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MY  1  9  192: 


A   COMPLETE    HISTORY 


OF 


ISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS, 

FROM   THE   EARLIEST  TIMES. 


BY 


Z.  T.  LEAVELL  and  T.  J.  BAILEY, 


WITH    AN   INTROUUCTION    BY 

Prof.  Franklin  L.  Riley, 

OF   THK   UNIVERSITY   UF    MISSISSH'PI. 


VOLUME 


Mississippi  Baptist  Publishing  Co. 
JACKSON,    MISS. 

1904 


CopvaiGHr  1903, 

BY  T.  ,1.  BAILEY   AND  Z.  T.  LEAVELL 


All  Rights  Reserved. 


Miss«  Baptist   Publishing  Co., 

Jackson,  Miss. 


A  COMPLETE 

:  :  OF  :: 

Mississippi  Baptists. 


PREFACE. 


On  October  17,  1900,  I  received  a  letter  from  L.  S,  Foster,  in 
which  he  said,  "  I  find  myself  nnahle,  from  other  duties,  to  work  out 
the  history  of  Mississippi  Baptists,  and  make  yon  this  proposi- 
tion," etc.  I  accepted  his  proposition  and  went  to  work.  The  labor 
of  gathering  the  facts  and  writing  the  book  has  been  long  and  labor- 
ious. No  pains  have  been  spared  in  accumulating  facts.  The  re- 
search has  been  toilsome  and  exhausting.  Effort  has  been  put  forth 
unceasing,  for  more  than  a  year,  to  get  the  facts  of  the  history  of 
some  of  the  associations.  Facts  that  have  been  known  to  e.Kist,  and 
difficult  of  access,  have  been  pursued  until  nn  ea_i»er  grasp  h;is  been 
laid  upon  them. 

The  effort  to  give  our  ])e(,)ple  this  work  has  l^eeu  the  more  toil- 
some because  of  the  fact  that  no  history  has  been  written  of  Missis- 
sippi Bajjtists.  There  was  no  connected  written  document  of  the  his- 
torical facts,  no  way  blazed  through  the  virgin  forest  of  our  deeds- 
The  history  of  four  Associations,  of  the  State  Convention  to  1880 
and  of  Mississippi  College  to  the  same  date,  had  been  written,  but 
that  was  but  a  very  small  part  of  the  work. 

Where  weW  written  history  has  been  found  it  has  been  placed  io 


VI.  rKEFACE 

the  work  to  llio  credit  ol'  the  one  who  wrote  it.  Some  of  our 
schciols  have  l)een  written  np  ])y  yood  writers  closely-  rehited  to  their 
edticationfd  work.  The^'  are  given  credit  for  the  work  they  have 
done.     The  remainder  of  the  book  ^vas  written  by  my  pen. 

According  to  agreement  Ijetween  the  piil)lisher  and  myself  the 
title  is  to  be,  ''A  Complete  Histor3-  of  Mississippi  Baptists,  bj'  Z.  T« 
Leavell  and  T.  J.  Bailey."  The  latter  is  to  pul)lish  the  work.  Great 
aid  has  been  granted,  in  the  writing,  by  brethren  in  different  parts  ot 
the  State.  Questions  have  been  courteoush'  answ^ered,  and  material 
"•athered  and  forwarded,  for  which  unfeigned  thanks  are  hereby  ex- 
tended. Especially  is  it  desired  that  an  e.Kpression  of  gratitude  be 
extended  to  the  "Primitive"  Baptists,  ^vho  have  been  exceeding 
kind  in  answering  iiuestioiis,  and  forwarding  nifiterial. 

By  original  contract  Kev.  L.  S.  Foster  was  to  publish  this 
Avork,  but  his  resignation  as  Superintendent  of  the  Mississippi 
B«ptist  Orphanage  necessitated  a  change  of  the  original  design  as 
to  its  publication.  The  relation  between  him  and  the  writer  of 
the  work  has  been  most  cordial  and  ^ileasant  in  all  their  labors  on 
the  book.  The  ex])resse(l  willingness  of  Rev.  T.  J.  Bailey,  Editor 
oi'The  Baptist,  to  assume  Uie. responsibility  of  publishingthe  history 
has  been  gratefully  received.  Xo  happier  arrangement  could  have 
been  made  in  the  emergency,  as  he  and  the  writer  are  on  the  closest 
terms  of  intimacy,  and  because  of  his  extended  knowledge  of  printing 
and  book-making. 

The  book,  of  course,  lacks  much  of  l)eing  perlect.  Absolute  accur- 
acy could  not  be  claimed  for  it,  but  it  is  the  best  work  one  could  do 
with  care  of  churches  on  him,  and  little  history  accessible  as  a  guide. 
But  the  hope  is  devoutly  entertained  that  the  book  will  do  good,  and 
he  received  l)v  our  ]XO])le  with  a[j])reciation  and  favor. 

Z.  T.   LEAVELL. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS-VOL. 


Page 
Pkefach      5 


Genekae  Introduction 


FART  I. 


CiTAPTEK 

I.  .       . 

II.  .       . 

III.  . 

IV.  . 

V.  . 

VI.  . 

VII.  . 
VIII. 

IX.  . 

X.  . 
X. 

XI.  . 

XII.  . 
XIII. 

xn\ 

XV.   . 
XVI. 


Pioneer  Work  and  the  Associations. 

H-V 

SECTION   I.— THE  ASSOCIATIONS. 

.     Baptist  Pi(meers 15 

.     Alississippi  Association       .     .  ' 37 

Mississippi  Association,  continued 50 

Union  Association 72 

Pearl  River  Association       126 

Cllocta^v  Association 173 

.    Liberty  Association 195 

Zion  Association 199 

Columbus  Association 213 

Mount  Pisgah  Association '    314 

Chickasaw  Association       497 

Louisville  Association 515 

Valobusha  A?«ociation 566 

Colclwater  Association 601 

Alierdeen  Association 641 

Mississippi  River  Association 670 

Central  Association 672 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  most  complicated  and  difficult  chapter  in  the 
history  of  any  people  is  the  religious  chapter.  This  is 
partly  due  to  the  fact  that  the  events  therein  recorded 
are  based  largely  upon  the  most  profound  and  per- 
vasive principle  in  human  nature.  This  religious  prin- 
ciple runs  like  a  great  artery  of  influence  throughout 
the  entire  length  of  history',  stimulating  the  activities 
ot  men  of  every  age  and  of  everv  stage  of  intellectual 
development.  Man  is  ])re-eminently  a  religious  being, 
and  so  far  as  we  know  he  has  alwaA's  recognized  his 
relations  to  a  Supreme  Power,  and  has  ])ut  forth  his 
inost  strenuous  exertions  to  fulfill  in  some  measure  the 
obligations  which  these  relations  impose.  Were  the 
church  historian  to  follow  all  of  these  influences  from 
their  incipiency  to  their  ultimate  results,  he  would 
enter  upon,  if  not  well-nigh  exhaust,  the  vast  su1)ject  of 
universal  history. 

The  shallowest  of  all  our  so  cailed  philoso]jhies  of 
history  are  those  which  eliminate  or  minimize  these  far 
reaching  influences  and  characterize  religion  as  "  onlv  a 
transient  phase"'  iri  human  development.  F^lutarch 
gives  us  the  corner  stone  of  the  true  philosophv  of  his- 
tory in  the  folk)wing  memorable  tttterance:  "  .Me- 
thinks,''  says  he,  "a  man  sliould  sooner  find  acitvbuilt 


Vlll.  INTRODrCTlON 

in  the  air,  without  any  plot  of  j^round  whereon  it  is 
seated,  than  that  any  commonwealth,  altogether  void 
ot  religion  and  a  knowledge  of  the  gods,  should  either 
be  first  estal>lished  or  afterwards  preserved  and  main- 
tained in  that  estate.  Religion  it  isthatcontainethand 
holdeth  together  all  human  society  ;  this  is  the  founda- 
tion, prop,  and  stay  of  all."  The  potency-  of  its  in- 
fluence is  shown  not  only  hy  its  universality,  but  by  the 
vast  range  of  results  which  follow  in  its  wake.  When 
corrupt  find  jicrverted  it  has  given  us  the  darkest  pages 
of  history — wars,  crusades,  in((uisitions,  anrl  ])ersecu- 
tions  almost  beyond  the- ])ower  of  human  comprehen- 
sion ;  but  when  pure  and  elevated  it  has  given  us  the 
grandest  characters,  the  loftiest  thoughts,  and  the 
noblest  deeds  of  which  humanity  is  capable.  Dr.  W.  T. 
Harris  ob.serves  that  "this  Hebrew  idea  adopted  into 
our  civilizatiori  is  the  es.sence  of  history,  because  it  is  at 
once  the  cause  of  civilizfition  and  the  measure  of  it.  In 
proportion  as  a  people  organize institutionsthat realize 
righteousness  and  goodness,  or  what  is  the  same  thing, 
justice  and  mercy,  they  jichieve  civilization." 

History  is  not  merely  a  record  of  past  events.  It  is 
essentially  a  study  of  the  thoughts  and  sentiments  of 
humanity.  Deeds  constitute  only  "the  outer  form" 
of  thesid^ject,  while  its  true  content  is  found  in  the  ideas 
Avhich  underlie  human  action.  It  has  been  well  said 
that  "deeds  or  events  are  the  signs  or  expressions  of  a 
people's  thought  and  feelings.  Man  thinks  anil  feels, 
and  acts  because  he  thinks  and  feels.  The  act,  there- 
fore, is  adapted  to  give  expression  to  his  state  of  mind. 
Hence  the  student  may  read  a  nation's  thought  in  its 
events.'"  The  true  historian  must  not  look  "at  the 
things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not 
seen  ;  for  the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal  [tern- 


INTRODUCTION  IX. 

porary]  ;  but  the  thin.^s  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal." 
Obedience  to  this  jiij!)stolic  injunction  is  doubly  incum- 
bent upon  the  church  historian,  since  the  thoughts  and 
sentiments  which  he  must  interpret  are  largely  of  divine 
origin.  He,  al)ovc  all  other  historians,  must  recognize 
fully  the  fact  that  neither  the  divine  nor  the  human 
side  of  the  subject  can  be  neglected.  He  must,  there- 
fore, have  a  care  lest  in  looking  "  on  things  iifter  the 
.outward  appearance"  h.  fail  to  give  due  consideration 
to  the  inward  life.  The  weapons  of  Christian  warfare 
are  not  carnal;  and  to  omit  all  consideration  of  the 
strongholds  of  sin  and  error  that  have  been  pulled  down 
therewith,  would  be  to  ignore  the  greatest  triumphs  of 
Christi^mity  and  thus  pervert  the  facts  of  histor\'. 

The  histor}'  of  every  Christian  denomination  must 
give  due  consideraiion  to  the  distinctive  views  and  to 
the  various  departments  of  its  fictivity.  No  denomina- 
tion can  fulfill  its  mission  without  having  distinctive 
doctrines,  which  arc  believed  by  its  communicants  to 
rest  upon  Scriptural  authority.  All  evangelical  organ- 
izations contend  that  the  Bible  alone  is  the  standard  of 
faith  and  conduct  and  the  basis  of  doctrine  and  belief. 
The  conflicts,  controversial  and  otherwise,  which  have 
been  waged  by  a  denominaticm  against  What  is  believed 
to  be  error  are  entitled  to  consideration  in  its  history. 
As  the  success  of  Christian  effort  is  largely  dependent 
upon  effectiveness  of  organization,  both  local  and  gen- 
eral, the  subject  of  ecclesiastical  polity  constitutes  an 
important  part  of  the  histor3'  of  any  denomination. 
For  this  reason,  no  history  of  the  Baptists  of  Missis- 
sippi would  be  complete  without  giving  due  considera- 
tion to  the  history  of  their  various  associations  and 
conventions.  No  denomination  has  ever  prospered  and 
fulfilled  its  duties  to  God  and  to  humanity  without  be- 


3C.  INTRODICTION 

sto^ving"  earnest  attention  upon  the  means  and  methods 
of  meeting  its  trinity  of  obligations,  whieh  ma^'  he. 
summed  up  in  the  following  words : — evangelization, 
education  and  benevolence.  The  expansion  of  every 
Christian  organization  is  largely  dependent  upon  the 
success  of  its  efforts  to  propagate  its  beliefs.  The  im- 
portance ot  this  phase  of  activity  necessitates  a  treat- 
ment of  the  publications,  the  missionary  enterprises, 
doinestic  and  foreign,  and  the  revival  work  in  the  his- 
tory of  an^'  denomination.  The  educational  work, 
both  secular  and  theological,  which  is  prosecuted  by 
the  different  denorain^itions  is  also  an  essential  branch 
of  Christian  activity.  This  subject  -embraces  an  ac- 
count not  onh-  of  the  institutions  of  learning  but  of  the 
Sunday  schools  and  young  peo])le"s  organizations. 
Stricth'  speaking,  however,  religious  ])ublications  and 
the  work  of  the  Sunday  school  and  the  young  people's 
organizations  are  both  evangelical  and  cduccitional. 
The  third  of  this  trinity  of  obligations,  benevolence,  is 
also  entitled  to  careful  consideration  l)y  the  church  his- 
torian. Among  Alississippi  Ba])tists  this  work  is 
largely  accomplished  liy  private  eftbrts  and  by  local  or- 
ganizations. Public  and  systematic  efforts  are  also 
made  in  behalf  of  aged  Baptist  ministers  and  their 
families  and  the  orphans  of  the  State. 

These  different  phases  of  ciuirch  life  and  activity  are 
organically  related  and  fire,  therefore,  essential  to  the 
well-being  of  any  Christian  denomination.  Although 
their  relative  imj^ortance  may  vary  from  time  to  time, 
none  of  them  can  be  dispensed  with.  They  constitute  a 
living  unit,  with  a  common  purpose  and  a  common 
destiny,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church  historian  to 
show  this  relationship. 

It   is   oratitvinu'  to   note   that  the  authors  of  this 


INTKODUCTION  XI. 

book,  1^3^  giving'  careful  attention  to  all  of  these  import- 
ant subjects,  have  justified  their  right  to  call  these  vol- 
umes  "A  Complete  History  of  Mississippi  Baptists." 
They  have  shown  their  fitness  for  this  work  by  the 
contributions   the\'   have   made   to  Baptist   histor\'  in 
former  years.     The  value  of  this  book  lies  principally  in 
the  fact  that  it  endeavors  to  bring  within  the  compass 
in  these  volumes  all  of  the   most  important   available 
facts  connected  with  the  development  of  the   Baptist 
denomination  in  Alississippi.    The  work  heretofore  done 
in  this  field  has   been   more  or  less  fragmentary.     The 
most  important  'jontril)utions  that  have  preceded  this 
one  are  the  following: — Foster's  (L.  S.)   History  of  the 
Columbus   Baptist    Association    from   1S40  to   1880, 
History   of   the   Louisville    Baptist   Association,   from 
184-0  to  1882,  and  AIississi]3])i  Baptist  P'reachers  ;  Leav- 
ell's  (Z.  T.)  Baptist  Annals,  or  Twent\'-two  years  with 
Mississippi   Baptists;    Powell's    (T.  S.)    Five    Years   in 
South    Mississippi:    Bond's  (T.  AI.)  Sketches  of  Earlv 
Baptist    History    in    Mississippi;    Christian's    (J.    T.) 
Historical   Sketch  of    Mississippi    Baptists,    ])ul)lished 
in  Goodspeed's  Biographical  and  Historical  Memoirs  of 
Mississippi,  Vol.  H.  ;    Leavell's  (Z.  T.)    The  Earlv  His- 
tory-  of    Mississippi    Baptists,    and    Otken's    (C.    H.) 
Richard   Curcis   in  the  Country  of  the  Natchez,    both 
of  which  appeared  in  the  Pul)lications  of  the  Mississip- 
pi Historical  Society:    Bowen's  (O.  D.)  History  of  the 
Gulf  Coast  Association  :  and  Buck's  (John  T.)  A  Short 
History   of    the   Baptist   State   Convention    jind    His- 
torical Sketches  of  the  Ba])tists  of  Mississippi,"  published 
in    Ford's    Christicin   Repository.      Several    Historical 
sketches  of  Mississip])i  College  have  also  been  published, 
the  most  important  of  which  were  written  l)vRev.  A.V. 
Kowe,    Ca])t.   W.  T.    Ratliff  and    Dr.    Edward    Mayes. 


Xll.  INTRODUCTION 

God  has  given   the   Baptists  of  Mississippi  a  noble 
ancestry.     The  pioneers  of  this  faith  in  the  State  came, 
for  the  most  part,  from  the  older  sections  of  the  Union, 
where  many  of  their  ancestors  had  learned  to  suffer  for 
the  principles   the}"  held  dear.     Man\'  of  them  came  by 
way  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia  from  Virginia,  where 
their  families  had  suffei^ed  frequent  and  l)itter  persecu- 
tions at  the  hands  of  the  established  church.     Speaking 
of  the  Virginia  Baptists,    Dr.    George  B.  Ta^vlor   says: 
"Time  would  fail  to  tell  of  the  persecutions  they  suf- 
fered legally,  andunderthecolor  of  law,  and  at  the  hands 
of  ruffians,  instigated  in  some  cases  by  the  gentry  and 
parson.     Dr.  Hawks,  the  Episcopalicin  historian,  says: 
'  Cruelt\' '  taxed  its  ingenuity  to   devise  new  modes  of 
punishment  and  annoyance."     Our  ministers  were  fined, 
pelted,  bcciten,  imprisoned,  poisoned    and    hunted  with 
dogs  :  their  congregations  were  assaulted  and  dispersed; 
the    solemn    ordinance  of    baptism    was    rudely   inter- 
rupted,   both    administrators    and     candidates    being 
plunged  and  held  beneath  the  waters  until  nearly  dead; 
they  suffered  mock  trials,  and  even  in  courts  of  justice 
w^ere   subject  to  indignities   not   unlike   those   inflicted 
by  the  infcimous  Jeffreys ;   nor  were  these  cases  few  and 
confined  to  restricted  localities,  as  some  have  seemed  to 
think.  *  *  *  But  these  things  could  not  prevent  the  pro- 
gress of  the  truth.  Those  men  of  God  were  full  of  courage, 
and  zeal,  and  love  for  the  truth  and  for  Jesus,  and  pity 
for  perishing  souls;  and  they  went   everywhere  preach- 
ing the  word,  rejoicing  that  they  were  counted  worthy 
to  suffer  for  the  name  of  Jesus,  and  gladly  encountering, 
in  the  glades  and  mountains  of  what  is  now  West  Vir- 
ginia, fatigue",  cold  and  hunger."'    The  pioneer  Baptists 
of  Mississippi  were  doubtless  familiar  with  these  events 
.and  many  of  them  had  a  personal  knowledge  of  the  im- 


INTRODUCTION  Xlll, 

prisonment  of  John  Waller,  Louis  and  Elijah  Craig, 
Samuel  Harriss,  James  Childs,  William  Webber,  Robert 
Ware,  James  Greenwood,  James  Ireland,  and  of  many 
other  Baptists  who  suffered  in  the  great  struggle  for 
religious  freedom  in  the  "  Old  Dominion." 

The  story  of  the  persecutions  endured  b}^  the  little 
band  that  organized  the  first  church  on  Cole's  Creek 
shows  that  the  opening  chapter  in  the  history  of  Mis- 
sissippi Baptists  is  not  devoid  of  the  heroic  element. 
The  account  of  the  dangers  and  privations  endured  by 
the  faithful  missionaries — the  men  of  one  Book — who 
threaded  the  trails  and  bridle  paths  of  the  State  in 
order  to  administer  to  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  hardy 
frontiersmen,  is  no  less  thrilling.  And  the  story  of 
those  great  and  good  men  who,  having  entered  upon 
the  labors  of  their  pioneer  fathers,  have  built  wisely 
and  n()l)ly  for  the  Lord,  is  a  fitting  cHmax  in  the  records 
of  grand  achievements.  It  is  surprising  that  these  im- 
portant and  thrilling  facts  have  waited  so  long  for  a 
chronicler. 

The  study  of  Baptist  history,  both  local  and  gen- 
eral, cannot  fail  to  be  highly  beneficial  to  the  denomi- 
nation at  large,  and  especially  to  its  leaders. 

In  the  first  place,  the  subject  has  a  practical  value. 
It  enables  the  members  of  this  denomination  to  under- 
stand better  the  influences  that  touch  them  on  every 
side  and  largely  control  their  lives  and  conduct.  More 
than  this,  it  enables  one  to  judge  of  the  course  of  de- 
nominational life.  Von  Sybel  has  well  said  that  "he 
who  knows  the  whence  will  also  know  the  whither." 
The  best  church  leaders  are  those  who  know  the  exper- 
iences, capabilities  and  tendencies  of  their  denomina- 
tion. This  knowledge  enables  them  to  plan  wisely  and 
to  execute  ably,  giving  due  consideration  to  den  oniina- 


XIV.  INTRODUCTION 

tional  traditions  and  thereby  Jivoiding  the  mistakes  of 
former  da^'S. 

All  historical  subjects  have  great  cnltvire  value. 
The  greatest  sources  of  culture  are  the  best  things  that 
have  been  thought  and  said  and  done.  Church  history 
above  all  other  branches  abounds  in  such  things.  This 
truth  applies  with  increased  torce  to  the  study  of  the 
history  of  one's  own  people,  since  it  shows  the  possi- 
liilities  of  noble  lives  in  the  midst  of  environments  with 
which  the  reader  is  familiar,  thus  conveying  by  impli- 
cation a  rebuke  of  untaithfulness  and  commendation  of 
devotion  to  duty. 

The  study  of  church  history  has  also  a  great  spirit- 
ual value.  No  human  record  gives  more  abundjant  evi- 
dence of  divine  presence  and  jjower  than  does  ecclesias- 
tical history.  Dr.  Philip  Schaff  has  forcd)ly  said  that 
''  from  Jesus  Christ,  since  his  manifestation  in  the  flesh, 
an  unbroken  stream  of  divine  light  and  lite  has  been  and 
is  still  flowing,  and  will  continue  to  flow,  in  evei'-grow- 
ing  vohime,  through  the  waste  of  our  fallen  race ;  and 
all  that  is  truly  great  and  good  and  holy  in  the  annals 
of  church  history,  is  due  ultimately,  to  the  impulse  of 
His  spirit.  With  the  cruciflxion  of  Christ  His  resurrec- 
tion also  is  repeated  ever  anew  in  the  history  of  His 
-church  on  earth ;  and  there  has  never  yet  been  a  day 
without  a  witness  to  His  presence  and  power  ordering 
all  things  according  to  His  holy  will." 

Franklin  L.  Rii.ev. 

Uni  \  -ersit  v  of  Mississippi, 
December  15,  1902. 


History  of  Mississippi  Baptists 


PART    1. 

PIONEER  WORK  AND  THE  ASSOCIATIONS. 
CHAPTER  I. 

BAPTIST    PKINEEKS — BY    L.    S.  FOSTER. 

The  story  of  the  discovery  of  the  great  Mississippi 
river,  the  "Father  of  Waters,"  by  Hernando  DeSoto,in 
May,  154-1,  is  famihar  to  all  readers  of  histor}^  and  is 
the  beginning  of  the  written  history  of  the  great  State 
bearing  the  same  name.  Its  western  border  is  washed 
by  the  waters  of  this  great  river  for  three  hundred  miles 
or  more,  until  near  its  delta  it  cuts  through  the  present 
State  of  Louisana,  leaving  a  small  section  of  that  State 
on  its  eastern  side. 

This  bold  discoverer,  DeSoto,  was  born  in  Spain  in 
1496,  and  with  his  adventurous  and  warlike  soldiers, 
after  explorations  of  the  coasts  of  Gautemala  and  Yuca- 
tan, and  later  through  Peru,  where  he  became  famous 
and  rich  through  his  prowess  and  heroism,  he  returned 
to  Spain  with  a  fortune.  After  his  marriage  to  the  ac- 
complished Donna  Isabella  Bobadilla  he,  after  a  second 
expedition,  led   by    Pamfilo   de  Narvaez,  which  proved 


16  HISTORV    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

unfruitful  and  disastrous,  sailed  from  Spain  in  153S,. 
and  finally  anchored  at  Tampa  Ba_v,  Florida.  After 
wandering  and  fighting  his  wa}-  with  the  Indians 
through  Florida,  Georgia  and  Alabama,  losing  many 
of  his  men  and  enduring  man^- hardships,  "DeSotoand 
his  steel-clad  warriors  entered  the  j^resent  State  of  Mis- 
sissippi, in  December,  1540,  near  where  the  beautiful 
cit\'  of  Columbus  now  stands,  in  Lowndes  county." 
DeSoto  and  his  veteran  followers  were  the  first  white 
men  to  tread  the  soil  of  Mississippi.  They  entered  the 
territory  of  Mississippi  fort3^-five  years  before  the  Bnglish 
landed  in  North  Carolina,  in  1585;  sixty-seven  years 
before  the  first  settlement  was  made  in  Jamestown,  Va., 
in  1607;  eighty  years  before  the  Pilgrims  of  the  May- 
flower made  their  first  landing  at  I 'ly mouth  Rock,  in 
1620:  ninety  years  before  the  first  settlement  w^as made 
on  the  sjiore  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  m  Maryland,  1631; 
and  only  six  years  later  than  Cartier.  a  French  naviga- 
tor, entered  the  St.  Lawrence  river  and  claimed  the 
entire  '  Dominion  of  Canada  for  his  royal  master,  the 
king  of  France,  in  the  year  153-4-," '"  (Hist,  of  Miss., 
Lowry  and  McCardle,  p]).  11,  12). 

Fortifying  himself  in  the  territory  which  is  now 
Pontotoc  county,  he  went  into  winter  quarters;  later 
sustaining  a  fierce  and  disastrous  attack  from  the  Chick- 
asaw Indians.  In  his  disabled  condition,  he  proceeded 
northwest  and  in  May,  1541,  at  the  Chickasaw  Bluffs, 
the  site  of  the  city  of  Memphis,  he  and  his  men,  for  the 
first  time,  looked  upon  the  waters  ot  the  world's  great- 
est river.  He  crossed  the  river,  wandered  aimlessly 
through  the  tangled  swamps  of  Arkansas  and  Louis- 
iana, and  died  May  21,  1542. 

The  first  permanent  settlement  on  Mississippi  soil 
was  made  under  the  direction  of  a  French  naval  officer. 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  IT 

Pierre  Lemoyne,  who  is  known  as  D'Iberville.  He  thus 
describes  it,  in  his  report  to  the  minister  of  marine : 
"After  having  visited  several  places  well  adapted  for 
settlements,  I  fixed  on  the  Bay  of  Biloxi,  four  leagues 
north  of  where  the  ships  are  anchored .  We  made  choice 
of  this  point  on  account  of  the  sheltered  bay  or  road- 
stead, where  small  vessels  can  come  and  go  safely  at  all 
times.  A  place  for  a  permanent  settlement  can  be  selected 
at  leisure."  "Here  too,"  say  Lowrey  and  McCardle^ 
"was  first  established  the  seat  of  the  colonial  govern- 
ment of  Louisiana.  Here,  also,  was  heard  the  voice  of 
Louis  the  Great,  uttered  by  royal  governors  and  vice- 
gerents, to  his  subjects,  in  this  far-away  quarter  of  the 
world."  "The  seat  of  the  colonial  government  was  es- 
tabHshed  at  Biloxi." 

The  next  permanent  settlement,  also  by  the  French, 
w^as  made  near  the  site  of  the  present  city  of  Natchez. 
Under  the  supervision  and  command  of  the  Lieutenant- 
Governor  Bienville,  "Fort  Rosalie  was  completed  and 
ready  for  occupation  on  the  third  day  of  August,  1716; 
and  on  the  28th  of  the  same  month  a  French  garrison 
occupied  the  fort,  with  Major  Pailloux  in  command." 

All  the  territory  embraced  in  the  present  States  o£ 
Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Ken-- 
tucky,  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  Alabama,  and  a  small  por-. 
tion  of  the  present  State  of  Louisiana,  was  acquired  by 
the  English  from  Frknce  in  a  treaty  which  was  agreed 
on  in  Paris,  June  1,  1763.  Mississippi,  which  was  then 
under  English  dominion,  was  included  in  the  vast  ter-~. 
ritory  mentioned  above,  and  remained  under  the  British 
rule  for  seventeen  years  as  a  portion  of  the  province  ot 
West  Florida,  into  which  England  divided  the  south- 
ern section  of  the  territory  acquired  from  France.  A. 
policy  was  pursued  by  the  English  which  led  to  the. 
rapid  settling  up  of  the  country. 


18  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

"In  the  year  1772  two  brothers,  Richard  and  Samuel 
Swayze,  natives  of  New  Jersey,  purchased  nineteen 
thousand  acres  of  land  from  Captain  AmosOgden,  are- 
tired  naval  officer  who  had  previously  been  granted  a 
tract  of  twenty-five  thousand  acres.  They  located  their 
purchase  on  the  waters  of  the  Homochitto  river  in 
what  is  now  Adams  count3^  Samuel  Swayze  had  been 
for  years  a  Congregational  minister  in  his  native  State, 
and  was  the  first  Protestant  minister  ever  seen  on  the 
soil  of  Mississippi."*  (Hist,  of  Miss.,  L.  andMcC.,p.  49.) 

The  revolt  of  the  American  colonies  from  British  rule, 
together  with  England's  complications  with  France, 
.gave  Spain  an  opportunity  to  seize  from  England  all 
the  country  along  the  Mississippi  from  New  Orleans  up 
to  and  including  the  Natchez  country  in  1779,  and  in 
1783,  the  king  of  England  ceded  the  whole  of  West 
Florida  (including  Mississippi)  to  the  king  of  Spain,  and 
thus  our  common-wealth,  then  territory-,  passed  under 
'Spanish  rule,  and  at  the  same  time  the  king  of  England 
recognized  the  independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America. 

As  soon  as  Spanish  rule  was  established  in  the 
J*iatchez  countrj^  Roman  Catholicism  was  declared  to 
be  the  only  allowable  religion  of  the  land.  The  hand  of 
persecution  was  then  raised  against  ever)-  one  who 
dared  to  dissent  from  Romanism. 

"About  the  year  1743,  there  lived  in  Dinwiddle 
county,  near  Petersburg,  Virginia,  a  newly  married 
couple,  of  Welch  descent,  by  the  name  of  William  and 
Phoebe  Jones.  Mr.  Jones  soon  after  died,  leaving  a  \^oung 
w^idow  and  an  onh'  son,  by  the  name  of  John.  Within  a 
few  years  of  the  death  of  her  husband,  Mrs.  Jones  mar- 
ried the  man  who  will  hereafter  be  known  in  these 
sketches  as  Richard  Curtis,  senior,  by  which  marriage 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  19 

they  had  fi^-e  sons  and  three  daughters.    After  the  mar- 
riage of  Mfs.  Jdnes  to  Mr.  Curtis  we  have  no  very  sat- 
isfactory kii^^ledge  of  the  family  for  about  thirty  years. 
In  the  me^'Atime,  John  Jones,  the  son  of  Mrs.  Curtis  by 
her  first 'M'Arriage,  had  grow^n  up  to  manhood,  and  on 
the  S8th  \Df  June,  1768,  had  married  Miss  Anna  Brown, 
(^^^g-h^r  of  Abraham  Brown.    At  the  breaking  out  of 
the  ^'evolutionary  war,  the  family  was  found  in  South 
'C'^Vt)lina,  on  the  Great  Pedee  river,  near  the  mouth  of 
^Jkck  river,  and  about  sixt\' miles  from  Charleston.    At 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  Johu  Jones  ardently 
espoused  the  cause  of  the  Revolutionists — served  three 
campaigns  against  the  British  and  tories,  under  that 
indomitable    warrior,    Captain,    afterwards    Genefal, 
Francis  Marion,  and  was  in  several  battles,  including 
the  seige  of  Charleston.      His    step-father    and    half- 
j^rothers,  doubtless  took  part  in  the  war,  but  precisely 
-wjlu^t  their  services  were  cannot  now  be  ascertained. 
By  inim  dose  of  1779,  Mr.  Jones  and  the  Messrs  Cur- 
tis—the  ^tep-father    and    half-brothers— had  rendered 
themselves  so   obnoxious  to  their  tory  neighbors,   by 
their  devotion  to  the  Colonial  cause  that  they  found 
their  situation  not  only  vexatious  but  perilous.     In  the 
meantime,  several  of  the  leading  members  of  the  family 
had. embraced  religion   and  joined   a  Baptist  church, 
.among  whom  were  John  Jones,  William,  Benjamin  and 
iRichard  Curtis,  and  their  wives,  John  Courtney,  who 
had  married  Hannah  Curtis,  and  John  vStampley,  who 
had  married  Phoebe  Curtis,  daughters  of  Richard  Cur- 
tis, senior.     We  may  safely  presume  that  the  elder  Rich- 
;a,rd  Curtis  and  his  wife  were  also  members  of  the  same 
,  church,    but  of  this  we  have  no  certain  knowledge. 
^Richard  Curtis,  junior,  was  at  the  time  of  which  we 
^jyrite  a  licensed  preacher.    While  the  family  were  con- 


20  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

stantlj^  annoyed  and  era  perilled  by  the  ^horrors  of  the 
MK^ar  at  their  very  doors ;  their  property  nearly  exhaust- 
ed, and  but  little  prospects  of  better  days  near  at  hand  ; 
and  having  heard  much  said  about  the  salubrious  cli- 
mate, rich  lands,  exhaustless  range  and  abundance  of 
game  in  the  far-off  'Natchez  country,'  and  being  op- 
pressed in  mind,  as  well  as  in  their  outward  circum- 
stances, they  determined  to  seek  a  peaceful  home  far  to 
the  westward,  quite  be\^ond  the  vexations  and  dangers 
of  the  bloody  w^ar  still  in  progress  throughout  the 
United  Colonies.  Accordingly',  earh'  in  the  spring  of 
1780,  they  mounted  their  wives  and  small  children,  with 
their  scant  supply  of  clothing,  tools  and  furniture  on 
pack-horses — the  men  traveling  on  foot,  with  their 
hunting  apparatus  to  kill  game  by  the  way — and  pro- 
ceeded across  the  countr^^  to  the  Holston  river,  in  the 
north-eastern  comer  of  Tennessee,  where  they  paused 
during  the  summer  to  build  their  boats  and  to  raise  a 
crop  of  corn,  preparatory^  to  their  descent  by  water  to 
the  'Natchez  country-.'  When  the  water  had  attained  a 
sufficient  depth  for  navigation,  toward  the  close  of  the 
year,  thej-,  with  other  immigrant  families,  embarked 
their  all  of  earthly  substance  on  three  large  and  well- 
built  flat  boats,  and  committing  themselves  to  the  pro- 
tection of  God,  started  on  their  perilous  journe\'." 
They  turned  their  backs  upon  their  early  homes,  and 
their  faces  to  the  setting  sun,  and  the  smiling  south. 

"It  was,  at  best,  a  hazardous  undertaking  to  de- 
scend the  Holston,  Tennessee,  Ohio,  and  Mississippi  riv- 
ers in  such  water  craft  as  the}-  were  able  to  construct  ; 
but  what  made  it  doubly  hazardous  was  the  belligerent 
stand  which  the  Cherokee  Indians  had  taken  against 
all  immigration  through  their  country.  The}-  often 
availed  themselves  of  the  narrows,  shoals  and  sudden 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  21 

turns  in  the  Holston  and  Tennessee  rivers  to  attack  im- 
migrant boats.  Our  voyagers,  being  fully  aware  of 
that  fact,  went  as  ^vell  prepared  for  it  as  their  limited 
resources  would  allow,  and  kept  a  constant  watch  for 
the  approach  of  their  stealthy  foes.  *  *  *  For  the  sake  of 
mutual  protection  these  immigrants  had  agreed  to 
float  their  three  boats  as  near  each  other  as  they  con- 
veniently could.  The  foremost  boat  contained  Richard 
Curtis,  Sr.,  and  his  immediate  famih',  including  John 
Jones  and  famih-,  and  his  own  sons  and  daughters  with 
their  families.  The  second  boat  contained  two  broth- 
ers by  the  name  of  Daniel  and  William  Ogden,  and  a  man 
by  the  name  of  Perkins,  wnth  their  families,  most  of 
whom  were  Baptists.  There  is  no  record  of  the  names 
of  those  in  the  third  boat.  Thej-  seem  to  have  fallen  in 
with  the  other  boats  for  the  sake  of  protection  in  de- 
scending to  Natchez.  The  voyagers  in  the  last  named 
boat  had  in  some  wa3' contracted  the  small-pox,  and,  to 
prevent  the  contagion  from  spreading  to  the  other  boats, 
the\^  were  required  to  float  a  few  hundred  yards  in  the 
rear  and  to  occupy  a  different  landing  at  night.  After 
floating  unmolested  for  several  days,  the  hostile  savages 
espied  the  boats  somewhere  near  the  mouth  of  Clinch 
river,  and  fixed  on  a  short  bend  in  the  Tennessee  river, 
near  the  north-western  corner  of  Georgia,  as  the  place 
of  attack.  Having  to  float  near  the  shore  to  keep  in  the 
channel,  the  foremost  boat  w^as  violently  assailed  by  the 
lurking  Cherokees.  All  hands  on  board  commenced  a 
vigorous  and  well-directed  defense.  That  her  husband 
might  be  released  to  use  his  rifle  on  the  assailants,  Mrs. 
Jones  put  her  eldest  son,  William,  then  in  his  twelfth 
year,  at  the  oar  while  she  held  a  thick,  poplar  stool  be- 
tween him  and  the  bullets,  and  it  was  well  she  did,  for 
it  was  pierced  by  one  of  the  leaden  missiles.    After  the 


22  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

danger  was  all  over,  Mrs.  Jones  laughingly  remarked 
that  'their  guns  were  very  weak,  as  they  did  not  make 
a  deep  impression '  on  her  stool.  Another  lady  heroically 
took  the  steering  oar  from  her  husband  that  he  might 
use  his  rifle  on  the  foe,  and  with  unfaltering  courage^, 
guided  the  boat  until  disabled  b^^  a  wound.  Hannah 
Courtney  was  grazed  on  the  head  by  a  rifle-ball,  and 
Jonathan  Curtis  was  slightly  wounded  on  the  wrist, 
but,  so  far  as  known  no  life  was  lost.  While  the  atten- 
tion of  the  assailants  was  mainh-  directed  to  the  first 
boat  the  second  floated  by  unharmed." 

The  third  boat  was  captured  and  every  one  on  it  mur- 
dered except  one  lad}',  who  was  held  as  a  captive,  until 
finally,  b}'  treaty,  restored  to  her  friends.  But  the  In- 
dians contracted  small-pox  from  the  infection  on  the 
boat  and  a  number  of  them  died  from  the  plague,"which 
passed  through  their  villages  like  the  destroying  angel;" 
and  it  is  said  that  "  their  descendants  have,  to  this  day, 
a  traditional  horror  of  that  terrible  pestilence."* 

Those  who  escaped  in  the  first  two  boats  "  pursued 
their  dangerous  wa^'  until  the^-  landed  in  safety  at  the 
mouth  of  Cole's  Creek,  about  twenty  miles  above 
Natchez  by  land.  To  the  eastward  and  southward  of 
their  place  of  debarkation  they  mainly  made  their  first 
settlements  in  the  countrj',  within  ten  or  twenty-  miles 
of  the  Mississippi  river.  For  several  years  they  had  to 
endure  manj'  privations  and  hardships  incident  to  a 
ne^v  countr}^,  but  poorly  supplied  with  even  the  neces- 
saries of  life." 

Rev.  John  G.  Jones,  late  of  Jefferson  county,  a  Meth- 
odist minister,  says,  in  "Protestantism  is  Mississippi 
and  the  Southwest,"  before  quoted:  "It  has  already 
been  stated,  that  most  of  the  prominent  members  of  this 

*  "  Protestantism  in  Mississippi,"  pp.  22-26. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  23 

immigrant  connection  were  members  of  a  Baptist 
church  before  leaving  South  Carolina,  and  judging  from 
the  unwavering  fidelity  and  zeal  which  they  manifested 
in  all  their  wanderings  and  privations,  their  religion 
was  that  of  the  heart.  They  were  regular  in  their  fam- 
ily devotions  from  their  first  settlement  in  the  country, 
but  the  Spanish  government — which  only  recognized  the 
Roman  Catholic  form  of  religion  and  forbade  all  others 
— having  lately  taken  under  its  jurisdiction  the  Natchez 
District,  they  scarcely  knew  what  to  do  in  regard  to 
public  worship.  After  mutual  consultation  the^^  agreed 
to  meet  together  in  their  private  dwellings,  at  set  times, 
for  the  purpose  of  reading  and  expounding  the  Scrip- 
tures, exhortation  and  prayer,  hoping  in  this  w^ay  to  keep 
the  members  united  and  alive  to  their  spiritual  interests. 
These  meetings,  which  were  found  to  be  so  profitable  to 
the  members  of  the  church,  soon  attracted  the  attention 
of  the  American  portion  of  the  population,  many  of 
whom  desired  to  be  present,  and  enjoy  again  the  quick- 
ening and  hallowing  influences  of  Protestant  worship.^ 
Thus  things  went  on  through  a  series  of  years  witho'^t 
exciting  much  open  opposition  from  the  Catholic  au  tlr-- 
orities.  Richard  Curtis,  senior,  died  November  1.0th, 
1784,  and  by  this  time  his  son  Richard  had  b  econie 
quite  a  preacher.  John  Stampley,  the  brother-ir ^.law  of 
Richard  Curtis,  junior,  was  quite  gifted  in  exhr  ji-tation, 
as  was  also  his  brother,  Jacob  Stampley,  bot\-i  of  whom 
afterwards  became  Baptist  preachers.  Will'iam  Curtis 
an  elder  brother  of  Richard,  was  gifted  ir^  extempora- 
neous prayer,  as  was  also  John  Jones  and  several  oth- 
ers. By  1790  other  American  settlements  desired  to  be 
visited  by  Mr.  Curtis  and  his  lay  assistants,  and  their 
labors  were  soon  blessed  in  the  manifest  awaltening 
and  conversion  of  souls." 


24  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

''Among  the  first  converts  was  a  prominent  citizen 
by  the  name  of  Willian  HamberHn,  and  a  Spaniard, 
who  had  married  an  American  lady,  by  the  name  of 
Stephen  De  Alvo,  both  of  whom  desired  admission  into 
tlie  church.  This  brought  up  in  the  minds  of  these  pio- 
neer workmen  in  the  Lord's  vineyard  a  very  difficult 
question  for  solution:  'Who  could  administer  the  or- 
dinance of  baptism  according  to  the  faith  and  order  of 
Vne  cliurch?'  Mr.  Curtis  (Richard,  junior,)  was  only  a 
licentiate,  and  was  not  authorized,  according  to  the  rules 
of  the  church,  to  administer  baptism,  and  3'et  here  were 
persons  desiring  the  ordinance,  who  exhibited  all  the 
usual  evidences  of  true  conversion.  They  prudently 
postponed  the  matter  until  they  could  correspond  with 
the  parent  chiirch  in  South  Carolina,  from  whose  au- 
thority thev  held  their  letters  of  church  membership. 
In  the  meantime  the  3'oung  convearts  were  recognized 
as  candidates  for  membership  in  the  church,  and  were 
properly  cared  for  and  encouraged  in  the  discharge  of 
^11  their  Christian  duties." 

"The  church  in  South  CaroHna,  upon  receiving  the 
interesting  communication  from  the  'Natchez  country' 
immediately  took  the  subject  under  advisement,  and  re- 
turned as  their  answer  'that  there  is  no  law  against  ne- 
cessity, and  under  the  present  stress  of  circumstances 
the  members  ought  to  assemble  and  formally  appoint 
one  of  their  number,  b^-  election,  to  baptize  the  young 
converts.'  This  advice  was  promptly  acted  upon,  and 
Richard  Curtis  was  duly  appointed  to  administer  the 
ordinance,  which  he  accordingly  did,  not  only  in  the 
cases  of  HamberHn  and  DeAlvo,  but  in  sundry  other 
cases,  both  of  men  and  women.  To  avoid  being  detect- 
ed by  the  Spanish  CathoHc  hierarchy,  the  ordinance 
was,  at  least,  on  one  occasion,  administered  at  night 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  25 

by  torchlight.  But  '  a  city  that  is  set  on  a  hill  cannot 
be  hid. '  The  movements  and  successes  of  these  early 
Mississippi  Baptists,  became  more  and  more  public. 
Meanwhile  the  opposition  from  the  Catholic  authori- 
ties, which  had  been  on  the  increase  for  some  time,  now 
broke  out  into  a  blaze  of  persecution  and  the  little  pio- 
neer band  of  Baptists  were  peremptorily  ordered  to 
'  desist  from  their  heretical  psalm-singing,  pra^'ing,  and 
preaching  in  public  or  the\'  would  be  subjected  to  sun- 
dry pains  and  penalties. '  For  a  time  Mr.  Curtis  and 
his  adherents,  in  and  out  of  church,  thought  the  Amer- 
ican feeling  was  strong  enough  to  sustain  them,  and 
moreover,  believing  their  cause  was  the  cause  of  God 
and  that  truth  must  ultimateh'  triumph  over  error,  bid 
their  opponents  defiance,  and  even  went  so  far  as  to 
have  their  places  of  worship  guarded  by  armed  men, 
while  they  denounced  in  no  ver}-  moderate  terms  the 
'image  worship, "  and  other  unscriptural  dogmas,  and 
ceremonies  of  the  Catholic  church.  The  author  does 
not  pretend  to  say  that  their  zeal  was  alwa^-s  well- 
tempered  with  knowledge.  In  common  parlance,  they 
were  uneducated  men,  plain,  both  in  language,  and 
manners,  and  perhaps,  they  sometimes  imprudently 
provoked  the  wrath  of  their  enemies," 

"By  the  commencement  of  the  ^-ear  1795,  several 
circumstances  had  transpired  to  stir  up  the  wrath  of 
the  Catholics  against  this  little  band  of  primitive  Bap- 
tists. Not  onh'  had  William  Hamberlin,  and  other 
prominent  citizens  joined  their  church,  but  Stephen  De- 
Alvo,  a  Spaniard  and  a  Catholic  by  birth  and  educa- 
tion, had  renounced  the  faith  of  his  ancestors  and  gone 
over  to  these  heretics,  as  they  called  the  Baptists.  This 
could  not  be  endured  in  silence.  They  had  the  legal 
authority,  as  well  as  the  power  to  crush  out  this  grow- 


26  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ing  brotherhood  of  anti-Catholics,  and  it  must  be  done! 
Accordingly  the  Spanish  Commandant  at  Natchez, 
Don  Manuel  Gayoso  de  Lemos,  wrote  an  expostulatory 
letter  to  Mr.  Curtis,  urging  him  to  desist  from  what 
w^as  considered  violative  of  the  laws  of  the  province  and 
against  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  country.  To  this 
letter  Mr.  Curtis  replied  with  his  characteristic  blunt- 
ness  and  severity,  giving  him  to  understand  that,  in  the 
name  and  strength  of  God,  he  was  determined  to  perse- 
vere in  what  he  had  deliberately  conceived  to  be 
his  duty." 

"His  immediate  arrest  was  now  ordered,  and,  on  the 
6th  of  April,  1795,  he  stood  a  prisoner  before  Governor 
Gayoso.  At  the  close  of  the  investigation  he  was  as- 
sured if  he  did  not  unequivocally  promise  to  desist  from 
all  public  preaching,  he  would  be  sent,  with  several  of 
his  adherents,  especially  Hamberlin  and  DeAlvo,  to 
Avork  in  the  silver  mines  of  Mexico.  Whether  the  hith- 
erto indomitable  spirit  of  Curtis  quailed  under  the 
menaces  of  Gayoso,  or  \vhether,  upon  a  review  of  the 
whole  matter  he  thought  it  would  l3e  more  Christian- 
like to  submit  to  the  '  powers  that  be, '  cannot  be  de- 
termined. Be  this  as  it  may,  he  did  promise  to  refrain 
thereafter  from  what  was  in  open  violation  of  the  law^s 
of  the  province.  An  edict  was  also  issued  by  Gayoso, 
'  that  if  nine  persons  were  found  worshipping  together, 
except  according  to  the  forms  of  the  Catholic  church, 
they  should  suffer  imprisonment. '  After  being  dis- 
charged Mr.  Curtis  felt  oppressed  in  mind,  as  he 
thoughtfulW  and  praj-erfulh'  returned  to  his  home  on 
the  south  fork  of  Cole's  Creek.  'Had  he  done  right  in 
promising  not  to  preach  the  gospel  of  peace  and  salva- 
tion publicly  in  the  province  ?  What  would  become  of 
the  membership  if  their  public  religious  meetings  were 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  27 

discontinued  ?  Would  they  not  be  scattered  as  sheep 
without  a  shepherd  ?  Had  he  set  them  a  good  example 
of  fortitude  in  the  face  of  danger  ?  These  and  kindred 
questions  which  arose,  one  after  another,  in  his  mind 
w^ere  difficult  of  solution.  He  felt  an  assurance  that  he 
had  aimed  to  do  right,  and  the  predominant  conviction 
of  his  mind  was  that  he  had  done  the  best  he  could  in 
his  circumstances.  His  liberty  and  life  ^vere  worth 
something  to  his  family,  to  the  little  Christian  brother- 
hood he  had  gathered  around  him,  and  to  the  future 
prospects  of  the  church.  Had  he  proved  stubborn  and 
refractory  before  Gayoso — being  already  a  prisoner — he 
might  have  been  ordered  forthwith  to  the  calaboose 
preparatory  to  his  being  sent  to  work  in  the  Mexican 
silver  mines.  His  brethren  generally  approved  his  course,, 
but  thought  some  arrangement  ought  to  be  made  to 
keep  up  their  religious  meetings.  Things  now  went  on 
quietly  for  a  while,  but  the  American  population  had 
increased  by  the  arrival  of  other  immigrants,  and  they 
were  becoming  more  and  more  clamorous  for  religious, 
as  well  as  civil,  liberty.  The  members  of  the  church 
had  a  meeting  for  consultation,  and  after  patient  delib- 
eration they  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  not  right 
to  give  up  their  religious  meetings  entirely.  It  was  true 
Mr.  Curtis  had  promised  to  abstain  from  public  preach- 
ing, but  still  the3^  might  hold  meetings,  with  such  as 
would  not  betray  them,  for  Christian  conference,  prayer 
and  exhortation.  Accordingly  they  agreed  to  hold  their 
meetings  as  secretly  as  possible,  and  conduct  all  their 
religious  exercises  in  a  low  tone  of  voice ;  and  in  order 
to  make  things  doubly  secure,  they  appointed  reliable 
men  as  sentinels  on  all  the  roads  leading  to  their  places 
of  worship,  whose  duty  it  was  to  come  in  at  an^^  stage 
of  the  meeting  and  report  the  appearance  of  any  sus- 


28  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

picious  persons  in  the  distance,  which  should  be  con- 
sidered the  signal  for  an  informal  and  immediate 
dismissal  and  dispersion.'' 

"Thus  matters  were  successfulh' managed  for  tw^o 
or  three  months,   when   an  additional    circumstance, 
characteristic  of  the  times,  came  to  light,  Avhich  greatly 
enraged  the  priesthood   and   Spanish   officers.     David 
Greenleaf,  an  accomplished  3'oung  gentlemen  from  the 
North,  had  won  the   heart  and  hand  of  Miss  Phoebe 
Jones,  daughter  of  John  Jones,  but  such  was  their  sense 
of  the  wrongs  inflicted  on  the  connection  by  the  Cath- 
olic  hierarchy-  that  the\'  resolved  not  to  be  united  in 
marriage  by  either  priest   or  Spanish   officer.     They, 
moreover,  believed  that  Richard  Curtis,  the  uncle   of 
Miss  Jones,  being  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  was  as  duly 
authorized  in  the  sight  of  God  to  solemnize  the  rites  of 
matrimony  as  any  one  else,  and  made  application  to 
him  accordingh'.   He  consented,  with  the  understanding 
that  all  the  preliminaries,  including  the  marriage  cere- 
mony-, were  to  be  conducted  as  quietly  as  possible,  and 
kept  a  secret  as  long  as  was  consistent  with  truth  and 
honor.    But  no  one,  not  even  the  parents  of  Miss  Jones, 
were  willing  to  risk  the  consequences  of  having  the 
marriage  performed  at  their  house.     So  arrangements 
were  made  for  Mr.  Greenleaf  to  go,  Ma3'  24,  1795,  with 
a  few  select  young  gentlemen,  to  the  village  of  Gaj'-oso, 
which  was  situated   on  a  bluff  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
about  eighteen  miles  above  Natchez,  and  procure  the 
license  from  the  proper  officer,  who  was  probably  an 
American,  and  symjDathizer  with  that  class  of  the  com- 
munity-.    Then,  considerably  after  nightfall,  he  was  to 
be  found   on  the*  road,  two   or  three  miles  south  of 
Greenville,  *  going  in  the  direction  of  Natchez.     In  the 

*This  town,  now  defunct,  was  in  Adams  county,  and  was,  of  course, 
different  from  the  present  flourishing  city  of  Greenville,  in  Washington 
county. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  29 

meantime  the  bridal  party,  including  Mr.  Curtis,  were 
to  be  taking  an  evening  ride  in  the  opposite  direction, 
and  lest  some  traitorous  person  might  accidentally  fall 
in  with  either  party,  they  agreed  upon  a  sign  and 
countersign  ;  the  bridal  party  giving  the  sign  when  they 
met  amidst  the  darkness  of  night,  and  the  other  party 
returning  the  countersign  in  case  all  was  well;  but  if 
any  suspicious  person  had  fallen  in  with  either  party, 
they  were  to  pass  in  silence.  At  the  appointed  time 
and  place  the  parties  met,  and  one  of  the  bridal  party 
announced  the  mysterious  word,  but  there  was  no  re- 
sponse, and  they  passed  without  recognition.  The 
young  men  could  not  forego  the  pleasure  of  a  little  in- 
nocent amusement  in  connection  with  a  wedding,  so 
they  had  determined  to  have  it  at  the  expense  of  the 
bridal  part3^  'Who  on  earth  can  they  be?'  inquired 
one  in  a  suppressed  tone.  'It's  them,'  said  another,  'and 
something  has  happened.'  A  settled  gloom  was  coming, 
down  on  that  lovely  young  bride  and  her  part}^  w^hen 
the  mischievous  young  gentlemen  wheeled  suddenly 
about  and  gave  the  countersign.  The  parties  alighted 
near  the  residence  of  William  Stample}'-,  on  what  is  still 
known  as  'Stampley's  Hill,'  and  by  torch  light,  under 
the  widespread  boughs  of  an  ancient  oak,  the  marriage 
ceremon}^  ^vas  duly  performed,  which  was  concluded  by 
an  impressive  prayer,  offered  up  by  Mr.  Curtis,  long 
talked  of  by  those  who  were  present.  The  parties  re- 
mounted, the  light  was  extinguished,  and  each  sought 
concealment  in  the  privacy  of  home.  Of  course,  the 
marriage  w^as  not  long  kept  a  secret.  Mr.  Greenleat 
w^as  a  machinist,  and  thej^oungmen  in  his  employ  soon 
came  to  a  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  he  was  a  married 
man,  and  through  them  it  soon  became  known  that 
Mr.  Curtis  had  officiated  at  the  hymeneal  altar.'' 


-ISO  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

"Mr.  Curtis'  participation  in  this  affair,  and  the 
■current  rumors  that  he  had  violated  his  pledge  to  de- 
sist from  preaching,  and  was  actually  holding  secret 
meetings  with  his  people,  re-aroused  the  fury  of  the 
Catholics,  and  they  determined  to  strike  a  decisive  and 
final  blow  at  the  ring-leaders  of  this  little  Baptist  com- 
munity. That  Mr.  Curtis  ever  violated  his  pledge,  by 
preaching,  in  the  ordinary  acceptation  of  the  term, 
there  is  no  evidence ;  that  he  did  take  part  in  the  social 
meetings  of  the  church  is  not  denied." 

"The  officers  of  the  Provincial  Government,  insti- 
gated by  the  priesthood,  made  diligent  inquir}-  as  to 
the  time  and  place  of  holding  their  meetings  for  exhor- 
tation, prayer  and  Christian  intercourse,  and  devised 
plans  for  the  capture  of  Richard  Curtis,  William  Ham* 
berlin  and  Stephen  DeAlvo.  Orders  for  their  arrest 
were  secretly  issued  on  or  about  August  23,  1795.  The 
23rd  of  August  was  a  quiet  Sabbath,  with  all  of  its  ho- 
ly associations  inviting  the  devout  worshippers  to  as- 
semble at  the  house  of  prayer.  It  was  the  private  resi- 
dence of  one  of  their  number,  in  what  was  then  and  is 
still  known  as  'Stample^^'s  Settlement,'  on  the  south 
fork  of  Coles"  Creek." 

"The  pickets  had  been  properly  posted  on  all  the 
roads,  and  the  little  persecuted  fraternity  of  Baptists 
were,  in  subdued  tones,  conducting  their  worship,  when 
Ihe  sentinel  on  the  Natchez  road  came  in  hurriedly  and 
announced  the  appearance  of  five  men,  whom  he  took 
to  be  a  Spanish  officer  and  his  posse.  The  religious  ex- 
ercises closed  immediately,  and  Messrs.  Curtis,  Ham- 
berlin  and  DeAlvo  hastened  to  a  neighboring  thicket  to 
conceal  themselves,  knowing  that  they  were  peculiarly 
obnoxious  to  the  hierarchy  at  Natchez.  The  others 
adjusted  themselves  with  apparent  carelessness  about 


SilSTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  31 

the  house  and  yard,  when  the  unwelcome  visitors  rode 
up,  and  with  characteristic  self-importance,  inquired, 
*  What  are  you  doing  here  ?'  They  replied,  *  We  are  not 
harming  anybody ;  we  always  suspend  our  secular 
avocations  on  the  Sabbath,  and  either  rest  at  home  or 
spend  our  time  in  such  intercourse  with  each  other  as 
suits  us.'  'We  wish  to  see  Dick  Curtis,  Bill  Hamberlin 
or  Steve  DeAlvo — either  one  or  all  of  them.  Where  are 
they  to  be  found  this  morning?"  authoritatively  in- 
quired this  embodiment  of  Papal  intolerance,  to  which 
an  evasive  answer  was  given,  such  as,  'We  don't  exactly 
know;  somewhere  in  the  neighborhood  we  suppose.' 
The  officer  then  announced  the  fact  that  he  had  come 
with  orders  from  Governor  Gayoso  to  arrest  those 
three  rebels,  preparatory  to  their  being  sent  to  work  in 
the  silver  mines  in  Mexico  for  the  remainder  of  their 
lives,  and  if  any  man  should  be  found  aiding  and  abet- 
ting either  their  concealment  or  escape,  he  should  suffer 
the  like  penalty.  After  further  expressing  his  determi- 
nation to  capture  them  at  any  expense  of  time  and 
labor,  he  set  out  immediately  wath  his  posse  on  a  dilli- 
gent  search  for  the  fugitives,  and,  in  the  language  of  the 
venerable  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Armstrong,  who  still  survives, 
considerably  in  advance  of  eighty  years  of  age  [this 
was  published  in  1866],  and  who  well  remembers  the 
search  for  Curtis  and  his  two  companions,  '  For  a  num- 
ber of  days  they  reminded  me  of  children  plaj'ing  hide 
and  seek,  such  was  the  activity  and  minuteness  of  the 
search.'" 

This  long  quotation,  so  full  of  interest,  and  bearing 
upon  our  subject,  has  been  taken  from  "  Protestantism 
in  Mississippi  and  the  Southwest,"  by  Rev.  John  G. 
Jones,  before  quoted,  who  belonged  to  the  family  of  the 
Joneses  and  Curtises.    He  further  says : 


32  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

"  It  now  became  the  settled  conviction  of  the  most 
reliable  men  in  the  community  that  it  was  w^orse  than 
useless  for  Mr.  Curtis  and  his  two  faithful  adherents, 
Hamberlin  and  DeAlvo,  to  think  of  breasting  that 
storm  any  further ;  that  their  onlj^  safety  was  in  a  pre- 
cipitate flight  from  the  countr3%  and  consequently  from 
all  that  was  dear  to  them  on  earth.  'But  whither 
shall  they  fly  ?'  was  the  next  question,  and  the  ready 
answer  was  'to  South  Carolina,  the  former  home  of 
Mr.  Curtis."' 

"Here,  on  the  Great  Pedee,  they  could  support 
themselves  by  the  labor  of  their  own  hands,  while 
among  congenial  associates  thej'  could  enjoy  their 
Christian  privileges  with  none  to  molest  or  make  them 
afraid.  Accordingly,  as  soon  as  suitable  horses  could 
be  procured,  and  amidst  the  tears  of  wives  and  chil- 
dren, and  weeping  relatives,  they  clandestinely  left  the 
settlement  with  the  understanding  that  they  were  to 
conceal  themselves  at  the  house  of  a  friend,  on  Little 
Bayou  Pierre,  near  where  Port  Gibson  now  stands, 
until  the^^  could  be  siippHed  with  suitable  provision,  in 
clothes,  food  and  mone^-,  for  their  journe}-  through  the 
wilderness  to  South  Carolma." 

Continuing  the  narrative  of  the  departure  of  Mr. 
Curtis  and  his  friends,  Mr.  Jones  sa3'S : 

"Why  they  had  fallen  into  such  sore  trials  was  not 
for  them  to  decide.  They  had  an  abiding  consciousness 
of  having  aimed  to  do  right.  They  had  not  desired  to 
wrong  either  the  Provincial  Government  or  the  Papal 
hierarcln-.  Their  sole  object  had  been  to  worship  God 
and  to  do  good  to  their  fellow  men,  according  to  their 
understanding  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  God  knew  their 
hearts,  and  would  judge  of  them  accordingh'.  The 
path  of  duty,  though  crowded  with  difliculties,  was  the 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  33^ 

-only  path  of  safety,  and  by  the  help  of  God,  the^^  would 
constantly  endeavor  to  walk  therein  at  all  hazards.  If 
they  were  faithful.  Infinite  Wisdom  would  over-rule  all 
for  their  good  and  for  the  furtherance  of  the  gospel."' 
When  all  the  necessary  preparations  had  been  made  for 
their  journey,  such  as  a  supply  of  food  and  clothing, 
"anew  and  unexpected  difficulty  arose,"  saysMr.Jones. 
"Not  a  man  could  be  found  willing  to  risk  the  penalty 
of  '  aiding  and  abetting '  in  the  escape  of  the  refugees. 
Their  absence  from  home  a  single  day  or  night  might, 
throw  suspicion  on  them  and  lead  to  disastrous  con- 
sequences ;  and  the  question  was  asked  with  increasing; 
anxietj^,  '  Who  will  take  their  supplies  to  their  place  of 
concealment  on  Bayou  Pierre?'  The  question  was. 
soon  answered.  There  lived  in  the  vicinity  a  noble- 
hearted  and  daring  woman  by  the  name  of  Chloe  Holt,, 
who  acted  in  the  capacity  of  accoucheress  for  the  settle- 
ment, and  w^as  in  every  way  suitable  for  such  an  ad- 
venture as  was  now  on  hand.  Aunt  Chloe  had  a  kind 
and  sympathetic  heart,  but  an  iron  will,  was  deter- 
mined and  bold,  and  withal  was  a  little  eccentric.  While 
she  was  all  aglow  to  have  the  pleasure  and  honor  of 
convejdng  the  needed  supplies  to  the  exiles,  she  wished 
to  hit  a  back-handed  lick  at  what  she  considered  the 
cowardice  of  the  men  in  the  neighborhood.  '  If  the  men 
in  the  neighborhood,'  said  she,  'are  so  faint-hearted 
that  not  one  of  them  can  be  prevailed  upon  to  take 
Dick  Curtis  and  his  companions  in  exile  their  promised 
supplies,  in  order  to  secure  their  escape  from  the  clutches, 
of  these  gospel-hating  Catholics,  if  they  will  furnish  me 
with  a  good  horse,  surmounted  with  a  mans  saddle,  I 
will  go  in  spite  of  the  Spaniards,  and  they  may  catch  me 
if  they  can.'  The  families  and  refugees  were  glad  ta 
avail  themselves  of  her  generous  offer,  and  a  suitable 


34  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

horse  was  accordingly  brought  and  saddled  as  she  de- 
sired. All  things  being  ready  she  made  her  appearance, 
dressed  cap-a-pie,  in  gentleman's  clothes,  and  mounting 
the  horse  in  cavalier  style,  boldly  dashed  off.  The  jour- 
ney was  hastily  and  successfully  made.  She  took  the 
last  farewell  of  the  loved  ones  at  home  to  the  sorrow- 
stricken  exiles,  delivered  them  their. supplies,  gave  them 
her  blessing,  and  returned  as  she  went.  No  one  mo- 
lested Aunt  Chloe,  and  that  adventure  was  her  boast 
to  the  close  of  her  life.  It  is  supposed  she  died  and  was 
buried  in  Warren  count}^  somewhere  about  the  head- 
Avaters  of  Big  Bayou  Pierre.  Could  we  find  her  grave 
we  would  make  the  effort  to  have  a  suitable  monument 
placed  upon  it  to  perpetuate  her  name  and  noble  deed 
to  generations  yet  unborn.  Whoever  may,  in  future, 
\vrite  the  History  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Mississippi 
let  them  not  forget  to  make  honorable  mention  of 
Chloe  Holt.  *  Peace  to  your  ashes,'  old  friend ,  where ver 
they  ma\'  rest.'" 

"  Soon  after  receiving  their  supplies  by  the  hands  of 
Mrs.  Holt,  the  exiles  began  to  move  northward,  thread- 
ing their  wa^'  along  the  old  Natchez  and  Cumberland 
trace,  fording  or  swimming  the  smaller  streams,  making 
rafts  of  logs  to  ferry  themselves  over  the  larger  rivers, 
sleeping  on  the  ground  at  night,  with  the  sk3'  for  a 
covering,  until  the3'  arrived  in  the  white  settlements 
north-east  of  the  Indian  country-.  In  process  of  time 
they  reached  the  former  home  of  Air.  Curtis,  on  Great 
Pedee,  in  South  Carolina,  where  they  remained  over 
two  3'ears  and  a  half.''  Mr.  Curtis  was  active  and 
acceptable  as  a  preacher,  and  during  his  sojourn  in 
South  Carolina  was  regularh'  ordained  bj'  Benjamin 
Mosely  and  Matthew  McCullens,  and  was  duly  em- 
powered, \vhenever  he  should  return  to  the  Natchez 
country-,  to  constitute  a  Baptist  church. 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  35 

While  he  and  his  friends  were  in  exile  political 
^changes  w'ere  in  progress.  The  Natchez  District  was 
'  claimed  as  being  within  the  chartered  limits  of  Georgia, 
and,  consequently,  as  belonging  to  the  United  States, 
and  Colonel  Andrew  Ellicott,  with  a  suitable  force,  had 
been  sent  on  by  the  General  Government  to  enforce  the 
claim,  by  negotiation  if  possible,  if  not,  by  force  of  arms. 
After  many  vexatious  delays,  under  a  variety  of  pre- 
texts, Col.  Ellicott  had  to  assume  a  belligerant  attitude, 
and  promptly  informed  the  Spanish  commander  that  if 
he  did  not  evacuate  Fort  Rosalie  by  March  30,  1798, 
he  would  reduce  it  by  bombardment,  and  placed  his 
ordnance  about  where  the  lower  end  of  Main  street  in 
Natchez  now  is  for  that  purpose.  The  fort  was  evacu- 
ated before  day  that  morning,  and  during  the  day  the 
Americans  took  possession  of  the  works.  The  "Stars 
and  Stripes"  were  raised  on  the  heights  of  Natchez;  a 
large  brush  harbor  made,  temporary  seats  put  under  it 
and  Bailey  Chaney  sent  for  to  come  and  preach  under 
the  American  colors.  He  had  an  immense  congregation, 
who,  no  doubt,  enjoyed  the  first  religious  service  in 
Mississippi  under  the  American  flag. 

Thus,  in  Mississippi  "the  dark  and  menacing  clouds 
of  persecution  passed  away,  and  all  w^as  light,  love 
^HCi  joy  in  that  little  "  band  of  Baptists. 

••On  the  return  of  Richard  Curtis  to  his  home  in  the 
Natchez  country  the  voice  of  the  oppressor  had  ceased 
in  the  land.  The  stars  and  stripes  had  been  thrown  to 
the  balmy  breezes  that  fanned  old  Fort  Rosalie,  and  lib- 
erty of  conscience  was  proclaimed  to  all.  The  hitherto 
oppressed  and  down-trodden  Baptist  community  met 
An  Go^nference,  and,  under  the  superintendence  of  their 
bejoved  Richard  Curtis,  who  presided  as  moderator, 
they  completed  their  organization  '  in  due  and  ancient 


'36  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

form, '  as  a  regular  Baptist  church.  This  was  probably 
in  the  summer  of  1798.  Their  first  church  was  called 
Salem,  that  is,  peace,  and  stood  among  the  upper 
branches  of  the  South  Fork  of  Cole's  Creek,  in  Jefferson 
county,  on  what  is  still  known  as  'the  Salem  road.' 
Their  usual  place  for  immersion  was  in  Harper's  Fork, 
a  little  to  the  south  of  the  church." 

Richard  Curtis,  the  first  Baptist  preacher  in  the 
State,  is  described  as  **a  plain,  honest,  unsophisticated 
man,  a  sincere  and  spiritual  Christian,  and  an  uncom- 
promising and  zealous  preacher  of  the  gospel.  If  he 
was  very  pointed  and  plain  spoken  at  times  in  the  pul- 
pit, his  manner  suited  the  rough  work  he  had  to  do." 
"His  wife,  'aunt  Pattie, '  as  she  was  familiarly  called 
by  the  connection,  survived  as  a  hale  old  lady  until 
about  1819.  She  died  in  Jefferson  count}^  and  is  buried 
on  the  plantation  of  Mrs.  Samuel  Bolls,  two  or  three 
miles  east  of  Fayette." 

For  other  incidents  in  the  life  of  Richard  Curtis,  and 
for  sketches  of  William  and  Bailey  Chaney,  Mr.  Hari- 
gail,  Barton  Hannan,  John  Hannah,  and  other  preach- 
ers of  this  time,  see  " Alississippi  Baptist  Preachers," 
by  the  author  of  this  Chapter. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  37 


CHAPTER  II. 

BY  L.   S.    FOSTER. 

ORGANIZATION  AND    EARLY   DAYS  OF 
MISSISSIPPI    ASSOCIATION. 

"Soon  after  the  establishment  of  the  territorial 
government  in  Mississippi,  the  Baptists  received  many 
valuable  accessions  to  their  ranks  b\'  immigration  from 
South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Tennessee.  About  the 
year  1800,  a  second  Baptist  church,  called  New  Hope, 
was  organized  on  Second  Creek,  in  Adams  county,  and 
about  the  same  time  another  near  Woodville,  Wilkinson 
count3%  called  Bethel.  In  1805  New  Providence  and 
Ebenezer  churches  were  organized  in  Amite  county.  In 
September,  1806,  these  five  churches  appointed  dele- 
gates to  meet  at  Salem  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  an 
Association.'"  For  some  cause  the  organization  of  the 
Association  was  not  perfected  until  the  next  annual 
meeting  of  the  delegates  which  took  place  at  Bethel, 
near  Woodville,  September 26  to  29,  1807.  Bond  says: 
**We  date  the  existence  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation from  1806.*' 

Mississippi  Association  was  the  first  oganization 
of  Baptist  churches  on  Mississipj)i  soil.  The  Minutes 
of  1807  say:  "The  Mississippi  Baptist  Association 
convened  at  Bethel  church,  Bayou  Sara,  Mississippi 
Territory,"  "from  which"  says  Mr.  Jones,  "we  infer 
that  Bethel  church  was  southwest  of  Woodville,  on  a 


38  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

small  stream  of  that  name,  which  afterward  gave  name 
to  the  town  of  Bayou  Sara,  at  its  mouth  on  the  Missis- 
sippi river." 

The  Articles  of  Faith  of  this  Association  are  thor- 
oughly Pauline,  speaking  in  no  uncertain  sound  on  the 
great  doctrines  of  grace,  the  full  inspiration  of  the  Bible, 
total  depravity,  eternal  and  unconditional  election,  im- 
puted righteousness,  effectual  calling,  repentance,  faith, 
regeneration,  justification,  final  preservation,  expiation 
of  sin  by  Jesus  Christ,  good  works  an  evidence  of  faith, 
a  future  general  judgment,  the  eternal  happiness  of  the 
saved,  and  the  eternal  punishment  of  the  wicked. 

The  article  on  election  was  overhauled  in  1844,  but 
w^as  retained  unchanged  as  the  teaching  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  the  proof  texts,  Jer.  31:3;  Eph.  1 : 4 ;  1  Thess. 
1:4;  1  Pet.  1  :2;  2  Tim.  2:19;  John  10:3;  John  6:37;. 
John  17:1,  were  added. 

In  their  Church  Order  the  members  of  this  Associa- 
tion, define  a  gospel  church,  and  speak  plainly  upon  the 
ordinances  and  officers  of  a  church,  and  the  necessity  of 
the  discipline  of  disorderly  members. 

After  giving  Rules  of  Decorum,  they  then  clearly  de- 
fine the  Powers  of  an  Association,  emphasizing  the  fact 
that  such  an  organization  has  "no  power  to  lord  it 
over  God's  heritage,  nor  infringe  upon  any  of  the  inter- 
nal rights  of  the  churches." 

Thomas  Mercer,  who  was  a  prominent  figure  a- 
mong  these  early  Baptists,  and  whose  name  is  often 
found  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Mississippi  Association, 
from  1808  until  the  time  of  his  death,  was  a  very  effect- 
ive preacher.  He  was  a  great  revivalist  and  preached 
"in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of  power." 
Through  his  preaching  many  were  converted,  and 
brought  to  a  saving  knowledge  of  Jesus.    He  supplied 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  39 

the  deficiency  in  hymn  books  by  compiling  and  publish- 
ing a  hymn  book,  which  was  extensively  used  among 
the  Baptists  for  several  generations,  but  is  long  since 
out  of  print. 

David  Cooper  was  another  prominent  and  effective 
preacher  of  these  early  times.  He  is  reported  as  a  well 
educated  and  polished  man,  and  an  attractive,  able  and 
useful  minister  of  the  New  Testament.  For  more  than 
thirty  years  he  was  active  in  building  up  Baptist 
churches  in  Southwestern  Mississippi.  Being  an  ear- 
nest advocate  of  higher  education,  he  was,  as  early  as 
1817,  chairman  of  a  committee  on  this  subject,  and 
presented  a  paper  on  the  importance  of  ministerial  im- 
provement, which  remains  to-day,  as  a  most  able  pres- 
entation of  the  matter. 

Each  year  this  first  Association  had  prepared  and 
published  in  its  Minutes  a  Circular  Letter  upon  some 
doctrinal  or  experimental  subject,  which  papers  were 
very  helpful  to  the  churches.  They  contained  a  great 
deal  of  solid  truth  on  doctrinal,  experimental  and  prac- 
tical subjects,  well  1)uttressed  by  appropriate  citations 
from  the  Scriptures.  But,  after  all,  the  main  agency  in 
the  development  and  building  up  of  the  Baptists  in 
these  early  times,  as  well  as  in  the  days  following,  was 
the  zealous  activity  of  the  earnest  preachers  in  every 
where  and  on  all  occasions  "holding  forth  the  word  of 
life."  It  was  true  then,  as  in  Apostolic  times,  that,  as 
the  word  of  God  increased  in  extent  of  influence  the 
number  of  disciples  multiplied  greatly. 

Turning  now  to  facts  concerning  the  Association's 
growth,  we  find  that  at  the  meeting  of  September  26 
to  29,  1807,  (the  first  of  which  there  were  published 
Minutes)  "the  first  two  days  were  spent  in  public  wor- 
ship, concluding  with  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper.*' 


40  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Moses  Hadley  was  moderator  and  Robert  Tanner 
Tvras  clerk.  The  delegates  were  as  follows :  Salem, 
John  Stample\-  and  Wilson  Bolls;  New  Hope,  Moses 
Hadle^',  John  Erwm;  Bethel,  John  Coulter,  Reuben 
Jackson;  New  Providence,  Cornelius  Whittington, 
William  Causey;  Ehenezer,  Ezra  Courtney,  Hardy 
Brian. 

The  session  of  1808  was  held  at  Providence  "meet- 
ing house,"  embracing  the  first  Lord's  6.ay  in  October. 
The  five  original  churches  were  represented  and  Bayou 
Pierre,  represented  Idv  Willis  McDonald  and  Ezekiel 
Flowers,  and  Alorgan's  Fork,  represented  by  Joseph 
Slocumb,  were  received.  These  churches  were  doubt- 
less organized  since  the  last  session.  We  quote :  ^^ Query: 
— What  shall  be  done  wath  members  of  our  society  who 
live  in  constant  neglect  of  famih'  worship  ?  Answer: 
— We  recommend  to  the  heads  of  families  in  our  connec- 
tion, to  keep  up  famih'  worship,  as  a  Christian  duty ; 
and  where  the^'  do  not,  that  gospel  steps  be  taken  in 
order  that  they  ma\'  be  reclaimed." 

Also:  ^' Query:  —  What  steps  would  be  most  ad- 
visable to  take  \vith  members  of  our  society  whose 
treatment  to  their  slaves  is  unscriptural  ?" 

To  this  was  given  the  following : 

^^  Answer. — We  recommend  to  the  several  churches 
belonging  to  our  connection  to  take  notice  of  any  im- 
proper treatment  of  their  members  toward  their  slaves, 
and  deal  wdth  them  in  brotherh'  love  according  to  the 
rules  of  the  gospel." 

In  1809,  the  Association  met  with  Salem  church,  on 
Cole's  Creek.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  Moses  Hadley,  No  new  churches  were  received 
at  this  meeting.  The  letter  from  New  Hope  church 
stated  that  there  was  trouble  in'  that  church,  and  the 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  41 

Association  appointed  a  committee  of  three,  Moses 
Hadley,  L.  Scarborough  and  David  Cooper,  to  visit  the 
church  and  if  possible  remove  the  difficulties. 

In  1810,  the  Associationmet  with  Ebenezer  church, 
in  Amite  county,  on  Frida^^  October  19.  David  Cooper 
was  moderator  and  Moses  Hadley  was  clerk.  Seven 
churches  were  represented,  besides  two  which  applied 
for  membership  and  were  received,  "satisfaction  being 
obtained  of  their  faith  and  good  order."  These  were 
Eastfork  and  Westfork.  The  committee  appointed  to 
visit  New  Hope  reported  the  difficulties  adjusted. 

A  query  from  Bayou  Pierre  church,  asking  whether 
"the  washing  of  the  saints"  feet  is  a  Christian  duty  or 
not "  was  answered  in  the  affirmative.  African  church, 
which  is  not  mentioned  before  in  the  Minutes,  is  re- 
ported this  session  as  having  no  delegation. 

In  1811,  the  Association  met  at  New  Hope  in  Adams 
county.  Thomas  Mercer  was  moderator  and  David 
Cooper  clerk.  Three  churches  were  received  into  the 
Association,  which  were  Tangipahoa,  Shiloh  and  Zion 
Hill.  Jesse  Brown  was  received  as  a  corresponding 
messenger  from  the  Cumberland  Association.  It  was 
Resolved,  "That  we  think  it  expedient  and  necessary  to 
appoint  supplies  to  the  destitute  churches,''  and  six 
brethren  were  thus  appointed  and  assigned  to  these 
different  churches.  Corresponding  messengers  were 
appointed  to  the  Hepzibah,  Georgia,  Cumberland  and 
Savannah  Associations. 

In  1812,  October  17,  the  Association  met  with  the 
Zion  Hill  church,  in  Amite  count3'.  Moses  Hadley  was 
moderator  and  Joseph  J.  Lawton,  clerk.  The  church 
at  Bogue  Chitto,  known  as  "  Half  Moon  Bluff,"  and 
Jerusalem  church,  were  received  into  the  fellowship  of 
the  Association.     "Brethren  Hadley  and  Scarborough 


42  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

were  appointed  to  ordain  Brother  Willis  in  the  Opelou- 
sas,  and  constitute  a  church  in  the  vicinity  where  he 
lives."'  Messrs.  Courtney  and  Wall  were  appointed  to 
visit  members  on  Tangipahoa  and  if  advisable  consti- 
tute them  into  a  church.  The  Association  published 
this  year  a  Circular  Letter  by  Moses  Hadley  on  "Union 
of  the  Churches,"'  which  is  lengthy  and  able. 

In  1813,  October  16,  the  Association  met  with  the 
Bayou  Pierre  church.  Moses  Hadley  was  moderator 
and  George  King,  clerk.  Five  churches  were  received 
at  this  meeting,  namelj^ :  Clear  Creek,  Adams  county ; 
Pierce's  Creek,  Wilkinson  county;  Bogue  Chitto,  Ma- 
rion count3^ ;  Mount  Xebo,  on  Tangipahao,  and  Peniel, 
in  West  Florida.  .  On  account  of  the  disturbed  con- 
dition of  the  country  growing  out  of  the  war  with 
Great  Britain,  correspondence  with  the  Georgia  and 
Hepzibah  associations  were  discontinued.  It  was  de- 
termined to  organize  a  S3'stem  of  itinerant  preaching  or 
evangelistic  work  ;  accordingh'  the  bod3''  agreed  to  form 
divisions  or  squads  for  the  work.  The  death  of  John 
Atkins  and  Wilson  Bolls  is  noted."  (J.  T.  Buck).  A 
Circular  Letter  on  the  War  is  published  this  \'ear  in  the 
Minutes  of  the  Association. 

In  1814,  October  15,  the  body  met  with  Shiloh 
church,  in  Wilkinson  count\\  Ezra  Courtney  was 
moderator,  and  William  Snodgrass  clerk.  Three 
churches,  Hepzibah,  Hopewell  and  Antioch,  were  re- 
ceived. An  application  was  received  from  Pearl  River 
church,  but  action  thereon  was  deferred,  on  account  ot 
some  trouble  existing  between  this  church  and  the 
churches  on  Bogue  Chitto. 

This  year  "the  Association  formally  Resolved,  that 
it  be  recommended  to,  and  enjoined  on,  the  preachers 
of  our  order,  that  thev  use  their  utmost  diligence  in  the 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  43 

practice  of  itinerant  preaching.'  Many  of  these  primi- 
tive Baptist  preachers  were  a  stirring  class  of  men. 
They  often  made  extra  exertions,  and  turned  out  of  the 
beaten  track  in  order  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  desti- 
tute, and  verily  they  had  their  reward  in  the  rich  har- 
vest of  souls  they  were  instrumental  in  gathering  into 
the  churches." 

The  Association  ''Resolved,  that  it  be  enjoined  on 
the  churches  on  Bogue  Chitto,  and  the  Pearl  River 
church,  to  use  their  best  endeavors,  according  to  Gospel 
order,  to  remove  any  difficulties  that  exist  among  them . ' '' 
A  request  from  members  on  Cedar  Creek  that  ministers 
be  sent  to  them  for  the  purpose  of  constituting  a  church 
resulted  in  the  appointment  of  William  Allen  and 
Nathan  Morris  to  visit  them  for  the  purpose. 

In  1815,  October  14,  the  Association  met  with 
Sarepta  church,  Jeiferson  county.  Moses  Hadley  was 
moderator  and  William  Snodgrass  clerk.  Pearl  River, 
after  some  deliberation,  and  Union  churches  were  re- 
ceived at  this  meeting.  Two  letters  were  sent  up  from 
Salem  church,  and  a  committee  of  five  was  appointedto 
*sit  forthwith  and  hearthe  evidence  respecting  the  diffi- 
culties in  said  church.'  William  Allen,  WiUiam  Cooper, 
Jacob  Cobb,  Thomas  Casen  and  Harmon  Runnels  con- 
stituted this  committee. 

"A  letter  from  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  mis- 
sions was  received  and  read  in  which  they  solicit  this 
Association,  and  the  churches  connected  herewith,  to 
contribute  to  aid  them  in  raising  funds  for  the  purpose 
of  sending  missionaries  to  preach  the  gospel  to  heathen 
nations ;  and  that  a  standing  secretary  of  this  Associa- 
tion be  appointed,  with  whom  they  will  correspond, 
and  to  whom  they  will  forward  their  reports."  Will- 
iam Snodgrass  was  appointed  in  this  capacity,  and  the 


44  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.     . 

"wish  of  the  Association"  was  expressed  "that  the 
churches  may  contribute  as  HberalW  as  the}'  may  find  it 
conA'enient,  and  forward  the  same  to  our  next  annual 
meeting.  Also,  that  our  ministering  brethren  endeavor 
to  explain  and  further  the  views  of  the  said  Board  of 
Missions  in  the  best  manner  they  possibh'  can,  and  re- 
ceive contributions  from  such  persons  as  may  be  dis- 
posed to  favor  that  great  and  blessed  work,  and  that 
they  preserve  an  account  of  the  names  and  sums  an- 
nexed."' The  body  sent  twentv  dollars  from  the  Asso- 
ciation fund  and  appropriated  all  other  surplus  funds 
of  this  session  for  this  object.  Correspondence  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  Savannah  River,  Ocmulgee  and  Cumber- 
land (Tenn.)  Associations.  A  Circular  Letter  on  "God- 
ly Zeal"  was  published  this  year,  prepared  by  David 
Cooper. 

In  1816,  October  16,  the  Association  met  with 
Clear  Creek  church,  Adams  county.  Nathan  Morris 
was  moderator,  and  William  Snodgrass  clerk.  Six 
churches  were  received,  namely :  Alars  Hill,  Fair  River, 
Elim,  Beulah,  Fellowship  and  Bayou  Chico,  Corre- 
sponding letters  were  sent  to  the  Savannah  River,  Oc- 
mulgee and  Cumberland  Associations.  William  Snod- 
grass reported  $80.93  as  the  contribution  to  Foreign 
missions. 

In  1817,  October  18  to  21,  the  Association  met  with 
Bogue  Chitto  church.  Pike  county.  David  Cooper  was 
moderator,  and  Benjamin  Davis  clerk.  Five  churches 
were  received  into  the  Association,  namely:  Vermion, 
New  Chapel,  Canaan,  Green's  Creek,  and  Natchez.  Ad- 
vice is  asked  with  reference  to  troubles  in  Salem  church. 
At  this  session  D.  Cooper,  James  A.  Ranaldson,  and 
Benjamin  Davis  were  appointed  a  committee,  in  pursu- 
ance of  a  resolution,  "that this  Association  recommend 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  45 

and  support  a  plan  for  raising  a  fund,  for  the  special 
purpose  of  promoting  the  proper  education  of  pious 
young  men  called  to  the  great  and  important  work  of 
the  gospel  ministry."  An  "address"  on  Ministerial 
Education  was  submitted  by  this  committee  and  pub- 
lished as  a  Circular  Letter,  which  is  excellent  reading. 
The  following  recommendations  were  adopted:  "(1) 
That  a  special  committee  of  seven  be  appointed  for  one 
year,  who  shall  be  invested  with  right  and  authority 
to  solicit  subscriptions  and  donations  for  the  education 
fund ;  to  judge  and  determine  of  the  moral  character, 
piety,  gifts,  and  graces  of  those  who  may  apply  for  the 
benefit  of  this  fund ;  to  accept  such  as  may  be  deemed 
worthy  and  are  called  of  God  to  preach  the  gospel ;  also 
to  conduct  and  superintend  their  education ;  and  to  de- 
fray all  necessary  expenses  out  of  the  funds  collected  for 
that  purpose.  (2)  That  this  special  committee  draft  a 
constitution  and  b^^-laws,  to  present  for  inspection  at 
the  next  Association.  (3)  That  the  respective  churches 
of  our  order  be  recommended  to  contribute,  3'earh',  to 
the  education  fund,  by  the  hands  of  their  delegates. 
(4)  That  the  address  to  the  churches,  prepared  and  pre- 
sented by  the  committee,  be  substituted  for  our  Circular 
Letter,  and  printed  with  the  Minutes."  This  committee 
consisted  of  David  Cooper,  J.  A.  Ranaldson,  G.W.King,, 
E.  Courtney,  L.  Scarborough,  B.  Davis  and  Willianii 
Snodgrass.  Thomas  Mercer  and  Benjamin  Davis  were 
"requested  to  visit  the  Creek  Indians,  to  inquire  what 
can  be  done  towards  the  establishment  of  schools,  and 
the  introduction  of  the  gospel  among  them." 

In  1818,  October,  17  the  Association  met  with  New 
Providence  church,  Amite  couny.  D.  Cooper  was 
Moderator  and  W.  Snodgrass  Clerk.  Seven  new 
churches  were  received,  namely :     Pinkneyville,  Sharon,, 


46  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Dilling's    Creek,    Beulah,    Bala   Chitto,    Silver  Creek, 
Friendship  and  Orleans.    A  letter  was  received  from 
the  corresponding  secretary'  of  the  Baptist  Board  of 
Foreign    Missions,    accompanied  by  a  copy    of  their 
fourth  annual  report.    A  communication  was  also  re- 
ceived from  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  Baptist  Mission  Societj-  of  Kentucky;  "which  con- 
tained information  of  great  importance  relative  to  the 
most  efficient  plans"  for  reforming  the  Indians,  and  it 
was  Resolved,  "that  the  Association  heartily  concur  in 
the  views  of  the  Board,  and  that  a  suitable  memorial, 
representing  the    deplorable  condition   of  the  Indian 
tribes  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  be  prepar- 
ed and  sent  to  Congress  at  the  ensuing  session,  signed 
by  the  Moderator  and  Clerk,  in  behalf  of  the  Associa- 
tion.''   Correspondence  was  received  from  the  Ocmulgee 
.  and  Bigbee  Associations  and  corresponding  messengers 
.appointed  to  these  bodies.    The  Educational  Commit- 
tee presented  an  admirable  Constitution,  setting  forth 
.the  object  and  plans  of  the  "Mississippi  Baptist  Edu- 
cation Societ\'.''    It  was  to  be  composed  of  delegates 
from  churches  and  Associations  which  contributed  to 
the  fund,  and  of  individuals,  who  should  subscribe  to 
the  constitution  and  pay  not  less  than  two  dollars  an- 
nually.    Fifty  dollars  in  one  pa^-ment  constituted  a 
person  a  life  member.    The  societj^  had  entire  control 
of  the  work  which  was  done  through  an  executive 
committee,  consisting  of  the  President,  Secretary  and 
Treasurer,  and  ten  trustees,  all  of  whom  were  elected 
triennially.    The  officers  and  trustees  for  the  first  three 
years  were:     David  Cooper,  president;  James  A.  Ran- 
aldson,   secretary:  Bartlett  Collins,  treasurer:  David 
Collins,  Geo.  W.  King,  Ezra  Courtney,  William  Erwin, 
John    Smith,    Shadrack   King,  Jacob  Buckholts,    Joel 
Glass,  William  Grummond  and  William  Snodgra§§. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  47 

A  resolution  was  passed  recommending  "that  the 
churches  have  a  sermon  preached  in  each  year  with  a 
special  relation  to  missionary  concerns,  and  at  the 
same  time  make  a  collection  for  the  support  of  mission- 
aries, and  on  forwarding  the  money  to  this  Association 
state  whether  the  contribution  was  for  Foreign  or  Do- 
mestic Missions/'  The  Association  thus  speaks  out 
with  no  uncertain  sound  on  the  matters  of  ministerial 
education  and  missions.  At  this  session  the  Associa- 
tion expresses  its  high  regard  for  Moses  Hadley,  who 
has  died  since  the  last  session.  (See  Miss.  Bap.  Preach- 
ers, p.  328). 

In  1819,  October  16,  the  Association  met  with 
Hepzibah  church,  Feliciana  Parish,  Louisiana.  David 
Cooper  was  moderator  and  William  Snodgrass  clerk. 
One  church,  St,  Francisville,  was  received. 

Eight  churches  north  of  the  Homochitto,  upon 
their  petition,  were  dismissed  in  order  to  form  a  new 
Association,  and  Ba^-ou  Pierre  church  recommended  as 
the  place  of  their  first  meeting. 

Several  churches,  east  of  Pearl  river,  upon  their 
petition,  were  also  dismissed  for  the  purpose  of  organ- 
izing still  another  new  Association,  and  Dilling's  Creek 
church  suggested  as  the  place  for  the  first  meeting. 

Since  the  last  meeting  Thomas  Mercer  has  died,  and 
the  Association  pays  a  fitting  tribute  to  his  memory. 
(Miss.  Bap.  Preachers,  pp.  492,  493). 

A  letter  of  correspondence  was  .sent  to  a  new  Asso- 
ciation, west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  in  Louisiana,  and 
as  messengers,  D.  Cooper  and  E.  Courtney.  It  is  wor- 
thy of  a  passing  note  that  this  old  mother  Association, 
the  Mississippi,  made  an"  appropriation  to  pay  the  ex- 
penses of  its  corresponding  messengers.  At  this  meet- 
ing we  find  in  the  Minutes:  "Salem,  iio  delegation," 


48  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Serious  troubles  arose  in  this  church  and  later  it  was 
torn  to  pieces  and  ceased  to  exist.  "Old  Salem,  the 
first  church,  presents  a  sad  and  melancholy  picture  to 
a  pious  heart.  After  it  had  enjoyed  about  fifteen  years 
of  prosperity,  and  about  1812  and  1813,  had  been 
favored  with  the  most  extensive  revival  known  in  the 
conntry  up  to  that  date,  differences  of  opinion  grew  up 
between  some  of  the  leading  members,  which  led  to  ill 
temper  and  angrv  words,  and  finally  were  brought  up 
in  the  monthl3'  conferences  of  the  church,  Avhere  they 
were  long  debated,  until  parties  were  formed,  and  the 
membership  was  agitated  from  centre  to  circumference. 
From  that  unnatural  and  un-Christian  feud  we  date 
the  decline  and  ultimate  downfall  of  the  first  Baptist 
church  in  Mississippi.  The  faithful  few  struggled  hard 
and  long  to  maintain  their  organization,  but  having 
no  more  revivals  to  recruit  their  numbers,  and  suffering 
diminution  constantly  from  deaths  and  removals,  they 
at  last  3'ielded  to  their  hapless  fate,  and  ceased  the 
bootless  strife.  About  twenty-five  cr  tliirt\^  ^-ears  ago 
[about  1835  or  1840]  the  woodwork  of  the  church 
edifice  was  accidentally  destro3'ed  by  fire,  since  which 
time  the  brick  walls  have  been  gradualh'  taken  away 
for  neighborhood  purposes,  until  now  nothing  remains 
to  designate  the  spot  to  the  passer-b\^  but  the  grave- 
yard, ^vhere  reposes  the  dust  of  some  of  the  best  of  our 
race.  *  *  *  But  the  fruits  of  old  Salem  are  not  all  lost. 
In  her  chivalrous  da^'s  she  sent  out  a  number  of  vigor- 
ous colonies,  which  3'et  live  and  prosper.''* 

In  1820,  October  14  to  17,  the  Association  met 
with  Zion  Hill  church,  Amite  count3\  S.  Marsh  was 
moderator,  and  E.  Andrews  was  clerk.  Visiting  min- 
isters   Balfour,    Smith,    Courtnev,    Morris,    Flower, 

*  Protestantism  in  Mississippi,  pp.57,  58. 


HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS.  49 

O'Ouin  and  Scarborough,  \vere  present  and  received  the 
courtesies  of  the  Association.  Messengers  were  receiv- 
ed from  the  Union,  Bigbee  and  Louisiana  Associations 
and  correspondence  was  returned.  Mention  is  made 
of  the  organization  of  Pearl  River  Association  by  the 
churches.  Pearl  River,  Mount  Nebo,  Half- Moon  Bluff,, 
Fair  River,  Dilling's  Creek,  Poplar  Springs,  Silver  Creek, 
Silver  Creek,  E.  P.,  New  Chapel,  BogueChitto,Antioch, 
Beulah,  Balo  Chitto  and  Friendship.  The  same  officers 
Avere  continued  in  the  Education  Society,  and  it  "w^as 
"earnestly  recommended  to  our  sister  Association,  that 
we  meet  annually,  133^  delegates  appointed,  in  one  gen- 
eral meeting,  for  the  purpose  of  corresponding,  and  of 
eliciting  the  energies  of  the  w^hole,  in  aid  of  the  mission- 
ary cause,  and  other  benevolent  and  evangelical  objects  : 
Also,  that  any  collections  made  from  individuals  or 
churches,  especially  for  the  Mission  or  Education  Soci- 
ety, be  transmitted  by  the  hands  of  their  delegates  re- 
spectively, to  the  funds  of  these  Societies  :  It  is  further 
recommended  that  this  general  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion be  held  at  the  time  and  place  of  the  meeting  of  the 
Mississippi  Missionary^  Societ^^  so  as  to  unite  and  con- 
centrate the  ^vhole  in  the  best  and  most  efficient  endeav- 
ors to  propagate  the  gospel  at  home  and  abroad."  D. 
Cooper,  S.  Marsh,  Howell  Wall  and  J.  A.  Ranaldson 
were  appointed  as  the  delegates  of  this  Association  to 
the  meeting  of  the  Missionary  Society,  in  the  following 
May  at  Zion  Hill  church. 


50  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER  III. 

MISSISSIPPI    ASSOCIATION     CONTINUED. 

The  Association  of  1S21  was  composed  of  delegates 
from  only  16  churches,  of  the  41  represented  the  previ- 
ous 3^ear.  The  going  out  of  churches  to  form  two  new 
Associations  in  one  A^ear  left  the  old  Mississippi  Associ- 
ation not  onh^  depleted,  but  also  discouraged.  In  the 
Circular  Letter  of  that  A-ear,  written  b3'  J.  A. 
Ranaldson,  the  lack  of  spiritual  power  was  lamented, 
and  was  the  subject  of  much  solicitude.  With  the  pros- 
perity' of  the  times,  covetousness  had  laid  a  pall  over 
the  languishing  churches.  The  increase  of  members  had 
been  small,  and  the  spiritual  pulse  was  sluggish.  It  is 
no  doubt  true  that  the  absence  of  many  that  were  ac- 
customed to  meet  in  their  annual  gatherings  and  the 
usual  cheerful  reports  of  some  of  the  churches  then  of 
the  Union  and  Pearl  River  Associations,  had  luuch  to 
do  in  giving  coloring  to  their  feelings.  This  solicitude 
for  the  state  of  the  churches  was  accompanied  b^^  an 
unusual  caution.  It  was  Resolved  in  the  meeting  of  the 
Association,  that  the  three  ministers  w^ho  Avere  to 
preach  on  the  Lord's  day  be  elected  by  ballot,  and  "a 
cautious  reserve"  AA'as  recommended  to  the  churches  as 
to  licensing  and  ordaining  ministers.  It  was  agreed  to 
have  the  Circular  Letter  of  the  A-ear  appear  in  their 
minutes  on  the  subject  of  "Close  Communion.'"  The 
Association  seems  to  have  been  making  an  honest  effort 
at  finding  its  available  resources,  and  keeping  a  minis  - 
try  and  membership  pure  in  spirit  and  doctrines. 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS,  51 

In  1822,  the  Association  met  with  the  Ebenezer 
church,  in  Amite  county,  near  which  church  the  remains 
of  Richard  Curtis  now  rest  in  an  unknown  grave. 
The  humanity  of  these  earh-  Baptists,  and  the  kindly 
spirit  they  had  for  their  slaves,  is  seen  in  an  effort  made 
by  them  to  have  a  law  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
repealed  which  abridged  the  religious  liberty  of  the  Af- 
rican churches  under  their  care.  D.  Cooper,  S.  Marsh, 
and  G.  A.  Irion  ^vere  appointed  to  place  a  memorial  be- 
fore the  next  Legislature  of  the  State  in  the  interest  of 
untrammeled  religious  privileges  of  the  colored  man  of 
our  commouAvealth.  This  fact  is  \vorthy  of  com- 
memoration. The  Baptists  before  the  Civil  War  were 
the  Negro's  best  friends.  Baptist  ministers  preached 
to  them  regularly,  and  Baptist  churches  \vere  so  built 
as  to  offer  to  them  equal  privileges  with  the  \vhites  in 
hearing  the  gospel. 

The  first  da^^  of  January  1823,  was,  by  the  Associ- 
ation, designated  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  pra^^er  for 
more  spiritual  power  in  the  churches  and  for  "the  uni- 
versal spread  of  the  gospel.""  What  loft^'  sentiments! 
Religious  liberty  for  all  men  irrespective  of  relation  or 
color  and  a  free  gospel  for  the  ^vide  wide  \vorld!  All 
praise  to  these  early  Baptists  of  the  old  Mississippi  As- 
sociation. 

The  Association  of  1823  was  convened  Oct.  20th,  at 
Mars  Hill  Church,  a  church  of  vigorous  membership,  ex- 
isting at  the  present  time.  The  old  mother  of  Associa- 
tions ^vas  filled  with  joy.  The  daughter,  the  Pearl 
River  Association,  in  the  hand  of  messengers,  sent  a 
letter  to  her,  and  that  other  daughter,  the  Union  Asso  - 
ciation,  gave  the  mother  similar  "complacency."  Some- 
thing like  a  mother's  smile  is  apparent  on  the  face  of 
the  minutes  of  the  Association.     It  was  agreed   "bv 


52  HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

general  vote"  that  the  Moderator,  D.  Cooper,  and 
the  tvv'O  messengers  from  the  Pearl  River  Associa- 
tion, D.  Collins  and  S.  King  should  preach  on  the 
Lord's  Day.  It  was  a  bright  sunny  da^^  the  con- 
gregation \vas  large  and  attentive,  and  mam^  became 
"the  happy  recipients  of  the  word  of  life. " "  A  blithe  and 
bonnie  day  had  come  to  the  struggling  Association  and 
God's  unseen  hand  let  fall  the  desired  favors. 

In  the  3^ears  1824- — 25,  there  ^vere  two  highh^  nota- 
ble occurrences  in  the  Association.  The  Galilee  church, 
"newly  constituted,"  was  received  into  the  Association 
inl825.  It  was  constituted  near  where  the  town  of  Glos- 
terisnow  located,  and  no\v  exists  as  one  of  the  church- 
es of  Gloster,  which  is  ministered  unto  by  J.  P.  Cul  - 
pepper.  The  other  incident  was  a  visit  made  to  the 
Association,  in  1825,  by  Xorvell  Robertson,  the  fath- 
er of  the  great  preacher  of  that  name.  His  coming 
was  as  the  gray  dawn  over  the  eastern  hills  \vhich  her- 
alds the  bright  sunlight  of  a  beautiful  daj'.  At  the  last 
named  meeting  of  the  Association  a  collection  was 
taken  of  $90.00  for  "missionary  purposes,"  which  w^as 
called  "that  pious  object."'  The  Association  was  to  the 
heart  missionary-  and  could  not  but  speak  of  missions 
in  the  tenderest  terms. 

Between  1825  and  1835  manj^  perplexing  questions 
were  discussed  at  the  meeting  of  the  Association.  In 
1826,  this  venerable  bodj'  took  a  positive  stand  on  the 
question  of  tippling.  It  was  recommended  that  the 
"churches  composing  this  body  discontinue  the  too 
common  use  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  luxur\%  which  we  be- 
lieve to  be  productive  of  much  evil. "  We  sometimes 
hear  people  speak  of  the  innocent  use  of  intoxicants 
seventy -five  years  ago,  professing  that  the  decanter, 
then  patronized  bj^  the  ministers,  gave  only  good  cheer. 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  53 

But  this  resolution  surely  gives  the  negative  to  such  a 
declaration.  Wine  has  been  deceptive  from  the  days  of 
Solomon,  and  was  as  truly  seductive  in  the  days  of  our 
fathers  as  now.  In  1827,  the  Association  spoke  of  the 
abuse  of  the  day  of  American  Independence,  the  hilarity 
and  sottish  clamor,  and  recommended  that  the  churches 
assemble  on  that  day  "at  their  respective  meeting 
houses  for  the  purpose  of  prayer,  praise  and  preaching.'' 

In  1830,  the  belief  championed  b^' Alexander  Camp- 
bell reached  its  long  fingers  from  its  spacious  hand  far 
down  into  our  sunny  State.  In  that  year,  the  Missis- 
sippi Association  passed  resolutions  that  spoke  of  "the 
mischievous  influence"  of  the  "writings  of  Alexander 
Campbell"'  and  spoke  of  the  troubles  in  Kentucky  where 
in  that  year  the  Mahoning  Association  had  been  "cut 
off  froin  the  fello\vship  of  the  Beaver  and  neighboring 
Associations.*"  In  1833,  it  was  resolved  that  the  Asso- 
ciation would  not  fellowship  an^-  church  that  "held  the 
doctrines  or  dogmas  held  b\'  the  Christian  Baptists, 
alms,  Campbellites." 

The  Association  had  to  bewail  the  presence  of  a 
worldly  spirit  that  had  been  engendered  b^-  political 
strife  and  commotion,  and  hj  that  strange  reversion  of 
feeling  that  goes  with  a  ^^asting  pestilence,  and  inclines 
people  to  a  forgetfulness  of  God  and  his  claim  upon 
them.  A  resolution  says  that  cholera  and  other  wast- 
ing pestilences  were  making  a  fearful  march  through 
the  country',  and  that  vice  and  dissipation  were  prev- 
alent. The  evils  that  ever  go  apace  wdth  the  steady 
onward  tread  of  American  progress,  h^-dra- headed,  be- 
gan to  show  their  horrid  forms,  and  sturdy  Christian 
manhood  took  on  the  armor  for  the  warfare. 

In  this  period,  the  Association  held  a  growing  ap- 
preciation of  missions.     In  1828,  it  was  on  motion: 


54  HISTORY    OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS. 

"Resolved  unanimously,^'  To  take  a  collection  on 
the  Lord's  da3^,  during  the  sitting  of  the  Association, 
for  Home  Missions,  which  was  done  under  the  direc  - 
tion  of  Ezra  Courtney,  and  amounted  to  $93,371/^. 
In  1835  it  was  agreed  to  turn  over  all  monej'-  for  mis- 
sions in  the  treasurer's  hands  to  the  treasurer  of  the 
Alissionarj^  Society,  which  amounted  to  $201.42%. 

The  leading  preachers  in  the  Association  at  that 
time  were  Ezra  Courtney  and  Charles  Felder.  Charles 
Felder  was  first  made  Aloderator  of  the  Mississippi  As- 
sociation in  1827.  He  Avas  re-elected  in  1828  and  "29 
and  was  again  moderator  in  1832:  and  in  1835,  the 
end  of  this  period,  he  is  once  more  elected  moderator 
and  filled  that  position  till  1840,  each  yearconsecutive- 
h'.  He  gave  24  ^-ears  of  his  life  to  work  in  the  Associa- 
tion. He  died  in  the  60th  year  of  his  age.  He  first  ap- 
peared as  a  delegate  from  the  East  Fork  church  in 
1819.  He  was  a  man  of  moving  eloquence,  and  easy 
access  to  the  people. 

Ezra  CourtncA'  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  He  was 
moderator  of  the  Association  from  1829 — '35.  After 
1836  an  unpleasantness  arose  between  him  and  the 
Hepzfbah  and  Ebenezer  churches,  and  he  was  after- 
guards excluded  from  the  Hepzibah  church,  but  taken 
into  the  membership  of  the  church  at  Jackson,  La. 
This  action  of  the  Jackson  church  created  much  dis  - 
turbance  in  the  Association,  but  in  1843  we  find  him  a- 
gain  enjo3nng  the  confidence  of  the  Association,  and 
Avas  chosen  to  preach  the  introductory'  sermon  before 
the  next  meeting  of  the  body.  But  far  advanced  in 
years,  he  was  not  again  active  in  the  Association,  and 
died  in  1855  in  the  84th  year  of  his  age. 

In  the  period  between  1835 — '45,  the  Association 
took  position  with  the  rapidty  organizing  forces  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS.  55 

Baptists  of  the  State.  The  Association  of  1836  was 
made  memorable  by  the  meeting  of  Ashley  Vaughan  and 
S.S.  Lattimore.  The  former  was  preachingin  Washing- 
ton, Adams  county,  the  latter  then  teaching  at  Society 
Ridge  in  Hinds  count3\  The  one  was  at  the  Associa- 
tion with  a  purpose  in  view,  which  should  enlist  the 
heart  and  energies  of  the  other.  Ashley  Vaughan,  "the 
father  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention"  was  pressing 
the  thought  of  the  need  of  the  Convention  in  uniting 
the  rapidly  increasing  number  of  Mississippi  Baptists  in 
one  great  and  useful  body;  and  S.S.  Lattimore  was  soon 
to  become  its  general  agent.  The  Association  readily 
passed  resolutions  recommending  the  adoption  of  some 
systematic  plan  for  uniting  the  efforts  of  the  Baptists 
of  the  State;  recommended  a  meeting  of  "delegates 
from  Associations,  Missionary  societies,  and  churches, 
also  individuals,  to  be  held  in  Washington  on  Friday 
before  the  4th  Sunday  in  December  next."  It  also  ex- 
pressed its  delight  that  Adoniram  Judson  had  "accom- 
plished the  entire  translation  of  the  Bible  in  the  Burman 
language,"  and  gave  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society  at  Philadelphia  the  approbation  of  the  body. 
S.  S.  Lattimore  \vas  second  on  the  list  of  four  v\rho 
preached  on  Sunday.  So  effectually  was  the  preaching 
done  that  at  the  conclusion  of  the  service,  many  kneel- 
ed before  the  stand  for  the  prayers  of  God's  people. 
Revivals  and  missionary  work  have  ever  gone  together 
since  the  days  of  the  Apostles. 

It  was  in  this  period  that  the  Association  intro  - 
duced  the  custom  of  putting  queries  before  the  body;  a 
custom  that  was  practiced  many  years.  It  was  often 
ver)"^  hurtful  to  the  cause,  as  a  querv^  w^ould  sometimes 
be  put  before  the  Association  as  an  indirect  insinuation 
against  some  member  of  the  body.    The  custom  could 


-S6  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

not  relieve  a  church  that  had  an  internal  dissension, 
nor  a  minister  who  might  feel  himself  ignored  by 
•churches.  In  1838,  Ezra  Courtney  Avent  before  the  As- 
-sociation  with  a  complaint  against  certain  churches, 
'^nd  the  Association  lost  no  time  in  expressing  the 
opinion  that  an  Association  had  no  po^Yer  to  interfere 
in  the  government  of  the  churches,  and  declared  that 
the  only  help  a  minister  and  a  sovereign  church  could 
get  was  from  an  advisory  council,  or  a  committee  got- 
ten from  other  churches,  which  could  do  no  more  than 
to  recommend  a  course  of  action. 

The  church  at  Liberty,  Amite  count^^  and  the 
church  at  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  were  received  into  the  As- 
sociation in  1838,  and  the  church  in  New  Orleans,  in 
1841.  In  184-2,  there  were  38  churches  in  the  Associa- 
tion but  that  year  several  churches  withdre\v  from  the 
Association  to  form  a  new  Association.  In  the  year 
1843,  Hepzibah,  Clinton,  Bethel,  Jerusalem,  Percy's 
Creek,  Fort  Adams,  and  Jordan  churches  were  dismissed 
to  organize  an  Association  on  the  Avestem  border  of 
the  old  ^Mississippi  Association.  Thus,  int^voA-earsthe 
Association  suffered  a  decrease  of  about  t\vent3"- three 
churches  by  the  formation  of  these  t^vo  Associations, 
the  Eastern  Louisiana  and  the  Mississippi  River.  The 
old  Mississippi  Association  \vas  then  the  mother  of  four 
promising  children,  and  had  besides  a  number  of  church- 
es that  had  been,  in  the  passing  years,  dismissed  to 
make  other  Associations  strong.  Yet,  the  Association 
was  still  renewing  its  youth.  In  1844,  it  received 
Bethany,  Alt.  Zion,  and  Bogue  Chitto  churches,  and 
three  other  churches  in  1846.  The  Association  v^-as 
constituted  of  live  churches  in  September  1806,  at  the 
old  Cole's  Creek  meeting  house,  but  did  not  print  its 
minutes.  In  1807,  the  churches  had  one  hundred  and  nine- 


HISTORY    OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  57 

tv-six  members,  in  1847,  they  had  1,103;  and  had  sent 
out  four  colonies  of  churches,  and  had  in  forty  years  re- 
ported 3,296  baptisms. 

Adoniram  Judson  died  April  12,  1850,  and  \vas 
buried  in  the  open  sea,  so  that  his  grave,  as  did  his 
great  heart,  touches  all  lands.  The  ne\vs  of  the -world's 
loss  was  brought  across  the  w^ater.  On  October  5, 
1850,  the  Mississippi  Association  met  ^vith  the  Zion 
Hill  church,  Amite  county.  The  ne^ws  of  the  death  of 
Judson  had  reached  our  State,  and  the  old  Association 
expressed  the  feeling  occasioned  by  the  melancholy 
event  by  passing  resolutions  covering  nearly  a  half 
page  of  the  minutes.  The  old  Associations  used  paper 
very  sparingh^  in  publishing  minutes.  They  had  no  re- 
ports on  missions  and  education,  and  only  now^  and 
then  short  resolutions  were  spread  on  their  minutes  on 
these  approved  benevolences.  We  find  no  reports  on 
the  minutes  of  the  Mississippi  Association  until  1853. 
But  the  death  of  Judson  called  forth  a  demonstration 
of  their  interest  in  the  conversion  of  all  people  to 
Christianitj'. 

The  record  of  1850  gives  a  brief  histor3^  of  the 
churches  then  in  the  Association.  In  this  abstract  it 
appears  that  the  New  Providence  was  constituted 
July  27,  1805,  with  twelve  members;  Ebenezer,  May  9, 
1806,  with  eleven  members;  East  Fork,  the  third  Sun- 
day in  September,  1810,  with  twelve  members;  Zion 
Hill,  June  11,  1811,  with  sixteen  members;  Hopewell, 
Oct.  20,  1813,  with  fourteen  members;  Mars  Hill,  first 
Sunday  in  June,  1815,  vsrith  nine  members;  Pierce's 
Creek,  October  13,  18i3;  and  Bogue  Chitto  in  1812. 
The  other  churches  of  the  Association  were  constituted 
between  1820  and  1847. 

In  ;the  fall  of  1850,  Mississippi  College  began  its 


58  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

first  session  as  a  Baptist  institution  of  learning.  In 
October  1851,  the  Mississippi  Association  made  men- 
tion of  the  fact  that  the  citizens  of  CHnton  had  tender- 
ed the  property  of  Mississippi  College  to  Baptists,  free 
of  cost;  and  recommended  the  College  to  the  patron- 
age and  support  of  the  denomination.  The  Associa- 
tion Avas  earh'  in  tendering  its  support  to  the  newdy 
organized  school  of  learning,  and  has  ever  been  one  of 
its  \varmest  friends. 

In  1853,  the  name  of  M.  S.  Shirk  first  appears  on 
the  minutes  of  the  Association.  He  mvrs  that  year 
one  of  the  tellers  of  the  election,  and  on  the  committee 
of  Arrangement  and  Revision.  He  had  just  established 
the  Amite  Female  Seminary  at  Liberty.  The  President 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees  that  year  memorialized  the 
Association,  asking  the  body  to  take  charge  of  the 
Institution.  The  memorial  was  responded  to  by  a 
committee  Avhich  reported  through  Zachariah  Reaves. 
The  committee  regarded  the  Seminarx'  "a  xvorthj^  and 
desirable  object,"  and  as  necessary  for  the  education  of 
the  girls  in  that  j^art  of  the  State;  and  it  was  Resolved 
that  the  bodx'  approve  the  object,  and  every  three  3'ears 
appoint  trustees  for  the  management  of  its  affairs. 

At  this  time  (1854)  the  Association  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  show  its  aversion  to  the  anti- missionary' 
spirit.  Rowland  Wilkinson  xvas  of  the  persuasion 
that  Baptists  had  departed  from  the  faith,  practices, 
and  usages  of  the  churches,  and,  for  the  sake  of  filthy 
lucre,  had  entangled  themselves  with  Conventions,  As- 
sociations and  Boards,  thus  infringing  on  the  inde- 
pendence of  the^  churches.  He  had  a  small  following. 
He  was  excluded  from  the  Zion  Hill  church.  The  Mt. 
Olive  church  held  him  as  pastor,  and  wrote  an  abusive 
letter  to  the  Association,  and  union  was  withdrawn 


HISTORY  OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS.  59 

from  the  Alt.  Olive  church  by  the  Association.  The  As- 
sociation had  the  courage  of  its  conviction,  and  an 
abiding  missionary  spirit. 

In  1855-56,  the  names  of  men  now  living  in  ripe 
old  age,  were  found  on  the  pages  of  the  Association's 
records.  George  F.  Webb  was  on  the  finance  commit- 
tee in  1855.  W.  Z.  Lea  was  one  of  a  committee  on  a 
trust  fund  in  1856.  They  are  both  at  this  time  living 
near  Liberty,  Amite  County,  with  a  long  and  useful 
life  behind  them. 

The  Association  gave  its  hearty  support  to 
all  the  denominational  State  newspapers.  Ashley 
Vaughan  began  the  publication  of  the  Southwestern 
Religious  Luminary  at  Washington,  Adams  Count3',in 
September,  1836.  The  Mississippi  Association  conven- 
ed with  the  Galilee  church,  October  15,  1836.  A  reso- 
lution was  adopted  at  that  meeting  of  the  Association, 
as  follows : 

''Resolved,  That  we  recommend  the  Southwestern 
Religious  Luminary,  edited  by  thcRev.Ashlej^  Vaughan 
of  Washington,  Miss.,  to  the  confidence  and  patronage 
of  the  churches  and  friends  of  religion  and  morality  in 
general,  it  being  a  paper  disseminating  the  doctrines  of 
the  gospel,  and  one  altogether  suited  to  the  pressing 
wants  of  our  denomination  in  the  South." 

The  Alississippi  Baptist  made  its  first  appearance 
in  1846.  In  the  minutes  of  the  Association  of  1848, 
this  resolution  appears : 

''Resolved,  That  the  superintendent  of  the  print- 
ing of  these  minutes  be  instructed  to  send  them  to  the 
Mississippi  Baptist  at  Jackson,  provided  that  one 
thousand  copies  can  be  had  for  four  dollars  per  page*' 

The  publication  of  the  Alississippi  Baptist  w^as  dis- 
continued in  April  1849,  but  resumed  in  1857.     On  page 


60  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS. 

nine  of  the  minutes  of  the  Association  of  1858,  after 
recommending  the  Tennessee  Baptist,  it  was  agreed 
that  "the  same  resolution  extend  to  the  Mississippi 
J5aptist  published  at  Jackson,  Miss."  The  prominent 
members  of  the  Association  were  devotedly  attached 
to  J.  R.  Graves,  and  gave  his  paper,  the  Tennessee 
Baptist,  their  unwavering  support  from  1858,  through 
the  years  it  had  a  Mississippi  department,  1859 — 1877, 
to  the  publication  of  the  Baptist  Record,  Feb.  1,  1877. 
In  1860,  the  Association  met  with  the  Friendship 
church  in  Pike  count\\  This  meetingof  the  Association 
^vas  memorable  for  manj^  reasons.  It  met  October  13, 
1860,  the  fall  of  the  year  Abraham  Lincoln  was  elected 
President  of  the  United  States.  It  was  a  most  exciting 
election,  and  the  political  issue  was  all  absorbing  when 
the  Association  was  in  session.  But  marvelous  w^ere 
the  reports  from  the  churches.  There  had  been  an  un- 
usual a\vakening  among  the  churches  of  the  Association 
that  year.  Five  hundred  and  fift\^  additions  to  the  church- 
es were  reported  to  the  Association  that  session  of  the 
body.  Fort  Adams  leading  with  fifty -tw^o  additions. 
L.  A.  Duncan  then  representing  The  Chronicle  at  New 
Orleans,  w^as  one  of  the  reading  clerks.  Z.  Reaves 
then  moderator  of  the  Association,  had  been  pastor  of 
the  Bogue  Chitto  church  t\venty- eight  years;  the  church 
reporting  twenty -four  additions  b^-  baptism  that  year. 
M.  S.  Shirk  was  pastor  of  the  New  Providence, 
Ebenezer  and  Galilee  churches.  Mars  Hill  church  Avant - 
ed  to  know  of  the  Association  if  it  is  according  to  the 
gospel  "  to  read  sermons  instead  of  preaching  them." 
Woodville  church  then  had  as  pastor  C.  S.  Mc  - 
Cloud.  H.  McKnight,  of  Libert^',  was  requested  to 
procure  free  passage  on  the  railroads  for  eight  dele- 
gates to  a  Sunday-  School  Convention  in  Louisville,  Ky. 


HISTORY    OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  61 

Such  a  request,  placed  before  a  railway'  official  of  today 
would  provoke  a  smile  on  his  face. 

During  the  four  years  following  1860,  the  years  of 
the  Civil  War,  the  Association  held  its  annual  meetings, 
but  wath  small  interest  by  reason  of  the  disturbed 
condition  of  our  land.  The  Summit  church  v^as  re- 
ceived into  the  Association  in  1862.  In  1863,  Z. 
Reaves  w-as  elected  moderator  for  the  seventeenth  time. 
A  collection  \vas  taken  that  year  b}--  J.  B.  Ham- 
berlin  for  "Army  Alissions''  which  amounted  to 
$216.50.  In  1864,  Peter  Turner  appeared  for  the 
first  time  in  the  Association  as  a  messenger  from 
the  Mississippi  River  Association.  J.  R.  Graves, 
then  pastor  at  Summit,  was  elected  moderator,  and  w^as 
re-elected  in  1865.  The  church  at  Summit  had  that 
year  seventy -eight  additions  hy  baptism  and  thirteen 
by  letter. 

Between  1865  and  1870,  few  things  of  interest 
transpired  in  the  Association.  In  1867,  C.  M. 
Gordon  appeared  in  the  Association  as  a  representative 
from  the  Union  Association.  Strong  churches  seemed 
then  to  be  on  the  decline.  The  period  of  reconstruction 
was  disastrous  to  spirituality  all  over  our  State,  and 
the  old  mother  of  Associations  was  not  exempted  from 
its  blighting  effects.  The  strong  men  in  the  Associa- 
tion in  those  daj^s  -were  Shirk,  Otken,  Reaves,  Buftkin, 
A.  J,  Everett,  Van  Norman,  Longmire,  Lea,  S.  Jackson, 
Webb,  and  McDonald. 

In  the  decade  from  1870  to  1880,  the  work  of  the 
Asisociation  was  clothed  with  much  interest.  In  1870, 
S.  Bufflvin  was  at  the  height  of  his  usefulness. 
His  churches  showed  marvelous  growth  in  numbers 
and  he  was  much  honored  in  the  meetings  of  the  Asso  - 
ciation.      Zachariah    Reaves    was     far     advanced    in 


62  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

life,  with  onh'  a  short  period  before  him,  but  freighted 
with  zeal  forthepromotionof  the  interests  of  his  people. 
Chas.  H.  Otken,  scholarly  and  courteous,  \vas  highh' 
respected  for  his  views  on  all  questions  that  called  for 
thought  and  investigation. 

In  1870,  the  Association  had  a  '*Missionar\^  and 
Benevolent  Fund  '"  of  which  W.  Z.  Lea  \vas 
treasurer  pro  tern  in  the  place  of  E.  B.  McLain, 
W.  W.  Bolls  Avas  the  Associational  Alissionary. 
His  report  to  the  Executive  Committee,  of  which 
Moses  Jackson  Avas  chairman,  showed  that  he  had  done 
most  acceptable  Avork.  From  January"  to  October  he 
preached  one  hundred  and  thirteen  sermons,  baptized 
twenty  -  one,  and  organized  four  Sunday  schools:  besides 
enspiriting  the  churches  to  which  he  ministered.  The  sum 
of  $877. 00  Avas  contributed  in  that  yearto the  Alission- 
ary and  Benevolent  fund. 

The  Association  of  1871  Avas  held  with  the  Galilee 
church,  Amite  county-,  in  consequence  of  a  report  that 
yelloAv  fever  Avas  in  Fort  Adams,  the  place  chosen  by  the 
Association  ^  A^ear  before  for  the  meeting  of  the  bod3^ 
W.  W.  Bolls  Avas  chosen  moderator.  We  find  that 
James  Nelson  and  D.  I.  Purser  were  that  3'ear  in  at- 
tendance upon  the  meeting  of  the  Association.  The 
Wall  Street  church  of  Natchez  was  received  into  the  As- 
sociation after  an  examination  of  the  Articles  of  Faith 
of  the  church. 

This  meeting  of  the  Association  was  saddened  by 
the  bodily  absence  of  Zachariah  Reaves,  Avho,  for' 
twenty -threes-ears  Avith  the  exception  of  onh' one  A'car, 
had  been  moderator.  He  Avas  on  motion  excused  from 
further  attendance  on  the  Association  as  a  delegate, 
but  AA-as  appointed  as  a  messenger  to  Strong  RiA-er 
Association.      Zachariah  ReaA-es  AA-as  unquestionably 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  63 

a  man  of  great  power.  The  levity  of  his  youth  gave 
place  to  serious  manhood.  He  was  about  six  feet  high, 
well  built,  weighing  about  one  hundred  and  eighth- 
pounds.  His  eyes  were  blue  and  large  and  his  hair 
light.  He  went  clean  shaven,  and  was  quite  bald.  He 
was  doctrinal  in  his  preaching,  and  very  earnest  and 
emphatic  in  his  delivery.  He  preached  all  the  time,  i.e. 
his  talk  w^as  on  gospel  themes.  He  came  to  Mississippi 
in  1811,  which  shows  that  he  lived  in  our  State 
sixty  years.  He  died  in  the  home  of  a  friend  on  the 
23rd  of  Juh%  1871,  full  of  \-ears,  and  great  in  deeds. 

Two  men  became  prominent  in  the  Association  in 
1873,  who  w^ere  to  be  memorable  among  Missis- 
sippi Baptists,  J.  R.  Saraiple,  of  Summit,  and  B. 
Pendleton  of  Natchez.  The  report  on  Obituaries  shows 
that  during  that  associational  year  James  W.  Felder  of 
East  Fork  church  passed  away.  He  had  spent  years 
of  usefidness,  and  \\'as  tnie  and  tried.  S.  Buftkin 
was  moderator  of  the  Association,  H.  H.  Ratcliff  clerk, 
and  J.  R.  Sample  treavSurer. 

From  1873  to  1878  the  Association  Avas  active  and 
progressive.  We  find  it  falling  in  line  with  other  Asso- 
ciations in  State  Missions  and  Ministerial  Education, 
and  property  adjusting  itself  to  the  new  vState  of  affairs 
among  Mississippi  Baptists. 

The  minutes  of  1878  give  a  notice  of  the  death 
of  S.  Buftkin,  who  died  in  the  prime  of  his  manhood, 
in  the  fort}' -sixth  year  of  his  age.  He  ^vas  for  many 
3-ears  moderator  of  the  Association.  We  are  told  that 
he  had  black  hair  and  ej^es,  and  an  impressive  face.  He 
Vi^as  six  feet  and  three  inches  tall,  and  had  a  command- 
ing appearance.  He  was  positive  and  earnest  in  his 
preaching,  producing  conviction  in  the  minds  of  his 
hearers.    He  died  Dec.  20,  1877,  and  was  buried  at  Un- 


64  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS. 

ion  church  in  FrankHn  county.  It  is  said  that  he  was 
"a  working  missionary  Baptist.-'  Few  men  have  ac- 
compHshed  more  than  did  he  in  a  ministry-  of  sixteen 
years. 

In  1880  the  Association  ^vas  composed  of  tAventj'-- 
six  churches,  having  a  total  of  2,255  members.  These 
churches  were  in  Adams,  Wilkinson,  Franklin,  Pike  and 
Amite  counties.  One  hundred  and  thirty' -  nine  baptisms 
were  reported  in  the  church  letters.  The  prominent 
pastors  in  the  Association  were  S.  H.  Thompson,  W. 
W.  Bolls,  Jas.  Buckles,  Jas.  Newman,  E.  W.  Spencer,  L. 
S.  Piker,  and  Thos.  Lansdale.  An  effort  was  made  that 
3"ear  to  have  the  minutes  of  the  Association  to  that 
date  published  in  book  form,  as  they  had  been  by 
T.  M.  Bond  to  1847,  which  preserved  copies  of  the  min- 
utes that  would  have  been  otherwise  lost.  Lea  Fe- 
male College,  under  the  presidency'  of  Charles 
H.  Otken,  was  at  the  time  prosperous  and  of  untold 
advantage  to  the  young  womanhood  of  the  southern 
part   of  the  State. 

The  minutes  of  the  Association  of  1881  make  fre- 
quent mention  of  J.  B.  Gambrell,  D.  I.  Purser,  W,  H. 
Tucker,  J.  R.  Sample,  L.S.  PikerandC.  H.  Otken.  Ares- 
olutionwas  passed  b^-^  the  body  that  the  churches  be  re- 
quested after  that  time  to  send  no  delegates  to  the  As  - 
sociation  that  would  not  remain,  until  the  Association 
adjourned. 

The  Association  of  1882  was  organized  by  electing 
W.  W.  Bolls,  moderator,  E.  W.  Spencer,  clerk,  and  W.  Z. 
Lea,  treasurer.  The  Executive  Board  was  composed  of 
Geo.  F.  Webb,  W.  Z.  Lea,  W.  F.  Love,  T.  J.  Cole  and  R. 
J.  Causey. 

S.    M.    Provence    was    then    pastor    at  Natchez 
Secretarj^  T.  J.  Walne  was  a  welcome  visitor  at  the  As- 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  65 

sociation.  In  1883,  the  Association  gave  $881.00  to 
State  Missions,  and  showed  that  it  was  struggHng 
with  the  whisky  question  in  a  most  commendable 
way. 

In  1884,  the  Association  met  with  the  New  Provi  - 
dence  church,  one  of  the  oldest  churches  of  the  Associa- 
tion. M.  C.  Cole,  then  pastor  of  the  First  Church 
of  New  Orleans,  was  present;  and  H.  Woodsmall  of  At- 
lanta, Ga.,  representing  the  Home  Mission  work  of  the 
Northern  Anniversaries.  O.  L.  Parker,  lithe  and  tall, 
was  a  prominent  figure  in  the  Association.  Pledges 
were  taken  for  the  temporary  support  of  Mississip- 
pi College  by  Z.  T.  Leavell,  pastor  at  Natchez,  a- 
mounting  to  $330.00  G.  B.  Rogers,  now  of  Texas, 
w^as  clerk  of  the  Association. 

In  1885  and  1886,  the  Association  was  quite  active. 
Letters  of  dismission  were  granted  to  the  Woodville, 
Union,  Providence,  Fort  Adams,  Pierce's  Creek,  Pioneer, 
Natchez  and  Dry  Fork  Union  churches  to  form  the 
Carey  Association.  Once  more  the  bee  hive  swarmed. 
The  perplexing  question  of  divorce  was  agitating  the 
Association  at  this  time.  W.  W.  Bolls  had  per- 
formed the  rite  of  matrimony  for  a  desiring  couple,  one 
of  v^hom  w^as  in  a  state  of  divorce.  This  v^as  the  cause 
of  the  trouble.  The  old  Association  stood  firm  for  a 
sufficient  cause  for  divorce  before  a  second  marriage, 
and  W.  W.  Bolls  placed  himself  in  harmony  w^ith  the 
body. 

A  general  Sundaj^  School  Convention  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Association  was  held  at  Mt.  Zion  church,  Septem- 
ber 28,  1889,  composed  of  representatives  of  nine 
churches  of  the  Association.  The  design  of  the  Conven- 
tion was  to  stir  up  a  greater  interest  in  the  churches  as 
to  Sunday  School  w^ork,  and  seemed  to  have  a  salutary 


66  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

effect  on  the  churches  that  were  represented.  A  like 
convention  met  at  East  Fork  church  June  27,  1890;  S. 
T.  Van  Norman  was  elected  president  and  P.  L.  Mar- 
salis,  Secretary. 

In  1890,  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Association  w^as 
composed  of  twenty -five  churches  w^ith  a  membership 
of  2,616.  Since  the  organization  of  the  "mother  Asso- 
ciation," churches  had  gone  out  to  form  five  other  As- 
sociations. The  old  Association  w^as  still  strong  in 
numbers  and  happA^  in  benevolences.  The  total  contri- 
butions of  the  churches  in  1890  were  $5,382.85. 

From  1890  to  1895,  inclusive,  the  Moderators  of 
the  Association  were  R.  J.  Stewart  from  1891  to  1894 
inclusive,  and  J.  P.  Hemby  in  1895.  The  clerks  were 
J.  P.  Hemby  in  1891  and  1892;  P.  L.  Marsalis  from 
1893  to  1895.  The  treasurers  were  W.  P.  Gardner 
in  1891;  S.  R.  Quinn  from  1892  to  1894;  and  T.  J. 
Hewett  in  1895. 

The  Association  met  in  1 891  with  the  old  Galilee 
church.  Two  churches  w^ere  received  into  the  union 
that  3'ear,  Mt.  Olive  and  Mt.  Pleasant.  The  Executive 
Board  lamented  the  apathy  of  the  churches  "in  the 
great  work  of  missions."' 

The  plan  of  having  ministerial  institutes  through 
the  State,  then  so  warmly  advocated  Ida"  J.  B. 
Gambrell,  was  heartily  endorsed  by  the  body.  These 
institutes  were  held  for  the  benefit  of  ministers  \vho 
could  not  avail  themselves  of  a  thorough  theological 
training. 

The  Association  \vas  not  without  interest  in  the  ques- 
tion of  "College  Removal,''  then  so  completed  engaging 
the  attention  of  Mississippi  Baptists.  On  the  subject, 
the  following  resolution  was  adopted  : 

**  Resolved,    That  in  our  opinion  the  removal  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  67 

Mississippi  College  would  be  unwise,  and  we  request 
that  it  remain  at  Clinton,  Miss.'" 

The  Association,  in  1891,  was  trj-ing  the  effect  of 
w^ar  paint  on  its  countenance.  It  seems  that  it  rather 
liked  it;  or,  the  wearing  of  the  roseate  hue  was  a  ne- 
cessity for  a  number  of  years.  The  South  Mississippi 
Fair  Association  claimed  the  displeasure  of  the  old  organ- 
ization because  of  certain  evils  connected  wnth  the  Fair. 
It  was  thought  that  "ministers  of  the  gospel  are  en- 
couraging such  gambling  fairs  by  owning  stock  or 
shares  in  them."  The  members  of  their  churches  were 
being  led  astray  by  the  seductive  influences  of  the  Fair, 
and  the  old  mother  showed  a  sense  of  pain  because  of 
the  reprobac^'  of  her  children.  It  was  adjudged  that 
gambling  at  fairs,  or  elsewhere,  was  an  evil,  and  if 
churches  were  tolerating  gambling  members,  it  was  the 
duty  of  the  Association  to  withdraw  from  them. 

The  Association  also  passed  preamble  and  resolu- 
tion condemning  the  Louisiana  State  Lottery  as  a 
swindle,  and  "an  evil  that  seeks  to  invade  and  corrupt 
all  society,  religion  and  good  order.  "  The  monster  evil 
vc'as  located  near  them,  and  its  baleful  effect  upon  the 
3'oung  and  grasping,  too  apparent  to  be  overlooked. 

The  session  of  1892  was  held  with  the  McComb 
City  church,  beginning  October  7,  1892.  Upon  petition, 
the  Arlington  church  was  received  into  the  body. 

The  plan  of  work  adopted  in  1890  was  not  proving 
satisfactor3^  It  was  declared  "unwieldy'  and  too  com- 
plicated for  the  amouiit  of  good  resulting  therefrom." 
It  was  recommended  that  the  old  plan  be  adopted  of 
appointing  an  Executive  Committee  of  seven  members 
instead  of  the  new,  which  was  the  dividing  of  their  ter- 
ritory into  three  districts,  in  each  of  which  was  a  sub- 
ordinate Executive  Board.    Baptists  are  slowtorecog. 


68  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

nize  and  adopt  a  plan  that  has  manj-  wheels  in  it. 
ThcA'  do  not  take  to  any  system  of  wheels  that  does 
not  make  the  local  church  the  hub. 

In  1893,  the  presence  of  M.  T.  Martin  in  the 
Association  was  a  prominent  feature  of  the  bod3'.  He 
Avas  requested  to  preach  the  "mission  sermon"  on  Sun- 
day. The  following  comment  w^as  made  by  the  clerk  of 
the  Association  upon  the  effect  of  his  sennon:  *'Im- 
mediateh"  after  the  sermon  forty  persons  came  forward, 
and  said  that  they  then  had  peace  with  God,  and  full 
assurance  for  the  first  time.  A  collection  was  taken  in 
cash  to  the  amount  of  $4-8.20. " 

M.  T.  Martin  was  requested  to  give  all  the  time 
possible  to  evangelistic  Avork  within  the  bounds  of  the 
Association,  and  look  to  the  churches  for  pa\'.  In  1894, 
he  reported  that  at  the  expense  of  Galilee  church  he  had 
given  one  month  to  organizing  the  mission  work  in 
Wilkinson  county.  In  co-operation  with  E.  T.  Smith, 
missionary  of  the  Convention  Board,  he  had  seen  four 
churches  revived,  and  nineteen  persons  baptized.  He 
gave  one  month  to  the  regTilar  \vork  Avished  of  him,  in 
which  time  he  baptized  sixteen  persons.  He  also  bap- 
tized sixt3'  in  his  regular  pastoral  work. 

It  was  in  1895,  at  the  meeting  of  the  bod^^  at  Sar- 
epta  church,  that  war  paint  \vas  most  clearh^  observ^a - 
ble.  On  the  second  daA'  of  the  meeting,  the  clash  of 
arms  was  heard.  Preambles  and  resolution  were  offer- 
ed as  to  "Rebaptism.  "  As  historical  matter,  the  pre- 
ambles and  resolution  Avill  be  given : 

"Whereas,  It  has  come  to  the  knowledge  of  this 
Association,  that  Rebaptism  is  practiced  by  the  Galilee 
Baptist  church  to  an  unlimited  extent,  unwarranted  by 
the  Scriptures,  and 

Whereas,  There  is  no  diminishing  in  this  heres^^ 
within  our  bounds,  therefore  be  it 


HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  69 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  enter  her  solemn 
protest  against  any  further  practice  of  this  heresy 
within  our  bounds,  and  we  solemnly  declare  our  non- 
fellowship  for  it.'' 

The  prominent  pastors  of  churches  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  1895  were,  Thos.  Lansdale,  T.  C.  Schilling,  J. 
H.  Lane,  M.  T.  Martin,  R.  J.  Stewart,  S.  W.  Sibley,  W. 
P.  Price,  E.  Gardner,  J.  A.  Scarborough  and  J.  R.  Bay- 
ham.  There  w^ere  then  thirty -one  churches  in  the  or- 
ganization with  a  total  membership  of  3,042. 

The  moderators  of  the  Association  from  1895  to 
1900  Iwere  E.  A.  Bates  from  1896  to  1899,  and  J.  H. 
Lane  in  1900.  The  clerks  were  T.  C.  Schilling  in 
1896;  E.  Gardner  from  1897  to  1900.  The  treasurers 
were  T.J.  Hewett  from  1896  to  1898  inclusive;  S.  B. 
Robinson  in  1899;  and  W.  H.  Causey  in  1900. 

In  1896,  the  Association  had  a  number  of  promi- 
nent visitors.  Among  whom  were,  A.  V.  Rowe  of  the 
Convention  Board,  J.  A.  Hackett,  editor  of  the  Baptist 
Record,  H.  P.  Hurt  of  the  Baptist  Layman,  and  W.R. 
Walker. 

In  the  organization  of  the  body  there  was  some 
sharp  shooting  as  to  whether  a  member  of  one  of  the 
churches  of  the  body,  w^ho  was  not  a  delegate  to  the  As- 
sociation, w^as  eligible  to  election  as  moderator.  But 
the  battle  did  not  begin  until  late  Saturday  afternoon. 
J.  H.  Lane  presented  resolutions  on  the  doctrinal  view^s 
and  teachings  of  M.  T.  Martin,  v^^hich  w^ere  discussed 
by  M.  T.  Martin  and  T.  C.  Schilling  to  the  hour  of  ad- 
journment. 

On  Monday  morning  the  resolutions  ^vere  laid  on 
the  table  as  out  of  the  purview  of  the  authority  of  the 
Association.  Then  J.  R.  Sample  offered  preamble  and 
resolution  on  "Martinism,"  in  which  he  recognized  the 


70  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS, 

"discord  and  division, "'  caused  by  the  controversy  as 
to  the  doctrinal  views  of  M.  T.  Martin,  and  suggested 
that  M.  T.  Martin  be  allowed  by  the  editor  of  the 
Baptist  Record  to  give  his  position  on  mooted  ques- 
tions in  that  paper,  "that  our  denomination  may  be 
enabled  to  more  correctly  understand  his  doctrinal 
teachings. " 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  select  "a  man  of 
our  faith"  to  hold  a  discussion  with  M.  T.  Martin  on 
his  doctrinal  views,  which  chose  R.  A.  Venable,  of  Me- 
ridian, but  nothing  came  of  it. 

In  1896,  the  issue  between  the  members  of  the  body 
was  still  pending.  The  following  preamble  and  reso- 
lution were  adopted : 

"Whereas,  Zion  Hill  church  has  published  resolu- 
tions endorsing  AI.  T.  Martin  in  full  as  a  Baptist 
preacher;  and,  as  his  teachings  bring  destruction  to 
the  peace  of  Zion,  and  are  out  of  line  with  regular  Bap- 
tist teachings. 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  withdraw  the 
hand  of  fellow^ship  from  said  church  and  its  pastor.  " 
Upon  resolution,  the  churches  were  "earnestly  and  af- 
fectionateW  "'  urged  "not  to  recognize  him  as  a  Baptist 
preacher.  '*' 

After  the  passing  of  the  cyclone  there  is  stillness, 
but  calm  over  fallen  trunks  of  trees  and  devastated 
homes.  Time  must  be  given  to  clearing  awa^^  the  fall- 
en timber,  and  the  rebuilding  of  houses.  In  the  old 
Mississippi  Association,  little  of  interest  was  manifest 
from  1897  to  the  close  of  the  century.  In  1900  there 
were  twenty- -two  churches  in  the  body  against  thirty - 
one  in  1895.  These  twenty- -two  churches  had,  in  1900, 
2,208  members  against  a  total  membership  of  the 
churches  of  1895  of  3,042. 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  71- 

The  grand  old  "mother  of  Associations  "  has  main- 
tained a  worth^^  record  for  nearly  one  hundred  years; 
and  is  today  full  of  hope  and  promise.  The  Associa- 
tion has  weathered  every  storm,  and  yet  plows 
the  w^aters  vv^ithout  leak  or  injury  from  rolling 
\^aYes.  May  the  good  Lord  preserve  the  grand  old 
body  of  noble  men  and  v^omen  for  many  years  to  come 


72  f         HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

UNION  ASSOCIATION. 

in  the  minutes  of  the  old  Mississippi  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation of  1819,  we  find  this  paragraph  : 

"The  petition  of  eight  churches,  north  of  the  Ho- 
mochitto  river,  praying  for  a  division  of  the  Associa  - 
tion,  and  dismission  to  form  an  Association  of  all  the 
churches  that  may  choose  to  join  with  them,  north  of 
said  river,  was  read  and  considered,  and,  on  the  vote 
being  taken,  it  was  carried  unanimously  in  favor  of  the 
praj^er  of  the  petitioners;  and  recommended  that  the 
first  Association  of  said  churches  be  held  at  Ba^'ou 
Pierre  church,  to  commence  on  Saturday  before  the  first 
Lord's  day  in  September  next. '" 

The  eight  churches  spoken  of  in  the  above  excerpt 
were  Salem,  Morgan's  Fork,  Baj^ou  Pierre,  Sarepta, 
Clear  Creek  (Washington),  Hopewell,  Friendship,  and 
Natchez.  The  Salem  church  was  the  oldest  of  these, 
being  constituted  in  October  1791.  The  next  in  age 
was  the  Ba^-ou  Pierre  church,  \vhich  was  organized  in 
1798.  The  Salem  church  heard  the  petition  of  some  of 
its  members  to  establish  a  church  "  on  the  Fork  of  Ba^-- 
ou  Pierre,  "  and  because  of  the  distance  these  members 
had  to  go  to  reach  old  Salem,  the  church  thought  the 
organization  expedient.  Consequent^  Richard  Curtis, 
William  Thomson,  John  Stamplej^  Benjamin  Curtis, 
Jacob  Stampley,  Joseph  Perkins,  and  William  Thomas, 
were  appointed  to   assist  in  the  constitution  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  73 

church.  The  church  was  organized  in  the  house  of 
Thomas  Hubbards. 

The  new  Association,  which  was  called  the  Union 
Association,  was  organized  at  the  old  Bayou  Pierre 
church,  on  Saturday  before  the  third  Lord's  day  in  Sep- 
tember, 1820.  The  Salem,  Sarepta,  and  Fellowship 
churches  were  in  Jefferson  county;  the  Bayou  Pierre 
church  in  Claiborne  county;  the  Clear  Creek,  and  Natch- 
ez churches  in  Adams  county,  and  Morgan's  Fork,  and 
Hopewell  in  Franklin  county.  It  is  apparent  that  the 
territory  of  the  new  Association  was  to  be  Adams,  Jef- 
ferson, and  Claiborne  counties,  and  the  part  of  Franklin 
county,  north  of  the  Homochitto  river. 

The  Union  Association  was  formed  in  a  desirable 
part  of  the  new  State.  The  lands  were  productive,  the 
climate  temperate,  andthe  air  salubrious.  The  w^estern 
part  of  its  territory  was  of  the  bluff  formation.  The 
land  is  ver\^  undulating,  rising  at  places  to  250  feet  a- 
bove  the  low  water  mark  of  the  Mississippi  river,  to 
^'hich  it  is  contiguous.  The  soil,  a  gray  loam,  is  not 
easih'  fretted  by  gullies,  and  is  quite  fertile.  The  trees 
in  the  virgin  forests  are  tall  and  erect,  and  straight 
grained.  The  eastern  part  of  its  territory  is  the  ex- 
treme western  part  of  the  long  leaf  pine  region,  and  is 
threaded  with  rivers  and  creeks. 

It  is  a  matter  of  much  regret  to  the  writer,  and 
doubtless  to  others,  that  so  much  of  the  earh'  history 
of  the  Union  Association  has  been  lost.  There  is  no 
complete  file  of  the  minutes  of  this  Association  extant. 
The  historian  has  used  his  utmost  research,  and  has 
spared  no  thought,  time  or  pains  in  gathering  material 
to  bridge  over  the  gaps  made  by  the  loss  of  direct  infor- 
mation as  to  the  early  ^^orkings  of  this  body. 

From  1820  to  1825,  the  strong  men  in  the  Union 


74  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

Association  were  D.  McCall,  L.  Scarborough,  John 
Burch,  EHsha  Flowers,  and  Nathaniel  Perkins.  In  1822, 
D.  McCall,  and  L.  Scarborough  represented  the  Union 
Association  in  the  meetings  of  the  Mississippi,  and  Pearl 
River  Associations.  In  1823  John  Burch,  Nathaniel 
Perkins,  and  Elisha  Flowers  were  messengers  to  those 
two  bodies. 

Daniel  AlcCall  was  a  well  educated  man  and  deeply 
pious.  He  came  to  Mississippi  as  a  missionary  about 
1 820,  accompanied  by  his  highly  accomplished  wife. 
He  established  a  school  of  high  grade  about  three  miles 
south  of  where  Port  Gibson  now  stands.  His  health 
began  to  decline  soon  after  the  death  of  his  wife  (May 
1823),  and  he  started  back  north  with  his  two  mother- 
less boys,  and  then  his  career  in  Mississippi  ended.  He 
was  a  ver\^  correct,  and  useful  man. 

Lawrence  Scarborough,  sa\^s  one  historian,  "was 
plain  in  person,  manners,  and  style  of  preaching.  He 
was  given  to  'the  heavenly  tune, '  in  his  delivery  of  ser- 
mons, but  ^vas  an  exceedingh'  useful  man  for  many 
years." 

Nathaniel  Perkins  was  at  Natchez,  and  was  a  co-la- 
borer with  John  Richards,  in  whose  house,  on  Jefferson 
street,  in  Natchez,  the  first  Baptist  church  of  that  city 
was  constituted.  Nathaniel  Perkins  v^-as  clerk  of  the 
Union  Association  in  1825,  for  v^^hich  he  received  ten 
dollars.  He  appears  to  have  been  ver\'  well  educated 
and  a  courteous  gentleman. 

John  Burch  was  of  Franklin  county.  He  is  said  to 
have  been  a  preacher  of  great  power,  especially' on  great 
occasions.  He  was  eminently  successful  in  revival  ef- 
forts, and  specially  gifted  in  closing  the  Sunday  services 
at  an  Association. 

In  1823,  the  Union  Association  was  memorable  for 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  75 

the  passing  of  two  important  resolutions.  The  first 
resolution  referred  to  the  formation  of  a  Baptist  State 
Convention.  The  Mississippi  Association,  in  that  year, 
expressed  its  unanimous  concurrence  in  the  resolutions 
passed  by  the  Pearl  River,  and  Union  Associations  in 
their  last  meetings  on  the  subject.  The  first  Baptist 
State  Convention  was  to  meet  with  the  Bogue  Chitto 
church.  The  second  resolution  ^vas  on  fasting  and 
prayer  for  greater  prosperity  of  the  w^ork  of  the  church- 
es.    The  da}'  of  fasting  was  to  be  January  1,  1824. 

In  1825,  the  Union  Association  was  "held at  Salem 
meeting  house,  Jefferson  county. "  There  were  then 
twenty  -  two  churches  in  the  Union,  one  of  which  was  an 
African  church.  The  churches  had  a  total  membership 
of  635  members.  Forty-seven  were  baptized  in  the  As- 
sociational  year,  and  forty-four  received  by  letter;  four- 
teen had  been  excommunicated;  seven  restored  and  ten 
had  died.  We  find  that  the  African  church  excelled  the 
other  churches  in  membership,  having  115  in fello\vship. 
The  old  Salem  church  had  a  membership  of  fortj-  -  one, 
the  Clear  Creek  church  numbering  forty -seven.  At 
that  meeting  of  the  body  they  received  into  membership 
the  Hepzibah  church,  Copiah  county,  Bahala  church, 
Law^rence  county,  the  Mt.  Zion  church,  Copiah  county, 
and  the  Union  church,  Hinds  count}'.  The  Mt.  Zion 
church  was  represented  by  Lott  Smith,  and  the  Union 
by  J.  W.  N.  A.  Smith.  At  that  time  the  Union  Associa- 
tion corresponded  with  the  Mississippi,  the  Pearl  River, 
and  the  Louisiana  Associations. 

The  Union  Association  was  in  hearty  sjanpathy 
with  the  work  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention.  The 
meeting  of  the  Convention,  in  1825,  was  to  be  with  the 
Pearl  River  church,  at  Monticello,  beginning  Friday  be- 
fore the  second  Sunday  in  November.     The  delegates 


76  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

from  the  Association  to  the  Convention  were  E.  Estes, 
H.  Baldwin,  D.  Griffin,  Ehsha  Flowers,  J.  Bailey,  Joel 
Selman,  and  J,  Burch.  The  surplus  funds  ofthe  Associa- 
tion were  turned  over  to  the  treasurer  ofthe  Convention 
for  Domestic  Missions. 

There  were  two  actions  of  the  Association  in  1825 
that  deserve  special  attention.  One  was  embraced  in  a 
resolution,  agreeing  that  the  Association  would  dispense 
-with  the  usual  pradlice  of  administering  the  Lord's 
Supper  at  the  meetings  of  the  body.  This  was  a  cus- 
tom long  practiced  at  the  meetings  of  our  general  bodies. 
In  1872,  the  writer  remembers,  the  church  at  Meridian 
observed  this  ordinance,  during  the  sitting  ofthe  Bap- 
tist State  Convention.  The  ordinance  ^vas  observed  by 
the  church,  and  the  courtesies  of  the  church  shown  to 
visiting  Baptists.  The  other  action  referred  to  was  a 
response  to  a  letter  from  some  BajDtists  in  Yazoo  coun- 
ty, cashing  advice  as  to  church  relations.  The  Associa- 
tion recommended  that  they  attach  themselves  to  some 
church  near  their  residence,  instead  of  forming  a  new 
church  Avithafew  members.  Yazoo  county  was  formed 
two  years  before  this  date.  But  what  condition  of  af- 
fairs caused  an  embassy-  to  be  sent  so  far  a\vay  to  the 
Union  Association,  and  to  Avhat  church  near  them  could 
the}'  attach  themselves? 

The  Association  of  1826  met  with  Enon  church, 
Franklin  count}',  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Lord's 
day  in  October.  David  Cooper  was  appointed  to  preach 
the  introductoiw  sermon,  and,  "incase  of  failure,"  Levi 
Thompson.  Elliot  Estes  was  appointed  to  write  the 
pastoral  letter  for  that  meeting  of  the  body.  Li  1827, 
and  1828,  David  Cooper  and  Silas  Marsh  were  sent  by 
the^Union  Association  as  messengers  to  the  Mississippi 
Association.     The  meetina:  of  the  Association  in  1827 


HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  77 

w^as  held  with  the  Fellowship  church,  on  Saturday  be- 
fore the  first  Sundaj^  in  October.  The  old  Salem  church 
sent  as  delegates  to  that  meeting  of  the  body,  B.  Dard- 
en,  and  Elias  Hibbard. 

In  1829,  the  old  Salem  church  was  enlarged  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  "black  people. "'  It  is  said  that 
a  "shed"  was  built  to  "the  meeting  house.  "  In  anoth- 
er place  it  is  called  "a  room.  "  This  was  the  early  way 
of  preparing  a  place  for  the  blacks  to  worship  ^dth  the 
whites.  At  one  side  of  the  church  building  -was  an  ad- 
dition covered  as  a  shed  to  a  house,  in  w^hich  seats  were 
arranged  for  the  blacks  to  face  the  pulpit.  The  addi- 
tion for  the  blacks  was  separated  from  the  seats  of  the 
wdiites,  not  in  whole,  but  by  a  high  partition.  The 
pulpit  was  built  several  feet  above  the  floor  on  one  end 
of  the  church,  so  that  all,  both  white  and  black,  could 
easily  see  the  minister  while  preaching.  This  addition 
to  Salem  church  -was  built  by  B.  Darden,  and  finished 
in  April,  1830. 

In  1830,  Mr.  Tillman  "v\^as  the  efficient  missionary  of 
the  Union  Association.  He  was  called  "a  domestic 
missionary  of  the  Union  Baptist  Association.  "  Hev^as 
gifted  in  exhortation.  About  that  time,  much  of  the 
preaching  \vas  hortatoiy.  The  preacher,  after  getting 
w^armed  up,  would  get  into  "a  weaving  wa3^  "  The 
preaching  services  at  church,  and  at  the  meetings  of  the 
Association,  were  usually  closed  by  one  gifted  in  exhor- 
tation, a  mode  of  delivery  that  w^as  desultory;  seldom 
failing  to  produce  tears;  heaving  of  the  chest,  and  ejac- 
ulations in  the  congregation. 

It  was  in  1830  that  David  Cooper  w^as  "called  a- 
way. ''  This  providence  gave  great  grief  to  the  Associ  - 
ation,  and  also  to  the  Mississippi  Association,  with 
which  he  had  been  long  and  honorablv  connected  before 


78  HISTORY   OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

the  constitution  of  the  Union  Association.  David  Coop- 
er departed  this  life  March  22,  1830.  The  Salem  church, 
of  which  he  was  pastor  at  the  time  of  his  death,  express- 
ed great  grief  and  sorro^w  at  the  loss  which  the  church 
had  sustained,  but  expressed  resignation  to  "the  right- 
eous dispensation  of  an  all  wise  God,  who  ordereth  all 
things  according  to  the  counsel  of  his  owm  will."  The 
Mississippi  Association  unanimousl3": 

^'Resolved,  That  we  do  very  sensibly  feel  our  ver\' 
great  loss  in  the  death  of  our  dearly  beloved  and  vener- 
able D.  Cooper.  *  *  *  The  mourners  are  seen  in  his  be- 
loved familj^,  and  in  all  the  churches  in  the  Association." 
This  great  man  came  to  our  State  as  a  missionary  in 
1802.  His  name  is  found  in  the  minutes  of  1807  of  the 
Mississippi  Association.  Jones,  the  historian,  often 
quoted  in  this  w^ork,  says  of  D.  Cooper,  "He  was  a 
man  liberally  educated,  polished  in  manners,  attractive 
and  useful  as  a  minister  of  the  New  Testament. "' 

In  Maj",  1830,  Mr.  Tillman  was  called  to  bepastor 
of  Salem  church  to  succeed  D.  Cooper,  but  it  is  not 
said  nor  implied  that  he  accepted  the  call.  Burch  and 
Bailey  preached  to  the  church  with  a  degree  of  irregu- 
larity. The  pulse  beat  of  the  church  was  weak  ever  af- 
ter the  death  of  its  venerable  pastor.  We  are  told  by 
tradition  that  there  w^ere  dissentions  in  the  old  mother 
church.  The  last  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
church  are  brief  and  interrupted,  and  like  the  quicken- 
ing and  uncertain  respirations  of  the  dying.  On  Aug- 
ust 29,  1834,  the  old  mother  church  was  numbered  with 
the  things  of  the  past.  The  second  item  of  that  daj^'s 
prpceedings  of  the  church,  reads  : 

" Resolved  by  the  church.  That  the  church  be  dis- 
solved after  this  meeting,  and  do  not  exist  as  a  church, 
and  that  letters   of  dismission  be  granted  to  all  the 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS.  79 

members  that  are  considered  in  good  order  with  the 
church,  and  the  balance  be  excluded."  Abe  Stringer 
was  the  last  clerk  of  the  church. 

Thus  the  life  went  out  of  the  first  Baptist  church  organ- 
ized on  the  soil  of  Mississippi.  The  minutes  close  abruptly. 
The  last  record  has  no  superscription,  no  name  of  mod- 
erator, or  clerk,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  writing.  No 
visiting  Baptists  were  present.  The  venerable  body 
shook  with  an  internal  agitation,  gasped,  and  died.  It 
was  as  the  going  out  of  the  light  of  the  life  of  a  tramp 
in  the  world.  A  quasi  pastor  reluctantly  stood  hj,  and 
looked  on  as  the  dew  of  death  gathered  on  the  brow  of 
the  old  mother. 

The  Salem  church,  of  Union  Association,  was  consti- 
tuted in  October,  1791,  with  seven  members,  viz: 

Richard  Curtis,  William  Thomas,  William  Curtis, 
John  Jones,  Benjamin  Curtis,  Morgan  Stampley,  and 
Ealif  Lanier.  It  was  dissolved  August  29,  1834,  giving 
letters  of  dismission  to  Littleton  Monday-,  Elizabeth 
Jones,  Sarah  Guice,  Abe  Stringer,  Louisiana  Burch,  Mrs. 
McKa^',  Mary  Darden,  Elleander  Thomas;  William 
Whinej^,  Phoebe  Coleman,  Eliza  Ann  Stringer,  Mar- 
tha Burch,  and  Pierson  Lewis. 

In  1835,  and  1836,  the  strong  men  in  the  Association 
were  James  Bailey,  J.  Fairchilds,  J.  Webb,  James  Thig- 
pen,  R.  Granberry  and  Ashley  Vaughan.  In  1836, 
the  Union  Association  met  at  Ebenezer  church,  in  Jeffer- 
son county',  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  in  Oct- 
ober, or  at  eleven  a.  m.  October  1,  1836.  Elisha  Flow- 
ers was  the  appointee  to  preach  the  introductory  ser- 
mon, but  was  prevented  from  being  at  the  meeting  by 
sickness.  The  sermon  \vas  preached  by  James  Bailey. 
The  body  elected  James  Baile\'  moderator,  and  James 
Thigpen  clerk.    The  churches  complained  of  barrenness 


80  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTIST-^5. 

in  church  life.  Few  baptisms  were  reported,  and  a  num- 
ber of  churches  were  not  represented.  The  Domestic 
Missionary  Board  was  doing  Httle,  but  the  churches 
seemed  to  desire  a  better  state  of  religious  feeling.  It 
w^as  deplored  that  the3'  had  no  money  in  the  treasury, 
and  for  this  reason  had  to  refuse  to  employ  a  good 
preacher  who  was  ready  to  begin  work.  But  the  Clear 
Creek  church  (at  Washington)  was  cheerful  and  happy. 
Ashley  Vaughan  was  pastor  of  that  church.  In  their 
letter  to  the  Union  Association,  thc}^  said  : 

"We  consider  ourselves  highly  favored  of  God  in  the 
uninterrupted  harmony,  and  peace  which,  during  the 
3^ear,  have  characterized  our  proceedings.  The  gospel 
among  us  is  faithfully  and  affectionately  preached.  " 

In  1836,  there  were  in  Alississippi,  nine  Baptist  As- 
sociations; 122  churches;  fort^'- eight  ordained  minis- 
ters, and  4,287  members.  The  nine  Associations  were, 
Bethel,  Choctaw,  Leaf  River,  Mississippi,  Pearl  River, 
Union,  Yalobusha,  Yazoo,  and  Buttehatchie.  Of  these, 
Buttehatchie  and  Choctaw  were  partly  in  Alabama, 
the  Yazoo  partly  anti  -  missionary,  the  Leaf  River  and 
Bethel  with  little  life,  and  soon  to  die.  The  Yalobusha 
A^vasjust  organized,  having  been  constituted  on  Janu - 
ar^^  15, 1836,  with  Francis  Baker  moderator,  and  Sam- 
uel Bean  clerk. 

The  Union  Association  was  favored  in  having  the 
permanent  Baptist  State  Convention  projected  in  its 
bounds.  In  pursuance  of  the  wishes  of  mauA-  of  the 
strongest  preachers  in  the  State,  and  by  appointment, 
delegates  met  at  old  Washington  with  the  Clear  Creek 
church,  on  the  twenty- third  of  December,  1836,  to  con- 
sider the  propriety  of  forming  a  Baptist  State  Conven- 
tion. The  Bethel,  the  Pearl  River,  the  Union,  and  the 
Mississippi  Associations  were  all  in  favor  of  its  consti- 


HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS.  81 

tution.  Of  the  delegates  from  the  Union  Association 
w^ere  N.  R.  Granberry,  of  Palestine  church,  and  Ashley 
Vaughan,  of  Clear  Creek.  Ashley  Vaughan  submitted 
the  resolution  to  form  the  Baptist  State  Convention. 
Abraham  Buckles,  of  Clear  Creek  church,  Levi  Elmore, 
and  Franklin  McGill,  of  Fello-wship  church,  were  receiv- 
ed into  the  bod^-  on  the  second  da^^  of  the  session.  Let- 
ters highly  indorsing  the  movement  were  received  from 
these  two  churches,  and  Ashlej^  Vaughan,  of  the  Union 
Association,  was  the  first  president  of  the  Convention. 

On  the  sixth  of  January  1837,  the  Home  Missionary 
societ}^  of  the  Union  Association,  was  formed  at  Pales- 
tine church.  Hinds  county.  A  committee  had  been  ap- 
pointed at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Association  to  super- 
intend preaching  in  the  territory  of  the  body.  That  com- 
mittee was  appalled  at  the  low  state  of  grace,  and,  with 
other  Baptists,  planned  the  forination  of  the  mission- 
ary society.  N.  R.  Granberry,  James  Thigpen,  and 
Moses  Granberry  drafted  its  Constitution.  Any  per- 
son -paying  one  dollar  a  3'ear  could  be  a  member  of  the 
society,  and  ten  dollars  made  one  a  life  member.  The 
Board  w^as  to  meet  t\vice  a  A'-ear,  on  Friday  before  the 
first  Sunda^^  in  April,  and  on  Friday  before  the  first  Sun- 
day in  October.  James  Bailey  was  elected  president  ot 
the  society,  Samuel  Thigpen,  recording  secretary,  and 
Ashley  Vaughan,  corresponding  secretary.  The  sum  of 
eightj'  -  six  dollars  was  received  at  the  first  meeting  of 
the  missionar\"  society. 

According  to  constitutional  requirement,  the  socie- 
ty met  on  March  31,  1837.  The  meeting  w^as  at  Brushy 
Fork  church,  Copiah  county.  The  meeting  was,  in  the 
main,  encouraging.  The  body  adjourned  to  meet  at 
New  Providence  church,  Copiah  county,  on  Friday  be- 
fore the  first  Sundav  in  October.    The  Union  Associa- 


82  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS. 

tion  was  at  that  time  composed  of  twenty  -  one  church- 
es, which  had  a  total  membership  of  747,  fort\-two 
baptisms  were  reported  to  the  Association,  and 
an  agreement  reached  to  observe  the  monthly  concert 
of  prayer  for  missions.  The  custom  of  observing  an 
hour  of  prayer  on  the  first  Monday  evening  of  every 
month  by  Baptists  for  the  success  of  missions,  had  its 
origin  as  early  as  1784,  in  Nottingham,  England.  It 
w^asagood  custom,  and  was  observed  within  the  mem- 
ory of  many  Baptists  now  living. 

The  first  annual  meeting  of  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention, after  its  organization,  was  held  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Union  Association,  at  Palestine  church, 
Hinds  county.  The  meeting  was  on  the  first  Friday  in 
May,  1837.  Letters  were  read  from  Hepzibah,  Pales  - 
tine.  Fellowship,  and  the  first  church  of  Natchez,  in  the 
Union  Association.  The  chief  promotors  of  the  organ- 
ization, were  in  the  Union  and  Bethel  Associations. 
The  eastern  part  of  the  Union  Association  was  the  cen- 
tral for  the  three  Associations  that  were  most  heartily 
indorsing  the  movement. 

On  Saturda^^  before  the  first  Lord's  day  in  August, 
representatives  of  the  Bethel  Association  met  at  Union 
church,  Hinds  county,  and  dissolved  the  body.  A  reso- 
lution to  dissolve  said  that  the  action  was  precipitated 
by  the  decreasing  number  of  churches,  as  there  were 
then  only  two  churches  left  in  the  bod^-.  Union  and 
Mount  Bluff.  Their  relations  with  other  Associations 
were  then  peacable,  and  would  admit  of  a  cordial  re- 
ception of  these  two  churches.  In  1836,  there  were  six 
churches  in  the  Bethel  Association,  with  a  total  mem- 
bership of  300.  But  some  of  the  churcheshad  dissolv- 
ed, and  others,  by  death,  and  other  causes,  had  become 
extinct.     The  Union  Association  convened  two  months 


HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI   BAPTISTS.  83 

after  this  dissolution  of  the  Bethel  Association,  and  we 
are  informed  that  the  Union,  at  that  meeting  of  the 
body,  received  three  churches,  iMount  Bluff,  Union,  and 
Natchez.  This  added  much  strength  to  the  Union  As- 
sociation. These  churches  were  strong  in  spiritual,  and 
intellectual  force.  In  November,  1837,  James  Andrews, 
a  deacon  in  Brushy  Fork  church,  Copiah  county,  was 
called  to  his  reward.  He  was  extensiveh^  known,  and 
highly  esteemed;  true  in  the  faith,  and  faithful  to  his 
church.    The  Association  lost  much  by  his  death. 

In  1838,  A.  W.  Poole  was  pastor  at  Washington, 
Ashley  Vaughan  having  gone  to  Natchez  as  pastor, 
several  months  before.  In  that  3'ear,  Ashle^^  Vaughan 
was  in  failing  health.  The  last  editorial  from  his  pen  in 
the  Luminary  was  written  February,  1838.  At  the 
Baptist  State  Convention,  \vhich  met  that  year  in  the 
Union  Association,  at  Fellowship  church,  the  bodj' 
turned  over  the  Luminary  to  George  Felix  Heard,  edit- 
or of  the  Mobile  Monitor,  and  the  combined  paper  was 
called  the  South-western  Monitor  and  Religious  Lumi- 
nary. 

The  prominent  men  in  the  the  Union  Association  in 
1839  and  ISiO,  were  Samuel  Thigpen,  William  Mullens, 
N.  W.  Brock,  William  Bailej^,  N.  R.  Granberr^^,  Joseph 
Thigpen,  Jr.,  and  \Y.  H.  Anderson.  W.  H.  Anderson 
w^as  pastor  at  Natchez.  He  was  a  learned  man  and  a 
noble  Christian.  He  possessed  a  well  chosen  library  of 
many  volumes.  William  Bailey,  advanced  in  3'ears,  had 
been  prominent  in  the  body  from  its  constitution,  in 
1820.  Norvxll  R.  Granberr^-  was  unremitting  in  labor 
for  all  forms  of  advanced  religious  work.  William  Mul- 
lens was  a  man  of  rare  common  sense,  and  deep  piety, 
and  Samuel  Thigpen,  a  man  of  vivacitj'  and  readiness. 

The  Union  Association,  of  1841,  convened  with  the 


84  HISTORY    OF   MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Hepzibah  church,  Copiah  county.  That  year,  tAventy- 
four  churches  were  represented  in  the  Union  Associa- 
tion, with  a  total  membership  of  1,372.  The  churches 
reported  205  baptisms.  Norv^ell  R.  Granberr\^  was  cho- 
sen moderator,  and  W.Jordan  Denson  clerk.  The  Sunday 
worship,  of  1841  and  1842,  was  interfered  with  by  in- 
clement weather.  That  was  a  great  misfortune.  The 
impetus  gotten  from  the  strong,  and  pointed  sermons, 
preached  by  the  able  ministers  of  the  bod^-,  usualh'  left 
a  lasting  impression  for  good. 

The  Sharon  church  was  found,  in  1840,  to  be  in  a 
low  spiritual  state,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Union  Association  as 
to  the  condition  of  the  church.  That  committee  report- 
ed, in  1841,  that  they  as  an  advisory  council  had  com- 
plied with  the  request  ofthe  body,  had  visited  the  church, 
and  advised  that  it  be  dissolved.  A  similar  committee 
reported  as  to  the  condition  of  the  Ebenezer  church. 
There  had  been  a  variance  between  this  church,  and  the 
church  at  Elliots.  The  committee  reported  that  the  diffi- 
cultA'  had  been  amicably  adjusted,  and  all  unkind  speech 
retracted.  The  difficulty  encountered  in  those  days  of 
securing  proper  ministerial  support  was  perplexing. 
The  population  was  mobile,  and  uncertain,  A  church 
might  be  built  up,  and  the  missionar^^  work  encourag- 
ing, but  in  a  few  years,  the  strong  men  would  move  a- 
Avay,  and  the  church  become  in  -  operative. 

In  1841,  much  interest  was  shown  b^-  the  bod^^,  in 
the  cities  embraced  in  the  territory'  ofthe  bod^^  Natch- 
ez, Yicksburg,  and  Jackson.  It  was  recommended  that 
the  Baptists  throughout  the  State,  aid  in  building 
houses  of  worship  in  those  cities.  The  result  of  this 
movement  may  appear  in  a  written  history'  of  the 
churches  of  those  cities.     The  clerk  ofthe  Association 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  85 

(a  good  writer,)  sa3'S  in  concluding  his  minutes  of  the 
meeting  of  the  bodj'  for  that  3'ear,  "  On  all  important 
subjects  presented,  a  unit  of  opinion  seemed  to  exist, 
and,  when  a  difference  prevailed,  the  minority-  cheerful- 
ly^ submitted.  " 

In  1842  the  body  was  strong  in  efficient  men.  In 
the  union  were  Norvell  R.  Granberrv^  Wm.  H.  Ander- 
son, Samuel  Thigpen,  Joseph  Norris,  William  Mullens, 
James  Bailey,  D.  B.  Crawford,  William  H.  Taylor,  and 
Moses  Granberrv^  The  visitors  to  the  body  were  James 
Murra3%  T.  S.  N.  King,  and  others.  It  was  agreed  at 
that  meeting  to  use  the  surplus  funds  in  supplying  the 
destitute  places  in  their  bounds,  the  appropriations  to 
be  made  under  the  direction  of  the  Executive  Board  01 
the  bod^'.  At  that  time  money  was  sent  to  the  Associ- 
ation to  be  appropriated  to  associational  purposes,  to 
the  printing  of  minutes,  and  like  expenditures.  The  sum 
was  sometimes  in  excess  of  the  demand,  and  created  a 
surplus,  which  was  usually  appropriated  to  missions. 
Another  resolution  w^as  adopted,  encouraging  "female 
associations  in  the  bounds  of  our  churches,"  to  aid  in 
associational  missions.  So  early  as  1837,  there  was  a 
society  of  the  kind  in  the  Brandon  church. 

The  meeting  of  the  Association  of  184-2  seemed  to 
grow  in  spiritual  force  as  the  proceedings  advanced. 
The  weather  was  inclement  on  Sunday.  The  rain  con- 
tinued unceasingly  to  fall  all  the  forenoon  and  far  into 
the  afternoon;  but  the  ardor  of  the  body  w^as  maintain- 
ed, and  waxed  warmer,  and  warmer.  On  Wednesday  a 
collection  was  taken  for  home  missions  of  $4-8.75,  and 
*'paid  over  to  the  treasurer.  "  When  the  proceedings  ol 
the  body  were  concluded  the  meeting  would  not  break 
up.  Several  ministers  and  laymen  agreed  to  sta^^,  and 
protract  the  services.     It  is  said,  in  a  foot  note  to  the 


86  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

minutes,  "many  sinners  were  deepty  convicted,  and  some 
converted  to  God,  and  followed  their  Savior  into  the 
liquid  grave.  Eight  were  added  by  baptism,  and  one 
b^^  letter;  several  were  left  on  the  anxious  seat,  some  of 
whom  we  believe  were  almost  read^-  to  enter  into  the 
fold  of  Christ.  "  Ah!  when  the  divine  Spirit  rules  an  as- 
sociational  body,  there  is  no  great  haste  manifested  by 
the  delegates  to  return  home.  This  revival  spirit  re- 
mained in  the  Union  Association  for  about  two  ^^ears, 
and  produced  the  spiritual,  and  numerical  strength  that 
induced  a  division  of  the  body  into  two  bodies  a  few 
3-ears  later. 

While  the  young  churches  were  in  spiritual  vigor, 
the  old  Bayou  Pierre  church  was  in  an  enfeebled  state 
in  the  decrepitude  of  age.  William  Whieldon  was  ap- 
pointed a  committee  of  one,  in  1843,  to  visit  the  church, 
find  its  trouble,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the 
union.  He  reported  progress  in  1844;  and  asked  help 
in  his  work.  The  committee  reported,  in  1845,  that  the 
best  members  of  the  church  were  scattered  abroad,  and 
that  the  Baptists  were  about  to  erect  a  new  meeting 
house  on  the  site  of  the  old  one.  The  Bayou  Pierre 
church  had  ten  acres  of  land  deeded  to  it.  It  was  con- 
templated to  make  the  new  body  only  an  arm  of  the 
Fello\vship  church.  The  Salem  church,  the  oldest 
church  in  the  State,  died  in  1834,  the  next  in  age  was 
extinct  in  1843.  Sentiments  commendable,  called  for 
the  perpetuation  of  the  existence  of  those  old  bodies, 
but  God  decreed  it  otherwise. 

The  Baptist  cause  in  Mississippi  sustained  a  serious 
loss,  in  1844,  b}'  the  death  of  the  young,  and  talented 
John  Whitfield  Buie.  This  young  minister  died  at  New - 
ell's  Springs,  Holmes  county,  on  the  fourth  Sunday  in 
July,  1844.     He  was  ordained  at  the  meeting  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  87 

Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention,  in  1843.  At  the 
time  ot  his  death  he  Avas  pastor  of  the  church  in  Jack- 
son, Mississippi. 

