00	Jacob Green
If. Tlerey	1 00	G E coats
E. T. AvlliDgliaui	100	Mercer Thompson
Lewis Blackwcll	50	E Penn ■
MathewCruthrie	50	J J clan ton *
Elizabeth Hurley;	. 50	JO white
Catharine Hurley	25	Perry Turner
Hannah E, Hurley	25	John Shortnessee
Elizabeth coffman	25	JM wborton
x^Tancy coffman	25	E M Williams
S. J. Avilliams	5 00	warren Lay
Dan'l Blackwell	1 00	M G wiHiams Pm Turner
Received from Unity churcli for
last year :		Hill Creek
S, J; Williams	65 00
S. Bankson	50	H 0 Golightly
charlotte nennett	25	wT Pitts
James Laughli	25	E V Posey
Lavina Blockwell	20	Samuel Miller

25 30" 25 '* 50

3155

$5 00

2 00

3 00

1 Go 100

2 00 1 00 1 Of>

1 00 1 00

1 00

2 00 2 00

loo

24 00

5 00 2 00 2 CO 2 00

i

Cedar Bluff, ^ n 00

G J Williamson $5 00 neceived from Mill creek for last year se>»

F M Hardwick 5 00 ven dollars

James D ceed 2 50

REPORT OF J. J. D. RENFROE. To the executive committee of the first district of tlie Cherokee Baptist Association : — Dear Brethren — Accordini^ to orders from you, I began labors on the 4th JJabbath in September 1862. I visited all the churches, and arranged my appointments as soon, thereafter as the nature of the case would admit. I found the brethren willing and happy lo welcome me to their midst as their servant for the yea.r. And, to the best of my abilities I have preached tlie word, and, riotwithslandiujj in some places there is not a bright manifestation of great good, in otliers tiie Avord lias been spirit and life to so/ne immortal souls, tliough I am sorry to inform you that my lieulth has beeu such at many times tnat I could not discharge the duty, nor perform the work required at my hands ; and, my sickness came on at the very lime when the field cried out for help, therefore Ifailed to be able to hold protracted meetings with some of the churches; v/ithsome others, however, I -Cwith the hcdp of other brodiren) hejd meetings that were crowned with' hap- py consequences. Brethren, thv^e churclies, or some of them at least, must be supplied under the preseuj plan of operation, if poosiblo. I.ie Baptist cause here is at present losing uotliing, but gaining ground, ana vvin soon triumph if atteudedto. My labors are as follows : Travelled 1180 miles, preaclud 120seriiionsp ^xliortations '20; Baptised 1&; rec'd by lettei 1 J; excluded 7 ; visits to families and the sick, for religious purposes, many. I leave the churches in peace — may the great Lord of the harvest keep them .so, and gi? them a pious, "faithful, and energetic ministry, and guide you in looking over this field. % .

Respectfully submitted;

.JNO.J.D. RENFROE, All (jf the foregoing is respectfully submitted, WM. B. WYNNE. Ch'rm.

Exn-.;iT YL. — W«, your committee, to whom wascoafidcd the Executive Dc;>artment of the 2d. diatrio^ ♦ report owing to the limited means with which we have had to operate, we have labored under many ♦ni" barrassing circumstances, bat by the liberal donation of the southern board, for whichwe should bo every way thankful we have been uabled to employ Elder Jumcs Fields lo ride six months M twenty dollars poi'

11

id tho '

1 00
2 00
5 0O
25
25
1 00
50
3 00
25
25

I lonlli, aiiil fui' fiulhci i'.iK;i.uI.ii» wo roil-r you* to iiia ropeft, bin LieT..ro closiug wa would reooaiBieMi oliiirclies of this disttiot to scud up Ui* amount ihcy ijri*, willing to contribute foi; cairyiiig on Hoina MiwioB* inouf bounds, by tlicir dck'gatos to tlu^ Associalioii tnat tlicir executive department may not labor unJar * V) many disadvant:ii;cs. ^ ,

IJrother Jas. Fields in the employ of tlic executivo departnicnj of tho 2nd district in connexion 'vith the southern board, report from April 1st. np to the meeting of the body, he had preached 154 termons; 118 cxhortiUions ; 119 family Tislts ; traveled 950 miles ; aided the constitution of one church; received by baptism 'M") • by kttei' 19 ; supplied two churchcj:, with regular monthly preaching, and three other statioui ndooniplaius that ouf raiuistcr;. cannot supply the destitution of this disfriat, and many of the Churches havo to bo supplied by this operation and pray you to continue the same.

Pleasant Grove Church

Grigsby Appleton 1 00 ,

Washington Martin

Van Hall

Thomas N. Appleton

W. C. Newman

Cathrino Barksdalo

Elizabeth Newman

Elizabeth Smith

Eliza Appleton

Evaline Brock

Glial fott E. Nalbcrt

M'.is'sadonia Ciiurch For the Southern Board $S 50

Mount Harmony church, Blunt county, for

the Southera Board 10 50

Received of A. B. Smith, surplus for last year 8 'Irt Cash from Southern Board 12 50

Yet due from Southern Board 37 50

= Credit by cash from churches to her credit 19 00

87 00 Yet due from Southern Board 18 50

Cash received from church 55 00

$5 00 Surplus from last year 8 76

2 00 Paid to Brother Fields 63 75

2 00 Amount of salary 70 00

2 00 from Executivo committee 6 25

Respectfully submitted

1100 C. P. JOHNSON, Chr'm

T N ApfLEToN, Trcas.

Exhibit I. — The committee on correspondence bey leave to make the following report : We liave careful- ly examined the documents by Elders W. M. Wilson and P. Archer, from the Tallassehetchee, abo n ■ ttcr and minutes from the Coosa Baptist Association, by the hand of Elder Wm.Kimsey, in which we find iiiucli to sanction and approve Respectfully submitted

* ' A. HAWKINS, Chr'm.

Exhibit K. — We, X*^ur committee on Finance, beg leave to submit the following report ; • Wo hav Received for Minutea ' $22 85 Paid to Elder W^ C. Mynatt for South-

" " • Association purposes 6 50 ern Board $16 4

Cy public collection for the South- Paid to W. Mynatt for Foreign Missions 1

ern Board SO 45 P^id to W. C. Mynatt for Fo reign Bible

" Homo Missions for 185^ from Uni« ~ cause \ f^

ty Church • 1 20 Paid to W. B. Wynno Clerk 3</-*

'• Mount pleasant Cimrcl^ for Foreign

Mission cause - ] 25 ^^

Foreign Bible cause l"00

Donations
Mount Pleasant churcli
i.cuiu Hodge	$3 00
George Turner	1 00
Joshua Hodge	1 00
WadcB.Neeiy	1 00
P. S. ^lontgomciy	1 00
Will, Hodges	1 00
!\lissMary Yarl^oroiigh	1 00
Mrs. Ann Alford	50
Mrs. Ledia Bowlin	I 00
B. T.Popo	, 1 00
T. C. Bowlin	1 00
C. C. P. Farrer	1 00
	dI3 50
Providence Church
Samuel Waldrop	?. 00
T, F. Smith	1 00
0. P. Johnson	3 00

Jemima Stephens Obadiah Hester A. B. Smith J.evi Stephens

IJ^n Church

Total !519 2.5

' il of which is . respectfully submilte(i,

J. coat/ Chr'i

f

^ASSO. PUR.

s

'■Cou! for Mill.

TOTAL.

COLORED.

JwHlTE.

S

SDEAD.

^RESTORED.

^EXCLUDED.

^DIS. BY LET.

IjREC'D BY LET.

(BAPTIZED.

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