The  birth  of  three  churches  is  recorded  in  1844, 
Peniel,  and  RaA^mond,  in  Hinds,  and  Canton,  in  Madi- 
son county,  Raymond,  and  Canton  being  the  county 
seats  of  these  two  counties,  respectively.  The  Execu- 
tive Board  reported  as  follows:  "The  spirit  of  mis- 
sions, home,  and  foreign,  is  gaining  in  its  ranks.  Many 
of  our  beloved  brethren,  who  hesitated  to  enter  into 
this  work,  are  now  daily  coming  forward,  and  boldly 
laying  hold  of  the  gospel  car." 

The  Union  Association  of  1844,  seemed  bristling 
with  life.  The  body  was  strangely  fascinated  with  a 
new  mode  of  quarterly  subscriptions,  gotten  up  by  the 
Mount  Bluff  church.  It  was  simph^  to  engage  each 
member  of  a  church  to  say  that  he  w^ould  give  a  certain 
definite  amount  to  pastoral  support,  and  to  missions 
quarterh',  or  each  quarter  of  the  j^ear.  It  worked  like 
a  charm,  and  \Yas  a  charming  way  of  w^orking.  The  As- 
sociation was  alienated  from  the  Convention,  refused 
to  be  auxiliar^^  to  it,  but  felt  sufficienth'  friendly  to  cor- 
respond with  it.  The  body  was  prosperous  w^hile  do  - 
ing  its  associational  work,  and  did  not  wish  any 
change. 

"  The  paper  called  '  The  Baptist  Banner  and  West- 
ern Pioneer,^  but  now  revived  under  different  auspices," 
was  recommeded.  Not  since  the  passing  av^ay  of  the 
Luminary  had  any  religious  newspaper  been  recom  - 
mended  to  the  body  until  this  recommendation  was 
made.  The  Baptists  of  those  days  were  largely  a 
people  of  one  book. 

In  1845,  thirty -two  churches  reported  to  the  body. 
They  were  scattered  over  a  vast  area  of  country.    They 


88  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

were  in  the  counties  of  Copiah,  Warren,  Hinds,  Frank- 
lin, Adams,  Jefferson,  Claiborne,  and  Yazoo.  Thev  ex- 
tended from  Natchez,  on  the  south,  to  Yazoo  City,  on  the 
north,  and  from  Jackson,  on  the  east,  to  Yicksburg,  on 
i:he  west.  The  churches  at  Natchez,  Washington,  Ray- 
mond, Jackson,  Yazoo  Cit3',  Yicksburg,  and  Canton 
were  in  the  bod^^  Old  Antioch,  of  Warren,  Bethlehem, 
of  Franklin,  Clear  Creek,  of  Adams,  Damascus,  of  Co- 
piah, Fellowship,  of  Jefferson,  and  Mount  Bluff,  of 
Madison,  w^ere  some  of  the  country  churches  of  the 
Union.  The  "Black  Jack"  Baptist  church,  of  Yazoo 
county,  was  received  into  the  body  in  1845.  The 
churches  of  the  bodN'  had  a  total  membership  of  3,186, 
having  in  the  last  year  received  559  additions  by  bap- 
tism, and  141  bv  letter.  Ten  churches  reported  flour- 
ishing SundaA'  schools.  W.  H.  Taylor  was  then  pastor 
of  old  Antioch,  in  Warren,  E.  C.  Eager  was  pastor  at 
Bethlehem,  Z.  Reaves  at  Clear  Creek,  Wm.  Mullens  at 
Damascus,  D.  B.  Crawford  at  Mount  Bluff,  S.  Thigpen 
at  Palestine,  Ransom  Warren  at  Raymond,  N.  N.Wood 
at  Yicksburg,  and  S.  I.  Caldwell  at  Yazoo  Cit^". 

Early  in  the  meeting  of  the  Association  of  1845,  the 
following  resolution  was  adopted  : 

'^Resolved,  That  so  much  of  the  letters  as  relates  to 
a  division  of  this  Association  be  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee of  five." 

The  origin  of  this  resolution  is  easily  conjectured. 
The  body  was  ver\'  large,  and  the  territorj^  far  ex- 
tended.    The  utmost  good  will  prevailed  in  the  bod3^ 

It  Avas  agreed  that  either  the  northern  or  southern 
part  of  the  Association  should  call  a  convention  and  or- 
ganize into  a  new  body,  and  that  the  funds  on  hand  be 
equally  divided  between  the  Union,  and  the  new  Associ- 
ation.    It  was  at  once  Resolved,   That  it  was  advisa- 


HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  89 

ble  to  form  a  new  Association  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  territory.  The  moderator,  and  clerk,  each  of  the 
northern  part  of  the  Association,  then  resigned,  and  the 
convention  to  form  the  new  body  was  called  to  meet  at 
the  Union  church,  in  Hinds  county,  to  organize  on  Sat- 
urday before  the  fourth  Sunday  in  November  following 
It  is  a  strange  co- incidence  that  the  convention  design- 
ed to  form  a  new^  Association,  should  meet  with  the 
church  at  which  the  Bethel  Association  dissolved,  in 
August,  1837,  only  eight  ^^ears  before.  What  a  won- 
derful change  had  come  over  the  face  of  Baptist  affairs 
in  central  Mississippi  in  those  eight  years  ! 

A  committee  was  appointed  that  year  on  the  "spir- 
itual w^elfare  of  the  blacks."  The  committee  expressed 
thanks  to  God  for  the  blessings  that  had  attended  the 
efforts  put  forth  for  the  spiritual  weal  of  the  colored 
people,  and  considered  it  a  dut}^  to  look  after  their  spir- 
itual interests.  Special  attention  v^as  given  b}^  the 
union  to  the  Mississippi  Baptist,  and  the  Mississippi 
Publishing  Company,  organized  in  September,  1845, 
and  also  to  the  formation  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention, at  Augusta,  Georgia,  that  year. 

A  resolution  was  passed  on  Sunday  schools,  highly 
commending  that  work  of  the  individual  churches. 

The  Association  of  1846  met  at  Clear  Creek  church, 
Washington.  William  Mullens  was  elected  mod- 
erator, and  Warren  Miller  clerk.  The  New  Provi- 
dence church,  Copiah  county,  and  the  Bethesda church, 
w^ere  received.  Correspondence  was  arranged  with  the 
Central,  the  Mississippi,  and  the  Pearl  River  Associa- 
tions, and  the  Baptist  State  Convention.  The  total  a- 
mount  in  the  treasury  was  $383.01.  An  effort  was  set 
on  foot  to  raise  a  sufficiency  to  keep  a  missionary  in 
the  field  for  all  his  time. 


90  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1847,  the  New  Zion  church,  in  Copiah  county,  and 
the  Bethany  church,  in  Claiborne  county,  were  received 
into  the  body,  making  four  new  churches  received  into 
the  body  since  the  churches  went  out  to  form  the  Cen  - 
tral  Association.  The  following  year,  letters  were  read 
before  the  Union  Association  from  sixteen  churches  com  - 
posing  the  bod^'.  These  churches  w^ere  composed  of  a 
total  membership  of  1,673,  and  reported  forty-two  bap- 
tisms. In  1848,  acommittee,  with  M.  T.  Conn  aschair- 
man,  reported  to  thebod}'  as  to  the  question,  then  agi- 
tated by  the  Pearl  River  Association,  as  to  securing  a 
uniform  confession  of  faith  by  all  the  Baptist  bodies 
then  existing  in  the  State.  It  w^as  thought  best  by 
strong  men  in  the  Pearl  River,  as  Baptists  were  so  con- 
stantly moving  about  in  the  territor^^  of  these  bodies. 
The  plan  inaugurated  bA'  that  body  was,  that  all  the  As- 
sociations send  delegates  to  a  convention  to  be  held  at 
Hopewell  church,  Copiah  county,  beginning  Saturday 
before  the  first  Sunday  in  August,  1849,  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  conserving  this  design.  The  committee  raised 
b}^  the  Union  Association,  reported  that  they  approved 
of  the  move  of  the  Pearl  River  Association,  but  thought 
the  scheme  impracticable,  and  inexpedient,  as  the 
churches  had  alreadA-  their  articles  of  faith,  and  rules  of 
practice,  which  doubtless  the3'  were  unwilling  to  resign, 
and  because  such  a  course  of  proceeding  might  engen- 
der discord. 

The  session  of  the  bod^^  in  1849  w^as  largely  engag- 
ed with  a  current  controversy'  as  to  the  question  of  mo- 
ral turpitude,  which  D.  L.  Russell,  of  Central  Associa- 
tion, was  supposed  to  have  shown  in  handling  some 
money  placed  in  his  hands  as  a  trust.  Long  decisions, 
and  newspaper  articles  are  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
the  Union  Association,  showing  the  innocence  and  in  - 


HISTORY   OF  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  91 

tegritj^  of  D.  L.  Russell.  One  of  the  newspaper  articles 
is  from  a  Lexington  paper,  called '' Equal  Rig-hts,'' which 
■vv^as  signed  by  t-wenty-nine  of  the  most  reputable  citi- 
zens of  Lexington,  including  such  men  as  J.  Tackett,L. 
G.  Lipsey,  Ivy  F.  Harrington,  Lem  Dot3^  Matthew- 
Gage,  and  A.  V.  Rowe,  father  of  A.  V.  Rowe,  Corres- 
ponding Secretarj^  of  the  Convention  Board  at  present. 
Just  why  the  Union  Association  should  give  so  much 
space  on  the  pages  of  its  minutes  in  defense  of  a  mem  - 
ber  of  the  Central  Association  is  not  made  manifest. 

The  following  j^ear  the  body  had  a  problem  within 
its  bounds  for  solution.  The  old  First  church  at  Nat- 
chez was  threatened  with  dissolution.  A  corrupt  min- 
ister had  come  to  our  State  from  Philadelphia,  and  had 
insinuated  himself  into  the  graces  of  many  members  of 
the  church  at  Natchez.  Others  had  reason  to  believe 
him  a  corrupt  man,  whose  judgment  was  substantiated 
b^"  his  actions  in  after  years.  A  committee  was  raised 
of  some  of  the  best  men  of  the  Union  Association  to 
gather  facts,  and  use  their  utmost  endeavor  to  adjust 
matters.  The  committee  reported  that  the  matter  had 
received  prayerful  consideration,  and  that  thev  found 
nothing  in  the  history-  of  the  difficulty  in  which  the 
church  had  acted  contrary  to  gospel  order,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  dismissal  of  members  by  letter  who  were 
manifesting  a  lack  of  fellowship  for  the  church.  It  was 
recommended  that  the  church  recall  the  letters  grant- 
ed, and  that  the  church,  in  all  things,  show  a  spirit  of 
kindness.  This  difficulty  caused  a  division  of  the  First 
church  at  Natchez.  The  Wall  Street  church  still  exists. 
The  old  First  church  was  soon  disorganized. 

In  1852,  the  Wall  Street  church,  of  Natchez,  sent  a 
letter,  and  delegates  to  the  Association,  praying  for  ad- 
mission into  the  bodv.    The  union  refused  to  admit  the 


92  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

church  by  a  majority  of  one  vote,  which  showed  that 
the  Association  was  aloout  evenly  divided  as  to  the 
controversy  bet\veen  the  two  churches  in  Natchez.  A 
special  committee  of  hve  was  raised  to  investigate  the 
variance  between  the  t\vo  churches,  and  reported  at 
that  sitting  of  the  body.  The  committee  consisted  of 
S.  B.  Mullens,  S.  Teri"y,  W.  Whitney,  J.  Selman,  and  C. 
Douglass.  The  committee  reported,  through  its  chair- 
man, expressing  regret  as  to  the  deplorable  animosity, 
and  declared  that  it  was  impossible  to  bring  about  a 
reconciliation  between  them.  It  Avas  Resolved,  That 
the  First  church  of  Natchez  be  dismissed  from  the  union 
for  the  protection  of  the  body  from  the  disintegrating 
influence  of  the  wrangling  over  the  matter.  The  reso- 
lutions were  passed  by  a  vote  of  twenty -one  to  two. 
A  letter  from  the  First  church,  returning  their  letter  of 
dismission  from  the  Association,  was  read  before  the 
body  in  1853,  and  the  church  was  restored  to  its  place 
in  the  statistical  table.  The  following  year  the  church 
was  represented  in  the  bod^-  by  I.  Fallis,  Robert  Rawles, 
and  I.  Carpenter.  The  name  of  B.  Pendleton  appeared 
on  the  minutes  of  that  year  as  a  messenger  from  the 
Central  Association,  which  shows  the  associa- 
tional  relations  sought  were  obtained  by  the  Wall 
Street  church,  of  Natchez. 

In  1851,  the  Union  Association  passed  preamble 
and  resolution  as  to  Mississippi  College,  as  follows : 

"Whereas,  The  citizens  of  Clinton  and  vicinity 
have  tendered  to  the  Baptist  denomination  the  proper- 
ty of  Mississippi  College,  free  of  all  cost,  onl}'  requiring 
them  to  keep  up  the  institution  of  learning  in  the  town 
of  Clinton;  and 

Whereas,  The  property  has  been  received,  and 
the  new  trustees  elected,  it  is  now  the  property  of  the 
Baptist  denomination,  *  *  * 


HISTORy   OF   MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  93 

Resolved,  That  we  are  highly  deHghted  with  such 
transfer  of  the  College  to  the  patronage,  and  support  of 
the  denomination  in  our  bounds." 

In  1853,  the  following  significant  resolutions  were 
adopted  as  to  Central  Female  Institute : 

"Whereas,  The  Central  Baptist  Association  did^ 
at  her  last  annual  meeting,  appoint  a  board  of  trustees 
for  the  Central  Baptist  Female  Institute,  to  be  located 
in  the  town  of  Clinton,  Mississippi;  and 

Whereas,  Several  individuals  in  said  board  pro  - 
ceeded  immediately  to  purchase  that  property,  known 
as  the  Carson  property,  within  the  town  of  Clinton; 
therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  commend  the  Baptist  Female 
Institute  to  the  s^nnpathies,  praj^ers,  and  support  of 
the  churches  of  this  Association". 

The  following  year  the  report  of  the  board  of  trus- 
tees of  this  school  was  spread  on  the  minutes.  The  re- 
port stated  that  Wm.  Duncan  was  principal  of  the  In- 
stitute, and  was  assisted  by  Miss  L.  Duncan,  and  Miss 
E.  Stoddard.  In  1855,  the  prospects  of  the  School  were 
represented  as  "trul^^  flattering.  "  The  following  year, 
the  Yalobusha  Female  Institute,  at  Grenada,  sought  the 
support  of  the  Union  Association,  but  the  body  had  al- 
ready "united  with  the  Central"  in  fostering  under  its 
care  the  Central  Female  Institute.  In  1856,  B.  Whit- 
field was  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  In  - 
stitute,  and  C.  S.  AlcCloud  general  agent. 

In  1857,  the  war  clouds  had  begun  to  gather.  The 
Association  passed  this  resolution  : 

^'Resolved,  That  this  Association  approve  the 
course  pursued  by  the  trustees  of  Alississippi  College 
in  discontinuing  Wajdand's  'Moral  Science'  as  a  text 
book."   This  w^as  done  because  of  \vhat  was  in  the  book 


94  HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS. 

as  to  the  question  of  slaYer^^  A  history  of  Mississippi 
College,  and  the  Institute  will  be  written  in  another 
place. 

The  Missionary-  Board  of  the  Union  Association 
suffered  the  embarrassment  of  all  the  old  Associations, 
caused  by  a  lack  of  ministers  to  do  the  work  needed. 
The  pastors  were  called  on  to  give  a  part  of  their  time 
to  the  work,  which  lacked  much  of  the  best  results. 
Sometimes  a  promising  A^oung  minister  would  do  effect- 
ive work  until  called  b^'  the  strong  churches  for  all  his 
time.  In  1851,  S.  B.  Mullens  was  chosen  to  do  v^'ork 
as  a  missionarj',  but  could  not  accept  the  appointment. 
Wm.  Mullens,  pastor  of  four  churches,  gave  the  Board 
some  of  his  time.  He  baptized  four  at  Antioch,  and 
seven  at  Bethany,  two  weak  churches.  Besides  this 
work,  he  preached  at  two  destitute  places. 

The  following  year,  AV.  F.  Green  was  elected  mis- 
sionary for  all  his  time,  and  accepted  the  appointment. 
He  had  regular  preaching  at  three  little  churches,  Anti- 
och, Bethany,  and  Pleasant  Grove.  He  was  hindered 
in  his  work  b^^  bad  weather  and  high  water.  He  did 
irregular  work  at  Grand  Gulf,  Port  Gibson,  General 
Chambliss,  ten  miles  from  Port  Gibson,  and  at  Mag- 
nolia, three  miles  from  Port  Gibson,  on  the  Rodney 
road.  He  also  preached  at  Willow  Springs,  and  Beth- 
esda  church.  In  the  space  of  a  year  he  traveled 
1,401  miles,  constituted  three  churches,  aided  in  the  or- 
dination of  six  ministers,  and  four  deacons,  baptized 
forty -two,  and  received  b^-  letter  one.  This  was  a  fine 
showing  of  faithful  work.  Bad  weather  seriously  in- 
terfered with  the  work  the  following  year,  but  D.  Grif- 
fing  did  some  good  missionar\-  ^vork. 

Year  by  year,  the  work  was  kept  in  good  shape.  In 
1857,  W.  W.' Bolls,  and  S.  Buft'kin  were  employed  to  do 
some  missionary-  work. 


HISTORY  OF  MISSISSIPPI  BAPTISTS.  95 

In  1860,  a  resolution  was  offered  by  the  committee 
on  Home  Missions  to  the  effect  that  the  Board  solicit 
the  co-operation  of  the  State  Convention  in  securing 
the  services  of  efficient  ministers  to  labor  in  the  bounds 
of  the  body.  The  State  Convention  had  recommended 
itself  to  the  Union  Association  bv  the  successful  work 
it  had  done. 

There  was  one  serious  interference  in  the  work  of 
the  Association  between  1850  and  1860.  It  was  in 
1853.  Yellow  fever,  in  its  most  malignant  form,  devas- 
tated the  country,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association  es  - 
pecially.  We  are  told  by  statistics  that  four  out  of  five 
attacked  by  the  yellow  fever  of  that  year  lost  their 
lives.  It  was  the  distressing  mortuary  records  of  the 
yellow  fever  of  that  year  that  gave  our  country  such 
fright  of  its  ravages.  The  Union  Association  was  to 
meet  that  year,  September  23rd,  at  Fellowship  church, 
but  the  yellow  fever  was  especially  fatal  near  that 
church.  The  delegates  of  eight  churches,  on  their  way 
to  the  Association,  decided  that  it  w^ould  be  inexpedient 
to  meet  at  that  time,  and  place,  and  the  body  assembled 
November  19th,  at  New  Providence  church,  Copiah 
county.  In  this  decade,  nine  churches  Avere  received 
into  the  Association,  the  Pleasant  Grove  in  1851,  Mag- 
nolia, Pine  Bluff,  and  Piedmont  in  1852,  Pleasant  Hill, 
Copiah  county,  and  Union,  Claiborne  county,  in  1854, 
Willow  Springs  in  1855,  and  Spring  Hill,  and  Rodnej^in 
1860. 

In  1854,  the  Association  took  stand  on  the  use  of 
intoxicating  drinks  as  a  beverage,  declaring  that  it  im- 
peded the  progress  of  religion  and  recommended  to  the 
churches,  the  passing  of  the  following  resolutions: 

^'Resolved,  1.  That  when  it  is  proven  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  church  that  anv  member  of  the  same  has 


96  HISTORY   OF   MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

been  gtiilt3'  of  using  intoxicating  drinks  to  excess,  that 
proof  amounts  to  exclusion. 

^'Resolved,  2.  That  we  will  not  tolerate  dram 
drinking  at  public  groceries,  or  dram  shops  by  any 
member  of  this  church." 

The  Associations,  one  by  one,  so  far  as  they  have 
been  studied,  "have  been  found  to  pass  stringent  resolu- 
tions against  the  excessive  use  of  intoxicants.  The  his- 
tory of  Mississippi  Baptists  is  clean  of  the  accursed 
traffic  of  vinous  and  malt  liquors. 

In  1861,  the  body  met  with  the  Damascus  church. 
D.  J.  Brown  w^as  elected  moderator,  and  O.  L.Johnson, 
clerk.  Two  new  churches  were  received.  Crystal 
Springs,  and  New  Bahala  (or  Wesson).  Z.  Reaves,  and 
J.  L.  Pettigrew  wherein  the  Association.  For  the  first  time 
since  the  constitution  of  the  Association,  a  debt  was  re- 
ported. Usually  there  were  hundreds  of  dollars  in  the 
treasury,  and  a  complaint  expressed  that  ministers 
could  not  be  had  to  do  missionar^^  work;  but  at  this 
meeting  of  the  bodj'  the  churches  were  requested  to 
take  up  a  collection  in  the  month  of  December  to  liqui  - 
date  indebtedness  to  missionaries,  and  that  the  matter 
be  urged  upon  the  churches. 

The  Civil  War  was  then  agitating  the  minds  of  the 
people.  Many  of  the  best  men  in  our  State  were  on  the 
tented  field  when  the  body  was  in  session.  Their  con- 
tributions were  missed,  but  the3^  were  not  overlooked. 
A  resolution  \vas  adopted,  requesting  the  delegates,  the 
ministers  especially,  to  bring  before  their  respective 
churches  the  subject  of  supplying  the  soldiers  with  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  that  a  collection  be  taken  at  each 
church,  and  the  amount  collected  sent  to  W.  M.  Haley 
for  distribution. 

In  1862,  a  committee  of  three  was  raised  to  collect 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  97 

the  minutes  of  the  Association  from  the  time  of  its  or- 
ganization, which  was  to  report  at  the  next  meeting. 
Solomon  Buifkin,  S.  G.  Mullens,  and  O.  L.  Johnson 
constituted  the  committee.  This  was  a  wise  movement 
just  at  that  time.  One  of  the  most  serious  and  lasting 
injuries  sustained  by  the  South,  as  a  result  of  the  Civil 
War,  was  the  wholesale  destruction  of  many  impor- 
tant documents.  Confusion  was  in  the  land,  and  full 
often  valuable  papers  were  either  hid  away  from  the 
thorough  search  of  the  foe  until  blighted  by  mildew,  or 
burned  in  houses  of  the  suffering  citizens. 

At  that  meeting  of  the  Association,  a  collection  of 
$63.25  was  taken  for  tracts  for  the  soldiers,  and  was 
placed  in  the  hands  of  W.  M.  Haley.  The  money  was 
duly  forwarded  to  Atlanta  for  tracts.  It  was  sent  from 
there  to  Richmod,  Ya.,  and  somehow,  in  the  confusion 
of  the  times,  was  lost.  The  churches  were  requested  to 
report  in  their  next  annual  letter  to  the  body,  the 
names  of  their  members  who  were  v^'ounded  or  killed  in 
the  arniA' . 

It  is  strangely  true  that  in  1864,  the  Association 
■v\^as  blessed  with  a  revival  of  religion  in  all  the  church- 
es. All  was  consternation  in  the  Southland.  There 
was  scarcely  a  home  exempted  from  the  dire  results  of 
Civil  War.  Meat  and  bread  were  scarce.  Women  and 
men  wore  clothes  made  at  home.  Fathers  and  moth- 
ers wept  the  loss  of  their  brave  boj's.  The  new^s  from 
the  great  battles  \vas  heard  wath  sorrowful  apprehen- 
sion; and  yet,  the  churches  in  union  were  happy  in  the 
grace  of  God.  Genuine  revivals  of  religion  are  always 
followed  by  an  enlargement  of  the  desires  of  those  who 
have  been  blessed  in  their  gifts.  What  was  the  result 
of  this  general  a^vakening  in  the  union?  They  sought 
co-operation  with  the  Baptist  State  Convention  in  the 


98  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

support  and  education  of  the  children  of  deceased  sol- 
diers, and  delegates  were  sent  to  the  meeting  of  the 
Convention  at  Crawford.  A  collection  of  $47.00  was 
taken  to  bear  the  expenses  of  the  delegates  to  the  State 
Convention.  What  the  result  would  be  if  Christians 
"were  alw^aj'S  in  a  state  of  revival,  can  onh' be  imagined. 

In  the  fall  of  1865,  the  Civil  War  was  over,  but  our 
country  was  in  a  state  of  indifference  as  to  economic 
measures,  and  things  religious.  Fortunes  earned  by 
close  economy,  and  ^^ears  of  labor,  had  been  lost  at  the 
close  of  the  Civil  War.  Old  men  said  they  had  not  time 
to  make  another  fortune.  It  was  a  community-  of  dis- 
aster, and,  was  therefore,  borne  with  fortitude.  Soldiers 
had  returned  home  with  the  recklessness  incident  to  life 
in  the  army.  In  four  years  the  beardless  youths  that 
enlisted  in  the  army,  had  grown  to  manhood,  and  had 
thoughts  of  marriage.  Social  gatherings  were  frequent. 
The  past  was  out  of  mind,  and  the  3'oung  was  blithe, 
gay,  and  festive.  What  was  the  consequence?  Bethle- 
hem church,  requested  an  expression  of  the  Association 
on  dancing-,  and  a  strong  committee  appointed  on  the 
evil.  Solomon  Buffkin  was  chairman  ofthe  committee. 
He  said,  "We  have  witnessed  with  the  deepest  regret 
the  increasing  popularity-  of  this  dangerous  practice, 
among  the  professors  of  religion,  and  more  espec- 
ially among  Baptists.  It  has,  of  late,  been  the  cause  of 
trouble,  and  discord  in  almost  all  our  churches.  "  He 
said  tl  at  members  who  dance  are  in  disorder,  and  those 
who  encourage  the  dance  are  also  in  disorder,  and  that 
the  hand  of  fellowship  should  be  withdrawn  from  those 
who  persist  in  dancing.  Ah,  those  piping  times  of 
peiace,  and  relaxation !  Ah,  that  thoughtless  abandon 
after  the  soldiers  had  gotten  hom.e ! 

J.  R.  Graves,  then  of  Summit,  was  at  the  meeting  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  99 

the  Association  of  1865,  C.  M.  Gordon,  Avas  also  in  the 
union.  On  Sunday  morning,  W.  W.  Bolls  preached  the 
missionary  sermon,  after  which  a  collection  was  taken 
of  $50.00.  J.  R.  Graves  preached  in  the  afternoon,  and 
"was  listened  to  with  deep  interest."  What  should  be 
done  with  the  colored  people,  members  of  the  churches, 
who  had  voluntarih'-left  home,  and  their  place  of  abode 
unknown?  The  negroes  who  went  a\vaA'  from  their 
owners  before  the  surrender  were  deemed  in  disorder. 
It  was  recommended  to  immediately  organize  the  col  - 
ored  people  into  churches  to  themselves,  and  supply 
them  w^ith  preaching. 

The  meeting  ofthe  the  body  in  1866,  was  held  with 
the  Crystal  Springs  church.  New  Hope,  and  Philadel- 
phia churches  were  received  into  the  Association.  W. 
F.  Green  was  chosen  moderator,  and  W.  B.  Gallman, 
clerk.  There  were  twenty  -  two  churches  in  the  body. 
Ofthe  old  churches  which  entered  the  Association  in  1820, 
only  the  Clear  Creek  church,  of  old  Washington,  remain- 
ed. The  churches  had  a  total  membership  of  1,374,  and 
reported  ninety -five  baptisms.  The  sum  of  $73.25 
was  reported  by  the  treasurer  as  on  hand  after  all  the 
debts  were  paid. 

In  the  following  year,  signs  of  former  vigor,  and  the 
promise  for  future  usefulness,  faintly  appeared.  The 
years  of  readjustment  to  the  conditions  then  existing 
were  beginning.  Signs  of  better  times  were  just  appar- 
ent. It  was  Resolved  That  the  best  endeavors  would 
be  manifested  to  raise  a  dollar  to  each  member  in  the 
body  to  support  a  missionary-  in  their  bounds,  and  the 
sum  of  $399  00  was  subscribed  for  that  purpose,  to  be 
paid  quarterly.  It  Avas  also  Resolved,  That  the  church- 
es should  carefully  \vatch  for  "the  gifts  "  that  were  in 
their  midst,    in  view  of  the  destitution  of  ministers  in 


100  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  bounds  of  the  union.  PubHcations  and  the  Sunday- 
school  work  received  due  attention. 

An  effort  was  made  in  1868,  to  secure  a  complete 
file  of  the  minutes  of  the  Association.  A  committee  re- 
ported that  thej^  had  a  complete  file  of  the  minutes,  as 
for  back  as  the  nineteenth  anniversary  (except  1863), 
also  the  sixteenth,  and  eighth  anniversary'.  The  Mission- 
ary Board  was  displaced  by  an  Executive  Committee 
of  the  Association,  which  committee  was  to  enter  vig- 
orously on  missionary-  work  in  their  bounds. 

The  year  1868  was  disastrous  in  central  Mississip- 
pi. It  was  characterized  by  an  unusual  amount  of  rain. 
Vegetation  was  tall,  and  luxurious,  which  decaj^ed  in  the 
fall,  and  produced  much  sickness  of  a  serious,  and  fatal 
character.  The  Association  was  small,  but  revivals 
were  cheering  in  mam-  of  the  churches,  and  157  bap- 
tisms were  reported. 

In  1870,  the  bod^-  met  at  Fellowship  church,  ^thin 
a  few  miles  of  v^-here  it  was  constituted,  in  1820.  Fel- 
lowship was  an  old  church,  in  a  good  part  of  the  coun- 
try, and  with  a  worthy  history.  C.  M.  Gordon,  J.  R. 
Farish,  I.  H.  Anding,  H.  M.  Long,  D.  I.  Purser  and  J.J. 
Green,  were  at  the  Association.  These  men  at  that  time 
belonged  not  to  the  past,  but  to  the  future.  They  were 
men  chosen  by  the  Lord  to  assist  in  the  construction  of 
a  new  order  of  things  among  Mississispi  Baptists.  The 
writer  feels  as  one  who  has  been  wandering  far  from 
home,  and  upon  his  return  has  gotten  so  near  the  scenes 
of  his  childhood  as  to  begin  to  see  familiar  objects.  God 
be  praised  for  these  men,  honorable,  and  abundant  in 
labors  for  the  amelioration  of  our  fallen  race.  Some  of 
them  long  have  been  in  the  w^orld  of  light  and  song,  but 
their  memorA'  is  fragrant  and  refreshing.  On  the  Lord's 
day  J.  R.   Farish  preached   a  sermon  on   "the  Bible," 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  101 

Avhich  is  said  to  have  been  an  interesting  sermon. 
"Christians  were  made  to  rejoice,  and  we  beHeve  many 
■unconverted  were  deeply  impressed." 

J.  R.  Parish  was  representing  the  Hazlehurst 
church,  which,  as  a  new  church,  entered  the  Union  at  that 
meeting  of  the  bod^'.  A  commodious  house  of  Avorship 
w^as  about  completed  at  Hazlehurst. 

The  year  1870  was  the  semi-centennial  of  the  his- 
tory of  the  Association.  No  notice  seems  to  have  been 
taken  ofthe  fact  by  the  body.  The  history  of  the  Associa- 
tion had  been  ^vorthy  of  the  pen  of  some  read^-  writer, 
and  Solomon  Buff  kin  could  have  written  a  good  history 
ofthe  bod^'.  The  Union  Association  has  had  no  superi- 
or in  our  State  as  a  nourishing  iDody.  The  Bethel  died 
in  a  territor^^,  where  afterward  Baptists  became  strong 
under  the  management  of  the  leaders  in  the  Union. 
Central  Association,  strong  and  vigorous,  was  formed 
of  churches  ofthe  Union,  built  up  after  the  dissolution  of 
the  Bethel.  The  Union  Association  fosterd  the  church- 
es in  Natchez,  Ra3'mond,  Vicksburg,  Jackson,  Canton, 
Yazoo  City,  Crj^stal  Springs,  Wesson,  and  Hazlehurst. 
Worthy  old  promoter  ofthe  good  !  Why  did  not  your 
children  recount  the  A^ears  of  3'our  usefulness  when  a 
half  century-  had  marked  your  honorable  career  ? 

The  period  of  construction  on  modern  lines  of  work 
began  in  the  Association  in  1871.  The  ineeting  was  at 
Philadelphia  church,  in  Lincoln  county,  beginning  Sep- 
tember, 23rd.  W.  P.  Green  w-as  elected  moderator,  W. 
M.  Ellis  clerk,  and  Elisha  N.  Sumrall  treasurer.  Tw^en- 
ty-four  churches  were  in  the  Union,  with  a  total  mem- 
bership of  1,594.  Upon  a  summary  vicw^  of  the  names 
of  the  delegates  of  the  body,,  one  is  much  impressed  as 
to  its  grace,  and  wisdom.  D.  I.  Purser  was  there,  young, 
noble,  and  sweet  in  spirit.    The  Lord  was  going  to  use 


102  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

him  in  the  period  of  construction.  No  one  did  a  nobler 
AYork  for  Alississippi  Baptists  in  the  3'ears  they  were 
gathering  their  forces  for  an  onward  movement.  The 
pen  of  the  writer  is  inchned  to  leave  the  sober  prose  of 
history'  for  the  more  cheerful  English  of  biography',  but 
must  forego  the  pleasure.  James  Nelson  \vas  at  the 
meeting  of  the  Association.  James  Nelson  was  intrust- 
ed Ida'  the  Lord  with  the  sacred  molds  of  character. 
Quite  well  did  he  use  them.  Should  a  question  be  put 
as  to  what  two  men  have  done  the  most  for  the  Baptist 
ministry-  of  ^Mississippi,  the  answer  \vould  be  eas^';  W, 
S.  Webb  and  James  Nelson.  Wherever  James  Nelson 
went  sentiment  \vas  molded  for  ministerial  education, 
and  the  imprint  of  his  mold  is  clear  in  its  outlines  toda^^ 
James  Nelson  preached  in  the  Baptist  church  Sunday 
morning.  It  is  said  he  "delivered  an  interesting  sermon 
to  a  large  and  attentive  audience  *  *  *  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  ministerial  education."  His  text  was  Mat.  9:27, 
28.  At  the  same  hour  D.  I.  Purser  preached  in  the 
Methodist  church. 

A  missionary  board  was  located  at  Hazlehurst, 
composed  of  the  officers  of  the  body,  in  connection  with 
L.  F.  Birdsong,  L.  L.  Britton,  F.  E.  Highway,  W.  M. 
Hale^',  and  J.  C.  Pitts.  A  Sunda}^  school  Board  was 
located  at  Pine  Bluff  church,  composed  of  Joseph  J. 
Green,  J.  Jasper  Green,  T.  R.  Whitehead,  S.  G.  Jenkins, 
and  Elisha  N.  Sumrall. 

The  following  year  three  churches  \vere  received  into 
the  body.  Port  Gibson,  Antioch,  in  Franklin  countj',  and 
Damascus,  in  Jefferson  county.  D.  I.  Purser,  then  mis- 
sionary of  the  Association,  represented  Wall  Street 
Baptist  church,  of  Natchez,  as  a  place  for  missionary 
work,  stating  that  the  church  w^as  unable  to  sustain  a 
minister,  and  that  the  General  Association  of  southern 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  103 

Mississippi,  and  eastern  Louisiana  pledged  assistance  to 
the  church.  It  was  Resolved,  b^-  the  body  to  contribute 
$200  00  out  of  the  missionary  fund  for  this  cause.  Re- 
ports ^vere  read  before  them  on  all  the  prominent  lines 
of  work;  on  ministerial  education,  on  Sunday  schools, 
on  home  missions,  on  foreign  missions,  on  ptdDlications. 

Resolutions  w^ere  passed  on  S3^stems  of  benevolence, 
on  the  Orphans'  Home  at  Lauderdale,  and  on  unlawful 
amusements,  and  dissipations.  D.  I.  Purser,  as  mission- 
ary'', had  strengthened  ^^eak  churches,  and  organized 
three  new  churches  (214  baptisms  were  reported).  He 
preached  197  sermons,  traveled  3,397  miles,  received  by^ 
restoration  twenty -five,  and  by  baptism  seventy -three. 
He  reported  that  Clear  Creek  had  only  five  members, 
all  females,  three  of  w^hom  were  not  able  to  attend 
church. 

In  1873,  Salem  church  was  received  into  the  Asso- 
ciation. J.  A.  Hackett  was  elected  modertitor,  E.  W. 
BroAvn  clerk,  and  E.  N.  Sumrall  treasurer.  The  Exec- 
utive Board  showed  a  large  amount  of  w^ork  done,  sur- 
passing anything  in  the  history  of  the  body.  D.  I.  Pur- 
ser was  stationed  at  Port  Gibson  at  a  salary  of  $1000. 00 
a  3"ear,  and  R.  H.  Purser  was  missionary  at  a  salary  of 
$800.00.  R.  H.  Purser  preached  seventy -nine  sermons, 
traveled  2,362  miles,  and  baptized  twenty  -  three.  A  pre- 
amble and  resolution  was  adopted  on  CO -operation  with 
the  State  Mission  Board,  reciting  the  facts  that  the  Con- 
vention determined  to  do  mission  work  in  the  State,  and 
had  located  the  Board  at  Hazlehurst.  It  was  declared 
that  the  action  met  the  hearty  approval  of  the  body, 
and  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Board  was  in  - 
vited  to  visit  the  churches  of  the  Association. 

The  children  of  soldiers  who  were  killed,  or  died  of 
disease,  during  the  Civil  War  were  carefully  considered 


104  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS, 

by  our  people.  An  orphans'  home  for  such  children  ^-as 
estabHshed  at  Lauderdale  Springs,  and  kept  up  for 
years. 

In  1869,  it  was  ordered  bj^  this  body  that  the  treas- 
urer be  instructed  to  pay  the  Oiphans'  Home  the  money 
on  hand  after  defra^'ing  the  expenses  of  the  Association. 
E.  C.  Eager  was  at  that  meeting  of  the  Union,  repre- 
senting the  Baptist  State  Convention,  and  was,  in  all 
probability^  the  promoter  of  the  resolution.  After  the 
lapse  of  three  3'ears,  Ave  find  again  resolutions  on  their 
minutes,  under  preambles,  as  to  the  "Home."  They 
expressed  it  as  a  duty  to  look  after  the  needy,  and  indi- 
gent, and,  as  the  orphans  at  the  Home  \vere  frequently 
in  need  of  the  necessities  of  life,  it  was  asked  that  each 
member  of  ever^'  church  in  the  body,  be  asked  to  give 
twenty -five  cents  a  year  for  the  Oiphanage,  and  that 
every'  pastor  be  requested  to  place  the  benevolence  be- 
fore his  churches. 

In  1873,  a  committee,  v^ath  Joseph  J.  Green  chair- 
man, reported  on  the  Orphans'  Home.  The  committee 
commended  the  Orphans'  Home,  and  urged  its  claims 
on  the  churches,  and  R.  N.  Hall,  agent  of  the  Home, 
was  welcomed  in  their  midst.  He  delivered  an  accepta- 
ble speech,  and  made  a  good  impression,  as  he  was  ac- 
customed to  do,  and  carried  away  Avith  him  some  mon- 
ey, and  the  good  will  of  the  bod^-.  In  the  following 
year,  the  report  stated  that  the  Home  was  almost  self- 
supporting,  and  a  number  of  subscriptions  were  taken 
for  the  Orphans'  Home  Banner,  by  W.  H.  Tucker.  No 
farther  mention  is  made  of  the  Home  in  the  records  of 
the  union. 

In  1871,  the  body  began  vigorously  to  increase  in- 
terest in  the  Sunday  school  work.  J.  M.  Griffing,  of 
Hamburg,  chairman  of  the  committee,  presented  a  good 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  105 

report.  It  recoinmended  the  appointment  of  a  Sunday 
school  Board,  auxiliary  to  the  Sunday  school  Board  of 
the  Conyention.  The  Board  was  located,  as  has  al- 
ready been  stated,  at  Pine  Bluff  church.  The  following 
year,  the  fact  was  mentioned  that  man^^  Sunday  school 
pupils  had  been  conyerted  in  the  reyiyal,  preyalent  in 
the  churches.  More  interest  in  this  \york  was  urged, 
and  a  Sunday  school  Institute  \vas  recommended,  the 
meetings  of  which  were  to  be  held  annually  at  the  place 
on  the  day  preceeding  the  meeting  of  the  Association, 
and  that  the  Institute  be  comjDosed  of  the  Sunday 
school  Board  of  the  Association.  The  following  year, 
eleyen  Sunday  schools  were  reported  to  the  bod}'. 
Eight  churches  had  no  Sunday  schools.  The  Sunday 
school  Institute  seems  to  haye  been  a  feeble  organization, 
despite  the  efforts  of  some  of  the  best  men  of  the  body. 
Nearly  all  of  the  churches  were  in  the  country.  In 
1876,  it  -was  urged  upon  the  Sunday  school  workers, 
that  they  assist  in  making  the  Institute  a  success.  Af- 
ter this,  for  two  consecutive  years,  no  report  is  found  in 
the  minutes  on  this  subject.  The  year  after,  the  report 
was  made  by  R.  A.  Cooper,  which  was  pointed,  but  no 
reference  was  made  to  the  Institute;  which  would  lead 
one  to  belieye  that  it  had  lost  its  existence.  For  a  num- 
ber of  3'ears  no  special  interest  is  shown  b}'  the  body  in 
this  line  of  work.  In  1883,  "the  international  lessons  " 
are  recommended  forthe  first  time.  The  following  year, 
J.  D.  Granberry  made  a  stirring  report,  which  urged 
that  the  teachers  in  the  Sunday  schools  should  be  con- 
yerted people,  and  that  parents  should  take  their  chil- 
dren to  the  Sunday  school.  In  1885,  the  state  of  this 
work  was  encouraging,  as  was  true  in  the  two  succeed- 
ing years.  In  1889,  the  Sunday  school  Conyention  of 
the  State,  to  be  held  in  July,  1890,  was  commended  to 
the  body. 


106  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  Union  Association  was  not  so  forward  in  the 
^vork  of  sustentation  as  some  similar  bodies.  Perhaps 
a  reason  for  this  was  to  be  found  in  the  fact  that  there 
were  no  old  preachers  in  the  body  needing  help,  as  was 
true  in  other  Associations.  We  find  no  report  on  the 
subject  until  1888.  That  year  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed on  sustentation,  and  J.  E.  Thigpen  made  chair- 
man. His  report  was  well  discussed,  and,  i)ending  its 
adoption,  a  collection  was  taken  of  $20.55  for  A.  R. 
Lum,  long  a  useful  minister  in  that  part  of  the  State, 
and,  at  that  time,  in  the  decrepitude  of  age.  The  fol- 
lowing year,  this  aged  servant  of  God  was  again  re- 
membered with  a  collection  of  $31.00,  which  was  tak- 
en while  the  report  on  sustentation  was  pending.  In 
1890,  little  was  accomplished  by  the  State  Convention 
for  sustentation. 

In  1878,  a  committee  was,  for  the  first  time,  ap- 
pointed on  "pastoral  support,  "  but  no  report  on  that 
subject  appears  in  the  minutes.  The  next  year,  a  strong 
report  was  adopted,  in  which  it  was  urged  that  when 
a  pastor  was  called  to  a  church,  that  the  amount  he 
was  to  receive  be  named,  which  amount  should,  if  pos- 
sible, be  paid  in  monthly  installments,  and  be  reported 
to  the  Association,  among  the  receipts  of  the  church  for 
the  year.  For  several  ^-ears,  the  same  recommenda- 
tions were  made  to  the  churches,  yet  the  amounts  paid 
by  the  churches  to  their  pastors  did  not  appear  in  the 
financial  tabular  report,  until  1883;  which  report  was 
only  partial.  The  Hazlehurst  church,  that  year,  paid 
$600.00  to  the  pastor,  $30.19  to  foreign  missions, 
$100.00  to  state  missions,  and  to  other  causes  accord- 
ingly. Damascus  church  paid  the  pastor  $250.00.  The 
year  after,  Hazlehurst  paid  the  pastor  $800.00,  and  the 
Fellowship  church  took  the  second  place,   paj'ing  to 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  107 

pastoral  support  $350.00.  In  1885,  the  increase  in  the 
amounts  paid  the  pastors  over  the  first  financial  re- 
port on  pastoral  support,  is  indeed  marvelous.  As  corn- 
comparisons  are  not  always  invidious,  it  will  be  of  in- 
terest to  note  the  difference  between  what  w^as  paid  by 
a  few  churches  to  their  pastors  in  1883,  and  1885.  The 
Beech  Grove  gave  $55.00  in  1883,  and  $75.00  in  1885  ; 
Gallmangave  $60.00  in  1883,  and  $150.00  in  1885; 
New  Zion  gave  $150.00  in  1883,  and  $250.00  in  1885. 

In  1886,  the  churches  ^vere  urged  to  give  to  pastor- 
al support  to  the  extent  of  their  ability-;  that  the  pas- 
tors have  fixed  salaries,  and  the  churches  adopt  some 
s^'stematic  plan  of  supporting  their  ministers.  At  the 
meeting  of  the  union  the  following  year,  a  divine  call  to 
the  ministry  was  emphasized,  and  the  call  by  a  church 
of  a  pastor  was  declared  a  contract,  common  to  finan  - 
cial  engagements  in  other  pursuits  in  life.  More  lengthy 
became  the  reports  on  ministerial  support  yearby3^ear, 
and  the  facts  made  prominent,  that  the  preacher's  du- 
ties were  complex,  and  arduous;  that  he  should  be  an 
educated  man,  as  faras  possible;  thatunderthe  Alosaic 
economy,  the  priests  lived  of  the  altar,  and  in  like  man- 
ner, our  Savior  expects  the  churches  to  support  men 
called  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  that  the  minister  should 
devote  himself  exclusiveh^  to  the  duties  of  his  office. 

In  1876,  the  name  of  the  Clear  Creek  church  appear- 
ed for  the  last  time  on  the  minutes  of  the  body.  Thus 
the  connecting  link  dropped  out  between  that  date,  and 
the  constitution  of  the  Association.  The  old  church 
house,  erected  in  182-1,  still  stands  in  the  town  of  Wash- 
ington, but  the  church  lost  its  power  to  stand  in  the 
column  in  the  centennial  year.  For  ^-ears  it  had  not 
been  represented  in  the  Association.  Thus  it  appears, 
the  Association  was  virtually,   a  new  bodj-  in   1873, 


108  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

with  a  new  life,  and  new  designs.  It  was  no  longer 
circumscribed  b^' its  boundaries,  but  took  in  the  geo- 
graphical limits  of  the  round  world,  in  its  scope  of 
vision. 

The  Association  was  profoundly  interested  in  minis- 
terial education,  and  Mississippi  College — the  shops 
where  the  promoters  of  the  world's  evangelization  \vere 
examined  as  to  their  power  of  carriage,  and  where  they 
were  adjusted  in  their  parts,  and  polished  so  as  to  pre  - 
vent  friction  in  their  rapid  movements.  In  1874,  there- 
port  on  the  College  was  indeed  cheerful.  The  school 
was  enjox'ing  continued,  and  increasing,  prosperity.  A 
theological  department  had  been  proposed,  and  AI.  T. 
Martin  was  successfully  prosecuting  the  work  of  rais  - 
ing  an  endowment  fund.  The  Association  pledged  it- 
self to  do  its  part  in  the  wOrk.  The  condition  of  the 
College  gave  good  educational  facilities  to  the  young 
ministers.  The  attendance  of  j^oung  ministers  at  the 
College  was  equal,  if  it  did  not  exceed,  that  of  the  pre- 
vious year.  The  churches  were  urged  to  help  in  this 
work.  The  following  year,  the  College  was  reported 
as  prosperous,  and  the  endowment  Avas  steadih'  grow- 
ing. The  Association  was  urged  to  assist  in  the  work. 
In  1876,  the  bod^^  pledged  heart}^  co-operation  with 
the  Board  of  Ministerial  Education,  and  cordially  in- 
vited R.  N.  Hall,  the  agent  of  the  Board,  to  visit  the 
churches,  and  raise  funds  for  this  work. 

The  report  on  the  College,  in  1878,  was  made  by  A. 
A.  Lomax.  He  said,  "Colleges,  like  century  plants,  are 
of  slow  growth,"  that  Mississippi  College  "grows  slow- 
ly, but  it  grows,  gro^vs  in  efficiency,  grows  in  power, 
grows  in  the  affecl:ions  of  the  great  Baptist  heart  of 
Mississippi,'"  and  "Mississippi  College  wants  j-our pat- 
ronage, asks  your  patronage,  nobly  deserves  your  pat  - 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  109 

roiiage. "  The  report  wrs  pithy,  pungent,  pointed. 
The  reports  on  Mississippi  College,  and  ministerial  edu- 
cation were,  year  by  year,  good,  but  we  find  no  written 
report  of  collections  for  these  objects  before  1881,  when 
a  "try  pledge"'  was  made  for  ministerial  education  of 
$135.00,  A.  A  Lomax  heading  the  list -with  $50.00. 
How  the  ministers  did  sacrifice  in  educating  our  people 
in  the  practice  of  benevolence ! 

In  1882,  T.  N.  Rhymes  used  the  following  language 
in  his  report  on  the  College:  "We  owe  to  Mississippi 
College,  and  hence  we  again  pledge  her,  our  sympathy, 
and  our  sons,  our  prayers,  and  our  support.  We  ex- 
tend toZ.  T.  Leavell,  her  financial  agent,  a  cordial  invi- 
tation to  canvass  in  her  interests  the  territorj'^  v^ithin 
our  bounds. ' '  The  report  of  1883  recited  the  fact  that  in 
the  session  of  the  College  in  1882,  and  1883,  thirty-sev- 
en young  ministers  were  in  attendance.  On  motion, 
the  Association  Resolved,  That  the  churches  be  request- 
ed to  raise  ten  cents  a  member  for  ministerial  education. 
That  year  Hazlehurst  church  paid  to  ministerial  educa- 
tion $35.50,  and  $58.50  to  the  College;  and  of  the 
country  churches,  Philadelphia  paid  to  ministerial  edu- 
cation $10.00,  and  to  the  College  one  dollar.  The  fol- 
lowing year,  the  churches  of  the  Association  paid  to 
ministerial  education  $122.90,  and  to  the  College 
$28.30. 

The  report  made  in  1885  on  the  College  was  read 
by  L.  S.  Foster.  He  quoted  from  M.  P.  Lowrey,  who 
said  the  College  is  the  heart  of  our  State  Convention, 
The  report  said  the  College  "richl^^  deserves  endov^ment, 
and  the  hearty  patronage  of  the  Ba^Dtists  of  the  State. 
It  could  be  endowed  so  easih^  It  is  not  a  question  of 
ability,  but  of  determination."  In  the  year  1886,  the 
Association  reported  nothing  for  ministerial  education, 


110  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

and  only  $7.75  for  the  College.  In  1890,  the  financial 
tabular  statement  shows  as  paid  to  the  College  for  en- 
dowment $866.85,  and  for  ministerial  education  $7 5. 90. 
In  the  associational  year  of  1873 — 1874,  the  Execu- 
tive Board  of  the  Union  Association  became  much  em  - 
barrassed.  The  report  made  by  J.  A.  Hackett,  chair- 
man of  the  Board  in  1874,  says  that  the  Board  had 
done  nothing  during  the  last  ^xar,  but  hold  a  few  form- 
al meetings.  An  indebtedness  was  reported  of  $309.00, 
$75.00  to  the  State  Board,  and  $234.00  to  the  mission- 
aries. These  amounts  were  augmented  by  $269.00  due 
to  the  Natchez  mission,  making  a  total  of  $578.00  in- 
debtedness. The  condition  was  beginning  to  be  appall- 
ing. It  was  suggested  that  the  Association  enter  into 
a  close  co-operation  with  the  State  Alission  Board, 
This  sentiment  was  echoed  from  the  report  on  home 
(state)  missions.  The  State  Mission  Board  was  then 
located  at  Crv^stal  Springs.  T.  J.  Walne  was  its  corre- 
sponding secretar\\  Six  resolutions  were  adopted  by 
the  Association:  (1.)  That  the  Association  pa^-  its 
debts.  That  was  ver\'  sensible,  and  would  apply  to  in- 
dividuals generally.  (2.)  That  a  mission  board  be  con- 
tinued. (3.)  The  Executive  Board  be  requested  to  seek 
close  relations  with  the  State  Mission  Board.  (4.)  The 
corresponding  secretar\^  of  that  Board  was  invited  to 
visit  the  churches.  (5.)  That  it  be  kept  in  mind  that  it 
was  by  missionar3^  labors  that  the^-  were  Christians. 
(6.)  That  they  pledge  themselves  to  pray  God's  bless- 
ings on  the  Board,  and  its  agencies. 

The  following  year  was  one  of  anxiety  to  them.  A 
subscription  was  taken  to  meet  the  indebtedness  of  the 
Executive  Board,  but  alas,  it  was  paid  only  in  part. 
T.  J.  Walne  visited  the  churches,  and  the  State  Board 
assumed  the  outstanding  indebtedness  to  unfetter  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  Ill 

hands  of  the  w^orkers.  What  funds  were  on  hand  were 
ordered  turned  over  to  the  State  Board,  and  the  State 
Board  asked  to  do  missionary  work  in  their  bounds. 
The  kindness  of  the  State  Board  cleared  the  air,  and 
made  the  Union  Association  more  cheerful.  There  was 
a  murmur  of  discontent  after  all  these  things,  that  the 
State  Board  had  not  put  a  missionarj^  in  the  bounds  of 
the  Association,  but  it  was  finally  discovered  that  the 
Executive  Board  had  not  applied  for  one. 

After  co-operation  was  secured  with  the  State 
Board,  matters  seemed  all  at  once  to  get  worse.  In  the 
bounds  of  the  Association  the  spiritual  destitution  was 
appalling.  Some  of  the  churches  were  lapsing  into 
stolid  indiiference,  and  becoming  themselves  missionary 
ground.  "The  mission  spirit  is  our  great  need."  There 
was  a  prejudice  engendered  against  the  State  Board, 
and  it  ^was  recommended  that  they  use  the  money  rais  - 
ed  for  home  missions  ifi  the  bounds  of  the  union.  A- 
gainst  this  recommendation,  A.  A.  Lomax  had  his  vote 
recorded.  The  bod3'  remained  at  cross  purposes.  In 
1878,  the  report  on  home  missions  \vas  written  by  E. 
C.  Gates,  a  noble  man,  and  a  friend  of  the  State  Board. 
The  report  was  as  conciliatory-  as  it  could  have  been 
made.  It  recommended  putting  a  missionary  into  the 
Association  for  a  part,  or  all  his  time,  and  that  the  cor- 
responding secretary  of  the  State  Board  be  invited  to 
visit  the  body,  and  colledl  funds  for  state  missions. 
The  Fair  River  Association  was  helping  them  in  their 
mission  work,  forw^hich  the  Union  Association  express- 
ed gratitude. 

But  the  longest  lanes  have  their  turning.  If  we 
hang  on  to  the  revolving  wheel  we  get  on  top  after  a 
while.  In  1879,  the  ominous  clouds  were  all  rifted. 
The  report  on  home  missions  said:     "Man3^  who  one 


112  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

3^ear  ago  called  on  us  for  the  bread  of  life  have  received 
it  with  joy,  and  some  that  were  dead  have  been  made 
alive.  If  the  work  goes  on  as  it  has  begun,  we  are  en- 
couraged to  believe  that  in  a  little  while  the  field  now 
occupied  bj^  our  missionary  will  be  self-supporting." 
The  corresponding  secretary  of  the  State  Board  receiv- 
ed a  renew^ed  invitation  to  visit  the  churches  of  the  As  - 
sociation.  A  long  report,  covering  two  pages  of  their 
rninutes,  w^as  read,  and  adopted  with  a  zest.  More 
hearty  co  -  operation  wnth  the  State  Board  was  urged. 
Interest  v^as  also  show^n  for  the  colored  people  of  the 
State.  Prejudice  against  the  whites  was  being  dimin- 
ished. The  pastors  w^ere  urged  to  go  among  them,  and 
give  them  sound  doctrine,  and  wholesome  advice. 
What  a  wondei-ful  transition  in  such  a  brief  space  of 
time !  In  man's  weakness  is  where  God's  strength  shows 
itself. 

The  year  1880  brought  another  surprise.  The  mis- 
sionary^ of  the  Association,  Joel  Baskin,  had  done  a  fine 
3^ear"s  work,  which  was  trulj' gratify ing,  but  thought  it 
best  to  resign  the  work.  It  was  recommended  by  the 
Executive  Board  that  the  existing  method  be  discon- 
tinued, and  hearty  co-operation  sought  with  the  State 
Board,  then  located  in  Oxford. 

The  report  on  the  colored  people  revealed  the  fact 
that  the  colored  ministers  were  at  variance  with  each 
other.  It  \vas  a  joy  to  know  that  the  State  Board  was 
doing  work  among  the  negroes.  J.  T.  Zealj  was  ap- 
pointed to  hold  institutes  among  their  preachers. 

Tw^o  reports  on  State  missions  w^ere  spread  on  the 
records  of  the  meeting  of  the  following  year,  one  of  the 
annual  committee,  in  place  of  the  executive  committee, 
and  the  other,  the  usual  report.  The  annual  commit- 
tee reported  that  a  meeting  was  held  in  Ma^-,  and  work 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


113^' 


in  the  Association  mapped  out  for  two  men,  and  appli- 
cation made  to  the  State  Board,  through  T.J.  Walnfe/ 
for  the  needed  missionaries.  It  was  regretted  that  tli^' 
men  could  not  be  found  to  do  the  work.  T.  J.  Walrie 
himself  was  chairman  of  the  usual  committee,  the  re- 
port of  which  did  little  more  than  to  cover  the  scope  of 
the  work  of  the  State  Mission  Board.  "Try  pledges'* 
were  made  amounting  to  $495.00. 

An  annual  committee  "w-as  appointed  in  1881,  for 
the  ensuing  3^ear  on  State  missions. 

The  report  was  under  two  heads :  1 — The  w^ork 
done  by  the  committee.  2^The  work  performed  133^  the 
missionaries.  Not  one  word  was  put  into  the  report 
about  State  missions.  The  committee  planned  work 
for  the  Association,  and  employed  two  missionaries,  J. 
A.  Scarborough,  and  Joseph  Buckles.  An  itemized 
statement  of  this  \vork  was  rendered  to  the  body.  An 
indebtedness  was  reported  of  $214.52.  The  committee 
recommended  "a  continuance  of  the  mission  Avork  in 
our  bounds  wnth  those  churches  that  are  desirous  of 
help."  The  indebtedness  was  sustained  with  the  ut- 
most serenity  and  composure.  The  report  on  State 
missions  was  nothing  more  than  the  itemized  report  of 
the  State  Mission  Board  to  the  Convention  of  that 
year,  but  "trj^  pledges"  were  made  to  State  missions  of 
$500.00. 

The  State  Mission  Board  was,  in  1883,  nine  3^ear 
old.  The  three  aims  of  the  State  Board  were,  inthat 
year,  placed  before  the  bodi' :  1 — To  develop  amission 
spirit.  2 — To  promote  unification  among  Mississippi 
Baptists.  3 — To  secure  co-operation  with  all  the  Asso- 
ciations in  the  State.  The  Association  pledged  itself  to 
make  an  honest  effort  to  raise  $500.00  for  the  work  of 
the  Board.     $362.10  had  been  collected  for  the  State 


114  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Board  that  year.  For  several  years  good  reports  on 
State  missions  were;  put  before  the  body,  but  no  rec- 
ommendations made,  and  no  statement  of  the  work 
done  by  the  Board  in  the  associational  hmits.  In  1888  an- 
other executive  boa,rd  was  appointed.  The  board  report- 
ed the  following  year,  that  there  w^ere  three  centers  of  in- 
fluence in  the  Association  w^here  there  was  no  preaching 
by  Baptists,  viz :  Rodney,  Port  Gibson,  and  Martin. 
Many  churches  were  enfeebled  and  discouraged.  The 
Convention  Board  was  appealed  to,  and  responded  by 
putting  a  colporteur  in  the  field.  A  continuance  of  co- 
operation w^ith  the  Convention  Board  w^as  recom- 
mended. 

In  1890,  the  sum  of  $183.55  was  reported  as  paid 
to  State  missions  during  the  year.  A.  C.  Ball  labored 
in  the  Association  for  six  months,  doing  missionary 
and  colportage  work,  at  asalar^^of  $260.00.  The  field 
was  "w^hite  unto  harvest,"  and  the  demand  was  still 
made  for  strong  men  to  be  put  in  the  field. 

During  the  highly  operative  period  of  the  history  of 
the  Union  Association,  betw^een  1874  and  1890,  ev- 
ery year,  a  report  was  read  on  Foreign  missions. 
The  reports  w^ere  very  nearly'  all  in  one  vein.  There 
was  scarcely  enough  varying,  year  by  year,  to  justify 
the  writer  in  taking  up  these  reports  in  their  annual 
order. 

In  1874,  it  was  recommended  that  the  pastors  be 
requested  to  urge  the  people  to  cultivate  the  spirit  of 
foreign  missions,  and  that  there  be  sj^stem  adopted  in 
taking  collections. 

The  following  year,  a  "centennial  committee"  w^as 
raised  and  repoi'ted,  v^^hich  recommended  that  a  com- 
mittee of  four  be  appointed  by  the  Association,  w^hose 
dutj^  it  shall  be  to  see  that  centennial  meetings  be  held 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  115 

in  all  the  churches,  and  that  the  churches  be  requested 
to  release  their  pastors  when  necessary  for  them  to  en  - 
gage  in  the  w^ork. 

There  was  something  striking  in  the  report  on  for- 
eign missions  made  in  1877.  It  was  "  Resolved,  That 
the  individual  members  of  the  churches  in  our  bounds, 
be  requested  to  prayerfully  consider  vv^hether  they  have 
any  claim  to  the  character  of  missionary  Baptists,  who 
yearly  do  nothing  for  their  support.^ ^ 

In  1879,  we  find  this  language: 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Baptist  field  is  the  w^orld,  and 
every  Baptist  is  bound  to  help." 

In  1881,  the  churches  pledged  themselves  to  raise 
during  the  ensuing  associational  year  $165.00  for  this 
vv^ork.  In  the  following  year,  $36.30  was  reported  in 
the  church  letters  as  collected  for  foreign  missions,  but 
true  statistics  cannot  be  gotten  from  such  financial  ta  - 
bles,  as  some  churches  fail  to  report  v^rhat  they  give. 
The  "try  pledges"  of  1883  amounted  to  $182.50.  The 
pastors  were  asked  to  preach  more  on  foreign  missions. 
What  the  people  want  is  information  as  to  the  Foreign 
Board. 

The  contributions  reported  to  the  Association  of 
1884,  to  foreign  missions,  were  small,  but  very  well  dis- 
tributed. Twelve  churches  out  of  twenty -one  reported 
amounts  paid  to  foreign  missions.  Hazlehurst  led, 
giving  $52.25;  Fellowship  followed,  giving  $16.50. 
The  total  amount  given  by  the  churches  to  foreign  mis- 
sions that  year  was  $159.70,  which  was  in  advance  of 
any  amounts  paid  to  this  object  in  after  years  to  1890. 

The  first  report  made  before  the  Association  on 
Woman's  w^ork  was  inl881 .  It  was  exceedingly  short, 
but  was  strictly  to  the  point.     It  reads : 

"We,  the  committee  on  Woman's  work,  most  hear- 


116  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

tily  approve  of  the  work  of  the  women  of  our  churches, 
and  recommend  that  Ladies  Aid  Societies  be  organized 
in  every  church  composing  this  Association." 

The  following  year,  a  letter  was  sent  from  the  La  - 
dies  Mission  Society,  of  White  Oak  church,  to  the  Asso- 
ciation, w^hich  seemed  to  have  a  happj^  effect  on  the 
body.  A  length}^  report  was  written  on  "Woman's 
work,"  and  the  letter  ordered  printed  in  the  minutes. 
The  end  of  the  first  quarter  of  the  existence  of  the  Soci  - 
ety,  five  dollars  was  sent  to  foreign  missions.  The  sec- 
ond quarter  ended  at  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the  As- 
sociation, at  w^hich  time  ten  dollars  was  sent  for  the 
missionaries  of  the  Union  Association.  Mrs.  Eliza 
Coleman  w^as  president  of  the  societ3%  Mrs.  Emily  Pitt- 
man,  vice-president,  and  Miss  Josephine  Anderson,  sec- 
retary and  treasurer.  The  Society  had  twenty  acting 
members,  and  eleven  honorary  members.  If  the  ladies 
of  the  remaining  twenty' -  one  churches  in  the  body,  had 
made  similar  reports,  what  startling  results  would 
have  been  showm ! 

In  1884,  a  fine  report  was  made  to  the  Association 
on  Woman's  work.  H.  D.  White  was  chairman 
of  the  committee.  It  informs  us  that  there  w^ere  quite 
a  number  of  Ladies  Missionary  Societies  in  the  Associ- 
ation, that  they  had  contributed  liberally  to  all  the  ob- 
jects of  benevolence,  and  that  they  had  quickened  the 
zeal  and  inspired  greater  interest  in  the  work  on  the 
part  of  the  men.  The  reports,  3'ear  by  year,  w^ere  grat- 
ifying, and  no  opposition  was  met  by  the  women  in 
their  work.  Such  organizations  in  the  churches  are 
capable  of  doing  a  vast  amount  of  good,  but  our  wom- 
en need  more  encouragment  in  their  work. 

In  1889,  the  minutes  of  the  Woman's  Missionary 
Society,   of  the  Union  Association,  were  published  in 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  117 

the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Association.  The 
Society  was  addressed  by  J.  T.  Christian,  Fred  Jones, 
and  J.  Jasper  Green.  All  the  churches  reported  societies 
but  four.  The  societies  pledged  $75.00  for  the  endow- 
ment of  Mississippi  College.  In  1890,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Nel- 
son w^as  at  the  meeting  of  the  societies  at  the  Associa  - 
tion,  and  explained  the  work  of  the  central  committee. 
A  collection  of  $2.15  was  taken  up  for  the  Convention 
Board. 

It  has  been  more  difficult  to  enlist  Mississippi  Bap- 
tists in  Home  missions  than  any  other  line  of  our  be- 
nevolence. Why  this  is  true,  each  one  may  conjecture, 
but  no  one  can  explain  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
inquiring  mind.  It  was  so  late  as  1883  before  there 
was  a  report  read  before  the  Union  Association  on  the 
subject.  This  is  true,  while  it  is  equally  true  that  no 
Association  in  the  State  has  surpassed  the  Union  in 
manifesting  a  missionary  spirit.  In  the  3'ear  named, 
the  information  was  given  that  H.  F.  Sproles  was  the 
representative  of  the  Home  Mission  Board  in  our  State. 
It  v^as  suggested  that  a  competent  man  be  appointed 
to  represent  this  interest  in  the  body.  It  does  not  ap  - 
pear  on  the  records  that  the  Association  did  so.  A 
motion  was  adopted,  requesting  the  churches  to  con- 
tribute ten  cents  a  member  for  home  missions.  The 
same  motion  was  passed  the  next  year.  Four  of  the 
churches  in  1884  reported  amounts  paid  to  home  mis- 
sions, but  it  ma3^  have  been  expended  on  associational 
missions.  No  suggestion  was  made  to  the  Association 
of  1885  in  the  report  on  home  missions,  and  we  find 
that  one  church  contributed  $1.00  that  year  to  this 
object. 

In  1886,  the  report  on  home  missions  was  handed 
in  by  R.  H.  Purser.    It  was  rather  cautious.    It  said 


118  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

that  Mississippi  Baptists  were  doing  home  mission 
■work,  which  was  eminently  true  at  that  time.  It  de- 
clared that  there  were  too  many  objects  before  the 
people;  their  minds  became  confused,  and  "wjth  confus- 
ion interest  dies  out."  It  was  recommended  that  the 
pastors  keep  this  cause  before  their  churches.  In  1888, 
$2,000.00  was  asked  of  Mississippi  for  this  cause,  and 
the  Union  Association  proposed  to  raise  its  share  of  the 
amount.  It  was  stated  the  year  following,  that  the 
Home  Board  had  two  missionaries  in  our  State,  at  an 
expense  of  $1,125.00,  and  had  received  but  little  more 
than  that  amount  from  Mississippi.  The  belief  was  ex- 
pressed in  the  report  on  the  subject,  in  1890,  that  our 
people  would  do  more  for  home  missions  if  they  were 
better  informed  as  to  the  needs  of  the  Southern  field  of 
labor.  In  the  year  of  1889—1890,  the  sum  of  $39.75 
was  given  by  the  body  to  home  missions. 

The  constituency  of  the  Union  Association  w^as  con- 
versant with  our  denominational  literature.  The  first 
Baptist  newspaper  of  the  State  was  published  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Union  Association.  The  Mississippi 
Baptist,  before  the  Civil  War,  was  warmly  supported 
bj^  them.  In  1874,  ''The  Baptist,"  published  in  Mem- 
phis, was  commended  with  a  number  of  other  Baptist 
periodicals.  The  next  year,  the  commendation  of  that 
paper  was  more  pronounced.  The  Baptist  was  then 
"our  State  organ,''  it  was  said.  It  had  a  Mississippi 
department,  over  which  M.  P.  Lowrey  presided,  in  a 
manner  that  reaped  the  most  hearty  approval  of  the 
Association.  In  1877,  Mississippi  Baptists  had  a  de- 
nominational paper,  ''The  Mississippi  Baptist  Record, 
published  at  Clinton,  which  was  commended  without 
reserve.  The  Record  was  for  a  number  of  years,  first  in 
the  list  of  periodicals  recommended  to  the  churches  by 
the  committee  on  publications. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  119 

In  1882,  the  committee  on  publications  gave  the 
first  place  in  its  recommendations  to  the  ^^ Tennessee 
Baptist,  pubhshed  by  J.  R.  Graves,  Memphis,  Tenn.," 
the  Baptist  Record,  claiming  the  second  place.  This 
recommendation  yvRS  an  exception,  and  for  several 
years  afterward  The  Record  v^as  the  accepted  organ  of 
the  Association. 

In  1887,  the  Southern  Baptist  Record,  published  at 
Meridian,  Miss.,  v^as  commended.  This  paper  was  the 
Baptist  Record,  and  the  Southern  Baptist  consolidated, 
and  was  virtually  the  same  paper  that  the  members  of 
the  body  had  read  for  years.  In  1889,  the  Southern 
Baptist  Record  was  commended,  (1)  Because  of  its 
soundness;  (2)  Because  it  is  our  State  organ;  (3)  Be- 
cause of  the  vast  amount  of  information  to  be  obtain- 
ed by  a  careful  reading  of  it.  In  the  report  of  the  year 
following,  we  find  this  language : 

"Every  Baptist  family  in  the  State  should  take  and 
read  the  Baptist  Record,  and  Congregational  Quarter- 
ly. We  also  recommend  the  Foreign  Mission  Journal, 
and  Home  Field. " 

The  support  the  Union  Association  gave  to  the 
Temperance  movement  w^as  highly  commendable.  The 
interest  taken  in  it  was  a  preceptible  growth.  In  1878, 
A.  A.  Lomax  presented  the  first  report  on  the  subject, 
vehich  was  virtually  two  resolutions,  (1)  That  it  w^as 
the  sense  of  the  Association  that  the  use  of  intoxicants 
as  a  beverage,  was  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  genius  of 
Christianity;  (2)  That  all  pastors  in  the  bounds  of  the 
Association,  speak  and  preach  often  against  the  great 
evil,  and  the  churches  use  strict  discipline  with  the  mem- 
bers who  are  guilty  of  the  obnoxious  habit.  The  two 
resolutions  were  in  the  language  of  a  man  of  pronoun  - 
ced  convictions  and  sturdy  determination;  • 


120  HISTORY     OF     anSSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  report  the  following  year,  expressed  the  belief 
that  safety  is  alone  in  total  abstinence  from  all  intoxi- 
cating drinks.  The  pastors  of  the  churches  were  urged 
to  speak  against  the  drink  habit  in  the  pulpit  and  in  so- 
cial circles.  The  next  year,  an  advance  step  was  made. 
It  was  recommended  that  all  the  churches  stand  on  the 
ground  of  total  abstinence,  and  discipline  members 
who  have  anything  to  do  with  social  dram  -  drinking. 

In  1881,  the  Association  reached  the  high  plane  of 
Prohibition.  The  prohibition  movement  was  heartily 
•endorsed,  and  earnest  support  pledged  to  it.  Dram- 
drinking  had  ceased  to  be  a  question  of  temperance,  it 
merited  prohibition.  The  succeeding  j-ear,  the  same 
emphasis  was  placed  on  positive  dealings  ^vith  intoxi  - 
cants.  This  sentiment  was  reiterated  for  the  following- 
two  years. 

In  1885,  A.  A.  Lomax  thundered  against  the  per- 
nicious evil  again.  He  says:  "the  overthrow  of  the 
rum  traffic  in  Mississippi  is  only  a  question  of  time,  en- 
ergy.', and  endurance."  "If  we  are  true  to  our  high  trust, 
and  the  responsibilities  of  the  hour,  the  saloon  must 
go,  and  when  it  does  let  all  the  people  say,  Amen.'' 

In  1887,  the  determination  was  entered  into  to 
■withdraw  fellowship  from  every  church  member  who 
should  sign  a  whisky  petition  or  give  countenance  in 
any  vt-ay  to  the  liquor  traffic. 

The  two  following  years,  the  attitude  against  the 
monster  evil  was  maintained,  and,  in  1890,  the  posi- 
tion of  1887  was  reaffirmed.  The  positiveness  of  the 
Association  was  not  in  anything,  during  its  long  exist- 
ence, more  thoroughly  attested  than  in  its  position  on 
this  dreaded,  and  persistent  curse  of  our  Christian 
country. 

D.  I.  Purser  was  moderator  of  the  Union  Associa- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  121 

tion  in  1874,  1875,  and  1876;  J.  Jasper  Green  from 
1877  to  1880,  inclusive;  I.  H.  Anding  in  1881;  J.  A. 
Snider  in  1882,  and  1883;  H.  C.  Conn  in  1884,  and 
1885;  vS.  W.  Sibley  in  1886,  and  1887;  J.  JasperGreenin 
1888,  and  1889,  and  S.  R.  Young  in  1890.  A.  J.  Miller 
was  clerk  of  the  body  from  1874  to  1880,  inclusive; 
John  P.  Hemby  in  1881;  J.  D.  Granberr>^  from  1882  to 
1887,  inclusive;  J.  P.  Hemby  in  1888,  and  1889,  and  W. 
K.  Bryant  in  1890. 

In  the  sixteen  years  of  the  history  of  the  Union  As  - 
sociation,  just  previous  to  1890,  the  death  of  only  one 
old  veteran  of  the  cross  is  recorded.  A.  R.  Lum  died 
January  2nd,  1890,  in  the  seventy  -  third  3'ear  of  his 
age.  His  name  first  appeared  on  the  minutes  of  1852, 
when  he  was  a  delegate  to  the  Association,  from  Anti- 
och  church,  Copiah  county.  He  seldom  missed  a  meet- 
ing of  his  Association  until  he  \vas  enfeebled  by  age. 
He  was  a  plain  honest  man,  of  undisputed  purity,  and 
unquestionable  zeal  for  the  promotion  of  Christianity. 
He  had  been  favored  with  few  educational  advantages, 
but  w^as  a  man  of  fine  native  abilit}'.  He  was  one  of  the 
class  of  country  preachers  who  live  uncomplainingly  in 
limited  circumstances,  esteeming  the  pleasures  of  the 
Christian  religion  as  more  valuable  than  any  of  the 
glittering  tinsel,  and  gaudy  show  of  the  social  world, 
and  speaking  after  death,  as  Abel,  by  the  undying  influ- 
ence of  a  godlj^  life. 

The  body  met  in  1891  with  New  Providence  church. 
S.  R.  Young  was  chosen  moderator,  D.  S.  Burch  clerk, 
and  G.  W.  Foster  treasurer.  The  Martin  church  was 
received  into  the  fraternity.  A  letter  was  read  from  J. 
E.  Chiles,  who,  on  account  of  the  infirmities  of  age,  w^as 
not  able  to  be  with  them.  H.  M.  Long  represented  the 
Record,  and  I.H.  Anding,  and  A.  A.  Lomax  the  Sunday 
School  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 


122  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  Association  kindly  remembered  the  wadow^  of 
the  late  A.  R.  Lum.  A  collection  was  taken  for  susten- 
tation  to  be  used  for  her  benefit,  amounting  to  $26.70 
in  cash,  and  $82.00  in  pledges. 

S.  R.  Young  had  been  giving  them  one  half  time  as 
missionarv'-  during  the  associational  year.  He  labored 
at  Harriston,  and  Martin.  No  more  proficient  man 
could  have  been  gotten  in  the  Association  for  this  work. 
He  was,  for  many  years  of  his  early  life,  a  Methodist;  and 
brought  his  ardor  with  him.  He  had  organized  a  church 
at  Martin,  and  was  doing  a  good  work  at  Harriston. 
The  sum  of  $284.20  was  received  that  year  for  work  in 
their  bounds,  and  $415.00  pledged  for  the  interest  for 
the  coming  j^ear. 

The  following  year,  S.  R.  Young  was  again  their 
missionary.  He  was  emplo^^ed  for  all  his  time  at  a  sal- 
ary of  $720.00.  The  churches  were  urged  to  take 
monthly  collections  for  their  evangelistic  work. 

Their  churches  were  at  that  time  taking  a  lively  in- 
terest in  woman's  work.  Mrs.  J.  J.  Green  was  presi- 
dent of  their  union,  and  was  very  efficient  among  the 
women.  A  tabulated  report  of  the  Woman's  Mission 
Society  was  read  before  the  Association  in  1892.  Nine 
churches  had  societies,  which,  with  the  Young  People's 
Missionary'  Society,  reported  as  colledted  the  sum  of 
$574.25 

The  session  of  1892  met  with  the  Rodney  church, 
the  twenty-third  of  September.  In  1893,  the3'' met  with 
the  Brushy  Fork  church,  on  Friday  before  the  fourth 
Sunday  in  September. 

The  committee  on  obituaries  in  1894,  made  a  re- 
port, which  showed  that  fourteen  of  their  number  had 
passed  away  in  the  last  year.  Among  these  was  Joseph 
Buckles.     He  was  bom  in  1840,  began  his  ministry  in 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  123 

1873,  and  died  November  12,  1893.  It  is  said  of  him 
that  he  was  "as  a  preacher,  able,  and  earnest,  as  a  citi- 
zen, upright,  and  honorable,  as  a  husband,  true,  and 
faithful,  a  devoted  father,  and  a  friend  to  the  needy." 

In  that  year,  W.  W.  Bolls  w^as  called  on  to  preside 
over  the  body.  He  was  also  honored  in  being  elected 
by  acclamation,  to  represent  thertiinthe  Southern  Bap- 
tist Convention.  The  following  resolution  was  passed, 
referring  to  their  mission  work : 

''Resolved,  That  the  churches  composing  this  As- 
sociation set  apart  sixty  per  cent  of  all  money  collected 
for  missions,  and  that  the  same  be  appropriated  to  the 
work  of  missions,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association." 

The  next  year,  the  Executive  Board  aided  the  Mar- 
tin, Ingleside,  Unity,  Center  Chapel,  and  Port  Gibson 
churches.  S.  R.  Young  was  missionary  pastor  at 
Martin,  W,  S.  Rogers,  at  Unity,  J.  H.  Purser,  at  Center 
Chapel,  and  J.  E.  Phillips,  at  Port  Gibson. 

The  report  on  Sunday  schools  showed  that  eigh- 
teen churches  had  Sunday  schools,  wdth  a  total  attend- 
ance of  750  pupils.  Only  five  of  the  churches  were 
without  Sunday  schools.  The  aggregate  membership 
was  1,289. 

In  1895,  W.  W.  Bolls  was  again  called  on  to  preside 
over  the  body,  and  enjoyed  the  distinction  in  1896. 
The  following  year,  S.  R.  Young  v^as  elected  moderator, 
and  was  re-elected  in  1897, 

That  year,  the  report  on  Woman's  work  was  pre  - 
sented  to  the  body  by  their  secretary.  Miss  Annie  Ja- 
cobs. Nine  societies  were  reported.  The  total  of  their 
contributions  was  $338.07.  The  societies  were  in  the 
following  churches:  Brushy  Fork,  Fellowship,  Her- 
manville.  New  Zion,  Port  Gibson,  Rodney,  and  Rodney 
Young  People,  Smyrna,  and  White  Oak. 


124  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1897,  a  full  report  of  their  work  was  not  receiv- 
ed, on  account  of  the  confusion  caused  M'  the  preva- 
lence of  yellow^  fever.  But  a  newly  organized  society' 
was  reported  at  Reganton  church,  and  Sunbeam  socie- 
ties in  the  Port  Gibson,  and  Hermanville  churches. 
Mrs.  N.  O.  Thompson  was  then  the  vice-president  for 
the  Association. 

The  session  of  1897  was  held  \vith  Philadelphia 
church,  Lincoln  county,  and  the  session  of  the  following 
year  at  Center  Chapel,  Jefferson  county.  In  1899,  the 
assembly  was  with  Fellowship  church,  Jefferson  county, 
and  in  1900,  with  the  Hermanville  church.  In  1899, 
there  \vere  twenty  churches  in  the  union,  with  a  total 
membership  of  1,401.  They  received  that  year  seventy- 
two  persons  by  baptism.  They  gave  to  foreign  missions 
$85.25,  to  home  missions  $56.00,  and  to  State  missions 
$106.06.  They  received  reports,  as  was  usual,  each 
year,  on  Orphanage,  State  missions,  Foreign  missions, 
Home  missions.  Ministerial  education,  Sunday  schools. 
Pastoral  support.  Publications,  Prohibition,  Sustenta- 
tion,andFamih'  worship.  These  reports  were  highlj- 
instructive  as  to  the  work  fostered  b^-the  Baptist  State 
Convention. 

The  old  Union  Association  elicits  the  admiration  of 
the  student  of  history,  for  its  long  and  courageous 
struggle  to  ameliorate  the  spiritual  infirmities  of  hu  - 
manity.  Its  life  has  been  one  of  struggle.  Only  once 
has  it  been  strong  beyond  the  sisterhood  of  Associa- 
tions, then  only  for  a  short  time.  The  going  out  of  the 
churches  to  form  the  Central  Association,  left  it  weak. 
The  Association  has  been  lacking  in  two  of  the  leading 
characteristics  of  some  of  the  other  Associations.  It 
has  not  enjoyed  leading  ministers  of  long  residence. 
Norvell  Robertson  was  the  staff  of  the  Pearl  River  Asso- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  125 

ciation,  and  Zachariah  Reaves  was  the  stay  of  the  old 
Mississippi  Association.  Long  residence  in  one  place, 
not  only  consolidates  a  minister's  influence,  and  per- 
petuates his  name,  but  also  gives  prominence  and  dura- 
bility to  associational  life.  N.  L.  Clarke  and  Mount 
Pisgah  Association  are  as  unseparable  as  light  and 
heat.  The  Union  Association  has  also  lacked  associa- 
tional aspirations.  This  is  not  to  be  considered  a  de- 
fect. The  Association  has  struggled  to  do  good,  and 
has  succeeded;  but  a  due  amount  of  consecrated  pride  is 
Avorthy  of  commendation.  Without  it,  no  young  man 
can  reach  the  limits  of  his  abilit}^,  and  without  it  an 
Association  cannot  confer  the  greatest  good  possible  of 
such  an  organization.  But  the  grand  old  Union  Asso- 
ciation has  lived  a  noble  life.  The  Association  warmed 
Avorthy  churches  into  vigor,  and  let  them  go  away  to 
bless  other  Associations. 


126  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

PEARL  RIVER  ASSOCIATION. 

The  Pearl  River  Association  may  v^^ell  be  denomi- 
nated the  Orphanage  Association,  of  Mississippi.  It 
kindh'  reached  out,  in  its  earW  history,  to  the  churches 
scattered  abroad,  isolated,  and  j^oung,  and  aided,  and 
nourished  them,  until  they  became  strong,  and  could 
find,  in  the  process  of  time,  other  associational  affilia- 
tions. Churches  in  this  union  have  been,  at  one  time, 
and  another,  in  the  counties  of  Marion,  Jones,  Pike, 
Copiah,  Covington,  Lawrence,  Green,  Perry,  Jackson, 
Simpson,  \Va3me,  Newton,  Rankin,  Hancock,  and  Lin- 
coln, and  in  the  parishes  of  Washington,  and  Green,  in 
Louisiana.  Eleven  Associations  have  been  aided  in 
their  constitutions,  and  growth,  133^  contributions  of 
churches,  made  by  this  orphanage  Association,  viz : 

Mount  Pisgah,  Ebenezer,  Leaf  River,  Strong  River, 
Bogue  Chitto,  West  Pearl  River,  Fair  River,  Magee's 
Creek,  Pearl  Leaf,  Oak  Grove,  and  Copiah  Associations. 

The  countr^^  over  which  this  Association  extends, 
and  has  extended,  is  what  is  known  as  the  long  leaf 
pine  region.  It  is  thickly  studded  with  the  best  yellow 
pine  timber  in  the  United  States.  Tall  pine  trees,  which 
for  sixty  feet  from  the  ground,  are  without  limbs,  or 
crooks,  are  so  numerous  as  not  to  provoke  comment. 
The  soil  is  sandy,  but  can  be  made  very  produdlive  by 
proper  care,  and  fertilization.  It  yields  fine  grass,  and 
is  regarded  as  most  excellent   for  pasturage  of  stock. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  127 

The  surface  is  of  rounded  undulations,  but  only  here 
and  there,  precipitous.  The  streams  are  unequaled  in 
our  State,  for  their  clearness,  permitting  the  eye  to  pen- 
etrate the  water  to  an  almost  incredible  depth.  The 
country  abounds  with  springs  of  clear  free-stone  water, 
which  are  perennial,  and  so  copious,  that  water  for 
stock  is  not  a  matter  for  discussion.  The  atmosphere 
is  pure,  and  salubrious,  and  the  health  of  the  region  ex- 
cellent. The  writer  was  told  last  year,  that  in  Amite 
county,  in  the  western  portion  of  the  region,  two  or 
three  men  were  then  living,  who  were  over  one  hundred 
years  of  age. 

In  1819,  a  petition  of  several  churches  along  the 
Pearl  river,  was  presented  to  the  old  Mississippi  Asso- 
ciation, praying  for  dismission  from  that  body,  to  form 
a  new^  Association.  A  petition  from  eight  churches  of 
the  Mississippi  Association,  north  of  the  Homochitto 
river,  to  form  a  new  Association,  had  just  preceeded 
this  prayer  of  the  churches  along  the  Pearl.  The  old 
mother  of  Associations  then  had  a  union  of  forty -one 
churches,  extending  over  a  large  area  of  country,  but 
some  caution  v^as  manifested  as  to  permitting  twenty 
churches  to  leave  the  Association  in  one  year.  It  was 
deemed  best  by  the  Mississippi  Association  that  these 
churches  petitioning  for  dismission,  hold  a  convention 
at  Dilling's  Creek  church  for  consorted  agreement  as  to 
the  petition  for  letters,  which  convention  was  to  ineet 
on  Friday,  before  the  first  Lord's  day,  in  April,  1820. 

The  convention  met  on  Friday,  March  31,  1820. 
The  delegates  from  twelve  churches  were  present.  The 
twelve  churches  represented  in  the  convention  were, 
Mount  Nebo,  Pentecost,  Pearl  River,  Half- moon  Bluff, 
Bethany,  Silver  Creek,  Providence,  Fair  River,  Dilling's 
Creek,   Poplar  Springs,   Chapel,   and  Antioeh.    There 


128  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

were  in  the  bodj^,  such  strong  preachers  as  George  W. 
King,  Nathan  Morris,  Norvell  Robertson,  Sr.,  John  P. 
Martin,  and  James  Thigpen ;  and  such  laymen,  as  Her- 
man Runnels,  W.  Stamps,  Nathan  Parker,  Shadrach 
King,  Dongle  Graham,  W.  Ward,  Noah  Stringer,  Hay- 
den  Tillman,  and  David  B.Jenkins.  Norvell  Robertson, 
Sr.,  was  elected  moderator,  and  George  W.  King  clerk. 

It  was  Resolved,  That,  for  the  convenience  of  the 
churches  on  Pearl  River,  a  petition  be  made  to  the 
Mississippi  Association,  for  their  dismission,  to  form  a 
new  Association,  and,  that  churches  not  represented  in 
the  convention,  wishing  to  go  into  the  organization  of 
a  new  Association,  make  petition  individually  to  the 
Mississippi  Association  for  their  dismission. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Geo.  W.  King,  Norvell 
Robertson,  Sr.,  and  Harmon  Runnels,  was  appointed  to 
W'rite  a  petitionary-  letter  to  the  Mississippi  Baptist  As- 
sociation, praA'ing  for  dismission  for  the  constitution 
of  the  contemplated  Association. 

A  union  meeting  was  appointed  to  convene  v^ith 
the  Chapel  church,  in  Pike  county,  in  September  of  that 
year,  to  be  a  "communion  season.""  Every  effort  pos- 
sible was  made  in  those  early  times,  when  churches 
were  at  great  remove  from  each  other,  and  their  mem- 
bership scattered  over  miles  of  territor3^  to  strengthen 
Christian  fellowship,  and  produce  affinity  of  spirit. 
James  Thigpen  was  appointed  to  preach  the  introduct- 
ory sermon  before  the  first  Association. 

Norvell  Robertson,  Sr.,  was  a  native  of  Virginia, 
but  a  contribution  to  the  Baptist  ministry  of  Missis- 
sippi, from  the  State  of  Georgia.  From  the  frequent 
reference  that  is  made  to  him  in  the  minutes  of  the 
Pearl  River  Association,  and  from  his  recorded  actions, 
he  appears  to  have  been  a  man  of  Stirling  worth,  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  129 

of  impressing  personality.  He  is  mentioned  as  a  dele- 
gate to  the  Pearl  River  Association  last,  in  1829,  when 
he  represented  Providence  church.  In  1830,  his  name 
appears  as  correspondent  from  Leaf  River  Association. 
He  continued  to  represent  the  Leaf  River  Association, 
at  the  meeting  of  the  Pearl,  until  1841.  Inthe  minutes 
of  the  meeting  of  that  year,  it  is  said  :  "from  Leaf  Riv- 
er, a  letter  and  a  parcel  of  minutes,  by  their  messenger, 
T.  C.  Hunt — their  other  messengers,  N.  Robertson,  Sr., 
and  Geo.  Davis,  having,  to  our  deep  regret,  failed  to 
meet  with  us."'  Here,  so  far  as  this  Association  is. con- 
cerned, the  vail  is  dra^vn  over  the  declining  years  of 
this  worthy-  pioneer  preacher,  after  twenty -one  jesirs 
of  service  and  vigilance  for  the  body. 

In  1820,  the  old  Mississippi  Association  deemed  it 
best  that  the  churches  contiguous  to  Pearl  river  should 
form  the  ne^v  Association,  and  gave  letters  of  dismis- 
sion to  fifteen  churches,  to  go  into  organization.  Eight 
other  churches,  not  of  the  Mississippi  Association, 
Avent  with  them  into  the  new  organization,  making 
twent}' -  three  in  all,  which  v^^as  a  good  number  with 
which  to  begin.  One  of  these  twenty -three  churches 
was  an  African  church,  which  was  represented  in  the 
Association  by  two  slaves,  "Ben,  belonging  to  Sellers," 
and  "Bob,  belonging  to  McGraw."  As  stated  in  the 
history  of  the  Mississippi  Association,  the  negroes 
were  in  those  days,  in  separate  churches  from  the  white 
people.  It  \vas  deemed  best,  as  there  were  quite  a 
number  of  free  negroes  in  the  State  in  those  days.  As 
a  rule,  they  were  under  the  vigilance  of  the  whites, 
though  in  independent  bodies. 

Before  the  organization  was  consummated,  the 
representatives  of  the  churches  were  confronted  by  a 
serious  difficulty.     The  "Bahala"  church  was  objected 


130  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

to,  on  the  ground  that  it  had  in  its  fellowship  a  mem- 
ber (James  Bailey)  who,  it  was  said,  had  tw^o  living 
wives.  This  church  had  to  av^^ait  the  organization  of 
the  Association,  "before  it  could  get  a  legal  hearing. 
The  constitution  was  adopted.  Norvell  Robertson,  as 
moderator  pro  tem.,  gave  the  delegates  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship,  and  denominated  them,  "The  Pearl  River 
Baptist  Association,  united  in  love  to  God,  and  to  one 
another."  William  Cooper  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Shadrach  King  clerk.  After  this  the  "Bahala"  church 
had  a  hearing,  and  it  \vas  decided  that  the  first  mar- 
riage of  James  Bailey  was  "not  consummated,'^  and 
therefore  illegal,  and  the  second  marriage,  valid,  and 
the  Bahala  church  ^vas  received  into  the  union. 

On  the  Lord's  daj'-,  included  in  the  meeting  of  the 
Association,  three  sermons  \vere  delivered,  by  Ezra 
Courtney-,  Samuel  Marsh,  and  David  Collins,  in  the  or- 
der that  they  are  named.  We  have  this  language  in  the 
minutes.  "Many  of  the  hearts  of  God's  people  rejoiced 
to  hear  the  wonderful  displays  of  divine  grace  opened, 
and  enforced."  A  resolution  was  adopted  to  thiseffedt, 
"That  the  Association,  feeling  a  \vish  to  disseminate 
the  true  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  in  their  purity,  request 
our  reverend,  and  beloved  brother,  David  Cooper,  to 
favor  us  with  a  cop}'  of  the  sermon,  which  he  delivered 
to  us  on  Lord's  day  last,  and  that  brother  William 
Whitehead  superintend  the  printing  of  five -hundred 
copies  of  it."  The}^  wanted  a  rock  basis  on  the  doc- 
trines of  grace,  on  which  to  build  their  associational 
activities. 

At  this  first  meeting  of  the  Association,  a  resolution 
was  adopted,  agreeing  to  confer  with  the  Mississippi, 
and  the  Union  Associations  on  the  subject  of  missions. 
George  W.  King,  Nathan  Morris,  William  Whitehead, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS,  131 

David  Cleveland,  and  Shadrach  King,  were  appointed 
as  a  committee  to  meet  like  committees  from  the  Miss  - 
issippi,  and  the  Union  Associations,  at  ZionHill  church, 
Amite  county,  on  Friday  before  the  fourth  Sunday  in 
May,  1821.  Norvell  Robertson  v^as  appointed  to  v^rite 
the  circular  letter,  and  to  preach  the  introductory  ser- 
mon, before  the  next  meeting  of  the  body.  It  is  said 
that  the  Association  adjourned  "with an  apostolic  ben- 
ediction." The  doctrines  of  grace  were  asserted,  the 
cause  of  missions  attended  to,  and  the  Association  dis- 
missed with  an  apostolic  benediction.  This  shows  that 
this  first  meeting  of  the  Pearl  River  Association  was 
composed  of  wnse,  sensible,  and  progressive  Bible  read- 
ers. The  circular  letter,  presented  to  the  Association 
that  year,  and  signed  In^  William  Cooper,  the  modera- 
tor, and  Shadrach  King,  the  clerk,  is  clear  in  its  ring. 
It  says,  "With  most  heart -felt  gratification,  with  the 
most  pleasing  sensations  of  soul,  and  the  most  grate- 
ful feelings,  v;^e  hear  of  the  prosperity  of  Zion  in  some  of 
our  infant  churches.  *  *  *  We  likewise  hear  of  the  most 
gracious  visitations  of  the  churches  in  New^  York,  Vir- 
ginia, Georgia,  and  Tennessee,  which,  together  with  the 
operations  now  going  forward  for  the  evangelization 
of  the  whole  word,  causes  our  drooping  heads  to  be 
raised,  and  our  languishing  spirits  to  revive." 

In  1821,  the  Association  met  with  the  Ebenezer 
church,  Lawrence  county,  and  two  new  churches  w^ere 
received  into  the  union.  Mount  Moriah,  and  Hebron. 
Of  the  Hebron  church,  who  has  not  heard?  It  is  a  fine 
study  to  discover  the  origin,  and  to  watch  the  progress 
of  some  of  those  old  churches  that  have  proven  great  in 
the  passing  years. 

It  appears  from  the  records  of  the  Mississippi  Asso- 
ciation, that  the  "Mississippi  Society  for  Baptist  Mis- 


132  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

sions"  was  a  thing  of  some  life.  The  meeting  at  Zion 
Hill  of  the  w^orkers  of  the  three  Associations,  in  May^ 
1821,  was  so  satisfactory  that  a  second  meeting  was 
held  at  the  same  place  in  May,'  1822. 

The  sixteenth  article  of  the  minutes  of  the  Pearl 
River  Association,  says  that  David  Collins,  G.  W.  King, 
S.  King,  Harmon  Runnels,  and  David  Cleveland,  were 
appointed  to  attend  the  "Alississippi  Missionary  Soci- 
ety," at  Zion  Hill  church,  in  July,  1823.  Thus  we  see 
that  the  work  of  missions  was  looked  after  systemati- 
calty,  for  three  years,  b^^  the  three  Associations  then  ex- 
isting in  the  State.  Besides  this,  in  1821,  the  Pearl 
River  Association  "received  an  address,  together  w^ith 
the  seventh  annual  report  of  the  Board  of  managers  of 
the  General  Convention  of  the  Baptist  denomination, 
in  the  United  States,  for  Foreign  missions,  and  other 
important  objects  relating  to  the  Redeemer's  King- 
dom." The  address  was  read  before  the  bodj^,  and  its 
design,  so  far  approved  that  George  W.  King  was  ap- 
pointed Corresponding  Secretary  of  that  Board,  that 
the  Association  might  keep  in  touch  with  the  operations 
of  the  Board,  and  was  for  a  number  of  years  continued 
in  the  position. 

Great  j 03'  was  expressed  that  3'ear,  b}"  the  Associa- 
tion, upon  information  as  to  the  progress  of  foreign 
missions  in  India,  Africa,  and  among  the  aborigines  of 
America.  The  Association  had  the  spirit  of  missions, 
w^hatever  might  have  been  their  practice  in  those  days. 
The  seeds  were  at  least  planted  that  are  now  yielding 
an  abundant  harvest. 

.  The  death  of  William  Cooper  is  touchingh'  referred 
to  in  the  minutes  of  the  Association,  of  1821.  His 
death  is  announced  as  mournful  tidings,  and  he  is  de- 
clared to  have  been  a  faithful  laborer.    He  was  the  first 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  133 

moderator  of  the  Association,  then  representing  Halt 
Moon  Bluff  church,  The  first  we  learn  of  him  is,  that 
he  was  a  delegate  to  the  old  Mississippi  Association, 
in  1814,  from  Bogue  Chitto  church.  He  was  one  ot 
four  preachers  who  preached  on  the  Lord's  da^'  at  the 
Association.  He  surely-  made  an  impression,  as  he  was 
the  appointee  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  before 
the  Association,  the  following  year,  w^hich  he  did  on 
the  text,  "Lord,  to  w^hom  shall  we  go?  Thou  hast  the 
words  of  eternal  life,"  etc.  He  was  one  of  a  committee 
of  five  who  heard  evidence  as  to  the  troubles  in  the  old 
Salem  church,  the  oldest  of  them  all.  He  represented 
the  Bogue  Chitto  church,  for  the  three  following  years, 
to  1819. 

In  1822,  the  Association  met  on  the  seventh  of  Sep- 
tember at  New  Chapel  church,  the  Mississippi  Associa  - 
tion  meeting  on  the  ninth  of  Odtober  following.  The 
action  taken  that  3^ear  b^-  the  Mississippi  Association 
as  to  the  act  limiting  the  religious  privileges  of  the  ne  - 
groes,  was  therefore  preceded  by  the  action  of  the 
Pearl  River  Association.  On  the  ninth  of  September, 
1822,  it  was  ''Resolved,  that  brethren  S.  King,  David 
Cleveland,  and  A.  Harper,  be  appointed  a  committee  to 
visit  said  church  (the  African),  inquire  into  all  the  bear- 
ings which  a  late  law  of  this  State  has  on  them,  in  de- 
priving them  of  their  religious  privileges,  and  to  give 
them  such  advice  as  the  circumstances  require." 

David  Collins,  Shadrach  King,  Geo.  W.  King,  and 
Herman  Runnels  were  appointed  a  committee  to  mem  - 
orialize  the  Legislature  of  the  State  for  the  repeal  of  so 
much  of  the  law  as  abridged  the  religious  liberty  of  the 
negro.  The  Mississippi  and  the  Union  Associations 
were  asked  to  co-operate  with  them  in  securing  the  un- 
trammeled  exercise  of  the  negro  in  religious  matters. 


134         •       HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

No. more  needs  be  said  here  on  this  item  of  Baptist  his- 
tory, as  it  was  thoroughly  discussed  in  what  has  been 
written  about  the  old  Mississippi  Association. 

In  1823,  seven  churches  were  received  into  the  As- 
sociation, already  composed  of  thirty" -two  churches. 
The  seven  churches  that  went  into  the  body  that  j^ear 
were  Chickesawha,  Antioch  (Covington  county),  Sa- 
lem, Zion  (Copiah),  Ne\v  Zion,  and  Mount  Zion.  122 
baptisms  were  reported  that  ^^ear.  Three  ministers  had 
died,  viz:  William  Whitehead,  John  B.  Hart,  and  An- 
thony Pitts.  At  that  date,  John  P.  Martin,  father  of 
M.  T.  Martin,  was  representing  Ebenezer  church,  of 
Lawrence  county,  and  was  fast  forging  to  the  front 
in  the  Association.  A  sketch  of  his  life  will  be  given  in 
a  histor)'  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association.  Suffice  it  to 
say  here,  that  he  was  full  of  energy,  and  a  worthy  and 
consecrated  pioneer  preacher  of  the  long  leaf  pine 
region. 

On  Saturday,  at  eleven  o'clock,  a.m., September  13, 
1823,  the  Pearl  River  Association  convened  at  Provi- 
dence church,  Alarion  count3\  This  meeting  of  the  As- 
sociation was  fraught  with  importance.  It  was  the 
beginning  of  organized  work  of  the  Associations  in 
Mississippi.  The  plan  suggested  bj-  the  Mississippi 
Association,  in  1820,  of  holding  an  annual  meeting  of 
the  then  existing  Associations  in  the  State,  on  the  sub  - 
ject  of  missions,  was  adopted  bj-  those  Associations, 
and  worked  with  good  effect.  Some  strong  clear  mind 
in  the  Pearl  River  Association  in  the  session  of  1823, 
conceived  the  idea  of  better  organization  of  the  mission- 
aiy  meeting.  In  the  minutes  of  that  year,  we  find  this 
language:  "This  Association,  conceiving  that  there 
are  important  objects  to  be  accomplished  b3'  the  prop- 
agation of  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  by  the  gen- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  135 

eral  circulation  and  sending  abroad  of  the  Word  of 
God,  by  promoting  intelligence  in  the  ministry,  and 
likewise,  by  drawing  more  closely,  preserving  and  con  - 
tinning  the  ties  of  brotherly  love,  and  union  between 
sister  Associations,  by  preventing  innovations  in  prac- 
tice and  heresies  in  doctrine;  and  believing  it  very  de- 
sirable to  concentrate  the  means  and  the  wisdom  of  all 
the  Associations  of  this  State,"  it  was  Resolved,  To 
frame  a  constitution  for  the  organization  of  a  body, 
whose  service  shall  be  to  promote  the  general  good  of 
all  the  Associations. 

The  Union  Association  met  about  the  first  of  Oct- 
ober, and  agreed  with  the  Pearl  River  Association  on 
the  subject.  The  Mississippi  Association  convened  at 
Mars  Hill  church,  on  the  18th  of  October,  and,  "i?eso7- 
ved  unanimously,  To  concur  with  the  Pearl  River  and 
Union  Associations,  in  appointing  faithful  brethren  to 
assist  in  forming  a  constitution  for  more  systematic 
and  efficient  appropriation  of  their  talents  in  the  great 
concerns  of  religion,  and  that  D.  Cooper,  E.  Estes,  G.  A. 
Irion,  J.  Smith,  E.  Courtney,  S.  Marsh,  and  C.  Felder, 
be  our  delegates  to  meet  those  of  the  other  Associations- 
at  Bogue  Chitto  church.  Pike  countj^  on  Saturday  be- 
fore the  third  Lord's  day  in  February  1824.' '  Here 
was  the  inception  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State 
Convention. 

In  1824,  the  Pearl  River  Association  exultingly 
says:  "On  motion  made,  the  constitution  of  the  State 
Convention  was  read;  and  on  the  question  taken  for 
this  Association  to  become  a  member  of  said  Conven- 
tion, it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative  by  a  large  major- 
ity." In  the  same  year,  the  Mississippi  Association  a- 
greed  "that  our  delegates  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
State  Convention  be  D.  CoojDcr,  E.  Courtney,  E.  Estes, 


136  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

S.  Marsh,  G.  A.  Irion,  C.  Felder,  and  W.  Balfour;  and 
that  this  Association  loan  the  Convention  all  their  un- 
appropriated funds  for  the  promotion  of  Domestic 
Missions."  We  find  that  the  writer  has  deemed  it  wise 
to  bring  those  facts  out  as  clearly  and  forcibly  as  pos  - 
sible,  as  they  do  not  agree  with  the  existing  statements 
as  to  the  date  of  the  organization  of  the  first  Baptist 
State  Convention  in  Mississippi. 

In  1825,  the  churches  were  informed  by  the  Associ- 
ation, that  all  suiplus  funds  would  be  transferred  from 
that  date  to  the  Convention  fund,  for  "the  support  of 
the  gospel." 

In  that  year,  George  W.  King  died.  He  was  a  man 
of  decision  and  energy.  His  life  was  altogether  exem- 
plary, above  reproach.  While  not  a  stirring  orator,  he 
w^as  an  acceptable  preacher  of  the  gospel,  dealing  with 
strong  truths  without  special  regard  for  emphasis  or 
ornamentation.  He  w^as  clerk  of  the  Convention  in 
which  the  Pearl  River  Association  was  constituted,  and 
had  been  prominent  in  all  its  work,  not  missing  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Association,  until  1824.  He  vv^as  honored  in 
the  meetings  of  the  Mississippi  Association  before  the 
organization  of  the  Pearl  River,  as  far  back  as  1813, 
being  clerk  of  the  Mississippi  Association  that  year. 

In  1828,  the  Association  had  in  its  union  thirtj^- 
eight  churches,  which  had  an  increase  that  year  of  133 
members,  having  1303  as  the  total  membership.  These 
churches  were  in  the  counties  of  Marion,  Jones,  Pike, 
Copiah,  Covington,  Lawrence,  Green,  Perry,  Jackson, 
Simpson,  and  Wayne,  and  in  Washington  Parish, 
Louisana.  Two  churches  in  their  letters  to  the  Associ- 
ation suggested  the  idea  of  dividing  the  Association. 
The  suggestion  was  wise,  owing  to  the  great  distance 
some  of  the  delegates  had  to  ride  on  horseback  to  reach 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  137 

the  place  of  the  meeting  of  the  Association.  That  meet- 
ing of  the  tmion  was  at  BethanA^  church,  Lawrence 
county,  with  postoffice  at  White  Sand.  The  delegates 
from  the  churches  in  Wayne  and  Green  counties  had, 
therefore,  not  less  than  seventy -five  miles  to  travel  on 
horseback  over  hills,  and  across  creeks  and  rivers  to  reach 
the  meeting  of  the  Association.  The  Association  sug- 
gested that  churches  wishing  to  go  into  the  new  organ  - 
ization  hold  a  Convention  at  Tallahala  Creek  church, 
in  Perry  county,  on  Friday  before  the  fifth  Sunday  in 
November,  1828,  That  church  was  east  of  Hattiesburg. 
Eleven  churches  w^ent  into  the  Convention.  These 
churches  were  in  Jones,  Green,  Marion,  Covington, 
Perry,  Jackson,  and  WaA-ne.  This  new  Association  w^as 
called  the  Leaf  River  Association. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Pearl  River  Association,  in 
1829,  County  Line  church,  of  Copiah,  Fork,  and  Salem 
churches,  of  Simpson,  and  Ramah  church,  of  Lawrence 
were  received.  David  Collins  from  the  Mississippi  Bap- 
tist State  Convention  reported  that  at  the  last  meeting 
of  the  Convention  it  was  Resolved,  That  it  ^vould  be 
best  for  the  Convention  to  dissolve,  and  asked  that  the 
three  Associations  send  delegates  to  the  next  meeting 
of  the  Mississippi  Association  for  that  purpose  While 
organization  is  desirable  as  promotive  of  the  highest 
interests  of  a  number  of  Associations,  yet  in  the  con- 
dition of  the  Baptists  in  the  State  at  that  day,  it  seems 
it  was  best  for  each  Association  to  look  after  the  desti  - 
tution  in  its  own  bounds.  It  was  so  thought  at  least 
by  the  Convention  at  that  time.  The  idea  of  a  general 
Association  was  a  good  one,  as  we  find  in  this  day,  but 
it  appears  that  the  Associations  were  not  then  ready 
for  such  an  advanced  movement,  and  the  Convention  of 
the  three  Associations  was  dissolved  at  the  place  of  the 


138  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

meeting  of  the  Mississippi  Association  that  year,  at  Je- 
rusalem church,  not  far  from  Gillsburg,  Amite  count)'-. 
In  1830,  Jesse  Crawford  reported  that  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  State  Convention  had  dissolved,  and  divided 
its  funds  equally  between  the  Pearl  River  and  Mississip- 
pi Associations. 

Norvell  Robertson,  Sr.,  was,  in  1830,  in  the  Leaf  Riv- 
er Association,  as  his  church  had  gone  into  that  new 
organization.  The  year  before,  he  was  requested  by  the 
Pearl  River  to  secure  for  the  Association  a  sound  Bap- 
tist confession  of  faith,  sparing  no  pains  in  his  effort, 
and  barring  no  cost,  to  the  amount  of$150.00.  David 
Cooper  had  failed  to  find  such  a  confession  of  faith,  but 
Norv-ell  Robertson,  Sr.,  had  succeeded.  This  was  great 
satisfaction  to  the  Association,  and  Robertson  was  giv- 
en ten  dollars  as  a  tribute  to  his  success.  Norvell  Rob- 
ertson, Sr.,  was  in  a  joyful  state  of  mind  at  that  time; 
his  son  Norvell  Robertson,  Jr.,  now  known  as  "Father 
Robertson,"  was  that  year  converted,  truly,  and  sound- 
ly, and  was  awaiting  baptism.  The  confessions  of  faith 
were,  in  a  motherly  waj-,  divided  between  the  Pearl 
River,  andtheLeaf  River  Associations,  according  to  the 
number  of  churches  in  each. 

The  most  remarkable  resolution  that  was  ever  put 
into  the  minutes  of  an  Association  was  adopted  by  the 
Association  in  1830.  It  is  this,  "Resolved,  That  the 
churches,  and  friends,  in  general,  provide  no  ardent 
spirits  for  the  Association,  where  she  may  hereafter 
meet,  as  we  do  not  want  it.'''  There  Avasmuch  written 
bet\veen  the  lines.  They  recognized  this  provision  as  a 
curse  to  the  Association.  The  resolution  was  timely. 
The  noble  men  of  that  body  drew  the  line,  because  they 
saw  an  intruder  present.  Some  speak  of  those  days  of 
laxness  in  the  custom  of  using  intoxicants,  as  if  no  one 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  139 

cared,  and  no  one  w^as  injured.  How  do  they  interpret 
this  terse  resohition?  The  name  of  Josiah  Flowers  oc- 
curs on  the  pages  of  the  minutes  of  the  Mississippi  As  - 
sociation  as  early  as  1810.  He  w^as  a  co- laborer  with 
Richard  Curtis,  David  Cooper,  and  William  Bolls.  He 
was  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance,  bold,  and  of 
solid  personality.  Hearts  melted  like  Avax  under  his 
warm,  and  glowing  sermons.  His  star  went  down  be- 
hind a  cloudy  horizon.  It  was  the  sedulous,  stealthy 
process  of  the  drink  habit,  that  in  1822,  brought  him  to 
where  he  had  to  step  down  from  the  pulpit  with  an  un- 
delivered sermon  in  his  mind.  The  historian  says, 
"His  approach  to  the  fatal  precipice  was  so  gradual, 
and  unnoticed,  that  neither  himself  or  his  friends  appre- 
hended his  danger,  until  he  was  a  ruined  man."  The 
drink  habit  has  not  granted  any  period  of  our  country 
exemption  from  its  sedudlions,  and  the  gradual  decline 
to  ruin  experienced  by  its  votaries.  In  1832,  the  Asso- 
ciation again  spoke,  "We  humbly  pray  the  public,  that 
they  ^11  not  come  to  our  Association  with  their  beer, 
cider,  cakes,  and  melons,  as  they  greatly  disturb  the 
congregation." 

In  1832,  Nbrvell  Robertson,  Jr.,  became  a  member 
of  the  Association  to  grace  its  meetings  for  more  than 
forty  years  to  come.  He  was  at  once  put  to  work.  He 
was  appointed  to  write  the  correspondence  to  the  Un- 
ion Association,  and  to  write  the  pastoral  address  for 
the  next  Association.  He  was  a  school  teacher  at  that 
time,  and  was  supposed  to  wield  an  easy  pen.  He  was 
the  most  remarkable  minister  that  has  to  date  ridden 
over  the  hills  of  South  Mississippi.  He  was  baptized 
by  his  father  the  year  before,  into  the  membership  of 
the  Leaf  River  church,  but  represented  Bethany  church 
in  this  Association.    Bethany  was  near  where  he  was 


140  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

teaching,  and  lie  joined  it  for  that  reason.  He  was 
elected  clerk  of  the  Association  the  following  year,  in 
which  capacity'  he  served  for  many  years. 

In  1833,  the  Mount  Pisgah  church,  in  Rankin  coun- 
ty, was  involved  in  some  sort  of  trouble,  and  appealed 
to  the  Pearl  River  Association  for  advice.  It  was 
the  church  with  which  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association 
met,  in  1837,  for  organization.  The  face  of  the 
trouble  is  not  shown  in  the  minutes  of  the  Pearl  River, 
but  the  situation,  it  ma3^  be  assumed,  ^vas  grave.  Wil- 
liam Denson,  and  Jesse  Denson,  were  the  delegates  from 
the  Mount  Pisgah  church,  authorized  to  receive  the  ad- 
vice of  the  Association.  What  did  the  Association  ad- 
vise? Its  deliverance  was,  "That  the  Association  did 
not  feel  at  liberty  to  advise  the  church  in  reference  to 
their  difficulty,  further  than  to  use  their  privileges  as  an 
independent  church,  according  to  their  own  discretion." 
No  power  was  assumed  over  the  body,  but  its  independ- 
ence recognized  beyond  an^-  sacerdotal  grasp,  and  indi- 
vidual discretion  recommended  to  the  members  of  the 
church. 

Strange  to  say  that  in  1835,  there  was  not  a  church 
in  the  Association  which  had  one  hundred  members. 
Silver  Creek,  in  Lawrence  county,  had  onh'- fifteen  mem- 
bers, and  old  Bethany-  only  fort^^  -  seven.  County  Line 
(Copiah)  had  thirty -one  members,  and  old  Galilee  on- 
ly twelve.  Hebron,  with  Norvell  Robertson  as  pastor, 
was  the  largest  church,  having  eight3'-six  members. 
Steen's  Creek  followed  with  sixty -eight,  with  Cader 
Price  as  pastor.  Sixty -nine  baptisms  were  reported 
that  year,  Hepzibah  reporting  twenty -four  of  the  num- 
ber. Ebenezer  church,  of  Neshoba  county,  had  its  post- 
office  at  Brandon,  which  must  have  been  sixty  miles  a- 
w^ay.    That  year,  an  overture  was  sent  to  the  Associa . 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  14-1 

tion  by  the  Hepzibah  church,  suggesting  the  propriety 
of  estabHshing  a  Baptist  State  Convention,  composed 
of  delegates  from  all  the  Associations  in  the  State, 
which  was  so  favorably  received  that  the  churches  w^ere 
requested  to  apprise  the  Association,  at  the  next  meet- 
ing of  the  bod3^,  as  to  their  wishes  in  reference  to  it. 
Norvell  Robertson  was  pastor  of  that  church,  which 
shows  that  the  church  v^^as  not  prompted  to  make  the 
suggestion  by  an^^  pique,  engendered  by  prejudice  a- 
gainst  associational  missions,  or  because  of  any  seem- 
ing negledl.  The  Union,  and  the  Mississippi  Associa- 
tions took  like  actions  that  year,  and  the  historic  reso  - 
lutions  of  the  Mississippi  Association  were  adopted  in 
the  following  year. 

The  affairs  of  the  Association  pursued  an  even  course 
until  1838,  when  a  glow  appeared  on  the  face  of  the 
body.  Four  good  churches  had  gone  out  of  the  union 
into  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association  in  1837,  but  the 
Lord  had  blessed  the  remaining  churches,  and  they  v^ere 
happJ^  There  had  been  312  baptisms.  A  resolution 
was  passed  expressive  of  devout  thankfulness  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  church,  for  the  copious  showers  of 
blessings. 

The  pastoral  letter  of  1838,  gives  the  substance  of 
tw^o  sermons  preached  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  b3^  Ar- 
chibald McClay,  on  the  work  of  the  American  and  For- 
eign Bible  Society,  in  which  it  is  declared  that  from 
1798,  to  that  date,  the  Scriptures  had  been  translated 
into  between  fort}-,  and  fifty  languages.  Dr.  Cary  had 
translated  the  Bible  into  twenty -seven  different  lan- 
guages of  Asia,  languages  spoken  by  more  than  half  of 
the  people  of  the  globe.  The  obje(?t  of  the  American 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  he  stated,  \vas  "to  give  the 
sacred  Scriptures  to  the  natives  in  the  most  faithful  ver- 


142  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

sion,  which  can  be  procured."  In  1818,  the  secretary' 
of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Societj^  asked  that 
they  transfer  the  Greek  word  "baptizo, ''  instead  of 
translating  it,  as  Carey,  and  others  had  done.  The 
Board  replied  unanimously  that  they  could  not  conceal 
any  part  of  God's  word.  Andrew  Fuller  said  if  he  had 
20,000  pounds  sterling,  he  would  give  it  all  rather 
than  see  any  part  of  the  Bible  concealed.  In  the  East 
Indies,  the  trouble  began  as  to  the  transferring  or 
translating  the  word  "baptizo."  In  1835,  Baptists 
left  the  work  of  the  Society,  because,  after  long  discuss- 
ion, this  resolution  was  adopted,  "It  is  inexpedient  to 
grant  aid  to  an3^  version  of  the  Scriptures,  unless  con  - 
formed  in  its  principles  to  the  English  version  in  com  - 
mon  use,  at  least  so  far  as  we  may  use  them  consistent- 
ly in  our  communities,  and  societies."  This  outlawed 
the  translations  made  hj  Qsivej,  Judson,  and  others, 
which  gave  great  offense  to  the  Baptists  on  the  Board, 
and  caused  their  withdrawal. 

In  1839,  the  Association  became  aroused  on  the 
subject  of  Education.  Resolutions  were  passed  lament- 
ing the  low  state  of  education  in  the  country-,  and  ex- 
pressive of  the  wish  that  they  establish  in  their  terri- 
tory "a  respectful  and  useful  seminary-  of  learning,  "and 
that  a  board  of  education  be  appointed  to  project  the 
work.  All  of  the  teachers  of  the  school  \vere  to  be  Bap- 
tists in  good  standing  in  their  respective  churches.  The 
committee  to  elect  a  site  for  the  school,  consisting  of 
James  Bos\\^ell,  William  Barnes,  William  Fortenberr\', 
William  Cone3',  and  Christian  Farr,  was  to  meet  at  Eb- 
enezer  church  on  Friday  before  the  first  Sunday  in  Nov- 
ember, for  that  purpose.  The  committee  failed  to  meet, 
and  the  enterprise  proved  to  be  a  failure.  We  are  not 
told  whv  the  committee  failed  to  have  a  meeting,  and  a 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  143 

historian  cannot  resort  to  conjecture.  But  it  may  be 
said,  that  here  a  mistake  \vas  made  by  the  Association, 
and  an  occasion  permitted  to  pass,  and  carry  off,  unap- 
propriated, what  would  have  proven  a  lasting  boon  to 
that  part  of  the  county.  Such  occasions  do  not  show 
their  faces  often,  and  open  eyed  observation  should  not 
let  them  silently  go  by  wathout  due  respect. 

The  Pearl  River  Association  did  not  take  readily  to 
the  idea  of  the  necessity  of  the  Baptist  State  Conven- 
tion, which  was  reorganized  in  1836.  In  1838,  N.  R. 
Cranberry,  the  second  vice-president  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Convention,  bore  a  message  from  the  Union 
Association  to  the  Pearl  River,  but  no  mention  is  made 
in  the  minutes  of  that  year  of  the  existance  of  the  State 
Convention.  In  1840,  Granberry  brought  the  circular 
address  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  State  Con- 
vention to  the  Association.  After  a  reading  of  which, 
it  w^as  referred  to  a  committee,  withNorvell  Robertson 
as  chairman.  The  committee  made  a  polite  report,  and 
recommended  that  the  address  be  published  in  the  min- 
utes, which  was  done. 

In  1841,  N.  R.  Granberry  was  in  the  Association  as 
a  messenger  from  the  Union  Association,  but  the  State 
Convention  ^^as  not  spoken  of  in  the  minutes  of  that 
year.  It  was  Resolved,  in  1842,  that  the  Association 
become  a  missionary  body,  missionary  matters  to 
claim  their  time  immediately  after  the  adjournment  of 
the  Association.  In  the  following  year,  a  resolution 
was  adopted  to  the  effect,  that,  as  their  co-operation 
with  the  State  Convention  had  been  directl^^  sought,  the 
churches  be  requested  to  signify  their  wishes  the  following 
3'ear.  Their  preparations  for  doing  their  own  mission- 
ary work  -v\'as  the  while  being  rapidh- effected.  In  1843, 
rules  and  by-laws  for  governing  their  missionary  board 


144-  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

were  put  into  effect,  and  a  large  board  appointed,  con- 
sisting of  the  best  men  of  the  Association.  The  next 
3^ear  a  long  report  was  made  by  a  committee  on  desti  - 
tution,  which  bewailed  the  fact  that  Columbia,  Wil- 
liamsburg, Westville,  and  Holmesville  were  unoccupied 
fields  of  labor,  and  many  country  neighborhoods  entire- 
ly destitute  of  preaching.  Jesse  Crawford,  their  mod- 
erator, was  the  missionary  of  the  Association.  Here  is 
the  terse  resolution  passed  by  that  body  in  reply  to  the 
overtures  of  the  State  Convention  :  "Resolved,  That 
w^e  are  not  opposed  to  the  objects  of  the  Convention,  but 
possessing  all  the  facilities  necessary  for  the  application 
of  our  funds  within  ourselves,  therefore,  it  is  unneces- 
sary to  connect  ourslves  with  that  bodj^  at  the  pres  - 
ent."  Another  occasion  passed  this  door  with  shutters 
closed.  The  life  of  an  Association  is  ver3'  much  like  the 
life  of  an  individual.  An  emergency  has  come  to  us  of- 
ten when  we  were  not  anticipating  it,  and  were  least  pre- 
pared to  avail  ourselves  of  its  gifts,  and  we  politelj^ 
bow,  and  permit  it  to  press  b3^  unembraced,  yet  heavily 
laden  with  what  might  have  enriched  us,  had  we  but 
known. 

The  Executive  Board  of  the  Association  made  a 
lengthy  report  in  1845,  closing  with  this  paragraph, 
"No  place  is,  perhaps,  more  destitute  than  the  field  we 
occup3',  and  no  place  demands  our  sympathies  and  aid 
more;  and  perhaps,  no  place  would  j'ield  a  richer  har- 
vest to  repay  our  toils  :  and,  so  far  as  we  are  capable  of 
judging,  this  is  the  field  where  all  our  means  should  be 
bestowed.''  The  italics  are  mine.  Not  a  w^ordisonthe, 
pages  of  the  minutes  of  that  A^ear  as  to  foreign  mis- 
sion work.  No  resolution  had  been  passed  to  that  date 
as  to  the  foreign  fields,  yet  the  Association  was  mission- 
ary in  spirit.    The  needs  of  the  home  field  were  appar- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  145 

ent,  and  to  them  they  addressed  themselves.  Their 
scope  of  vision  might  have  been  enlarged  had  they  been 
in  touch  with  the  work  of  the  State  Convention,  or,  it 
may  be  charitably  supposed,  their  gifts  to  the  foreign 
w^ork  w^ere  sent  by  individuals  or  churches,  as  not  ap  - 
pertaining  to  associational  work.  In  1845,  the  Asso- 
ciation had  under  its  employ  six  missionaries,  w^ho 
preached  129  sermons,  gave  178  days,  and  traveled 
5,643  miles.  It  was  Resolved,  That  a  missionary  be  em- 
ployed for  the  ensuing  year  to  ride  twelve  days  in  each 
month,  and  that  the  Bay  of  Biloxi  be  the  central  point 
of  his  labors — the  first  steps  to  coast  missions. 

Wm.  H.  Taylor  began  the  publication  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Baptist  in  1846.  In  September  of  that  year,  the 
Association  made  favorable  mention  of  the  commenda- 
ble enterprise,  "the  only  religious  newspaper  in  the 
State.''  It  had  been  eight  j^ears  vsince  the  suspension  of 
the  publication  of  the  Religions  Luminary,  and  the 
pages  of  a  Baptist  State  paper  were  pleasant  to  the 
eye.  In  that  year,  the  Mountain  Creek,  Steen's  Creek, 
Pleasant  Hill,  and  Shiloh  churches  were  received  into 
the  body.  There  were  then  thirty  -three  churches  in  the 
body,  and  another  petition  was  presented  to  the  Asso- 
ciation, by  a  number  of  churches,  for  letters  of  dismis- 
sion to  organize  a  new  Association,  the  Ebenezer. 

In  1847,  the  printing  of  the  minutes  was  given  to  the 
Mississippi  Baptist,  W.H.Taylor,  editor,  and  gratifi- 
cation expressed  at  the  success  of  the  enterprise,  and 
the  paper  recommended  to  the  patronage  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  churches  of  the  Association.  This  resolu- 
tion was  virtually  repeated  in  1848,  be  it  said  to  the 
praise  of  the  body. 

In  the  minutes  of  1848,  we  are  favored  by  the  clerk, 
with  an  analysis  of  a  sermon  preached  by  that  famous 


146  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

preacher,  Zachariah  Reaves.  His  text:  Rev.  22:17; 
the  duty  of  baptized  beHevers,  invitation  of  the  Spirit 
to  unbaptized  beHevers,  invitation  to  mourners,  and, 
last,  invitation  to  sinners.  These  divisions  indicate  a 
straining  of  the  text,  but  if  one  of  his  critics  could  have 
heard  the  sermon,  perhaps,  if  a  minister,  he  would 
have  felt  as  if  he  could  not  preach,  and  would  have 
doubted  his  capacity  as  a  sermonizer. 

Did  these  earl^'-  Baptists  believe  in  Sunday  schools  ? 
It  must  be  remembered  that  this  Association  was  en- 
tirely composed  of  country  churches,  and  those  church- 
es at  great  remove  from  any  great  mart  of  business. 
The^'  talked  in  those  da^^s  of  the  Natchez  road,  Natchez 
being  100  miles  away.  Natchez  was  the  market  for 
the  part  of  the  State  west  of  Pearl  River.  The  "three 
chopped  road,''  which  became  a  wagon  road  in  1807, 
ran  through  Monticello,  which  was  near  the  center  of 
the  Pearl  River  Association,  in  1848.  This  road  was 
the  mail  route,  and  the  only  highway  for  the  public. 
We  need  not  wonder,  therefore,  that  the  Christian 
13eople  of  this  part  of  the  State  seemed  backward  in 
many  things.  That  no  mention  was  made  of  Sunday 
schools  until  that  date  does  not  indicate  any  opposi- 
tion to  that  work  of  our  churches. 

It  is  noticeable  that  the  churches  of  the  Association 
in  those  early  times  \vere  not  distressed  by  the  anti- 
missionary  spirit.  At  almost  ever\'  meeting  of  the 
bod^^  ringing  resolutions  were  passed  on  Domestic 
Missions,  and,  if  thej'-  were  contested,  no  ink  was 
thrown  away  in  recording  the  fact.  In  1843,  the  Mount 
Pisgah  Association  had  been  rent  in  twain  by  the  go  - 
ing  out  of  the  antinomian  wing  of  the  bod\',  but  the 
minutes  of  this  Association  are  as  silent  as  the  grave 
as  to  the  existence  of  a  spirit  unfriendly  to  missions. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  147 

In  IS^S,  the  idea  was  conceived  by  some  one  of  se- 
curing a  uniformity  of  articles  of  faith  among  all  the 
churches  of  South  Mississippi,  and  it  was  suggested 
that  a  meeting  be  held  during  the  coming  year,  by  the 
delegates  of  the  Associations  corresponding  with  the 
Pearl  River,  at  Hopewell  church,  in  Copiah  county. 
To  this  suggestion  the  Mount  Pisgah  responded,  and  a 
cominittee  of  eleven  appointed,  headed  by  Wm.Denson. 
The  Union  Association  appointed  a  committee  to 
report  at  the  meeting  of  the  body  as  to  the  expediency  of 
sending  delegates  to  that  Convention.  The  committee 
had  as  its  chairman,  M.  T.  Conn.  This  committee 
thought  the  suggestion  of  the  Pearl  River  Association 
"impracticable,  and  inexpedient."  The  meeting  w^as 
held,  beginning  on  Saturday  before  the  first  Sunday  in 
August,  1849,  but  nothing  of  consequence  came  of  it, 
as  the  Convention  failed  to  agree  upon  a  general  form 
of  abstracts.  Every  Baptist  church  is  an  independent 
body.  It  is  marvelous  what  affinitj^  exists  betv^^een 
them,  while  each  church  acts  for  itself,  independent  of 
all  the  world  beside. 

Some  things  done  in  the  Association  in  1851,  arewor-- 
thy  of  more  than  a  passing  notice.  At  that  meeting  three 
great  men  met,  Jesse  Crawford,  Zachariah  Reeves,  and 
Norvell  Robertson,  Jr.  They  were  giants  in  their  days. 
When  thcA^  spoke,  they  had  an  audience.  They  knew 
the  doctrine  of  the  Book,  and  they  spoke  its  truths  in 
clear,  and  unmistakable  language.  On  the  morning  of 
the  Sunday'  included  in  the  meeting  of  the  Association, 
William  Fortenberry  preached  a  missionary  sermon,  at 
the  close  of  which,  a  collection  was  taken  of  $37.20;  for 
Indian  missions  $19.75,  and  for  Domestic  missions, 
$17.45.  This  showed  the  missionary  spirit  of  the  body 
to  be  beyond  question.     The  remaining  fact  made  prom- 


148  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

inent  w^as  embraced  in  a  resolution  adopted,  recogniz- 
ing Norvell  Robertson  as  a  messenger  from  the  Baptist 
State  Convention.  The  trend  of  affairs  in  the  Associa- 
tion was  in  the  right  diredtion,  but  the  body  was  far 
from  being  settled  on  anything  outside  of  the  borders  of 
the  union.  Their  heart  was  large,  but  their  vision  w^as 
limited.  To  show  that  this  is  true,  one  has  but  to  not- 
ice a  motion  passed  near  the  close  of  this  meeting  of  the 
bodA',  which  required  their  missionaries  to  confine  their 
labors  to  the  destitute  country,  between  the  Leaf,  and 
the  Pearl  rivers.  The  growth  of  the  Association  was 
slow,  but  steads",  and  proper. 

In  1853,  letters  of  dismission  were  granted  to  six- 
teen churches  to  form  the  Strong  River  Association. 
The  churches  were  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  terri- 
tory of  the  Pearl  River  Association,  Strong  River,  Sar- 
dis,  Steen's  Creek,  Hebron,  Dry  Creek,  Hopewell,  Beth- 
lehem, Pleasant  Hill,  New^  Zion,  Macedonia,  Mountain 
Creek,  Alount  Zion,  Galilee,  Zion  Hill,  Copiah,  and  Pal- 
estine. This  at  once  constituted  a  body  full  of  life. 
But  the  old  Pearl  River  had  such  a  fund  of  energy,  that 
it  moved  on  w^ith  its  usual  sprightliness,  and  efficiency. 
The  strong  men  in  the  body  at  that  time  were,  Jesse 
Crawford,  William  Williams,  Calvin  Magee,  William 
FortenberrA',  Norvell  Robertson,  and  Joseph  E.  Pouns. 
In  1854,  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association  sent  preamble, 
resolution,  and  address,  bj-  their  messenger,  S.  F.  Wall, 
inviting  them  to  meet  with  them  in  an  effort  to  form  a 
"General  Association"  in  East  Mississippi.  The  s\'m- 
pathies  of  the  Pearl  River  were  w4th  the  western  Asso  - 
ciations.  The  correspondence  v^ith  the  old  mother  As- 
sociation had  been  uninterrupted  from  the  organization 
of  the  Pearl  River  to  this  date.  Strong  men  had  come 
3'earl3"  to  their  deliberations  from  the  Mississippi  Asso- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  14-9 

ciation,  and  aided  them  in  their  council.  Already  had 
the3^  agreed,  more  than  once,  to  correspond  with  the 
Baptist  State  Convention,  which  was  maintained  by 
the  western  Associations.  To  the  prayer  of  the  Mount 
Pisgah,  they  replied  that  they  deemed  it  inexpedient  to 
acceed  to  their  entreaties. 

The  following  year,  James  Alurray  attended  the 
meeting  of  the  Pearl  River  in  the  interest  of  the  organ  - 
ization  of  a  General  Association.  He  was  received 
most  cordially,  and  a  good  committee  was  raised  to 
consider  his  request.  The  request  did  not  meet  with 
avowed  disapproval,  but  was  referred  to  the  churches, 
-which  were  requested  to  send  up  their  views  on  the 
question  to  the  next  gathering  of  the  Association.  So 
far  as  it  is  known,  the  churches  did  not  respond.  In 
1856,  B.C.  Eager,  then  the  agent  of  MississipJDi  College, 
came  into  the  Association,  and  was  kindl}^  and  agreea- 
bly received.  Norvell  Robertson  offered  preamble,  and 
resolution,  at  some  length,  commendatory  of  Missis- 
sippi College.  The  College  was  under  the  fostering  care 
of  the  Convention,  and  had  been  since  the  fall  of  1850. 
It  v^as  recounted  in  the  Robertson  resolution  thatE.  C, 
Eager,  who  had  been  canvassing  in  the  State  for  the 
College,  for  about  four  years,  was  present,  and  was  en- 
joying the  privileges  of  the  Association  without  duress 
or  hindrance.  The  manner  in  which  this  resolution, 
and  the  prayer  above  mentioned,  were  received,  shows 
the  inclination  of  the  Pearl  River  at  the  time. 

In  1858,  the  Mississippi  Baptist,  published  at  Jack- 
son, with  J.  T.  Freeman  in  full  control  of  the  paper, 
M/vRS  w^armly  approved,  commending  "the  independent, 
firm,  and  moderate  course,  pursued  by  the  editor,"  and 
recommending  it  to  the  confidence,  and  patronage  of 
the  public.     In  that  year,  the  Association   was   much 


150  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

agitated  by  a  broad  scheme  to  locate  "a  resident  minis- 
ter" in  the  field  of  their  operations,  and  the  missionary 
board  recommended  that  he  be  located  at  the  Salem 
High  School  on  Leaf  River.  The  missionary"  board 
staggered  under  the  weight  of  responsibility  of  this  sug- 
gested onward  movement,  and  seemed  feeling  out  in  ev- 
ery dire6tion*for  help,  except  the  Baptist  State  Conven- 
tion. The  board  suggested,  in  its  annual  report,  that 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  might  help  them  by 
an  appropriation  of  $200  to  $300,  the  Ebenezer  Asso- 
ciation, $100,  and  perhaps  the  General  Association,  of 
South-eastern  Mississippi,  would  afford  them  some  aid. 
Just  exactly  ^vhat  that  resident  minister  was  to  under- 
take is  not  told,  but  in  all  probability,  he  was  to  be  an 
evangelist  to  hold  some  eligible  point,  and  to  preach 
at  places  that  bade  fair  to  be,  at  no  distant  da^^,  centres 
of  influence.  Whatever  might  have  been  the  import  of 
the  desired  movement,  it  lacked  the  support  necessary 
to  make  it  a  thing  of  much  life. 

But  onward  went  the  march  of  progress.  In  1859, 
Norvell  Robertson  presented  to  the  body,  a  number  of 
copies  of  the  ChikTs  Friend,  published  by  the  Southern 
Baptist  Sunday  School  Union,  in  Nashville,  Tennessee, 
which  papers  were  distributed  to  the  churches  of  the  As- 
sociation. The  effort  made  to  keep  Sundaj^  schools  in 
the  churches  v^'^as  constant,  and  in  a  measure  successful. 
The  progressive  spirit  of  the  Association  was  all  that 
could  be  \vished,  but  the  churches  were  limited  in  their 
operations  by  contracted  vision.  That  year,  what  we 
now  call  Sustentation,  w^as  advocated  by  the  body. 
The  plan  projected,  w^as  to  raise  a  permanent  fund,  and 
use  the  interest  in  aiding  the  widows,  and  orphans,  of 
deceased  ministers.  Six  agents  were  appointed,  four 
west  of  the  Pearl  River,  and  two  east  of  it,  to  raise  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  151 

fund.  This  movement  was  not  born  for  an  early  death. 
It  was  successful  in  securing  the  favor  of  the  people,  and 
did  good.  The  following  year,  a  strong  committee, 
with  William  Barnes  as  chairman,  was  raised  on  the 
Widow's  Fund,  which  recommended  that  the  Associa- 
tion become  a  corporate  body,  that  the  officers  of  the 
Association  be  constituted  a  body  to  loan  and  collect 
funds,  and  as  trustees  to  make  annual  reports  to  the 
Association.  A  committee  was  annually  appointed  on 
this  benevolence,  until  1863,  when  the  civil  strife  be- 
tween the  States  was  paralyzing  all  endeavors. 

It  is  a  little  remarkable  how  many  good  enter- 
prises were  recommended  by  this  Association  in  ear- 
ly times,  which  were  premature,  but  according  to  wis- 
dom, and  are  now  considered  indispensable  to  a  success- 
ful prosecution  of  our  work. 

In  1860,  the  death  of  William  Williams  was  report- 
ed. The  Association  met  that  year  at  Silver  Creek, 
Lawrence  count}-,  and  William  Williams  was  the  ap- 
pointee to  preach  the  introductory  seraion.  William 
Williams  was  declared  to  have  been  a  useful,  and  faith- 
ful preacher,  and  a  man  of  wisdom  in  council.  It  is  to 
be  lamented  that  the  Association  did  not  give  a  full 
obituar\'  notice  of  this  worthy  man.  His  post-office 
v^as  at  Mount  Carmel.  He  represented  Harmony 
church,  in  Covington  county,  from  the  organization  ot 
that  church,  in  1840,  missing  the  meetings  of  the  Asso- 
ciation only  one  year,  before  the  year  of  his  fatal  ill- 
ness. He  held  many  positions  of  tinist  in  the  Associa- 
tion, to  the  full  satisfaction  of  his  co- laborers.  One 
cannot  but  be  impressed  with  the  high  form  of  manli- 
ness exhibited  Ida'  him,  and  the  power  of  grace  he  pos- 
sessed. 

It  appears  that  their  records  had,  at  this  time,  been 


152  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

« 
lost,  Norvell  Robertson  offered  a  resolution,  earnestly 
soliciting  any  one  who  had  copies  of  the  former  meet-- 
ings  of  the  body,  to  send  them  up  to  the  next  Associa- 
tion, and  that  some  competent,  and  suitable  person  be 
requested  to  keep  a  manuscript  record  of  the  proceed  - 
ings  of  the  Association,  for  which  a  reasonable  compen- 
sation should  be  allowed.  The  next  year,  Robertson 
stated  to  the  body  that  he  had  gotten  the  work  of 
transcribing  three  fourths  done.  A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  examine  the  work,  consisting  of  William 
Barnes,  Calvin  Magee,  and  S.  W.  Dale.  This  committee 
said  in  the  report,  that  the  work  done  was  highly  sat- 
isfactory, and  recomemnded  that  Robertson  be  allowed 
$100.00  for  compiling  the  history  of  the  forty  years, 
the  Association  had  existed.  The  writer  is  creditably 
informed  that  the  manuscript  is  still  in  existence,  but 
has  not  3'et  been  able  to  procure  it.  The  work  was 
completed  in  1862. 

In  1861,  the  Association  met  September  7th,  with 
the  Salem  church.  Pike  county;  the  church  of  wdiich 
Calvin  Magee  was  a  member.  The  Association  was  then 
composed  of  twent\^-nine  churches,  with  a  membership  of 
1,996.  The  Civil  War  was  then  in  progress.  The  drum- 
beat was  heard  all  over  our  Southland,  and  our  best 
men  were  leaving  their  avocations,  and  enlisting  as 
soldiers  to  fight  for  the  liberty  of  our  land.  Mississippi 
^vith  a  population  of  whites  and  blacks,  numbering 
much  less  than  a  million,  furnished  more  than  70,000 
troops.  It  is  only  reasonable  to  say  that  the  opera- 
tions of  these  troops  were  all  absorbing  with  our  peo- 
ple. In  this  year,  the  Pearl  River  passed  lengtln^  pre  - 
ambles  and  resolutions,  relative  to  the  Southern  sol- 
diers. It  was  recommended  that  the  first  Saturday  in 
November  be  set  apart  as  a  day  of  special  prayer  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS,  153 

thanksgiving;  and  for  the  success  of  Confederate  arms. 
It  was  agreed  to  raise  a  fund  for  purchasing  1,000  New 
Testaments  to  present  to  Mississippi  volunteers,  and 
$49.10  was  raised  on  the  spot.  The  committee  of  three 
to  take  the  responsibihty  for  the  success  of  the  move- 
ment, consisted  of  T.  E.  Tate,  Daniel  Pouns,  and  D.  H. 
Quinn.  The  following  year,  the  committee  through  the 
chairman,  T.  E.  Tate,  made  a  highly  satisfactorj^  re- 
port. 320  copies  of  the  Testament  had  been  sent  out. 
It  may  be  a  matter  of  some  interest  as  to  how  these 
copies  of  the  Testament  were  distributed.  The  Summit 
Rifles  got  forty  copies;  the  Quitman  Guards,  forty; 
Dalgreen  Rifles,  forty;  Jeff  Davis  Sharp  Shooters,  forty; 
Marion  Men,  forty;  Goode  Rifles,  forty;  Covington 
Fencibles,  fort^';  Covington  Rangers,  forty.  The  work 
was  abundant  in  1862,  as  it  was  at  that  time  totally 
impracticable  to  carry  on  the  work,  owing  to  the  dis- 
tance the  State  troops  were  away  from  home,  and  the 
fact  that  they  were  not  in  one  command,  btit  assigned 
to  the  various  divisions  of  the  army. 

In  1864,  it  was  agreed  that  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Association,  be  held  at  Fair  River  church,  Lawrence 
county,  eleven  miles  from  Monticello,  on  the  Natchez 
road.  A  quer^-  came  up  from  the  Providence  church,  as 
to  what  should  be  done  w^ith  a  member  of  a  church  w^ho 
deserted  from  the  Confederate  army.  The  committee 
on  the  query  reported  that  it  was  the  sense  of  the  com- 
mittee, that  a  Christian  should  obey  the  laws  under 
which  he  was  placed  hy  the  God  of  providence,  and 
thought,  therefore,  that  a  church  should  deal  with  a 
member  who  had  deserted  the  Confederate  service. 

In  1865,  J.  R.  Graves  was  present  at  the  meeting  of 
the  Association.  He  was  then  located  at  Summit,  and 
was  giving  his  influence  to  the  Baptist  cause  far  and 


154  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

wade.  The  Association  gave  the  forenoon  service  on 
Sunday  to  Norvell  Robertson,  and  the  afternoon  ser- 
vice to  the  conduct  of  J.  R.  Graves.  Nothing  is  said  in 
the  minutes  of  the  sermon  b\' J.  R,  Graves,  Avhich  is  ex- 
ceptional. From  Friendship  church,  Lawrence  county, 
J.  B.  Chrisman  was  a  delegate.  The  prominent  minis- 
ters in  the  body  at  that  time,  were  N.  Robertson,  J.  B. 
Lewis,  E.  Douglas,  W.  Fortenberry,  S.  W.  Dale,  Wilson 
Clark,  J.  E.  Pouns,  W.J.  Fortenberry,  B.  A.  Crawford, 
C.  F.  Crawford,  and  Z.  Doughdrill. 

In  1867,  William  Fortenberry  died.  He  was  bom 
in  Lancaster  District,  South  Carolina,  sometime  in 
1799.  He  became  a  Christian  when  he  was  twent^^- 
four  years  old.,  and  was  made  a  deacon  by  his  church, 
(New^  Zion,  Marion  county),  on  the  fifth  of  August, 
1825;  in  which  capacit3'  he  served  his  church  for  three 
years.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  Januarj^  23,  1827, 
and  was  ordained  the  following  November,  the  presby  - 
tery  consisting  of  John  P.  Martin,  (father  of  M.  T. 
Martin),  Isaac  Brakefield,  and  Jesse  Crawford.  He 
died  October  27,  1867.  He  first  appeared  in  the  Asso- 
ciation in  1825,  as  a  delegate  from  New  Zion  church. 
Until  1844,  he  continued  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the 
bodj'  as  a  delegate  from  New  Zion,  having  to  that  time 
missed  attending  the  annual  gatherings  of  the  body 
only  three  times.  After  1844,  he  represented  Hepzibah 
church,  Lawrence  county,  for  seven  (?)  years,  missing 
only  one  meeting  of  the  Association.  After  that,  he 
represented  Society  Hill  church  until  the  time  of  his 
death,  missing  two  meetings  of  the  Association.  Thus 
\Ye  see  that  in  forty -two  years,  he  failed  to  attend  only 
six  meetings  of  the  Pearl  River  Association.  He  preach- 
ed the  introductory  sermon  three  times,  Avas  the  mod- 
erator of  the  body  six  times,  and  was  all  the  while 
prominent  in  the  meetings  of  the  body. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  155 

In  1867,  a  query  was  sent  to  the  Association,  from 
the  Mount  MOriah  church,  as  follows:  "Would  a 
church  do  right,  and  act  according  to  gospel  order,  to 
receive  a  person  by  experience  and  baptism,  who  had 
previously  been  received  and  baptized  in  a  state  of  un  - 
belief?  A  committee  with  A.  Goss  as  chairman,  an- 
swered: " We  believe  that  faith  in  the  subject  is  essen- 
tial to  constitute  a  valid  baptism  in  th^  sight  of  God, 
and  that  the  baptism  of  an  unbeliever  is  not  Christian 
baptism."  This  answer  was  unanimously  adopted. 
As  the  Civil  War  was  over,  the  decision  of  the  body,  as 
to  the  exclusion  of  a  deserter  from  the  armv,  from  the 
privileges  of  a  church,  was  declared  no  longer 
applicable. 

The  question  arose  about  this  time,  as  to  the  policy  to 
be  adopted  as  to  the  religious  welfare  of  the  negroes. 
Soon  after  the  Civil  War,  they  showed  a  dispOvSition  to 
withdraw  from  the  whites,  and  to  establish  churches  of 
their  own;  but  they  were  totalh'  incompetent  to  ad- 
minister their  owm  religious  affairs.  This  incompeten- 
cy was  known,  and  recognized  by  the  whites;  but  the 
question  was,  what  could  be  done?  In  some  parts, 
bad  white  men  made  their  religious  gatherings,  places 
of  intrigue  against  their  former  owners,  and  their  pres- 
ent friends.  The  Association  saw  the  duty  of  encoura- 
ging their  educational  endeavors,  and  their  religious 
instruction,  and  a  committee  was  formed  for  this  pur- 
pose, consisting  of  A.  Goss,  H.Hooker,  W.  Fortenberry, 
and  J.  B.  Chrisman,  which  committee  was  to  report  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  body.  That  committee  advised 
that  religious  instruction  be  given  the  negro,  and  that 
the  blacks  be  permitted  to  remain  where  they  v^ere. 

The  "widows  fund"  was  still  in  existence  in  1868, 
and  it  was  decided  by  the  Association  that  the  body 


156  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

had  no  moral  right  to  consume  the  principal,  but 
might  use  it,  and  replace  it,  being  morally  and  primar- 
ily bound  to  do  so.  A  committee  of  six  was  appointed 
to  "visit  the  widows  in  their  afflictions,"  and  ascertain 
their  needs  as  far  as  possible,  and  distribute  the  money 
according  to  their  necessities.  This  worthy  object  was 
deservedly  fostered  by  them,  with  the  utmost  vigilance. 
For  nine  years,  the  benevolence  had  in  1868,  been  fos- 
tered, and  the  period  embraced  the  four  years  of  the 
Civil  War. 

The  most  note -worthy  event  that  transpired  a- 
mong  them,  in  1869,  was  the  death  of  Jesse  Crawford. 
For  seven  ^-ears  he  had  been  absent  from  the  meetings 
of  the  Association,  not  willingly  but  by  constraint. 
In  1859,  N.  Robertson  presented  a  preamble  and  reso- 
lution, which  was  adopted  in  sadness,  which  told  of  a 
severe  bodily  afflidtion  which  had  come  upon  Jesse 
Crawford,  and  expressive  of  sincere  sympathy  for  him 
in  his  distress  and  suffering.  Calvin  Magee  was  re- 
quested to  visit  the  sick  man,  and  to  present  to  him  a 
copy  of  the  resolution.  He  had  been  smitten  with  par- 
alysis of  such  a  pronounced  character,  that  he  was  pre- 
vented from  any  outdoor  exercise  or  ministerial  labor ; 
but  his  mind  was  bright,  his  heart  as  warm  as  in  days 
of  yore,  and  his  spirits  elastic  and  cheerful.  Jesse 
Crawford  was  born  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  February 
4,' 1795.  He  was  reared  of  poor  parentage,  and  his  ed- 
ucational advantages  were  few  and  scanty.  He  at- 
tached himself  to  the  Antioch  church,  Marion  county, 
in  November,  1824-,  and  was  constituted  a  deacon  by 
that  church,  Juh^  16,  1826.  He  was  licensed  to  preach, 
March  28,  1828,  and  ordained  on  the  17th  of  October 
of  that  year,  the  presb^-tery  consisting  of  Martin, 
Brakefield,   and  Thigpen.    Jesse  Crawford  entered  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  157 

Association  in  1831,  as  a  delegate  from  Antioch  church, 
which  church  he  represented  until  1835.  After  that,  he 
represented  Silver  Creek  church,  Pike  county,  the  re- 
mainder of  his  active  life.  He  v^as  first  eledled  moder- 
ator of  the  Association  in  1834,  and  was  eighteen  times 
elected  to  this  office.  He  was  absent  from  the  meet- 
ings of  the  body  after  he  entered  it  only  twdce  before 
his  affliction  came  on  him.  He  w^as  forty  years  a  min- 
ister.     "Servant  of  God  well  done." 

In  1870,  A.  Goss  presented  the  following  preamble 
and  resolution : 

"Wheras,  There  has  been  much  said  in  regard  to 
receiving  the  baptism  of  Campbellites  in  our  churches,, 
therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Association  will  not  receive 
such  baptism  from  the  hands  of  Campbellites  or  Pedo- 
Baptists,  as  valid  gospel  baptism." 

There  is  nothing  as  to  the  life's  w-ork  of  A.  Goss  in 
Foster's  Mississippi  Baptist  Preachers,  but  a  suitable 
notice  of  his  active  career  wall  be  given  in  what  shall  be 
said  of  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association.  Suffice  it  to 
say  here,  that  he  was  a  bright  educated  man,  and  en- 
tirely reliable  in  his  doctrinal  deliverances. 

in  the  decade  from  1870  to  1880,  the  Pearl  River 
passed  a  formative  period.  The  time  had  come  when 
it  must  take  stand  with  some  general  body  of  Baptists 
in  our  State.  N.  Robertson  w^as  still  living  at  the  be- 
ginning of  this  decade,  which  assumed  wise  action  on 
the  part  of  the  Association. 

In  1871,  S.  S.  Reh^ea  was  with  them,  and  also  M. 
T.  Martin.  They  were  strong  men,  and  each  with  an 
axe  to  grind,  and  wishing  some  one  to  turn  the  grind- 
stone. Relyea  was  scholarly  and  magnetic,  Martin 
w^as  gifted  with  wonderful  energy,  and  had  a  force  of 


158  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

will  that  w^as  not  to  be  resisted.  Relyea  had  an  in- 
terest to  represent  that  concerned  southern  Mississippi 
and  eastern  Louisiana ;  Martin  was  driving  an  interest 
fostered  by  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention, 
Pearl  River  Association  w^as  an  arena  for  contest. 
Relyea  had  a  worthy  object  to  represent,  Martin,  a 
God -favored  institution  to  save.  Martin  was  flanked 
by  James  Nelson,  who  represented  Ministerial  Educa- 
tion of  the  State  Convention.  James  Nelson  was  the 
inost  remarkable  man  Baptists  have  had  in  Mississippi 
to  the  present  time.  The  contest  came.  Relyea  rep- 
resenting the  missionary  board,  of  the  Mississippi  Riv- 
er, and  the  Eastern  Louisiana  Associations,  asked  the 
co-operation  of  the  Association  in  his  missionary  en- 
terjDnse — a  worthy  object  represented  by  a  noble  man. 
Politely  the  Association  appointed  a  committee  to  con- 
sult with  him,  and  to  report  at  the  next  ineeting  of 
the  bod}'.  The  Convention  was  to  meet  at  Summit,  on 
Friday  before  the  fifth  Sunday-  in  October,  1871.  So 
Relyea's  success  at  the  Association  was  not  to  be  de  - 
cried.  Just  after  that  adtion  of  the  Association,  was  a 
lenghty  report  of  a  committee  on  ministerial  education, 
covering  a  page  of  the  minutes.  It  recited  that  our 
preachers  must  now  be  educated ;  we  must  pray  for 
more  preachers,  and,  if  God  should  call  any  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Association,  the^^  ought  to  be  sent  to 
Mississippi  College;  and  young  preachers  ^vishing  an 
education,  were  advised  to  correspond  with  James  Nel- 
son, corresponding  secretary  of  the  Ministerial  Board 
of  the  Mississippi  Bapsist  State  Convention.  Close  on 
the  heels  of  these  resolutions,  was  a  preamble  with  a 
resolution  as  to  Mississippi  College.  The  preamble 
spoke  of  the  financial  embarrassment  of  the  College  at 
that  time,  and   the  resolution  approved   of  the  effort 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  159 

Martin  was  making  to  liquidate  the  debt  against  the 
College,  and  the  cause  was  asked  a  favorable  consider- 
ation by  the  churches. 

Zachariah  Daughdrill  died  Februarj^  1870.  He 
was  born  in  Greene  county,  in  1820,  the  year  the  Pearl 
River  Association  was  constituted.  He  was  received 
into  Red  Creek  church  in  1852,  and  like  FortenberrA^ 
and  Crawford  was  made  a  deacon  before  he  became  a 
preacher.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  Iw  Sand  Hill 
church,  May  10,  1860,  and  preached  about  ten  years. 
He  was  a  useful  man,  and  was  only  fifty  years  of  age 
when  he  w^as  called  home. 

The  address  of  N.  Robertson  before  the  Association 
of  1872  was  a  remarkable  deliverance.  Its  caution, 
spirit,  and  force  are  unexcelled.  It  reads  like  standard 
literature.  His  eloquence  is  of  Indian  vividness,  and 
naturalness.  It  was  on  pastoral  support.  It  ought  to 
be  kept  before  our  people,  as  a  gem  of  pure  forceful  En- 
glish, and  as  a  piece  of  masterful  eloquence.  It  will  he 
pardonable  to  quote  a  paragraph  of  that  address : 

"It  is  now  just  fortv  j^ears  since  my  name  was  first 
enrolled  in  the  list  of  the  delegates  in  this  Association. 
The  Lord  has  kept  me  alive  through  all  these  days,  and 
this  day,  I  am  called  upon  to  perform  the  most  unpleas- 
ant service  I  have  ever  rendered  to  3^our  hody.  It  may 
appear  strange  to  3^ou,  but  the  temptation  to  unfaith- 
fulness has  been  almost  irresistible.  On  the  one  hand, 
I  have  been  pressed  out  of  measure,  by  the  fear  of  offend - 
ing  my  brethren ;  while  on  the  other  hand,  the  sceptre 
of  God  has  been  stretched  over  my  heart.  You  expect 
me  to  be  faithful,  1  entreat  you  to  be  charitable.  I 
must  risk  the  consequences,  and  be  faithful,  but  to  cut 
myself  off  from  the  love,  and  cordial  fellow^ship  of  my 
brethren,  would  be  more  bitter  than  death.    To  be  an 


160  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

offcast  from  the  affections,  and  confidence  of  the  Lord's 
children,  would  make  this  world  a  dark  wilderness  to 
me,  and  yet  it  would  not  be  so  bad  as  to  dole  out  my 
days  under  the  inflictions  of  a  guilty  conscience/' 

The  Association  of  1873  met  with  Little  Bahala 
church,  Lincoln  county.  The  General  Association,  of 
Baptists,  of  South  Mississippi,  and  East  Louisiana, 
Nvas  represented  b^^  E.  C.  Eager,  and  S.  S.  Relyea. 
Mississippi  College  was  represented  by  A.  A.  Lomax. 
On  Monday,  A.  A.  Lomax  preached  in  the  forenoon, 
and  S.  S.  Relyea  in  the  afternoon.  It  was  Resolved, 
That  correspondence  be  opened  up  wdththe  General  As- 
sociation of  Baptists,  of  South  Mississippi,  and  East 
Louisiana,  and  the  object  of  the  Educational  Society, 
of  that  body,  in  establishing  a  first  class  Baptist  Fe  - 
male  College,  in  Summit,  Mississippi,  was  cordially 
approved.  Could  they  have  wished  more?  But  the 
Convention  was  not  less  favored  bj^  the  Association. 
It  received  preamble,  and  resolution.  As  the  Conven- 
tion had  decided  to  enter  on  the  work  of  State  missions, 
and  a  State  Mission  Board  located  at  Hazlehurst,  and 
the  Board  to  have  a  corresponding  secretary  with  vari- 
ous duties,  it  was  Resolved,  that  this  action  of  the  Con- 
vention be  heartih^  approved.  Could  they  have  wish- 
ed more  ?  To  which  of  the  two  causes  did  the  advant- 
age accrue  ? 

In  1874,  S.  S.  Relyea,  and  M.  T.  Martin  were  at 
the  Association,  and  this  action  was  taken  by  the 
bod3'' : 

'^Resolved,  That  we  rejoice  in  the  intelligence  that 
the  Lord  is  blessing  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions 
(State  Mission  Board),  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Con- 
vention, and  of  the  General  Association,  of  South  Mis- 
sissippi, and  East  Louisiana,  in  extending  the  cause  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  161 

Christ  in  the  southern  portion  of  Mississippi  and  east 
Louisiana." 

It  seems  that  the  Pearl  River  Assoeiation  had  got  - 
ten  both  men  under  the  same  yoke,  and  that  Relyea 
had  the  padded  bow.  But  Martin  would  walk  ahead 
by  getting  a  resolution  adopted,  commending  ministe- 
rial education  and  the  College,  and  encouraging  the 
project  of  a  permanent  endowment.  This  leaves  noth- 
ing settled.  But  in  1875,  the  Association  appointed  del- 
egates to  the  State  Convention,  and  nothing  was  said 
of  the  General  Association  of  South  Mississippi,  and 
East  Louisiana.  M.  T.  Martin  was  in  1876,  received 
as  a  messenger  from  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention, and  as  agent  of  the  College,  and  there  was  no 
opposing  Richmond  on  the  field.  S.  S.  Relyea  did  a 
good  w^ork,  as  we  may  see  ftirther  on  in  this  written 
history.  In  that  year,  Norvell  Robertson  sat  as  mod- 
erator of  Pearl  River  for  the  last  time.  He  had  been  in 
the  Association  forty -four  years.  He  died  June  1, 
1878.  A  sketch  of  his  life  is  given  in  Foster's  Mississip- 
pi Baptist  Preachers. 

In  1878,  a  good  list  of  committees  were  appointed, 
and  among  them  a  committee  on  Foreign  Missions,  the 
first  ever  appointed  by  the  Association  on  that  object. 
It  has  doubtless  been  noticed  that  in  all  the  history  of 
this  Association,  from  its  inception  to  a  very  few  years 
before  this,  no  committees  were  appointed  but  the  com- 
mittee on  preaching;  and  that  the  general  w^ork  of  the 
Association  was  done  on  preambles  and  resolutions. 
But  in  this  year,  the  Foreign  Mission  Journal  was.  rec- 
ommended, and  the  churches  re(|uested  to  have  a  mis- 
sionary sermon  preached  yearly,  a  collection  taken  for 
foreign  missions,  and  contributions  forwarded  to  H.  A. 
Tepper,  corresponding  secretary  of  Foreign  Mission 
Board. 


162  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Home  at  last.  The  road  has  been  rough  and  rocky, 
and  beset  by  allurnicnts  on  both  sides  for  a  long  dis- 
tance, but  the  Association  having  a  good  spirit,  kept 
steadily  forward,  avoiding  antinoniian  pit  falls  until  it 
reached  home.  God's  hand  led  its  noble  messengers  all 
the  way.  They  had  an  extensive  field  of  labor,  over 
which  at  first  their  churches  were  sparceh'  scattered. 
The3' fought  for  their  own  like  noble,  brave  Christian 
heroes.  They  sent  out  colonies,  and  contributed  good 
churches  to  Aveak  Associations.  Their  territory  was 
narrowed  down,  and  their  hearts  expanded.  When  the 
Association  became  confined  to  the  counties  of  Marion, 
Lawrence,  Covington,  Pike,  and  a  few  townships  of 
Lincoln,  their  vision  became  enlarged,  and  the^-  saw 
the  field  the  Man  of  Galilee  gave  the  fisherman,  and  be- 
gan to  strive  for  its  occupancy,  with  the  dashing  valor 
of  the  fore -fathers,  who  followed  the  paths  beaten  out 
by  the  foot  falls  of  wild  beasts,  and  of  scarcely  less  fe  - 
rocious  savages,  the  redmen  of  the  forest.  Noble  Pearl 
River  Association  !  The  writer  feels  that  he  is  a  better 
man  after  writing  this  much  of  the  history  of  A^our  no- 
ble deeds,  and  would  fain  let  his  pen  glide  on  with  tire- 
less effort  in  recounting  facts  so  elevating,  and  writing 
of  men  whose  wisdom  was  safe,  w^hose  brains  were 
clear,  and  whose  hearts  were  -warm. 

In  1878,  H.  M.  Long,  J.  A.  Scarborough,  T.  D. 
Bush,  and  T.  J.  Walne  were  in  the  Association,  and 
their  presence  felt.  T.  J.  Walne  preached  at  eleven  a.  m. 
SundaA",  on  John  3  :  14-,  and,  after  an  intermission,  J.  A. 
Scarborough  preached  on  A6ls  16 :  30.  G.  W.  Farmer 
closed  with  an  exhortation,  and  a  collection  was  taken 
for  Home  missions  (or  State  missions)  of  $20.50.  T. 
J.  Walne  was  received,  as  a  rejjresentative  of  the  Bap- 
tist State  Convention,  and  the  State  Mission  Board, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


163 


and  the  heartA^  co-operation  with  the  State  Mission 
Board  was  recommended  in  the  report  on, Home  mis- 
sions. 

The  Baptist  Record  was  projected  the  first  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1877.  In  the  minutes  of  the  Pearl  River  of  that 
year,  it  was  commended  as  a  sound  Baptist  paper,  and 
calculated  to  build  up  the  Baptist  cause  in  our  State. 
The  following  year,  and  the  year  succeeding  it,  the 
Record  was  indorsed  by  the  Association.  The  South- 
ern Baptist  was  also  recommended  to  the  favor  of 
the  body. 

In  1879,  Lea  Female  College,  at  Summit,  was  rec- 
ommended to  the  patronage  of  the  churches,  and  its  pres- 
ident, C.H.  Otken,  was  giventheliberty  of  the  territory 
for  the  organization.  That  was  wise,  and  correct. 
The  school  was  well  located,  calculated  to  do  inestima- 
ble good  for  that  section  of  the  State,  and  its  affairs 
■under  the  administration  of  a  highly  intellectual  man, 
who  was  a  fine  educator.  C.  H.  Otken,  that  year,  address 
ed  a  letter  to  the  Association,  as  to  the  interest  of  his 
institution  of  learning.  That  letter  recited  that  the  Col- 
lege was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1877.  A  charter  was 
soon  obtained,  granting  the  right  to  confer  degrees, 
and  diplomas.  The  Board  of  trustees  of  the  school  con- 
sisted of  B.  A.  Crawford,  W.  Z.  Lea,  W.  T.  White,  J.  R. 
Farish,  W.  W.  Bolls,  Z.  T.  Everett,  Thomas  T.  Cotton, 
D.  C.  Walker,  DeWitt  C.  Lea,  W.T.  Johns,  JohnG.  Leg- 
gett,  W.  E.  Tynes,  J.  R.  Sample,  John  E.  Holmes,  and 
Hampton  M.  Lea.  The  campus  of  the  College  covered 
two  squares,  or  about  eight  acres  of  land,  on  which 
was  a  two-story  building,  planned  for  a  female  school. 
It  was  the  onh'  female  college  in  that  part  of  the  coun- 
try, where  Baptists  had  10,000  communicants. 

The  decade  between  1880,  and  1890  was  charact  - 


164  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

erized  for  work  on  all  lines  of  benevolence  pursued  by 
the  Baptists  of  the  State.  The  Association  was  in  full 
sympathy,  and  close  co  -  operation,  with  the  Baptist 
State  Convention.  Names  of  men  now  familiar  to  ev- 
ery one  well  versed  in  the  work  of  Mississippi  Baptists, 
appear  on  the  minutes  of  the  body.  R.  R.  Tumage  was 
moderator  each  of  the  ten  years.  I.  M.  Fortenberry 
was  treasurer  until  1884,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  J. 
D.Burkett,  who  kept  the  financial  accounts  of  the  body 
to  the  end  of  this  period.  Both  famih^  names  had  long 
appeared  on  the  minutes  of  the  bod3^  J.W.  Armstrong, 
of  Monticello,  was  clerk  through  the  decade.  At  the 
beginning  of  this  period  there  were  seventeen  churches 
in  the  organization,  having  1,544  members.  In  1880, 
the  churches  gave  $249.95  to  Home  missions,  and 
$144.60  to  Foreign  missions.  At  the  close  of  the  dec- 
ade, the  Association  was  composed  of  fifteen  churches,^ 
(some  had  gone  to  other  Associations)  which  had 
1,685  members,  and  gave  to  State  missions,  $216.50, 
to  Foreign  missions  as  reported  $78.25,  and  to  church 
building,  $613.00. 

The  temperance  movement  found  its  earliest  and 
most  ardent  supporters  in  southern  Mississippi.  With- 
in the  limits  of  this  Association  then,  was  a  decided 
and  profound  sentiment  against  the  legalized  sale  of  in- 
toxicants. The  Association  itself  was  not  silent  in  the 
presence  of  the  blighting  evil.  In  1880,  the  bod}-  ex- 
pressed it  as  a  conviction  that  it  was  a  duty  to  exert 
a  wholesome  influence  against  the  liquor  traffic,  and  to 
give  no  countenance  to  the  sale  of  intoxicating  spirits, 
and  Resolved,  That  it  was  a  misdemeanor  calling  for 
the  discipline  of  a  church,  for  a  member  to  sell  ardent 
spirits,  or  to  give  awaj'  intoxicants  at  a  pubhc  gather- 
ing, or  patronize  a  saloon.    It  was  also  recommended 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  165 

that  the  pastors  of  the  churches  each  deliver  a  lecture 
on  temperance  once  a  year.  In  1881,  T.  D.  Bush  sub- 
mitted a  terse  report  on  the  subject,  declaring  that  the 
use  of  intoxicants  weakens  financial  ability,  hinders  de- 
nominational enterprises,  causes  murder,  theft,  and  ev- 
ery other  crime.  He  placed  the  word  prohibition  into 
his  report  with  telling  effect.  In  1882,  J.  B.  Gambrell 
was  made  chairman  of  the  committee  on  temperance  in 
which  report  it  was  said  that  the  crisis  was  actually 
upon  the  people,  and  that  boldness,  and  energy  were 
necessary  to  impede  the  progress  of  the  evil,  and  that 
the  time  had  come  to  act. 

That  year,  Lawrence  count\',  which  was  covered  by 
this  Association,  stepped  to  the  front  of  the  sisterhood 
of  the  counties  of  the  State,  and  was  first  to  enact  pro- 
hibition laws  in  a  countj',  against  legalizing  the  sale  of 
ardent  spirits. 

Each  3^ear  there  was  a  strong  report  made  on  Tem- 
perance. In  1884,  R.  J.  Boone  presented  the  report, 
w^hich  declared  that  a  candidate  for  office  only  merited 
support  when  in  favor  of  temperance,  and  that  every 
Christian,  who  loves  God,  should  rise  in  his  majesty, 
and  strength  to  complete  legal  prohibition  of  the  nefa  - 
rious  traffic.  The  next  year,  it  was  said  that  prohibi- 
tion was  the  only  safe  means  for  the  future,  and  the 
year  following,  J.  A.  Scarborough  thundered  forth  in 
this  language:  "Every  Christian  should  hold  it  as  a 
duty  to  God,  a  duty  to  his  own  family,  and  a  duty  to 
the  world  at  large,  to  use  all  fair,  and  honest  means  to 
procure  prohibition  law.''  In  1888,  R.  Drummond  rec- 
ommended total  abstinance  by  ever3''  church  member  of 
the  Association,  and  stringent  measures  on  the  iniqui- 
tous evil.  No  less  positive  were  the  reports  on  Temper- 
ance submitted  to  the  Association  at  its  meetings  the 
two  following  years. 


166  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Year  by  j-ear,  during  this  decade,  reports  were  sub- 
mitted on  the  subject  of  Sunda^^  schools  to  the  Associ  - 
ation.  In  1880,  T.  D.  Bush,  in  his  report  affirmed  that 
the  Sunday-  school  was  second  only  to  the  living  minis- 
tr3^  in  disseminating  gospel  truth,  and  it  was  urged 
that  ever^^  reasonable  sacrifice  be  made  to  organize  and 
maintain  a  Sunday  school  in  each  church.  A  few  3''ears 
after,  a  prominent  pastor  said  that  the  Sunday  school 
lessons  on  the  Acts  had  helped  to  develop  his  churches 
on  the  subject  of  missions  to  a  perceptible  degree.  The 
Sunda^^  school  was  not  so  wrongfully  recommended  as 
to  take  the  place  of  parental  instruction.  It  was 
thought  that  the  Sunday  school  should  be  attended  by 
the  old  as  well  as  the  young,  and  that  its  usefulness 
should  not  stop  short  of  the  conversion  of  the  pupils. 
It  was  recommended  to  the  Sunday  schools,  to  take 
^^Kind  Words,"'  published  then  at  Macon,  Georgia.  In 
1886,  the  letters  from  the  churches  to  the  Association 
showed  a  growing  interest  in  the  Sunday  school  w^ork. 
The  church  letters  showed  a  great  many  accessions  to 
the  churches  from  the  Sunday  schools.  In  1889  and 
1890,  the  report  on  Sunday  schools  was  submitted  by 
J.  P.  Culpepper,  in  which  it  w^as  recommended  that 
they  put  a  man  in  the  field  to  organize  Sunday  schools 
in  ever3'  community  in  the  Association,  and  that 
a  Sunday'  school  convention  be  organized  in  the  bounds 
of  the  Association,  to  meet  on  the  fifth  Sundays. 

The  work  of  Foreign  Missions  was  kept  distinctly 
before  them  for  five  j^ears  of  this  decade,  after  which, 
the  bod}'  had  reports  on  the  general  subject  of  missions 
with  questionable  efficiency-.  The  reports  on  missions, 
as  a  rule  were  devoid  of  any  specific  information  on 
foreign  missions.  In  1880,  the  committee  on  foreign 
missions  recommended  that  each  pastor  in  the  Associ- 


HISTORY     OF     MIS.SISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  167 

ation  keep  foreign  missions  constantly  before  his 
churches  until  a  permanent  interest  should  be  manifest; 
and  recommended  The  Foreign  Mission  Journal,  pub- 
lished at  Richmond,  Virginia.  In  1883,  the  request  of 
the  Foreign  Mission  Board,  asking  that  Mississippi 
raise  $8,000  that  year  for  foreign  missions,  was  cor- 
dially endorsed,  and  the  body  pledged  to  raise  its  pro 
rata  of  the  amount,  and  the  pastors  of  the  churches 
were  entreated  to  labor  as  never  before  to  get  their 
people  to  feel  the  great  obligation  resting  on  them,  to 
give  the  gospel  to  the  \vorld.  The  report  of  the  com- 
mittee on  foreign  missions  in  1884,  was  somewhat  re- 
freshing. It  expressed  an  unwillingness  to  accuse  the 
ministers  of  unfaithfulness,  but  it  appeared  that,  in 
some  instances,  they  were  derelict  in  duty,  and  if  this 
objection  could  be  removed,  soon  a  great  change  would 
take  place  in  the  affairs  of  foreign  missions.  "Lay  on 
McDuff." 

Our  churches  and  Associations  experience  great  dif- 
ficulty in  distinguishing  between  State  missions  and 
Home  missions.  In  the  early  history  of  the  churches, 
associational  missions  was  invariably  called  Domestic 
Missions,  which  \vas  the  original  name  of  United 
States  Missions,  or  missions  at  home.  The  Associa- 
tional mission  was  a  mission  at  home,  and  it  \vas  de- 
nominated Domestic  missions.  State  Missionsis  a  home 
work,  and  is  so  regarded.  It  would  prevent  much  con- 
fusion of  thought  if  the  Home  Mission  Board  could  be 
called  the  Sout  hern  Mission  Board.  The  first  reports 
that  were  made  to  the  Pearl  River  Association  on  State 
Missions,  were  made  under  the  head  of  HomeMissions- 
(untill883),  while  they  contained  no  reference  to  South- 
ern missions  outside  of  our  State.  No  report  was 
made  to  the  Association  under  the  head  of  State  Mis- 
sions until  1883. 


168  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1880,  the  Association  was  congratulated  by  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  on  Home  missions,  G.  W. 
Mikell,  upon  the  revival  of  the  missionary  spirit  in  the 
churches.  The  church  letters  to  the  Association  show- 
ed the  gratifying  fact  that,  save  one,  all  the  churches  in 
the  body  had  sent  up  contributions  for  Home  missions 
(State  missions).  The  occurrence  had  broken  the  ex  - 
ample  of  the  churches,  itis  said,  "for  many  long  years." 
The  committee  showed  interest  in  the  work  of  the  State 
Mission  Board  in  the  delta.  Population  was  crowding 
into  the  great  Mississippi  bottom.  Hundreds  of  young 
inen  were  going  to  that  fertile  valley.  That  part  of 
the  State  was  said  to  be  "a  fearfully  wicked  country, 
whiskv  drinking,  gaml:)ling,  and  Sabbath  desecration," 
where  rife,  and  missionar}'  work  a  pressing  necessity. 
The  State  Mission  Board  had  under  its  appointment, 
at  that  time,  twent^'-five  missionaries,  one  of  them  be- 
ing T.  D.  Bush,  the  missionar3^  in  the  Pearl  River  Asso- 
ciation, who  was  doing  good  work. 

In  1881,  the  committee  on  Home  or  State  missions 
noted  the  fact  that  the  State  Mission  Board  was  en- 
larging its  work,  and  urged  every  church  of  the  Associ- 
ation to  meet  the  duty  of  more  liberal  support  of  that 
Board.  The  following  year,  T.  J.  Walne  was  chairman 
of  the  committee,  and  his  report  was  loaded  with  facts 
bearing  on  the  work  so  near  his  heart.  The  report  re- 
counted that,  in  the  eight  3^ears  preceding,  the  mission- 
aries of  the  Board  had  traveled  225,188  miles;  preach- 
ed 11,831  sermons;  baptized  1,910  persons;  received 
by  letter,  and  restoration  1,365;  constituted  twenty - 
seven  churches;  organized  one  district  Association,  and 
sixty-five  Sunday  schools.  In  1883,  T.  S.  Powell, 
chairman  of  the  committee  on  State  missions,  submit- 
ted a  good  report.    The  following  year,  the  subject  was 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  169 

put  before  the  body  by  J.  G.  Chastain,  (their  mission- 
ary under  the  appointment  of  the  State  Mission  Board). 
He  said  the  time  had  come  when  churches  that  do  noth- 
ing at  all  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  should  cease  to 
be  recognized  as  missionary  churches.  In  1885,  J.  G. 
Chastain  labored  in  the  Association,  under  the  State 
Board,  273  days;  traveled  1,363  miles;  preached  105 
sermons,  and  baptized  forty -two  believers. 

Supplement  to  Pearl  River  Association: — Be- 
tween 1890  and  1895,  the  meml3ers  of  the  Pearl  River 
Association  imposed  continual  confidence  in  their  ofti  - 
cers.  In  that  period,  R.  R.  Turnage  was  moderator, 
W.  J.  Armstrong  clerk,  and  N.  S.  Buckley  treasurer. 

The  usual  reports  of  committees  were  submitted  to 
the  body.  The  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Seminary 
received  unusual  attention,  and  what  is  unusual,  they 
had  a  committee  to  report  on  vocal  music,  and  anoth- 
er on  their  Sunday  school  Board.  They  had  no  report 
on  associational  work  until  1895,  when  it  was  recom- 
mended that  a  missionary  board  be  appointed  to  look 
out  the  destitute  places  in  the  Association,  and  to  cor- 
respond with  secretary  Rowx  as  to  supph'ing  it. 

In  1891,  there  were  seventeen  churches  in  the  body, 
v^rhich  had  an  aggregate  membership  of  1,697  ;  in  1895, 
eighteen  churches  with  a  total  membership  of  1,880. 
In  1891,  their  cash  collections  amounted  to  $271.55, 
and  in  1895,  to  $243.75.  The  pastors  in  the  Associa- 
tion in  1895  were  C.  P.  Sheppard,  R.  Drummond,  J.  W. 
Tolar,  J.  P.  Culpepper,  J.  C.  Buckley,  N.  L.  Robertson, 
J.  L.  Finley,  J.  L.  Price,  B.  A.  Crawford,  A.  F.  Davis, 
and  R.  R.  Turnage. 

In  1891,  Shiloh  church,  Marion  county,  and  New 
Hope,  Lawrence  county,  were  received  into  the  union, 
and  in  1892,   Clear  Springs  church,   Lawrence  countv 


170  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Special  recommendations  were  made  in  1892,  as  to  the 
process  of  carrying  on  their  mission  work.  It  was  rec- 
ommended that  Special  effort  be  made  to  secure  a  con  - 
tribution  to  missions  from  each  member  of  each  church, 
and  that  regular  quarterly  collections  for  mission  be 
taken. 

Their  Sunday  school  statistics  in  1895,  showed 
that  they  had  eleven  Sunda\'  schools,  sixty -fiYe  officers 
and  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  835,  or  1,015  more 
members  in  their  churches  than  pupils  in  their  Sunday 
schools.  Between  1895  and  the  close  of  the  century, 
the  officers  of  the  preceding  five  years  were  kept  in  of- 
fice, until  1900.  In  that  year,  AV.  J.  Armstrong  was 
elected  moderator,  J.  Ci  Buckley  clerk,  and  X.  S.  Buck- 
le3'  treasurer. 

In  1896,  there  were  twenty -two  churches  in  the 
union,  with  a  total  membership  of  2,299,  and  in  1900, 
twenty -one  churches  with  an  aggregate  membership 
of  2,305,  or  a  net  gain  of  six  members. 

The  pastors  of  the  churches  in  1900  wei'cas  follows : 
Of  Antioch,  and  Black  Jack  Grove,  T.  B.  Forten- 
berry;  of  Bethel,  J.  L.  Price;  of  Columbia,  Pine  Springs, 
and  Societ\'  Hill,  J.  T.  Dale;  of  Cedar  Grove,  Holly 
Springs,  and  Pearl  Vallc}',  J  B.  Polk  :  of  Clear  Springs, 
T.  D.  Cox;  of  Crooked  Creek,  J.  P.  Williams;  of  Good 
Hope,  A.  A.  Briant ;  of  Magees  Creek,  J.  T.  Ellzey;  of 
New  Hope,  J.  M.  Riche\';  of  Pleasant  Hill,  and  Provi- 
dence, W.  R.  Johnston;  of  Silver  Creek,  J.  C.  Bucklej^; 
and,  of  Sliiloh,  C.  P.  Torrey. 

In  1896,  R.  R.  Turnage  was  missionary-  in  their 
bounds.  He  reported  seventh"  -  seven  days  of  ser^-ice  ; 
thirty -eight  sermons  preached,  and  twelve  iDaptized. 
He  collected  $10-1.00.  The  following  vear,  he  gave  the 
Association  twenty' -  seven  davs  of  service,  and  collect- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  171 

ed  for  associat'ional  missions  $208.00,  and  for  State 
missions  $100.00.  In  their  report  on  State  missions, 
it  is  said,  "Your  committee  has  no  new  plans  to  sug- 
gest, but  would  urge  upon  the  churches  of  the  Associa- 
tion to  stand  firmly  by  our  Board  with  their  prayers, 
and  contributions,  until  every  destitute  portion  of  our 
State  is  supplied." 

The  Ebenezer  church  was  dismissed  by  letter  in 

1898,  and  the  Little  River,  and  Good  Hope  churches 
^vere  added  to  their  list.  It  is  said  of  the  good  Hope 
church  that  it  was  formerly  a  member  of  the  Bethel  As- 
sociation, and  "said  Association  being  anti-mission- 
ary, she  withdrew  from  the  same,  and  united  with  us, 
where  they  hope  to  be  able  to  do  good  for  the  spread 
of  the  gospel." 

The  Pearl  River  Association  held  its  eightieth  an- 
nual session  with  the  Shiloh  church,  Marion  county,  in 

1899.  The  institution  had  reached  a  good  old  age.  It 
had  in  the  eighty  years,  had  in  it  many  men  of  com  - 
manding  genius,  and  choice  grace,  and  had  done  great 
good  to  the  part  of  the  State  in  w^hich  it  was  located. 

The  report  on  Sunday  schools  in  1899,  submitted 
hj  ].  J.  Stringer,  was  rather  spic\'.  It  said  :  "We  go  to 
our  Associations  each  year,  and  write  reports,  and 
make  rousing  speeches,  and  make  good  recommenda- 
tions, onlj^  to  go  back  to  our  homes,  and  get  to  work 
at  the  same  old  job  of  doing  nothing."  His  language 
is  so  true  to  facts  that  it  is  refreshing.  That  year,  four- 
teen churches  reported  SundaA^  schools,  with  a  total  of 
seventy -three  officers  and  teachers,  and  an  enrollment 
of  756  scholars. 

In  1900,  the  following  letter  found  in  their  minutes 
was  addressed  to  A.  V.  Rowe,  Secretarj'  of  the  Conven- 
tion Board  :     "We,  the  Pearl  River  Association,  in  or- 


172  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

der  of  business,  do  hereby'  express  ourselves  as  believing 
that  the  community  of  the  Pearl  Yalle3'  church  is  an 
important  mission  station,  and  that  a  limited  part  of 
the  State  Mission  funds  can  be  as  well  invested  in  said 
community-  as  it  can  an3'\vhere : 

Therefore,  We  request  that  you  carefulh'  and 
prayerfulh'  consider  the  spending  of  the  amount  rec- 
ommended by  our  local  Board,  and  our  missionary,  J. 
B.  Polk,  on  said  field."'  This  letter  is  given  to  show 
that  at  the  end  of  the  centur^^  the  Pearl  River  Associa- 
tion was  in  hearty-  S3^mpathy  with  our  organized  work, 
and  wished  close  and  hearty  co-operation  with  the 
Conventioa  Board.  i 

No  other  Association  in  our  State  has,  in  its  his  - 
tory,  encountered  so  many  difficulties  as  the  Pearl  Riv- 
er. With  the  courage  of  conviction,  the  work  was  be- 
gun, w^hen  the  Association  was  constituted  in  1820, 
w^ith  twenty  -  three  churches  scattered  over  south  Mis- 
sissippi. The  countrv  was  thinly  populated,  but  des- 
tined to  be  peopled  b^'  a  numerous,  honest,  industrious 
host.  Many  serious  questions  presented  themselves 
during  the  flight  of  years,  but  they  were  met  gravely, 
and  with  dignity.  If  the}-  were  sorely  perplexing,  they 
had  to  wait  a  3'ear  before  they  could  receive  an  answer, 
or  ^vere  referred  to  the  churches  for  prayerful  delibera- 
tion and  wise  handling.  The  Association  was  never 
without  its  men  of  strong  common  sense,  and  becoming 
gravity,  who  faced  every  impending  issue  \vith  a  firm 
resolution,  and  a  charitable  desire.  They  loved  their 
brethren  with  an  affection  stronger  than  their  love  of 
life,  an  affection  that  was  onlv  surpassed  by  their  love 
of  the  cause  which  made  them  brethren.  The  historian 
pens  this  last  sentence,  expressing  an  unfeigned  admir- 
ation of  the  record  made  by  the  Pearl  River  Associa- 
tion, while  cherishing  the  hope  that  a  favoring  Provi- 
dence ma}'  continue  to  smile  on  their  efforts  made  in 
forwarding  the  cause  of  Christ. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  173 


CHAPTER  VI. 

CHOCTAW  ASSOCIATION. 

The  Chodlaw  may  be  classed  with  the  old  Associa- 
tions of  north  Mississippi.  In  its  earliest  daA^s  it  was  a 
conglomerate  bod3\  It  seemed  to  lack  affinity.  Some 
of  the  churches  were  in  Alabama,  and  some  in  Mississ- 
ippi. The  population  was  unstable,  and  composed  of 
people  from  different  parts  of  the  south-eastern  States. 
The  Baptists,  who  composed  the  body,  differed  in  sen  - 
timent  as  to  progressive  work. 

The  original  Choctaw  Association  was  formed  in 
August,  1834-.  At  what  place,  there  is  no  way  of  as- 
certaining. Several  attempts  w^ere  made  to  have  a 
brief  history  of  the  bod}^  put  in  the  minutes,  which,  it  is 
to  be  regretted,  were  abortive.  In  1840,  it  was  Resolv- 
ed, That  Michael  Ross,  and  Burwell  L.  Barnes  be  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  prepare  a  history  of  the  bod\^, 
and  print  it  in  the  minutes  of  the  succeeding  year. 
That  year,  M.  Ross  was  appointed  to  revise  the  writ- 
ten histor3%  and  the  churches  were  requested  to  send  to 
the  Association  of  1842,  a  sufficiency  of  money  to  ena- 
ble them  to  publish  it  in  the  minutes.  But  in  1842  the 
subject  was  indefinitely  postponed.  This  action  of  the 
body  is  to  be  deeply  regretted,  but  by  dilligent  research 
we  have  been  able  to  reclaim  some  of  the  facts  of  the 
early  histor}-  of  this  Association  that  have  remained 
hidden  from  the  casual  observer. 

From  Benedict,  we  learn  that  the  Choctaw  was  or- 


174  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

iginallj'  composed  of  sixteen  churches,  nine  in  Mississ- 
ippi, and  seven  in  Alabama.  These  churches  were  in 
Noxubee,  and  Kemper  counties,  in  Mississippi,  and 
Sumter  count3^,  Alabama.  In  1837,  the  organization 
w^as  composed  of  thirtj^  -  nine  churches,  which  had  an 
aggregate  membership  of  1,008.  Twelve  of  these 
churches  were  received  that  year.  Thirteen  of  them 
wherein  Sumter  county,  Alabama,  the  remainder  of  them 
in  Mississippi,  in  the  counties  of  Noxubee,  Kemper, 
Lauderdale,  Winston,  Oktibbeha,  Leake,  and  Newton. 
It  had,  in  three  years,  joined  twent3^- three  churches, 
and  largely  extended  its  territory. 

At  the  first  anniversary^  of  the  body,  Michael  Ross 
was  clerk  and  treasurer.  It  was  not  until  1837  that 
he  was  paid  for  bringing  out  the  minutes  of  1835. 
But  the  honest\'  of  the  Association  was  seen  in  the  fact 
that  he  was  not  to  go  unpaid  for  his  official  work.  In 
1836,  Francis  Thomas  was  clerk,  and  William  Calla- 
way' was  moderator.  That  was  the  second  anniver- 
sar^'  of  the  body.  In  1837,  Michael  Ross  was  eledted 
moderator,  and  Lewis  Stovall  clerk.  Between  the  an- 
nual meeting  of  1836  and  1837,  William  Callaway  died. 

The  following  excerpt  is  taken  from  a  letter  writ  - 
ten  by  Michael  Ross,  and  printed  in  the  Luminary  in 
1837:  "I  have  been  in  the  State  nearh'  four  ^^ears. 
When  I  first  arrived,  there  was  not  a  Baptist  church  in 
the  Choctaw  country  of  Mississippi.  In  company 
Avith  William  Callaway  and  Pace,  myself  and  Alwood, 
(who  came  from  South  Carolina  with  me)  constituted 
the  Bethel  church,  in  the  house  of  brother  Thomas,  in 
Kemper  county,  in  December,  1833."' 

The  leading  ministers  of  the  original  Choctaw  As- 
sociation, were  James  Barnes,  Silas  Dobbs,  Michael 
Ross,  Wade  H.  Crawford,  S.  G.  Jenkins,  R.  R.  Shelton, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  175 

W.  B.  Lloyd,  J.  Micou,  and  William  Callaway.  Among 
the  names  of  the  messengers  from  the  churches,  we  find 
such  familiar  names  as  Hibbler,  Mclnnis,  Bunyard, 
May,  Spinks,  McClannahan,  Patton,  and  Haynes. 
Many  of  the  descendants  of  these  men  may  be  found 
today  in  east  Mississippi,  and  especially  in  Meridian. 
It  [appears  that  the  Association  of  1837,  was  the 
last  harmonious  one  of  the  great  old  Choctaw.  Sever- 
al causes  contributed  to  this  result.  The  territory  of 
the  body  had  become  exceedingly  extended,  which, 
with  the  large  number  of  churches,  contributed  largely 
to  this  result.  The  Louisville  Friendship  Association 
was  formed  on  the  west,  and  the  Libertj^  Association 
on  the  south,  and  an  anti- missionary  body  called 
Zion's  Rest  Association.  Twelve  of  the  churches  of  the 
old  Association  went  into  the  new,  four  of  them  to  the 
Louisville  Friendship,  and  at  least,  two  of  them  to  the 
Liberty.  Perhaps  the  death  of  William  Callaway,  caus- 
ing the  loss  of  his  influence  over  the  churches,  ^was  the 
breaking  of  the  chain  that  bound  the  churches  together. 
It  was  said  in  the  brief  obituary  notice  that  appears  in 
the  minutes  of  the  bod^^  of  1837,  "To  his  labors,  in  a 
good  degree,  under  God,  many  of  the  churches  of  this 
country-,  and  the  Association  itself,  are  indebted  for 
their  origin;"  and  "We  feel  sensibly,  the  stroke  which 
has  separated  us  from  him,  w4iom  we  tenderly  loved, 
and  whose  memory  ^ve  revere.'^  He  was  the  magnetic 
member  of  the  body.  Perhaps  also,  the  aggressive 
spirit  of  John  Micou  disturbed  the  conservative  mem  - 
bers  of  the  body.  The  names  of  S.  G.  Jenkins  and 
Michael  Ross  are  connected  with  our  time  by  their  rela- 
tions in  those  days,  with  N.  L.  Clarke,  who  is  still  living- 
in  vigorous  age  in  Newton,  being  over  ninety  3'ears  ot 
age.    He  was  baptized   b^-  S.  G.  Jenkins,  and  Alichael 


176  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Ross  was  one  of  the  council  of  ministers  who  aided  the 
church  in  his  ordination. 

This  resolution  appears  in  the  minutes  of  1837: 
*^ Resolved,  That  w^e  recommend  the  brethren  of  this 
Association  to  read  the  Bible  through  at  least  once  a 
year." 

Benedict  sa3's  that  the  ne\v  Chocta^^  Association 
was  constituted  in  1837,  -which  can  scarcely  be  true. 
A  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  the  old  Choc  - 
taw  of  1837,  is  still  extant,  which  shows  that  the 
meeting  was  held,  beginning  September  16,  1837.  The 
meeting  so  late  in  the  year,  was  in  such  a  ineasure  har- 
monious, that  the  Association  was  re -districted,  and 
the  time  of  the  meetings  of  the  five  districts  arranged 
for.  Besides  this,  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  the 
new  body  in  1840,  are  declared  to  be  "the  minutes  of 
the  second  anniversary  meeting."  Then,  the  first  anni- 
versary' must  have  been  in  1839,  and  the  body  consti- 
tuted in  1838.    B.  L.  Barnes  was  treasurer  in  1839. 

The  session  of  1840  was  held  with  the  Gainesville 
church,  beginning  September  18th.  The  introdu6tory 
sermon  was  preached  b^-  Michael  Ross.  John  Micou 
was  elected  moderator,  B.L.Barnes  clerk,  and  Michael 
Ross  treasurer.  It  is  seen  by  this  election  that  the 
strong  men  of  the  old  body  w^ere  still  placed  in  positions 
of  honor,  and  responsibilit}-.  In  the  Association  of 
1840,  we  find  the  names  off.  Willingham,  W.  M.  Far- 
rar,  Elijah  Deupree,  S.  S.  Lattimore,  C.  A.  Hatch,  and 
N.  L.  Clarke.    N.  L.  Clarke  was  a  licentiate. 

In  1840,  there  v^ere  twenty -one  churches  in  the 
union  which  reported  an  aggregate  of  358  baptisms. 
Of  these  baptisms  Jones'  Creek,  Sumter  county,  Ala- 
bama, reported  seventy -seven,  and  Hopewell  in  the 
same  State,  forty -seven.     The  total  membership  of  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  177 

churches  was  1,322.  Nine  of  the  churches  were  in  Ala- 
bama, and  twelve  in  Mississippi.  The  majority  of  the 
baptisms  were  reported  by  the  churches  in  Alabama. 
The  Mississippi  churches  were  in  the  counties  of  New  - 
ton,  Kemper,  Lauderdale,  Noxubee,  and  Winston. 

The  Mount  Zion  church,  Sumter  county,  Alabama, 
presented  a  petition  for  membership.  There  was  a  diffi- 
culty existing  at  the  time  between  this  church,  and  the 
Liberty  Association.  The  church  could  not,  therefore, 
be  received  until  the  difference  could  be  investigated, 
and  the  church  exonorated.  A  strong  committee  was 
appointed  to  examine  the  charges  against  the  church, 
consisting  of  M.  Ross,  T.  Willingham,  W.  M.  Farrar, 
M.  Talbot,  and  S.  T.  Williamson.  The  Liberty  Associ- 
tion  charged  that  the  pastor  of  the  Mount  Zion  church, 
James  Veasy,  was  heterodox. 

The  committee  brought  in  a  lengthy  report,  in 
w^hich  they  declared  the  Mount  Zion  church  "in  perfedt 
harmony,  and  good  standing,"  and  the  charges  against 
James  Veasy,  the  pastor  of  that  church,  not  sustained  by 
facts.  Veasy  was  also  accused  by  the  Liberty  Associa  - 
tion  of  ministerial  discourtesy,  which  w^as  admitted  by 
the  committee,  but  it  ^vas  not  regarded  by  them  as  an 
offense  of  such  gravity  asto  justif}-  the  severe  censure  of 
the  Liberty  Association.  The  kindest  feelings  were 
manifested  for  the  Liberty  Association. 

In  1842,  a  letter  was  received  by  the  Choctaw  from 
the  Liberty  Association,  complaining  of  this  course  of 
action.  The  letter  was  referred  to  a  good  committee,, 
which  recommended  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
of  seven  to  meet  a  like  committee  from  the  Liberty,  ta 
strive  for  an  adjustment  of  the  difficult3'^  between  the 
two  bodies.  The  committee  from  the  Liberty  accepted 
the  explanation  made  by  the  committee  from  the  Choc- 


178  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

taw  as  satisfactory,  and  the  committee  from  the  Choc- 
taw recognized  that  the  Liberty  Association  had  acted 
on  its  "constitutional  rights.''  Honors  were  about 
even,  and  fraternal  relations  established. 

Tw^o  or  three  things  went  to  show,  as  early  as 
1840,  the  missionar}'  convictions  of  the  body.  The 
deepest  interest  was  manifested  in  the  Sunday  school 
work.    This  resolution  was  adopted  that  3^ear. 

''Resolved,  That  this  Association  look  upon  the 
Sabbath  school  institution  as  one  of  the  deepest  inter- 
ests of  the  church  of  Christ ;  and  they  recommend  to 
the  churches  within  her  bounds  to  hold  a  Sabbath 
school  convention,  at  De  Kalb,  on  Friday  before  the 
fifth  Lord's  day  in  November  next,  for  the  purpose  of 
adopting  some  plan  for  concert  of  action  on  this  all 
important  subject." 

That  year,  the  "Domestic  Missionary'  Board"  of 
the  Association  made  its  first  annual  report.  It  had 
its  first  meeting  in  September,  1839.  Michael  Ross  was 
chairman  of  the  Board.  William  M.  Farrar  was  their 
missionar\'  in  the  associational  limits.  He  assisted  in 
sixteen  protracted  meetings,  in  which  more  than  one 
hundred  and  thirty  persons  were  baptized.  The  mis- 
sionary' was  to  have  a  salar\'  of  $600.00  per  annum. 
Owing  to  the  imperfect  banking  system  of  that  day, 
each  bank  floating  its  own  paper  money,  their  treasury 
suffered  from  "depreciated  currency."'  At  the  close  of 
the  associational  3'ear,  they  were  due  their  missionary 
$252.87.  What  should  be  done  ?  Nearly  the  entire  a - 
mount  was  raised  at  once,  and  the  obligation  met 
without  delay. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  Sunday  embraced  in  the 
sitting  of  the  bod}',  S.  S.  Lattimore  preached  one  of  his 
characteristic    sermons    in    the    Presbvterian    church. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  179 

His  theme  was  the  "Sovereignity-  of  God."  The  Associ- 
ation, by  resolution,  asked  for  its  publication  as  meet- 
ing their  '  'entire  approbation. ' '  Why  ?  The  anti  -  mis  - 
sionary  element  that  went  out  from  them,  were  chiding 
them  as  being  Arminian  in  sentiment,  and  they  wished 
at  once  to  place  this  opinion  forever  at  rest.  They 
could  believe  in  Sunday  schools  and  associational  mis- 
sions, and  yet  hold  to  the  doctrine  of  God's  sovereign 
power  in  the  conversion  of  the  soul. 

The  Choctaw  was  then  greatlj^  blessed  with  men  of 
strong  missionary  convictions,  and  of  advanced  views. 
W.  M.  Farrar,  John  Micou,  and  S.  S.  Lattimore,  were 
among  the  most  eminent  men  in  the  meetings  of  the 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention,  and  were  agents 
at  one  time  or  another  for  the  benevolences,  fostered  by 
the  Convention. 

In  1841,  the  church  at  Macon,  and  the  Unity 
church,  of  Kemper  county,  were  received  into  the  union. 
That  year,  the  Association  was  concerned  as  to  locat- 
ing the  meetings  of  the  body.  In  those  good  old  times, 
mauA^  of  the  Associations  of  North  Mississippi  had  "en- 
campments."" A  large  pavilion  was  erected  for  preach- 
ing, about  which  the  people  tented  during  the  sitting 
of  the  Association.  The  devout  Baptists  would  come 
from  far  and  near,  with  their  small  wagons  loaded 
w4th  such  things  as  they  v^-ould  need  at  the  encamp- 
ment, and  hoist  their  white  \vinged  tents,  and  remain 
to  enjoA^  all  the  exercises  of  the  Association  until  its 
adjournment.  Michael  Ross,  the  old  hero,  preached  a 
missionary  sermon  on  Sunda3%  after  which  a  collection 
was  taken  amounting  to  $36.87.  The  missionary-  sen- 
timent was  abounding.  Burwell  L.  Barnes,  in  his  re- 
port on  the  state  of  the  churches,  said  :  "We  are  pleased 
to  find  that  manv  of  our  churches  are  dissatisfied  with 


180  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

preaching  but  once  a  month."  Jas.  R.  Smith  w^as 
their  missionary.  There  has  always  been  a  Smith  or  a 
Whitfield  among  Mississippi  Baptists  ready  to  engage 
in  a  good  w^ork.  He  had  aided  in  twelve  protracted 
meetings  in  which  nearly  400  had  been  received  into 
the  churches  by  baptism.  Their  Domestic  Board  said 
that  all  opposition  was  fast  giving  way,  and  com- 
mended the  churches  for  their  prompt  support  of  their 
work.  M.  Ross  had  this  to  say  :  ''All  is  bright  and  en- 
couraging. *  *  *  And  altho"  some  enemies  j^et  remain 
on  the  field  of  action,  hurling  their  defiance,  throwing' 
their  darts,  and  laying  obstacles  in  the  way,  yet  their 
downcast  looks,  and  broken  ranks,  invite  us  on  to 
conquest."  That  year,  the  grand  old  Choctaw  gave 
$784,241/2,  to  their  Domestic  Missions.  This  amount 
was  nearly  duplicated  the  following  year.  About  this 
time,  the  Choctaw  became  much  interested  in  Ministe  - 
rial  Education.  Many  promising  3'oung  men  were  a- 
mong  the  large  accessions  to  the  churches.  By  resolu- 
tion, they  agreed  to  pra^-  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that 
he  would  send  more  laborers  into  the  field.  In  1842,. 
they  agreed  to  raise  funds  for  the  education  of  their 
young  ministers.  The  sentiment,  it  was  said,  -was 
unanimous  on  the  subject.  The  churches  were  advised 
in  1844,  to  raise  money  for  this  cause,  and  the  "How- 
ard Collegiate,  and  Theological  Institute,  at  Marion, 
Alabama,  were  recommended. 

The  mooted  question  of  "washing  the  saints'  feet"' 
came  up  in  1844.  John  Micou  was  chairman  of  the 
committee  on  queries.  In  his  report  he  acknowledged  a 
difference  of  opinion  on  the  subject  among  the  churches. 
He  said  time  sufiicient  for  the  presentation  of  arguments 
against  the  practice  could  not  then  be  allowed,  and  the 
matter  was  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  churches,  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  181 

mutual  forbearance  recommended.  The  wisdom  of 
some  of  our  old  preachers  in  prohibiting  minor  matters 
from  rending  the  churches,  and  stopping  their  on^vard 
movements,  is  not  only  observable,  but  full  often  highly 
commendable. 

The  missionary  board  began  its  operations  in  the 
associational  year  of  1843—1844  with  $156.00  in  the 
treasury'.  Farrar,  and  demons  were  the  missionaries 
in  the  field,  Farrar  laboring  south  of  the  Noxubee  river, 
and  demons  north  of  it.  Their  labors  were  crowned 
w^ith  success,  and  the  amount  of  $25.64  w^as  left  in  the 
treasury  after  all  expenses  were  met. 

In  1845,  there  were  twenty -six  churches  in  the  un- 
ion, ten  in  Alabama,  and  sixteen  in  Mississippi.  The 
additions  to  the  churches  that  3'ear  aggregated  285, 
the  total  membership  of  the  churches  being,  2,566. 
Their  most  efficient  pastors  were  James  F.  Brown,  P. 
G.  Edmonds,  Thomas  Willingham,  Michael  Ross,  James 
Barnes,  Burwell  Barnes,  W.  Carter,  John  Micou,  W.  B. 
Lloyd,  and  N.  L.  Clarke. 

Their  interest  in  Ministerial  education  was  still  on 
the  increase.  They  had  at  Howard  Institute  a  young 
minister,  by  the  name  of  Meaix-ws.  He  had  been  close- 
ly examined  b^-  the  mission  ]3oard  as  to  his  Christian 
experience,  and  call  to  the  ministry,  "which  was  of 
thrilling  interest."  The  Board  raised  a  purse  at  once 
to  send  him  to  school,  and  the  churches  were  advised  to 
enlarge  their  contributions  to  the  educational  fund. 
The  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Institute,  at  Coving- 
ton, Kentucky,  was  not  deemed  worthy  of  confidence, 
on  account  of  the  abolition  views  of  its  president. 

The  Chodlaw  was  much  exercised  as  to  the  division 
of  northern,  and  southern  Baptists,  which  culminated 
in  1845.     They  acquiesced  in  the  necessity  for  the  sepa  - 


1^2  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ration,  and  instructed  their, treasurer  to  transmit  mon- 
ey for  Home,  and  Foreign  missions  to  the  treasurers  of 
the  Southern  Boards  of  missions.  In  the  letter  of  cor- 
respondence it  was  lamented  that  the}'  had,  in  the  past 
3'ear,  done  so  little  for  Foreign  missjons,  owing  to  the- 
agitation  then  existing  as  to  the  separation  of  Baptist 
forces  in  the  United  States.  But  the  following  3'ear,  J. 
L.  Shuck,  of  Canton,  China,  and  Yong  Sean  Sang,  a 
Chinaman,  were  with  them,  and  elicited  great  interest 
in  Foreign  missions. 

Human  nature  is  so  constituted  that  men  can  look 
steadily  and  successfully  at  but  one  thing  at  a  time.  In 
1846,  some  thought  that  doctrinal  purity  was  on  the 
decline.  It  was  advised  that  greater  caution  be  exer- 
cised as  to  the  occup^'ing  of  their  pulpits,  and  the  min- 
isters of  the  bod}'  \vere  cautioned  as  to  assisting  in  the 
ordination  of  any  one  known  to  be  Arminian  in  faith. 
The  resolutions  on  this  subject  were  oifered  by  John 
Micou.  Michael  Ross,  as  chairman  of  the  committee  on 
queries,  responded  to  the  question  emphatically  in  the 
negative:  "Is  it  Scriptural  for  Baptist  churches  to  re- 
ceive as  members,  those  who  have  been  immersed  by 
other  than  regularh'  authorized  Baptist  ministers?"' 
The  Memphis  church  was  in  trouble  on  the  subject,  and 
received  an  emphatic  answer  to  their  question. 

The  years  1847 — 1848,  were  marked  b\'  an  unusual 
spiritual  power  in  the  meetings  of  the  bod}'.  As  soon 
as  the  Association  was  organized  in  1847,  S.  S.  Latti- 
more  claimed  the  floor.  After  some  feeling  remarks  on 
spiritual  power,  upon  his  motion,  by  unanimous  con- 
sent, two  ministers  Avere  released  from  the  business  of 
the  Association,  to  devote  themselves  to  preaching  to 
the  surging  mass  that  would  assemble  in  connection 
with  their  session.     On  Sunday,  \Vm.  H.  Taj-lor,  S.  S. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  183 

Lattimore,  and  W.  Manning,  preached  in  "a  clear,  for- 
cible, and  feeling  manner.''  The  meeting  was  contin- 
ued for  many  days  after  the  Association  adjourned  its 
proceedings,  and  eighty  persons  were  buried  with 
Christ  by  baptism.  The  following  3^ear,  S.  S.  Latti- 
more, and  W.  Manning  w^ere  released  from  the  business 
of  the  Association,  to  preach  during  the  sitting  of  the 
body,  and  to  protract  the  meeting.  On  Sunday,  John 
Micou,  Michlael  Ross,  and  S.  S.  Lattimore  preached. 
There  was  great  seriousnes  in  the  large  congregation. 
The  meeting  was  protracted  until  the  next  Sunday, 
and  forty -four  were  baptized,  one  restored,  and  about 
fifty  still  seeking  the  way  of  life.  To  God's  name  was 
given  the  glory.  The  effect  of  this  spiritual  awakening 
was  felt  in  the  Choctaw^,  and  had  its  reflex  influence  on 
their  missionary  work.  It  is  said  in  the  report  of  the 
Executive  Board  :  "The  churches  have  nobh^  sustained 
the  Board,  *  *  *  having  contributed,  with  the  amount 
in  hand  from  last  A'car,  sufficient  to  pa^^  our  missionary 
(J.J.  Morehead),  for  his  services  rendered,  ($430.00) 
and  leaving  a  balance  on  hand  of  $5.95."  Meadows, 
their  ministerial  beneficiary,  was  still  aided  at  the 
Howard. 

Aluch  interest  \vas  taken  in  the  spiritual  improve- 
ment of  the  blacks.  The  body  relieved  its  pent  up  feel- 
iugs  as  to  "the  morbid  philanthropy,  and  wild  and  un- 
holy fanaticism  of  northern  and  western  abolitionists  J^ 
The  owners  of  slaves  were  urged  to  permit  and  encour- 
age their  servants  to  attend  church  worship,  and  each 
one  to  eredt  on  his  farm  a  suitable  building,  in  which 
the  blacks  might  worship. 

In  1847  and  1848,  the  Choctaw  had  a  remarkably 
strong  ministr}^ ;  Daniel  P.  Bastor  was  pastor  at 
Gainesville,  Alabama,  and  Bazil  Manly  Jr.,  was  at  War- 


184  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

saw.  In  Mississippi,  they  had  S.  S.  Lattimore,  Peter 
Cra.\vforcl,  James  Barnes,  John  Micou,  Wm.  M.  Fan'ar, 
Michael  Ross,  and  W.  H.  Head.  A  stronger  force  of 
consecrated  intelligence  could  hardly  be  found  in  any  of 
our  Associations  toda3\ 

In  1849,  the  Choctaw  was  in  full  accord  with  the 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention.  It  was  com- 
posed of  thirty' -  six  churches,  which  received  that  year, 
403  members  by  letter,  and  by  baptism,  and  had  an  ag- 
gregate membership  of  3,080.  The  moderators  w^ere 
John  Micou,  from  1840  to  1843;  S.  S.  Lattimore,  in 
1844:  John  Micou,  in  1845,  1846,  1847,  and  1848; 
and  S.  S.  Lattimore,  in  1849.  The  clerks  were  B.  L. 
Barnes,  in  1840;  M.  Ross,  from  1841—1849  inclusive. 

In  1851,  the  Choctaw  began  to  be  interested  in  the 
Mary  Washington  College,  at  Pontotoc.  It  was  in  the 
territory'  of  the  Aberdeen,  but  the  Chickasaw,  the  Co- 
lumbus, the  Judson,  the  Louisville,  and  the  Choctaw, 
were  all  interested  in  the  institution  of  learning.  It 
had  connected  with  it,  in  the  years  of  its  existence, 
such  distinguished  men  as  Martin  Ball,  W.  H.  Hol- 
combe,  Wm.  L.  Slack,  and  H.  H.  Tucker,  of  Georgia. 
Pontotoc  was  the  old  land  office  for  the  Chickasaw 
lands,  and  was  the  centre  of  influence  in  North  Missis  - 
sippi  in  the  early  days.  A  member  of  the  Alserdeen  As- 
sociation,  by  the  name  of  Davis,  was  at  the  meeting  of 
the  Choctaw  in  1857,  representing  the  Mary  Wash- 
ington. A  committee  of  five  was  raised  to  report  on 
the  claims  of  the  institution.  The  committee  on  educa- 
tion recommended  the  recent  projection  of  a  college  at 
Clinton,  the  Male  Academy  at  Macon,  and  "the  Fe- 
male College,  which  some  of  the  Northern  Associations 
propose  to  establish  at  Pontotoc."  The  special  com- 
mittee   on  this    institution,  with  S.   S.    Lattimore  as 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  185 

chairman,  recommended  a  connection  with  the  Mary- 
Washington,  and  advised  the  appointment  often  trtis- 
tees  to  unite  with  the  trustees  appointed  by  other  As  - 
sociations  to  forward  its  interests.  For  a  number  of 
3^ears,  the  school  was  recommended  to  the  Association 
as  w^orth}'  of  patronage. 

The  interest  in  Domestic  Missions  was  still  good  in 
the  fifties.  In  1852,  their  missionary'  rode  1,734  miles, 
preached  140  sermons,  and  baptized  fift^'  persons.  He 
reported  considerable  interest  in  religion  among  the 
colored  people.  After  meeting  all  obligations,  the 
Board  had  on  hand  $48.00.  The  following  3'ear,  O. 
Perkins,  and  J.  White  labored  for  the  Board  three 
months  each,  and  baptized  sixteen  persons. 

About  this  time,  the  body  was  being  weakened  by 
the  dismission  bA'  letter  of  some  of  its  best  churches. 
The  Jones  Creek,  a  church  in  Alabama  had  left  them, 
and  in  1854,  the  old  Concord  church  got  a  letter  of 
dismission.  Jas.  Barnes  had  died,  and  Michael  Ross 
had  decided  to  go  to  Texas.  The  saddening  news  of 
the  intention  of  Ross  was  revealed  to  the  body  in  1854. 
The  old  and  the  new  Choctaw  had  delighted  to  honor 
him.  He  was  clerk  of  the  old  Choctaw  in  1834,  twen- 
ty years  before  the  date  of  his  proposed  departure  from 
their  midst,  and  had  been  clerk  of  the  new  Choctaw 
nearly  every  session.  He  \vas  their  beloved  Ezra,  the 
scribe.  He  was  first  and  foremost  in  all  their  advanced 
work.  The  Association  expressed  regret  at  their  loss 
in  suitable  resolutions,  and  extended  to  him  sorrow - 
full^^  the  parting  hand.  Michael  Ross  was  a  great 
man. 

But  we  will  notice  the  strength  the  Association 
still  had  in  1855.  True,  they  were  losing  Lattimore 
also.     He  was  in  ill  health,  but  still  in  the  vears  of  his 


186  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

usefulness.  Thej^  parted  with  him  with  sincere  regret. 
But  thcA^  had  yet  such  men  as  Jesse  H.  Buck,  L.  R. 
Barnes,  James  B,  McLelland,  Mat  hyon,  Thomas  B. 
Altom,  and  others.  The  bod}-  was  composed  of  thirty 
churches,  with  a  total  membership  of  2,359.  They  con- 
tributed in  1855,  for  associational  missions  $386.50, 
for  Foreign  missions  $  102.00,  for  Indian  missions 
$130.25,  for  Domestic  missions  $40.00,  and  for  minutes 
$71.00.    Total,  $728.75. 

In  1856,  all  the  churches  of  the  Association  Avere  in 
Alississippi.  They  were  in  the  counties  of  Noxubee, 
Oktibbeha,  Kemper,  and  Neshoba  ;  themajority  of  them 
in  Noxubee,  and  Kemper.  Their  principal  missionary 
Avork  was  with  the  blacks,  and  at  Bigbee  vallc}',  and 
Pleasant  Grove  churches. 

The  following  A-ear,  two  things  disturbed  the  body. 
J.  L.  Shuck,  the  missionary  to  California,  had  so  far  de- 
parted from  Baptist  usage,  and  principles  as  to  repre- 
sent a  Baptist  Association  in  a  Alethodist  Conference. 
That  was  current  news  at  least.  But  this  ^vas  of  small 
consideration  compared  with  another  grievance.  S.  S. 
Lattimore  had  been  the  subject  of  scurrilous  attack,  by 
some  secular  newspaper.  The  Choctaw  had  long  hon- 
ored him,  and  much  revered  him.  He  was  in  ver^'  fee- 
ble health,  and  as  his  step  was  unsteady,  he  had  been 
accused  b^-  merciless  enemies  of  drinking.  This  stirred 
the  blood  of  the  Choctaw  Baptists.  But  before  the  As- 
sociation arose  from  its  labors,  the  sad  ne\vs  reached 
them  that  the  gifted  Lattimore  was  dead.  A  good  re- 
port was  Avritten,  expressive  of  their  sorrow.  As  to 
the  life,  and  death  of  this  great  orator,  much  has  been 
written  in  the  history-  of  the  Aberdeen  Association. 
Suffice  it  here  to  say  that  in  discursive  thought  he  has 
had  few  equals  among  our  brethren,  and  no  superiors. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  187 

In  1859,  their  interest  in  education  and  missions 
was  increased  by  the  presence  of  Martin  Ball.  He  also 
represented  the  Mississippi  Baptist,  and  received  for 
that  paper  $102.00  in  advance  and  new  subscriptions. 
He  addressed  the  body  on  domestic  and  Indian  missions, 
and  received  the  amount  of  $310.00  in  pledges,  and 
$26.75  in  cash.  The  Executive  Board  had  Thos.  B. 
Altoni  and  Isaac  White  in  the  field,  doing  missionary- 
and  colportage  ^vork.  F.  M.  Haj-nes  had  been  kept  at 
Alississippi  College.  His  record  at  college  had  been 
satisfacton*'.  A  balance  of  $47.30  was  in  the  treasur3' 
to  the  credit  of  ministerial  education.  The  total  col- 
lections for  the  associational  year  amounted  to 
$1,157.00. 

In  1860,  another  fruitless  effort  was  made  to  gath- 
er some  of  the  histor3^  of  the  bod3^  One  cannot  but 
Avish  that  they  had  succeeded  in  some  of  their  efforts  at 
compiling  their  history.  It  ma3^  not  be  out  of  place  to 
say  that  their  history'  in  associational  missions,  up  to 
the  Civil  War  was  not  equalled  b\^  any  other  Associa  - 
tion  in  the  State.  Thej"  raised  more  money  3'earh'  for 
this  purpose,  and  oftener  had  surjDluses  in  their  treas- 
ur^^  than  anj^  similiar  bod^^  in  the  State.  And  they 
were  all  the  while  in  strict  accord  with  the  organized 
work.  They  readih'  3'ielded  to  the  persuasive  elo- 
quence of  Barnes,  Ross,  Farrar,  Lvon,  Taylor,  Latti- 
more,  Micou,  and  such  men,  the  peers  of  whom  are  dif- 
ficult to  find. 

When  the  Choctaw  met  in  1861,  the  Civil  War  was 
a  cruel  realit3^  The  entire  South  was  in  a  feverish  ex- 
citement. The  mature  men  were  enlisting  in  the  arm3'. 
Ver3'  little  could  be  done  in  religious  work  at  home. 
The  hearts  of  the  aged  fathers,  of  the  sisters,  wives, 
and  mothers  were  with  their  loved  ones  on  the  tented 


188  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

field.  Church  work  was,  in  a  great  measure  ^spended. 
But  the  Choctaw  Association,  as  many  others,  made 
an  effort  to  hold  its  annual  meetings  without  a  chasm 
of  years  between  them.  L.  R.  Barnes,  Jas.  B.  McLel- 
land,  and  others  were  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their 
duty  to  the  body. 

In  1861,  the  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
the  young  minister  they  had  supported  at  Mississippi 
College  for  a  number  of  years.  His  text  was,  "How 
much  owest  thou  unto  m}-  Lord  ?"'  Another  fine 
preacher,  whom  they  heard  gladly,  was  G.  H.  Martin. 
He  offered  a  resolution  requesting  the  churches  to  say 
whether  they  should  continue  to  do  their  work  through 
the  Executive  Board.  Before  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Association,  the  young  Haynes,  gifted  and  educated, 
had  at  least  paid  the  debt  of  nature,  and  the  eloquent 
Martin  was  where  human  plans  are  not  needed.  The 
Choctaw  mourned  their  loss,  and  spoke  of  their  com- 
mon sorrow  when  they  met  in  1862. 

In  1861,  the  Association  settles  all  its  endebtedness 
before  the  sullen  war  clouds  should  claim  all  their  at- 
tention. The}'  placed  themselves  as  debtors  to  their 
country.  The  reports  that  were  placed  before  the  body 
were  little  more  than  incoherent  speech.  They  had  no 
point,  they  had  no  aim.  They  were  iDut  the  perform- 
ance of  a  perfunctory  duty.  Some  effort  was  made  in 
1861  arid  1862  to  do  missionary  work  for  the  soldiers, 
but  it  was  not  eas^'  to  reach  the  object  at  which  they 
aimed.  He  who  is  accustomed  to  be  busy  can  not  sit 
and  hold  his  hands.  Effort  gives  some  relief  to  him, 
who  wishes  to  aid  in  a  good  cause. 

In  1864,  one  church  had  gone  to  another  Associa- 
tion, and  six  \vere  not  represented  at  the  meeting  of 
the  Association.     Nearly  all  the  churches  that  compos- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  189 

ed  the  body  had  only  one  or  two  messengers  at  the 
meeting.  The  churches  reported  an  aggregate  of  eightj^- 
nine  baptisms.  The  treasurer's  report  was  excessive. 
He  reported  as  collected  $1,679.66,  butit  was  Confed- 
erate mone^^,  $50.00  of  which  was  just  sufficient  to 
purchase  a  hat.  The  committee  reporting  on  associa- 
tional  missions,  felt  that  such  a  performance  was  little 
less  than  a  force.  The  Executive  Board  found  an  outlet 
for  the  flow  of  its  benevolence  through  the  Domestic 
Board  at  Marion,  Alabama.  They  sent  to  that  Board 
$1,771.83  to  support  W.  C.  Buck  as  missionary  to  the 
soldiers. 

The  Civil  War  left  our  State  in  the  condition  of  a 
citA'  swept  by  a  cyclone.  The  debris  must  be  removed 
before  building  could  be  done.  The  conditions  of  life 
were  changed,  and  new^  lines  of  effort  must  be  project- 
ed. But  the  universal  financial  ruin  made  men  feel  the 
bracing  eftect  of  fellowship  in  suffering,  and  our  people, 
by  a  slow  process,  began  to  regain  their  energies,  and 
adopt  methods  of  work. 

It  is  observable  that  the  Cho(?taw  Association  was, 
through  its  existence  to  1866,  in  hearty'  co-operation 
with  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention.  In 
that  year,  it  felt  free  to  make  suggestions  to  the  Con- 
vention, as  to  the  handling  of  funds  for  the  Bible  cause, 
and  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  Convention,  James 
B.  AlcLelland,  Eugene  Strode,  J.  H.  Buck,  E.  Deupree, 
and  Thomas  J.  Deupree. 

The  warm  esteem  the  body  held  for  Soldiers"  Or- 
phans Home,  at  Lauderdale  Springs,  was  substantiated 
in  1866.  On  Sunday  during  the  Association,  a  collect- 
ion was  taken  for  the  Home,  amounting  to  $42.70. 
The  report  of  the  treasurer  shows  that  they  gave  the 
Home,  that  3'ear,   $202.15.     The  report  on   Sunday 


190  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

scliools  showed  little  interest  in  this  line  of  work.  The 
Macon  church  alone  is  commended  for  having  a  good 
Sunday  school. 

Efforts  were  made  in  1866  to  revive  the  Chocftaw 
Collegiate  Institute  for  the  benefit  of  young  men  having 
the  ministrj^  in  view.  A  committee  was  appointed  in 
its  interest,  that  suggested  the  filling  of  the  vacancies 
in  the  board  of  trustees,  but  we  hear  no  more  of  that 
institution  of  learning. 

In  1867,  W.  M.  Farrar  \vas  agent  for  the  orphans' 
home.  He  was  at  the  Association,  and  took  a  collect- 
ion for  that  object  on  Sunday,  amounting  to  $18.00. 
They  contributed  that  year  to  the  Home  $103.40.  The 
report  on  Foreign  inissions  closed  with  this  resolution : 

*' Resolved,  That  the  churches  composing  this  As- 
sociation be  requested  to  do  all  they  can  for  the  sup- 
port of  Foreign  Missions,  as  well  as  for  the  various  in- 
terests nearer  home." 

The  report  on  Sunday  schools  spoke  of  only  two 
Sunday  schools  in  the  Association,  and  the  report  on 
associational  missions  declared  that  there  was  no  ne  - 
cessity  that  the  Executive  Board  should  meet,  as  there 
was  nothing  for  it  to  do,  and  no  funds  to  control  or 
appropriate.  This  collapsed  condition  of  the  Choctaw 
was  not  anomalous.  Many  of  the  best  Associations  in 
the  State  were  in  a  ^vorse  condition  in  the  sixties. 

We  find  some  verv^  familiar  names  in  the  minutes  of 
1868.  H.  D.  White  preached  the  introductory  sermon. 
No  one  of  our  ministers  used  to  better  effect  his  natural 
gifts  than  Henry  White.  He  was  one  of  the  apostles  to 
the  Delta,  along  with  R.  A,  Cohron,  and  V.  H.  Nelson. 
W.  S.  Webb  Avas  with  them,  as  a  representative  from 
the  Columbus  Association.  J.  B.  Hamberlin  ^vas  with 
them,  representing  the  Baptist  Female  School  at  Me- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  191 

ridian,   and   Tom  Jeff  Deupree  was  a  member  of  the 
body. 

Among  the  reports  of  committees  of  that  3^ear  we 
must  notice  some  things  said  of  Sunday  schools.  It 
was  said  that  there  was  a  general  awakening  through- 
out the  land  on  the  subject.  The  last  State  Conven- 
tion organized  a  Sunday  school  Convention  for  the 
State  at  large,  but  nothing  is  said  of  any  Sunday 
schools  in  the  Association.  The  treasurer's  report  was 
feeble,  but  it  showed  that  he  had  received  $130.80  for 
various  objects. 

In  1869,  L.  C.  Kellis,  now  of  Texas,  was  elected 
clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  bod3\  He  was  for  a  time  a 
student  in  Mississippi  College,  partly  by  the  kind  con- 
sideration of  the  Choctaw  Association.  One  of  the  re- 
freshing features  of  this  meeting  was  the  presence  of 
Thos.  C.  Teasdale.  He  was  then  representing  the 
Southern  Sunda^^  school  Board.  He  addressed  them  on 
his  cause,  and  raised  $57.00  for  the  Sunday  school 
w^ork.  Thos.  S.  Gathright,  president  of  the  Board  o 
Trustees  of  the  Orphans'  Home,  was  with  them,  and 
raised  $17.40  in  cash,  and  got  a  subcription  of  $29.50. 
A  resolution  vi^as  passed  discountenancing  a  Baptist 
w^ho  would  assist  in  establishing  a  drinking  saloon. 
All  these  actions  showed  the  slowly  returning  life  of  the 
body. 

In  the  following  year,  R.  E.  Melvin  was  with  them 
as  "a  licentiate  of  our  Faith  and  Order.''  R.  E.  Melvin 
w^as  one  of  the  most  pointed  and  original  men  we  have 
had  since  the  Civil  War.  H.  J.  Vanlandingham  was 
also  at  that  meeting  of  the  bod\^  He  is  a  thorough 
business  man,  and  wise  in  council.  Vanlandingli^m 
was  the  author  of  this  resolution  : 

'^Resolved,     That  this  Association  insti'uct  our  Ex  - 


192  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ecutive  Board  to  employ  a  missionary  to  ride  all  his 
time,  and  preach  the  gospel  throughout  the  destitute 
portions  of  the  same." 

The  resolution  had  the  appearance  of  business.  H, 
D.  White  had  been  in  the  field  as  missionary,  and,  as 
might  have  been  expected,  brought  things  to  pass  Avith 
astonishing  rapidity-.  He  said  his  success  exceeded  his 
most  sanguine  expectations.  He  traveled  3,400  miles, 
and  labored  incessantly  in  the  Sunday'  school  work. 
He  sold  $2,000.00  of  religious  literature.  He  realized 
$269.00  with  $590.00  profit  on  books  sold  by  sub- 
sription,  which  were  not  delivered  at  that  time.  This 
sounds  like  the  old  reports  made  before  the  Association 
on  their  local  work.  That  the  various  lines  of  work 
pursued  by  the  Association  may  be  considered  con- 
nectedh',  the  topical  plan  of  investigation  will  be  used 
in  considering  the  history  of  this  Association  from  1870 
to  1878. 

It  does  not  appear  that  this  organization  was  ever 
especiallj'  a(5live  in  the  temperance  reform.  In  1871,  it 
was  recommended  that  the  churches  prohibit  their 
members  from  selling  intoxicants,  or  giving  any  encour- 
agement to  the  establishment  of  retailing  saloons.  The 
report  of  1874  closed  with  this  sentence,  "We,  there- 
fore, recommend  that  all  Baptists  in  the  bounds  of  this 
Association  discountenance  the  manufacture,  sale,  and 
use  as  a  beverage,  of  all  spirituous  or  malt  liquors,  wine  or 
cider.'"  The  Association  did  not  engage  in  the  prohibi- 
tion movement.  The  reports  on  publications  usually 
recommended  Ford's  Christian  Repository,  The  Baptist^ 
of  Memphis,  and,  after  the  spring  of  1877,  The  Baptist 
Record,  along  with  The  Southern  Baptist. 

^  The  Cho(5law  Association  was  an  unvar3'ing  friend 
of  the  Orphans'  Home.     It  was  near  them,  and  appeal- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  198 

ed  to  the  most  gciicM'ous  sentimentvS  of  the  soul.  In 
1871,  it  was  recominended  that  every  chiirch  in  the  un-- 
ion  aid  in  the  support  of  the  orphans,  and  ever^^  one  to 
solicit  subscriptions  to  the  Orphans'  Home  Banner.    In 

1873,  the  Superintendant  of  the  Home  was  requested 
to  publish  in  the  Banner  a  brief  statement  of  the  finan- 
cial condition  of  the  institution,  and  the  facts  as  to  the 
general  management  of  affairs;  In  1873,  the  last  re- 
port was  made  on  the  Orphanage.  It  was  very  cheer- 
ful. The  Home  bid  fair  to  Ijecome  soon  self-supporting. 
Alas,  the  absence  of  discomfort  was  1)ut  the  precursor 
of  death ! 

The  Chodtaw  showed  more  real  interest  in  Sunday 
schools  soon  after  the  re -organization  of  the  body  (in 
1840),  than  at  i\r\\  time  afterward.  In  1871,  it  was 
said,  "We  are  happ\'  to  find  many  zealous  laborers  in 
the  Sunday  school  field,"  but  we  are  not  told  of  a  sin- 
gle Sunday  school  in  the  Association.  Thomas  Ha^nies 
w^rote  the  report  in  1873.  He  appears  to  have  been  an 
ardent  Sunday  school  worker,  and  loved  the  work.     In 

1874,  there  was  no  report.  In  1875,  R.  E.  Melvin 
wrote  the  report.  He  recommended  that  an  effort  be 
made  to  have  a  Sunday  school  in  each  church,  and  that 
the  pastors  preach  once  a  year  on  the  subject.  Like  re- 
ports were  made,  year  by  year,  but  no  information  is 
given  as  to  the  Sunday  schools  of  the  body. 

The  Cho6law  kept  in  touch  with  the  educational 
w^brk  of  the  State  Convention.  Yefirly  the  College  was 
recommended  as  w^orthy  of  their  patronage,  and  sup- 
port. W.  H.  McGee  wiis,  by  their  genero.sity,  kept  in 
Mississippi  College  until  he  was  graduated  from  that 
institution  of  learning. 

Though  this  Association  Wcis  in  close  sympathy 
with  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  to  1878,  we  do  not 


194  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

find  any  reports  on  State  Missions.  They  did  their 
own  associational  vv^ork  through  their  Executive  Board. 
In  1871,  G.  Gay  was  their  missionary.  His  work  was 
highly  appreciated  bj^  the  Board.  The  following 
year,  their  work  w^as  in  a  collapsed  condition,  but  in 
1874,  the^'  had  W.  H.  McGee  to  labor  for  them  during 
his  vacation.  He  received  $149.90  from  the  churches 
and  from  private  individuals.  He  made  a  cheerful  re- 
port to  their  Board.  He  was  employed  for  two  months 
the  following  j^ear,  but  was  not  so  successful  in  his  la- 
bors. The  work  done  by  them  for  the  next  three  years 
was  small,  and  devoid  of  large  results. 

It  is  observable  th^it  the  Choctaw  did  not  regain 
its  efficiency  as  a  working  body  to  the  end  of  this  pe- 
riod. It  had  in  it  many  good  men,  but  lost  some  of  its 
strongest  churches,  which  went  to  other  Associations 
in  the  passing  years. 

The  officers  from  18G0  to  1878  were,  in  1860,  L.  R. 
Barnes  moderator,  and  James  B.  McLelland  clerk. 
They  were  elefted  in  1861.  1862,  and  1863.  In  1864, 
Barnes  was  elected  moderator,  and  J.  M.  Nicholson 
clerk.  In  1865  and  1866,  Barnes  and  McLelland  were 
elected.  In  1867,  Thos.  B.  Altom  was  elected  modera- 
tor, and  McLelland  clerk.  In  1868,  Edwin  Page  was 
moderator,  and  McLelland  clerk.  In  1869,  Jesse  H. 
Buck  was  moderator,  and  L.  C.  Kellis  clerk.  In  1870, 
1871,  1872,  and  1873,  they  held  the  same  positions. 
In  1874,  J.  H.  Buck  was  moderator,  and  H.  D.  White 
clerk.  In  1875,  J.  M.  Nicholson  was  moderator,  and 
H.  D.  White  clerk.  In  1876,  they  were  re -elected.  In 
1877,  G.  Gay  was  moderator,  and  E.  A.  Pace  clerk. 
They  were  re-elected  in  1878. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  195 


CHAPTER  VII. 

LIBERTY  ASSOCIATION. 

If  the  histoiy  of  thisbodA^  has  been  preserved,  it  has 
been  impossible  for  the  writer  to  procure  the  fadts. 
This  is  to  be  deeply  deplored,  as  it  is  an  old  institution 
with  an  honorable  record. 

According  to  Benedict,  this  Association  was  formed 
in  1837.  It  is  in  eastern  central,  Mississippi,  east  from 
Meridian.  It  was  constituted  of  churches  of  the  origi- 
nal Choctaw  Association.  Its  early  history  was  close- 
ly associated  with  the  existing  Choctaw  Association. 
Fraternal  relations  between  the  two  bodies  were  close, 
but  not  alwa^'S  peaceful. 

We  find,  that  in  1890,  there  were  seventeen  churches 
in  'the  union,  with  an  aggregate  memljership  of  917. 
There  were,  at  that  time,  four  churches  of  Alabama  in 
the  Association.  The  largest  church  in  the  body  w^as 
the  BethanA',  a  Mississippi  church.  It  is  known  that 
in  1890,  and  the  two  following  years,  B.  E.  Lucas  was 
moderator.  In  1890,  J.  W.  Ellis  was  clerk,  and  treasu- 
rer. In  1891,  and  1892,  John  M.  Carmichael  wasclerk 
and  treasurer. 

The  pastors  of  the  churches  in  1890  were,  G.  A. 
Davis,  J.  D.  vStone,  J.  F.  Bynum,  E.  A.  Clarke,  J.  M. 
Sammons,  H.  A.  Pickard,  D.V.  Riley,  L.J.  Harrington, 
G.  W.  Fagan,  and  W.  West.  The  missionary  contribu- 
tions of  the  churches  were,  to  Foreign  missions  $36.95, 


196  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

to  Home  missions  $22.20,  and  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion $3.55. 

The  Association  was,  about  that  time,  sustaining 
in  part,  the  work  of  the  State  Convention,  and  in  part, 
the  benevolences  of  the  General  Association,  of  south- 
east Mississippi.  In  1891,  the  report  on  Finance  show- 
ed $5.25  contributed  to  State  missions  of  the  Conven- 
tion, and  $4.70.  to  Indian  missions,  of  the  General 
Association. 

In  1893,  their  Mission  Board  had  D.  V.  Riley  em- 
ployed as  associational  missionary  "to  arouse  the 
churches  to  more  earnest  work  in  the  way  of  missions, 
and  Sunday  schools,  and  to  do  colportage  work."  He 
organized  several  Sunday-  schools,  and  colledted  some 
money  for  missionary  purposes. 

The  following  historical  table  shov^-s  the  places  of 
the  meetings  of  the  Liberty  Association  from  its  first 
annual  meeting  in  1838  to  1893,  the  moderators  of  the 
bod}',  and  clerks,  together  Avith  the  names  of  the  minis- 
ters who  preached  the  introdu(?bor3'  sermons. 


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HISTORY     OF     MIvSSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  199 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

ZION    ASSOCIATION. 

Much  of  the  early  histoi-3^  of  the  Zion'  Association 
rests  in  obscurity,  if  not  in  oblivion.  It  is  slighth-  con- 
fusing to  the  historian  to  approach  it.  He  instindlively 
feels  that  surely  some  where  are  facts  that  would  l^e  of 
great  value  to  the  history  of  the  institution.  The 
thought  of  attempting  to  write  the  history  of  a  people, 
with  many  3'ears  of  their  beginnings  veiled  from  the 
eye,  not  only  discourages  effort,  but  also  baffles  one 
painfully  at  the  beginning  of  what  would,  otherwise, 
be  a  delightful  task. 

The  Zion  Association  has  been  an  active,  and  usefid 
institution.  It  has  grown  from  vsmall  proportions  to  a 
body  of  great  size,  and  fine  energy.  It  was  constituted 
in  1835  of  churches  in  the  counties  of  Chc6taw%  and 
Chickasaw,  according  to  the  county  divisions  of  that 
day.  That  part  of  our  State  was  settled  early  by  a 
thrifty,  moral,  and  religious  people,  and  has  to  this 
good  day  the  record  of  sobriety,  and  honesty. 

Among  the  original  churchCvSi of  the.  body  were  Fel- 
lowship chuich,  near  Belle  Fontaine,  then  in  Chocta\v, 
but  now  in  Webster  county,  the  Bethany  church,  a  lit- 
tle further  north,  the  church  to  which  J.  T.  Fox  belong- 
ed, in  the  fifties,  and  perhaps  the  Hays  Creek  chui'ch, 
though  some  doubt  gathers  about  this  fact.  The  Asso- 
ciation was  strengthened  after  the  dissolution  of  the 


"200  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

old  Yazoo  Association  bA'  the  addition  of  the  Carroll^ 
ton  church. 

The  first  annual  meetin<>  of  the  Zion  Association 
was  held  with  the  Fellowship  church,  October  9,  1836. 
M.  White  was  moderator,  and  Thomas  Fox  clerk. 
Oeorge  Stovall,  later  of  the  I*rairie  Grove  church  in  the 
Columbus  Association,  was  amoni?  the  early  ministers 
of  the  body.  The  names  of  J.  Thomas,  R.  M.  Cunny, 
and  G.  W.  HoflTman  also  appear  in  early  records  of  the 
doings  of  the  body. 

The  second  annual  gjitherini^"  ^vas  held  Avith  the 
Bethlehem  church,  on  Saturday  l)efore  the  fourth  Sun- 
day in  September,  1S37.  At  that  time  the  fraternity 
was  weak.  There  were  seven  churches  in  the  Associa- 
tion, which  had;  a  total  membershi])  of  204  males  and 
females,  or  less  than  an  average  of  twenty  members  to 
a  church.  Some  of  these  seven  cluirches,  l^eyond  ques- 
tion, had  a  much. smaller  mend)ership  than  this  general 
average.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  Association  is  evi- 
dent from  what  we.  learn  of  some  of  the  churches  a  few 
A'cars  later,  in  less  than  a  decade.  In  lS46,the  Middle- 
ton  church  had  20n  members,  the  Bethany  164,  Hays 
•Creek  135,  and  Carrollton  church  103. 

Two  causes  niiiy  l)e  assigned  for  this  rapid  increase 
<)f  the  memlx-rslii])  of  the  churches,  if  not  three.  The 
influx  of  population  is  one.  Many  families  were  com- 
ing to  our  State,  at  th^it  time,  and  especially  to  that 
part  of  our  common\vealtli.  Tlie  churches,  inany  of 
them  in  the  State/at  that  time,  had  large  ingatherings 
at  revivals,  but  perhfvps  the  most  potent  cause  Avas  the 
missionary  spirit  that  animated  the  Zion  Association. 
In  1S46,  these  resolutions  were  adopted  by  them: 

''Resolvech'  That  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Association 
to  supply  everv^destitute'  place  within  its  boimds  with 
a  preached  gospel:  '■ 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  201 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  a  central  Executive 
Committee  be  appointed  to  make  inquirv^  in  relation 
to  the  destitution  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association, 
to  take  charge  of  all  its  funds  pledged  for  its  supply, 
and  to  employ  one  or  more  missionaries  whenever  the 
funds  on  hand  will  justify  it,  which  missionaries  shall 
report  to  the  next  Association." 

The  Wake  Forest  church,  which  v^^as  in  the  Zion 
Association  in  1858,  went  into  the  Columbus  Associa- 
tion in  1846,  It  was  represented  in  the  meeting  of  the 
Columbus  Association,  that  year  by  Robert  Quinn,  A. 
].  Franklin,  and  J.  P.  Woodson.  This  church  was  not 
in  theColumbus  Association  after  1848,  and  must  have 
transferred  its  membership  to  the  Zion  Association  a  - 
bout  that  time.  In  1848,  J.  R.  Lowrie,  of  one  of  the 
western  churches  of  the  Zion  Association,  was  their 
messenger  to  the  Columbus  Association. 

In  1847,  the  Association  met  with  the  Columbia 
church,  Choctaw  covinty,  and,  in  1848,  at  P^leasant 
Grove  church,  on  September  30th,  and  Avas  in  session 
until  October  the  second.  In  1848,  O.  Echols  was 
moderator,  and  A.B.  Hicks  clerk.  The  institution  had 
in  it  tw^enty-eight  churches  ^vith  an  aggregate  member- 
ship of  1,592.  195  were  bji])tizefl  into  the  fellowship  of 
the  churches.  On  the  Sunday  eml^rticed  in  their  meet- 
ing, a  collection  was  taken  up  for  Foreign  Missions  of 
$24.90.  There  was  on  hand  for  their  associational  mis- 
sions, the  sum  of  $57.00  tor  the  ensuing  year.  Salem 
church,  Carroll  county,  enjoyed  a  fine  revival  that 
3^ear,  and  had  twenty-nine  additions  by  baptism.  The 
Middleton  church  completed  a  good  house  of  worship. 
The  church  had  two  hundred  members.  The  session  of 
1849  was  held  with  the  Salem  church,  nine  miles 
south  of  Middleton,  on  Friday-  before  the  first  Sunday 
in  October,  1849.     It  was  a  pleasant  session. 


202  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

•  In  November,  1851,  delegates  from  several  of  the 
churches,  composing  the  Zion  Association,  met  at  old 
Shongalo  church  to  consult  as  to  the  advisability  of 
forming  a  new  Association  of  churches  in  the  western 
limits  of  the  Zion  Association,  w^hich  is  nowknow^n  as 
the  Yazoo  Association.  These  churches  going  out  of 
the  Zion  Association  were  Middleton,  Sharon,  County 
Line,  Old  Salem,  Bethlehem,  New  Salem,  Shongalo,  and 
Ebenezer.  These  were  nearly  all  strong  churches,  and 
their  going  out  weakened  the  fraternit3',  but  did  not 
discourage  it,  nor  destroy  its  vitality  or  recuperative 
power. 

In  the  fifties,  revivals  in  the  churches  of  the  Zion  As- 
sociation were  frequent,  and  extensive.  We  learn  that 
in  1857,  Macedonia  church  had  twelve  additions  by 
baptism,  Midway  five,  Fellowship  twenty-five,  and 
Greensboro  fourteen.  That  year  the  Association  gave 
$140.00  to  missions.  Revivals  of  grace  in  the  heart, 
and  missionary'  endeavor  have  ever  gone  hand  in  hand 
since  the  apostolic  age,  and  this  will  ever  be  true. 

It  was  in  1857  that  the  Zion  Association  also  took 
positive  stand  against  the  seductive  evil  of  strong 
drink.  It  passed  ringing  resolutions  against  the  excess- 
ive use  of  intoxicating  drinks.  All  of  our  old  Associa- 
tions have  put  themselves  on  record  in  their  opposition 
to  the  liquor  consumption,  and  trafl!ic.  The  coming 
generations  will  need  but  to  refer  to  the  old  minutes  of 
of  our  Associations  to  find  what  Mississippi  Baptists 
have  thought  about  the  liquor  traffic 

The  twenty-  -  second  session  of  the  Zion  Association 
was  held  with  the  Greensboro  church,  beginning  Sep - 
tember  18,  1858.  There  were  then  twenty-four  church- 
es in  the  Association,  with  an  aggregate  membership 
of  1,651.   The  churches  received  that  year,  by  baptism, 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  203 

169  members.  The  pastors  of  the  churches  were,  J.  R, 
Golding,  their  moderator,  J.  C.  Butts,  J.  T.  Fox,  W.  W. 
Finley,  C.  C.  Lee,  Joseph  Winter,  R.  W.  Thompson,  J. 
Martin,  G.  Woodruff,  B.  Watson,  J.  T.Johnson,  and  J. 
M.  Reid. 

They  were  honored  at  that  meeting  of  the  body 
wnth  the  presence  of  EHjah  Smith,  Silas  Dobbs,  Moses 
Cranberry,  A.  C.  Caperton,  and  A.  W.  Chambhss.  A. 
W.  Chambhss  preached  on  the  Lord's  day  morning  in 
the  Methodist  church,  and  A.  C.  Caperton  in  the  Bap- 
tist church  at  the  same  hour.  They  had  crowded 
houses,  and  received  fixed  attention. 

The  churches  of  the  union  were  then  in  a  healthy 
condition.  As  an  evidence  of  this  fa6l,  the}- had  a  net 
gain  in  membership  that  year,  b^^  baptism,  and  letter, 
of  321  members.  The  report  on  Obituaries  was  read  by 
Isham  P.  Trotter,  father  of  LP  Trotter,  pastor  at  Hat- 
tiesburg,  and  Walter  Trotter,  of  Winona.  He  had  to 
report  the  death  of  A.  B.  Hicks.  A.  B.  Hicks  was  an 
able,  and  efficient  preacher,  and  correct,  and  upright  in 
his  dealings  with  others.  His  influence  was  salutar}', 
and  his  loss  felt  b}^  the  Association'  It  is  said  that  he 
was  a  logical  thinker,  and  a  bold  debater. 

The  session  of  1859  was  held  with  the  Double 
Springs  church,  now^  in  the  Chester  Association.  The 
meeting  was  on  Saturday  before  the  third  Sunday  in 
September.  After  that  meeting  we  know  but  little  of 
the  doings  of  the  Zion  Association,  until  1869.  But 
what  was  accomplished  by  our  Association  in  that 
period  of  time  was  of  little  note  beyond  the  accessions 
to  the  churches.  The  deleterious  effect  of  the  Civil  War 
left  all  missionary  operations  in  a  collapsed  condition, 
from  which  there  was  no  recovery  until  about  1870. 

By  comparing  the  statistics  of  1858,  and  1869,  we 


204  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

see  that  the  growth  of  the  Zion  Association  in  churches, 
and  members  of  churches  was  amazing.  In  1858,  as  we 
have  seen,  there  were  twenty-four  churches  in  the  insti- 
tution which  had  an  aggregate  membership  of  1,651. 
In  1869,  there  were  thirty-three  churches  in  the  body, 
with  a  total  membership  of  3,161.  This  increase  at 
that  time  bordered  on  the  marvelous. 

In  1869,  G.  L.Jennings  was  chosen  moderator,  T. 
B.  Dalton  clerk,  and  J.  J.  Fox  treasurer.  W.  L.  Coch- 
ran preached  the  introductory  sermon.  The  Montpel- 
ier  church  was  received  from  the  Aberdeen  Association. 
R.  \V.  Thompson  was  received  as  a  messenger  from  the 
Aberdeen  Association,  A.  H.  Booth  from  the  Yazoo, 
and  Robinson  Sansing  from  the  Columbus.  In  that 
year  unusual  interest  was  shown  by  them  in  Ministerial 
education.  They  resolved  to  appoint  an  executive  com- 
mittee on  this  benevolence,  and  requested  the  pastors, 
delegates,  and  members  of  the  churches  to  duly  consider 
this  subject,  and  make  an  effort  to  get  contributions 
for  it  to  be  j)aid  by  the  first  of  January  or  March,  1870. 
The  executive  committee  consisted  of  G.  L.  Jennings,  T. 
H.  Wilson,  J.  T.  Fox,  and  Allen  Moore.  W.  T.  Hicks 
and  Daniel  E.  Spencer  were  commended  by  the  commit- 
tee on  Ministerial  Education,  as  ministers  seeking  an 
education,  worthy  of  the  sympathy  find  support  of  the 
Association. 

The  death  of  J.  K.  Golding,  one  of  the  former  mod- 
erators of  the  Association,  was  reported.  He  was  a 
native  of  South  Carolina.  He  Avas  among  the  first 
settlers  of  Choctaw  county,  after  the  Indians  were  re- 
moved. He  at  first  connected  himself  with  the  old 
Bethany-  church,  but  was  later  in  the  Philadelphia 
church.  By  this  church  he  was  ordained  to  the  full 
work  of  the  ministry.     He  had  been  pastor  of  a  num- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  205 

ber  of  churches  in  the  Association;  and  is  said  to  have 
been  an  earnest,  zealous,  devoted,  and  beloved  minister. 

The  delegates  from  the  churches  assembled  at  Har- 
mony church,  in  Choctaw  county,  September  17,  1870, 
in  the  thirty -fifth  annual  session  of  the  body.  G.  L. 
Jenning  was  eledled  moderator,  J.  P.  Thompson  clerk, 
and  T.  J.-  Moore  treasurer.  Three  churches  were  re  - 
ceived  into  the  union.  Mount  Comfort,  Concord,  and 
Oak  Grove.  The  messengers  from  other  Associations 
were  T.  C.  Atkins,  of  the  Louisville,  A.  H.  Booth,  of 
the  Yazoo,  J.  G.  Hall,  of  the  Yalobusha,  and  J.  B. 
GambrcU,  of  the  Columbus.  The  presence  of  J.  G.  Hall, 
of  Grenada,  secured  the  commendation  of  the  Emma 
Mercer  Institute,  and  J.  B.  Gambrell  then  of  West 
Point,  was  doul)tless  instrumental  in  having  the  Bap- 
tist Female  Seminary  of  that  place  incorporated  in  the 
same  resolution. 

At  that  time  their  interest  on  Ministerial  education 
w^as  abounding.  They  had  three  young  ministers  pre- 
paring for  their  life's  work,  whom  they  wished  to  aid 
in  securing  a  collegiate  education.  The  following  year, 
more  than  a  page  of  their  minutes  was  covered  with 
reference  to  this  benevolence.  After  the  committee 
on  this  subject  reported,  contributions  wereVeceived  for 
it  in  cash,  and  pledges,  by  churches,  and  amounting  to 
$111.00.  The  Executive  committee  reported  $179.10, 
as  already  received  for  Ministerial  education.  It  was 
suggested  that  they  have  an  Executive  Board  on  Minis- 
terial education  to  act  in  concert  with  the  Board  of  the 
Baptist  State  Convention. 

The  negroes  in  their  churches  had  to  this  date  re- 
mained with  the  whites.  It  was  decided  that  in  1870, 
it  would  be  well  to  let  them  meet  to  themselves,  and 
transact  their  own  business,  and  when  sufficiently  in- 


206  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

formed  to  be  organized  into  separate  churches.  That 
mode  of  proceeding  was  inevitable,  and  had  long  before 
been  adopted  in  the  parts  of  the  State,  where  the  blacks 
w^ere  at  all  numerous.  They  were  destined  to  be  a  peo- 
ple to  themselves,  socially  and  religiousW. 

The  following  resolution  on  Foreign  missions  was 
adopted  in  1870: 

''Resolved,  That  this  Association  recommend  to 
the  churches  to  appoint  one  meeting  in  each  ^^ear  for 
collection  for  Foreign  missions,  which  be  sent  \vith 
money  for  minutes,  and  be  specified  in  letter.''  The  fol- 
lowing 3'ear,  the  committee  on  finance  reported  $64.40 
received  for  Foreign  missions,  which  showed  a  growing 
interest  in  the  work  in  Foreign  fields. 

In  1874,  there  were  fort^'-four  churches  in  the  fra- 
ternity, \vith  a  total  membership  of  3,216.  They  re- 
ceived that  3'ear,  373  In-  baptism,  and  211  by  letter. 
There  were  tvventA'-four  ordained  ministers  in  their 
churches,  and  eight  licentiates.  The  total  receipts  of 
the  committee  on  finance  were  $186.30. 

The  committee  on  Publications  recommended  The 
Baptist  of  "Memphis,  The  Foreign  Mission  Journal,  and 
the  Orphan's  Home  Banner.  M.  P.  Lowrey  ofour  State 
was  ably  editing  the  Alississppi  department  of  The  Bap- 
tist. Reports  were  also  made  by  committees  on  Foreign 
missions,  Domestic  missions,  Orphan's  Home,  Minis- 
terial education,  Sunday  schools,  Finance,  Nomina- 
tions, and  preaching. 

The  forty-first  annual  session  was  held  with  the  Pleas- 
ant Grove  church  in  ^Montgomery  county.  J.  T.  Fox 
w^as  ele(5ted  moderator,  J.  P.  Thompson  clerk,  and  J.  T. 
Moore  treasurer.  M.  T.  Martin  was  with  them  in  the 
interest  of  the  endowment  of  Mississippi  College,  and 
secured  some  promissory-  notes. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  207 

The  reports  of  the  committees  on  missions  were  be- 
coming more  pointed ;  the  writers  were  concluding 
them  with  recommendations  to  the  Association.  In 
this  year,  it  was  recommended  that  each  church  have 
a  committee  of  two  efficient  members  to  collect  money 
for  missions,  to  be  sent  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Associa  - 
tion,  to  be  appropriated  to  mission  purposes.  It  was 
recommended,  also,  that  one  or  more  of  the  members  of 
each  church  ])ledge  themselves  to  make  an  effort  to 
raise  money  for  State  missions,  and  send  it  to  T.  J. 
Walne,  of  Vicksburg. 

Their  work  in  Sunday  schools  appears  to  have  been 
to  them,  in  a  very  unsatisfactory^  condition.  The  small 
interest  taken  by  the  churches  in  Sunday  schools  was 
lamented.  Not  one  church  of  the  twenty  -  nine  reported 
a  prosperous  Sunday  school.  In  1880,  the  committee 
on  Sunday  schools  began  the  report  in  this  language : 
"Your  committee  adopt  the  language  of  the  report  for 
last  year,  and  say  that  Sunday  school  reports  have 
done  but  little  good,  and  ^ve  are  almost  ready  to  rec- 
ommend to  the  Association  to  drop  the  subject  from 
the  minutes." 

The  session  of  1877  was  held  with  the  Pleasant 
Grove  church,  in  Chickasaw  county.  The  moderator 
and  clerk  of  the  previous  session  w^ere  re-eledted,  and 
T.  N.  Ross  chosen  treasurer.  Some  of  the  ministers  in 
their  churches  v^'ere  a  source  of  annoyance  to  the  Asso- 
ciation. It  appears  that  if  their  prayer  was  for  more 
ministers,  it  was  for  more  like  their  best.  The  Double 
Springs  church  was  called  to  account  for  refusing  "to 
deal"  with  a  minister,  one  of  its  members,  for  unchris- 
tian conduct,  and  a  committee  of  three  was  asked  of 
the  Association,  the  dut^-  of  which  was  to  visit  the 
churches,  and  ascertain  why  a  minister  should  hold 


208  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

authority  to  preach  \vhen  nobody  wished  to  hear  him. 
The  concealed  thought  was  that  if  God  calls  a  man  to 
preach  he  calls  men  to  hear  his  message.  They  had 
nineteen  ordained  ministers,  and  four  licentiates. 

Their  forty -fourth  annual  session  was  held  with 
the  Spring  Hill  church  in  Calhoun  county.  J.  P. 
Thompson  was  elected  moderator,  J.  A.  Cox  clerk,  and 
H.  H.  Hightower  treasurer. 

The  spiritual  condition  of  the  churches  was  report- 
ed, on  an  average,  as  good.  Wake  Forest  had  received 
by  baptism  in  the  Associational  year,  ten.  Pleasant 
Grove  fifteen.  Mount  Pleasant  seventeen,  Hebron  eight- 
teen,  and  Bethel  twent3'-eight.  Dissension  had  arisen  in 
the  Spring  Hill  church,  (the  church  with  which  the\' 
Avere  meeting),  as  to  the  final  settlement  of  the  estate 
of  J.  M.  vSpencer,  by  the  trustees,  N.  A.  Burson,  andB. 
Delashmet.  A  minority  of  the  church  appealed  to  the 
Association  for  council  in  the  matter.  A  good  commit- 
tee was  raised  to  consider  the  appeal,  which  reported 
that  the  matter  was  not  in  a  condition  to  be  taken  up 
by  the  Association,  but  suggested  that  the  church  get 
council  from  other  churches  to  aid  in  the  settlement  of 
the  difficulty 

In  1880,  there  were  thirty-one  churches  in  the  fra- 
ternity' with  an  aggregate  membership  of  2,  776.  The 
body  was  in  numerical  strength,  a  giant.  The  churches 
reported  that  year  in  their  letters  to  the  Association 
as  contributed  to  Home  missions  $20.85,  and  to  For- 
eign missions  $135.65.  It  was  resolved  that  the  church- 
es be  requested  to  make  January  1881,  a  "mission 
month,"  and  take  up  collections,  for  missions  in  that 
month. 

In  the  decade  between  1880  and  1890,  reports  were 
made  annuallv  on  SundaA'  schools,  to  what  effect  we 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


209 


shall  see.  In  1881,  it  was  recommended  that  each 
church  in  the  Association  organize  a  Sunday  school, 
and  that  the  p  istors  bring  the  matter  before  their  res  - 
pective  churches,  and  yet,  in  the  report  on  Sunday 
schools  the  next  year,  it  is  said,  "It  is  a  deplorable  fact, 
that  of  all  the  churches  represented  at  this  meeting  of 
our  Association,  but  one  has  reported  as  having  a  Sun- 
day school  in  operation.  The  following  year  matters 
were  no  better. 

In  1887,  two  churches  reported  amounts  expended 
by  the  Sunday  schools,  Bethany  church  reported 
$43.95,  and  New  Hope  $10.00,  but  in  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  Sunday  schools,  we  are  not  favored  with 
a  list  of  the  churches  having  schools.  The  following 
year  their  report  was  more  cheerful.  It  began  thus : 
"We  are  glad  to  believe  that  the  Sunday  school  work  is 
enlarging,  that  the  number  of  schools  is  increasing,  and 
the  \vork  in  general  is  becoming  more  efficient."  Nearly 
every  year  a  report  was  read  on  prohibition  to  keep 
their  pos' tion  on  the  subject  of  the  liquor  traffic  well  de- 
fined, that  the  world  might  know  where  they  stood. 
In  the  report  of  1884,  there  is  a  preamble,  and  resolu- 
tion, the  language  of  which  cannot  be  mistaken,  and 
w^hich  speaks  well  for  the  body.     It  is  this : 

"Whereas,  The  present  crisis  in  the  temperance  re- 
form, demands  a  special  and  outspoken  avowal  of  our 
principles  and  position,  therefore.  Resolved,  That  as 
Baptists  of  Mississippi,  and  as  the  body  known  as  the 
Zion  Baptist  Association,  we  propose  to  place  ourselves 
on  record  on  this  subject,''  and  then  "we  raise  our  un- 
compromising protest  against  the  use,  manufacture,  or 
sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage." 

Their  reports  on  Publications  for  this  decade,  are 
about  as  we  find  the  reports  on  this  subject  in     other 


210  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTIST?. 

Associations.  Our  Baptist  State  papers,  the  Foreign 
Mission  Journal,  and  Kind  Words,  were  invariably 
recommended  to  the  churches  as  safe,  sound,  and  profit- 
able reading,  and  now  and  then  The  Baptist,  of  Mem  - 
phis,  Ford's  Chistian  Respository,  and  The  Argus 
Avere  commended. 

Their  reports  on  Ministerial  education  were  at  no 
time  extravagant,  nor  compressed,  but  spoke  of  the 
subject  as  an  aid  to  proficiency  in  the  ministry-,  and 
nothing  more.  Mississippi  College,  usuall3^  called 
Clinton  college,  or  the  college  at  Clinton,  received  their 
honest  approval  and  warm  endorsement,  with  a  good 
support.  In  the  report  of  1883,  we  find  sentiments 
that  are  characteristic  of  their  reports  on  the  sulDJect, 
and  we  give  from  it  the  following  excerpt:  "Our  own 
Baptist  college  at  Clinton,  is  doing  a  good  work.  *  *  * 
One  of  the  chief  designs  of  Mississippi  College  is  to  pro- 
mote ministerial  education.  Thirt\^  -  seven  young  min- 
isters were  at  the  college  last  session,  one  of  w^hom  re  - 
sides  in  the  bounds  of  this  Association.  We  expect  an- 
other next  session,  Brother  Willie  Thompson,  who  has 
been  licensed  to  preach." 

In  1881,  in  the  report  on  missions,  it  was  said  that 
nearh^  all  the  territory-  in  the  bounds  of  the  Zion  Asso- 
ciation was  supplied  with  preaching,  but  the  calls  of  the 
State  Mission  Board,  and  the  Foreign  Mission  Board, 
for  help  should  be  heeded,  and  every  church  was  asked 
to  contribute  something  for  missions.  The  following 
3^ear,  the  committee  on  finance  handled  $47.30  for 
Foreign  Missions,  and  $75.25  for  State  Missions,  be- 
sides what  the  churches  had  sent  directly  to  the  secre- 
taries of  the  Boards.  In  1883,  the  churches  reported 
in  their  letters  to  the  Association  $185.05,  as  contribu- 
ted to  State  Missions.    We  take  this  language  from 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  211 

their  report  on  Home  and  State  Missions  of  1884 : 
"Let  us  see  to  it  that  ever3^  member  of  everj^  church  is 
brought  into  heart^^  co-operation  in  the  great  work. 
The  motto  of  our  Convention  is,  every  Association, 
every  church,  every  individual  member.  Let  us  see  to 
it  that  the  Zion  Association  shall  not  be  slow  to  fall  in 
to  line."  The  churches  sent  up  in  1884  and  1885, 
$184.85  to  State  Missions,  and  $63.35  to  Foreign 
Missions.  The  amounts  contributed  by  the  churches 
were  not  every  ^-ear  equal  to  these  to  the  close  of  this 
decade,  but  showed  a  commendable  interest  in  the 
great  onward  movement  in  missions. 

J.  P.  Thompson  \vas  moderator  of  the  hodj  from 
1881  to  1885,  inclusive;  James  T.  Pryor  was  their  pre- 
siding officer  from  1886  to  1889  inclusive,  and  G.  W. 
Dudley  in  1890.  Their  clerks  in  this  decade  were  J.  A. 
Fox  from  1881  to  1886  ;  W.  A.  Hurt  1886,  and  1887, 
and  T.  N.  Ross  in  1889  and  1890. 

Some  things  must  be  noticed  as  peculiar  to  the 
Zion  Association.  One  is  the  ministerial  efficiency.  No 
Association  in  the  State  has  grown  as  rapidh^  in  num  - 
bers  as  the  Zion  Association.  Their  preachers  must 
have  quietly,  under  God,  done  this  work.  Another  pe- 
culiarity of  this  body  is  that  it  occupied  the  Avaste 
places  in  its  territory  without  any  great  noise  or  dem  - 
onstrations  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Association. 
The  churches  are  nearly  all  country  churches,  j^et  they 
have  not  opposed  the  general  work  in  the  State  by  for- 
mulated opposition,  or  any  kind  of  open  disapproval. 
May  the  Lord's  blessings  continue  with  them. 

In  1891,  208  persons  were  received  into  their 
churches  by  baptism,  eighty-seven  by  letter,  and  thirty- 
eight  bj"  restoration.  123  members  were  dismissed  by 
letter,  fifty-eight  excluded,  and  thirty  died.    The  total 


212  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

increase  of  members,  therefore,  was  only  thirty-two. 
The  total  membership  of  the  churches  was  2,894.  A.B. 
Hicks  was  moderator  in  1891,  T.  N.Ross  clerk,  and  J.T. 
Pryor  treasurer.  Nothing  of  unusual  interest  was  done 
in  their  annual  gathering.  They  were  elected  to  fill 
these  positions  respectively  for  the  years,  1892,  and 
1893.  The  session  of  1893  was  held  with  the  Pleasant 
Grove  church  in  Chickasaw  count^^,  and  in  1894  with 
Sabougla  church.  In  1893,  there  were  thirtj^-eight 
churches  in  the  Zion  Association  which  had  an  aggre- 
gate membership  of  3,118  persons.  Of  their  Sunday 
school  Convention  of  1893,  Baily  Hardin  was  president, 
andL.  T.  Burns  secretar3\  The  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Eupora  church.  Only  six  churches  were  represented 
by  delegates,  but  four  more  churches  w^ere  received  in- 
to the  body.  A  number  of  papers  were  read  on  topics 
relating  to  the  Sunday"  school  work.  The  session  of 
1894  was  to  be  held  with  the  Hopewell  church. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  213 


CHAPTER    IX. 

COLUMBUS     ASSOCIATION. 
BY  L.  S.    FOSTER. 

The  Columbus  Baptist  Association  is  a  large  and  in- 
fluential body,  the  territory  of  which  is  embraced  with- 
in several  counties  in  east  Mississippi,  with  small  por- 
tions of  counties  in  west  Alabama.  It  derives  its  name 
from  Columbus,  the  principal  city  within  its  bounds. 
Although  the  minutes  of  the  first  three  meetings  are 
lost,  it  is  stated  by  William  Halbert,  who  was  present 
at  the  organization,  that  "the  Association  was  organ- 
ized at  Mount  Zion  church,  Lowndes  count}^  Mississip- 
pi, on  Thursday,  Friday,  and  Saturday  before,  and  the 
fourth  Lord's  day  in  November,  1838,  with  the  follow- 
ing churches :  Oak  Grove,  Providence,  Mount  Zion, 
South  Carolina,  Columbus,  and  Lebanon,"  There  ap- 
pears a  report  in  the  minutes  of  a  subsequent  session, 
1859,  copied  from  "the  first  minutes  of  the  Association, 
in  1838"  stating  the  reasons  for  its  formation : 

"Your  committee  appointed  to  state  the  reasons 
w^hy  we  withdrew  by  a  letter  of  dismission  from  the 
Buttehatchie  Association,  beg  leave  to  report : 

"First,  Because  the  territorial  limits  of  the  Associ- 
ation were  too  extended  for  the  delegates  to  meet  to  - 
gether  with  convenience. 

"Second,  Because  the  churches  were  unequally  rep- 
resented, each  church  being  entitled  to  send  three  dele  - 
gate  s  without  regard  to  its  number  of  members ;  conse' 


214  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

quently  the  churches  in  the  southern  part  of  the  Asso  - 
ciation,  having  a  large  majority  of  members,  perceived 
that  they  did  not  occupy  equal  ground ;  but  that  the 
minority  churches  had  a  controling  influence  which  we 
could  not  conceive  was  equitable. 

^^ Third,  Because  a  regular  Baptist  church  petition- 
ing membership  was  reje(5ted  on  account  of  claiming 
the  right  of  having  a  Sunday  school,  or  joining  a  tem- 
perance society  if  she  chose  to  do  so.  This  appeared 
too  much  like  destroying  the  independence  of  the 
churches,  and  taking  away  their  ke3^s. 

'^Fourth,  Because  it  was  apparent  that  a  diversity 
of  sentiment  prevailed,  tending  to  destroy  that  har- 
mony of  feeling  which  is  essential  to  the  happiness  and 
prosperity  of  associated  Christians. 

"■Fifth,  Because  in  the  formation  of  a  new  Associa- 
tion, we  had  in  view  still  to  follow  the  old  land -marks 
of  the  Baptist  denomination  as  regards  one  faith,  and 
to  be  liberal  in  our  views  in  regard  to  the  missionary 
efforts  of  the  day. 

^' Sixth,  Because  we  could  not  conceive  that  it  was 
in  accordance  with  the  republican  principles  of  our  de- 
nomination for  each  church,  regardless  of  the  number 
of  its  members,  to  be  represented  by  the  same  number 
of  delegates;  thereby-  enabling  the  minorit3^  to  govern 
the  majority-. 

"Your  committee  would  beg  leave  further  to  remark 
that  they  feel  satisfied  it  is  but  an  act  of  justice,  both 
to  this  and  the  Buttehatchie  Association,  for  us  to  as- 
sign the  reasons  of  our  withdrawal.  Erroneous  im- 
pressions have  arisen,  and  ma^^  probabW  increase  un  - 
less  a  correct  statement  of  facts  be  given,  which  is  the 
chief  cause  of  the  foregoing  explanations.  It  is  not- in- 
tended to  wound  the  feelings  or  impugn  the  motives  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  215 

any  person  ;  nor  do  we  feel  less  Christian  regard  for  the 
churches  from  \vhich  \ve  have  withdrawn  than  we  for- 
merly felt.  Taking  the  example  of  those  eminent  ser  - 
vants  of  God,  Paul  and  Barnabas,  we  thought  it  bet- 
ter to  part  in  peace  and  fellowship.  We  are  persuaded 
that,  when  churches  differ  about  what  we  term  non- 
essentials, it  is  advisable  to  separate,  and  let  each  pur- 
sue that  course  which  he  honestly  believes  to  be  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  sacred  Scriptures ;  and  whilst  we  ac- 
knowledge Christian  fellowship  for  our  brethren  who 
entertain  an  honest  difference  of  opinion,  we  think  that 
justice,  apart  from  anj'  other  consideration,  will  ac- 
cord to  us  a  like  sentiment  and  feeling." 

"Jno.  Halbert,  Chairman." 

The  time  of  meeting  of  the  Association  from  its  or  - 
ganization  until  1867  was  Saturday  before  the  second 
Lord's  day  in  September.  In  1867,  the  following,  off- 
ered by  T.  G.  Sellers,  was  adopted:  '^Resolved,  That 
the  annual  session  of  this  body  shall  commence  on  Fri- 
day, at  ten  o'clock  a.  m.,  before  the  second  Sabbath  in 
September."  The  time  still  continues  to  be  Friday  in- 
stead of Saturday. 

At  this  point  maj'  be  inserted  the  following,  passed 
in  1856  :  '^Resolved,  That  the  churches  comprising  this 
Association  be  requested  to  release  their  pastors  from, 
labour  during  the  Associational  season. 

As  a  matter  of  curious  interest,  it  may  be  stated 
that  in  the  early  years  of  the  Association,  the  daily  ses- 
sions began  at  sunrise,  and  much  time  was  given  to 
preaching  during  the  sitting  of  the  bod3^ 

The  place  of  meeting  in  the  early  years  of  the  Asso- 
ciation was  decided  somewhat  arbitrarily,  but  in  1867, 
the  churches  were  arranged  into  three  districts,  and,  by 
resolution,  it  was  decided  that  its  meetings  should  be 


2l6  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

held  alternately  in  each  district,  beginning  with  the  first. 
As  new  churches  were  received,  and  as  the  occasion  de- 
manded, they  were  revised,  and  the  meetings  of  the  body 
have  been  held  in  them  alternately.  In  1879  and  1880 
maps  of  the  Association  were  prepared  and  printed  on 
the  cover  of  the  minutes. 

At  each  annual  session  of  the  Association,  corres  - 
ponding  messengers  from  other  bodies  have  been  wel  - 
comed,  and  messengers  have  been  appointed  from  this 
to  other  bodies.  Those  bodies  with  which  correspond- 
ence has  at  an3^  time  been  maintained  are  the  following : 
(1)  The  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  (2)  The 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention.  (3)  The  General 
Association  of  North  Mississippi.  (4)  Several  neigh- 
boring District  Associations:  Choctaw,  Zion,  Louis- 
ville Friendship,  (now  simpler  Louisville),  Chickasaw, 
Judson,  Aberdeen,  North  River,  Yellow  Creek,  Tusca- 
loosa, Union,  Muscle  Shoals,  Cahawba,  Bear  Creek, 
and  Yalobusha. 

Occasionally  additional  correspondence  has  been  re- 
ceived :  (1)  From  distant  Associations;  the  Harmony, 
by  W.  W.  Kone;  the  Mississippi,  by  J.  D.  Raspberry; 
the  Central,  Tennessee,  by  M.  Green.  (2)  Visitors  or  a- 
gents  for  various  enterprises  :  In  1844,  M.  P.  Jewett, 
Howard  College,  Marion,  Alabama.  In  1848,  C.  M. 
Breaker,  of  the  Alabama  Baptist.  In  1850,  J.  A.  Kem- 
ball,  and  Andrew  Moffatt,  of  American  Indian  Mission 
Association.  In  1854,  E.  C.  Eager,  Clinton  College, 
S.  W.  Woolard,  and  E.  B.  Eakin.  In  1857,  W.  B.  Wil- 
Hams,  American  Bible  Revision,  Louisville,  Kentucky. 
In  1858,  WilHs  Burns  and  M.  Bennett.  In  1859,  C.  E. 
Brame,  Greensboro,  Alabama,  brethren,  Poole  and  El- 
lis, Buttehatchie  Association,  T.  P.  Crawford,  Shan- 
ghai, China,  and  J.  H.  Weatherly,  Marion,  Alabama. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  217 

In  1860,  A.  H.  Booth  and  M.  T.  Sumner,  representing 
the  two  Boards  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention, 
T.  H.  Scott,  Smithville,  and  E.  Rogers,  Corinth.  In 
1861,  M.  Crowson  and  W.  M.  Jordan.  In  1862,  A,  P. 
Norris,  Edgefield,  South  CaroHna.  In  1863,  R.  M. 
Humphries,  Decatur,  Alabama.  In  1866,  R.  Holman, 
Marion,  Alabama,  and  J.  L.  S.  Foster,  Mobile.  In 
1868,  S.  S.  Granberry,  Orphans'  Home,  and  J.  G.  Bur- 
gess, Shannon,  and  J.  B.  Hamberlin,  Meridian.  In  1871, 
A.  A.  Lomax,  Mississippi,  College,  and  T.  C.  Teasdale, 
Sunday  School  Board  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 
In  1872,  A.  D.  Trimble,  Orphans'  Home,  and  M.  T. 
Martin,  Mississippi  College.  In  1873,  M.  P.  Lowrey, 
State  Convention,  and  S.  A.  Hayden,  New  Orleans.  In 
1875,  T.  J.  Walne,  State  Mission  Board,  and  J.  W.  San- 
ford,  Centennial  Movement.  In  1880,  D.  I.  Purser, 
State  Evangelist. 

Delegates  have  always  been  appointed  to  represent 
this  body  in  those  with  which  a  regular  correspondence 
has  been  maintined,  and  several  times  resolutions  have 
been  adopted,  requesting  the  churches  to  send  as  many 
delegates  as  possible  to  the  State  Convention,  and 
authorizing  any  to  act  as  delegates,  who  are  members 
within  the  Association,  and  who  present  a  copy  of  its 
minutes,  at  the  State,  or  the  Southern  Baptist,  Conven- 
tions, or  any  other  corresponding  body. 

In  1845,  1846,  and  1847,  there  was  published  a  let- 
ter of  general  correspondence,  giving  an  account  of  the 
representation  in  this  body,  of  the  interest  of  the  meet  - 
ing,  missionary  work,  and  time,  place  and  preacher  of 
next  meeting. 

At  almost  everj^  meeting  of  the  Association,  a  com- 
mittee on  Nominations  has  been  appointed,  charged 
with  the  duty  of  recommending  the  place  of  next  meet- 


218  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ing,  the  minister  to  preach  introductory  and  mission- 
ary sermons,  the  person  to  write  the  Circular  Letter 
and,  in  later  years,  the  members  ot  the  Executive  Board. 
In  the  early  years  of  the  Association,  the  minister  to 
preach  the  annual  sermon,  according  to  the  Rules  of  De- 
corum, was  elected  by  ballot.  This  Rule,  however,  was 
often  suspended,  and  the  selection  made  by  the  moder- 
ator, or  a  special  committee,  and  in  1875,  it  was  ex- 
l^unged,  and,  as  alread3'  stated,  the  selection  left  to 
the  committee  on  Nominations. 

In  1869,  a  special  nomination  was  made.  Upon 
resolution,  "T.  C.  Teasdale  was  appointed  to  preach  a 
sermon  on  Restricted  Communion  as  practiced  by  Bap- 
tist churches,  on  Saturday  night,  at  the  next  session  of 
this  body."  At  Columbus,  in  1870,  at  the  appointed 
hour,  this  appointment  was  filled. 

The  missionary  sermons,  of  W.  Carey  Crane,  in 
1845,  of  W.  C.  Buck,  in  1856,  and  of  T.  G.  vSellers,  in 
1872,  were  requested  for  publication,  by  the  Associa- 
tion. 

In  1845,  the  following  was  passed  by  the  Associa- 
tion: ''Resolved,  That  it  be  recommeded  to  the  churches 
to  employ  the  term,  'Bishop'  to  designate  those  minis- 
ters who  are  pastors."'  But  at  the  next  annual  meeting, 
the  title  was  changed  by  another  resolution  :  "That  the 
term,  'Elder'  as  applied  to  ministers  of  the  gospel  be  re- 
adopted  instead  of  the  term  'Bishop.'"  This  contin- 
ued to  be  the  custom  as  there  was  no  further  action  on 
the  subject. 

It  may  be  mentioned  as  a  matter  of  curious  inter  - 
est,  that  in  the  old  minutes  of  the  Association  the  ex  - 
pression  "meeting  house"  was  applied  to  the  church 
building,  and  "church'"  was  applied  to  the  organized 
bodA''  of  worshippers,   while  now  "church"  desigatnes 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  219 

both  the  building  and  the  membership.  On  the  title 
page  of  the  minutes  of  184-1,  it  is  stated  that  the  Asso- 
ciation "convened,  agreeably  to  appointment,  in  the 
meeting-house^  of  the  Baptist  church  in  the  city  of  Col- 
umbus.'' 

The  committee  on  Benevolent  operations,  in  the  re- 
port in  1845,  say:  "Since  our  last  annual  meeting  it 
has  pleased  the  Lord  to  allov^  a  division  among  the 
Baptists  in  the  United  States,  upon  benevolent  opera- 
tions, the  reasons  for  which  are  generally  known,  and 
appreciated.  It  behooves  us,  therefore,  simply  to  ex- 
press our  opinion.   We  submit  the  following  resolutions  : 

"That  this  Association  approve  of  the  formation  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  and  that  it  be  recom- 
mended that  all  monies,  intended  for  Foreign  missions, 
hereafter,  be  forwarded  to  Archibald  Thomas,  treasu- 
rer of  the  Foreign  Mission  Board,  Richmond,  Virginia, 
and  for  Domestic  missions,  to  the  Domestic  Mission 
Board,  Marion,  Alabama. 

"That  one  or  more  delegates  (as  the  funds  contrib- 
uted may  hold  out),  be  appointed  to  represent  us  in 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  at  its  meeting  in 
June  next,  in  Richmond,  Virginia." 

•  W.  C.  Crane,  and  J.  C.  Keeney  were  chosen  as  mes- 
sengers to  represent  the  Association  in  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention,  and  the  payment  of  the  expenses 
of  the  former,  to  Richmond,  and  return,  was  assumed 
by  the  Association.  The  treasurer  \vas  ordered  to  "pay 
over  all  the  monies  now  in  hand,  or  v^^hich  may  come 
to  hand,  for  Foreign  missions,  before  the  session  of  said 
Convention,  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions." 

At  the  same  meeting  the  following  w^as  also  passed : 
"Resolved,    That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Board  of 


220  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

managers  for  Foreign  missions,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  to  take  such  legal 
measures  as  w'ill  secure  in  perpetuity  to  the  members  of 
said  Convention,  and  their  successors,  all  property, 
such  as  chapels,  mission-houses,  printing-presses,  which 
have,  or  may  hereafter,  come  into  the  hands  of  mission- 
aries, agents  or  teachers  through  funds  contributed  to 
the  Board  above  mentioned.''  A  copy  of  this  resolu- 
tion was  sent  to  Richmond. 

This  action,  together  with  the  annual  correspond  - 
ence,  clearly  indicates  the  attitude  of  the  Association 
towards  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  audits  sub- 
sequent history  proves  its  hearty  co-operation  with 
that  body. 

From  its  earliest  history  the  Association  has  co- 
operated in  the  work  of  the  State  Convention. 

In  184-1,  it  was  formalh'  determined  "that  we  cor- 
respond with  the  Mississippi  State  Convention,  com- 
mencing Frida}'  before  the  last  Sabbath  in  May,  1842, 
*  *  *  and  that  there  be  appended  to  these  minutes  an 
Address  of  the  Convention  instead  of  the  Circular 
Letter." 

In  1845:  ''Resolved,  That  this  Association  ap- 
proves the  objects  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Conven- 
tion, and  its  course  in  relation  to  the  Southern  Organ  - 
ization,"  and  in  1846  :  "That  this  Association  become 
auxiliar^^  to  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  and  that 
delegates  be  appointed  to  represent  us  at  its  next  ses- 
sion." In  1849,  a  similar  resolution  of  aid  to  the  Con- 
vention was  adopted,  also  determining  to  "report  an- 
nually all  monies  raised  within  our  bounds ;  likewise 
the  amount  of  missionarv'  labor  performed  under  our 
appointment,  and  that  any  surplus  funds  in  hand  for 
missionary  purposes,  be  sent  to  the  treasurer  of  the 
Convention." 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  221 

An  organization,  located  at  Louisville,  Kentucky, 
had  for  its  object,  the  religious  benefit,  and  evangeliza- 
tion of  the  Indians.  In  1845,  the  Association  passed 
the  following  resolutions : 

"That  the  'American  Indian  Mission  Society'  is  en- 
titled to  our  pra3'ers,  and  donations,  and  that  it  be 
recommended  to  our  churches  to  contribute  of  both 
prayer,  and  money  to  its  support. 

"That  it  be  recommended  to  said  Society,  to  hold 
its  semi-annual  ineeting  next  spring  in  Columbus,  Miss- 
issippi, and  that  the  moderator,  and  clerk  sign  this  res- 
olution, and  forward  it  \vith  a  copy  of  our  minutes  to 
J.  McCoy,  corresponding  secretary,  American  Indian 
Mission  Society,  Louisville,  Kentuck3\'" 

The  Association  has  always  encouraged  the  circu  - 
lation  and  reading  of  the  Bible,  as  the  great  agent  in 
promoting  the  civilization  and  the  moral  elevation  of 
the  human  race.  During  the  existence  of  the  Book  De- 
pository, (subsequently  mentioned)  a  supply  of  Bibles, 
and  Testaments  was  kept  on  hand  and  the  Scriptures 
were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  people  wherever  the 
missionary  went  preaching  the  gospel. 

In  1841 ;  "'Agreed,  That  we  send  to  the  State  Con- 
vention, bj^  our  messenger,  S.  McGo\ven,  ten  dollars 
for  printing  the  Bible  in  Burmah;''  and  in  1842,  ten 
dollars  more  were  sent  for  the  same  purpose.  In  1845, 
the  following  was  passed;  ^^Resolved,  That  until 
Southern  organizations  for  the  circulation  of  Bibles, 
Testaments,  and  religious  books  be  established,  this 
Association  recommends  to  the  brethren,  the  claims  of 
the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Societ3^  and  the  Amer- 
ican Baptist  Publication  Society." 

W.  B.  Williams  was  received  by  the  Association  in 
1857,  as  agent  for  the  Bible  Revision  Board,  Louisville, 


222  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Kentucky',  and  presented  its  claims  before  the  body. 
E.  C.  Eager  was  received  as  the  agent  of  the  same 
Board  in  1860,  at  which  meeting  the  following  was  a- 
dopted  by  the  Association  : 

"Whereas,  The  Bible  Revision  Association,  loca  - 
ted  at  Louisville,  KentuckA',  is  engaged,  in  connection 
with  the  American  Bible  Revision,  in  the  great  work  of 
revising  and  correcting  the  English  Scriptures,  and 
Whereas,  E.  C.  Eager,  of  Clinton,  Mississippi,  is  now 
canvassing  our  State  as  the  agent  of  the  Bible  Revision 
Association  for  Mississippi,  therefore, 

''Resolved,  (1)  That  we  cordially  commend  him  as 
said  agent  to  the  Christian  regards  and  liberal  contri  - 
butions  of  all  who  love  the  pure  word  of  God.  (2) 
That  we  recommend  to  our  churches  to  send  up  a  con  - 
tribution  for  this  cause,  each  3'ear,  to  our  Association, 
to  be  forwarded  by  our  treasurer  to  said  agent  at  Clin- 
ton, Mississippi.  (3)  That  we  recommend  to  our 
brethren  genera Ih^  to  procure  such  portions  of  the  Pri- 
mary Revision  as  are  now  ptiblished,  also  the  Perma-' 
nent  Documents,  in  two  volumes,  and  the  History  of 
the  translation,  in  one  volume,  which  may  be  procured 
through  the  Post  Office  from  James  Edmunds,  corres- 
ponding secretary  of  the  Bible  Revision  Association, 
Louisville,  Kentucky,  or  of  the  agent,  E.  C.  Eager, 
Clinton,  Mississippi." 

On  the  same  general  subject,  the  following  was 
passed  at  the  same  meeting:  ''Resolved,  That  this  As- 
sociation highW  approves  of  the  formation  of  the  Alis  - 
sissppi  Baptist  Bible  and  Colportage  Society;  and 
warmh'  commends  its  objects  to  the  patronage  of  the 
churches  within  its  bounds.'' 

A  report  on  the  Bible  cause,  in  1864,  reads:  "The 
Bible  is  indeed  a  most  precious  book.     It  is  God's  reve- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  223 

lation  to  man.  It  is  the  appointed  instrument  of  con- 
version. 'The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfedt,  converting 
the  soul,'  It  is  the  chief  instrument  of  Christian  sanct- 
ification.  'Sanctify  them  by  thy  truth ;  thy  w^ord  is 
truth.'  It  is  therefore  our  duty  to  circulate  this  blessed 
truth  to  the  extent  of  our  ability.  The  demand  for 
Bibles  among  our  soldiers  is  very  great.  Our  Domes- 
tic Mission  Board,  at  Marion,  Alabama,  has 
done  much  to  meet  this  exigency  in  the  army.  Many 
thousands  of  dollars  have  been  expended  by  that  Board 
to  procure  Bibles  and  Testaments  for  the  soldiers.  Let 
us  aid  them  in  this  great  and  good  work,"' 

An  elaborate  report,  in  1865,  says:  "The  Bible  is 
God's  own  book.  It  contains  the  revelation  of  his 
character,  and  of  his  will  to  man  in  the  all -important 
matter  of  salvation.  It  contains  the  law  by  which  hu- 
man actions  are  to  be  governed."'  In  its  "study  the 
mind  is  brought  into  contact  with  the  revealed  raind  of 
God,  and,  by  the  principle  of  association,  so  far  as  per- 
verted human  nature  will  allow,  it  is  made  better,  pur- 
er, and  more  like  God.  It  is,  therefore,  the  appointed 
instrument  for  the  regeneration  and  reformation  of 
man."  The  main  cause  of  the  demoralization  which 
prevails  at  present  is  the  failure  of  men  to  regard,  and 
be  governed  by,  the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  "the  sword 
of  God,  the  onW  infallible  guide  of  fallible  men.'"  Again 
it  is  said ;  "The  Bible  has  ceased  even  to  be  read  by  a 
majoritA"  of  the  people.  Where  are  the  professing 
Christians  who  read  the  Bible  privately  upon  their 
knees,  or  assemble  their  families  and  read  to  them  and 
with  them  these  words  of  life  and  salvation  ?  That  so 
few  do  accounts  for  the  coldness  and  deadness  of  so 
many  Christians.  The  path  that  leads  from  the  word 
of  God  is  a  most  dangerous  path.''    How  shall  the  de- 


224  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

moralized  state  of  society  be  remedied?  The  restora- 
tion to  its  supremacy  of  the  divine  law  is  the  remedy. 
Three  suggestions  are  made  for  securing  this  restora- 
tion :  ( 1 )  By  increased  attention  to  the  individual 
and  private  study  of  God's  word.  (2)  By  restoring 
the  authority  and  power  of  the  word  of  God  in  the 
family.  The  family  altar  \vith  the  open  word  of  God 
upon  it  must  be  set  up.  (3)  By  the  establishment  of 
adult  and  junior  Bible  classes  in  our  congregations. 

The  Association,  in  1867,  said  that  "the  Bible  is 
the  word  of  God,''  a  revelation  of  his  decrees,  elevating 
the  mind,  guiding  man  and  purifying  his  heart.  It 
builds  up  society,  and  is  the  foundation  of  State  and 
national  government.  There  is  a  wanton  neglect  of  it 
which  leads  even  Christians  astray  in  vice.  There  must 
be  a  change  in  society  and  that  change  must  be  effected 
b}^  an  open  Bible.  The  same  agent  must  effect  the  res  - 
t oration  of  peace  between  two  contending  sections  in 
our  nation.  The  suggestions  of  the  last  year's  report 
are  repeated. 

The  report,  in  1869,  calls  attention  to  the  common 
truth  that  "among  Baptists  the  Bible  alone  is  the  rule 
of  Christian  conduct."  "We  adhere  strictly  to  the  let- 
ter of  the  law."'  We  should  then  be  zealous  in  the  dis- 
semination of  Bible  knowledge,  for  the  Bible  is  fitted 
for  the  instruction  of  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men. 
Its  hoW  precepts,  its  pathos,  its  sublime  truths,  touch 
the  heart  and  convince  the  mind  of  all  who  carefully 
read  its  sacred  pages.  We  would  suggest  that  the  Bi- 
ble is  too  little  read.  Church  members  are  too  little  in- 
jormed  as  to  its  teachings.  We  know  of  no  scarcety  of 
books  in  our  Association.  In  the  absence  of  anj^  or- 
ganized plan  of  distribution,  and  in  view  of  our  great 
povertj^,  we  do  not  recommend  an^-  Bible  Board  in  the 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  225 

Association.  Supplies  of  Bibles  and  Testaments  may 
be  had  from  the  Columbus  Branch  of  the  American  Bi- 
ble Society,  or  the  South  Western  Publishing  Company^ 
Memphis. 

As  indicating  the  interest  of  the  Association  in  the 
distribution  and  reading  of  the  Bible,  it  may  be  noticed 
that  yearly  reports  on  the  "Bible  cause"  were  adopted. 

In  1870,  the  following  was  indorsed  as  the  view  of 
the  body  :  "The  Bible,  as  the  great  conservator  of  civ- 
ilization, the  instrument  of  spiritual  conversion  and  of 
the  sanctilication  of  the  people  of  God,  should  be  uni- 
versally circulated  and  studied  by  all.  Its  teachings 
should  be  practiced  in  our  lives.  The  Bible  is  the  sa- 
cred treasure  on  which  to  pillow  our  heads  in  the  dying 
hour.  We  anchor  on  its  precious  promises  until  w^e  go 
home  to  heaven." 

The  report,  in  1871,  asamended,  refers  to  themoral 
power  of  the  Bible,  to  its  instrumentality  in  freeing 
men  from  moral  pollution,  to  its  illuminating  power  in 
shedding  celestial  light  upon  the  pathway  of  Christians 
and  to  the  obligation  resting  upon  Baptists  to  labor 
and  contribute  to  send  this  blessed  light  to  everj-  crea- 
ture. It  recommends  "that  the  pastors  and  deacons 
adopt  measures  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  Bible  desti- 
tution in  their  bounds."  It  further  recommends  "that 
a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  at  some  point  within, 
our  bounds,  who  shall  be  called  "A  Bible  Distributing- 
Committee,'  whose  duty  shall  be  to  procure  as  nearly 
as  possible  a  supply  of  Bibles  and  Testaments  for  dis  - 
tribution.'' 

At  the  meeting,  in  1872,  this  committee  presented 
the  following  report:  "The  Bible  Distribution  Board  re- 
port, that  they,  in  order  to  carry  out  the  resolution  of 
the  Association,  corresponded  with  each  church  in  the 


226  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Association,  and  in  answer  have  not  received  any  report 
of  destitution  of  Bibles,  that  the^^  have  received  for 
this  object,  $8.90,  wdiich  is  now  read^^  to  be  handed 
over  to  this  body."  The  Bible  Distribution  Board,  at 
"West  Point,  with  the  present  officers,  w^as  continued. 

In  1873,  the  following  action  was  taken:  "On  mo- 
tion, the  Bible  Board  was  discontinued  and  the  funds 
in  their  hands  ordered  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Executive 
Board."  This  small  sum  was  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  missionary  with  instructions  to  supply  therewith 
any  Bible  destitution  he  might  find.  ^ 

The  establishment  of  a  book  Depository  for  the  dis  - 
semination  of  religious  books  was  recommended  by  a 
committee  in  1844,  insisting  upon  the  propriety  and  im- 
portance of  such  a  measure  and  recommending:  ( 1 )  The 
immediate  subscription  of  sums  by  different  members, 
one-half  of  which  was  to  be  refunded  to  subscribers  in 
the  shape  of  books;  (2)  The  raising  of  a  public  collect - 
ion  in  the  various  churches,  and  suggesting  John  N. 
Mullen,  of  Columbus,  as  a  suitable  depositor^^  agent, 
and  Columbus  as  a  suitable  location  for  the  Depository. 

In  1845,  this  Depositor^^  was  established  and  lo- 
cated at  Columbus,  with  J.  N  Mullen  as  agent,  and  un- 
der the  control  of  a  committee  of  good  business  men, 
viz:  W.  Carey  Crane,  S.  McGowen,  R.  C.  Burleson  T.  G. 
Blewett,  and  James  S.  Norris.  The  books  kept  on  its 
shelves  were  first  class  in  every  respect,  and  were  sold 
at  actual  cost.  The  missionary  was  colporteur  and  a- 
gent  for  the  Depositor^'. 

The  financial  condition  of  the  Depositor^-,  in  1845, 
was  encouraging,  and  its  assets  amounted  to  $512.91. 
In  some  cases  donations  of  books  were  made.  In  1846 
the  value  of  the  books  on  hand  w^as  $157.64.  Themis- 
ionarj'     of  the    Association  sold,  through  the  year, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  227 

books  to  the  amount  of  $13.52.  In  1847,  the  report  of 
the  committee  on  the  Depositor^',  deplores  the  fact  that 
the  circulation  of  religious  literature  has  not  been  so 
extensive  as  the  exigencies  of  the  times  demand,  and 
confesses  that  very  little  has  been  done  in  this  depart- 
ment during  the  past  year.  It  refers  to  the  establish  - 
ment  of  the  "Soxithern  Baptist  Publication  Society'"  at 
Charleston,  South  Carolina.  The  financial  condition 
of  the  Depositor3'  at  this  time  was  critical. 

In  1848,  a  resolution  was  passed  appointing  the 
pastors  as  special  agents  for  the  Depository  to  make 
sale  of  the  books  on  hand.  In  1850,  two  resolutions 
were  passed:  (1)  Authorizing  the  committee  to  pay 
the  debts  of  the  Depository  as  fast  as  colledlions  be 
made.  (2)  Appointing  J.  T.  Freeman,  W.  J.  Smith,  and 
W.  T.  Moore  a  committee  to  sell  all  the  books  that 
should  remain  unsold  at  the  close  of  this  session. 

In  1853  :  "Resolved,  That  this  Association  estab- 
lish a  Tract  Society,  with  a  view  to  furnishing  our 
missionarj^  with  tracts  and  cheap  Baptist  books,  for 
distribution  and  sale,  so  as  to  make  the  missionary  do 
the  duties  of  a  colporteur,  and  that  W.  B.  F.  Yandle, 
and  J.  T.  Freeman,  W.  J.  Smith,  the  moderator,  and  A. 
N.  Jones  be  constituted  a  board  to  attend  to  this 
matter. 

"That  each  church  in  this  Association,  in  favor  of 
this  object,  he  requested  to  send  up  funds  for  the  pur- 
pose to  the  State  Convention,  at  Columbus." 

Nothing,  however,  seems  to  have  been  done  in  the 
matter,  and  in  1855:  ''Resolved,  That  the  pastors  of 
the  various  churches  composing  this  Association  be  re  - 
quested  to  urge  upon  their  respective  congregations 
the  propriety  and  importance  of  raising  a  fund  to  pur- 
chase standard  and  denominational  books,  and  to  es- 


228  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

tablish  a  Book  Depository  in  this  Association;  and 
that  the  churches  be  requested  to  send  up  to  the  next 
session  of  this  body  what  they  are  willing  to  give  for 
this  object." 

In  1858,  a  well  prepared  report  was  adopted,  in- 
sisting upon  the  necessit3^  of  circulating  Baptist  litera  - 
ture,  because  of  the  intense  spirit  of  inquire"  ^vhich  has 
arisen,  and  the  proneness  of  the  membership  to  keep 
doctrinal  peculiarities  in  the  background,  and  passing 
resolutions:  (1)  To  create  and  establish  an  Associa- 
tional  Book  Depository ;  (2)  To  appoint  a  Depository 
agent,  who  shall  give  bond  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
his  dut}^  and  shall  receive  a  commission  of  ten  per 
cent  on  his  sales ;  (3)  To  raise  immediately  $500.00,  to 
be  used  in  purchasing  sound  literature ;  (4)  To  request 
pastors  and  missionaries  to  make  an  immediate  and 
continual  effort  to  raise  funds  for  this  purpose;  (5)  To 
allov^  contributors  to  receive  back  their  contributions 
in  books  at  cost,  or  certificates  drawing  eight  per  cent 
for  amounts  not  taken  in  books;  (6)  To  locate  it  at 
Columbus,  with  W.  J.  Smith  as  agent. 

As  nothing  further  appears  on  the  records  of  the  As- 
sociation, the  inference  is  that  this  effort  proved  abor- 
tive and  failed. 

The  Association  has  uniformlj^  realized  the  mighty 
power  of  the  press  for  the  promulgation  of  religious 
truth,  and  has  ever,  warmly,  and  earnest^,  encouraged 
the  dissemination  of  religious  literature  throughout 
its  bounds. 

In  1843,  John  Armstrong  was  "respedlfully  request- 
ed to  prepare  for  publication  a  tract  on  the  subjects, 
and  mode  of  baptism,  and  to  present  said  tract  to  B. 
Manh',  of  the  Universitj^  of  Alabama,  and  S.  S.  Latti- 
more,  of  Sumpter  county,  Alabama,  for  examination, " 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  229 

and  the  same  was  to  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  David 
Ferguson,  of  Columbus,  for  publication,  and  distribu- 
tion. It  was  also  determined  "that  there  be  an  Appen- 
dix to  said  pamphlet  on  Church  Communion." 

In  1844,  the  following  was  adopted  : 

"Whereas,  It  is  of  great  importance  that  there  be 
some  organ  of  public  communication  through  the  press, 
for  the  diffusion  of  religious  intelligence  among  breth  - 
ren  of  the  same  faith,  and  order. 

^'Resolved,  That  the  paper  called  The  Baptist, 
which  A^^as  formerly  published  in  Nashville,  Tennessee, 
and  subsequently  merged  into  the  Baptist  Banner  and 
Western  Pioneer,  but  now  revived  under  different  au  - 
spices,  under  the  editorial  charge  of  R.  B.  C.  Howell,  of 
Nashville,  Tennessee,  and  W.  Carej'  Crane,  of  Colum- 
bus, Miss.,  be  recommended  to  the  patronage  of  the 
pastors,  and  brethren  of  the  churches  of  the  Associ  - 
ation. 

"That  we  desire  to  impress  on  the  members  of  the 
churches  the  importance  of  supplying  themselves  with 
the  religious  periodicals  of  the  denomination,  and  we 
commend  to  their  patronage  the  Alabama  Baptist, 
published  at  Marion,  Ala." 

At  the  session  of  1846  three  resolutions  were  pass- 
ed, concerning  publications :  "(1)  That  t\\Q  Southern 
Baptist  Missionary  Journal,  a  monthly  periodical  in 
Richmond,  Va.,  at  the  price  of  one  dollar  per  year,  be 
recommended  to  the  members  of  all  churches,  as  the  or- 
gan of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  for  Foreign 
missions.  (2)  That  the  Wester/?  JBaptist  i?eriew,  pub- 
lished at  Frankfort,  Ky.,  by  J.  L.  Waller,  be  recom- 
mended to  the  members  of  the  churches  composing  this 
body.  (3)  That  w^e  recommend  to  our  churches,  and 
the  brethren  generally,  the  Mississippi  Baptist,  publish- 


230  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ed  in  the  city  of  Jackson,  [Miss."'  At  the  same  meeting 
the  Association  recommended  to  the  churches  "that  as 
soon  as  pracfticable,  they  estabhsh  church  Hbraries." 

In  1847,  the  follo^ving  were  recommended  to  the 
Baptist  denomination :  The  Mississippi  Baptist  again, 
which  is  under  the  direction  ot  the  "Baptist  PubHcation 
Society,"  edited  by  W.  H.  Taylor,  and  W.  C.  Crane; 
the  South  -  western  Baptist  Chronicle,  pubhshed  weekly 
in  New  Orleans,  edited  by  W.  C.  Duncan;  and  the  Ala- 
bama Baptist. 

It  was  determined  by  resolution,  in  1849,  that  the 
"Association  recommend  to  the  favorable  notice,  and 
support  of  the  public  generalh',  and  of  the  Baptist  de- 
nomination in  particular,  the  'Southern  Baptist  Alma- 
nac," printed  at  Nashville,  Tenn." 

In  1853,  the  Association  stated,  in  formal  action, 
that,  "we  most  cordially,  and  warmh'  commend  to  our 
churches  the  Tennessee  Baptist,  edited  l3y  J.  R.  Graves, 
of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  that  at  least  one  copy  of  it  be 
taken  in  each  family  composing  our  churches." 

At  this  point  it  may  be  \vell  to  state  that  resolu- 
tions were  adopted,  in  1854,  relative  to  a  controversy 
conducted  b3^  J»  R.  Graves,  arid  Alexander  Campbell, 
indorsing  Graves,  and  repudiating  most  heartily  the 
teachings  of  Campbell;  also  indorsing  and  recommend- 
ing again  the  religious  paper  edited  by  Graves.  A  sim- 
ilar action  of  the  Association  in  1855,  recommended  the 
same  paper  and  the  "Southern  Baptist  Review  and  Ec- 
lectic," to  the  cordial  support  of  the  denomination,  as 
essentially  Baptist  papers,  and  worth^^  of  the  patron- 
age of  every  Baptist  in  the  land. 

In  1857,  E.  L.  Compere  was  received  as  agent  for 
the  Baptist  State  paper,  previoush'  mentioned,  and, 
with  N.  Sansing  and  AI.  Lyon,  addressed  the  Associa- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  231 

tion  in  behalf  of  this  paper,  pubHshed  at  Jackson,  by  J. 
T.  Freeman.  A  resohition  was  passed  at  this  meeting 
recommending  this  paper,  and  that  of  J.  R.  Graves  to 
the  brethren.  In  1858,  E.  L.  Compere  was  again  pres- 
ent as  agent  for  the  Mississippi  paper,  and  Willis  Burns 
as  the  agent  for  the  Tennessee  paper,  both  of  whom 
urged  the  claims  of  these  papers  respectively.  Resolu- 
tions were  passed,  recommending  them  both.  A  pre- 
amble and  resolution  was  also  passed,  referring  to  at- 
tacks made  upon  the  character  of  J.  R.  Graves,  and  set- 
ting forth  the  unlimited  confidence  of  the  Association 
in  his  integrity. 

J.  T.  Freeman  was  present,  in  1859,  in  behalf  of  the 
Baptist  State  paper,  and  while  the  report  on  Publica- 
tions was  under  discussion,  made  a  thrilling  appeal  in 
its  behalf,  requesting  the  denomination  of  the  State  to 
loan  him  $2000,  in  advance  pa\'ments  for  the  paper,  to 
enable  him  to  buy  a  power  press.  Five  hundred  dol- 
lars of  the  amount  was  raised  almost  immediately, 
several  generous  l3rethren  making  their  pastors  per- 
petual subscribers  to  the  paper  by  paying  thirty"  dol- 
lars in  advance. 

The  report,  at  this  session  says:  "We  regard  the 
circulation  of  a  pure  Baptist  literature  among  our 
membership  and  the  people,  generally  as  a  prime  neces- 
sity of  the  times.  *  *  *  The  system  of  journalism,  now 
almost  everywhere  in  use,  from  its  cheapness,  and  the 
value  of  the  facts  it  distributes,  is  everywhere  friendly 
to  an  extended  range  of  information,  and  places  the  ac- 
quisition of  its  treasures  within  the  reach  of  every  one. 
*  *  *  We  regard  it  as  a  solemn  duty  of  each  lay  mem- 
ber to  pay  for  and  read  our  current  Baptist  literature, 
and  especially  our  State  organ."  Reference  is  also 
made  to  the  urgent  call  for  aid,  mentioned  above,  in 


.232  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

purchasing  a  power  press,  and,  besides  the  collection 
taken  at  this  meeting,  the  report  recommends  that  the 
missionaries  be  especially  charged  with  the  duty  of  ex  - 
tending  its  circulation  to  every  family  within  their  res- 
pective fields. 

It  also  recommends  the  Southern  Baptist  Review, 
Children's  Friend,  and  the  Home  and  Foreign  Journal, 
and  deplores  the  lack  of  a  book  depositor^^  and  refers 
to  the  efforts  of  N.  Sansing  to  supply  this  deficiency  in 
the  matter  of  religious  books. 

The  report,  in  1861,  refers  to  the  course  of  many 
members  of  the  churches  in  taking  "several  political 
papers,  when  they  and  their  families  are  perfect  stran  - 
gers  to  all  that  good  and  salutary  influence  which  is  to 
be  derived  only  from  religious  newspapers,  and  Sab- 
bath school  books."  To  all  such,  besides  the  State,  and 
Tenn.  Baptist  papers,  the  following  are  recommended: 
Baptist  Correspondent,  Home  and  Foreign  Journal, 
Dayton's  Monthly  Magizine  and  Question  Books,  and 
other  publications  of  Graves,  Marks  &  Co. 

During  the  war  of  the  States,  a  considerable  sum  was 
expended  in  supplying  the  soldiers  with  Bibles,  Testa- 
ments, religious  tracts  and  papers,  and  the  report,  in 
1864,  says:  ' '  We  can  hope  for  but  little  in  this  department 
at  present,  yet  we  feel  that  by  concert  of  action  much 
might  be  done  which  is  neglected.  If  but  one  denomina- 
tional periodical  could  be  sustained  in  our  part  of  the 
country,  it  would  surely  be  the  means  of  much  good, 
wherefore,  Resolved,  That  this  Association  would 
heartily  welcome  the  re-establishment  of  the  Tennessee 
Baptist.'' 

At  the  meeting  of  1865,  in  the  report,  reference 
is  made  to  the  suspension  of  the  Mississippi  and  Ten  • 
nessee  Baptists;  to  the  inaccessibility  of  the  Baptist 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  233 

Banner  and  Christian  Index,  owing  to  the  want  of  mail 
facilities;  to  the  fact  that  J.  R.  Graves  has  obtained  per- 
mission to  return  to  Tennessee,  and  resume  the  publica- 
tion of  his  paper;  and  hopes  this  paper  may  soon  be  - 
come  a  weekly  visitor. 

The  report,  in  1866,  mentions  the  suspension  of 
publications,  and  lack  of  mail  facilities,  but  notices  the 
resumed  publication  of  some  old,  and  the  establishment 
of  some  new,  papers.  It  urges  the  churches  to  labor  to 
sustain  a  pure  religious  press  as  a  mighty  agency  for 
good.  A  resolution  was  adopted  cordially  recommend- 
ing the  CAnstian  Watchman,  of  Mississippi,  as  a  ster- 
ling meritorious  Baptist  paper.  The  same  paper  was 
represented  at  the  session  of  1867,  bj^  its  editor,  T. 
Whitfield,  and  was  heartily  indorsed,  and  recommended 
as  worthy  of  patronage  by  the  report. 

By  a  resolution,  in  1868,  the  Home  and  Foreign 
Journal  was  recommended.  The  report  urges  that  it  is 
the  duty  of  every  family  to  take  a  religious  newspaper, 
and  calls  attention  to  The  Baptist,  Religious  Herald, 
and  the  Judson  Baptist,  now  in  contemplation,  to  be 
located  at  Tupelo,  Miss.,  as  the  organ  of  the  Baptists 
of  the  State.  Kind  Words  is  also  recommended  as  well 
as  the  doctrinal  tracts  published  by  the  Philadelphia 
Society. 

A  w^ell  written  report  was  presented  at  the  session 
of  1869.  The  distribution  and  reading  of  sound  relig- 
ious literature,  alwaj^s  including  first  the  Holy  Scrip  - 
tures,  is  second  in  importance  only  to  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel.  There  is  an  increasing  interest  in  this  mat  - 
ter  manifested  by  our  people.  It  recommends  The 
Baptist,  which  has  a  Mississippi  department,  edited  by 
J.  T.  Freeman,  under  the  auspices  of  the  State  Conven- 
tion.   An  earnest  recommendation  is  given  to  Kind 


234  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Words,  edited  by  Mrs.  S.  R.  Ford,  at  Memphis,  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Sunday  school  Board  of  the  South- 
ern Baptist  Convention.  Reference  is  inade  to  the  ef- 
forts of  J.  R.  Graves,  in  behalf  of  this  Board,  to  secure 
enough  mone^^  to  publish  a  one -hundred -volume  li- 
brary of  Sundaj'  school  books,  written  by  our  own 
people,  within  the  neighborhood  of  the  contributors, 
and  asks;  "May  not  this  Association  furnish  the 
means,  and  one  such  book?"  Reference  is  made  to  a 
correspondence  between  B.  Griffith,  Philadelphia,  and 
T.  G.  Sellers,  concerning  the  co-operation  of  this  Asso- 
ciation with  the  American  Baptist  Publication  Society, 
in  employing  a  colporteur  within  the  Association.  It 
is  suggested  that  1)ut  little  can  be  done  in  this  direct- 
ion, except  in  the  sale  of  books.  The  circulation  of 
good  books  among  the  colored  people  is  recommended. 

In  1870,  the  report  mentions  the  importance  of 
concentrating  on  some  good  religious  paper,  and  sug- 
gests The  Baptist,  with  a  Mississippi  department,  as 
deserving  this  patronage.  Kind  Words  is  recommend- 
ed for  Sunday  schools,  and  the  Baptist  Teacher  for  Bi- 
ble classes.  The  s^'stem  of  Uniform  lessons  is  also  rec- 
ommended. For  the  promotion  of  foreign  missions,  the 
Home  and  Foreign  Journal  is  recommended  ,and  in  be- 
half of  the  Orphan's  Home,  the  Orphan's  Home  Banner 
is  recommended.  Special  mention  is  also  made  of 
"Gardner  on  Communion."" 

The  report  in  1871,  as  amended,  warmly  reommend- 
ed  the  Mississippi  department  of  The  Baptist,  also  the 
Christian  Repository,  Kind  Words,  Home  and  Foreign 
Journal,  and  Orphans  Home  Banner.  In  1872,  the  re- 
port on  Publications  dwells  exclusively  upon  the  value 
of  the  Bible,  as  the  greatest  and  best  of  all  publications, 
revealing  God"s  dealings  with  man,  and  the  glorious 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  235 

plan  of  salvation,  carn-ing  with  it  divine  power,  which 
compels  men  to  acknowledge  its  power,  and  as  being 
the  great  fountain  of  all  truth.  All  Christians  are 
urged  to  use  all  possible  means  with  all  possible  zeal  in 
carrying  this  lamp  of  life  to  the  benighted  of  earth. 
The  report  on  Periodicals,  again  recommends  the  pa- 
pers mentioned  in  last  year's  report. 

The  report,  in  1873,  says;  "Ever^^  southern  Baptist 
can  certainly  find  among  these  first  class  papers  such 
literature  as  may  be  needful,  and  has  now  become  a  ne- 
cessity among  Baptists."  Of  Kind  Words  it  saj^s;  "We 
feel  it  our  duty  to  urge  with  might  and  main  the  claims 
of  this  valuable  paper  to  all  Sunday  school  organiza  - 
tions,  as  the  very  best  known  to  us  in  this  specialty, 
and  beseech  southern  Baptists  to  concentrate  their 
means  and  energies  on  this  periodical." 

R.  N.  Hall,  superintendent  of  the  Orphan's  Home, 
represented  the  Home  Banner  in  1874,  and  obtained  a 
number  of  subscribers  for  it.  A  report  v^^as  presented, 
urging  "that  our  brethren  exercise  a  diligent  and  pray- 
erful care  as  to  the  character  of  literature  introduced 
iuto  and  read  by  their  families,  and  especially  the  peri  - 
odical  literature.  Let  us  remember  that  the  books 
which  children  read  have  much  to  do  in  forming  their 
character."  The  periodicals,  except  one,  mentioned  in 
the  last  two  reports  are  again  recommended.  Atten- 
tion is  called  to  the  Southern  Baptist  Publication  Soci- 
ety, recenth^  established  in  Memphis.  "This  Society  is 
a  joint -stock  company  of  Baptists,  actively  engaged  in 
publishing  Baptist  books  and  tracts,  and  proposing  to 
issue  a  sound  Baptist  and  religious  literature,  and  to 
keep  on  hand,  and  for  sale,  all  approved  Baptist  books 
usually  sold  in  this  country."  By  w^ay  of  patronizing 
:|.his  Society,  the  printing  of  the  mmutes  of  the  Associa- 


236  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

tion  for  the  years  1874,    1875,   and   1876   was  given 
to  it. 

The  report,  in  1875,  says :  "In  taese  days  when  the 
religious  world  is  adrift  on  the  sea  of  liberalism,  and 
some  of  our  own  loved  denomination,  having  lost  their 
chart  and  compass,  are  in  danger  of  going  down  on 
the  rock  of  open  communion  or  of  being  engulfed  in  the 
yawning  maelstrom  of  the  'Evangelical  Alliance,'  we 
would  point  to  The  Baptist  as  a  moral  light -house, 
whose  bright  rays  refle(?t  the  pure  truth  of  God's  word." 
The  Mississippi  department  is  recommended  to  the 
brethren.  Again  it  is  said  ;  ''Kind  Words''  is  truly  the 
children's  paper.  We  gladly  recommend  it  to  every 
Baptist  Sunday  school.  *  *  *  The  Southern  Baptist 
Publication  Society  made  a  good  exhibit  at  its  last  an  - 
nual  meeting:  its  success  seems  assured.  *  *  *  We 
would  drop  a  tear  over  the  death  of  the  Orphan's  Home 
Banner,  and  mourn  because  it  is  not." 

In  1876,  the  report  urges  that;  "The  dissemination 
of  sound  Baptist  literature  among  our  denomination, 
and  the  world,  is  of  paramount  importance.  The  Bap- 
tist and  Alabama  Baptist  are  recommended.  Refer- 
ence is  made  to  the  discontinuance  of  the  Mississippi  de- 
partment of  the  former  and  to  the  action  of  the  Baptist 
State  Convention  in  regard  to  the  establishment  of  a 
Baptist  State  paper,  which  action  is  heartilj^  indorsed, 
and  all  the  members  of  the  Association  are  urged  to 
work  to  secure  subscribers  to  the  contemplated  paper. 
Such  a  paper  is  needed.  Kind  Words  is  again  recom  - 
mended  for  systematic  arrangement,  sound  doctrine 
and  beauty  of  illustration.  Substantially,  the  same 
publications  were  mentioned  in  the  recommendations 
to  1881. 

The  Association  has  ever  insisted  upon  an  educated 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  237 

ministr\',  and  has  nobly  contributed  its  aid  to  secure 
the  education  of  any  young  ministers  in  need  of  aid 
within  its  own  bounds,  and  elsewhere  within  its  knowl- 
edge. Its  record  in  this  department  constitutes  some 
of  the  brightest  pages  in  its  history. 

In  1843,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  take  in 
charge  the  work  of  raising  money  for  the  education  of 
young  ministers  in  pursuance  of  the  first  of  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  :  "(1)  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Asso- 
ciation, a  fund  should  be  established  for  the  education 
of  our  young  ministering  brethren,  who  desire  more  ed- 
ucation, and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  effect 
this  object.  (2)  That  the  churches  be  requested  to  look 
out  among  themselves  useful  talent  and  encourage  it  by 
kindness  and  opportunity,  for  exhortation  and  for  more 
enlarged  usefulness,  *  *  *  satisfying  themselves  of  the 
doctrinal  views  and  teaching  capacity  of  the  gifts,  call- 
ing in  aid  in  such  cases  from  sister  churches  and  neigh  - 
boring  ministers  for  examination  of  candidates." 

This  committee  presented  their  report  in  1844,  in 
the  form  of  a  resolution;  "That,  in  order  to  bring  our 
churches  into  more  sj^stematic  efforts  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  rising  ministry,  our  ministers  be  requested 
to  preach  a  discourse  annually  upon  the  subject  of  ed- 
ucation and  take  up  a  collection  for  the  purpose."  At 
this  meeting,  a  letter  and  other  documents  upon  the  ed- 
ucation of  young  ministers  were  referred  to  a  committee 
consisting  of  J.  C.  Keeney,  W.  Carey  Crane,  and  T.  G. 
Blewett.  This  committee  was  instructed  to  prepare  a 
system  of  rules  by  which  the  action  of  the  Association, 
in  regard  to  young  ministers,  was  to  be  governed;  but 
presented  no  report  during  this  session,  merely  suggest- 
ing the  following;  "Should  there  be  any  pious  3^oung 
man  of  promising  talent  in  any   of  the  churches,  desir- 


238  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ing  assistance  the  present  year,  that  the  churches  be 
requested  to  raise  funds  to  send  such  person  to  the  fol  - 
lowing  theological  seminaries;  The  Howard,  at  Ma- 
rion, Ala.,  Mercer  Institute  of  Georgia,  or  the  Western 
Theological  Institute  at  Covington,  Ky." 

At  the  same  meeting,  a  committee  was  appointed 
"to  act  in  behalf  of  this  Association  during  this  \'ear, 
as  an  educational  board,  to  examine  the  claims  of  min- 
isterial gifts  and  to  recommend  such  gifts  to  the  favor- 
able notice  of  those  institutions  provided  with  means 
for  their  intellectual  and  spiritual  improvement. 

An  educational  committee,  with  W.  Carej'  Crane  as 
chairman,  in  184-5,  presented  the  following  report ;  "No 
application  has  been  made  to  the  committee  for.  ex  - 
amination  and  recommendation.  They  have  heard  of 
no  young  men  within  the  associational  limits  desirous 
of  entering  upon  a  course  of  preparation  for  the  gospel 
ministr3\  We  deeph^  regret  that  there  are  so  few  who 
feel  that  a  \Yoe  rests  upon  them  if  they  preach  not  the 
gospel  of  the  Son  of  God.  'The  harvest  truly  is  great 
but  the  laborers  are  few.'  Let  us  pray  that  the  Lord 
of  the  harvest  ma}^  send  more  laborers  into  his  vine- 
yard." 

At  the  same  tneeting,  J.  C.  Keeney,  in  behalf  of  the 
committee  to  recommend  a  sj^stem  of  action  on  minis  - 
terial  education,  presented  the  following  report : 

"Whereas,  The  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of 
sinners  are  intimately  connected  with  the  gospel  minis- 
try; v^hereas,  there  are  connected  with  our  churches  in  - 
digent  3'oung  men  of  promising  talents  and  ardent  pie  - 
ty,  therefore,  '^Resolved,  (1)  That  the  churches  bere- 
spectfulh'  requested  to  take  up  a  yearly  collection  to  as- 
sist such  brethren  as  have  in  view  the  gospel  ministry 
in  acquiring  a  more  thorough  education  than  they  are 
able  to  obtain  bv  their  own  individual  efforts 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  239 

"(2)  That  one- third  of  the  eolleclion  taken  up  after 
a  charity  sermon  at  each  annual  meeting  of  this  body, 
be  devoted  to  the  education  of  pious  young  men." 

The  following  were  adopted  at  this  meeting  as  by- 
laws CONCERNING  MINISTERIAL  EDUCATION. 

"1.  That  each  young  man  applying  for  aid  shall  be 
examined  by  a  committee  on  education  to  be  appointed 
by  this  Association. 

**2.  No  3'oung  man  shall  be  received  as  a  benefic- 
iary by  the  committee  unless  he  come  well  recommend  - 
ed  by  his  church,  and  also  give  satisfactory^  evidence  of 
his  having  been  called  of  God  to  the  sacred  office. 

"3.  The  church  by  \vhom  the  beneficiarv"  is  recom- 
mended shall  be  urged  to  defray  part  of  his  expenses. 

"4.  Each  beneficiary^  shall  go  to  such  theological 
seminar\%  and  shall  pursue  such  a  course  of  studies  as 
the  committee  shall  direct. 

"5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  beneficiary^  to  ob- 
tain semi-annually  from  the  professors,  and  forward 
to  the  committee,  a  report  of  his  progress  in  studj^, 
and  of  his  general  conduct. 

"6.  If  any  beneficiary  shall  at  an^^  time  prove  him- 
self unworthy  of  the  ministerial  office,  or  shall  abandon 
his  studies  without  the  approbation  of  the  committee, 
he  shall  be  held  legally  bound  to  refund  w^iatever  the 
committee  may  have  expended  on  him." 

The  committee  in  charge  of  this  work  consisted  of 
W.  Carey  Crane,  S.  McGowen,  W.  Manning,  J.  C.  Kee- 
ney,  and  R.  C.  Burleson.  At  the  same  meeting  it  was; 
'^Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  our  churches  to 
look  for  suitable  gifts  in  their  bodies  and  encourage  the 
same  in  duty.'' 

At  the  meeting  of  184-6,  the  above  committee  re- 
ported that  no   application  had  been  made  to  them, 


240  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

and,  therefore  they  have  had  no  opportunity  of  exercis- 
ing their  duties,  but  by  resolution  one-third  of  the  col- 
lection on  Sundaj'  was  set  apart  for  aiding  j^oung  min- 
isters in  indigent  circumstances.    The  committee  say; 
"Inasmuch  as  there  is  great  demand  for  ministerial  aid 
in  all  this  region,  they  earnestly  recommend  that  the 
churches  seek  out  suitable  gifts,  foster  and  cherish  them, 
and  furnish  such  aid  as  \Yill  bring  these  gifts  into  active 
and  profitable  employment.     Though  not  so  charged, 
they  take  the  liberty  of  recommending  to  their  breth  - 
ren  who  have  not  enjo3''ed  advantages  for  ministerial 
culture,  and  to  others  actively  engaged  in  the  work, 
the  following  books,   embracing  a  course  of  Biblical 
study;  (1)  Christian  Theology" — Fuller's  Works,  Rob- 
ert Hall's  Works,  Hinton  on  the  Prophecies.  (2)  Bibli- 
cal Criticism  and  Interpretation — Carpenter's  Lectures, 
Serle's    Horai    Solitarite.    (3)   Ecclesiastical  History — 
Jones'   Church  History,  Wharej-'s  Sketches  of  Church 
History'  (a  Compend  of  Mosheim),  Hinton's  Historj^  of 
Baptism.    (4)  Homiletics — Doddridge's      Lectures     on 
Preaching,  Campbell  and  Fenelon  on  Eloquence,  (Prof. 
RipW.)    (5)    Practical    Divinity  and   Christian  Ordi- 
nances— Howell  on  Communion,  Carson  on  Baptism, 
Dowling  on  Romanism,  WhatW's  Kingdom  of  Christ 
Delineated,  Booth's  Reign  of  Grace,  Booth  on  Bigotry, 
Reasons  Why  I  am  not  a  Churchman.    (6)   General  Re- 
ligious Literature — Encyclopcedia  of  Religious  Knowl- 
edge, Taylor's  Lives  of  Virginia  Baptist  Ministers,  Mer- 
cer's   Memoirs,     Howell    on    the    Deaconship,   James' 
Church  Member's  Guide.     Our  ministers,  whose  advan- 
tages have  been  limited,  \vould,  by  the  aid  of  humble 
praA'er  and  a  thorough  study  of  these  works,  guided  by 
the  direction  of  God's  word  and   making  that  their 
great  text  book,  become,  with  God's  blessing,  thorough- 
Iv  furnished  for  their  work."' 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  241 

By  resolution  it  was  determined,  "that  the  portion 
of  monies  raised  bj'^  collection  after  the  missionar3'  ser- 
mon on  Sunda}^  which  was  directed  to  be  applied  to 
the  aid  and  support  of  indigent  young  men  preparing 
for  the  ministry"  be  held  by  the  treasurer  subject  to  the 
educational  committee. 

It  was  determined  in  1847,  "that  the  committee  on 
education  act  as  the  agents  of  the  Association"  in  col- 
lecting funds  for  this  object.  The  committee  deplores 
"the  lamentable  fact  that  there  are  so  few  candidates 
for  the  sacred  ministry,"  and  urges  that  "we  need  an 
educated  ministry.  *  *  *  We  ask  that  our  preachers  be 
educated;  but  Aow  educated?  Some,  who  have  not 
enjoyed  classical  advantages,  may  by  the  husbanding 
of  their  time,  improve  their  minds,  even  at  home,  so 
that  audiences  of  whatever  degree  of  improvement, 
may  be  benefitted  by  their  ministrations.  Others,  who 
are  young,  should  be  furnished  w^ith  the  means  of  pur- 
suing a  liberal  course  of  study.  We  earnestlj-  recom- 
mend that  the  churches  seek  out  suitable  gifts,  foster 
and  cherish  them,  and  furnish  such  aid  as  wnll  bring 
these  gifts  into  active  and  profitable  emplo3'ment. 
Having  been  informed  that  the  board  of  the  State  Con- 
vention had  adopted  a  young  brother,  Powell,  now 
stud3ang  at  Mercer  University,  Ga.,  as  its  beneficiary, 
and  desired  aid  in  sustaining  him,  an  order  was  giveni 
to  John  Micou,  the  indefatigable  agent  of  the  Conven- 
tion, for  the  sum  of  $13.50  for  Powell's  support. 
Those  acquanted  w^ith  Powell  are  satisfied  of  his  piety, 
correct  views  of  truth,  and  call  to  the  glorious  work  of 
preaching  the  gospel.  If  we  had  the  means,  we  are  as- 
sured that  candidates  might  be  found  worthy  of  sup- 
port, who,  when  prepared,  would  enter  the  harvest 
field,  and  reap  for  the  glory  of  the  coming  kingdom  of 
Christ.'' 


242  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1848,  the  report  indicates  "that  no  beneficiary 
^'ithin  the  liounds  of  this  Association  has  appHed  for 
aid  during  tlie  past  year ;  l3ut  the  pastor  of  a  Baptist 
church  in  Hinds  count^^  Miss.,  has  made  application 
for  two  3'oung-  brethren,  members  of  said  church,  who 
desire  to  stud^'  for  the  gospel  ministry.  The  board  of 
the  State  Convention  has  recenth'  adopted  one  of  these 
brethren,  W.  B.  Gallman,  as  a  beneficiary,  w'ho  is  now 
at  Mercer  Universitj^  Ga.  One  of  \'Our  committee  is 
acquainted  with  the  young  brother,  and  believes  him 
w^orthy  of  the  patronage  of  the  denomination."  For 
this  object  twenty- -five  dollars  was  raised  and  forward- 
ed to  the  State  Convention. 

The  report  on  education,  in  1850,  states  that  no 
candidate  for  the  ministrv  had  requested  aid  since  the 
last  meeting  of  this  bod}'.  "Brother  Wm.  Gillard  has 
gone  to  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  as  a  licentiate  for  the 
purpose  of  preparing  himself  for  the  ministry.'"  He  did 
not  ask  aid  but  the  report  recommends  aiding  him.  It 
insists  upon  the  education  of  ministers,  and  properly 
defines  education  to  be  a  thorough  discipline  of  the 
mind  by  a  proper  attention  to  such  means  as  lie  in  the 
reach  of  ever}' man.  This  education  is  thus  classified; 
"(1)  A  practicable  knowledge  of  English  Grammar; 
(2)  A  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  Bible  and  its 
meaning,  as  received  among  orthodox  Christians:  (3) 
An  acquaintance  with  the  standard  works  of  our  de- 
nomination, such  as  may  he  designated  b}-  a  commit- 
tee of  ministers  qualified  to  state  what  are  standard 
works."'  It  is  urged  that  this  ought  to  be  required  of 
every  candidate  for  ordination.  "Ever\^  church  may 
license  a  brother  to  preach,  but  the  whole  denomina- 
tion is  affected  b}'  his  ordination :  and  therefore  we  rec- 
ommend more  care  in  examining  candidates,  and  in  or- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  243 

der  to  do  this  the  presbytery  of  examination  should 
have  definite  rules  to  be  gn^iided  b^-  in  so  delicate  and 
responsible  a  task  ;  and  such  presbytery  should  consist 
of  five  experienced  ministers/'  It  is  also  suggested 
that  the  churches  try  candidates  for  at  least  twelve 
months  before  recommending  them  for  ordination. 
Yet  wdiile  thus  cautious  we  should  pra^'for  more  labor- 
ers to  supply  the  great  destitution  \vhich  exists,  and  a 
da^'  of  fasting  and  pra^-er  for  this  object  should  be  ap  - 
pointed,  and  followed  b\'  a  collection  for  the  same. 
Though  there  are  no  candidates  in  our  midst,  such  con- 
tributions should  be  sent  to  the  State  Convention  as  it 
has  three  beneficiaries  now  in  schools.  Earnest  action 
is  urged  upon  the  churches. 

Resolutions  were  passed  in  1852  as  follows;  "1st. 
That  as  men  are  more  important  than  means  in  our 
missionary  operations,  the  Executive  Board  of  our  As  - 
sociation  endeavor  to  find  3'oung  men  of  gifts  and  spir- 
ituality-, who  may  be  placed  at  school  preparatory-  to 
the  ministry ;  and  if  such  can  l3e  procured  that  the^'  en- 
deavor to  raise  the  funds  to  secure  for  them  a  suitable 
education  for  that  hoh-  calling.  2nd.  That  said  Board 
correspond  with  the  State  Educational  Society,  and 
act  as  auxiliary  to  that  body. 

In  1853,  reports  on  education  and  iDcnevolent  oper- 
a.tions,  recommended  action  for  assisting  worthy  but 
indigent  young  men  in  preparing  for  becoming  teach  - 
ers  and  preachers,  since  so  many  men  of  ability  are 
taken  from  the  pulpit  to  become  teachers.  Both  re- 
ports recommend  the  raising  of  a  permanent  fund  of 
five  or  six  thousand  dollars,  and  its  donation  to  Missis- 
sippi College  for  this  pMrpose.  Acting  upon  these  sug- 
gestions, resolutions  were  passed  instructing  the  Edu- 
cational Boanl  to  "endeavor  to  raise  funds  sufficient 


244-  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

to  purchase  ten  or  more  scholarships  in  our  denomina- 
tional College,  at  Clinton,  Hinds  count3'.  Miss.,  to  be 
used  for  the  purpose  of  educating  3'oung  men  for  teach- 
ers and  ministers."'  A  form  of  note  for  this  purpose  is 
given  in  the  minutes. 

An  Educational  Board,  consisting  of  one  member 
from  each  church,  Avith  J.  T.  Freeman  as  chairman, 
was  created  at  this  meeting,  having  in  charge  the  gen  - 
eral  cause  of  education,  but  more  particularh^  that  of 
ministerial  education. 

In  1854,  the  report  on  education  refers  to  the  grow- 
ing interest  on  the  general  subject  religiously.  It  rec- 
ommends the  continuation  of  the  Educational  Board, 
whose  duty  shall  be  the  raising  and  expending  of  funds 
for  the  education  of  pious  but  poor  young  men  for 
teachers  and  ministers.  It  also  urges  all  pastors  to 
preach  at  least  once  each  3'ear  on  the  subject  of  educa- 
tion and  take  up  a  collection  for  this  object.  If  at  any 
time  the  amount  raised  in  the  Association  should  ex- 
ceed the  necessities  within  it  the  over -plus  can  be  paid 
to  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Ministerial  Education  Socie  - 
ty,  to  be  appropriated  by  it  to  this  object.  The  Board 
agreed  to  educate  Edward  R.  Freeman,  a  pious  young 
brother  from  the  Stark ville  church,  who  had  entered 
the  Clinton  College,  and  had  been  licensed  to  preach  by 
the  church  at  that  place.  A  lilseral  brother  presented  a 
scholarship  in  this  College  to  the  Association,  the  bene- 
fit of  which  this  brother  received.  Another  liberal 
brother  advanced  $150  for  him.  The  Board  called  up- 
on the  churches  for  contriljutions  to  aid  in  this  work, 
instructing  its  beneficiar\'  to  remain  at  Clinton. 

InlS55;  '"Resolved,  That  this  Association instract 
its  missionaries  to  co-operate  w4th  the  Educational 
Board,  in  urging  upon  Baptists  within  our  bounds,  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  245 

propriety  of  raising  a  fund  to  aid  in  educating  indi- 
gent young  men,  who  may  desire  to  preach  the  gospel ; 
and  that  said  missionaries  l^e  authorized  to  receive  and 
pay  over  to  the  treasurer  of  this  Association,  alimonies 
received  for  this  object."  The  report  on  benevolent  op- 
erations also  urges  the  same  matter  "as  of  vital  impor- 
tance to  the  denomination."'  Referring  to  such  young 
men,  it  says;  "most,  if  not  all,  of  our  voung  brethren 
^who  are  preparing  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  are  in 
"vvant  of  means  to  enable  them  properly  to  qualify 
themselves  for  this  mighty  v^'ork."  "Some  of  them 
wish  to  go  to  school,  and  others  want  suitable  books 
to  read."  It  recommends  that  a  committee  be  appoin- 
ted "to  ascertain  their  wants,  lay  their  claiins  before 
the  churches,  and  obtain  the  necessary-  aid  for  them,  if 
possible." 

In  1856,  the  report  on  l^enevolent  operations  urges 
the  same  object,  "as  embodying  in  itself  abundant  in- 
terest to  call  forth  the  liberal  contributions  of  every 
Christian."  It  speaks  of  the  great  need  of  ministers  to 
supply  the  places  of  those  who  are  growing  old,  and 
wearing  out,  and  recommends  pra^-er  to  the  Lord  of 
the  harvest  for  laborers,  and  then  a  due  attention  to 
the  aiding  of  these  laborers  as  the\'  are  found.  The 
same  suggestion  is  made  in  reference  to  a  committee  for 
looking  out,  and  assisting  young  men  needing  aid  in 
preparation  for  the  ministry. 

Tie  report,  in  1859,  says:  "There  are  young  men 
in  our  bounds  who  feel  it  their  duty  to  preach,  but  they 
feel  themselves  unqualified  for  the  work.  They  have 
not  thejmeans  to  procure  an  education  sufficient  to  en  - 
able  them  to  preach  acceptabh'  to  the  masses,  and  they 
look  to  us  for  the  requisite  aid.  Shjdl  they  look  in 
vain?  *  *  *  Unless  we  take  some  ac:ion  reports  are  of 
no  avail.'" 


246  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1860,  the  report  urges  that  3^oung  brethren  who 
feel  themselves  called  of  God  to  this  sacred  work  should 
avail  themselves  of  all  the  facilities  within  their  reach, 
and  qualif)^  themselves  as  fulh'  as  possible  for  the  du- 
ties of  this  high  vocation.  Our  churches  also  should 
provide  the  means  necessary  for  such  of  these  young 
brethren  as  are  indigent,  to  enable  them  thus  to  qualify 
themselves  for  this  great  work  of  the  Lord.  In  1861,. 
the  same  reasons  for  this  are  given,  and  the  same  sug- 
gestions to  young  ministers,  and  to  the  churches  are 
made,  as  at  the  last  session.  Those  whom  God  calls 
are  usually  indigent  young  men.  They  nnist  be  aided 
in  their  education  Ijy  the  churches.  Our  State  Ministe- 
rial Education  Society  has  been  doing  a  good  work  for 
several  3'ears,  but  needs  a  much  more  substantial  pat- 
ronage to  enable  it  to  do  all  that  is  necessarv.  "We 
beg  the  churches  to  consider  this  matter,  and  come  up 
at  once  to  'the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty.'  " 
During  the  dark  days  of  1862,  1853,  and  1861-,  any  ac- 
tivity in  the  education  of  ministers  was  impossible,  but 
it  is  said:  "This  Associat  on  should  do  all  she  can 
when  an  opportunity  presents  itself." 

In  1865,  1866,  and  1867,  \he  same  needs,  and  obli- 
gations are  urged.  In  1868,  substantiallv,  the  same 
reasons  alread}'  mentioned  i  1  several  reports  are  urged, 
yet,  as  alread3''  mentioned,  not  holding  that  a/7  must  be 
educated,  and  referring  to  the  l^lessed  results  of  a  zeal- 
ous uneducated  ministry.  The  Association,  at  this 
meeting,  made  L.  S.  Foster,  a  memljer  of  the  Starkville 
church,  its  IjeneficiarA-  by  pledging  $150  for  his  support 
at  the  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Seminary-,  Green- 
ville, S.  C.  At  the  meeting  in  1869,  $100  was  again 
pledged  for  the  support  of  the  same  iDeneiiciary  at  the 
S-minary,  the  former  amount  having  been  thus  applied 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTTSTS.  24T 

A  report  urged  the  importance  of  an  educated  ministry 
upon  the  following  grounds :  ( 1 )  Ministers  occupy  the 
important  position  of  religious  teachers.  (2)  They  are 
expounders  of  the  dodlrines  of  the  Bible.  (3)  They  are 
to  so  apply  the  food  of  the  Bible  to  Christians  that 
they  may  grow  in  grace.  (4)  They  are  the  champions 
of  the  truth  againvSt  error  of  every  form,  and  against 
ignorance,  and  moral  darkness.  (5)  As  the  age  of  mir- 
acles is  past  they  are  to  bring  the  Bil^le  in  contact  with 
the  hearts  of  men.  (6)  They  are  watchmen  to  herald, 
the  approach  of  moral  danger.  The  churches  should 
therefore  renew  their  exertions  for  an  educated  ministry. 
In  1871,  the  report,  urges  the  obligation  resting 
upon  every  minister  to  cultivate  his  mind,  and  refers  to 
two  common  errors  concerning  ministerial  education. 
1st.  That  which  attaches  too  little  importance  to  such 
education.  As  a  means,  it  is  very  important.  The  bur- 
den of  preaching  is  to  persuade  men  to  come  to  Christ. 
Instruction  is  the  basis  of  persuasion,  and  ministers 
must  know  orthey  cannot  teach.  2nd.  That\vhich  at- 
taches too  mtich  importance  to  ministerial  education. 
Education  cannot  make  a  man  a  preacher.  Nor  is  it  an 
essential  among  a  minister's  qualifications.  At  Mis- 
sissippi College,  thirty  young  ministers  were  in  attend- 
ance last  year,  supported  mainly  In-  the  churches.  Res- 
olutions were  passed  ;  ( 1 )  Indorsing,  and  expressing  a 
sympathy  with,  Alississippi  College,  and  the  Southern 
Baptist  Theological  Seminary.  (2)  Pledging  the  Asso- 
ciation to  aid  in  the  support  of  3'oung  ministers  at 
these  institutions.  (3)  Requesting  the  pastors  to  pre- 
sent the  claims  of  Mississippi  College,  and  solicit  aid 
from  their  churches.  (4)  Creating  a  Ministerial  Edu- 
cation Board  of  five  members  to  look  out  and  recom- 
mend young  men  and  to  co-operate  with,  and  be  auxil- 
iary to,  the  vState  Ministerial  Education  Board. 


248  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISES. 

A.  A.  Lomax  was  present  at  this  meeting  as  the  a- 
gent  of  Mississippi  College,  and  presented  its  claims,  se- 
curing, in  cash  and  pledges,  $342  to  aid  the  College  in 
its  present  embarrassed  condition. 

In  1872,  the  report,  by  A.  Blewett,  urges  that  Bap- 
tists should  have  an  educated  ministry  because  the  ad  - 
Yocates  of  error  have  men  of  high  attainments,  and  be  - 
cause  the  meaning  of  God's  word  is  perverted,  and  hu- 
man teaching  substituted.  It  recommends  thecontinu- 
•atioft^  of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Education,  and  that 
%S\lcli  3'oung  men  as  may  give  evidence  of  a  call  to  the 
ministry'  be  ptaced  in  school  at  Mississippi  College, 
"and  the  pastors  of  the  churches  to  which  the3-  belong, 
be  made  the  special  agents  to  secure  money  to  defray 
their  expenses."  Also  "that  such  A'oung  men  as  may 
be  approved,  and  give  evidence  of  being  eminently  use- 
ful, receive  the  benefit  of  a  thorough  theologicid  train- 
ing." 

It  v^'as  recommended  to  the  churches  to  take  the 
case  of  L.  J.  Hilburn,  a  licientiate  of  ^Border  Springs 
church,  under  consideration,  and  endeavor  to  place  him 
in  Mississippi  College,  at  Clinton,  Miss.,  (sometimes 
called  "Clinton  College"  in  these  pages.)  He  was  also 
recommended  to  the  Ministerial  Education  Board  of 
the  State  Convention,  and  a  colletion  was  taken  up  for 
his  benefit,  amountiong  to  thirty  dollars  in  pledges, 
which  were  paid. 

Again,  in  1873,  the  report,  by  J.  W.  Moore,  urges 
the  responsibilit}'  of  the  churches  in  the  matter  of 
preaching  the  gospel  through  their  ministry.  Denomi- 
national existence  depends  upon  the  educating  of  our 
ministers.  "Education  in  these  times,  is  a  necessity, 
and  the  chuerhes  must  meet  it  or  become  imbecile  and 
srrovel  alonsr  in  the  rear  of  advancing  civilization  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  24'9 

cultivation.  Brother  L.  J.  Hilburn,  in  our  bounds,  is 
\vorth\'  of  our  confidence,  and  desires  a  better  educa  - 
tion.  We  urge  a  collection  now  for  his  benefit,  and 
pledges  for  his  future  aid,  and  also  for  the  aid  of  any 
others  so  worthy  and  apt  to  improve  as  he. 

The  Association  recommended  brother  Hilburn  to 
the  Ministerial  Education  Board  of  Alississippi  Col- 
lege, as  entireh'  worthy  of  its  support  and  benefit,  and 
the  Executive  Board  of  the  Association  was  charged 
with  the  duty  of  raising  funds  for  his  benefit. 

The  report  of  1S74,  by  T.  J.  Deupree,  refers  to  Paul's 
declaration,  (1.  Tim.  3:2,)  that  a  bishop  must  be  "apt 
to  teach,'"  and  properh-  insists  that  culture,  for  a  minis- 
ter, is  second  in  importance  to  earnest  piety  only.  At 
Mississippi  College,  $100  will  support  a  young  minis- 
ter one  term,  and  about  the  same  amount  at  the  Semi- 
nary. James  Nelson,  secretar3'  of  the  Ministerial  Edu- 
cation Board,  has  secured  contributions  to  keep  thirty- 
seven  young  minsters  atClinton,  among  whom  is  L.J. 
Hilburn,  from  us,  who  desires  to  continue  his  studies 
there.  L.  S.  Foster,  now  at  the  Seminary,  is  also  in 
need  of  a  loan  of  twenty-five  dollars.  We  urge  pledges 
no\v,  to  be  paid  in  earlv,  to  aid  these  brethren.  Pledg- 
es were  made  amouning  to  $77.50  for  this  purpose. 

•In  1875,  the  report,  mentioned  again,  the  requisi- 
tion that  a  preacher  must  be  "apt  to  teach.'"  Unedu- 
cated ministers  would  have  accomplished  much  more 
had  they  been  educated.  Educated  men  are  needed  to 
meet  every  form  of  error.  The  splendid  work  of  Alis  - 
sissippi  College  and  the  Seminary  in  the  education  of 
ministers  is  mentioned  with  hearty  approval.  But  there 
is  still  a  great  work  to  be  done.  A  collection  was  at 
once  taken  up  for  the  work,  amounting  to  fifty  dollars, 
in  cash,  and  pledges  to  be  paid  January  1st.,  1876.     R. 


250  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

N.  Hall  was  received,  in  1876,  as  a  representative  of  the 
State  Board  of  Ministerial  Education.  A  report  says- 
that  the  minister  is  a  teacher  of  the  most  important, 
things,  and  must  he  educated.  Paul  said  to  Timothy;. 
"Commit  these  things  to  faithful  men,  who  shall  be  a- 
ble  to  teach  others.'"  "He  cannot  teach  who  is  not  ed- 
ucated in  his  profession  above  the  intellectual  standard 
of  those  whom  he  would  teach  "  Reference  is  made  to 
the  excellent  work  of  Alississippi  College,  in  furnishing 
young  ministers  a  classical  education,,  and  of  the  Semi- 
nary, in  furnishing  theological  training.  This  "school 
of  the  prophets"  turns  no  one  away.  Its  schools  meet 
the  wants  of  all  grades  of  scholarship.  Dr.  J.  P.  Bo^^ce 
has  raised,  for  the  endowment  of  the  Seminary,  from 
Kentucky  Baptists,  $300,000,  and  it  rests  with  other 
states  to  raise  $200,000,  each  state  to  raise  only 
$30,000.  If  the  states  complete  their  quota  of  the  en- 
dowment, the  Seminary  will  be  moved  to  Louisville, 
K\%,  and  liccomethe  finest  institution  of  the  kind  in  the 
United  States.  Contributions  for  the  Ministerial  Edu- 
cation Board  at  Clinton,  Miss.,  were  paid  over  to  R.  N. 
Hall.  Good  reports  in  the  following  years,  to  1881, 
urge  practically  the  same  considerations.  The  records 
of  the  Association  indicate  that  it  has  felt  a  warm  in- 
terest in  the  mental  elevation  of  the  masses.  Every  de- 
nominational enterprise  for  Higher  Education  espccialh^ 
has  ahva\'s  received  a  hearty  support  from  its  mem- 
berrs,  although  the  education  of  young  ministers  may 
have  received  a  gi'eater  degree  of  attention  from  the 
the  bod^'  than  any  other  educational  enterprise. 

In  1848;  ^^Resolved,  That  this  Association  recom- 
mend to  the  Baptist  denomination  in  particular,  and 
the  friends  of  education  in  general,  the  Lowndes  Acade- 
my', near  Daih-'s  Cross  Roads,  Lowndes  county,  Aliss.,. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  251 

the  property,  and  under  the  superintendence,  of  Peter 
Crawford,  A.  M." 

In  1851,  the  attention  of  the  body  was  called   to 
the  establishment  of  a  Female   College  at   Pontotoc, 
Miss.,  under  the  patronageof  the  Chickasaw,  Aberdeen, 
and    Columbus    Associations.    Upon   the  report   of  a 
special  committee  on  the  subject,  J.  R.  Davis,  the  agent 
of  the  enterprise,  gave  ''a  lucid  explanation  of  the  es- 
tabhshment,   and  objects  of  this  institution   of  learn-^ 
ing.'"    The  report  recommends  ;     "1 .  That  this  Associ  - 
ation  regard  with  deep  interest  this  important  enter  - 
prise,  *  *  *  and  cordially  recommend  said  Female  Col- 
lege to  the  liberal  support  and   patronage   of  all   our 
churches    and    the    community    generally    within   our 
bounds.     2.  That  this  Association  will,  by  re(iuest,  ap- 
point ten  Trustees  of  the  College,  who,  with  an  equcil 
number  from  each  of  the  above  Associations,  shall  con- 
stitute a  Board  for  the  management  of  the  same.     3. 
That  w^e  fully  approve  and  recommend  the  establish- 
ment of  scholarships  in  said  institution,  on  the  plan  pro- 
posed by  the  trustees."    The  ten  trustees  elected  for 
this  College,  were:  J.  T.Russell,  J.  T. Freeman, N.  Sans- 
ing,  and  T.  G.  Blewett,  O.  Canfield,  J.  T.  Owens,  Wm. 
R.  Smith,  James  Jones,  John  M.    Morgan,   and   E.   B. 
Hoskins ;  who  had  power  to  fill  vacancies  in  their  num- 
ber.    This  College  w^as  established  and  called  the  Mary 
Washington  Female  College,  and   H.    H.   Tucker  was 
present  in  1852,  as  its  agent  and  presented  its  claims 
before  the  body.     At  the  same  meeting,  W.  M.  Farrar 
w^as  present  as  the  agent  of  the  College  recently  estab- 
Hshed  by  the  Baptists  of  the  State,  at  Clintcm,  Miss., 
and  presented  its  claims. 

The  report  notices  the  increased  attention  of  Bap- 
tists to  education,  and  the  importance  of  supportmg 


252  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Baptist  institutions  in  preference  to  all  others.  It  saysj 
"We  are  pleased  to  state  that  our  State  Convention 
has  now  in  operation  a  Male  College  at  Clinton,  Hinds 
county,  with  a  Theological  Department.  Our  own 
body,  in  connection  with  three  sister  Associations,  has 
succeeded  in  coniinencing  a  Female  College  at  Pontotoc, 
under  the  supervision  of  our  esteemed  and  beloved 
brother,  H.  H.  Tucker.  But  these  institutions  are  in 
their  infanc3',  and  need  our  fostering  care,  our  contribu- 
tions and  our  pra^-ers.'"  Resolutions  were  passed  hear- 
tih^  indorsing  and  recommending  these  institutions, 
and  urging  their  claims  for  patronage.  Dr  Hampton 
was  present  as  the  agent  of  Mary  Washington  College 
and  addressed  the  body  in  its  Ijehalf,  and  T.  G.  Blewett 
represented  Clinton  College,  at  the  session  of  1S53. 

E.  B.  Eakin,  inlSoS,  represented  the  M.  W.  Female 
College.  Its  claims  were  also  advocated  by  X.  Sansing, 
S.  S.  Lattimore  and  W.  M.  Farrar.  after  which  sixty 
dollars  was  raised  to  liquidate  its  debts.  E.  C.  Eager 
was  present  in  behalf  of  Clinton  College,  and  earnestly 
advocated  its  claims.  Resolutions  were  passed,  and 
supplemented  by  material  aid,  expressing  sympathy, 
for,  and  pledging  aid  to  these  institutions.  A  preamble 
and  resolution  refers  to  the  prosperity  of  Clinton  Col- 
lege, and  pledges  patronage  to  it. 

In  1857,  the  report  notes  the  continued  improve- 
ment in  Baptist  institutions  of  learning,  male  and  fe- 
male, but  calls  special  attention  to  the  condition,  pro- 
gress and  wants  of  Mississippi  College.  Its  condition 
is  health}-;  its  officers  have  the  confidence  of  all;  and  its 
endowment  has  been  largely  increased.  For  building, 
$50,000  is  needed,  and  for  endowment,  $30,000  more. 
This  body  should  extend  its  hearty  aid. 

No  agent  for  the  College  was  present  in  1858,  but 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  253 

an  earnest  report  was  presented^  from  which  some 
words  are  extra(5led  :  "The  religion  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  is  the  religion  of  light,  and  knowledge,  and  un- 
der the  hallowed  influence  of  the  gospel,  the  human 
mind  will  reach  the  highest  point  of  developement, 
*  *  *  It  is  the  duty  of  the  churches  to  foster  every  effort 
to  expand  the  mind,  and  enlarge  the  heart,  also  to 
open  ever3'  avenue  to  knowledge  which  may  lie  within 
the  province  of  church  legislation.  To  this  end  we 
would  urge  the  necessity  of  sustaining,  bj^  patronage, 
and  money,  the  institutions  of  learning  under  the  super- 
vision of  our  denomination.  *  *  *  We  believe  we  have 
in  charge  the  true  principles  of  the  gospel,  and  therefore^ 
under  the  guidance  of  these  higher  truths,  we  are  emi- 
nenth^  qualified  to  direct  them  (the  3^oung)  in  the  ac- 
quisition of  all  substantial  truths."  Clinton  College  is 
heartily  indorsed,  and  recommended  again. 

In  1860,  a  resolution  of  commendation  of  Mississ- 
ippi College  was  passed.  In  1868,  J.B.  Hamberlin,  and 
W.  E.  Chambliss  were  present,  the  former  representing 
a  Female  College  at  Meridian,  and  the  latter  a  similar 
institution  at  Aberdeen.  A  special  hour  was  appointed 
for  them  to  present  the  claims  of  their  respective  Col  - 
leges,  and  a  report  was  adopted  strongly  recommend- 
ing both  "as  worthy  of  the  patronage  of  the  denomi- 
nation.'' 

In  1870,  a  resolution  was  adopted:  "That  we 
cordially  recommend  our  denominational  institution, 
Mississippi  College,  located  at  Clinton,  to  the  patron  - 
age  and  support  of  the  Baptists  of  this  Association,  and 
to  the  friends  of  education  generall3^"  The  report  on 
Education  notes  the  tendencj^  of  the  age  towards  a 
higher  standard  of  scholarship,  creating  a  demand  for 
institutions  of  a  higher  order.     Will  Baptists  meet  this 


:254  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

demand?  All  feel  the  need  of  education:  who  will  take 
charg^e  of  its  interests?  The  West  Point  Baptist  chnrch 
is  endeavoring  to  establish  a  first-class  Female  Semi- 
nary.  Its  location  is  advantageous,  and  the  follow- 
ing resolution  of  the  body  indorses  it :  "That  we  hearti- 
ly approve  the  action  of  the  West  Point  church  in 
their  efforts  to  build  a  Baptist  Female  Seminary  at 
that  place,  and  we  recommend  the  same  to  the  favour- 
able consideration  and  patronage  of  the  Baptists  in 
ourbounds."" 

M.  T.  Aiartin  was  present  as  agent  for  Missis- 
sippi College  in  1872.  From  the  report,  it  appears 
that  the  College  is  free  of  debt;  that  it  needs  a  perma- 
nent endowment;  that  the  Trustees,  at  the  instance  of 
the  State  Convention,  ask  for  $100,000,  in  the  raising 
of  which  the  members  are  urged  to  aid;  and  that  Ar- 
kansas and  Louisana  Baptists  are  expected  to  aid  in 
this.  At  this  meeting,  pledges  were  secured  for  this  ob- 
ject, amounting  to  $2,850,  for  which  endowment  notes 
w^ere  given. 

M.  T.  Martin  was  present  £(g£un  in  1873,  for  the 
College.  The  report  mentions  the  election  of  W.  S. 
W^ebb  to  the  presidency  of  the  College,  the  change  of 
the  old  curriculum  to  a  system  of  six  schools,  affording 
an  opportunity  for  graduation  and  diploma  in  each.  It 
states  that  $37,000  of  the  endowment  has  been  secured. 

W.  S.  Webb  was  present  in  1874,  as  the  representa- 
tive of  this  Institution,  and  a  concise  and  comprehensive 
report,  b}- J.  H.  Cason,  contains  the  following:  "Of  our 
College,  we  think  Ave  maj^  truthfully  affirm  the  follow- 
ing: (1)  Its  present  prospects  are  exceedingly  flatter- 
ing. (2)  It  is  manned  by  an  efficient  Faculty.  (3)  It 
is  doing  a  grand  and  noble  work.  (4)  It  should  there- 
fore have  the  heart}-  and  united  support  of  the  denomi- 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  2o5 

nation  throughout  the  State.  (5)  Its  endowment  should 
be  speedily  completed.  We  most  heartih'  commend 
it  to  the  prayers,  patronage  and  benefactions  of  the 
people." 

In  1875,  a  centennial  movement  was  inaugurated 
by  the  Baptists  of  the  State  to  celebrate  a  centennary 
of  religious  liberty  in  connection  with  the  National  Cen- 
tennial next  A'car,  by  endeavoring  to  secure  one  dollar 
from  every  Baptist  for  the  endowment  of  Mississippi 
College  and  for  the  Seminary.  This  movement  was 
brought  before  the  Association  hy  the  report  of  a  spe- 
cial committee,  and  was  represented  by  W.  S.  Webb  and 
J.  W.  Sanford,  who  secured  ninety -six  dollars  for  the 
College. 

At  themeeting  of  1876  :  ''Resolved,  That  this  body 
iiakes  great  pleasure  in  recoinmending  the  Stark  ville  Fe- 
male Institute  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  the 
members  thereof,  'and  the  country  at  large,  as  well 
v-vorth^'  of  general  patronage." 

The  reports  on  the  College  for  1876  and  1877,  state 
the  same  facts,  sul)stantialh',  which  have  already  been 
mentioned,  both  indicating  heart3'  interest  in  the  for- 
tunes of  the  College;  and  the  same  is  again  forcibly  set 
forth  in  1878. 

Its  claims  are  urged,  in  1879,  b^-  R.  N.  Hall,  upon 
three  considerations:  (1)  The  high  moral  tone  and 
efficiency  of  the  Faculty.  (2)  The  moral  inffiience  of  the 
College.  (3)  It  is  our  College,  established  b^'our  tears, 
sacrifices,  and  prayers.  Resolutions  were  passed;  ten- 
dering sympathy  to  the  Professors,  appealing  to  all  in  - 
debted  to  the  College  to  pay  such  indebtedness,  and 
pledging  all  possible  aid  in  advancing  the  interests  of 
the  College. 

George  Wharton  was  present  in  1880,  also  the  pre  - 


256  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

vious  3'ear,  as  the  representative  of  the  College,  and  the 
report  which  was  presented  said:  "In  the  ardent 
quest  for  mental  development  which  signalizes  the  age, 
there  is  much  danger  of  depreciating  the  intimate  asso- 
ciation between  mind  and  soul.  As  the  soul  is  the  stand- 
ard of  the  man,  we  hold  that  the  process  of  education 
which  conduces  most  to  its  highest  interest,  while  at  the 
same  time  developing  the  faculties  of  the  mind  is  to  be 
preferred."'  This  is  made  the  basis  of  an  appeal  for 
the  College,  and  the  same  resolutions  were  passed  as  at 
the  last  3'ear. 

Throughout  the  records  of  the  Association,  there 
are  expressions  of  an  unqualified  advocacy  of  "temper  - 
ance  in  all  things,"  and  especially  in  the  use  of  intoxi- 
cating drinks. 

The  sentiment  of  the  Association  found  expression 
in  1845,  in  a  report  by  S.  McGowen,  in  which  occur 
these  words ;  "No  subject  is  more  immediately  connect- 
ed with  our  present  and  eternal  welfare  than  that  of 
temperance,  consequently  no  other  subject  calls  more 
loudh'  for  our  best  energies.  *  *  *  Temperance  Socie- 
ties are  doing  a  great  work  in  our  own  land  and  in  Eu- 
rope. *  *  *  Looking  upon  their  trophies,  none  but  a 
Stoic  could  withhold  tears  of  gratitude  to  God,  that 
He  ever  inspired  so  great  and  blessed  a  work.  *  *  *  We 
recommend  that  at  least  one  sermon  in  every  year 
should  be  preached  to  each  church  on  this  subject." 

The  bod^',  deprecating  the  use  of  spiritous  liquors, 
as  a  beverage,  adopted  resolutions  in  1848,  earnestly 
urging  the  churches  to  make  every  proper  effort  to  dis- 
courage and  banish  this  evil  froin  the  land,  and  to  en- 
courage temperance  efforts  to  this  end. 

The  expression  of  the  bod3',  in  1851,  vigorously  in- 
sists that  churches  are  the  great  efficient  power  in  ac  - 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  257 

complisliing  permanent  results  in  temperance,  and  min- 
isters should  cry'  aloud  and  spare  not,  reasoning,  as  did 
Paul,  of  "temperance,  righteousness,  and  a  judgment 
to  come."'  The  sentiment  of  the  bodj'-,  as  repeatedly 
expressed,  is  always  that  total  abstinence  from  intoxi- 
cating drinks  is  a  solemn  religious  duty,  and  that  while 
churches  are  the  efficient  power,  societies  may  accom  - 
plish  much  good.  Resolutions  in  1852,  recommend  the 
encouragement  of  these  societies,  and  urge  the  impera- 
tive duty  of  every  Christian  to  cultivate  temperate 
habits.  Almost  every  possible  feature  of  the  temper- 
ance question  is  presented  in  the  expressions  of  the  bod^^ 
from  time  to  time.  The  detrimental  effects  of  strong 
drink  upon  the  usefulness,  health,  and  happiness  of  men, 
the  insufficiency  of  moral  suasion  to  remove  the  evils  of 
intemperance,  the  utter  w^ickedness  of  the  rum -seller  in 
disregarding  all  the  teachings  of  morality  and  religion, 
and  all  the  misery  he  causes  in  pursuing  his  nefarious 
calling,  and  the  propriety  of  stringent  legal  enactments 
to  prevent  this  traffic,  are  all  brought  out  in  the  re- 
ports of  1854,  and  1855. 

An  elaborate  report,  in  1856,  notices  that  intoxica- 
ting drinks  are  made  more  poisonous  every  j^ear,  that 
intemperance  is  making  rapid  progress,  that  to  check  it 
children  must  be  taught  to  shun  it,  and  young  ladies 
must  use  their  influence  against  it,  that  the  object  of 
temperance  societies  should  be  preventive,  and  that  the 
Christian  standard  should  be  raised  so  high  that  in 
joining  a  church,  every  one  should  be  made  to  under- 
stand that  he  is  joining  the  ver3^  highest  temperance 
society. 

That  the  remedy  for  intemperance  is  the  arousing 
of  public  sentiment  against  dram -drinking,  is  the 
thought  urged  by  the  report  of  1857,  while  the  strict- 


258  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

est  discipline  in  the  churches  is  necessary  to  free  them 
from  the  curse. 

The  hope  is  expressed,  in  the  report  of  1858,  that 
churches  and  ministers  will  do  all  in  their  power  to 
stay  the  evil  of  intemperance ;  while,  in  the  next  annual 
report,  the  fear  is  entertained  that  modern  improve- 
ments, such  as  railroads,  etc.,  increase  intemperance, 
and  that  there  is  a  relaxation  of  effort  on  the  part  of 
the  advocates  of  temperance,  while  there  should  he  in- 
creased effort  ever3'wliere,  the  churches  being  the  only 
great  efficient  power. 

The  report  of  1860,  contains  these  earnest  words : 
"Intemperance  is  exceedingly  demoralizing,  debasing 
the  soul,  brutalizing  the  disposition  of  man,  filling  him 
with  the  spirit  of  a  demon,  and  almost  precluding  the 
possibilit\'  of  his  salvation.  *  *  *  It  has  filled  our  land 
with  widows  and  orphans,  has  filled  graves  with  the 
ruined  sons  of  our  citizens,  and  sent  gra3'- haired  fath- 
ers and  broken  -  hearted  mothers  down  to  the  grave  in 
sorrow.  *  *  *  Who  is  not  willing  to  lend  his  influence 
to  *  *  *  stay  the  destructive  tide  of  intemperance 
w^hich  is  spreading  dark  and  deep  over  the  land  ?"" 

A  report,  in  1861,  again  mentions  the  fact  that  all 
power  to  suppress  this  mightA'  evil  must  emanate  from 
the  churches  which  are  "the  salt  of  the  earth",  and 
"the  light  of  the  world,"  The  body  passed  resolutions, 
expressing,  strong  dissaproval  of  the  traffic  in  ardent 
spirits,  the  exceedingl3'^  injurious  influence  of  dram- 
drinking,  and  drunkenness  upon  the  cause  of  Christ, 
the  dut3'  of  churches  to  exercise  strict  discipline  in  this 
matter,  and  requesting  the  churches  to  inform  the  As- 
sociation of  the  state  of  temperance  among  their 
members. 

Some  of  the  same  suggestions  are  made  again  in  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  259 

action  of  1864,  and,  in  addition,  the  report  refers  to 
the  action  of  the  Legislature,  in  breaking  up  the  distil  - 
leries  in  the  State,  and  prohibiting  the  importation  of 
ardent  spirits. 

Temperance  is  urged  from  the  example  of  Christ,  in 
the  next  annual  report,  which  example  should  stimu  - 
late  and  dwell  like  a  mighty  principle  in  the  heart :  and 
insists  upon  the  teaching  of  God's  word  as  to  "temper- 
ance in  all  things,"  and  realh'  eloquenth'  pictures  the 
debasing  influence  of  intemperance  upon  the  moral,  in  - 
tellectual,  and  physical  man,  earnesth'  urging  that  pe- 
culiar obligations  rest  upon  Baptists  to  exemplify  the 
pure  doctrines  of  temperance,  and  cease  to  be  proverb  - 
ial  for  their  drunkenness.  This  report,  in  1867,  is  an 
excellent  literary  specimen. 

Substantially  the  same  line  of  thought  is  pursued 
in  the  report  of  1868.  The  churches  are  again  properly 
urged  to  firm  and  rigid  discipline  that  they  maA'  thus, 
in  this  matter,  place  a  mark  upon  the  crime,  and  let 
the  world  see  that  morality  and  religion  are  in- 
separable. 

Through  its  committee  in  1869,  the  Association  de- 
clares:  "We  are  strong  advocates  of  temperance,  since 
the  Scriptures  teach  it,  common  sense  approves  it,  and 
self-interest  ckmands  it." 

The  feeling  of  the  body  found  expression,  in  1870, 
in  the  following:  '^Resolved,  That  we,  as  a  bod^-  of 
professing  Christians,  do  hereby-  pledge  ourselves  to  use 
our  influence  for  the  suppression  of  the  vice  of  intemper- 
ance," and  the  report  of  1871,  sa^^s :  "We  conceive  in- 
temperance to  be  the  greatest  evil  with  which  we  have 
to  contend,  and  we  recommend  that  all  churches  hav- 
ing members  who  indrlge  in  the  immoderate  use  of  ar- 
dent spirits  deal  with  them  as  the  New  Testament 
requires." 


260  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  increasing  magnitude  of  intemperance,  its  ex- 
tent among  Baptists,  and  the  general  HabiHty  to  abuse 
the  appetites  which  God  has  given  us  for  beneficient 
purposes,  as  well  as  the  dut3^  of  churches  to  frown  up- 
on the  use  ot  ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage,  is  the  tenor 
of  the  report  of  1872  ;  and  the  next  annual  expression 
insists  again  that  the  frown  of  the  denomination  should 
be  against  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  beverage, 
and  that  discipline  is  needed  in  the  matter.  In  1874 : 
'^Resolved,  That  this  Association  recommend  a  more 
vigorous  discipline  in  the  matter  of  intemperance  in  the 
use  of  intoxicating  liquors  on  the  part  of  any  church  to 
whom  this  resolution  ma\'  apph'."  A  special  hour  was 
set  apart  for  the  consideration  of  the  subject,  and  the 
discussion  elicited  much  interest. 

At  the  meeting  of  1875,  the  .\ssociation,  by  resolu- 
tion, ceased  to  consider  the  subject  of  temperance,  not 
therebA^  indicating  its  unimportance,  or  an^-  abatement 
of  interest,  but  simply  referring  the  ^vllole  matter  to 
the  churches  exclusiveh'  for  their  consideration  and 
management,  where,  of  course,  all  real  action  must  be- 
gin and  end. 

Realizing,  from  its  earliest  days,  the  importance  of 
S^'stem  in  its  Benevolent  Operations,  this  body,  as  ear- 
ly as  1844,  passed  the  following:  *^ Resolved,  That  the 
Association  recommend  to  her  ministers  to  teach  and 
explain  to  their  churches  the  command  as  given  in  the 
Bible  for  the  management  of  our  pecuniary  matters  and 
the  evils  resulting  from  a  departure  therefrom."' 

A  report  on  Benevolent  Operations,  in  1846,  after 
mentioning  that  God  has  opened  a  way  to  almost  every 
part  of  the  world,  the  degradation  of  the  heathen,  the 
destitution  in  the  United  States  and  among  the  In- 
dians, the  needs  ofA'oung  ministers  who  desire  educa- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  261 

tion,  and  God's  command  to  "preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature,"'  gives  the  following  s^'stem  for  meeting 
the  requirements  of  this  command:  "Let  each  pastor 
prepare  a  book  to  take  down  the  sums  given  by  the  dif- 
ferent members  of  his  charge.  Let  him  at  least  once  a 
year,  present  the  different  claims  which  God  has  on  His 
people,  so  that  each  one  may  have  an  opportunitv  of 
giving  as  the  Lord  has  prospered  him,  to  either  or  all  of 
the  benevolent  operations  of  the  day;  and  collect  and 
bring  up  said  sums  to  the  Association  annuallv."  The 
next  annual  expression  mentions  the  stronger  hold  up- 
on the  hearts  of  Christians  which  the  different  benevo- 
lent objects  now  have,  but  that  very  little  has  been 
done  compared  with  what  is  yet  to  be  done.  "God 
works  loy  means.  We  want  action,  systematic  action, 
united,  persevering,  untiring  action,  in  the  great  work 
of  evangelizing  the  world.  *  *  *  We  would  advise  a  due 
degree  of  Christian  action  for  all  benevolent  objects  and 
especially  that  we  be  mindful  of  the  great  destitution  of 
the  word  of  life  in  our  own  and  sister  states.'' 

1849,  it  is  said  :  "We  consider  thechurhes  of  Christ 
a  great  benevolent  society,  andever3'  child  of  God,  from 
the  relations  he  sustains  to  Him  and  His  creatures,  is 
under  high  obligations  to"  work  for  God  as  He  has  so 
abundanth'  blessed  many  of  our  churches  with  wealth. 
"For  lack  of  combined  systematic  action,  very  little  has 
been  accomplished  and  that  bj-  a  few  liberal  brethren." 
By  resolutions,  pastors  were  requested  to  present  the 
claims  of  all  the  various  gospel  enterprises,  and  secure 
contributions  for  the  same,  and  churches  requested  to 
co-operate  in  the  same. 

The  churches  were  reciuested  in  1849,  to  report  an- 
nualh'  to  the  Association  all  contributions  made 
through  the  year  to  all  objects,  and  the  same  requtes 


262  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

was  repeated  next  year  when  the  report  on  benevolent 
op  erations  was  presented.  This  deplores  the  lukewarm- 
ness  of  Christians  in  the  benevolence  which  the  gospel 
i  nspires,  and  attributes  the  same  to  indifference  and  a 
lack  of  a  systematic  plan  by  ^vhich  all  members  should 
be  led  to  feel  the  claims  of  religious  benevolence  upon 
them.  Resolutions  urged  the  churches  (1)  to  supply 
themselves  with  preaching  one -half  or  three -fourths  of 
the  time  if  possible,  (2)  adopt  some  systematic  plan  of 
giving  and  endeavor  to  secure  the  co-operation  of  every 
member  without  exception. 

The  plan  suggested  in  1853,  as  the  most  effectual  is, 
that  pastors,  in  special  discourses,  annualh'  present  all 
the  various  claims  of  the  gospel  upon  the  benevolence 
of  Christians,  and  show  what  a  large  amount  would 
flow  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  and  ho\v  much 
would  be  saved  from  agent's  salaries,  if  all  would  give 
only  a  few  dimes  thus  and  send  it  up  annually. 

The  Association  recommended,  in  1856,  that  each 
deacon  supph'  himself  with  a  book  having  a  column  for 
each  object  patronized  by  the  bod^-,  and  an  effort  be 
made  to  secure  something  for  each  object  from  each 
memljcr  to  be  sent  up  to  the  Association,  viz :  Name  of 
contributor,  church  expenses,  pastor's  salary',  Domestic 
missions.  Foreign  missions,  and  Bible  cause. 

In  1858;  '^Resolved,  That  the  ministers  of  the  As- 
sociation be  requested  to  preach  a  missionary  sermon 
in  their  respective  churches,  and  take  up  a  collection  dur- 
ing the  next  3'ear,""  and  in  1861:  "That  the  form  of  let- 
ters be  so  amended  as  to  embrace  the  amounts  con- 
tributed for  the  various  benevolent  objects,  and  the  a- 
mount  paid  by  churches  to  their  pastors.'' 

The  imperative  necessitj^  for  prudence  and  S3'stem 
in  giving,  arising  from   the  changed   circumstances   of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  263 

our  people,  is  urged  in  the  report  of  1869.  The  Scrip- 
tural command  is  presented:  "Upon  the  first  da}^  of 
the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  vStoreas  God 
has  prospered  him  f  1  Cor.  16:2.  The  body  says: 
"This  Association  recommends  all  the  churches  com- 
posing it  to  make  not  less  than  four  contributions  dur- 
ing the  year;  for  missions,  especially  domCvStic;  for  edu- 
cation, particularly  ministerial; for  publications,  includ- 
ing the  distribution  of  the  Bible  and  religious  l3ooks;for 
Sunday  schools.  These  contributions  should  be  made 
by  public  collection  quarterly,  after  previous  public  no- 
tice of  the  object  of  the  collection;"'  and  be  appropria- 
ted through  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  Great 
success  has  attended  system  in  other  denominations, 
and  the  same  would  be  the  result  if  we  could  systema- 
tize. At  twent-five  cents  per  meml^er  quarterly,  $200 
could  he  raised  in  the  Association. 

The  futility  of  plans  without  action  is  compared,  in 
the  report  of  1870,  to  a  perfect  engine,  with  wood  and 
water  all  in  place,  but  engineer  too  lazy  to  kindle  the 
fire.  The  great  need  is  for  zealous  workers.  "One 
great  systematizer,  is  to  live  near  God  and  in  the  dis- 
charge of  all  our  Christian  duties,  and  our  benevolence 
Avill  flow  out  smoothly  and  systematically,  and  we  will 
always  find  our  treasury  full." 

In  the  next  annual  report,  it  is  said  :  "System  is  the 
order  of  nature,  and  of  God.  It  is  as  essential  in  God's 
spiritual  kingdom  as  in  His  physical  and  moral  govern- 
ment. The  want  of  it  brings  chaos  and  ruin  in  every 
undertaking,  human  or  divine."  It  is  a  New  Testa- 
ment law,  and,  .disregarding  it,  we  cannot  expect  the 
blessing  of  Christ.  The  law  respecting  benevolent  con- 
tributions is  as  plain  and  emphatic  as  the  law  of  repent- 
ance or  baptism.     The  time  is  specified;  "upon  the  first 


264  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

day  of  the  week.'"  It  embraces  all;  ''let  ever^-  one  of 
you."'  The  limit  of  the  law  is  fixed:  "as  God  hath  pros- 
pered him."  The  law  is  eternally  loinding.  But  there 
inust  be  s\'stem  throughout.  There  must  be  some  plan 
adopted  and  carried  out.  What  that  plan  shall  be,  is 
left  to  the  wisdom  of  the  churches. 

The  same  divine  law  of  giving  is  again  enforced  in 
the  reports  of  1872  and  1873,  the  former  insisting  upon 
the  dutA'  of  ministers  to  teach  their  churches  on  the 
subject,  and  the  latter  urging  the  individual  and  uni- 
versalh'  applicable  obligation  growing  out  of  the  law 
and  earnesth'  recommending  everA'  one  to  pra^'erl'ul 
consideration  and  action. 

The  Scriptural  dut^'  of  all  Christians  to  give  for  the 
support  of  the  gospel,  and  of  pastors  to  enforce  the  law 
of  giving  already  mentioned,  and  a  suggestion  that  the 
Association  adopt  this  plan,  is  the  substance  of  the  re- 
port of  1874. 

A  very  practical  report,  the  next  \-ear,  deplores  the 
failure  of  so  many  professing  Christians  to  contribute 
anything  to  the  work  of  the  Lord,  while  they  are  under 
the  highest  obligations  to  do  so,  and  "the  Loi'd  loveth 
a  cheerful  giver,''  and  "the  lilDcral  soul  shall  be  made 
fat."  A  resolution  earnestly  recommends  each  church, 
along  with  the  pastor's  salary,  to  raise  a  special  a- 
mount  for  State,  Domestic,  and  Foreign  missions,  and 
ministerial  education,  in  this  proportion :  for  every 
$100  on  pastor's  salary,  let  ten  dollars  each  be  given 
for  church  expenses,  and  poor  of  the  church,  and  five 
dollars  each  for  State,  Foreign,  and  Domestic  missions, 
let  all  these  sums  be  applied  through,  or  reported  to  the 
Association,  and  be  published  in  the  minutes. 

The  next  yearh-  report  merely  urges  action  in  pur- 
suance of  previous  recommendations,  and  in  1877,  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  265 

New  Testament  rule  is  again  urged  in  the  report,  and 
each  church  is  exhorted  to  adopt  some  plan  for  oloeying 
it,  while  pastors  are  requested  to  place  the  matter  be- 
fore their  people,  and  have  a  committee  to  plan,  and  ex- 
ecute their  plan  of  finances,  endeavoring  to  collect  some- 
thing for  the  various  religious  enterprises  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. The  propriety-  of  forming  societies  is  also  sug- 
gested as  a  means  of  fostering  a  benevolent  spirit. 

"We  regard  benevolence  as  a  part  of  our  holy  relig- 
ion," says  the  next  annual  report.  "The  principle  is 
manifested  to  us  in  the  gift  of  the  Son  of  God  to  die  for 
our  sins,  who  wiis  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  He  became 
poor  that  we  through  His  poverty- might  be  made  rich."' 
The  precept,  and  example  of  the  early  churches  teach  us 
a  forcible  lesson  of  benevolence,  and  the  divine  plan  is 
explicit.  As  God  giveth,  so  He  rec[uireth.  This  plan  of 
the  Apostle  is  again  vigorously  presented,  and  the  duty 
of  frequently  teaching  it  is  urged  upon  pastors. 

"Christianity  is  systematic  benevolence,'"  says  the 
report  of  1880.  "Too  much  of  the  energy  of  Christians 
is  wasted  for  lack  of  system."  This  plan  is  suggested  : 
"The  deacons,  with  assistance  from  the  church,  should 
estimate  the  amounts  needed  for  ]3astor's  salarv,  i^un- 
daj^  school,  house  of  worship,  and  poor  of  the  church. 
They  should  also  estimate  the  income  of  ever^-  mem1)er, 
and  sum  up  the  aggregate,  dividing  the  same  by  the  a  - 
mount  needed.  This  gives  a  percentage  b\'  which  to  es- 
timate each  member"s  proportion ;  but  each  case  must 
now  be  considered  in  relation  to  its  peculiar  circum  - 
stances,  and  relative  equality  olDtained,  and  an  amount 
put  opposite  each  name.  *  *  *  Habitual  delinquents, 
who  in  the  judgment  of  the  deacons  have  no  excuse, 
should  be  reported  to  the  church  for  advice  or  discipline, 
as  covetous  persons.     During  January,  February,  and 


266  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

March,  the  pastor  or  other  person  designated  133-  the 
church,  should  take  up  a  colledlion  for  some  or  all  of 
the  following  objects:  Foreign,  Domestic,  State,  and 
Associational  missions,  and  ministerial  education. 
These  months  are  emphasized  in  order  to  meet  the  ne  - 
cessities  of  farmers.  *  *  *  We  give  as  our  authoritj^  for 
our  suggestions  as  to  church  expenses :  1  Cor.  9  :  7 — 14; 
2  Cor.  8  :  7 — 15  ;  for  the  discipline  of  wilful  delinquents  : 
Eph.  6:1,  5—9:  1  Cor.  5:11—13;  Heb.  13:5,  16,  17; 
and  for  missions,  and  other  objects  of  benevolence : 
1  Cor.  16:1—3;  Acts  11 :  27— 29  ;  Rom.  15  :  26,  27;  2 
Cor.  9:1—15."' 

For  a  numl)er  of  years,  the  Association,  in  its  re- 
ports, and  deliberations  on  the  subject  of  Benevolence,, 
directed  the  attention  of  the  churches  to  such  objects 
of  benevolence  as  were  not  referred  to  separate  commit- 
tees. At  some  of  the  annual  sessions,  attention  was  di- 
rected to  one  object,  at  others  to  another.  In  this  con- 
nection is  noticed  its  action  concerning  old  ministers, 
and  families  of  deceased  ministers.  This  is  a  subject  of 
importance,  and  should  claim  the  attention  of  every  re- 
ligious body. 

"It  is  certainly  the  duty  of  churches  to  attend  to 
the  wants  of  their  disabled  ministers,"  urges  the  report 
in  1854.  "It  is  not  the  mighty,  and  rich,"  it  continues, 
"but  the  weak,  and  poor  that  are  called  into  the  minis- 
trv,  and  they  are  almost  certain  to  remain  poor,  unless 
through  misfortune  they  marry  rich.  *  *  *  The  church- 
es *  *  *  appear  to  be  forgetful  that  without  some  of 
the  goods  of  this  world,  their  (/.  e.  ministers")  families 
must  be  left  destitute,  and  frequently  in  a  suffering  con- 
dition" when  they  become  infirm  or  die.  We  think  that, 
knowing  this,  many  ministers  join  secret  societies  in  or- 
der to  provide  againvSt  such  emergencies.    Ministers  are 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  267 

debarred  from  many  lucrative  pursuits,  and  spend  their 
talents  in  the  service  of  the  churches,  which  imposes  an 
obligation  upon  the  churches  to  "beniore  liberal,  and 
reward  their  ministers  better  for  their  services,  or  take 
care  of  their  families  when  they  are  dead."'  As  some 
churches  are  too  weak  to  do  this  for  their  ministers  the 
Association  should  adopt  some  plan  of  action.  By  res- 
olution, the  churches  were  requested  to  contribute  an- 
nually for  this  purpose  at  least  one  dime  per  memlDcr,, 
and  in  1855  the  treasurer  was  "instructed  to  pay  over 
to  brother  F.  M.  Sansing,  son  of  the  late  John  Sansing, 
a  preacher,  $125,  the  quarterly  salary  of  the  latter  as 
our  missionary."  The  report  this  year  again  earnestly 
urges  the  dut3^  of  caring  for  superannuated  ministers, 
renewing  the  request  that  every  member  pay  one  dime 
for  this  object.  This  matter  received  attention  again, 
at  the  instance  of  the  report  of  1857,  which  seeks  to 
elicit  action  in  caring  for  '■'way-worn"  ministers,  and 
repeats  the  suggestion  of  establishing  a  fund  for  this 
object. 

That  something  was  done  in  this  direction  is  seen 
from  a  resolution  in  1858,  loaning  "the  superannuated 
ministers"  fund  to  the  Association"  for  other  purposes. 
In  1859,  the  fund  was  returned  and  applied  to  the  use 
of  the  widow  of  John  Sansing,  and  in  addition,  $27.60 
was  raised,  and  the  whole  amount  paid  over  to  T.  P. 
Montgomery  for  her  benefit.  By  resolution,  the  church- 
es were  again  requested  to  do  something  for  this  object 
and  pastors  requested  to  publicly  present  the  duty  of 

this  action. 

By  order  of  the  Association,  in  1860,  "the  amount 
($6.20),  sent  by  the  Prairie  Grove  church,  as  widows' 
and  orphans"  fund,  was  appropriated,"  together  with 
nineteen  dollars  more,  (raised  by  collection),  "to  the 
use  of  sister  Sansing." 


26S  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  this  connection,  may  be  mentioned  resolutions  ot 
the  Association,  making  inquiry  concerning  J.  K.  Bar- 
ry, appointed  by  the  Aberdeen  Association,  to  raise 
funds  for  the  erection  of  a  suitable  m.onument  at  the 
grave  of  S.  S.  Lattimore,  and  for  relief  to  his  widow, 
and  requesting  that  Association  to  "obtain,  if  possible, 
from  the  said  Barry,  a  full  list  of  contributions  made  to 
him  for  these  o1>iects,  and  that  the  same  be  published 
in  the  Mississippi  Baptist.^' 

There  was  an  Institution  controled  by  the  Baptists 
of  Mississippi  for  the  purpose  of  caring  for  those  who 
Avere  made  orphans  by  the  war  of  the  States.  Each 
year,  after  its  establishment,  a  committee  was  appoint- 
ed by  this  body  to  laA'  the  claims  of  the  Home  before  it, 
.and  some  of  its  most  enthusiastic  work  was  on  behalf 
of  the  same. 

"In  the  judgment  of  this  committee,"  says  the  re- 
port of  1865,  "the  'Orphans'  Home'  is  an  institution  of 
the  very  first  importance,  and  justlv  deserves  the  warm- 
est sympathies,  and  most  liberal  support  of  all  Christ- 
ians, and  patriots  throughout  the  State.'*  The  trus- 
tees have  purchased  property  at  Lauderdale  Springs, 
and  rely  upon  the  contributions  of  Baptists  to  meet  the 
payments  for  the  same.  Assistance  is  also  needed  in 
furnishing  rooms,  and  putting  the  institution  into  op- 
eration. The  small  contributions  of  the  masses  must 
do  this.  The  Superintendent  also  proposes  to  establish 
Ladies'  Aid  Societies  over  the  State,  and  furnish  them 
with  all  needed  information  to  guide  them  in  their  la- 
bors of  love.  The  benevolence  of  all  is  appealed  to  in 
behalf  of  the  dependent  orphans,  in  furnishing 
rooms,  etc. 

The  liquidation  of  a  large  debt  of  the  Home,  and 
the  payment  for  a  quantity  of  hardware,  cutlery,  furra- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  269 

ture,  crockeiy,  and  supplies,  and  the  election  of  S.  S. 
Cranberry  as  Superintendent,  are  the  topics  of  the  re- 
port of  1866.  Resolutions  insist  upon  the  eminent 
worthiness  of  the  institution  of  the  support  of  all  the 
philanthropic  and  patriotic  in  the  State,  and  urge  all 
the  churches  of  the  Association  to  co-operate  in  its  sup- 
port, bj'  contributions  of  cash  or  produce. 

The  report  of  1867,  refers  to  the  rescue  from  pover- 
ty and  want  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  orphans  of  sol- 
diers by  this  institution  of  the  State  Convention.  The 
Home  has  not  appealed  in  vain  to  the  charities  of  Chris- 
tians. A  sufficiency  of  food  and  clothing  has  been  re- 
ceived, but  many  other  orphans  are  applying  for  ad- 
mission. Have  we  charity"  and  religion  enough  to  ad- 
mit them,  bj'  increasing  our  contributions? 

In  1868,  there  were  something  over  two  hundred 
orphans,  several  of  whom  were  from  the  bounds  of  the 
Association.  The  Home  became  greatlj^  pressed  for 
supplies,  and  hundreds  had  to  be  denied  admission  into 
it.  These  orphans  appeal  strongly'  to  the  benevolence 
of  the  State.     Such  is  the  substance  of  the  report. 

The  minutes  of  the  Association,  for  1869  and  1870 
were  printed  at  the  Home  b3'  the  boys  in  charge  of  the 
Orphans"  Home  Banner.  At  the  session  of  1869,  while 
the  report  was  before  the  body,  $184.50  was  pledged 
for  the  Home.  The  report  speaks  of  the  imminent  peril 
of  the  Home.  The  property  has  been  sold  and  must  be 
rented.  "We  must  bu}'  a  new  Home  or  cast  two  hun- 
dred children  upon  the  world.  This  Association  should 
not  permit  this,  for  West  Point,  the  best  location  for 
the  new  Home,  is  in  its  bounds.  Will  we  not  aid  in  se- 
curing this?"  (The  Home  was  not  located  at  West 
Point.) 

The  report  of  1870  speaks   of  the  poverty'   of  th 


"270  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Saviour,  of  His  great  care  for  the  poor,  of  His  instruct- 
ion to  care  for  the  poor,  of  the  injunction  of  James  and 
Peter  to  Paul  to  specially  "remember  the  poor,"  which 
the  latter  sa\'S  he  was  alwa^'s  forward  to  do,  and  of 
James'  declaration  that  a  part  of  pure  religion  is  to  vis- 
it the  fntherless  and  widows  in  their  affliction.  Two 
hundred  of  these  poor  are  at  the  Home,  silenth"  appeal- 
ing for  our  Christian  benefactions.  Resolutions  reques- 
ted each  church  in  the  Association  to  assume  the  sup- 
port of  at  least  one  orphan  at  the  Home,  appointing 
some  member  to  raise  the  necessary  amount,  ($60)  in 
cash,  provisions,  or  clothing,  and  send  to  the  Superin- 
tendent ;  requested  this  agent  to  strive  to  increase  the 
circulation  of  the  Banner :  and  solicited  other  Associa- 
tions "to  co-operate  with  us  in  this  plan  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  Home.'' 

"The  Home  still  lives,  and  vigorouslv  does  its  work 
after  five  years  existence,''  sa^'S  the  report  of  1871.  It 
has  been  Tcfflicted  by  the  death  of  Superintendent  Gran- 
berrv,  and  Assistant -Superintendent  M.  J.  Thigpen. 
The  Home  now  needs  meat,  bread,  and  shoes,  for  two 
hundred  orphans,  a  supply  of  corn  for  the  coming  3'ear, 
a  good  house  for  the  winter,  instead  of  the  present 
leak}'  one.  The  l^oys  have  made  the  l^rick,  but  money 
is  needed  to  build.  The  resources  of  the  Home  are  (1) 
The  Banner,  which  is  self-supporting,  and  deserves  a 
much  wider  circulation  to  make  it  a  source  of  revenue ; 
(2)  The  concerts  given  by  thirty'  orphans  in  charge  of 
A.  D.  Trimble;  and  (3)  The  generous  aid  of  the  Alason- 
ic  Fraternity.  Baptists  should  do  more  for  the  Home 
or  turn  it  over  to  the  Masons.  The  resolutions  of  last 
year  were  re -adopted,  and  a  collection  of  ninety'  dollars 
raised. 

A.  D.  Trimble  was  present  in  1S72,  as  the  represent- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  271 

ative  of  the  Home.  The  report  speaks  of  the  perilous 
condition  of  the  same,  and  gives  an  extract  from  the 
last  report  of  the  State  Convention  on  the  subject, 
from  which  the  following  is  taken  :  "transfer  of  the 
HOME.  Your  committee  recommends  that  this  ques- 
tion be  referred  directly  to  the  churches  in  the  State, 
with  the  request  that  they  take  definite  action  on  this 
subject — solemnh'  pledging  themselves  to  give  annually 
so  much  monev  for  its  support,  or  so  much  in  supplies ; 

*  *  *  that  this  Convention  give  the  churches  until  the 
first  of  December,  proximo,   to  act  on  this  question. 

*  *  *  If  by  that  time  the  trustees  of  the  Home  are  sat- 
isfied, by  the  action  or  /joh- action  of  the  churches,  that 
they  do  not  intend  to  support  the  Home,  which  requires 
annually  $12,000,  your  committee  recommends,  as  an 
act  of  humanity,  that  this  Convention  authorize  the 
Board  of  trustees  of  the  Home  to  tender  the  same,  its 
sacred  trusts,  and  legal  possessions,  to  the  Masonic 
Fraternity  of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  to  be  theirs  for- 
ever." A  resolution  of  the  Convention  requested  every 
Baptist  church  to  appoint  a  special  working  agent  to 
collect  for  the  Home.  The  Association  adopted  resolu- 
tions indorsing  this  action  of  the  Convention,  and  urg- 
ing all  the  churches  to  act  in  accordance  therewith.  A 
contribution  of  $90  was  received  for  the  Home. 

A.  D.  Trimble  was  present  again  in  1873,  and,  from 
the  report,  it  appears  :  "That  the  question  of  transfer- 
ring the  Home  to  the  Masonic  Fraternitj^  has  been 
definitely  decided,  and  the  institution  remains  under  the 
control  of  our  Convention."  Annual  pledges,  amount- 
ing to  $3000,  have  been  made,  and  but  few  churches 
have  been  canvassed.  Just  now  the  Home  is  in  need  of 
supplies,  and  needs  them  immediately.  Resolutions, 
earnestly  requesting  all  the  churches  to  immediate  adt- 


272  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ion  for  the  Home,  determining  to  take  up  a  contribu- 
tion at  once  for  the  pressing  \vants  of  the  same,  and  in- 
dorsing R.  N.  Hall  as  its  Superintendent,  and  agent, 
were  passed,  and  a  contribution  of  $13.75  was  made. 

The  report  of  1S74  notes  the  increase  of  interest  in 
regard  to  the  Home.  A  steam  gin,  and  mill  are  in  con- 
templation, and  will  soon  beat  work.  The  Banner  has 
doubled  its  subscription  list.  Every  effort  is  being 
made  to  make  the  Home  self-supporting.  Other  ma- 
chinery will  he  added,  and  the  land  will  be  cultivated. 
The  Superintendent  asks  for  one  dollar  from  each  church 
as  a  mill  fund,  and  also  for  a  cash  contribution  for  cur- 
rent, expenses.  Resolutions  recommended  early  contri- 
butions for  both  of  these  objects  by  the  churches,  and 
the  appointment  by  each  church  of  a  special  local  agent 
to  act  in  their  midst. 

At  some  time  before  the  next  meeting  of  the  Associ- 
ation, in  September,  1875,  the  Orphan's  Home  ceased 
to  exist.  But  during  all  its  varied  fortunes  until  its  dis- 
continuance it  was  warmly  supported  b}-  the  Associ- 
ation. 

The  reports  of  its  committees  from  year  to  year,  in- 
dicate hearty  interest,  and  zeal  in  the  department  of 
SundaA'  school  work.  Its  importance  is  alwaA'S  empha- 
sized. As  early  as  18-15,  the  following  action  was  tak- 
en :  "On  motion  of  W.  C.  Crane,  Resolved,  That  it  be 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  several  churches  compos- 
ing this  body  to  establish  Sal)bath  schools  at. each 
place  of  worship,"  and  next  year  the  churches  were  re- 
quested to  establish  church  libraries  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  report,  in  1852,  notes  with  regret  that  but  one 
Baptist  Sunday  school  is  reporter/ within  the  Associa- 
tion, and  it  is  stated  in  the  next  annual  report,  that 
while  there  has  been  an  increase  of  schools,  vet  there  is 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  273 

still  much  destitution,  adding:  "We  believe  that  this 
institution  is  our  greatest  dependence  for  an  efficient 
ministry',  faithful  deacons,  and  for  Sabbath  school 
teachers."  Resolutions  earnestly  requested  all  the 
churches  to  make  strenuous  efforts  to  have  their  own^ 
and  all  the  children  of  the  community  in  a  Sunday 
school,  and  expressed  the  belief  of  the  Association  that 
it  is  the  duty  of  all  Christians  to  engage  in  this  enter  - 
prise  b}'  their  presence,  and  the  presence  of  their  chil- 
dren, if  heads  of  families,  and  by  teaching  the  children 
of  others. 

So  far  as  is  known,  the  Sunday  schools  in  the  Asso- 
ciation were  in  a  flourishing  condition  in  1854,  states 
the  report.  Schools  are  earnestly  recommended.  The 
advantages  of  the  Sunday  school  in  promoting  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  Scriptures,  keeping  the  young  from  tempta- 
tion, and  bringing  them  under  the  influence  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  making  the  best  members,  and  training 
the  rank,  and  file  of  Christians  who  engage  in  it,  and 
the  duty  of  ministers,  and  all  members  to  labor  in  this 
department,  is  the  tenor  of  the  report  of  1855. 

Lack  of  interest  in  the  work,  its  great  importance,, 
and  the  dutA'  of  the  churches  to  prosecute  it,  and  report 
to  the  Association,  are  the  topics  of  the  next  report, 
while  the  report  of  1857  regrets  that  the  previous  rec- 
ommendations have  not  been  heeded,  and  fears  that 
there  is  not  as  much  interest  as  there  should  be  on  this 
subject.  For  the  encouragement  of  all  in  this  Avork  it 
is  written  :  "Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go^ 
and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  Luke- 
warm brethren  are  urged  to  try  this  work  one  3^ear, 
and  see  what  may  be  accomplished. 

The  grandeur  and  efficiency  of  the  Sunday  school 
work,  second  only  to  that  of  the  pulpit,  are  urged  in. 


« 


274  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  report  of  1858.  The  Sunday  school  is  compared  to 
an  angel  of  mercy  sowing  the  seed  of  divine  truth. 
Truth  early  learned  is  like  an  electric  telegraph,  linking 
the  soul  to  the  throne  of  God.  Sunday  schools  are  an 
efficient  auxiliary  in  family  government.  The3'  have  ac- 
complished a  vast  amount  of  good  for  our  country  at 
large.  "They  are  vavSt  reservoirs  of  moral  influence, 
sending  forth  their  pure  and  crystal  streams,  *  *  * 
cheering  the  hearts  of  thousands  with  their  healing 
draughts."  These  facts  place  obligations  upou  all 
Christians  to  give  to  the  j^oung  a  pure  doctrine,  and 
a  Baptist  literature  instead  of  a  Union  literature.  Sub- 
stantially', the  same  facts  are  set  forth  in  the  next  an- 
nual report,  and,  in  addition,  the  churches  are  requested 
to  report  the  statistics  of  their  schools.  The  suscepti- 
bility of  the  young  mind  to  receive  religious  impress  - 
ions,  and  the  fact  that  if  we  do  not,  others  will  take 
advantage  of  this,  and  impart  to  our  children  a  relig  - 
ious  bias  for  life,  is  made,  in  the  next  annual  report,  a, 
strong  reason  for  procuring  and  using  the  Baptist  pub- 
lications from  the  Nashville  house. 

The  encouraging  prospects  communicated  in  regard 
to  this  work  in  some  of  the  letters,  is  noted  with  pleas- 
ure in  the  report  of  18G1.  The  fostering  of  a  more  gen- 
eral interest  in  the  work  and  the  use  of  Baptist  books, 
are  recommended,  and  the  report  concludes:  "Let  us, 
as  has  been  remarked,  close  the  'Book  of  Resolves'  and 
open  the  'Book  of  Acts,'  and  the  Lord  will  bless  us  and 
our  children  with  success  in  this  world,  and  a  glorious 
immortality  beyond  the  grave" 

In  1864,  "the  clerk  was  instructed  so  to  alter  the 
form  of  Church  Letter  as  to  include  Sabbath  schools, 
number  of  scholars,  volumes  in  library-,  and  to  publish 
the  same  in  the  minutes  when  sent  up."     That  much  is 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  275 

now  being  accomplished  in  this  department  is  a  source 
of  joy  to  the  committee  of  this  j-ear.  The  necessity  of 
schools  and  a  pure  literature  are  urged;  and,  by  resolu- 
tion, the  Association  requested  the  President  of  the 
South  Western  Sabbath  School  Union  to  call  a  meet- 
ing of  that  body  at  the  earliest  possible  moment  for 
the  purpose  of  devising  some  plan  to  supply  literature 
for  the  Sunday  Schools. 

At  the  session  of  1869,  T.  C.  Teasedale  was 
present  as  the  representative  of  the  Sunday  School  Board 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  The  report  pre- 
sents the  claims  of  this  cause  upon  our  sympathy  and 
support.  Its  importance  is  seen  in  the  indellible  nature 
of  earh^  impressions.  Reference  is  made  to  the  location 
of  the  Sunday  School  Board  at  Memphis.  Resolutions 
(1)  Pledged  the  hearty  support  of  the  Association  to 
the  Memphis  Board  in  its  endeavor  to  promote  the  effi- 
ciency of  the  Sunday  school  work;  (2)  Specialh^  request- 
ed the  pastors,  deacons,  and  members  generally  to 
maintain  in  their  midst  an  evergreen  School,  and  estab- 
lish one  wherever  there  is  none  in  operation;  and  (3) 
Recommended  the  publications  of  the  above  mentioned 
Board.  The  substance  of  these  resolutions  is  embodied 
in  the  suggestions  of  the  report  of  1870,  which,  in  ad- 
dition, suggests  that  there  be  only  Baptist  Sunday 
schools,  that  Kind  Words  be  taken  and  read  in  our 
schools,  and  that  the  mission  work  of  the  Memphis 
Board  be  approved,  which  work  justly  appeals  to  our 
people  for  aid.  T.  C.  Teasdalewas  again  present  in  be- 
half of  the  Memphis  Board,  presenting  its  claims  and 
receiving  a  contribution  of  sixty -five  dollars  for  its 
work. 

During  the  next  few  years  excellent  reports  insist 
upon  the  same  lines  of  thought  and  activity  in  this 
•work. 


276  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1877,  the  report  gathers  the  statistics  of  this 
work  in  the  Association,  indicating  schools  in  twelve 
out  of  its  nineteen  churches.  It  is  said  that  a  Sunday 
school  is  a  church  at  work,  studying  the  Scriptures,  in 
obedience  to  the  Saviour's  command,  "Search  the  Scrip- 
tures," (Jno.  5:39).  The  Bible  is  "the  sword  of  the 
Spirit,"  (Eph.  6:17);  it  makes  its  devout  students 
"wise  unto  salvation,"  (2  Tim.  3  :  15) ;  ignorance  of  it 
is  a  source  of  error,  (Matt.  22:29,  and  Acts  13:27); 
and  the  Church,  which  is  "the  pillar  and  the  ground  of 
the  truth,"  (1  Tim.  3:15),  is  edified  thereby,  (1  Cor. 
14 :4'),  for  all  Scripture  is  given  b3^  inspiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction, 
for  instruction  in  righteousness,"  (2  Tim.  3:16). 
Churches  which  fail  to  have  schools  usually  fail  to  have 
pastors.  The\^  should  afford  themselves  the  luxury  of 
working  together  with  God  in  this  sphere  of  Christian 
activity. 

The  report  in  18S0  calls  attention  to  two  extremes 
in  regard  to  Sunday  schools,  the  one  attaching  too  lit- 
tle importance  to  Sunday  school  work,  the  result  part- 
ly of  a  slothful  indifference ;  the  other,  growing  out  of 
zeal,  and  Christian  earnestness,  attributing  too  inuch 
importance  to  this  work,  and  exalting  it  above  preach- 
ing. While  it  can  never  do  the  work  which  preaching 
must  do,  3^et  within  its  proper  sphere,  it  demands  the 
earnest  zeal,  and  consecrated  work  of  all  Christians. 

During  the  entire  history-  of  the  Association,  there 
has  been  an  Executive  Board,  composed  of  earnest  and 
judicious  brethren,  having  in  charge  the  missionary  op- 
erations of  the  bod^',  and  making  regular  annual  re- 
ports of  their  work,  embracing  the  reports  of  its  mis- 
sionaries. In  the  later  years  of  the  Association,  this 
Board  has  been  appointed  by  a  nominating  committee, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  277 

the  report  of  which  is  ratified  by  the  Association,  in  its 
adoption.  As  to  how  the  members  were  previously 
chosen  no  intimation  is  given  in  the  records,  nor  is  it  a 
matter  of  any  consequence. 

The  main  work  of  this  Executive  Board  has  been  to 
prosecute,  in  behah'of  the  Association,  through  its  mis- 
sionaries, the  preaching  of  the  gospel  to  the  destitute 
-within  its  bounds.  In  1847,  a  summary  of  its  entire 
work,  up  to  that  time,  in  this  department,  is  given, 
from  which  the  following  is  taken  : 

"At  the  October  session,  184-0,  it  was  Resolved, 
That  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Association  to  sustain  a  mis- 
sionary within  its  own  limits,  whose  business  it  shall 
be  to  suppW  destitute  neighborhoods  with  preaching 
and  to  assist  in  the  building  up  of  feeble  churches.''  Ac- 
cordingly, efficiency  was  given  to  the  enterprise  by  the 
appointment  of  an  Executive  committee,  (consisting  of 
one  member  from  each  church,)  whose  peculiar  province 
was  to  emplo3',  supervise,  and  direct  the  service  of  a 
suitable  minister  in  this  department. 

"In  November  following,  the  committee  met  and 
appointed  J.  G.  W.  Mallett  to  devote  three -fourths  of 
his  time  to  the  service  of  the  Association,  at  a  salary  of 
$330.  His  labors  commenced  January  1st,  1841,  and 
embraced  the  counties  of  Monroe,  Lowndes,  Oktibbeha, 
and  the  north-western  portion  of  Noxubee,  in  Miss., 
and  Fayette,  in  Ala.  In  Monroe,  at  that  time  there 
was  great  destitution.  The  Association  had  no  minis- 
ter there  except  its  missionary,  and  in  the  white  popu  - 
lation  there  were  several  families  who  had  never  heard 
a  Baptist  preach,  and  had  never  seen  any  one  baptized 
until  they  saw  that  ordinance  administered  by  J.  G.  W. 
Mallett. 

"In  this  county  (Monroe)  he  constituted  one  church 


278  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

(with  the  aid  of  AI.  Bennett)  at  Lea's  school  house, 
now  known  as  the  church  at  Greenwood,  since  famed 
for  its  members'  piety  and  influence.  It  now  belongs 
to  the  Aberdeen  Association.  In  Lowndes  the  Associa- 
tion has  but  one  minister  west  of  the  Tombigbee  river. 
In  this  countA',  with  the  aid  of  John  Armstrong,  he  es- 
tablished a  church  at  Border  Springs,  consisting  of 
eight  members.  At  its  first  meeting,  after  the  organi- 
zation of  this  church,  which  continued  sixteen  days, 
there  were  sevent3'  converts,  tAventy-one  of  whom 
Avere  baptized  bj^  the  missionary.  He  thence  proceeded 
to  hold  a  meeting  in  his  own  neighborhood,  which  con- 
tinued a  few  days,  and  was  transferred  to  the  Pilgrim's 
Rest  church,  where  about  thirty  eml3raced  religion,  and 
twent3'-one  were  baptized.  Oktibbeha,  at  that  time, 
except  the  churches  at  Starkville  and  Salem,  was  also 
wathout  Baptist  preaching,  and  many  portions  of  it 
had  no  preaching  at  all.  In  this  count\',  the  mission- 
ary^, watli  the  aid  of  AI.  Bennett,  constituted  a  church 
at  C^'press  Creek.  In  Noxubee  count}-,  with  aid,  he  es- 
tablished a  church  at  Prairie  Grove.  Here  the  destitu - 
tion  was  also  very  great,  there  being  in  that  portion  of 
the  count}'  where  the  missionary  traveled  very  little 
ministerial  labor  except  his  own. 

"Fayette  count}-,  Ala.,  also  presented  a  picture  tru- 
ly melancholy  on  account  of  the  great  want  of  this 
prominent  means  of  grace.  In  fact,  to  look  at  the  pres- 
ent condition  of  the  territory  embraced  within  this,  and 
the  above  mentioned  counties,  one  would  be  wholl}^  un- 
fit to  realize  the  true  condition  at  the  time  when"  this 
statement  begins.  And  only  those  who  have  been  wit- 
nesses to  the  quiet,  and  purif\'ing  operation  of  gospel 
truths,  as  proclaimed  by  the  domestic  missionaries,  are 
prepared  to  appreciate  the  fact  that  by  the  'foolishness 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  279 

of  preaching'  these  'desert  places  have  been  made  to  re- 
joice' and  this  'wilderness  to  blossom  as  a  rose.' 

"In  Septeml:)er,  1841,  J.  G.  W.  Mallett  and  vS.  Mc- 
Collough  were  employed  in  this  department ;  the  former 
to  devote  one-half  of  his  time  to  the  churches  and  coun- 
tr}^  on  the  west  side  of  the  Tombigbee ;  the  latter  one- 
half  of  his  time  on  the  east  side  of  that  river ;  each  at  a 
salary  of  $200.  S.  McCollough  baptized  in  this  associ- 
ational  3-ear,  fifty -three  persons;  with  assistance,  or- 
ganized two  churches,  and  w^as  engaged  227  days  in 
the  service  of  the  Association.  J.  G.  W.  Mallett  labor- 
ed about  one -fourth  of  his  time,  and  in  consequence  of 
accepting  the  pastoral  care  of  three  churches  resigned 
his  place  as  domestic  missionary.  The  committee  ap- 
pointed S.  McGowen  in  his  stead,  who  began  his  mis- 
sionary duties  on  April  2nd,  1842.  He  baptized  forty- 
five  persons,  and,  wnth  aid,  constituted  one  church.  He 
received  $200  for  his  services,  and  J.  G.  W.  Mallett  $75 
for  the  time  he  labored  this  year. 

"In  September,  1842,  S.  McCollough  was  again 
employed  to  devote  one -half  of  his  time  on  the  east 
side  of  the  river,  and  J.  G.  W.  Mallet  and  S.  McGowen 
were  employed  to  devote  each  one  -  fourth  of  his  time  to 
the  south-western  portion  of  the  Association,  at  $100 
each.  S.  McCollough  only  labored  three  and  one -half 
months  this  year,  ordained  four  deacons,  and  baptized 
eighteen  persons,  and  received  for  his  services  $166.66. 
J.  G.  W.  Mallett,  with  the  aid  of  M.  Bennett,  ordained 
one  minister,  J.  R.  Lowry  baptized  a  number  of  persons, 
and,  with  the  assistance  of  J.  R.  Lowry,  and  W.  H. 
Holcombe,  constituted  two  churches,  Goose  Pond  and 
Union.  S.  McGowen,  with  the  aid  of  J.  C.  Keeney,  es- 
tablished one  church,  organized  one  Sunday  school,  and 
baptized  twenty -five  persons. 


280  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

"In  1854,  A.  W.  Elledge  was  employed  as  mission- 
ary at  a  salary  of  $300.  He  rode  3,166  miles,  preached 
302  sermons,  constituted  four  churches,  and  obtained 
fifty  subscribers  to  the  Baptist  Memorial  and  Record, 
and  Christian  Index.  He  devoted  ten  months  and 
twent3' -  three  days  to  the  service  of  the  Association. 

"In  October,  184-4,  Nelson  Sansing  was  employed 
in  this  department  at  a  salary  of  $400.  His  labors 
during  this  ^--ear  were  given  exclusively  to  the  destitute 
churches  in  the  Association.  With  the  aid  of  minister- 
ing brethren,  he  constituted  two  churches,  Union  and 
Wake  Forest  in  Chickasaw  count3%  attended  the  ordin- 
ation of  five  deacons,  established  three  Sunday  schools, 
preached  234  sermons,  baptized  thirty -five  persons, 
and  in  performing  this  service  traveled  3,300  miles. 

"The  ^Executive  Board  again  employed  X.  Sansing 
on  the -l_6th  of  September,  1845,  for  $400.  He  supplied 
the  pulpits  at  Bethlehem  and  Border  Springs  during  the 
^Associational  year.  With  aid,  he  constituted  two 
churches,  Hopewell  and  Wake  Forest  in  Oktibbeha 
county,  assisted  in  the  ordination  of  two  ministers  and 
one  deacon,  established  two  Sunday  schools,  delivered 
.298  sermons,  baptized  thirty -six  converts  traveled 
3,500  miles,  and  sold  $13.52  worth  of  the  Depository's 
books.  N.  Sansing  was  emplo\'ed  as  missionary  also 
in  September,  1846,  to  devote  three  -  fourths  of  his  time 
to  the  work  for  $400  per  annum.  This  year,  he  con- 
stituted one  church,  and  baptized  eighteen  converts." 

In  1847 — 1848,  N.  Sansing  was  again  employed  by 
the  Board,  and,  besides  preaching  to  the  colored  people 
one-half  of  his  time,  preached  regularly  at  Blufi"  Springs. 
During  this  period  he  reported  1,970  miles  traveled, 
137  sermons  preached,  and  fifty  baptisms.  This  is  the 
work  of  the  Association  up  to  September,  1848,  while 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  281 

in  1849,  it  is  ascertained  that  for  a  year  no  mission 
work  had  been  done,  while  the  destitution  was  very 
great.  By  resokitions,  the  dut^^  adopting  some  effect- 
ive plan  of  operation  is  acknowledged,  and  pastors  and 
churches  are  urged  to  action  in  the  matter. 

M.  Bennett  was  the  missionary  of  the  Association 
in  1850,  at  a  salarj^  of  $4-00.  In  this  capacit\^  he  aided 
in  the  organization  of  one  church,  Siloam,  and  preached 
to  this  church  regularh'  once  per  month,  also  to  Friend- 
ship church.  He  reported  in  his  work,  1,500  miles 
traveled,  150  sermons  preached,  300  exhorations,  and 
thirty  baptisms. 

In  1851,  W.  H.  Robinson  labored  as  missionary  of 
the  Association  for  eight  months  at  a  salary  of  $266 
for  that  time.  He  aided  in  the  constitution  of  Double 
Springs  and  Fredonia  churches,  and  preached  to  them, 
also  to  Friendship  and  Spring  Hill  churches.  He  re- 
ported 2,249  miles  traveled,  116  sermons  preached,  and 
assistance  in  the  ordination  of  two  deacons. 

In  1852,  the  Association  appointed  an  agent  for 
each  district  to  represent  its  mission  work  among  the 
churches  of  these  districts.  The  importance  of  the  work 
is  presented  in  a  report,  by  N.  Sansing,  in  which  it  is  al- 
so stated  that  eleven  of  the  seventeen  churches  of  this 
Association,  besides  a  number  in  other  Associations, 
have  been  gathered  by  this  work  of  this  body.  W.  H. 
Robinson  was  employed  this  year  as  missionary  at  a 
salary  of  $400,  and  reported  2,330  miles  traveled,  201 
sermons  preached,  131  baptisms,  and  one  deacon  or- 
dained . 

W.  H.  Robinson  was  employed  as  missionary-  again 
during  1853,  at  a  salary  of  $375,  and  his  labors  were 
abundanth-  blessed.  He  reported  4,442  miles  traveled, 
about   120  sermons  preached,  thirty -eight  baptisms, 


282  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

six  deacons  ordained,  one  church  organized,  and  other 
labor  performed.  The  report,  at  this  session,  by  E.  B. 
Alills,  earnesth'  presents  the  obhgations  to  supply 
preaching  in  the  home  field,  where  there  is  great  desti- 
tution, exclaiming:  "How  strange,  that  an  Association 
of  seventeen  churches,  embracing  eleven  hundred  and 
six  members,  covering  a  territory'  of  seventy-five  or 
eighty'  miles  square,  and  wielding  millions  of  earthly 
Avealth,  can  onh'-  support  one  missionary  at  the  poor 
rate  of  $400  per  annum!*' 

W.  H.  Robinson  was  again  emplo\'ed  in  1854,  at  a 
salar\' of  $500,  and  his  work  was  again  abundantly 
blessed.  He  reported  3, 754 miles  traveled,  227  sermons 
preached,  120  baptisms,  two  churches  organized,  and 
one  minister  and  four  deacons  ordained.  The  report, 
by  P.  Crawford,  mentions  the  "cr^nng  demand  for 
more  missionary-  labor,"'  and  suggests  the  appointment 
of  two  missionaries,  and  a  sermon  and  collection  in 
each  church  in  the  interest  of  this  work. 

In  1855,  W.  H.  Robinson  \vas  again  emplo3'ed,  R. 
R.  Straw-n,  also,  for  one -fourth  of  the  year,  and  John 
Sansing  for  five  months.  Their  labor  aggregated  4,213 
miles  traveled,  263  sermons  preached,  twenty- -  seven 
baptisms  1,000  pages  of  tracts  distributed,  one  church 
organized,  and  one  deacon  ordained.  The  report,  by 
W.  H.  Glenn,  presents  the  inviting  field,  and  recom- 
mends the  continuance  of  two  missionaries. 

T.  P.  Montgomer3^  and  W.  H.  Robinson  were  the 
missionaries  of  the  Association  in  1856.  The  former 
gave  one  -  half  of  his  time  to  Salem  church,  and  the  oth- 
er half  to  destitute  places  generally.  He  reported  2,200 
miles  traveled,  165  sermons  preached,  twenty -nine 
baptisms,  225  families  visited,  one  church  organized, 
one  minister  and  three  deacons  ordained,  and  15,000 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  283 

pages  of  Baptist  books  and  tracts  distributed.  W.  H. 
Robinson  reported  3,846  miles  traveled,  206  sermons 
preached,  sixty- four  baptisms,  365  families  visited,  one 
church  organized,  four  deacons  ordained,  and  25,000 
pages  of  Baptist  books  and  tracts  distributed'.  The  re- 
port on  this  work,  b^^  N.  Sansing,  speaks  of  the  blessing 
of  God  upon  the  valuable  work  of  the  missionaries,  and 
refers  to  the  work  remaining  to  be  done. 

It  is  mentioned  as  a  source  of  regret  in  the  report  of 
1857,  by  O.  Canfield,  that  during  the  past  year,  this 
great,  and  blessed  work  has  not  been  prosecuted,  and 
the  Association  is  urged  to  resume  it  speedih^ 

In  1858,  T.  P.  AIontgonier3'  was  emplo^-ed  as  mis- 
sionary, and  reported  3,326  miles  traveled,  222  sermons 
preached,  forty -nine  baptisms  of  colored,  and  fift\'-one 
of  white  persons,  275  families  visited,  and  one  church 
organized.  S.  S.  Franklin,  in  the  report  on  this  work, 
speaks  hopefully  of  it,  mentions  the  good  already  done, 
and  the  inviting  field  still  before  the  Association. 

T.  P.  Montgomery,  and  W.  H.  Robinson  were  em- 
plo\^ed  as  missionaries  in  1859  at  $700  each.  The  for- 
mer reported  4,100  miles  traveled,  222  sermons  preach- 
ed, 110  baptisms,  325  families  visited,  one  church  or- 
ganized, and  one  minister,  and  two  deacons  ordained  ; 
the  latter  failed  to  report.  At  this  time  there  was  an 
increasing  demand  for  missionary  work  of  this  kind, 
and  the  report  urges  that  this  demand  should  be  more 
fully  met  by  the  Association. 

In  1860,  W.  H.  Robinson,  and  T.  P.  Montgomery 
were  again  the  missionaries  of  the  body.  The  former 
reported  4,075  miles  traveled,  208  sermons  preached, 
thirty -one  baptisms,  and  $23  from  his  field  ;  the  latter 
4000  miles  traveled,  204  sermons  preached,  twentj^-six 
baptisms,  325  families  visited,  and  one  church  organ- 


284  HISTORY     OP     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ized,  and  received  into  the  Association  at  this  session. 

During  1861,  there  was  no  missionary  work  done, 
although  the  destitution  was  very  great.  W.  C.  Mont- 
gomery was  employed  as  missionary-  seven  months  in 
1862,  arid  reported  1,398  miles  traveled,  ninety -five 
serons  preached,  twenty -seven  baptisms,  and  100 
families  visited.  W.  H.  Roljinson  was  appointed  inis - 
sionarv  in  1863,  but  the  unsettled  state  of  civil  matters 
prevented  much  labor  in  this  field. 

In  1864,  W.  H.  Robinson  was  again  employed  for 
nine  months,  and  reported  2,391  miles  traveled,  155 
sermons  preached,  and  sixt^-  baptisms. 

T.  P.  Montgomery-  was  employed  one-half  of  his 
time  in  1865,  and  reported  1,030  miles  traveled,  eightj-- 
three  sermons  preached,  and  fort^^-four  baptisms.  He 
found  several  churches  cold,  and  declining,  and  recom- 
mended the  employment  of  an  efficient  missionar\-. 

This  work,  in  1866,  as  a  natural  consequence,  was 
in  a  deplorable  condition,  and  as  a  result  of  this  there 
was  a  great  religious  decline  throughout  the  body.  T. 
P.  Montgomery  was  employed  one- half  of  his  time  at 
a  salary  of  $400  to  act  as  agent  of  the  Association,  to 
travel,  and  collect  funds  for  this  mission,  and  to  do 
evangelistic  work  among  the  weak  churches. 

W.  H.  Robinson  w-as  emplo^^ed  as  missionan,^  in 
1867,  at  a  salarv-  of  $800.  He  reported  107  days  ser- 
vice (about  856  miles  traveled),  eighty -three  sermons 
preached,  thirty- -six  baptisms,  and  two  deacons,  and 
tw^o  colored  ministers  ordained.  The  fact  is  mentioned 
in  the  report  on  this  work,  that  all  the  churches  feel  the 
neglect  of  it  by  becoming  cold  religioush-. 

In  1868,  W.  F.  Spragins  was  employed  as  mission- 
ary at  a  salary  of  $720.  His  work  was  quite  satis- 
factory, and  he  reported  1,350  miles  traveled,  seventy- 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  285 

one  sermons  preached,  ten  exhortations,  eighteen  pray- 
er meetings  attended,  two  Sunday  schools  organized, 
and  sixt3^  religious  visits. 

During  the  next  year  the  body  did  no  work  in  this 
department,  but  favored  co-operation  w^iththe  Domes- 
tic Mission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention, 
which  is  mentioned  in  detail  in  the  report  on  the 
subject. 

In  1870,  and  1871  also,  no  work  was  done  in  this 
field,  and  the  Association  devoted  itself  to  the  payment 
of  the  balance  due  its  last  missionary.  The  report  of 
the  latter  of  these  3'ears,  urges  that  the  effects  of  giving 
up  this  w^ork  are  seen  in  the  failure  of  all  the  churches 
to  enjoy  spiritual  prosperit3^  Pastors,  and  deacons 
are  earnesth^  requested  to  take  some  action  by  way  of 
resuming  this  w^ork. 

At  the  meeting  in  1872,  as  no  missionary  work  had 
still  been  done,  the  Association,  through  its  committee, 
requested  the  churches  to  pay  an  assessment  amount- 
ing to  $500,  and  instructed  the  Executive  Board  to  em- 
ploy a  missionary'  in  this  department  at  once. 

In  1873,  W.H.  Robinson  was  emplo3^ed  as  mission- 
ary, and  reported  2,201  miles  traveled,  197  sermons 
preached,  thirt3'-one  baptisms,  many  lectures,  and 
many  prayers  \vith  families.  He  received  a  salary  of 
$500.  In  1874,  he  was  again  employed  as  missionary 
for  three  -  fourths  of  his  time,  and  reported  978  miles 
traveled,  and  sixt\^-four  sermons  preached.  At  this 
session,  co-operation  wath  the  State  Mission  Board 
was  determined  upon  Iw  the  Association,  and  accord- 
ingly the  report  of  the  Executive  Board,  in  1875,  shows 
that  all  funds  contributed  for  Home  missions  were  paid 
over  to  T.  J.  Walne,  of  the  State  Board,  for  the  work  of 
that  Board,  to  be  appropriated,  at  least  in  part,  with- 
in the  Association. 


.286  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

This  plan  of  co-operation  with  the  State  Board 
A?vas  pursued  again  during  1876,  and  the  Association 
thus  parth'  sustained  W.  H.  McGee,  who  labored  a 
portion  of  his  time  within  its  bounds.  He  continued 
his  labor  under  this  plan  until  Januar3',  1877,  when  he 
resigned  his  position.  No  work  was  then  done  in  the 
associational  field  until  the  following  June,  when  R.  N. 
Hall  began  work  in  the  neighborhood  of  James  Creek 
church. 

During  187S,  R.  N.  Hall  was  employed  for  one- half 
of  his  time  as  missionar^^  of  the  Association,  at  a  salary 
of  $500.  In  this  capacity  he  did  a  good  work  at  James 
■Creek,  Coble's  Switch  (Harmony-  church),  New  Bethel, 
and  Artesia.  He  reported  a  fine  prospect  at  New  Beth- 
el, and  at  Cobb's  Switch  where  the  members  are  build- 
ing a  $450  house,  the  cause  progressing  at  James  Creek 
where  $225  have  been  expended  in  church  repairs,  and 
a  rather  unfavorable  prospect  at  Artesia. 

In  1879,  R.  N,  Hall  was  again  employed  one -half  of 
liis  time,  J.  T.  Christian  for  one -half  of  his  time,  and 
George  Wharton  for  one -fourth  of  his  time  for  three 
months.  Their  labors  were  quite  satisfactory,  and  re- 
sulted in  the  organization  of  one  church,  the  upbuilding 
of  another  (Harmony),  where  reorganization  had  just 
been  effected  b\'  William  Halbert,  the  revival  of  others, 
with  many  additions  by  baptism. 

In  1880,  J.  T.  Christian  w^as  again  employed  for 
-one-half  of  his  time.  His  labor  was  bestowed  at  New 
Bethel,  Harmony-  (Cobb's  Switch),  Artesia,  Sun  Creek, 
Palo  Alto,  and  Hebron.  He  reported  1,025  miles  trav- 
eled, seventy -two  sermons  preached,  100  families  visit- 
ed, and  three  Sunday  school  speeches.  Upon  receiving 
intimation  of  his  probable  resignation,  the  Executive 
Board  passed  a  resolution  expressing  its  appreciation 
of  his  services. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  287 

From  this  sketch  of  work,  it  will  be  seen  that  labor 
has  been  performed  in  this  department  in  onh'  thirty- 
three  out  of  the  forty  \'ears  existence  of  the  Associa  - 
tion,  and  that  the  reports  of  work  in  some  of  these 
years  are  very  imperfect.  In  consequence  of  this  incom- 
pleteness, no  accurate  summary  can  be  made.  Sup- 
posing, how^ever,  that  there  had  been  work  done  every 
year,  and  that  it  were  all  embraced  in  the  reports,  the 
following  summary  might  be  made  :  In  fort^^  3'ears,  at 
a  cost  of  $14,000  (according  to  treasurers'  reports), 
have  been  accomplished,  63,100  miles  traveled,  4,131 
sermons  preached,  1,226 baptisms,  1,775  families  visit- 
ed, 41,000  pages  of  Baptist  books  and  tracts  distribut- 
ed, thirty -tw^o  churches  organized,  and  eight  ministers 
and  thirty' -  five  deacons  ordained.  This  w^ould  give  a 
yearly  average  of  $350  expended,  1,572  miles  traveled, 
103  sermons  preached,  thirty  baptisms,  forty- four 
families  visited,  1,000  pages  distributed,  with  a  church 
constituted  every  sixteen  months,  a  deacon  ordained 
ever\'  fourteen  months,  and  a  minister  ordained  every 
five  years.  But  there  was  work  done  only  thirty -three 
years.  This  would  give  a  3^earl3'  average  of  $424.25 
expended,  1,912  miles  traveled,  125  sermons  preached, 
thirtj^- seven  baptisms,  fift^-- three  families  '  visited, 
1,272  pages  distributed,  with  one  church  organized 
•everv^  thirteen  months,  one  deacon  ordained  every 
eleven  months,  and  one  minister  ordained  ever\'  four 
years.  But  let  it  be  remembered  that,  as  stated  above, 
in  the  yearl3^  reports  there  are  often  omissions  in  regard 
to  these  items  of  lal)or.  ^ 

Had  the  work  been  earnesth'  prosecuted  every  \'ear 
what  might  have  been  done!  Nevertheless,  even  this  is 
-a  praiseworthy-  record.  The  churches  thus  gathered 
numbers  more  than  the  present  Association,  and  the 


288  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

baptisms  reported  aggregate  almost  as  many  as  its 
present  membership. 

The  interest  of  the  Association  in  the  spiritual  wel  - 
fare  of  the  colored  people  found  expression  in  1844,  in 
the  follo\ving:  ''Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three 
be  appointed  to  devise  a  plan  for  a  more  thorough  re- 
ligious instruction  of  the  colored  population  within  the 
bounds  of  this  Association."  W.  C.  Crane,  T.  G.  Blew- 
ett,  and  D.  T.  Deupree  were  appointed. 

From  the  report  of  this  committee,  in  1845,  the  fol- 
lowing is  taken:  "The  number  of  colored  communi- 
cants in  our  churches  is  ver\'  large:  exceeding  that  of 
any  other  body  of  religious  \vorshippers.  *  *  *  In  order 
to  secure  thorough  and  s^^stematic  knowledge,  the  com- 
mittee recommend  the  following  plan :  1.  That  in 
towns  or  villages,  the  colored  population  be  gathered 
together  ever\'  Sabbath,  and  religious  services  be  held 
with  them  after  the  following  manner :  (1)  Singing,  (2) 
Pra^^er,  (3)  Singing,  (4)  Reading  of  a  portion  of  Scrip- 
ture, followed  by  an  expository  discourse  b^-  the  minis- 
ter or  an  explanation  of  Scripture  b^-  the  deacons  or 
members  of  the  church  designated  for  the  purpose.  2. 
That  once  in  three  months,  the  pastors  and  deacons  at- 
tend the  place  of  meeting,  and  catechize  the  colored 
members  of  the  church  upon  the  prominent  historical 
facts  and  fundamental  principles  of  religious  belief  and 
practice  set  forth  in  the  Bible."'  Another  thing  suggest- 
ed w^as  the  arrangement  of  religious  meetings  for  the 
colored  people  on  plantations,  with  the  consent  of  the 
proprietors:  and  ai^ther  Avas  the  erection  of  houses  of 
\vorship  by  planters  remote  from  churches,  in  order  to 
give  their  servants  the  benefit  of  religious  \vorship.  It 
was  also  recommended  that  this  committee's  report  be 
read  b\'  the  pastors  from  each  pulpit  in  the  Association^ 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  289 

As  earlj'as  1847,  the  Executive  Board  was  instruct- 
ed to  raise  funds  to  employ  a  missionary  to  this  people, 
and  N.  Sansing,  the  missionary  of  the  Association,  gave 
one -half  of  his  time  to  this  work.  Almost  all  of  the 
churches  arranged  a  service  for  the  colored  people  on 
Sunday  afternoon.  This  custom  was  recommended  by 
the  Association  to  all  the  churches.  Its  missionaries 
were  instructed  thus  to  devote  their  Sunday  afternoons, 
in  doing  which  they  were  punctual,  and  accomplished 
good.  It  is  true  that  planters  sometimes  objected  to 
religious  services  with  their  servants,  but  all  consented 
in  the  case  of  a  duly  accredited  minister.  In  1853  and 
1854,  there  was  considerable  religious  interest  and 
work  among  the  servants,  in  which  the  white  members 
co-operated,  and  the  pastors  rendered  all  possible  as- 
sistance, preaching  as  often  as  they  could.  The  services 
were  thronged,  and  many  professed  faith  and  united 
with  the  churches. 

Interest  in  this  department  of  work  grew  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people  of  God  in  1855  and  1856,  as  the 
records  state,  while  the  colored  people  manifested  much 
anxietj^  for  religious  instruction.  The  reports  each 
year  urge  the  importance  of  this  work,  and  the  magni- 
tude of  its  claims  upon  all  Christians.  During  several 
years  the  missionary  continued  to  devote  a  portion  of 
his  time  to  this  department,  and,  feeling  that  enough 
was  not  being  done,  E.  Smith,  in  1857,  offered  his  ser- 
vices gratuitously  to  ride  one  month  to  secure  funds  to 
emplo}^  a  minister  wholly  for  this  v^ork. 

Gratifying  results  attended  the  work  of  the  mission- 
ary in  this  sphere,  and  the  reports  adopted  breathe  an 
earnest  and  Christian  interest  in  this  woxk  of  givingre- 
ligious  instruction  to  the  colored  people.  In  a  quiet 
way  much  good  was  acomplished   in  this  direction. 


290  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  mere  fact  that  the  majority  of  its  pastors  preached 
regularly  to  the  servants  proves  that  at  least  the  fif- 
teen thousand  colored  people  within  the  Ijounds  of  one 
Association  w^ere  not  entirely  neglected  religiously  be  - 
fore  the  Civil  War. 

In  1878,  the;  report  urges  this  work  (1)  Because  of 
the  need  of  the  colored  people  for  religious  instruction, 
and  (2)  Because  of  their  willingness  to  receive  it.  By 
resolution,  the  Association  determined  to  employ  a 
missionary  among  the  colored  people,  and  authorized 
the  Executive  Board  to  make  the  necessarj'  arrange- 
ments. A  subscription  of  $223  was  immediately  raised 
to  start  the  matter,  and  W.  F.  Spragins  was  employed 
as  missionary  for  this  field.  He  gave  his  whole  time  to 
the  w^ork,  and  the  mission  was  productive  of  much 
good. 

Besides  the  work  of  keeping  a  missionarv^  within  its 
own  limits,  the  State  Mission  Board  has  always  had 
the  earnest  and  hearty  sympathy  of  the  Association. 
The  action  mentioned  on  page  220,  formally  ap- 
proved of  the  objects  of  the  State  Convention,  and 
in  the  further  action,  mentioned  in  the  same  connection, 
the  Association  declared  itself  auxiliary  to  that  Con- 
vention in  its  work. 

In  1847,  J.  Micou  was  present  as  the  agent  of  the 
Convention,  and  in  184-9,  S.  S.  Lattimore  was  present 
in  the  same  capacity.  These  agents  of  the  Convention, 
at  each  meeting,  received  contributions  from  the  Asso  - 
ciation.  In  1850,  the  churches  were  earnesth^  recom- 
mended to  organize  a  systematic  plan  for  aiding  the 
benevolent  operations  of  the  Convention.  This  was 
suggested  by  a  letter  from  W.  C.  Crane,  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  Conventon. 

In  1858,  E.  L.  Compere  was  present,  and  addressed 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  291 

the  Association  in  behalf  of  the  Convention,  presenting 
the  claims  of  its  work  upon  the  SA-mpath}'  and  aid  of 
the  churches;  while  in  1865,  the  churches  were  request- 
ed to  send  as  many  delegates,  and  as  much  money  as 
could  be  collected  for  the  objects  of  the  Convention,  to 
its  next  meeting  in  Jackson. 

There  has  been,  all  the  while,  co-operation  with 
the  Board  of  State  Missions,  although  the  contribu- 
tions do  not  always  appear  in  the  minutes.  In  1874, 
the  Association  formally  decided  not  only  to  do  its  own 
mission  work,  but  recommended  "that  means  be  raised 
for  missions,  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Executive 
Board  of  State  Missions  to  supply  the  great  destitution 
in  other  portions  of  our  State."  The  several  churches 
contributed  for  this  object,  and  in  1875,  a  resolution 
was  passed  instructing  the  treasurer  to  pay  over  to 
the  secretary  of  the  State  Mission  Board  all  funds  re- 
ceived for  Home  or  State  Missions.  At  the  meeting  of 
1876,  during  the  time  W.  H.  McGee  was  emploj-ed, 
(as  mentioned  on  another  page,)  the  Association  in- 
structed its  treasurer  to  jDay  such  funds  to  W.  H.  AIc- 
Gee  as  the  representative  of  the  Board.  As  already 
mentioned,  this  minister  was  employed  by  the  Associa- 
tion conjointly  with  the  State  Board  until  January, 
1877. 

Although  assuming  entire  control  of  its  own  inter- 
nal mission  work  in  1878,  and  expending  $478  in  pros- 
ecuting the  same  during  the  3'ear,  the  Association,  in 
addition  to  this,  contributed  $210  to  State  Missions, 
thus  giving  its  aid  to  the  excellent  work  accomplished 
by  the  State  Board. 

In  1879,  M.  V.  Noffsinger  represented  this  Board 
and  the  report,  by  P.  C.  Bradle\',  insists  upon  the  im, 
portance  of  the  work  of  the  Board,  and  its  claims  upon 


292  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  Association.     The  finance  report  indicates  that  it 
was  remembered  in  the  contributions  of  the  churches. 

In  1880,  the  report  on  Domestic  Missions,  by  M. 
V.  Noffsinger,  earnestly  recommended  aid  in  the  work 
of  the  Board,  and  a  cash  contribution  of  twenty- -two 
dollars  was  immediateh'  handed  to  D.  I.  Purser,  the 
representative  of  the  Board,  besides  $217  contributed 
during  the  year. 

The  amounts  incidentalh'  mentioned  in  this  outline 
of  work  through  the  State  Board  are  not  intended  as  a 
complete  statement  of  contributions  in  this  department, 
for  Yer3'  much  has  been  done  which  was  never  reported 
to  the  Association. 

In  the  early  records  of  the  Association,  the  phrase 
"Domestic  Missions,"  referred  to  missions  within  its 
bounds.  Yet  as  earh^  as  184-6,  J.  C.  Keene^^  was  re- 
ceived as  the  representative  of  that  work  of  the  South- 
ern Baptist  Convention,  known  as  Domestic  and  Indian 
Missions,  and  committed  to  its  Board  located  at  Ma- 
rion, Ala.  J.  C.  Keeney  also  represented  this  Board  at 
thesessions  of  IS-iT,  1848,  and  1849,  and  received  con- 
tributions from  the  Association  for  its  work. 

In  1851,  a  donation  of  fift^^  dollars  from  Dawson 
and  Franklin,  of  Alobile,  Avas  appropriated  to  Indian 
Missions,  to  be  applied  through  the  State  Convention. 
The  report  notes  the  increase  of  interest  in  this  work^ 
and  bases  its  claim  to  Christian  zeal  upon  the  driving 
of  the  Indians  from  their  lands,  and  their  willingness 
now  to  receive  the  gospel.  But  the  interest  in  this 
work  does  not  equal  that  in  Foreign  Alissions,  for 
which  in  a  j-ear  Baptists  have  given  $150,000,  while 
for  Indian  Alissions  thcA'  have  given  onh'  $27,000. 

The  report  in  1852,  in  order  to  stimulate  action, 
gives  a  summary-  of  the  3'ear's  work   of  the   Marion 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  293 

Board  among  the  Indians,  and  earnestly  appeals  to  the 
body  to  engage  in  this  work.  Another  donation  of  fif- 
ty dollars  by  Dawson  and  Franklyi  was  appropriated 
to  it.  A  rejDort  on  New  Fields  of  Labor,  after  calling 
attention  to  the  work  of  the  Board,  and  urging  renew- 
ed and  increased  contributions  to  the  same,  invites  the 
attention  of  the  Board  to  New  Mexico,  Utah,  and  Cal- 
ifornia. 

The  report  in  1853,  insists  that  no  field  of  labor  has 
more  readily  rewarded  culture  with  abundant  fruit 
than  this,  and  that  no  other  has  higher  claims  upon 
Christians.  A  contribution  of  $17.60  was  at  once 
made  for  the  work.  The  report  in  1854,  simply  urges 
action  in  this  department ;  and  in  1855,  Thos.  E.  Lock- 
heart  was  present  as  the  representative  of  this  Board. 
The  amount  of  eight^^  -  seven  dollars  was  pledged  annu- 
ally for  five  years  to  aid  in  relieving  the  Board  of  debt. 
The  report  mentions  the  transfer  of  the  work  of  the 
Indian  Mission  Association  to  the  Marion  Board,  and 
a  consequent  debt  of  $6,000,  and  urges  the  Association 
to  aid  in  cancelling  this  debt. 

In  1857,  the  two  departments  of  the  work  of  the 
Marion  Board — work  in  destitute  sections  in  the  South 
and  among  the  Indians — were  considered  separately, 
and  the  progress  in  each  department  is  mentioned  in 
the  reports,  and  the  claims  of  the  Board  are  advocated. 
N.  Sansing,  in  the  report  of  1858,  again  insists  upon 
the  obligations  to  ^\q  the  gospel  to  the  Indians ;  and 
in  1859,  Lee  Compere,  in  the  report,  bases  these  obliga- 
tions upon  the  divine  command,  and  upon  the  peculiar 
relations  of  the  Indians  to  the  people  of  the  United 
States,  and  gives  two  great  reasons  for  prosecuting 
this  w^ork ;  (1)  As  a  people  the  Indians  are  fast  wasting 
away;  (2)  They  are  easih'  reached, — all  obstacles  have 


294  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

been  removed.  The  work  among  them  too  has  been 
greatl3H3lessed.  At  this  meeting  (1859)  a  pubUc  con- 
tribution of  $750  was  made  for  the  mission. 

In  1860,  AI.  T.  'Sumner  was  present  as  the  Secre- 
tar3%  and  agent  of  the  Marion  Board,  and  at  the  close 
of  his  address  received  $238.  An  interesting  report,  in 
giving  a  summary  of  the  year's  work  of  the  Board,  re- 
fers specially  to  its  work  in  the  South.  The  work  a  - 
mong  the  Indians  was  presented  in  a  report,  which 
speaks  of  its  great  progress  as  seen  in  its  summarj'  for 
the  3^ear,  and  deplores  the  Association's  lack  of  interest 
in  this  work. 

T.  C.  Teasdale,  and  W.  S.  Webb  were  received  as 
agents  for  the  Board  in  1861.  A  report  presenting  the 
departments  of  its  work,  rejoices  that  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord  has  rested  upon  this  work,  and  that  such 
gratifj'ing  progress  has  been  made  in  the  evangeliza- 
tion of  the  Indians. 

During  the  dark  days  of  1862,  1863,  and  1864,  the 
work  of  this  Board  was  very  much  hindered,  especially 
that  among  the  Indians.  It  was  chiefl^^  engaged  in 
work  among  the  soldiers  where  there  was  great  need  of 
the  gospel.  Resolutions  were  passed  in  1863  :  (1)  Ten- 
dering to  it  the  s^-mpathy  of  the  Association,  (2)  Re- 
questing the  churches  to  contribute  for  its  aid,  and  (3) 
Proposing  to  devote  Sunday's  collection  to  this  object. 
In  1864,  the  report  refers  to  the  necessity  of  the  work 
of  the  Board,  and  the  blessed  results  of  the  same  as 
seen  in  the  revivals  among  the  soldiers,  saying:  "We 
owe  our  preser\'ation  as  a  people  to  this  remarkable, 
and  general  outpouring  of  the  Hoh^  Spirit.  It  has  kept 
the  people  from  despondenc3\  *  *  *  To  keep  up  this  re- 
ligious interest  is  the  hope  of  our  country'.''  During 
the  next  associational  3-ear,  $153  was  contributed  for 
Indian  missions,  and  $3,031.41  for  army  missions. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  295 

In  1866,  this  Board  was  represented  byR.  Holman. 
The  report  on  its  work,  after  a  statement  of  its  present 
operations,  says:  "Of  these  appointments  six  are  in 
this  State,  at  a  yearly  expense  of  $3,300.  In  view  of 
the  relations  we  sustain  to  this  Board,  and  the  amount 
it  is  appropriating  to  supph^  the  destitution  of  our 
State,  *  *  *  your  committee  urge  an  immediate  effort 
for  this  cause,  and  recommend  all  the  churches  of  the 
Association  to  make  a  special  colle6lion  for  the  Board 
before  the  meeting  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention 
in  Memphis,  next  May. 

In  1867,  the  report  on  this  work,  after  noting  the 
amount  of  labor  performed  by  the  Board,  and  the  wide 
field  it  is  endeavoring  to  evangelize,  says:  "All  who 
love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  should  aid  in  this  noble 
work.  All  who  love  their  children  should  seek  to  pro- 
mote, in  the  land  in  which  they  live,  a  pure  gospel.  All 
Baptists  should,  to  the  extent  of  their  power,  assist  in 
establishing  those  fundamental  truths  that  the  Bible  is 
the  only  rule  of  faith,  and  practice,  and  that  all  depar- 
tures from  it  involve  the  agents  thereof  in  great  wick- 
edness." 

In  1868,  the  report  mentions  the  appointment  by 
the  Board  of  Al.  P.  Lowre^^  as  general  evangelist  in  the 
State,  and  urges  all  to  aid  it,  sa^dng:  "Let  our  associ- 
ational  mission  be  considered  auxiliary  to  this  Board. 
We  would  advise  that  our  Executive  committee  recom- 
mend to  it  a  suitable  minister  to  be  commissioned  to 
labor  within  our  bounds,  the  Association  pledging  it- 
self, as  heretofore  for  his  support." 

M.  P.  Lowrey  was  present  in  1869,  as  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  Board,  and  upon  presenting  its  claims, 
secured  pledges  for  $136.  The  Executive  Board  was 
instrud:ed  to  recommend  some  one  for  appointment  as 


296  HISTORY     OP     AnSSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

missionary  in  the  Association,   but  the  plan  was  not 
consummated . 

In  the  report  of  1870,  it  is  said:  "We  regard  the 
efforts  of  the  Domestic,  and  Indian  Mission  Board  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  in  this  regard  (i.e.  of 
^preaching  the  gospel  to  every  creature,')  as  justh'  en- 
titled to  the  warmest  S3^mpathy,  and  most  cordial  sup- 
port of  all  the  members  of  our  churches."' 

In  the  report  of  1871,  the  following  occurs,  extract- 
ed from  the  report  of  the  Marion  Board  :  "New  fields 
are  constanth'  opening  up  before  us ;  old  prejudices  are 
giving  way ;  and  the  people  from  Marydand  to  Mexico, 
from  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic  to  the  w^estem  boundary 
of  our  territor3'',  sa3^  'Come.'  The  red  man  rejoices  in 
the  Saviour  of  sinners,  and,  thank  God!  there  is  room 
for  him." 

The  year's  w^ork  of  the  Board  is  reviewed  in  the  re- 
port of  1872,  and  made  the  basis  of  encouragement  to 
the  churches.  The  fa6t  is  mentioned  that  the  Board 
had  expended  in  the  State  $385.83  mare  than  it  had  re- 
ceived therefrom.  M.  T.  Sumner  Avas  present  in  1873, 
and  the  report  strongh'  sets  forth  the  claims  of  the 
Board,  represented  b\'Dr.  Sumner.  Pledges  were  made 
for  it  amounting  to  $104.75. 

A  report  in  1874,  urges  a(?tion  upon  the  ground  of 
increased  facilities,  and  the  extent  and  character  of  the 
field  which  invites  the  labors  of  the  Board.  A  resolu- 
tion warml}'^  indorses  its  work.  The  report  of  1875, 
thus  speaks:  "The  Domestic  Alission  Board  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention,  which  has  for  j^ears  done 
a  noble  work  in  our  own  and  the  other  southern  States, 
and  is  3'et  doing  a  good  work,  is  now  financially  em- 
barrassed, and  is  crying  to  all  Southern  Baptists  for 
mone3^  to  pa3'^  the  debts  which  threaten  to  crush  her." 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  297 

A  division  of  contriljutions  l3et\veen  this  and  the  State 
Board  is  recommended  to  the  churches. 

In  1876,  S.  A.  Goodwin  represented  the  Board;  and 
the  report  urges  that  none  are  excused  from  the  grave 
responsibihties  growing  out  of  the  commission  of  the 
Saviour.  Boards  have  been  constituted  as  the  best 
means  of  disseminating  the  gospel,  and  in  the  absence 
of  any  better  instrumentaHty  Christians  should  sustain 
them.  Hence,  our  duty  to  this  and  the  State  Boards. 
A  considerable  sum  was  subscribed  for  the  work  of 
both. 

The  report  of  1877,  insists  again  upon  the  claims 
of  this  work.  Contributions  to  it  have  been  only  par- 
tially reported,  and  an  intelligent  sj-mpathy  for  it  ex- 
ists in  the  Association.  The  report  of  1878,  l^riefly  sur- 
veys the  different  departments  of  Domestic  missions, 
and  urges  work,  and  the  finance  report  indicates  $39.50 
contributed  to  the  Home  (formeW  Domestic  and  Indian) 
Mission  Board,  besides  $-101.25  expended  in  Associa- 
tional  missions. 

The  work  of  the  Board  is  warmh-  commended,  and 
the  churches  are  urged  to  remember  it  in  their  other  con- 
tributions, in  the  report  of  1879.  In  1880,  the  report 
says:  "We  commend  the  work  of  missions  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  because 
there  are  many  points  and  sections  of  the  country,  not 
cared  for  by  any  State  or  District  mission,  and  because  of 
the  important  work  among  the  Indians  so  successfully 
prosecuted  for  man\'  years. 

On  Sunda\',  Septeml^er,  8th,  1844,  J.  C.  Keeney 
preached  a  missionary  sermon,  after  which  a  contri- 
bution w^as  made,  one-half  of  which  was  devoted  to 
foreign  missions;  and  in  1845,  the  Association,  in  ex- 
pressing its  approval  of  the  formation  of  the  Southern 


298  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

Baptist  Convention,  also  indorsed  its  foreign  Avork. 
J.  Alicou  represented  the  Foreign  Alission  Board  in  1846, 
and  received  contributions  for  its  work.  The  report 
refers  to  the  claims  of  the  heathen  world  upon  all  Chris- 
tians, and  recommended  to  all  pastors  to  preach  on  the 
subject,  and  adopt  some  S3'stem  of  action.  At  the 
same  meeting,  a  resolution  recommended  the  Southern 
Baptist  Missioticiry  Journal  as  the  organ  of  this  work 
of  the  Convention. 

W,  AI.  Farrar  represented  the  Foreign  Board  at 
the  sessions  of  1848  to  1851,  and  received  contribu- 
tions for  its  work.  In  1851,  the  report,  after  present- 
ing the  claims  of  the  work,  gives  a  statement  of  the 
work  of  the  Board  (which  is  located  at  Richmond,  Va.,) 
and  concludes  with  resolutions:  (1)  Acknowledging 
the  obligations  resting  upon  Christians,  to  cultivate 
the  spirit  of  missions,  and  to  pray  for  an  increase  of 
missionaries;  (2)  Requesting  pastors  and  missionaries 
to^use  all  possible  means  for  the  dissemination  of  mis- 
sionary intelligence;  (3)  Requesting  the  pastors  to  act 
as  volunteer  agents  in  raising  funds  for  this  object,  en- 
deavoring to  secure  such  an  amount  as  will  average  ten 
cents  for  ever^'  member. 

W.  M.  Farrar  represented  the  Board  again,  in  1854, 
and  after  an  address, received  fort^- dollars  for  the  work. 
A  preamble  and  resolution  adopted,  recognize  the  pe- 
culiar obligations  resting  upon  Baptists  in  the  evangeli- 
zation of  the  world,  based  upon  the  special  providence 
which  has  kept  them  as  a  peculiar  people.  The  report 
speaks  of  the  degradation  of  the  heathen,  and  the  ap- 
peals of  devoted  missionaries,  for  the  support,  and 
prayers  of  Christians,  and  urges  eveiy  member  of  each 
church  to  do  something  to  aid  in  this  blessed  work. 

W.  M.  Farrar  represented  the  Board  again,  in  1856, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  299 

and  the  report,  after  insisting  upon  the  duty  of  carry- 
ing religion  and  civiHzation  to  the  benighted  regions  ot 
earth,  mentions  the  fact  that  Mississippians  are  today 
laboring  in  foreign  lands  which  places  special  obliga- 
tions upon  this  Association  to  aid  in  this  work. 

The  disturbed  condition  of  affairs  in  China,  is  men- 
tioned in  the  report  of  1857,  as  a  hindering  cause  to 
missions  there.  Progress  is  being  made  in  Africa  on  the 
coast,  and  explorations  in  the  interior.  Christians 
ought  to  be  aroused  to  the  importance  of  supporting 
their  foreign  laborers. 

The  report  in  1858,  refers  particularly  to  some  of 
the  missionaries  in  China,  and  their  difficulties  during 
the  late  civil  war  there.  The  missions  of  the  Convention 
are  mentioned  in  detail,  and  the  report  thus  concludes : 
"Unless  we  intend  to  do  something  in  this  cause  wor- 
thj^  of  the  name  of  those  whoprofess  to  be  the  friends  of 
missions,  we  had  better  cease,"  appearing  "to  be  what 
we  are  not," 

T.  P,  Crawford,  one  of  the  missionaries  of  the  Con- 
vention to  China,  was  present  at  the  meeting  of  1859, 
and  imparted  a  missionary  inspiration  to  the  members. 
In  1860,  A.  H.  Booth  represented  the  Board,  and  receiv- 
ed a  large  contribution.  The  summary  of  its  j^ear's 
work,  given  in  the  report,  indicates  a  contribution  of 
$1,827.29  from  this  State,  It  is  urged  that;  "Much 
more  (than  this  amount)  should  be  contributed  by  the 
Baptists  of  Mississippi  to  this  important  object;  and  in 
order  to  secure  this  result,  special  efforts  should  be  made 
by  our  pastors,  and  others  to  circulate  more  wideh'  a- 
mong  our  people  the  Comtmssion  and  the  Home  and 
Foreign  Journal,  which  are  the  organs  through  \vhich 
the  latest  and  most  important  missionary  intelligence 
is  conve3'ed.    Ever3'  church  should  take  up  a  collection 


300  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

at  least  once  a  3^ear  for  the  cause  of  Foreign  missions, 
and  pastors  should  make  sj^ecial  apjieals  for  it  to  their 
people." 

When  darkness  began  to  gather  ove  the  South  in 
1861,  it  is  said:  "Xo  material  retrenchment  can  be 
made  in  the  operations  of  the  Foreign  Alission  Board 
without  disaster  to  the  cause.  Our  missionaries  are  in 
the  field,  *  *  *  engaged  in  ver\' important  self-denying 
toils,  and  it  is  manifesth'-  our  dut^-  to  see  that  the^'  do 
not  suffer  for  want  of  support.  If  the  times  require  re- 
trenchment, let  us  retrench  in  other  matters,  but  not 
in  the  sacred  cause  of  missions.     Let  us  not  rob  God.'' 

During  the  next  two  years  of  gloom,  all  operations 
in  this  field  were  prevented,  and,  in  the  report  of  1864, 
by  Arthur  Foster,  it  is  said  :  "All  our  energies  for  the 
present  seem  to  be  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  the 
home  field.  As  our  communication  with  foreign  lands 
is  almost  entireh-  cut  off,  this  seems  no^v  to  be  the 
most  appropriate  wa^^  in  Avhich  to  employ  ourmeans." 
During  the  absence  of  communication,  many  of  our 
missionaries  continued  to  toil  on  in  their  fields,  and  af- 
ter communication  was  restored  increased  efforts  and 
sacrifices  were  required  to  regain  what  had  been  lost, 
to  paA'  accrued  debts,  and  to  give  efficiency  to  the  la- 
bors of  the  faithful  heralds  who  remained  at  the  post 
of  duty  among  the  heathen.  Their  cause  should  alwa\''S 
be  near  the  hearts  of  God's  people,  in  whose  benefact- 
ions the^'  should  be  remembered.  Such  is  the  tenor  of 
the  report  of  1865. 

The  instruction  given  to  the  Board,  by  the  Conven- 
tion, to  sustain  its  present  missionaries,  and  re-inforce 
them  as  it  is  possible  to  do  so,  is  mentioned  in  the  re- 
port of  1866.  Though  impOA-erished  we  must  do  some- 
thing to  sustain  the  missionaries  already  in  the  field. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  301 

The  churches  were  requested  to  contribute  for  this  ob  - 
jedl  before  the  next  Convention,  at  Memphis,  in  May, 
1867.  But  remissness  is  confessed  in  the  next  report  in 
consequence  of  financial  pressure,  and  the  commission 
of  the  Saviour  is  still  in  full  force  and  Christians  have 
not  obeyed  it  to  the  extent  of  their  ability. 

In  1868  the  Home  and  Foreign  Journal  wsiS  recom- 
mended and  its  circulation  urged,  while  the  report  de- 
plores the  meager  contributions  to,  and  the  lack  of  any 
just  appreciation  of  this  enterprise.  It  is  a  great  and 
blessed  work,  and  noble  men  are  engaged  in  it,  of  w^hom 
it  is  said:  "Strongly  as  this  cause  commends  itself  to 
our  kindly  regards  by  its  intrinsic  excellence,  its  claims 
upon  our  sj^mpathy  and  support  are  apparent  also 
from  the  character  and  sacrifices  of  the  corps  of  noble 
missionaries  engaged  in  this  department  of  Christian 
labor."  The  Board  is  in  a  health^^  condition  finan- 
cially. 

In  1871,  the  report  notes  the  marked  increase  in 
the  work  during  the  last  year,  the  number  of  mission  - 
aries  having  been  nearly  doubled.  It  is  said  that ; 
"There  have  never  been  in  the  history  of  this  important 
w^ork,  facilities  equal  to  those  at  present  offered  to 
Christians  in  contributing  to  this  work.  The  State 
Convention,  at  its  last  meeting,  realizing  the  impor- 
tance of  this  branch  of  the  mission  work,  organized  a 
State  Board,  located  at  Canton,  as  an  auxiliaiy  to  the 
Foreign  Alission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention, which  will  at  once  place  in  the  field  an  efficient 
agent."  The  pastors  of  the  churches  were  requested  to 
take  up  quarter^  collections  for  Foreign  Missions,  and 
paj'  over  to  the  State  agent,  E.  D.  Miller. 

In  1872,  the  following  action  of  the  State  Conven- 
tion  was  made  the  expression  of  the  Association's  feel- 


302  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ing:  "Whereas,  The  mission  work  of  the  Foreign 
Mission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  has 
been  greatly  blessed  of  God,  and  whereas,  That  Board 
is  making  efforts  to  enlarge  the  work,  having  recentlj^ 
sent  ont  eight  missionaries,  and  having  determined  to 
build  a  large  house  of  ^vorship  in  the  city  of  Rome ; 
therefore, 

^'Resolved,  That  Baptists  in  Mississippi  should  in- 
crease their  contributions  to  the  Board,  taking  up  at 
least  one  collection  a  year  in  every  church."' 

"The  field  of  Foreign  missions,"  continues  the  As- 
sociation's report,  "becomes  daily  more  inviting,  and 
aside  from  the  encouragement  afforded  by  the  past  suc- 
cess of  the  work,  we  should  be  impelled  by  our  love  to 
Jesus,  and  our  sense  of  dut}',  to  carr^-  out  the  intent  of 
the  above  action  of  the  State  Convention,  by  our  per- 
sonal contributions,  and  by  recommending  to  the 
churches"'  to  act  upon  the  above  resolution. 

In  the  report  of  1873,  it  is  urged  that  the  spirit  of 
missions  is  the  spirit  of  Christ  and  of  His  gospel,  and  is 
breathed  in  His  great  commission,  and  that  thus  were 
planted  the  New  Testament  churches.  It  deals  compre- 
hensiveh' ^vith  the  questions,  ^What  nre  we  doing?'  and 
'What  should  we  do  in  Foreign  Lands?''  giving  an  in- 
teresting summar\^  of  the  Board"s  work  in  Foreign 
lands  and  heartih-  commends  the  Foreign  Mission 
Journal.  During  the  consideration  of  the  report  there 
was  much  zeal  manifested  and  sixty  -  one  dollars  were 
pledged  for  the  work. 

In  addition  to  the  facts  already'  mentioned,  the  re- 
port of  1874,  refers  to  the  plan  of  the  Board  of  paying 
its  missionaries  in  quarterh'  installments  and  of  assess- 
ing the  different  States  at  an  average  of  seven  cents 
per  member.    By  resolutions  the  Association  recognized 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  303 

the  obligation  of  its  members  to  give  the  gospel  to  ev- 
ery living  being,  and  to  consecrate  property,  efforts 
and  prayers  to  this  end ;  and  requested  its  pastors  to 
make  special  appeals  to  their  churches,  and  gather  con- 
tributions for  Foreign  missions. 

In  1875,  the  public  collections   at   Sharon   (v^'here 
the  Association  was  held)  and  Brooksville  (six  miles 
distant)  were  divided   between  Domestic  and  Foreign 
missions.     In   1876,   the  report  gives  a  surve}-  of  the 
foreign  field,  refers  to  the  flourishing  condition  of  the 
Italian  mission  under  the  zealous  and  efiicient  manage  - 
ment  of  Geo.  B.  Taylor,  and  in  the  same  connection  to 
the  work  of  Van   Meter,    under   the  auspices  of  the 
Northern  Board,  and  to  the  work  in  Africa  under  our 
missionaries,  David  and  Colley  (colored).     The  China 
missions  are  mentioned  in  detail — the  Canton  mission 
under  R,  H.  Graves  and  wife,  N.  B.  Williams  and  wife, 
and  Miss  Whilden ;  the  Shanghai  mission  under  Yates, 
and  the  Tung  Chow  mission  under  T.  P.  Crawford  and 
wife,  Mrs.  Holmes  and  the  Misses  Moon.     It  thus  con- 
•cludes;   " 'Tis  true  we  do  not  see  as  great  success  of 
their  labor  as  we  could  wish,  but  all  great  works  have 
a   small  beginning,   and  we  sincereh^  believe  that  the 
time  is  near  at  hand  when  the  many  seeds  sown  will 
spring  up  into  a  rich  and  bountiful  crop  that  will  yield 
a  harvest  so  abundant  and  glorious  that  it  will  sur- 
pass our  highest  conceptions."     We  are  in  dutj'  bound 
to  do  our  fidl  share  in  supporting  these  men  and  wom- 
en who  have  left  all  for  this  work. 

A  good  report,  in  1877,  justh'  argues  that  the  gos- 
pel is  aggressive  and  must  be  sent.  "Go,"  is  the  watch- 
word,— "into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature."  Early  Christians  obeyed  this  com- 
mand and  spread  the  gospel  far  and  wide.     "'Come,' 


304  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

and  'Go,'  epitomize  Christianity.*'  A  similiar  summary 
of  the  foreign  work  is  given,  condensed  from  the  twen- 
ty second  annual  report  of  the  Richmond  Board.  This 
w^ith  our  own  favored  condition,  our  opportunities  for 
spreading  the  gospel,  and  the  entreaties  of  the  nations 
to  receive  it,  should  inspire  us  with  zeal  in  this  sphere 
of  work. 

The  report  of  1878,  speaks  of  the  real  progress  of 
the  work,  notwithstanding  many  embarrassing  circum- 
stances, and  of  its  claims  upon  our  sympathies.  He 
contrasts  earnest,  working.  Ladies'  Missionar3^  Socie- 
ties with  female  degradation  in  heathen  lands,  and 
recommends  the  circulation  of  Foreign  mission  intelli- 
gence as  a  means  of  cultivating  a  missionary  spirit. 

The  report  of  1879  mentions  benefit  to  mankind  as 
the  essence  of  the  gospel  and  urges  that  the  majorit^^  of 
Christians  fail  in  their  dutj^  to  the  heathen  because  of 
ignorance.  "M3''  people  are  destroyed  for  lack  of 
knowledge,"  saith  the  Lord.  The  dissemination  of 
missionarj^  intelligence,  in  every  possible  manner, 
should  be  so  extensive  that  the  names  of  our  mission- 
aries would  be  household  words  in  every  Baptist 
famih'. 

In  1880,  the  report  repeats  that  expressive  truism  ; 
"The  spirit  of  missions  is  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,"'  as  it 
prompted  the  blessed  Saviour  to  lay  aside  His  glory 
and  undertake  the  moral  renovation  of  man.  The  mis- 
sion work  is  ONE ;  beginning  at  Jerusalem  and  reaching 
"the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth."  There  has  been  a 
rapid  and  \vonderftil  development  iii  modern  missions, 
and  it  is  impossible  to  give  an  account  even  of  the  work 
of  Southern  Baptists.  The  Foreign  Mission  Journal 
is  again  recommended,  and  a  cash  contribution  of 
$13.70  is  made. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  305 

This  condensed  statement  of  the  Association's 
words  concerning  Foreign  missions  includes  also  some 
contributions.  All  reported  contributions  appear  in 
financial  tables,  but  much  has  been  done  that  is  kept  irr 
record  only  in  the  archives  of  heaven. 

Columbus  Association  supplement.  (1881): — 
The  history  of  the  Columbus  Association,  written 
b3^  L.  S.  Foster,  and  printed  in  1881,  is  inserted  in  this 
work,  at  least  as  much  of  it  as  can  well  be  put  in  a  histo- 
r3^  of  this  kind.  But  Foster's  histor3'  of  this  body  un- 
fortunately extends  onh^  to  1881.  So  it  falls  to  the  lot 
of  the  writer  to  continue  the  \vriting  of  their  history 
to  the  close  of  the  century'.  The  dutA^  is  reluctanth'  as  - 
sumed.  The  course  of  events  as  they  are  naturally  re- 
lated, will  be  followed  rather  than  the  to])ical  plan 
adopted  by  Foster.  The  events  of  the  five  j^ears  from 
1880  to  1885  inclusive  will  first  claim  our  attention. 

For  the  first  four  years  of  this  period,  T.  G.  Sellers 
was  moderator  of  the  body,  W.  H.  Glenn,  clerk,  and  J. 
E.  Joiner,  treasurer.  The  onlv  change  of  ofiicers  the 
fifth  3'earwas  in  the  election  of  J.  W.  Deupree,  clerk. 

The  session  of  1881  was  held  with  the  church  at 
Crawford.  At  that  meeting,  the  Cumberland  church 
w^as  received  into  the  union.  The  organization  of  that 
church  \vas  a  result  of  the  labors  of  their  missionary-,  L. 
S.  Foster.  Also,  the  Pleasant  Grove  church  was  receiv- 
ed b^'  letter. 

L.  S.  Foster  was,  as  usual,  concerned  about  the 
preservation  of  facts.  He  presented  a  number  of  reso- 
lutions to  the  bodv,  asking  that  the  committee  on  Nom- 
inations be  instructed  to  appoint  some  one  to  write  a 
brief  histor^^  of  the  Association ;  that  the  clerk  be  in  - 
structed  to  publish  a  list  of  their  ordained  ministers ; 
that  each  church  of  the  bod^-  be  urged  to  preserve  in 


306  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  future  a  file  of  their  minutes ;  and  that  each  church 
be  entreated  "to  report  in  its  letter  all  sums  contribiit  - 
ed  to  all  objects." 

In  the  report  on  Sunday  schools  it  appeared  that 
twelve  of  their  churches  out  of  twenty -three  reported 
Sunday  schools.  The  grand  total  of  teachers  was 
eighty,  and  pupils  791.  The  churches  had  a  total 
membership  of  1,65S.   Of  course  this  report  was  not  full. 

In  the  associational  yearof  1879 — 1S80,  J.  T.  Chris- 
tian had  been  the  missionary  in  their  bounds.  But,  un- 
like most  office  holders,  he  resigned.  At  the  beginning 
of  the  year  1880,  and  1881,  the  Executive  Board  em- 
plo^'ed  L.  S.  Foster,  who  labored  at  Palo  Alto,  Abbott's 
Hall,  and  Cumberland.  L.  S.  Foster  lost  but  one  ap- 
pointment, and  gave  three  extra  Sunday's  v^ork.  He 
traveled  742  miles,  and  organized  one  church,  the  Cum- 
berland, already  referred  to.  The  salary  of  the  mission- 
ar}^  for  eight  month's  labor,  $266.65,  was  promptly 
paid. 

In  October  1881,  B.  R.  Hughey  was  chosen  to 
■work  at  Cumberland,  and  Bell's  school  house.  He  be- 
gan his  work  in  January,  1882.  He  reported  227  miles 
traveled,  (organized  two  Sunday  schools,  raised  $100 
for  associational  missions,  and  $16.50  for  other  pur- 
poses. R.  N.  Hall  was  their  missionarj^  at  McClanna- 
han  Mission,  and  Noxubee  church.  He  held  one  pro- 
tracted meeting  and  collected  $44.50  for  associational 
missions. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Association,  in  1883,  the  Ex- 
ecutive Board  reported  four  missionaries  in  the  held 
during  the  past  year.  Hughe}'  was  at  Cumberland, 
Hall  at  Xoxubee,  J.  T.  Freeman  at  Sun  Creek,  and  H.J. 
Vanlandingham  at  Mayhew.  The  total  atiiount  receiv- 
ed for  their  missions  was  $369.65.     The  missionaries 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  307 

were  all  paid  in  full,   and  a  balance  left   on   hand   of 
$39.65. 

In  18S4-,  Hu^hey  was  still  laboring  at  Cumberland, 
J.  J.  Jackson  was  at  Noxubee  church,  J.  T,  Freeman  at 
Sun  Creek,  and  W  H.Carroll  at  Macon.  Small  appro- 
priations were  also  made  to  Montgomery  and  Mount 
Zion.  The  following  year,  help  was  extended  to  Mont- 
gomery, Noxubee,  and  Caper's  Chapel,  Memphis,  and 
Ackerman.  Three  persons  were  added  to  the  Cumber  - 
land  church  by  baptism,  six  to  Noxubee,  and  six  to  Ca  - 
per's  Chapel. 

In  1881,  the  Association  gave  to  State  missions, 
$665.55,  and  to  Foreign  missions,  $122.10;  in  1885, 
they  gave  to  State  missions  $383.85,  and  to  Foreign 
missions,  $60.00.  Something  must  have  affected  their 
benevolence  that  year,  as,  in  1884,  they  gave  to  Foreign 
missions,  $235.10. 

For  the  next  four  years,  or  to  1889  inclusive,  T.  G. 
Sellers  was  annually  elected  moderator,  J.  W.  Deupree 
was  clerk  for  the  same  length  of  time.  J.  E.  Joiner  was 
treasurer  in  1886  and  1887,  and  J.  L.  Crigler  in  1888 
and  1889.  The  Concord  church,  Noxubee  county,  was 
received  into  the  fraternit^^  in  1887  from  the  Choctaw 
Association,  and  the  New  Hopechurch,  Kemper  county, 
from  Louisville  Association.  A  letterof  dismission  was 
granted  to  the  Cumberland  church  in  1888,  but  with  - 
out  the  concurrence  of  the  church  was  it  asked.  The 
letter  was  returned,  and  the  messengers  from  that 
church  seated  in  1889.  (The  Little  Bethel  church.  Bells 
school  house  church,  and  Memphis  church,  Ala.,  were 
received  in  1886.) 

The  mission  statiour^of  the  Association  were  all  oc- 
cupied in  188i).  H.  J.  X'anlandingham,  was  at  Mont- 
gomery, J.  J.  Jackson  at  Noxubee,  Caper's  Chapel,  and 


308  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Memphis,  L.  \l.  Stone  at  Little  Bethel,  and  T.  G.  Sel- 
lers at  Ackerman.  Their  salaries  \vere  all  paid,  and  a 
balance  of  $24.80  on  hand. 

The  Association  was  in  thorough  harmony' \vith  the 
State  Convention,  and  labored  for  genuine  co-opera- 
tion. Their  churches  gave  that  year  the  sum  of  $379.80 
to  State  inissions. 

Of  the  thirty  churches  in  the  Association,  twenty - 
six  had  Sunday  schools  with  a  total  enrollment  of 
1,330.  The  churches  had  an  aggregate  membership  of 
2,223.  .The  showing  they  made  in  their  Sunday  school 
\vork  was  far  better  than  in  many  of  the  other  good 
Associations  in  the  State. 

In  1887,  the  Executive  Board  supplemented  the  sal- 
ary- of  H.  J.  Yanlandingham  ^vith  $75.00  at  Montgom- 
erv,  and  appropriated  $50.00  to  Sun  Creek  church. 
Bell's  school  house  got  a  $50.00  appropriation,  Little 
Bethel,  $50.00,  Mount  Zion,  $25.00,  and  Memphis, 
$30.00. 

In  the  minutes  of  the  Associtition  of  1887,  is  printed 
a  historical  essa^^  on  the  Columbus  Association  from 
the  pen  of  J.  H.  Buck.  It  bears  on  the  early  history-  of 
the  body.  It  deals  at  length  \vith  the  c^uestion  of  sepa- 
ration of  their  oldest  churches  from  the  Buttehatchie 
Association.  It  seemed  all  along  their  history  to  be  a 
sorrowful  refle(?tion  that  they  had  to  withdraw  from 
that  body.  They  at  one  time  petitioned  the  Butte- 
hatchie for  fraternal  relations,  but  got  a  cold  negative 
response. 

In  the  year  1888,  they  made  a  change  in  their  mis- 
sion work.  There  was  "dissatisfaction,  and  complaint"" 
as  to  the  management  of  their  associational  missions ; 
also,  a  "want  of  interest"'  in  it,  as  the  Executive  Board 
expressed  it.     It  was  thought  best  that  the  Executive 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  309 

Board  suggest  to  the  Convention  Board  the  mission 
stations,  and  the  missionaries  to  be  employed,  and  let 
the  Convention  Board  commission  them.  The  Secre- 
tary of  the  Convention  Board  was  to  report  to  that 
Association  the  work  done  by  missionaries  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Association.  By  this  plan  of  co-opera- 
tion, H.  M.  Long  was  missionary  at  Scooba,  J.  T.  Free- 
man at  Sun  Creek,  H.  J.  Vanlandingham  at  Montgom- 
ery, and  Mount  Zion,  L.  M.  Stone  at  Little  Bethel,  J.  P. 
White  at  Bell's  school  house;  and  A.  J.  Walker  at  New 
Hope. 

The  New  Prospect  church,  Oktibbeha  county,  was 
received  into  their  union  in,18S9.  That  3'ear,  after  the 
reading  of  the  report  of  the  Executive  Board,  a  motion 
was  carried  to  continue  their  associational  work,  and  a 
special  committee  raised  to  report  to  the  body,  at  that 
session,  suggesting  a  plan  for  conducting  this  woi'k. 
The  committee  recommended  the  appointment  of  a  mis- 
sionary for  all  his  time,  find  also  to  aid  feeble  churches. 
The  Executive  Board  was  to  be  untrammeled  in  its  op- 
erations. The  Executive  Board  had  met  fit  Starkville, 
October  20,  188S,  and  had  decided  to  resume  their  mis- 
sion work  as  a  separate  body,  and  appointed  their  own 
missionaries.  The  best  laid  plans  sometimes  fail  in  the 
execution,  and  men  as  readily  change  their  minds  as 
women,  and  full  often  not  so  wisely. 

The  ordained  ministers  in  the  Columbus  Associa- 
tion in  1889,  were  W.  H.  Robinson,  T.  G.  Sellers,  J.  T. 
Freeman,  J.  H.  Buck,  W.  F.  Spragins,  C.  E.  W.  Dobbs, 
T.  C.  Teasdale,  H.J.  \'anlandingham,  \l.  W  Noftsinger, 
H.  F.  Von  Kohn,  L.  M.  Stone,  J.  J.  Jackson,  W.  C.  Lat- 
timore,  H.  M.  Long,  Sid  Williams,  W.  I\  Bond,  J.  T. 
Graham,  J.  P.  WilHams,  B.  R.  Hughey.  J.  P.  White,  and 
J.  D.  Jamieson. 


310  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

H.  F.  Sproles  was  with  the  body  in  1890,  in  the  in- 
terest of  the  Jackson  Baptist  church.  In  the  report  of- 
their  finance  committee  is  the  statement  that  he  receiv- 
ed for  that  cause,  the  sum  of  $383.00  in  cash  and  relia- 
ble pledges.  That  wonderful  man  is  shy  of  praise,  but 
be  it  said  to  his  credit  that  few  men  could  have  accom- 
plished in  our  State  what  he  did  for  our  cause  in  Jack- 
son I  J.  A.  Hackett  was  also  at  that  meeting,  and 
preached  a  fine  sermon  from  Zach.  4:6,  on  "The  Holy 
Spirit  and  His  work." 

The  Association  accepted  two  suggestions  as  to 
Ministerial  Education,  viz :  That  pastors  and  churches 
"seek  out'"  young  men  having  the  ministry  in  vie\v, 
and  encourage  them  to  prepare  themselves  well  for 
their  life's  work  :  and  that  the  pastors  take  collections 
for  ministerial  education.  C.  M.  Morris  of  Caledonia 
\vas  a  licentiate  of  one  of  their  churches.  A  good  col- 
lection was  taken  for  his  support  \vhile  at  College. 

In  1890,  J.  T.  Freeman  was  under  the  eiuploy  of 
the  Executive  committee,  laboring  on  the  line  of  the  G. 
P.  Railway.  H.  F.  Voii  Kohn  was  laboring  for  them 
at  Siloam  and  Ridgeway :  J.  P.  White  at  Pearson's 
Chapel ;  and  N.  O.  Adams  at  Xew  Hope. 

Mrs.  Delia  B.  Deupree,  (\'ice  President  Central 
Committee  on  Woman's  Work),  had  been  surely  "act- 
ively and  earnestly*'  engaged  among  their  women.  Of 
the  thirty -three  churches  in  the  Association,  twenty - 
nine  had  Ladies  Societies.  This  record  could  scarcety 
have  been  surpassed  by  any  other  Association  in  the 
State.  The  financial  record  of  that  year  showed  that 
they  gave  to  associational  missions  $665. -IS  ;  to  State 
missions  $179.45 ;  to  Home  missions  $97.90:  to  For- 
eign missions  $210.45  :  to  Mississippi  College  $228.62  ; 
and  to  the  endowment  of  that  institution  $1,790.45. 


HISTORY     OF     MISvSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


311 


In  1891,  two  more  churches  were  received  into  the 
union,  Pheba  and  Enon.  J.  T.  Freeman,  as  their  mis- 
sionary, had  been  preaching  at  Alaben  and  Pheba  ;  J. 
H.  Buck  had  given  one  Sunday  in  each  month  to  the 
Memphis  church ;  and  H.  J.  Vanlandingham  was  mis- 
sionary pastor  at  Siloam.  The  following  year,  H.  J. 
Vanlandingham  had  also  the  work  at  Mhoon  Valley 
and  Maben. 

From  1890  to  1892,  inclusive,  T.G.  Sellers  was  still 
moderator  of  the  body,  J.  W.  Deupree,  clerk,  and  J.  L. 
Crigler,  treasurer.  In  1892,  there  were  thirty -five 
churches  in  the  organization  with  an  aggregate  mem- 
bership of  2,532. 

Their  missionary  operations,  in  1892,  were  carried 
on  at  Mhoon  Valley,  Maben,  in  the  territory  east  of 
Macon.  J.  H.  Buck  was  also  missionary  pastor  at 
Ridgeway  and  Scooba.  The  Executive  Board  made  a 
number  of  recommendations  to  the  Association :  that 
the  Board  be  composed  of  five  members,  who  were  to 
co-operate  with  the  State  Convention  Board.  A  writ- 
ten application  should  be  made  to  the  Executive  com  - 
mittee  by  a  church  wishing  aid,  which  their  Board 
should  recommend  to  the  Convention  Board.  The  Ex- 
ecutive Board  was  to  ascertain  from  the  secretary  of 
the  Convention  Board  how  much  money  they  were  to 
raise,  and  all  funds  collected  sent  to  the  Convention 
Board. 

The  following  year,  it  was  resolved  to  carrA'  out 
this  recommendation.  It  had  not  been  put  into  effect 
th^  year  before,  because  of  a  failure  of  the  Executive 
committee  to  complete  the  arrangements  with  the  Con- 
vention Board,  and  work  had  been  carried  on  through 
the  year  on  the  old  plan.  The  financial  statement 
shows  that  thev  gave  that  vear  to  the  State  missions 
$156.75. 


312  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1894,  only  twenty-nine  of  the  thirty-four  church- 
es of  the  bocU-  were  represented  in  the  body.  Nineteen 
Sunday  schools  were  reported  Avith  a  total  attendance 
of  1,250,  which  was  an  increase  of  sixt^'-two  over  the 
enrollment  of  the  previous  year.  There  were  eleven  La- 
dies Societies.  The  churches  reported  186  baptisms. 
The  aggregate  membership  \vas  seventy-four  greater 
than  the  \'ear  before. 

There  were  thirtA'-onc  churches  in  the  fraternity  in 
1895.  These  churches  contributed  that  year  to  State 
missions,  $447.15,  to  Ministerial  Education,  $411.  37, 
and  to  Foreign  missions,  $369.97.  The  grand  total  of 
their  benevolent  work  was  $1,977.38.  There  were  six- 
teen Ladies  Societies  reported. 

T.  G.  Sellers  became  moderator  of  the  Columljus  As- 
sociation in  1872,  and  was  elected  annualh'  to  fill  that 
oftice  to  the  year  1898  inclusive,  or  for  twenty -six 
vears.  He  died  March  11,  1899.  He  was  a  man  of 
fine  culture,  and  of  a  large  heart.  He  was  universally 
respected  in  the  bounds  of  his  Association,  and  had  the 
complete  confidence  of  the  Columbus  Association.  A 
full  sketch  of  his  life  may  be  found  in  "Foster's  Baptist 
Preachers." 

From  1895  to  1900,  J.  W.  Deupree  was  clerk,  and 
D.  M.  Love  treasurer.  They  are  both  earnest  and  con- 
secrated laA'man.  J.  W.  Deupree  is  a  teacher  of  extend- 
ed reputation,  and  D.  \[.  Love,  a  successful  ti'aveling 
man. 

In  1896,  the  churches  had  an  aggregate  membership 
of  2,277,  and  in  1900,  a  total  of  2,423.  In  1896.  their 
total  gifts  amounted  to  $8,268.97,  and  in  1900,  to 
$11,147.70.  Reports  were  made  annually  upon  all  the 
subjects  usualh-  reported  on  by  the  committees  of  the 
State  Convention.    These  reports  were  unusually  well 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  313 

Avritten,  and  were  full   of  general   instruction   for   the 
churches. 

The  Columbus  Association  is  a  dignified  body, 
calm,  and  meditative.  It  has  in  it  a  degree  of  intelli- 
gence unusual  in  our  State.  Its  ministry  is  usually 
equal  to  any  in  the  South.  The  Columbus  church  has 
alwa^'S  commanded  the  best  talent,  a  the  most  com- 
petent ministers  in  the  South.  The  Starkville  churcli 
has  been  fortunate  in  its  pastors,  and  Macon,  West 
Point,  and  Shuqualak  have  had  fine  preachers.  The 
churches  at  Crawford,  Deer  Brook,  and  Brooksville, 
have  an  intelligent  and  orderly  membership.  The  As- 
sociation cannot  ]3ut  elicit  tidmiration  and  I'espect. 


314  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER   X. 

•  MOUNT    PISCAH    ASSOCIATION.  / 

111  the  Luminary,  of  1837,  is  seen  an  announcement 
of  a  call  for  a  convention  to  consider  the  adYisabilit3'-  of 
formmor  a  new  Association.  The  convention  w^as  to  be 
held  \vith  the  Tilda  Bogue  church.  The  call  was  made 
b^"  Tilda  Bogue,  Doak's  Creek,  Mount  Pisgah,  Alount 
Gilead,  Mount  Bluff,  Union  (Hinds),  and  Mount  Pros- 
per churches.  The  meeting  to  form  the  Association 
was  to  be  held  with  Mount  Pisgah  church,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1837.  Below  we  have  the  history  of  the  Mount 
Pisgah  Association  to  1891,  written  by  X.  L.  Clarke, 
of  Xewton. 

This  body  of  Baptists  was  organized  in  the  3'ear 
1837.  The  meeting  for  that  purpose  was  held  with  the 
Mount  Pisgah  Ba])tist  church,  Rankin  county.  Miss., 
in  connection  with  the  hrst  Lord's  day  in  October  in 
that  year.  Of  the  circumstances  attending  its  organi- 
zation, little  can  be  said,  as  I  have  no  minute  of  the 
proceedings.  From  various  sources,  however,  I  gather 
the  following  facts :  The  churches  represented  in  the 
Convention  of  organization,  or  at  least  composing  the 
body  at  its  second  session,  were  Antioch  and  Jerusalem, 
Scott  county:  Antioch,  Rankin  county;  Brandon, 
Mount  Pisgah,  Steen's  Creek,  Doaks  Creek,  Tilda 
Bogue,  Pilgrim's  Rest,  Palestine,  and  Bethel.  These 
churches  were  situated  in  the  counties  of  Scott,  Rankin, 
Madison,   Leake,   and  Newton ;  and  at  the  session   at 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  315 

1838,  reported  a  membership  of  370,  making  it  clear 
that  their  membership  in  organization  was  about  300. 
The  ministers  present  at  the  formation,  or  coming  in 
at  its  second  session,  were  Cader  Price,  T.  S.  N.  King, 
Stephen  Berry,  William  Denson,  Henry  Chambers,  Eli- 
jah Willbanks.  Cader  Price  was  the  first  moderator, 
and  T.  S.  N.  King  the  first  clerk.  These  brethren  were 
re -.elected  to  the  same  positions  at  the  session  of  the 
body  for  1838.  The  Abstract  of  Faith  was  that  pub- 
lished in  the  minutes  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Associa  - 
tion.  The  Rides  of  Decorum  such  as  are  mommon  in 
such  organizations.  The  session  of  1838  convened  with 
Jerusalem,  Scott  countj^  Miss.  The  session  for  183  9 
was  appointed  to  l)e  held  with  Antioch  church,  Scott 
county*  Miss. 

Cader  Price  entered  the  ministry  in  this  State,  and 
at  an  early  age;  and  was  a  man  of  fine  capacity  and 
great  faithfidness.  And  during  a  long  life  of  vself -  sacri - 
ficing  labor,  did  much  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ 
in  Mississippi.  Likely,  no  man  in  this  day  had  more 
completely  the  confidence  of  the  people  among  whom 
he  lived  and  worked.  The  greater  part  of  his  gospel 
labor  was  done  in  the  counties  of  Simpson,  Rankin, 
Scott,  and  Newton.  He  died  at  an  advanced  age,  ceas- 
ing from  his  lalDors.  T.  S.  N,  King  came  to  Mississippi 
a  preacher,  was  a  man  of  intelligence,  good  personal 
appearance,  fine  social  qualities,  and  active  in  business; 
with  but  moderate  ability  in  the  gospel.  For  several 
years  he  resided  at  Brandon;  and  about  the  year  1846 
moved  to  Arkansas  to  continue  his  work. 

Stephen  Berry  began  to  preach  in  Mississippi,  likely 
in  Simpson  county,  afterwards  moved  to  Scott  to  pros- 
ecute his  calling;  was  a  man  of  fair  ability,  a  lively  ex- 
horter,  and  was  much  blessed  in  building  up  the  church- 


316  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

es.  In  the  controversy  on  the  mission  question  in  the 
Association  he  sided  \vith  the  anti- mission  party,  and 
in  the  division  went  with  them.  Soon  afterwards  he 
moved  to  the  State  of  Arkansas  to  finish  his  course. 

William  Denson  iDegan  to  preach  in  the  State  of  Ala- 
bama, came  to  Alississippi  when  yet  young,  and  settled 
in  Rankin  county  ;  was  a  zealous,  able,  and  successttil 
minister,  and  did  much  to  build  up  the  cause  of  Christ 
in  the  eastern,  and  central  parts  of  the  State,  especially 
in  the  counties  of  Madison,  Scott,  and  Rankin.  For 
many  years  he  was  connected  with  the  Mount  Pisgah 
Association,  and  for  a  time  its  moderator,-  but  on  the 
formation  of  the  Harmony-  Association,  he  withdrew, 
and  connected  himself  with  that  body,  of  which  he  was 
for  3'ears  the  moderator.  He  toiled  with  energy  in  the 
great  calling  of  his  life,  earnestly  contending  for  tlio 
faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints  till  he  was  old ;  and 
finished  his  course  on  Lord's  day  morning,  in  the  yard 
of  the  church  house  where  he  had  for  so  many  years 
w^orshipped  God.  Henry  Chaml^ers  came  from  Tennes- 
see to  Mississippi  an  old  preacher,  was  for  a  number  of 
years  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Association; 
preached  to  the  churches  in  Scott  county,  at  an  ad- 
vanced age  was  called  to  his  reward. 

Elijah  Willbanks  entered  the  ministry  in  the  State 
of  Alabama,  but  in  the  earl^-  settlement  of  East  Alissis- 
sippi  came  to  this  State :  he  was  a  man  of  fair  ability, 
and  dignified  deportment ;  he  was  at  one  time  modera- 
tor of  the  Association,  In  the  division  on  the  mission 
question,  he  left  the  Association,  and  identified  himself 
with  the  anti -missionaries. 

In  the  year  1837,  the  Association  convened  with 
the  Antioch  church,  in  Scott  county.  The  introductory 
sermon   was    preached    by    Elijah    Willbanks.     Cader 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  317 

Price  was  re-elected  moderator,  T.  S.  X.  King  clerk,. 
andS.  J.  Denson  treasurer.  Seven  churches  were  added 
to  the  body,  to  wit :  Lime  Creek,  Clear  Creek,  Bethel, 
Erron,  Ebenezer,  Mount  Sinai,  and  Mount  Olivet.  Cor- 
respondence was  received  from,  and  returned  to  Liber- 
t3%  Pearl  River,  Leaf  River,  and  Union  Associations. 
Among  the  messengers  we  find  the  names  of  ministers 
once  held  in  high  esteem,  and  of  great  usefulness  in  Mis- 
sissippi :  N.  Robertson,  Sr.,  James  Powell,  James  Mur- 
ray, William  P.  Carter,  and  E.  Y.  Terrell,  and  as  visit- 
or, N.  R.  Granberry.  About  the  ordinary  business  for 
Associations  in  those  days  was  transacted.  The  body 
voted  to  pay  their  messengers  to  sister  Associations.  A 
well  written  circular  letter  on  Christian  duty  is  printed 
in  the  minutes  of  this  year,  and  there  is  evidence  of 
great  harmony. 

William  Denson  was  appointed  to  preach  the  next 
introductory  sermon.  The  body  then  adjourned  to 
meet  with  Antioch  church,  Rankin  county,  at  the  same 
time  in  the  next  year,  showing  for  this  year  a  member- 
ship of  545,  sixty -two  of  which  had  been  baptized  dur- 
ing the  associational  year.  The  largest  church,  Doak's 
Creek,  numbering  eighteen. 

According  to  adjournment  the  Association  met  in 
her  session  for  1840,  (her  fourth)  with  Antioch  church. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  William 
Denson.  Cader  Price  was  again  elected  moderator, 
John  M.  Chambers  clerk,  and  S.  J.  Denson  treasurer. 
Six  new  churches  were  added  to  the  body — New  Hope, 
Siloam,  New  Bethel,  Liberty,  White  Oak  Creek,  and 
Mount  Pleasant.  Correspondence  was  received  from 
sister  Associations  as  last  year,  and  returned.  As  mes- 
sengers from  other  Associations,  not  named  before,  I 
find  the  following :  Allison  Phillips,  Wyatt  Hall,  D.  B. 
Crawford,  and  Louis  Granberr}';  visitor,  S.  Thigpen. 


318  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  proceeding-s  show  the  reception  of  a  communi- 
cation from  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  the  object 
not  stated.  The  proposition  was  not  favorably  enter- 
tained l)y  the  Association,  though  the  Convention  was 
regarded  favorabh',  evidenced  by  the  passing  of  a  reso- 
lution favoring  the  printing  of  the  minutes  of  the  vari- 
ous Associations  in  the  State  through  the  agency  of  the 
Convention,  in  one  volume.  Great  harmony  in  the 
proceedings  ])revailed,  calling  forth  a  suitable  resolu- 
tion of  thiinks  to  God  for  the  same.  It  was  agreed  to 
hold  the  next  annual  session  with  the  Bethel  church, 
Newton  county.  Miss.  J.  P.  Martin  to  preach  the  next 
introductory  sermon.  The  minutes  show  twenty-four 
churches  in  the  body,  811  members,  143  baptized  dur- 
ing the  year,  eight  ordained  ministers,  four  licentiates, 
Brandon  the  largest  church,  115  strong. 

John  P.  Martin  entered  the  ministrA'  in  the  State  of 
Georgia:  came  to  Mississippi  likely  in  the  year  1817; 
v^-as  a  man  of  fine  mind  ;  reached  his  conclusions  with 
great  readiness.  His  style  of  deliver^'- was  direct,  forci- 
ble and  clear.  Sound  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  added 
to  great  life  and  force  in  exhortation,  he  was  alike  a- 
vailable  in  pastoral  and  missionary  work,  between 
Avhich  he  divided  his  long  and  toiling  life.  He  was  at 
one  time  twenty -six  3'ears  the  pastor  of  the  same 
church,  and  at  different  periods  of  his  ministry  was  con- 
nected with  the  Mississippi,  Pearl  River.  Leaf  River 
Mount  Pisgah,  and  Ebenezer  Associations,  often  being 
moderator.  Possessing  great  energy  of  character,  and 
unconquerable  determination,  and  blessed  \vith  long 
life,  his  labors  wonderfulh'  served  to  advance  the  cause 
of  Christ  in  the  southern  and  southeastern  parts  of  our 
State.  Brother  Martin  died  at  about  the  age  of  eighty- 
eight  years  at  his  home  in  Smith  county.  Miss. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  319 

Shadrach  Jones  was  an  Alabamian,  and  Ijeo^an  to 
preach  in  that  State,  but  soon  after  cameto  Mississippi 
and  located  in  Neshoba  county.  He  was  an  ani- 
mated speaker,  sound  in  the  gospel  faith,  and  of  ov- 
er average  abihty.  In  his  early  ministry,  he  was  a  rig- 
id anti- missionary,  but  suspecting  the  correctness  of 
his  position,  he  was  led  to  investigate  the  subject,  and 
with  cordiality  embraced  the  views  of  the  Regular  Bap- 
tists. Now  free  from  the  shackels  of  his  former  views, 
he  devoted  himself  afresh,  and  with  great  energy  to  his 
Master's  work,  laboring  in  the  counties  of  Neshoba, 
Newton,  Leake,  Rankin,  and  Scott,  in  pastoral  and 
self- sustained  missionary  work.  He  loved  the  name  of 
his  Master,  he  loved  to  pi-each.  In  the  midst  of  his 
usefulness  his  health  gave  way,  and  he  died  at  his  home 
in  Leake  county.  Miss.,  aged  about  forty -five  years. 

Bishop  Coxe  was  challenged  not  long  ago  to  give 
the  proof  that  the  maxim  long  attributed  to  the  Jesuits 
to  wit :  "The  end  justifies  the  means,'"  is  to  be  found  in 
any  of  "the  authentic  works  of  the  thousand  authors 
of  Jesuits.*'  He  met  the  challenge  by  giving  the  challen- 
ger the  sentence,  ''Finis  cleterminat  probihatem  act- 
us.'" It  is  found  in  the  textual  quotations  made  from 
three  Jesuit  writers,  Busenbaum,  Layman,  Wageman  in 
Encyclopedia  Britannica,  page  651,  and  certainly  leaves 
the  advocate  of  Rome  without  a  peg  to  hang  a  doubt 
upon  that  the  maxim  is  thoroughly  Jesuitical. 

The  eyes  of  many  conscientious  Roman  Catholics 
have  been  opened  to  the  enormous  wickedness  perpetu  - 
ated  by  these  satantic  emissaries  of  tne  church  by  hav- 
ing this  wicked  dogma  pointed  out  to  them.  When 
anj^  honest  man  or  woman  among  them  places  this  foul, 
though  cherished  rule  of  action  of  his  church  alongside 
of  our  Saviour's  savings  to  the  trafficers  of  sacrifices  in 


320  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  temple,  "It  is  written  1113-  House  shall  be  called  the 
house  of  pra^-er,  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves," 
they  are  at  once  moved  to  do  with  the  whole  thing,, 
as  the  whale  did  with  Jonah  after  its  three  days  trans- 
portation of  the  indigestible  morsel.  Let  us  hope  that 
since  their  denials  have  called  out  the  heroic  and  unim- 
peachable nailer  of  Bishop  Coxe,  that  many  more  will 
be  taken  with  a  similar  healthy  spewing. 

In  1841,  the  body  convened  with  Bethel  church, 
Newton  county,  Miss.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  b^-  John  P.  Martin,  who  was  also  elected 
moderator  in  the  organization,  J.  M.  Chambers  clerk^ 
Eli  Nichols  treasurer.  Four  new  churches  were  receiv- 
ed ;  Pleasant  Hill,  Macedonia,  (3coha,  and  Sulphur 
Springs.  Correspondence  from  sister  Associations  as 
before.  Visiting  S.  Thigpen  Sr.,  a  time  worn  veteran  of 
the  cross,  then  living  in  Jasper  county.  Miss.  The  sub- 
ject of  Domestic  missions  was  discussed  with  much  an- 
imation, and  some  feeling.  The  matter  was  for  the 
present  set,  tied  b}-  a  resolution  of  request  to  the 
churches  to  send  up  their  minds  at  the  next  meeting  of 
the  bod}'  as  to  the  best  method  of  reaching  the  destitu-  • 
tion  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association.  Man}-  sup- 
posed the  body  about  equalh'  divided  on  the  mission 
cjuestion.  A  circular  letter,  written  by  S.  Jones,  appear- 
ed in  the  minutes  of  this  session.  H.  W.  Hodges  was 
appointed  to  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon. 
The  next  annual  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  with 
Doak's  Creek  church,  Madison  county.  Miss.  The  min- 
utes show  twenty -eight  churches  in  the  body,  with 
nine  hundred  members,  seventy -five  baptized  during 
the  3'^ear.  Brandon,  the  largest  church,  one  hundred 
and  twenty  strong.  The  writer  was  first  in  this  Asso- 
ciation this  year. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  321 

In  184-2,  the  Association  met  witlithe  Doak's  Creek 
church,  as  agreed.  H.  W.  Hodges  preached  the  intro- 
ductory^ sermon.  J.  P.  Martin  was  again  elected  mod- 
erator, J.  M.  Chambers  clerk,  and  Eli  Nichols  treasurer.. 
Tavo  new  churches  were  received  into  the  body,  Rockj'- 
Creek,  and  New  Chapel.  Correspondence  kept  up  with 
Pearl  River,  Union,  and  Liberty  Associations.  Leaf 
River  discontinued.  Among  the  names  of  messengers 
this3'ear,  I  find  those  of  Jesse  Crawford,  and  J.E.  Sand- 
ifer,  once  able  ministers  in  Pearl  River  Association.  A- 
bout  the  ordinary  business  those  da^'S  was  gone  through 
with.  The  answer  from  the  churches  to  the  resolution 
inquiring  on  the  subject  of  Domestic  missions  created 
inuch  interest,  causing  much  discussion.  It  now  ap- 
peared clear  that  the  body  was  in  such  a  state  of  disa  - 
greement  as  would  hinder  her  from  working  together 
much  longer.  Much  feeling  was  manifested.  A  resolu- 
tion was  passed  urging  the  churches  to  sustain  their 
pastors  more  liberally,  thus  giving  them  an  opportun  - 
it^'  to  include  the  destitution  with  their  pastoral  work; 
thus  disposing  of  the  question  for  the  present.  The; 
Association  in  its  earliest  history  arranged  for  fifth 
Sunday  union  meetings.  These  were  arranged  and  ap- 
pointments made  to  have  them  attended,  A  further 
effort  was  made  to  secure  correspondence  with  Choc  - 
taw  Association.  It  was  agreed  that  the  bod^-^  hold  its 
session  for  1843  with  Mount  Sinai  church,  Neshoba 
county,  Miss.,  and  that  N,  L.  Clarke  preach  the  next 
introductory  sermon.  The  minutes  of  this  session  con-^ 
tain  a  circular  written  by  N,  L.  Clarke,  on  the  subject 
of  prayer.  The  statistical  table  shows  thirty  churches^ 
1,116  members,  211  baptized  during  the  year;  evidenc- 
ing health  and  vigor  in  the  body ;  Brandon  the  largest 
church,  127  strong. 


322  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.      . 

W.  H.  Holland  became  a  Baptist  and  began  to 
preach  in  Scott  county,  Miss.,  but  soon  afterwards 
moved  to  Newton  county,  where  he  remained  for  sever- 
al years;  was  an  animated  speaker,  a  forcible  exhorter, 
and  though  3''oung  in  the  ministry,  he  evidenced  fine 
gifts  for  usefulness;  he  went  to  Louisiana,  thence  to 
Texas:  and  at  last  account  was  still  preaching  in  the 
south  western  part  of  that  great  State. 

G.  AY.  Dorance,  a  young  man  of  northern  birth  and 
rearing,  came  South,  and  for  a  time  resided  at  Brandon, 
and  was  connected  with  Mount  I'isgah  Association, 
had  a  liberal  education,  and  was  of  moderate  ability  as 
a  preacher,  remaining  but  a  short  time  in  the  South, 
he  returned  to  the  home  of  his  3'outh. 

H.  W.  Hodges  was  for  a  time  located  in  Madison 
county,  Miss.,  and  was  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah 
Association:  was  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance, 
amiable  manners  and  an  able,  instructive,  and  influen- 
tial minister  of  the  gospel.  But  soon  left  and  went  else- 
"vvhere  to  prosecute  his  Master's  work. 

A.  Goss,  a  native  of  a  northwestern  State,  came 
South  and  became  a  Baptist,  and  entered  the  ministry 
in  Scott  countA',  Miss.  A  man  of  commendable  zeal 
and  fine  ability.  He  was  the  first  missionary-  sent  out 
by  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  and  was  continued  in 
that  work  for  several  years,  givinggeneral  satisfaction. 
Afterwards  he  labored  with  great  faithfulness  in  pas- 
toral work  in  many  of  the  counties  of  east  Mississippi. 
He  had  many  admirers — was  deeph'  doctrinal.  His 
ministry  covered  a  period  of  about  fort3'-five  years. 
He  finished  his  course  but  recenth^  near  Columbia  Miss., 
and  passed  to  his  reward. 

The  Association  covened  in  1843,  with  Alount 
Sinai  church,  Neshoba  county,  Miss.     The  introductory 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  323 

sermon  was  preached  by   N.  L.   Clarke.     Elijah  Will- 
banks  elected   moderator,  J.    M.   Chambers  clerk,   Eli 
Nichols  treasurer.     Five  churches  were  received  into  the 
Association— Campground,  Carthage,  Pleasant  Grove, 
Edinburg,  and  Mountain  Hill.     Correspondence  receiv- 
ed from  Union,  Pearl   River,  and  Leaf  River  Associa- 
tions.    Among  the  messengers  present  on  this  occasion, 
were  Alexander  Murray,  and  Wilkes  Honey,  then  active 
ministers  in     Pearl    River    Association.     N.  R.    Gran- 
berry,  then  in  the  vigor  of  his  ministry,  was  from  the 
Union.     The    ordinary  forms    observed,    and  business 
gone  through  with,  the  suljject  of  missions,  which  for 
years  had  been  discussed  in  the  l^odj-  was  again  before 
it.     It  had  become  clear  that  the  difference  in  opinion 
in  the  body  was  widening,  and  that  unless  healed,  must 
come  to  a  crisis.     In  the  organization  on  Saturday',  it 
was  evident  that  the  anti- mission  element  was  prepar- 
ing for  the  conflict,  as  Elijah   Willbanks,  the  leading 
minister,  was  contrary  to  expectation  elected  modera  - 
tor;  also  the  treasurer  appointed,  was  under  that  in- 
fluence, who,  under  the  protest  of  the  body,  declined  to 
serve.     Also,  the  chairman  of  the  committee  on  preach- 
ing, was  a  rigid   anti.     Under  this  management,  Joel 
Harve^',  a  visitor  from  the  West,  an  avowed  and  practi- 
cal non-fellowshipper,  was  appointed  to  preach  on  the 
Lord's  day,  but  was  not  allowed  b^'  the  Association. 
Much  feeling  was    up,   at  the    time  of  adjournment 
on   Saturday,   \'et  the  preaching  was  animated,   and 
sound,  James  Merchant,   N.  R.  Granberry,  Wm.  Den- 
son  occupying  the  stand.     Sadness  prevaded  the  whole 
delegation,  and  much  apprehension  was  felt  with  regard 
to  the  meeting  of  the  Association  on   Monday.     The 
body  convened,  tlie  motlerator  prayed,  and   business 
proceeded,  yet  it  was  clear  that  there  was  but  little  un- 


324  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ion.  Early  in  the  day,  during;  the  discussion  of  a  ques- 
tion, more  or  less  involving  the  subject  of  missions,  the 
climax  was  reached.  Roderic  R.  Fortson,  rising  from 
his  seat,  and  addressing  the  Association  in  a  short  talk, 
closed  by  saA'ing,  "I  am  not  of  3'^ou,  and  that  it  may  be 
manifest  that  I  am  not  of  you,  I  now  go  out  irom  you;" 
and  suiting  his  action  to  his  words,  left  the  house,  follow 
edby  a  number  of  delegates  that  agreed  with  him  in  sen- 
•timent.  Thusoccured  the  division  in  the  Mount  Pisgah 
Association  on  the  subject  of  missions.  I  have  been 
thus  particular  because  it  has  been  much  talked  of,  and 
will  3'et  be  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association;  and  also, 
because  there  are  but  few  now  living  that  were  there. 
This  action,  of  course  caused  temporary-  confusion  in  the 
body  which,  however,  was  soon  quieted,  and  business 
went  on,  it  being  now  manifest  that  the  regular  mis- 
sion sentiment,  was  largely  in  the  ascendency  in  the  As- 
sociation, the  withdrawing  not  materially  affecting  the 
business  strength.  The  following  resolution  was  passed 
and  sent  forth  to  the  churches. 

^'Resolved,  That  the  churches  be  requested  to  state 
in  their  letters  to  the  next  session  of  this  Association, 
whether  it  is  their  mind  to  invest  the  surplus  tunds  in 
the  treasury  in  employing  a  faithful  minister  or  minis- 
ters, to  ride,  and  preach  the  gospel  in  the  destitute 
parts  within  the  bounds  of  our  Association;  and,  if  not, 
what  disposition  shall  be  made  of  it,  and  that  those 
who  favor  an  itineracy,  send  up  funds  specified  for  that 
purpose." 

Union  meetings  were  kept  up.  It  was  agreed  that 
the  session  of  the  Association  for  1844  be  held  with 
Line  Creek  church,  Scott  county,  Miss.,  and  that  James 
Merchant  preach  the  next  introdudlory  sermon.  A 
well  written  circular  letter  appears  in  the  minutes  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  325 

this  year  on  church  discipHne,  and  Christian  propriety. 
The  statistics  show  thirty -five  churches  in  the  body, 
aggregating  1,344  members,  236  baptized  during  the 
j^ear,  fifteen  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  the  Associ- 
ation, eight  hcentiates. 

James  Merchant,  an  able  and  influential  Baptist 
minister,  and  for  many  years  connected  with  Mount 
Pisgah  Association,  entered  the  ministry',  either  in 
Smith  or  Simpson  county-,  Miss.,  in  which  region  of  the 
State  he  spent  the  strength  of  his  da^-s  in  gospel  work. 
A  man  of  fine  mind,  a  close  student,  and  deeply  indoc- 
trinated in  the  truths  of  the  Bible  he  greatly  edified 
those  that  waited  on  his  ministry-.  His  favorite  theme 
was  the  two  dispensations,  the  Jewish  and  the  Chris- 
tian showing  the  glor}-  of  the  new  over  the  old  coven- 
ant. Emigrating  to  Texas,  he  located  in  Polk  county- ; 
where,  after  a  fe\v  years  he  died  at  about  the  age  of 
sixty  years. 

The  Association  for  the  \'ear  1844,  convened  with 
Line  Creek  church,  Scott  county-,  Miss.  The  introduct- 
ory^ sermon  was  preached  by  James  Merchant.  The 
body  was  called  to  order  by  Cader  Price,  the  former  mod  - 
erator,  Elijah  Wilbanks,  having  withdrawn  with  the 
antimission  party.  J.  P.  Martin  was ele6led moderator, 
J.  M.  Chambers  clerk,  T.  R.  Green  treasurer.  Much  anxi- 
ety had  been  felt  among  the  churches  during  the  past 
associational  year  as  to  the  final  result  of  the  anti- 
mission  disaffection  at  the  last  session  of  the  body. 
Five  churches  were  \vithdrawn  from  by  the  Association 
as  having  gone  into  non- fellowship  ;  New  Bethel,  Edin- 
burg,  Pilgrim's  Rest,  Mount  Pleasant,  and  New  Chapel, 
and  on  careful  computation,  it  was  found  that  the  body 
was  ninety- -  six  members  weaker  than  at  the  close  of 
the  session  of  the  previous  year.     One  new  church,  at 


326  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Canton,  was  received  into  the  Association.  Corres- 
pondence was  received  from  Pearl  River,  Union,  and 
Choctaw  Associations.  Among  the  messengers  present 
this  3'ear,  were  B.  L.  Barnes  and  Benjamin  Whitfield, 
then  in  the  prime  of  their  ministry,  and  ripe  in  useful- 
ness. In  answer  to  the  recjuest  sent  out  at  the  session 
before,  the  churches  expressed  themselves  in  favor  of 
the  Association's  engaging  in  the  work  of  Domestic 
missions,  within  her  o^vn  l^ounds.  Whereupon  a  reso- 
lution was  passed  that  the  body  take  steps  to  carry 
out  the  wishes  of  the  churches.  Shadrach  Jones,  Cader 
Price,  Burwell  L.  Barnes,  N.  L.  Clarke,  James  Mer- 
chant, J.  P.  Alartin,  and  J.  AI.  Chambers  were  appoint- 
ed a  committee  to  draft  rules  to  govern  the  work.  By 
request  of  the  Association,  B.  L.  Barnes  preached  on 
missions  on  Lord's  da}-,  and  a  pu1)lic  colleclion  was 
taken  up  in  support  of  the  cause.  Alanson  Goss  was 
appointed  missionary  to  lal^or  in  the  destitution  with- 
in the  bounds  of  the  Association  the  ensuing  year;  and 
I.  R.  Bass,  S.Jones,  L.  B.  Bilbro,  X.  L.  Clarke,  I.  Mai- 
lory,  James  Thames,  B.  Alison,  Cader  Price,  William 
Purvis,  James  Merchant,  Everit  Lewis,  and  W.  Toler, 
together  with  the  officers  of  the  Association,  were  ap- 
pointed an  Executive  Board  to  superintend  the  work 
during  the  coming  year.  A  Bible  society  was  organized 
to  labor  in  circulation  of  the  Scriptures  called  the 
"Mount  Pisgah."'  An  able  circular  letter  fvom  the  pen 
.of  J.  M.  Chaml3ers  on  the  state  of  the  churches,  the  im- 
portance of  vigilance  and  puritj',  appeared  in  the  min- 
utes of  this  year.  It  was  Fesolved,  That  the  next  ses- 
sion of  the  Association  be  held  with  Bethel  church, 
Newton  county,  Aliss.,  and  that  J.  M.  Chaml^ers  preach 
the  next  introductory  sermon.  Great  harmony-  pre- 
A^ailed  during  the  whole  session  ;  calling  forth  a  resolu- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  327 

tion  of  thanks  to  God  for  the  same,  which  was  unani- 
mously adopted.  And  especially,  that  the  bodv  had 
been  able  in  harmon^^  to  enter  upon  the  great  work  of 
missions.  Nor  is  it  wa'ong  here  to  sa3'^  that  the  work 
so  happily  entered  upon  then  by  this  Association  has 
been  regularh^  kept  up  till  now  either  in  her  owm,  by  or 
through  the  General  Association.  The  statistics  show 
thirty -one  churches  in  the  body,  1,338  members,  seven- 
ty-seven baptized  during  the  3^ear.  Steen's  Creek,  the 
largest  church,  132 ;  seventeen  ordained  ministers,  ten 
licentiates. 

John  M.  Chambers  was  reared  to  manhood  in  Mis- 
sissippi; but  while  attending  school  in  Tennessee,  pro- 
fessed faith  in  Christ,  and  joined  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
b3'terians.  On  returning  to  his  home  in  Mississippi, 
he  embraced  the  views  of  the  Baptists,  and  was  l)ap- 
tized  into  the  fellowship  ofSiloam  church,  Scott  coun- 
ty, and  soon  began  to  preach;  was  ordained  in  1842-, 
and  located  at  Hillsl^oro,  laboring  in  the  ministry',  and 
was  for  a  number  of  years  a  successful  merchant.  For 
several  vears,  he  was  pastor  at  Hillsboro,  and  at  various 
other  churches  in  Scott  and  adjacent  counties.  He  was 
for  fourteen  years  clerk  of  iVIount  Pisgah  Association, 
was  secretary' and  depository  agent  of  Mount  Pisgah 
Bible  Society,  and  member  of  the  Executive  Board  of 
the  Association.  A  man  of  pleasing  appearance,  genial 
manners;  intelligent  and  active  in  lousiness;  he  had  a 
fine  reputation  amongthe  churches,  and  for  many  years 
did  much  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ  in  east  Mis- 
sissippi, possessing,  at  the  least,  average  abilitv  in  the 
pulpit.  Failing  in  his  Imsiness,  his  ministry  passed 
with  it.  Emigrating  to  north  Mississippi,  and  thence 
to  Tennessee,  he  located  at  or  near  Saulsbury;  and  af- 
ter a  time  resting,  again  engaged  in  liis  Master's  work; 


328  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Avas  for  3'ears  connected  with  Big  Hatchie  Association, 
and  was  much  esteemed  among  the  churches  for  which 
he  labored  till  after  the  war,  \Yhen  he  was  called  to  his 
reward. 

William  F.  Barrett  was  a  minister  of  the  gospel 
and  physician.  He  began  to  preach  in  Sumpter  county, 
Ala.,  came  to  Alississippi,  likely  in  1842,  and  for  years 
resided  in  Newton  and  Scott  counties,  preaching  the 
gospel  and  practicing  his  profession.  He  was  a  man  of 
active  mind  and  liberal  education,  and  fair  pulpit  abili- 
ty. After  a  few  years  of  busy  and  useful  life  in  Missis- 
sippi, he  closed  his  earthly  labors. 

The  session  of  the  Association  for  the  3-ear  1845, 
was  held   with  Bethel  church,   Newton  count\'.  Miss. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  133^  J.  AI.  Cham- 
bers. J.  P.  Martin  was  elected  moderator,  J.  M.  Cham- 
bers clerk,  and  T.K.  Green  treasurer.   Two  new  church- 
es were  received  into  the  body — Mount  Vernon,   and 
Mill  Creek,  the  latter  constituted  under  the  labor  of 
our  missionary-,  A.  Goss.     Correspondence  was  received 
from   Libert^'  and    Pearl  River  Associations.     Among 
the  messengers  present  this  year  were  N.  Slay,  \V.  P. 
Carter,  and  D.  Sumrall,  then  in  the  prime  of  their  man- 
hood, and  vigor  of  their  ministry.     The  report  of  the 
Executive  Board  gave  an  interesting  exhibit  of  the  la- 
bors of  A.  Goss,  missionar\-  of  the  body  during  the  past 
year;  showing  231  da^'S  service ;  225  sermons  preach- 
ed; nineteen  persons  baptized  :  one  church  constituted, 
and  that  he  had  traveled  3,090  miles.    Showing,  too, 
a  wide  field  of  destitution,  and  the  people  anxious  to 
hear  the  word,   and  that  the  churches  were  becoming 
more  united  in  the  work.   The  committee  on  the  State  of 
religion  reported  the  churches  in  a  thriving  condition. 
Two  ministers  belonging  to  the  Association  had  ceased 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  329 

from  their  labors  during  the  year — Stephen  WilHams,  of 
Madison  county,  and  Shadrack  Jones,  of  Leake  county. 
A.  Goss  was  re-appt)inted  missionary-  of  the  Associ^i- 
tion  for  tlie  ensuing  year,  for  three -fourths  of  his  time. 
I.  R.  Bass,  William  Denson,  Eli  Nichols,  N.  L.  Clarke, 
L.P.  Murrell,  W.  H.  Holland,  T!  Tullas,  J.  G.  H.  Baugh, 
W.  G.  Butler,  B.  Allison,  James  Merchant,  and  Thomas 
Davis,  with  the  officers  of  the  body,  were  appointed  an 
Executive  Board  for  the  ensuing  year.  A  resolution 
was  passed  asking  the  churches  to  express  themselves 
as  to  the  best  method  of  supplying  the  destitution  in 
the  bounds  of  the  Association.  It  was  agreed  that  the 
next  session  of  the  body  be  held  with  the  Jerusalem 
church,  Scott  county,  and  that  A.  Goss  preach  the  next 
introductory'  sermon.  The  table  of  statistics  show 
thirty -three  churches  in  the  body;  1,4'37  members; 
148  baptized  during  the  year;  twenty -one  ordained 
ininisters,  and  four  licentiates. 

B.  L.  Barnes  was  a  native  of  the  State  of  Georgia, 
had  a  liberal  education;  was  a  man  of  polished  man- 
ners. Entering  the  minivStrv,' while  yet  a  young  man, 
he  came  to  Alississippi  to  pursue  his  holy  calling:  and 
was  an  able  and  instructive  preacher.  For  a  number 
of  years,  he  was  connected  with  Alount  Pisgah  Asso- 
ciation, residing  in  Madison  county;  was  pastor  at 
Canton,  and  preaching  in  the  surrounding  country-.  He 
\vas  last  in  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  in  1846; 
soon  after  which  it  pleased  God  to  call  him  from  his 
earthly  labors,   while  yet  in  the  midst  of  usefulness. 

Lee  P.  Murrell  was  born  in  the  State  of  North  Car- 
olina, 25th  of  September,  1808,  and,  while  yet  quite 
young,  came  with  his  parents  to  Mississippi,  living  in 
different  counties  in  the  State.  In  earh-  life,  he  located 
in  Scott  countv,   where  he  is  still  living.     In  the  year 


330  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

1840,  Air.  Alurrell  professed  faith  in  Christ,  and 
Avas  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Antioch  church, 
Scott  county,  Aliss.,  bA'  Stephen  Berry,  Rejoicing  in 
the  love  of  God,  and  in  Christ  as  his  own  Saviour,  he 
was  soon  impressed  to  preach  Jesus  unto  the  people. 
Air.  Alurrell  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Antioch 
church  in  1842,  and  in  1844,  was  ordained  to  the  full 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry;  William  Denson,  A.  Phil- 
lips, and  David  Cook,  acting  as  presbytery.  At  once 
entering  upon  the  full  work  of  the  ministry,  he  rose  rap- 
idly to  influence  and  usefulness:  engaging  in  pastoral 
work  in  various  counties  in  east  Alississippi.  He  has 
been  pastor  of  Pleasant  Hill  church  for  forty -two  con- 
secutive years;  has  been  connected  with  Alount  Pisgah 
Association  since  1841,  and  with  the  General  Associa- 
tion from  its  organization.  Possessed  of  a  sound  and 
active  mind,  great  soundness  of  judgment,  and  clear- 
ness in  his  conceptions  of  divine  truth  as  taught  in  the 
gospel,  and  of  the  faith  of  the  Baptists,  (of  which  he  is 
a  faithful  expounder)  and  backed  by  a  consistent  life, 
he  has  Ijeen  a  great  favorite  with  the  churches,  and  all 
that  love  pure  gospel.  And  during  a  long  life  of  self- 
sacrificing  devotion  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  he  has  not 
only  built  up  a  fine  reputation  as  a  gospel  minister,  en- 
deared himself  to  friends  of  truth  as  far  as  known,  but 
has  done  a  great  work  in  advancing  the  cause  of  truth, 
and  giving  glor\'  to  God.  God  has  blessed  our  brother 
Avith  long  life,  fine  health  and  comfortalile  living. 
Though  noAv  in  his  eightieth  year,  he  loves  to  preach, 
and  does  it  well,  and  prays  with  great  fervor.  Alay 
God  bless  his  servant  with  years  of  comfort  and  useful- 
ness still. 

In  the  session  of  184(3,   the  Association  convened 
with  Jerusalem  church,  Scott  county,  Aliss.,  a  harmon- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  331 

ious  and  prolitalDle  meetiiii^-.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  A.  Goss,  Wni.  Denson  was  elected 
moderator,  and  J.  M.  Chambers  clerk,  T.  K.  Green 
treasurer.  One  new  church  was  received  into  the  body 
— Benevolence,  Leake  county.  Miss.  Correspondence 
from  sister  Associations  much  as  heretofore.  Among 
the  messengers  present  this  year  was  Wm.  M.  Farrar, 
for  many  years  a  popular  and  useful  minister  in  the 
State,  and  then  from  the  ChoAavv  Association.  A.  Goss, 
made  an  encouraging  report  as  missionar}-  of  the  body 
for  the  past  year,  reporting  remaining  destitution. 
Whereupon  it  was  resolved  to  continue  the  work.  A. 
Goss  and  J.  D.  Abney  were  appointed  to  labor  in  the 
destitution,  the  ensuing  year,  each  for  one -half  of  his 
time,  also  an  Executive  Board  of  Missions  was  appoint- 
ed .  A  well  written  circular  on  the  doctrine  of  election  ap- 
peared in  the  minutes  of  this  session,  written  by  B. 
Manly  Sr.,  of  Alabama,  and  copied  from  the  minutes  of 
the  Tuscaloosa  Association.  The  appearing  of  this 
circular  was  timely,  and  it  exerted  a  fine  influence  upon 
the  churches  composing  the  body.  Some  of  the  church- 
es of  the  Association  were  dismissed  during  this  session, 
in  order  to  aid  in  the  organization  of  the  Central  and 
Ebenezer  Associations.  It  was  resolved  to  hold  the 
next  meeting  of  the  body  with  Rocky  Creek  church, 
Newton  count}-,  Miss.,  and  that  Wm.  Denson  preach 
the  next  introductory  sermon.  Much  harmony  pre- 
vailed during  the  meeting,  evidencing  that  the  churches 
of  the  bod}'  were,  as  a  whole  advancing  in  every  good 
w(^rk. 

1847 :  This  year  the  Association  met  with  Rocky 
Creek  church,  Newton,  Miss.  The  introductory^  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  William  Denson,  who  was 
also    re-elected    moderator,    J.    M.    Chambers     clerk, 


332  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

and  T.  K.  Green  treasurer.  Seven  new  churches  were 
added  to  the  body,  Pinckney,  Union,  Judson,  Bethle- 
hem, Good  Hope,  Fellowship,  and  Pleasant  Hill,  in 
Smith  county.  Correspondence  was  received  from 
Pearl  River,  Central,  Libert3',  Choctaw,  Ebenezer,  and 
Louisville  Friendship  Associations ;  giving  to  the  occas- 
ion an  amount  of  ministerial  talent  seldom  found  to- 
gether in  east  Mississippi,  in  those  daj'S.  Among  the 
messengers,  those  who  had  not  been  before  \vith  us,  I 
may  mention  W.  H.  Ta^dor,  then  editing  the  Alississip- 
pi  Baptist,  cit  the  city  of  Jackson,  J.  Micou  Jr.,  John 
Moffat,  Wm.  Williams,  and  R.  Y.  Rasberry.  There  was 
also  correspondence  from  the  Baptist  State  Conven- 
tion, Ta^'lor  and  Micou  messengers.  The  fraternal  feel- 
ings of  all  these  bodies  Avere  reciprocated  in  a  proper 
manner.  The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  re  - 
ported  favorably  as  to  the  condition  of  the  churches, 
Avhile  the  report  of  the  labor  of  our  missionaries,  as  set 
forth  by  the  Executive  Board,  indicated  success  in  the 
past  and  hope  for  the  future.  A  friendh-  correspond- 
ence was  sent  to  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  A.  Goss 
and  Ira  Townsend  messengers.  The  report  of  the 
Mount  Pisgah  Bible  Society  evidenced  activity-.  Many 
copies  of  the  Scriptures  had  been  sold  and  given  away ; 
as  also  other  religious  books.  J.  D.  Abne\'  and  L.  P. 
Murrell  were  appointed  missionaries  for  the  ensuing 
year,  to  labor  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association. 
Fifth  Sunday  Union  meetings  were  still  kept  up.  It 
was  resolved  that  the  next  session  of  the  bod3'  be  held 
with  Antioch  church,  Rankin  county-,  Miss.,  and  that 
J.  D.  Abney  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon.  The 
table  of  the  statistics  shows  thirty -three  churches  in 
the  bod^',  1,172  members.  116  baptized  during  the 
past  year.  The  largest  church,  New  Hope,  Madison 
.county,  154. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  333 

J.  D.  Abne\',  was  for  3'ears  a  citizen  of  Neshoba 
county,  Aliss.,  and  in  his  earlier  hfe  was  connected  wdth 
the  Episcopal  Methodists.  Becoming  convinced  of  the 
correctness  of  the  views  of  the  Baptists  on  Scriptural 
doctrine  and  ordinances,  he  was  baptized  In^  A.  Goss, 
and  became  a  member  of  the  Ebenezer  Baptist  church. 
He  was  at  once  licensed  to  preach,  and,  evidencing  gifts 
for  usefulness,  w^as  soon  called  to  ordination,  and  en- 
tered on  pastorpJ  work.  Posessed  of  good  social  qual- 
ities, a  fair,  and  fruitful  mind,  and  being  a  pleasing,  and 
often  a  forcible  speaker,  he  soon  advanced  to  usefulness, 
and  built  up  a  good  reputation  as  a  Baptist  preacher, 
laboring  in  the  counties  of  Neshoba,  Newton,  Scott,  and 
Smith,  and  for  some  years  was  missionary  of  Mount 
Pisgah  Association,  and  president  of  the  Bible  Society. 
For  a  time,  also,  he  labored  in  the  Southwestern  part 
of  the  State.  But  trials  came,  and  with  them  sore  tem- 
tations,  and  clouds  that  obscured  the  brightness  of  his 
ministr3\  Leaving  Mississippi,  he  emigrated  to  Texas 
to  finish  his  course.  Let  those  clouds  be  to  us  the  man- 
tle of  charity  to  hide  his  faults,  while  we  admire  his 
virtues. 

The  bod3^  convened,  in  1848,  Avith  the  Antioch 
church,  Rankin  county.  Miss.,  and  was  blessed  with  an 
encouraging  session.  The  introdudtory  sermon  was 
preached  by  J.  D.  Abney,  text:  "Why  stand  ye  here  all 
the  day  idle?"  Usual  form  was  observed  in  organiza- 
tion. The  former  moderator,  Wm.  Denson  was  re- 
elected, J.  M.Chambers  clerk,  Thos.  K.  Green  treasurer. 
Three  new  churches  were  received  into  the  body.  Sul- 
phur Springs,  Scott  county ;  Bethesda,  Madison  coun- 
ty; Friendship,  Scott  county.  Correspondence  received 
from  Pearl  River,  Central,  Louisville  Friendship,  Choc- 
taw, Liberty,   and  Ebenezer  Associations..    About  the 


334  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

usual  business  was  gone  through  with,  in  the  main 
harmoniously.  When  differenced  existed,  they  vanish- 
ed under  the  great  democratic  rule,  ever  dear  to  Bap  - 
tists ;  popular  vote,  majority  ruling.  Correspondence 
was  returned  to  all  the  above  named  Associations  ex- 
cept Louisville  Friendship.  The  servic  s  on  Lord's  day 
were  of  much  interest.  The  clerk  thus  speaks  of  them  : 
"The  congregation  appeared  to  be  much  interested, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  services  many  persons  came  for- 
ward for  prayers." 

The  report  of  the  Executive  Board  gave  an  encour- 
aging account  of  our  mission  work  the  past  year. 
Thev  stated,  "At  our  first  meeting  L.  P.  Murrell  declin- 
ed his  appointment  as  missionary,  and  R.  Y.  Rasberry 
w-as  appointed  in  his  place,  and  entered  at  once  upon 
his  work,  together  with  J.  D.  Abney.  They  have  mani- 
fested much  zeal  in  the  work,  and  have  done  much 
faithful  labor.  The  following  is  the  result:  263  days 
in  the  work:  192  sermons  preached;  three  churches 
constituted;  fifty -five  persons  baptized;  1,917  miles 
traveled,  besides  much  exhortation  given,  families  visit- 
ed, Bibles  and  Testaments  sold  and  given  away." 
Your  Board  feels  encouraged  to  persevere  in  the  work. 

By  recjuest  sent  up  from  some  of  the  churches,  it  ap- 
peared there  were  differences  existing  as  to  the  wording 
of  the  Abstract  of  Faith  of  the  Association.  It  was 
not  understood  that  there  w:ls  a  real  difference  in  doc- 
trine. After  full  discussion,  it  was  resolved  to  publish 
in  our  minutes  the  Abstract  of  Faith  found  in  the  En- 
cyclopdffiia  of  Religious  Knowledge,  thatthe  churches 
might  read  it,  and  if  thought  satisfactory,  might  adopt, 
it.  It  was  also  resolved  to  send  a  delegation  to  a  con- 
vention proposed  by  the  Pearl  River  Association,  to  be 
held  in  August,  1849,  with  Hopewell  church,   Copiah 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  835 

county,  Miss.,  in  order  to  harmonize  on  an  Abstract  of 
Faith  for  general  adoption.  The  following  persons 
were  appointed  delegates:  Wm.  Denson,  A.  Goss,  J.  J. 
S.  Miles,  N.  L.  Clarke,  L.  P.  Murrell,  J.  M.  Chambers, 
James  Merchant,  J.  D.  Abney,  J.  G.  H.  Baugh,  I.  R. 
Bass,  and  T.  K.  Green. 

It  was  agreed  to  continue  the  mission  work.  Wm, 
Denson,  J.  M.  Chambers,  T.  K.  Green,  R.  Edwards,  W. 
W.  Ely,  I.  R.  Bass,  J.  J.  vS.  Miles,  J.  Keen,  T.  Tullos,  B. 
Alison,  C.  G.  Smith,  H.  Granberry,  J.  Merchant,  I.  H. 
Gary,  and  H.  Nichols  constituted  the  Executive  Board. 
J.  D.  Abney  and  N.  L.  Clarke  were  appointed  mission  - 
aries  to  labor  each  one-half  of  his  time  in  the  iDounds  of 
the  Association  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  receive  one 
dollar  per  da^-  for  their  services. 

It  was  agreed  to  hold  the  next  session  of  the  body 
with  Mountain  Hill  church,  Simpson  county.  Miss.  J. 
J.  S.  Miles  to  preach  the  next  introdudtory  sermon,  L. 
P.  Murrell  alternate.  The  table  shows  thirty -five 
churches  in  the  Association,  1,338  members,  258  bap- 
tized, the  largest  church.  New  Hope,  Madison  county, 
Miss.,  153— W.  H.  Taylor,  pastor. 

Reddin  Y.  Rasberry  was  born  in  the  State  of 
Georgia,  but  while  quite  young  came  with  his  parents 
to  Alabama,  and  was  there  reared  to  manhood;  was 
baptized  in  the 3'ear  1839  at  Mashulaville,  Miss.,  bj^Mr. 
Holbrooks;  was  first  in  the  Mount  Pisgah  Asssociation 
in  1841;  was  liberated  to  preach  by  the  Sulphur 
Springs  church,  (now  called  Zion,)  about  the  year  1843, 
and  preached  as  licentiate  in  Neshoba,  Kemper,  New- 
ton, and  Lauderdale  counties;  was  ordained  to  the  full 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry  in  1845,  and  soon  became 
active  in  ministerial  work,  visiting  destitute  places,  and 
serving  churches  in  pastoral  work.     Of  an  active  turn 


336  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

of  mind,  aliveh'  exhorter,  and  ever  ready  to  do  the  best 
he  could,  he  soon  rose  to  fine  reputation,  and  entered  a 
career  of  great  usefulness  in  his  hoh^  calling.  Man3^  yet 
live  that  will  remember  his  labors  and  success  at  Liber- 
ty and  Hickory  Grove,  in  Kemper  county-,  and  Oktib- 
beha, and  Zion  Hill,  in  Lauderdale  county,  and  Mount 
Pleasant,  in  Newton  county.  For  a  time,  he  labored  at 
Enterprise,  Miss.  Afterwards  moving  to  Mobile,  he  la- 
bored in  the  cit3^  and  other  localities  near  with  great 
acceptance.  The  Avar  came,  and  with  it  trouble  and 
confusion.  Leaving  Mobile,  he  once  more  made  his 
home  in  Lauderdale  county,  and  ended  his  useful  life  in 
December,  1864,  near  Hickory  Grove  church,  where  he 
had  gone  to  again  take  charge  of  that  church,  wdiere  in 
early  life  he  had  been  so  blessed.  Brother  Rasberry 
died  in  the  fifty -second  3'ear  of  his  age  and  about  the 
twentj'^  -  second  3'ear  of  his  ministry.  He  and  his  dear 
companion  sleep  in  the  Hickory  Grove  cemetery. 

In  the  year  1849,  the  Association  convened  with 
Mountain  Hill  church,  Simpson  county.  Miss.,  in  her 
thirteenth  annual  session,  which  was  a  meeting  of  much 
interest.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  J. 
J.S.  Miles,  text,  "Now  abideth  faith,  hope,  and  charity, 
but  the  greatest  of  these  is  charity."  Letters  were 
read  from  thirty  churches,  and  statistics  noted.  Wm> 
Denson,  former  moderator,  was  re-elected  ;  J.  M.  Cham- 
bers clerk ;  T.  K.  Green  treasurer.  Five  new^  churches; 
w^ei'e  added  to  the  body — Raleigh,  Smith  count}-,  New 
Prospect,  Newton  count}^  Providence,  Leake  county. 
Leaf  River,  Smith  count}-,  Harmony,  Smith  county. 

Correspondence  \vas  received  from  Pearl  River, 
Central,  Ebenezer,  and  Liberty  Associations.  Promi- 
nent among  the  messengers  was  S,  R.  Freeman,  then 
just  entering  themini.stry,  who  rose  to  greater  eminence 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  337 

in  after  years.  Preaching  in  Alabama  and  Mississippi, 
and  for  a  time  Avas  president  of  Howard  College,  Ala. 
He  afterwards  went  to  Jefferson,  Tex.,  where  he  labor- 
ed but  for  a  short  time,  and  died  while  yet  in  the  prime 
of  life.  James  Murray,  Thomas  Willingham,  N.  Robert- 
son, Jr.,  and  J.  D.  Abney  preached  on  Lord's  day.  Mr. 
Willingham,  by  request,  preached  a  sermon  on  missions, 
followed  by  a  collection.  The  clerk  states  that  the  con- 
gregation was  large,  the  preaching  faithful,  the  collect- 
ion for  missions  amounted  to  nearly  sixty  dollars.  A- 
bout  the  ordinary  course  of  business  was  transacted. 
The  question  as  to  the  wording  of  the  Abstract  of 
Faith  was  again  before  the  body.  The  churches  declin- 
ed to  adopt  the  Encyclopaedia  faith,  whereupon  an  Ab- 
stract was  presented  before  the  body,  so  worded  as  to 
meet  the  feelings  of  all,  yet  retaining  the  principles  of 
the  old  Abstract  of  Faith,  which  was  unanimously 
adopted,  and  the  question  settled.  The  report  of  the 
Executive  Board  gave  an  encouraging  account  of  mis- 
sion work  during  the  past  year.  The  report  says,  "J. 
D.  Abney  declined  the  appointment  given  him,  and  has 
rendered  no  service."  N.  L.  Clarke  entered  promptly 
on  the  v^ork  assigned  him,  and  we  are  much  gratified 
to  be  able  to  state  to  you  that  his  labors  have  been 
greatly  blessed,  for  which  we  should  be  thankful  to 
God ;  and  it  should  lead  us  to  put  forth  renewed  efforts 
in  the  cause  of  truth ;  to  spread  abroad  the  gospel  of 
Christ  through  our  beloved  Zion  till  all  shall  be  blessed 
with  the  preached  word.  The  footing  up  shows  the  fol- 
lowing results,  140  days,  150  sermons,  forty- one  per- 
sons baptized,  fifteen  received  by  letter,  five  churches 
constituted,  1,737  miles  traveled,  besides  much  other 
labor.  In  July,  I.  R.  Bass  was  appointed  missionary 
to  fill  the  place  of  J.  D.  Abney,  left  vacant  by  his  resig- 


338  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

nation.  Mr.  Bass  has  labored  thirty  days,  preached 
twenty  -  eight  sermons,  traveled  382  miles.  We  recom- 
mend that  the  work  be  continued.  In  view  of  the  large- 
ness of  the  associational  territory,  a  special  committee 
was  appointed  to  enquire  into  the  propriety  of  forming 
a  new  Association  on  the  northwest  of  the  Pisgah. 
Committee:  R.  Edwards,  N.  L.  Clarke,  J.  J.  S.  Miles, 
and  T.  Willingham.  The  committee  reported  favora- 
bly. Frida\'  before  fifth  Lord's  da^^  in  December  was 
set  as  a  suitable  time,  and  Jerusalem  church,  Scott 
county,  Miss.,  as  a  suitable  place  to  hold  a  convention 
to  CRvry  out  the  work.  Said  meeting  was  held,  result  - 
ing  in  the  formation  of  the  Harmony  Association. 

Correspondence  was  returned  to  the  various  Asso- 
ciations. N.  L.  Clarke  was  appointed  missionary  for 
one-half  of  his  time  for  the  ensuing  associational  3'ear 
to  serve;  and  the  divine  blessing  on  the  work  was  im- 
plored, Thomas  Willingham  leading  in  prayer.  It  was 
agreed  that  the  next  session  be  held  with  Pleasant  Hill 
church,  Newton  county-.  Miss.  That  L.  P.  Murrell 
preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  Thomas  Willing - 
liam  alternate.  The  table  shows  thirty -eight  churches 
in  the  body;  338  baptized  during  the  3^ear;  total  mem- 
bership, 1,758,  sixteen  ordained  ministers,  six  licen- 
tiates; largest  church,  New  Hope,  Madison  county,  165. 
The  session  closed  in  great  harmony,  assured  that  the 
Association  was  in  a  prosperous  condition. 

Hillsman  Hill  was  a  native  of  North  Carolina,  pro- 
fessed religion  in  early  life,  and  was  soon  baptized;  be- 
gan to  preach  in  his  native  State  at  eighteen  years  of 
age.  In  after  life  moved  to  Alabama  and  settled  in  Sum- 
ter county-,  and  there  resided  a  number  of  3^ears,  and  la- 
bored in  the  ministry.  Moved  to  Mississippi  about 
1845,  and  preached  in  man^^  counties  in  the  eastern 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  339 

part  of  the  State.  Was  tall  and  dignified  in  personal 
appearance,  deliberate  in  his  manner  of  address,  dwelt 
much  on  doctrine,  was  a  sound  Baptist,  and  useful 
minister  of  Christ.  Was  for  a  time  connected  with 
MountPisgah  Association.  Finalh^  finished  his  course 
in  Leake  county,  at,  likely,  about  eighty-  years  of  age. 
His  ministry  covered   a  period,  of,  at  least  sixty  years. 

Thomas  Willingham  came  to  Sumter  county,  Ala., 
in  the  earlj'  settlement  of  that  country  and  was  then  an 
ordained  minister  of  the  gospel;  and  preached  in  differ- 
ent counties  in  that  part  of  the  State.  Among  other 
places  he  preached  at  Gaineville,  Ala.,  was  present  when 
the  writer  was  baptized  in  1838.  He  afterwards  moved 
to  Mississippi,  and  labored  in  his  holy  calling  in  the 
eastern  and  central  portions  of  the  State;  resided  at 
Brandon,  Miss.,  for  a  number  of  years,  where  he  was 
pastor,  also  to  the  churches  in  the  surrounding  country. 
Thomas  Willingham  w^as  of  good  personal  appearance, 
pleasing  manners,  and  often  an  impressive  speaker,  and 
of  more  than  average  ability  for  the  times  in  which  he 
lived.  Just  where  and  when  he  closed  his  useful  life,  we 
have  no  way  of  knowing. 

In  1850,  the  Association  convened  with  the  Pleas- 
ant Hill  church,  in  Newton  county.  Miss.,  which  was 
her  fourteenth  annual  meeting.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  preached  In'  L.  P.  Murrell,  text:  "In  whom 
we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgiveness 
of  sin  through  the  riches  of  his  grace."  Wm.  Denson, 
the  former  moderator,  having  with  his  church  with- 
drawn from  the  Association  to  aid  in  the  formation  of 
the  Harmon^',  N.  L.  Clarke  was  appointed  moderator 
pro  tern,  for  the  organization  of  the  body.  Letters 
were  received  and  read  from  twent\'-  churches,  and 
their  statistics  noted.    A.  Eastland  adted  as  teller  in 


340  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  election  of  officers.  X.  L.  Clarke  was  elected  as 
moderator,  and  J.  AI.  Chambers  clerk ;  I.  Mallory  was 
appointed  treasurer.  Ordinary  forms  observed  in  all 
its  parts.  Three  new  churches  were  added  to  the  body, 
Hopewell,  Scott  county,  Aliss.,  Poplar  Springs  and 
Pine  Ridge,  both  of  Newton  county-.  Correspondence 
received  from  Louisville  Friendship,  Ebenezer,  and  Lib- 
ert\'  Associations,  and  also  Harmony,  a  body  recently 
organized,  and  chiefl^^  composed  of  churches  dismissed 
from  the  Pisgah.  P.  F.  Alorehead,  A.  Goss,  J.  P.  Mar- 
tin, and  J.  AI.  Chambers  preached  on  Lord's  day.  The 
clerk  sa\'s,  "On  Lord's  da\"  the  Word  was  faithfully 
preached  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation,  and  a 
collection  taken  up  for  Domestic  missions  amounting 
to  $35.00  The  clerk  stated  that  under  privilege  allow- 
ed him  at  last  session,  he  had  given  letters  to  fifteen 
churches  to  enter  into  the  formation  of  the  Harmon^^ 
The  special  committee  on  Abstract  of  Faith  reported^ 
report  approved  :  all  satisfactory. 

The  Executive  Board  reported  the  mission  Avork  in 
a  favorable  condition  during  the  past  3''ear.  They  say, 
"Yourmissionar\',  N.L.Clarke,  has  been  activeh' engag- 
ed in  3'our  service  during  the  past  j-ear.  His  labors 
have  been  abundanth^  blessed  by  the  great  Head  of  the 
church.  His  report  shows  that  he  has  spent  148  days 
in  the  work,  preached  158  sermons,  baptized  sixt^^-one 
persons,  constituted  two  churches,  received  nineteen  by 
letter,  ordained  two  deacons,  distributed  religious  books 
and  tracts,  served  six  churches  all  or  part  of  the  time, 
and  traveled  2,310  miles.  Thanking  God  for  his  mercy, 
we  recommend  a  continuance  of  the  work."'  The  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  religion,  reports,  "that  harmony 
prevails,  precious  revivals  have  been  enjo3'ed,  sinners 
converted  and  added  to  the  churches."'    N.  L.   Clarke 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  341 

was  re -appointed  missionary  for  half  of  his  time  for 
the  ensiling  3-ear,  to  work  in  the  bounds  of  the  Associa- 
tion who  agreed  to  serve.  Prayer  was  offered  for  the 
divine  blessing,  Brother  Chambers  leading.  It  was  a- 
greed  that  the  next  session  of  the  body  be  held  with  the 
Camp  Ground  church,  Neshoba  county,  IMiss.  That 
R.  T.  Gatewood  preach  the  next  introductory-  sermon, 
J.  G.  H.  Baugh  in  case  of  failure.  The  tables  of  statis- 
tics show  twenty' -four  churches  in  the  bod}",  total 
membership  of  1,103;  201  baptized  during  the  3'ear; 
eleven  ordained  ministers,  eight  licentiates.  Camp 
Ground  the  largest  church,  eighty- seven,  T.  J.  Hand 
pastor.  The  meeting  was  pleasant,  and  closed  with 
encouragement. 

R.  T.  Gatewood  was  raised  to  manhood  in  the 
State  of  Kentucky- ;  came  to  Mississippi  in  earl\'  life, 
and  at  an  early  age  professed  religion,  and  was  bap- 
tized ;  had  his  membership  in  the  Baptist  church  at 
Hillsboro,  Miss.  While  quite  young,  under  impressions 
of  a  call  to  that  work,  entered  the  gospel  ministry- ;  ex  - 
ercised  at  Hillsboro,  and  the  surrounding  counties  of 
East  Mississippi ;  was  ordained  about  the  ^-ear  1845, 
and  engaged  in  pastoral  work  in  mauA'  churches  in 
Mississippi,  and  for  a  time  visited  and  preached  in  Ala- 
bama ;  and  for  A-ears  had  a  career  of  fine  usefulness. 
He  was  of  a  cheerful  and  liveh'  temperament,  warm 
and  rapid  in  his  deliverv-,  with  a  fair  gift  in  sermoniz- 
ing ;  he  was  an  agreeable  companion,  and  a  useful  and 
impressive  preacher.  His  ministry  covered  a  period  of 
about  twenty-  years,  possibh' twenty -five.  In  the  lat- 
ter part  of  his  ministry-  his  health  gradually  declined, 
reminding  him  and  his  friends  that  his  end  was  nigh. 
He  died  in  great  peace.  He  lies  buried  in  the  family 
burving  ground,  six  miles  south  of  Forest,  Scott  coun  - 


342  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ty,    Miss.     The    writer,    by    his    request  left  \vritten,, 
preached  a  sermon  in  his  memory. 

In  1851,  the  Association  inet  ^Yith  Mount  Nelson 
church,  Neshoba  county,  Aliss.,  evidencing  sound- 
ness in  the  faith,  activity  and  progress.  R.  T.  Gate- 
wood  preached  the  introductory'  sermon;  text,  ''Go  ye 
into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture. He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved,, 
he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned."  The  sermon 
was  faithful  and  instructive.  The  body  was  called  to 
order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke,  with  praise  and 
praj' er.  Letters  were  received  and  read  from  twenty  - 
one  churches.  N.  L.  Clarke  was  elected  moderator;  J. 
AI.  Chambers  clerk;  I.  Mallor3',  treasurer.  Suitable  re- 
marks were  made  b}-  the  moderator  on  taking  his  seat. 
Three  new  churches  were  received  into  the  body.  Fair 
Mount  and  Piney  Grove,  Jasper  county-,  and  Shiloh, 
Smitii  county.  H.  Greer,  Sr.,  I.  Mallory,  Thomas  Da- 
vis, and  W.  A.  Hutson formed  thecominittee  on  preach- 
ing. Correspondence  received  from  Harmony,  Liberty, 
Pearl  River,  and  Ebenezer  Associations.  The  names  of 
the  correspondents  present  were,  Goss,  Alorehead,  Miles, 
SlaA',  Chandler,  Barrett,  Moffatt,  and  Johnston,  all 
of  them  ministers  in  active  life.  Nathan  Slay,  then  liv- 
ing in  Choctaw  county-,  Ala.,  was  justly  considered  one 
of  the  leading  ministers  of  that  bod}';  was  at  that  time 
about  fifty -five  A^ears  of  age;  able  in  doctrine,  and 
much  respected,  and  lived  to  about  seventy- -two  years 
of  age.  Joseph  Chandler  began  to  preach  in  early  life,. 
Avas  for  manj^  3"ears  connected  with  Pearl  River  Asso- 
ciation, was  an  active  minister,  and  preached  in  many 
of  the  counties  of  Mississippi,  and  was  much  blessed  in 
work,  was  frequent  in  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association 
as  messenger.    The  pulpit  was  occupied  on  Lord's  Day, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  343 

by  Barrett,  Slay,  Goss,  and  N.  L.  Clarke.  The  clerk 
says :  "The  brethren  appointed  preached  the  gospel  on 
Lord's  Day  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation.  The 
order  was  unusually  good." 

The  collection  on  Lord's  Day  for  missions  was  lib- 
eral. Correspondence  was  returned  to  sister  Associa- 
tions, and  about  the  ordinary  lousiness  was  gone 
through  with.  The  query  from  Rocky  Creek  church 
produced  much  interest — "Is  it  gospel  order  to  retain  in 
fellowship  persons  engaged  in  trading  in  ardent  spirits 
for  the  purpose  of  making  money?"  Answer;  "It  is 
the  sense  of  this  Association  that  it  is  not  gospel  order 
to  hold  such  persons  in  fellowship."  The  committee 
on  state  of  rehgion,  say  "We  rejoice  that  all  our  church- 
es have  had  preaching  once  a  month,  and  evidenced  in- 
creased liberality  in  sustaining  the  gospel  among  them- 
selves, and  in  sending  it  abroad  to  the  destitute.  At  no 
time  have  our  churches  been  so  unanimous  in  support 
of  missions."  The  Executive  Board  in  reporting  mis- 
sions, say,  "The  Board  would  gratefully  acknowledge 
the  goodness  of  God  in  our  preservation,  and  His  lov- 
ing kindness  to  us  and  the  churches  composing  our 
body."  This  year  was  remarkable  for  the  general 
drouth  that  prevailed,  which  is  alluded  to  by  the  Board. 
The  Board  then  adds;  "Your  missionary,  N.  L.  Clarke, 
has  continued  in  the  field  about  one- half  of  his  time, 
during  the  past  year;  he  has  performed  much  labor,  and 
the  work  has  prospered  in  his  hands.  His  statement 
shows  150  days  labor;  150  sermons  preached;  be- 
sides much  other  labor  connected  with  this;  fortv- eight 
persons  baptized  ;  three  churches  constituted  ;  eleven 
received  by  letter;  one  minister  ordained,  and  three  dea- 
cons ;  supplied  five  churches  all  or  a  part  of  the  time;  as 
missionary,  traveled  2,638  miles.     We  recommend  that 


344  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

N.  L.  Clarke  be  continued  in  the  work."  N.  L.  Clarke 
was  re  -  appointed  missionary  for  half  of  his  time  for 
the  ensuing  3-ear;  \vages  as  before.  He  accepted  the  ap- 
pointment, and  A.  Gossledinpra^'crfor  the  divine  bless- 
ing on  the  work.  A  resolution  w^as  passed  recommend- 
ing the  churches  to  hold  pra^-er  meeting  at  their  places 
of  worship.  It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the 
body  be  held  with  Bethel  church,  Newton  county,  Miss. 
That  J.  G.  H.  Baugh  preach  the  next  introductory-  ser- 
mon, S.  F.  Wall  alternate.  The  records  show  twenty - 
seven  churches  in  the  body,  125  baptized  during  the 
vear,  total  membership,  1,084,  largest  church,  Zion, 
Kemper  county,  seventy -eight,  pastor,  R.  Y.  Rasberry. 
Ordained  ministers,  eleven,  licentiates,  nine.  The  ses- 
sion closed  in  great  harmouA',  with  praise  and  prayer. 

Iverson  Mallor3'  came  to  Alississippi,  soon  after 
the  country-  was  opened  to  white  settlement,  lived  in 
Neshoba  county,  and  was  a  member  of  Ebenezer  church, 
and  w^as  for  \'ears  treasurer  of  Mount  Pisgah  Associa- 
tion; commenced  preaching  about  the  year  1848  in 
Scott  county-,  and  exercised  his  gift  in  the  surrounding 
countr\'.  Membership  at  Hopewell  and  other  churches 
in  the  Pisgah  Association ;  was  ordained  likely  in  1850, 
w^as  pastor  at  Hopewell,  Leaf  River,  Polkville,  and 
other  churches  in  East  Mississippi;  a  man  of  respecta- 
ble gifts,  and  reasonabh'  successful  in  his  calling. 
Leaving  this  State  he  passed  like  manv  others,  to  the 
west,  laboring  in  Louisiana  and  Texas. 

John  Moffatt  was  from  earh' life  a  citizen  of  East 
Mississippi,  became  a  Baptist,  and  when  smarth'  ad  - 
vanced  in  life,  entered  the  gospel  ministry- ;  preaching  in 
various  counties  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  Af- 
ter some  years  received  ordination,  and  engaged  in 
pastoral  work,  though  not  extensively.    Was  at  differ- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  345 

ent  times  conne6led  with  different  Associations.  Delib- 
erate in  delivery,  exceedingly  cautious  as  to  doctrine  he 
did  not  attain  to  a  high  order  of  eloquence.  He  was 
held  as  sound  in  our  faith;  divine  sovereignty-,  salva- 
tion by  grace,  the  work  of  the  Spirit,  final  persever- 
ance of  the  saints,  and  the  heavenly  glor^-  were  his 
themes.  He  lived  to  a  great  age,  retaining  his  mind 
vigorously  to  the  close  of  his  life.  His  last  sermon  was 
only  a  few  weeks  before  his  death.  He  died  some  few 
years  since  in  Smith  county,  Miss.,  in  the  ninety -eighth 
year  of  age. 

In  1852,  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association  met  with 
the  Bethel  church,  Newton  count^^.  Miss.  This  church 
\vas  constituted  in  the  year  1839,  and  has  been  and 
still  is,  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  active  churches 
of  the  body.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
by  J.  G.  H.  Baugh.  Text,  John  6:44,  "No  man  can 
come  to  me  except  the  Father  which  sent  me  draw 
him."  The  body  was  called  to  order  In-  the  former 
moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke,  with  praise  and  prayer.  John 
Moffatt  and  M.  C.  Thomas  preached  at  the  stand. 

Letters  were  received  and  read  from  twenty-  -  seven 
churches.  In  the  election  of  officers  N.  L.  Clarke  was 
made  moderator;  J.  M.  Chambers  clerk;  I.  Mallory 
treasurer.  A.  Eastland  and  John  Rushing  conducted 
the  election.  Two  churches  were  added  to  the  body, 
Beulah,  Newton  county,  and  Ebenezer,  Neshoba  coun- 
ty. Ebenezer  was  the  first  church  constiuted  in  East 
Mississippi ;  but  fell  into  decay  and  lost  her  situation 
in  the  Association ;  but  having  been  revived,  she  again 
occupied  her  place  in  the  body.  Thus  the  oldest  church 
in  the  Choctaw  Nation  was  preserved.  Wm.  L.  Mcin- 
tosh, John  Alderman,  Wm.  Thomas,  and  J.  T.  Pace 
were  the  committee  on  preaching ;  great  and  good  men- 


346  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Correspondence  between  Associations  was  more  prized 
then  than  now. 

The  stand  on  Lord's  day  was  occupied  by  John 
Rushing,  then  a  useful  minister  of  Harmony  Associa- 
tion, X.  L.  Clarke,  L.  P.  Murrell,  and  J.  M.  Chambers. 
The  clerk  says,  Lord's  day  the  brethren  appointed,  ad- 
dressed large  and  attentive  congregations.  A  collect- 
ion amounting  to  about  thirty -two  dollars  was  taken 
up  for  mission  work.  A  quers'  came  from  Bethel  church: 
"Are  members  of  Baptist  churches  in  their  duty  to  hold 
letters  of  dismission  when  near  churches  of  their  faith 
and  order?''  Answer:  "It  is  the  sense  of  the  Associa- 
tion that  the  churches  are  the  only  competent  judges 
in  such  cases.  Yet  we  advise  the  churches  to  take  care 
in  maintaining  discipline,  that  order  ma^'  prevail." 

The  Executive  Board  in  its  report  represents  the 
Avork  of  Missions  as  in  a  prosperous  condition  during 
the  past  year.  Thc}^  sa^^  "N.  L.  Clarke,  your  mission- 
ary has  been  activeh'  engaged  in  your  service  during 
the  3'ear.  His  quarterly  reports  to  the  Board  have 
been  truly  encouraging.  He  has  spent  171  daA^s  in 
3'our  service;  preached  186  sermons;  baptized  sixty - 
three  persons;  received  thirty' -one  by  letter;  ordained 
one  deacon;  and  traveled  2,960  miles ;  besides  much  other 
necessar\'  labor.  He  has  sustained  the  relation  of  sup  - 
ph'  to  four  churches  as  missionary'.  There  is  A^et  much 
destitution,  and  we  recommend  that  he  be  continued 
in  the  work,  and  for  three -fourths  of  his  time  next 
3'ear. 

N.  L.  Clarke  was  re -appointed  missionarA^  and  for 
three  AA^eeks  in  each  month,  during  the  associational 
year.  Brother  Clarke  accepted  the  appointment,  and 
agreed  to  serve;  and  R.  T.  Gatewood  led  in  prayer  for 
the  diA^ne  blessing  on  the  work.    The  Association  Avas 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  347(' 

re- districted.  It  was  agreed  that  the  next  meeting  of' 
the  Association  be  held  with  Lime  Creek  church,  Scott 
county,  Miss.,  that  S.  F.  Wall  preach  the  next  intro- 
ductory sermon,  and  that  I.  Mallory  be  his  alternate. 
The  bodj^  adjourned  in  great  harmony;  remarks  by 
the  moderator,  singing,  hand  shaking  and  prayer. 
The  records  show  twent3'  -  nine  churches  in  the  body ; 
total  membership,  1,173  ;  134  baptized  ;  largest  church 
Mount  Nelson,  eight\'-two,  pastor,  T.  J.  Hand;  or- 
dained ministers,  twelve;  licentiates,  eight ;  died  during 
the  3'ear,  twent3'-two. 

Samuel  F.  Wall  came  from  the  north-west,  (3hio, 
likelj' ;  married  and  lived  in  Newton  county.  Professed 
faith  in  Christ,  and  was  baptized  at  Pinkne^^,  Newton 
countv,  and  soon  JDCgan  to  preach.  He  moved  about 
this  time  to  Scott  count\^,  and  labored  among  the 
churches  of  that  count^^  Received  ordination  and  en- 
tered on  pastoral  work  ;  laboring  in  Scott,  Smith,  New- 
ton and  Neshoba  counties,  and  had  his  measure  of  use- 
fulness in  the  churches  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association; 
was  rapid  in  deliver)^  at  times  becoming  impetuous. 
At  a  little  past  middle  age  he  emigrated  to  the  State  of 
Texas,  to  finish  his  work  in  that  growing  State.  Some 
two  years  ago  he  was  still  living,  likely  upwards  of 
eighty  years  of  age. 

In  1853,  the  body  met  with  Line  Creek  church, 
Scott  county.  Miss.,  which  was  the  seventeenth  annual 
session.  The  Line  Creek  is  one  of  the  oldest  churches  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  The  introductory^  ser- 
mon was  preached  1d3^  S.  F.  Wall,  text:  "Let  brotherly 
love  continue,''  Heb.  13  : 1.  Fifteen  minutes  recess,  (in 
those  da3's  dinner  was  not  provided  as  of  late),  and  the 
Association  was  called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  N. 
L.  Clarke,  with  praise  and  prayer.    S.  S.  Turner,  and 


348  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

J.  P.  Johnston  occupied  the  stand  in  preaching.  R.  T. 
Oatewood,  E.  L.  Carter,  and  A.  C.  Gunn  read  letters. 
Thomas  WilHamson,  S.  H.  Carn.-,  and  E.  G.  Tullos 
committee  an  Finance.  Letters  were  read  from  twen- 
ty-seven  churches,  and  statistics  noted.  X.  L.  Clarke 
Avas  again  elected  moderator,  J.  AI.  Chambers  clerk, 
Iverson  Mallory  treasurer:  W.  R.  Butler,  and  J.  G. 
Baugh  acting  as  tellers.  Six  new  churches  \vere  added 
to  the  body:  Herbert,  Xeshoba  county.  Tallahatta, 
Newton  county,  Alount  Pisgah,  Jasper  county,  Sharon, 
Jones  county,  Concord,  Simpson  county,  and  Zion  Hill, 
Smith  county,  by  letter,  from  Ebenezer  Association,  all 
of  Mississippi.  Received  correspondence  as  follo\vs: 
Ebenezer,  Pearl  River,  Harmony,  Liberty,  and  Bethle- 
hem. Present,  Aloffatt,  Johnston,  Wolf,  Denson,  and 
Turner  as  messengers.  Correspondence  was  kindly 
returned . 

The  usual  committees  were  appointed,  performing 
their  duties  faithfulh-.  J.  \l.  Chambers  was  received, 
and  recognized  as  agent  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  mis- 
sions of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  The  follow- 
ing preamble,  and  resolutions  were  presented,  and 
adopted : 

Whereas.  We  Ipelieve  that  unions,  and  Associa- 
tions give  strength,  and  that  this  holds  good  among 
the  people  of  God  as  well  as  among  others,  and. 

Whereas,  There  is  in  the  south-eastern  part  of 
our  State,  much  religious  destitution,  and  much  before 
us  as  a  denomination,  claiming  our  attention,  and  that 
said  interests  would  be  advanced  by  a  general  union  of 
the  Baptists  in  this  part  of  the  State,  therefore, 

Resolved  By  this  Association,  That  it  is  expedient 
that  the  Baptists  of  south-eastern  Mississippi  should 
form  a  General  Association  for  the  purpose  of  advanc- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  349' 

ing  the  cause  of  Domestic,  Indian,  and  Foreign  missions, 
Education,  Sabbath  schools,  distribution  of  the  Script- 
ures, and  general  religious  benevolence. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  on  the  part  of 
this  body,  together  w'ith  the  corresponding  messengers 
from  sister  Associations  present,  be  appointed  to  take 
this  matter  under  consideration,  and  report  Monday 
night. 

Resolved  further,  That  we  cordially  invite  the  fol  - 
lowing  Associations :  Harmony,  Pearl  River,  Biloxi, 
Ebenezer,  Liberty,  and  Bethlehem,  with  any  other  that 
may  think  proper,  to  unite  with  us  in  the  organization 
of  said  General  Association. 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  part  of  this  Associ- 
ation: J.  M.  Chambers,  L.  P.  Murrell,  E.  L.  Carter,  W. 
White,  R.  T.  Gatewood,  and  N.  L.  Clarke  was  added 
by  action  of  the  body.  Wm.  Denson,  from  Harmony; 
John  Moffatt,  and  J.  P.  Johnston,  from  the  Ebenezer, 
and  S.  S.  Turner,  from  the  Bethlehem,  agreed  to  act 
with  the  committee  of  the  Association. 

The  stand  on  Lord's  da^^  was  occupied  by  L.  P. 
Murrell,  and  Wm.  Denson  in  the  morning,  and  N.  L. 
Clarke  in  the  evening.  The  clerk  says,  on  Lord's  day 
the  brethren  appointed  preached  to  large,  and  attentive 
audiences.  About  twenty -eight  dollars  was  collected 
for  Domestic  missions,  and  twenty  dollars  for  Foreign 
missions. 

The  Tennessee  Baptist,  New  Orleans  Baptist  Chron- 
icle, and  Eastern  Clarion  were  requested  to  publish  the 
proceedings  looking  to  formation  of  the  General  Asso  - 
ciation  in  Southeast  Mississippi.  The.  report  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive Board  represented  the  mission  work  as  prosper- 
ous during  the  past  associational  year.  They  say, 
"your  missionary,  N.  L.  Clarke,  has  been  actively  en- 


350  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

gaged  in  your  service,  preaching  the  gospel  the  greater 
part  of  the  time  since  your  last  meeting.  His  quarterly 
reports,  as  well  as  his  general  report,  show  a  steady 
progress  in  the  glorious  work." 

"The  final  report  shows  182  days  of  service,  preach- 
ed 178  times,  baptized  forty -three  persons,  constituted 
five  churches,  received  twenty -four  by  letter,  ordained 
three  deacons,  and  traveled  3,260  miles.  Having,  as 
missionary-,  sustained  the  relation  of  supply  to  seven 
churches  more  or  less  of  the  time.  We  recommend 
that  you  continue  the  work  of  missions."  - 

The  special  committee  on  the  propriety  of  organiz- 
ing a  General  Association,  reported:  That  it  is  expe- 
dient to  form  said  body;  to  that  end,  that  a  Conven- 
tion be  held  with  Bethel  church,  Newton  county,  Aliss., 
on  Friday-  before  the  fourth  Monday  in  October,  1854, 
of  all  the  Baptist  bodies  friendly  to  the  organization. 
This  report  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  an  address 
w-as  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  minutes,  appealing  to 
the  churches  and  Associations  for  aid.  N.  L.  Clarke 
was  again  appointed  missionary-  for  three -fourths  of 
his  time  for  the  next  associational  3'ear.  He  consented 
to  serve.  S.  F.  Wall  led  in  prayer  for  the  divine  bless- 
ing on  the  work.  A  resolution  was  passed,  encourag- 
ing the  aiding  of  3^oung  students,  preparing  for  the  min- 
istry. The  following  resolution  brings  to  our  considera- 
tion a  fact  that  reflects  great  credit  on  the  Baptists  of 
the  South. 

'' Resolved,  That  this  Association  does  fully  indorse 
and  adopt  the  memorial  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention at  Baltimore,  on  the  18th  of  May,  1853,  to  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America  on  the  subject 
of  taking  measures,  through  the  action  of  Congress,  to 
-secure  to  citizens  of  the  United  States,  the  unmolested 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  351 

exercise  of  public  religious  worship,  according  to  their 
consciences,  when  called  to  reside  in  Foreign  Govern- 
ments." 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion,  sa^'s:  Your 
committee  having  had  before  them  the  letters  from  the 
churches,  and  documents  from  sister  Associations,  beg 
leave  to  report  that  there  is  evidence  of  a  steadfast  ad  - 
vance,  and  a  gradual  growth  in  the  cause  of  our  blessed 
Redeemer.  The  churches  have  all  been  supplied  with 
preaching.  Never  have  our  churches  been  more  united 
in  mission  work.  The  Western  Recorder,  Tennessee 
Baptist,  and  Baptist  Chronicle  were  recommended  to 
the  support  of  the  churches.  It  was  agreed  that  the 
next  session  of  the  Association  be  held  with  Pleasant 
Hill  church,  Newton  county'.  Miss.  That  I.  Mallory 
preach  the  annual  sermon,  W,  H.  Hatsell,  alternate.  A 
form  of  letter  of  dismission  from  the  churches  was  writ- 
ten and  published  in  the  minutes.  The  table  shows 
thirty -five  churches  in  the  body,  a  membership  of  1,386, 
146  baptized  during  the  year,  largest  church.  Line 
Creek,  eighty-eight  members,  pastor,  J.  M.  Chambers, 
fifteen  ordained  ministers,  seven  licentiates,  died,  eleven. 

M.  C.  Thomas  was  reared  to  manhood  in  Mississip- 
pi. At  an  early  age,  professed  faith  in  Christ,  and  was 
baptized  in  Scott  county,  where  he  spent  the  first  part 
of  his  Christian  life.  At  about  middle  age,  he  gave  evi- 
-dence  of  a  call  to  the  ministry,  was  liberated  b^-  his 
church,  preaching  in  his  own  church,  and  the  surround- 
ing churches.  For  his  opportunities  in  life,  his  prog- 
ress was  rapid.  Soundly  converted,  and  greatly  at- 
tached to  the  cause,  and  of  great  tenderness  of  feeling, 
he  made  a  fine  impression,  and  gained  rapidly  in  useful- 
ness. M.  C.  Thomas  was  ordained  about  the  date 
1848,  and  entered  upon  pastoral  work  in  the  eastern 


352  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

counties  of  Mississippi,  and  greatly  strengthened  the 
brethren  in  the  faith  of  the  gospeL  Few  men  have  done 
more  in  the  same  time  than  M.  C.  Thomas.  About  the 
year  1858,  he  left  Mississippi  much  to  the  regret  of  his 
brethren,  emigrated  to  Texas  to  finish  his  work.  Of  his 
work  in  the  Lone  Star  State,  the  writer  has  no  infor- 
mation.   He  was  a  fine  exhorter. 

In  the  year  1854,  the  Association  convened  with 
the  Pleasant  Hill  church,  Newton  county.  Miss.  This 
is  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  influential  churches  of  the 
body,  the  church  over  which  our  beloved  L.  P.  Murrell 
has  so  long  presided  as  pastor.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  preached  b}' I.  Mallory;  text,  "The  entrance 
of  thy  word  giveth  light,''  Ps.  119.  A  brief  intermis- 
sion, and  the  body  convened,  and  was  called  to  order 
by  the  moderator  N.  L.  Clarke,  with  praj^er  and  praise. 
R.  T.  Gate  wood  and  E.  L.  Carter  were  requested  to 
read  correspondence.  W.  L.  Mcintosh,  E.  G.  Tullos, 
and  B.  B.  Windham,  committee  on  finance.  James 
Merchant  and  John  Williams  occupied  the  stand.  Let- 
ters were  received  and  read  from  twenty -one  churches, 
names  of  delegates  enrolled,  statistics  noted.  W.  P. 
Carter  and  E.  Kenned^'  acted  as  tellers,  and  oflficers 
were  elected,  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator;  J.  M.  Chambers 
clerk;  I.  Mallory  treasurer.  The  Association  was  an- 
nounced ready  for  business.  An  opportunity^  was  of- 
fered for  new  churches,  when  the  following  applied  and 
w^ere  received:  Harmon3%  Salem,  and  Mount  Carmel, 
Smith  county.  Spring  Hill,  Rankin  county,  Tallahala, 
Scott  county,  and  Ellisville,  Jones  county,  all  of  Mis- 
sissippi. Correspondence  received  as  follows:  Ebenez- 
er.  Harmony,  Bethlehem,  and  Liberty,  and  Strong 
River;  also  A.  McKenzie  from  the  American  Indian  As- 
sociation,  Louisville,   Ky.    Correspondence  was  duly 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  353 

returned  to  sister  Associations.  The  Pearl  River  was 
with  reluctance  dropped,  as  Strong  River  was  between 
us.  Wm.  Thomas,  M.  Tyler,  J.  M.  Trussell,  M.  Steph- 
ens, and  I.  Mcllhaney,  committee  on  preaching,  strong 
and  good  men.  It  was  agreed  to  raise  two  standing 
committees  in  addition,  one  each  on  Foreign  and  In- 
dian missions.  W.  P.  Carter  and  A.  McKenzie  preach- 
ed on  Lord's  day.  McKenzie  preached  on  missions. 
Collections  were  taken  up,  for  Domestic  missions, 
$20.55  ;  for  Indian  missions,  $42.25 ;  and  for  I.  J.  Rob- 
erts missionary  to  China,  $17.35.  The  committee  on 
the  state  of  religion  in  its  report  spoke  favorably  of  the 
condition  of  the  cause,  both  in  our  own  Association, 
and  those  with  which  we  correspond.  They  recom- 
mended to  the  churches  The  Tennessee  Baptist,  Pastoral 
Visitor,  Nashville  Tenn.,  Western  Recorder,  Indian  Ad- 
vocate, Christian  Repository,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Alabama 
Baptist,  and  Home  and  Foreign  Journal.  The  Red 
Land  church  asked  advice.  May  we  receive  to  our  fel- 
lowship an  individual  excluded  from  another  church? 
Answer :  It  is  our  mind  that  it  is  not  order  to  do  so. 
The  Executive  Board,  in  its  report,  represents  the  mis- 
sion w^ork  as  prospering  during  the  past  year.  They 
say,  "Your  missionary,  N.  L.  Clarke,  has  been  actively 
and  we  believe,  zealously  engaged  in  preaching  the  gos- 
pel to  the  destitute  for  the  greater  part  of  the  time 
since  your  last  session.  His  quarterly  reports  show  a 
steady  progress  in  our  work.  His  final  report  shows 
the  following  facts :  204  days  spent  in  mission  work, 
200  sermons  preached,  sixty -four  persons  baptized, 
five  churches  constituted  fifty -three  persons  received 
by  letter,  two  deacons  ordained,  supplied  seven  church- 
es all  or  a  part  of  the  time  as  missionary,  and  traveled 
2,953  miles,  beside  other  necessarily  attending  labor. "^ 


354  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  committee  on  Foreign  missions  gave  favorable  no- 
tice of  the  work  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  in 
Africa  and  China,  spoke  kind W  of  I.  J.  Roberts,  of  Ken- 
tuck}',  who  was  then  in  China,  but  not  sustained  by 
the  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  Also, 
a  tender  and  earnest  ajipeal  was  made  in  behalf  of  the 
Indians,  their  claims  upon  us,  and  our  obligation  to 
give  them  the  gospel.  The  Association  passed  resolu- 
tions pledging  herself  to  the  support  of  Indian  missions, 
to  collect  and  forward  funds  for  that  work  to  the  In- 
dian Mission  Association,  Louisville,  Ky.  In  view  of 
the  action  of  the  body  at  the  last  session  contemplat- 
ing the  formation  of  a  General  Association  in  South- 
east Mississippi,  and  holding  of  a  Convention  to  that 
end  with  Bethel  clwirch,  last  of  October,  the  Associa- 
tion proceeded  to  appoint  delegates  to  that  Conven- 
tion as  follows:  L.  P.  Murrell,  J.  M.  Chambers,  John 
Thornton,  S.  F.  Wall,  M.  C.  Thomas,  N.  L.  Clarke,  A. 
Anderson,  A.  M.  King,  I.  Mallory,  M.  Tyler,  and  W. 
L.  Mcintosh.  N.  L.  Clarke  was  re -appointed  mission- 
ary' for  one -half  his  time  for  the  ensuing  year.  He  con- 
sented to  serve;  and  A.  McKenzie  led  in  pra3-er  for  the 
divine  blessing  on  his  labors.  It  was  agreed  that  the 
next  session  of  the  body  be  held  with  the  Decatur 
church,  and  that  W.  Hatsel  preach  the  next  introduct- 
ory sermon,  and  that  M.  C.  Thomas  be  his  alternate. 

W.  H.  Hatsel  in  his  early  life,  was  an  orderly  Bap- 
tist in  the  northwestern  part  of  Scott  county,  Miss. 
Post  Office,  Pensacola,  membership  in  Friendship 
church,  possibly  at  an  earlier  day  at  Jerusalem.  En- 
tered the  ministry  at  about  middle  age,  advanced  rapid- 
ly, had  greatly  the  confidence  of  the  churches,  soon 
passed  to  ordination,  and  engaged  in  pastoral  work  at 
Friendship  and  other  churches,  was  considered  greatly 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  355 

^fted  in  the  doctrine  of  the  Scriptures,  preached  the  in- 
troductory sermon  at  Decatur  in  1855.  He  was  justly 
esteemed  an  able,  reliable  and  useful  minister  of  the 
gospel.  His  name  last  appears  in  our  minutes  in  the 
year  1859,  after  which,  like  many  others,  he  sought  a 
new  field  of  labor,  and  since  then  is  unknown  to  the 
w'riter. 

W.  P.  Carter,  present  from  Bethlehem  Association, 
was  an  able  minister  of  great  influence  and  usefulness, 
and  was  at  that  time  in  the  strength  of  his  ministry. 
He  served  one  term  in  the  State  Senate.  Few  ministers 
in  our  country  have  had  a  finer  reputation.  He  died  at 
Enterprise,  Miss.,  about  the  year  1858. 

In  1855,  the  Association  convened  with  the  Deca- 
tur church.     (This  church  w^as  constituted,   likely  in 
1837,  and  in  the  communitj'  where  the  Beulah  church 
now  stands.     Held  its  first  meeting  at  Decatur  in  con- 
nection with  the  first  Lord's  day,  in  January,  1848). 
The  introductor)^  sermon  was  preached  b^-  W.  H.  Hat  - 
sel.    Text,  Dan.  2  :44.     "In  the  days  of  the  kings,  etc." 
The  body  was  called  to  order  b^^  the  former  moderator, 
N.  L.  Clarke,  he  engaging  in  prayer.    J.  P.  Johnston 
and  Joseph  Morris  appointed  to  preach  at  the  stand. 
E.  L.  Carter  and  W.  J.  Morris,  readers  of  correspond - 
€nce.    J,   M.  Chambers  former  clerk,  having  gone  be- 
yond the  bounds  of  the  Association,  R.  T.  Gatewood 
was  made  clerk  pro  tem.    J.  M.  Trussell,  B.  B.  Wind- 
ham, and  W.  C.  Porter  c'nppointed  financial  committee. 
Joseph  Chandler  and  W.  J.  Morris  acting  as  tellers,  the 
Association  proceeded  to  elect  officers.     L.  P.  Murrell, 
moderator,  N.  L.   Clarke,  clerk,  J.  M.  Pace,  treasurer, 
James  Merchant,  assistant  clerk.    Letters  were  received 
and  read  from  thirtj^  -  eight  churches,  delegates  names 
enrolled  and  statistics  noted.    Seven  new  churches  were 


356  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

received  into  the  body;  Ebenezer  and  Antioch,  Jasper 
county,  Good  Hopeand  New  Prospect,  Newton  county, 
Bluff  Springs  and  Center  Hill,  Neshoba  count}',  and 
Sardis,  Scott  county.  Correspondence  received  from 
Ebenezer,  Strong  River,  Liberty,  and  Bethlehem  Asso- 
ciations. AI.  M.  Keith,  HenrA'Dunn,  J.  M.  Kelley,  John 
Smith,  and  Isaac  Anderson  formed  the  committee  on 
preaching.  L.  P.  Murrell,  Joseph  Morris,  and  R.  Y. 
Rasberry  were  appointed  to  preach  on  Lord's  day. 

The  clerk  tells  us  that  the  services  on  Lord's  day 
were  of  much  interest.  The  brethren  appointed,  preach- 
ed abh"  to  a  large  congregation,  observing  good  order, 
and  giving  marked  attention.  A  collection  of  thirty - 
six  dollars  \vas  taken  up  for  Domestic  missions.  Cor- 
respondence was  returned  to  sister  Associations,  except 
Libert}',  which  Avas  discontinued. 

N.  L.  Clarke  Avas  received  by  the  bod\^  as  a  delegate 
from  the  General  Associational  Convention,  held  the 
October  before,  with  Bethel  church,  Newton  county. 
Miss.  N.  L.  Clarke  presented  a  minute  of  the  proceed- 
ings, aims  and  desires  of  the  Convention,  asking  sym- 
pathy and  aid  in  said  work  of  organization.  It  was,, 
on  motion,  agreed,  to  send  fifteen  delegates  to  an  ad- 
journed meeting  of  the  Convention  to  be  held,  later  in 
October,  and  to  convene,  again  with  Bethel  church. 
We  give  names  of  the  persons  appointed  :  Joseph  Mor- 
ris, N.  L.  Clarke,  M.  M.  Keith,  E.  L.  Carter,  John  Wil- 
lianis,  Wilson  West,  Isaac  Anderson,  M.  C  Thomas,  W. 
H.  Hatsel,  James  Merchant,  M.  J.  Pace,  W.  C.  Porter, 
W.J.  Morris,  L.  Crosby,  J.  Hamilton,  and  on  motion, 
L.  P.  Murrell  was  added.  The  usual  committees  were 
appointed  b}-  the  moderator,  who  presented  reports  of 
much  interest.  An  important  query  came  before  the 
bodj'  from  Jones  county,  Sharon  church  :    What  ought 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  357 

we  do  with  persons  applying  for  membership,  who 
having  been  married,  separate  from  their  companions, 
and  marry  again,  their  former  companions  yet  living? 
Answer:  We  believe  it  to  be  wrong  to  receive  persons 
so  situated  into  the  church,  that  onh'  death  can  dis- 
solve Scriptural  marriage. 

Foreign,   Indian,   and.  Domestic  missions  received 
marked  attention  from   the  committees,   sanctioned  by 
the  bod3\     The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  rep- 
resented the  cause  as  in  an  encouraging  condition  in 
our  own  body,   and  those  with  whom  we  correspond. 
The  organization  of  the  General  Association  was  encour- 
aged by  the  committee.    The  Tennessee  Baptist,  South 
Western  Baptist,  Western  Recorder,  Religious  Herald, 
Home  and  Foreign  Journal,  with  other  papers   of  less 
note  were  recommended.    Also  the  publications  of  the 
South-western  publishing  house,  and  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Publication  Society.     The  Executive  Board  re- 
ported favorabl3'  as  to  the  mission  work  during  the 
year.     They  sa3%  "We  have  great  reason  to  thank  God 
for  mercies  attending  our  work   during  the  past  vear. 
Your  missionar3^,  N.  L.   Clarke,   has  been  actively  en- 
gaged in  the  work  about   one -half  of  his  time,   since 
3^our  last  meeting.     Aluch  has  been  done  for  the  cause. 
N.  L.    Clarke  has  labored  IT-i  days,   preached  178  ser- 
mons, baptized  thirty-nine  persons,  received  thirty -sev- 
en by  letter,   constituted  two  churches,  and   ordained 
one  deacon,   sustained   the  relation   ofsupplv,  as  mis- 
sionary, all  or  a  part  of  the  time,   to   seven  churches, 
and   traveled  3,297   miles.     We  recommend   that  you 
continue  the  work.'" 

N.  L.  Clarke  was  re  -  appointed  missionarv  for  the 
ensuing  j^ear  to  labor,  and  receive  compensation  as 
\veretofore.    N.  L.  Clarke  consented  to  serve,   and  Jos- 


358  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

eph  Morris  led  in  prayer  for  the  divine  blessing  on  his 
labors. 

It  was  agreed  to  hold  the  next  session  of  the  body 
with  the  Fair  Mount  church,  Jasper  county,  Miss. 
This  church,  before  the  meeting  of  the  Association,  was 
moved  to  Garland ville,  and  the  name  changed,  and  it 
so  appeared  in  the  minutes.  M.  C.  Thomas  was  ap- 
pointed to  preach  the  next  introdu6tor\^  sermon,  E.  L. 
Carter,  alternate.  The  table  of  statistics  shows  forty - 
live  churches  in  the  body  ;  a  total  membership  of  1,694, 
158  baptized  during  the  year,  seven  members  died. 
Pleasant  Hill,  the  largest  church,  eighty -t\vo  members, 
L.  P.  Murrell,  pastor;  fifteen  ordained  ministers;  four- 
teen licentiates.  The  bod3'  gave  evidence  of  great  pros- 
peri  1 3'. 

John  G.  H.  Baugh  was  reared  to  manhood,  or  near- 
\y  so,  in  Simpson  county.  Miss.  In  early  life  professed 
faith  in  Christ  and  was  baptized,  but  just  where  is  un- 
known to  the  writer.  In  the  earh'  settlement  of  Smith 
county,  he  came  with  his  father  and  familj^  and  settled 
in  the  vicinity  of  Polkville,  where  he  remained  during 
his  life,  raising  a  large  famih-.  Mr.  Baugh  was  under 
impressions  to  preach  at  an  early  age,  and  received  li- 
cense to  do  so,  likeh',  b^-  Antioch  church,  Rankin  coun- 
ty, and  soon  after  the  date  1840,  exercising  in  his  own 
church,  and  surroundings,  and  was  well  received  as  a 
3'oung  minister.  Advancing  in  the  work,  and  his  la- 
bors needed,  Air.  Baugh  passed  to  ordination  about 
the  date  1847,  and  entered  upon  pastoral  labors,  and 
was  much  esteemed  in  his  holv  calling,  serving  various 
churches  for  3'ears  in  succession,  in  great  faithfulness. 
A  close  student  of  the  Bil^le,  possessed  of  great  sound  - 
ness  in  the  faith.  Those  that  knew  him  best  admired 
him  most.    Firm  in  the  doctrine  of  the  Scriptures,  and 


lliStORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  359 

anxious  to  see  our  people  sound  in  the  faith,  he  reason- 
ed with  patience,  and  great  candor  to  reclaim  others 
from  error,  and  to  settle  our  own  people  in  truth.  Mr. 
Baugh  suffered  sore  bodily  affliction  in  his  last  A^ears, 
till  it  pleased  God  to  call  him  to  the  rest  prepared,  and 
remaining  for  his  people,  which  is  now  several  years 
ago.  Mr.  Baugh  died  at  about  sixty-three  years  of  age. 
The  twentieth  annual  session  of  the  body  was  held 
with  the  Garlandsville  church,  beginning  October  4, 
1856.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Moses  C.  Thomas,  from  Rom.  4:25.  Letters  were 
read  from  forty -one  churches,  two  churches,  Shiloh 
and  Polkville,  not  being  represented.  L.  P.  Murrell 
was  elected  moderator,  and  N.  L.  Clarke  clerk.  Two 
churches  were  received  into  the  fraternity.  Fellowship 
of  Lauderdale,  and  Talahoma  of  Jasper  county.  Cor- 
respondence was  received  from  the  Ebenezer,  Harmony^ 
Liberty,  and  Bethlehem  Associations. 

By  resolution,  passed  on  Saturday,  a  collection 
was  taken  for  missions  on  Sunday.  Manning  and 
Clarke  preached  on  Sunday  ;  the  collections  for  missions 
were  as  follows,  for  Domestic  missions  $14.75,  and  for 
Indian  missions  $16.25. 

By  resolution  passed  on  Monday,  it  was  agreed  to 
send  $13.15  to  Home  missions,  and  to  Indian  missions 
whatever  amount  was  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  for 
that  object.  E.  L.  Carter  was  chosen  missionary'  for 
the  Association  for  one -fourth  of  his  time,  being  allow- 
ed $1.50  a  day  for  the  time  given  to  the  Association. 
It  was  stipulated  that  he  was  to  supply  churches  that 
could  not  otherwise  get  preaching. 

During  the  associational  year,  N.  L.  Clarke  had 
been  their  missionary  in  their  bounds.  He  labored  115 
days,  preached  159  sermons,  baptized  twenty -five  per- 


360  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

sons,  received  thirty -six  b}'  letter,  constituted  tv^^o 
churches,  ordained  one  minister,  three  deacons,  and 
traveled  2,689  miles.  He  had  served  seven  churches. 
He  gave  a  statement  of  the  eight  3^ears  work  he  had 
given  the  body  as  missionar3^  He  had  spent  1,320 
days  in  the  ^vork,  preached  1,368  sermons,  baptized 
384  persons,  received  226  by  letter,  constituted  twen- 
ty-four churches,  and  traveled  21  944  miles.  That 
was  a  splendid  record  as  an  associational  missionary, 
perhaps  not  equaled  133-  an}'  other  in  the  histor}-  of  the 
Associations  of  our  State.  Still  there  was  some  desti- 
tution in  their  bounds.  The  missionary  funds  collected 
that  3'ear  amounted  to  $135.95. 

In  1857,  the  Association  met  with  the  Ebenezer 
church.  This  church  is  situated  in  Jasper  county-.  Miss., 
twelve  miles  south  of  Paulding.  The  introductory^  ser- 
mon was  preached  bj'- E.  L.  Carter,  text,  Ezra  37:22. 
Theme,  Unity  of  God's  people.  A  brief  intermission, 
and  the  delegates  met  in  the  church  house,  and  the 
bod}'  was  called  to  order  b\^  the  former  moderator,  L. 
P.  Murrell.  Air.  Killen  led  in  pra3'er.  Joseph  Chandler 
and  Drur}'  Sumrall  preached  to  the  people  at  the  stand. 
W.  R.  Butler  and  W.  J.  Morris  reading  clerks.  M.  Ty  - 
ler,  I.  Baliff  and  E.  Price  appointed  committee  on  fi- 
nance Letters  were  received  and  read  from  fort^'-two 
churches,  and  statistics  noted.  Benjamin  Tliigpen  and 
W.  J.  Alorris  acted  as  tellers.  Officers  for  the  3'earwere 
ele(fted ;  L.  P.  Murrell  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke  clerk,  J. 
M.  Pace  treasurer.  Two  new  churches  were  added  to 
the  bod}',  Paulding,  Jasper  count}-,  and  Okahay,  Cov- 
ington county.  Correspondence  was  received  from 
Harmony,  Ebenezer,  Liberty,  Bethlehem,  and  Strong 
River  Associations.  The  usual  committees  were  ap- 
pointed,  and  did  their  work  faithfully.    J.   H.   Rush, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  361 

Wm.  Thomas,  A.  Pace,  J.  A.  Wheeler,  formed  the  com- 
mittee on  preaching.  L.  P.  Murrell,  J.  Lawrence,  and 
N.  L.  Clarke  occupied  the  stand  on  Lord's  day.  The 
services  on  Lord's  da^^  were  of  much  interest.  The 
clerk  adds,  The  brethren  labored  according  to  their  ap- 
pointment. The  congregation  was  large,  and  from  the 
attention  given,  and  the  seriousness  manifested  during 
the  services,  and  the  concern  in  the  close,  we  have  reas  - 
on  to  believe  much  good  will  result  from  the  labors. 
Quite  a  number  came  forward  for  praA'er.  The  collect  - 
ion  amounted  to  $25.40.  Received  a  letter  of  friendly 
correspondence  from  the  General  Association  of  Missis- 
sippi, by  the  hands  of  N.  L.  Clarke  and  J.  A.  Hill,  who 
w^ere  cordialh'  received,  and  friendship  and  co-op- 
eration expressed.  Correspondence  was  regularly 
returned. 

Able  and  interesting  reports  were  presented  on  va  - 
rious  subjects  by  the  respective  committees.  Attention 
is  invited  to  the  report  on  queries.  Query  from  Leaf 
River  church,  "Is  it  according  to  gospel  order  and 
Christian  prosperity  for  Baptists  to  engage  in  dancing 
and  playing  cards,  orto  suffer  suchin  their  houses  ?"'  An- 
swer, "We  think  not.  It  does  not  comport  with  the  or- 
derly walk  and  godly  conversation  to  which  we  are  ad- 
monished in  the  Scriptures.'*  The  Mississippi  Baptist, 
then  published  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  was  very  cordially 
recommended  to  the  favor  and  support  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

Missions,  Domestic,  Indian  and  Foreign,  were  ur- 
ged on  the  people  for  their  support.  The  annual  report 
of  the  Executive  Board  showed  faith,  fullness,  and  suc- 
cess in  the  labors  of  E.  L.  Carter,  the  devoted  mission- 
ary. The\'  saA' :  "We  are  satisfied  E.  L.  Carter  has  la- 
bored in  great  faithfulness,  and  with  success.     He  has 


362  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

spent  ninety  -  seven  days  in  the  work  ;  preached  ninety  - 
six  sermons,  baptized  sixteen  prsons ;  constituted  one 
church  ;  received  five  by  letter :  ordained  two  deacons  ; 
supplied  three  churches  as  missionary',  and  traveled 
1,504  miles.  There  is  yet  destitution  to  be  met,  but  we 
recommend  that  the  Association  transfer  her  mission 
Avork  to  the  General  Association,  and  for  the  future 
carry  it  on  through  that  body. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion,  indicated,, 
at  least  a  usual  state  of  peace  and  prosperity  ;  though 
not  a  3'ear  of  large  ingathering.  R.  T.  Gatewood  hav- 
ing died  during  the  associational  year,  resolutions  of 
esteem  and  appreciation  were  passed  by  the  Associa- 
tion.    (See  a  notice  of  R.  T.  Gatewood's  life  elsewhere.) 

A  resolution  was  passed  approving  of  the  aims  and 
work  of  the  General  Association,  and  that  the  Associ- 
ation in  the  future,  do  her  mission  work  through  that 
body,  so  as  to  co-operate  with  other  Associations  in 
the  State.  A  representation  of  fifteen  persons  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  General  Association  at  its  next  meeting,, 
w^hich  was  to  be  with  the  Decatur  church.  By  resolu- 
tion, the  time  of  meeting  of  this  body  was  changed  to 
Saturday  before  the  third  Lord's  da3'  in  September  in 
each  year,  to  avoid  collision  with  the  State  elections. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  Associa  - 
tion  be  held  with  Leaf  River  church.  Smith  county. 
Miss.,  that  James  Merchant  preach  the  next  introduct- 
ory- sermon,  that  X.  L.  Clarke  be  alternate.  A  cordial 
vote  of  thanks,  as  in  all  such  cases,  was  voted  to  the 
church  and  community.  The  body  adjourned,  feeling 
that  God  had  blessed  us,  and  that  the  cause  was  ad- 
vancing. The  table  shoves  fort3'^-six  churches  in  the 
Association,  a  total  membership  of  1,633,  118  baptiz- 
ed ;  Pleasant  Hill  the  largest  church,  104-,  L.  P.  Murrell 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  363 

pastor;  twenty -eight  had  died;  fifteen  ordained  minis- 
ters, sixteen  Hcentiates. 

W.  A.  Hiitson,  for  nearh'  thirty  j^ears,  a  faithful 
and  useful  minister  of  the  gospel  in  the  churches  of 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  born  in  the  State  of 
South  Carolina,  on  the  thirteenth  of  September,  1812. 
When  quite  young,  he  moved  with  his  parents  to  Co- 
piah count3%  Aliss.  Soon  after  coming  to  Mississippi, 
both  his  parents  died,  leaving  himself,  one  brother, 
and  three  sisters,  orphans  in  the  world.  W.  A.  Hut- 
son  was  reared  to  manhood  by  a  Presbyterian 
preacher  named  Patterson.  In  1855,  March  4th,  he 
w^as  married  to  Miss  Frances  A.  Rollins,  and  settled  in 
Scott  county,  Miss.  Was  baptized  into  the  fellowship 
of  Line  Creek  church,  in  that  county,  by  Stephen  Berry, 
on  the  thirtieth  day  of  June,  1840,  liberated  to  preach 
May  11th,  1850,  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  min- 
istry in  June  1852,  at  Line  Creek  church,  and  entered  at 
once  on  pastoral  work.  We  had  no  more  faithful  man 
among  us.  One  that  kne\v  him  intimately  says  :  "from 
soon  after  his  ordination,  he  had  from  two  to  five 
churches,  situated  from  five  to  forty  miles  from  him,  yet 
I  never  knew  him  to  disappoint  a  congregation  by  fail- 
ing to  be  on  hand,  unless  providentially  hindered.  W.  H 
Hutson  was  untiring  in  his  work, 

"Through  heat  and  cold  he  often  went, 

|And  wandered  far  and  near 

To  call  poor  sinners  to  repent^ 

And  seek  their  Savior  dear." 

He  was,  too,  a  successful  minister.  Full  of  the  spir- 
it of  the  gospel,  he  was  a  firm  supporter  of  the  cause  of 
missions.  We  always  looked  for  help  from  Bro.  Hut- 
son's  churches.  The  latter  part  of  his  life,  he  was  fee- 
ble and  lonely ;  his  beloved  w'ife  having  gone  before  him 
about  three  years,  and  his  health  failing  as  he  neared 


364  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  end  of  his  course.  W.  H.  Hutson  closed  his  life  in 
great  peace  at  his  home  in  Scott  county,  Miss.,  July  23, 
1881.  A  good  and  a  true  man.  Mrs.  Hutson  had  died 
Nov.  28,  1878.  The^^  were  the  parents  of  four  children. 
The  oldest,  T.  J.  Hutson,  died  in  Texas,  in  1873, 
(Methodist  minister,)  while  the  other  three,  J.  M.  Hut- 
son, and  two  sisters  yet  live  in  Scott  county-.  Miss.,  all 
professing  faith  in  Christ.  The  memory  of  the  just 
shall  be  blessed. 

In  1858,  the  Association  met  with  Leaf  River 
church,  Smith  county,  Miss.  This  church  was  consti- 
tuted in  1849,  and  is  in  the  north-eastern  corner  of 
Smith  coimty. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  X.   L. 
Clarke.     Text,  Xeh.  6:3,     'T  am  doing  a  great  work, 
so  that  I  cannot  come  down  to  thee.'"    A  short  inter- 
mission, and  the  body  was  called  together  in  the  house 
for  business,  hj  the  former  moderator,  L.  P.  Murrell. 
W.  R.  Butler,  and  \Y.  J.  Morris  were  re- appointed  to 
read  letters.    W.  L.  Mcintosh,  I.  Baliff,  and  W.  C.  Por- 
ter appointed  committee  on  Finance.     F.  M.  Meek,  and 
John  Williams  preached  to  the  people  at  the  stand. 
Letters  were  read  from  forty -four  churches:  names  of 
delegates  written   and   statistics  noted.     W.J.Morris 
and  J.  S.  Antley  acted  as  tellers.     Officers  elected,  L.  P. 
Murrell,  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke,  clerk,  and  I.   Baliff, 
treasurer.     No  new  church  was  received  this  year.     Re- 
ceived correspondence  from  Strong  River  and  Ebenezer 
Associations.     W.  A.  Hutson  from  the  General  Associa- 
tion, with  letter  and  minutes.    J.  S.  Antley  came  before 
the  body  as   agent   of  Central   Female  Institute.     He 
was  received,  and  a  hearing  promised  him  Monday  mor- 
ning at  ten  o'clock.   The  usual  committees  were  appoint- 
ed, and  made  interesting  reports.   G.  W.  Barnes,  James 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  365 

Jones,  W.  White,  and  H.  Dunn  formed  the  committee  on 
preaching.  It  was  arranged  that  J.  S.  AntlcA",  L.  P. 
Murrell,  and  S.  J.  HittlaJ^or  on  Lord's  day  in  the  order 
of  their  names. 

Lord's  day,  the  brethren  appointed,  preached  in  the 
order  of  their  names.  The  congregation  was  large,  the 
order  good,  and  we  trust  much  good  will  grow  out  of 
it.  A  collection  of  $19.25  was  taken  up  for  Domestic 
missions,  and  $7.50  for  Indian  missions.  Correspond- 
ence was  regularly  arranged,  and  reports  of  committees 
were  heard,  and  discussed. 

At  ten  o'clock  J.  S.  Antley  addressed  the  Associa- 
tion in  behalf  of  the  Central  Female  Institute,  Clinton, 
Miss.,  reading  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 
The  report  w^as  ordered  printed  in  the  minutes  of  the 
Association.  The  committee  on  documents,  and  the 
state  of  religion  presented  a  length^",  and  able  report. 
The  Mississippi  Baptist  was  recommended  to  the  confi- 
dence, and  support  of  the  churches  of  the  Association. 

The  report  on  missions,  was  likely  the  most  thor- 
ough that  had  been  presented  before  the  body.  We 
find  this  language :  "Much  preparatory  work  has  been 
done.  The  great  victory  is  yet  to  be  gained.  Our  cap- 
tain rides  forth,  and  animates  us  to  the  work.  He  calls 
us  to  toil,  and  triumph.  Let  us  go  forth  after  him  to 
glorious  war,  to  certain  victory.  The  command  is, 
'Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  ev- 
ery creature.'  This  is  to  us,  will  we  heed  it?  The  most 
weighty  considerations  that  can  be  brought  to  bear  up- 
on the  human  mind  urge  us  to  obedience,  and  steadfast 
perseverance." 

Resolutions  were  passed  re -affirming  our  steadfast 
adherence  to  the  great  principles  of  strict  communion, 
otherwise  called  close  communion,    and    condemning. 


366  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

alien  immersions,  no  odds  Ijy  what  order  administered, 
and  urging  the  churches  to  continue  in  these  great  ])rin- 
ciples  of  our  people. 

Delegates  were  appointed  to  meet  with  the  General 
Association,  and  the  funds  ordered  to  be  sent  up.  Del- 
egates, W.  A.  Hutson.  John  Williams,  W.  L.  Alclntosh, 
N.  B.  Robertson,  Wiley  White,  W.  R.  Butler,  L.  P.  Mur- 
rell,  N.  L.  Clarke,  W.  J.  Morris,  H.  Rush,  G.  F.  Smith. 

At  no  time,  thus  far,  had  the  body  been  more  stead- 
fast in  the  adherence  to  our  distinctive  principles,  re- 
flecting the  sentiment  of  the  principles  that  are  so  firm  - 
ly  held  by  our  churches.  The  organization,  and  keep- 
ing up  of  Sunday  schools  was  urged.  The  time  of  the 
meeting  of  the  Association  \vas  changed  to  Saturday 
before  the  second  Lord's  daA-  in  October  in  each  3'ear. 
It  was  agreed  that  the  next  meeting  of  the  body  be 
held  with  Pleasant  Hill  church,  Newton  county.  Miss., 
and  that  W.  A.  Hutson  preach  the  next  introductory 
-sermon,  and  L.  P.  Alurrell  in  case  of  absence  of  first 
named.  The  table  shows  fort\'-fiYe  churches  in  the 
body,  a  total  membership  of  1,800;  100  baptized  dur- 
ing the  3'ear;  fourteen  ordained  ministers,  and  seven- 
teen licentiates.  Pleasant  Hill,  the  largest  church,  L. 
P.  Murrell,  pastor.  The  closing  services,  a  good  hymn 
sung,  and  the  right  hand  given;  often  causing  many 
tears  to  flow. 

Daniel  Fore  was  bom  in  the  State  of  Tennessee. 
W^hen  very  3'oung  his  parents  brought  him  to  Alabama, 
where  he  grew  to  manhood.  He  came  to  East  Mississ- 
ippi soon  after  the  countr\'  was  opened  to  the  settle- 
ment of  the  country-  b^-  the  whites.  Professed  faith  in 
Christ  in  1848,  and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of 
New  Prospect  church,  Scott  county,  Miss.,  hj  J.  M. 
Chambers.    Realizing  the  blessedness  of  salvation  in 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  367 

his  own  soul,  Mr.  Fore  was  anxious  that  others  might 
share  the  same,  hence  he  soon  began  to  pray,  and  talk 
in  public,  evidencing  impressions  to  preach ;  received 
licensed  from  his  church  in  1849,  and  preached  in  his 
own  church,  and  surrounding  country.  Not  long  after 
he  received  ordination,  and  entered  on  pastoral  work, 
laboring  in  Smith,  Scott,  and  Newton  counties,  and 
was  quite  successful  in  building  up  the  churches,  and 
baptizing  many  into  their  fellowship.  His  longest  pas- 
torates were  with  Randall  Hill,  and  Concord  churches, 
in  Jasper  county-,  and  FHne  Ridge  and  Poplar  Springs 
churches,  Newton  county ;  spending  shorter  time  with 
other  churches. 

He  loved  a  good  meeting,  was  tender  and  win- 
ning in  his  exhortations.  In  his  older  days  he  was 
less  active  in  the  ministry,  laboring  nearer  home,  as 
he  felt  he  was  growing  feebler  by  reason  of  age.  He 
closed  his  earthly  labors  February  25th  1891,  the  im- 
mediate cause  of  death  being  injuries  received  in  a  fall 
from  his  wagon  a  few  da^^s  before.  He  died  in  great 
peace,  talking  of  the  love  of  God  ;  the  blessed  hope  of  a 
glorious  immortality,  and  rest  with  Christ.  Bidding 
his  wife,  children,  and  friends  farewell,  he  ceased  to 
breath  and  was  at  rest. 

In  1859,  the  body  met  with  Pleasant  Hill  church, 
Newton  county.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preach- 
ed by  W.  A.  Hutson,  text,  "For  we  are  laborers  togeth- 
er with  God."  Half  hour  for  refreshment,  and  the  del- 
egates convened  in  the  house,  and  were  callled  to  order 
by  the  former  moderator,  L.  P.  Murrell,  A.  Goss  pray- 
ed. W.  J.  Morris  and  H.  E.  Chambers  appointed  read- 
ing clerks,  W.  R.  Butler  assistant  clerk.  D.  D.  Booth 
and  A.  Goss  preached  to  the  people  at  the  stand.  A. 
Eastland,  B.  B.  Windham,  and  J.  Holland  financial 
committee. 


368  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Letters  were  read  from  thirty -nine  churches,  and 
delegates  names  recorded,  and  statistics  noted.  Jos- 
eph Morris  and  T,  M.  Weaver  acted  as  tellers,  and  offi- 
cers were  elected,  L.  P.  Murrell  moderator;  N.  L, 
Clarke  clerk  ;  I.  Bailiff  treasurer.  An  opportunity  was 
afforded,  and  Hepzibah  church,  Newton  county.  Miss., 
was  received.  This  church  is  now  known  as  Hickory^ 
having  been  moved  to  that  place,  audits  name  changed. 
Received  correspondence  from  Ebenezer  and  Harmony 
Associations,  also  from  the  General  Association,  asking 
sympathy  and  aid,  Joseph  Morris  messenger.  A  letter 
was  received  from  A.  C.  Dayton,  secretary  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Sunday  school  Union,  and  a  bundle 
of  the  Children  s  Friend;  also  a  bundle  of  minutes  from 
the  Baptist  State  Convention.  The  usual  committees 
were  appointed,  and  made  interesting  reports.  C.  H.. 
Johnston,  M.  B.  Kirk,  J.  Canada,  and  the  deacons  of 
Pleasant  Hill  church  composed  the  committee  on 
preaching.  The  services  on  Lord's  day  were  of  much 
interest,  conducted  by  Joseph  Morris,  Wilson  West, 
and  A.  Goss;  N.  L.  Clarke  closed  the  services.  The 
clerk  says :  The  congregation  was  large  and  attentive, 
and  it  is  hoped  much  good  will  grow  out  of  it.  $40.60 
was  taken  up  for  Domestic  missions,  and  a  small  sum 
for  education. 

Monday  morning  the  bod^^  met  in  great  harmony 
and  cheerfulness.  The  moderator  prayed.  Correspon-. 
dence  regularly  returned,  and  committees  reported,  re- 
ports attended  to.  The  committee  on  the  state  of  re- 
ligion and  publication,  in  their  report  say :  It  is  a  mat- 
ter of  thankfulness  to  God,  that  all  the  churches  of  the 
body  are  regularly  supplied  with  stated  preaching  of 
the  work ;  and  that  many  have  been  added  to  the 
churches.    Revivals    of  religion    have  taken    place  in 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  369 

many  parts  of  the  world ;  and  our  own  region  has  been 
ble^ssed  with  the  outpouring  of  the  Spirit.  The  Missis- 
sippi and  Tennessee  Baptists,  were  commended  to  the 
support  of  the  people,  and  the  Southern  Baptist  Re- 
view. 

Full  and  interesting  reports  were  presented  on  mis  - 
sions  and  Sabbath  schools,  as  also  on  temperance,  ur- 
ging the  support  of  missions,  both  Home  and  Foreign, 
and  working  with  the  General  Association.  The  sub- 
ject of  better  instruction  to  the  colored  people  was  re- 
ported and  approved,  and  urged  upon  the  churches  and 
pastors.  Appointed  delegates  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion, and  appropriated  funds  for  the  support  of  the 
general  body.  The  powers  of  the  Association,  Abstract 
of  Faith,  Gospel  order,  and  Rules  of  Decorum  appear  in 
the  minutes  of  this  year.  The  following  resolution  was 
passed : 

Resolved,  "That  we  believe  it  to  be  the  duty  of  the 
churches  to  deal  with  their  members  who  aid  in  the 
evils  of  intemperance,  and  seek  to  promote  the  liquor 
traffic." 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  body  be 
held  with  Beulah  church,  Newton  county,  that  W.  R. 
Butler  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  N.  L. 
Clarke  alternate.  The  table  shows  forty -one  churches 
in  the  body,  some  having  been  dismissed  to  go  else- 
w|iere;  a  total  membership  of  1,752,  baptized  during 
the  3'ear  258,  with  sixteen  ordained  ministers,  nine  li- 
centiates, largest  church,  Pleasant  Hill  131,  L.  P. 
Murrell  pastor.     A  j^ear  of  great  prosperit}'. 

John  J.  S.  Miles  was  born  in  the  State  of  Georgia, 
January,  5,  1807.  He  made  profession  of  faith  in 
Christ,  and  was  baptized  while  3'et  in  his  seventeenth 


370  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

year,  in  Washington  county,  Ga.  While  yet  quite 
young  he  gave  evidence  of  impression  to  preach,  and 
was  licensed  to  do  so  :  exercising  his  gift  in  the  church- 
es of  Flint  River  Association ;  where  he  received  ordina- 
tion, and  entered  upon  pastoral  and  evangelical  work. 
While  yet  young  in  the  work,  brother  Miles  found  him- 
self in  the  midst  of  the  strife  that  arose  out  of  the  ques  - 
tion  of  missions  in  the  bounds  of  the  Flint  River  Asso- 
ciation, in  which  many  of  the  churches  and  members 
embraced  anti- mission  views,  including  nearly  all  the 
ministry,  leaving  young  Miles  almost  alone  in  the 
struggle.  Young  and  active,  full  of  zeal,  with  great 
bodily  power,  and  a  determination  nearly  unconquer- 
able, our  young  brother  threw  himself  with  great  force 
into  the  fight  for  the  principles  of  the  regular  Baptists. 
His  labors  were  immense,  but  he  was  successful.  At 
the  age  of  about  fort}"  years,  he  rejoiced,  with  others 
that  worked  with  him,  to  see  the  cause  established, 
churches  revived,  new  ones  planted,  and  his  Associa- 
tion built  up,  and  active.  Greatly  worn  out  in  body, 
and  more  or  less  financially,  by  the  sacrifices  he  made 
in  his  labors,  he  resolved  to  go  West. 

Leaving  Georgia  in  1844,  brother  Miles  spent  some 
months  in  Alabama,  came  to  Mississippi,  and  made  his 
home  for  a  number  of  years  in  Neshoba  county  in  this 
State,  and  had  his  membership  in  the  Mount  Nelson 
church,  and  was  connedled  with  Mount  Pisgah  Associ- 
ation for  a  number  of  j-ears ;  was  active  in  the  ministry, 
serving  the  churches  adjacent  to  him.  For  several 
years  he  was  their  pastor  at  Mount  Sinai  church,  Ne- 
shoba county,  and  also  at  Mount  Nelson.  After  some 
3'-ears,  he  became  a  citizen  of  Leake  county,  and  contin- 
ued his  labors  there,  and  in  the  adjoining  counties,  and 
was  connected  with  Harmonv  Association.    Our  recol- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  371 

lection  [is  '  that  his  last  earthly  home  was  in  Leake 
county  where  he  died  about  the  date  1855,  loved  by  all 
that  knew  him.  Brother  Miles  was  an  able  and  useful 
minister.  Possessed  of  a  commanding  personal  ap- 
pearance, a  fine  voice,  sound  in  gospel  doctrine,  a  good 
singer,  and  an  animated  exhorter,  he  exercised  a  great 
influence  over  his  congregation,  and  won  manj^of  them 
to  Christ.  His  labors  were  much  blessed  in  Mississippi 
as  well  as  in  Georgia. 

In  1860,  the  Association  was  held  with  Beulah 
church,  Newton  county,  which  was  the  twenty -fourth 
meeting  of  the  body.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  W.  R.  Butler;  text,  Mark  1 :15,  "The  time 
is  fulfilled,  and  the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand  ;  repent 
ye,  and  believe  the  gospel.''  A  short  interval  was  giv- 
en, and  the  delegates  convened,  and  were  called  to  or- 
der by  L.  P.  Murrell,  the  former  moderator:  himself 
praying.  J.  H.  Rush,  A.  Clarke,  and  H.  E.  Chambers 
were  requested  to  read  letters.  C.  C.  Gorhara,  W.  C. 
Porter,  and  W.  W.  Hardy  appointed  committee  on  fi- 
nance. Letters  were  read  from  thirt\'-six  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled,  and  statistics  noted.  M.  M. 
Keith  and  W.  L.  Mcintosh  acted  as  tellers.  The  fol- 
lowing officers  were  elected,  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator, 
Wm.  R.  Butler  clerk,  Ishmael  Bailiff  treasurer.  The 
moderator  on  taking  the  chair,  made  a  short  talk,  and 
the  body  proceeded  to  business.  It  was  a  custom  to 
invite  visiting  members  to  seats.  This  was  done.  A- 
mong  others  that  took  seats  was  W.  Cecil  Beecher,  of 
the  Coliseum  Place  Baptist  church,  N.  O.  Five  new 
churches  were  added  to  the  Association ;  Etchoma,  Jas- 
per county.  High  Hill,  Smith  county,  Morton,  Scott 
county,  County  Line,  Jones  county,  and  County  Line, 
Neshoba  county.  J 


372  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  usual  committees  were  appointed  and  perform- 
ed their  \York  with  promptness  and  fidelit^^  Wm.  Gra- 
ham, J.  M.  Pace,  B.  Hawkins,  E.J.  Collins,  and  J.  E. 
Traylor,  composed  the  committee  on  preaching.  Cor- 
respondence ^vas  received  from  Strong  River,  Ebenezer, 
Bethlehem,  Harmony,  and  Choctaw  Associations,  all 
of  which  was  courteously  reciprocated.  I.  Anderson 
was  received  from  the  General  Association,  It  was  ar- 
ranged that  J.  P.  Johnston,  L.  P.  Alurrell  and  N.  L. 
Clarke  preach  on  Lord's  da\'.  The  adjourning  hour  is 
always  welcome,  and  the  body  adjourned  to  meet  at 
nine  o'clock  Alonday. 

Of  Lord's  da\',  the  clerk  says:  "The  brethren  ap- 
pointed, performed  their  duties  faithfully.  There  is 
reason  to  hope  that,  through  the  divine  blessing,  much, 
good  Avill  grow  out  of  it.  A  collection  w^as  taken  up 
for  missions  amounting  to  $33.70."' 

Much  cheerfulness  was  manifested  Monday  morn- 
ing as  the  delegates  met  each  other.  W.  A.  Hutson 
pra3'ed.  Correspondence  was  arranged,  and  reports  of 
committees  heard  and  discussed  with  much  interest. 
The  general  letter  of  correspondence  sa3'S,  "From  all 
the  facts  before  us,  we  arrive  at  the  conclusion  that  our 
Redeemer's  Kingdom  is  advancing  in  this  part  of  the 
moral  vineyard."  After  the  same  way,  the  committee 
on  the  state  of  religion  goes  on  to  speak.  The3^  say : 
"Revivals  of  religion  have  taken  place  in  manj'  parts  of 
our  beloved  country',  and  a  large  part  of  the  churches 
of  this  bod\^  have  been  refreshed,  and  blessed  with  the 
outpouring  of  God's  Spirit.  The  committee  urges  to 
thanksgiving  for  past  mercies,  and  earnest  pra\'ers  for 
a  continuance  of  the  same.  On  publications  the}-  urge 
the  reading  of  the  Mississpipi  and  Tennessee  Baptists 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  373 

Able  reports  were  made  on  missions  and  Sunday 
schools ;  seeking  to  imjDress  the  people  of  God  to  renew- 
ed energy  and  effort  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  among 
our  own  people,  and  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion, and  funds  appropriated  for  the  support  of  its 
■w^ork.  The  clerk  was  instructed  to  have  the  Abstract 
of  Faith,  Gospel  Order,  Powers  of  the  Association,  and 
Rules  of  Decorum  printed  in  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing. This  was  done  that  our  members  might  read  and 
compare  the  Abstract  with  the  vScriptures  :  so  be  sound 
in  the  faith. 

It  was  agreed  by  the  body  to  change  the  time  of 
meeting  to  the  third  Lord's  day  in  September  in  each 
year  and  Saturday  before.  The  next  session  of  the 
bod^^  was  appointed  to  be  held  with  Alount  Pisgah 
church,  Jasper  county,  and  that  L.  P.  Murrell  preach 
the  annual  sermon,  Wilson  West  alternate. 

The  scenes  of  adjotirnment  were  tender  and  endear- 
ing. The  table  shows  fort^^- three  churches  in  the  body, 
a  total  membership  of  1,760;  200  baptized  during  the 
year;  seventeen  ordained  ministers,  eleven  licentiates; 
Pleasant  Hill  the  largest  church,  membership  151,  L. 
P.  Murrell  pastor.  The  Beulah  church  was  then  young 
but  active  and  vigorous  has  attained  to  great  useful- 
ness since.  Different  ministers  then  present  as  correspond- 
ents were  in  the  prime  of  their  ministry',  or  3'oung  men 
J.  P.  Johnston,  Isaac  White,  Alcek,  J.  L.  Mathews, 
just  entering  the  ministr3'. 

W.  R.  Butler  was  born  in  Rankin  count\',  Nov.  15, 
1828.  In. 1831,  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Scott 
county-,  in  which  county  he  has  made  his  home  until 
now,  a  period  of  fifty -nine  j^ears  ;  with  onh'  occasional 
absence  for  onl}'  a  short  time  in  teaching  or  for  other 


374  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

business.  During  the  3'ear  1848,  Aug.  31st,  W.  R. 
Butler  made  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  was  bap- 
tized into  the  fellowship  of  the  Hillsboro  Baptist  church 
b^^  William  Denson.  Feeling  now  the  love  of  God,  and 
wishing  that  others  might  feel  the  same  and  be  saved, 
he  was  soon  under  impressions  to  preach  the  gospel. 
He  received  license  in  the  3'ear  1849,  and  exercised  his 
gift  in  his  own  church  and  surrounding  country.  Was 
ordained  in  1852,  and  entered  upon  pastoral  and  evan- 
gelical work.  August  6,  1854,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Julia  Long,  of  Hinds  count3',  who  is  3'et  the  companion 
of  his  hopes,  joys  and  sorrows. 

From  the  first  he  was  active  in  the  ministr}'.  Pos- 
sessed of  a  vigorous  mind,  being  a  close  student,  and 
being  active  in  his  calling,  his  progress  was  pleasing, 
and  rapid  ;  and,  having  the  confidence  of  the  churches, 
his  labors  were  much  prized,  and  greatly  blessed.  Af- 
ter serving  various  churches  in  different  parts  of  the 
countr\',  his  own  church  at  Hillsboro  called  him  to  pas- 
toral work  with  her.  In  this  work  he  continued  twen- 
tv-nine  consecutive  years,  much  of  the  time  the  church 
greatly  prospering  under  his  care :  while  at  the  same 
time  he  extended  his  labors  to  the  churches  in  the  sur- 
rounding countrv^  Sardis,  Hopewell,  Libert^-,  Forest, 
and  inany  others  receiving  the  benefit  of  his  self  sacrific- 
ing labors.  In  1860,  our  brother  was  elected  clerk  of 
of  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  which  office  he  con- 
tinued to  fill  until  he  left  the  Mount  IMsgah  to  enter  the 
organization  of  the  Springfield  Association,  of  which 
body  he  was  at  the  first  made  moderator;  which  posi- 
tion of  honor  and  usefulness  he  has  continued  to  fill  at 
each  succeeding  session  of  the  Association.  For  two 
years  he  labored  as  missionarj^  under  the  direction  of 
the  Springfield  Association,  feeding  the  scattered  sheep, 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  375 

and  building  up  the  waste  places  of  Zion.  Mild,  and 
agreeable  in  personal  appearance,  courteous,  and  affa- 
ble in  his  deportment,  gifted  in  the  pulpit,  and  sound  to 
the^centre  in  the  faith  of  the  Baptists,  brother  Butler 
has  been  loved  and  appreciated  wherever  he  has  labor- 
ed among  the  people  of  God.  He  is  not  yet  old,  com- 
pared with  many,  and  it  is  hoped  it  may  be  the  will  of 
God  to  spare  him  for  many  years  of  usefulness  in  the 
cause  he  loves  so  well,  and  to  the  honor  of  his  divine 
Redeemer. 

In  1861,  the  Association  convened  with  Mount  Pis- 
gah  church,  Jasper  county.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Wilson  West.  Text,  Matt.  16 :  18  ; 
"And  I  say  unto  thee  that  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon 
this  Rock  will  I  build  m\'  church,  and  the  gates  of  hell 
shall  not  prevail  against  it."  A  short  intermission, 
and  the  bod3^  v^^as  called  together  bj'  the  fonner  moder- 
ator, N.  L.  Clarke,  Wilson  West  led  in  pra3'er.  B.  Sims 
and  G.  Myers  conducted  w^orship  at  the  stand.  A. 
Eastland,  A.  C.  Gunn  and  A.  Clarke  were  appointed  to 
read  letters,  B.  Thigpen  assistant  clerk.  W.  L.  Mcin- 
tosh, W.  W.  Hardy,  and  Josh  Collins  were  appointed! 
committee  on  finance. 

Letters  were  read  from  thirty -five  churches,  names 
of  delegates  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  The  follow- 
ing officers  were  elected  by  acclamation :  N.  L.  Clarke, 
moderator;  W.  R.  Butler,  clerk;  I.  Bailiff  treasurer.  A 
few  remarks  In-  the  moderator,  and  the  body  was  ready 
for  business.  Two  new  churches  were  added  to  the  As-- 
sociation,  Siloam,  Simpson  county,  and  Mount  Vernon,, 
Jasper  county.  No  correspondence  from  sister  Associa- 
tions. The  change  of  our  time  of  meeting  supposed  to 
be  the  cause.  Committees  were  appointed  on  various, 
subjects,  who  were  prompt  and  faithful  in  their  work.. 


376  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Missions,  Sunday  schools  and  pulDlications  received 
careful  attention.  True  to  her  principles,  the  Associa- 
tion urged  the  work  of  missions,  Home  and  Foreign. 
J.  E.  Traylor,  B.  AI.  Spangler,  H.Dunn,B.  Thigpen  and 
H.  S.  Boling  were  appointed  a  committee  on  preaching. 
N.  L.  Clarke,  W  R.  Butler,  and  W.  A.  Hutson  occupied 
the  stand  on  Lord's  day.  The  clerk  tells  us  that  the 
above  named  brethren  preached  on  Lord's  da3\  The 
congregation  was  large;  the  order  good,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  services  many  came  forward  for  prayer. 
$13.4-0  was  taken  up  for  Domestic  missions,  $13.10  for 
Indian  missions. 

The  brethren  convened  Monday  morning  with  cor- 
dial greeting.  Reports  of  committees  heard  and  dis- 
cussed. The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  present 
it  as  averaging  a  fair  condition.  Aluch  excitement  pre- 
vailed in  view  of  the  threatened  and  coming  war  be- 
tween the  States.  The  Mississippi  and  Tennessee  Bap- 
tists were  recommended  to  the  churches,  also  the  Bap- 
tist Correspondent.  Representatives  to  the  General 
Association  were  appointed  and  funds  appropriated. 
It  was  ordered  that  the  Articles  of  Faith  be  again  pub- 
lished with  the  powers  of  the  Association^  It  was  de- 
cided to  hold  the  next  session  of  the  body  with  Alount 
Carmel  church,  Smith  county.  John  Williams  is  to 
preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  and  that  A. 
Clarke  in  case  of  failure.  The  scene  of  parting  was  ten- 
der and  interesting.  The  clerk  sa^-s :  the  Mount  Pisgah 
Association  thus  closed  her  twenty-  -  fifth  annual  meet  - 
ing  in  peace  and  harmony.    W.  R.  Butler  prayed> 

The  table  shows  thirty- -  seven  churches  in  the  body; 
1,783  members;  seventeen  ordained  ministers;  nine  li- 
centiates ;  Pleasant  Hill  the  largest  church  in  the  body, 
L.  P.  Murrell  pastor. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  377 

Oliver  F.  Breland,  for  man}-  ^-ears  an  esteemed  min- 
ister of  the  gospel,  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Asso- 
ciation, was  a  native  Mississippian,  and  was  reared  to 
manhood  in  East  Mississippi.  Just  before  the  war  be- 
tween the  States  he  made  profession  of  religion  and 
was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Pinckney  Baptist 
church.  The  war  came,  and  Breland  entered  the  Con- 
federate army ;  was  a  true  and  active  soldier,  and  was 
spared  to  pass  through  the  dangers  of  the  war,  and  re- 
turn to  his  home  and  his  famih^ ;  and  with  a  character 
unstained  as  a  Christian  ;  liut  with  his  temporal  affairs 
in  a  wasted  condition.  Under  impressions  to  talk  to 
his  neighbors  about  the  love  of  God  and  the  worth  of 
souls,  he  received  license,  and  exercised  his  gift  in  his 
own  church  and  the  surrounding  countr3\  Now  in  the 
path  of  duty,  and  urged  forward  bj-  the  love  of  God 
and  the  love  of  souls,  Mr.  Breland  advanced  rapidlv  in 
his  calling,  and  in  public  esteem  as  a  maij  of  gifts  and 
usefulness.  Soon  his  ordination  was  called  for,  and  he 
entered  upon  pastoral  work  with  great  zeal,  energy 
and  success;  laboring  in  the  cause  of  his  Master  with  a 
self-sacrificing  devotion  rarely  known  in  our  country; 
and  wath  a  success  truly  cheering.  Humble,  cheerful, 
read3^  and  gifted,  our  brother  was  gladh^  received 
wherever  he  w^ent.  The  writer  often  said  while  O.  F. 
Breland  w^as  Hving,  that  no  man  among  us  did  so  much 
work  at  such  a  sacrifice.  His  labors  were  chieflv  in  the 
counties  of  Newton  and  Neshoba.  He  was  a  gifted  wri- 
ter, surprisingly  so,  considering  the  busy  life  he  lived. 
Many  will  remember  his  instructive  communication  in 
the  Southern  Baptist  in  the  day  of  its  life  and  prosperi- 
ty. It  w^as  his  lot  in  the  latter  part  of  his  ministry  to 
struggle  with  decHning  health.  After  a  ministry  of 
some  fifteen  or  eighteen  years  of  great  usefulness,  he 


378  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

died  in  great  peace  in  Neshoba  count3\  His  body  rests^ 
at  Mount  Sinai  church  in  that  county  ;  while,  doubtless 
his  spirit  is  with  Him  he  loved  so  A\^ell.  Mr.  Breland 
raised  a  large  family,  the  greater  part  of  which  A^etlive, 
respected  and  useful.  His  oldest  son,  G.  W.  Breland,  as 
if  seeing  his  father  fall  in  the  charge,  seized  the  flag  that 
fell  from  his  lifeless  hands,  and  raising  it  aloft,  is  bear- 
ing it  manfully  forward  against  the  foe. 

When  yet  3'outhful  John  Herrington  lived  in  south- 
eastern Alabama.  EarW  in  the  settlement  of  East 
Mississippi  bA^  whites  became  to  this  State,  and  settled 
in  Kemper  county'.  At  that  time,  though  he  was  a 
good  citizen,  yet  was  wonderfulh'  addicted  to  the  use 
of  spirits,  and  b\^  many  it  was  thought  that  he  \vas 
doomed  to  a  drunkard's  grave.  About  the  year  184-4, 
he  went  to  hear  A.  E.  demons  preach,  then  missionary 
of  the  Choctaw  Baptist  Association,  who  w-as  keeping 
up  an  appointment  at  a  school  house  near  Mr.  Herring- 
ton's.  Under  the  preaching  of  l^rother  demons  he  be- 
came interested  about  his  soul's  salvation,  and  during 
the  year  he  made  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  was 
baptized.  This  profession  he  honored  till  the  end  of  his 
life.  Soon  he  manifested  impressions  to  preach,  and  re- 
ceived license,  and  before  long,  ordination.  While  yet 
3'oung  in  the  work,  he  moved  to  Neshoba  county,  and 
more  fulh'  entered  upon  pastoral  and  evangelical  work, 
a  man  of  excellent  moral  character,  but  moderate  gifts 
in  the  gospel.  Brother  Herrington  was  remarkable  for 
his  command  of  Scriptures,  and  appreciated  his. religi- 
ous associations  ver}'  much.  For  man3'  3'ears  he  was 
connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  and  was  al- 
wa\'s  a  welcome  visitor  among  the  churches  and  fami- 
lies of  our  people.  Our  brother  lived  to  old  age,  and  at 
the  call  of  his  Master,  he  passed  awa}-. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  379 

In  1862,  the  body  convened  with  the  Alount  Car- 
mel  church,  Smith  count3^  The  Civil  war  was  fully  un- 
der way,  and  much  excitement  prevailed ;  and,  likely, 
the  delegation  was  on  that  account  smaller. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  John 
WiUiams  ;  text.  Matt.  28  :  20  :  "Teaching  them  to  ob  - 
serve  all  things  whatsoever  I  command  you."  A  few 
minutes  for  refreshments,  and  the  body  was  called  to 
order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke.  L.  P.  Murrell 
led  in  prayer ;  Searcy  and  Sims  conducted  worship  at 
the  stand.  A.  Eastland,  A.  C.  Gunn,  and  F.  M.  Pool 
read  letters;  T.  J.  Denson  was  assistant  clerk ;  J.  W.  D. 
Duckworth,  J.  D.  Hardy,  and  G.  W.  Barnes  were  com- 
mittee on  Finance.  Letters  were  read  from  thirty - 
three  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled,  and  statistics 
noted.  Officers  were  elected  by  acclamation,  N.  L. 
Clarke  moderator;  W.  R.  Butler  clerk;  I.  Baliff  treasu- 
rer. A  short  talk  from  the  moderator,  and  the  body 
was  ready  for  business.  One  new  church  was  added  to 
the  body,  Home  wood,  Scott  county.  Received  corre- 
spondence from  Strong  River,  and  Ebenezer  Associa- 
tions. Appointed  the  usual  committees,  who  performed 
their  duties  in  great  faithfulness.  W.  L.  Mcintosh,  E. 
W.  Norwood,  J.  E.  Traylor,  and  T.  D.  Collins  were  the 
committee  on  preaching.  It  was  arranged  that  W.  R. 
Butler,  N.  L.  Clarke,  and  J.  P.  Johnston  preach  on 
Lord's  day.  Correspondence  was  duly  returned  to  sis- 
ter Associations.  The  adjourning  hour  was  hailed  with 
pleasure. 

On  Lord's  day  the  congregation  was  large,  and  the 
preaching  interesting.  The  clerk  says  :  ''There  seemed 
to  be  good  interest  throughout  the  congregation,  and 
much  sign  of  penitence  by  giving  the  hand  for  prayer." 
$49.90  were  taken  up  for  Domestic  missions ;  $5.20  for 


380  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Indian  missions:   $37.95  for  religions  reading  for  the 
soldiers. 

Monday  came,  and  \vith  it  readiness  for  business. 
A.  Gressett  prayed  :  rules  of  decorum  read.  The  reports 
of  committees  read  and  discussed.  The  state  of  religion 
encouraging,  all  the  churches  have  preaching.  The 
Avork  of  missions  was  pressed  on  the  body  and  urged 
on  the  churches.  A  resolution  was  passed,  expressing 
gratitude  to  God  for  His  providences  in  sustaining  us  in 
our  struggle  for  Southern  independence.  Delegates 
were  appointed  to  the  General  Association,  and  funds 
appropriated.  A  time  for  special  prayer  was  recom- 
mended to  the  churches  to  be  observed  to  invoke  the  di- 
vine blessing  upon  our  countr}-,  and  upon  our  soldiers. 
It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  Association 
be  held  with  the  Decatur  church,  and  that  A.  Clarke 
preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  A.  AYinstead, 
alternate. 

The  table  shows  fort^'-two  churches  in  the  body; 
a  total  membership  of  2,100  :  159  baptized  during  the 
past  associational  year.  Pleasant  Hill,  the  largest 
church,  148  members,  L.  P.  Murrell,  pastor;  eighteen 
ordained  ministers,  and  eight  licentiates.  The  session 
w^as  harmonious,  the  closing  scene  tender,  and  endear- 
ing. Much  interest  Avas  felt  for  the  comfort  of  the  sol- 
diers, and  the  results  of  the  war. 

John  Williams,  a  useful  minister  in  East  Mississippi, 
reared  up  in,  and  connected  ^vith  the  churches  of  the 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  Avas  reared  to  manhood  in 
Jasper  county.  In  early  life  he  made  a  profession  of 
faith  in  Christ  and  joined  the  Methodist  church,  and 
was  licensed  to  preach.  Moving  to  the  coast  country, 
heassociated  with  Mr.  Bowen,  and  became  convinced  of 
the  truth  of  Baptist  principles.     Returning  to  Jasper 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  381 

county,  he  was  baptized  by  the  writer  into  the  full  fel- 
lowship of  Fair  Amount  Baptist  church.  He  was  at 
once  licensed  to  preach,  and  evidenced  an  encouraging 
gift  in  the  gospel.  At  the  request  of  Poplar  Springs 
church  he  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry 
and  became  their  pastoral  supply,  which  was  the  be- 
ginning of  the  work  with  him.  Mr.  Williams  grew 
rapidly  in  ability,  and  in  the  esteem  of  the  people,  and 
soon  other  churches  called  for  his  services.  Poplar, 
Springs,  Garlandville,  Bethel,  Mount  Pisgah,  Mount 
Carmel,  Homewood,  Leaf  River,  and  Randall  Hill  had 
the  benefit  of  his  pastoral  labors,  and  likely  several 
others  not  remembered.  Wherever  he  labored  the 
Lord  blessed  him,  and  many  were  baptized.  Laboring 
in  the  counties  of  Newton,  Jasper,  Smith  and  Scott,  he 
passed  the  strength  of  his  days  before,  during,  and  af- 
ter the  w^ar.  On  the  resumption  of  active  mission 
work  by  the  General  Association  some  years  after  the 
war,  brother  Williams  became  the  missionary'  of  that 
bodj^  to  labor  in  Southeast  Mississippi,  in  which  work 
he  continued  for  a  number  of  yfears ;  during  the  time, 
moving  to  the  coast  country  that  he  might  be  more 
convenient  to  his  work.  He  achieved  much  for  the 
cause  as  our  missionary,  retiring  from  the  missionary 
w^ork,  he  entered  upon  pastoral  work  in  the  count\'  of 
his  adoption,  where  he  yet  lives,  bearing  testimonj^  to 
the  truth  and  value  of  that  gospel  he  has  loved  so  well, 
and  so  faithfully  preached.  John  Williams  has  been, 
and  is  a  very  gifted  man  in  the  gospel.  He  is  now  in 
the  evening  of  life,  yet  he  loves  the  work  of  his  Master. 
In  1863,  the  Association  met  with  the  Decatur 
church.  This  church  was  constituted  in  the  year  1837, 
and  was  first  called  Enon.  In  1848,  it  moved  to  De- 
catur,  and  took  the  name  of  its  ne\v  location.     The 


382  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

war  was  raging  with  all  its  fury ;  hence  the  representa- 
tion was  smaller.  The  introductorj'  sermon  was 
preached  b^^  A.  Clarke;  text.  Col.  3:3,  theme,  the  final 
perseverance  of  the  saints.  Half  hour  intermission,  and 
the  delegates  convened  in  the  Methodist  house  of  wor  - 
ship  and  were  called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L. 
Clarke,  reserving  the  Baptist  house  for  preaching.  L. 
P.  Murrell  prayed.  J.  L.  Matthews  and  J.  A.  Hitt  con- 
ducted worship  at  the  Baptist  church  house.  F.  M. 
Poole,  A.  C.  Gunn  and  S.  King  were  reading  clerks.  J. 
W.  Murray,  T.  J.  Denson  and  J.  Pearce  were  appointed 
committee  on  finance;  A.  Clarke  assistant  clerk.  Let- 
ters were  read  from  thirty  churches,  names  of  delegates 
enrolled,  and  statistics  noted.  Seven  churches  not  rep- 
resented. Officers  were  elected  by  acclamation,  N.  L. 
Clarke  moderator,  W.  R.  Butler  clerk,  I.  Bailiff  treasur- 
er. A  short  talk  from  the  moderator,  and  the  body 
was  ready  for  business.  Visiting  members  were  invit- 
ed to  seats.  Two  new  churches  were  added  to  the  As  - 
sociacion,  Siloam  and  Libertj^,  Newton  county.  Salem 
Association,  a  new  body,  petitioned  correspondence 
with  us,  \vhich  was  granted.  I.  Anderson  was  their 
messenger.  Ebenezer  also  sends  up  correspondence  by 
letter  and  minutes.  The  committees  on  various  sub- 
jects were  appointed,  performing  their  labors  with  fi- 
delity and  interest.  W.  L.  Mcintosh,  H.  Dunn,  J.  M. 
Trussell  and  I.  Bailiff  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 
It  was  arranged  for  preaching  at  both  houses  on 
Lord's  day.  L.  P.  Murrell,  I.  Anderson,  W.  R.  Butler, 
and  S.  King  were  appointed  to  preach.  The  services 
on  Sunday  ^vere  of  much  interest.  The  clerk  says: 
"The  brethren  appointed  performed  the  services  assign- 
ed them  with  great  faithfulness;  and  from  the  order 
observed,  and  the  attention  given,  we  have  great  reas- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  383 

on  to  believe  that  much  good  will  result  from  the  la  - 
bors  of  the  day.  $56.30  were  collected  on  Lord's  day 
for  Domestic  missions,  and  $128.50  for  the  spiritual 
benefit  of  the  soldiers.  Good  social  and  Christian  feel- 
ing was  manifested  on  Monday'  morning  as  the  dele- 
gates met.  N.  L.  Clarke  prayed,  and  the  body  proceed- 
ed to  business.  The  reports  of  the  committees  were 
read  and  discussed.  The  work  of  missions  was  urged 
in  our  own  destitution  of  State,  also  among  the  sol- 
diers in  the  army.  The  state  of  religion  was  represent  i 
ed  as  being  average.  Sunday  schools  were  urged  upon 
the  churches,  and  also  a  set  day  to  be  observed  for 
prayer,  in  behalf  of  our  country.  In  the  midst  of  the 
business,  a  motion  was  made  and  prevailed  to  suspend 
all  business,  that  the  body  might  engage  in  prayer  for 
our  soldiers  and  our  country.  Shelby  King  led  the  As  - 
sociation  in  the  services.  Much  concern  was  manifest- 
ed. Steps  were  taken  looking  to  the  sending  of  a  mis- 
sionary to  the  arm}^  b3'  the  General  Association.  Dele- 
gates were  appointed  to  the  General  Association,  and 
funds  appropriated.  That  the  spirit  entertained  and 
manifested  by  our  old  Association  may  be  understood 
by  this  generation,  we  here  insert  a  preamble  and  reso- 
lutions passed  bA'  the  bod}'  at  Decatur: 

Whereas,  We,  as  a  nation,  are  engaged  in  a  great 
struggle  for  our  independence;  and  in  view  of  our  de- 
pendence on  the  God  of  nations  and  of  battles : — There  - 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  we  humbly  confess  our  sins,  both 
national  and  personal,  before  the  God  of  heaven,  that 
we  pour  out  our  hearts  before  our  God,  in  gratitude  for 
the  many  vi6lories  vouchsafed  to  our  armies  ;  that  we 
earnestly  pray  that  the  Almighty  God  would  in  His 
great  mercy,  and  goodness,  give  our  rulers,  both  civil, 


384  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

and  military  strength,  adequate  to  their  duties,  our  ar- 
mies health  and  triumph ;  that  He  would  graciously 
preserve  our  sons  and  brothers  in  the  day  of  battle : 
that  He  would  drive  our  enemies  from  our  land,  and  re- 
store to  our  country'  the  blessings  of  peace,  and  pros- 
perity. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  be  held  ^vith 
the  Bethel  church,  Newton  county-.  Miss.,  and  that 
Shelby  King  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  and 
F.JM.  Poole  be  alternate.  The  table  of  statistics  shows 
thirty -nine  churches  in  the  bod^',  a  total  membership 
of  1,888  ;  140  baptized  during  the  year.  Pleasant  Hill, 
the  largest  church,  155  members,  L.  P.  Murrell,  pastor. 
Nineteen  ordained  ministers,  seven  licentiates. 

A.  Winstead,  for  many  3^ears,  a  faithful,  and  highly 
esteemed  minister  of  the  gospel  within  the  bounds,  and 
among  the  churches,  of  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association, 
is  a  native  of  North  Carolina,  where  he  was  reared  to 
manhood.  While  3-et  quite  3'oung,  and  but  recently 
married,  he  migrated  to  Mississippi,  and  settled  in  Ne- 
shoba county',  and  attended  the  ministry  of  the  writer, 
as  well  as  that  of  others.  After  many  years  he  pro- 
fessed faith  in  Christ  with  great  earnestness  and  was 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Rocky  Creek  Baptist 
church,  Newton  county.  In  a  short  time  Mr.  Winstead 
gave  [  evidence  of  impressions  to  talk  to  his  neighbors 
about  their  souls  and  the  love  of  God,  and  was  praying 
in  public.  Receiving  license  from  the  church,  he  exer- 
cised his  gift  in  that  congregation  and  the  surrounding 
country.  Impressed  from  above,  and  moved  forv^^ard 
b}^  the  love  of  souls,  his  progress  in  the  gospel  Avas 
quite  rapid  and  encouraging.  Soon  he  passed  to  ordi- 
nation, and  entered  upon  pastoral  work  in  his  ow^n 
church   and  others  in  the   surrounding  countrv.      His 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  385 

labors  have  been  chiefly  confined  to  the  counties  of  Ne- 
shoba, Newton,  Kemper  and  Lauderdale,  and  have 
been  continuous,  self-denying  and  successful.  Mr.  Win- 
stead's  labors  have  been  much  appreciated,  and  in  a. 
ministry  of  now  some  forty  years,  they  have  resulted 
in  an  amount  of  good  that  eternity  only  can  make 
known.  On  the  formation  of  the  Oktibbeha  Associa- 
tion, our  brother  became  connected  with  it,  has  been 
its  moderator  at  different  times,  also  its  missionary, 
and  a  leading  minister  in  all  its  work.  A  country  pas- 
tor, he  has  always  had  a  good  farm,  the  products  of 
which  have  gone  far  in  supporting  his  family,  which 
added  to  what  he  has  received  from  the  churches,  has. 
made  for  himself,  and  family  an  abundant  and  comfort- 
able living.  Brother  Winstead  3'et  lives,  and  though 
advanced  in  years,  yet  he  loves  the  work  of  his  Master 
and  is  active  in  it.  May  God  spare  his  servant  long^ 
and  prosper  him. 

In  186'4,  the  Association  convened  with  Bethel 
church  in  Newton  countj^ ;  which  was  its  twent  v-eighth 
annual  session.  The  war  still  raging  with  all  its  des- 
tructive fury,  trying  times  on  the  churches.  The  intro- 
ductory sermon  was  preached  by  S.  King.  Text,  "My 
kingdom  is  not  of  this  world."'  In  those  days  dinner 
was  not  furnished,  as  now.  Short  intermission,  and 
the  body  was  called  to  order  in  the  house,  by  N.  L. 
Clarke,  the  moderator,  himself  leading  in  prayer.  A. 
Clarke  and  S.  King  reading  clerks,  A.  Gressett  assist- 
ant. J.  A.  Hudson,  A.  C.  Anderson,  and  Daniel  Welch 
were  committee  on  finance.  W.  A.  Hutson  and  J.  L^ 
Mathews  were  requested  to  preach  to  the  people  at  the 
stand.  Letters  were  read  from  twenty -eight  churches,, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Several 
churches  not  represented.    N.   L.   Clarke  was  elected 


386  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

moderator,  W.  R.  Butler  clerk,  I.  Bailiff  treasurer.  A 
short  talk  from  the  moderator,  and  the  Association 
w^as  ready  for  business.  No  new  churches  received  into 
the  body.  Received  correspondence  from  the  Salem  As- 
sociation, Wm.  Thigpen  messenger.  A  letter  was  read 
from  Capt.  Blackwood,  staff  officer  of  Gen.  Adams' 
brigade,  setting  forth  the  temporal  necessities  of  that 
part  of  the  army.  It  was  made  the  special  order  for 
ten  o'clock  Monday.  The  usual  committees  were  ap- 
pointed ;  who  did  their  work  promptly  and  faithfully. 
The  arrangement  being  made  for  preaching  at  the 
stand  and  in  the  house,  the  work  was  laid  on  Thigpen, 
Mathews,  Butler,  Clarke,  Gressett,  Sims,  Murrell  and 
Williams,  and  that  collections  be  taken  up  to  support 
mission  work.  The  Association  adjourned  with  cheer- 
ful feelings  anticipating  rest  and  comfort  on  Lord's  day. 
The  clerk  says:  "The  brethren  appointed  to  labor  to- 
da\',  did  their  work  in  faithfulness.  The  congregation 
^^as  large,  orderly  and  attentive,  and  much  interest 
Avas  iTianifested.  ]\Iany  came  forward  for  prayer,  and 
God's  people  were  much  refreshed.'"  $112.35  were 
taken  up  for  Domestic  missions,  and  $180.75  for  army 
mis.sions.  Cordial  greeting  attended  the  gathering  of 
the  bodA'  Monday  morning.  A.  Gressett  prayed,  and 
the  body  was  in  order  for  work.  J.  L.  Mathews  and 
A.  C.  Gunn  preached  to  the  people.  Arranged  corres- 
pondence with  sister  Associations  and  heard  reports  of 
committees,  and  discussed  and  acted  on  them,  in  which 
the  various  claims  of  benevolence  Avere  urged  upon  the 
churches.  On  the  state  of  religion  the  committee  speaks 
favorable.  ThcA^  say:  "Though  our  country  is  invaded 
by  the  foe,  and  though  the  times  are  gloomy,  nation- 
ally, yet  God  has  favored  his  Zion  in  these  ends  of  the 
vearth,  many^  hearts  ha^-e  been  made  to  rejoice  in  hope  of 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  387 

the  glon'  of  God.''  Sunday  schools  were  recommended 
as  greath'  useful,  and  the  work  of  missions  urged  upon 
the  churches,  and  sorrow  expressed  that  more  is  not 
done.  The  special  order,  Capt.  Blackwood's  letter  in 
behalf  of  the  soldiers,  drew  out  a  fine  interest.  The  fol- 
lowing resolution  was  passed : 

Resolved,  That  the  temporal  claims  of  our  soldiers 
in  General  Adams'  brigade  are  of  great  consideration  to 
this  body;  that  we  urge  their  claims  upon  the  brethren 
and  people;  that  for  this  purpose  we  request  Wm.  L. 
Mcintosh  to  open  a  public  subscription  to  collect  funds 
for  that  pui-pose." 

In  the  midst  of  these  proceedings  it  was  resolved 
to  suspend  business  and  engage  in  prayer  for  our  coun- 
try, L.  P.  Murrell  leading.  Appointed  delegates  to  the 
General  Association  and  appropriated  funds.  It  was 
agreed  by  resolution  to  recommend  the  churches  of  the 
Association  to  receive  persons  to  fellowship  that  were 
properly  baptized  in  the  army.  The  place  appointed 
for  our  next  meeting  was  Pleasant  Hill  church,  New- 
ton county-.  That  N.  L.  Clarke  preach  the  next  intro- 
ductory sermon,  John  Williams  alternate.  The  ad- 
journment was  a  time  of  tenderness  and  affection.  The 
clerk  says  :  "Thus  passed  and  closed  in  great  harmony 
the  twenty-eighth  session  of  the  Alount  Pisgah  Asso- 
ciation.'" The  table  shows  3-i  churches  in  the  body, 
with  a  membership  of  1717;  189  baptized  during 
the  year.  Pleasant  Hill,  the  largest  church,  L.  P.  Mur- 
rell pastor,  32  had  died  during  the  year;  14  ordained 
ministers,  5  licentiates. 

George  Myers  was  first  known  to  me  as  an  orderly 
Baptist  in  Neshoba  county  about  the  vear  1845  and 
had  his  membership  in  Rocky  Creek  church,   was  an 


388  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

actiA-e  and  attentive  member,  praA'ing  in  public,  giving" 
admonition,  etc.  At  about  the  age  of  forty  he  received 
license  to  preach,  and  exercised  in  his  own  and  the 
surrounding  churches  and  adjacent  communities  with 
a  measure  of  success.  After  some  A^ears  he  received 
ordination,  and  more  or  less  engaged  in  pastoral 
work ;  of  good  moral  character,  3^et  of  moderate 
abilit}^,  his  attainments  \vere  not  extensive  nor  his 
field  of  labor  wide,  3'et  had  his  measure  of  usefulness 
and  was  a  willing  advocate  of  the  cause  of  Christ  and 
the  good  of  men.  The  Avar  came  and  the  embarrass- 
ments, and  Mr.  M^-ers  passed  to  other  parts,  and  since 
then  has  been  unknown  to  me. 

Henry  Gill  grew  to  manhood  in  Newton  county, 
Mississippi,  and  made  profession  of  faith  in  Christ  at 
an  early  age,  \vas  baptized  and  had  membership  in  the 
PinckncA'  Baptist  church ;  an  orderly  and  unassuming 
youth.  At  about  thirty  years  of  age  he  was  licensed 
to  preach,  and  exercised  his  gift  in  his  own  church  and 
the  surrounding  country;  and,  though  not  sprightly, 
3^et  such  was  his  order,  solemnit}-  and  soundness,  that 
he  advanced  firmlj'  in  reputation  and  influence.  Soon 
his  ordination  Avas  called  for,  that  he  might  do  pas- 
toral work,  Avhich  he  did  in  his  own  church  and  others 
in  the  county,  and  was  much  esteemed  as  a  safe  and 
useful  man.  Various  churches — as  PinckncA',  Chunkej^- 
ville,  and  Poplar  Spring,  had  the  benefit  of  his  gifts  and 
labors;  for  though  he  Avas  not  brilliant,  yet  he  w^as 
attentive,  instructive,  and  alwa^'S  safe.  Sah^ation  by 
grace,  through  the  purposes  of  God  in  Christ,  justifica- 
tion b^^  faith,  the  work  of  the  Hoh^  Spirit,  faith  evi- 
denced b}'  obedience,  and  the  final  perseverance  of  the 
saints,  were  themes  ever  dear  to  him.  At  the  solicita- 
tion of  the    Poplar  Spring  church,  Newton    county. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  389 

Miss.,  he  was  led  to  locate  in  that  community,  where, 
in  the  midst  of  growing  usefulness  he  closed  his  earthly 
labors,  respected  and  loved  by  all  that  knew  him.  He 
died  in  the  prime  of  life. 

In  1865  the  Association  met  with  Pleasant  Hill 
church,  Newton  county.  Miss.,  which  was  its  twenty- 
ninth  annual  meeting.  The  war  had  closed  ;  we  had 
been  defeated,  and  the  people  were  confused  and  under 
apprehension  ;  3'et  the  delegation  was  large  and  hope- 
ful. The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  N.  L. 
Clarke,  text  Eph.  4:14,  "Till  we  all  come  to  the  unity 
of  the  faith,"  etc.  A  short  intermission  and  the  delega- 
tion met  in  the  house  of  worship  and  the  body  was 
called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke.  Prayer 
by  L.  P.  Murrell.  J.  F.  Matthews,  A.  Clarke  and  A. 
Eastland  were  requested  to  read  letters.  T.  J.  Denson 
acted  as  assistant  clerk.  J.  L.  Gresham,  W.W.  Hardy 
and  A.  G.  Anderson  were  appointed  a  committee  on 
finance.  J.  C.  Elerb3'  and  D.  D.  Booth  were  requested 
to  preach  at  the  stand.  Letters  were  received  and  read 
from  thirty-three  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled 
and  statistics  noted.  A  resolution  was  offered  and 
passed,  making  it  proper  to  elect  officers  by  acclama- 
tion if  desired.  This  time  the  election  was  by  acclama- 
tion— N.  L.  Clarke  moderator,  \V.  R.  Butler  clerk, 
I.  Bailiff  treasurer.  A  short  address  from  the  modera- 
tor and  all  were  ready  for  business.  Visiting  brethren 
were  kindh'  invited  to  seats.  No  new  churches  were 
added  to  the  bod^-.  Correspondence  was  received  from 
Bethlehem  Association,  J.  L.  Matthews,  messenger. 
All  the  standing  committees  were  appointed  and  did 
their  work  in  great  faithfulness.  L.  P.  Murrell,  A. 
Eastland,  E.  E.  Haralson  and  J.  M.  Pace  were  the 
committee  on  preaching.     It  was  arranged  that  J.  L. 


390  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Lattimore,  W.  R.  Butler  and  J.  L.  Matthews  preach; 
that  a  public  collection  be  taken  for  Domestic  missions. 
Leave  of  absence  w^as  granted  to  a  few,  and  adjourn- 
ment came.  On  Lord's  day  Lattimore  and  Butler 
preached ;  unfavorable  weather  hindering  Mr.  Mat- 
thews. The  clerk  adds:  "The  brethren  appointed  did 
their  work  faithfully.  $29.30  was  taken  up  for  Domes- 
tic missions."  On  Monday  morning  the  Association 
convened  in  cheerfulness ;  Mr.  Matthew^s  prayed ;  de- 
corum read,  A.  Gressett  and  W.  A.  Hutson  w^ere 
appointed  to  preach  to  the  people,  correspondence 
returned,  and  reports  of  committees  Avere  heard,  dis- 
cussed and  acted  upon.  The  reports  evidenced  thought, 
ability  and  faithfulness.  The  committee  on  the  state 
of  religion  reported  favorabh',  TheA'  say,  "We  are 
happy  to  report  that  many  of  the  churches  seem  to  be 
in  a  prosperous  condition,  and,  notwithstanding  the 
demoralized  state  of  society,  peace  and.  harmony  pre- 
vails and  many  of  the  churches  have  enjoyed  precious 
revivals,  for  which  we  have  great  reason  to  be  thank- 
ful to  God  and  take  courage.  The  cause  of  missions 
received  careful  attention,  both  home  and  foreign. 
That  again  the  way  was  opened  that  we  could  reach 
the  outside  w  orld  in  the  work  of  foreign  missions,  as 
also  there  was  a  vast  field  open  for  home  work,  to 
reach  the  destitute  and  to  repair  the  damages  of  the 
war.  Sabbath  schools  also  were  urged  on  the  churches. 
A  special  committee  was  appointed  to  report  on  the 
state  of  our  countr}^ :  J.  L.  Lattimore,  W.  W.  Hardy 
and  J.  L.  Gresham  were  that  committee.  After  time 
given,  the}'  present  the  following  as  their  report : 

Whereas,  God  in  the  wise  dispensation  of  his 
providence,  has  seen  fit  to  withhold  from  us  the  bless- 
ings of   liberty  and   independence,  for  which  we,  as  a 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  391 

people,  have  been   struggling  for  the  last  four  years, 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  while  we  cherish  a  fond  attachment 
for  our  beloved  South  and  the  principles  which  we: 
fought  for,  yet  at  the  same  time  we  feel  that  it  becomes 
us  to  be  reconciled  to  His  will  and  adore  His  goodness,, 
that  has  preserved  so  many  of  our  noble  countrymen 
through  the  struggle,  and  that  we  acknowledge  His 
chastening  hand  that  has  suffered  our  present  humilia- 
tion to  come  upon  us. 

This,  after  impressive  remarks  by  Lattimore,  East- 
land, Elerbee  and  Murrell,  was  unanimously  adopted. 
It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  bod.y  be  held 
wath  Pinckney  church,  Newton  countA^,  and  that  W.  R, 
Butler  preach  the  next  introductor\^  sermon,  L.  P.  Mur- 
rell alternate.  Thanks  were  voted  to  the  community 
and  church.  The  scene  was  tender  in  the  separation.. 
The  closing  prayer  by  Mr.  Clarke.  The  clerk  adds, 
"Thus  closed  the  twenty-ninth  annual  session  of 
Mount  Pisgah  Baptist  Association,  unsurpassed,  if 
ever  equalled,  for  harmony'  and  tokens  of  brotherly 
love.  The  table  show^  35  churches  in  the  body— 1844 
members,  201  baptized  during  the  year.  Decatur,  the 
largest  church,  168,  N.  L.  Clarke  pastor ;  JB  ordained 
ministers,  7  licentiates.  The  session  was  one  of  much 
comfort,  showing  the  Association  in  a  thriving  con- 
dition. 

James  L.  Alatthews,  for  \'ears  an  active  ininister  of 
the  gospel,  connected  with  the  Mount  Pisgah  Associjl- 
tion,  was  born  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  and  there 
grew^ to  manhood ;  came  to  Mississippi  likely  in  1857,. 
was  a  ph3'sician  b^^  calling,  and  a  man  of  liberal  educa- 
tion. In  the  year  1860,  he  was  baptized  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  Mount  Pleasant  church,  Newton  county-. 


392  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

JVIiss.,  by  the  writer,  and  soon  gave  evidence  of  impress- 

ricais  to  preach :  was  licensed  b}-  his  chui'ch  and  entered 

"Upon  the  work.     He  soon  exhibited  fine  capacity-,  and 

in  a  verv'  short  time  passed  to  ordination,  and  l^ecame 

pastor  of  the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member :  also 

^  took  charge  of  other  churches  within  his  reach.     His 

advance  in   ability  was   very  rapid,   a   gifted  talker, 

^  sound  liio  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  his  ministry  was  much 

ca3j5ioinne<i!»  and  his  labors  sought  for. 

The  war  came  with  all  its  sorrows,  but  our  brother 
was  steadfast  and  increasing  in  influence  and  useful- 
ness. Some  3^ears  after  the  war  he  emigrated  from 
Mississippi  to  Texas  and  settled  in  Yanzant  county, 
A^vhere  he  was  allowed  to  live  a  number  of  A^ears  in 
great  usefulness,  serving  churches  and  in  various  forms 
making  himself  useful.  Was  superintendent  of  educa- 
tion, and  served  his  county  in  that  and  other  callings 
consistent  with  his  ministry.  Mr.  Matthews  was  a 
strong  man,  a  great  man  in  the  gospel.  He  died  some 
five  years  since,  admired  and  loved  by  all  that  knew 
him.  But  few  men  have  had  a  more  profitable  gift 
than  he  possessed. 

In  1866,  the  Association  convened  with  Pinckney 
church,  Kewton  county,  which  was  the  thirtieth  annual 
session  of  the  bodA'.  The  introductory  sermon  Avas 
preached  by  W.  R.  Butler.  Text,  Matt.  7 :  24-27,  theme, 
distinction  betAA-een  nominal  and  real  piety.  A  short 
intermission,  and  the  delegates  convened,  and  were 
called  to  order  in  the  house  bA-  the  moderator  N.  L. 
Clarke,  who  led  in  prayer.  J.  A.  Hitt  and  S.  J.  Denson 
were  requested  to  preach  to  the  people  at  the  stand, 
S.  King  and  J.  L.  Lattimore  were  appointed  reading 
clerks.  J.  M.  Trussell,  F.  Sansing  and  Thomas  Keith, 
acted  as  a  committee  on  finance,  A.  Gressett  assistant 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  393 

clerk.    Letters  were  read  from  thirty-four  churches,  del- 
egates names  enrolled   and   statistics  noted.     Officers 
were  elected  by  acclamation :  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator, 
W.   R.  Butler  clerk,  I.  Bailiff  treasurer.     A  short  talk 
irom  the  moderator,  and  the  Association  was  ready  for 
"business.     Visiting    ministers    were    invited    to    seats. 
One  new  church  was  added   to  the  body,  New  Provi- 
dence.    Received   correspondence  from  Salem   Associa- 
tion,  Wilson  West  and  J.   A.    Hitt  messengers,   from 
Bethlehem,  J.  L.  Matthews  messenger,  from  Harmony, 
S.  J.  Denson  messenger.     The  regular  committees  were 
appointed  who  performed  their  w^ork  with  ability  and 
faithfulness.      L.    P.   Murrell,   E.   W.    Roebuck,    J.   M. 
Pace,  A.  Pace,  and   H.   Dunn  were  the  committee  on 
preaching.     S.  King,  H.  W.  Watson,  and  L.  P.  Murrell, 
were  appointed  a  special  committee  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  queries  from   Bethel  church,  as  to  the 
best  plan  of  supplying  the  destitution  in  the  bounds  of 
our  own    Association.     The    committee   arranged   for 
J.   L.   Mathews,    Wilson  West,   and  N.   L.   Clarke  to 
preach  on  Lord's  da}-,  and  that  a  public  collection  be 
taken  up  for  Domestic  missions.     Benediction  by  the 
moderator.    The  clerk  tells  us  that  the  brethren  ap- 
pointed labored  on  Lord's  daj'.     He  says:  "From  the 
interest  manifested  by  the  people  of  God,  and  the  con- 
gregation, we  have  reason  to  believe  that  much  good 
will  result  from  the  labors  of  the  day,"  $18.25  were  col- 
lected for  Domestic  missions. 

The  gathering  Monday  morning  was  with  cheerful- 
ness, but  with  deep  thought  on  many  minds ;  as  a 
change  in  our  plans  of  mission  work  was  contemplated. 
S.J.  Hitt  led  in  prayer.  A  special  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  investigate  and  present  a  report  to  the  As- 
sociation during  its  present  session,  on  our  relations 


394  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

with  the  colored  people,  and  our  duty  to  them  as 
churches.  H.  W.  Watson,  L.  P.  Murrell,  and  S.  J.  Hitt 
committee.  Returned  correspondence.  Reports  of  com - 
mittees  were  heard  and  acted  on.  The  committee 
on  queries  reported  against  lotteries  and  gift  merchan- 
dise, as  inconsistent  with  Christan  purity  and  faithful- 
ness. The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  in  the 
*churches  took  a  hopeful  view,  and  so  expressed  them^ 
selves.  The  mission  work,  Home  and  Foreign,  was 
urged  as  of  next  importance  to  church  support  at 
home.  The  special  committee  on  questions  from  Bethel 
recommend  that  the  Association  should  at  once  take 
steps  to  supply  the  destitution  in  her  own  bounds, 
Avhich  was  cordialh'  approved.  To  that  end  it  was  re- 
solved that  a  missionar}'  be  appointed  to  labor  within 
the  bounds  of  our  own  Association.  On  an  election  of 
the  man  for  the  work,  X.  L.  Clarke  was  unanimously 
requested  to  undertake  it.  He  asked  till  the  first  meet- 
ing of  the  Board  to  give  an  answer  which  w-as  allowed. 
A  Board  consisting  ol  ten  brethren  was  appointed  to 
take  charge  of  the  work.  The  officers  of  the  body  being 
ex-officio  members  of  the  Board.  It  was  resolved  to 
appoint  at  this  session  of  the  bod^-,  a  suitable  minister 
to  preach  at  eleven  o'clock  on  Lord's  da}-  of  the  next 
session  of  Association,  a  sermon  in  advocacy'  of  the 
work  of  missions,  and  that  this  be  continued  as  the 
custom  of  this  Association.  The  special  committee  to 
report  with  regard  to  our  relations  to  the  colored  pop- 
ulation reported,  and  after  discussion,  the  report  w^as 
unanimoush'  adopted.  The  report  is  here  omitted. 
Appointed  delegates  to  General  Association  and  appro- 
priated funds.  The  Christian  Watchman,  a  Baptist 
paper  published  at  Jackson,  b^-  Akin  &  Kimball,  and 
edited  by  J.  B.  Hamberlin,  was  unanimoush'  recom- 
mended to  the  support  of  the  churches.  • 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS^.  395< 

It  was  agreed  to  have  the  next  meeting  of  the  body 
with  the  Hickory  church,  Hickory,  Miss.,  and  that  L. 
P.  Murrell  preach  the  next  introdu(ftor)^  sermon,  J.  L.. 
Lattimore  alternate ;  W.  R.  Butler  to  preach  the  mis- 
sionary sermon,  S.  King  alternate.  At  each  successive 
meeting  of  the  Association,  arrangements  were  made 
wath  the  clerk  securing  the  preparation  and  printing  of 
the  minutes,  allowing  the  clerk  a  reasonable  compensa- 
tion for  his  services. 

The  table  shows  36  churches  in  the  body,  a  total! 
membership  of  2,050;  234  baptized  during  the  year,, 
26  having  died ;  largest  church  Decatur,  membership 
182,  N.  L.  Clarke  pastor,  18  ordained  ministers,  6  li- 
centiates. A  prosperous  session,  it  closed  with  good 
feeling,  with  singing  and  the  parting  hand  ;  L.  P.  Mur- 
rell led  in  prayer. 

Wilson  West,  for  many  years  an  active  and  useful' 
minister  of  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  raised 
to  manhood  in  New^ton  county.  Miss.,  and  in  his  boy- 
hood had  such  opportunities  for  education  as  a  frontier 
country  generally  affords  to  its  population.  While  yet 
young  he  made  profession  of  religion  and  was  baptized 
into  the  fellowship  of  Mount  Vernon  church,  Newton 
counts'',  Miss.;  an  orderly,  quiet  young  man,  religion 
was  the  theme  of  his  conversation.  Those  much  with 
Mr.  West  soon  discovered  that  he  had  impressions  to 
public  life.  These  impressions  were  made  known  to  his 
church,  who  gave  him  the  privilege  to  exercise  his  gift, 
which  he  did  in  his  own  church  and  congregation  ac- 
cording to  the  ability'  God  had  given  him.  His  progress 
was  not  rapid,  3^et  there  was  a  constant  advance. 
Cheerfulh^  read^^  to  do  what  he  could,  he  was  alwa3'S 
useful  in  the  gatherings  of  God's  people.  About  this 
time  he  became  a  citizen  of  Smith  count}-,  where,  for  a 


396  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

time  he  attended  school,  cultivated  his  farm  and 
preached  to  the  people ;  while  yet  young  his  ordination 
was  called  for,  and  he  entered  on  pastoral  work.  For 
a  time  he  resided  in  Jasper  county',  moving  from  there 
to  Smith  at  the  call  of  Zion  Hill  church,  making  his 
home  in  Smith  county  most  of  the  time  for  a  number  of 
years.  Once  fulh^  in  the  ininistry  his  advance  was 
beautiful  in  power  and  usefulness.  An  earnest  Chris- 
tian, a  fluent  speaker,  a  forcible  exhorter  and  a  gifted 
singer,  his  influence  was  great  among  the  people.  He 
loved  to  preach  and  his  labors  were  sought :  and  God 
ow^ned  and  blessed  to  the  doing  of  great  good.  His 
labors  have  been  chiefly  in  Jasper,  Smith,  Newton, 
Clarke,  Wa^-ne  and  Lauderdale  counties,  in  Mississippi, 
and  down  the  country  to  Mobile,  ser\'ing  churches  and 
laboring  as  a  missionary.  Few  ministers,  if  any,  in 
our  country-,  have  baptized  more  persons  than  Mr. 
West.  Our  brother  yet  lives,  and  though  now  becom- 
ing advanced  in  life,  is  activeh'  engaged  in  the  cause  of 
his  Master.  Mr.  West  has  raised  a  large  famih',  and 
has  one  son,  if  no  more,  in  the  ministry.  Ma\'  God 
bless  our  brother  and  give  him  a  strong  and  useful  old 
age.     His  present   home  is  near  Waynesboro,    ^liss. 

In  1867,  the  Association  met  with  Hickor^^  church, 
Newton  county.  The  meeting  was  large  and  encourag- 
ing. The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  L.  P. 
Murrell.  Text,  2  Tim.  4:2,  "Preach  the  word."  A 
few  minutes  intermission  and  the  delegates  met,  and 
were  called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke, 
himself  leading  in  prayer.  J.  L.  Lattimore,  S.  King, 
and  A.  Eastland  were  reading  clerks.  J.  L.  Gresham, 
J.  F.  Sims,  and  J.  O.  Carr  were  committee  on  finance, 
A.  Gressett,  assistant  clerk.  J.  M.  McAllister  was  re- 
quested to  preach  to  the  people  at  the  stand.    Letters 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  397 

were  read  from  thirty-four  churches ;  delegates  names 
enrolled,  and  statistics  noted. 

Officers  were  elected  by  acclamation  :  N.  L.  Clarke,, 
moderator;  W.  R.  Butler,  clerk;  I,  Bailiff,  treasurer. 
Proper  remarks  w-ere  made  by  the  moderator,  and  the 
Association  was  ready  for  business.  Visiting  ministers 
invited  to  seats.  Four  new^  churches  were  added  to 
the  bodj^ — Forest,  Lake,  Rocky  Creek,  in  Scott  county^ 
and  Good  Hope,  Neshoba  county.  Correspondence 
was  received  from  Salem  Association;  A.  Ulmer  and 
W.  Sanders,  messengers. 

The  usual  committees  were  appointed.  A.  F.  Tem- 
ple, J.  M.  Pace,  H.  Dunn,  F.  Sansing  and  L.  B.  Wilkins,. 
committee  on  preaching.  Returned  correspondence  to 
sister  associations.  It  w^as  also  resolved  to  send  cor- 
respondence to  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  to  con- 
vene at  Meridian  in  May,  1868.  N.  L.  Clarke,  H.  W. 
Watson,  S.  King  and  J.  L.  Lattimore  appointed  mes- 
sengers. It  was  arranged  that  W.  R.  Butler  preach  the 
Mission  sermon  at  11  o'clock  on  Sunday-,  followed  b}^  a 
collection  for  Domestic  missions.  N.  L.  Clarke  to 
preach  in  the  evening;  and  by  request,  the  funeral  of 
Sister  Furguson.  The  report  of  the  Executive  Board 
was  read  and  laid  over  until  Monda3\  The  adjourning 
hour  was  cheerful. 

W.  R.  Butler  on  Sunday  preached  the  Mission  ser- 
mon. $22.40  were  taken  up  for  missions.  N.  L.  Clarke 
preached  in  the  evening.  The  clerk  adds :  "  At  the  close 
a  good  deal  of  feeling  w^as  manifested  in  the  congrega- 
tion; many  came  forward  for  pra^^er,  and  w^e  trust 
that  lasting  good  will  be  the  result  of  the  labors  of  the 
day.  Mr.  Breland  pra3'ed  in  the  organization  Monday 
morning;  rules  of  decorum  read.  The  report  of  the 
Executive  Board   was  called   up.     The  Board   speaks- 


398  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

favorabh'  of  the  labors  of  the  missionary  during  the 
past  year.  The  Board  says:  "Your  missionary,  N.  L. 
Clarke,  entered  upon  the  work  assigned  him  in  January 
last,  and  since  that  time  has  labored  much  of  the  time 
in  your  service.  The  meetings  of  your  Board  have  been 
regularly  held  in  connection  with  the  fifth  Sundays,  at 
which  your  missionary  was  present  and  made  his  re- 
port. It  will  appear  from  the  reports  of  his  labors 
that  divine  success  has  attended  his  efforts.'"  He  has 
traveled  about  2,000  miles:  spent  130  days  in  the 
work :  preached  158  sermons :  constituted  three 
churches,  one  at  Lake,  one  at  Forest  and  one  near 
Morton;  also  renewed  Hopewell  in  Scott  county;  bap- 
tized thirt^'-six  persons,  and  received  twenty  by  letter. 
Several  churches  have  been  supplied  with  preaching, 
more  or  less  of  the  time,  which  otherwise  would  have 
been  destitute.  We  would,  therefore,  recommend  the 
Association  continue  the  missionary-  work.  The  report 
\vas  adopted.  The  state  of  religion  was  represented  as 
encouraging.  Missions  and  Sunday  schools  were  both 
ably  reported  and  urged.  These  reports  were  discussed 
with  much  interest. 

An  important  query  came  from  Bluff  Springs 
church:  "Has  not  a  man  the  right  to  put  away  his 
wife  or  a  woman  her  husband  for  the  cause  of  adultery 
and  to  marry  again  ?  '"  We  answer :  "  That  a  husband 
or  wife  aggrieved,  as  stated  in  the  foregoing  query, 
upon  applying  to  the  constitutional  tribunal,  and  that 
tribunal  adjudging  upon  proof  that  the  party  com- 
plaining is  entitled  to  the  relief  sought,  and  shall  sever 
the  contract  of  marriage  existing  between  the  parties, 
by  divorce.  Then  the  party  thus  relieved  has  the  right 
to  contract  marriage  again.*'  This  answer  has  become 
the  rule  of  action  in  such  cases  in  this  Association  from, 
then  until  now. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  399 

A  resolution  was  passed  to  continue  the  mission 
work  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association.  N.  L.  Clarke 
was  requested  to  continue  in  the  field  for  one-half  his 
time,  and  consented  to  do  so.  No  appointment  of  dele- 
gates to  the  General  Association  was  made,  it  having 
suspended  business  for  the  time. 

L.  P.  Murrell,  H.  W.  Watson,  S.  King,  J.  L.  Latti- 
more,  W.  A.  Hutson,  A.  Eastland,  J.  E.  Trajlor,  F. 
Sansing,  W.  W.  Hardy,  with  the  officers  of  the  body, 
formed  the  Executive  Board.  It  was  resolved  to  hold 
the  next  session  of  the  body  with  Randall  Hill  church, 
Jasper  county.  That  J.  L.  Lattimore  preach  the  next 
introductory  sermon;  S.  King,  his  alternate:  N.  L. 
Clarke  preach  the  mis^onarv  sermon;  L.  P.  Murrell, 
alternate. 

Pledges  were  made  by  different  brethren  for  the 
support  of  missions,  and  to  be  paid  in  during  the  yearj 
The  adjourning  hour  was  one  of  tenderness;  a  hymn 
w-as  sung  and  the  parting  hand  given.  The  clerk  says 
the  meeting  closed  harmoniously  and  in  love.  The 
table  shows  41  churches  in  the  body;  2,280  members, 
308  baptized  during  the  year,  31  had  died ;  the  largest 
church,  Pleasant  Hill,  211  members,  L.  P.  Murrell, 
pastor;  17  ordained  ministers,  8  licentiates. 

S.  J.  Denson  became  a  citizen  of  Scott  county  soon 
after  it  was  settled  b^-  white  people ;  was  an  intelligent 
and  cultivated  man  and  of  great  respectability,  filled 
various  public  positions  in  county;  was  for  a  time 
county  judge.  He  was  a  Baptist  early  in  life,  and  had 
membership  in  Jerusalem  church,  Scott  county,  for 
many  years,  and  was  an  able  and  valuable  member. 
While  yet  in  the  prime  of  life  he  was  liberated  to  exercise 
a  public  gift  in  the  gospel,  and  for  many  years  was  a 
licensed  preacher.    When  considerably  advanced  in  life 


400  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

he  received  ordination,  and  more  or  less  engaged  in 
pastoral  work.  S.J.  Denson  was  for  nianj^  3'ears  con- 
nected w^ith  Mount  Pisgah  Association.  His  church 
w^as  in  the  organization  of  the  Harmony,  after  which 
he  \\'orked  with  that  body.  He  lived  to  great  age,  es- 
teemed b3'  all  who  knew  him.  For  several  years  be- 
fore his  death  he  lost  his  eye-sight. 

The  Association  convened  with  Randall  Hill  church 
in  1868.  S.  King  preached  the  introductory  sermon. 
Text,  Psalm  74:22,  "Arise,  O  God,  plead  thine  own 
cause."  Intermission  of  half  an  hour,  and  the  delegates 
convened  and  were  called  to  order  by  the  moderator, 
N.  L.  Clarke,  who  led  in  praA'cr.  A.  Eastland  and  A. 
Gressett  were  appointed  readin^clerks  ;  W.  A.  Hutson 
assistant  clerk ;  W.  W.  Hardy,  J.  E.  Traylor,  and  J. 
White  committee  on  finance.  I.  Anderson  and  O.  F. 
Breland  preached  to  the  people  at  the  stand.  Letters 
were  read  from  thirty- -tAvo  churches,  delegates  names 
enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  It  being  a  3'ear  of  much 
sickness  in  the  countr}',  some  churches  Avere  not  repre- 
sented. 

Officers  Avere  elected ;  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator,  W. 
R.  Butler  clerk,  I.  Bailiff  treasurer.  A  short  talk  from 
the  moderator,  and  the  bod}-  was  read^'  for  business- 
Tavo  new  churches  were  added  to  the  body,  Talashee 
and  Mount  Pleasant,  both  in  Newton  county.  Corres- 
pondence was  received  from  Salem  and  HarmouA'  Asso- 
ciations. The  regular  committees  Avere  appointed :  S. 
King,  J.  M.  Pace,  J.  Canada,  E.  E.  Chapman,  and  J.  W. 
Matthews  Avere  the  committee  on  preaching.  The  title 
of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  was  changed 
so  as  to  read  :  "The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion 
and  fraternal  correspondence  with  the  churches."  The 
report  of  the  Executive  Board  was  read  and  made  the 
special  order  for  ten  o'clock  Monday. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  401 

The  committee  on  preaching  arranged  for  Lord's 
day.  N.  L.  Clarke  to  preach  at  eleven,  and  a  collection 
for  missions  to  be  taken  up,  and  W.  R.  Butler  to  preach 
in  the  evening.  On  Lord's  day,  the  brethren  preached 
as  appointed.  $14-. 00  were  colledled  for  Domestic  mis- 
sions. 

The  gathering  of  the  members  of  the  body  Monday 
morning  was  pleasing;  though  there  were  many  dis- 
couragements. The  people  were  poor,  money  scarce^ 
misrule  in  State  affairs,  and  much  sickness  among  the 
people.  A.  Gressett  led  in  prayer.  The  usual  forms 
v^ere  observed  in  preparing  for  business.  Correspon- 
dence returned,  and  reports  of  committees  heard,  dis- 
cussed i  and  acted  on.  At  the  proper  time  the  report 
of  Executive  Board  was  called  up  and  acted  on.  They 
report  favorably  of  the  mission  work  for  the  past  \'ear,. 
and  recommend  its  continuance.  Thej' say  :  "Soon  af- 
ter your  last  meeting  your  missionary  proceeded  to  his 
work.  He  has  been  engaged  154-  da3"S,  preached  168 
sermons,  baptized  nineteen  persons,  received  ten  by  let- 
ter, constituted  one  church,  revived  two  churches  con- 
sidered dead,  and  traveled  2,390  miles,  besides  muck 
additional  labor.  He  has  sustained  the  relation  of  sup- 
ply as  missionar)^,  more  or  less  of  the  time  to  six  feeble 
churches."    The  report  was  cordially  adopted. 

The  reports  on  Missions  and  Sunday  schools  were 
well  w^ritten,  urging  both  as  of  great  importance  to 
the  cause  of  Christ.  The  committee  on  the  state  of 
religion  and  fraternal  correspondence  with  the  churches 
made  an  interesting  report.  They  say,  "The  churches 
are  generally  in  peace,  and  revivals  wath  man^^  —  our 
mission  w^ork  has  prospered  —  we  should  be  thankful 
to  God. 

In  conclusion,  allow  us  to  address  you  a  few  words 


402  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

by  way  of  counsel  and  admonition.  Be  careful  to 
search  the  Scriptures;  love  and  sustain  your  pastors, 
remembering  that  they  that  minister  should  be  minis- 
tered unto ;  cultivate  a  liberal  spirit  in  mission  work ; 
earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints,  and  never  suffer  the  doctrine  of  the  Bible  to  be 
trodden  under  foot.  We  especialh'  call  3'our  attention 
to  the  subject  of  sacramental  communion.  The  Lord 
says:  "This  do  in  remembrance  of  me.'*  This  is  his 
chosen  method  of  being  remembered.  Let  us  obeA' ;  let 
us  carefully  adhere  to  our  long  established  custom  of 
strict  or  close  communion.  We  may  not  commune  with 
the  unbaptized. 

Delegates  were  appointed  to' the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention, to  convene  at  Canton,  Miss.,  June  next.  X.  L. 
Clarke  was  appointed  missionary  for  the  coming  asso- 
ciational  year  for  one-half  of  his  time,  to  work  within 
the  bounds  of  the  Association  at  the  same  rates  of  pay 
as  before.  N.  L.  Clarke  consented  to  serve.  The  Bap- 
tist, published  bj-  J.  R.  GraA'cs,  was  recommended  to 
the  support  and  use  of  the  churches,  and  the  writings 
of  Breaker,  Remington  and  Howell  to  those  that 
wished  to  read  on  the  communion  question.  It  was 
agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  body  be  held  with 
Hillsboro  church,  Scott  county'.  That  N.  L.  Clarke 
preach  the  next  introductorj^  sermon.  W.  R.  Butler, 
alternate :  S.  King  to  preach  the  missionary  sermon, 
L.  P.  Murrell,  alternate.  The  adjourning  hour  was 
one  of  tenderness,  hand-shaking  and  singing.  The 
closing  prayer  by  L.  P.  Murrell. 

The  table  shows  42  churches  in  the  Association ;  a 
membership  of  2,350,  201  baptized  during  the  year,  27 
have  died.  Pleasant  Hill,  the  largest  church,  member- 
ship 223,  L.  P.  Murrell,  pastor ;  12  ordained  ministers 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  403 

9  licentiates.  The  object  and  powers  of  the  Associa- 
tion, Abstract  of  Faith  and  Gospel  order,  and  Rules  of 
Decorum  are  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  this  year. 

Anderson  Clarke,  for  years  a  useful  minister  con- 
nected with  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  \vas  raised  to 
manhood  in  Kemper  county,  Miss.,  was  educated  at 
'Gathright  school,  near  Sumrnerville,  where  he  professed 
faith  in  Christ  and  was  baptized,  and  while  quite 
young  was  licensed  to  preach.  Well  educated  and  a 
close  student,  his  advance  was  encouraging,  so  that  his 
ordination  was  called  for,  that  he  might  engage  in  pas- 
toral work.  About  the  3^ear  1858  he  moved  to  Scott 
county',  and  became  a  member  and  pastor  of  Tallahala 
.church,  and  preached  in  the  surrounding  country.  Af- 
"ter  a  time  he  moved  to  Newton  county,  and  was  a 
member  of  Pleasant  Hill  church ;  was  supply  of  New 
Prospect  church  and  preached  in  the  adjacent  congre- 
gations. An  intelligent  minister  of  fine  order,  fair  gifts, 
in  easy  teinporal  circumstances,  he  w^as  much  esteemed. 
About  the  year  1867  he  emigrated  to  Texas  and  settled 
in  Bell  county,  and  engaged  in  the  -work  of  the  ministry 
and  farming,  where,  at  last  account,  he  was  still  living. 

Mastin  Bishop,  a  minister  of  moderate  ability,  but 
becoming  convinced  of  the  propriety  of  believer's  bap- 
tism, he  became  a  Baptist,  and  w^as  for  many  years  a 
licensed  preacher  in  Newton  and  Jasper  counties,  Mis- 
sissippi. When  quite  advanced  in  life  he  was  ordained, 
and  more  or  less  engaged  in  serving  churches,  laboring 
in  different  counties  in  East  Mississippi.  His  discourses 
were  short,  compact  and  in  earnest,  and  his  prayers 
were  fervent,  brief,  and  to  those  that  heard,  edifying. 
The  last  time  v^'c  heard  him  pray,  he  seemed  to  get  very 
near  to  God,  and  seemed  filled  with  the  Spirit.  Then 
he  was  more  than  eighty  years  of  age.     If  not  living 


404  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

now,  he  has  died  but  recenth'.  Mastin  Bishop'was  for 
many  years  connected  with  the  Mount  Pisgah  Associa- 
tion. 

In   1869,   the  Association  met  with  the  church  at 
Hillsboro,  which  was  the  thirty -third  annual  session. 
The  introdudtory  sermon  was  preached  by  N.  L.  Clarke. 
Text,     "Pra^'  ye,   therefore,   the  Lord  of  the  harvest, 
that  He  would  send  forth  laborers  into  His  harvest.'' 
A  short  intermission,  and  the  bod}-  convened,  and  was 
called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke,  prayer 
by  S,  King;  A.  Eastland,  J.  J.  Crane,  and  S.  King  were 
reading  clerks,  Z.  Falkner  assistant  clerk.     H.  Cooper, 
Wm.  Graham,  and  T.  K.  Cole  were  appointed  commit- 
tee on  Finance,     O.  F.  Breland,  and  J.  S.  Antley  were 
requested  to  preach  to  the  people  at  the  stand.     Letters 
were  received  from  thirtA' -  seven  churches,  names  of  del- 
egates enrolled,   and   statistics  noted.      Officers   were 
elected,  as  follows:    N.  L.  Clarke,   moderator;    W.  R, 
Butler,  clerk ;    I.  Bailiff,  treasurer.      Suitable  remarks 
were  made  by  the  moderator,  when  the  body  proceeded 
to  business.     Six  new  churches  were  received  into  the 
Association  —  Union,    Neshoba    county;    Salem,    Scott 
county;   Sharon  and  S^dvarena,  Smith  county;  New- 
ton, Newton  county  —  all  in"Mississippi.     Correspond- 
ence was  received  from  Harnion\^  and  Salem  Associa- 
tions.   The  regular  committees  were  appointed.    J.  M. 
Pace,  W.  R.  Butler,  J.  C.  Haralson,  M.  E.  Manning  and 
J.  Canada,  composed  the  committee  on  preaching.   The 
annual  report  of  the  Executive  Board  was  read,  and 
made  the  special  order  for  Monda3'  at  10  o'clock.     The 
committee  arranged  for  D.  D.  Booth  to  preach  Satur- 
day night ;  S.  King,  Lord's  Da^-  at  11  o'clock ;  R.  Cren- 
shaw in  the  evening,   and   N.   L.   Clarke  to  close  the 
ser^-ices.    The  hour  of  adjournment  was  hailed  with 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-05 

delight.  The  Lord's  Day  services  were  of  much  inter- 
est. The  persons  appointed  preached,  and  in  much 
faithfulness.  $52.35  were  collected  for  Domestic  mis- 
sions, and  in  the  evening  $50  was  raised  for  Elder 
Crenshaw,  a  blind  minister,  who  had  preached  that 
evening.  The  meeting  of  the  delegates  Monda3'  morn- 
ing was  with  more  than  usual  cheerfulness.  Prayer  by 
the  moderator;  rules  of  decorum  read,  and  visiting 
ministers  invited  to  seats  with  the  Association.  J.  S. 
Antley  and  R.  Crenshaw  were  seated  with  the  body. 
Returned  correspondence  to  other  associations.  Re- 
ports of  committees  were  read,  discussed  and  acted 
upon.  The  reports  of  committees  ^vere  well  and  faith- 
fully written,  especially  those  on  queries  and  requests, 
Sunday  schools  and  missions.  The  following  resolu- 
tion closes  the  report  on  missions  : 

^^  Resolved,  That  the  efforts  for  the  spread  of  the 
gospel  through  foreign  countries  meets  our  hearty  ap- 
probation, and  that  our  sympathies  are  enlisted  in  the 
good  work." 

The  Report  of  the  Executive  Board  gave  much  en- 
couragement. They  set  out  thus:  "Your  Board  feels 
thankful  to  the  Father  of  Mercies  for  his  goodness 
to  us  through  the  past,  and  in  allowing  us  to  present 
this,  our  annual  report.  We  feel  that  the  divine  bless- 
ing has  attended  us  through  the  past  year.  Your  mis- 
sionary has  been  engaged  in  the  work  assigned  him, 
and  with  success.  His  final  report  shows  that  he  has 
spent  165  days  in  the  work,  preached  200  times,  bap- 
tized 21  persons,  received  20  by  letter,  constituted  2 
churches,  licensed  1  preacher,  and  traveled  2,370  miles, 
w^ith  much  incidental  labor.  Your  missionary  has  sus- 
tained the  relation  of  supply  to  five  feeble  churches,  all, 
or  a  part  of  the  time,     lie  reports  much  feeling  in  the 


406  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

congregations  generally.     We  advise  you  to  continue 
the  work."    The  report  was  cordially  adopted. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  religion 
\\'as  even  cheering.  After  stating  that  the  churches  are 
in  peace  and  the  truth  extending,  and  speaking  of  the 
meeting  of  the  Association,  as  one  of  the  most  liberal 
and  encouraging  that  we  have  had  since  the  war. 
They  add  :  "We  claim  to  be  the  successors  in  faith  and 
practice  of  the  primitive  churches,  and  feel  as  such, 
that  to  us  is  committed  the  important  work  of  sup- 
porting and  defending  the  doctrine  and  institutions  of 
Christ. 

We  claim  not  only,  that  our  principles  are  set  forth 
in  the  Word  of  God,  but  that  in  the  light  of  historj^  we 
are  able  to  trace  a  succession  of  churches  from  the  days 
of  Christ  until  now,  that  have  held  and  maintained  the 
distinctive  principles  that  characterize  us  as  a  people. 
First,  A  believing  membership;  Second,  Baptism  by 
immersion  onl^^;  Third,  Equality  in  the  ministry; 
Fourth,  The  government  a  popular  Democracy.  This 
succession  of  churches  we  admit  to  have  existed  under 
different  names,  to-wit :  Disciples,  Christians,  Montan- 
ists,  Cathari,  Paulicians,  Aibigences,  Waldences,  Ana- 
Baptists,  finally  Baptists.'' 

N.  L.  Clarke  was  again  appointed  missionary  to 
labor  half  his  time  in  the  bounds  o4'  the  Association  for 
one  more  year.  Mr.  Clarke  accepted  the  appointment, 
and  prayer  was  offered  b^^  L.  P.  Murrell  for  the  divine 
blessing  on  his  labors.  Da3'S  of  fasting  and  prayer 
were  recommended  to  the  churches.  It  was  resolved 
that  the  next  session  of  the  body  be  held  with  the  Zion 
church,  Kemper  county-;  that  W.  R.  Butler  preach  the 
next  introductory  sermon,  that  W.  A.  Hutson  be  his 
alternate :   that  L.  P.  Murrell  preach  the  missionary 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  407 

sermon,  A.  Gressett  be  his  alternate.  After  arranging 
for  the  printing  of  the  Minutes,  and  a  vote  of  thanks 
to  the  church  and  community,  the  body  adjourned  in 
great  harmony. 

The  table  shows  48  churches  in  the  bod\' ;  a  total 
membership  of  2,570 ;  223  baptized  during  the  year, 
40  had  died.  Decatur,  the  largest  church,  menibership 
212,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor;  14  ordained  ministers,  10 
licentiates.  The  session  of  the  body  was  pleasant  and 
encouraging. 

Benjamin  Sims,  for  many  years  connected  with 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  born,  and  reared  to 
manhood  in  the  older  States.  While  the  countrj'  was 
yet  new  he  came  to  Sumpter  counter,  Alabama.  He 
was  first  connected  with  the  Methodist  church,  but  be  - 
coming  convinced  of  the  correctness  of  the  doctrine, 
and  ordinances  of  the  Baptists,  he  was  baptized  on  pro- 
fession of  his  faith  in  Christ,  and  soon  after  began  to 
preach,  and  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  gos- 
pel ministr3%  and  labored  with  more  or  less  ability 
among  the  churches.  Soon  after,  he  came  to^Mississ- 
ippi,  and  settled  in  Scott  count}^ ;  was  a  prosperous 
farmer ;  had  membership  at  Homewood  and  Hopewell 
churches,  was  pastor  at  Hopewell  and  elsewhere,  and 
preached  to  other  churches  in  the  surrounding  country; 
"was  a  man  of  fair  abilit3^,  fond  of  preaching,  and  en- 
jo3''ed  himself  greatly  in  the  associations  of  his  breth- 
ren, manifesting  fine  social  qualities.  Mr.  Sims  lived 
to  be  quite  old.  In  propertj^  he  suffered  heavily  from 
the  events  of  the  war.  Some  few  3'ears  since  he  passed 
from  the  sorrows  of  earth  to  meet  the  Savior  he  loved 
and  preached. 

In  1870,  the  Association  convened  with  the  Zion 
church,  Kemper  county,  which  was  a  meeting  of  great 


408  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

encouragement.    The  introductory^  sermon  was  preach- 
ed by  W.  R.  Butler.    Text,  Heb.  4:9,     "There  remain- 
eth,  therefore,  a  rest  to  the  people  of  God."     A  short 
time  for  refreshments,  and  the  delegates  assembled,  and 
were  called  to  order  b\'  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke ; 
prayer  b}-  the  moderator.     T.  J.  Hard^-,  J.  H.  Grundy 
and  W.  S.  Ferguson  were  requested  to  read  letters.    J. 
A.  Lake,  J.  B.  Smith,  and  S.  Everett  were  appointed  a 
committee  on  Finance ;  A.  Gressett  assistant  clerk.    J. 
A.  Hitt  and  T.  E.  Robinson  were  requested  to  preach 
to  the  people.      Letters  were  received  and  read  from 
fortj'- three  churches,  names  of  delegates  enrolled,  and 
statistics  noted.     Officers  were  elected  b^^  acclamation  : 
N.  L.  Clarke  moderator;  \V.  R.  Butler  clerk;  J.  A.  Hen- 
derson treasurer.     A  short  talk  from  the  moderator, 
and  the  body  was  in  order  for  business.    Visiting  min- 
isters were  invited  to  seats,  J.  Herrington,  and  T.  J. 
Hand  accepted,  and  were  seated.     One  new  church  was 
received  into  the  body,  Macedonia,  Lauderdale  county. 
Received  correspondence  from  Salem,   Bethlehem,  and 
Choclaw  Associations.    The  regular  committees  were 
appointed,  J.  M.  Trussell,  F.  Sansing,  Z.  T.  Falkner,  J. 
L.  Hardy,  W.  Vinzant,  and  S.  P.  Poole  were  commit- 
tees on  preaching.    The  committees  were  composed  of 
men  of  ability   and  faithfulness.    The  committees   on 
preaching  arranged  that  A.  Gressett  preach  the  mis- 
sionary sermon  at  eleven  o'clock  on  Lord's  da^- ;  N.  L. 
Clarke  to  follow  him,  and  take  up  a  collection,  L.  P. 
Murrell  having  failed  to  be  there.     That  Wilson  West 
preach  in  the  evening,  followed  by  O.  F.  Breland,  and 
that  a  pra^-er  meeting  be  held  in  the  morning.    The  an- 
nual report  of  the  Executive  Board  was  read,  and  made 
the  special  order  for  eleven  o'clock  Monday-  morning. 
The  motion  to  adjourn  was  received  with  cheerfulness. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  409 

Labors  on  Lord's  day  were  as  arranged,  Gressett,  and 
Clarke  in  the  morning,  followed  b^-  a  collection  of 
$20.50  for  Domestic  missions;  $16.65  for  Indian 
missions. 

In  the  evening  brother  West  preached,  when  $38.75 
was  raised  for  our  blind  brother,  R.  Crenshaw.  The 
clerk  adds,  "From  the  feeling  and  tenderness  mani- 
fested in  the  congregation  we  have  reason  to  believe 
that  much  and  lasting  good  will  grow  out  of  the  ser- 
vices." The  gathering  Monday'  morning  evidenced 
much  affection  for  the  other.  W.  A.  Hutson  led  in 
prayer;  roll  call  and  reading  the  Rules  of  Decorum  was 
in  order,  and  attended  to  correspondence  to  sister  As- 
sociations returned.  The  reports  of  committees  were 
read,  discussed,  and  acted  upon.  Sabbath  schools,  and 
missions  received  due  attention,  and  were  set  forth  as 
works  in  which  the  churches  should  be  active,  especial  - 
ly,  the  work  of  missions. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  gave  an  en- 
couraging statement.  They  thank  God  for  his  good- 
ness during  the  past  year,  and  for  the  encouragement 
of  our  present  meeting.  The  churches  are  said  to  be  in 
peace,  blessed  with  the  gospel,  and  the  presence  of  the 
Spirit.  They  further  say,  "God  still  adds  the  seal  of 
his  approval  to  our  missionary  work.  Our  missionary 
has  been  blessed  to  perform  the  work  assigned  him  ; 
and  God  has  blessed  and  owned  it  to  the  good  of  souls 
and  the  strengthening  of  the  weak  places  of  our  Zion.'' 
The  report  of  the  Executive  Board  gave  an  encour- 
aging account  of  our  mission  work.  They  give  as  the 
result  of  the  year's  labors,  "163  daj'S  spent  in  the 
work ;  189  sermons  preached,  29  baptized,  139  received 
by  letter,  2  churches  constituted,  2  ministers  and  3  dea- 
cons ordained,  2,753  miles  traveled,  beside  much  other 


410  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

labor.  Your  missionary  has  sustained  the  relation  of 
supply,  as  missionary,  more  or  less  of  the  time,  to  eight 
churches,  all  of  which  are  stated  to  be  in  peace  and 
prosperity.  We  recommend  that  you  can  continue  the 
mission  work."'    The  report  was  heartiW  approved. 

X.  L.  Clarke  was  reappointed  missionary  for  one- 
half  o/his  time,  at  the  same  rate  of  compensation.  He 
accepted  the  appointment,  made  impressive  remarks, 
and  W.  R.  Butler  led  in  prayer  for  the  divine  blessing 
on  his  labors.  The  Financial  Committee  represent 
funds  as  more  than  sufficient  to  meet  all  engagements. 
Great  encouragement  was  felt  and  expressed. 

R.  Crenshaw,  an  old  and  blind  minister,  was  recog- 
nized as  dependent  on  the  Association,  and  as  having 
claims  on  the  charit\^  of  the  churches.  L.  P.  Murrell 
was  chosen  to  preach  the  next  introdu6tory  sermon,  S. 
King  alternate ;  N.  L.  Clarke  to  preach  the  next  sermon 
on  missions,  D.  D.  Boothe  alternate;  and  Leaf  River 
church.  Smith  count^^  as  the  place  of  the  next  annual 
meeting.  Arrangements  were  made  for  the  printing 
and  distribution  of  the  minutes,  and  disposed  of  funds 
on  hand ;  and  thanks  to  the  community  and  church, 
and  the  body  adjourned  in  brotherly  love  and  ten- 
derness. 

The  table  shows  forty -eight  churches  in  the  body, 
a  total  membership  of  2,659  :  239  baptized  during  the 
year,  Decatur  the  largest  church  185,  X.  L.  Clarke  pas- 
tor; twenty -two  ordained  ministers,  nine  licentiates. 

James  A.  Hitt  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  but  was 
reared  to  manhood  in  Greene  count3',  Ala.  Early  in 
life  he  moved  to  Sumter  county,  where  he  professed  re- 
ligion and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Siloam 
Baptist  church,  and  was  an  active  3'oung  member.  Af- 
ter some  \'ears  he  emigrated  to  Mississippi  and  settled 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  411 

in  Smith  county,  and  was  in  the  constitution  of  Mount 
Carmel  church  in  that  county.  For  years  Brother  Hitt 
w^as  under  impressions  to  preach,  to  which  he  at  last 
yielded,  and  was  liberated  by  his  church,  and  exercised 
his  gift  in  his  own  and  surrounding  churches.  His  la  - 
bors  being  called  for,  he  submitted  to  ordination  and 
engaged  in  pastoral  work,  in  which  he  has  now  been 
engaged  more  than  thirty  years,  a  faithful  and  useful 
minister  of  Christ.  His  labors  have  been  chiefly  in 
Smith  county,  yet  at  times  in  other  adjoining  counties. 
He  has  had  membership  in  several  different  churches. 
For  many  years  he  was  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah 
Association,  afterward  worked  with  the  Salem,  likely 
for  a  time  with  the  Springfield,  and  more  recentl3'  was 
in  the  organization  of  the  New  Liberty.  For  a  time  he 
was  in  the  mission  work,  under  the  direction  of  the 
General  Association,  and  it  may  be  other  bodies.  An 
humble  and  faithful  Christian,  with  the  weight  of  the 
ministry  laid  upon  him,  with  gifts  edif^nng,  useful,  and 
God  honoring,  our  brother  has  labored  hard  in  his  call- 
ing, and  at  a  great  sacrifice.  Always  cheerful,  with 
good  gifts  in  the  family  as  well  as  in  the  pulpit,  his 
company  and  visits  have  been  pleasant,  and  his  labors 
useful.  Lively  in  his  ministrations,  sound  in  the  faith 
of  the  Baptists,  and  deeply  experimental  in  preaching, 
he  has  greatly  comforted  the  people  of  God  and  won 
souls  to  Christ.  Mr.  Hitt  yet  lives  and  loves  to  preach. 
He  is  now  about  sevent}^  years  old  ;  and  though  labor- 
ing under  some  bodil3^  aflEliction,  is  still  in  the  work  of 
his  Redeemer.  May  God  bless  his  servant  and  enable 
him  to  do  much  good  in  the  cause  he  loves  so  well. 

In  1871  the  Association  met  with  the  Leaf  River 
church.  Smith  county.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  L.  P.  Murrell— Text,    "But  we  are  bound 


412  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

to  give  thanks  alwa^'S  to  God  for  3'ou  brethren,  be- 
cause that  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  j'ou 
unto  salvation  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and 
the  beHef  of  the  truth."    A  short  time  for  refreshments, 
and  the  delegates  convened,  and  the  body  was  called 
to  order  b^-  the  moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke,  who  led  in 
prayer.     B.  F.  Duke,  T.  J.  Hardy  and  S.  King  were  re- 
quested to  read  letters.    H.   Easterling,  W.   A.  Gate- 
>?vood   and   E.   C.   Thornton  were    the    committee  on 
finance.     I.  A.  Hailey,  assistant  clerk.     A.  Gressett  and 
G.  W.  Gunn  appointed  to  preach  at  the  stand.     Letters 
were  read  from  forty-five  churches,  the  names  of  the 
delegates  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.     Officers  were 
elected    bA'    acclamation  —  N.   L.   Clarke,    moderator; 
W.  R.  Butler,  clerk;  J.  A.  Hendon,  treasurer.    Thanks 
were  expressed  by  the  moderator  and  the  l3ody  declared 
ready  for  business.     For  the  first  time  for  many  years 
no  new  church  ^vas  received  into  the  Association.    Cor- 
respondence \vas  received  from  the  Salem  Association 
by  Wm.  Thigpen,   messenger.     AI.  T.  Martin  was  re- 
ceived as  correspondent  from  Mississippi  College,  also 
Ministerial   Educational  Society  of  Mississippi.     The 
usual    committees  were    appointed.     J.   Al.   Pace,  W. 
Thames,  W.  F.  Jones  and  A.  Taylor,  with  the  pastor 
and  deacons  of  the  church,  were  appointed  a  committee 
on  preaching.     A  special  committee  was  appointed  on 
the  Orphans  Home:  B.  F.  Duke,  H.  Cooper  and  Z.  C. 
Humphries.     It  was  arranged  that  X.  L.  Clarke  preach 
at  11  o'clock  on  Lord's  day,  a  collection  to  follow  for 
missions ;  Wm.  Thigpen  to  preach  in  the  evening,  W.  R. 
Butler  to  close  the  services.     Messrs.   Crenshaw   and 
Hitt  to  preach  on  AIonda3',  work   being  through,  the 
bodj'  adjourned.    The  services  on  Lord's  day  were  as 
arranged,   N.  L.  Clarke  and   Wm.   Thigpen  preached, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  413' 

W.  R.  Butler  closed.      $28.65  were  taken  up  for  the 
different  missions. 

M.  T.  Martin  addressed  the  congregation  in  behalf 
of  Mississippi  College.     The  clerk  observes :  ''From  the 
order  and  attention  and  interest  manifested,  we  trust 
that  lasting  good  will  result  from  the  lalDors  of  the 
day."     Refreshed  and  cheerful,  the  delegates  convened 
Monday  morning,   and  were  called  to  order  by  the 
moderator,  who  led  in  prayer.    Roll  called  and  rules  of 
decorum  read,  correspondence  was  returned  to  other 
bodies,  and  reports  of  committees  were  read,  discussed 
and  acted  on.     Faithfulness  and  ability  was  evidenced 
in  preparing  the  various  reports.    The  committee  on 
the  state  of  religion  says:   "We  are  glad  to  say,  that 
from  the  letters  from  the  various  churches  of  our  body, 
that  at  no  time  for  many  years,  have  they  been  in  a 
more  peaceful,  united  and  prosperous  condition.     We 
feel  we  have  been  greatly  blessed  in  our  present  meet- 
ing ;  and  we  think  it  proper  to  state  that  the  report  of 
our  missionary  for  the  past  year  evidences  a  continu- 
ation of  the  divine  blessing  on  our  labors."    They  close 
thus:    "Dear  Brethren  and  Sisters,  let  us  labor  to  be 
faithful,  to  maintain  order  and  strict  discipline,  keeping 
ourselves  unspotted  from  the  world.     Let  pastors  be 
prompt  in  their  duties,  and  let  the  churches  remember 
that  the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire.     May  God  bless 
and  prosper  his  people."    The  cause  of  missions  and 
Sunday  schools  received  due  attention,  and  their  im- 
portance was  urged,  especially  missions,  the  giving  of 
the  gospel  to  the  perishing  nations  of  the  earth.    The 
Executive   Board,   in  reporting,   says:     ','Your  Board 
feels  thankful  to  the  Father  of  all  Mercies  for  his  good- 
ness to  us  through  the  past  year.    Your  missionary, 
N.  L.  Clarke,  has  spent  during  the  associational  year^ 


414  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

in  your  work,  164  da\^s,  preached  194  sermons,  bap- 
21  persons,  received  47  b^'  letter,  assisted  in  the  ordi- 
nation of  2  deacons,  sustained  the  relation  of  supply  to 
7  churches  as  missionary,  all  of  which  he  reports  in 
peace  and  prosperity,  and  has  traveled  2,656  miles. 
We  think  we  should  continue  the  mission  work  in  our 
bounds.  We  also  urge  upon  you  the  work  of  Indian 
and  Foreign  missions.  The  report  was  unanimously 
adopted.  S.  King  and  J.  E.  Traylor  were  appointed  to 
visit  the  Salem  Association,  and  confer  with  that  body 
v^ith  regard  to  the  propriety  of  the  General  Associa- 
tion resuming  work  again  in  its  own  bod^-.  In  con- 
tinuation of  the  mission  work,  N.  L.  Clarke,  W.  A.  Hut- 
son  and  O.  F.  Breland  were  appointed  to  labor  a  part 
of  the  time,  each  in  different  parts  of  the  territory.  All 
accepted,  and  L.  P.  Murrell  led  in  prayer  for  the  divine 
blessing  on  their  labors. 

A  preamble  and  resolutions  were  passed  expressing 
their  views  of  the  Association  with  regard  to  the  con- 
duct of  the  Northern  Baptists,  their  past  and  present 
course  toward  us,  and  what  should  be  our  conduct 
toward  them  in  view  of  it.  The  resolution  set  forth 
the  idea  that  in  view  of  their  conduct  toward  us  before 
the  war,  during  it  and  since,  we  cannot  consistently 
co-operate  \vith  them  in  Christian  benevolence.  They 
were  very  heartily  adopted.  $21,  in  addition  to  the 
$60  sent  from  the  churches,  were  raised  for  the  benefit 
of  R.  Crenshaw.  It  Avas  agreed  that  the  next  meeting 
of  the  Association  be  held  with  Pleasant  Hill  church, 
Newton  countA- ;  that  S.  King  preach  the  next  intro- 
ductory^ sermon,  and  that  A.  Gressett  be  alternate; 
that  W.  R.  Butler  preach  the  next  sermon  on  missions, 
L.  P.  Murrell  be  alternate.  Funds  were  appropriated 
.and  arrangements  made  for  the  printing  and  distribu- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  415 

tion  of  Minutes,  and  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks  expressed 
to  the  church  and  the  community,  and  the  adjourn- 
ment hour  came.  The  singing'  of  a  song  and  giving  the 
hand  of  Christian  love,  make  up  the  forms  of  separa- 
tion. S.  King  pra^'ed.  The  table  shows  the  following 
facts :  48  churches  in  the  body ;  2,480  members,  146 
baptized  during  the  A^ear.  Decatur,  the  largest  church, 
172  members,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor ;  22  ordained  minis- 
ters and  7  licentiates.  (The  reduction  of  our  member- 
ship is  owing  to  the  withdrawing  of  the  colored 
members). 

J.  M.  McAlister,  for  years  a  useful  minister  of 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  born  in  the  State  of 
Georgia,  but  in  early  life  came  to  Newton  county, 
where  he  grew  to  manhood,  professed  faith  in  Christ, 
and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Enon  church, 
known  since  as  Decatur,  and  was,  with  his  wife,  an  or- 
derh'  and  consistent  member.  In  after  \'ears  he  moved 
within  the  bounds  of  Ebenezer  Association  and  had 
membership  in  a  church  belonging  to  that  body,  by 
which  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  after  a  time  re- 
ceived ordination,  and  entered  more  or  less  on  pastoral 
w^ork,  and  acceptably  labored  in  the  cause  of  Christ. 
Returning  to  his  old  home,  he  lived  in  Newton,  Lauder- 
dale and  Neshoba  counties,  serving  in  faithfulness  the 
adjacent  churches,  and  was  much  esteemed  for  his  use- 
fulness, and  was  3'ears  connected  again  with  Mount 
Pisgah  Association.  Brother  McAlister  was  in  the  or  - 
ganization  of  the  Oktibbeha  Association,  and  was  con- 
nected with  its  churches  until  he  left  this  State  for 
Texas,  where  he  yet  lives  and  preaches.  An  humble 
and  devoted  Christian,  and  clearly  sound  in  the  faith 
of  the  Scriptures  and  the  Baptists,  with  fair  gifts  as  a 
preacher,  he  has  stood  fair  with  the  churches  and  edi- 


416  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

fied  and  built  them  up,  and,  no  doubt,  won  many  souls 
to  Christ,  and  has  been  esteemed  wherever  known.  He 
is  now  old,  having  years  since  passed  his  three-score 
and  ten.  With  but  little  of  this  world's  goods,  he  is 
yet  cheerful,  feeling  assured  that  it  is  and  will  be  all  well. 
In  1871  the  thirty-sixth  annual  session  of  the  Asso- 
ciation was  held  \vith  the  Pleasant  Hill  church,  Nev^- 
ton  county.  The  introductor\^  sermon  was  preached 
b^' S.  King — theme,  the  "Gospel  Ministry."  After  a 
short  intermission,  the  delegates  convened  and  the 
body  was  called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  N.  L. 
Clarke.  L.  P.  Murrell  led  in  pra3'er.  S.  King,  I.  A. 
Haile3^  and  H.  B.  Cooper  were  reading  clerks.  J.  A. 
Lake,  Thomas  Keith  and  J.  B.  Smith  \vere  Committee 
on  Finance,  and  W.  J.  Idom  assistant  clerk.  W.  T. 
Hutson  and  Z.  T.  Faulkner  were  requested  to  preach  to 
the  people.  Letters  were  read  from  fortA'-eight  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Officers 
were  elected  hj  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator; 
W.  R.  Butler,  clerk ;  J.  A.  Hendon,  treasurer.  Thanks 
■were  returned  b\'  the  moderator,  and  the  body  an- 
nounced read\'  for  business.  Six  new  churches  were 
received  :  Bethlehem  and  Rock  Branch,  Newton  county; 
Missionary  Hope,  Leake  county ;  Morton,  Scott  county; 
High  Hill,  Smith  county;  Antioch,  Neshoba  county; 
and  correspondence  was  received  from  Bethlehem  and 
Salem  Associations.  The  regular  committees  were  ap- 
pointed. E.  W.  Roebuck,  F.  S.  Smith,  with  the  pastor 
and  deacons  of  the  church,  were  the  committee  on 
preaching.  The  report  of  the  Executive  Board  was 
read  and  made  the  special  order  for  Monday  at  10 
o'clock.  The  committee  arranged  that  W.  R.  Butler 
preach  at  11  o'clock  on  Lord's  day.  The  sermon  on 
missions  to  be  followed  by  a  collection  for  missions; 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  417 

J.  B.  Hamberlin  to  preach  in  the  evening,  N,  L.  Clarke 
to  close  the  services.  With  good  feeling  and  animation 
the  body  adjourned.  The  services  on  Lord's  day  were 
according  to  arrangement;  Butler  and  Hamberlin 
preached,  Clarke  closed  the  services ;  $25  were  collected 
for  missions,  and  $42.25  for  Brother  Crenshaw,  who 
preached  at  night.  The  clerk  sa3^s  :  "The  congregation 
was  large,  orderh^  and  attentive;  much  interest  was 
manifested. 

The    meeting    Monday    morning    was    liveh^    and 
brotherly.     The  Association  was  called  together  by  the 
moderator,  who  led  in  prayer.      Roll  was  called  and 
decorum  read,  and  visiting  members  invited  to  seats. 
J.  B.  Hamberlin,  of  Meridian,  accepted  the  invitatiorL 
and  was  seated.     Correspondence  returned.     O.  F.  Bre^ 
land  and  J.  A.  Hill  preached  to  the  people  on  Monday. 
Reports  of  committees  were  heard  and  acted  on.     The 
Committee  on  the  State  of  Religion  and  Fraternal  Cor- 
respondence with  the    churches    made  an  interesting 
report.     They  sajs  "  We  have  had  correspondence  from 
all  our  churches,  with  the  addition  of  seven  new  ones. 
The  letters  from  these  churches  represent  them  as  in  a 
hopeful  condition,  most  of  them  prospering.     Many  of 
our  churches  report    interesting    additions.      Beloved 
brethren,  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints.     Contend  for  the  doctrine  of  salvation 
by  grace ;   love,  cherish  and  maintain  the  doctrine  of 
election,  and  adhere  strictly  to  and  defend  our  peculiar 
views  of  baptism  and  sacramental  communion.     It  is 
much  better  to  exclude  a  member  tainted  with  open 
communion  principles,  than  that  he  should  annoy  and 
corrupt  the  church.     Lat   him  renounce  his  errors  or 
lose  his   membership."      The   Executive    Board  report, 
encouragingly  with  regard  to  our  mission  work  during^ 


418  HIS'];ORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  year.  The^^  report,  as  the  j^ear's  work  in  missions, 
"124  days  spent,  142  sermons  preached,  8  persons 
baptized,  5  churches  constituted,  2,371  miles  traveled." 
The\^  mention  some  remaining  destitution  and  -urge  the 
work  of  Home,  Indian  and  Foreign  missions.  Mis- 
sions, Sunday  schools  and  Orphans'  Home  were  faith- 
fully reported  on.  The  same  ministers  were  reap- 
pointed to  the  mission  work  in  the  bounds  of  the  Asso- 
ciation for  another  year,  viz:  O.  F.  Breland,  W.  A.  Hut- 
son  and  N.  L.  Clarke,  who  agreed  to  serve.  L.  P.  Alur- 
rell  led  in  prayer  for  the  divine  blessing  on  our  work. 
The  preamble  and  resolution  of  last  Association  as  to 
the  relation  of  the  Baptists  of  the  Southern  States  to 
those  of  the  North,  were  unanimously  re-affirmed  as 
expressing  the  sense  of  the  Association  upon  that  ques- 
tion. A  resolution  ^vas  passed  ordering  that  all  funds 
on  hand,  after  paying  expenses,  be  turned  over  to  the 
General  Association  of  South-east  Mississippi,  that 
bod}^  having  assumed  active  work  in  missions.  It  was 
agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  Association  be  held 
with  County  Line  church,  Neshoba  county,  and  that 
A.  Gressett  preach  the  next  introductor}'  sermon,  Z  T. 
Faulkner  alternate ;  that  N.  L.  Clarke  preach  the  next 
sermon  on  missions,  O.  F.  Breland  alternate.  Arrange- 
ments w^ere  made  as  to  printing  and  distributing  the 
Minutes;  funds  were  assigned  and  hearty  thanks 
voted  to  the  church  and  communit3',  and  the  adjourn- 
ing hour  came.  A  song  was  sung,  the  hand  of  love 
given,  and  J.  B.  Hamberlin,  of  Meridian,  made  the 
closing  praj'er.  The  table  shows  55  churches  in  the 
bod}',  a  total  membership  of  2,690,  265  baptized 
during  the  year,  27  died.  Decatur,  the  largest  church, 
181,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor;  23  ordained  ministers,  13 
licentiates. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  419 

J.  Griffith  was  a  minister  in  Alabama.  About  the 
year  1830,  and  at  about  fift3^  years  of  age  he  came  to 
Mississippi,  and  settled  in  Smith  countj^  and  likeh^  had 
membership  in  different  churches.  For  years  he  was  a 
member  of  the  church  at  Raleigh,  and  was  pastor  there 
and  preached  to  the  churches  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
tr3^  He  was  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance,  intell- 
igent, and  gifted  as  a  speaker.  Few  men  that  we  have 
seen  in  the  pulpit  have  made  a  better  impression  per  - 
sonally,  and  for  a  time  had  quite  a  career  of  usefulness, 
but  declining  health  narrowed  down  his  labors,  till  at 
last  he  was  forced  to  give  up  his  sacred  calling,  and 
was  confined  to  his  home,  where,  after  much  suffering, 
he  passed  from  the  sorrows  of  earth  to  the  presence  of 
his  Redeemer,  at  about  the  age  of  sixty  years. 

Simon  Davis  was  for  years  a  citizen  of  Jasper  coun- 
ty, near  the  north  line  of  the  county,  and  had  member  - 
ship  in  the  Mount  Vernon  church,  that  worshipped 
where  the  present  Mount  Vernon  church  is  situated  in 
Newton  county.  Brother  Davis  began  to  preach  ^^hen 
smartly  advanced  in  years ;  had  moderate  gifts,  loved 
to  preach,  delighted  in  the  association  and  fellov^ship 
of  his  brethren,  never  attained  to  ordination,  but  was 
loved  b^^  his  brethren,  and  had  a  measure  of  usefulness 
in  the  cause  of  Christ  as  a  preacher.  He  suffered  sorely 
under  affli(5lion  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  and  before 
very  old,  died  in  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality. 

In  1873,  the  Association  held  its  thirty"  -  seventh 
session  with  County  Line  church,  Neshoba  county.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Z.  T.  Faulkner. 
Text,  "Repent  ye,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at 
hand."  After  half  an  hour  intermission,  the  bod^^  was 
called  to  order  in  the  house  b}'  the  moderator,  N.  L. 
Clarke,,  prayer  by  S.  King.    H.  B.  Cooper,  Z.  T.  Faulk- 


420  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ner,  and  S.  King  were  requested  to  read  letters.  J.  A. 
Lake,  J.  B.  Smith,  and  Thos.  Keith  appointed  a  com- 
mittee on  finance,  S.  H.  Kirkland  assistant  clerk.  J.  A. 
Hitt  and  L.  B.  Fancher  preached  to  the  people  at  the 
stand.  Letters  were  read  from  fift}"- three  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled,  and  statistics  noted.  Officers 
^were  elected  by  acclamation :  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator, 
W.  R.  Butler,  clerk,  J.  L.  Gresham  treasurer.  Thanks 
were  suitabh"  returned  b3'  the  officers  elect,  and  the  As- 
sociation was  ready  for  business. 

Two  churches  were  added  to  the  bod\',  Harperville, 
Scott  county,  and  Chunkej'ville,  Lauderdale  county. 
Correspondence  received  from  Harmony  and  Ebenezer 
Associations.  The  regular  committees  were  appointed: 
J.  M.  Pace,  O.  F.  Breland,  J.  M.  Moore,  F.  Sansing, 
and  M.  P.  Williams  formed  the  committee  on  preach- 
ing. Preaching  arranged  as  follows :  S.  King  Saturda^^ 
night,  X.  L.  Clarke  at  eleven  on  Sunday',  missionary 
sermon;  J.  P.  Johnston  in  the  evening,  followed  by  J. 
M.  Pearson,  L.  P.  Alurrell  at  night.  The  report  of  the 
Executive  Board  was  read  and  made  the  special  order 
for  ten  o'clock  Alonday.  The  body  adjourned,  prayer 
by  D.  Fore. 

The  preaching  services  were  carried  out  according 
to  arrangement.  X,  L.  Clarke  and  J.  P.  Johnston 
preached  on  Lord's  da3',  J.  M.  Pearson  closing,  S. 
King  and  L.  P.  Murrell  preached  at  night.  A  collection 
was  taken  up  for  missions  amounting  to  $14.25 ; 
$21.25  taken  up  for  R.  Crenshaw.  The  clerk  adds: 
"We  have  had  abundant  reasons  to  believe  that  much 
good  w^ill  result  from  the  labors  of  the  day;  much  in- 
terest \vas  manifested,  and  many  came  forward  for 
pra3'er.-' 

Refreshed  and  cheerful,  the  delegates  met  Monday 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  421 

morning,  and  the  body  was  called  to  order  by  the  mod- 
erator, who  himself  led  in  prayer.    The  roll  was  called 
and  objects  and  powers  of  the  Association  w^ere  read, 
and  visiting  ministers  invited  to  seats.     Correspon- 
dence returned,  and  reports  of  committees  were  heard 
and  acted  on.     The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion 
and  fraternal  correspondence  with  the  churches  made 
an    interesting    report,    representing    the  churches  at 
peace,  and  the  cause  of  truth  prosperous.     The^'  close 
thus:  "We  are  known  as  Baptists  —  Regular  Baptists. 
Baptists  are  a  peculiar  people.     We  claim  to  embrace 
the  w^hole  truth,   to  be    successors   of   the    Apostolic 
churches;  this  is  high  ground,  and  yet  true.     Beloved 
brethren,  let  us  walk  worthily  of  so  high  a  claim ;   let 
us  maintain  the  purity  of  Christian  ordinances.     We 
dare  not  justify  the  immersion  of  Pedo-Baptists,  and 
to  suffer  open  communion  would  be  to  abandon  almost 
our  whole  ground — yen,  and  we  would  be  unfaithful  to 
Christ.     It  would  be  much  better  to  withdraw  from  a 
brother  unsound   on  these  points  than  to  suffer  the 
laws  of  Christ  to  be  trodden  under  foot." 

Missions,  Sunday  schools.  Orphans'  Home,  all  re- 
ceived attention  and  were  reported  on.  The  preamble 
and  resolutions  setting  forth  our  relations  to  Northern 
Baptists,  and  the  course  that  we  should  take  in  regard 
to  them,  were  unanimously  re-affirmed.  W.  A.  Hutson, 
N.  L.  Clarke  and  D.  Pore  were  appointed  to  do  some 
mission  work  in  the  boar.  Is  of  the  Association,  com- 
pensation as  heretofore.  These  brethren  accepted  the 
appointments,  and  L.  P.  ]^>Iurrell  led  in  pra3^er  for  the 
divine  blessing  on  their  Vv'ork. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  agreeing  to  represent  the 
body  in  the  General  Association  of  South-east  Missis- 
sippi.   N.  L.  Clarke,  L.  P.  Murrell,  S.  King  and  B.  M. 


422  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Buckley,  delegates,  and  funds  appropriated  to  that 
work. 

In  view  of  the  probable  organization  ot  a  new  asso- 
ciation during  the  coming  3'ear,  it  was  resolved  that 
the  clerk  of  the  Association  write  letters  of  dismission 
to  any  of  the  churches  of  the  bod\'  that  may  apply  for 
them,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion. The  report  of  the  Executive  Board  shows  98 
days  labor,  138  sermons,  19  persons  baptized,  6  re- 
ceived bA'  letter,  1  minister  ordained,  3  deacons,  1 
church  constituted,  1  revived,  1,836  miles  traveled. 
Funds  were  ample  to  meet  all  demands. 

It  was  arranged  that  the  next  session  of  the  body 
be  held  with  the  Newton  church;  that  J.  M.  Moore 
preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  and  that  W.  A. 
Hutson  be  his  alternate ;  L.  P.  Murrell  preach  the  next 
sermon  on  missions,  and  J.  A.  Hitt  be  his  alternate. 
Arrangements  were  made  for  the  printing  of  the  Min- 
utes, funds  appropriated,  heartA'-  thanks  voted  to  the 
church  and  communit}-,  and  the  adjournment  came. 
A  song  was  sung,  the  hand  of  love  given,  pra^'er  by 
W.  A.  Hutson,  and  the  session  \vas  over. 

The  table  shows  57  churches  in  the  bod\',  250  bap- 
tized during  the  year,  a  total  membership  of  2,866. 
Decatur,  the  largest  church,  membership  183,  N.  L. 
Clarke,  pastor,  27  had  died ;  27  ordained  ministers, 
12  licentiates. 

Daniel  Dove,  for  years  a  minister  connected  with 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  in  his  3'outh  for  A^ears 
a  citizen  of  Sumter,  Alabama,  where  he  made  profes- 
sion of  faith  in  Christ,  and  was  baptized.  Moving  to 
Mississippi,  he  settled  in  Ne\vton  count}',  and  became  a 
member  of  Beulah  Baptist  church,  and  soon  after  was 
licensed  to  preach  and  exercised  his  gift  in  his  own  and 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  423 

surrounding  churches.  Of  a  quiet  disposition  and  fine 
r^orals  his  gifts  passed  for  all  the  force.  After  a  few 
years  he  pasted  to  ordination,  and  engaged  m  pas  oral 
work,  serving  different  churches  in  the  county  and  had 
a  fair  measure  of  usefulness.  After  the  war  he  emi- 
grated to  Texas,  and  continued  his  mmistenal  work 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  there  fi^i^^^^^/.^^J^I^^^-!: 
eral  years  since,  an  humble,  sincere  and  faithful  Baptist 
minister.    Daniel  Doye  loyed  the  associations  of  his 

brethren  dearly. 

Hubbard  N.  Reese  was  raised  m  Tuscaloosa  county, 
Alabama,  and  there  professed  religion  and  was  bap- 
tized     While  quite  young  he  came  to  Mississippi  and 
settled  in  Newton  county,  and  became  a  member  of 
Beulah  Baptist  church;  and  soon  after  was  licensed  to 
preach,  and  exercised,  as  such,  in  the  churches  of  the 
Association.     After  some  years  he  moved  to  Texas  and 
continued  his  ministerial  work,   received    ordination, 
and  spent  many  years  in  pastoral  labor;   was  for  a 
time  moderator'  of  his  Association,  sustammg  himself 
as  a  faithful  and  useful  minister  of  Christ.    Some  three 
years  ago  he  ceased  from  his  labors,  havmg  grown  old 
in  his  Master's  cause. 

In  1874  the  Association  convened  with  the  Newton 
church      The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
T   M  Moore-text,  1  Tim.  3  :  15  ;  Theme,  "Unity  of  the 
Church  "    Half  hour  for  refreshments,   and  the  body 
met  in  the  house  and  was  called  to  order  by  the  mod- 
erator    N.  L.  Clarke.      Prayer  by  A.  Gressett.    G.  F. 
Lowry,  I.  A.  Hailey  and  J.  E.  Graham  were  appointed 
to  read  letters.    J.  H.  Limbough,  J.  R.  Pace  and  P.  S. 
McCormick  formed  the  Committee  on  Finance.    H.  B. 
Hitt  preached  to  the  people  m  the   Methodist  church- 
hou'.e       Letters  were  read  trom  forty-four  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted. 


424  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Officers  were  elected  by  acclamation  —  N.  L.  Clarke, 
moderator;  A.  Gressett,  clerk;  J.  AI.  Pace,  treasurer. 
Four  churches  were  added  to  the  body :  Pleasant  Ridge, 
Scott  county;  Concord,  Jasper  county;  Mount  Sinai, 
Neshoba  county  ;  Ebenezer,  Newton  county — all  of  Mis- 
sissippi. Received  correspondence  as  follows:  Eben- 
ezer, Bethlehem  and  Harmony  Associations,  by  the 
delegates;  also  the  Springfield,  a  newh'  organized  body 
applied  for  correspondence,  and  was  received.  \Y.  R. 
Butler  and  J.  L.  Gresham,  delegates.  R.  N.  Hall  was 
received  from  the  Orphans'  Home.  Thirteen  churches, 
under  the  resolution  of  last  session  of  the  Association, 
had  received  letters  from  the  clerk  in  order  to  go  into 
the  formation  of  the  Springfield,  and  were  considered 
dismissed  from  the  body.  Committees  were  appointed  : 
J.  M.  Pace,  A.  P.  Wash,  M.  P.  Williams,  J.  E.  Traylor 
and  A.  M.  Cross  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 
The  committee  arranged  for  preaching  in  both  houses 
of  worship  on  Lord's  day;  L.  P.  Murrell  and  J.  P. 
Johnston  in  the  Baptist  church,  W.  R.  Butler  and  A. 
Gressett  in  the  Methodist  church.  L.  P.  Murrell  to 
preach  the  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed  by  a 
collection.     On  motion — adjourned. 

Services  on  Lord's  day  were  according  to  arrange- 
ment. L.  P.  Murrell  preached  in  the  Baptist  church  at 
11  o'clock  a.  m.,  Johnston  in  the  evening;  W.  R.  Butler 
in  the  forenoon  at  the  Methodist  church,  Gressett  in 
the  evening.  $12.55  were  collected  for  missions,  and 
$20.70  for  Brother  Crenshaw.  R.  N.  Hall  preached  at 
night  at  the  Baptist  church.  The  clerk  adds:  "We 
have  abundant  reason  to  hope  that  much  good  will 
^ow  out  of  the  labors  of  the  da^-.'' 

The  gathering  Monday-  morning  was  in  cheerful- 
ness and  love.    A.  Winstead  led  in  pra^-er ;  roll  called, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  425 

powers  of  the  Association  and  rules  of  decorum  read. 
Correspondence  returned  and  reports  of  committees 
heard,  investigated  and  acted  on.  The  committee  on 
the  state  of  religion  and  fraternal  correspondence  rep- 
resented the  churches  as  in  a  hopeful  condition  and  the 
cause  steadily  advancing.  As  to  our  mission  work 
they  say,  "As  much  success  has  attended  our  labors  as 
we  could  reasonably  expect.  The  scattered  sheep  of 
Christ  have  been  gathered  and  fed ;  feeble  churches  sup- 
plied and  the  gospel  preached  to  perishing  sinners." 
They  close  with  a  Ijrotherly  admonition,  of  which  we 
give  a  specimen.  "Beloved  brethren,  bear  in  mind  the 
sacred  character  of  your  holy  profession.  It  was  vol- 
untarih^  made;  it  was  made  in  the  name  of  Ciirist  and 
before  God,  and  to  honor  that  profession  should  be  the 
main  object  and  end  of  our  lives.'' 

The  report  of  the  Executive  Board  speaks  favorably 
of  the  mission  work  of  the  Association.  The  summing 
up  shows  eighty -three  days  in  the  work,  108  sermons, 
six  baptized,  eighteen  received  b\'  letter,  one  church 
constituted,  two  supplied  by  the  missionary-,  1,721 
miles  traveled.  The  funds  were  ample  to  meet  all  en- 
gagements. Missions,  Sunday  schools  and  Orphan's 
home  ably  and  favorably  reported  on.  Four  queries 
were  sent  up  to  the  body  from  different  churches  ;  all  of 
v^hich  were  carefully  answered  in  harmony-  with  the 
settled  views  of  the  Baptists,  as  they  understa-nd  the 
New  Testament.  N.  L.  Clarke,  W.  A.  Hutson,  and  A. 
Gressett  were  appointed  to  do  some  mission  work  in 
the  bounds  of  the  Association,  to  be  compensated  as 
heretofore.  They  accepted  the  appointment  and  L.  P. 
Murrell  led  in  prayer  for  the  divine  blessing  on  the 
work.  N.  L.  Clarke  and  J.  H.  Limbough  were  appoint- 
ed delegates  to  the  General  Association  at  its  coming 


426  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

session.     Funds  on  hand  for  the  work  of  that  body, 
w^ere  ordered  paid  over  to  the  delegates. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  l3od3^  be 
held  with  Ebenezer  church,  Neshoba  county' :  that  W. 
A.  Hutson  preach  the  next  introductor3^  sermon,  O.  F. 
Breland  alternate.  W.  D.  McGouirk  preach  the  next 
sermon  on  missions,  that  A.  Gressett  be  his  alternate. 
It  was  ordered  that  the  clerk  prepare  and  have  printed 
in  the  minutes  a  form  of  letter  for  the  use  of  the 
churches  writing  to  the  Association.  Arrangements 
were  made  for  the  printing  and  distribution  of  the  min- 
utes, funds  appropriated,  and  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks 
expressed  to  church  and  communit3%  and  body  ad- 
journed. A  song  was  sung,  the  hand  of  love  given,  and 
the  separation  came. 

The  table  shows  fort3'-eight  churches  in  the  body, 
a  total  membership  of  2,500 ;  208  baptized  during  the 
year ;  twenty -three  have  died ;  Decatur  the  largest 
church,  membership  198,  N.  L.  Clarke  pastor;  thirteen 
churches  dismissed  to  form  Springfield  Association; 
twenty-one  ordained  ministers,  nine  licentiates. 

James  W.Johnston,  for  some  years  a  useful  minis- 
ter connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was 
born  in  Elbert  county,  Georgia,  May,  19,  1847,  and 
when  about  ten  years  old  came  with  his  parents  to 
Mississippi  and  settled  in  Newton  county.  About  the 
year  1866,  he  made  profession  of  religion,  and  was  bap- 
tized into  the  fellowship  of  the  Decatur  Baptist  church. 
From  the  first,  an  orderh^  and  consistent  3^oung  mem  - 
ber,  he  soon  gave  evidence  of  impressions  to  preach ; 
and  was  liberated  by  the  church  to  exercise  his  gift, 
which  he  did  in  his  own  church,  and  surrounding  com- 
munities, making  encouraging  advancement.  For  a 
time  he  was  in  school  at  Clinton,  Miss.     There  being 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-27 

need  for  his  labors,  he  was  called  to  ordination  by  his 
church;  L.  P.  Murrell  and  N.  L.  Clarke,  Presbytery^ 
and  entered  on  pastoral  work,  and  was  called  to  the 
care  of  Pinckney,  Ebenezer  and  Mount  Pleasant 
churches,  moving  his  membership  from  Decatur  to 
Pinckney  church.  On  the  20th  of  March,  1873,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Hattie  Cross,  of  Jasper  county,  and 
located  in  the  Pinckne3'  community,  and  ministered  to 
the  churches  of  his  charge,  a  gifted  and  popular  young 
minister,  giving  great  satisfaction  and  promise  of  fu- 
ture usefulness,  and  loved  b}^  all  that  knew  him.  In 
December,  1873,  in  the  midst  of  his  career  of  usefulness, 
he  was  severely  attacked  by  disease  and  on  the  9th  of 
the  month  died,  in  his  twenty-seventh  ^-ear,  loved  and 
honored  by  all  that  knew  him.  Few  young  men,  if 
any  in  our  countr^^,  promised  greater  usefulness. 

In  1875  the  Association  met  with  Ebenezer  church, 
Neshoba  county.  This  being  the  oldest  church  in  this 
part  of  the  State,  having  been  constituted  in  1836  near 
the  place  now  known  as  New  Ireland,  Newton  county. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  W.  A.  Hut- 
son— text,  Prov.  11:14-.  After  a  short  intermission 
the  delegates  convened  and  were  called  to  order  by  the 
moderator,  N.  L.  Clarke,  who  led  in  pra^'er.  A.  Gres- 
sett,  the  former  clerk,  being  absent,  W.  D.  McGouirk 
was  appointed  clerk  pro  tem.  H.  B.  Cooper,  W.  L. 
Phillips  and  G.  P.  C.  Sansing  were  requested  to  read 
letters.  J.  R.  Pace,  John  Boler  and  R.  E.  Chapman 
were  committee  on  finance. '  Letters  were  read  from 
forty  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics 
noted.  Thus  organized  the  body  proceeded  to  elect 
officers— N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  W.  D.  McGouirk, 
clerk;  J.  M.  Parker,  treasurer.  Four  churches  were 
added  to  the  bodv :    Salem,   Smith  county ;   Hickory 


428  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Springs  and  Philadelphia,  Neshoba  county  ;  Fellowship, 
Scott  county-.  Correspondence  was  received  from 
Ebenezer  and  Harmony  associations.  The  regular 
committees  were  appointed.  J.  M.  Pace,  W.  F.  Jones, 
E.  J.  Collins,  \V.  R.  Hailey,  J.  Chisholm  and  W.  Walton 
composed  the  committee  on  preaching.  It  was  ar- 
ranged that  W.  D.  AIcGouirk  preach  the  missionary-  ser- 
mon at  11  o'clock  on  Lord's  da^-,  to  be  followed  by  a 
collection  for  missions ;  and  that  J.  P.  Johnston  preach 
in  the  evening.  The  adjourning  hour  was  pleasant,  as 
each  retired  to  seek  refreshment  and  shelter  for  the 
night.  The  services  on  Lord's  day  were  according  to 
arrangement:  W.  D.  McGouirk  preached  at  11  o'clock 
—text,  Dan.  2:44;  theme,  "The  Kingdom  of  God." 
$19.50  were  collected  for  missions.  J.  P.  Johnston 
preached  in  the  evening — text.  Job  9:2;  theme,  "Justi- 
fication.'' The  clerk  adds:  "The  congregation  was 
large  and  attentive,  and  much  religious  interest  was 
manifested  among  the  people.'' 

The  delegates  came  together  refreshed  and  cheerful 
on  Alonday  morning  and  was  called  to  order  at  the 
proper  time.  Brother  Murrell  led  in  praj-er.  Roll  was 
called,  rules  and  powers  of  the  Association  read.  The 
annual  report  of  the  Executive  Board  was  read  and 
approved  and  correspondence  returned.  The  Executive 
Board  gave  an  encouraging  report  of  the  labors  of  our 
missionaries:  92  da3'S  spent  in  the  work,  117  sermons 
preached,  11  baptized,  10  received  by  letter,  1  church 
constituted,  1  deacon  ordained,  1,569  miles  traveled. 
The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  religion 
and  fraternal  correspondence  with  the  churches,  repre- 
sent the  cause  as  ver3'  hopeful.  They  say :  "  The  letters 
from  the  churches  represent  them  as  in  a  hopeful  con- 
dition.    No  church  has  been  without  preaching,  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  429 

nearly  all  have  had  additions  by  baptism,  while  some 
have  had  large  ingatherings:  great  harmon^^  has  at- 
tended our  present  session :  we  should  be  humbly 
thankful  to  the  giver  of  all  good."  They  close  with 
admonition  to  the  churches,  of  Avhich  the  following  is  a 
part:  "At  home  things  are  much  as  usual,  but  at  a 
distance  dark  clouds  of  trouble  appear,  and  maj'-  come 
near  and  pour  their  baneful  showers  of  confusion  upon 
us.  At  last  the  clamor  of  Pedobaptists  has  prevailed 
among  Northern  Baptists,  and  the  practice  of  open 
communion  is  engaged  in  b\'  some  that  were  supposed 
to  be  fixed  in  strict  communion  principles,  having  fallen 
in  with  the  popular  tendency  to  error.  Now,  w^hat 
shall  we  do  ?  Shall  we  also  A'ield  and  prove  unfaithful  ? 
Is  it  possible  that  unyielding  faithfulness,  self-sacrificing 
toils,  and  unfaltering  devotion  to  truth,  even  unto 
blood,  so  long  manifested  by  the  Baptists,  have  all 
been  in  vain  ?  If  open-communion  Baptists  are  right, 
then  all  our  sufferings  have  been  in  vain,  j'^ea,  even 
preaching.  Missions  were  ably  reported  on  and  encour- 
aged. W.  A.  Hutson,  D.  Fore  and  N.  L.  Clarke  were 
appointed  to  do  some  mission  v^ork  in  the  bounds  of 
the  Association  during  the  ensuing  year.  Those 
brethren  accepted  the  appointment,  and  prayer  was 
made  for  the  divine  blessing.  Delegates  were  appointed 
to  the  General  Association  and  funds  appropriated, 
A.  Gressett,  D.  Fore,  N.  L.  Clarke,  L.  P.  Murrell,  W.  A. 
Hutson,  W.  D.  McGouirk  and  Frank  Peebles  w^ere  dele- 
gates. A  resolution  \vas  unanimously  passed  endors- 
ing the  Southern  Baptist,  a  religious  paper  published 
by  A.  Gressett  at  Meridian,  Mississippi,  himself  editor 
and  proprietor,  the  first  number  issued  July  14,  1875. 
Resolved,  also,  That  the  next  session  of  this  body 
be  held  with   Pleasant  Hill  church,  Newton  county;, 


4-30  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

that  A.  Gressett  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon, 
D.  Fore  being  his  alternate ;  that  N.  L.  Clarke  preach 
the  next  sermon  on  missions,  L.  P.  Murrell  his  alter- 
nate. Arrangements  were  made  for  the  printing  and 
distribution  of  the  Minutes ;  hearty'  thanks  voted  to 
the  chi'rch  and  community  for  their  hospitality  and 
the  adjourning  hour  came,  Zion's  song  was  sung,  the 
i  closing  prayer,  and  the  session  closed. 

The  table  shows  51  churches  in  the  bod^-,  a  total 
membership  of  2,650,  163  baptized  during  the  year, 
22  had  died,  23  ordained  ministers,  7  licentiates.  De- 
catur, the  largest  church,  190,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor. 

Alvin  Gressett,  for  man^-  3'ears  an  able  and  useful 
minister  of  the  gospel,  connected  with  Alount  Pisgah 
Association,  but  of  late  with  the  Bethlehem,  was  born 
in  Perry  county,  Mississippi,  November  2,  1829 ;  came 
with  his  father  to  Lauderdale  county  about  the  year 
1840 ;  was  married  to  Aliss  Christena  Gilbert,  Novem- 
"ber  16,  1849.  In  the  year  1850  he  professed  faith  in 
Christ  and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Zion 
Hill  church,  Lauderdale  county,  b3'  R.  K.  Rasbury.  In 
the  year  1855  he  moved  to  Newton  county,  and  be- 
came a  member  of  the  Beulah  Baptist  church,  and  was 
soon  afterwards  licensed  to  preach,  and  he  exercised 
his  gift  in  his  own  church  and  the  surrounding  countr3\ 
In  the  year  1862,  he  was  called  to  ordination,  John 
Herrington  and  N.  L.  Clarke  ordaining  Presbytery,  the 
work  taking  place  on  the  fifth  Sundaj-  in  June  of  that 
year.  Forthwith  he  was  called  to  the  pastoral  care  of 
Beulah  church  and  was  continued  in  that  work  four- 
teen years  or  more,  baptizing  over  two  hundred  per- 
sons into  its  fellowship  during  the  time ;  also,  more  or 
less  of  the  time  was  supph'  to  Hickory,  Alount  Pleas- 
ant,   Libertv,  Zion,    Countv  Line,   Chunkeyville    and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  431 

Pine  Grove  churches,  all  of  which  prospered  under  his 
labors.  These  churches  were  in  Newton,  Kemper,  Lau- 
derdale and  Neshoba  counties.  In  1870  Brother  Gres- 
sett  moved  to  Meridian,  and  was  pastoral  supplv  of 
the  Fellowship,  Ebenezer,  Mount  Haret  and  Marion 
churches,  continuing  with  the  latter  six  j^ears.  Under 
a  weighty  sense  of  the  needs  of  the  Baptists  of  the 
State  of  Mississippi,  in  1875  Alvin  Gressett  commenced 
the  publication  of  the  Southern  Baptist  at  Aleridian, 
issuing  the  first  number  on  the  14-th  day  of  July,  him- 
self editor  and  proprietor,  continuing  its  publication 
for  nearly  twelve  years,  accomplishing  for  the  Baptist 
cause  in  the  State  an  amount  of  good  that  eternity 
alone  can  make  known.  Failing  health  forced  him  to 
abandon  the  work,  and  the  Southern  Baptist  was  con- 
solidated with  the  Baptist  Record.  During  this  time 
Elder  Gressett  was  active  in  locating  and  building  up 
the  Calvary  Baptist  church  in  the  city  of  Meridian,  of 
which  he  was  a  consistent  member,  and  at  different 
times  its  pastor.  Likely  the  year  1886  was  A.  Gres- 
sett's  most  laborious  year  —  the  year  of  the  whisky 
campaign,  into  which  he  threw-  himself  with  a  zeal  that 
knew-  no  tiring.  Beside  the  Southern  Baptist,  he  pub- 
lished a  ''Daily  Bulletin,''  at  the  same  time  speaking  at 
manj-  places  in  the  county,  and  aiding  to  gain  a  grand 
Yictor3-  over  the  friends  of  w-hisky ;  at  the  same  time 
doing  the  editorial  work  of  his  office,  and  during  the 
fall  attending  in  the  State  seven  different  associations. 
But  his  physical  powers  gave  way,  and  for  four  or  five 
months  he  was  confined  to  his  room  nearly  all  the  time, 
not  crossing  his  room  for  three  months  in  succession. 
Slowly  recovering.  A,  Gressett  again  became  active  in 
life;  and,  though  not  possessing  strength  for  regular 
pastoral  work,  3-et  he  preaches  as  he  has  strength,  and 


432  HISTORY     OF     AnSSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

as  there  were  openings  in  providence  before  him  ;  loving 
yet  the  cause  of  Christ  and  of  souls,  and  contending  for 
the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.  Few  men  among 
us  have  done  more  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ  in 
our  country'  than  Alvin  Gressett.  He  yet  lives,  is  not 
very  old,  and  it  is  hoped  the  Lord  will  bless  him  with 
many  daj^s  of  usefulness  still. 

In  1876,  the  Association  convened  with  Pleasant 
Hill  church.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
D.  Fore.  Text,  "The  entrance  of  Thy  word  giveth 
light."  A  half  hour  for  refreshments,  and  the  delegates 
met  in  the  house  and  the  body  was  called  to  order  by 
the  moderator  N.  L.  Clarke  who  led  in  prayer.  H.  B. 
Cooper,  D.  S.  Holmes,  and  G.  P.  C.  Sansing  were  re- 
quested to  read  letters.  J.  A.  Lake,  J.  D.  Hardj^,  and 
F.  M.  Poole  w^ere  appointed  committee  on  finance.  O. 
F.  Breland  was  requested  to  preach  to  the  people  at 
the  stand.  Letters  were  read  from  fifty-two  churches, 
the  delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Of- 
ficers were  elected  as  follows :  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator, 
W.  D.  McGouirk  clerk,  J.  M.  Pace  treasurer.  Suitable 
remarks  were  made  by  the  moderator,  and  the  Associ- 
ation announced  ready  for  business.  No  new  church 
^vas  added.  Correspondence  was  received  from  Spring- 
field, Ebenezer  and  Salem  Associations,  and  also  from 
the  Baptist  Union,  all  sending  delegates.  Regular  com- 
mittees were  appointed.  J.  M.  Pace,  E.  W.  Roebuck, 
W.  R.  Hailey,  J.  Jolley,  A.  P.  Wash,  and  W.  D.  Smith 
were  the  committee  on  preaching.  The  committee  ar- 
ranged that  N.  L.  Clarke  preach  on  Lord's  day  at 
eleven  o'clock,  the  missionary  sermon,  to  be  followed 
by  a  collection  for  missions  and  for  R.  Crenshaw.  The 
adjourning  hour  was  hailed  with  cheerfulness.  The 
services  on  Lord's  day  were  as  arranged.    N.  L.  Clarke 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  433" 

preached  at  eleven  a.  m.,  and  Johnston  at  two  p.  m. 
The  clerk  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  sermons  preached 
and  the  interest  manifested.  The  congregation  was 
large,  evidencing  much  interest.  $17.75  were  taken  up. 
for  the  work  of  benevolence. 

The  gathering  Monday  morning  was  in  much  cheer- 
fulness and  affection.  The  body  was  called  to  order; 
prayer  by  the  moderator.  Rules  of  decorum  read  and 
visiting  ministers  invited  to  seats.  Correspondence 
returned.  The  report  of  the  Executive  Board  was  read 
and  approved.  Their  final  report  shows  79  days  in  the 
work,  84  sermons,  1  baptized,  4  received  by  letter, 
1  church  re-organized,  1,593  miles  traveled.  They 
thank  God  for  his  goodness,  and  state  that  the  desti- 
tution is  reached  within  the  bounds  of  the  Association^ 
and  recommend  that  the  Association  henceforth  do 
mission  work  through  the  General  Association  of 
South-east  Mississippi.  The  report  of  committee  on 
the  state  of  religion  represent  the  churches  as  in  a 
peaceful  and  prosperous  condition.  All  our  churches, 
they  say,  have  had  preaching  every  month.  They  fur- 
ther say:  "There  remains  so  little  destitution  within 
our  bounds  that  it  is  thought  best  in  future  to  work 
with  the  General  Association  of  East  Mississippi,  and 
do  all  our  Home  Mission  work  through  that  body. 
The  report  was  unanimously  adopted,  settling  the 
question  of  full  co-operation  with  the  General  Associa- 
tion and  of  closing  our  work  in  the  Pisgah,  after 
twenty-four  years  of  active  service,  fourteen  years  be- 
fore the  war  and  ten  afterward.  Erom  that  time  the 
Association  has  done  all  her  Home,  and  Indian  mission 
work  through  the  General  Association.  Sunda3'-schools 
and  missions  were  ably  reported.  There  were  several 
queries    which  were    carefully    answered.      This  from 


434  msTORY   OF   Mississippi   baptists. 

Black  Grove  church:  "Is  it  right  for  the  deacon  to 
receive  and  baptize  when  the  church  has  no  pastor  ?" 
We  answer,  no.  H.  B.  Cooper,  D.  Fore,  J.  A.  Cham- 
bers, L.  P.  Murrell,  N.  L.  Clarke,  J.  B.  Ishee,  Z.  K. 
Gilmore,  C.  Owens  and  J.  W.  Huff  were  appointed  dele- 
gates to  the  General  Association,  and  funds  appro- 
priated. The  Alississippi  College,  of  CHnton,  and 
Female  College,  of  Meridian,  under  C.  M.  Gordon,  were 
both  recommended  as  worthy  of  the  support  of  our 
people.  The  Southern  Baptist,  published  b\'  A.  Gres- 
sett,  at  Meridian,  Miss.,  was  warmly  recommended. 

The  committee  on  Nominations  reported  that  J.  M. 
Moore  preach  the  next  introductory^  sermon,  L.  B. 
Fancher,  alternate ;  that  A.  Winstead  preach  the  next 
sermon  on  missions,  A.  Gressett,  alternate,  and  that 
next  session  be  held  with  Beulah  church.  Arrangements 
"were  made  for  the  printing  and  distribution  of  the  min- 
utes; heartA^  thanks  were  voted  to  the  church,  and 
community  for  thier  great  kindness,  and  heartj'  support 
of  the  Association  during  the  now  closing  session,  and 
adjournment  was  voted.  A  song  was  sung,  and  the 
right  hand  of  affection  given,  and  the  delegates  dis- 
persed with  thoughts  of  "home  sweet  home." 

The  table  shows  fift^^-one  churches  in  the  body,  a 
total  membership  of  2,744;  158  baptized  during  the 
the  year;  forty-three  had  died.  Decatur,  the  largest 
church,  202,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor;  twenty-three  or- 
dained ministers;  eleven  licentiates.  The  session  was 
Yer\'  encouraging;  the  preaching  spiritual,  and  in- 
structive. 

W,  D.  McGouirk,  for  several  years  a  much  respected 
able  and  useful  minister,  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah 
Association,  was  raised  to  manhood  east  of  Mississ- 
ippi,   likely  in  Alabama,   where  he  was  liberated  to 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4?35 

preach.  For  a  time,  he  resided  in  Mississippi,  and  from 
this  State  moved  to  Texas,  where  he  received  ordina- 
tion, and  was  active  in  the  ministry  for  several  years. 

Returning  to  Mississippi,  he  located  at  Lawrence  in 
Newton  county,  and  had  membership  in  Bethel  church, 
where  he  was  pastor  for  several  years,  and  preached  in 
the  surrounding  country ;  was  for  years  clerk  of  Mount 
Pisgah  Association,  and  was  for  a  time  missionary  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  General  Association  of  Mississ- 
ippi. He  was  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance,  good 
intellect,  liberal  English  education,  an  instructor,  and 
at  times,  a  forcible  speaker.  Brother  McGouirk  was  a 
man  of  rare  social  qualities,  delighting  greatly  in  the 
company  of  his  friends,  and  the  associations  of  his 
brethren.  His  vStanding  was  honorable,  his  ministry 
esteemed  and  useful.  To  human  vie\v,  his  death  was 
untimely  and  sad.  He  died  at  his  home  in  Lawrence, 
during  reconstruction  days  of  1878,  under  a  difficult 
case  of  fever.  An  active  follower  in  the  footsteps  of 
•Christ,  he  died  in  the  full  faith  of  his  Redeemer. 

Uriah  Harveston  was  an  ordained  minister  living 
in  Scott  county,  and  was  for  a  time  connected  with 
Mount  Pisgah  Association  in  its  earlier  years.  A  man 
of  moderate  abilit3%  he  remained  for  a  short  time  and 
then  moved  to  parts  unknown  to  us. 

The  Association  met  in  the  year  1 877  with  Beulah 
<:hurch,  Newton  county.  The  introductor}^  sermon  was 
preached  by  J.  M.  Aloore— text,  Galatians  1:8;  theme, 
''The  Doctrine  of  Election."'  The  discourse  was  able 
and  timel3\  After  a  short  intermission  the  delegates 
convened  in  the  house  and  were  called  to  order  by  the 
moderator,  who  led  in  prayer.  H.  B.  Cooper,  D.  S. 
Holmes  and  I.  A.  Hailej-  were  requested  to  read  letters. 
W.  W.  Hard3%  J.  A.  Chambers  and  J.  W.  Huff  were  ap- 


436  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

pointed  a  committee  on  finance.  A.  J.  Trippe  was  re- 
quested to  preach  to  the  people  at  the  stand.  Letters 
were  read  from  fort3^-fiYe  churches,  delegates  names 
written  and  statistics  noted.  Officers  were  elected  as 
follows:  N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  W,  D.  McGouirk^ 
clerk;  J.  M.  Pace,  treasurer.  One  new  church  w^as 
added  to  the  bodj-^.  New  Hope,  Neshoba  county.  Cor- 
respondence was  received  from  Bethlehem,  Salem,  and 
Ebenezer  associations  and  the  Union  of  Churches. 
Committees  were  appointed :  J.  M.  Pace,  J.  Tatum,. 
J.  J.  Phillips  and  the  deacons  of  Beulah  church,  were 
the  committee  on  preaching.  It  was  arranged  that 
A.  Winstead  preach  at  11  o'clock  on  Lord's  day,  the 
missionar}'  sermon  to  be  followed  by  a  collection  for 
missions,  and  for  Brothers  Crenshaw  and  Wilson  West 
to  preach  in  the  evening.  M.  T.  Martin  and  A.  J.  Free- 
man to  occupy  the  stand  on  Monda3^  Adjourned  to 
meet  Monday. 

The  services  on  Lord's  day  were  as  appointed. 
A.  Winstead  preached  at  11  o'clock,  followed  by  a  col- 
lection amounting  to  $19.85.  W.  West  preached  in 
the  evening.  The  clerk  says:  "The  congregation  was 
large  at  each  service,  and  much  good  feeling  mani- 
fested." The  body  convened  Monday  morning  with 
much  good  feeling,  and  was  called  to  order.  W.  D.  Mc- 
Gouirk  led  in  prayer ;  rules  of  decorum  were  read,  and 
visiting  ministers  were  invited  to  seats.  M.  T.  Martin 
accepted.  Correspondence  returned  to  sister  associa- 
tions and  reports  of  committees  heard,  investigated 
and  acted  upon.  Several  queries  were  sent  up  from 
the  churches,  which  were  carefully  and  faithfully  an- 
syvered.  Sunday  schools  and  missions  were  carefully 
reported  on.  The  Southern  Baptist  was  cordially 
recomimended ;   also  the  Baptist  Record,  published  at 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4.3T 

Clinton.  The  committee  on  the  state  of  rehgion  re- 
ported favorably  as  to  the  state  of  the  churches,  all  in 
peace,  and  having  preaching.  The  report  closes  w^ith 
affectionate  admonition.  Delegates  were  appointed  to 
the  General  Association.  The  committee  on  nomina- 
tions reported  that  the  next  meeting  of  the  body  be 
held  with  Bethel  church,  Newton  county' ;  that  L.  B. 
Fancher  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  A.  J, 
Freeman  alternate;  that  A.  Gressett  preach  the  next 
sermon  on  mission,  L.  P.  Murrell  his  alternate.  Funds 
were  assigned  and  directed  and  arrangement  made  for 
the  printing  and  distribution  of  the  Minutes ;  and  a 
hearty  vote  of  thanks  passed  to  Beulah  church  and 
community  for  their  kindness  to  the  delegates  while 
the  Association  has  been  in  session  among  them.  Then 
the  adjourning  hour  came.  Singing  and  hand-shaking 
was  the  closing  feature  of  the  services. 

The  table  shows  50  churches  in  the  body,  120  bap- 
tized during  the  3^ear,  a  total  membership  of  2,797, 
12  had  died.  Decatur,  the  largest  church,  219,  N.  L, 
Clarke,  pastor :  22  ordained  ministers,  6  licentiates. 

Lewis  Jenkins,  for  several  years  an-ordained  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Associ- 
ation, was  reared  in  the  State  of  Georgia.  While  yet 
young  he  moved  to  Mississippi,  and  for  a  time  lived  in 
Kemper  county,  where  he  became  a  Baptist.  After- 
wards he  moved  to  Newton  county  and  had  membership 
in  Pinckney  church,  w^here  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  and 
exercised  in  his  own  church  and  the  surrounding  country. 
Afterwards  he  moved  his  membership  to  Pleasant  Hill 
church,  where  he  received  ordination;  and  aided  the 
pastor  in  his  work,  and  preached  to  other  churches 
surrounding.  For-  a  time  he  was  missionary  in  the 
coast  countrv  under  the  direction  of  the  General  Associ- 


438  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ation.  A  man  of  good  religious  character,  moderate 
ability,  loved  his  calling  and  the  associations  of  his 
brethren,  and  had  his  measure  of  usefulness.  About 
the  time  of  the  war  he  changed  his  residence,  and  since 
has  been  unknown  to  the  writer. 

No  meeting  of  the  Association  was  held  during  the 
year  1878  on  account  of  the  prevalence  of  yellow  fever, 
and  the  wide  spread  panic  in  consequence.  Fever  pre- 
vailed at  Lake  and  Lawrence  in  east  Mississippi,  and 
in  the  western  part  of  the  State.  At  Lake  the  mortal- 
ity- was  very  great,  and  quite  considerable  at  Law- 
rence. Among  those  that  died  at  the  latter  place  was 
W.  D.  McGouirk,  the  clerk  of  the  Association.  The  ap- 
pointment of  the  body  the  session  before  was  that  the 
meeting  for  1878  be  held  with  Bethel  church,  Newton 
county.  Delegates  were  regularly  elected  by  the 
churches ;  and  at  the  regular  time  and  appointed  place 
there  was  a  gathering  of  man3'  of  the  delegates,  but 
the  number  was  so  small  that  no  session  was  held. 
The  delegates  present  came  together,  set  another  time 
for  meeting  and  returned  home.  On  the  coming  of  the 
time  set,  manj'  of  the  delegates  again  met;  but  not  rep- 
resenting a  majorit}^  of  the  churches,  no  session  of  the 
body  was  held ;  but  resolved  that  the  arrangement  of 
the  Association  at  the  session  of  1877  stand  for  1879, 
and  that  the  next  meeting  of  the  body  be  held  w^ith 
Bethel  church  at  the  regular  time  in  1879.  So  for  that 
year  there  was  no  session  held.  The  distress  in  the 
country  was  very  great,  the  panic  immense.  Nearly 
the  \vhole  of  the  citizenship  of  the  town  of  Lake  died ; 
the  Baptist  church  was  nearh^  broken  up  by  death 
from  the  dread  destroyer. 

In  1879,  the  Association  met  with  Bethel  church, 
Newton  countv,  which  was  the  fortv-second  annual 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  439 

session  of  the  body.    The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  A.  Gressett.    Text:  "My  kingdom  is  not 
of  this    world";   Jno.   18:36.    Theme:   "Kingdom  of 
Christ  in  the  world,  its  origin  and  character."   A  short 
intermission,  and  the  Association  was  called  to  order 
in  the  house,  by  the  moderator  N.  L.  Clarke.    Prayer 
by  A.  J.  Freeman.    H.  B.  Cooper  was  appointed  clerk 
pro  tern ;  D.  S.  Holmes,  D.  T.  Chapman,  and  A.  J.  Free- 
man read  letters.    J.  L.  Hardy,  J.  A.  Chambers  and  W. 
L.  Kelly  were  appointed  committee  on  finance;  Z.  K. 
Gilmore  was  sent  to  the  stand  to  preach  to  the  people. 
Letters  were  read  from  forty-three  churches,  delegates, 
names    enrolled    and    statistics    noted.    Officers    were 
elected  by  acclamation:  N.  L.  Clarke  moderator,  H.  B.. 
Cooper   clerk,   J.   M.    Pace  treasurer.    Four  churches 
were  added  to  the  body.  Sand  Spring,  Midway,  Friend- 
ship, and  Woodland.     Visiting  ministers  were  invited 
to  seats.    A.  Gressett  of  Meridian,  and  J.  B.  Gambrell 
of   Clinton    accepted.     Received    correspondence    from 
Ebenezer    and  Springfield    Associations.     Committees 
were  regularly  appointed,  J.  M.  Pace,  J.   B.   Buckley, 
Joseph  White,  B.  M.  Buckley,  with  the  pastor  and  dea- 
cons of  Bethel  church,  were  the  committee  on  preach- 
ing.   Arrangements  were  made  for  Lord's  day  services. 
N.  L.  Clarke  to  preach  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  annual  ser- 
mon on  missions,  to  be  followed  by  a  collection ;  J.  B. 
Gambrell  to  preach  in  the  afternoon,  M.  E.  Manning 
at  night.    The  adjourning  hour  brought  cheerfulness  to 
the  now  tired  bodj^    The  services  on  Lord's  da\'  were 
carried  out  according  to  arrangements.     N.  L.  Clarke 
preached  at  eleven  o'clock,  a  collection  taken  amount- 
ing to  $15.75,  and  J.  B.  Gambrell  at  2  :30  p.  m.    The 
clerk  speaks  in  commendation  of  the  sermons  as  able 
and  instructive.    ]M.  E.  Manning  preached  at  night. 


440  HISTORY     OP     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  gathering  on  Monday  morning  was  marked  by. 

"much  affection.  The  Association  was  called  to  order 
by  the  moderator,  who  led  in  prayer.    The  roll  was 

^-called  and  rules  of  decorum  read.  B.  F.  Carter  was  re- 
quested to  preach  to  the  people,  to  be  followed  by  A.  J. 
Preeman. 

Correspondence  was  returned,  and  reports  of  com- 
mittees were  heard,  and  acted  upon.  The  committees 
On  the  state  of  religion,  and  fraternal  correspondence 
with  the  churches  began  their  report  thus:  "Through 
the  kindness  of  our  heavenh'  Father,  we  have  been  per- 
Ttiitted  to  convene  in  this,  our  annual  meeting  for  1879. 
The  mournful  circumstances  that  led  to  our  failure  last 
year  will  be  remembered  with  sadness  b^'  all.  But  it 
becomes  us  to  be  resigned  to  the  dispensation  of  an  all 
w^ise,  and  gracious  God.  We  mourn  the  loss  of  our 
"brethren  and  sisters  \vho  fell  under  the  weight  of  the 
"terrible  scourge  at  Lake  and  Law^rence.  Our  present 
session  has  been  quite  interesting.  So  far  as  we  know 
all  our  churches  have  had  preaching  with  greater  or 
less  regularity.  We  thank  God  and  take  courage  so  far 
as  our  own  bod^'  is  concerned.  We  rejoice  to  learn  that 
the  open  communion  movement  set  on  foot  b^-  northern 
Baptists  has  proved  a  failure.  Increased  faithfulness 
should  characterize  our  conduct  as  Baptists.  Let  us 
guard  the  faith  carefull^^'■  Sunday  schools  and  mis- 
sions were  ably  reported  on,  and  the  work  of  giving 
the  gospel  to  the  Indians  in  Mississippi  was  urged ; 
delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General  Association, 
and  funds  appropriated  for  that  work. 

The  Southern  Baptist  was  earnestly  recommended 
to  the  support  of  the  churches,  also  Kind  Words.  It 
Avas  agreed  to  hold  the  next  session  of  the  Association 
TArith  Sulphur  Springs,  Scott  county.     That  L.  P.  Mur- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  441 

rell  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  W.  A.  Hut- 
son,  alternate;  J.  M.  Moore  preach  the  next  annual 
sermon  on  missions,  A.  J.  Freeman,  alternate.  Provis- 
ion was  made  for  the  printing,  and  distribution  of  the 
minutes,  and  funds  assigned  ;  hearty  thanks  was  voted 
to  the  church  and  community  for  the  kind  and  lil^eral 
manner  in  which  they  had  sustained  the  Association. 

Then  came  the  adjourning  hour.  A  hymn  was  sung 
the  hand  of  brotherly  affection  given  and  prayer,  then 
the  session  closed  with  great  harmony.  The  table 
shows  forty-eight  churches  in  the  body,  a  total  mem- 
bership of  2,523;  189  baptized  during  the  3^ear;  De- 
catur the  largest  church,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor.  Twen- 
ty-one ordained  ministers,  seven  licentiates. 

P.  F.  Morehead,  for  years  an  active  minister  of  the 
gospel  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was 
raised  to  manhood  in  Neshoba  count3%  Miss.  Early  in 
life  he  made  a  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  was 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Mount  Sinai  Baptist 
church,  Neshoba  county,  by  J.  J.  S.  Miles.  From  the 
time  he  was  baptized  he  was  a  warm  hearted  and  zeal- 
ous member,  and  verj^  soon  manifested  impressions  to 
preach,  and  was  liberated  by  his  church  to  do  so.  His 
progress  was  rapid  and  satisfactory.  Few  young  men 
in  all  these  parts  grew  more  quickly  into  influence,  and 
usefulness.  Soon  his  ordination  was  called,  and  took 
place,  and  he  entered  on  pastoral  work  in  his  own 
church,  and  others  in  Neshoba  and  Leake  counties,  giv- 
ing great  satisfaction,  and  greatly  building  up  the  cause 
of  Christ  in  his  part  of  the  State.  In  after  time  he  be- 
came identified  with  the  Harmon^^  Association.  Mr. 
Morehead  was  greatly  esteemed.  He  was  quick,  bold, 
and  forcible  in  his  style,  and,  for  his  age,  quite  doctrin- 
al, but  his  career  was  short.     Soon  his  health  began  to 


442  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

fail,  and  while  yet  young  he  died,  lamented  by  all  who 
knew  him. 

In  the  year  1880  the  Association  met  with  Sulphur 
Spring  church,  Scott  county.  The  introductory  sermon 
w^as  preached  by  L.  P.  Murrell — text,  Isaiah  35 :  10. 
One  hour  intermission,  and  dinner,  and  the  delegates 
were  called  to  order  by  the  moderator,  who  led  in 
praj^er.  J.  E.  Graham,  G.  W.  Rainer  and  O.  F.  Breland 
read  letters,  W.  M.  Hardy  assistant.  N.T.  Johnston, 
G.  W.  Rainer  and  Dr.  J.  M.  Ke%  were  Committee  on 
Finance.  Letters  were  read  from  fort3'-nine  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Officers 
w^ere  elected  by  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator; 
H.  B.  Cooper,  clerk;  J.  M.  Pace,  treasurer. 

Two  new  churches  were  added  to  the  body :  Cross 
Roads,  Xewton  countA';  Philadelphia,  Neshoba  county. 
Correspondence  was  received  from  Chickasahay  and 
Springfield  Associations :  visiting  ministers  were  in- 
vited to  seats  in  the  body.  Committees  were  ap- 
pointed: I.  M.  Pace,  Joseph  White,  F.  Sansing  and 
pastor  and  deacons  of  the  church,  were  the  committee 
on  preaching.  For  Lord's  daA'  services  it  was  arranged 
that  J.  M.  Moore  preach  the  sermon  on  missions  at 
11  o'clock,  to  be  followed  b3^  a  collection;  A.  Gressett 
preach  in  the  evening :  pra^-er  meeting  Sunday  morning. 
Adjourned  until  AIondaA'.  Lord's  day  services  accord- 
ing to  arrangement.  Pra^^er  meeting  in  the  morning. 
J.  M.  Aloore  preached  at  11  o'clock  on  missions.  The 
sermon  was  timeh',  able,  and  well  received.  $51.95 
was  collected  for  missions.  A.  Gressett  preached  in  the 
evening,  much  to  the  edification  of  the  congregation. 
The  clerk  adds:  "The  day's  services  closed  with  fine 
interest,  quite  a  number  coming  forward  for  prayer. 
The  dav  and  its  exercises  was  one  of  great  interest." 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  443 

The  convening  Monday  morning  was  in  much  affec- 
tion.   Prayer  was  offered  by  the  moderator.    The  roll 
was  called  and  decorum  read,  correspondence  returned, 
and    reports  of  committees  heard,  investigated    and 
acted  on.      The    committee  on  the  state  of  religion 
speaks  favorably   of  the    condition  of  the    churches. 
They  say:   "The  letters  from  the  churches,  taken  alto- 
gether, represent  them  as  in  an  encouraging  condition. 
All  have  had  preaching,  all  in  peace,  and  reporting  the 
largest  number  of  baptisms  we  have  had  for  many 
years.    The  collection  on  Lord's  day  for  missions,  both 
Home  and  Foreign,  was  considered  liberal.     Taking  all 
things  together.  Mount  Pisgah  Association  has  lost 
none  of  those  qualities  that  have  rendered  her  so  useful 
to  the  cause  in  times  past.    It  is  now  thirty-six  years 
since  we  began  active  mission  work,  which  has  con- 
tinued until  now.     Missions  and   Sunday  schools  re- 
ceived proper  attention,  and  the  Southern  Baptist  was 
warmly  recommended.    Delegates  were  appointed  to 
the  General  Association,  and  funds  appropriated.    Or- 
dered that  the  Abstract  of  Faith,  Gospel  Order,  Powers 
of  the  Association  and  Rules  of  Decorum  be  printed  in 
the  Minutes  of  this  session.     It  was  agreed  that  the 
next  session  of  the  body  be  held  with  the  Decatur 
church ;  that  N.  L.  Clarke  preach  the  next  introductory 
sermon,  O.  F.  Breland  be  his  alternate;  that  A.  J.  Free- 
man preach  the  next  sermon  on  missions,  H.  B.  Cooper 
his  alternate.     Arrangements  were  made  for  the  print- 
ing and  distribution  of  the  Minutes,  and  money  as- 
signed ;   and  cordial  thanks  voted  to  the  church   and 
comniunitv  for  their  liberal  support  of  the  body  while 
in  session'with  them.    Then  came  the  adjournment— 
the  vote,  the   singing,  the  hand-shaking,  the  tears  of 
many,  and  the  session  of  the  dear  old  body  for  1880 
was  closed. 


444  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  table  shows  50  churches  in  the  body,  a  total 
membership  of  2,783,  217  baptized  during  the  year. 
Decatur,  the  largest  church,  181,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor; 
21  ordained  ministers,  11  licentiates. 

D.  D.  Booth,  for  ^-ears  a  minister  connected  with 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  had  membership  in  Ne- 
shoba county,  and  devoted  his  time  and  labors  chiefly 
in  that  count3^  and  the  northern  part  of  Newton.  He 
entered  the  ministry  before  the  war,  continued  his 
w^ork  through  that  dark  time  and  for  years  after  in 
this  countr3'.  Brother  Booth  was  a  man  of  fine  intel- 
lect, a  good  sermonizer,  a  liveh^  exhorter,  loved  to 
preach,  and  was  blessed  to  the  building  up  of  the 
churches  and  gathering  man\-  to  their  membership. 
Sad  to  say,  he  left  Mississippi  with  a  cloud  over  his 
Christian  and  ministerial  character  and  moved  to 
Louisiana.  When,  at  last  account,  he  was  zealorusly 
engaged  in  the  \vork  of  his  Master.  The  cloud  that 
was  over  him  here  has  altogether  passed  away. 

In  1881  the  Association  met  with  the  Decatur 
church.  The  introductory-  sermon  was  preached  by 
N.  L.  Clarke — text,  Jude,  3rd  verse;  theme,  "The  Im- 
portance of  Christian  Faithfulness."  The  opening 
prayer  was  by  J.  A.  Hitt.  One  hour  intermission  and 
dinner,  and  the  delegates  convened  and  the  body  was 
called  to  order  by  the  moderator.  Prayer  by  D.  Fore. 
A.  J.  Freeman,  G.  P.  Clarke  and  L.  AI.  Phillips  were 
requested  to  read  letters.  D.  T.  Chapman,  D,  S.  Holmes 
and  J.  E.  Graham  were  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

Letters  read  from  forty-one  churches,  delegates 
names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Officers  were 
elected  b^-  acclamation  —  N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator; 
H.  B.  Cooper,  clerk;  J.  M.  Pace,  treasurer.  One  new^ 
church  added  to  the  body,  Linwood,  Neshoba  county. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  44-5 

Visiting  ministers  were  invited  to  seats  with  the  Asso- 
ciation;  J.  B.  Gambrell,  A.  Gressett  and  J.  C.  Foster 
accepted,  and  were  seated  with  the  body.  Correspond- 
ence was  received  from  the  Ebenezer,  Springfield  and 
Oktibbeha  associations.  A  letter  was  received  from 
Shady  Grove  Association  of  colored  Baptists,  asking 
correspondence.  The  request  was  granted  and  corres- 
pondence returned.  Also  New  Hope  (colored)  Associa- 
tion. Committees  were  regularly  appointed:  J.  M. 
Pace,  C.  G.  Johnston,  W.  C.  Sessums,  E.  Deane,  W.  M. 
Saddler,  W.  L.  Bassett  and  deacons  of  Decatur  church, 
w^ere  the  committee  on  preaching.  Lord's  day  services 
arranged:  A.  Freeman  to  preach  at  11  o'clock  a.  m.; 
the  sermon  on  missions  to  be  followed  by  a  collection ; 
J.  B.  Gambrell  to  preach  at  2  o'clock  in  the  evening, 
J.  C.  Foster  at  night,  A.  Gressett  and  T.  I.  Wells  on 
Monday.     Adjourned  until  Monday. 

The  Sunday  services  \vere  according  to  arrange- 
ment: A.  J.  Freeman  preached  at  11  o'clock;  $36.60 
were, taken  up  for  missions;  J.  B.  Gambrell  preached  in 
the  evening;  J.  C.  Foster  preached  at  night.  The  con- 
gregation was  vast,  the  order  good.  The  clerk  in 
speaking  of  the  services,  says:  "We  feel  that  much 
good  will  result  from  the  day's  labor." 

The  meeting  on  Monday  morning  was  cordial  and 
brotherly.  Prayer  was  made  by  the  moderator,  and 
the  body  declared  ready  for  business.  The  roll  was 
called  and  rules  of  decorum  read ;  correspondence  re- 
turned, and  reports  of  committees  read,  investigated 
and  acted  on.  The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion 
reports  favorably  as  to  the  state  of  the  churches  and 
the  then  present  session  of  the  Association.  The^^  say : 
"Peace  attended  our  deliberations.  The  preaching  at 
this  meeting  has  been  Scriptural  and  spiritual,  and  the 


446  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

collection  for  missions,  both  Home  and  Foreign,  en- 
couraging. We  feel  that  we  have  great  cause  for 
thankfulness."  Missions,  Sunday  schools  and  Educa- 
tion were  ablj'  reported  on.  The  Southern  Baptist  and 
Baptist  Record  were  recommended  to  the  favor  of  the 
churches.  Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General 
A«sociation,  and  funds  appropriated.  Resolutions 
were  passed  approving  the  work  of  the  General  Asso- 
ciation, and  encouraging  the  churches  to  be  more  active 
in  it.  It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  Asso- 
ciation be  held  with  the  ]Mount  Sinai  church,  Neshoba 
count^^  J.  M.  Moore  was  appointed  to  preach  the 
next  introductory  sermon,  D.  Fore  his  alternate ;  that 
L.  P.  Murrell  preach  the  next  sermon  on  missions, 
G.  W.  Rainer  his  alternate. 

Arrangement  was  made  for  the  printing  and  distri- 
bution of  the  Minutes  and  funds  assigned.  The  thanks 
of  the  Association  were  heartih'  voted  to  the  Decatur 
church,  and  the  cominunity  for  their  kind  attention  and 
liberal  support-  The  adjournment  was  voted:  then 
with  singing  the  parting  hand  was  given,  and  prayer 
offered,  and  all  were  on  their  waj^  to  their  homes. 

The  table  shows  45  churches  in  the  body,  a  mem- 
bership of  2,335,  169  baptized  during  the  ^-ear.  De- 
catur, the  largest  church,  162  members,  N.  L.  Clarke, 
pastor;  19  ordained  ministers,  9  licentiates. 

John  C.  Elerbee,  for  many  years  an  ordained  minis- 
ter of  the  Baptist  church,  connected  with  Alount 
Pisgah  Association,  was  born  in  Chester  countA',  South 
Carolina,  December  25,  1824.  In  1845  he  moved  to 
Mississippi  and  settled  in  Lauderdale  county,  where,  in 
the  year  1848  he  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  J. 
Trussell.  In  the  year  1849  he  made  profession  of  re- 
ligion and  joined  the  Methodist  church,  was  soon  after 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


447 


liberated  to  preach.     In  1851  he  joined  the  traveling 
connection,  in  which  he  continued  until  1857,  when  his 
mind  underwent  a  change  on  the  mode  and  subject  of 
baptism.    Satisfied  of  the  truth  of  Baptist  views,  he 
was  baptized  into  the  fellowship   of  the  Tallahatta 
Baptist    church,    Lauderdale  county,    Mississippi,   by 
Elder  A.  Winstead,  in  the  year  1857.    Soon  after  his 
baptism  his  ordination  was  called  for  — A.  Winstead, 
David  Killen  and   Isaac  White  ordaining  Presbytery. 
At  onqe  he  became    pastor  of  his   own    church,   and 
preached  in  the  surrounding  country  along  the  line  of 
Lauderdale  and  Kemper  counties.     The  war  came,  and 
he  entered  the  army,  was  first  Lieutenant  in  Company 
I,   37th   Mississippi  Regiment.      The  war  over,  he  re- 
turned to  his  home,  and  again  engaged  in  pastoral 
work  in  Newton  and  other  counties.     Brother  Elerbee 
was -a  gifted   speaker  and   an  able   sermonizer;   and, 
though  at  times,  eccentric,  j-et  at  others,  he  was  ear- 
nest, eloquent  and  tender.     He   died  in  Scott  county, 
November  20,  1880.     His  last  sermon  was  preached  on 
the  first  Sunday  in  that  month— text,  "Though  I  walk 
through  the  valley  and  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no 
evil ;  for  Thou  art  with  me.  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff  they 
comfort  me."'    He  told  his  brethren  that  he  would  meet 
them  no  more,  that  his  work  was  done,  that  he  was 
goinsf  to  his  rest.    .He  died  in  his  58th  vear.      His  re- 
mains    rest  in  the    New   Prospect    cemetery,   Newton 
county. 

In  1882  the  Association  met  with  the  Mount  Sinai 
church,  Neshoba  county.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  J.  M.  Moore— text,  1st  Corinthians 
1:2;  theme,  "The  Church  of  God,  its  membership,  or- 
dinances and  work."  Opening  praj-er  by  L.J.  Caugh- 
man;  one  hour  intermission  for  dinner,  and  the  body 


448  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

was  called  to  order  in  the  house  by  the  moderator. 
Prayer  by  A.  J.  Freeman.  J.  M.  Moore  was  appointed 
clerk,  pro  tern.  A.J.  Freeman,  L.  L.Jones  and  W.  L. 
Kelly  were  requested  to  read  letters.  J.  E.  Graham, 
J.  D.  Hardy  and  G.  W.  Robinson  Avere  appointed  a 
committee  on  finance.  Z.  K.  Gilmore  and  D.  Fore  were 
requested  to  preach  to  the  people.  Letters  were  read 
from  forty-three  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled 
and  statistics  noted.  Officers  \vere  elected  by  acclama- 
tion— N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  J.  M.  Moore,  clerk; 
J.  M.  Pace,  treasurer.  Visiting  ministers  were  invited 
to  seats.  One  new  church  was  added  to  the  body, 
High  Hill,  Leake  county.  Correspondence  was  received 
from  Choctaw,  Bethlehem,  Springfield  and  Oktibbeha 
associations.  Also  from  Lone  Pilgrim,  an  association 
of  colored  Baptists,  asking  correspondence,  which  w^as 
granted.  Committees  regularly  appointed  :  J.  M.  Pace, 
A.  J.  Rainer,  R.  King,  with  the  pastor  and  deacons  of 
Mount  Sinai  church,  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 
The  committee  arranged  that  L.  P.  Murrell  preach  on 
Lord's  day  at  11  o'clock;  the  sermon  on  missions  fol- 
lowed b3'  a  collection;  N.  L.  Clarke  to  preach  in  the 
afternoon ;  W.  R.  Butler,  A.  Gressett  and  J.  K.  P. 
Showes  on  Monday  Adjourned  until  Monday.  Lord's 
day  services  as  per  arrangement :  L.  P.  Murrell  preached 
at  11  o'clock  A.  M.  the  sermon  on  missions  —  theme, 
"Redemption  bA'  Christ  and  Missions."  $25.55  were 
collected  for  missions.  N.  L.  Clarke  preached  in  the 
evening — theme,  "The  Increase  and  Final  Triumph  of 
the  Kingdom  of  Christ.''  The  services  of  the  day  were 
of  great  interest.  The  clerk  says:  "The  congregation 
was  \ery  large  and  attentive  and  was  deeply  im- 
pressed. We  have  much  reason  to  hope  that  the  cause 
of  Christ  was  greatly  furthered  by  the  day's  labor. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-49 

The  coming  together  Monday  morning  was  truly 
brotherly.  The  moderator  was  in  his  place,  and  called 
the  bod^^  to  order  at  the  proper  time.  Prayer  by  L.  P. 
Murrell ;  the  roll  was  called  and  rules  of  decorum  read ; 
correspondence  "w^as  returned  to  sister  associations. 
Messengers  to  write  their  own  letters.  Reports  of 
committees  were  read,  investigated  and  acted  on.  The 
committee  on  the  state  of  religion  and  fraternal  corres- 
pondence reported  favorably.  They  say:  "We  have 
great  reason  for  thankfulness  to  God  for  His  mercies 
continued  to  us  through  another  year,  and  for  the 
present  state  of  the  churches.  Our  present  meeting  has 
been  encouraging  and  hopeful.  It  is  believed  that  all 
the  churches  of  the  Association  have  had  preaching,  at 
least  one  Sunday  in  the  month.  It  is  thought  there  is 
no  abatement  of  interest  in  the  work  of  missions,  but 
rather  an  increase.  The  preaching  during  this  session, 
has  been  sound  and  vei-y  interesting."  The  report 
closes  with  brotherly  admonition:  Thus,  "Let  us  be 
firm  in  our  adherence  to  the  Scriptures,  to  the  creed  of 
our  fathers,  to  our  own  creed.  We  want  no  change, 
but  that  we  may  be  a  better  people.  Let  us  guard 
alike  against  Arminianism  and  Anti-nomianism."  Mis- 
sions, Sunday  schools  and  education  were  properly 
reported,  and  delegates  appointed  to  the  General  Asso- 
ciaton  and  funds  apj^ropriated .  The  Southern  Baptist 
was  warmlj--  recommended  to  the  favor  and  support  of 
the  churches.  The  body  determined  to  have  the  arti> 
cles  of  faith,  decorum  and  powers  of  the  Association 
printed. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  Associa- 
tion be  held  with  Poplar  Springs  church,  Newton 
county ;  that  D.  Fore  preach  the  next  introductory 
sermon,  A.J.  Freeman,  alternate;   N.  L.  Clarke  preach 


450  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  sermon  on  missions;  L.  J.  Caughman,  alternate 
Arrangements  were  made  to  have  the  Minutes  printed 
and  distributed  and  funds  assigned.  Thanks  were 
heartily  voted  to  the  church  and  community  for  their 
great  kindness  and  liberal  support  of  the  body  while  in 
session. 

The  table  shows  the  following  results :  44  churches 
in  the  bod3%  171  baptized  during  the  year,  total  mem- 
bership of  2,250,  Decatur,  the  largest  church,  139 
members,  N.  L.  Clarke,  pastor;  18  ordained  ministers, 
10  licentiates. 

Nicholas  B.  Robertson,  for  a  number  of  years  a  use- 
ful minister  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah  Association, 
was  reared  to  manhood  in  south-east  Mississippi.  In 
early  life  he  was  baptized  and  had  membership  in  the 
■churches  of  Covington  county.  At  about  the  age  of 
tw^enty-five  j^ears  he  received  license  to  preach,  and  ex-i 
ercised  his  gift  in  the  churches  of  his  vicinity.  His  ad- 
vance was  not  rapid,  circumstances  being  adverse. 
About  the  year  1850,  he  was  called  to  ordination,  and 
•entered  upon  pastoral  and  evangelical  work,  and  had 
quite  a  career  of  usefulness,  and  success.  His  labors 
^'^ere  in  Covington,  Simpson,  Smith,  Jasper,  and  Jones 
counties.  Mr.  Robertson  w^as  a  humble  man,  grave  in 
his  manner  of  speaking.  As  he  advanced  in  ^-ears,  his 
health  failed,  and  failing  still,  he  became  unalDle  for  the 
burdens  of  life  and  laid  down  his  armor  and  passed  to 
his  reward  before  he  was  old. 

John  Thornton  had  membership  in  Leaf  River 
church,  Covington  county,  in  early  life,  and  was  there 
licensed  to  preach.  In  after  life  he  moved  to  Smith 
countA',  and  had  membership  in  Raleigh  and  then  in 
High  Hill  churches,  and  still  continued  to  preach,  but 
was  never  ordained.     Brother  Thornton  was  a  respect- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  451 

able  farmer  and  citizen ;  served  his  county  in  different 
public  positions.  He  lived  to  be  quite  old,  and  died  at 
his  home  in  Smith  county,  and  v^as  gathered  as  grain 
ripened  for  the  harvest. 

The  Forty-sixth  annual  session  of  the  Association 
^was  held  w^ith  Poplar  Spring  church,  Nev^ton  county, 
Mississippi,  September,  1883.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  D.  Fore — text,  Eph.  2:8;  theme, 
"Salvation  by  Grace,  Through  the  Atonement  of 
Christ."  One  hour  intermission  for  dinner,  and  the 
body  was  called  to  order  in  the  house  by  the  mod- 
erator, N.  L.  Clarke.  Prayer  by  A.  Gressett.  A.  Gres- 
sett,  A.J.  Freeman  and  L.  M.  Phillips  were  requested 
to  read  letters.  W.  L.  Kelly,  J.  W.  Huff  and  A.  J.  Keith 
were  appointed  a  committee  on  finance.  Letters  were 
read  from  forty-five  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled 
and  statistics  noted.  Officers  were  elected  by  acclama- 
tion—  N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  J.  M.  Moore,  clerk; 
J.  D.  Hardy,  treasurer.  L.  J.  Caughman  was  requested 
to  preach  at  the  stand.  Visiting  ministers  were  invited 
to  seats.  Two  churches  were  received  into  the  body. 
Mount  Vernon,  Newton  county-,  and  Old  Union,  Scott 
count3'.  Received  correspondence  from  Harmony, 
Springfield  and  Bethlehem  associations.  The  regular 
committees  were  appointed :  A.  P.  Wash,  W.  G.  Fort- 
son,  E.  Deane,  L.  E.  Wilson  and  H.  White  were  the 
committee  on  preaching.  It  was  arranged  by  the  com- 
mittee that  N.  L.  Clarke  preach  at  11  o'clock  on  Lord's 
day  on  missions,  followed  b^^  a  collection  for  that 
work  ;  that  A.  Gressett  preach  at  2  o'clock,  A.  J.  Free- 
man at  night.  Adjourned  until  Monday.  The  services 
on  Lord's  day  were  according  to  arrangements :  N.  L. 
Clarke  preached  at  11  o'clock  on  missions;  $24.20 
were  taken  up  for  that  work.    A.  Gressett  preached  at 


452  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

2  o'clock  in  the  evening.    The  congregation  was  large 
and  the  ser\'ices  were  of  much  interest. 

A  pleasing  feature  of  the  services  ^vas  the  presence 
of  several  Choctaw  Baptists  but  recently  converted  to 
Christianity.  With  eyes  all  wet  with  tears,  they 
pressed  into  the  crowd  to  grasp  the  hands  of  their 
white  brethren.  Much  religious  joy  was  manifested. 
A.  J.  Freeman  preached  at  night.  The  delegates  met 
on  Monday  morning  with  much  religious  affection,  and 
were  called  to  order  133^  the  moderator.  J.  M.  Moore 
led  in  prayer.  Roll  was  called  and  decorum  read  ;  cor- 
respondence was  returned  to  sister  associations.  The 
reports  were  then  read,  discussed  and  acted  on.  The 
committee  on  the  state  of  religion  reported  encour- 
agingly. They  saj^ :  "All  the  churches  composing  this 
body,  except  one,  have  sent  up  delegates  to  the  present 
meeting.  The3'  represent  the  churches  to  be  in  a  peace- 
ful and  thriving  condition."  The^^  saj',  further:  "We 
hope  there  is  no  abatement  among  us  in  the  great 
work  of  missions.  Dear  brethren  of  the  churches,  let 
us  remind  you  that  this  is  the  one  important  work  be- 
fone  us  as  a  Baptist,  and  that  it  is  to  be  a  lifetime 
work.  Occup\'  \'our  time  until  I  come !  Let  us  never 
forget  the  unspeakable  riches  of  God's  grace  conferred 
on  us  through  the  gospel,  and  that  this  blessed  gospel 
has  been  conferred  upon  us  that  we  may  give  it  to 
others."  Alissions,  Sunda3^  schools  and  education 
were  ably  reported  on.  The  Southern  Baptist  and 
Baptist  Record  were  cordiall3'  recommended  to  the 
churches.  Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General 
Association  and  money  appropriated.  The  Abstract 
of  Faith,  Po\ver  of  the  Association  and  Rules  of  De- 
corum were  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  Alinutes.  A 
resolution  was    passed    encouraging  the  churches  to 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  4.53 

liberality  in  mission  work.  The  following  preamble 
and  resolution  were  passed  : 

Whereas,  much  has  been  said  of  late  with  regard 
to  the  unification  of  Baptists  of  the  State ;  therefore, 
be  it 

''Resolved  by  this  Association  unanimously,  That 
w^hile  we  wish  harmony  among  the  Baptists  of  Missis- 
sippi, both  in  faith  and  practice,  yet  we  are  not  willing 
to  abandon  the  General  Association  and  its  great  mis- 
sion work,  because  it  is  more  convenient  to  us  and 
better  suited  to  the  circumstances  of  our  people  than 
any  other  organization." 

Provision  was  made  for  the  printing  and  distribu- 
tion of  the  Minutes  and  funds  assigned.  Hearty 
thanks  were  voted  to  the  church  and  community  for 
their  kindness  and  liberal  support  of  the  bod3'  and  its 
friends.  An  adjournment  was  voted,  when,  with  sing- 
ing, hand-shaking  and  prayer,  the  session  of  1883 
closed. 

The  table  shov^-s  46  churches  in  the  body,  a  mem- 
bership of  2,557,  baptized  during  the  year  177,  18  had 
died.  Decatur,  the  largest  church,  141,  N.  L.  Clarke, 
pastor;  17  ordained  ministers,  12  licentiates. 

H.  B.  Cooper,  for  several  j^ears  connected  with 
churches  of  iVIount  Pisgah  Association,  was  born  in 
Mississippi  and  raised  to  manhood  in  Newton  county. 
In  early  life  he  made  profession  of  faith  in  Christ  and 
was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Decatur  Bap- 
tist church.  From  the  first  Hamilton  was  an  orderly 
and  attentive  young  member.  Brother  Cooper  soon 
gave  evidence  of  impressions  to  preach,  and  was  liber- 
ated to  do  so  in  his  own  church  and  the  surrounding 
country.  His  progress  was  encouraging.  After  a  time 
his  ordination  was  called  for,  when  he  entered  on  pas- 


454  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

toral  work  in  Newton  and  Lauderdale  counties,  and 
gave  good  satisfaction.  Impressed  by  a  desire  for  a 
better  education  he  spent  a  time  at  Mississippi  College, 
laboring  in  the  country  adjacent.  Returning  east,  he 
labored  in  the  gospel  as  there  was  opportunity.  For 
some  years  Mr.  Cooper  was  clerk  of  Mount  Pisgah 
Association ;  for  a  brief  period  was  resident  in  Louisi- 
ana, but  was  forced  to  return  to  Alississippi  by  the 
affliction  of  his  family.  Anxious  for  a  wider  field  ot 
labor,  he  became  missionary  of  the  General  Association 
for  a  time,  and  inoved  to  Perry  county,  and  labored  in 
the  south-eastern  part  of  the  State  as  missionary  and 
in  pastoral  work.  After  some  years  Mr.  Cooper  re- 
turned to  Newton  counts',  the  home  of  his  youth. 
Finding  the  churches  supplied  by  other  ministers  and 
no  field  open  adequate  to  his  desires,  he  resolved  to 
seek  a  home  and  field  in  the  far  West,  and  moved  and 
settled  in  Hunt  count^^  Texas,  where  he  now  lives,  and 
preaches  as  there  are  openings  in  the  providence  of 
God.  Brother  Cooper  is  remarkable  for  his  soundness 
in  the  faith,  and  is  a  gifted  and  interesting  preacher, 
and  is  A'et  in  the  prime  of  life. 

In  1884  the  Association  met  with  Sylvarena  church. 
Smith  count}',  \vhich  was  its  fortj^-seventh  annual  ses- 
sion. The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  J.  M. 
Moore — text.  Acts  2:41;  theme,  "Scriptural  Qualifica- 
tions for  Meinbership  in  a  Gospel  Church.''  One  hour 
intermission  for  dinner,  and  the  body  was  called  to 
order  by  the  moderator,  who  led  in  prayer.  A.  J.  Free- 
man, J.  E.  Chapman  and  L.  M.  Phillips  were  requested 
to  read  letters.  G.  C.  Harper,,  N.  T.  Johnston  and 
W.  C.  Thornton  were  appointed  a  committee  on  finance. 
Letters  were  read  from  forty-four  churches;  delegates 
names    enrolled    and    statistics    noted ;    officers    were 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  455 

elected  by  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  J.  M. 
Moore,  clerk ;  J.  D.  Hard3%  treasurer.  Visiting  minis- 
ters were  invited  to  seats.  Three  new  churches  were 
added  to  the  body :  New  Hope,  Scott  county ;  Bethany^ 
Neshoba  county,  and  Prairie  Concord,  Newton  county. 
Correspondence  was  received  from  Salem,  Springfield 
and  Bethlehem  associations.  Committees  were  regu- 
\sir\y  appointed:  H.J.  Connel,  J.  B.  Ishee,  J.  D.  Hardy 
and  J.  W.  McCaugh  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 
The  arrangement  for  services  w^ere  as  follows :  G.  W. 
Rainer  to  preach  at  night,  A.  J.  Freeman  to  preach  at 
11  o'clock,  Sundaj^  the  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  fol- 
lowed by  a  collection ;  L.  P.  Murrell  to  preach  in  the 
school  building  at  the  same  time,  A.  Gressett  in  the 
evening,  and  J.  T.  Simmons  at  night.  The  adjoumiug 
hour  was  pleasant.  The  Lord's  day  services  w^ere 
according  to  arrangement ;  began  by  a  prayer  meeting, 
conducted  by  B.  W.  Bearing,  after  which  the  brethren 
preach  according  to  appointment.  The  congregations 
were  large  and  the  preaching  spiritual  and  instructive. 
$14.90  were  taken  up  for  missions.  The  vastness  of 
the  gathering  and  character  of  the  services,  lead  to  the. 
conclusion  that  great  good  was  done. 

Nine  o'clock  Monday  morning  found  the  body  to- 
gether refreshed  and  readj^  for  business.  Prayer  by  the 
moderator.  Roll  was  called  and  rules  of  decorum  read, 
and  correspondence  returned  to  sister  associations. 
Reports  of  committees  were  heard,  discussed  and 
acted  on.  The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of 
religion  possessed  much  interest.  Thej^  say :  "  We  have 
word  from  nearly  all  our  churches,  informing  us  that 
they  are  all  in  peace,  and  in  a  usual  state  of  prosperity. 
Additions  by  baptism  equal  that  of  former  3'ears. 
Great  harmonv  has  attended  our  deliberations  in  busi- 


456  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ness,  while  the  preaching  has  been  spiritual  and  edi- 
fying. Taking  all  into  consideration,  this  has  been, 
not  only  a  pleasant,  but  an  encouraging  session  of  our 
beloved  Association.''  Again  they  say  :  "Let  us  watch 
against  innovations  that  would  tend  to  unsettle  us. 
Your  committee  would  especialh'  guard  the  churches 
against  the  new  and  confusing  views  of  the  communion 
question  ;  as  we  are  satisfied  that  our  practice  of  inter- 
communion with  the  membership  of  our  own  churches, 
is  consistent.  Scriptural  and  profitable."  Able  and  in- 
teresting reports  were  read  on  the  subject  of  Missions 
and  Sunday  schools.  The  Southern  Baptist  and  Kind 
Words  were  recommended  to  the  churches ;  also  dele- 
gates were  appointed  to  the  General  Association,  and 
funds  appropriated.  A  resolution  was  passed  express- 
ing unabated  confidence  in  the  work  and  plans  of  the 
General  Association.  The  abstract  of  faith,  gospel 
order,  powers  of  the  Association  and  rules  of  order  were 
ordered  reprinted  in  the  Minutes.  It  was  agreed  that 
the  next  meeting  of  the  bod\'  be  held  with  Harperville 
church,  Scott  county;  that  G.  W.  Rainer  preach  the 
next  introductory  sermon,  S.J.  TuUbs  alternate;  N.  L. 
Clarke  to  preach  the  next  sermon  on  missions,  L.  P. 
Murrell  alternate.  Provision  was  made  for  the  print- 
ing and  distribution  of  the  Alinutcs,  and  funds  assigned. 
Thanks  were  cordially  voted  by  the  Association  to  the 
church  and  community  for  their  great  kindness  to  and 
liberal  support  of  the  bod}-  while  in  session  among 
them.  The  adjourning  hour  came;  the  song  was  sung, 
and  the  hand  of  love  was  given,  with  a  closing  prayer. 
The  session  was  one  of  much  interest. 

The  table  shows  as  follows,  viz :  49  churches  in  the 
body,  with  a  membership  of  2,586,  176  baptized  during 
the  year.  Pleasant  Hill,  the  largest  church,  154,  L.  P. 
Murrell,  pastor;  19  ordained  ministers,  12  licentiates. 


^'^  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  457 

""^  Pullum  Vaughn,  for  years  connected  with  the 
churches  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  bom  in 
Kentucky  in  1804.  In  his  earlier  days  he  came  to  Ala- 
bama, and  was  baptized  in  the  eastern  part  of  that 
State  in  the  year  1828,  where  he  entered  the  ministry 
while  yet  young;  was  soon  ordained,  and  entered  upon 
pastoral  and  missionary  work,  and  for  many  years 
was  active  and  successful  in  the  cause  of  Christ  in  the 
central  and  eastern  parts  of  the  State.  During  the 
sad  times  of  the  war  he  moved  to  Mississippi  and  set- 
tled in  Newton  county,  and  had  membership  for  a  time 
in  Mount  Pleasant  church,  and  was  more  or  less  active 
in  ministerial  work.  In  after  3'ears  Mr.  Vaughn  was  a 
member  in  the  Oakland  church,  at  which  place  he  had 
membership  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  an  or- 
derly and  intelligent  minister  of  the  gospel ;  well  versed 
in  the  religious  questions  of  his  da}^ ;  was  fond  of  read- 
ing, and  sound  in  the  faith  of  the  Baptists;  was  an 
interesting  and  instructive  preacher,  but  never  became 
active  in  the  work  in  Mississippi,  being  old  when  he 
came  to  the  State.  Brother  Vaughn  lived  to  great  age, 
retaining  his  powers  of  mind  to  the  last,  and  passed 
away  in  bright  anticipation  of  a  blessed  immortality. 

Matthew  Stephens  was  "a  Baptist  in  Smith  and 
Covington  counties,  Mississippi.  For  a  time  he  was  a 
member  at  Raleigh,  and  was  by  that  church  liberated 
to  exercise  a  public  gift,  which  he  did,  much  to  the  edi- 
fication of  the  membership  and  arousing  of  many  to 
think.  Few  men  that  we  have  met  have  been  more 
gifted  in  exhortation  than  Brother  Stephens.  After  a 
time  he  moved  to  Covington  county-,  but  was  soon 
called  to  his  reward  while  he  was  not  yet  old. 

In  1885  the  Fort^'-eighth  annual  session  of  the 
Association  was  held  with  Harperville  church,  Scott 


458  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

count}'.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
L.  P.  Murrell— text,  Eph.  2:10;  theme,  "The  New 
Creation  of  God's  People  in  Christ  unto  Good  Works. '^ 
Brother  Rainer,  the  appointee,  failed  to  attend.  One 
hour  and  dinner,  and  the  delegates  assembled  in  the 
house  and  were  called  to  order  bj'  the  moderator. 
J.  M.  Kelly  led  in  prayer.  Thos.  Keith,  L.  M.  Phillips 
and  Hi  Eastland  were  requested  to  read  letters.  N.  T. 
Johnston,  J.  D.  Hardy  and  D.  T.  Chapman  were  the 
committee  on  finance.  Letters  were  read  from  forty- 
nine  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics 
noted.  Officers  were  elected  by  acclamation  —  N.  L. 
Clarke,  moderator;  J.  \l.  Moore,  clerk;  J.  D.  Hardy, 
treasurer.  Visiting  ministers  were  invited  to  seats. 
Three  new  churches  were  received  into  the  body :  Union 
and  Pine  Bluft,  Newton  county,  and  New  Prospect, 
Lauderdale  count}-,  all  of  Alississippi.  Correspondence 
was  received  from  Springfield,  Bethlehem  and  Mount 
Olive  associations.  Committees  were  regularly  ap- 
pointed: J.  L.  Shackelford,  E.  Beggs,  G.  C.  Harper, 
J.  R.  Pace,  Wm.  Yarbrough  and  L.  P.  Murrell  were  the 
committee  on  preaching.  Arranged  preaching  as  fol- 
lows, to-wit :  T.  L  Wells  to  preach  Saturday  night; 
N.  L.  Clarks  to  preach  at  11  o'clock  Lord's  day  the 
sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed  b}-  a  collection ; 
J.  M.  Aloore  to  preach  in  the  evening;  pra^^er  meeting 
at  9 :  30  o'clock  Sunda}'  morning.  The  adjourning 
hour  ^vas  met  \vith  cheerfulness.  A.  J.  Freeman  filled 
T.  L  Wells'  appointment  Saturday  night.  Lord's  day 
services  as  arranged:  pra3'er  meeting  in  the  morning; 
N.  L.  Clarke  preached  at  11  o'clock  on  missions — text, 
John  3: 30;  theme,  "  The  Spread  of  Christ's  Kingdom 
Over  the  Earth ;  to  be  consummated  through  the  gos- 
pel;"'  after  which  a  collection  ^vas  taken  up  for  mis- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-59 

sions,  amounting  to  $31.90.  J.  M.  Moore  preached  in 
the  evening — text,  Col.  1:13;  theme,  "  The  Setting  Up 
of  the  Kingdom  of  God ;  the  proper  subjects  of  the 
same."    The  congregation  was  large,  the  order  good. 

The  writer  has  seldom  spent  a  pleasanter  day. 
Refreshed  by  the  Sunday  services,  the  body  convened 
with  much  cheerfulness  Monday  morning.  Prayer  by 
J.  W.  Arnold.  The  roll  was  called  and  the  rules  of 
decorum  read  and  correspondence  with  sister  associa- 
tions arranged.  The  reports  of  committees  were  read^ 
investigated  and  acted  on.  The  committee  on  the  state 
of  religion  reported  favorably  as  to  the  condition  of 
the  churches.  They  say  :  "The  word  from  the  churches 
represent  them  as  in  peace  and  prosperity.  The  ad- 
ditions by  baptism  will  nearly  equal  former  years,  we 
think.  In  many  of  our  churches  there  have  been 
precious  revivals.  We  think  there  is  a  growing  interest 
in  the  work  of  missions.  Great  harmony  has  attended 
our  present  session;  the  order  has  been  admirable. 
Dear  brethren,  we  live  in  an  interesting  time  —  inter- 
esting for  its  privileges  and  for  its  opportunities,  and 
solemnly  interesting,  because  of  its  responsibilities. 
New  vie\vs,  often  strange  indeed,  are  rising  up,  and 
heresies,  to  deceive,  if  it  were  possible,  the  verj^  elect. 
How  important  that  we  should  watch  and  be  sober ; 
that  the  membership  of  our  churches  should  be  care- 
fully instructed  that  they  be  sound  in  the  faith.''  Able 
reports  were  made,  discussed  and  acted  upon,  on  mis- 
sions, Sunday  schools,,  temperance,  education  and  pub- 
lications. The  Southern  Baptist  and  Kind  Words  were 
recommended  to  the  favor  of  the  churches.  A  strong 
and  well  drafted  resolution  was  passed  on  the  temper- 
ance question,  endorsing  the  prohibition  of  the  traffic 
in  ardent  spirits.    Delegates  to  the  General  Association 


460  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

appointed,  and  funds  appropriated.  It  was  arranged 
that  the  next  annual  session  of  the  body  be  held  with 
Oakland  church,  Newton  county ;  that  A.  J.  Freeman 
preach  the  next  introductory  sermon,  J.  E.  Chapman 
alternate ;  L.  P.  Murrell  the  next  sermon  on  missions, 
T.  I.  Wells  alternate.  The  printing  and  the  distribu- 
tion of  the  Minutes  were  provided  for  and  funds  as- 
signed. Heart^^  thanks  were  voted  to  the  church  and 
community  for  their  kindness  and  hospitality  to  the 
body  while  in  session.  Then  came  the  adjournment, 
the  song,  the  hand-shaking,  the  look  of  kindness  and 
prayer,  and  the  separation  came. 

The  table  shows  the  following  state  of  the  body : 
52  churches  belonging  to  the  Association,  2,703  mem- 
bers, 101  baptized  during  the  3'ear;  19  ordained  minis- 
ters, 11  licentiates.  Beulah,  the  largest  church,  154-, 
J.  M.  Moore,  pastor. 

I.  R.  Bass,  for  3'ears  connected  with  Mount  Pisgah 
Association,  was  raised  to  manhood  in  North  Carolina, 
but  in  early  life  came  to  Alississippi  and  settled  in 
Madison  county ;  was  then  a  Baptist  and  had  member- 
ship in  New  Hope  church.  Mr.  Bass  was  a  planter 
of  fine  means,  liberal  and  intelligent.  Under  impres- 
sions of  dutj'  he  was  liberated  to  exercise  a  public  gift 
in  the  gospel.  His  position  and  influence  as  a  Christian 
gave  weight  to  his  labors  from  the  first.  He  was  soon 
called  to  ordination  and  engaged  in  pastoral  work 
with  much  acceptance.  For  a  time  he  was  Missionary 
of  Mount  Pisgah  Association.  On  the  formation  of  the 
Central  Association  he  became  connected  with  that 
body,  since  which  the  writer  has  known  but  little  of 
him',  either  as  to  his  labors,  his  influence,  or  when  he 
ceased  from  his  labors.  Brother  Bass  was  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Association  in  1843,  when  the  anti-Mis- 
sionaries withdrew  from  it. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  461 

James  B.  Gage  for  years  had  membership  in  the 
Canton  Baptist  church,  and  frequently  represented 
that  church  in  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  When 
first  known  by  the  writer  he  was  a  licensed  preacher, 
but  afterwards  attained  to  ordination ;  was  a  man  of 
liberal  education,  cheerful  and  active  as  a  Christian, 
and  fairly  gifted  as  a  preacher,  giving  life  and  cheerful- 
ness to  Christian  work.  He,  too,  on  the  organization 
of  the  Central  Association  left  the  Pisgah  and  has  been 
unknown  to  us  since. 

In  1886  the  Association  met  wnth  Oakland  church, 
Newton  county,  w^hich  w^as  the  Forty-ninth  annual 
meeting.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
A.J.  Freeman— text.  Acts  28  :  22 ;  theme,  "  Sects  Against 
the  Baptists."  One  hour  and  a  bountiful  dinner,  and 
the  delegates  assembled  in  the  house  and  were  called  to 
order  by  the  moderator,  who  led  in  prayer.  B.  W. 
Bearing  w^as  requested  to  preach  at  the  stand.  Thos. 
Keith,  L.  M.  Phillips  and  A.J.  Freeman  were  appointed 
to  read  letters.  D.  T.  Chapman,  N.  T.  Johnston  and 
J.  R.  Pace  were  committee  on  finance.  Letters  were 
read  from  forty-four  churches,  delegates  names  enrolled 
and  statistics  noted.  Officers  were  elected  by  acclama- 
tion—N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  J.  M.  Moore,  clerk; 
J.  D.  Hardy,  treasurer.  One  new  church  added.  Lib- 
erty, Newton  county.  Visiting  ministers  were  invited 
to  seats.  Correspondence  was  received  from  Bethle- 
hem, Salem  and  Oktibbeha  associations.  Committees 
were  regularly  appointed:  G.  W.  Rainer,  J.  B.  Ishee, 
G.  C.  Harper,  A.  W.  W.  Grafton,  with  the  pastor  and 
deacons  of  Oakland  church,  were  the  committee  on 
preaching.  The  arrangement  was  that  L.  B.  Fancher 
preach  Saturday  night ;  prayer  meeting  Sunday  morn- 
ing; that  L.  P.  Murrell  preach  at  11  o'clock  on  Sutiday 


462  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

the  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed  by  a  collection; 
J.  M.  Moore  preach  in  the  evening,  J.  T.  Simmons 
preach  at  night.  Adjourned  until  9  o'clock  Monday. 
The  Lord's  daj^  services  were  according  to  arrange- 
ment:  L.  B.  Fancher  preached  Saturday  night ;  prayer 
meeting  on  Sunday  morning;  L.  P.  Murrell  preached 
at  11  o'clock  the  sermon  on  missions,  followed  by  a 
•collection,  amounting  to  $41.55;  J.  M.  Moore  preached 
in  the  evening,  J.  T.  Simmons  at  night.  From  the  vast- 
ness  of  the  congregation  and  the  soundness  and  ability 
of  the  preaching,  we  have  good  reason  to  hope  that 
much  good  was  done.  The  gathering  on  Monday 
morning  was  cheerful  and  brotherh\  At  9  o'clock  the 
Association  was  called  to  order.  Prayer  by  A.  J.  Free- 
man. The  roll  was  called  and  decorum  read.  George 
Whitfield,  vice-president  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Board, 
was  welcomed  to  a  seat  in  the  body.  A  report  on 
Foreign  mission  work,  presented  hy  him,  was  ordered 
printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Association.  A  letter 
was  read  from  the  Sweet  Pilgrim  Association,  a  body 
of  colored  Baptists  asking  correspondence,  which  was 
accepted  and  returned  b^^  letter.  Returned  correspond- 
ence to  sister  associations.  Reports  of  committees 
were  heard  and  acted  on.  The  report  of  the  committee 
on  the  state  of  religion  and  •  fraternal  correspondence 
with  the  churches  was  of  much  interest.  The^-  say : 
'' Through  the  still  abounding  mercies  of  God,  we  have 
been  favored  to  meet  in  our  annual  session  for  1886, 
which  is  the  Foii;3'-ninth  annual  meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. Our  welcome  with  the  Oakland  was  hearty, 
and  the  accommodations  abundant.  The  attendance 
from  the  churches  has  been  iiearly  full,  representing  the 
churches  in  peace  and  order;  and,  though  the  number 
baptized  has  not  been  so  large  as  in  some  years  before, 


HISTORY     OF  ■  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  463 

yet  it  has  been  creditable,  amounting  to  about  150. 
All  our  churches  have  had  preaching  with  more  or  less 
regularity ;  in  some  there  have  been  large  and  precious 
ingatherings.  The  spirit  of  missions  still  lives  in  the 
churches  of  our  Association,  and  in  some  it  is  growing. 
So  far  as  seen  there  is  but  one  discouraging  fact  among 
our  churches,  and  that  is  the  disposition  of  border 
churches  to  withdraw  and  go  elsewhere,  thus  weaken- 
ing down  the  venerable  old  bod^^  that  has  so  long  bat- 
tled for  the  truth  and  done  so  much  for  the  cause  of 
Christ. 

Our  present  session  has  been  unusually  harmonious 
and  peaceful,  the  preaching  sound,  instructive  and 
profitable.  And  while  as  churches  and  ministers  we 
may  not  have  done  all  we  might  in  the  great  work  of 
spreading  the  blessed  gospel,  3'et  much  has  been  done, 
and  God  has  blessed  it.  Thankful  for  the  past,  appre- 
ciating the  present  and  trusting  God  for  the  future,  we 
thank  Him  and  take  courage.  The  Baptists  are  an 
historic  people,  divinel3^  historic.  Their  history  is  writ- 
ten in  the  word  of  God  ;  it  is  written  in  the  dark  pages 
of  Jewish,  heathen  and  Popish  persecution ;  it  is  writ- 
ten in  the  tears  and  groans  and  death  of  the  suffering 
saints,  w^ho  have  laid  down  their  lives  for  Christ  and 
his  truth.  With  such  an  ancestr3^  in  the  faith ;  with 
such  examples  before  their  eyes,  we  dare  to  be  faith- 
ful— we  dare  to  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith  one  de- 
livered to  the  saints.  Yea,  we  must  be  faithful,  declar- 
ing the  whole  counsel  of  God,  avoiding  all  s^-mpathy 
with  the  popular  errors  around  us.  We  dare  not  affi- 
liate with  those  living  in  error  if  we  would  be  clear  of 
sin.  What  fellowship  has  light  with  darkness?  Men 
in  error  should  not  be  invited  to  preach  for  our  people ; 
nor  can  we  participate  in  the  religious  meetings  of 


464  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Pedo-baptists  and  be  faithful  to  God  and  to  his  truth ; 
though  it  is  frequently  done,  even  to  the  giving  of  the 
right  hand  of  fellow^ship  to  those  christened  in  infancy, 
and  likely  3^et  unconverted.  In  this  way  v^e  sanction 
error,  bring  about  divisions  among  our  membership 
and  grieve  the  minds  of  our  pastors,  who  are  in  duty 
bound  to  oppose  these  errors.  Let  us  remember  that  if 
we  bid  God  speed  to  error  we  become  guilt3\  Under 
the  constitution  and  laws  all  orders  have  the  same 
rights,  and  should  have.  Our  security'  and  spiritual 
prosperity-  is  in  social  separation  from  all  errorists,  in 
keeping  aloof,  in  showing  no  fellowship  for  their  un- 
scriptural  practices.  Let  us  pra3^ constantly  that  error 
ma^-  perish,  and  do  all  we  consistantly  can  to  pull 
down  rather  than  build  it  up." 

Missions,  education  and  Sunday  schools  were  ably 
reported  on.  The  Southern  Baptist,  Baptist  Record, 
and  Kind  Words  were  recommended.  The  powers  of 
the  Association,  abstract  of  faith,  gospel  order  and  rules 
of  decorum  were  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  minutes ; 
also  delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion and  funds  appropriated.  Provision  was  made  to 
have  the  mini <tes  printed  and  funds  assigned.  Hearty 
thanks  were  voted  to  the  Oakland  church  and  commun- 
ity for  their  kindness  and  liberal  support  of  the  Associ- 
ation while  in  session  \vith  them.  It  was  ordered  that 
the  next  session  of  the  Association  be  held  with  the 
Cross  Road  church,  Newton  county.  An  adjournment 
was  then  voted.  Fifteen  minutes  were  spent  in  singing, 
giving  the  parting  hand  and  prayers,  and  the  delegates 
were  on  their  way  home.  A  profitable  meeting  of  the 
body. 

The  table  shows  the  follow-ing:  Fifty  churches  in 
the  body  with  a  membership  of  2,723,  baptized  during 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-65 

the  year  142,  Decatur  the  largest  church  152,  N.  L- 
Clarke  pastor,  twenty  ordained  ministers,  ten  licen- 
tiates. 

Isaac  Anderson,  for  many  years  connected  with  the 
churches  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  reared  to 
manhood  in  South-east  Mississippi.  About  the  year 
1850,  he  made  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  was 
baptized  by  the  writer  in  the  lower  part  of  Jasper 
county.  From  the  very  first,  after  his  baptism,  he  bore 
his  profession  with  dignity,  and  was  soon  under  im- 
pressions to  preach,  and  was  encouraged  to  pray,  and 
talk  in  public,  but  was  entirely  without*  an  education. 
The  writer  taught  him  his  letters,  and  the  first  princi- 
ples of  an  education  at  his  own  home.  After  this,  he 
attended  school,  and  obtained  such  advantages  of  edu- 
cation as  his  circumstances  allowed,  at  the  same  time 
preached  as  the  openings  were  before  him.  After  some 
years,  he  was  ordained,  and  engaged  in  pastoral  work> 
laboring  in  the  counties  of  Jasper,  Smith,  Covington^ 
Jones,  Perr3%  Marion,  and  more  or  less  down  to  the 
coast,  and  was  highly  esteemed  for  his  work's  sake  and 
the  good  he  achieved  for  the  cause  of  his  Master.  While 
brother  Anderson  was  not  considered  very  profound^ 
nor  very  able  as  a  minister,  yet  he  attained  to  great 
soundness  in  the  faith  in  the  gospel,  and  was  a  true 
and  consistent  Baptist  minister,  and  was  loved  by  all 
the  brotherhood  that  knew  him.  He  was  in  a  wonder- 
ful degree  given  to  hospitality.  He  died  some  years- 
since,  near  Purvis,  Miss.,  aged  about  sixty-five  years. 

In  1887  the  Association  met  with  Cross  Roads 
church,  Newton  county.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  G.  W.  Rainer — text,  Eph.  2:8;  theme, 
"Salvation  by  Grace."  One  hour  intermission  and 
dinner,  and  the  delegates  convened  in  the  house  and! 


466  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

-was  called  to  order  by  the  moderator.  J.  M.  Moore  led 
in  praj^er.  J.  J.  Ingram  was  requested  to  preach  at  the 
stand.  L.  M.  Phillips,  T.  C.  Viverett  and  Thomas 
Keith  were  appointed  to  read  letters.  N.  T.  Johnston, 
A.  W.  W.  Grafton  and  J.  H,  Limbough  were  committee 
on  finance.  Letters  were  read  from  fortj'-five  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Officers 
were  elected  b_v  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator; 
J,  M.  Moore,  clerk ;  J.  D.  Hardy,  treasurer.  One  new 
church  was  added  to  the  body,  Good  Hope,  Scott 
count3^  Visiting  ministers  were  invited  to  seats  in  the 
lDod\'.  Correspondence  was  received  from  Alount  Olive, 
Salem,  Springfield  and  Bethlehem  associations.  Com- 
mittees were  regularh'  appointed  :  J.  B.  Ishee  and  A.  P. 
Wash,  with  the  pastor  and  deacons  of  Cross  Roads 
church,  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 

The  Lord's  day  services  were  arranged  as  follows: 
Pra\'er  meeting  in  the  morning,  conducted  b^-  Brother 
Preeman;  mission  talk  by  Prof.  Leavell;  J.  M.  Moore 
±o  preach  at  11  o'clock  on  missions,  to  be  followed  by 
a.  collection ;  J.  T.  Simmons  to  preach  in  the  evening. 
Adjourned  to  8  :  30  Alonda^-  morning. 

Lord's  day  services  \vere  as  arranged  :  Prayer  meet- 
ing in  the  morning;  lecture  on  missions  by  Professor 
Leavell;  J.  M.  Moore  preached  at  11  o'clock  on  mis- 
sions, followed  b3'  a  collection  for  missions,  amount- 
ing to  $42.35 :  J.  T.  Simmons  preached  in  the  evening. 
Prom  the  size  of  the  congregation,  the  character  of  the 
preaching  and  the  attention  given,  we  have  good 
reason  to  believe  that  much  good  was  done. 

At  the  appointed  hour  Monday  morning  the  Asso- 
ciation met  and  was  called  to  order  and  prayer  offered. 
The  roll  was  called  and  rules  of  decorum  read.  L.  P. 
Murrell  appointed  to  preach  at  11  o'clock.      Corres- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  467 

pondence  was  returned  to  sister  associations,  and  re- 
. ports  of  committees  read  and  acted  on.  The  report  of 
the  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  was  full  of  inter- 
est. They  saj':  **  Another  year  has  passed  away,  and 
again  through  the  mercj^  of  God,  our  beloved  Associa- 
tion is  in  annual  session,  and  with  great  evidence  of 
the  divine  blessing  upon  us.  Not  for  man3'  years,  if 
ever  before,  has  the  Lord  so  blessed  and  increased  our 
churches  by  baptism ;  at  the  same  time  general  peace 
prevails.  This  added  to  the  increased  production  of 
our  fields,  gives  us  great  occasion  for  gratitude  to  God 
and  encouragement  in  our  work.  Our  present  session 
has  been  ver\^  harmonious  and  interesting,  the  delega- 
tion from  the  churches  nearly  full,  while  the  preaching 
has  been  able  and  sound.  It  is  thought  there  is  no  de- 
crease in  the  devotion  of  the  churches  to  the  \vork  of 
missions,  but  rather  a  growth.  Our  reception  1)v  the 
brethren  at  Cross  Roads  w^as  cordial,  and  our  support 
liberal  and  abundant.  Under  all  the  circumstances  we 
thank  God  both  for  the  present  and  the  past,  and,  we 
hope  for  the  future. 

"In  looking  back  over -the  past  labors  of  our  be- 
loved Association,  we  feel  that  much  has  iDeen  done  for 
the  c^iuse  of  Christ.  This,  however,  has  been  done 
through  self-sacrificing  adherence  to  our  distinctive 
principles  as  taught  in  the  word  of  God,  attended  by 
the  divine  blessing,  and  in  no  other  wa^^  can  we  sustain 
and  advance  the  work  of  our  body  and  meet  our 
weighty  obligations.  Allow  us  then,  brethren,  to  en- 
courage you  in  \-our  course  of  faithfulness.  God  has 
•committed  to  you,  to  us  ail,  a  great  work.  We  must 
be  true  to  our  trust.  Let  us  keep  prominently  before 
the  people ;  the  fall  and  depravity,  the  total  depravity 
«of   man,  salvation   by  grace.     Justification   by  faith 


468  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

alone,  in  the  imputed  righteousness  of  Christ,  obedience 
as  the  evidence  of  faith,  and  the  final  perseverance  of 
the  saints.  Vastly  important  in  the  cause  of  Christ  is 
strict  adherence  to  the  doctrine  of  a  converted  member- 
ship. Leave  this  out  and  ^ve  are  on  the  broad  sea  with 
out  chart  or  compass.  Our  views  of  church  member- 
ship and  baptism,  make  our  practice  of  close  commu- 
nion clearly  consistent,  yea,  a  necessity,  let  others  say 
what  they  will  about  it.  We  may  not  turn  aside  to 
please  any  one.  Our  views  of  baptism  are  clearly  Scrip- 
tural and  must  be  maintained  at  every  cost.  The  word 
used  in  the  New  Testament,  haptidzo,  was  not  trans- 
lated, but  merelj^  transferred  to  the  English  New^  Tes- 
tament, and  it  has  preciseh^  the  same  meaning  as  our 
w^ord  dip.  Calvin,  the  founder  of  Presby terianism ; 
Luther,  the  founder  of  Lutheranism ;  and  Wesle^',  the 
founder  of  Alethodism,  all  admit  this,  together  with 
all  the  scholars  of  note  in  the  world.  Dipping-in  bap- 
tism was  universal  for  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ot 
the  Christian  era,  and  almost  universal  for  twelve  hun- 
dred years.  The  Roman  Catholics  then  introduced 
sprinkling  and  pouring,  and  Protestants  received  it 
from  them,  while  the  true  church  of  Christ  has  main- 
tained dipping  from  the  time  of  Christ  down  to  the 
present." 

Interesting  reports  were  read  on  missions,  Sunday 
schools,  publications  and  temperance,  and  ably  dis- 
cussed and  approved.  Strong  resolutions  were  passed, 
pledging  the  Association  against  the  whisky  traffic, 
and  in  favor  of  prohibition.  The  Southern  Baptist 
Record  was  recommended  to  the  favor  and  use  of  the 
churches.  The  Report  on  Foreign  missions,  prepared 
by  George  Whitfield,  vice-president  of  the  Foreign  Mis- 
sion Board,  was  ordered  printed  in  the  Minutes  of  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  469 

Association.  Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  next 
meeting  of  the  General  Association  and  funds  appro- 
priated. The  following  resolution  was  unanimously 
passed :  That  N.  L.  Clarke  be  requested,  at  his  conven- 
ience, to  write  the  history  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association. 

A  resolution  encouraging  liberality  in  mission  work 
was  unanimously  passed.  The  Garlandsville  church 
sent  a  query:  "Is  it  prudent  or  safe  to  invite  a  minis- 
ter to  preach  in  our  churches,  or  serve  as  pastor  of  a 
church,  who  holds  a  letter  from  other  church  which 
knows  nothing  of  the  Christian  conduct  of  said  minis- 
ter since  granting  the  letter  ?  "  Answer,  "  It  is  not  pru- 
dent nor  safe." 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  session  of  the  Associa- 
tion be  held  with  Rock  Branch  church,  Newton  county; 
that  T.  I.  Wells  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon, 
J.  W.  Arnold  alternate;  that  N.  L.  Clarke  preach  the 
next  annual  sermon  on  missions,  A.  J.  Freeman  be  his 
alternate.  Arrangement  was  made  for  the  printing 
and  distribution  of  the  Minutes  and  funds  assigned. 
Heart}^  thanks  were  cordially  voted  b^'  the  bod^-  to  the 
church  and  community  for  their  great  kindness  and 
liberal  support  of  the  body  while  in  session  with  them. 
Then  came  the  vote  to  adjourn.  "Amazing  Grace" 
was  sung  while  giving  the  parting  hand  ;  closing  prayer 
by  L.  P.  Murrell. 

The  table  shows  48  churches  in  the  body,  contain- 
ing a  membership  of  2,721,  366  baptized  during  the 
year.  Beulah,  the  largest  church,  187,  H.  O.  White, 
pastor;  35  have  died  during  the  year;  21  ordained 
ministers,  15  licentiates. 

E.  L.  Carter,  for  many  years  connected  with  the 
churches  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  and  afterwards 
with  the  Salem,  was  born  either  in  Georgia  or  South 


'470  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Carolina.  In  early  life  he  moved  to  Alabama,  and  af- 
terwards came  to  Mississippi,  and  resided  in  Lauderdale 
county,  where  in  the  prime  of  life,  he  professed  faith  in 
Christ,  and  was  baptized.  Soon  he  gave  evidence  of 
impressions  to  preach,  and  w^as  licensed  to  do  so ;  exer- 
cising his  gift  in  Lauderdale,  Clarke,  and  Newton  coun- 
ties. About  the  year  1850,  Brother  Carter  was  or- 
dained to  the  full  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  en- 
tered on  pastoral  w^ork,  with  great  faithfulness,  in  the 
counties  alread3'  named,  and  also  in  Jasper,  Jones  Cov- 
ington, Simpson,  and  Smith,  seeking  the  salvation  of 
the  lost,  feeding  the  flock  of  God,  and  earnesth',  honest- 
ly, and  faithfully  contending  for  the  faith  of  the  gospel. 
For  a  time  he  traveled  as  a  missionarj^  under  the  di- 
rection of  Alount  Pisgah  Association,  and  was  also 
missionar3'  of  the  General  Association  for  j^ears.  Like- 
ly a  truer  man  in  his  intentions  never  entered  the  Chris- 
tian ministry.  While  he  was  not  truly  eloquent,  yet 
his  style  of  deliver3^  was  pleasant,  his  utterance  distinct 
and  his  discourses  were  instructive  and  interesting. 
His  aim  was  to  build  on  the  Rock,  and  material  that 
would  neither  bum  nor  rot.  God  and  his  promises, 
Christ,  and  the  grace  of  God,  through  Him,  experiment- 
ally applied  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  justification  by  faith, 
evidenced  by  obedience,  were  themes  he  delighted  to 
dw^ell  on.  Brother  Carter  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-two 
years.  Like  the  ripened  fields  of  grain,  he  was  gathered 
into  the  garner  of  rest  and  glorv'. 

In  the  3'ear  1888  the  Association  met  with  the 
Rock  Branch  church,  Newton  county,  it  being  the  fifty- 
first  annual  session  of  the  body.  The  introductory 
sermon  was  preached  by  T.  I.  Wells— text,  2  Tim.  1:9; 
theme,  "The  Calling  and  Salvation  of  God's  People  the 
Result  of  His  Gracious  Purpose  in  Christ  from  Eternity, 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  471 

which  secures  their  final  redemption."  After  intermis- 
sion of  one  hour  and  dinner,  the  body  was  called  to 
order  in  the  house.  Prayer  by  S.J.  TuUos.  Thos.  Keith, 
L.  M.  Phillips  and  T.  L.  Moore  were  requested  to  read 
letters.  T.  C.  Viverett,  N.  T.Johnston  and  D.  S.  Holmes 
were  the  committee  on  finance.  L.  B.  Fancher  was  re- 
quested to  preach  to  the  people  at  the  stand.  Letters 
were  read  from  forty-seven  churches,  delegates  names 
enrolled  and  statistics  nqted.  Officers  were  elected  by 
acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator;  J.  M.  Moore^ 
clerk;  J.  D.  Hardj^  treasurer.  One  new  church  was; 
added  to  the  body.  Center  Ridge,  Newton  county... 
Correspondence  was  received  from  Oktibbeha  Associa- 
tion and  the  Baptist  State  Convention.  Committees 
were  regularly  appointed  :  F.  Sansing,  J.  P.  Pace,  C.  G, 
Johnston  and  N.  Barham,  with  the  pastor  and  deacons 
of  Rock  Branch,  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 
The  committee  arranged  for  preaching  services  as  fol-. 
lows:  A.J.  Freeman  to  preach  Saturday  night  at  the- 
church  ;  also  G.  W.  Rainer  to  preach  at  Union  ;  J.  J.  In- 
gram at  Hebron;  N.  L.  Clarke  to  preach  at  11  o'clock 
on  Lord's  day  the  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed 
by  a  collection :  J.  B.  Gambrell  will  preach  at  2  o'clock 
in  the  evening.     Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  Monday. 

The  Lord's  day  services  were  of  much  interest : 
Prayer  meeting  in  the  morning,  conducted  by  Brother 
Hailey;  N.  L.  Clarke  preached  at  11  o'clock;  a  collec- 
tion was  taken  up,  amounting  to  $44. 35.  J.  B.  Gam- 
brell preached  in  the  evening  a  sermon  of  much  interest. 
Seldom,  if  ever,  has  it  been  our  privilege  to  witness  or 
enjoy  a  more  interesting  da3'.  The  clerk  says:  "Alto- 
gether the  day's  services  were  abundantly  edifj-ing  to 
the  children  of  God.  The  truth  was  tenderly  and  faith- 
fully preached ;   surely  much  good  was  done  that  day 


472  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

in  the  name  of  Jesus.    Seldom,  if  ever,  has  it  been  our 
privilege  to  attend  such  a  meeting  of  the  body." 

The  Association  was  called  to  order  at  the  hour 
set.  Prayer  by  H.  Bruce.  The  roll  was  called  and  de- 
corum read,  visiting  ministers  invited  to  seats  and  cor- 
respondence returned.  Reports  on  committees  were 
read,  discussed  and  acted  on.  The  report  of  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  religion  possessed  much  interest. 
They  tell  us  that  the  churches  are  in  peace ;  nearly  a 
full  delegation  was  present ;  that  all  the  churches  have 
preaching.  They  state  that  we  have  abundant  reasons 
for  gratitude  to  God  for  His  blessings  on  the  churches. 
They  add:  "Much  good  has  been  done  and  much  re- 
mains to  be  done,  if  we  meet  our  obligations  and  sus- 
tain the  cause  of  Christ  committed  to  our  hands.  The 
times  that  are  upon  us  require  soundness,  intelligence 
and  energy',  yea,  watchfulness.  Your  committee  is  im- 
pressed with  the  fact  that  our  pastors  should  be  careful 
to  indoctrinate  the  people  of  their  charge,  giving  them 
line  upon  line,  precept  upon  precept,  that  they  may 
know  the  truth." 

J.  E.  Chapman  preached  at  the  stand  in  the  morn- 
ing. Able  and  interesting  reports  were  made  on 
Sunday  schools,  missions  and  temperance.  Much  im- 
jDortance  was  given  to  the  subject  of  temperance.  The 
report  was  able,  clear  and  conclusive,  and  b\'  permis- 
sion was  voted  on  by  the  whole  congregation,  the 
whole  house  unanimously  rising.  L.  P.  Alurrell 
preached  at  the  stand  in  the  evening.  A  voluntary 
contribution  was  made  in  the  body  for  missions, 
amounting  to  $15.70.  Delegates  were  appointed  to 
the  General  Association  and  funds  appropriated.  The 
Southern  Baptist  Record  was  recommended  to  the  use 
and  support  of  the  churches. 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  473 

It  was  agreed  that  the  next  annual  session  of  the 
body  be  held  with  Pleasant  Hill  church,  Newton  county. 
That  J.  W.  Arnold  preach  the  next  introductory  sermon, 
S.  J.  Tullos  alternate.  That  A.  J.  Freeman  preach  the 
next  sermon  on  missions;  J.  M.  Moore  alternate.  Ar- 
rangement was  made  for  the  printing  and  distribution 
of  the  minutes,  and  funds  assigned.  Thanks  were 
heartily  voted  to  Rock  Branch  church  and  community 
for  their  great  kindness  and  hospitality  to  the  body 
while  in  session.  Adjournment  was  voted,  and  the  time 
of  parting  came.  Much  tenderness  was  manifested 
w^hile  singing  one  of  Zion's  songs  and  giving  the  part- 
ing hand.    J.  M.  Kelh^  offered  the  closing  prayer. 

The  Minutes  show  fort3'-nine  churches  in  the  body ; 
a  total  membership  of  2,670:  ISO  baptized  during  the 
year ;  thirtj'  had  died  ;  twenty-two  ordained  ministers; 
eighteen  licentiates. 

John  Rush,  for  years  connected  with  the  churches 
of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  when  quite  young 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Zion  Hill  church,  Lauder- 
dale count\'.  After  a  time  he  gave  evidence  of  impress- 
ions to  preach  and  was  given  license  to  exercise  accord- 
ing to  his  ability.  His  growth  was  not  rapid,  yet  his 
gifts  were  such  as  to  make  him  acceptable  among  his 
brethren.  In  after  time  he  moved  to  Jasper  county 
and  had  membership  in  Mount  Pisgah  church,  where 
according  to  the  recollection  of  the  writer,  he  received 
ordination,  and  engaged  in  pastoral  work  in  Jasper 
county  and  the  country  around.  For  a  time  he  did 
pastoral  work  at  Whistler,  Ala.,  thus  transfering  his 
.  labors  to  the  south-east.  The  war  came  on,  and  the 
writer  lost  sight  of  him ;  but  am  under  the  impression 
that  he  went  west  of  the  IMississippi,  but  was  called  to 
his  eternal  home  before  he  was  old.    He  was  a  man  of 


474  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

good  personal  appearance,  cheerful  and  sprightly  man- 
ners, fair  talents  as  a  speaker,  and  had  a  fine  career  as 
a  minister  for  a  number  of  3'ears.  The  latter  part  of 
his  ministry  was  saddened  by  the  sorrows  of  the  war. 

David  Williamson  %vas  formerly  a  member  of  Pop- 
lar Springs  church,  Newton  county,  w^as  there  licensed 
to  preach,  and  gave  promise  of  much  usefulness ;  but 
following  the  tide  of  emigration,  he  moved  to  Texas, 
and  continued  his  work  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  for 
mam^  3^ears,  attended  with  much  usefulness,  calling 
sinners  to  repent,  and  feeding  the  flock  of  God. 

In  1889  the  Association  met  with  Pleasant  Hill 
church,  Newton  county-,  being  the  fiftA'-second  session 
of  the  bodj'.  The  introductory-  sermon  was  preached 
by  J.  W.  Arnold  —  text,  Rom.  4:3;  theme,  "Justifica- 
tion by  Faith."  Intermission  and  dinner,  and  the  body 
was  called  to  order  b^-  the  moderator.  Pra^-er  b^-  J.  J. 
Ingram.  A.J.  Freeman,  L.  Phillips  and  J.  E.  Chapman 
■were  requested  to  read  letters.  N.  T.  Johnston,  C.  C. 
Roebuck  and  A.  Pierce  were  appointed  a  committee  on 
finance.  L.  J.  Caughman  was  appointed  to  preach  at 
the  stand.  Letters  were  read  from  fort^'-five  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Ofiicers 
were  elected  by  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator ; 
J.  M.  Aloore,  clerk :  J.  D.  Hard^',  treasurer.  Visiting 
ministers  were  invited  to  seats  with  the  bod\\  W.  J, 
David,  missionary'  from  Africa,  A.  Gressett  and  J.  B. 
Gambrell  of  the  Record ,  accepted.  Two  new  churches 
were  added  to  the  Association — Union,  Newton  county 
and  Bethel,  Neshoba  counts-.  Received  correspondence 
from  Salem  and  New  Liberty  associations.  Commit- 
tees were  regularly  appointed  :  Wm.  Graham  and  J.  J. 
Phillips,  with  the  pastor  and  deacons  of  Pleasant  Hill 
church,  were  appointed  the  committee  on  preaching. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-75 

Sunday'  services  were  arranged  as  follows:  Prayer 
meeting  9  o'clock  a.  m.,  conducted  by  L.  M.  Phillips; 
W.  J.  David,  missionary  to  Africa,  to  lecture  on  African 
missions  at  10  o'clock;  A.  J.  Freeman  to  preach  at  11 
o'clock  the  annual  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed 
by  a  collection  for  missions;  J.  B.  Gambrell  to  preach 
at  2  o'clock.  Adjourned  to  meet  at  9  o'clock  Monday 
morning. 

The  services  on  Sunday  were  as  arranged.  The 
prayer  meeting  was  fervent,  David's  lecture  interesting 
and  instructive;  the  preaching  able,  instructive  and 
comforting;  $27.82  were  collected  for  missions.  The 
appearance  was  that  much  good  was  done  in  the  name 
of  Christ. 

The  convening  on  Monday  morning  was  with  much 
greeting  and  cheerfulness.  A  hymn  was  sung  and 
L.  M.  Phillips  led  in  prayer.  The  roll  was  called  and 
decorum  read.  Returned  correspondence  to  sister  asso- 
ciations. Reports  of  committees  were  read,  discussed 
and  acted  on.  The  reports  were  able  and  interesting, 
and  discussed  with  animation.  The  committee  on  the 
state  of  religion  gave  an  encouraging  view  in  the 
bounds  of  our  Association,  both  in  the  churches  and  in 
our  present  meeting.  They  close  thus :  "In  reviewing 
the  past,  3^our  committee  feels  there  is  much  to  be 
thankful  for,  and  a  wide  opening  for  usefulness  in  the 
future.  Let  us  enter  the  opening,  and  in  faithfulness 
occupy.  We  must  maintain  the  spirituality  and  purity 
of  our  membership.  Charactar,  not  numbers,  should 
be  our  motto.  We  must  not  receive  the  unconverted, 
as  it  would  be  unprofitable  to  them  and  dangerous 
to  us.  Let  us  remember  that  the  world  is  man's 
natural  state,  and  that  a  church  of  Christ  is  composed 
of  persons  redeemed  and  called  out  of  the  world.   Great 


476  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

care  should  be  taken  to  train  and  indoctrinate  our 
young  members,  teaching  them  to  understand  why  we 
are  Baptists,  and  why  v^e  do  not  fellowship  and  com- 
mune with  the  Pedo-baptists.  Our  people  have  need  of 
knowledge,  Scriptural  knowledge.  "  Stand  in  the  ways 
and  see,  and  ask  for  the  old  paths :  there  is  the  good 
way  and  walk  therein,  and  ye  shall  find  rest  to  your 
souls."  There  can  no  good  come  by  introducing  new 
and  questionable  methods,  but  they  engender  strife  and 
are  questions  that  do  not  edif\'.  We  respectfully  urge 
the  churches  composing  this  body  to  faithfulness  in  all 
things,  and  liberality  in  giving  for  the  spread  of  the 
glorious  gospel  of  Christ.  "They  that  water  shall  be 
watered.  The^'  that  sow  liberalh'  shall  reap  also  lib- 
erally ;  but  thcA'  that  sow  sparingly  shall  reap  also 
sparingly.'"  May  God  bless  the  membership  of  the 
churches  of  our  dear  old  Association. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  missions  was  ably 
discussed,  especially  by  W.  J.  David,  also  b\' J.  B.  Gam- 
brell,  at  whose  suggestion  a  voluntary  contribution 
was  made  to  aid  the  Cuban  mission,  amounting  to 
$20.  The  report  of  the  committee  on  publications  was. 
listened  to  with  much  interest  and  discussed  with  some 
feeling  by  Gambrell,  Freeman  and  Clarke.  The  report 
contains  the  first  public  suggestion  as  to  the  propriety 
of  starting  another  Baptist  paper  in  the  State.  That 
suggestion  is  in  the  following  language:  "We  suggest 
to  this  Association,  and  to  those  working  through  the 
General  Association,  and  the  Baptists  of  the  State 
generally,  the  propriety  of  making  an  effort  for  better 
privileges.  We,  therefore,  recommend  this  bodA'  to  ap- 
point a  committee  of  five  brethren,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  investigate  this  matter,  and  report  to  the  coming 
session  of  the  General  Association,  with  the  consent  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  ■4-77 

that  body."  The  following  are  the  names  of  the  breth- 
ren appointed  in  pursuance  of  the  above :  N,  L.  Clarke,, 
D.T.  Chapman,  A.  J.  Freeman,  J.  M.  Moore,  T.  I.Wells, 
G.  W.  Rainer. 

Able  reports  were  read  on  Sunday  schools,  educa- 
tion and  temperance.  The  Southern  Baptist  Record 
Mvas  recommended  to  the  favor  and  use  of  the  churches. 
Delegates  w^ere  appointed  to  the  General  Association 
and  funds  appropriated. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  binding  the  delegates  to 
urge  the  work  of  missions  in  their  churches.  Provision, 
was  made  for  the  printing  and  distribution  of  the  Min- 
utes, and  funds  assigned.  It  was  agreed  that  the  next 
session  of  the  body  be  held  with  Bethel  church,  Newton 
county  ;  that  S.  J.  Tullos  preach  the  next  introductory 
sermon,  and  J.  J.  Ingram  be  his  alternate;  that  J.  M. 
Moore  preach  the  next  annual  sermon  on  missions,  and 
L.  B.  Fancher  be  his  alternate.  Hearty  thanks  were 
voted  to  Pleasant  Hill  church  and  community  for  their 
liberal  support  to  the  body  while  in  session  with  them. 
The  adjourning  hour  came,  a  song  was  sung,  the  hand 
of  parting  given,  prayer  by  L.  P.  Murrell.  Thus  passed 
and  closed  an  interesting  meeting  of  Alount  Pisgah 
Association. 

The  table  shows  49  churches  in  the  body,  a  total 
mcuibership  of  2,608,  134  baptized  during  the  j^ear. 
Bculah,  the  largest  church,  198,  H.  O.  White,  pastor; 
32  have  died  during  the  year;  22  ordained  ministers, 
21  licentiates. 

Z.  T.  Faulkner,  for  years  a  minister  connected  with 
churches  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  reared  to 
manhood  in  East  Mississippi,  likely  in  Clarke  county. 
While  quite  young  he  came  with  his  father  to  Scott 
county    and    had    membership    in    the  New   Prospect 


478  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

church  in  that  county,  by  which  he  was  Hcensed  to 
preach,  while  a* young  man.  Possessed  of  an  active 
mind,  a  liberal  education,  and  a  commendable  zeal  to 
succeed  and  be  useful,  his  advance  was  pleasing  and 
rapid.  In  a  short  time  his  ordination  was  called  for, 
and  he  entered  upon  pastoral  work  in  his  own  county 
and  the  surrounding.  Active,  prompt  and  able,  he 
gave  great  satisfaction  to  the  churches  that  had  the 
benefit  of  his  labors,  and  was  blessed  to  the  building 
up  of  the  churches  and  winning  souls  to  Christ,  a  gifted 
and  able  minister.  He  is  yet  in  the  strength  of  his 
manhood :  lives  in  the  same  community,  labors  in  the 
same  section  of  countr\'  as  in  youth.  On  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Springfield  Association  he  became  a  minis- 
ter of  that  body.  We  pray  that  God  may  give  him 
mauA'  years  of  great  usefulness  in  the  cause  of  his  divine 
Master. 

In  1890  the  fiftj'-third  session  of  the  Association 
■^vas  held  with  the  Bethel  church,  Newton  count3'.  The 
introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  S.  J.  TuUos — 
text,  1  Cor.  3:4:  theme,  "The  Resurrection  of  Christ, 
the  foundation  of  the  Christian's  j 03'."  One  hour  inter- 
inission  and  dinner,  and  the  bod\'  convened  and  was 
called  to  order  b^-  the  moderator.  L.  B.  Fancher  led  in 
pra^-er.  J.  H.  Sansing,  A.  J.  Freeman  and  J.  C.  Foster 
were  requested  to  read  letters.  N.  T.  Johnson,  D.  C. 
Pajme  and  T.  H.  Stamper  were  appointed  a  committee 
on  finance.  J.  J.  Ingram  was  requested  to  preach  at 
the  stand.  Letters  were  read  from  fort^'-seven  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Officers 
were  elected  b^-  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke  moderator; 
J.  M.  Aloore,  clerk;  J.  E.  Graham,  treasurer.  Visiting 
ministers  were  invited  to  seats;  one  new  church  was 
added  to  the  bod3',  Hardjwille,  Newton  county.     Cor- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  479 

respondence  was  received  from  Salem  and  New  Liberty 
associations.  Committees  were  appointed  :  J.  B.  Ishee, 
J.  P,  Mason  and  A.  P.  Wash,  with  the  pastor  and  dea- 
cons of  Bethel  church,  formed  the  committee  on  preach- 
ing. Lord's  day  services  were  arranged  as  follows : 
Prayer  meeting  at  10  o'clock  in  the  morning,  conducted 
by  G.  W.  Rainer;  J.  M.  Moore  to  preach  at  11  o'clock 
the  annual  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed  by  a 
collection  for  missions;  J.  C.  Foster  to  preach  at 
2  o'clock;  L.  B.  Fancher  at  night,  and  T.  T.  Wells  on 
Monday.    Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  Monday  morning. 

Services  on  Lord's  day  were  as  arranged :  Prayer 
meeting  at  10  o'clock,  conducted  by  G.  W.  Rainer.  At 
11  o'clock  J.  M.  Moore  preached  the  annual  sermon  on 
missions — text,  1  Tim.  1:15;  theme,  "The  Mission  of 
Christ."  $33.35  were  taken  up  for  missions.  J.  C. 
Foster  preached  in  the  evening — text,  John  8 :  12  ;  theme 
"Christ,  the  Light  of  the  World."  The  sermons  were 
able  and  instructive,  and  the  da^^'s  services  interesting 
and  profitable. 

Monday  at  9  o'clock  the  delegates  were  on  hand, 
refreshed  and  cheerful,  when  the  body  was  called  to 
order  by  the  moderator.  PraA'er  by  J.  M.  Hutson. 
The  roll  was  called  and  rules  of  decorum  read  ;  returned 
correspondence  to  sister  associations,  the  messengers 
to  ^vrite  their  own  letters.  The  reports  of  the  commit- 
tees were  able  and  judicious.  The  committee  on  the 
state  of  religion  represent  the  churches  in  peace  and 
united  in  gospel  work,  and  in  defense  of  the  faith  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  passing  session  as  harmonious  and 
profitable.  The^^  then  add:  "Your  committee  believe 
that  our  dear  old  Association  is  still  true  to  the  work 
committed  to  her  more  than  fift^^  ^^ears  ago,  the  main- 
taininof  and  defense  of  the    truth.      Like  the  battle- 


480  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

scarred  soldier,  may  the  victories  gained  prepare  us 
more  fully  for  endurance  and  toil  in  the  future." 

Beloved  brethren,  let  us  be  true  to  the  trust  reposed 
in  us.  "Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,"  says  our  Re- 
deemer. The  tendency  in  Christianity  in  America  is  to 
the  world.  What  is  there  for  us  ?  "Be  not  conformed 
to  this  world — love  not  the  world,"  The  unconverted 
in  our  churches  can  only  work  evil  to  us,  evil  to  the 
cause  ^ve  love  and  advocate.  Few  unconverted  per- 
sons will  make  an  effort  to  come  into  our  churches  if 
pastors  are  faithful  to  their  trust.  A  great  weight  of 
responsibility  rests  on  the  ministry  to  the  churches; 
•  great,  great,  indeed.  At  the  same  time  churches  should 
remember  their  obligation  to  these  pastors. 

Your  committee  is  impressed  with  the  importance 
of  our  avoiding  questions  that  engender  strifes.  "  Mark 
them  ^vhich  cause  divisions  and  offenses  contrary  to 
the  doctrine  ^^e  have  received,  and  avoid  them."  This 
is  an  admonition  to  the  church  at  Rome.  Church  mem- 
bers should  know  the  faith  and  be  prepared  to  defend 
it.  The  older  ministers  and  members  are  passing  away, 
and  soon  the  ^vhole  work  will  be  on  younger  ones. 
The  generation  passing  and  gone  have  done  a  great 
work.  Will  the  coming  be  equal  to  their  task  ?  Fifty 
years !  More  than  fifty  have  we  toiled !  The  next  fifty ! 
Ah,  the  next  fifty!  Oh,  brethren,  what,  what!  May 
God  bless  us  in  our  work. 

The  work  of  missions  received  special  attention  as 
the  great  work  of  the  churches  of  Christ.  An  able  re- 
port on  publications  set  forth  the  organization  of  Bap- 
tist Publication  Society  at  Newton,  Miss.,  and  the 
publication  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist,  recommending 
the  paper  to  the  favor  and  support  of  the  churches. 
Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General  Association 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  481 

and  funds  appropriated.  A  resolution  was  passed^ 
binding  the  delegates  to  present  the  cause  of  missions 
to  their  churches. 

It  was  arranged  that  the  next  session  of  the  Asso- 
ciation be  held  with  the  New  Prospect  church,  Newton 
county.  That  J.  E.  Chapman  preach  the  next  intro- 
duAory  sermon,  T.  I.  Wells  be  his  alternate;  that  L. 
B.  Fancher  preach  the  next  sermon  on  missions,  J.  C. 
Foster  be  his  alternate.  Provision  w^as  made  for  the 
printing  and  distribution  of  the  minutes  and  funds  as- 
signed. Hearty  thanks  were  voted  to  the  church  and 
community  for  their  kindness,  and  their  abundant  sup- 
port to  the  body  and  its  friends  while  with  them.  The 
adjourning  hour  came,  a  song  was  sung,  the  hand  of 
parting  given,  closing  pra^-er  by  L.  J.  Caughman. 

The  table  shows  the  following  state  of  the  Associa- 
tion :  Forty-eight  churches,  2,614  members,  156  bap- 
tized during  the  year,  fort3^-six  have  died,  Beulah  the 
largest  church,  196,  H.  O.  White  pastor,  twenty  or- 
dained ministers,  nineteen  licentiates. 

William  Tullos,  forman3^  3^ears  a  minister  connected 
with  the  churches  of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  w^as 
bom  in  the  State  of  Georgia  in  the  year  1807,  came 
with  his  parents.  Temple  and  Sarah  Tullos,  to  Mississ- 
ippi while  quite  young,  and  had  his  home  in  Simpson 
count}^  where  he  united  in  marriage  wath  Miss  Belinda 
Kennedy.  While  j^et  3^oung,  he  moved  to  Neshoba 
count3%  where  he  made  profession  of  faith  in  Christ, 
and  in  1836  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Eben- 
ezer  church,  b3^  Shadrach  Jones ;  was  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Alount  Sinai  church  in  the  3'ear  1838,  by^ 
which  he  was  licensed  to  preach  about  the  3'car  1842. 
Such  was  his  aAivity  and  progress,  that  his  ordination 
was  called  for,  and  took  place  in  1844;  ordaining  pres- 


482  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

bytery,  Shadrach  Jones,  and  Alanson  Goss.  He  was 
pastor  of  Mount  Sinai  chiirch  in  184-5.  Few  men  stood 
fairer,  or  promised  greater  usefulness  than  brother  Tul- 
los,  but  in  an  evil  and  unguarded  hour  temptation 
came,  and  he  was  deposed  from  the  ministry  for  a  time 
and  lost  his  standing  as  a  Christian.  In  1849,  he  gave 
full  satisfaction  to  the  church,  regained  his  Christian 
standing,  and  in  the  year  1852,  was  fully  restored  to 
the  work  of  the  Christian  ministry-.  From  then  till  the 
close  of  his  life,  he  gave  himself  earnesth'  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  in  Neshoba  county,  having  the  confidence  of  all. 
He  was  instrumental  in  the  constitution  of  Good  Hope 
and  Black  Jack  churches,  of  which  he  was  for  years 
the  successful  pastor,  and  under  whose  ministry'  they 
prospered.  "His  works  do  follow  him.'"  Brother 
Tullos  died  February,  1875,  aged  sixt^'-six  ^^ears. 

In  1891  the  Association  met  with  the  New  Prospect 
church,  Newton  county,  in  her  fift\'-fourth  annual  ses- 
sion. The  introductory-  sermon  was  preached  by  J.  E. 
Chapman — text,  Eph.  1:7;  theme,  "God"s  Purpose  of 
Grace  in  Christ  carried  out  through  the  gospel,  securing 
the  salvation  of  his  people.  The  sermon  was  sound, 
solemn  and  impressive.  One  hour  intermission  and 
dinner  and  the  body  was  called  to  order  by  the  moder- 
ator. J.  E.  Chapman  was  appointed  clerk,  pro  tem, 
the  former  clerk,  J.  M.  Moore,  being  absent.  Thomas 
Keith,  J.  H.  Sansing  and  A.  J.  Freeman  were  appointed 
to  read  the  letters  from  the  churches.  N.  T.  Johnston, 
J.  M.  L^des  and  C.  R.  Pace  were  appointed  a  committee 
on  finance.  H.  Bruce  was  requested  to  preach  at  the 
stand.  Letters  were  read  from  fort\--seven  churches, 
delegates  names  enrolled  and  statistics  noted.  Officers 
were  elected  b^-  acclamation — N.  L.  Clarke,  moderator; 
J.  E.  Chapman,  clerk;  J.  E.  Graham,  treasurer.    Visit- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  483 

ing  ministers  were  invited  to  seats  in  the  body.  No 
new  church  was  added  to  the  bod^-.  Correspondence 
was  received  from  Harmony  and  Oktibbeha  associa- 
tions. The  regular  committees  were  appointed  by  the 
moderator:  J.  M.  Haralson,  J.  B.  Ishee  and  A.  W.  W. 
Grafton,  with  pastor  and  deacons  of  New  Prospect 
church,  were  the  committee  on  preaching. 

The  services  on  Lord's  day  were  arranged  as  fol- 
lows :  Prayer  meeting  9 :  30  o'clock  a.  m.,  conducted  by 
R.  K.  Cleaveland;  mass  meeting  for  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  at  10:30  o'clock;  L.  B.  Fancher  to  preach  at 
11  o'clock  the  sermon  on  missions,  to  be  followed  by  a 
collection ;  N.  L.  Clarke  to  preach  in  the  evening.  Ad- 
journed to  meet  9  o'clock  Monday  morning. 

The  services  on  Sunday  were  of  great  interest.  The 
congregation  was  immense,  the  order  fine,  and  the 
order  of  the  services  as  arranged  by  the  committee 
was  strictly  carried  out.  Every  part  of  the  services 
was  conducted  with  propriet}-  and  to  edification.  A 
collection  was  taken  up,  amounting  with  that  on  Mon- 
day, to  $35.45  for  missions.  The  vast  congregation 
separated  on  Sunda^^  evening,  cheerful,  showing  that  it 
was  good  to  be  there. 

The  gathering  on  Mondaj^  morning  was  with  cor- 
dial greeting,  and  approving  remarks  as  to  services  on 
Lord's  da3^  The  body  was  called  to  order  at  9  o'clock 
by  the  moderator.  Prayer  by  Brother  Yarbrough.  The 
rules  of  decorum  were  read  and  correspondence  re- 
turned. Reports  of  committees  were  read.  The  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  religion  and  fraternal  corres- 
pondence with  the  churches  gave  a  favorable  account 
of  the  state  of  the  cause  and  condition  of  the  churches. 
They  sa}' :  "  How  interesting  these  large  country  gath- 
erings of  Baptist  people.    Rarely  are  they  seen  among 


484  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

other  denominations  now.  With  them  there  is  a  ten- 
dency to  leave  the  country  and  concentrate  in  the  vil- 
lages and  towns ;  such  interests  have  been  connected 
"with  the  present  meeting  of  our  Association  with  New 
Prospect  church.  A  stranger  would  have  been  sur- 
prised to  witness  the  vast  concourse  gathered,  the  order 
observed,  and  the  abundant  supplies  furnished  for  the 
comfort  of  the  body  and  its  friends.  The  delegation 
from  the  churches  was  very  full,  while  the  letters  rep- 
resent them  as  being  in  great  peace  and  more  than 
ordinarih'  prosperous. 

Our  present  session,  this  3^ear,  has  been  harmonious 
and  pleasant,  the  churches  reporting  more  baptisms 
than  for  years  before.  There  is  no  decline  in  the  spirit 
of  missions.  Aluch  interest  has  been  manifested  in  the 
publication  and  circulation  of  our  paper,  the  Missis- 
sippi Baptist.  The  preaching  has  been  spiritual,  sound 
and  instructive.  Our  dear  Association  seems  yet  in  the 
vigor  of  youth,  and  anxious  for  every  good  work. 

Dear  brethren,  allow  us  in  the  close  of  our  report 
to  give  3'ou  a  few  admonitions.  Let  us  remember  that 
yve  are  a  growing  people,  that  every  year  we  are  re- 
ceiving large  additions  to  our  membership.  These 
must  receive  attention,  careful  attention;  they  must 
be  taught  in  the  doctrine  and  in  the  great  work  of 
practical  obedience,  that  the3^  be  fruitful  in  everA'  good 
work.  Let  u.s  maintain  that  simplicitj^  that  has  ever 
been  characteristic  of  our  people.  Let  us  see  that  the 
poor  have  the  gospel  preached  unto  them. 

Able  reports  were  read  on  the  subjects — missions, 
Sunday'  schools,  publications,  temperance,  etc.,  and 
discussed  with  interest  and  ability'.  The  Mississippi 
Baptist  \vas  highly  commended  and  cordially  recom- 
mended to  the  favor  and  support  of  the  churches.    Dele- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  485 

gates  were  appointed  to  the  General  Association  and 
funds  appropriated.  A  strong  and  pointed  resolution 
was  adopted,  condemning  the  proposition  to  open  the 
doors  of  the  Columbian  Centennial  at  Chicago  on  Sun- 
day, and  inviting  all  Christians  to  exert  their  influence 
against  it.  It  was  arranged  that  the  next  annual  ses- 
sion of  the  bod}'  be  held  with  the  Mount  Pleasant 
church,  Newton  county;  that  T.  I.Wells  preach  the 
next  introductory  sermon,  J.  W.  Arnold  alternate;  that 
J.  C.  Foster  preach  the  next  sermon  on  missions,  J.  E. 
Chapman  alternate.  Arrangements  were  made  for  the 
printing  and  distribution  of  the  Minutes,  and  funds 
assigned.  A  resolution  of  thanks  was  cordially  voted 
to  the  New  Prospect  church  and  community  for  their 
kindness  and  liberal  support  of  the  Association  and  its 
friends  while  in  session  among  them. 

The  hour  of  adjournment  came.  A  song  was  sung, 
the  parting  hand  given,  thus  closing  in  great  harmony 
the  fifty-fourth  session  of  the  bod^-.  The  closing  prayer 
by  A.  J.  Freeman. 

The  table  shows  48  churches  in  the  bodj',  a  mern- 
bership  of  2,614;  203  baptized  during  the  year,  32 
have  died  ;  20  ordained  ministers,  17  licentiates.  Beu- 
lah,  the  largest  church,  203,  T.  I.  Wells,  pastor. 

J.  M.  Moore,  now  for  many  j-ears  an  able  and  use- 
ful minister  of  the  gospel  connected  with  the  churches 
of  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  was  born  and  raised  to 
manhood  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  whe,re  he  made  pro- 
fession of  faith  in  Christ  and  was  baptized  while  yet  a 
young  man.  Soon  Brother  Moore  was  under  impres- 
sions to  preach,  and  was  liberated  b}-  his  church  to 
engage  in  that  work.  Being  a  man  of  liberal  education, 
he  spent  part  of  his  time  in  teaching  school,  at  the  same 
time  preaching  the  gospel  as  opportunity  opened  before 
him.     His  progress  in  the  gospel  was  solid  and  encour- 


486  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

aging.  Soon  after  the  war  Mr.  Moore  came  to  Alissis- 
sippi  with  his  family  and  settled  in  Neshoba  county, 
becoming  a  member  of  Count}^  Line  church,  b}^  which 
he  was  soon  called  to  ordination,  L.  P.  Murrell  and 
N.  L.  Clarke  forming  the  Presbj-tery.  '  At  once  our 
brother  entered  upon  pastoral  work,  rapidly'  ad- 
vancing in  gifts  and  usefulness.  The  churches  in  Ne- 
shoba and  Newton  counties  have  been  made  partakers 
of  the  blessings  of  his  ability'  and  faithfulness,  as  also 
in  our  general  and  associational  meeting.  No  man 
among  us  has  stood  by  our  cause  with  more  dauntless 
courage  or  unswerving  faithfulness  than  J.  M.  Moore. 
For  3'ears  he  was  the  efficient  clerk  of  the  Mount  Pisgah 
Association.  Brother  Aloore  yet  lives,  and  is  in  the 
strength  of  his  ministerial  power.  And,  though  no 
longer  a  3'oung  man,  yet  he  is  not  so  old  but  that  we 
ma^'  hope  for  mam^  3'ears  of  usefulness  3'et  from  him  in 
the  cause  of  Christ,  \vhich  is  the  prayer  of  the  writer, 
and  many  others. 

The  fifty-fifth  annual  session  was  held  wnth  the 
Mount  Pleasant  church,  beginning  September  17,  1892. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  T,  I.  Wells, 
from  Rom.  3  :24..  The  sermon  was  able  and  sound  in 
doctrine.  After  a  bountiful  dinner  had  been  served,  the 
body  came  together,  and  organized  b^-  the  election  of 
the  officers  of  the  previous  year.  Correspondence  was 
received  from- the  New  Libert3'  Association. 

On  Sunday  the  congregations  were  large  and  or- 
derly. The  services  began  at  9  :  30  a.  m.,  with  a  prayer 
meeting  conducted  by  A.  J.  Freeman.  N.  L.  Clarke 
made  some  remarks  also  in  advocacy  of  the  claims 
of  their  paper,  the  Mississippi  Baptist.  The  annual 
sermon  was  preached  by  J.  E.  Chapman  on  "The  pur- 
poses of  God  carried  out  in  the  gospel.''     The  sermon 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  487 

was  said  to  be  "Scriptural,  timely  and  able."  The  af- 
ternoon services  were  conducted  by  J.  M.  Moore,  J.  J. 
Ingram  preaching  in  the  church  at  night.  W.  C.  Gres- 
sett  was  received  as  a  messenger  from  the  Oktibbeha 
Association,  and  J.  M.  Tucker  from  the  Bethlehem. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted  on  missions : 

'■'Resolved,  That  the  pastors  and  delegates  of  this 
Association  be  requested  to  stir  up  the  churches  on  the 
subject  of  missions,  and  urge  them  to  send  up  funds  to 
the  General  Association."  The  body  w^as  preeminently 
missionary  in  spirit. 

This  meeting  was  saddened  by  the  knowledge  of 
absence  of  one  whom  they  had  for  nearly  a  halt  century 
loved  and  revered.  On  the  22nd  of  Januarj-,  1892, 
Lee  P.  Murrell  passed  away.  For  five  j-ears  before 
the  Civil  War,  beginning  in  1855,  he  was  moderator 
of  the  Mount  Pisgah  Association.  Below,  we  give 
the  obituarj^  notice  of  his  death  read  before  the  frater- 
nity by  N.  L.  Clark : 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Lee  P.  Alurrell,  w^as  born 
in  Roberson  county-.  North  Carolina,  September  25th, 
1808.  While  yet  3^oung  his  parents  moved  west  and 
settled  near  Winchester,  Mississippi,  where  he  was 
raised  to  manhood.  For  a  time  he  was  a  citizen  of 
Simpson,  also  of  Smith  count^^,  and  while  j'oung  set- 
tled permanently  in  Scott  count3',  near  the  place  where 
he  spent  and  closed  his  long  and  useful  life.  About  the 
year  1840  he  made  a  public  profession  of  faith  in  Christ 
and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Antioch  Bap- 
tist church  by  Stephen  Berr3\  From  the  xtvy  beginning 
of  his  Christian  career  he  evidenced  deep  devotion  to 
the  cause  of  his  Redeemer,  and  impressions  to  the 
work  of  the  ministrj-,  and  in  harmony'  with  these  im- 
pressions, was  liberated  by  his  church  to  exercise  his 


488  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

gift  in  public  about  the  year  1843,  and  was  soon  after 
ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry  and  engaged 
in  pastoral  work. 

Brother  Murrell  was  engaged  in  the  work  of  the 
ministry'  for  about  fort^'-seven  years,  fort\'-five  of 
which  he  was  pastor  of  Pleasant  Hill  church.  Deeply 
experimental  in  his  views  of  Christianity,  and  beyond 
all  question,  sound  in  his  views  of  the  doctrine  of  the 
New  Testament  as  held  by  the  Baptists  and  being  a 
gifted  speaker,  his  labors  were  much  appreciated  by 
the  churches.  He  soon  arose  to  great  power,  influence, 
and  usefulness  which  continued  with  growing  force 
while  he  lived.  Long  will  his  memory  be  cherished  by 
those  who  knew  him,  long  will  his  faithfulness,  zeal 
and  usefulness  be  held  in  grateful  remembrance,  for,  he 
being  dead,  yet  speaketh.  He  closed  his  useful  life  in 
great  peace  Jan.  22,  1892,  in  the  eightv-fourth  year  of 
his  age. 

We  would  also  make  mention  of  Francis  Sansing, 
who  was  called  from  his  earthh'  labors  Aug.  15,  1892. 
He  was  bom  in  South  Carolina,  raised  to  manhood  in 
Georgia,  where  he  was  married  and  baptized,  and  also 
liberated  to  exercise  a  public  gift.  He  in  after  years, 
moved  to  the  State  of  Mississippi,  and  attached  him- 
self to  the  church  at  County  Line  in  1864,  and  remain- 
ed a  member  to  the  close  of  his  life.  Though  never  or- 
dained, yet  he  had  his  measure  of  usefulness  among  the 
churches  as  a  public  man.  Brother  Sansing  leaves  a 
large  famih'  of  sons  and  daughters  \vho  are  walking  in 
the  steps  of  their  father.  We  mourn  the  absence  of  our 
brother. 

In  1893,  the  bodv  met  with  the  Union  church,  New- 
ton county-.  The  weather  was  pleasant  and  balmy, 
and  their  reception  by  the  church  most  cordial,     All  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  489 

the  churches  were  represented,  and  were  reported  har- 
monious, and  in  an  encouraging  condition.  The  "dear 
old  Association"'  stood  firm  in  its  work,  and  was 
sound  in  doctrine.  It  had  "Campbellism"  with  which 
to  contend,  but,  the  "ism''  was  reaping  a  very  small 
measure  of  success. 

The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  J.  W. 
Arnold  on  the  theme  "We  are  created  in  Christ  Jesus 
unto  good  works."  The  ofiicers  of  the  previous  year 
were  re-ele6led  by  acclamation,  N.  L.  Clarke  modera- 
tor, J.  E.  Chapman  clerk,  and  J.  E.  Graham  treasurer. 
Correspondence  was  received  from  the  Choctaw,  Ok- 
tibbeha, Harmony,  New  Liberty-,  and  Pearl  Valley  As- 
sociations. 

The  attendance  upon  the  services  on  Sunday  was 
said  to  be  the  largest  in  the  history  of  the  Mount  Pis- 
gah  Association.  At  ten  a.  m.  W.  P.  Yaughan  con- 
ducted a  pra^'er  meeting.  Special  prayer  was  made  for 
S.  J.  Tullos,  of  Edinburg,  who  was  in  failing  health. 
Later  a  collection  was  taken  for  his  benefit,  amounting 
to  $14.00.  The  annual  sermon  on  missions  was 
preached  133^  A.  J.  Freeman.  N.  L.  Clarke  preached  at 
the  stand  at  eleven  o'clock,  and  L.  B.  Fancher  in  the 
afternoon. 

The  General  Association,  through  which  the  frater- 
nity sent  its  contributions,  had,  at  that  time  four  white 
missionaries  emploj-ed,  and  four  preaching  to  the  Choc- 
taw Indians  in  their  bounds.  The  work  in  both  fields 
was  in  a  healthy  and  growing  condition.  It  was  rec- 
orsmended  that  each  church  take  a  collection  for  these 
missionaries  in  (3ctober,  and,  if  a  church  could  not  rep- 
resent itself  in  the  General  Association,  to  send  contri- 
butions to  N.  L.  Clarke,  or  D.  T.  Chapman.  It  was 
suggested  to  the  General  Association  that  steps  be 


490  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

taken  looking  to  the  employ- ment  of  a  missionary  in  a 
foreign  field,  and  the  Mississippi  Baptist  was  heartily 
commended,  as  it  was  the  only  paper  through  which 
they  could  learn  of  the  workof  the  General  Association. 

In  1893,  there  were  in  the  churches  of  the  Mount 
Pisgah  Association,  twent3^-two  ordained  ministers, 
and  twelve  licentiates.  In  that  year  C.  P.  Partin,  an 
eminent  ph3'sician  of  Decatur,  died.  We  take  the  fol- 
lowing extract  from  their  minutes  : 

C.  P.  Partin  was  born  in  the  State  of  Alabama  in 
the  year  1825,  and  was  there  raised  to  manhood.  In 
earh'  life  he  made  a  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and 
was  baptized.  He  was,  by  calling,  a  physician.  While 
quite  young  he  imigrated  to  Mississippi,  and  settled  in 
his  profession  in  Lauderdale  county'-,  near  the  place  now 
known  as  Sukulena,  and  had  membership  in  the  Oktib- 
beha church.  For  3'ears  his  home  was  at  Chunkyville, 
and  vicinity,  having  membership  in  the  churches  adja- 
cent, and  practiced  his  profession.  For  the  last  several 
3^ears  of  his  life,  brother  Partin  resided  at  Decatur, 
Miss.,  and  was  an  esteemed  member  of  the  church  at 
that  place.  He,  at  the  call  of  his  countr3',  took  up 
arms  and  went  forth  in  the  defense  of  southern  rights, 
as  captain  of  a  compan3'  in  the  thirt3'-sixth  Mississippi 
regiment,  and  was  afterwards  promoted  to  the  rank  of 
Major.  He  died  early  in  June,  1893,  esteemed  by  all 
that  knew  him,  as  a  citizen,  physician  and  Christian. 
Brother  Partin  died  at  the  age  of  sixt3'-eight  3'ears. 

Their  fift3^-seventh  session  was  held  with  the  Pleas- 
ant Hill  church,  beginning  September  15,  1894.  By 
unanimous  vote  the  oflftcers  were  elected.  New  Provi- 
dence and  Hebron  churches,  of  Newton  countv,  were  re- 
ceived, also  Ephesus  church,  of  Scott  county,  from  the 
Springfield  Association.   On  Lord's  da3',  great  numbers 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  491 

of  people  gathered  earh'  upon  the  grounds,  and  the  ser- 
vices of  the  day  were  exceedingly  profitable.  A  collect- 
ion was  taken  up  for  Foreign  missions  of  $4.36 ;  for 
Indian  missions,  $9.15;  for  Domestic  missions,  $4.25, 
making  a  total  of  $17.76. 

Strong  resolutions  were  adopted  as  to  the  purity 
of  faith  of  the  ministers  and  churches.  It  was  regarded 
that  innovations  were  being  made  in  Christian  work, 
sufficiently  alarming  as  to  call  for  serious  attention. 
The  existence  of  "outside  societies,*'  as  young  people's 
meetings,  and  female  societies  in  the  churches,  was 
deeply  deplored.  Extreme  views  on  Alinisterial  educa- 
tion were  deprecated.  Ah,  well!  A  wheel  without 
breaks  is  apt  to  revolve  too  rapidly  do\vn  hill,  and 
some  possibilitj^  of  friction  is  sometimes  necessary  to 
prevent  ominous  results. 

The  committee  on  missions  recommended  that  the 
pastors  keep  the  mission  \vork  in  all  its  forms  before 
their  churches.  The  doors  of  all  nations  were  open  for 
the  entrance  of  the  gospel.  Sunday  schools,  as  ever, 
received  due  attention.  It  was  wished  that  the  true  re- 
lation of  the  Sunday  school  to  the  church  should  be  ob- 
served. The  Alississippi  Baptist,  with  N.  L.  Clarke, 
the  "tried  veteran  of  the  cross,"  as  editor,  was  recom- 
mended without  stint,  and  along  with  it  the  Foreign 
Mission  Journal,  the  Home  Field,  and  Kind  Words  re- 
ceived due  approbation. 

The  session  of  1895,  was  held  with  the  Beulah 
church,  Newton  countv,  beginning  Saturda^^  before  the 
third  Lord's  daj^  in  September.  L.  B.  Fancher  was  to 
preach  the  introductory  sermon,  and  J.  E.  Chapman, 
the  annual  missionarj^  sermon.  Unfortunately  the 
writer  has  not  in  hand  the  minutes  of  the  Mount  Pis- 
gah  Association  of  1895,  and  1896.  If  they  are  3'et  re- 
ceived this  vacant  space  will  be  filled. 


492  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  sixtieth  annual  session  was  held  with  the  Pop- 
lar Springs  church,  in  September,  1897.  There  were  no 
questions  in  the  churches  that  gendered  strife,  and  they 
were  all  regarded  as  sound  in  the  faith.  The  work  of 
missions  was  still  in  great  favor  in  the  Association. 
The  fraternitA'  had  not  at  an^-  time  in  its  histor\'  been 
more  united  in  missionary-  work.  There  were  then 
fortj^-seven  churches  in  their  union,  with  an  aggregate 
membership  of  2,776.  They  reported  160  baptisms 
that  A^ear,  and  144  as  received  bA'  letter. 

On  Lord's  da^-at  eleven  a.  m.,  J.  M.  Moore  preached 
the  annual  sermon  on  missions,  his  theme  being  "The 
Kingdom  of  Christ,  and  its  mission  in  the  world.'"  The 
sermon  is  said  to  have  been  one  of  his  very  best,  and  a 
large  congregation  enjo^'ed  it.  At  its  close,  a  collect- 
ion was  taken  for  missions.  In  the  afternoon  J.  T. 
Halford  preached  at  the  stand,  and  H.  O.  White  at  the 
meeting  house.  Refreshments  were  served  on  the 
ground  to  the  joy  and  fullness  of  many. 

The  death  of  A.  J.  Freeman  was  rej^orted,  which 
sad  event  occurred  June  20,  1897.  He  was  a  Georgian, 
born  in  1830.  He  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministrA^  in  1859.  He  was  closely  indentified  with  the 
Mount  Pisgah  Association,  loved  his  brethren,  and  was 
loved  and  honored  in  return.  He  was  for  four  years 
one  of  our  State  Senators,  and  was  honored  and  re- 
spected in  that  dignified  body  of  legislators. 

The  session  of  1898  Avas  held  with  the  Sulphur 
Springs  church,  Scott  county.  The  reception  and  sup- 
port of  the  bod\'  by  this  church  was  hearty  and 
abounding.  The  weather  was  all  that  could  have  been 
desired.  The  churches  were  all  in  good  working  order, 
and  the  good  accomplished  as  great  as  the  year 
previous. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-93 

T.  I.  Wells  had  died  during  the  associational  3'ear. 
Their  men  in  high  places  were  falling  year  by  year.  We 
give  what  is  said  of  him  in  the  report  of  their  Commit- 
tee on  Obituaries,  as  they  know  more  of  him  than  the 

writer : 

Among    the    number    lost  is  our    much    esteemed 
brother,  T.  I.  Wells,  of  Moore's  Mill,  Mississippi.     He 
was  born  August  16,  1848,  in  Lauderdale  county,  Mis- 
sissippi.    He  came  to  Newton  county  with  his  father, 
J.  H.  Wells,  in  1867.    He  was  married  to  Miss  Sallie  J. 
Alexander,'  December  27,  1867.    He  was  baptized  into 
the  fellowship  of  Beulah  church  abotit  the  year  1874. 
He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Beulah  church,  but 
was  ordained  by  the  Oakland  church  the  same  day  it 
was  constituted,  he  being  in  the  constitution  of  said 
Oakland  church,  the  1st  day  of  May,  1880.    He  was 
called  to  the  pastorate  of  Oakland,  and  served  her 
until  his  death,  which  sad  event  took  place  June  25, 
1898.    Brother  Wells  was  an  able  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel and  was  very  closely  identified  wath  our  Associa- 
tion,   and    w^as    highly  esteemed  as  well    as    greatly 
beloved  among  us.     His  death  is  greatly  felt  and  his 
presence  greatly  missed  among  us.    Brother  W^ells  was 
a  great  friend  to,  and  much  beloved  by,  the  Choctaws. 
He  did  a  great  deal  to  help  our  mission  work  among 
them,  both  wath  his  presence  and  means. 

Perhaps  no  better  place  can  be  found  to  make  a 
statement  of  the  relation  of  N.  L.  Clarke  to  the  Mount 
Pisgah  Association.  It  is  known  that  an  article  ap- 
pears in  Foster's  Baptist  Preachers  on  this  venerable 
and  worthy  minister.  All  that  is  left  for  these  pages  is 
to  make  clear  his  relation  to  the  Mount  Pisgah  Asso- 
ciation. What  he  has  been  to  the  General  Association 
will  appear  in  the  history  of  that  body. 


494  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

N.  L.  Clarke  took  up  his  residence  in  Newton  county 
in  1847,  when  he  became  a  member  of  the  Decatur 
church,  and  the  pastor  of  that  church,  which  official 
connection  has  remained  unbroken  until  this  day,  or 
for  fifty-five  years.  Eight  years  he  was  missionary  of 
the  Mount  Pisgah  Association,  with  the  blessings  of 
the  Lord  on  his  labors,  as  already'  stated.  For  five 
years  he  was  clerk  of  the  Association.  In  1847,  his 
name  occurs  first  on  the  pages  of  their  Minutes,  as  one 
of  the  reading  clerks,  and  as  an  ordained  minister  with 
Herbert  as  his  postoffice. 

In  1849  he  was  sent  as  a  messenger  to  the  Liberty 
Association.  He  was  that  3'ear  put  on  a  committee 
raised  to  consider  the  advisability  of  dividing  the  As- 
sociation, and  was  appointed  as  missionary'  to  travel 
one-half  of  his  time.  In  1850,  in  the  absence  of  the 
moderator,  he  was  appointed  moderator  pro.  tern., 
and  in  the  organization  elected  moderator.  The  fol- 
lowing 3'ear  he  was  elected  their  moderator  and  mis- 
sionar3',  which  position  he  again  filled  in  1852  and 
through  1854.  He  was  received  in  1855  as  a  messen- 
ger from  the  convention  formed  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a  General  Association  of  South-east  Missis- 
sippi, held  at  Bethel  church,  Newton  county,  embracing 
the  fourth  Lord's  day  in  October,  1854,  and  was  one 
of  the  fifteen  delegates  sent  b^-  the  Association  to  the 
first  meeting  of  the  General  Association.  In  1856  he 
was  clerk  of  his  association,  which  position  he  held 
through  1859. 

In  1860  he  was  again  elected  moderator,  which 
position  jhe  has  held  uninterruptedh'  to  the  present 
time,  or  for  nearh'  fort3'-two  3'ears.  This  record  can 
scarceh'  be  equaled  in  all  the  histor3'  of  the  Baptists  of 
the  United  States.    He  was  frequenth'  called  upon  to 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  4-95 

preach  their  annual  sermons   on  missions,  and   their 
introductory  sermons. 

The  writer  has  a  deep  affection  for  N.  L.  Clarke  in 
his  associational  affinities.  In  1865,  when  this  scribe 
was  17  years  of  age,  and  a  Confederate  soldier,  N.  L. 
Clarke  was  his  chaplain.  He  well  remembers  assisting 
to  make  an  elevated  stand  covered  with  dirt,  on  which 
to  pile  the  pine  knots,  by  the  blaze  of  which  N.  L. 
Clarke  read  his  Scripture  and  his  hymns.  The  memory- 
holds  dear  the  scene,  as  under  the  tall  pine  trees  by  the 
light  of  the  burning  fagots,  we  sang  the  songs  of  our 
absent  mothers,  and  listened  to  the  good  man  as  he 
told  of  duty  and  of  God.  His  face,  as  the  writer  saw 
him  a  few  moons  past,  is  now  marked  by  age  and  care, 
but  the  same  in  outlines  as  it  was  under  the  stars  and 
bars  in  the  perilous  3'ears  of  civil  strife.  N.  L.  Clarke, 
now  past  90  years  of  age,  is  growing  feeble  in  body, 
but  his  mind  is  as  clear  as  the  chimes  of  bells,  and  his 
heart  as  warm  as  in  the  days  of  his  strength. 

In  1898,  the  Cedar  church  of  Jasper  county.  Stam- 
per church  of  Newton,  and  Golden  Grove  of  Neshoba 
countj^  were  received  into  the  union.  At  11  a.  m.  Sun- 
day, N.  L.  Clarke  preached  their  sermon  on  missions, 
after  which  a  collection  was  taken  for  Home  missions, 
$5.10;  for  Foreign  missions  $9.65,  and  for  Indian  mis- 
sions $9.25— total,  $24.00.  Their  connection  with  the 
General  Association  was  ver^^  close,  and  all  money  on 
hand,  after  the  expenses  of  the  body  had  been  met,  was 
sent  to  the  General  Association  for  its  missionary 
work.  The  usual  reports  were  made  on  Publications, 
Missions,  Education,  Temperance,  Obituaries,  Nomina- 
tions, Sunday  schools  and  Finance.  The  session  of 
1889  was  held  with  the  church  at  Decatur,  Newton 
county,  beginning  Saturdaj^  before  the  third  Lord's  day 
in  September,  1899. 


496  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  Mount  Pisgah  Association  has  performed  a 
noble  mission.  Its  position  has  been  peculiar,  and  its 
duties  to  South-east  Mississippi  numerous  and  binding 
The  wisdom  of  its  leading  men  has  been  displa3'ed  in 
keeping  in  harmony  the  churches  with  their  possible 
divergence  of  opinion  on  missions,  and  directing  them 
in  proper  channels  of  activity  and  usefulness. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  49T 


,  CHAPTER  X. 

CHICKASAW    ASSOCIATION. 

The  organization  of  the  Baptists  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  State  into  Associations  was  distinct  from 
the  constitution  of  such  bodies  in  South  Mississippi. 
North  Mississippi  was  peopled  with  an  immigration 
from  States  east  of  us,  after  the  third  cession  made  by 
the  Choctaw  Indians,  and  the  cession  made  b^^  the 
Chickasaws.  The  Choctaws  left  our  State  in  1830^ 
and  the  Chickasaws  not  before  1835.  These  two  ces- 
sions included  most  of  Mississippi,  north  of  a  straight 
line  from  Friars  Point  to  Shubuta. 

In  the  northern  part  of  this  territory,  the  Chicka- 
saw Association  was  formed  in  1838,  embracing  the 
counties  now  known  as  Marshall,  LaFayette,  Benton,, 
Union,  Pontotoc,  Lee,  Tippah,  Alcorn,  Prentiss,  Tisho- 
mingo, and  Itawamba.  The  country  was  sparsely 
populated,  and  consequenth^  there  was  great  distance 
between  the  churches.  Through  the  virgin  forests  the 
messengers  from  the  churches  to  the  Association  rode 
horseback,  striving  to  reach  the  home  of  some  known 
Baptist  each  day  before  nightfall. 

One  of  the  moving  spirits  in  the  constitution  of  the 
Chickasaw  Association  was  W.  H.  Holcombe,  a  native 
of  Alabama.  From  what  can  be  learned  of  him,  he  was 
an  earnest,  progressive,  quiet  man.  His  praises  are 
not  sounded  out  as  some  of  his  contemporaries,  but  his 
name  is  distinctlv  mentioned  in  all  the  earlv  onward 


498  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

movements  of  the  Association.  He  was  its  first  moder- 
ator, presiding  over  the  bodj^  for  three  consecutive 
years. 

In  the  earh'  daj^s  of  the  Association,  James  M.  Grif 
fin  was  eminent  in  labors.  He  was  a  pioneer  mission- 
ary^ in  the  Association,  characterized  b^-  his  ability  to 
endure  hardness,  by  his  generous  nature  and  s^-mpathy  • 
for  fallen  humanit3%  and  by  his  burning  zeal  in  the 
Master's  work.  He  organized  many  churches  in  most 
early  days  and  during  his  ministry'  in  the  Association. 
Under  God,  he  inspired  many  young  men  of  fine  gifts 
to  enter  the  ministry  of  the  Association. 

Little  can  be  learned  of  the  working  of  the  Associa- 
tion before  1843.  In  that  \^ear  its  annual  session  was 
held  with  the  Amaziah  church  in  Tippah  county. 
Eighteen  churches  then  composed  the  body,  namely  : 
Aberdeen,  Academy,  Antioch,  Amaziah,  Cypress  Creek, 
Fellowship,  Holh-  Springs,  Houlka,  Liberty  (Monroe 
county).  Liberty  (Pontotoc  county'),  New  Hope,  Rip- 
ley, Philadelphia,  Rocky  Mount,  Salem,  Tockshish, 
Temperance  Hill  and  Zion.  Eleven  churches  were  re- 
ceived into  the  union  at  that  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion, viz  :  Antioch  (Tishomingo  county),  ^-Enon,  ^E^non 
(Monroe  county-).  Friendship,  Mount  Pleasant  (Mar- 
shall county).  New  Harmony,  New  Union,  Pleasant 
Grove,  Rienzi,  Town  Creek  and  Union.  Four  hundred 
and  ninet3'-seven  baptisms  were  reported  that  3'ear  in 
the  letters  b^'  the  churches  to  the  Association. 

In  1845,  when  this  Association  was  just  six  3'ears 
of  age,  eight  churches  withdrew  to  ga  into  the  Aber- 
deen Association.  "There  is  that  scattereth  and  yet 
increaseth,"  and  the  old  Chickasaw  Association  has 
acted  on  this  Biblical  assertion.  It  may  be  called  the 
mother  association  of  North  Alississippi,  as  the  Missis- 
sippi Association  is  in  South  Mississippi. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  499 

In  1846,  Martin  Ball  was  elected  moderator  of  the 
Association.  W.  H.  Holcombe  was  moderator  of  the 
body  for  three  years,  until  1841 ;  after  that  C.  W. 
Waldrop  presided  over  the  body  three  consecutive 
years,  A.  McCain  occupied  the  position  for  two  years, 
.and  v^as  succeeded  by  Martin  Ball.  Martin  Ball  w-as 
of  short  build,  but,  in  his  best  health,  quite  corpulent. 
He  had  light  hair  and  gray  ej^es ;  his  face  was  round 
and  intellectual.  There  was  the  appearance  of  ease 
and  approachableness  about  him,  and  a  vein  of  humor, 
well  under  control,  was  apparent  in  his  conversation. 
He  was  a  master  of  men  133^  their  ready  consent,  and 
-was  controlled  by  the  spirit  of  his  Master  with  grace 
and  readiness.  His  eloquence  of  speech  was  moving 
rather  than  charming.  Britton  R.  Webb,  once  a 
teacher  of  great  distinction  in  North  Mississippi,  used 
to  say,  that  if  he  was  on  his  way  to  hear  Martin  Ball 
preach  and  discovered  he  had  no  handkerchief  with 
which  to  wipe  his  eyes,  he  would  at  once  return  home 
to  get  one. 

In  1848,  the  Association  met  with  the  Academy 
church,  in  Tippah  county.  Twenty-eight  churches 
were  represented,  composed  of  1,571  members.  The 
Cherry  Creek  church,  the  largest,  had  166  members. 
The  Association  was  then  ten  years  old,  and  was  be- 
ginning to  feel  the  need  of  better  organization.  The 
abstract  of  principles,  good  in  the  main,  had  the  crude- 
ness  incident  to  hasty  gathering  together  by  men 
conversant  with  Baptist  belief,  but  who  had  not  in 
hand  a  written  formuhited  confession  of  faith.  It  was 
unanimously  resolved  "  to  adopt  the  articles  of  faith  as 
found  in  the  Encvclopedia  of  Religious  Knowledge," 
which  was  the  declaration  of  faith,  published  by  the 
Baptist  Convention  of  New  Hampshire. 


500  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

This  Association  paid  its  respects  to  the  temper- 
ance question  in  clear  and  unmistakable  terms.  A  query 
came  up  from  the  church  in  New  Albany  as  follows : 
* '  What  are  the  steps  for  a  church  to  take  with  a  mem- 
ber who  is  engaged  in  vending  ardent  spirits  ?"  A  well 
chosen  committee  recommended  to  the  Association  "to 
advise  the  church  to  admonish  the  offending  brother ; 
and,  if  he  still  persists,  to  exclude  him  from  her  fellov;^- 
ship."  This  carried  Baptist  fairness  and  a  clear  ring 
of  moral  correctness.  Early  Baptists  did  not  wink  at 
the  whisky  traffic. 

At  this  meeting  of  the  Association,  the  Executive 
Committee  was  empowered  to  purchase  Bibles  and 
Testaments  and  religious  books  to  put  into  the  hands 
of  the  missionaries  in  the  Association  for  free  distribu- 
tion among  the  poor  and  indigent.  H.  L.  Finley,  in  his 
brief  histor\'  of  Chickasaw  Association,  ver^'  aptly  says: 
"The  Association  from  the  beginning  had  a  good  and 
thoroughly  Scriptural  plan  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel 
and  the  elevation  of  mankind  general^."  The  Associa- 
tion, in  1848,  was  doing  the  kind  of  missionar}'  work 
Paul  did,  and  as  he  was  forward  to  do,  gratuitously 
assisted  the  poor  Christians.  $362  was  the  sum  raised 
that  year  in  cash  and  subscriptions  for  Domestic  mis- 
sions, and  Boswell,  L.  Ball,  Griffin,  McCain  and  Malone, 
gave  so  much  of  their  time  as  the  Executive  Committee 
desired  through  the  \'ear  for  giving  the  gospel  to  "re- 
mote and  destitute  neighborhoods."  The  report  of  the 
Executive  Committee  was  made  through  its  chairman^ 
Joel  H.  Berrj',  who  was  a  prince  among  men. 

In  1849,  the  Association  met  wnth  the  Alount  Zion 
church,  in  Itawamba  county,  the  extreme  northeastern 
part  of  the  State.  Six  new  churches  were  received  into 
the  Association.      Sympathy    was    shown    for   J.   R. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  50l 

Graves  in  his  struggles  in  Nashville,  Tennessee,  for  self- 
vindication,  and  his  paper,  the  Tennessee  Baptist,  was 
declared  "  one  of  the  best  Baptist  papers  in  the  South." 
The  wonderful  influence  of  that  great  man  was  thus 
early  beginning  to  be  exerted  upon  Mississippi  Baptists. 
William  Farrar,  W.  H.  Holcombe  and  S.  S.  Lattimore 
represented  the  State  Convention.  S.  S.  Lattimore 
preached  a  great  sermon  on  Sunday,  which,  by  resolu- 
tion, was  requested  hy  the  Association  for  publication. 

In  1851,  the  Association  had  twenty-three  ordained 
ministers  and  seven  licentiates.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  A.  H.  Booth,  a  man  of  wonderful 
power  as  a  preacher  in  those  da\'s.  The  Alary  Wash- 
ington College,  located  at  Pontotoc,  was  then  living  in 
the  hearts  of  the  best  men  of  the  Association.  Wm.  H. 
Holcombe  made  the  report  of  the  "joint  committee  "  of 
the  Chickasaw  and  Aberdeen  associations,  which  sup- 
ported the  institution  of  learning.  Trustees  were  ap- 
pointed, and  the  report  of  the  joint  committee  spread 
on  the  Minutes.  Missions,  charity  and  education  were 
equallv  regarded  b^^  the  old  Chickasaw  Association  a 
half  century  ago.  Broad-minded  men  planned  for  the 
future  of  the  wieldable  body  and  planned  wisely 
and  Avell. 

In  1850,  the  Chickasaw  Association  was  twelve 
years  old.  J.  S.  Morton  was  elected  moderator  and 
Simon  R.  Spight  clerk.  The^-  returned  correspondence 
with  the  Bear  Creek,  Panola,  Big  Hatchie,  Cold  Water, 
North  River  and  Aberdeen  associations.  TheA'were  on' 
good  terms  with  the  Baptists  in  Tennessee  and  Alabama. 

They  passed  a  preamble  and  resolution  that  year 
on  systematizing  their  gifts  to  benevolence.  Those  who 
were  reached  b^^  an  agent  contributed  liberally,  but  the 
majority  was   doing    nothing.    Each    member  of  the 


502  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

church  was  asked  to  give  annually  ten  cents  or  more 
to  each  of  the  mission  fields,  Foreign,  Domestic,  Indian 
and  State  missions. 

Their  messengers  to  the  Aberdeen  Association  were 
requested  to  submit  a  proposition  to  that  body  to 
unite  with  the  Chickasaw  in  "establishing  a  female 
seminar\^  of  high  order"  under  the  control  of  Baptists. 
If  the  Aberdeen  should  accept  the  proposition,  the 
moderator  of  the  Chickasaw  was  to  add  three  others 
to  the  messengers  to  the  Aberdeen,  making  a  committee 
of  seven,  with  power  to  act  in  the  establishment  of  the 
school  of  learning.  So  the  idea  of  starting  Marj^  Wash- 
ington College  originated  with  the  Chickasaw  Associa- 
tion, and  doubtless  with  Martin  Ball. 

In  1853  and  1854,  the  Association  lost  four  of  its 
strongest  churches,  Oak  Hill,  Hickory  Grove,  Poplar 
Springs  and  Pleasant  Valley,  which  went  to  the  Judson 
Association,  an  association  constituted  in  1852,  south- 
east of  the  territory'  of  the  Chickasaw  Association. 
The  Association  of  1853  met  with  the  Cherr\'  Creek 
church.  M.  Ball  was  appointed  to  preach  a  missionary 
sermon  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  body.  This  Associa- 
tion, in  all  its  history,  does  not  appear  to  have  been 
afflicted  \vith  an  opposition  to  missionary  effort. 
M.  Ball  and  W.  H.  Holcombe  were  the  moving  spirits, 
and  had  a  missionary  conviction  that  was  infective. 
J.  T.  Pitts,  a  member  of  the  Cherry  Creek  church,  was 
ordained  Sunday  while  the  Association  was  in  session. 
A.  L.  Stovall  preached  the  sermon  on  the  text,  "Ye 
are  God's  Building."  The  candidate  was  presented  by 
Martin  Ball  and  examined  b\'  William  Hale,  the  charge 
was  given  b^-  W.  H.  Holcombe,  and  the  Bible  presented 
b^^  William  M.  Farrar.  This  ordination  brings  to  our 
notice  the  strong  preachers  that  were  in  the  body  at 
that  sitting  of  the  Association. 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  503 

The  Ministerial  Education  Society  reported  a  col- 
lection of  fort3^  dollars  for  ministerial  education,  which 
was  sent  to  L.  W,  Stephens,  a  beneficiary  of  the  society 
who  was  attending  Mercer  Universit3^  The  Mary 
Washington  College,  which  has  already  been  referred 
to,  was,  in  1853,  clairning  much  of  the  attention  of  the 
Association,  It  was  established  under  the  patronage 
of  the  Chickasaw  and  Aberdeen  associations,  but  was 
at  that  time  supported  also  by  the  Choctaw  and  the 
Columbus  associations.  William  L.  Slack,  a  ripe  scholar 
and  a  fine  educator,  was  president,  and  the  Stewart's 
department  was  under  the  control  of  Martin  Ball  and 
his  wife,  who  were  commended  "for  their  faithfulness  in 
discharging  the  arduous  and  responsible  duties  con- 
nected with  this  department."  It  is  said,  "they  kept 
an  excellent  table,"  but  it  is  not  said  that  the  pupils 
said  so.  The  Southern  Psalmist  was  that  3^ear(1853), 
recommended  to  the  churches  and  was  for  many  years 
the  hymn  book  in  general  use  in  the  Association. 

In  1854,  the  Association  was  composed  of  forty-one 
churches,  which  had  a  membership  of  2,903  members. 
The  peace  of  the  churches  seemed  disturbed  by  Mr. 
Alexander  Campbell,  of  Bethany,  Va.  Mr.  Campbell, 
it  seems,  had  in  the  August  number  of  the  Milennial 
Harbinger  declared  that  many  Baptist  ministers  were 
in  sympathy  with  him  in  his  controversy  w^ith  J.  R. 
Graves.  It  was  resolved,  2d,  "That  in  our  judgment 
Mr.  Campbell's  writings  are  self-contradictory  and 
dangerous,  because  erroneous."  Resolved,  3rd,  "That 
w^e  highly  appreciate  the  course  of  Brother  Graves 
toward  Mr.  Campbell  and  his  heresies."  Resolved,  4th, 
"That  we  earnestly'  request  Brother  Graves  to  publish 
in  pamphlet  or  book  form,  a  series  of  articles  written 
on  Campbellism  when  completed.'"    To  the  Association 


504  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  quer3'  was  put:  "  Is  it  right  for  us  as  Baptists,  to 
open  our  doors  to  or  suffer  Campbellites  to  preach  in 
our  churches  ?""  This  quer\'  received  an  emphatic  nega- 
tive answer. 

In  1855,  Mark  P.  Lowre^-  had  forged  to  the  front 
rank  of  the  ministry  of  the  Association,  as  he  was  pas- 
tor of  three  churches  in  the  Association,  namely : 
Friendship,  Kossuth,  and  Harmony;  which  churches 
reported  jfift^'-eight  baptisms  during  the  associational 
year,  and  gave  $89.70  to  associational  missions.  As 
missionary  of  the  Association,  he  traveled  2,200  miles, 
preached  181  sermons,  and  distributed  150  Bibles,  and 
Testaments.  To  the  name  of  Mark  P.  Lowrey  is 
linked  the  name  of  Lewis  Ball.  The^' were  friends,  and" 
co-laborers  from  this  date  until  death  saparated  them. 
In  the  report  of  the  Executive  Committee,  made  by 
Joel  H.  Berrv,  in  1855,  we  find  this  language:  "When 
Lewis  Ball  first  went  there  (to  Bethel  church),  as  our 
missionary,  moral  desolation  reigned  over  the  entire 
scope  of  the  c.ountr\\  The  repose  of  the  Sabbath  day 
was  uniformly  disturbed  bv  the  shrill  sound  of  the 
hunter's  horn,  the  merr3^  chase  and  the  sharp  crack  of 
the  rifle,  or  anon,  bj'  the  wild  shout  of  the  drunkard  or 
gambler.  But  this  man  of  pra^'cr  went  in  the  strength 
of  Israel's  God.  He  found  but  three  Baptists,  collected 
them  together,  preached  Christ  crucified  —  sinners  gave 
a  listening  ear — his  labors  were  blessed,  the  character 
of  the  neighborhood  was  changed.  Instead  of  the  rude 
desecration  of  the  Sabbath  day,  the  sound  of  prayer 
and  praise  may  now  be  heard  in  almost  every  cottage. 
And  in  their  midst  there  stands  Bethel — how  appro- 
priate in  name— with  her  172  members,  nearly  all  of 
whom  were  received  by  experience  and  baptism."  This 
is  a  beautifullv  written  statement  of  the  grand  achieve- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  505 

ment  of  one  of  those  co-laborers.  In  1857,  the  Associa- 
tion reported  through  EHj ah  Smith,  Jr.,  $952.99  given 
to  Domestic  missions,  which  was  associational  mis- 
sions. M.  P.  Lowre3'  and  J.  T.  Pitts  were  the  mission- 
aries at  a  salary  of  $200  each  for  half  their  time.  The 
Executive  Board  reported  "much  land  yet  to  be  pos- 
sessed." The  committee  on  Foreign  missions  made  this 
statement:  "The  Foreign  Mission  Board  has  two 
missions  in  China — one  at  Shanghai,  and  the  other  at 
Canton,  both  of  which  are  doing  well."  Our  Foreign 
Mission  Board  now  has  in  China  ten  missionary-  cen- 
tres and  man^"  outposts,  fiftj^-two  missionaries  and 
quite  a  number  of  native  helpers.  The  Committee  on 
the  Religious  Instruction  of  the  Colored  Population 
said :  "  We  recommend  that  each  church  make  arrange- 
ment with  its  pastor  to  preach  at  some  hour  on  the 
Sabbath  for  their  special  benefit." 

"We  would  also  recommend  that  owners  of  slaves 
use  their  influence  to  have  them  observe  the  Sabbath 
*  *  *  making  the  impression  on  them  that  the  Sabbath 
is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord." 

The  session  of  the  Association  in  1858  was  held 
with  the  church  at  Corinth.  It  then  consisted  of  forty- 
six  churches.  The  prominent  ministers  of  the  Associa- 
tion were  M.  Ball,  Elijah  Browning,  James  Boswell, 
W.  H.  Holcombe,  H.  G.  Savage,  A.  H.  Booth,  M.  P. 
Lowrey,  L.  Ball,  J.  T.  Pitts,  and  C.  C.  Malone.  The 
choice  "men  of  the  pew"  were  Joel  H.  Berry,  S.  H. 
Plant,  Carej-  Pitts,  Elijah  Smith,  and  Henry  Pitts. 
William  Carej^  Crane,  J.  T.  Freeman,  and  J.  R.  Graves 
w^ere  the  distinguished  visitors.  J.  R.  Graves  at  2  p.  m. 
on  Sunday',  in  a  grove,  standing  on  a  goods  box, 
preached  two  hours  and  a  half  on  "the  origin  and  his- 
tory of  the  church  of  Christ."   It  is  said,  "Whilst  many 


506  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

were  blessed  and  edified,  there  were  some  upon  whom 
the  truth  fell  with  such  ponderous  weight  as  to  giv^ 
offense."  It  is  thought  that  this  was  the  greatest 
meeting  of  the  Association  held  up  to  this  time. 

The  Association  met  at  Mount  Pleasant,  near  Wal- 
lerville,  in  1859.  E.  D.  Miller  and  Thomas  Smith  rep- 
resented the  Cold  water  Association.  Martin  Ball  was 
moderator,  and  John  B.  Herring  clerk.  G.  W.  Selvidge 
of  Georgia  was  present.  The  writer  was  pastor  of  his 
family  in  Dalton,  Ga.,  in  1873.  He  was  made  ac- 
quainted with  the  fact  that  G.  W.  Selvidge  was  a  man 
of  deep  piet^',  and  fine  natural  abilit3^  To  aid  in  his 
support  as  pastor  at  Corinth,  Mark  P.  Lowrej''  raised 
the  sum  of  $220.00.  J.  T.  Freeman  at  this  time  in  the 
decreptitude  incident  to  advanced  age,  is  still  living. 
He  was  in  his  prime  not  only  a  good  writer,  but  one  of 
the  most  chaste  and  winning  speakers  of  our  State. 
He  was  at  the  Association  of  1859.  The  minutes  say, 
"So  pertinent  were  his  remarks,  that  all  were  satisfied 
of  the  importance  of  sustaining  a  Baptist  journal  in 
our  State,  and  manifested  the  determination  to  do  so 
by  paying  $472.50  advanced  subscription  for  the  Mis- 
sissippi Baptist.^' 

John  B.  Herring,  the  clerk  of  the  Association,  v^as 
graduated  from  the  University  of  Mississippi,  and  was 
held  in  universal  esteem  for  his  learning  and  probity. 
The  home  was  considered  as  honored  by  a  visit  from 
him.  He  closes  his  Minute  of  the  session  with  a  beau- 
tiful paragraph  in  which  he  sa^-s,  "The  moderator  *  * 
proceeded  to  deliver  a  very  feeling  and  pathetic  address 
on  the  sorrow  which  we  experience  here  at  parting 
with  those  v^e  love,  and  the  jo}^  we  shall  experience 
when  we  shall  meet  with  them  in  heaven  around  the 
throne  of  God,  where  parting  will  be  no  more."    Mar- 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  507 

tin  Ball,  the  moderator,  was  taken  to  the  "beautiful 
home"  before  the  Association  met  again.  The  writer, 
with  twelve  summers  behind  him,  saw  the  funeral  pro- 
cession, as  the  remains  of  Martin  Ball  were  being  con- 
veyed to  their  resting  place  in  the  Cherr3^  Creek  grave- 
yard. The  occasion  was  so  solemn  and  proininent  that 
he  was  awed  into  silence,  and,  open-eyed,  looked  curi- 
ously on  as  the  long  line  of  mourners  slowly  and  with 
stately  tread  followed  the  pale  sleeper  to  the  hill  of  the 
dead.  The  old  horse,  which  the  great  orator  (for  such 
he  was)  rode  on  his  missionary  journeys,  saddled,  but 
without  a  rider,  was  tied  behind  the  conversance  that 
solemnly  bore  the  dead.  The  3'outh  fancied  the  faithful 
animal  knew  the  sad  import  of  the  funeral  hush  and 
the  subdued  sobs  of  the  bereaved  relatives  of  the  de- 
ceased. He  saw  steady  hands  gently  lower  the  coffin 
into  the  genial  clay  of  that  sacred  hill,  and  then  fill  the 
vault  with  the  dry  pulverized  earth,  and  the  people 
slowly  leave  the  place  of  the  dead  in  speechless  quies- 
cence, and  the  impressible  lad  felt  that  a  great  man 
was  gone,  and  our  world  the  poorer  for  his  departure. 
In  1860,  the  Association  was  composed  of  forty-nine 
churches,  with  3,657  members.  But  that  year  twenty- 
seven  churches  withdrew  to  form  the  Tippah  and  Tisho- 
mingo associations.  This  left  the  body  with  twenty- 
two  churches,  and  virtually  the  mother  of  four  (4-) 
associations.  In  1860,  the  Association  was  at  the 
acme  of  its  greatness.  In  twenty -two  years  the  desert 
had  been  made  to  bloom  as  the  rose,  and  the  hills  that 
two  decades  before  echoed  the  howling  of  the  fierce 
wolves  and  the  valleys  that  rang  with  the  pitiful 
screams  of  the  panther,  were  vocal  with  the  songs  of 
praise  to  the  One  who  made  the  everlasting  hills  im- 
movable, and  the  smiling  vales  to  yield  their  fatness. 


508  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Before  the  next  g-athering  of  the  messengers  of  the 
churches  in  our  Association  civil  war  with  all  the  agi- 
tation incident  enchained  the  thoughts  of  our  people. 
The  young  men  of  the  churches  donned  their  uniform 
and  shouldered  their  muskets  and  went  forth  to  fight 
their  countr^^'s  battles,  some  of  them  never  to  return  to 
our  State.  No  associations  in  the  State  suffered  as  did 
the  old  Panola,  the  Cold  Water  and  the  Chickasaw. 
The  frequent  cavalry  raids  from  Alemphis  kept  the 
northern  part  of  our  commonwealth  in  constant  dread 
of  the  devastation  of  the  booted  horsemen  of  the  enemy. 
From  1860  to  1866  the  Association  was  virtually  in  a 
state  of  suspension. 

In  1866,  the  Chickasaw  Association  met  with  the 
Clierr\^  Creek  church.  It  was  a  meeting  of  great  im- 
portance. The  churches  must  be  revived  and  enspirited. 
Whatever  might  be  the  future  of  the  Southland,  life 
must  begin  to  assert  itself  in  some  form  or  fashion. 
The  ministers  who  had  returned  from  the  war  began 
to  aid  in  getting  the  churches  together,  in  operative 
condition.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached 
before  the  Association  b\^  H.  L.  Finlej-  from  Xehemiah 
2:18.  The  strength  of  the  discourse  was  in  the  sen- 
tence, "Let  us  rise  up  and  build."  The  theme  was 
apth'  chosen,  and  the  text  a  gem  for  the  occasion.  The 
sermon  had  a  most  salutary  effect.  It  fired  the  mind 
and  quickened  the  emotions  of  Lewis  Ball,  then  in  the 
verv^  prime  of  his  noble  manhood.  H.  L.  Finle^',  in  his 
brief  history  of  Chickasaw  Association,  says :  "  That 
grand  man,  Lewis  Ball,  took  the  stand,  and  with  one 
of  his  characteristic  appeals,  so  aroused  the  messengers 
that,  with  one  mind  and  one  heart,  the3'  caught  the 
spirit  of  the  text,  and  went  about  the  work  of  restoring 
order  in  the  churches  and  addins:  new  territory. "'     The 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  509 

old  Panola  Association  had  been  disbanded,  and  many 
ot  the  churches  of  that  body  went  to  the  Chickasaw,, 
and  soon  the  Chickasaw  was  operative  and  active. 

Rapidly  the  churches  gained  strength  of  purpose 
and  numbers.  Revivals  swept  the  northern  part  of  the 
State.  Lowrey,  Ball  and  Gambrell  went  from  strong- 
hold to  stronghold,  and  Pitts,  Smith  and  Boswell  fired 
the  country  churches.  Ik  1869,  the  Association  was 
back  at  Cherry  Creek.  Lewis  Ball  was  moderator,  and 
Elijah  Smith  was  clerk,  both  members  of  that  old  his- 
toric church.  An  effort  was  made  to  secure  the  history 
of  the  churches  in  1868  and  1869.  A  committee  was 
raised,  with  Joshua  T.  Pitts  as  chairman,  to  compile  a 
history  of  the  churches  then  in  the  Association.  Some 
of  the  churches,  such  as  Amaziah,  Cherry  Creek  and 
Libert^^  had  a  long  and  praiseworthy  existence,  and 
their  history  should  have  been  compiled  and  preserved 
for  coming  generations.  The  need  of  a  well-equipped 
Baptist  female  school  at  some  accessible  place  was  also 
recognized.  The  boys  went  to  the  University'  at  Ox- 
ford, and  a  few  of  them  to  Mississippi  College,  but  the 
crying  need  was  a  school  for  Baptist  girls.  The  female 
school  at  Pontotoc,  opened  about  this  time,  will  re- 
ceive due  attention  in  its  place. 

The  prominent  men  in  the  Association  in  1869  were 
L.  Ball,  J.  B.  Gambrell,  James  Boswell,  W.  W.  Finley, 
H.  L.  Finley,  N.  M.  Berry,  E.  Smith,  Calvin  Tucker, 
Henry  Pitts  and  others. 

The  time  had  come  for  the  Association  to  adopt 
some  plan  of  systematic  benevolence.  In  1870,  James 
Nelson  visited  the  Association,  representing  the  Board 
of  Ministerial  Education  of  the  Convention.  In  1871, 
A.  A.  Lomax  attended  the  meeting  of  the  body  in  the 
interest  of  Mississippi  College,  and  in  1872,  Prof.  M.T. 


510  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Martin,  fresh  from  his  success  in  raising  the  mortgage 
off  the  cohege,  came  to  the  Chickasaw  Association  and 
raised  $550  on  endowment  of  the  college.  Various 
interests  were  claiming  the  attention  of  the  body  and 
some  order  of  benevolence  was  sought  b^-  the  leading 
men.  In  1870,  a  committee  was  appointed  on  S^'stem- 
atic  Benevolence,  with  W.  W.  Finley  as  chairman,  who 
suggested  a  Scriptural  plan  to  the  churches  to  train 
their  members  to  the  regular  habit  of  giving.  Another 
committee  was  appointed  in  1871  and  one  in  1872,  and 
so  on.  It  is  often  hard  to  inaugurate  a  plan  that  will 
be  accepted  with  moderate  approval,  but  harder  to 
make  it  work  than  to  originate  it. 

Later  in  the  decade,  the  need  of  a  driving  wheel  was 
felt  imperative.  The  Alississippi  department  of  the 
Baptist  was  enjo^-ed  in  North  Mississippi,  for  Mark  P. 
Lowrey  was  editor  of  it.  But  thinking  men  saw  that 
the  paper  interest  was  trammeled,  and  the  need  of  the 
hour  was  a  Mississippi  Baptist  paper.  The  Associa- 
tion of  1876  met  with  the  Bethel  church  of  LaFayette 
county,  Jas.  Boswell  moderator.  At  that  meeting  of 
the  Association,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

"whereas,  The  Baptist  State  Convention  at  its 
late  session  at  Jackson,  withdrew  the  State  depart- 
ment in  The  Baptist  and  appointed  a  committee  of  fif- 
teen to  investigate,  and  to  decide  as  to  the  propriety  of 
getting  up  a  State  paper  as  an  organ  of  the  Baptist  de- 
nomination ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  we  promise  to  support  such  an  or- 
gan, if  gotten  up  on  a  basis  satisfactorily  sound  in  doc- 
trine and  properly  conducted." 

The  Association  of  1878  met  with  the  Spring  Hill 
church,  Pontotoc  count^^  The  committees  were  ample 
and  well  appointed,  and  the  correspondence  full.    On 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  511 

the  committee  on  devotion  were  Nathan  Berry  and 
Simeon  Hughes,  both  of  whom  were  eminently  devout. 
Nathan  Beriy  had  a  religion  that  had  hands  to  it ;  he 
was  a  helper  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word.  Simeon 
Hughes  had  a  talking  face  that  was  a  thermometer  for 
the  man  of  God  who  was  preaching,  and  was  a  line 
judge  of  a  sermon.  To  the  call  for  correspondence,  re- 
sponse came  from  such  men  as  Lowrey,  Bolls,  W,  E. 
Berrj--,  J.  L.  Johnson,  J.  H.  Amaker,  and  L.  R.  Burress. 
These  men  with  the  talent  and  grace  of  the  Association 
made  the  meeting  distinctive  in  the  annals  of  the 
Association. 

More  and  more,  was  the  education  interest  of  Bap- 
tists of  the  State  made  prominent  in  the  bod^^  Male 
and  female  education  received  equal  attention.  Just 
after  the  Civil  War  female  education  was  emphasized 
more  than  the  education  of  the  bo3's.  It  was  thought 
that  the  boy  could  make  his  way  through  the  tangled 
wild  woods  of  the  time  by  sheer  force  of  manhood,  but 
that  girls  should  be  educated  to  enable  them  to  take 
proper  stand  in  the  pressing  emergencies  of  the  changed 
condition  of  affairs.  In  1884,  the  committee  on  educa- 
tion with  much  grace  recommended  in  two  consecutive 
sentences,  Blue  Mountain  Female  College  and  Missis- 
sippi College,  for  the  securing  of  intelligent  membership 
in  the  churches. 

Toward  the  close  of  this  decade,  the  Association 
w^as  noted  for  its  harmon^^  in  its  sessions  and  its  fine 
reports.  Some  of  the  reports  are  truh^  masterh'  in 
grasp  and  ample  in  scope.  The3'  show  not  only  mature 
thought  but  breadth  of  information.  Let  us  instance 
the  report  made  by  Joshua  F.  Pitts  on  Foreign  mis- 
sions in  1888.  It  covers  four  pages  of  the  Minutes.  It 
gives  the  proportionate  activity'  of  the  Southern  States 


512  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

in  Foreign  mission  work,  and  the  condition  of  the 
missionary  work  in  Mexico,  Brazil,  Italy,  Africa  and 
China,  and  closes -with  appeals  for  help  and  states  what 
is  needed  to  promote  the  continued  progress  of  our 
Foreign  mission  work. 

In  1890,  the  Association  met  with  the  Midway 
church  in  Lafayette  count3^  W.  L.  Souter  was  elected 
moderator.  The  Association  was  then  composed  of 
thirty-six  churches,  had  thirty-six  ordained  ministers, 
and  a  membership  in  its  churches  of  2,942,  and  con- 
tributed to  its  benevolences  $4,431.64.  It  was  then 
fifty-two  3'ears  old,  without  the  abatement  of  strength. 
It  had  sent  out  churches  to  form  three  associations  and 
to  strengthen  a  new  association  formed  on  its  borders. 

The  writer  is  indebted  to  H.  L.  Finley  for  the  table 
of  the  officers  of  the  Association  to  date. 

List  of  Moderators. — W.  H.  Holcombe  served  three 
years,  C.  B.  Waldrop  three  3^ears,  A.  McCain  two  years, 
Martin  Ball  thirteen  3'ears,  J.  S.  Martin  one  \^ear, 
A.  Ray  one  3^ear,  James  Boswell  seven  years,  L.  Ball 
six  years,  W.  W.  Finley  six  years,  J.  T.  Pitts  six  j^ears, 
Isaac  Smith  five  3'ears,  G.  W.  Potter  two  3'ears,  W.  L. 
Souter  three  3'ears,  and  C.  W.  Smith  four  3'ears. 

List  of  Clerks.  —  Simeon  R.  Spight  served  seven 
years,  Berr\'  Collins  three  3'ears,  J.  E.  Teague  three 
years,  W.  J.  Riddle  six  3'ears,  H.  J.  Riddle  one  3'ear, 
J.  Martin  two  3'ears,  J.  B.  Hanon  one  3'ear,  Elijah 
Smith  twelve  3'ears,  C.  A.  Short  three  3'ears,  J.  W. 
Powell  seven  3'ears,  G.  W.  Potter  one  3'ear,  W.  U. 
Hampton  two  3'ears,  F.  M.  Ferrell  seven  3'ears,  and 
V.  B.  Tucker  six  3'ears. 

List  of  Trea s wrers.— John  Du vail  served  seven  \'ears, 
Benjamin  Collins  four  3'ears,  J.  E.  Teague  two  3'ears, 
Elijah  Smith  twent3'  3'ears,  N.  M.  Berrv  twent3'-three 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  513 

years,  W,  M.  Berry  one  year,  A.  D.  Tucker  two  years, 
and  B.  O.  Garner  three  years. 

The  whole  number  of  baptisms  in  the  Association 
to  date  have  been  13,374;  and  $47,601.37  has  been 
given  to  missions. 

The  session  of  1891  was  held  with  the  Macedonia 
church,  Union  county.  W.  L.  Souter  was  elected  mod- 
erator, F.  M.  Ferrell  clerk,  and  N.  M.  Berry  treasurer. 
The  same  officers  were  elected  the  following  year. 
There  were  at  that  time  thirty-eight  churches  in  the 
fraternity,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of  2,991. 
There  were  thirty-five  ordained  ministers  in  the  churches, 
and  eight  licentiates.  The  churches  gave  to  general 
benevolence  $550.93. 

During  the  year  the  Executive  Board  held  four 
meetings,  at  Cherry  Creek,  Shady  Grove,  Spring  Hill 
and  Oak  Grove.  W.  L.  Souter  proposed  to  travel  as 
colporteur  at  his  own  charges,  and  books  on  hand  for 
sale  were  placed  in  his  charge.  He  traveled  907  miles, 
sold  119  books  and  distributed  about  2,000  doctrinal 
tracts.  The  belief  was  expressed  that  the  meetings  of 
the  Executive  Board  did  much  good  for  Sunda;^schools 
and  missions. 

The  net  gain  in  numbers  by  baptism  and  letter  was 
177.    Some  of  the  churches  reported  gracious  revivals. 

Eighteen  of  the  twent^^-eight  churches  had  Sunday 
schools,  with  a  total  enrollment  of  864  pupils.  The 
Association  had  a  good  annual  Sunday  School  Conven- 
tion, in  which  much  interest  was  taken.  The  program 
for  1892  had  for  discussion  such  subjects  as,  "The  Im- 
portance of  Sunday  School  Music;"  "  Sj'stematic  Giv- 
ing in  Sunday-schools;"  and  the  "Best  Method  of  Keep- 
ing Up  Interest  in  Sunday  Schools." 

There  were  Ladies'  Missionary  Societies  in  eleven 
churches  which  contributed  in  1891,  $331.23. 


514  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

In  the  3^ear  1892,  the  usual  sprightliness  was  shown 
by  the  grand  old  Association.  Its  mission  work  was 
up  to  high-water  mark,  its  Sunday  schools  well  at- 
tended and  full  of  interest.  The  session  of  1893  met 
with  Bay  Springs  church  on  Tuesday  before  the  third 
Sunday  in  September. 

The  old  Chickasaw  Association  has  ever  been  noted 
for  good  attendance,  for  cheerfulness  of  spirit,  and  for 
missionary  zeal.  It  has  had  in  it  many  men  of  remark- 
able common  sense,  of  Christian  character,  and  keen 
insight  as  to  the  general  denominational  possibilities 
and  needs.     The  body  still  retains  the  vigor  of  youth. 


fflSTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  515 


CHAPTER  XL 

LOUISVILLE   ASSOCIATION. 
L.  S.  FOSTER. 

The  territory  of  the  Louisville  Baptist  Association 
lias  always  been  wholly  in  Mississippi.  The  Minutes 
of  its  first  session  are  lost,  and  those  of  the  next  two 
are  so  badly  mutilated  as  to  be  of  little  value.  W.  M. 
Farrar,  who  resided  in  an  adjoining  association  at  the 
time,  says  that  the  organization  took  place  at  Louis- 
ville, Winston  county,  Mississippi,  some  time  in  the 
winter  of  1838,  1839.  Benedict  says :  "  The  Louisville 
Association  was  organized  in  1838.  As  has  already 
been  stated,  it  arose  out  of  the  old  Choctaw  Confeder- 
acy. It  began  with  ten  churches,  and  on  the  ground 
which,  as  far  as  our  denomination  is  concerned,  was 
cultivated  by  Silas  Dobbs,  Joel  Harvey,  G.  E.  Nash, 
J.  J.  Morehead  and  J.  J.  Holman.  This  body  came  to- 
gether on  what  was  called  a  half-way  ground  between 
mission  and  anti- mission  principles."  (History  of  the 
Baptists,  p.  773). 

The  mutilated  Minutes  o£  1839,  though  claiming 
•that  meeting  at  Ephesu.>  church,  as  the  "first  anniver- 
sary'' of  the  body,  yet  turnish  evidence  that  it  was 
organized  previously.  It  cannot  be  ascertained  from 
the  records,  however,  whether  this  meeting  for  organi- 
.zation  was  held  late  in  1838  or  early  in  1839. 

The  churches  composing  the  body  in  1839— its  first 


516  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

anniversary — were  Mt.  Zion,  Noxubee  county ;  Hebzi- 
bah,  (Louisville),  Winston  county;  Libert3^,  Choctaw 
count}" ;  Hebron,  Attala  count^^ ;  Ephesus,  Noxubee 
county;  Good  Hope,  Winston  county;  Bethlehem, 
Choctaw  county ;   and  New  Hope,  Neshoba  count3\ 

So  far  as  the  material  in  hand  is  concerned,  there 
is  no  possibility  of  presenting  the  causes  which  led  to 
the  formation  of  the  body. 

In  1845,  "a  motion  was  made  to  dissolve  the  As- 
sociation, which  was  taken  up  for  consideration,  and 
after  much  discussion,  the  Association  resolved  not  to 
dissolve."  The  Minutes  are  silent  as  to  the  cause  of 
this  movement. 

In  1859,  "preamble  and  resolution  was  offered  by 
W.  W.  Nash,  relative  to  the  division  of  the  Association, 
and  after  consultation  it  was  postponed  until  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Association,  and  the  churches  were  re- 
quested to  give  an  expression  of  their  wishes  in  their 
letters." 

In  1860,  this  division  was  made  and  letters  of  dis- 
mission were  granted  to  sixteen  churches,  (See Spiritual 
Condition  of  the  Churches)  which  formed  the  Kosci- 
usko Association. 

It  is  made  the  duty  of  the  clerk  to  preserve  a  file  of 
the  printed  Minutes  of  the  bod}'.  It  is  not  strange, 
however,  that  the  file,  passing  through  the  hands  of 
different  clerks,  should  become  worn  and  mutilated  and 
incomplete,  as  it  now  is. 

The  Association  has  each  year  enjoined  it  upon  the 
clerk  to  have  the  Minutes  printed  and  distributed 
among  the  churches,  and  has  allowed  him  a  compen- 
sation for  the  same.  The  number  of  copies  published 
each  year,  together  with  the  amounts  paid  to  the 
clerks,  have  been  placed  in  the  financial  table. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  517 

In  one  instance,  (1859),  there  was  a  delaA'  in  the 
pubhcation  of  the  Minutes  until  within  a  short  time  of 
the  next  annual  meeting,  which  was  explained  by  the 
clerk  in  a  card  in  the  Minutes  of  the  next  3'ear,  (1860), 
as  being  caused  b\'  the  negligence  of  the  printer. 

As  to  the  time,  the  first  recorded  meetings  of  the 
bodj--  were  held  on  Saturday'  before  the  second  Lord's 
da^'  in  September.  But,  in  1841,  it  met  Saturday-  before 
the  second  Lord's  day  in  October.  In  184-5,  the  follow- 
ing session  was  appointed  for  the  third  Lord's  day  in 
September,  but,  in  ISl-G,  the  time  was  placed  back  to 
the  second  Lord's  da^-  in  October,  as  formerly.  In 
1873,  the  propriety  of  making  the  time  to  embrace  the 
third  Lord's  day  in  September  was  proposed  for  the 
consideration  of  the  churches,  but  no  action  was  taken, 
and  the  time  since  has  remained  the  second  Lord's  day 
in  October.  The  time  was  once  (1876)  made  to  begin 
on  Friday,  but  the  next  3'ear  was  changed  back  to 
Saturday. 

As  to  place  of  meeting,  there  seems  to  have  been  no 
definite  plan  of  fixing  it  until  the  Association  was 
divided  into  three  districts  in  1841,  and  into  two  in 
1842.  The  meetings  then  alternated  between  the  dis- 
tricts, and  for  some  years  the  churches  in  each  district 
decided  where  the  meeting  should  be  held.  It  was 
found,  however,  that  this  plan  sometimes  led  to  con- 
fusion, and  the  Association  determined  to  decide  where, 
in  the  respective  districts,  its  meetings  should  be  held. 
After  a  time  the  districts  ceased  to  be  observed  in  the 
selection  of  a  place  of  meeting.  In  1881,  the  Associa- 
tion was  re-divided  into  four  districts,  and  the  meetings 
were  to  be  held  in  these  alternately. 

Maps  of  the  Association  were  published  in  the  Min- 
utes of  1881  and  1882. 


518  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

It  has  been  the  custom  of  the  Association,  at  each 
annual  session,  to  receive  corresponding  messengers 
from  other  religious  bodies  "of  the  same  faith  and 
order,"  and  to  appoint  messengers  to  other  bodies. 
During  its  existence,  there  has  been  maintained  corres- 
pondence with  the  following  bodies  : 

(1).  The  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  (2).  The 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention.  At  one  time,, 
however,  (1843),  the  correspondence  with  this  body 
w^as  interrupted  by  some  little  misunderstanding.  In 
a  few  years  this  passed  away  and  the  correspondence 
was  thenceforth  hearty  and  cordial.  (3).  General  As- 
sociation of  North  Mississisppi.  (4.)  Neighboring  Dis- 
trict Associations,  viz:  Choctaw,  Union,  Zion,  Colum- 
bus, Cahawba,  Mt.  Pisgah,  Aberdeen,  Yalobusha,. 
Harmon^',  Yazoo,  Kosciusko  and  Oktibbeha. 

Besides  regular  correspondence,  there  has  been  re- 
ceived occasional  correspondence,  viz.:  (1).  From  dis- 
tant Associations  —  in  1866,  S.  W.  Eddins,  from  the 
Tuscaloosa;  in  1875,  J.  C.  Foster,  from  the  Bethlehem. 
(2).  Visitors  or  agents  for  denominational  enterprises,. 
viz.:  In  1843,  Benj.  B.  Smith,  D.  D.  Dupree ;  1847,  Jos. 
M.  Robinson;  1848,  J.  J.  S.  Miles  and  Isaac  Merchant; 
1851,  John  Holman;  1852,  J.  T.  Fulks,  J.  R.  Graves, 
Tennessee  Baptist,  and  J.  C.  Keeney  of  Mary  Washing- 
ton College;  1853,  C.  W.  Gailard,  S.Wilkerson,  A.Goss, 
W.  F.  O'Reilly,  John  Linder,  W.  G.  Caperton,  Thos. 
Lockhart  of  Domestic  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention,  and  Thos  Compere  of  Arkansas ; 
1856,  D.  Dobbs,  G.  Woodruff,  D.  G.  McGarrity  and 
A.  M.  Hanks;  1857,  J.  H.  vStribling,  Texas,  Thos.  Lock- 
hart  and  A.  W.  Chambliss;  1864,  J.  B.  Link,  Army 
missionary-;  1871,  M.  P.  Lowrey,  State  Convention; 
1874,  Prof.  M.T.  Martin,  Mississippi  College,  and  Joel 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  519 

Towers,  Orphan's  Home;  1875,  J.  W.  Sanford,  Centen- 
nial and  Miss  Mary  J.  Welsh,  Southern  Baptist  Publi- 
cation Society;  1880,  M.  T.  Martin,  L.  S.  Foster, 
Western  Recorder,  and  J.  C.  Foster,  State  Mission 
Board;  1880  and  1881,  L.  E.  Hall,  State  Mission 
Board. 

Corresponding  messengers  have  been  regularly  ap- 
pointed for  all  the  bodies  with  which  the  Association 
corresponded,  and  several  times  resolutions  were 
passed  authorizing  any  member  within  its  bounds  to 
act  as  corresponding  messenger,  who  might  present  a 
copy  of  the  Minutes  at  the  meeting  of  such  bod^^ 

A  letter  of  correspondence  has  been  prepared  and 
published  in  the  Minutes  of  every  session  since  1851, 
except  those  of  1864,  1865,  1871,  1880  and  1882.  Its 
omission  in  these  w  as  no  doubt  due  to  the  oversight  of 
the  clerks ;  at  any  rate,  it  was  due  to  this  cause  in  1882. 
This  corresponding  letter  usually  gave  an  account  of 
the  representation,  the  interest  of  the  meeting,  a  sum- 
mary of  statistics,  account  of  missionary  work  and  the 
time,  place  and  preacher  of  next  meeting. 

Committees: — (1).  Nominations.  It  has  been  the 
custom  of  the  body  to  have  at  each  session  a  commit- 
tee on  nominations,  charged  with  the  duty,  in  early 
years,  of  nominating  persons  to  preach  the  Introduc- 
tory and  Missionary  sermons,  and  to  write  the  Cir- 
cular Letter,  and  later,  to  simply  nominate  the  minister 
for  the  introductory  sermon.  These  nominations  ap- 
pear elsewhere. 

In  1869,  a  special  nomination  was  made  by  the 
body,  viz:  "J.  R.  Graves,  of  Nashville,  Tennessee,"  was 
invited  "to  be  present  at  our  next  session  and  deliver 
a  discourse  on  baptism.''  This  request  was  not  ac- 
cepted. 


520  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

(2).  Arrangements.  Until  1867,  it  was  customary 
to  have  a  committee  to  arrange  "the  order  of  business" 
for  its  guidance,  and  such  order  was  usually  followed 
except  for  some  special  reason.  Though  this  coinmit- 
tee  is  no  longer  appointed,  there  is  a  sort  of  traditional 
"order  of  business  which  is  ordinarih^  followed  more  or 
less  closeh^" 

(3).  Standing  Committees,  or  committees  ap- 
pointed at  one  annual  session  to  report  at  the  next. 
The  first  appearance  of  these  committees  is  in  IS 50,  in 
a  resolution  that  the  Association  "appoint  committees 
to  report  on  the  following  subjects,  at  its  next  annual 
session,  viz  : 

The  Bible  Cause,  Foreign,  Home  and  Indian  ^lission. 

In  1857,  the  appointment  of  Standing  Committees 
was  dispensed  with  ;"'  but,  in  1859,  "Standing  Commit- 
tees were  appointed  as  follows  :"' 

On  Home  and  Foreign  missions,  Sabbath  schools, 
Bible  Cause  and  Publications. 

In  1861,  these  committees  were  again  dispensed 
with,  but,  in  1882,  were  appointed  on  Doinestic  and 
Foreign  Missions,  Publications,  Ministerial  Education, 
S^^stematic  Benevolence,  Sabbath  Schools,  Mississippi 
College  and  Temperance. 

(4).  Special  Committees  in  those  meetings  where 
there  were  Standing  Committees,  have  generally  been 
appointed  on  the  sulyects  of  Arrangement  of  Business, 
Preaching,  Digest  of  Letters,  Queries  and  Requests, 
Nominations  and  Finance. 

(5).  On  Preaching.  At  each  annual  session  there 
has  been  a  committee  to  arrange  divine  services  during 
the  session  and  especialh'  for  the  Lord's  daj'.  This 
committee  has  alwa^'S  arranged,  when  previously  ap- 
pointed, a  missionary  sermon  for  the  Sunday  of  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  521 

Association,  and  also  as  many  other  sermons  as  were 
in  accordance  with  circumstances.  The  Hmits  of  this 
work  prevent  the  mention  of  the  preachers  of  each 
session. 

In  1869,  the  Sabbath  sermon  of  T.  B.  Altom  was 
requested  for  pubHcation,  and,  in  1870,  a  sermon  on 
Baptism  b3^  D.  H.  Dobbs  was  also  requested  for  publi- 
cation. 

Co-operation  : — (1).  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 
In  1846,  the  A-ear  after  the  formation  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention,  the  Association  indorsed  the  act 
of  the  State  Convention  in  dissolving  its  connection 
with  the  old  Triennial  Convention,  for  reasons  which 
need  not  be  mentioned,  and  thus,  of  course,  identified  it- 
self with  the  work  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 

Its  co-operation  with  that  body  has  been  mainly 
through  the  State  Convention  rather  than  otherwise, 
and  may  not  have  been  so  hearty  as  it  would  have  been 
had  the  members  been  familiar  with  its  enterprises  and 
work.  But  with  comparatively  little  knowledge  of  the 
convention's  work,  it  is  not  strange  that  it  has  done 
comparativeh'  little  in  co-operation  with  it.  Yet, 
w^henever  the  different  enterprises  of  the  convention 
have  been  presented,  there  has  always  been  a  generous 
response. 

In  1848,  W.  M.  Farrar  was  present  as  agent  of  one 
of  the  Convention's  Boards,  presented  its  claims  and 
received  a  handsome  contribution  and  subscription. 
In  1849,  "  Association  suspended  business  a  short  time 
to  allow  W.  M.  Farrar,  agent  of  the  Boards  of  Foreign 
and  Domestic  Missions  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Con- 
vention to  address  the  Association  and  present  the 
objects  of  his  agency." 

What  has  been  done  in  the  different  departments  of 
the  convention's  work  will  appear  elsewhere. 


522  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

(2).  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention.  While 
at  one  time  the  relations  of  this  Association  to  the 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention  were  somewhat 
ruffled,  yet  its  sympathy  and  aid  have  generally  been 
given  to  the  convention's  work. 

In  1848,  a  resolution  declared  the  Association  "a 
member  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention." 
The  sum  often  dollars,  necessary  to  entitle  the  Associa- 
tion to  a  delegate,  was  then  raised  and  N.  E.  Woodruff 
w^as  appointed  a  delegate.  The  same  action,  substan- 
tially, was  taken  at  several  subsequent  sessions,  and, 
besides  the  sum  of  $4  yearly,  for  several  years,  was 
raised  to  aid  in  printing  the  Minutes  of  the  Convention. 

In  1851,  the  Association  being  entitled  from  the 
certificate  of  W.  M.  Farrar,  agent  of  the  Southern  Bap- 
tist Convention,  to  twelve  delegates  in  the  Baptist 
State  Convention,  the  delegation  was  appointed  upon 
a  resolution  which  was  passed. 

In  1852,  two  delegates  were  elected  to  the  Conven- 
tion, and,  in  1853,  it  was 

'^Resolved,  That  this  Association  send  three  dele- 
gates to  represent  her  in  the  State  Convention  at  its 
next  session."  The  delegates  in  1852  were :  W.W.  Nash 
and  Robert  Crenshaw,  and,  in  1853,  John  Micou,  Silas 
Dobbs  and  J.  B.  McLelland,  and  the  amount  to  entitle 
the  delegates  was  raised  by  the  members. 

In  1853,  "the  money  raised  for  Indian  missions 
was  ordered  to  be  sent  up  by  our  corresponding  mes- 
sengers to  the  State  Convention." 

Throughout  the  history  of  the  Association  its  co- 
operation with  the  State  Convention  will  be  seen  in  its 
aid  to  the  various  enterprises  of  that  body. 

Bible  cause  : — It  is  becoming  in  every  religious 
body  to  exhibit,  in  its  actions  as  well  as  words,   its 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  523 

hearty  belief  that  the  Bible  is  the  Word  of  God  and  is 
worthy  of  intelligent  study  and  of  universal  circulation,, 
and  contains  the  only  knowledge  which  is  able  to  make 
men  wise  unto  salvation.    A  fundamental  article  of  be- 
hef  of  this  body  is,  "That  the  Scriptures  comprising  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments,  are  the  Word  of  God,  and  the 
only  rule  of  faith  and  practice."    Besides  devoting  a 
large  portion  of  each  annual  session  to  the  preaching  of 
the  truths  of  this  blessed  Book,  the  Association  has,  m 
other  ways,  indicated  its  conviction  that  the  Bible  is 
worthy  of  universal  circulation. 

The  report  in  1851,  by  Silas  Dobbs,  says:  "God,  of 
his  infinite  mercv,  has  been  pleased  to  give  to  his  fallen 
creatures  a  revelation  of  himself  and  His  will  concerning 
them.  This  revelation  *  *  *  we  prize  above  every  other 
treasure.  We  also  feel  it  to  be  an  imperative  duty  rest- 
ing upon  us,  as  its  lovers,  to  scatter  its  leaves,  'which 
are  for  the  healing  of  the  nations,'  over  all  the  habita- 
ble parts  of  the  earth,  that  all  may  hear,  learn  and  tear 
the  mighty  God  of  Hosts."  Reference  is  made  to  the 
Bible  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  a  resolution  recommends  that 
Board  to  the  hearty  patronage  of  the  churches. 

The  unspeakable  blessings  flowing  from  the  circula- 
tion of  the  Bible,  the  blessedness  of  the  work  of  giving 
it  to  the  people  of  earth  and  the  claims  of  His  work 
upon  Christians,  are  the  thoughts  of  the  report  m 
1852,  by  J.  B.  McLelland.  A  resolution  again  earnestly 
recommends  the  Bible  Board  at  Nashville. 

"No  subject  has  higher  and  stronger  claims  upon  us 
than  the  publication  and  distribution  of  the  word  of 
Life,"  says  John  M.  Reid,  1853.  "It  leads  us  in  the 
way  of  truth  and  righteousness.  *  *  *  It  is  a  declara- 
tion  and  expounder  of  our  faith.  *  *  *  It  is  our  Book  of 


524  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

discipline."  A  yearh'  contribution  to  the  Bible  work  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  is  heartily  recom- 
mended, 

T.  P.  Montgomery,  1854,  speaks  thus:  "The  Bible 
is  the  way-bill  from  this  world  of  sin  and  sorrow  to  an 
inheritance  incorruptible,  undeliled,  and  that  fadeth 
not  awaj',  reserved  in  heaven  for  3'ou,  the  instruments 
in  the  hands  of  God  for  the  conversion  of  the  nations  of 
the  earth.  To  give  to  all  this  blessed  volume  is  the 
most  God-like  work  that  mortals  can  do.  Let  us  then 
send  it  abroad  till  the  dark  places  of  earth  shall  hear 
the  Savior's  name  and  be  glad  ;  till  error  in  all  its  forms 
shall  be  dethroned,  till  truth  shall  dwell  in  ever\'  heart, 
and  all  shall  see  e^-e  to  eye  and  speak  one  and  the  same 
thing." 

In  the  report  of  1856,  b_v  W.  H.  Head,  there  is  a 
historical  sketch  of  Bible  work  in  America,  mentioning 
the  refusal  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
the  withdrawal  of  Southern  Baptists  from  that  Society 
because  of  sectional  questions. 

In  1858,  by  the  adoption  of  a  preamble  and  resolu- 
tions, the  Association  withdrew  its  co-operation  from 
that  Board  and  recommended  non-co-operation  to  the 
churches,  because,  it  "sought  to  proscribe  the  issues  of 
the  South-western  Publishing  House,  *  *  *  and  to  de- 
stroy the  Christian  character  and  usefulness  of  its 
former  Secretary,  A.  C.Dayton;"  claiming  that  3'et  "we 
still  do  cherish  the  Bible  Cause  and  ardenth'  desire  the 
largest  possible  distribution  of  the  pure  Word  of  God 
in  all  languages  and  among  all  peoples." 

A  resolution  in  1864  "approved  the  organization 
and  objects  of  the  Soldier's  Bible  and  Missionary 
Union,  of  Alississippi,"  at  Hillsboro,  Scott  county,  and 
pledged  co-operation  in  its  work. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  525 

This  is  the  last  formal  declaration  of  the  Associa- 
tion upon  this  subject,  but  throughout  its  histor3'^,  in 
all  its  work,  and  especially  in  the  expressions  in  regard 
to  Sunday  schools,  the  importance  of  teaching  and  cir- 
culating Bible  truth  is  earnestly  advocated. 

Book  Depository: — The  press  is  a  mighty  agency 
in  advancing  civilization  and  religion,  or  in  promoting 
vice  and  evil.  The  religious  press  is  an  instrument  of 
incalculable  power  in  disseminating  religious  truth.  As 
one  means  of  utilizing  this  agency,  the  Association  at 
one  time  determined  to  CvStablish  a  Depository  for  re- 
ligious books. 

In  1853,  "W.  W.  Nash  proposed  the  following, 
which  was  unanimously  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  we  locate  a  Book  Depository  in 
our  bounds,  to  be  supplied  with  our  denominational 
books,  and  in  order  to  have  a  supply  of  books,  that  we 
appoint  three  agents,  who  shall  send  for  and  keep  up 
such  supply;  provided,  said  agents  do  not  involve  the 
Association  in  debt  more  than  the  worth  of  the  supply 
of  books  on  hand  at  the  next  annual  meeting;  and  that 
said  agents  shall  make  a  full  report  of  their  proceed- 
ings at  the  next  meeting  of  the  bod3^" 

This  Depository  was  to  be  located  at  Kosciusko, 
and  the  agents  were  W.  W.  Nash,  D.  M.  Comfort,  and 
E.  M.  Hammond.  These  agents,  after  some  time,  pro- 
ceeded to  establish  a  Depository  at  Kosciusko  and  sup- 
ply it  with  books.  At  the  session  of  1854,  they  re- 
ported having  obtained  $150  worth  of  books,  with  the 
most  of  that  amount  on  hand.  It  was  expected  that  a 
missionary  would  have  been  in  the  field  most  of  the 
time  who  should  act  as  colporteur,  but  owing  to  the 
lack  of  a  missionary  a  large  portion  of  the  time,  very 
few  books  were  sold.    The  agents  urged  the  Associa- 


526  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

tion  to  devise  some  plan  for  selling  these  and  keeping 
up  the  supply. 

For  a  small  portion  of  the  next  associational  year 
W.  W.  Nash  was  missionary,  and  sold  $60.00  worth  of 
books,  and  the  agents  reported  $60.00  on  hand.  They 
again  "earnestly  recommend  the  Association  to  use 
every  possible  effort  to  continue  a  distribution  of  our 
religious  books.  *  *  *  Many  of  these  books  are  valua- 
ble, and  of  great  aid  in  attaining  a  more  speedy,  and 
correct  understanding  of  the  Bible." 

In  1856,  the  agents  of  the  Depository  reported, 
"  that  but  few  books  have  been  sold  since  our  last  re- 
port, except  what  have  been  sold  bv  brother  Wilson, 
your  missionary-."  He  sold  $26.00  worth.  They  say: 
*' There  are  yet  ninety-six  volumes,  the  worth  of  which 
we  set  down  at  $50.00.  We  suggest  the  propriety  of 
some  plan  being  devised  bv  which  the^-  ma^'  be  dis- 
posed of.'' 

In  1857,  the  agents  reported,  that,  "since  our  last 
Association  there  has  been  nothing  done  in  the  wa\'  of 
purchasing  or  selling  books,  and  that  there  is  atiU 
$40.42  worth  of  books.'*  They  repeat  the  request  that 
"some  plan  be  adopted  b^- which  the  books  qi^  ha.iid 
may  be  disposed  of  as  early  as  possible.'' 

"Upon  the  motion  of  W.  H.  Head,  it  was  ordered 
that  the  treasurer  pay  for  the  books  on  hand,  and  that 
the\'  be  donated  to  the  New  Prospect  Baptist  Book 
Society.'' 

Publications  : — As  a  means  of  further  utilizing  the 
power  of  the  press  in  spreading  Baptist  or  Bible  truths, 
the  Association  has  ever  recommended  to  its  churches 
the  duty  of  subscribing  for  and  circulating  the  religious 
periodie^J*  of  the  denomination.  In  1844,  the  follow- 
ing was  adopted : 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  527 

Whereas,  It  is  of  great  importance  that  there  be 
some  organ  of  pubHc  communication  through  the  press 
for  the  diffusion  of  religious  intelHgence  among  brethren 
of  the  same  faith  and  order,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  papers  called  The  Baptist, 
printed  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  the  Alabarnn  Baptist, 
printed  at  Marion  Ala.,  aud  the  Christian  Index,  print- 
ed at  Pennfield  Ga.,  be  and  they  are  hereby  recommend- 
ed to  the  patronage  of  the  pastors  and  brethren  of  the 
churches  of  this  Association.'" 

In  1851,  The  Bible  Advocate,  Louisville,  Ky.,  and 
The  Tennessee  Baptist,  Nashville  Tenn.,  were  recom- 
mended. "The  circulation  of  books  published  or  kept 
on  hand  for  sale  by  the  Southern  Baptist  Publication 
Society,  of  Charleston,  S.  C,  and  the  Tennessee  Baptist 
Publication  Society,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,"  is  recom- 
mended in  1852.  It  is  said:  "We  call  the  attention  of 
the  brethren  especially  to  the  following  works  as  being 
greatly  needed  in  the  better  understanding  of  our  prin- 
ciples :  Benedict's  History  of  Baptists,  Howell  on  Com- 
munion, R.  Fuller  on  Baptism  and  Communion,  Church 
Member's  Hand  Book,  Howell's  Evils  of  Infant  Bap- 
tism, Pengilley's  Scriptural  Guide  to  Baptism,  Slack's 
Reasons  for  Becoming  a  Baptist." 

In  1857,  W.  W.  Nash  presents  the  report.  He  urges 
the  claims  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist,  of  Jackson,  by  J. 
T.  Freeman.  "God  has  given  us  a  banner  that  it  may 
be  displayed  because  of  the  truth.''  "Will  we  let  it  trail 
in  the  dust  for  want  of  a  generous  patronage  ?  Let  at 
least  one  copy  be  found  in  every  famih^'"  The  Home 
and  Foreign  Journal  is  also  recommended. 

In  1858,  J.  A.  P.  Campbell  presents  the  report,  and 
again  recommends  the  State  Baptist  paper.  It  is  de- 
plored that  because  of  the  failure  to  read  a  denomina- 


528  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

tional  paper,  Baptists  are  generally  ignorant  of  their 
distinctive  views.  Every  one  should  read  an  able  Bap- 
tist paper  to  "enable  him  to  keep  the  truth  and  avoid 
error." 

D.  H.  Dobbs  reports  in  1859,  again  recommending 
the  same  State  paper  and  urges  the  dutA^  of  meeting  the 
needs  of  children  for  such  reading  as  will  lead  them  to 
the  Savior,  such  as  the  Children's  Friend.  He  also  re- 
commends the  adoption  of  a  plan  for  circulating  "our 
valuable  publications." 

Reference  is  made  in  1861,  by  O.  Clarke,  in  the  re- 
port, to  the  failure  of  a  number  of  denominational  pap- 
ers since  the  Civil  War  began ;  also  to  the  importance 
of  sustaining  good  literature  because  of  the  influence  it 
wields,  and  especially  of  sustaining  the  State  organ, 
now  by  A.  Jones. 

During  the  dark  da^'s  of  the  several  j^ears  follow- 
ing, the  attention  of  the  Association  was  wholly  ab- 
sorbed in  other  enterprises,  and  nothing  is  even  said  in 
the  records  on  the  subject  of  religious  publications. 
But,  in  1870,  the  paper  of  J.  R.  Graves  and  the  South- 
western Publishing  House  are  recommended.  An  agent 
(for  the  Orphan's  Home)  is  requested  to  use  every  en- 
deavor to  increase  the  circulation  of  the  Orphans  Home 
Banner. 

In  1871,  the  report  is  offered  by  M.  A.  Metts.  He 
says:  "In  order  to  be  eflicient  Christians  we  must  be 
intelligent  Christians,  and  in  order  to  be  intelligent 
Christians  we  must  be  reading  Christians."  The  Mis- 
sissippi department  of  The  Baptist  is  recommended, 
also  again  the  Home  and  Foreign  Journal. 

T.  A.  J.  Owen  reports  in  1872.  In  addition  to  peri- 
odicals already  mentioned,  he  recommends  Ford's 
Christian  Repository,  and  saj^s  any  family  with  these 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  529 

journals  can  hardly  remain  ignorant   of  Baptist  doc- 
trine and  practice." 

It  is  said  in  the  report  of  1875,  by  M.  A.  Metts,. 
that  "the  good  resulting  from  the  reading  of  good 
books  and  papers  cannot  be  over-estimated.  When  you 
find  a  family  well  provided  v^ith  good  rehgious  litera- 
ture, 3'ou  will  in  almost  ever3^  instance  find  one  that  is 
pious."  For  several  years  substantially  the  same  pub- 
lications are  recommended. 

In  1877,  W.  E.  W.  Estes  reports,  and  in  addition 
to  former  recommendations,  mentions  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  Record,  organ  of  the  State  Convention. 

This  is  warmly  and  heartily  recommended  again  in 
1878  by  D.  H.  Do'bbs ;  and  in  1879  together  with  those 
formerly  mentioned,  by  E.  A.  Fant;  while  the  same  are 
earnestly  commended  again  in  1880,  by  W.  H.  H.  Fan- 
cher,  who  says:  "In  connection  with  the  Hol3^  Scrip- 
tures, sound  literature  is  a  healthful  exercise." 

In  1881,  J.  M.  Dalton  reports,  recommending  the 
same  publications  adding  the  Western  Recorder  and 
the  publications  of  the  American  Baptist  Publication 
Society. 

The  report  in  1882  says :  "The  religious  press  is 
one  of  the  most  powerful  agencies  among  God's  people 
for  the  dissemination  of  religious  truth.  It  can  do  a 
work  and  wield  an  influence  which  greatl3^  supplement 
the  preached  Word.  To  the  full  extent  of  their  ability 
Christians  should  utilize  this  mighty  agency  for  good." 
The  same  publications  are  mentioned  and  it  is  said: 
"If  we  would  reach  the  highest  efficiency  as  an  Associa- 
tion and  as  individual  churches  and  Christians,  v^e 
should  not  fail  to  supply  ourselves  with  some  or  all  of 
these  publications.  It  is  a  dut^^  which  we  owe  to  our- 
selves, our  children  and  the  "blessed  Master  himself^ 
who  is  supremely  worthy  of  our  highest  efficiency." 


530  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Ministerial  education  : — There  are  numerous  ex- 
pressions throughout  the  records  of  the  Association 
which  indicate  that  it  heartily  approves  in  theor\%  of 
an  educated  ministry.  While  practically  it  has  not 
done  as  much  in  this  direction  as  it  ought  to  have  done, 
yet  its  members  have  been  willing,  whenever  the  oc- 
casion demanded,  to  assist  in  the  education  of  young 
ministers. 

In  1849,  Resolved,  That  the  amount  ($20)  we  send 
to  the  Convention  be  appropriated  to  the  education  of 
young  men  for  the  mmistr^-. 

In  1854,  the  following  action  was  taken  : 

"Whereas,  God  has  said,  'Ma-  people  are  de- 
stroyed for  lack  of  knowledge"  (Hos.  4:5,  6)  and,  'I 
will  give  you  pastors  according  to  mj'  heart,  who  shall 
feed  you  wath  knowledge  and  understanding'  (Jer.  3:15) 
and 

Whereas,  The  Savior  has  made  it  the  dut\'  of  his 
ministers  to  'teach  all  nations,'  (Matt.  28  :  19)  and  the 
Holy  Spirit,  through  the  Apostle  Paul,  sa\'S  to  Timo- 
thy, and  through  him  to  all  gospel  ministers:  '  Study  to 
show  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that 
needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  righth^  dividing  the  word 
of  truth'  (2  Tim.  1 :  15),  and  that  'a  bishop,  or  pastor, 
:niust  not  be  a  novice,  lest  being  lifted  up  with  pride  he 
fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the  devil'  (1  Tim.  3:6); 
lience  the  positive  command  to  the  ministry,  'Lay 
hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  neither  be  partaker  of  other 
men's  sins,'  (1  Tim.  5:22.)     Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  earnestly  recommend  our 
cliurches  and  our  ministers  especially,  to  take  heed  to 
the  advice  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  this  subject,  and  at 
the  same  time  to  carefullv  look  out  and  properh-  en- 
courage all  ministerial  gifts  that  ma^-  be  in  their  midst, 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  531 

and  that  they  advise  all  young  licentiates  to  go  to 
Mississippi  College,  where,  by  the  aid  of  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  Ministerial  Education  Society,  they  can  obtain 
their  board  and  tuition  free  of  charges." 

In  1857,  a  resolution  recommended  the  churches 
to  look  out  young  men  and  advise  them  to  the  same 
course  suggested  last  year.  The  sum  of  $77.50  w^as 
raised,  in  cash  and  pledges,  to  aid  J.  W,  Sims,  a  liceU' 
-tiate  of  Wake  Forest  church. 

In  1858,  W.  M.  Farrar  made  som^ 'l-emarks  on  the 
subject  of  ministerial  educatiau.  and  proposed  a  col- 
lection to  aid  that  object/'  >rhe  amount  raised,  $9.25, 
was  forwarded  to  the  '^.ocietv  above  mentioned. 

After  earnest  appeals  by  j.  B.  Poteet  and  W.  H.Wil- 
;son,  m  185^.  g^  ^ash  contribution  of  $18.75  and  pledges 
-tor  ^73..-"^  J  were  made  for  the  aid  of  T.  W.  Sims. 

^n  1860  T.  A.  J.  Owen  "made  an  appeal  to  the  As- 
sociation to  aid  John  Wilson  in  obtaining  an  education, 
followed  by  W.  H.  Head,  in  behalf  of  H.  J.  Vanlanding- 
ham  for  the  same  object,  when  the  brethren  came  for- 
ward and  laid  on  the  table  $11.35,  which  was  divided 
between  them.'' 

In  1871,  ^'Resolved,  That  a  collection  be  taken  up 
on  the  Sabbath  and  the  mone}^  placed  in  the  hands  of 
D.  H.  Dobbs  to  purchase  books  for  the  preachers  of  the 
Association,  to  be  distributed  among  them  as  to  their 
necessities."  The  work  of  Mississippi  College  in  fur- 
nishing free  tuition  to  young  ministers  was  referred  to 
and  heartily  endorsed.  It  was  endorsed  again  in  1872 
and  1873,  and  it  is  said  in  1874.  "  Let  us  have  a  noble 
part  in  building  up  this  institution,  whose  doors  are 
open  wide  for  the  reception  of  all  the  young  gifts — the 
TL<ird's  called — of  our  churches," 

Iq  l§7g  j^l^"  report  on  Mississippi  College,  by  M.  A. 


532  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Metts,  sa3^s :  **  We  have  many  precious  j^oung  brethren 
in  our  College,  who  are  studying  with  a  view  to  the 
ministry  of  God's  Word.  Let  us  therefore  recommend 
to  the  churches  that  the3^  all  take  up  a  public  collection 
at  the  regular  meetings  in  December  for  the  purpose  of 
relieving  the  Ministerial  Education  Board  of  embar- 
rassment."' 

In  1877,  "some  books  in  the  hands  of  D.  H.  Dobbs,. 
purchased  by  funds  belonging  to  the  Association,  were 
distributed  to  the  ministers  of  the  same." 

In  1879,  the  report  by  M.  A.  Aletts  sa3^s :  "The 
great  advantage  of  an  educated  ministr\^  is  admitted 
by  all.  The  question  now  is  as  to  the  practicability, 
and  the  modes  and  plans  or  institutions  in  which  it  is 
to  be  done.  *  *  *  We  would  urge  the  prayerful  consid- 
eration of  acting  in  the  premises  upon  the  churches  and 
young  ministers,  and  w^ould  recommend  our  college  at 
Clinton,  Miss.,  as  a  suitable  place  for  the  literarv  train- 
ing of  3^oung  ministers,  and  the  Southern  Baptist  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  Louisville,  Ky.,  as  the  place  for  their 
theological  education.  This  institution  is  thoroughly 
organized  and  in  fine  working  order,  and  its  faculty  is 
composed  of  the  best  Baptist  talent  in  America.  Our 
own  college,  at  Clinton,  is  also  in  fine  working  con- 
dition, and  has  a  complete,  tried  and  efficient  faculty^ 
composed  of  our  Alississippi  brethren,  and  is  doing  a 
great  and  good  work." 

In  1880,  ^'Resolved,  That  this  Association  make  an 
earnest  effort  to  raise  $150  for  the  purpose  of  sending 
W.  T.  Carroll  to  school  for  the  next  3^ear,  and  that  it  is 
hereb\'  made  the  dut}^  of  the  Executive  Board  to  attend 
to  this  matter."  Immediately  $59.50  was  raised  in 
cash  and  $52.00  pledged  for  this  object. 

Circumstances  were  such  that  W.  T.  Carroll  could 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  533 

not  attend  school,  and  this  fund  remained  in  the  hands 
of  the  Executive  Board,  and  in  1881,  a  portion  of  it 
was  returned  to  the  churches  and  the  remainder,  to- 
gether with  an  additional  amount,  was  appropriated 
to  the  purchase  of  books  for  young  ministers.  In  1882, 
M.  A.  Metts  stated  that  with  the  young  minister's 
fund  he  had  presented  an  equal  number  of  books  to 
brethren  Carroll,  Lanford,  Woodruff  and  Edwards,  with 
a  set  of  books  and  a  small  fund  still  on  hand.  *  *  *  He 
He  was  instructed  to  pay  the  fund  to  W.  T.  Carroll  and 
present  thebookstoJ.A.Parham."  The  report  of  1881, 
by  J.  D.  Adams,  refers  to  Paul's  language  (1  Tim.  3: 2), 
** a  bishop  must  be.  *  *  *  apt  to  teach,"  (2  Tim.  5:2) 
"These  things  commit  thou  to  faithful  men,  who  shall 
be  able  to  teach  others  also."  (v.  13)  "Study  to  show 
thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth 
not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth," 
and  (Titus  1:9)  "A  minister  must  be  able  by  sound 
doctrine  both  to  exhort  and  convince  the  gain-sayers." 
The  usefulness  of  many  uneducated  men  is  admitted, 
but  it  is  urged  that  "it  is  the  duty  of  the  Baptists  of 
Mississippi  to  aid  in  the  education  of  their  young  min- 
isters." An  immediate  contribution  for  this  work  is 
urged,  and  the  funds  contributed  are  used  for  the  buy- 
ing of  books  for  young  ministers,  as  mentioned  above, 
for  none  in  the  Association  are  situated  s  o  that  they 
can  attend  College. 

Denominational  institutions  :— As  first  among  the 
institutions  for  higher  education,  which  are  conducted 
under  the  care  of  the  denomination,  the  Association 
has  regarded  Mississippi  college,  located  at  Clin- 
ton, MISS.,  as  the  institution  of  the  Baptists  for  the  ed- 
ucation of  their  sons. 

This  institution  was  founded  in  1826,  when  it  was 


534  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

chartered  as  "Hempstead  Academ^^"  by  the  Legislature, 
In  1827,  the  name  was  changed  to  "Mississippi  Acad- 
emy," and  in  1830,  to  "Mississippi  College."  In  its 
early  j'-ears  it  made  but  little  progress,  and  in  1842,  it 
w^as  placed  under  the  exclusive  control  of  the  Presby- 
terians, and  a  theological  professorship  was  added.  In 
1849  it  declined,  became  involved  in  debt  and  was  not 
much  patronized.  In  July,  1850,  the  Presb3^terians  re- 
linquished all  their  claims,  and  in  November,  1850,  the 
Trustees  tendered  it  to  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Conven- 
tion. Since  that  time,  although  passing  through  sea- 
sons of  darkness  and  crushing  financial  embarrasements 
it  has  continued  the  property  of  the  Convention  and 
the  College  of  the  Baptists  of  the  State.  Several  ef- 
forts have  iDcen  made  to  endow  it  which  have  only  been 
partially  successful.  During  its  dark  days  more  espec- 
ialh^  it  has  called  upon  the  aid  of  the  Associations  of 
the  State. 

In  1852,  "an  opportunity^  w^as  offered  W.  M.  Far- 
rar,  agent  of  Mississippi  College,  to  address  the  Associ- 
ation on  the  subject  of  his  mission."'  He  did  so,  "pre- 
senting the  claims  of  the  College  upon  the  Baptists  of 
this  State.  J.  R.  Graves  follow^ed  him  in  an  address  on 
the  same  subject,  after  which  pledges  were  taken 
amounting  to  $1,500. 

In  1854,  E.  C.  Eager  was  present  as  the  agent  of 
the  College,  was  courteously  received  and  allow^ed  to 
present  the  claims  of  the  College.  The  following  action 
was  taken : 

"Whereas,  Mississippi  College  is  now  upon  a  firm 
basis,  nearly  eighty  thousand  dollars  of  the  one  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars  endow^ment  being  subscrib- 
ed; and. 

Whereas,  Said  College  bids  fair  to  become  one  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  535 

the  best  institutions  of  the  South,  having  had  the  last 
year  five  teachers  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-seven 
pupils ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  cordially  commend  said  Col- 
lege to  all  our  churches,  and  recommend  our  brethren 
to  send  their  sons  to  this  institution  instead  of  sending 
them  out  of  the  State." 

The  report  of  1871  speaks  of  the  healthful  location 
of  the  College,  its  accessibility,  its  large  number  of  stu- 
dents the  last  session,  the  cheapness  of  attending  it, 
the  thoroughness  of  its  courses  and  the  efficiency  of  its 
facult3%  and  earnestly  urges  its  claims  upon  the  pat- 
ronage and  support  of  the  Baptists  of  the  State. 

In  1872,  the  report  hj  N.  0.  Adams  thus  concludes : 
"This  College  is  worthy  of  the  patronage,  and  claims 
the  support  of  all  Baptists." 

In  1873,  M.  A.  Metts  reporting,  says:  "This  Col- 
lege is  in  a  more  prosperous  financial  condition  than  it 
was  a  few  years  past.  *  *  *  It  has  been  released  from 
its  embarrassed  financial  condition.  *  *  *  But  help  is 
still  needed.  *  *  *  Will  we  do  our  duty?  *  *  *  Shall  the 
College,  which  is  the  pride  of  every  Mississippi  Baptist, 
be  sustained?" 

D.  H.  Dobbs,  in  1874,  was  appointed  a  member  of 
the  Board  of  Visitors  of  the  College,  and  W.  M.  Farrar 
was  appointed  its  associational  agent.  The  report  by 
M.  A.  Metts  says:  "One  thing  is  needful,  under  the 
blessing  of  God,  to  make  the  College  a  grand  success — an 
ample  endowment.  This  is  needed;  this  we  ought  to 
have ;  this  we  must  have ;  and  when  the  hosts  of  Miss- 
issippi say  we  will  have  it,  the  work  is  done.  What 
shall  we  say?  *  *  *  Let  us  show  hy  our  actions  that 
we  give  the  agent  a  heart3^  reception,  and  bid  him  God 
speed." 


536  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  friends  of  the  College,  in  1875,  availed  them- 
selves of  the  general  interest  in  regard  to  the  Centennial 
proposed  b^^the  United  States  in  commemoration  of  its 
centennary  of  civil  liberty,  and  determined  to  commem- 
orate the  centennary  of  religious  liberty  by  endeavoring 
to  complete  the  endowment  of  the  College.  This  was 
to  be  accomplished  b^'  securing  one  dollar,  if  possible, 
from  ever\'  Baptist  in  the  State.  This  Centennial  move- 
ment was  represented  by  J.  W.  Sanford  at  the  session 
of  1875,  and  brought  before  the  Association  by  a  spec- 
ial committee's  report,  A  mass-meeting  w^as  held  Sat- 
urday night  in  behalf  of  this  work,  and  a  contribution 
(amount  not  given)  was  made  to  it. 

In  1876,  the  report  byM.  A.  Metts  speaks  despond- 
ently of  the  financial  prospects  of  the  College.  The 
Centennial  failed  to  realize  the  needed  $100,000,  the 
College  is  in  debt,  many  have  failed  to  pay  the  interest 
on  their  endowment  notes,  and  many  more  have  failed 
to  pa}'  the  notes.  It  is  recommended  that  all  churches 
make  a  contribution  for  it  in  December.  A  public  col- 
lection on  Sunday  is  divided  between  the  College  and 
Foreign  missions. 

The  College  is  eamestW  commended,  and  its  pat- 
ronage and  support  urged  after  this  time,  in  connection 
A?rith  ministerial  education. 

MARY  WASHINGTON  COLLEGE  was  an  institution 
established  by  the  Baptists  of  several  Associations,  and 
located  at  Pontotoc,  Miss.  It  was  presided  over  at 
first  by  H.  H.  Tucker,  now  of  the  Christian  Index,  At- 
lanta, Ga.  It  was  represented  in  1852  by  J.  C.  Keeney, 
President,  who  presented  its  claims  "to  the  patronage 
of  the  members  of  the  Association."  His  address  was 
* 'listened  to  with  deep  interest  and  attention." 

Yalobusha   female   college,  located  at  gre- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  537 

NADA,  was  at  one  time  a  flourishing  Baptist  institution. 
In  1847,  W.M.  Farrar  "read  a  communication  in  rela- 
tion to''  this  institution,  and  a  resolution  appointed 
M.  A.  Metts,  A.  Reed,  W.  M.  Farrar,  and  C.  E.  Brame 
as  Trustees  of  the  College, 

Temperance  : — The  Association  has  uniformh'  ex- 
pressed itself  strongly  and  unequivocally  upon  the  duty 
of  temperance,  and  recommended  to  the  churches  the 
duty  of  promptly  dealing  with  those  who  have  been 
guilty  of  intemperance. 

An  earnest  report  in  1852,  by  J.  B.  McLelland,  says, 
in  substance,  that  the  cause  of  temperance  has  superior 
claims  upon  Baptists  because  in  the  past  they  have 
peculiarly  suffered  from  the  baneful  effects  of  drinking 
ardent  spirits.  This  appeals  to  them  for  all  their 
energy  and  influence  in  the  glorious  work  of  promoting 
temperance.  Three  States  have  legally  prohibited  the 
importation  and  sale  of  all  beverages  of  hell,  with  their 
"  w^ithering,  hissing,  scorching,  blasting  and  soul-de- 
stroying" power.  Much  good  has  been  done  bj^  human 
institutions  in  the  warfare  against  the  demon  of  intem- 
perance and  deserve  our  warmest  sympathy.  In  1853, 
the  same  member  urges,  in  addition  to  the  above,  the 
importance  of  speaking  out  upon  this  subject,  and  "the 
right  of  any  community  to  say  whether  there  shall  be 
in  it  a  whiskey-shop." 

In  1854,  G.  G.  Snedicor,  W.  M.  Farrar  and  W.  H. 
Head  were  appointed  a  committee  to  memorialize  the 
Legislature  to  enact  a  law  prohibiting  the  sale  of  in- 
toxicants as  a  beverage,  and  a  resolution  declares 
"That  we  will  ever  unite  our  fervent  pra^-ers  to  Al- 
might}^  God  that  the  demoralizing  influence  which  is 
and  has  been  so  extensively  felt  from  the  use  and  retail 
of  intoxicating  drinks  may  be  removed  from  our  land." 


538  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

By  some  misunderstanding  this  memorial  was  not 
prepared. 

The  effort  heretofore  (in  temperance  work)  has 
deeph'  impressed  thousands  who  still  stand  firm  in 
abstinence  principles,  and  as  great  good  has  thus  been 
accomplished,  all  friends  of  this  cause  are  urged  to 
firmness  and  faithfulness  to  their  pledge  in  the  report 
of  1855. 

A  resolution  in  1869  earnesth'  urges  the  churches 
to  use  all  possible  influence  by  precept,  example  and 
firm  discipline  to  arrest  the  torrent  of  intemperance  in 
the  land  and  its  tide  of  human  woes ;  for,  urges  W.  H. 
Steele,  in  the  report  of  1870,  the  progress  of  intemper- 
ance is  alarming,  and  God's  people  do  not  strive  as 
they  should  to  arrest  it. 

In  1871,  through  J.  \V.  A.  Clifton,  the  body  urges 
that,  "while  the  monster  is  in  our  midst,  no  effort 
should  be  left  untried  to  stay''  its  destructive  power. 
All  Christians  "should  unite  to  put  it  down  by  all 
possible  means." 

Rather  than  dishonor  the  cause  of  Christ  by  often 
repeated  "shameful  acknowledgements,"  Christians 
are  urged  to  shun  intoxicants  as  a  deadly  poison,  in 
1872,  by  M.  Bennett,  chairman,  and  it  is  sadh'  con- 
fessed, in  1873,  I.  C.  F.  Moore,  chairman,  that  "too 
many  brethren  will  drink  and  drink  too  much,  too." 
Reference  is  also  made  to  the  strong  laws  now  in  ex- 
istence. 

In  1874,  C.  H.  Cagle,  chairman,  the  grief,  shame 
and  wretchedness  of  intemperance  are  mentioned,  and 
Christians  are  earnesth'  urged  to  flee  from  intoxicants 
as  from  a  deadly  serpent  and  as  from  a  source  of  re- 
proach upon  Christianit3^ 

In  1875,  in  view  of  the  great  evil  of  intemperance, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  539 

a  resolution  recommends  the  churches  "to  discount] 
enance,  in  every  possible  way,  the  habit  of  drinking 
intoxicating  liquors." 

In  1881  and  1882,  the  report  by  N.  Q.  Adams  de- 
picts the  destructive  nature  of  ardent  spirits,  and  the 
power  of  a  habit  of  drinking,  and  earnestly  urges  that 
it  is  entirely  inconsistent  with  the  Christian  profession 
to  have  an^^thing  at  all  to  do  with  intoxicants,  either 
in  drinking  or  selling  them  or  signing  a  petition  .for 
another  to  sell,  and  recommends  that  all  professed 
children  of  God — soldiers  of  Christ  —  marshal  their 
forces  together  against  this  destructive  enemy — whis- 
key. A  resolution  endorsed  the  prohilDition  movement 
of  this  State. 

Systematic  benevolence: — Every  religious  body 
has  its  own  peculiar  manner  for  transacting  the  work 
Avhich  comes  before  it.  Some  Associations,  from  time 
immemorial,  have  devoted  a  special  amount  of  time  to 
considering  the  best  means  for  securing  system  in^ 
"eliciting,  combining  and  directing"  the  energies  and 
contributions  of  their  churches.  Others  have  rather 
addressed  themselves  to  the  systematic  presentation  of 
the  various  departments  of  v^ork  to  the  churches.  Of 
the  latter  class  is  this  Association.  In  one  or  two 
instances,  however,  its  action  has  indicated  a  convic- 
tion of  the  importance  of  system  upon  the  part  of  the 
churches. 

In  1850,  the  following  was  passed  : 

"Whereas,  Some  of  the  churches  and  many  indi- 
vidual members  of  the  respective  churches  composing 
this  body  have  been  contributing  of  their  means  to  the 
support  of  various  benevolent  objects  through  agents 
and  otherwise,  while,  perhaps,  a  large  majority  of 
brethren  composing  this  Association,  have  done  little 


540  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

or  nothing  for  any  of  those  objects  simph'  from  the 
fact  that  they  have  not  been  appHed  to  for  aid,  and 
the  impracticability  of  haying  agents  enough  to  yisit 
all  the  churches.  We  therefore  feel  the  necessity  of 
adopting  a  system  bj^  which  all  may  be  reached,  and 
all  may  contribute  something  ^yithout  am-  personal 
sacrifice,  and  yet  greatly  increase  the  amount  now 
realized  by  the  various  boards  of  benevolence.  We 
therefore  recommend  to  the  churchesof  this  Association 
the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions: 

"1.  That  the  Boards  of  Foreign  and  Domestic  Mis- 
sions of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  the  Indian 
Mission  Association  and  the  Bible  Cause,  are  objects 
deserving  our  sympathies,  praj^ers  and  contributions. 

"  2.  That  each  member  of  this  church  agrees  to  pay 
into  the  hands  of  its  treasurer  annually,  ten  cents,  or 
more,  for  each  of  the  objects  mentioned  in  the  above 
resolution,  and  those  of  us  who  are  heads  of  families, 
agree  to  pa^'  a  like  amount  for  each  of  the  members  of 
our  respective  families  who  ma^'  be  members  of  the 
church."" 

In  1870,  resolutions  were  passed  urging  constant 
and  systematic  action  by  the  churches  for  the  Orphan's 
Home. 

Aid  to  aged  ministers  or  their  widows  :  — Truly 
is  it  that  ministers  are  "the  servants  of  the  churches." 
They  spend  their  time  and  exhaust  their  energies  and 
talents  in  the  service  of  the  churches,  receiving  in  return 
the  most  meagre  compensation,  while  in  other  spheres 
they  might  command  handsome  salaries  and  acquire 
competent  possessions.  Being  thus  situated  they  can- 
not possibly  la3'  b}-  anything  for  old  age.  It  is,  there- 
fore, a  solemn  dut\'  obligatory  upon  the  churches  to 
support  and  care  for  them  when  they  are  worn  out  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  541 

sink  under  the  weight  of  years,  no  longer  able  to  serve 
in  the  ministry.  It  is  criminal  to  neglect  them  unless 
they  had  been  better  paid.  It  seemed  appropriate  to 
doff  the  historian's  character  in  order  to  sa3^  this  much. 

In  1858,  this  matter  was  presented  to  the  Associa- 
tion, and  received  a  practical  turn  in  the  immediate 
contribution  of  $16  for  the  benefit  of  James  Ray,  an 
aged  minister  of  the  Association,  This  amount  was 
placed  in  the  hands  of  W.  W.  Nash,  to  be  conveyed  to 
James  Ray." 

Similarly,  in  1859,  *'by  request  of  W.  W.  Nash, 
public  prayer  was  offered  in  behalf  of  John  Micou,  who 
is  confined  to  a  bed  of  affliction.'' 

In  1873,  "the  treasurer  was  ordered  to  give  all 
money  in  his  hands  for  Associational  purposes,  not 
otherwise  needed,  to  Sister  Micou,  widow  of  our  be- 
loved brother,  John  Micou." 

In  1875,  a  collection  by  vote  of  the  Association, 
v^as  taken  up  on  Sabbath  for  the  benefit  of  Sister 
Micou. 

In  1882,  J.  F.  Wilson  "made  a  statement  in  regard 
to  W,  M.  Farrar,  an  aged  minister,"  and  the  messen- 
gers paid  $11,  and  pledged  $20  for  his  benefit. 

Thus,  whenever  there  has  been  an  occasion  for 
appeal  to  the  benevolence  of  the  body  in  this  respect 
there  has  always  been  a  response. 

Orphan's  home:  —  Immediately  after  the  war  of 
the  States  the  Baptists  of  Mississippi  established  an 
Orphan's  Home  for  the  purpose  of  caring  for  the  chil- 
dren of  deceased  soldiers.  It  depended  solely  upon  the 
benefactions  of  the  denomination,  and  therefore  it  was 
eminently  appropriate  for  the  different  associations  to 
consider  its  claims  and  share  in  its  support.  It  was 
founded  in  1865,  and  suspended  just  ten  years  later. 
This  Association  was  heartily  enlisted  in  its  behalf. 


542  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  report  of  1866,  by  W.  M.  Farrar,  gives  a  brief 
history  of  the  institution,  stating  that  the  State  Con- 
vention in  1864  planned  it,  and  afterwards  it  was 
estabHshed  at  Lauderdale  Springs.  A  Board  of  Trus- 
tees have  it  in  charge,  with  300  acres  of  land,  extensive 
buildings  and  accommodations  for  500  pupils,  S.  S. 
Granberry  as  superintendent  and  out  of  debt.  It  ap- 
peals for  aid.  A  public  collection  of  $28.05  was  taken 
for  it  on  Sunday. 

In  1867,  \V.  AI.  Farrar,  chairman,  in  addition  to 
■these  facts,  it  is  stated  that  the  inmates  spend  half  of 
"th^'ir  time  in  study  and  half  in  useful  industiy.  One 
hundred  and  fort^-  are  in  attendance,  and  it  is  at- 
tempted to  support  them  and  give  them  a  good  English 
education.  A  Sabbath  collection  of  $20.10  is  made, 
and  brethren  have  contributed  during  the  year  to  its 
support. 

W.  M.  Farrar,  in  the  report  of  1868,  again  presents 
all  the  details  of  the  Home,  indicating  its  successful 
operation,  good  equipments,  knitting  and  sewing  ma- 
chines, loom,  stoves,  a  washing  machine,  a  supply  of 
school  books  and  nucleus  of  a  library.  It  has  pressing 
need  for  drugs,  good  buildings,  bread,  meat,  funds  for 
repairs,  mattrasses,  quilts,  sheets  and  pillows  for  its 
200  orphans.  A  Sabbath  collection  of  $13.65  was 
given  to  the  Home. 

A  resolution  in  1869  earnestly  recommended  it  to 
the  members  of  the  body  as  having  peculiar  claims 
Upon  them,  and  resolutions  in  1870  urge,  first,  that 
each  church  assume  the  support  of  one  orphan,  $60, 
and  appoint  an  agent  to  raise  the  necessary  amount ; 
second,  an  endeavor  to  increase  the  circulation  of  the 
Orphan's  Home  Banner,  published  at  the  Home  by  the 
orphans  and  devoted  to  its  interests:  third,  the  co-op- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  543 

eratioii  of  other  associations  in  this  plan,  and  fourth, 
the  printing  of  the  Minutes  at  the  Home. 

In  1871,  T.  A.  J.  Owen,  chairman,  the  Uquidation 
of  indebtedness,  the  presence  of  200  orphans  and  their 
claims  upon  members  of  the  body,  are  mentioned, 
and  the  Orphan's  Home  Banner  is  recommended  for 
patronage. 

"A  crisis  of  vast  importance"  is  mentioned  in  1872 
by  W.  M.  Farrar,  which  is  its  financial  embarrassment. 
A  proposition  of  the  trustees  to  transfer  the  Home  to 
the  Masonic  traternity  has  been  referred  b^'  the  State 
Convention  to  the  churches  of  the  State.  If,  by  the 
first  of  the  following  December,  the  churches  do  not 
pledge  a  sufficiency,  ($12,000  annually)  to  support  the 
Home,  the  trustees  will  be  authorized  to  transfer  it  to 
the  Masonic  fraternity.  It  was  not,  however,  trans- 
ferred, and  the  report  of  1873,  by  W.  M.  Farrar,  states 
that  it  still  lives  and  relies  mainly  upon  the  Baptists 
of  the  State  for  a  support,  though  a  strong  effort  is 
put  forth  to  make  it  self-supporting. 

It  Tvas  represented  in  1874  by  Joel  Towers,  who 
received  for  it  a  contribution  of  $26.  The  report  1>y 
J.  B.  Poteet,  states  that  the  eighty  orphans  now 
present  need  supplies  of  all  kinds.  The  Home  has  a 
steam  mill  and  gin  and  other  machinery  looking  to 
self-support. 

The  Home  suspended  before  the  next  sessioti  of  the 
body. 

Sunday  schools  :— -The  Association  began  to  give 
attention  to  Sundaj^  schools  in  1855,  and  has  since 
manifested  an  interest  in  this  work.  A  resolution  this 
year  requested  the  churches  to  report  the  name  of  the 
superintendent,  character  of  school,  number  of  scholars 
and  volumes  in  library,  and  the  report  by  W.  W.  Nash 


544  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

mentions  the  importance  of  the  work  and  deplores  the 
lack  of  interest  of  the  churches,  but  three  schools  being 
mentioned  \vithin  the  Association.  The  work  is  urged 
upon  the  churches  and  pastors. 

In  1856,  the  same,  substantially,  is  said,  and  four 
schools  are  reported.  In  the  next  report,  W.  W.  Nash, 
chairman,  the  lack  of  energetic  teachers  is  deplored, 
four  schools  and  one  union  school  are  mentioned. 

The  substance  of  W.  H.  Head's  report  of  1858  is 
that  remissness  is  due  to  lack  of  Baptist  literature,  and 
first,  it  is  urged  that  Baptist  schools  only  be  formed. 
Second,  unreasonable  opposition  to  the  Nashville  Bap- 
tist Sunday  School  Union  is  deplored.  Third,  the  ap- 
proaching Sunday  School  Convention,  to  be  held  at 
Memphis  in  November,  it  is  hoped  will  prove  a  great 
blessing.  In  1859,  four  Baptist  and  eleven  union 
schools  are  reported. 

The  report  of  1860,  by  T.  A.  J.  Owen,  urges  zealous 
work  in  this  direction  by  the  members  and  pastors.  A 
trust  of  sacred  truths  have  been  committed  to  God's 
people,  and  thej^  must  teach  them  or  be  culpable. 

In  1861,  the  Wake  Forest  Church  letter  sa^^s :  "We 
have  had  Sunday  school  regularly  this  summer,  and 
Sister  Nannie  J.  Franklin  has  committed  to  memory 
and  recited  3,781  verses  in  the  New  Testament,  and 
Sister  A.  E.  FrankHn  3,917  verses. 

"The  religious  instruction  of  our  children  is  one  of 
the  greatest  duties  we  owe  them,  and  as  preaching  is 
usually  above  their  comprehension,  every  Sunday 
school  should  be  kept  in  constant  operation,"  says  the 
report  of  1866,  by  J.  B.  Poteet. 

Some  improvement  is  mentioned  next  year,  and 
still  there  is  much  indifference.  A  resolution  urges  the 
importance  of  the  work. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  545 

The  possession  of  divine  truth,  opposing  forces  of 
evil,  the  permanence  of  early  impressions  and  the  rapid 
flight  of  opportunities,  all  urge  zealous  Sunday  school 
work.  Resolutions  approve  and  promise  co-operation 
with-  a  State  Sunday  School  Convention.  Such  was 
the  action  in  1868,  P.  B.  Cockburn,  Chairman  of  Com- 
mittee. 

Though  referring  primarily  to  public  preaching,  yet 
the  commission  includes  also  teaching  the  young  in 
Sunday  school.  Such  work  develops  Christians,  and 
promotes  reverence  for  Sunday,  The  Sunday  school 
efforts  of  others  should  stimulate  .Baptists  to  work. 
This  is  the  tenor  of  the  next  report  by  H.  J,  Vanland- 
ingham. 

In  1870,  by  W.  E,  W,  Estes,  this  work  is  urged 
(1)  because  of  the  susceptibility  of  the  3'oung;  (2)  be- 
cause those  converted  young  are  capable  of  so  much 
more  usefulness. 

The  report  of  1871,  by  W,  D,  Kitchens,  refers  to  the 
neglect  of  the  wofk,  and  the  greatness  of  its  import- 
ance. As  a  means  of  preparing  the  3^oung  for  the  obli- 
gations of  life  Sunday  schools  are  urged  in  the  next  re- 
port;  while,  in  1874  and  1875,  the  churches  are  re- 
quested to  send  reports  of  their  schools. 

In  1876,  N.  Q.  Adams  reports.  Experience  has 
confirmed  the  utilitj^  of  this  work.  It  has  brought  con- 
viction to  man3^  Churches  should  use  this  great, 
agency'-  for  good,  and  add  to  their  strength  and  useful- 
ness.   Every  church  should  have  a  Sunday  school. 

In  1878,  D.  H.  Dobbs  reports.  This  work  is  import- 
ant, great,  good,  healthful,  and  instructive  exercise  for 
Christians,  and  a  field  in  which  all  may  work. 

In  1879,  N.  O.  Adams  reports.  This  is  a  work  in 
which  children  maj^  be  trained  for  the  Lord  and  led  to 
Christ,  and  fitted  to  take  the  place  of  older  Christians^ 


546  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1880,  J.  M.  Dalton  reports.  The  small  interest 
taken  in  this  w'ork  is  a  shame  in  comparison  with  the 
•activity  of  other  denominations. 

In  1881,  J.  F.  Wilson  reports.  There  is  some  in- 
crease of  interest  in  Sunday  schools.  Double  diligence 
is  urged. 

In  1882,  J.  M.  Webster  reports.  There  is  very  little 
interest  b\'  the  churches.  County  Conventions  are  en- 
couraged, and  members  are  exhorted  to  diligence.  A 
resolution  requested  superintendents  to  send  full  statis- 
tics of  their  schools. 

Executive  board  and  its  work:— There  has  been 
throughout  the  existence  of  the  Association  an  Execu- 
tive Board,  composed  of  earnest  and  devout  men,  hav- 
ing in  charge  the  home  work  of  the  body,  and  making 
regular  reports  of  its  proceedings.  A  resolution  in 
1843  created  such  a  Board,  and  there  has  been  one 
'Cver}^  year  since. 

AssociATiONAL  MISSIONS.  The  chief  end  in  view  in 
:all  combinations  of  churches  is  the  promulgation  of  the 
gospel,  and  in  Associations  the  principal  features  ot 
this  work  is  giving  the  gospel  to  the  destitute  within 
its  own  territory. 

No  very  decided  move  in  this  Tv^ork  was  made  until 
1843,  five  3'ears  after  organization.  At  this  time  the 
churches  were  urged  to  contribute  for  supplying  home 
destitution,  and  the  ministers  were  requested  to  preach 
at  favorable  places  and  report  to  the  Association.  The 
Executive  Board  was  instructed  to  supervise,  the  work 
and  disburse  the  funds  contributed. 

In  1844,  N.  Sansing  missionary-,  reports  active 
work  and  one  church  constituted.  Silas  Dobbs  mis- 
sionary, reports  tw^o  churches  organized  and  ninety 
sermons  preached.    J.  Robinson  reports  aid  in  the  same 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  547 

two  churches  and  a  large  amount  of  preaching.  H.  W. 
Portwood  reports  thirteen  sermons  and  one  church  or- 
ganized. These  five  receive  $148  for  service  rendered. 
Four  churches  have  been  organized  and  three  have 
-united  with  the  Association. 

In  1845,  a  resolution  requested  pastors  to  devote 
one  month  to  this  work.  J.  M.  Brown,  Silas  Dobbs, 
Joseph  Robinson,  H.  W.  Portwood  and  J.  J.  Morehead, 
report  work  done  and  receive  seven  dollars  each  for 
services. 

In  1846,  no  work  done ;  $205.00  is  pledged  for  the 
work,  and  H.  W.  Portwood  is  elected  missionary. 

In  1848,  H.  W.  Portwood  missionary,  reports 
2,468  miles,  171  sermons,  6  lectures,  34  baptisms, 
164  families  visited,  1  church  organized,  2  ministers 
and  3  deacons  ordained,  and  7  administrations  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.    He  received  $212.30. 

In  1849,  E.  B.  Eakin  missionary,  reports  2,266 
miles,  186  sermons,  18  lectures,  66  baptisms,  322  fam- 
ilies visited,  7  celebrations  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  2 
churches  organized  and  1  deacon  ordained  He  re- 
ceives $200.  H.  W.  Portwood  and  Robert  Crenshaw 
are  chosen  missionaries  for  next  3'ear,  and  $242  is 
pledged. 

In  1850,  H.  W.  Portwood  reports  1,816  miles,  101 
sermons,  35  lectures,  160  families  visited,  36  baptisms, 
and  Lord's  Supper  4  times.  Robert  Crenshaw  reports 
1,600  miles,  116  sermons,  23  lectures,  165  families  vis- 
ited, 28  baptisms,  1  deacon  ordained,  Lord's  Supper  4 
times.  They  have  labored  faithfully.  Robert  Cren- 
shaw is  chosen  for  next  year,  and  $257  is  pledged  for 
his  support. 

In  1851,  great  destitution  is  reported-  .Ministers 
and  deacons  are  requested  to  present  the  claims  of  this 


548  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

work,  and  the  churches  are  requested  to  express  their 
opinion.  Robert  Crenshaw  reports  2,483  miles,  126 
sermons,  4  lectures,  196  families  visited,  1  church  con- 
stituted, and  three  deacons  ordained.  He  receives  $300. 
Missionary-  work  b3'  pastors  is  recommended  for  next 
year  and  $113  is  pledged. 

In  1852,  Silas  Dobbs,  H.  W.  Portwood,  and  Robert 
Crenshaw  have  been  engaged  in  this  work;  $117  has 
been  received.  Good  work,  but  no  details,  is  reported. 
For  next  3'ear  $52.00  is  pledged. 

In  1853,  Silas  Dobbs  and  J.  P.  Holiman  have  done 
some  work,  but  scarcet3^  of  means  has  restricted  their 
work.  The  former  receives  $50.00,  the  latter  $25.00, 
and  Robert  Crenshaw  receives  a  deficit  of  $33.48.  For 
next  3'ear  $245.50  is  pledged. 

In  1854,  no  work  was  done.  There  is  much  desti- 
tution.    For  the  next  3'ear's  work  $243  is  pledged. 

In  1855,  A.  Goss  and  Joseph  Robinson  have  done 
some  work.  The  former  received  $30  and  the  latter 
$18.  W.  W.  Nash  reports  42  days,  534  miles,  54  ser- 
mons, 1  baptism,  1  deacon  ordained,  $60  worth  books 
sold.  For  this  work  $158  has  been  received,  and 
$239.50  is  pledged  for  next  year. 

In  1856,  W.  H.  Wilson  was  at  work  at  $450  3'ear- 
13',  and  reports  144  sermons,  9  exhortations,  84  famil- 
ies visited,  5  baptisms,  1  church  organized,  1  deacon 
ordained,  $10  collected,  and  $26  worth  of  books  sold. 
D.  H.  Dobbs  is  chosen  missionary-  for  next  \-ear  at  a 
salary  of  $450,  of  which  $140  is  pledged. 

In  1857,  no  work  was  done.  The  Board  is  instruct- 
ed to  emploA^  a  missionar\^  for  next  3'ear  at  $400,  and 
of  this  $194  is  now  pledged. 

In  1858,  D.  M.  Sims  has  been  at  work  and  reports 
320  days,  3,612  miles,   572  families  visited,  219  ser- 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  549 

mens,  113  lectures,  44  baptisms,  3  churches  organized, 
$9  worth  of  books  sold,  22  subscribers  obtained  for 
Mississippi  Baptist  and  1  for  Home  and  Foreign  Jour- 
nal, 5  deacons  ordained  and  41  members  received  by 
letter.  For  next  year  $482  is  pledged,  and  it  is  decided 
to  employ  a  missionarj'  at  $400. 

In  1859,  D.  M.  Sims  has  been  employed  and  reports 
282  days,  3,660  miles,  208  sermons,  185  lectures,  408 
families,  50  baptisms,  6  subscribers  for  Tennessee  Bap- 
tist, 1  for  Mississippi  Baptist,  and  1  for  Home  and 
Foreign  Journal.    Joel  Wilson  reports  78  days. 

In  1860,  D.  M.  Sims  reports  20  days  and  receives 
$17  for  v^^ork ;  $35  is  pledged  for  th  e  aid  of  Philadel- 
phia church  next  year. 

In  1861,  no  w'ork  has  been  done.  Something  must 
be  done  the  incoming  j'ear. 

In  1862  and  1863,  nothing  has  been  done  because 
of  civil  disturbances.  It  is  determined  to  devote  all 
efforts  to  Army  Missions. 

In  1864,  W.  M.  Farrar  has  been  Army  Missionary 
at  $137  per  month,  and  reports  9  months,  2,750  miles, 
119  sermons,  man3'  religious  conversations  and  many 
conversions.     He  receives  $1,251  for  work. 

In  1865,  (no  Minutes).  In  1866,  nothing  has  been 
done  last  year.  The  Association  organizes  for  work 
and  determines  to  perform  it. 

In  1867.  Nothing  is  j-et  done ;  but  H.J.  D.  Hendricks 
is  now  employed  at  a  salary  of  $600  for  next  year. 

In  1868,  plans  have  not  been  executed  and  no  work 
has  been  done;  and  1869,  nothing  is  still  accomplished, 
but  $315  is  pledged  for  the  next  year. 

In  1870,  W.  M.  Farrar  reports  5V2  months  and 
H.  J.  D.  Hendricks  reports  5  months.  No  details  are 
given.    Both  receive  $508. 


550  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1871  and  1872.  Nothing  has  been  done  in  twa 
years  because  of  indebtedness  to  former  missionaries. 

In  1873,  the  Association  decides  to  co-operate  with 
the  State  Mission  Board,  and  to  apply  all  funds  in 
this  Avay. 

In  1874,  co-operation  with  the  State  Board  has 
been  pursued  and  $145.85  has  been  thus  applied. 

In  1885,  co-operation  has  still  been  pursued,  and 
$52  has  been  paid  to  its  corresponding  secretary. 

In  1875.  Nothing  has  been  done  during  the  year. 
The  formation  of  missionary  societies  is  recommended. 
T.  A.  J.  Owen  is  employed  to  supply  destitution  near 
him. 

In  1887,  T.  A.  J.  Owen  has  performed  some  work, 
reports  141  sermons  and  23  baptisms,  and  receives  $50 
for  this  work. 

In  1878  and  1879.  No  work  has  been  done  in  two 
years,  and  funds  collected  are  used  to  pay  former  mis- 
sionaries. There  is  much  destitution,  and  it  is  deter- 
mined to  resume  the  work. 

In  1880,  W.  T.  Carroll,  at  $30  per  month,  reports 
87  days,  679  miles,  73  sermons,  86  families  visited,  58 
families  pra\^ed  with.     He  received  $87  for  services. 

In  1881,  J.  M.  Dalton,  at  $40  per  month,  reports 
150  miles,  18  sermons,  25  families  visited,  15  families 
prayed  with.     He  received  $20  for  his  services. 

In  1882,  L.  S.  Foster  has  been  employed  at  $1.25 
per  day,  and  reports  50  days,  312  miles,  40  sermons, 
60  religious  visits,  16  baptisms,  16  baptisms  bj-  others 
in  connection  with  labors,  1  church  organized  and 
1  minister  ordained.    He  received  $62.50  for  his  services. 

General  summary: — The  meagerness  of  many  of 
the  reports  of  work  renders  it  impossible  to  give  any 
accurate  summary  of  this  work.    In  only  twenty-six, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  551 

out  of  the  fortA'-three  years  existence  of  the  Association 
has  any  work  been  done  in  this  department.  In  these 
tw^ty-six  3^ears,  by  an  expenditure  of  $3,582.32  (in- 
cluding amounts  for  both  State  and  Associational  mis- 
sions), there  have  been  accomplished  26,830  miles, 
2,259  sermons,  about  500  baptisms,  2,552  religious 
visits,  13  churches  organized,  and  10  deacons  and 
3  ministers  ordained.  For  the  years  of  labor  this 
would  be  a  yearly  average  of  $137.75,  1,031  miles, 
85  sermons,  16  baptisms,  98  religious  visits,  1  church 
organized  every  two  years ;  1  deacon  ordained  every 
two  years  and  seven  months,  and  1  minister  ordained 
in  the  twenty-six  years  (through  missionarA^  labor). 

(2).  The  colored  people: — While  there  is  no  dis- 
tinct mention  of  special  work  among  the  colored  people 
prior  to  1866,  yet  there  is  evidence  that  this  people 
shared  in  the  religious  services  of  the  whites  and  also 
conducted  special  meetings  of  their  OAAm.  All  the  church 
buildings  erected  during  the  servitude  of  this  people 
were  provided  with  galleries  or  designated  space  for- 
their  accommodation,  and  in  all  the  statistical  tables 
from  1850  to  1866  and  later,  the  churches  reported  Sk 
colored  membership.  And  as  late  as  the  present  (1882),. 
some  of  the  churches  still  have  colored  members  who 
have  chosen  to  remain  with  them. 

In  1866,  after  they  became  free,  a  committee,  W.  H. 
Head,  chairman,  presented  their  condition  and  claims 
in  the  following,  w^hich  were  passed  : 

^'Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Associa- 
tion, we  ought  to  continue  to  care  tor  the  spiritual  in- 
terest of  the  black  people,  lately  freed  among  us.  Here- 
tofore, as  slaves,  we  preached  the  gospel  to  them,  re- 
ceived them  into  our  churches  upon  conversion,  and 
admitted  them  to  all  religious  privileges  with  ourselves 


.552  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

as  far  as  they  were  capable  of  enjoying  them.  We  then 
deemed  it  our  duty  thus  to  seek  their  salvation.  We 
think  it  is  no  less  our  duty  now  to  do  so.  But  the  re- 
lation the\^  now  sustain  to  us  as  freedmen  and  all  the 
considerations  growing  out  of  the  change  of  their  state, 
make  it  yet  more  important  that  we  give  them  proper 
religious  instruction.''  A  second  resolution  advised 
their  organization  into  separate  churches,  expressed  a 
lively  interest  in  their  spiritual  welfare  and  urged  the 
brethren  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  aid  them. 

State  missions: — In  the  matters  of  correspondence 
■and  co-operation  the  attitude  of  the  Association  has 
been  mentioned.  Contributions  have  been  made  to  the 
^work  of  that  body  apart  from  the  special  work  of  the 
Association.  In  the  action  mentioned  on  another  page 
the  objects  of  the  Convention  were  approved  by  the 
Association  becoming  a  member  of  that  body. 

Besides  occasional  contributions  to  this  work,  the 
Association  in  1873,  as  already  mentioned,  co-operated 
with  the  State  Mission  Board  and  gave  up  its  own 
independent  work.  This  plan  of  working  through  the 
State  Board  was  continued  during  the  next  year,  and 
all  funds  were  contributed  through  it.  The  claims  of 
this  work  are  urged  in  the  report  by  W.  M.  Farrar, 
and  a  public  collection  is  made  for  the  work  on  Sunday. 

In  1875,  the  co-operation  has  been  continued  and 
the  work  and  its  claims  are  presented  and  urged  in  the 
report  b\^  T.  A.  J.  Owen. 

In  1876,  co-operation  has  ceased.  Interest  is  still 
felt  in  the  work  of  the  Board,  though  the  Association 
supplies  its  own  destitution.  The  destitution  in  the 
^'bottom  "  and  on  the  Gulf  Coast  is  mentioned,  and  it 
is  said  that  the  State  Board  has  six  missionaries  for 
this  destitution  and  works  independently  of  the  South- 
ern Baptist  Convention. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  553 

In  1877,  the  destitution  which  the  State  Board 
seeks  to  supph-  is  again  mentioned.  T,  J.  Walne  is 
secretar3%  and  this  work  demands  the  hearty  support 
of  Christians.     A  contribution  is  made. 

In  1878,  the  summary  of  facts  of  this  work  is 
again  made,  and  aid  to  the  Board  is  urged. 

In  1879,  all  energy  is  absorbed  in  associational 
missions,  though  the  work  of  the  State  Board  is 
approved. 

In  1880,  M.  T.  Martin  is  present  from  the  State 
Board.  Its  work  is  commended.  The  Association  re- 
solves to  co-operate  with  the  Board,  requests  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  suitable  missionary,  and  recommends 
J.  M.  Dalton. 

In  1881,  L.  E.  Hall  is  present  from  the  State  Board. 
A  mass  meeting  is  held  Saturdaj^  night  in  the  interest 
of  this  v^ork,  at  which  a  special  sermon  is  delivered 
and  $60  is  contributed  for  the  work. 

In  1882,  L.  E.  Hall  is  again  present  in  behalf  of  the 
Board,  is  invited  to  present  its  claims  and  receives  a 
contribution  of  $18.60  for  its  work.  W.  H.  H.  Fancher 
reports,  recommending  that  the  Association  give  the 
Board  its  hearty'  co-operation. 

Domestic  and  Indian  missions: — The  expression, 
"Domestic  Missions,''  often  means  work  in  the  Asso- 
ciation, though  the  reports  often  mention,  in  connec- 
tion with  this,  the  work  of  what  was  formerly  the 
Domestic  and  Indian  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention. 

In  1881,  Daniel  King  reports :  Too  little  is  done  for 
the  elevation  of  the  Indians,  and  they  can  be  elevated. 
There  are  five  millions  of  them  in  North  America.  The 
Indian  Mission  Association  has  4  missions  among 
them,  6  stations,  33  missionaries  and  19  churches,  and 


554  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

among  them  there  were  283  baptisms.  Southern  Bap- 
tists ought  to  give  at  least  ten  (10)  cents  yearly  for 
this  work. 

In  1852,  Daniel  King  reports :  Nine- tenths  of  the 
Indians  are  without  the  bread  of  life,  and  there  are 
encouragements  in  the  small  efforts  to  evangelize  them. 
A  resolution  requests  the  urging  of  this  work  and  a 
collection  for  it. 

In  1853,  H.  H.  Morgan  reports:  The  Indians 
specially  deserve  the  prayers  and  contributions  of 
Christians.  They  have  been  driven  from  their  lands, 
and  in  return  the  gospel  ought  to  be  given  to  them. 
This  bod\'  ought  to  sustain  one  missionary  to  the 
Choctaws,  covering,  as  it  does,  their  former  territory. 

In  1854,  H.  H.  Morgan  reports.  The  same  facts 
substantially  are  mentioned  and  pastors  are  urged  to 
press  the  claims  of  the  Indian  and  secure  a  contribution 
for  his  evangelization. 

In  1855,  W.  M.  Youngblood  reports:  The  Indian 
Mission  Association  has  been  merged  into  the  Domestic 
Mission  Board,  \vhich  is  now  called  the  Domestic  and 
Indian  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion, and  is  located  at  Marion,  Alabama.  It  is  $6,000 
in  debt.  The  transfer  is  approved  and  a  contribution 
of  $16.80  is  at  once  made  to  it. 

In  1856,  W.  W.  Nash  reports:  The  harvest  is  white 
and  the  laborers  are  few,  but  funds  are  needed  to  sup- 
port the  laborers.  The  Board  deserves  the  hearty 
support  of  this  Association. 

In  1859,  E.  W.  Norris  reports:  This  is  a  very  im- 
portant work.  The  Indians  should  have  the  gospel  at 
the  hands  of  the  missionaries. 

In  1861,  W.  H.  Wilson  reports:  Indian  missionar- 
ies should  not  be  recalled  because  of  expense  or  a  sacri- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  555 

fice  of  comfort.    The  gospel  must  be  preached  among 
all  nations. 

In  1862  to  1872,  other  pressing  claims  so  absorb 
the  energies  of  the  body  that  it  comparatively  loses 
sight  of  this  Board.  But  in  1872  W.  M.  Farrar  reports, 
recommending  that  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
be  sent  to  this  Board  to  aid  in  its  work. 

Foreign  missions  :— Though  the  Association  was 
not  very  decidedly  missionary  during  the  first  few  3- ears 
of  its  existence,  yet  after  the  change  was  made  in  its 
constitution,  removing  all  anti-mission  sentiment,  dur- 
ing its  subsequent  history  there  has  grown  up  a  hearty 
approval  and  endorsement  of  the  Foreign  mission 
work  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 

In  1848,  W.  M.  Farrar  is  received  as  the  agent  of 
the  Foreign  Mission  Board  of  the  vSouthern  Baptist 
Convention,  addresses  the  Association  on  the  subject 
and  receives  $8  cash  and  $75  subscribed. 

In  1851,  J.  B.  McLelland  presents  the  report.  This 
work  was  instituted  by  the  commission  of  the  Savior 
and  characterized  his  Apostles,  one  of  whom  said :  "  I 
am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  for  it  is  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth,  to  the  Jew  first,  and  also  to  the  Greek."  They 
regarded  it  a  solemn  duty  to  spread  the  gospel.  Reso- 
lutions adopted  declare  the  duty  of  all  Christians  to 
engage  in  this  work,  the  Association's  approval  of  the 
Convention  and  the  claims  of  the  Home  and  Foreign 
Journal  upon  Baptists. 

In  1852,  Isaac  Leatherwood  presents  the  report. 
Christians  are  under  strong  obligations  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  the  nations,  and  from  this  obligation  none 
can  free  themselves,  save  by  aiding  to  the  extent  of 
their  ability  in  the  work.  Millions  are  now  ready  to 
hear  the  good  news : 


556  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Resolved,  That  "the  cause  of  Foreign  missions  de- 
mands and  is  entitled  to  our  sympathies,  our  pecuniary 
means  and  our  prayers." 

In  1853,  Joseph  Robinson  presents  the  report. 
"God,  in  His  providence,  is  opening  an  effectual  door 
to  His  churches,  especialh'  in  China."  Christians 
should  do  "all  they  can  to  aid  in  this  glorious  enter- 
prise." 

In  1854,  the  report  is  by  W.  M.  Farrar.  Angels 
might  covet  work  in  this  important  enterprise.  The 
universal  prevalence  of  the  gospel  is  promised.  Men 
are  the  instruments.  They  can  do  the  work,  aided  by 
Christ.  The  reports  from  the  workers  are  quite  en- 
couraging. Southern  Baptists  work  especially  in 
China  and  Africa  (one-half  of  the  world's  population). 
They  need  men  and  means.  In  China  they  have  fifteen 
missionaries,  in  Africa  twenty-three.  The  Board  is  em- 
barrassed. Its  receipts  were  $22,841.12  ;  expenditures 
$28,228.17,  and  so  it  is  in  debt.  The  40,000  Baptists 
of  Mississippi  ought  to  average  $1  each,  and  take  the 
Home  and  Foreign  Journal;  $69.50  are  pledged  for 
this  work. 

In  1855,  W.  M.  Farrar  is  agent  and  presents  the 
report  — Luke  10:3-6  and  Matt.  10:5-10,  are  not 
against  Foreign  mission,  but  call  special  attention  to 
our  Lord  and  his  claims.  This  restriction  is  removed 
in  Luke  22  :  35,  36,  and  in  the  commission.  The^^  began 
at  Jerusalem  and  then  turned  to  the  nations.  Peter 
went  to  Cornelius,  and  Paul,  made  three  missionary 
tours  and  was  supported  by  the  churches,  (1  Cor.  9 : 6- 
15;  2  Cor.  8:1-6;  10:14-16;  Phil.  4:15-19).  Thus 
the  Apostles  obej-ed  the  commission.  We  don't  half- 
way obey  it.  We  have  3  missions,  20  stations,  40  mis- 
sionaries and  assistants,  70  schools,  500  scholars,  153 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  557 

baptisms.  How  few  of  us  have  done  what  we  ought. 
For  the  work  $15.50  is  paid. 

In  1856,  W.  H.  Head  presents  the  report.  We  have 
in  China  C.  W.  Gillard,  M.  T.  Yates,  T.  P.  Crawford, 
G.  W.  Burton,  M.  D.,  and  A.  B.  Cabaniss  and  their 
famihes.  In  Africa  there  are  thirt3'-five  missionaries 
and  their  families.  Cason,  Priest  and  Trimble  have 
lately  sailed.  We  should  all  be  fellow-helpers.  The 
commission  is  a  plea  for  the  work  \vhich  no  authority 
can  set  aside.  The  Lord  saw  all  the  difficulties  and  yet 
he  says,  "Go!"  Each  pastor  should  preach  on  the 
subject  and  secure  a  collection. 

In  1857,  W.  M.  Farrar  reports.  China  is  more  ac- 
cessible. All  reports  are  encouraging.  Conversions 
are  more  frequent,  and  inquiries  are  numerous.  Liberia 
attracts  attention.  Much  might  be  profitably  expended 
there.  A  summary  of  the  year's  work  is  given.  The 
Board  should  be  relieved  from  debt.  A  contribution  of 
$27.70  is  made. 

In  1859,  W.  A.  Micou  reports.  The  spread  of  the 
gospel  is  a  most  important  duty  because  its  object  is 
the  salvation  and  infinite  happiness  of  men.  The  Bible 
endures  forever,  dissipates  darkness  and  reveals  the  life 
to  come.  As  an  act  of  humanity  we  ought  to  impart 
this  to  them.     Americans  only  can  give  the  pure  gospel. 

In  1861,  A  resolution  recognizes  the  dutj^,  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  commission  of  the  Lord,  to  aid  by  sympathy, 
contributions  and  prayers,  to  the  full  extent  of  ability, 
those  who  have  been  sent  by  the  Board  to  preach  the 
gospel. 

In  1866,  W.  M.  Farrar  reports.  During  the  dark 
years  just  passed  there  was  no  communication  with 
the  laborers.  They  could  not  be  recalled  and  loans  for 
them  have  produced  a  large  debt.    This  should  be  re- 


558  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

■moved  as  speedily  as  possible.  A  contribution  of  $20 
is  raised. 

In  1867,  the  Board  is  still  in  debt  and  this  body 
ought  to  help  pay  it.  "It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive." 

In  1868  and  1869,  T.  B.  Altom  reports.  Many 
have  been  saved  through  the  w'ork  of  the  Board.  It  is 
pressed.  Shall  its  work  cease?  Must  the  nations  per- 
ish? God's  command  is  to  send  them  the  gospel.  It  is 
the  duty  of  Christians  to  obey. 

In  1870,  N.  Q,  Adams  reports.  Many  heathen  have 
not  heard  of  the  gospel.  It  is  the  dut\'  of  all  who  have 
heard  to  send  it  abroad. 

In  1871,  A.  A.  King  reports.  The  divine  authority 
of  the  commission  jDlaces  an  obligation  on  all  Christians 
to  obey.  The  outlook  is  promising.  Sj^ecial  attention 
is  called  to  the  work  of  Dr.  Cote,  in  Itah',  "under  the 
shadow  of  the  Vatican." 

In  1872,  W.  D.  Kitchens  reports.  The  l)inding  na- 
ture of  the  commission  is  insisted  upon  and  churches 
are  urged  to  contribute  to  this  work. 

In  1873,  W.  AI.  Farrar  reports.  There  is  increase 
of  interest  and  of  opportunities  in  China.  E.  Z.  Sim- 
mons appeals  for  aid.  Italy  is  open  for  the  gospel. 
Christains  should  contribute  liberally  for  the  work. 
Pledges  are  made  aggregating  $124. 

In  1874,  C.  E.  Brame  reports.  Gratification  is  ex- 
pressed at  the  increase  of  interest.  Systematic  action 
is  urged.  Pledges  of  $99  are  made  and  a  resolution  re- 
commends that  pastors  present  the  work  in  their 
preaching  and  secure  aid. 

In  1875,  R.  A.  Massey  reports.  This  State  has  giv- 
€n  $1200  with  no  expense.  The  churches  are  recom- 
mended to  raise  money  and  send  to  E.  D,  Miller,  of 
Holh'  Springs,  and  $25  cash  is  paid. 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  559 

In  1876,  T.  A.  J.  Owen  reports.  There  are  ten  mis- 
sionaries in  China,  four  of  whom  are  from  Mississippi. 
Italy  is  an  interesting  field.  All  the  missions  have  been 
blessed,  but  the^-  need  recruits.  For  the  work  $123 
were  pledged. 

In  1877,  N.  0.  Adams  reports.  "The  spirit  of  mis- 
sions is  thespirit  of  the  gospel  and  of  Christ  as  embodied 
in  the  commission.  The  Apostles  founded  many  foreign 
churches.  Our  missionaries  ought  not  to  be  neglected. 
A  contribution  of  $39  is  made. 

In  1878,  W.  H.  H.  Fancher  reports.  There  is  a  high 
obligation  in  the  commission  and  the  missions  all  have 
claims  upon  us.  A  resolution  requests  pastors  to  pre- 
sent the  matter  to  their  churches.  A  contribution  of 
$20.45  is  made. 

In  1879,  D.  H.  Dobbs  reports.  In  view  of  the  com- 
mission it  is  the  duty  of  every  Christian  to  obey  the 
Lord  and  contribute  to  the  work.  The  work,  though 
feebly  carried  on,  has  been  blessed.  Obstacles  have  been 
removed.  A  contribution  of  $52.10  was  made,  and 
special  prayer  was  made  for  the  blessing  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

In  1880  and  1881,  T.  A.  J.  Owen  reports.  The 
nations  are  asking  for  the  gospel.  Baptists  should  give 
it  to  them.  Pastors  should  advocate  this  work  faith- 
fulh^  A  contribution  of  $140  is  made  at  the  two 
meetings. 

In  1882,  J.  M.  Dalton  reports.  There  is  universal 
obligation  to  give  the  gospel  to  the  nations.  The 
churches  are  recommended  to  send  contributions  direct 
to  the  Board  and  report  the  same  to  this  body.  A  con- 
tribution of  $48  is  made. 

It  is  just  to  state  that  much  was  done  for  the  work 
that  was  never  reported  to  the  Association. 


560  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Louisville  association  supplement: — There  is 
nothing  that  animates  the  historian  more  than  a  dilli- 
gent  search  after  a  historical  fact  ahnost  lost.  A  fact 
lying  on  the  surface  of  occurrences,  any  body  can  see, 
and  write  about.  When  another  has  found  the  hidden 
facts,  and  recorded  them  well,  and  he  is  left  to  subjoin 
well  known  facts,  that  is  prosy  work. 

L.  S.  Foster  has  written  the  history  of  the  Louis- 
ville Association  to  1882,  and  it  is  left  for  the  writer  to 
write  about  the  doings  of  that  bodj^  in  subsequent 
years.  He  will  follow  the  line  of  events  and  notice 
their  actions,  year  by  year. 

In  1883,  the  Association  met  with  the  Ruhama 
church,  in  Choctaw  county.  M.  A.  Metts  was  chosen 
moderator,  and  L.  S.  Foster  clerk.  Harmony  and  Sar- 
dis  churches  of  Winston  county  w^ere  received  into  their 
fellowship.  This  made  the  Association  fort^'-two 
churches  strong.  These  churches  had  a  total  member- 
ship of  2,729.  The  largest  church  in  the  union  was 
New  Zion,  which  had  a  membership  of  125.  The  lar- 
gest ingathering  bj^  baptism  was  by  the  Sardis  church, 
which  received  for  covenant  relation  that  year,  twenty- 
two  persons. 

Good  interest  was  shown  in  State  Missions. 
Pledges  were  made  to  this  object,  amounting  to 
$318.50.  L.  S.  Foster  was  appointed  to  collect  the 
fund,  and  to  represent  in  the  Association  the  State 
mission  work.  David  Burney  was  endorsed  as  a  suit- 
able person  to  do  colportage  work  in  their  bounds. 

The  Executive  Board  had  three  missionaries  in  the 
field.  N.  Q.  Adams  labored  in  the  northern  part,  and 
M.  L.  Lanford  in  the  southern  section  of  the  Associa- 
tion. W.  T.  Carroll  did  efficient  work,  and  was  recom- 
mended   as    deserving    compensation  for    his    service. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  561 

Twenty-two  baptisms  were  reported  by  the  mission- 
aries. The  following  3^ear,  W.  H.  H.  Fancher  was 
chosen- moderator,  and  J.  R.  W.  Foster  clerk. 

In  the  report  on  associational  missions,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  body  were  urged  to  show  themselves  in 
practice  what  they  were  in  name,  missionary.  There 
w^ere  yet  many  places  in  their  territory  that  needed 
evangelical  labors.  It  was  recommended  that  the  Ex- 
ecutive Board  employ  a  good  active  minister  to  supply 
the  waste  places.  W.  H.  Head,  the  grand  old  hero  of 
the  cross,  had  been  their  missionary  the  past  year.  He 
gave  them  only  fifty-six  days  of  labor,  which  he  used  in 
visiting  the  churches,  and  animating  them  to  more 
efficient  service. 

The  forty-sixth  annual  session  of  the  body  was 
held  with  the  Bethel  church,  Winston  county,  begin- 
ning on  Saturday  before  the  second  Sunday  in  October, 
1885.  The  session  of  the  following  year  was  held 
with  the  Sturgis  church.  The  officers  of  the  previous 
year  were  re-elected.  The  body  was  happy  in  having 
as  visitors,  J.  B.  Gambrell,  H.J.  Vanlandingham,  J.  T. 
Freeman,  J.  P.  Brown,  and  L.  S.  Foster. 

The  Executive  Committee  had  W.  H.  Head  under 
appointment,  but  he  died  before  anj^  work  was  done. 
The  committee  v^^as  grieved  that  the  body  was  "al- 
most anti-missionary  in  practice,  and  suggested  a  co- 
operation wuth  the  Convention  Board  in  supplying 
their  destitution.  A  pastor  and  deacon's  meeting  was 
recommended  to  be  held  on  the  fifth  Sundays  in  the 
year. 

A  sufficient  notice  is  given  of  the  life's  work  of  W. 
H.  Head  in  Foster's  Baptist  Preachers.  It  only  re- 
mains to  be  said  here,  that  no  one  \vas  more  deeply 
embedded  in  the  affections  of  the  members  of  the  Louis- 


562  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

ville  Association  than  W.  H.  Head.  Here  is  a  part  of 
a  resolution  passed  by  the  body  expressive  of  the  great 
loss  of  the  Association  in  his  death,  "We  never  had  a 
superior,  if  an  equal,  in  the  ministry  of  this  Association 
to  our  lamented  brother." 

In  1886,  the  fraternity  represented  2,796  Baptists; 
in  1888,  the  number  had  increased  to  3,236.  These 
fignres  show  the  rapid  growth  of  the  body  in  numbers, 
and  the  latest  possibilities  of  the  Association.  There 
was  in  that  one  Association  nearh'  as  many  communi- 
cants represented  as  there  were  Episcopalians  in  the 
entire  State. 

The  Association  ^vas,  in  1888,  in  close  co-operation 
with  the  Convention  Board.  W.  T.  Carroll  had  been 
commissioned  to  labor  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the 
Association  for  one-half  time,  for  which  he  was  paid 
$200.  \V.  T.  Carroll  is  a  "plain,  blunt  man,'"  direct  in 
speech  as  the  flight  of  an  arrow,  and  \veight3'  in  char- 
acter. He  knows  his  people,  knows  how  to  reach 
them,  and  they  love  him  and  honor  him.  He  traveled 
1888  miles,  baptized  22  persons,  and  organized  two 
churches.  Singleton  and  Ennis. 

W.  H.  H.  Fancher  was  continued  as  moderator  of 
the  Association  until  1892,  when  N.  Q.  Adams  was 
chosen  to  preside  over  the  body.  J.  R.  W.  Foster  was 
still  their  clerk  in  1892.  In  that  time  the  following 
churches  were  taken  into  their  fellowship :  Locofoma, 
Ne\v  Prospect,  Woods"  Springs,  Hickory  Grove,  S\"kes' 
Chapel,  Evergreen,  Plattsburg,  and  Center  Grove. 

It  was  apparent  that  the  body  was  becoming  cum- 
bersome. It  is  said  in  a  preamble  and  resolution,  pre- 
sented in  1891 ,  that  it  required  all  of  one  day  to  read 
the  letters  from  the  churches  and  organize  the  body, 
and  that  their  congregation  could  not  be  seated  in  any 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  563 

'Ordinary  house  of  worship.  It  was  suggested  that  the 
Association  be  divided.  They  had  then  28  ordained 
ministers  and  51  churches,  with  a  total  of  3,392  com- 
municants. The  following  j^ear  sixteen  churches  re- 
ceived letters  of  dismission,  and  constituted  the  Chester 
Association. 

In  1889,  and  again  in  1890,  the  Association  was 
favored  with  the  presence  of  Mrs.  M.  J.  Nelson,  then 
the  efficient  laborer  under  the  Convention  Board  in 
New  Orleans.  We  are  told  that  she  was  at  their  meet- 
ing the  former  year.  This  is  in  part  what  was  said  of 
a  talk  she  made:  Mrs.  Nelson  lectured  the  children, 
teaching  them  what  prayer  was,  and  referred  to  the 
beautiful  lessons  taught  in  the  Sunday-school  litera- 
ture during  the  past  quarter.  *  *  *  She  taught  them 
obedience,  showing  that  it  was  best  always  to  obej-  to 
the  letter  without  consulting  our  feelings  in  the  mat- 
ter." The  talk  was  touching  and  impressive.  It  was 
.made  on  Sunday  morning  before  a  large  gathering  of 
people  of  both  sexes  and  different  ages.  Mrs.  Nelson 
talked  again  "after  dinner,'"  to  the  women,  "teaching 
the  sisters  the  duties  of  wives.  She  was  in  Paul's  way  ' 
of  talking." 

Their  Committee  on  Woman's  Work  was  wrought 
up  to  a  high  stage  of  enthusiasm  and  reported : 
"Though  many  consecrated  women  have  contributed 
to  the  success  of  this  committee  of  fifteen,  in  charge  of 
Woman's  Work  in  the  State,  3'et  we  feel  that  we  should 
single  out,  for  special  commendation,  that  grand  and 
noble  woman,  Sister  AI.  J.  Nelson,  to  whose  untiring 
energy,  unflagging  zeal,  and  God-directed  efforts,  the 
success  of  the  committee  is  so  largely  due,  and  we  feel 
that  a  glow  of  pride  ought  to  mantle  the  cheek,  not 
•only  of  every  Baptist,  but  every  Mississippian,  when 


564  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

they  reflect  that  our  own  beloved  State  has  produced  a 
woman  \vhose  w^orks  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  have 
been  so  signally  blessed."  This  language  was  adopted 
by  the  Louisville  Association,  and  thus  became  the 
sentiment  of  that  body. 

In  their  report  on  missions  in  1890,  they  cheerfully 
accepted  the  apportionment  of  $200  made  them  by  the 
State  Convention  for  Missions,  and  pledged  themselves 
to  make  a  faithful  effort  to  raise  the  amount.  The  Ex- 
ecutive Board  had  David  Burney  as  their  missionary, 
preaching  at  Loakfoma.  The  Convention  Board  was 
in  co-operation  with  the  Executive  Board.  It  was  a 
wise  and  good  appointment.  David  Burne\'  is  one  of 
the  choicest  spirits  in  Mississippi.  He  is  a  part  of 
God's  best  heritage  to  this  world  of  ours,  and  the  Bap- 
tists of  Mississippi  will  1)e  poorer  when  the  Lord  calls 
him  aw^ay. 

The  appointment  of  David  Burne3^  as  missionary 
was  continued  through  the  following  3^ear.  He  re- 
ported 600  miles  traveled,  200  sermons  preached,  28 
persons  baptized,  and  1  Sunday  school  organized.  Be- 
side this  work,  he  distributed  1,000  pages  of  tracts, 
sold  25  Bibles,  10  Testaments  and  40  other  books. 

In  1892,  the  Association  was  cheered  by  the  pres- 
ence of  such  correspondents  as  H.  F.  Sproles,  J.  F.  Wil- 
son, H.  M.  Whitten,  J.  L.  Pettigrew,  and  H.J.  D.  Hen- 
dricks. The  clerk  of  the  body  volunteered  this  lan- 
guage as  to  the  sermons  preached  on  Sunday:  "Many 
things  may  be  forgotten  by  the  people  who  attended 
this  session  of  the  Loiiisville  Association,  but  the  good 
preaching  we  heard  during  its  session  can  never  be 
forgotten."  The  Lord's  blessings  continue  with  that 
clerk. 

J.  J.  Carter  read  the  report  of  the  Committee  on 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  565 

Sunday  schools.  We  give  a  part  of  the  closing  para- 
graph of  the  report :  "  We  are  unable  to  give  statistics 
of  Sunday'  schools  within  the  bounds  of  this  Associa- 
tion, the  churches  not  having  reported  the  same 
through  their  letters  or  delegates,  though  we  find  a 
small  increase  in  the  number  of  Sunday  schools,  being 
now  eighteen  among  fift^'-four  churches  composing  the 
body." 

The  Association  received,  annually,  reports  on 
Missions,  Systematic  Benevolence,  Mississippi  College, 
and  Ministerial  Education,  Woman's  Work,  Publica- 
tions, Temperance,  Sustentation,  and  Nominations. 


566  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

YALOBUSHA   ASSOCIATION. 

This  institution  was  constituted, Januar3''  15, 1836, 
at  Troy,  in  Yalobusha  county.  Troy,  as  many  of  the 
oldest  towns  in  Yalobusha  county,  is  among  the  dead 
towns  of  our  State.  It  was  about  eight  miles  west  of 
Grenada,  and  was  north  of  the  Yalobusha  River.  The 
w^hite  population  that  the  settlement  once  claimed,  has, 
in  time,  become  greatly  diminished. 

The  part  of  the  old  Yalobusha  county  from  where 
Parsons  now  stands,  up  to  Grenada,  and  north  to  old 
Hendersonville,  then  west  to  old  Preston,  and  south  to 
Parsons,  was  settled  very  early  after  it  was  safe  for 
white  people  to  live  in  North  Mississippi.  The  old 
town  of  Chuechuma  was  the  land  office  for  the. Choc- 
taw lands  until  the  office  was  moved  to  Pontotoc  in 
1837.  Chuechuma  was  about  twelve  or  fifteen  miles 
down  the  Yalobusha  river  from  Grenada,  or  south  of 
the  river.  People  who  were  enterprising  were  early  at 
these  land  offices,  and  many  good  families  settled  in 
the  thirties  in  the  healthy  hill  country' just  north  of  the 
old  Choctaw  agency. 

There  were  missionaries  among  the  Choctaws  as 
early  as  1818,  but  they  were  mostly  Presbyterians. 
The  Presb3'terian  mission  was  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  State.  The  Choctaws  did  not  get  out  of  our  State 
before  1830.  The  treaty  of  Dancing  Rabbit  Creek 
(Bogue)  was  confirmed  in  1828. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  567 

Chuechuma,  being  a  land  office,  caught  the  eve  of 
the  Home  Mission  Society  of  American  Baptists,  who 
did  more  for  that  part  of  our  State  by  wholesome  ad- 
vice to  young  minivSters  than  by  actual  work.  They 
put  their  fingers  on  that  part  of  the  map  of  our  coun- 
try as  good  missionary  ground.  When  a  young  minis- 
ter asked  to  do  missionary  work  at  a  time  the  society 
had  no  money  to  support  him  in  a  foreign  field,  this 
field  was  recommended. 

On  the  15th.  of  November,  1835,  a  few  churches  by 
delegates  met  in  convention  at  old  Troy  to  take  steps 
towards  the  formation  of  an  Association.  Abstracts 
of  Faith  were  drawn  up  to  be  submitted  to  the  churches. 

The  Yalobusha  Association  was  organized  with  the 
old  Antioch  church,  with  Troy  as  its  post-office,  Jan. 
15,  1836.  Francis  Baker  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Samuel  Bean  clerk.  Of  course  the  body  was  small  at 
that  early  date,  but  there  were  a  few  churches  in  that 
part  of  the  country,  and  they  wished  associational 
affiliations.  Those  few  churches  were  in  the  counties  of 
Yalobusha  and  Carroll.  It  is  to  be  remembered  that 
Grenada  county  was  formed  of  the  northern  part  of 
Carroll  and  the  southern  part  of  Yalobusha,  and  that 
Grenada  county  was  not  constituted  until  1870. 

Francis  Baker  was  a  man  of  sterling  worth.  He 
was  positive  in  his  belief  and  stable  in  his  positions. 
He  was  a  man  of  large  common  sense,  and  fine  business 
capacity.  He  was  strictly  antinomian  in  his  doctrinal 
belief,  and  fixedly  opposed  to  the  methods  of  missionary 
work  adopted  by  Baptists  in  organized  capacity.  He 
was  a  man  of  such  native  ability  that  he  left  the  stamp 
of  true  manhood  on  his  posterity,  and  an  abiding  re- 
ligious influence. 

The  first  annual  session  of  the  Yalobusha  was  held 


568  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

with  Old  Salem  church  in  Carroll  county.  Francis 
Baker  preached  the  introductory  sermon  on  1  Cor.  3 : 
22-3.  The  text  embraces  the  doctrine  of  the  final  perse- 
verance of  the  saints,  and  was  a  good  basis  for  a  ser- 
mon for  a  man  of  his  mold  as  a  theologian. 

At  that  meeting  of  the  Association,  Francis  Baker 
was  elected  moderator,  and  Hector  McNeil  clerk.  Hec- 
tor McNeil  was  a  little  later  among  the  delegates  to 
the  Association  from  the  Duck  Hill  church.  There  are 
yet  McNeil's  west  of  Duck  Hill. 

That  second  meeting  of  the  Yalobusha  was  held  in 
October,  1836.  There  were  but  five  churches  in  the 
union,  with  a  total  membership  of  142.  There  were 
three  ordained  ministers  in  the  bodv.  The  churches 
reported'  but  two  additions  by  baptism,  and  thirty- 
two  by  letter. 

At  that  meeting,  they  received  a  delegation  from 
the  old  Yazoo  Association,  which  brought  a  request 
for  the  consolidation  of  the  two  bodies.  The  propo- 
sition of  the  Yazoo  was  accepted,  and  the  agreement 
was  made  that  delegates  from  the  two  Associations 
should  meet  with  the  Rocky  Springs  church,  of  the  old 
Yazoo  Association,  on  Friday'  before  the  fourth  Sunday 
in  May,  1837.  The  meeting  was  held,  but  the  question 
of  missions  was  opening,  which  revealed  the  fact  that 
there  could  be  no  harmony-  in  their  union,  and  the 
scheme  was  abandoned. 

The  second  annual  session  of  the  body  was  held 
with  the  Shiloh  church*  beginning  October,  1837.  It 
appears  that  the  Shiloh  church  was  a  weak  church  at 
the  time.  But  in  those  days  that  was  not  to  be  taken 
in  account  in  locating  the  meeting  of  the  Associations, 
The  Associations  would  meet  with  a  weak  church  to 
strengthen  it  bj'  the  presence  of  the  body  bj'  preaching ; 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  569 

and  the  conversation  of  their  preachers  on  Bible  truths, 
which  would  often  be  carried  on  until  midnight.  The 
matter  of  accommodations  was  scarcely  to  be  thought 
of.  Of  course,  thev  could  be  accommodated.  A  suffi- 
ciency  of  fresh  meat  was  provided,  the  horse  lot  enlar- 
ged, and  pallets  provided.  That  was  all  there  was  of 
it.  Quite  frequently  the  Association  would  meet  with  a 
church  the  first  year  after  it  was  strong  enough  to  be 
represented  in  the  Association. 

The  five  churches  composing  the  Association  at 
that  time  were  Antioch,  Shiloh,  Loosascoona,  Leb- 
anon,  and  Salem.  Twelve  delegates  composed  the  As- 
sociation. 

It  is  said  that  Moses  Crawson,  of  Alabama,  was 
the  first  Baptist  minister  to  settle  in  this  part  of  the 
State.  He  was  assisted  by  Elder  Summers  of  Alabama 
a  little  later  in  the  organization  of  a  tew  churches. 
Antioch  church  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  1834. 
Later,  Crawson  was  assisted  by  Francis  Baker  in 
organizing  Shiloh,  Salem,  Loosascoona,  and  Lebanon 
churches. 

In  the  fall  of  1837,  a  man  of  culture,  a  thorough 
Baptist,  a  missionary  from  conviction,  came  into  the 
Yalobusha  country.  He  could  not  but  make  himself 
felt.  That  man  was  James  G.  Hall,  who  lived  from 
that  time  to  his  death  in  Grenada.  Grenada,  the 
"peace  name"  of  Tulahoma  and  Pittsburg,  was  incor- 
porated in  1836.  J.  G.  Hall  was  a  North  Carolinian 
who  came  to  Mississippi  by  way  of  Tennessee.  His 
health  was  poor  in  North  Carolina,  and  he  had  to  re- 
sort to  our  healthy  State  to  have  his  life  of  usefulness 
prolonged.  He  was  one  of  the  stirring,  moving  ele- 
ments in  the  Yalobusha  Association.  His  biography  is 
given  in  Foster's  Baptist  Preachers. 


570  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Near  the  same  time,  or  perhaps  a  little  earlier,  there 
came  into  the  Association  from  the  State  of  Vermont, 
one  who  was  to  be  a  co-laborer  witlij.  G.  Hall,  through 
the  remainder  of  his  natural  life.  He,  too,  was  a  man 
of  learning,  and  progressive  in  spirit.  His  soul  was  in 
the  work  of  Foreign  missions,  and  failing  of  appoint- 
ment by  the  American  Foreign  Mission  Society  came 
to  the  Choctaw  country  to  do  missionary  work  on  his 
o\vn  responsibilitj'.  He  was  not  only  progressive  in 
spirit  but  wise  in  council.  That  man  was  William 
Minter. 

Another  useful  missionary  came  to  North  Missis- 
sippi only  a  little  later  from  Vermont.  He  was  a  gradu- 
ate from  Madison  Universit}'.  He  had  proffered  him- 
self to  the  Board  to  go  to  a  foreign  field.  They  had  no 
money,  but  told  him  of  the  great  South  and  its  needs. 
He  came  to  Alemphis,  as  Abraham  left  his  countr}-,  not 
knovkdng  where  he  would  locate.  He  was  met  in  Mem- 
phis by  J.  G.Hall,  the  Lord's  anointed  for  the  occasion, 
to  guide  the  youthful  Paul.  E.  C.  Eager  reached  Gre- 
nada in  1842. 

The  meeting  of  these  three  wise  men  in  the  Yalo- 
busha Association  assured  its  enlistment  in  missions 
and  education.  The^'  carried  the  insight  and  sagacity 
of  the  frozen  North,  and  the  warm  impulse  of  the  South. 
Their  presence,  their  plans  and  progressive  spirit  could 
not  but  disturb  the  conservatism  of  men  of  antinomian 
belief,  and  lead  on  to  an  activity  that  would  leave  the 
balking  element  behind  them. 

We  take  the  following  excerpt  from  the  history  of 
the  first  decade  of  the  Yalobusha  Association,  bj^  Judge 
S.  S.  Fairfield.  It  gives  history  that  would  have  been 
lost  but  for  the  care  of  J.  G.  Hall.  "Not  being  able  to 
find  the  Minutes  of  the  meeting  of  1838,  I  am  indebted 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  571 

to  a  memorandum  left  loy  James  G.  Hall  for  what  I 
state  of  this  session  of  the  Association.  He  states  that 
the  number  of  the  churches  was  doubled,  and  the  mem- 
bership was  more  than  doubled.  Total  membership 
325.  *  *  *  The  church  at  Grenada,  which  was  estab- 
hshed  June  30,  1838,  stated  in  their  letter  to  the  Asso- 
ciation of  that  year,  that  they  were  friendly  to  missions 
*  *  *  and,  if  they  were  admitted  into  the  Association^ 
it  was  to  be  understood  that  they  were  admitted  as 
friends  of  missions.  *  *  *  The  fourth  annual  session 
was  held  with  the  Loosascoona  church  on  the  12th, 
13th,  and  14th  of  October,  1839.  Francis  Baker  was 
elected  moderator,  James  G.  Hall  clerk,  and  William 
Minter  treasurer.  Eleven  churches  were  represented 
in  this  meeting  bj^  twenty-eight  delegates,  five  of  whom 
were  ministers ;  additions  to  the  churches  by  baptism 
125,  by  letter  60.  Total  membership  499.  *  *  *  Parks, 
Meadows,  Stovall  and  Huffman  had  seats  in  the  meet- 
ing as  visiting  ministers  from  abroad,  and  were  invited 
to  preach." 

We  learn  that  in  1839,  there  was  aparting  of  ways 
in  the  Association.  The  members,  missionary  and 
anti-missionary,  could  not  agree,  and,  so,  could  not 
walk  together,  but  they  could  agree  to  disagree.  Four 
small  churches  withdrew  from  the  Yalobusha,  and 
formed  an  anti-missionary  Association.  The  four 
churches  were  Hopewell,  Mount  Carmel,  Loosascoona, 
and  Shiloh.  Hopewell  had  twenty-two  members, 
Shiloh  twenty-eight,  Mount  Carmel  fifteen,  and  Loos- 
ascoona, thirty-two— in  all  ninety-seven  members.  It 
is  sad  that  they  had  to  part,  but  the  wheel  kept  turning. 

In  1840,  WilHam  Minter  was  moderator.  This  fact 
showed  the  missionary  character  of  the  bod3'.  The 
four  small  churches  referred  to  went  out,  and  the  Asso- 


572  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

ciation  was  organized  as  a  missionary'  body.  Referring 
to  the  action  of  these  four  churches  was  a  resolution 
adopted  b^'  the  Yalobusha  Association  in  1841.  The 
resolution  was, 

^'Resolved,  That  the  churches  at  Loosascoona, 
Shiloh,  Mount  Carmel,  and  Hopewell  be  dropped  from 
this  bod\',  for  having  declared  non-fellowship  with 
those  friendly  to  missions  in  this  Association,  and  for 
withdrawing  from  this  body  without  letters  of 
dismission." 

In  1841,  the  Antioch  church  was  still,  nominally  of 
the  body.  The  Antioch  and  the  Salem  \vere  that  year 
not  represented  in  the  Association.  It  was  stated  in 
1842,  in  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Associa- 
tion, that  the  names  of  both  of  them  were  dropped. 
They  were  "anti-missionar3'." 

In  1841,  the  Association  met  with  Providence 
church,  then  of  Carroll  county.  J.  G.  Hall  preached 
the  introductory  sermon  from  the  text:  "For  we  are 
laborers  together  with  God;  ye  are  God's  husbandry, 
ye  are  God's  building."  In  1841,  the  Grenada  church, 
the  Duck  Hill,  the  Clear  Creek  of  LaFayette  county, 
and  the  Troy  church  were  in  the  union.  The  connect- 
ion with  the  Clear  Creek  church  brought  to  the  body 
W.  H.  Holcombe  who  was  afterward  a  tower  of 
strength  to  the  Chickasaw  and  Tippah  Associations. 

The  Troy  church  must  receive  special  mention.  It 
sprung.  Phoenix  like,  from  the  old  Antioch  church.  It 
was  constituted  in  1840,  by  William  Minter  and  George 
Stovall.  Ten  members  \vent  into  the  organization.  It 
was  situated  about  eight  miles  from  the  Antioch 
church.  It  was  formed  of  the  missionary  element  of 
the  Antioch  church.  In  the  fall  of  1841,  it  had  113 
members,   having    received   forty-three  members  that 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  573 

year  by  baptism,  and  nine  by  letter,  making  a  total  of 
fifty-two  received  in  one  year.  In  1846,  its  name  was 
changed  to  the  Alount  Paran  church,  the  church  which 
received  John  Powell  by  baptism,  and  is  now  known 
generally  as  the  church  of  Hardy  Station. 

It  is  pleasing  to  note  that  in  1841,  there  was  sent 
to  the  Association  for  the  '' Burman  Bible''  contribu- 
tions, as  follows  :  Troy  church  $46.00,  Rehoboth  church 
$4.93,  Concord  church  $5.75,  and  Wiljiam  Minter 
$43.32  — total  $100.  Besides  this  the  Baptist  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions,  through  Heman  Lincoln,  treas- 
urer, acknowledged  the  receipt  of  $52.32  from  that 
Association.  On  Sunday,  during  the  sitting  of  the 
hodj,  William  Minter  preached  a  Missionary  Sermon, 
after  which  a  collection  was  taken  for  Foreign  and 
Domestic  missions,  amounting  to  $73.62%.  That,  it 
is.  to  be  remembered,  was  in  1841.  It  would  not  be 
discreditable  to  an  association  of  to-day.  The  churches 
were  urged  to  send  contributions  for  Foreign  and  Do- 
mestic missions  to  the  support  of  the  work. 

A  camp  meeting  was  carried  on  in  connection  with 
the  Association  of  1841,  beginning  Thursday  of  the 
week  the  Association  convened,  and  closing  on  Wed- 
nesday of  the  week  following.  It  was  an  occasion  of 
great  rejoicing.  Twenty-six  (26)  members  were  re- 
ceived, twenty-three  by  baptism.  S.  S.  Lattimore  was 
at  the  Association,  a  man  wonderfully  blessed  in  such 
work  in  the  meeting  of  the  Choctaw  Association. 

In  1842,  there  were  ten  churches  in  the  Association. 
They  received  by  baptism  that  year  a  total  of  241,  and 
by  letter  37,  making  a  total  of  accessions  to  their 
churches  of  278.  Their  aggregate  membership  was 
709.  The  Clear  Creek  church  received  82  by  baptism 
that  year.    William  Minter  was  chosen  moderator  at 


574  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

their  annual  meeting,  John  H.  AlcRea  clerk,  and  William 
Minter  treasurer.  It  was  decidedly  unusual  for  one 
man  to  hold  in  an  Association  the  position  of  modera- 
tor and  treasurer.  But  William  Minter  was  a  man  of 
fine  executive  ability-,  and  a  good  financier.  He  was 
acquainted  with  the  secretaries  of  the  Boards,  was  a 
large  contributor,  and  well  informed  as  to  how  money 
could  be  safely  seat  to  the  general  boards. 

William  Minter  exhibited  receipts  to  the  bod3'  from 
H.  Lincoln,  treasurer  of  the  American  Baptist  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions,  for  $47.87V2,  for  Foreign  missions, 
and  $23.18%  for  the  Burman  Bible.  The  contributions 
at  the  Association  were  for  Home  and  Foreign  mis- 
sions, $34-. 56.  Beside  the  public  offering,  J.  Boone  gave 
$56.00^4  to  Foreign  missions,  and  William  Minter  $20 
for  the  Burman  Bible. 

The  Baptist  Missionary  Magazine,  published  in 
Boston,  Mass.,  Avas  recommended,  as  a  means  of  cir- 
culating missionary  information;  the  pastors  were 
requested  to  preach  on  Home  and  Foreign  missions, 
and  the  churches  urged  to  hold  a  monthly  pra^-er  meet- 
ing for  missions.  J.  G.  Hall,  in  his  report  on  Home 
missions,  gave  the  information  that  there  were  some 
funds  on  hand  for  that  object.  The  report  on  Temper- 
ance recommended  to  the  members  of  the  churches, 
entire  abstinence  from  all  intoxicating  drinks,  except 
for  medical  purposes.  T.  N.  Waul,  then  of  Grenada, 
was  president  of  the  Alississippi  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention. 

The  Association  of  1843  held  its  meeting  with  the 
Duck  Hill  church.  In  1842,  that  church  was  repre- 
sented b3^  Hector  McNeil  and  E.  Stephens,  names  still 
familiar  in  that  part  of  our  State.  William  Minter  was 
to  preach  the  introductory  sermon,   and   W.  H.  Hoi- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  575 

€ombe  the  missionary  sermon.  The  missionary  sermon 
was  usually  preached  at  11a.  m.  on  the  Sunday,  em- 
braced in  the  meeting  of  the  body,  and  was  followed 
by  a  collection  for  missions.  The  committee  to  have 
charge  of  their  associational  missions  that  year  was 
composed  of  J.  G.  Hall,  H.  Talbert,  L.  Aldridge,  J.  S. 
Talbert,  Thomas  Simmons,  H.  N.  Edmons,  and  Wm. 
Minter. 

In  1848,  another  man  from  Vermont  was  pastor 
of  a  church  in  the  Yalobusha  Association.  He  was  in 
many  respects  th©  equal,  and  in  some  respects  the 
superior  of  the  other  three  men  already  mentioned,  who 
did  so  much  in  wisely  molding  the  sentiment  of  the 
churches  of  the  body.  That  man  was  H.  B.  Hayward. 
He  had  been  graduated  from  Aladison  University-,  and 
was  a  man  of  fine  qualifications  of  head  and  heart. 
No  one  who  has  ever  labored  in  the  Yalobusha  Asso- 
,ciation  has  left  a  more  sweetly  perfumed  memory.  In 
1843,  he  was  pastor  of  the  Troy  church.  At  that 
period  Jessie  Grifiis  was  a  member  of  that  church,  and 
was  made  a  deacon  in  1844.  He  was  father  of  some  of 
the  best  women  in  the  State,  Mrs.  McCracken,  Mrs. 
Salmons,  Mrs.  Martin  and  JMrs.  Jenning,  the  mother  of 
Mrs.  A.  L.  O'Briant,  pastor  at  Florence.  In  1846, 
Lewis  Aldridge  was  elected  deacon  in  that  church.  He 
was  brave  in  battle,  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  and  Con- 
federate wars,  brave  and  honorable  in  religious  circles. 
He  was  born  a  gentleman,  and  never  lost  his  bearing 
He  was  the  father  of  the  wife  of  Col.  Hicks  Barksdale, 
of  Hardy  Station. 

In  1848,  the  Association  began  to  show  an  interest 
in  ministerial  education.  John  A.  Oliver  was  a  young 
minister  bidding  fair  to  be  useful.  He  was  adopted  by 
the  Association  in  1848,  as  their  beneficiary,  and  was 


576  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

supported  until  his  literar3'  course  Avas  finished  five 
years  afterward.  He  has  ever  been  regarded  as  a  ripe 
scholar  and  a  man  of  correct  life.  If  still  living,  his 
home  is  six  or  eight  miles  south  of  Carrollton. 

In  1851,  the  Yalobusha  Female  Institute  was  es- 
tablished. Establishing  female  schools  seemed  to  have 
been  a  favorite  passtime  with  the  associations  of  olden 
times.  But  this  establishment  located  in  Grenada  had 
unusual  life,  and  presided  over  by  men  of  great  merit, 
such  men  as  W.  S.  Webb  and  George  C.  Granberry.  In 
six  (6)  years  from  the  opening  of  the  doors  to  pupils, 
the  main  building,  three  stories  high,  w^as  completed. 

In  1852,  J.  G.  Hall  was  moderator.  This  was  an 
honor  worthily  bestowed.  J.  G.  Hall  was  father  of 
Judge  J.  G.  Hall,  who  for  years  worthily  presided  over 
the  Baptist  State  Convention  at  its  annual  gatherings. 
He  was  a  worthy'  son  of  a  noble  sire. 

Of  the  Executive  Board,  which  was  appointed  that 
year,  Lewis  Aldridge  Avas  chairman,  and  G.  H.  Martin, 
secretary.  The  Board  had  H.  B.  Hay  ward  at  Charles- 
ton and  James  G.  Hall  at  Greenwood,  and,  also,  sup- 
ported an  Indian  missionary  by  the  name  of  Folsome. 
Thej^  had,  as  work  doing  for  Alinisterial  Education, 
E.J.  Bullock  at  Georgetown  College,  Ka'.,  and  Robert 
Alcorn  at  the  school  at  old  Preston. 

The  session  of  1853  was  held  in  September  with 
the  Rehoboth  church,  Yalobusha  county.  James  G. 
Hall  was  chosen  moderator,  Lewis  Aldridge  treasurer, 
and"  Hillary  Talbert  clerk.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  bj-  G.  H.  Alartin  on  Ministerial EducHtion. 
The  missionar^^  sermon  was  preached  on  Sunday  by 
H.  B.  Ha^'ward,  after  which  a  collection  was  taken  for 
Foreigh  missions,  amounting  to  $74. 

At  that  meeting  pledges  were  made  to  Home  mis- 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  577 

sions,  amounting  to  $234  ;  to  Indian  missions,  $47.50; 
to  Foreign  missions,  $67 ;  and  to  Ministerial  Educa- 
tion, $87.  John  Poitevent  had  left  in  his  will  a  legacy 
of  $100  to  F'oreign  missions,  and  $100  to  Domestic 
missions. 

The  body  met  the  following  year  at  Spring  Creek 
church,  Calhoun  county,  which  church  was  nineteen 
(19)  miles  from  Coffeeville  on  the  Pontotoc  road. 
That  was  a  long  way  for  the  delegates  of  some  of  the 
churches  to  go,  but  such  churches  w^ere  enlivened  by 
the  visits  of  the  Association,  and  the  delegates  made 
the  long  ride  cheerfully.  James  G.  Gates  was  to  preach 
the  introductory^  sermon  on  Ministerial  Education, 
G.H,  Martin  on  Foreign  Missions,  and  H.B.  Haj^ward 
on  Bible  Cause,  with  W.  S.  Webb,  as  alternate.  W.  S. 
Webb  at  the  time  was  connected  with  the  Yalobusha 
Female  College,  and  was  succeeding  in  his  work. 

The  next  year,  or  in  1855,  H.  B.  Hayward  was 
moderator,  and  Henry  D.  Bridges,  clerk.  During  the 
associational  year,  Henr3^  Bridges  died.  He  was  said 
to  be  a  very  useful  man  in  the  Association  during  his 
connection  with  it.  In  1855  and  1856,  the  Executive 
Board  had  E.  J.  Bullock  emplo^^ed  at  Hopewell  church, 
and  L.  B.  Sanderson  laboring  in  the  eastern  and  north- 
ern part  of  the  State. 

The  three-story  building  of  the  Yalobusha  Female 
College  was  in  1856  nearing  completion,  but  it  lacked 
much  of  being  paid  for.  The  Board  of  Trustees  had  to 
lament  this  fact  and  called  for  an  agent  to  go  into  the 
field  to  raise  a  sufficiency  of  money  to  meet  their  obli- 
gations, which  had  come  upon  them  b^-  accruing  debt 
on  the  building.  The}'  had  been  granted  indulgence  on 
a  part  of  the  debt,  and  thought  the  balance  could  be 
liquidated  with  the  greatest  ease  and  readiness. 


578  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Increased  demands  were  upon  them  in  their  asso- 
ciational  work  and  Foreign  missions.  Many  of  their 
churches  had  no  pastors,  and  the  Association  was  re- 
ceiving many  requests  for  help.  Pledges  were  taken  at 
once  for  this  work  to  be  paid  at  the  next  meeting  of 
the  Association,  amounting  to  $172.75.  The  expenses 
of  Foreign  mission  work  were  increased  by  additional 
missionaries  being  sent  into  the  field,  which  called  for 
an  increase  of  offerings  to  Foreign  missions. 

The  Yalobusha  mourned  in  common  with  the  Yazoo 
Association  the  death  of  Z.  McMath.  Z.  McMath  was 
a  man  of  acute  sensibilities.  He  came  as  near  having 
the  missionar3'  spirit  of  the  Apostle  Paul  as  any  minis- 
ter that  w^e  have  had  in  the  missionary  work  of  the 
State.  The  Delta  work  to-day  feels  the  effect  of  his 
'Consecrated  zeal.  His  fiery  spirit  faltered  at  no  hard- 
ship, and  laughed  in  death's  face  w^hen  bidden  by  the 
monster  not  to  reap  the  golden  grain  of  alluvial  soil  of 
the  Yazoo  Valle3\ 

At  that  session,  the  Pittsboro  church  was  received. 
There  were  at  that  time  twenty-three  churches  in  the 
union,  with  a  total  membership  of  1,533.  Just  twenty 
years  the  Association  had  been  in  existence.  All  had 
not  been  sunshine  and  propitious  breezes ;  the^-  had 
met  difiiculties.  The  antinomian  ploughshare  had 
opened  a  deep  furrow  through  their  field  of  labor,  but 
such  a  thing  did  not  move  them  to  trepidation  or 
alarm. 

The  treasurer's  report,  in  1857,  showed  that  they 
had  contributed  to  all  objects  $678.78.  The  Executive 
Board  had,  that  associational  year,  emplo3'ed  L.  B. 
Sanderson  to  ride  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association  as 
their  missionary.  His  duty  was  to  labor  with  the 
Aveak  churches  in  meetings  of  days,  and  thus  strengthen 
1:he  things  that  remained. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  579 

The  trustees  of  their  college  reported  the  resigna- 
tion of  W.  S.  Webb  as  principal  of  the  Institute.  They 
had  procured,  to  fiill  this  vacancy,  the  services  of 
George  C.  Granberry.  Grenada  had,  during  the  year 
ending  at  the  meeting  of  the  body,  suffered  from  an 
epidemic  of  scarlet  fever  and  measles.  It  came  just 
before  the  closing  of  the  session.  Mrs.  Mattie  J.  Nelson, 
then  the  charming  Miss  Butler,  was  graduated  from 
the  Yalobusha  Female  Institute  that  session. 

The  Mississippi  Baptist,  pubhshed  at  Jackson, 
Mississippi,  by  the  silver-tongued  J.  T.  Freeman,  was 
highly  commended,  Sunday  schools  received  due  notice, 
and  $27  sent  to  treasurer  of  the  educational  society  at 
Lexington  for  Ministerial  Education.  H.  P.  Hayward 
presided  over  the  body.  Elbethel  church  was  granted 
3.  letter  of  dismission  to  join  the  Panola  Association. 

In  1858,  the  college  building  w^as  complete,  and 
was  an  abiding  joj^  to  the  Association,  but  there  was 
still  a  debt  hanging  over  it.  A  Board  of  Trustees,  con- 
sisting of  forty-nine  members,  w^as  chosen,  and  a  collec- 
tion taken  in  cash  and  pledges  amounting  to  $218.50. 
Twentj^-five  cents  of  the  amount  was  given  by  a  little 
girl.  The  following  year,  the  trustees  were  in  a  state 
of  rejoicing.  Nothing,  was  said  about  any  debt.  G.  C. 
Granberry  was  in  control  of  the  school,  and  it  was  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  The  school  had  matriculated 
127  students.  Professor  Granberry  had  leased  the 
building  for  an  indefinite  period.  The  prospects  were 
never  brighter  in  the  eight  years  of  the  existence  of  the 
college.  Everything  was  ])right  and  their  hearts  as 
merry  as  a  marriage  bell. 

In  these  two  3^ears  pressure  w^as  put  on  the  churches 
in  mission  work.  There  was  great  need  of  missionar- 
ies in  their  Association,  and  the  foreign  field  was  broad- 


580  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ening  and  ripening  for  the  reaper's  siekle.  In  1858,  the 
churches  gave  to  Home  missions,  $229 ;  Foreign  mis- 
sions, $165.40;  and  to  Indian  missions,  $21,  with 
$117.75  to  the  Bible  Cause.  The  following  year  the 
amount  of  $276  was  pledged  to  Home  missions,  and 
$126.32  given  to  Foreign  missions.  What  a  beautiful 
development  in  progress.  In  the  joy  of  their  onward 
movement  all  along  the  battle  arra3',  they  were  called 
on  to  mourn  the  death  of  their  missionarj',  Lemuel 
Sanderson. 

The  session  of  1860  was  held  with  the  Mount  Pis- 
gah  church,  Carroll  county,  beginning  Friday  before 
the  fouth  Sunday  in  September.  In  November  after- 
ward the  Executive  Board  met,  and  appointed  J.  D. 
McGarritj^  as  their  missionar\^  at  a  salary  of  $400  a 
year.  He  gave  most  of  his  time  to  Tallahatchie  county. 
He  baptized  eight  persons,  organized  a  new  church 
called  SandA'  Creek,  in  that  county,  and  revived  the 
Poplar  Springs  church,  in  Yalobusha  county. 

In  1861,  they  convened  with  the  Providence  church. 
A.  C.  Caperton  was  elected  moderator,  James  G.  Hall 
clerk,  and  Aloses  Granberr3'  treasurer.  There  were 
then  twenty-two  churches  in  the  union,  with  a  total 
membership  of  1,767.  This  session  was  held  in  the  fall 
of  that  year.  The  Civil  War  had  then  begun,  and  this 
beautiful  history-  of  the  Yalobusha  Association  must  be 
suspended,  and  the  spread  of  the  gospel  made  second 
to  the  flash  of  arms  in  the  fratricidal  strife. 

The  Yalobusha  Association  is  largelj^  indebted  to 
Richard  H.  Hard3^,  of  Alount  Paran  church,  for  the 
preservation  of  its  history.  He  did  more  than  any  one 
else  in  his  efforts  to  preserve  a  file  of  the  Minutes  of  the 
bod3'.  Yet,  for  some  reason,  he  failed  to  save  the  Min- 
utes of  the  meetings,  held  through  the  Civil  War.    The 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  581 

loss  was  not  so  great  as  it  would  have  been  if  the  his- 
tory of  the  body  should  have  been  lost  for  the  same 
length  of  time  in  an^^  other  period  of  the  histor^^  of  the 
body.  Very  little  was  accomplished  in  those  years  in 
religious  work  in  that  part  of  the  State.  The  citizens 
were  more  accustomed  to  the  tramp  of  infantry  forces, 
the  rattle  of  the  cavalryman's  sabre,  and  the  toilsome 
effort  at  moving  heav}-  artillery',  than  to  songs  of 
praise  in  associational  meeting. 

In  1862,  the  Ascalmore  church  numbered  but  thirty 
members,  all  told,  and  in  1866,  the  Providence  church 
had  but  twenty-eight  members.  During  these  trjang 
years,  the  Duck  Hill  church  had  lost  fellowship  in  the 
body,  but  by  the  consecrated  energy  of  B.  W.  L.  Butt, 
aided  by  such  men  as  C.  C.  Scruggs  and  Dr.  T.  R.  Trot- 
ter, it  was  revived  in  the  associational  year  following 
the  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1866,  and  was  re- 
stored to  their  fellowship  in  1867.  In  November,  1866, 
a  church  was  organized  at  Charleston,  in  Tallahatchie 
county,  by  L.  Ball  and  W.  W,  Finley,  which  was  re- 
ceived into  the  body  in  1868. 

At  the  session  of  1866,  John  C.  Martin  was  moder- 
ator, and  A.  J.  Holcombe  clerk.  Before  the  meeting  of 
1867,  John  C.  Martin  died.  Suitable  preamble  and 
resolutions  were  adopted  by  the  bod}^  as  to  the  loss  of 
this  useful  man.  Early  as  1848  we  find  his  name 
among  the  delegates  of  the  Association.  He  was  a 
self-made  man,  a  man  of  fine  native  ability,  and  a  high 
idea  of  Christian  rectitude. 

The  session  of  1867  convened  with  the  Poplar 
Springs  church,  in  Yalobusha  count\'.  H.  B.  Hayward 
w^as  elected  moderator,  and  James  G.  Hall  clerk.  The 
associational  sermon  was  preached  b^^  W.  W.  Finley. 
The  Elam  church,  near  Coffeeville,  was  received  into 
the  body. 


582  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  expensiveness  of  religious  newspapers,  in  those 
days,  may  be  seen  in  the  following  resolution : 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  The  Baptist,  pnh- 
lished  by  J.  R.  Graves,  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  at  $4  per 
annum,  and  the  Christian  Watchman,  our  State  organ, 
published  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  at  $4  per  annum,  to  the 
patronage  of  our  brethren  and  friends." 

The  name  of  the  Yalobusha  Female  College  had 
been  changed  to  the  Emma  Mercer  Institute,  in  honor 
of  the  lady  who  had  aided  the  institution  with  a  pecun- 
iary^ grant.  It  was  no  longer  the  propert}'  of  the  As- 
sociation. Thej^  had  permitted  it  to  pass  out  of  their 
hand,  and  it  was  then  an  individual  enterprise,  and 
was  lost  to  Mississippi  Baptists  for  all  time  to  come. 
The  Civil  War  was  very  disastrous  to  many  school 
interests  fostered  b3^  Baptists  in  the  State,  Some  of 
them  were  free  of  debt  at  the  beginning  of  that  strife, 
but  the  trustees  attempted  to  repair  them  after  the 
war,  and  failed  to  realize  money  to  meet  their  obli- 
gations. 

In  1867,  the  Association  adopted  the  plan  of 
monthly  concert  of  pra\'er  for  missions,  and  of  making 
contributions  monthly  for  evangelization.  The  churches 
in  the  northern  part  of  the  State  were  much  improved 
b}^  this  custom,  and  some  of  them  kept  it  in  observance 
until  later  than  1875.  It  brought  in  some  money,  and 
aided  them  to  get  their  minds  off  themselves,  and  the 
demoralized  condition  of  our  country. 

Many  of  their  churches,  once  so  active  and  useful, 
were  then  in  a  low  spiritual  state.  A  numbness  of 
spiritual  feeHng  was  deplored  by  the  Jeremiahs  of  the 
body.  They  had  two  railroads  threading  their  terri- 
tory, and  thought  they  apprehended  the  gra3^  dawn  of 
a  prosperous  day.    It  was  thought  that  there  was  no 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  583 

better  way  to  awake  the  dormant  energies  of  their 
people  than  to  send  out  an'  alert  missionary'.  It  was 
agreed,  therefore,  to  send  some  one  to  the  churches  to 
collect  means,  and  to  awaken  expectations  among  the 
churches.  The  first  requisite  of  success  in  Christian 
endeavor  is,  a  heart  yearning  to  do  good,  but  some- 
times the  callous  must  be  tossed  over  and  over  to  get 
their  blood  to  circulating,  and  their  eyes  to  open  wide.. 
The  sum  of  $36.50  was  reported  for  Foreign  missions. 
They  received  243  members  that  3'ear  by  baptism. 

The  Association  was  becoming  strong  in  numbers, 
and  in  ministerial  force.  About  this  time  it  had  twenty 
ordained  ministers  and  ten  licentiates.  It  w^as  some- 
times true  that  a  large  congregation  would  gather, 
and  there  would  be  six  or  eight  preachers  at  the  one 
appointment.  The  "preaching  committee"  of  the 
church  would  retire  to  the  woods  before  the  preaching 
hour,  and  decide  which  one  of  the  preachers  w^as  to 
preach.  When  the  writer  w^as  a  licentiate  in  North 
Mississippi,  he  preached  one  Sunday'  morning,  and  a 
wag  remarked  afterward  that  there  were  eight  (8) 
preachers  there,  and  one  \vho  w' as  not  a  preacher  did 
the  preaching,  as  he  w^as  not  ordained. 

We  must  notice  that  in  1869,  the  churches  com- 
posing the  Yalobusha  Association  had  over  2,000 
members,  all  told.  The  churches  that  year  reported 
335  baptisms,  a  sufficient  number  to  constitute  an 
association.  The  Association  that  year  received  four 
churches :  Driver  Flat,  Bethany,  Graysport,  and 
Yockona.  T.  J.  Sparkman,  the  successful  missionary 
of  the  Delta,  w^as  with  them. 

That  year  their  Executive  Board  had  J.  L.  Jen- 
nings as  missionary  for  three-fourths  of  his  time.  He 
traveled  over  2,000  miles,  preached  153  sermons,  and 


584  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

baptized  45  persons.  For  three  months,  W.  L.  Coop- 
wood  rode  for  them,  who  baptized  forty-three  persons. 
The  prospects  were  bright.  The  missionar3'  passion 
was  becoming  a  contagion.  They  wanted  more  mis- 
sionaries. Some  important  points,  such  as  Coflfeeville 
and  McNutt,  had  preaching  onh'  occassionalh^  by 
Baptists. 

Some  of  the  churches  had  good  Sunday  schools 
with  fine  attendance.  The  Water  Valley  Sunday  school 
w^as  the  largest  having  an  average  attendance  of  sev- 
enty-five scholars.  The  Grenada  Sunda^^  school  had 
an  attendance  of  forty  pupils,  the  Gra^^sport  thirty, 
and  the  school  of  the  Elam  church  thirty.  There  were 
Sunda}^  schools  in  several  of  the  other  churches  in  the 
Association. 

In  the  fall  and  winter  of  1870,  J.  N.  Acker  was  in 
the  field  laboring  under  the  Executive  Board.  He 
reaped  a  large  measure  of  success.  He  traveled,  during 
the  associational  year,  over  2,000  miles,  preached  281 
sermons,  and  baptized  94  persons.  After  the  first  of 
April  1871,  he  gave  a  fourth  of  his  time  to  Mount  Pis- 
gah  church,  the  remainder  to  Mitchell's  Cross  Roads, 
Tippo,  Graball,  Friendship,  Sycamore,  and  Dogwood 
Flat. 

The  session  of  1871,  convened  with  the  Turkey 
Creek  church,  Calhoun  county'.  H.  B.  Hayward  was 
chosen  moderator,  J.  J.  Jennings  clerk,  and  W.  D.  Roan 
treasurer.  The  Association  that  year  received  Clear 
Springs,  Friendship  and  Sycamore  churches.  The  vet- 
eran missionary,  Whitfield  Dupuy,  of  the  Oxford  Asso- 
ciation, was  with  them. 

After  the  report  on  Home  or  Associational  missions 
was  read  and  discussed,  $469.00  was  pledged  to  that 
cause  by  churches  and  bj^  individuals.    A  total  of  sub- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  585 

scription  and  cash  of  $45.00  was  also  raised  for  Minis- 
terial education.  The  meeting  of  the  body  of  1872  was 
to  be  held  with  the  Ascalmore  church,  seventeen  miles 
west  of  Hardy  station. 

The  following  3^ear,  the  Association  received  five 
more  churches,  Fellowship,  Enon,  Hebron,  Union,  and 
Bethel.  There  were  then  thirt^'-five  churches  in  the  As- 
sociation, which  reported  the  aggregate  baptisms  at 
183,  and  received  by  letter  127,  making  a  total  of 
v^hite  members  of  1,835.  They  gave  that  year  to 
Home  missions  $363.00,  to  Foreign  missions  $50.50, 
to  Ministerial  education  $85.50,  and  to  the  Orphan's 
Home  $8.00,  making  a  total  of  $502.80. 

H.  B.  Hayward  was  in  1872,  elected  moderator 
for  the  last  time.  He  had  long  enjoyed  the  honor,  and 
his  brethren  had  delighted  to  confer  it  upon  him.  He 
loved  his  constituency,  and  was  loved  by  them.  In 
leaving  them  he  bequeathed  to  them  and  their  posterity, 
a  good  name  without  blemish  or  tarnish.  He  had, 
from  the  earliest  days  of  the  Association,  been  invalua- 
ble to  them.  He  was  the  true  j^oke  fellow^  of  William 
Minter  in  the  years  the  Association  was  contending 
against  the  blast  and  mildew  of  anti-nomianism.  He 
bore  the  scars  of  battle,  which  were  all  on  his  front. 

There  was,  that  year,  commendable  interest  shown 
in  MississipiDi  College.  The3^  rejoiced  that  the  mort- 
gage that  had  been  hanging  over  the  College  as  an  in- 
cubus, had  been  canceled  by  the  indefatigable  labors  of 
M.  T.  Martin.  The}'  said  to  each  other,  "Let  us  no 
longer  call  it  Mississippi  College,  but  Our  College ^ 
The  effort  of  its  Board  of  Trustees  then  was  to  raise 
an  endowment  fund  of  $100,000.00.  That,  they 
thought  a  matter  of  small  consequence,  and  proposed 
to  do  their  share.     But  the  disastrous  "Black  Friday," 


586  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

the  Jay  Cook  disaster  of  1873,  blighted  these  fair 
prospects. 

Their  Executive  Board  was  for  going  ahead  with 
their  work.  They  still  had  J.  N.  Acker  in  the  field.  He 
traveled  more  than  3,500  miles,  preached  275  sermons^ 
baptized  seventj-'-four  persons,  organized  three  churches^ 
and  collected  $214-. 50  from  the  churches  and  individu- 
als. He  had  three  regular  appointments  in  the  Talla- 
hatchie bottom,  and  four  in  the  hills.  Ah !  that  such 
men  as  Acker  were  immortal.  But  what  is  better^ 
God  always  lives,  and  lives  to  love  and  aid  his  work- 
men. 

In  1873,  the  Association  met  with  the  Liberty 
church,  down  in  Carroll  county.  J.  B.  Barr3'^  was 
chosen  moderator,  James  G.  Hall  clerk,  and  R.  H.  Hardy 
treasurer.  Four  more  churches  were  received  into  the 
union,  which  gave  them  a  total  of  thirty-seven  churches 
at  the  37th  annual  session  of  the  Association.  These 
churches  were  in  the  counties  of  Tallahatchie,  Yalo- 
busha, Grenada,  Montgomery,  Calhoun,  Carroll  and 
Leflore.  Some  fair  day,  it  will  swarm.  H.  F.  Sproles, 
Matt.  Lj'on  and  Benjamin  Roach  were  present  from 
the  Yazoo  Association. 

Reports  were  received  on  the  Orphan's  Home,  Min- 
isterial Education,  Domestic  and  Foreign  Mission,  and 
Mississippi  College.  The  Association  was  a  thing  of 
life.  The3^  received  that  year  for  associational  missions 
$387.80;  for  Foreign  Missions,  $50.50;  and  for  Minis- 
terial Education,  $95.50. 

J.  N.  Acker  \vas  3'et  in  the  field,  but  Avas  then  giving 
the  Board  only  one-fourth  of  his  time.  He  baptized 
fourteen  persons,  and  constituted  one  church.  W.  J. 
Melton,  a  man  of  rare  gifts  of  head  and  heart,  was 
their  missionary'  for  all  his  time  from  February  until 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  587 

the  meeting  of  the  Association.  He  baptized  twenty- 
nine  believers,  and  constituted  two  churches.  At  least 
two  more  missionaries  were  needed  in  the  field. 

In  the  associational  years  of  1874-75,  T.  L.  Talbert 
and  I.  A.  Hailey  were  employed  by  the  Board.  They 
were  good,  progressive,  enthusiastic,  consecrated  young 
men.  Each  of  them  left  footprints.  T.  L.  Talbert  bap- 
tized twenty-three  persons,  and  saw  baptized  in  con- 
nection with  his  work  twenty-three  more.  I.  A.  Hailey 
baptized  sixty-five,  which  aggregated  one  hundred  and 
eleven  baptisms.  The  destitution  was  becoming  so 
limited  that,  it  w^as  thought,  two  missionaries  could 
supply  the  waste  places.  But  some  of  their  churches 
were  small  and  needed  help.  The  Coffee ville  church 
had  but  thirteen  members,  the  Garner  church  twenty- 
three,  and  the  Antioch  eighteen. 

At  the  session  of  1875,  they  adopted  pathetic  pre- 
amble and  resolution  as  to  their  ministry.  Several  of 
their  ministers  were  far  advanced  in  years,  and  had 
grown  gray  in  the  Lord's  service;  their  best  years  w^ere 
behind  them,  and  some  of  them  would  "soon  have  to 
leave  the  walks  of  men,  and  go  to  their  reward."  The 
members  of  the  Association  covenanted  together  to 
pray  until  their  next  meeting,  that  the  Lord  would  call 
some  of  their  young  men  into  the  ministry.  We  hear 
no  more  of  the  consecrated  William  Alinter,"  Hay  ward 
had  left  them,  and  alas,  the  beloved  Hall  had  only  two 
more  sessions  to  meet  them,  and  keep  a  neat  record  of 
the  proceeding  of  their  meetings. 

The  sitting  of  the  body  in  1876  was  with  the 
Graysport  church.  H.  J.  Smith  was  chosen  to  preside 
over  the  body,  James  G.  Hall  was  again  elected  clerk, 
and  Richard  H.  Hardy  treasurer.  The  churches  re- 
ported a  net  gain  that  year  of  108  members.     Two 


588  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

churches  had  dissolved,  and  six  were  dismissed  to  go 
into  the  constitution  of  the  Calhoun  Association. 

H.  T.  Haddick  and  T.  L.  Talbert,  both  of  them 
now  of  blessed  memory,  formed  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lications. They  were  advanced  in  their  views  of  the 
question  of  a  Baptist  State  paper.  They  had  not  a 
word  to  say  against  the  existing  relation  of  our  people 
to  The  Baptist,  at  Memphis.  M.  P.  Lowrev  was  at 
the  head  of  the  Mississippi  department  of  that  paper, 
and  ever^dDody  loved  and  respected  M.  P.  Lowrej'.  But 
Ave  needed  a  paper  of  our  own,  and  these  two  young 
men  said  so,  and  asked  the  Yalobusha  Association  to 
give  a  movement  in  that  direction  ^^  hearty  and  unani- 
mous support.'^ 

With  them  the  next  3'ear  was  James  B.  Gambrell 
from  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Record.  The  State  paper 
enterprise  had  been  launched  in  February  of  that  3'ear, 
and  the  Baptist  Record  was  published  at  Clinton. 
Would  it  live,  and  would  it  do  good  ?  Let  us  see  what 
it  had  to  do.  T.  J.  Walne  was  also  at  that  meeting  of 
the  Association,  as  corresponding  secretary  of  the  State 
Mission  Board,  which  was  to  be  domiciled  at  Oxford, 
near  by,  the  coming  summer.  The  paper  had  that 
cause  to  espouse,  and  to  forward,  and  quite  nobly  did 
it  do  the  work.  Their  report  on  publications  that  year 
(1877),  had  in  it  this  language:  "Although  in  its  first 
year,  it  has  already  taken  high  rank  among  the  best 
journals  of  the  countr\\*" 

H.  T.  Haddick  presented  the  report  on  State  mis- 
sions. It  was  his  last  report  to  place  before  a  Baptist 
Association.  Let  us  look  at  Jthe  last  sentence  of  his 
last  report,  "But,  instead  of  eleven  missionaries,  our 
Board  ought  to  have  at  least  fift\'  men,  carrj-ing  the 
precious  gospel  of  Christ  to^the_^lost  of  our  State." 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  589 

This  generous  wish  was  his  last  bequest  to  the  State 
through  his  Association.  Some  of  us  have  Hved  to  see 
fifty  missionaries  and  more  laboring  under  our  Board, 
but  the  prolonging  of  our  lives  is  God's  grant  to  us,  on 
which  we  should  return  him  interest. 

The  session  of  1878  was  little  more  than  a  gather- 
ing and  a  parting.  It  was  not  held  until  November. 
J.  P.  Brow^n,  their  former  moderator,  was  absent,  hav- 
ing moved  out  of  their  limits.  Richard  H.  Hardy,  the 
only  officer  of  the  previous  session  present,  called  the 
Association  to  order.  Isham  Melton  was  requested  to 
act  as  moderator,  and  T.  L.  Talbert,  as  clerk  pro  tern. 

That  was  easily  done.  But  there  was  to  come  the 
associational  sermon.  Who  w^as  to  preach  that  ser- 
mon, and  vv^ho  was  his  alternate?  James  G.  Hall  and 
H.  T.  Haddick.     Where  were  they  ?    Read  this. 

''Brethren  Hall  and  Haddick,  principal  and  alter- 
nate, appointed  to  preach  the  introductory  sermon  of 
this  meeting,  having  been  called  home  by  the  Lord  of 
the  harvest  to  reap  the  reward  of  their  labors,  J.  R. 
Sumner  w^as  to  preach  it."  Gone  home,  where  associa- 
tions do  not  adjourn.  In  the  delirium  of  j^ellow  fever 
they  went  out  of  wear}'  bodies  to  the  land,  where 
shadows  do  not  fall. 

It  is  somewhat  saddening  that  this  brief  sentence 
is  all  the  deliverance  the  Association  made  as  to  the 
loss  of  these  two  great  men,  and  one  feels  like  uttering 
some  harsh  speech,  until  he  realizes  that  Isham  Melton 
and  Thomas  L.  Talbert,  the  two  gifted  young  men, 
who  took  the  places  of  missing  ones,  are  now  both 
where  human  speech  cannot  disturb  them,  and  Richard 
H.  Hardy,  honest  old  man,  has  been  gathered  to  his 
fathers. 

But  the  historian  must  not  be  led  awav  bv  his  feci- 


590  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

ings.  The  Association  had  two  young  ministers  for 
school,  J.  R.  Sumner  and  W.  T.  Hudson.  They  were 
kindly  remembered  after  the  reading  of  the  report  on 
Ministerial  Education,  b\^  a  collection  that  had  more 
^ood  will  in  it  than  mone3'.  Pledges  were  made  in 
their  favor  amounting  to  $110.50.  They  gave  that 
3'ear  to  associational  missions  $74.25,  to  Foreign  mis- 
sions $31.60,  to  State  missions  $22.80,  and  to  Missis- 
sippi College  $11.40.  That  is,  these  amounts  passed 
through  the  hands  of  their  finance  committee. 

The  following  year,  the  report  on  Ministerial  Edu- 
cation was  practical  from  beginning  to  end.  J.  R. 
Sumner  was  at  Mississippi  College  the  last  session,  and 
all  the  demands  made  on  the  Association  were  small 
and  had  been  met.  W.  T.  Hudson,  now  the  acceptable 
pastor  at  West  Point,  had  very  nearly  met  his  ex- 
penses b3'  industriously  teaching  school  and  preach- 
ing acceptably,  and  the  Association  owed  nothing  to 
ministerial  education.  In  addition,  the  Grenada  church 
\vas  educating  W.  D.  Bene  at  Jackson,  Tenn.,  who  was 
kighly  spoken  of. 

The  Executive  Board  had  been  confused  in  its  plans 
the  3'ear  before  b^^  the  appearance  and  appalling  effect 
■of  the  yellow  fever.  But  Avork  must  be  resumed. 
Pledges  were  taken  in  1879  for  the  employment  of  a 
missionary  in  their  territory,  amounting  to  $206.50. 
The  Executive  Board  had  no  report  to  make  to  the 
Association.  . 

The  session  of  1880  was  held  with  the  Providence 
church,  Grenada  count\\  Isham  Melton  was  chosen 
moderator,  J.  J.  Jennings  clerk,  and  R.  H.  HardA'  treas- 
urer. The  prominent  la\^men  in  the  bodj^  at  the  time 
■were:  L.  M.  Mays,  of  Graysport;  T.  B.  Williamson,  of 
Providence  church;    J.   R.   Binford,  of  Duck  Hill,  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  591 

R.  H.  Hardy  and  J.  J.  Jennings,  of  Ha  rdy  Station 
The  young  preachers,  prayed  for  devoutly  a  few  years 
before,  were  Joel  D.  Rice,  Thomas  Talbert,  Isham  Mel- 
lon and  E.  A.  Taylor. 

There  was  considerable  interest  manifest  in  their 
Sunday  school  work.  W.  D.  Bene  and  J.  R.  Binford 
presented  a  practical  report  on  the  subject  to  the  body. 
The  Association  became  thoroughly  aroused,  and  a 
-Sunday  School  Institute  was  organized  by  the  election 
of  E.  A.  Taylor  as  president.  Miss  Florence  Doty,  secre- 
tary, and  W.  D.  Bene  as  treasurer.  A  meeting  of  the 
Institute  was  to  be  held  at  Hardy  in  March,  1881. 

The  Executive  Board  was  not  highly  operative. 
The\^  had  done  little  during  the  3^ear,  The\'  had  been 
a.ble  to  secure  the  services  of  a  missionary'  for  onh'  a 
short  time.  L.  T.  Davis  was  in  the  field  for  a  short 
time,  but  his  health  failed,  and  he  was  compelled  to 
abandon  the  work.  A  resolution  was  adopted  which 
provided  that  in  the  event  the  Executive  Board  failed 
to  secure  a  missionary,  by  the  first  of  Januarys,  1881, 
that  the  Board  should  turn  over  their  funds  to  the 
State  Mission  Board,  and  ask  that  Board  to  take 
charge  of  their  missionary  work.  Immediateh^  after 
the  adoption  of  this  resolution,  pledges  were  made  to 
State  missions,  amounting  to  $315. 

Their  next  anniversary  was  held  with  the  Mace- 
donia church,  in  Yalobusha  county,  beginning  October 
7,  1881.  The  ofiicers  of  the  previous  session  were 
re-elected. 

The  body  was  then  composed  of  twent^'-nine 
churches,  which  had  received  that  \'ear  149  members  by 
baptism,  94  by  letter,  and  39  restored.  They  had,  as 
reported,  contributed  to  all  objects  $1,214.55.  The 
oldest  church  in  the  institution  was  the  Rehoboth,  of 


592  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Yalobusha  count}',  which  was  constituted  in  1837. 
Next  was  the  Providence  church,  of  Grenada  county, 
instituted  in  1838.  The  Mount  Paran  church  of  Yalo- 
busha count3%  and  the  Pleasant  Prospect  church  of 
Carroll  were  organized  in  1840,  Spring  Hill  church, 
Tallahatchie  county,  in  1845,  and  Mount  Pisgah,  of 
Carroll,  in  1848. 

J.  J.Jennings  of  Hard}'  Station,  died  April  3,  1881, 
in  the  thirty-ninth  j^ear  of  his  age.  His  church,  the  As- 
sociation, and  the  public  lost  a  useful  man.  He  joined 
the  Mount  Paran  church  in  1855.  From  1870,  to  the 
year  of  his  death,  he  was  a  constant  attendant  at  the 
meetings  of  his  Association.  He  was  twice  chosen  as 
clerk  of  the  body,  having  served  in  that  capacity  the 
last  meeting  of  the  Association  before  his  death.  His 
wife  is  yet  living,  and  is  the  mother-in-law  of  A.  L. 
O'Briant,  and  the  sister-in-law  of  L.  McCracken,  the 
present  moderator  of  the  body.  "He  was  an  active 
and  attentive  business  man,  and  kind  to  a  fault ;  well 
read,  and  a  good  writer,  being  a  regular  contributor  to 
the  Grenada  Sentinel.^^ 

The  session  of  1882  was  held  with  the  Union  church, 
of  Yalobusha  count}',  in  October  of  that  year.  Isham 
Melton  was  pastor  of  the  church.  It  had  Tillatobia  as 
its  post-office.     It  came  into  the  Association  in  1872. 

In  the  year  1883,  the  Oxford  Association  was 
merged  into  the  Yalobusha.  The  Oxford  Association 
was  weak  in  ministerial  force,  and  it  was  found  diffi- 
cult to  make  their  meeting  interesting,  as  the  same 
speaker  was  on  the  floor  in  the  discussion  of  nearly  ev- 
er}'  item  of  business.  But  the  joint  organization  was 
not  satisfactor}^  to  some  of  the  churches  of  the  old  Ox- 
ford Association,  and  they  soon  began  to  withdraw. 
The    institution  ceased  to  be  called   the    Yalobusha- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  593 

Oxford  Association  in  1889.  The  Oxford  church  which 
went  into  the  joint  institution,  and  in  honor  of  which 
the  Oxford  Association  was  named,  was  constituted 
in  1840. 

The  forty-ninth  anniversary  of  the  body  was  held 
with  the  Graysport  church.  It  was  called  to  order  by 
A.  J.  Quinche,  their  moderator  in  1884.  The  church  at 
Torrance,  newly  organized,  was  received  by  the  Asso- 
ciation. A.  J.  Quinche  wras  chosen  moderator,  E.  B. 
Miller  clerk,  and  T.  B.  Williamson  treasurer. 

The  report  on  Mississippi  College  was  presented  by 
T.  B.  Williamson.  It  stated  that  the  annual  income  of 
the  College  was  $2,000.00  less  than  its  expenses.  The 
plan  of  the  Convention  was  to  meet  this  deficit  by  con- 
tribution from  the  Baptists  of  the  State.  It  was  rec- 
ommended that  the  Yalobusha  raise  $500.00  for  this 
purpose.  Then  came  the  speech  making.  T.  B.  Wil- 
liamson spoke  of  the  good  \vork  done  by  the  College, 
and  of  the  preachers  and  teachers  it  had  graduated. 
T.  L.  Talbert  deplored  the  meager  support  Mississippi 
Baptists  gave  it.  E.  B.  Miller  showed  that  the  Col- 
lege needed  aid,  because  young  ministers  and  sons  of 
ministers  paid  no  tuition.  J.  D.  Rice  spoke  of  the  fine 
moral  influence  of  the  College.  W.  D  Bene  urged  the 
Association  to  do  more  than  to  pass  well  worded  reso- 
lutions, and  H.  A.  Ferguson  said  it  was  time  to  act. 
They  immediately  pledged  $112.00  to  the  temporal 
support  of  the  College. 

J.  Hart  well  Edwards,  the  pastor  of  the  Oxford 
church,  read  the  report  on  State  missions.  He  thought 
it  wise  to  request  the  Convention  Board  to  support  a 
strong  minister  within  their  bounds.  He  said  in  a 
speech  that  interest  in  State  missions  would  create  in- 
terest in  other  departments  of  work.    J.  P.  Thompson , 


594  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

a  visitor  from  the  Zion  Association  thought  Baptists 
should  contribute  more  systematically  to  missions. 
They  pledged  $314.50  to  the  work. 

Capt.  John  Powell  showed  his  business  integrity  in 
the  following  quotation  from  his  report  on  Pastoral 
Support:  "We  recommend  that  no  church  shall  recall 
its  pastor  until  ever^'  dollar  due  him  is  paid ;  and  we 
insist  that  no  church  has  the  moral  right  to  call  a  new 
pastor  while  in  debt  to  their  former  pastor." 

Some  things  in  particular.  Capt.  John  Powell 
thought  that  each  preacher  in  the  bounds  of  the  Asso- 
ciation should  attend  all  its  meetings.  The  Oxford 
Association,  then  a  very  weak  body,  wished  co-opera- 
tion in  the  support  of  a  missionary.  B.  N.  Hatch  had 
been  with  the  Garner  church  in  a  meeting,  in  which 
there  were  about  fifty-five  conversions.  The  Grenada 
church  had  a  fine  Sunday  school,  and  the  ladies  had 
spent  $125.00  on  repairs  upon  their  house  of  w^orship. 
The  Mount  Paran  church  had  an  earnest  band  of 
"Ladies  at  Work.'"  .The  Spring  Hill  church  had  the 
largest  membership  of  the  churches  in  the  Association, 
and  an  order  of  "Ladies  at  Work." 

In  1886,  A.  J.  Quinche  was  moderator,  and  was  re- 
elected in  1887.  The  session  of  1887  was  held  with  the 
Liberty  church,  in  Carroll  count\\  It  was  celebrated 
as  the  semi-centennial  of  the  history  of  the  Association. 
Two  able  papers  were  read  touching  their  histor^^  and 
progress  by  S.  S.  Fairfield  and  T.  B.  Williamson.  They 
were  valuable  documents. 

The  report  on  Sunday  schools  was  presented  by  J. 
R.  Binford,  and  elicited  a  lively  discussion.  He  said  in 
his  report  that  the  Sunday  school  was  not  a  useless 
appendage  to  a  church,  nor  was  it  to  provide  a  place 
for  an  hour's  enjoyment.    In  a  speech,  he  declared  that 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  595 

there  was  vastW  more  in  the  Bible  than  he  supposed 
before  he  became  a  Suncla3^  school  superintendent.  The 
Sunday  school  at  Duck  Hill  was  carried  on  the  first 
year  by  one  lady  and  seven  pupils.  Judge  S.  S.  Fair- 
field spoke  to  the  report.  He  said  the  subject  of  educa- 
tion always  excited  him.  It  is  no  small  affair  to  collect 
seven  or  eight  children  and  teach  them  the  Scriptures. 
Do  not  call  the  Sunday  school  a  small  work.  The 
women  were  doing  most  of  the  work  and  women  were 
fifty  3^ears  ahead  of  the  men. 

The  report  on  Foreign  missions  w^as  also  well  dis- 
cussed. J.  Hart  well  Edwards  said  the  Association 
should  raise  $1,000  for  State  missions.  The  churches 
should  take  collections  for  State  missions  when  there 
was  some  money  in  the  countr3\  W.  D.  Bene  spoke  of 
the  w^onderlul  growth  of  State  missions,  and  stated 
that  places  that  had  been  missionary  ground  w^ere 
then  contributing  to  the  support  of  other  fields. 

Mrs.  Lou  H.  Moore  was  Secretary  of  Woman's 
Work,  and  was  reappointed.  She  presented  the  report 
on  that  subject.  Four  new  societies  had  been  organized 
that  year.  Liberty,  Charleston,  Garner,  and  Torrance 
churches  had  promised  to  organize  societies.  The 
societies  at  Ascalmore  and  Ashland  were  at  work; 
Graysport,  Grenada,  Mount  Paran,  Providence,  Spring 
Hill  and  Oxford  reported  work  done. 

The  session  of  1888  was  held  with  the  church  at 
Garner.  T.  B.  Williamson  was  elected  moderator,  E.  B. 
Miller  clerk,  and  John  Powell  treasurer.  There  were 
then  twenty-two  churches  in  the  union.  These  churches 
had  a  total  membership  of  1 ,901,  and  reported  ninety- 
eight  baptisms.  Thirteen  churches  reported  Sunday 
schools,  the  total  number  of  pupils  enrolled  being  841. 
The  churches  gave  to  State  missions  $444.72  ;  to  Min- 


596  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

isterial  Education,  $109;  to  Home  missions,  $129.80^ 
to  Foreign  missions,  $261.00;  and,  to  Mississippi  Col- 
lege, $239.50  ;  the  grand  total  to  all  objects  being  $6,- 
678.96.  The  usual  number  of  reports  were  read  and 
discussed.  J.  R.  Parish  was  then  in  the  Association  as 
pastor  at  Coffeeville,  Spring  Hill,  Tillatoba,  Torrance 
and  Union.  The  session  ot  1889  was  to  be  held  at 
Duck  Hill. 

The  Minutes  of  the  session  of  1889  are  not  in  hand. 
The  writer  was  at  that  meeting  and  was  a  guest  of 
Dr.  Tillman  R.  Trotter.  He  preached  at  11  a.  m.  Sun- 
day on  John  3  :  16.  Joel  D.  Rice  also  preached  at  that 
meeting  of  the  bod3\  T.  B.  Williamson  was  moderator. 
The  Association  showed  its  usual  activity,  and  the 
meeting  was  harmonious.  But  there  was  a  storm 
brewing.  The  thunders  had  begun  to  mutter  in  the 
distant  clouds.  The  troubles  that  came  on  a  little  later 
in  Grenada,  were  then  but  in  the  process  of  their  for- 
mation. 

In  the  decade  between  1890  and  1900,  reports  were 
received  on  Temperance  at  nearly  every  session.  No 
temperance  movement  was  being  agitated  at  the  time, 
and  the  reports  only  showed  the  position  they  occupied 
on  the  whiskey'  question.  A  quotation  from  the  report 
of  1892  will  show  clearly  their  position:  "We,  the 
Baptist  churches  of  Yalobusha  Association,  do  hereby 
put  ourselves  on  record  for  all  time  to  come,  and  dO' 
hereb3^  assert  our  non-affiliation  with  and  utter  oppo- 
sition to  anything  that  in  the  least  has  for  one  moment 
the  appearance  of  countenancing  the  drink  habit  or  the 
traffic  or  sale  of  whiske3^  under  any  form  or  name." 
Words  could  not  show  their  position  on  this  question 
any  plainer  or  with  more  emphasis. 

Their  position  on  Publications  was  uniform  in  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  597 

support  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Journal  and  Kind 
Words,  but  varied  as  to  State  publications.  In  1890 
and  1892,  The  Southern  Baptist  Record,  The  Western 
Recorder,  and  The  Religious  Herald,  were  all  com- 
mended. In  1893,  The  Layman  was  mentioned  after 
The  Record.  This  order  was  observed  for  several 
years.  In  1896,  their  report  bore  on  the  dissatisfac- 
tion in  our  State  as  to  "the  management  of  our  State 
organs,"  but  The  Record  and  The  Layman  received 
due  approbation.  In  1897,  The  Layman  was  placed 
at  the  head  of  their  list  of  publications.  In  1898,  and 
in  successive  years,  the3^  commended  The  Baptist,  pub- 
lished at  Jackson,  Mississippi,  and  usually  The  Orph- 
anage Gem. 

In  1890,  the  Yalobusha  grew  serious  as  to  their 
Sunday  school  interest.  An  annual  Sunday  school 
convention  to  meet  prior  to  the  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion was  deemed  advisable,  and  each  of  their  Sunday 
schools  was  requested  to  be  represented  by  delegates. 
We  find  nothing  in  the  Minutes  of  the  following  year 
as  to  the  proposed  convention.  In  1892,  there  were 
twenty-two  (22)  churches  in  the  union;  eleven  (11)  of 
them,  just  half,  had  Sunday  schools.  In  1896,  -they 
had  seventeen  (17)  Sunday  schools;  in  1898  thej^  had 
dropped  back  to  twelve,  and  in  1900  they  had  but 
thirteen  (13)  Sunday  schools  in  their  twentj^-two 
churches. 

The  interest  the  Yalobusha  took  in  Mississippi  Col- 
lege and  Ministerial  Education  was  uniform.  In  1890 
an  accepted  resolution  was  presented  by  E.  B.  Miller, 
of  Grenada,  pledging  the  Association  to  raise  $1,250 
for  the  endowment  of  Mississippi  College,  and  the 
amount  was  apportioned  among  the  churches.  The 
next  year, young  ministers  were  advised  to  "push  their 


598  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

studies  to  the  highest  possible  Hmit."'  In  1892,  they 
endorsed  and  ratified  the  action  of  the  State  Conven- 
tion as  to  the  removal  of  the  college  to  Meridian.  In 
1896,  thej'  pledged  $38.25  to  ministerial  education  for 
the  benefit  of  E.  D.  Solomon.  The  next  year  it  was 
recommended  that  the  Association  raise  "one  dollar  to 
the  membership  for  the  endowment  of  the  college,"  and 
in  1899,  the  amount  of  $98.75  was  pledged  to  Minis- 
terial Education.. 

The  continued  interest  manifested  b\^  the  Yalobusha 
in  Woman's  Work  was  rather  unusual.  In  1890,  the3' 
had  nine  Societies  and  three  Sunbeam  societies,  which 
reported  as  contributed  to  all  purposes  $708.25.  In 
the  report  on  this  subject  made  by  John  Powell,  he 
said:  "The  cry  of  the  missionar\^,  the  appeal  of  our  in- 
stitutions of  learning,  with  their  consecrated  students, 
the  cr\^  of  want,  never  fails  to  touch  her  warm  heart.'* 

In  1892,  the  number  of  societies  had  increased  to 
ten,  which  had  contributed  to  all  objects  the  neat  sum 
of  $642.23.  Mrs.  Georgia  A.  Talbert  was  in  charge  of 
the  work.  After  that  time,  for  a  number  of  years  the 
interest  in  Woman's  Work  was  on  the  wane.  Three 
societies  in  1895,  Hard3%  Jefferson,  and  Grenada  con- 
tributed to  all  objects  the  sum  of  $267.90.  In  the  report 
on  Woman's  Work,  in  1896,  it  is  said:  "In  our  ov^n 
day,  there  is  scarceh^  a  spot  upon  which  the  sun  shines 
that  does  not  feel  her  benign  influence,  and  see  the 
work  of  loving,  consecrated  hearts  and  hands."  In 
1898,  there  were  six  societies  reported  to  the  Associa- 
tion, which  had  contributed  $320.10  to  various  ob- 
jects, the  next  year  four  societies  reported  collected  for 
all  objects  $353.30. 

In  1890,  T.  B.  Williamson  was  chosen  moderator, 
which  position  he  held  each  successive  year  to  1893  in- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  599 

elusive.  The  Union  ehureh,  of  Lafayette  eounty,  was 
received  in  1890,  the  Pleasant  Grove  church  in  1893, 
and  Corinth,  Wayside,  and  New  Goshen,  later. 

In  1890,  the  Executive  Board  was  authorized  to 
put  a  colporter  in  the  field  to  work  in  behalf  of  mis- 
sions, but,  if  the  order  was  carried  out,  we  see  nothing 
in  the  minutes  of  the  next  j^ear  concerning  it.  In  1891, 
L.  S.  Foster  was  with  them  at  their  annual  gathering, 
with  a  request  from  the  Yazoo  Association  that  they 
co-operate  with  that  body  in  the  support  of  a  Foreign 
missionary  the  next  year.  The  proposition  was  heart- 
ily accepted,  and  the  sum  of  $347.50  pledged  for  this 
purpose.  Their  church  letters  to  the  Association 
showed  that  they  had  given,  in  1892,  to  Home  missions 
$147.05,  to  Foreign  missions  $210.10. 

In  1894,  L.  McCracken  was  chosen  moderator, 
which  position  he  occupied  to  the  close  of  the  century. 
From  1895  to  the  close  of  this  decade,  the  Association 
was  in  the  closest  sympathy  and  touch  with  the  Con- 
vention Board.  Nearly  all  the  churches  sent  their  con- 
tributions directly  to  A.  V.  Rowe,  corresponding  secre- 
tary of  that  Board,  and  msiny  of  them  failed  to  report 
the  amounts  thus  forwarded  to  the  Association  in  their 
annual  letters.  It  would  not,  therefore,  be  just  to  the 
Association  to  give  the  total  amount  reported  eadh 
year  for  missions  as  a  display  of  their  work. 

In  this  period  of  time  the  Association  suffered  some 
internal  commotion  from  two  different  agitating 
causes.  In  1895,  a  communication,  having  many  sig- 
natures, referring  grievances  against  Calvary  Church, 
was  placed  before  the  Association.  A  committee,  com- 
posed of  R.  W.  Merrill,  H.  C.  Taylor,  Judson  6'Neil, 
A.  V.  Rowe,  and  M.  V.  Noffsinger,  was  appointed  to 
consider    these  grievances,   and    report  to  the    bodv 


600  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

That  committee  in  its  report  recited  the  distinguishing 
views  of  M.  T.  Martin,  which  were  accepted  by  a  part 
of  the  Calvary  Church,  creating  the  disturbance,  and 
declared  that  both  parties  in  the  church  had  acted 
rashly.  It  was  thought  by  them  that  a  judicious  com- 
mittee from  the  Association  might  effect  a  reconcilia- 
tion. But  in  the  following  year  fellowship  was  with- 
drawn by  the  Association  from  the  church,  and  their 
church  letter  and  mone^-^  accompanying  it  were  re- 
turned to  the  Calvary  Church. 

The  Association  was  also  disturbed  in  the  nineties 
by  an  unusual  custom  adopted  by  some  churches  of 
getting  rid  of  disorderly  and  useless  members.  Instead 
of  attempting  to  exclude  such  a  church  would  disband, 
and  in  the  reorganization,  the  disorderly  and  useless 
members  were  left  out.  This  custom  created  confusion 
among  the  churches,  and  was  discountenanced  and  dis- 
couraged by  the  Association. 

A  study  of  the  history  of  the  Yalobusha  Association 
is  at  present  difficult  for  two  reasons  :  They  have  been 
prodigal  with  their  history,  and  its  work  has  been 
large  and  extensive.  It  has  been  among  the  most  use- 
ful and  active  associations  in  the  State. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS,  601 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

COLDWATER    ASSOCIATION, 

The  Coldwater  Association  is  one  of  the  oldest  and 
strongest  of  the  Associations  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  State,  Its  constitution  dates  to  1842,  but,  in  real- 
ity it  was  organized  in  1841.  A  brief  history  of  the 
beginning  of  the  Coldvv^ater  is  given  with  the  minutes 
of  the  body  of  1846.  In  that  short  history,  we  find 
this  language,  "  Delegates  from  six  churches  *  *  *  met 
with  the  Sardis  church,  in  Chulahoma,  in  convention 
the  fourth  of  May,  1841,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  an 
Association.  This  convention  organized  the  "North 
Mississippi  Baptist  Association."  In  the  minutes  o 
1842,  it  is  said  that  H.  Dockery,  of  Hernando,  made  a 
motion  that  the  name  of  the  Association  be  changed  to 
the  "Coldwater  Baptist  Association,"  No  reason  is 
given  for  the  change  of  the  name  of  the  body. 

The  Association  was  formed  in  the  counties  no\v 
known  as  DeSoto,  Tate,  and  Marshall,  but  at  one  time 
embraced  churches  in  Coahoma,  Panola,  and  Lafay- 
ette also.  It  was,  at  the  time  of  its  origin,  in  the  north- 
ern extremity  of  the  Yellow  Loam  region.  Just  west 
were  the  alluvial  lands  of  the  Mississippi  delta,  which 
became  missionary  ground  for  the  Association.  The 
Coldwater  is  in  one  of  the  choice  sections  of  the  State, 
The  net  work  of  creeks  and  rivers  in  the  west  makes 
that  part   of  the  territory   a  most  desirable  farming 


602  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

country.     On  the  east  is  the  high  and  healthy  region, 
about  Tyro,  Wall  Hill,  Holly  Springs,  and  Chulahoma. 

The  six  churches  that  went  into  the  organization 
were  Sardis,  having  ninety-six  members ;  Union,  fifty ; 
State  Line,  fifty ;  Hernando,  thirty-six ;  Coldwater 
(then  Mount  Prosperity),  ten,  and  Bethel,  twenty-six. 
So  it  is  seen  that  the  six  churches  had  a  total  of  268 
members  when  the  body  was  constituted.  May  14, 
1841.  It  needs  be  said  that  the  Sardis  church  was  not 
a  church  at  Sardis,  but  was  the  name  of  the  old  church 
at  Chulahoma.  The  bodj^  was  not  composed  of 
churches  from  other  Associations.  There  is  a  current 
belief  that  they  came  out  of  the  Chickasaw,  but  this 
is  not  true.  Thej-  were  built  up  by  the  missionary  la- 
bors of  such  men  as,  C.  B.  Young,  J.  W.  Stamps,  Wm. 
H.  Bayliss,  and  George  Tucker. 

The  strong  men  of  the  bod3^  were  originally  from 
Tennessee  and  North  Carolina.  Emigrants  from  the 
old  North  State  came  down  the  Holstein  river  to  the 
Tennessee  disembarking  in  West  Tennessee,  and  moved 
westward  with  pack  horses  by  Indian  trails,  or  went 
around  by  the  Ohio  river  to  Cairo,  and  down  the  Miss- 
issippi to  the  bluffs  at  Memphis.  C.  B.  Young  was  of 
Franklin  count}^  N.  C.  George  Tucker  came  over  the 
line  from  Tennessee.  Many  of  the  prominent  laymen 
were  of  North  Carolina. 

The  session  of  1842  was  held  with  the  church  at 
Hernando.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
George  Tucker.  George  Tucker  was  elected  moderator, 
and  J.  A.  Wooten  clerk.  Two  nev^  churches  were  re- 
ceived into  the  union,  the  Salem  and  County  Line,  both 
in  De  Soto  county.  This  added  to  the  strength  of  the 
body  such  men  as  John  H.  Hargis,  John  Wright,  M.  H. 
Renfroe,  and  S.  Halliburton.   The  Holly  Springs  church 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  603 

sent  a  letter  to  the  Association,  asking  ministerial  aid, 
and,  on  motion,  all  the  ministers  were  requested  to 
visit  the  church.  That  was  full  measure.  Correspond- 
ence was  opened  with  the  Big  Hatchie  Association,  of 
Tennessee,  with  the  Yalobusha,  the  Columbus,  the 
ChickasaW;  with  the  State  Convention,  and  the  Holly 
Springs  church. 

On  motion  of  H.  Docker3^  of  Hernando,  it  was 
agreed  to  appoint  an  executive  committee  composed  of 
five  members,  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  supervise 
the  Domestic  mission  work  of  the  Association.  The 
original  Executive  Committee  was,  John  Wright,  Mil- 
ton Blocker,  Troy  Saunders,  J.  A.  Wooten  and  William 
Killibrew.  It  was  agreed  to  add  three  more  names  to 
this  list,  viz :  Stephen  Williams,  Brittain  Saunders  and 
James  Crook.  This  committee  went  activel^^  into  the 
work. 

The  session  ot  1843  met  with  the  County  Line 
church  on  Gim  Woolf  Creek.  It  was  in  that  year  that 
the  Executive  Committee  was  able  to  secure  the  ser- 
vices of  Whitfield  Dupuy.  He  was  a  remarkable  mis- 
sionary. He  was  eininently  successful,  and  remained  in 
the  work  for  eight  consecutive  years.  He  suffered  of 
the  ague  and  fever  that  prevailed  in  that  part  of  the 
State  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  sometimes  losing  more 
than  a  month  at  a  time  from  illness,  but  nothing 
daunted  him.  The  Association  learned  to  appreciate 
his  worth  and  had  resolutions  drafted  expressive  of 
their  appreciation  of  his  labors  and  the  high  regard 
they  entertained  for  the  "beloved  missionary."  The 
warm  thanks  of  the  body  were  tendered  him  "for  the 
sacrifices  made  in  behalf  of  the  extension  of  the  Redeem- 
er's kingdom."  In  the  associational  year  of  1845  and 
1846,   he  was  promised  $150  per  annum  for  his  hard 


604  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

labors,  and  received  $178.4-1.  The  historian  is  sure 
that  this  is  the  first  instance  that  he  has  observed 
where  a  missionary  was  paid  hj  an  association  more 
cash  at  the  end  of  the  year  than  he  was  promised 
salar3\  In  that  associational  year,  Whitfield  Dupuy 
traveled  2,340  miles,  constituted  two  churches,  as- 
sisted in  the  ordination  of  two  deacons  and  one  minis- 
ter, attended  nine  protracted  meetings,  witnessed  six- 
ty-five professions  and  baptized  nineteen  persons  with 
his  own  hands.  It  was  a  calamity'  to  the  bod^-  that 
his  services  had  to  be  discontinued. 

What  was  occurring  in  general  circles  in  the  State 
while  the  work  of  the  Lord  was  thus  prospering  in  the 
Coldwater  Association?  In  1842  the  Baptist  State 
Convention  met  near  the  Cold  Water  with  the  Tock- 
shish  church  at  Redland,  Pontotoc  count}-.  William  H. 
Bajdiss  and  George  Tucker,  of  Hernando,  were  dele- 
gates in  that  bod}'.  Moses  Crawson  \vas  appointed 
missionary  to  labor  just  belo\v  the  Coldwater  in  the 
counties  of  Yalobusha  and  Tallahatchie.  In  1843, 
H.  B.  Hay  ward  and  George  Tucker  were  at  the  State 
Convention  from  the  Coldwater,  and  H.  B.  Ha^-ward 
was  one  of  the  vice-presidents  of  the  convention.  It 
w^as  stated  in  the  report  of  the  Convention  Board  that 
the  Coldwater  Association  expended  that  jgslv  $510 
to  supph'  the  destitution  of  the  territory-.  In  secular 
matters  we  notice  that  the  executive  or  governor's 
mansion  at  Jackson  was  completed  and   occupied  in 

1842,  and  that  Hon.  Jefferson  Davis  entered  politics  in 

1843,  and  was,  in  1844  elected  Democratic  presidential 
elector. 

Between  1842  and  1846  the  Association  received 
seven  churches  :  Mt.  Zion,  De  Soto  count}- ;  Lebanon, 
Panola  count}^ ;  Tullaloosa,  Marshall  county ;  Bethany, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  605 

Li  hertj  and  Antiocli  of  De  Soto,  and  Sunflower  of 
C  oahoma.  In  1842  they  had  482  members,  and  in 
1846,  a  total  of  946,  having  received  93  by  baptism 
that  3^ear,  55  by  letter  and  1  restored. 

The  fifth  anniversary  was  held  ■v\ath  the  Bethel 
church.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
B.  B.  Buchanan  on  the  immovable  kingdom.  George 
Tucker  was  chosen  moderator,  and  R.  T.  Saunders, 
clerk.  Among  the  distinguished  visitors  were:  P.  S. 
Gale,  William  Minter,  and  T.  N.  Waul.  T.  N.  Waul  was 
of  Grenada  and  represented  the  Yalobusha  Association. 
He  was  at  that  time  president  of  the  Mississippi  Bap- 
tist State  Convention,  which  position  he  filled  in  1845, 
1846,  and  1847.  His  presence  in  the  Association  was 
appreciated,  and  he  was  used  in  the  presentation  of  the 
general  interest  of  the  State  Convention.  On  Monday 
morning  he  spoke  on  Indian  missions,  and  took  up  a 
collection  for  that  work,  amounting  to  $58.70.  This 
good  collection  in  cash  was  taken  after  a  gift  on  Sun- 
day of  $50.84,  one-half  of  which  was  appropriated  to 
this  cause. 

The  interest  taken  by  the  Coldwater  in  supplying 
the  waste  places  wdthin  their  bounds  amounted  to  a 
passion.  Every  phase  of  the  associational  v^ork  re- 
ceived due  attention.  Separate  services  were  given  to 
the  blacks,  that  they  might  have  the  gospel  presented 
directly  to  them  within  their  comprehension  and  suited 
to  their  peculiar  needs.  In  1846,  it  was  resolved  that 
they  renew  their  exertions  in  the  cause  of  Domestic 
missions.  They  were  moving  like  a  belated  train,  w^hich 
may  seem  recklessly  cutting  the  air,  and  still  increases 
its  speed.  At  that  meeting  $335  were  pledged  to  this 
w^ork.  The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to 
put  a  missionary  in  Coahoma  county  for  all  his  time. 


€06  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  quarterly  concert  of  prayer  for  Foreign  mis- 
sions was  recommended  and  collections  to  be  taken  for 
that  object  at  each  meeting.  And  the  churches  were 
requested  to  state  in  their  aimual  letters  to  the  Asso- 
ciation the  amounts  contributed  to  Home  missions, 
Foreign  missions,  Indian  missions,  Bible  Society,  Min- 
isterial Education,  and  the  Sunday  school  work,  not 
only  by  the  churches  but  bj^  the  individual  members. 
Before  the  Civil  War  much  of  the  money  that  was 
given  to  Foreign  missions,  especially,  was  sent  by  men 
in  good  circumstances  directly  to  the  Foreign  Mission 
Board  at  Richmond,  Va.,  and  was  not,  therefore,  re- 
ported b3'  the  church  to  the  Association. 

Just  at  that  time  an  impetus  was  given  to  Minis- 
terial Education  by  the  presence  in  the  body  of  a  prom- 
ising 3^oung  minister  by  the  name  of  Andrews,  who 
wished  a  collegiate  education.  A  letter  of  commenda- 
tion was  given  him  to  Georgetown  College,  Kentucky, 
and  the  sum  of  $40  raised  for  his  benefit.  A  worthy 
young  minister  seeking  a  breadth  of  culture  is  ahvays 
an  inspiration  to  the  cause  of  Ministerial  Education. 
The  following  year  S.  Halliburton  took  a  collection  of 
$40.65  for  the  education  of  this  young  man. 

The  session  of  1846  had  a  noble  purpose  in  view, 
and  w^as  pitched  on  a  broad  basis.  Its  large  and 
benevolent  spirit  called  forth  a  fine  comment  from  the 
clerk,  which  he  subjoined  to  the  Minutes  of  the  meeting. 

The  anniversary  of  1847  was  held  with  the  Chula- 
homa  church.  It  appears  that  some  time  in  that  asso- 
ciational  year  the  name  of  that  church  had  been 
changed  from  Sardis  to  Chulahoma.  The  missionary 
spirit  was  seen  as  earl3''  as  Saturday  morning.  The 
rules  were  suspended  to  take  a  collection  for  Indian 
missions,  which  amounted  to  $40.    The  Holly  Springs 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  607 

church  prayed  for  admission  into  the  union  and  were 
received. 

Two  years  later  there  was  a  beautiful  episode  at 
the  session  of  the  bod}'.  The  rules  were  suspended  and 
Cullen  Andrews,  of  Sunflower  church,  presented  to  the 
Association  from  Mar^^  M.  Prince,  seven  j^ears  of  age, 
a  box  of  dimes,  of  value  $2.80,  for  China  missions, 
having  on  it  the  following  words :  'Twas  Jesus'  last 
and  great  command,  "Go  teach  my  word  in  every  land. 
To  all  be  my  salvation  shown,  to  every  creature  make 
it  known."  "Ye  are  my  friends  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I 
command  you."    Truly  a  little  child  shall  lead  them. 

The  body  approved  of  the  establishment  of  the 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention,  and  pledged  its 
influence  in  the  promotion  of  its  designs.  George 
Tucker,  moderator  of  the  Association,  was  not  only 
eminent  and  gifted  as  a  preacher,  but  a  man  of  broad 
and  benevolent  spirit,  and  withal,  a  true  friend  to  the 
convention.  It  is  thought  that  he  was  once  president 
of  that  dignified  body,  but  this  is  a  mistake. 

The  report  on  Foreign  missions,  made  by  S.  Halli- 
burton, was  pointed  and  striking.  He  said  that  the 
work  of  Foreign  missions  was  God-like.  There  \vas 
nothing  contracted  about  a  man  who  could  write  such 
a  sentence.  One  feels  like  getting  close  to  him,  that  he 
may  be  imbued  with  the  noble  spirit.  He  said  that 
Foreign  missions  had  its  reflex  influence,  which  was 
seen  in  the  growth  of  Baptist  churches  since  the}'  had 
been  actively  engaged  in  the  mission  work.  Good  ob- 
servation is  the  reflex  influence  of  consecrated  common 
sense.  More  people  need  consecrated  common  sense 
than  need  an  education.  Who  could  oppose  Foreign 
missions  when  he  sees  clearly  what  the  effort  is  effecting 
in  foreign  lands,  and  the  reactory  effect  on  the  churches  ? 


608  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Halliburton  also  handed  in  a  fine  report  on  Tem- 
perance. That  was  as  earh^  as  1 847.  What  did  he  say  ? 
"In  looking  over  the  past  history  of  intemperance, 
and  the  development  of  evil  and  misery  made  by  the 
friends  of  the  cause,  we  have  enough  to  sicken  the  heart 
of  any  one,  and  make  all  crj',  '  down  with  the  monster.' 
The  prize  is  for  you  :    '  a  great  moral  reform.'  " 

'^Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  all  our  churches 
that  the^^  form  temperance  societies,  and  that  all  renew 
their  exertions  in  the  Temperance  Cause."  There  is 
nothing  in  such  language  to  encourage  the  presence  of 
the  decanter  or  the  sideboard,  or  to  sustain  an  opinion 
now  entertained  b3'  some  that  in  the  former  years 
ardent  spirits  were  regarded  as  harmless  in  the  way 
they  were  used. 

The  loss  of  the  Association  by  death  in  1847  was 
ver3'  heavy.  Milton  Blocker,  Benjamin  F.  Halliburton, 
T.  W.J.  Renfroe,  and  John  Wright  died  during  the  asso- 
ciational  j-ear.  John  Wright  was  president  of  that 
efficient  Executive  Board,  and  was  an  animating  spirit 
in  its  meetings.  His  dying  exhortation  to  co- laborers 
was,  "Tell  the  brethren  to  go  on,  they  are  engaged  in 
a  good  cause."  The  amount  given  to  Foreign  and 
Domestic  missions  that  3'ear  was  $272.70,  and  the 
total  amount  of  all  the  contributions  of  the  Associa- 
tion ran  up  to  the  splendid  score  of  $1,846.90.  In 
those  earh'  times  the  Cold  Water  was  in  benevolence 
without  a  superior  in  the  sisterhood  of  associations  in 
our  State.  One  studies  the  history  of  the  session  with 
a  growing  admiration. 

In  1849,  John  Weight,  the  great  evangelist,  had 
gone  to  his  reward,  but  S.  Halliburton  and  Whitfield 
Dupuy  were  too  busy  in  a  broad  open  field  swinging 
their  long    keen    scythes  in  the    golden  grain    to  sit 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  609 

repining  at  his  grave.  They  were  heeding  the  dying 
injunction  of  their  former  leader.  The  associational 
mission  work  was  truly  engaging  at  that  time.  The 
ke3mote  of  missions  was  touched  on  Sunda3'^  133-  a  ser- 
mon preached  by  James  Dennis  on  the  text:  "And  this 
gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  in  all  the 
w^orld  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations,  and  then  shall 
the  end  come." 

It  is  entertaining  to  observe  how  thick  and  rapid 
resolutions  were  put  to  the  body  on  Domestic  missions. 
It  was  resolved  that  each  member  of  the  Executive 
Committee  take  collections  on  all  suitable  occasions 
for  the  purpose  of  sustaining  Domestic  missions,  inde- 
pendent of  the  pledges  of  the  churches  ;  that  the  churches 
be  particularly  requested  to  state  in  their  annual  let- 
ters what  they  were  willing  to  do  for  home  evangeli- 
zation ;  and  that  the  delegates  be  called  on  to  pledge 
their  respective  churches  at  once  for  this  object.  Fi- 
nally, a  resolution  of  thanks  was  extended  to  C.  B. 
Young  and  James  Dennis  for  the  aid  tlie^'  had  given  to 
the  missionaries  in  protracted  meetings. 

The  writer's  personal  knowledge  of  those  two  good 
men  is  as  ships  that  pass  in  the  night.  In  1866,  as  a 
mere  youth  it  was  his  pleasure  of  hearing  C.  B.  Young: 
at  a  meeting  of  the  Chickasaw  Association  at  Cherry 
Creek,  Pontotoc  county.  He  was  filling  an  early  ap- 
pointment at  the  stand  before  the  11  o'clock  service  on 
Sunda3^  The  speaker  was  at  his  best.  The  congrega- 
tion hung  on  his  words.  His  face  seemed  lighted  b3^  a 
holy  fire,  and  his  words  came  at  his  bidding  like  dutiful 
servants.  He  had  an  open  benevolent  face  and  a  fine 
bearing.  His  audience  was  so  enchained  In-  his  wise 
utterances  that  they  crowded  close  to  him,  and  were 
loath  to  exchange  him  for  the  preacher  of  the  favorite 


610  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

hour.  In  the  fall  of  1882,  the  writer  aided  W.  C.  Latti- 
inore  in  a  meeting  of  days  at  Hernando.  It  was  his 
privilege,  by  the  kindness  of  W.  C.  Lattimore,  to  ride 
out  four  miles  in  the  country'  to  see  James  Dennis,  then 
confined  to  his  home  in  his  last  illness.  He  was  quiet 
and  reserved,  but  had  a  number  of  questions  to  ask  the 
agent  of  Mississippi  College.  He  was  especially  inter- 
ested in  Ministerial  Education,  and  put  a  clause  in  his 
will  bequeathing  $1,000  to  Ministerial  Education  in 
Mississippi  College,  to  be  paid  after  the  decease  of  his 
surviving  relict.  The  noble  veteran  of  the  cross  passed 
awa3'  February-  7,  1883. 

In  1849,  a  resolution  was  presented  by  R.  T.  Lan- 
ders asking  that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
consider  the  propriety- of  establishing  a  female  seminary 
of  high  order  under  the  supervision  and  control  of  the 
Coldwater  Association,  and  R.  T.  Landers,  B.  B. 
Buchanan  and  S.  Williams  were  appointed  to  look  into 
the  advisabilitj'  of  the  measure.  The  main  suggestions 
made  b}-  that  committee  were  that  another  committee 
be  appointed  of  twenty -two  members  to  solicit  sub- 
scriptions for  the  erection  of  suitable  and  commodious 
iDuildings  for  the  accommodation  of  the  school ;  that 
the  school  be  called  The  Coldwater  Baptist  Female 
Seminary ;  that  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  appointed  so 
as  two-thirds  of  it  and  one-third  friendly  thereto  would 
be  Baptists ;  that  the  teachers  be  Bajjtists ;  and  that 
the  building  be  so  constructed  as  to  answer  all  college 
purposes,  if  the  time  should  come  when  such  propor- 
tions should  be  needed. 

The  following  year,  the  outlook  of  the  school  was 
hopeful.  The  committee  appointed  on  the  school  the 
session  before  with  R.  T.  Landers  as  chairman  made 
its  report  early  in  the  session.     It  had  met  at  Mount 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  611 

Zion  church,  and  received  bids  for  its  location.  Chula- 
homa  proffered  to  give  $8,000.00  for  its  location,  and 
Hernando  $8,500,  and  by  a  majority  of  the  votes,  the 
committee  selected  Chulahoma  as  the  location  for  the 
school.  The  committee  also  reported  that  quite  a  con- 
siderable sum  had  been  subscribed  to  the  purpose  in 
other  parts  of  the  Association,  and  that  S.  Halliburton 
had  been  appointed  an  agent  to  solicit  subscriptions  in 
favor  of  the  seminary.  A  building  committee  had  also 
been  appointed,  consisting  of  Sugg,  Wooten,  Mabry, 
Norfleet,  Bowen,  Echols,  and  McKey.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  nominate  a  Board  of  Trustees,  and 
liave  the  school  incorporated  at  an  early  date,  and  a 
resolution  adopted,  ratifying  the  action  of  the  commit- 
tee in  locating  the  Seminary  at  Chulahoma.  Joseph  R. 
Hamilton  was  elected  principal,  and  the  halls  of  the 
Seminary  were  to  be  opened  to  pupils  the  first  Monday 
in  February,  1851. 

In  1850,  Whitfield  Dupu}^  the  faithful  missionary 
reported  that  he  had  attended  twelve  protracted  meet- 
ings, in  which  there  had  been  about  138  baptisms,  and 
that  he  had  baptized  twenty-seven  persons.  James  L. 
Power  reported  that  he  had  attended  ten  protracted 
meetings,  which  had  produced  happy  results.  That 
year  the  sum  of  $415.40  was  sent  to  the  Association 
for  associational  missions. 

Resuming  the  consideration  of  the  C.  W.  B.  F.  Semi- 
nary, it  was  thought,  in  1851,  that  a  part  of  the  con- 
stitution of  the  school  should  be  somewhat  modified. 
The  expression  "that  two  thirds  of  the  trustees  shall 
be  Baptists,  and  one  third  friendly  thereto"  was  so 
.amended  as  to  read  "that  two  thirds  of  the  trustees 
shall  be  Baptists,  and  the  other  third  friendW  to  the 
cause  of  religion,  and  to  the  institution.'"     The  pastors 


612  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

of  the  churches  were  requested  to  bring  the  needs  of  the 
school  before  their  congregation  during  the  month  of 
December  that  all  might  have  an  opportunity  to  sup- 
port the  institution.  J.  R.  Hamilton  had  a  report 
detrimental  to  his  school  to  refute.  It  was  said  by 
some  that  only  the  children  of  Baptists  were  admitted 
into  the  Seminar3^ ;  whereas,  the  design  of  its  founders 
was  to  grant  its  advantage  to  all,  irrespective  of  de- 
nominational connection,  and  to  establish  a  school  of 
instruction  in  the  arts  and  sciences.  Notwithstanding 
the  fact  that  the  3'ear  1851  was  remarkable  for  the 
blighting  drougth,  and  the  unusual  prevalence  of  sick- 
ness, the  school  matriculated  a  good  number  of  pupils. 

There  is  indicated  in  the  Minutes  some  friction  in 
the  running  of  the  institution  in  1852.  Two  of  the 
trustees  resigned,  T.  R.  Saunders  and  R.  Phillips. 
Saunders  had  been  one  of  the  most  sterling  advocates 
of  the  school.  A  resolution  was  passed  after  their 
resignation  had  been  accepted,  approving  the  course 
pursued  b^^  the  trustees  and  principal  of  the  Seminarj', 
taking  it  for  granted  that  they  were  to  the  best  of  their 
ability  administering  the  affairs  of  the  school.  The 
Seminary  has  at  last  session  seventj^-five  matricula- 
tions; Its  Board  of  visitors  was  quite  imposing,  com- 
posed of  J.  R.  Graves,  Nashville,  C.  R.  Hendrickson, 
Alemphis,  W.  L.  Slack,  Denmark,  Tenn.,  and  others. 

In  1853,  the  affairs  of  the  Seminary  were  in  an  ex- 
ceedingly hopeful  condition.  There  \vere  seventy-five 
pupils  in  regular  attendance,  forty-seven  of  whom  were 
boarding  in  the  institute.  The  audiences  w^ere  large  at 
the  annual  examination,  and  much  enthusiasm  mani- 
fested as  to  the  well-being  of  the  educational  plant. 
The  following  3'ear  the  trustees  w^ere  gratified  to  be 
able  to  sav  that  after  three  and  a  half  vears  the  insti- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  613 

tution  was  a  fixed  fact  firmh'  established.  The  annual 
catalogue  of  1 853-54-  showed  91  pupils  enrolled,  with 
seniors  in  attendance. 

The  fluctuations  of  the  affairs  of  the  Seminar^^  were 
until  1857  as  is  usual  to  such  schools.  That  3^ear,  the 
trustees  did  not  present  the  usual  report  to  the  Asso- 
ciation. Prof.  Hamilton  made  a  verbal  statement  as 
to  the  affairs  of  the  school,  and  announced  that  he  had 
tendered  to  the  trustees  his  resignation  as  principal  of 
the  school,  to  take  effect  the  last  of  the  year.  The  next 
year,  the  trustees  informed  the  Association  that  the 
resignation  of  Prof.  Hamilton  had  been  presented  to 
them,  that  they  had  elected  B.  F.  Thomas  to  succeed 
him,  and  that  he  remained  with  the  school  only  to  the 
close  of  the  term.  They  then  elected  W.J.  Berryman, 
of  Virginia,  who  was  then  at  the  post  of  duty.  It  was 
deemed  best  to  enlighten  the  body  as  to  the  real  finan- 
cial condition  of  their  college.  The  property  had  been 
seriously  injured  by  a  tornado  some  j^ears  previous, 
and  the  school  was  actually  $3,000  in  debt.  The  trus- 
tees were  contemplating  the  sale  of  the  furniture  of  the 
Seminary  to  save  it  from  foreclosure. 

In  1859,  the  trustees  of  the  school  made  their  usual 
report.  Adversity  still  had  the  institution  by  the 
throat.  Prof.  Berryman  had  been  sick,  which  dela^'cd 
the  opening  of  the  session  until  the  11th  of  October. 
The  trustees  were,  several  of  them,  bound  for  the  in- 
debtedness of  the  institution.  Yet,  they  were  receiving 
no  relief  from  the  burden,  and  were  unwilling  to  stand 
under  it  any  longer,  as  the  interest  on  the  debt  was 
increasing,  and  the  burden  growing  heavier.  This  was 
almost  a  wail  of  despair.  The  next  year,  the  trustees 
had  taken  their  courage.  The  school  was  doing  well. 
It  was  well  ofiicered,  and  its  prospects   "verj^  flatter- 


614  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ing."'  James  L.  AIabr3'  had  shouldered  $1,000  of  the 
indebtedness,  and  trusted  the  liberaHty  of  the  Chulo- 
homa  church  and  the  county  around  for  reHef.  Wm.  A. 
Anthony  pledgmg  the  Association  for  the  remainder  of 
the  debt  executed  bond  for  it.  Their  hopes  were  up, 
but  there  was  a  heavy  load  for  bruised  shoulders  ta 
carry  a  while  longer. 

The  Semple  Broaddus  College,  or  University  of  De- 
Soto,  at  Centre  Hill,  Marshall  county,  was  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Coldwater,  but  was  not  under  the  fos- 
tering care  of  the  iDody,  nor  indeed  strictly  a  Alissis- 
sippi  school.  In  its  advertisement  of  1857,  on  the  cover 
of  the  Minutes  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  it  is 
said  to  rival  no  other  school,  and  to  be  a  necessity  of 
North  Mississippi,  West  Tennessee,  and  Eastern  Arkan- 
sas. It  w^as  looking  for  the  patronage  of  the  great 
Southwest.  William  Cary  Crane  was  president  of  that 
University-,  which  seems  to  have  been  a  child  of  all 
creation,  esconced  in  academic  groves  and  fostered  in 
rural  retirement. 

But  the  Coldwater  is  more  remarkable  for  its  mis- 
sion work  than  its  educational  feats.  The  vigor  and 
effectiveness  of  its  evangelization  of  the  waste  places 
in  its  bounds  is  anomalous  in  Mississippi.  And  its 
effectiveness  in  this  direction  was  accompanied  b^^  an 
unusual  observation  of  the  claims  of  Indian  and  For- 
eign missions. 

The  Executive  Board,  of  1850,  had  two  missionar- 
ies in  the  field,  W.  Dupuy  and  James  L.  Power,  who 
Avere  paid  $200  each  for  the  time  given  to  missionary 
services.  The  Board  had  collected  $415.4-0,  and  had 
paid  the  salaries  of  both  missionaries  and  their  neces- 
sary expenses.  The  next  year,  L.  Halliburton  assisted 
Dupuv    in    his    work.      They    constituted    three    new 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  615 

churches  and  ordained  two  ministers,  attended  35  pro- 
tracted meetings,  and  baptized  91  persons. 

In  1852,  the  Executive  Board  secured  the  services 
of  James  J.  Power  at  a  salary  of  $200,  who  was  aided 
in  his  protracted  meetings  b_v  the  eagle  spirited  Tucker. 
In  1853,  a  new  man  was  in  the  field,  Ira  Townsent. 
He  was  paid  all  his  salar3',  $250,  leaving  $12  in  the 
hand  of  the  treasurer.  The  missionar3'  found  great 
destitution,  despite  the  fact  that  the  fervent  Dupuy 
had  been  eight  years  in  the  saddle.  Townsent  traveled 
1,950  miles  and  assisted  in  the  constitution  of  one 
church.  In  1854,  the  Board  added  to  the  services  of 
Townsent  the  labors  of  R.J.  Alcorn.  Townsent's  work 
suffered  because  of  his  ill-health,  but  Alcorn  did  the 
usual  amount  of  riding,' preached  84  sermons,  and  bap- 
tized 18  persons. 

In  1857,  J.J.  Milam  was  chairman  of  the  Board. 
After  anxious  search  for  the  proper  man  for  the  work 
to  be  done  in  the  eastern  part  of  their  territory-,  the 
services  of  E.  B.  Eakin  were  gotten  at  a  salary  of  $300 
a  year.  The  Board  had  the  monc}-  to  pay  him,  $255.85, 
but  leaving  a  lialance  due  the  missionarA^  of  $44.15. 
The  thought  of  debt  to  a  missionary  was  so  unusual, 
and  so  repugnant  to  the  body,  that  the  iDalance  due 
was  made  at  once,  and  paid  to  the  earnest  laborer. 
Eakin  aided  in  thirteen  protracted  meetings,  in  which 
there  were  113  conversions;  he  baptized  79  persons, 
ordained  two  deacons,  and  constituted  two  churches. 

The  following  year,  the  Board  had  under  its  em- 
ploy two  missionaries,  E.  B.  Eakin  and  N.  P.  Johnson. 
Eakin  occupied  the  north-eastern  part  ol  their  terri- 
tory at  a  salary  of  $250,  and  Johnson,  the  south-west- 
ern part  on  a  consideration  of  $200.  Eakin's  report 
was  all  the  Board  could  have  reasonabh'  expected,  but 


616  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Johnson  failed  to  report.  In  1860,  Eakin  was  again  in 
the  field,  but  was  deterred  by  illness  from  giving  all  the 
time  to  the  work.  The  year  after  N.  L.  Wilson  was  in 
the  saddle  traveling  1,483  miles.  He  organized  one 
church,  and  baptized  12  candidates.  The  condition  of 
the  country  politically,  and  the  fratricidal  war  were  ob- 
stacles in  the  way  of  most  efficient  work.  But  the 
most  persistent  hindrance  the  Cold  water  found  in 
evangelization  within  its  bounds  ^vas  the  causes  that 
produced  the  illness  of  the  missionaries.  The  clearing 
up  of  the  countr\',  the  deca^-  of  timber,  and  the  malaria 
of  the  western  lowlands  soon  told  on  the  traveling 
minister  astir  night  and  63.y. 

Taking  up  the  more  general  occurrences  in  the  dec- 
ade from  1850  to  1860,  we  npte  the  proposed  co-oper- 
ation of  the  Chickasaw  Association  with  the  Cold- 
water  in  the  support  of  a  missionary  to  the  Chickasaw^ 
Indians.  The  churches  were  asked  to  take  a  collection, 
and  send  the  money  to  the  next  session  of  the  bod}-. 
The  two  Associations  originalh^  occupied  nearly  all  of 
the  part  of  the  State  formerly  l^elonging  to  the  Chicka- 
saws  and  the  action  taken  133'  the  two  bodies  was  very 
befitting. 

In  1853,  the  report  on  Ministerial  Education  was 
very  unsatisfactor3'  to  the  bod3'.  The  committee  was 
finalW  readjusted,  and  J.  R.  Hamilton  made  chairman. 
It  does  not  appear  what  the  objectional  features  were, 
but  it  is  a  difficult  matter  to  write  a  just  report  on 
that  subject.  The  old  useful  uneducated  minister,  rev- 
erenced by  all,  and  heaven  approved,  should  not  be 
touched  ;  he  is  God's  anointed.  Yet,  the  value  of  a  true 
education  to  the  preacher  must  be  emphasized  in  un- 
mistakable terms. 

The  following  3'ear,  a  resolution  was  adopted  ur- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  617 

ging  the  churches  affectionately  to  cherish  all  the  rismg 
gifts,  and  direct  them  to  private  study,  and  to  aid 
them  in  proper  education  when  circumstances  would 
admit  of  it. 

The  Coldwater  Association  has  alwaj^s  been  an  in- 
dependent bod^^  It  has  delighted  to  do  its  own  work 
in  its  own  way.  And  yet  it  has  from  the  daj^s  of 
George  Tucker  until  now  as  a  body  honored  Missis- 
sippi institutions.  The  publication  of  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  was  resumed  in  1857  with  Elliott  and  Williams 
proprietors,  and  J.  T.  Freeman,  editor.  That  j^ear  the 
Coldwater  adopted  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  this  bod3'  regard  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  *  *  *  worthy  of  the  sympathies,  prayers  and 
patronage  of  the  denomination,  etc.  The  following 
3^ear,  the  bod^^  gave  the  paper  a  fine  commendation. 

In  1859,  the  Association  was  aroused  as  to  the 
claims  of  the  General  Association  of  North  Mississippi. 
The  design  of  that  Association  was  approved  and 
twenty-four  delegates  appointed  to  represent  the  Cold- 
w^ater  in  the  Convention  to  meet  at  Oxford  in  Novem- 
ber. It  is  a  matter  of  some  surprise  now  that  such  an 
organization  was  deemed  a  necessity.  But  the  consid- 
eration must  be  allowed  place  that  travel  was  still  at 
that  time  difficult,  and  as  Baptists  were  becoming 
numerous,  they  felt  that  they  needed  general  organiza- 
tions that  they  could  attend  without  great  worry  or 
expense. 

In  1851,  the  churches  of  the  Association  had  1,500 
members,  in  1861,  they  had  2,285.  The  moderators 
of  this  period  were,  James  Dennis  in  1851  and  1852 ; 
C.  B.  Young  in  1853;  James  Dennis  in  1854;  *  *  *  C. 
B.  Young  in  1857 ;  Wm.  Carey  Crane  in  1858  and 
1859;  Stephen  D.  Johnston  in  1860,  and  James  Dennis 


618  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

in  1861.  The  clerks  were  W.  Ovid  Mabryfrom  1851  to 
1853;  James  W.  Sumner  in  1854;  *  *  *  W.  Ovid  Ma- 
brj^  in  1857  and  1858;  Job  Harral  in  1859  and  1860, 
and  W.  Ovid  Mabry  in  1861. 

The  proximity  of  the  territory  of  the  Cold  water 
Association  to  ^Memphis,  Tennessee,  caused  it  to  suffer 
more  of  the  deleterious  consequences  of  the  Civil  War 
than  any  other  part  of  Mississippi.  Memphis  w^as, 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  war,  the  militar\'  post  of 
the  Federal  army  for  the  discomfiture  of  West  Tennes- 
see and  Mississippi.  Much  of  the  territory-  of  the  Cold- 
w^ater  was  considered  within  the  Federal  lines.  For 
many  months  the  "bluecoats'"  rode  leisurely  and  at 
pleasure  over  that  part  of  the  country-. 

The  first  sessions  of  the  Cold  water  after  the  war 
were  poorh'  attended.  The  cessation  of  hostilities  left 
our  people  in  a  careless  state  of  mind  as  to  auA'  public 
measure.  The  return  of  the  Confederate  soldiers  was 
hailed  with  gladness  b3'  the  old  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren, who  had  suffered  their  long  absence  from  home. 
In  the  country,  dinings  were  given,  to  the  returned 
loved  ones,  one  day  at  one  home,  and  another  w4th 
another  family,  in  long  line  of  succession.  Fortunes 
had  been  wrecked,  and  men  had  little  heart  to  attempt 
to  accumulate.  Beside  these  things,  the  period  of  re- 
construction was  ominous  with  questions  as  to  social 
order,  and  the  adjustment  of  domestic  relations  that 
were  too  new  and  intricate  for  immediate  disposal. 
The  energies  of  the  people  seemed  in  a  suspended  con- 
dition. 

Consequent^  the  representation  of  the  churches  at 
the  Association  was,  at  first,  indifferent.  Let  us  notice 
the  list  of  the  churches  of  the  Coldwater  in  1865,  as 
illustration    of    this    fact.      There    were    thirtv-seven 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  619^ 

churches  in  the  union,  of  these,  twelve  churches,  or  one- 
third  of  the  numl)er  were  not  represented  by  delegates, 
Centre  Hill  and  Sunflower  among  the  number. 

In  1865,  the  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Jobe  Harral,  on  the  text,  "  Mj^  Son  despise  not  thou 
the  chastening  of  the  Lord."  James  Dennis  was  elected 
moderator,  and  W.  Ovid  Mabry,  clerk.  Early  in  the 
session,  James  Dennis,  the  moderator,  represented  the 
interest  of  the  Orphan's  Home  at  Lauderdale  Springs. 
The  Board  of  Trustees  of  that  institution  had  requested 
this  service  of  him.  The  following  resolution  presented 
by  H.  Dockery,  of  Hernando,  was  adopted: 

''Resolved,  That  we  heartilj^  approve  of  the  objects 
and  design  of  the  Orphan's  Home  of  the  State  of  Mis- 
sissippi." 

At  that  session  four  churches  were  received  into  the 
union,  Bynum,  Clear  Creek,  Antioch  and  Enon.  These 
churches  had  afliliations  with  the  old  Panola  Associa- 
tion, which  had  disbanded.  The  reception  of  these 
churches  extended  the  bounds  of  the  body  far  south  of 
the  Tallahatchie  river,  and  increased  the  responsibility 
of  the  Association.  By  appointment  at  the  session  of 
1864,  J.  W.  Lipsey  preached  on  ''The  Bible  Cause,'' 
from  the  text,  "Thy  word  is  a  lamp  to  my  feet,  and  a 
light  to  my  path."  A  number  of  new  names  appear 
after  the  war,  among  them,  the  names  of  R.  G.  Hewlett, 
J.  W.  Lipsey,  A.  C.  Caperton,  and  E.  D.  Miller;  all  of 
them  strong  and  useful  men  in  a  religious  body. 

A.  C.  Caperton  expressed  it  as  the  sense  of  the  As- 
sociation that,  as  soon  as  the  condition  of  the  roads 
and  mails  of  the  State  would  justify.  The  General  As- 
sociation of  North  Mississippi  should  be  organized ; 
the  Cold  water  did  not  take  hold  of  anything  with  the 
expectation  of  turning  it  loose.     But  the  liody  referred 


620  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

to  was  in  fact  a  misconception  and  had  to  be  numbered 
with  the  institutions  that  were  relegated  to  the  past 
by  the  Civil  War.     That  \var  did  some  good  things. 

The  churches  were  requested  to  state  in  their  next 
annual  letter  the  number  of  colored  members  in  their 
communion.  What  was  to  be  done  for  the  black,  was 
a  problem  for  solution  before  all  the  associations  at 
that  time.  It  was  recommended  to  the  churches  by 
this  body  to  attend  to  the  instruction  of  their  colored 
members,  and  see  that  they  had  preaching  once  a 
month.  The  colored  people  in'the  Coldw^ater  appeared 
more  ready  to  receive  the  aid  of  the  whites  than  in 
other  portions  of  our  State. 

The  corresponding  letter  gives  us  some  cheering 
facts  about  the  body.  Some  of  the  churches  had  en- 
jo3^ed  good  revivals,  unsurpassed  in  the  history  of  the 
Association.  The  aggregate  number  of  baptisms  re- 
ported was  293.  Strenuous  efforts  were  being  made  to 
revive  their  former  interest  in  Domestic  missions. 

The  business  of  the  session  of  1866  began  in  a  way 
that  reminded  one  of  the  ante-bellum  days.  Whitfield 
Dupuy,  and  R.  T.  Landers  acted  as  reading  clerks,  and 
James  Dennis  was  elected  moderator,  with  W.  Ovid 
Mabry  as  clerk.  But  the  petitionary  letters  dissipated 
the  feeling.  The  Oxford  and  the  Yokana  churches,  for- 
merly of  the  Panola  Association,  applied  for  admission. 
As  there  was  only  a  letter  from  the  Oxford  church,  un- 
der the  constitution,  it  could  not  at  that  time  be  re- 
ceived in  the  absence  of  a  delegation.  Later  in  the  pro- 
ceedings, the  Panola  church  was  received.  On  Satur- 
da3'  morning,  J.  L.  Cross  delivered  an  address  on  fe- 
male education.  The  old  theme  was  before  them  for 
consideration.  The  Coldwater  Female  Seminary  had 
done  good  work,  and  the  "sweet  girl  graduate"  of  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS,  621 

years  agone,  was  the  cultivated  woman  of  1866.  The 
report  made  bj^  W.  Ovid  Alabry  of  the  condition  of  that 
institution  showed  that  some  of  the  household  effects 
of  the  institution  had  been  disposed  of,  from  the  sale  of 
which  some  assets  had  been  realized.  But  what  was 
left  in  the  building  had  been  destroyed,  or  carried  off, 
b3^  the  Federal  troops.  The  indebtedness  at  that  time 
was  $2,400,  to  meet  which  would  require  the  selling  of 
the  house.  The  house  had  been  so  badly  damaged  dur- 
ing the  war,  that  it  had  partly  fallen  down,  and  all 
that  could  be  realized  from  the  sale  of  it  woidd  be  from 
the  sale  of  the  material  used  in  its  construction.  The 
Association  was  asked  to  come  to  the  relief  of  the  trus- 
tees. Five  good  men  were  appointed  to  collect  the 
amount  already  subscribed  for  this  purpose,  and  the 
good  old  school  was  .spoken  of  as  deceased.  After  the 
proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  lumber  had  been  applied  to 
the  indebtedness,  there  was  still  due  seven  or  eight 
hundred  dollars.  On  motion  of  C.  B.  Young  the  rules 
were  suspended,  and  the  sum  of  $175.00  raised  in  cash, 
and  a  subscription  of  $540.00,  making  a  total  of 
$715.00,  which  was  about  the  amount  still  due.  If  the 
assertion  was  true  that  the  institution  was  deceased, 
the  Association  accorded  to  it  a  highh'  honorable 
interment. 

But  there  was  one  enterprise  that  had  a  little  life  left 
it,  and  they  began  to  strengthen  the  things  that  re- 
mained. Upon  a  consideration  of  reviving  Domestic 
missions  this  short  resolution  was  adopted  :  ''Resolved, 
That  the  enterprise  be  revived.''  C.N.  Ray  and  L.  Ball 
addressed  themselves  to  the  resolution  with  such  fine 
effect,  that  the  sum  of  $198.00  was  raised  in  cash, 
and  $613.00  b^^  individuals  and  church  subscriptions. 
That  was  a  rapid  reviving.     The  cause  once  so  fondly 


622  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

cherished  had  the  affection  of  the  body  yet,  and  with  it 
wonderful  recuperative  power.  A  central  Executive 
Committee  was  appointed,  and  work  was  begun  at 
once.  Lewis  Ball,  agent  of  the  Marion  Board,  was 
authorized  to  report  to  his  Board  the  means  raised, 
and  in  prospect,  for  the  express  purpose  of  employing  a 
missionary  to  labor  in  their  bounds.  S.  H.  Ford 
preached  at  11a.  m.  Sunday,  after  which  a  collection 
was  taken,  amounting  to  $78.00,  which,  according  to 
the  notice  given  Inrthe  moderator  at  the  close  of  Satur- 
day's proceedings,  went  to  this  cause,  and  was  so  re- 
ported in  the  minutes.  In  the  corresponding  letter,  w^e 
find  this  cheering  sentence,  "We  have  made  arrange- 
ment to  employ  a  missionary  to  ride  in  our  associa- 
tional  bounds  next  year. 

There  were  two  other  small  beginnings  in  1866 
that  deserve  notice.  One  was  an  earnest  recommenda- 
tion to  all  members  of  the  union  to  use  their  influence 
in  having  Sunday  schools  established  in  every  church 
and  neighborhood  in  the  Association.  The  other  be- 
ginning w^as  in  Ministerial  Education.  New  relations 
existed  between  the  whites  and  the  black.  It  was  sug- 
gested that  the  colored  man's  education  be  attended  to 
in  the  domestic  circle.  There  were,  it  was  said,  many 
3^oung  men  (white)  in  the  churches  with  the  ministry 
in  view,  whose  development  should  receive  praA^erful 
consideration. 

The  following  year  early  in  the  proceedings  two 
•colored  Baptist  churches  sought  advice  Irom  the  Cold- 
'water  as  to  the  policy  they  should  pursue.  The  com- 
munications were  referred  to  a  special  committee. 
Late  Saturday  afternoon,  E.  D.  Miller  offered  a  resolu- 
tion to  the  effect,  that  the  special  committee  report, 
and  the  Association  go  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  623 

for  the  consideration  of  the  subject.  The  report  being 
made,  heated  discussion  arose.  E.  W.  Henderson,  then 
of  the  Sardis  church,  offered  the  amendment  that  a 
future  time  and  place  be  designated  for  organizing  the 
colored  churches  in  their  bounds  into  a  separate  asso 
ciation,  which  obtained. 

The  following  year,  communications  were  received 
from  two  other  colored  churches  which  were  referred 
to  the  committee  on  the  instruction  of  the  colored  peo 
pie,  which  reported  Monday  afternoon,  October  19, 
1868.  The  Henderson  amendment  of  the  year  previous 
was  virtualh^  adopted.  Still,  the  communication  from 
the  colored  churches  were  placed  before  the  Association 
year  by  year,  until  an  association  of  twenty-five  colored 
churches  was  formed  in  1870  by  E.  D.  Miller  and  E.  W. 
Henderson,  called  the  Sardis  Missionary  Baptist  As- 
sociation. 

The  year  1867  was  a  year  of  plenty  in  the  Cold- 
water.  The  earth  w^as  kind  and  generous  in  its  3'ield, 
so  much  so  and  so,  opportunely,  that  a  da^'  of  thanks- 
giving was  appointed  (November  14),  on  which  to  ex- 
press their  gratitude  to  the  bountiful  Giver  of  the 
golden  grain. 

Their  plan  of  doing  their  missionary  work  through 
a  central  committee  was  not  awarded  universal  accept- 
ance. J.  L.  Cross  proposed  a  change.  R.  T.  Landers 
covered  his  resolutions  with  a  concealing  substitute. 
E.  D.  Miller  advocated  the  original  plan,  which  pre- 
vailed, and  an  Executive  Board  was  appointed  of 
thirty-two  members,  w^hich  was  representative  of  all 
parts  of  the  Association.  The  succeeding  year,  dis-. 
satisfaction  still  existed  as  to  the  local  missionary 
operations.  On  motion  of  J.  W.  Lipsey,  the  report  of 
the  Committee  on  Domestic  missions  received  a  hear- 


624  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

ing.  Pending  its  adoption,  J.  L.  Cross  offered  a  substi- 
tute, which  was  lost.  The  plan  proposed  was,  to 
divide  the  work  into  live  parts,  one  part  to  each  dis- 
trict of  the  bod3^  Each  district  was  to  have  an 
Executive  Board  of  one  member  of  each  church,  and 
attend  to  its  own  destitution.  The  live  parts  were  to 
have  a  concentrated  Board  at  the  Association — wheels 
Avithin  a  w^heel. 

In  1869,  the  brains  of  the  good  men  were  still  trou- 
bled about  a  plan  for  home  evangelization.  It  was 
said  in  the  report  of  the  committee  on  Domestic  mis- 
sions that  all  their  plans  had  in  a  great  measure  proved 
failures,  and  that  the  great  difficulty  was  in  raising  the 
necessarA'  means  to  sustain  the  missionar\%  and  an- 
other plan  was  suggested  like  the  one  just  stated.  No 
plan  will  work.  Plans  must  be  worked,  which  requires 
work,  and  sometimes  a  deal  of  it.  In  1870,  the  amount 
of  $368.95  was  reported  as  collected  for  Domestic  mis- 
sions that  associational  year. 

The  session  of  1868  was  held  with  the  Chulahoma 
church,  a  church  of  aptitudes  and  vicissitudes,  of  for- 
tunes and  misfortunes.  James  B.  Taylor,  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Board,  was  rec- 
ognized by  the  bod3\  He  was  a  good  and  great  man, 
and  an  indefatigable  worker.  He  represented  the  For- 
eign Mission  work  in  his  impressive  way.  He  was  not 
arL  orator,  nor  a  great  speaker,  but  had  a  zeal  for  his 
cause  that  was  captivating  and  contagious.  The  sum 
of  $93.50  was  raised  for  Foreign  missions. 

T.  G.  Sellers,  then  an  agent  for  the  Orphans'  Home 
at  Lauderdale  Springs  w-as  recognized  by  the  bod3^ 
He  was  representing  a  cause  that  was  everywhere 
blessed  with  favorable  consideration.  He  addressed 
the  bod}'  in   its    behalf     He    was    followed  by   J.    R. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  625 

Graves  in  advocac3^  of  its  claims,  after  which  the  insti- 
tution received  a  collection  of  money,  corn,  and  pota- 
toes, and  Mount  Zion  church  pledged  the  support  of 
four  orphans,  provided  that  church  could  enter  them. 

The  Coldwater  was  assuredly  frightened  by  col- 
lections. If  it  could  have  been  lifted  bodily,  and  put 
down  in  a  gathering  in  some  parts  of  our  State,  its 
proceedings  \vould  have  been  watched  with  amaze- 
ment. We  will  look  through  the  minutes  of  1869.  E. 
D.  Burns,  agent  of  the  Sunday  School  Board  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention  presented  its  claims.  A 
collection  was  taken  of  $48.10.  254  subscriptions  tak- 
en for  Kind  Words,  and  $32.00  collected  for  The  Bap- 
tist. After  the  discussion  of  the  report  on  Foreign 
missions,  a  collection  was  taken  of  $22.25  in  cash, 
with  a  subscription  of  $50.  M.  P.  Lo'wrc}^,  general 
evangelist  of  the  Marion  Board,  advocated  its  claims, 
and  a  collection  ^vas  taken  of  126.70  in  cash,  with  a 
subscription  of  $60.  J.  W.  Lipsey  took  a  collection 
to  furnish  a  room  in  Union  University,  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  of  $141  cash,  and  $555  was  pledged  to  the  Gen- 
eral Executive  Board  of  the  Association.  The  rules 
were  suspended,  and  a  collection  of  $90  taken  to 
pay  off  associational  missionaries.  On  Sunday,  at  the 
midday  service,  a  collection  was  taken  of  $280  to  aid 
the  Senatobia  church  in  the  erection  of  their  house  of 
worship. 

The  session  of  1870  was  held  with  the  old  Panola 
church,  beginning  the  14th  of  October.  The  Associa- 
tion got  a  glimpse  of  the  new  shape  that  Baptist 
affairs  were  taking  in  Mississippi.  Gen.  M.  P.  Lowry 
was  there  in  the  interest  of  The  Baptist,  of  Memphis. 
He  was  then  presiding  over  the  Mississippi  department 
of  that  paper.     The  report  on  Publications,  written  by 


626  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

R.  G.  Hewlett,  speaks  of  him  as  "  our  own  editor,"  and 
declared  that  he  deserved  "the  assistance  of  all  Bap- 
tists in  the  State.''  James  Nelson  was  also  there.  He 
Avas  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Ministe- 
rial Education,  Mississippi  College.  His  presence  gave 
coloring  to  the  affairs  of  the  Association.  At  11  a.  m. 
Saturday,  the  body  suspended  its  rules  to  hear  him 
preach  on  Ministerial  Education.  He  received  a  col- 
lection of  $487.30  for  his  cause.  An  advertisement  was 
inserted  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Association  on  Missis- 
sippi College  and  its  relation  to  Ministerial  Education. 

In  that  year  Clear  Creek,  Oxford,  Antioch,  Blaek 
Jack  and  Eureka  churches  received  letters  of  dismission 
to  form  an  association  south  of  the  Tallahatchie  river. 
They  went  into  the  constitution  of  the  Oxford  Associa- 
tion in  a  territory  formerly  occupied  largely  by  the  old 
Panola  Association. 

About  the  year  1870,  there  was  usually  a  lively 
competition  for  the  position  of  moderator.  The  union 
had  in  it  a  number  of  men  fully  competent  to  fill  the 
place  Avith  credit,  and  their  numerous  friends  made  the 
contest  spirited.  In  1869,  James  Dennis  was  elected 
a.s  presiding  officer  on  the  second  ballot.  In  1870,  on 
the  first  ballot  there  was  no  election,  on  the  second 
C.  B.  Young  was  elected  moderator,  and  W.  Ovid  Ma- 
l3r\',  clerk.  In  1871,  E.  D.  Miller  was  elected  modera- 
tor on  the  second  polling  of  votes. 

In  1871,  the  influence  of  strong  men  across  the  line 
in  Tennessee  began  to  be  distinctly-  apparent.  Presi- 
dent Branham,  of  the  Brownsville  Female  College,  was 
Avith  them  and  represented  his  institution  of  learning. 
C.  C.  Conner,  D.  D.,  and  J.  R.  Graves,  D.  D.,  spoke  on 
the  superior  advantages  of  that  institution  with  all 
their  oflScial  and  ministerial  dignitv.    Their  words  were 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  627 

not  as  arrows  shot  at  random.  On  motion,  an  adver- 
tisement of  that  institution  was  allowed  to  be  printed 
in  the  Minutes  of  the  session,  whieh  showed  the  "great 
■excellency  of  that  institution.'" 

The  Coldwater  was  fair,  honorable  and  courteous. 
Its  members  Avere  warm  in  the  support  of  their  own 
female  school,  and  gave  their  money  freeh^  for  its  sup- 
port until  effort  was  useless.  They  were  loyal  to  their 
State  and  its  institutions.  In  1874,  J.  G.  Hall,  of  Gre- 
nada, ^vas  at  their  anniversary  in  the  interest  of  the 
Yalobusha  Female  Institute,  at  Grenada.  The  insti- 
tution had  become  seriously  embarrassed  by  the  rav- 
ages of  war,  and  debts  incurred  before  the  v^^ar,  and 
passed  out  of  Baptist  hands.  The  school  had  a  beauti- 
ful building,  commodious  and  upon  an  eminence  over- 
looking the  town.  To  lose  it  would  be  a  misfortune. 
An  opportunitv  to  redeem  it  had  come  around,  and  the 
trustees  washed  to  reclaim  the  property  for  a  State 
denominational  institution.  The  Association  politely 
heard  about  these  things,  and  gave  encouragement  to 
the  project  by  recommending  J.  G.  Hall  and  E.  D.  Mil- 
ler as  trustees  of  the  school. 

Their  plan  for  carrying  on  their  missionary  work 
was  still  unsatisfactory  in  1871.  It  was  said  to  be 
inefficient.  It  really  appears  that  the  fault  was  not 
■with  the  plan.  The  plan  had  expansion  and  concen- 
trsLtion.  It  reached  all  of  the  five  districts  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, and  provided  for  a  central  committee.  It  was 
simple  clock  work.  Clock  work  is  valueless  without 
power.  Thus  we  are  led  up  to  the  thought  that  the 
best  plan  of  work  is  the  one  that  is  adapted  to  the 
character  of  the  work  to  be  done  and  is  w^orked  with 
vigor  and  discretion. 

There  were,  at  that  time,  eight  inviting  missionary 


628  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

fields  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association — Horn  Lake,  a 
flourishing  little  town  in  a  fertile  country ;  Senatobia, 
destined  to  be  a  fine  village ;  Como,  a  fine  cotton  mart : 
Coldwater  Station,  Looxahoma,  etc.  There  was  an 
area  of  countrj^  fifteen  by  thirty  miles,  \vith  Hernando 
as  the  south-east  corner,  in  which  there  was  not  a 
sermon  preached  b3^  a  Baptist  once  a  month.  In  1871, 
the  Executive  Board  received  the  aggregate  sum  of 
$124,  Avhich  was  an  amount  too  small  to  justify  the 
projection  of  any  considerable  work.  In  view  of  the 
inefficiency  of  the  bod\',  working  under  the  plan'they 
had  adopted,  it  was  recommended  b^-  the  Board  that 
the  following  plan  be  adopted  :  That  the\r  recur  to  the 
plan  used  years  before,  which  allowed  each  church  to 
appoint  a  member  of  the  Board,  and  that  that  Board 
project  work  on  a  basis  commensurate  with  the  means 
collected.  In  1873,  working  under  this  old  plan  they 
had  collected  and  expended  the  sum  of  $391.25,  which 
Mras  a  perceptible  improvement,  and  the  plan  was  re- 
commended for  another  year. 

An  amendment  made  to  the  report  of  the  Executive 
Board  b}'  E.  D.  Aliller  in  1874  seems  to  have  been  lost 
bA^  the  clerk  of  the  Association.  The  Minutes  of  that 
year  were  indifferently  printed,  which  is  perplexing. 
As  an  instance  or  two,  it  is  said  that  it  was  agreed  to 
drop  from  the  list  of  standing  reports  the  report  on 
Domestic  missions,  and  in  lieu  thereof  to  report  on 
Mississippi  College  and  Ministerial  Education.  As 
there  is  no  kindred  design  of  two  such  committees,  the 
motive  surely  was  to  substitute  a  report  on  State  mis- 
sions, as  the  finance  committee  reported  $488  received 
for  State  missions,  the  first  donation  the  bod}^  had 
made  to  this  benevolence  established  bj'  the  State  Con- 
Tention  the  year  before. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  629 

In  1871,  A.  D.  PhillipvS,  a  returned  missionary-  from 
Africa,  was  at  the  session  of  the  Cold  Water.  It  is  said 
that  he  made  a  most  interesting  speech.  The  assertion 
may  be  taken  as  truthful.  The  writer  heard  Phillips 
speak  about  that  time  before  the  Judson  Association, 
in  a  manner  that  was  entertaining  and  informing.  In 
his  speech  he  referred  to  some  work  he  was  having 
done  in  Africa  by  some  natives.  He  furnished  one  of 
them  with  a  wheelbarrow,  and  told  him  how  to  use  it. 
He  was  called  awa\',  and  upon  his  return  found  the  Af- 
rican carrying  the  v^'heelbarrow  073  his  head.  The  As- 
sociation gave  Foreign  missions  a  collection  amounting 
to  $234  in  cash. 

In  the  seventies,  the  CokUvater  took  great  interest 
in  Ministerial  Education.  James  Nelson  kindled  the 
fire  on  his  visit  to  the  Association  already  referred  to, 
and  J.  W.  Lipsey  kept  the  flames  up  after  he  was  gone. 
In  1871,  $420  was  pledged  to  this  cause.  J.  W.  Lipsey 
pledging  himself  for  $125  of  the  sum.  He  was  chair- 
man of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Education  in  1872, 
which  reported  that  t\ie.j  had  aided  A.  N.  White  at 
Crozer  Seminary,  E.  Miller  at  Union  University,  and 
B.  R.  HughcA'  at  Mississippi  College.  The  following 
year,  $15.00  was  sent  to  E.  Miller,  which  was  all  the 
cash  the  Board  had  on  hand. 

In  1871,  Mississippi  College  was  represented  by  A. 
A.  Lomax,  v^-ho  was  then  the  financial  secretary  of 
that  institution  of  learning.  The  body  heard  him  Avith 
pleasure,  and  gave  the  College  $73  in  cash  and  $370  in 
subscriptions.  The  following  year,  the  irrepressible  M. 
T.  Martin  was  with  them  in  the  interest  of  the  endow- 
ment, and  secured  in  notes  and  cash  $2,500.  In  the  re- 
port on  the  College,  M.  T.  Martin  was  extolled  for  his 
success  to  that  date.     In  ten  weeks  he  secured   over 


630  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

$23,000  in  notes  for  this  object.  Ah,  those  beautiful 
notes !  The  Avritpr  has  seen  some  of  them.  The  de- 
pressed state  of  finances  in  1873  bhghted  mauA^  fair 
hopes,  and  blasted  many  fortunes.  In  1873,  M.  T. 
Alartin  appeared  again  at  the  Association,  and  secured 
another  bundle  of  notes,  amounting  to  $1,500.  He 
had  then  secured  $4,000  of  the  $10,000  endowment 
wished.  But  notes  are  not  always  a  sure  representa- 
tive of  cash,  even  when  signed  by  capable  men.  The 
charge  of  fortune,  and  the  uncertainty'  of  life,  depreciate 
the  full  value  of  the  best  promissory-  notes. 

In  1873,  the  business  of  the  union  v^-as  suspended 
to  hear  a  report  103- Jobe  Harrall  on  the  Orphan's  Home. 
It  was  short,  but  was  all  that  \vas  needed.  R.X.  Hall, 
the  agent  of  the  Home,  was  present,  who  explained  its 
workings  and  spoke  of  its  condition,  and  received  a 
collection  of  $51.67.  Tavo  worthy-  men  representing 
one  of  the  best  of  the  charities.  The  following  year, 
the  sum  of  $106.50  \vas  reported  by  the  finance  com- 
mittee as  contributed  to  the  Orphan's  Home. 

We  will  now  consider  the  period  of  the  history-  of 
the  Coldwater,  extending  from  1875  to  1890,  and  will 
do  so  topicalh',  as  this  manner  of  investigation  has 
proved  most  profitable  in  studying  the  doings  of  othel: 
Associations. 

Temperance: — The  Coldwater  passed  resolutions 
against  intemperance  for  3'ears  before  the  Civil  War, 
and  after  that  period  the  subject  has  annualh'  received 
deserved  attention.  But  the  Association  has  not 
shown  the  zeal  of  some  others  in  the  great  temperance 
reforms.  There  were  reasons  wh\'  this  should  be  true. 
The  territoiw  of  the  Coldwater  is,  in  the  main,  now  un- 
der local  prohibitory^  laws.  In  1875,  the  following 
preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted  : 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  631 

"Whereas,  All  evils  have  their  small  beginning, 
and  especially  that  of  drunkenness,  therefore  be  it, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  estimation  of  this  body 
dram-drinking  is  but  the  first  step  to  drunkenness,  and, 
therefore,  the  churches,  without  delay,  should  put  this 
evil  from  among  them," 

In  1878,  J.  W.  Lipsey  in  his  report  said,  "Our 
churches  *  *  *  are  our  only  hope  for  the  sobriety  of  the 
countr3^  *  *  *  When  there  are  cases,  walking  disorderly 
in  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage,  prompt  ac- 
tion should  be  taken  before  the  whole  body  becomes 
affected.  In  1881,  two  significant  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  the  conclusion  of  the  report,  which  showed 
that  the  body  was  in  full  accord  with  the  prohibition 
movement  of  the  day.  The  legislature  of  the  State  was 
appealed  to  through  the  clerk  of  the  body  to  consider 
the  matter  of  State  prohibitory-  laws.  The  sympathy 
of  the  body  with  the  prohibitory  movement  was  reiter- 
ated the  next  year. 

In  1884,  the  report  on  temperance  was  presented 
by  Miss  Bettie  Anderson,  of  Central  Coldwater  church. 
Among  many  other  impressive  thoughts,  she  said,  "A 
few  years  ago,  it  seemed  impossible  to  get  any  enact- 
ment favorable  to  prohibition  in  any  part  of  Mississ- 
ippi. In  this  sudden  change  we  see  the  unmistakable 
hand  of  Him  who  rules  the  destiny  of  nations."  The 
following  year  the  report  was  signed  by  Mrs.  Susie 
Moody.  She  said,  "We  mothers  hold  in  our  hands 
the  material  from  which  the  future  republic  must  be 
built."  In  1887,  the  saloon  was  declared  the  open, 
and  avowed  enemj^  of  organized  christianitA^  and  that 
prohibition  is  the  onW  safety  for  the  State  and  nation, 
E.  L.  Wesson,  in  1889,  became  responsible  for  this  ex- 
cerpt, "As  to  wine  as  a  beverage,  the  word  of  God  is 
not  temperance,  hut  prohibition.'^ 


632  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Publications: — The  report  to  the  Coldwater  on 
the  subject  of  PubHcations  usualh'  recommended  The 
Foreign  Mission  Journal  and  Kind  Words,  but  as  to 
other  papers,  they  were  variable.  In  1877,  the  Bap- 
tist Record  was  in  its  first  year's  existence.  Tlie  Baptist 
Avas  granted  the  first  place  in  the  report,  but  the  Bap- 
tist Record  was  coinmended  for  two  given  reasons:  1st, 
To  occup3'  Mississippi,  Baptists  should  support  their 
State  organ  of  communication ;  2nd,  The  Record  was 
able  to  defend  Baptist  interests  in  the  State.  In  1878 
and  1879,  The  Record  had  the  right  of  way,  though 
other  periodicals  were  recommended.  In  1880,  The 
Baptist  was  granted  the  first  place  in  the  commenda- 
tions. Year  by  year  in  the  reports  these  two  papers 
were  commended,  now  and  then  The  Baptist  being 
dropped  from  the  list.  It  was  but  natural  that  they 
should  be  fond  of  The  Baptist,  J.  R.  Graves  was  their 
neighbor,  and  a  man  of  great  magnetism.  But  the 
Coldwater  Baptists  were  true  to  their  State  paper. 

Sunday  schools:— The  reports  put  before  the  As- 
sociation on  Sunday  schools  are  usually  tame  and 
devoid  of  great  interest.  For  four  years  in  the  period 
we  are  considering  no  report  was  read  before  the  Cold- 
water  on  Sunday  schools.  In  1876,  the  report  recom- 
niended  that  there  be  a  Sunday  School  Institute  held 
in  each  district  of  the  body  during  the  ensuing  year, 
but  we  do  not  find  that  the  suggestion  was  heeded. 
In  1880,  there  were  forty-three  churches  in  the  union, 
only  thirteen  of  which  had  Sunday  schools.  In  the 
report  of  1886  it  is  said:  "Chddren  should  be  taught 
to  remain  after  school  for  preaching  and  not  return 
home,  as  they  do  in  some  places.  *  *  *  If  you  will  visit 
the  State  penitentiary  you  will  find  a  very  small  per 
cent,  of  the  convicts  who  ever  enjoyed  the  privileges  of 
a  well-conducted  Sunday  school.'' 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  633 

Ministerial  edi-cation  and  the  college  : — While 
these  two  subjects  are  not  necessarily  connected,  nor 
alwa3^s  connected,  yet  the^^  may  well  be  considered 
under  one  head.  In  1875,  the  centennial  movement 
was  inaugurated,  having  special  reference  to  the  im- 
provement of  the  educational  institution.  The  Cold- 
water  chose  E.  D.  Miller,  of  Holly  Springs,  as  chairman 
of  the  Centennial  Committee.  He  read  a  splendid 
report.  The  treasurer's  statement  to  the  body  shows 
a  cash  receipt  of  $36  to  this  movement.  The  report  of 
the  following  year  does  not  give  any  statement  of  a 
collection  for  this  cause.  It  was  an  opporttmity  for 
the  swelling  of  the  heart  and  open-eyed  admiration 
of  our  vast  republic,  which  amounted  to  something. 

In  1876,  Prof.  M.  T.  Martin  made  the  leading 
speech  on  the  college.  He  was  abW  seconded  b^^  a 
number  of  other  good  speakers.  The  report  of  that 
year  recorded  the  fact  that  thirty  or  forty  of  the  stu- 
dents of  the  last  collegiate  year  were  young  ministers, 
preparing  themselves  for  usefulness,  and  the  opinion 
w^as  advanced  that  there  was  "no  institution  in  the 
South  where  all  the  conditions  of  education  are  more 
happily  blended  than  at  Mississippi  College. ' '  The  next 
year,  the  report  came  from  H.  B.  Hayward.  It  was 
accompanied  by  a  communication  from  Dr.  VV.  S.  Webb, 
explaining  the  working  and  needs  of  the  college.  A 
collection  was  taken  for  Ministerial  Education,  aggre- 
gating $100.  In  1879,  this  resolution  was  adopted  by 
the  body : 

^'Resolved,  That  we  hereby  heartily  endorse  and 
cordially  recommend  Mississippi  College  to  all  Baptists 
of  this  Association  having  sons  to  educate,  as  in  every 
respect  worthy  to  receive  their  patronage  and  support." 

The  resolutions  attached  to  the  report  of  the  fol- 


634  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

lowing  year,  recommended  aid  to  ministerial  students 
at  the  Southwestern  Baptist  University  at  Jackson, 
Tenn.,  as  well  as  at  Mississippi  College.  Some  vines  w^ill 
climb  over  the  garden  wall,  and  yet  the}'  bear  fruit  of 
equal  flavor  with  the  more  obedient  branches.  It  seems 
impossible  for  one  person  to  get  ever\d3ody  to  do  as  he 
wishes,  but  human  affairs  go  on  and  the  w'orld  is  still 
in  good  running  shape.  As  a  foot-note  to  the  report 
of  1882,  it  is  said  that  Z.  T.  Leavell,  of  Oxford,  had 
been  chosen  to  solicit  patronage  for  Mississippi  College 
and  to  create  more  interest  in  that  institution,  and  the 
information  must  have  been  correct.  During  the  col- 
legiate year  of  1881-82,  the  Coldwater  gave  $102.25 
to  Ministerial  Education. 

In  1883,  the  report  on  the  college  was  read  by 
Z.  T.  Leavell,  after  a  consideration  of  w^hich,  pledges 
were  taken  for  the  temporarA'  support  of  the  college, 
amounting  to  $201.45.  In  1887,  Capt.  W.  T.  Ratlifif, 
of  RaA'mond,  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of 
Mississippi  College,  was  at  the  meeting  of  the  body 
and  supported  the  report  on  the  college  with  one  of 
his  speeches  characterized  b^'  philosophical  deductions 
and  sanctified  common  sense.  The  report  of  1888  said  : 
' '  We  have  in  our  midst  and  scattered  abroad  over  this 
State,  and  in  other  States,  not  to  mention  those  in 
other  countries,  men  who  speak  more  loudly  as  to  the 
character  of  this  institution  than  any  committee  could 
possibly  do."  The  best  criterion  forjudging  an  insti- 
tution of  learning  is,  the  culture  and  usefulness  shown 
by  the  pupils  that  have  attended  it,  after  they  have 
left  its  walls. 

Foreign  missions  : — The  reports  made  to  the  Asso- 
ciation on  Foreign  missions  are  intended  in  the  main 
to  impart  instruction  as  to  the  fields  of  labor  occupied 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  635 

by  the  Board  of  Foreign  missions  and  to  familiarize  the 
body  Avith  the  missionaries  in  the  field  with  the  prom- 
ise and  progress  of  their  AYork.  The  amount  reported 
as  contributed  by  the  churches  of  the  Coldwater  for 
the  first  five  years  of  the  period  we  are  considering  was 
$551.98.  Of  this  amount  $63.65  was  contributed  in 
1875  and  $230.45  in  1880,  which  show  a  healthy 
growth  of  Foreign  mission  sentiment.  In  1885  the 
amount  contributed  to  this  cause  was  $339.65,  and  in 
1888,  $331.80. 

State  and  AssociATroNAL  missions:  —  These  are  the 
objects  that  show  the  pulse-beat  of  an  Association. 
Through  them  the  Association  has  at  times  appeared 
to  be  suffering  from  chills  and  fever.  In  1876,  J.  B. 
Gambrell,  then  pastor  at  Oxford,  attended  the  body, 
representing  the  State  Mission  Board  of  the  Baptist 
State  Convention.  The  church  at  Oxford  was  at  that 
time  assisted  b^^  the  Board.  1876  was  a  year  of  recon- 
struction in  the  home  work  of  the  Coldwater.  The  re- 
port of  the  committee  on  Domestic  missions  referred  to 
the  many  changes  of  plans  for  some  3'ears  of  the  past, 
and  declared  this  the  prolific  cause  of  all  their  failures, 
"shameful  instability.^^ 

The  Executive  Board  had  during  the  last  3'ear  car- 
ried on  their  missionary  operations  mainh^  through  the 
State  Board.  E.  E.  King  had  acted  as  evangelist,  and 
agent  of  the  Board  and  had  done  a  good  work.  E.  M. 
Parks  had  preached  at  Como  and  Horn  Lake  one  Sun- 
day in  each  month  respectively.  The  unsettled  state  of 
mind  caused  by  long  years  of  unsatisfactory  work  had 
produced  a  morbid  state  of  feeling  that  would  be  hard 
to  dissipate. 

In  1877,  E.  W.  Henderson  read  the  report  on  State 
missions.     It  was   a   fine  paper,   which   he  supported 


636  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

with  an  interesting  and  pointed  speech.  In  his  report, 
the  work  of  State  missions  was  heartily  commended, 
and  the  Association  called  upon  to  co-operate  in  the 
great  work,  inviting  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  Board  to  visit  their  churches,  and  present  the 
claims  of  the  State  mission  work.  That  was  all  that 
could  have  been  asked  b^^  the  warmest  supporters  of 
State  missions.  The  report  on  finance  shows  that 
$284.52  was  collected  that  year  for  State  and  associa- 
tional  missions.  The  next  3'ear  it  was  determined  to 
do  some  missionary  work  among  the  colored  people. 

In  1879,  a  determined  effort  was  made  to  revive 
the  waning  spirit  of  the  bod3'.  Manning,  King,  Gam- 
brell.  Brown,  Walne  and  others  threw  the  power  of 
their  being  into  great  speeches.  A  resolution  was  ad- 
ded to  the  report,  that  each  church  select  one  of  its 
iHembers  to  co-operate  with  the  Board,  in  keeping 
Home  missions  before  his  church.  The  Coldwater  is  a 
fine  study  in  eliciting,  combining  and  directing,  as  now 
attempted  by  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 

In  1881,  the  body  was  deep  in  trouble.  E.  W. 
Henderson,  \vho,  a  few  3^ears  before,  had  made  the  best 
report  put  before  the  Association  on  State  missions, 
was  lighting  the  cause  with  all  the  vigor  of  his  pen  and 
tongue.  He  went  to  the  Association  of  1881  a  bitter 
foe  to  the  work.  The  bod^-  organized  b\'  electing  W. 
D.  Howze  clerk,  and  E.  D.  Miller  moderator  T.  J. 
Walne  led  the  Association  in  a  pra^^er  for  divine  guid- 
ance of  the  officers,  and  the  harmony-  of  the  body.  It 
Avas  a  well  timed  intercession,  for  the  session  -was  to  be 
a  stormj'  one.  The  report  on  State  missions  was  a 
fine  presentation  of  the  cause  from  the  easy  pen  of  Jobe 
Harrall.  On  motion  of  E.  W.  Henderson,  the  report 
was  laid  on  the  table.     It  was  finallv  taken  from  the 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  637 

table,  and  then  E.  W.  Henderson  made  a  motion  to  in- 
definitely postpone  its  consideration  and  bafiled  its  ad- 
vocates with  all  the  tact  of  a  tested  forensic  speaker, 
but  he  was  finall3'  thwarted  in  his  purpose,  and  the  re- 
port, slightly  amended  was  unanimously  adopted. 

The  next  3^ear  good  reports  were  made  by  the  mis- 
sionaries, and  the  report  made  of  State  missions,  read 
by  E.  W.  Henderson,  was  most  acceptable.  $646.30 
was  raised  for  State  missions  in  cash  and  pledges,  Hen- 
derson, himself,  pledging  $100.  What  cannot  the  grace 
of  God  do  in  the  heart  of  an  honest,  converted  man  ? 
The  succeeding  year,  W.  C.  Lattimore  was  appointed 
to  co-operate  with  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the 
State  Mission  Board  in  bringing  the  claims  of  the 
Board  before  the  pastors  and  churches  of  the  bodA'.  In 
1884,  the  report  read  by  J.  W.  Lipsey  said:  "Our  re- 
lation to  the  State  Board  as  an  Association  is  one  of 
vital  importance.  We  believe  it  expedient  for  us  to 
continue  our  connection  with  the  State  Board."  This 
shows  that  the  troublesome  dream  of  associational 
mission  work  had  been  broken  by  an  awakening  in 
happy  union  with  that  tried  friend  of  struggling 
churches,  the  State  Mission  Board.  In  1885,  the  body 
gave  to  State  and  Associational  missions  $717.20 ;  in 
1877,  $720.35;  in  1889,  $738.80.  Plans  at  last  did 
not  bring  relief  to  the  cramped  missionary  work  of  the 
body;  it  came  of  exercise,  personal  contact,  and  en- 
larged views.  Flees  do  not  trouble  the  dog  in  the 
chase. 

Woman's  work:  —  We  find  nothing  directly  of 
Woman's  Work  in  the  Association  until  1887.  That 
year  the  women  members  of  the  churches  of  the  body 
held  a  ineeting  during  the  sitting  of  the  Association. 
Mrs.  J.L.  Mabry,  of  Senatobia,  occupied  the  chair,  and 


638  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Mrs.  E.  C.  Howze  acted  as  secretary'.  J.  T.  Christian 
was  with  them  in  their  meeting.  It  was  resolved  that 
each  ladies"  society  send  a  delegate  to  the  next  meeting 
of  the  Coldwater.  The  next  year  the  Association  ex- 
pressed its  appreciation  of  Woman's  Work,  and  com- 
mended it  to  the  female  members  of  the  churches.  The 
report  of  1889  on  Woman's  Work  showed  that  the 
women  of  their  churches  had  raised  $707.10.  The 
\\'omen  need  more  encouragement  than  they  are  at 
present  receiving  in  their  work. 

The  moderators  of  the  Association  in  this  period 
w^ere:  E.  D.  Aliller  in  1876  and  1877:  James  Dennis  in 
1878;  Jobe  Harrall  in  1879;  E.  D.  Miller  in  1880  and 
1881 ;  Jobe  Harrall  in  1882  ;  E.  D.  Miller  from  1883  to 
1885;  John  Richardson  in  1886;  E.  D.  Miller  from 
1887  to  1889,  inclusive. 

From  1890  to  1902,  inclusive,  Job  Harrall  was 
moderator  of  the  Association.  D.  S.  McCracken  was 
clerk  in  1890,  B.  R.  Womack  in  1891,  and  P.  Watt 
Lanier  in  1892.  T.  C.  Dockery  was  treasurer  from 
1890  to  1892,  inclusive.  In  1890,  the  Amaziah  church 
was  received  into  the  bodj^  and,  in  1892,  the  Pleasant 
View  church.  In  1890,  there  were  forty-five  churches 
with  a  total  membership  of  3,102. 

J.  T.  Christian  then  had  an  idea  of  Avriting  the 
histor3'  of  Mississippi  Baptists.  He  did  much  good  in 
gathering  and  depositing  old  documents  and  Minutes 
in  the  library  of  the  Baptist  Historical  Society.  But 
he  did  no  writing  on  the  histor^^  He  made  the  request, 
at  the  meeting  of  the  Coldwater  Association  in  1890, 
that  he  be  allowed  the  use  of  "any  old  books,  papers 
or  Minutes  of  this  Association."  His  request  was 
granted,  and  the  old  Minutes  of  the  Association,  then 
in  the  keeping  of  W.  D.  Howze,  were  placed  at  his 
disposal. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  639 

Dr.  H.  F.  Sproles  was  with  them  in  the  interest  of 
the  new  church  building  in  Jackson.  He  was  so  earnest 
in  his  entreaties  for  the  funds  promised  him  by  the 
State  that  he  was  irresistible.  He  received  $141.35 
for  that  worthy  object. 

The  Associational  Mission  Board  had  a  two-fold 
design — to  supph^  destitute  places,  and  to  assist  feeble 
churches  in  the  support  of  their  pastors.  They  em- 
ployed E.  S.  Manning  to  labor  one-half  his  time  in  the 
Delta,  along  the  Mississippi  Valley  Railway.  He  had 
labored  onh'  four  months  when  he  was  called  awaj^ 
from  his  labors  to  the  land  of  rest. 

E.  S.  Manning  was  a  brother  of  Hon.  Van  H.  Man- 
ning, who,  for  a  number  of  years  served  his  district 
as  Congressman.  He  had  a  remarkable  flow  of  lan- 
guage, and  was  rather  prepossessing  in  personal  ap- 
pearance. 

The  death  of  Judge  James  G.Hall  was  also  reported 
to  the  Association  that  year,  and,  also,  the  death  ot 
those  useful  laymen,  Dr.  J.  L.  Mabrj-,  and  his  brother, 
W.  Ovid  Mabry,  and  Dr.  J.  R.  Slaton.  These  were  all 
useful  and  ready  men  in  the  Association,  and  were  to 
be  greatly  missed. 

The  report  on  Woman's  Work  made  by  B.  R.  Wo- 
mack  was  truly  gratif\'ing.  They  had  raised  the  hand- 
some sum  of  $859.35.  This  was  a  total  increase  over 
the  year  before  of  $332.85. 

The  fiftieth  session  of  the  body  was  held  with  the 
Pleasant  Hill  church,  De  Soto  county,  beginning  Oc- 
tober 15,  1891. 

S.  M.  Ellis,  then  the  efficient  and  successful  secre- 
tary of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Education,  was  with 
them  in  the  interest  of  young  ministers  who  were  seek- 
ing an  education.  He  secured  a  subscription  of  $300.- 
85  for  Ministerial  Education. 


640  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  Executive  Board  had  four  missionaries  in  the 
field :  John  Thompson  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the 
Association;  M.  T.  Metts  in  the  southeastern;  I.  M. 
Gra3'  in  southwestern  ;  and  W.  M.  Farmer  in  the  north- 
western. It  is  said  that  the}-  did  very  satisfactory 
work.  Their  Ladies  Societies  and  Sunbeams  had  con- 
tributed that  year  to  all  purposes,  $569.60. 

In  1892,  there  were  fort3'-fiYe  churches  in  the  fra- 
ternity wnth  a  total  membership  of  3,091.  The}'  re- 
ceived by  baptism  175  persons,  and  by  letter  115. 
There  were  24  ordained  ministers  in  the  Association, 
and  10  licentiates.  The  Finance  Committee  reported 
$827.65,  as  received  for  all  purposes  during  the  sitting 
of  the  Association.  The  total  amount  reported  by  the 
churches  as  contributed  was  for  Foreign  missions, 
$608.78;  and  to  State  missions,  $179.05:  and  to 
Home  missions,  $142.90. 

The  session  of  1893  was  held  with  the  Sardis 
church,  beginning  on  Thursday'  before  the  third  Sunday 
in  October.  The  associational  sermon  was  to  be 
preached  b^-  T.  B.  Harrall. 


mSTOEY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  641 

oini  jii'j//  iwhrA-joa-eA  -r-aounAoJ  t>ili  io  ■>:' 
,ctt8I  nl     .970ib  aiiijn^  bnB  ,bno4  j; 
i^rigit?  oJ   noi««irnaib  'io    s'lyj^isl    y/r 
:slv  ,nt)3lriydA  9ilJ   b-^i^iny    briii 
,jieiriayI'jJ.'T    ,'jqoH    v/y/.    ,vj'i'j!' 
.iiotn'J  gqjirl'iuq  l-V 

bni5  tjsnq-iyjna  ,v  Mvir"; 

;<ub;^hyJ'.Mrij'>.'i'.>  ;. Aberdeen  association. 

'-jLi  fThi^'MJef^eeil  Association  has,  through  its  years,, 
.'b^ed'gt  't^Oiisi^rVative  body.  It  has  held  its  territory 
•  with  th^  *ejit^ption  of  the  part  of  the  State  now  occii- 
jjied  b^^  tiie  Tombigbee  Association,  south  of  Fulton. 
ThW  cHiirches  are,  in  the  main,  in  Monroe  county,  the 
•ildrtli^ern  part  of  Chickasaw,  and  the  southern  part  of 
''P'6ntotoc.  Aberdeen,  Redland,  and  Pontotoc,  were 
■the  principal  towns  in  the  territory  when  the  Associa- 
tion was  constituted.  Aberdeen  is  on  the  Tombigbee 
river,  and  has  for  more  than  a  half  centur3^  been  able 
to  hold  its  place  among  best  towns  of  Mississippi. 
Redland  is  in  the  rolling  countr3^  west  of  the  central 
prairie  region,  but  in  a  good  country,  and  has  kept  a. 
good  class  of  people.  Pontotoc  was  the  old  land  of- 
fice, which  gave  it  a  thrifty  population  at  a  very  early 
date. 

The  Aberdeen  Association  was  constituted  as  early 
as  1844.  While  an  access  to  the  first  minutes  of  the 
body  seems  an  impossibilit3%  \'et  we  have  collateral 
data,  and  the  statement  of  Benedict  as  to  the  date  of 
the  organization  of  the  body.  At  the  meeting  of  the 
Columbus  Association,  Saturda^^  Sept.  7,  1844,  four 
churches  were  dismissed  In^  letter,  v^hich  we  find  soon 
after  in  the  Aberdeen,  viz:  Greenwood,  Hopewell, 
Mineral  Springs,  Ala.,  and  Union.     A  little  later,  two. 


€42  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

more  churches  of  the  Columbus  Association  went  into 
this  body,  Goose  Pond,  and  Prairie  Grove.  In  1845, 
the  Chickasaw  gave  letters  of  dismission  to  eight 
churches,  which  we  find  entered  the  Aberdeen,  viz : 
Aberdeen,  Houlka,  Libert\',  New  Hope,  Tuckshish, 
^-Enon,  Pleasant  Grove,  and  perhaps  Union. 

Benedict  says  of  the  Aberdeen,  "The  Minutes  of 
this  young  institution  indicate  activity,  enterprise  and 
success."'  These  have  always  been  the  characteristics 
of  the  body.  It  was  far  in  advance  of  most  of  the 
associations  in  the  early  times  in  general  benevolence, 
and  has  not  lost  its  place  in  the  sisterhood  of  associa- 
tions.     According    to  the    statement   of   Benedict,   in 

1845,  Grove  church  had  a  membership  of  142,  Aber- 
deen 120,  Tockshish  119,  and  Salem  103.  W.  H.  Hol- 
combe  ^vas  the  pastor  of  the  Aberdeen  church,  and 
G.  Woodruff  of  the  Grove  church.  The  Minutes  of 
1854  do  not  give  us  the  names  of  the  Grove  and  Salem 
churches.  They  must  have  either  left  the  Aljerdeen  or 
changed  their  names ;  it  is  more  likeh-  that  they  left 
the  organization.  The  Aberdeen  began,  as  soon  as 
constituted,  to  employ  domestic  missionaries  to  occupy 
destitute  places  within  the  bounds  of  the  body. 

In  1845,  the  Columbus  received  James  E.  Harrison, 
<is  corresponding  messenger  from  the  Aberdeen.  He 
Avas  a  member  of  the  Greenwood  church.  The  corres- 
pondence was  received,  and  the  following  messengers 
Avere  appointed  to  represent  the  Columbus  at  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Aberdeen.  W.  C.  Crane,  Rufus  C.  Burle- 
son,  S.  McGowan,  J.  C.  Keeney,   and   O.  Canfield.     In 

1846,  James  Martin  represented  the  Aberdeen  at  the 
Columbus.  James  Martin  was  of  Bethel  church. 
There  does  not  seem  to  have  been  much  fraternity 
between  these  two  associations.    In  1851,  S.  S.  Latti- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  643 

more,  of  the  Aberdeen  church,  Isaac  Harrison,  of  Green- 
wood, and  William  Aycock,  of  Palo  Alto,  attended  the 
meeting  of  the  Columhns.  The  following  year,  eight 
members  of  the  Aberdeen  reported  at  the  session  of  the 
Columbus. 

In  1849,  W.  H.  Holcombe,  of  the  Aberdeen,  went  as 
messenger  to  the  Chickasaw  Association.  He  was 
very  fond  of  that  body.  He  was  one  of  the  strong- 
promoters  of  its  early  interests,  being  in  its  organiza- 
tion, and  moderator  at  its  first  three  sessions.  In 
1851,  he  w^as  again  received  as  a  messenger  by  the 
Chickasaw'.  He  w^as  then  representing  the  female  col- 
lege at  I'ontotoc,  the  Mary  Washington.  The  Aber- 
deen was  usually  well  represented  at  the  sessions  of  the 
Chickasaw,  as  the  fraternal  relations  were  close  and 
intimate.  The  churches  that  left  the  Chickasaw  Asso- 
ciation to  go  into  the  Aberdeen  were  dismissed  while 
possessing  the  most  cordial  relations  to  the  churches 
that  remained  in  the  Chickasaw\ 

The  absence  of  direct  information  as  to  the  first  ten 
years  of  the  w^orking  of  this  institution  is  deeply  re- 
gretted for  many  reasons,  but  principally  because  we 
have  thus  lost  the  historical  data  as  to  the  early  fos- 
tering care  of  the  body  for  the  Mary  Washington  Fe- 
male College.  To  be  sure,  that  institution  of  learning 
shall  be  considered  under  another  head,  but  it  was  in 
the  bounds  of  the  Aberdeen  Association,  and  more 
.closely  allied  to  it  than  to  other  bodies. 

In  1854,  the  session  of  the  .Aberdeen  was  held  with 
the  Smith ville  church,  on  the  30th  of  September. 
Smithville  is  in  the  northern  part  of  Monroe  county,  in 
-what  is  called  "Sandy  Lands."  L.  H.  Milliken,  of 
Aberdeen,  was  elected  moderator,  William  A.  Dunklin, 
clerk,  and  Benjamin  Bugg,  treasurer.     Milliken  was  bj 


644  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

birth  a  Kentuckian,  but  was  graduated  at  Nashville^ 
Tennessee.  He  was  for  a  short  time  pastor  ot  the 
First  Church  of  Memphis.  In  the  winter  of  1850,  he 
came  to  Aberdeen  and  remained  there  six  years  as  pas- 
tor of  the  Baptist  church.  Benjamin  Bugg  was  a  man 
of  Avealth  and  culture,  and  was  before  the  Civil  War 
forward  in  all  the  advance  movements  of  the  Aberdeen 
Association. 

In  1854,  among  the  messengers  from  the  old  Chick- 
asaw were  J.J.  Andrews  and  Joshua  Smith,  and  among 
the  messengers  from  the  Judson  was  A.  L.  Stovall. 
J.J.  Andrews  was  a  thrifty  man,  for  a  short  time  a 
negro  trader,  but  withal  a  man  of  exuberant  pietj^,  and 
valuable  in  a  protracted  meeting  in  countr}^  churches. 
A.  L.  Stovall  had  a  face,  to  see  which,  was  a  benedic- 
diction  and  an  inspiration.  His  speech  w^as  invariably 
sensible  and  his  demeanor  grave.  He  was  always 
heard  during  the  delivery  of  his  sermons  with  pleasure 
bj'  the  best  class  of  listeners.  A  man  of  fine  sense  once 
said  that  he  Avould  prefer  to  see  Stovall  sitting  in  the 
pulpit  to  hearing  man^^  of  our  preachers  deliver  a 
homily. 

The  session  of  1854  was  also  graced  by  the  pres- 
ence of  such  noble  men  as  Lee  Compere,  W.  W.  Finley, 
James  Martin,  Geo.  W.  Coopwood  and  E.  C.  Eager. 
At  11  A.  M.  Sunday,  L.  H.  Milliken  preached  from 
Mark  15 :  16,  it  is  said  to  a  large  and  attentive  congre- 
gation. After  the  sermon  a  collection  was  taken, 
amounting  to  $52.88.  On  Monday  morning  Lee  Com- 
pere was  expected  to  deliver  a  lecture  on  education. 
He  reminded  the  body  of  the  presence  of  E.  C.  Eager, 
then  financial  agent  of  Mississippi  College,  who  filled 
his  place  by  a  forceful  presentation  of  the  claims  of  that 
institution  of  learning. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  645 

The  churches  that  3'ear  pledo-ed  themselves  to  raise 
$227  for  Domestic  missions,  the  Aberdeen  church  lead- 
ing with  a  pledge  of  $25  to  Domestic  missions.  I.  H. 
Jarman  proposed  to  he  one  of  twenty  to  give  $400, 
each,  to  Mary  Washington  Female  College,  then  under 
the  care  of  Dr.  Wm.  L.  Slack,  but  the  proposition  failed 
of  maturity.  But  Miss  Ann  Dowd  proposed  through 
E.  C.  Eager,  to  be  one  of  ten  to  pay  $50  toward  the 
education  of  a  son  of  Lee  Compere  at  Mercer  Univer- 
sit3%  Georgia,  which  succeeded.  The  man  failed  on  his 
proposition  for  the  advancement  of  female  education, 
but  the  woman  succeeded  on  her  proposition  to  aid  in 
male  education. 

The  report  before  the  Association  on  Publications 
was  very  comprehensive.  The  Mississippi  Baptist  had 
suspended  in  1849,  and  did  not  resume  publication 
until  1857.  So  Mississippi  Baptists  had  no  State 
paper.  The  Tennessee  Baptist,  the  Indian  Advocate, 
Hottie  and' Foreign  J  oin'nal,  Christian  Index,  The  New 
York  Recorder,  the  Christian  Repository,  and  the  Par- 
lor Visitor,  were  all  recommended,  but  the  merits  of 
the  Tennessee  Bapiist  and  the  Parlor  Visitor  were 
w'armly  advocated.  Milliken  offered  preamble  and 
resolutions  as  to  the  discussion  then  in  progress  be- 
tween J.  R.  Graves  and  Alexander  Campbell  on  doc- 
trinal issues,  and  "for  an  hour  enchained  the  audience 
with  a  powerful  speech.''  He  was  capable  of  thus  cap- 
turing an  audience.  He  appears'  to '  iPidv'd  been  the 
favorite  speaker  of  the  body.  '''       '.' 

'    The  Executive  Board  consisted  ot'!tI;'H;.  Milliken, 
Wm.  Hood,   Benj.   Bugg,'  I.  H.  J^arman,  ^iid  W^r^A!; 
Dunklin.    The   Board   wished    instructions  as  tO  '  tli'e 
field  to  be  cultivated  during  the  vear.     F.  Finney,  the 
missionatj^ 'w'a's''ckriM'  'bn  for  inforriiation  a's'io  iiit 


646  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

destitution  in  their  bounds.  He  said  he  had  earefully 
gathered  information  on  that  point,  and  that  he  con- 
sidered the  greatest  destitution  east  of  the  Toml3igbee 
river. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted  at  that 
meeting  of  the  body  : 

^^ Resolved,  That  this  Association  deem  the  use  of 
ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage,  or  dram-drinking,  as  anti- 
christian ;  and  that  such  practice  deserves  the  unquali- 
fied disapprobation  of  every  good  man,  and  the  censure 
of  ever^'  church.''  The  name  of  the  one  who  presented 
the  resolution  is  not  given,  nor  is  it  said  that  it  was 
discussed  ;  it  "was  passed."  It  was  adopted  just  before 
adjournment,  but  it  was  adopted.  The  Association  re- 
corded itself  indelibh'  as  opposed  to  free  use  of  the  fiery 
liquid,  and  that  was  all  at  the  time,  all  that  was 
deemed  needful. 

During  the  year,  many  of  the  churches  had  enjoyed 
revival  seasons  and  had  received  larger  additions  than 
during  an^-  previous  3'ear.  Three  new  churches  had 
been  constituted.  The  Association  was  composed  of 
thirt\-three  churches  with  a  total  membership  of  2,446. 
Two  churches  were  granted  letters  of  dismission.  Cen- 
tre Hill,  and  Boguefalia. 

In  1855,  the  Association  met  ^vith  the  churcli  at 
Okolona,  which  was  in  the  first  district  of  the  bod3\  It 
appears  that  the  body  \vas  divided  into  districts,  and 
that  each  district  had  the  meetings  of  the  organization 
by  turn.  In  that  3'ear,  S.  W.  Woolard  went  as  messen- 
ger to  the  Columbus  Association.  He  was  of  the  Prai- 
rie Creek  church,  the  church  to  which  W.  W.  Finle^'  be- 
longed at  that  time. 

The  fifteenth  session  of  the  Aberdeen  was  held  with 
the  Aberdeen  church.    The  introductorv  .sermon  was 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  647 

preached  b\'  W.  L.  Foster.  The  Poiiticola  church  (a 
new  one)  applied  for  admission,  but  owing  to  some 
variance  between  the  new  bod^-  and  the  old  Mount  Pis- 
gah  church,  at  Harrisburg  a  few  miles  away,  its  re- 
ception was  dela3^ed  until  toward  the  close  of  the  ses- 
sion, when  the  difficulty  was  adjusted.  As  theAssocia- 
tion  convened  Saturdaj^  at  11  a.  m.,  verj-  little  was 
done  on  that  da^^  beyond  the  organization;  but  Sun- 
day was  a  high  da^-.  Wm.  L.  Slack  preached  at  the 
fiaptist  church  at  11  a.  m.,  after  which  a  collection 
was  taken  amounting  to  $29.60.  J.  K.  Barry  preached 
at  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  received  a  collection 
of  $14.85,  and  A.  J.  Scale  occupied  the  "primitive  pul- 
pit," and  took  a  collection  of  $3.85.  That  primitive 
church  must  have  been  metamorphosed  that  day,  as 
there  is  no  such  institution  there  at  this  time. 

There  is  material  for  a  sad  paragraph  in  two  reso- 
lutions passed  at  the  session.  The  first  one  embraced 
an  opportunity  to  raise  funds  for  the  assistance  of  the 
venerable  Lee  Compere.  To  the  credit  of  the  bod^',  a 
response  was  made,  but  it  appears  feeble  and  limited. 
Ten  persons  proffered  $5.00  each.  Lee  Compere,  born 
in  England,  missionary  to  Jamaica,  the  l3enison  of  the 
Creek  Indians,  father-in-law  of  S.  S.  Lattimore,  in  old 
age  and  in  want,  and  a  pul)lic  collection  taken  for  him 
of  fifty  paltry  dollars!  What  a  frowning  wall  before 
the  Baptist  ministry  I  Lee  Compere,  brainy-  and  brave, 
prompt  and  pious,  famous  foreigner,  God  chosen  ves- 
sel, in  old  age  and  in  want!  The  second  resolution 
was  double  in  its  intensity.  S.  S.  Lattimore,  the  pul- 
pit prodigy,  was  dead.  Generous  to  a  fault,  his  family- 
was  left  in  "straitened  circumstances."  His  name  is  in 
Foster's  Chronicles.  He  could  "insinuate  himself  into 
the  very  soul."     He  held   the  fierce  lightnings  in   liis 


648,  iqs.TOitY  ,-OE,.  MI3SISSIPPI.  bapt:ists., 

gr^sp,..and  sl^ood  on. seamless  granitq.  I^is. Jiea^;  >y^. 
bathed  in  the  exhilarating,  atmosphere  not  breathed  by;. 
the,\'Vilgar  herd  of  men. -  /The  gift<|d  lvattii^:^0|'e  -vvras 
gone,,. and  ,his.fan|ilY  in. strp-itensjl.  cirqufnstanceSj^  a,n4  a, 

-Hi  H^*:-' A:^'"i  1  ;^/.     .hvt-^rifht'. ■'(•■-/  -'i[i;  >rfifb  \Kf:r  rr  .tlv/  ,iioi-' 
.Hugh  Qninn  was  apiDp^nted  ey a^pj^^lis-^, ,|,o ^  lal^qr,  .a,t ; 

will,  and-  wherever  the  Lord  niis^ht  cast  his  lot,    Ete. 

\vas  a.,  member  of  the  Greenwood  cli,urch,  which  ^vas, 

then,  oi^e of  t.he, strongest  churches  in  nQrj:h...]\I^§sissippKi 

^.  \y.  XYoolard  was  also,  recognized  as  an  evangelist, 

.  Wm.  L.  Sl^ck  presented  a  prea,mble  and  resolution 
on  theSundav  scliqol.work.r  in  which,  the -Sunday 
Schp.ol-.Convention,. soon  afterward  to  meet;^n  Mem-. 
pms.  received  favorable  mention,  and  the  request  made' 
that  delegates,  be. iappointed  tq  represent  the  Aberdeei^; 
in  that  Convention.  So  early,  as  185  i  this  bocly  in- 
Sitructed  the  book  agent  at  Aberdeepi  to  keep  on  hand  a, 
good  supply  of  .Sunday  sch^QO.l  botoks^ .  The  less,oii3  tq, 
be  studied  in  those  days  were  in  book  form,  instead  ot 
iij  papers  ^  and  leaflets,  as  now , .  The  earnest  request: 
was  made  that, each  cburcb  fi^port  to  theriext  As^^qqi^.'^- 
tion  the  number  of  Sundav  school  scholars^       ,,,.  ,.    j  ,.,: 

.;  It  appears  that  the  Alineral  Springs  churf^h  (just, 
oyer  the  line  in  Alabama)  was  troubled.  wit|h:  T^;hisky , 
distillers..  The  Association  recognized  tM.'Q  queries 
coming  frqm  that  church:  1st.  Sliould  a  church  oi 
tliat  body,  hold  in  fellqwship  . one  engaged  in  distilling^, 
arden-^  spirits.  2nd,  And  if  one  can  distill,  may  he  be', 
permitted  to  retail  by  the  gallon  or  otherwise.  The- 
body  replied  in  good  old  Baptist  fashion  that  the 
eigliteenth  chapter  of  Matthew  be  consulted,  and  if  th^^ 
offender  persist,  then  let  hini  be  expelled.  It  was  sug^' 
gestied,  that,  every  Christian  family  should  be  a  temper-t 
^i2ce  soGietjrtjf[-orI   3D-r:)fl   DrfJ   hloil   -jM     '".Ifjo^  v-ryv  ^di 


HIS^T(^p.Y ;  >  P^.  ,]\(IJSSJSS^PPI  .  BAPTISTS^  i  649 

^v)  >T^l??v?i^te^P^^li;S^f^iQn.,(pf  the  AJi>erdpen:ijjeti  with  the 
c^yirch  at  Houstoin,,pct..^j,  18-59-  .Xhe  Schooner  Yal*' 
le}r:andj  th,e  ^hilph. f?}itfrclies;  were  rejQdyed,  > .  The  headri 
waters  of  the  Schopperf  r^.ver,  ^^re  iii  south  Pontotoeii) 
ajijid,-,,  northpwest;  Chickasa;\y.,:  Abpiut;.>  th^;,  tirtiie!    the-* 
Sghponer  ,Yall^3' ,  church  wa« ,  re(?eive,d  biy-  the  i  Aberdeieitii 
Association,  that  part  pf:the,cpur;itrv,  was^^far  famed  foar.  f 
wickedness  find  want;Oi;i.ness,  dfinlxing  and  carousing, 
but, also  for  its  fertihty,  and  local  desirableness^    T,hc  • 
m,i,ssipnaries  soon  niade  it  a  most  attractive;  part  of  the  l 
cpuni;rJ^     People  a^re  sometimes,  wicked  not  because  of 
Uj^iusual  d^j^rayj^jj  :.]3^t  J^^c^gsenPlAh^jlaok  of  .proper  . 
attention,-ffi  r  rroitrfotl;-    li:o-^H[fL>    [ry;f-)'jOT    ht'f[    --loh-iO'i 

;  .,  Thaitwrpjiderf^l  mail,  Martin  Ball,  was  present,  at 
tlifi,t  session  of,,  ithc-body  asi  the .  representative  of  thei 
l^larion  Boards  ,pr  the,  Home  Mission  Board  of;  the  ■ 
Southern  Baptist  Co^ve>rition;  ,t,hen;  idomiciled  at  Mar- . 
ion,  Alabama.     He  preached  on  the, Lord's  day  momi-- 
ing    in  the    Methpdist  cliu^rch,  frpn^  ^.Rom..  5 : 1,   after 
which  l;ie,  topk  a  coUectipn,,  fp-r,  thfVt  jBipaiid  of  $61  in: 
c^sh,  and  $179  in  pledges.     Prof., Moses  Granberry,  the 
i^arvelpus  teacher,  was, also  there  representing  primar-, 
i\y,  ^;he  Baptist;  ,§tate,C^O^"Vl€n,t:^pn,  arid; secondary,  perr 
haps,  the  Grenada    Female    College,.    H.rLi  Finley's. 
ni^,me  appears  as  fi  licentiate  of   Pivieyj  Grove  church 
with  XocPpolaa^  the  pps;tofl5^e.)il)iYnr  ■!(> 

;i  Dr.  J,  H.  Ware,  of  Redland,' offered  rthe  report  of  the 
committee  on  temperance,  which  was  so  breezy  as  to; 
aivvjake  the, fno^;t^;  d^^.^'at^it, ■nie.mbei;$  rof  ithe.  Association. 
Ware,  Thoorfon,;  Seward,  A^esey,  Quinn,  Barry,  Ball,. 
a|id  Seale  leaped  ,iinto  the  arena  with  bared  arms. 
I^;;^  Wave>  jai  ;pipu.si  .physjciaij,  .had;  ^m  ■  lias  report  tran- 
scerided  the  usual  deliverance,  and  had  declared  ":  to- 
bacco a  poison,   useless,  injurious,  and  deleterious  to 


650  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

health,  conitbrt  and  hfe."  He  affirmed  that  tobacco 
deranged  "the  circulatory,  digestive,  respiratory-  and 
uervous  system,  which  results  in  indigestion,  d3-spepsia, 
diseases  of  the  liver,  bronchial  affections,  neuralgia," 
etc.  This  part  of  his  report  was  rejected  133^  a  small 
majorit3%  but  allowed  to  appear  in  the  Minutes  as  a 
part  of  the  report  of  the  minorit^^ 

The  Aberdeen  was  intent  upon  the  evangelization 
of  all  parts  of  its  territory,  and  was,  in  1859,  rapidh'^ 
reclaiming  the  waste  places.  That  j^ear  a  subscription 
of  $185.50  was  made  for  that  purpose,  \vith  $10  in 
cash.  The  destitution  on  the  eastern  and  western - 
borders  had  received  dilligent  attention  through  the 
3'ear.  The  Evecutive  Board  was  authorized  to  put  at 
least  one  missionary  on  the  western  borders  for  the 
ensuing  3-ear.  The  wickedness  of  Schooner  Valley-  was 
under  the  exQ  of  the  bod^^,  and  must  give  wry  to  the 
steadj'  march  of  evangelization. 

In  1859,  the  Mississippi  Baptist  was  a  good  paper. 
It  was  pulDlished  Iw  Freeman  and  Farrar  and  was  a 
credit  to  the  Baptists  of  the  State.  Its  issues  are  fine 
reading  now,  at  this  remove  from  its  publication.  It 
was  recommended  to  the  favorable  consideration  of 
the  Aberdeen,  and  was  worthy-  of  more  than  that, 
worth}'  of  large  pecuniary-  support.  Without  using 
fulsome  praise  or  invidious  comparison,  a  candid  reader 
must  admit  that  Baptists  of  Mississippi  in  all  their 
histor\'  have  not  had  a  better  paper. 

The  reports  of  the  Aberdeen  on  Home  and  Foreign 
missions  were  good  and  to  the  point.  It  was  recom- 
mended that  all  the  ministers,  at  least  once  a  3'ear, 
preach  on  Foreign  missions  and  take  collections  for 
that  benevolence.  The  Association  was  made  ac- 
quainted with  the  fact  that  at  the  time  there  were 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  651 

fifteen  counties  in  Mississippi  without  the  preached 
word.  The  importance  of  sending  money  to  the  Mar- 
ion Board  through  Martin  Ball,  was  well  impressed. 
In  the  twelve  years  preceding,  that  Board  had  sent  out 
885  missionaries,  under  whose  ministrations  nearly 
20,000  persons  had  been  converted,  173  churches  con- 
stituted, and  689  Sunday  schools  organized. 

In  1859,  the  Aberdeen  ^^'as  composed  of  thirty-one 
churches,  which  had  a  total  membership  of  2,620. 
The  churches  reported  to  the  l^od^^  275  Ijaptisms,  166 
received  by  letter,  and  8  restored,  making  a  total 
ingathering  of  4-49  members.  The  prominent  pastors 
\verej.  K.  Bany,  Franklin  Finney,  W.  L.  Foster,  A.J. 
Scale,  J.  A.  Ware,  G.  W.  Coopwood,  W.  L.  Slack,  W.W. 
Finley,  G.  D.  Russell.  The  Association  had  a  number 
of  strong  churches  well  instructed  l^y  faithful  preachers. 

The  Association  of  1860  met  with  the  church  at 
Pontotoc.  It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that-  the  Minute  of 
that  meeting  of  the  bod}^  is  not  in  hand.  The  body 
w^as  divided  into  four  districts,  in  each  of  which  there 
were  to  be  district  meetings  in  1860.  In  the  first  dis- 
trict the  meeting  was  at  Okolona,  in  the  second,  with 
the  Houlka  church,  in  the  third,  at  Pleasant  Grove, 
and  in  the  fourth,  at  Smithville.  The  meetings  were  at 
these  places  on  the  fifth  SundaA'S  of  the  year,  re- 
spectively. 

The  eighteenth  anniversary  was  held  with  the  Palo 
Alto  church.  The  names  of  T.  Whitfield  and  W.  S. 
Webb  appear  on  the  Minutes.  W.  S.  Webb  was  of  the 
Columbus  Association  and  agent  of  the  Home  Mission 
Board  of  Marion,  Alabama,  T.  Whitfield  was  pastor 
at  Aberdeen.  The  Civil  War  was  then  a  painful  reality, 
and  the  usual  effort  was  made  by  this  body  to  furnish 
the  Southern   soldiery  with  copies  of  the  Bible.     The 


652  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTIST^^^ 

last  Thursday  in  October  was  observed,  in  concert  with 
the  Chickasaw^iiasiia^.fday  ofifastiJig'^aml'  ptiayer^fof' 
God's  blessings  on  Soiithem  arftis.'  The  writer  well 
remembers  that  day.  He  w^as  then'  a  boy  in  fine  health, 
with  a  keen  appetite.  There  w^as  to  be  nO  e'a:ting;  that 
day,  until  after  the  mid-day  service  at  the  church.  Th^ 
abstinence  was  to  embrace  the  colored  people  also. 
The  morning'  was^  long,  the  service  a.t  the  t'hui'ch  taxing 
to  the  patience,  and  the  appetite  with  unusual  gnawing 
proclivities ;,  a  series  of  facts  mote  rea;dily  impressed' 
upon  the  boy's  mind  than  the  prayers  for  the  soldiei-y. 
'"i'  The  session  of  1862  was  held  with  the  Union  church 
in'  Chickasaw  county.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  A.  D.  Brooks.  P.  L.' Seward  was  eleC^M 
moderator.  R.  M.  Alitchell,  clerk,  and  Benjamin  Bugg, 
treasurer.  The  report  on  Temperance  was  again  pro- 
ductive of  an  interesting  discussion'  '  "A  division  of 'the 
report  was  called  for.  The  first  division  against  the 
use  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage  was  adopted  unani- 
mously, but  the  second  division  against  the  lise-  bf 
tobacco  was  adopted  with  much  protest,  one  member 
of  the  body  asking  that  his  name  appear  as  dissenting 
from' the  adoption  of  the  second  part  of  the'  report-. 
He  wished  to  be  considered  among  the  clean  animals 
by  chewing  his  cud,  if  he  could  not  part  his  hoof. 

A  motion  obtained  to  the  effect  that  the  collection 
taken  on  Sunday,  usually  allowed  to  associational 
missions,  be  sent  to  Dr.  Robert  Kells  at  Jackson,  Miss.j^ 
to  ibe  appropriated  to  the  purchase  of  sacred  literature 
for  Confederate  soldiers.  ■  ■  '  n'-ii  .;!•,;-:■:/.  -luUiii/u.  : 
,  )  The  committee  on  Publicatiorlg  w'alSrbaiffled)byrthe' 
unhappy  condition  of  the  courjtry.  War,  cruel  war! 
The  report  cited  the  fact  that  all  the  Baptist  religious 
papers  had  suspended  publication,  except  the  Alissis- 
sippi Baptist,  and  that  paper  was  highly  recommended. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.        '         653 

The  twenty-second  session  of  the  l)ocU^  was  held 
with  the  .-Knon  church,  Monroe  county,  a  church  that 
came  to  the  Aberdeen  from  the  Chickasaw  in  1845. 
A.  J.  Seale  preached  the  introductory  sermon  on  the 
Scripture,  "My  Kingdom  is  not  of  this  world."  F.  L. 
Seward  was  elected  moderator,  and  A,  D.  Brooks 
clerk. 

The  cruel  war  was  just  over.  The  territory  of  the 
Aberdeen  had  suffered  much  from  the  civil  strife.  It 
was,  in  its  eastern  part,  an  extended  granary.  The 
prairie  fields  about  Aberdeen  and  Egypt  were  thickly 
studded  with  tall  pens  of  corn.  To  destroy'  this  resource 
of  the  Confederac3^,  raids  w^ere  made  by  the  Federal  cav- 
alry from  Memphis  into  the  section  of  the  country,  and 
much  distress  entailed  upon  the  people.  The  wives  of 
Masons  pleaded  in  vain  to  the  Federal  troops  who  were 
devotees  to  the  vailed  mysteries  for  the  protection  of 
household  goods.  The  well-heads  of  human  kindness 
were  dry  to  their  source. 

After  the  sermon  on  Sunday  F'.  L.  Sew^ard  put  be- 
fore a  large  audience  the  claims  of  the  Orphan's  Home, 
located  at  Lauderdale  Springs,  and  a  collection  taken 
amounting  to  $85.00,  and  put  into  the  hands  of  F.  L. 
Seward,  the  agent  of  the  Home.  The  churches  were, 
by  resolution,  urged  to  give  immediate  consideration 
to  the  Home,  and  send  contributions  at  once. 

Many  of  the  churches  were  not  represented  at  that 
session.  They  were  earnestly  requested  to  represent 
themselves  the  next  year.  All  was  confusion  in  the 
land.  All  paper  money  was  under  par  and  had  an  un- 
stable value.  It  was  agreed  that  the  treasurer  be  not 
held  responsible  for  the  large  amount  of  worthless 
money  mentioned  in  his  report.  The  balance  in  treas- 
ur3'  was  stated  in  this  manner : 


654  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Confederate  notes, $1 51 .00 

State  of  Alabama, 10.45 

Cotton  and  Alississippi  Statenotes, 28.50 

State  of  Missouri, 20.00 

Worthless  shinplasters, 59.80 

One  Registered  Bond, 600.00 

Total, $865.65 

In  the  appendix,  $61.05  is  reported  in  United  States 
currency,  and  $7.25  in  silver,  and  it  is  stated  that  the 
amount  of  silver  was  exchanged  for  $10.00  United 
States  currency,  making  a  total  of  $71.05  in  currency. 
The  first  statement  shows  that  the  treasurer  had  used 
all  dilligence  to  secure,  during  the  war,  the  best  money 
in  circulation,  and  a  division  of  currency,  having  on 
hand  the  money  of  Alabama,  Missouri,  and  Mississippi, 
and  registered  bonds. 

In  1866,  the  Aberdeen  church  had  as  pastor,  A.  W. 
Chambliss,  and  paid  him  $1,800.  Houston  church  had 
preaching  on  the  fourth  Sunday,  and  paid  the  pastor, 
A.  D.  Brooks,  $250.  Okolona  had  W.  S.  Webb  as  pastor, 
and  paid  him  $400  for  the  time  given.  Shiloh  church 
paid  A.  D.  Brooks  $350  for  the  Sundays  he  gave. 
X>ewis  Ball  was  at  the  Association  representing  the 
Marion  Board.  It  was  agreed  that  half  the  Sunday's 
collection  should  be  paid  to  him  for  the  board  he  was 
representing.  The  collection  taken  Sunday  amounted 
to  $59.48.  It  is  said  by  the  clerk  that  the  sermon 
preached  by  Lewis  Ball  some  time  in  the  Lord's  day 
was  "one  of  his  most  forcible  and  feeling  sermons.'" 

If  the  Aberdeen  had  a  \vhimsical  fancy  it  ^vas  for 
female  education.  Before  the  Civil  War,  it  was  the 
pleasure  of  the  bodj^  to  unite  in  the  support  and  pat- 
ronage of  the  Mar\'  Washington  College  at  Pontotoc. 
After  the  war  the  efforts  of  the  union  in  this  direction 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  655 

were  fitful  and  varying.  In  1866,  Wm.  L.  Slack  read 
the  report  on  education  in  which  the  East  Mississippi 
Female  College  at  Aberdeen,  and  the  Young  Ladies 
High  School  at  Pontotoc  were  commended.  Lewis 
Ball  spoke  in  favor  of  the  latter  institution,  and  A.  W. 
Chanibliss  in  favor  of  the  former. 

The  condition  of  the  colored  population  after  the 
war  was  a  problem,  each  association  had  to  solve, 
and  it  troubled  them  much.  It  was  thought  in  the 
Aberdeen  that  the  change  of  their  political  status  did 
not  affect  their  church  relations,  and  that  they  should 
remain  in  the  churches  with  the  w^hites.  If  any  among 
them  should  receive  the  divine  call  to  the  ministry, 
such  a  call  should  be  recognized ;  but  every  candidate 
for  the  ministry  should  give  good  proof  of  his  calling, 
and  l3e  of  an  irreproachable  character.  But  the  day 
had  come  when  there  was  to  be  a  parting  of  the  paths 
of  the  whites  and  the  blacks  of  the  South,  and  what 
bodies  of  men  thought  best  as  the  best  relations  be- 
tween the  two  did  not  have  so  much  as  a  feather's 
weight. 

The  Executive  Board  had  before  it  an  open  door 
which  revealed  a  broad  field  awaiting  the  scythe  of  the 
reaper.  There  was  destitution,  w^hen  no  one  was 
preaching  the  gospel.  East  of  the  Tombigbee  river 
was  work  awaiting  the  earnest  laborer.  From  Ponto- 
cola  east  was  a  block  of  fifteen  miles  sc|uare  in  which 
there  was  no  church  or  preaching.  Shannon,  on  the 
M.  &  V.  Railroad,  was  near  the  center  of  this  destitu- 
tion. In  all  that  country  were  thickly  settled  com- 
munities that  should  have  assistance  from  the  Associa- 
tion. The  time  had  come  for  action,  and  the  body  was 
nerving  itself  for  an  onward  movement. 

The  twentv-fourth  annual  session  was  held  with 


656  HISTORY    OF    Missrssipfr   flAP^FIStS. 

the  chuifeh  d.t . AB¥rdJ^eiir; '  Al  Wy  ©harn'Miss  Wag '  ela^tM 

!a!n!(klera'tJdr,iW.;'E!  iQlmthbliss,!  cterk,  a(rid  Littletori'  Hill, 
tAaslirer.'  Providence  chm'ch  was  recei\'^d  into  the 
body,  and  Montpelier  granted  a  lietter  of  dismissioti. 

.'E'he/Obeenwood!  atidiNew  Hope  ehijrch^^  weft  witlioiit 
pastors.  A  resolution  was  passed  expressing  pleaSttre 
that  ..the  \-eroiia,  <?hvitfchv  Was  building  a  ihouse  olVwor- 

,§iiip;,  and  leix;pressivieiof-  a  willingness  <  to  aid  im  its  rcom- 
struotion.     The  writer  Was  at  the  time  astudeiit  in 

'the  rpale  sdhoOi  ^tiVeronav  taught  b^^  Dr.  R.M.  Leaviell, 

|^ndflwelJiireimeiinb€)ra  ,thei  proportions  of  that  dhrarck. 
The,  closing  exerciseis  of  the  school  session  Were  held  in 
thfi^t  I  builditig^  and;  the  smiles  of  laughing-eyed  beauty 

•,©)3^!R>^ci  in  ,thait!rihvitoGhi,!-aire.  morfe  I  distinctly  rerhem- 
beted  by  the-  writer  ■  than  ailiy  i'digiousiiinstriictaoin 
.gjc^tt^n,  from  the  faithful  miilister*.-;;:!  n  ,    i-  ^■■'    ■  i^i 

r ]} j .1- Xhfi ^EseGutji.ye-.iBoard^ was,/,inil8,57vreinoved  from 
Okolona   to   -Aberdeen,.  ai!id    A.   W.^  Charabliss    tnade 

.cjtaimiaianl   I  The'   Worki  of  the.;;3oard    was    arduous. 

^M'^tiiy  ;lili)eral  lUmd-i  wealthy'  nnen,  Iwiho > -supported  ihfe 
Board  before  the  Civil  War,  were  so  reduced  in  cirdum- 
StaajceSi  ■as ,  to  be  finable  M  tespotid  to^  its  calls.  •  The 
Board, i^iadeatj  oarHilstatehletitlaS'tO  itsimabilrtiesiand 
a  short*  written  sitatemeint  as  t(>  its  financial  condition. 
The  Board ' hadi  failed i to . seciire  the  services  of* a ■mi^- 
gionary,rbut  had'Qnihfemd'a'HttkJm^oret'han  $150'.  ^bv/ 
In  1867,  W.  Iv,  Gideon  was  preparing  himself  ffor 
his  work  of  i usefulness.  His  finances  Werei  not  replete, 
as  is  often  ttue  of  3'outigimen  entejlingthe^i  ministry. 
A,-,  J.  Scale  spoke  ibefore  the, bqdy  of  jGJdeon's  most 
praiseworthy;  effort  to  prejjarp  ,h|i,mself  for  the  best 
service  to  the  cause,  and  received  a,  subscription  of  $70 
for  his  benefit.  Gid'edri  Was  a  ^b6d''aiid  venerable  man, 
and  at  the  day  of  his  death  was  regarded  M^  all  who 
knew  hiin ,  with  the  eredtest  favOr. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  657 

By  resolution,  the  union  recommended  quite  a 
number  of  religious  newspapers,  among  them  the 
Christian  Watchman  of  Jackson,  Miss.,  which  was 
then  either  extinct,  or  in  its  last  moments. 

It  was  said  that  the  East  Mississippi  Female  Col- 
lege at  Aberdeen  was  enjoying  continued  prosperity. 
It  was  founded  by  the  Baptists  of  Aberdeen.  The  ses- 
sion just  opening  had  a  patronage  of  more  than  twice 
the  number  of  pupils  of  .the  same  date  of  the  year 
previous.     Two  resolutions  were  passed,  viz  : 

'* Resolved,  That  this  Association  adopt  the  Col-' 
lege,  and  cherish  it  as  a  noble  exponent  of  the  liberality 
and  energ3^  of  our  brethren  in  Aberdeen,  and  by  everv 
means  in  our  power,  we  w^ill  seek  its  prOvSperit^'. 

Resolved,  That  we  invite  from  our  brethren  in  Ab- 
erdeen an  annual  report  at  our  Association  of  the  pro- 
gress and  prosperitv  '  of  East  Mississippi  Female 
College." 

The  twenty-sixth  anniversary  was  held  with  the 
Verona  church,  Oct.  8,  1869.  R.  M.  Leavell  and  B.  F. 
Fitzpatrick  were  appointed  to  read  the  letters  from  the 
churches.  A.  J.  Scale  was  elected  moderator,  B.  F. 
Fitzpatrick  clerk,  and  T.  J.  Stegall  treasurer. 

The  report  on  education  was  presented  early  in  the 
session  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee,  Wm.  L. 
Slack.  The  report  is  remarkable  for  two  omissions. 
It  has  nothing  in  it  as  to  the  existence  of  Mississippi 
College.  This  omission  had  characterized  all  the  re- 
ports on  education  for  several  years  previous.  But 
wh3'  a  man  of  the  culture  and  breadth  of  information 
of  Dr.  Slack  should  omit  a  mention  of  that  well  known 
College  is  slightly  baffling.  The  other  omission  is  the 
silence  of  the  report  as  to  the  claims  of  the  East  Miss- 
issippi Female  College  at  Aberdeen,  and  the  school  for 


658  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

young  ladies  at  Pontotoc.    But  the  surprise  is  met  at 
once  by  this  appearance  of  preamble  and  resolution : 

"Whereas,  The  Judson  Association  appointed  a 
committee  to  confer  with  similar  committees  appointed 
by  other  Associations  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a 
male  school,  and  a  female  school  of  high  order  at  some 
eligible  places  on  the  M.  &  O.  railroad  in  north  Mississ 
ippi.     Therefore, 

Resolved  1st,  That  we-  appoint  a  committee  to 
confer  with  said  committees  for  said  purpose. 

Resolveo  2nd,    That  we  heartily  concur  with  the 
Judson  and  Chickasaw'  Associations  in  recommending" 
Mrs.  Brown's  school  at   Verona  as  a  necleus  for  the 
^  Baptist  female  school  of  north  Mississippi.'' 

Mrs.  Brown  was  a  daughter  of  J.  S.  Ratliif,  of  Ve- 
rona, and  the  widow  of  Prof.  Brown,  who  was  killed 
b)'  Keith  Ra\^  while  teaching  a  school  in  Pontotoc. 
She  was  a  lady  of  splendid  culture,  and  a  teacher  of  es- 
tablished reputation. 

The  tempest  still  raged  in  the  singing  teapot.  Mon- 
day afternoon  preamble  and  resolution  were  presented 
declaring  that  Mrs.  Brown  had  donated  a  lot  of 
3  30-100  acres  in  Verona  to  the  Baptist  Female  High 
school  of  north  Mississippi,  whereupon  it  was  resolved 
to  locate  that  school  in  Verona.  Then  the  thanks  of 
the  body  were  extended  to  Charles  Cade  for  the  pro- 
posed donation  of  six  acres  of  land  adjacent  to  Verona 
for  the  same  purpose.  Perhaps  we  shall  see  what  came 
of  all  these  movements  on  the  checker  board. 

The  missionary  work  of  the  body  was  without  life. 
The  Executive  Board  had  no  report  before  the  Associa- 
tion. St.  Clair  Lawrence  offered  a  resolution  that 
called  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  investi- 
gate  the  cause  of  this  delinquency  of  the  Executive 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  659 

Board,  the  committee  to  report  at  the  next  session.  A 
report  presented  by  C.  A.  Woodson  on  missions  was 
impressed  hy  an  address  made  by  M.  P.  Lowrey,  and  a 
collection  taken  for  Domestic  missions  amounting  to 
$51.75  in  cash,  and  $105  in  pledges. 

In  1870,  the  Association  convened  with  the  Amity 
church.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
J.  B.  Gambrell,  then  pastor  at  West  Point.  The  Bap- 
tist State  Convention  was  represented  by  M.  P.  Low- 
rey, the  Columbus  Association  by  J.  B.  Gambrell,  the 
Zion  Hill  by  W.  A.  Martin  and  S.  G.  Hunter,  and  the 
Chickasaw  by  H.  L.  FinlcA'. 

As  soon  as  the  correspondence  was  arranged,  a  re- 
port was  presented  by  the  trustees  of  the  Baptist  Fe- 
male Institute  of  North-east  Mississippi,  located  at 
Tupelo.  What  became  of  the  agitation  at  Verona  is 
not  referred  to.  The  report  on  education  presented  by 
M.  E.  Bacon  informs  us  that  a  plan  for  the  education 
of  young  ladies  was  partially  on  foot  for  the  erection  of 
a  first-class  institution  at  Tupelo.  The  Baptist  Female 
Institute  at  Pontotoc,  under  the  management  of  Wm. 
L.  Slack,  was  commended  to  the  patronage  of  Baptists. 
The  report  states  that  Mississippi  College,  at  Clinton, 
was  a  Baptist  institution,  and  had  the  promise  of  be- 
coming a  great  educational  centre.  Requests  went  be- 
fore the  body  that  advertisements  of  Mississippi  Col- 
lege and  the  Pontotoc  female  school  be  printed  on  the 
cov^.r  of  the  minutes.  The  first  of  these  was  submitted 
but  the  second  t)niittc'  I. 

The  report  on  Pu  plications  was  read  with. unusual 
interest.  Gen.  M.  P.  Lowrey,  then  editor  of  the  Missis- 
sippi department  of  The  Baptist,  was  present,  and  his 
work  was  well  endorsed.  The  price  of  The  Baptist  was 
then  $3.00  per  annum  in  advance. 


660  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

No  Association  in  the  State  was  more  thoroughly 
enlisted  in  the  interests  of  the  Orphans'  Home  than  the 
Aberdeen.  The  consideration  of  the  claims  of  the  Home 
was  given  a  good  hour  and  was  presented  by  H.  L<. 
FinW,  M.  P.  Lowrey  and  St.  Clair  Lawrence.  A  col- 
lection was  taken  for  the  Orphanage  of  $60.20  in  cash, 
and  $111.00  in  pledges. 

The  condition  of  the  churches  and  of  the  associa- 
tional  work  was  not  at  that  time  flattering.  One-third 
of  the  churches  were  not  represented  by  delegates  in 
the  Association,  and  some  of  the  churches  reported 
coldness  and  barrenness.  St.  Clair  Lawrence  was  em- 
ployed as  missionary  of  the  body  and  did  a  good  work, 
but  could  cultivate  onh^  a  part  of  the  field.  The  Asso- 
ciation was  composed  of  twenty-nine  churches,  eight 
of  which  Avere  not  represented.  The  remaining  twenty- 
one  churches  had  a  total  membership  of  1,783.  They 
reported  154  baptisms,  and  it  is  said,  were  in  peace 
and  harmony.  One  serious  hindrance  to  the  work  of 
the  bod}',  was  the  frequent  changes  of  pastors  in  some 
of  the  centers  of  influence. 

Orphans'  home:  — The  report  on  the  Orphan's 
Home  read  before  the  meeting  of  the  Association  in 
1871  \vas  lengthy  and  well  written.  It  came  from  the 
pen  of  Prof.  M.  E.  Bacon.  In  the  report  it  is  stated 
that  in  May  of  that  year  the  institution  was  out  of 
debt,  and  had  over  $4-, 000  in  the  treasury-.  A  band  of 
thirty  orphans,  under  the  guidance  of  the  superintend- 
ent of  the  Home,  had  visited  various  parts  of  the  South 
and  had  by  musical  entertainments  raised  over  $16,000. 
With  this  sum  of  money,  all  the  debts  were  liquidated, 
380  acres  of  land  paid  for.  and  a  balance  of  over  $4,000 
left  on  hand.  Still  the  buildings  could  not  meet  the  de- 
mands made  upon  them,  and  were  deficient  in  comfort. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  661 

Improvements  were  a  present  and  a  pressing  necessity. 

Yet,  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  1872  called 
on  the  churches  to  sa^'  whether  the  institution  should 
be  perpetuated.  Its  existence  seemed  quivering  in  the 
balance.  On\y  thirteen  churches  had  responded  at  the 
middle  of  October.  The  committee  appointed  by  the 
Association  to  report  on  the  Home  expressed  pain  and 
sorrow.  The  propertA'  was  then  worth  $20,000,  and 
the  eyes  of  the  Baptists  of  the  South  on  the  institution. 
Twenty  cents  annually  from  the  60,000  Mississippi 
Baptists  would  forever  save  the  Home.  The  following 
year,  the  report  was  cheerful  and  sanguine.  It  said, 
"Its  prospects  for  becoming  self-supporting  are  flatter- 
ing.'" But  when  the  dews  of  death  are  on  the  brow  of 
one  long  a  sufferer,  the  paroxysms  of  pain  give  place  to 
the  numbness  of  the  unseen  ic^^  fingers,  and  the  weary 
patient  feels  a  sense  of  relief. 

Publications: — In  1871,  the  perplexing  question 
of  a  State  denominational  paper  was,  in  a  measure, 
settled.  M.  P.  Lowrev  was  in  charge  of  the  Missis- 
sippi department  of  The  Baptist,  and  everybodj^  re- 
posed confidence  in  him.  Yearbv  year,  that  paper  was 
recommended  to  the  Baptist  readers  in  the  Aberdeen, 
until  more  satisfactory'  arrangements  were  made. 
Along  wnth  that  publication  were  usualh'  commended 
Kind  Words,  The  Orphan's  Home  Banner,  and  the 
Home  and  Foreign  Journal. 

In  1877,  The  Baptist  Record  was  projected.  It 
began  publication  at  Clinton  under  the  control  and 
management  of  Prof.  M.  T.  Martin  and  J.  B.  Gambrell. 
At  once  it  was  commended  to  the  Aberdeen  by  its  com- 
mittee on  Publications,  and  the  Association  remained 
its  true  friend  as  the  years  came  and  went.  It  was 
commended  as  highh'  valuable  "as  a  news  and  family 


662  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

journal,"'  and  as  "being  second  to  no  paper  of  its  class 
in  this,  or  any  other  State.''  In  1881,  the  duty  of  sus- 
taining it  was  urged  upon  the  Aberdeen,  and  was  re- 
peated in  1882.  The  next  year,  with  the  Baptist  Rec- 
ord a.nd  the  publications  usually  commended,  was  the 
Little  Missionary,  published  by  R.  N.  Hall,  at  Brooks- 
Yille.  It  was  a  good  missionary  sheet  and  was  highly 
appreciated  during  its  publication.  In  1885,  the 
Sword  and  Shield,  a  temperance  paper,  brought  out 
b^'  R.  D.  Gambrell,  was  declared  to  stand  "pre-emi- 
nently high."  The  following  year  it  was  said  that  no 
live  Baptist  in  the  State  could  afford  to  be  without  the 
Record.  Like  statements  were  made  as  to  our  State 
organ,  until  1890,  the  close  of  this  period. 

Education: — In  1877,  W.  A.  Mason  was  chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  Education.  Hearth'  co-operation 
with  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Mississippi  College  was 
recommended  and  attention  called  to  the  Female  Insti- 
tute at  Pontotoc.  That  w^as  all.  These  two  institu- 
tions of  learning  received  a  like  favor  the  next  two 
3'ears,  with  the  additional  sanction  of  the  effort  of  the 
State  Convention  to  increase  the  endowment  of  Missis- 
sippi College.  In  1875,  all  the  wheels  of  the  machinery 
w^ere  again  in  motion.  The  "college  at  Clinton,"  and 
the  Baptist  Female  College  at  Pontotoc  stood  head  of 
the  list.  But  there  were  other  knights  in  the  field.  The 
Association  was  asked  to  rally  to  the  support  of  the 
male  school  at  Aberdeen  and  another  at  Verona,  as  the 
two  institutions  of  learning  were  in  the  bounds  of  the 
Association.  The  year  after,  the  schools  at  Aberdeen 
and  Verona  wei'e  not  mentioned,  but  another  Richmond 
comes  into  the  held  ;  the  Aberdeen  Female  College,  with 
Prof.  M.  E.  Bacon  as  principal,  received  special  mention. 

In  1878,  the  list  is  again  full.     Missis.sippi  College, 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  663 

Pontotoc  Baptist  Female  College,  Aberdeen  Female 
College,  and  the  Okolona  Female  College,  were  all 
regarded  as  excellent.  The  following  vetir  it  was 
stated  that  there  were  six  or  eight  Baptist  female  col- 
leges in  the  State,  and  that  they  all  dcvserved  patron- 
age. Mississippi  College  and  the  Southern  Baptist 
Theological  Seminary  were  also  noticed.  In  1880,  the 
existence  and  excellence  of  Blue  Mountain  Female  Col- 
lege, and  the  college  at  Stark ville  were  recorded.  In 
1882,  there  came  a  calm,  arid  only  Mississippi  College 
was  commended.  After  that  to  the  close  of  the  period, 
the  usual  commendations  were  made  as  to  our  Baptist 
institutions  of  learning  in  the  State. 

Temperance: — The  attitude  of  the  Aberdeen  on 
the  temperance  issue  was  not  at  any  time  so  striking 
as  the  position  assumed  by  some  of  the  Associations  in 
south-west  Mississippi.  But  the  sentiment  against 
dram-drinking  was  pronounced  even  before  the  Civil 
War.  Saloons  have  ever  been  in  disfavor  in  that  part 
of  the  State,  and  have,  for  many  years,  been  confined 
to  the  city  of  Aberdeen,  and  have  now  been  closed  in 
that  tow^n  of  choice  people. 

In  1872,  John  G.  Kendall  was  chairman  of  thecom- 
mittee  on  temperance.  He  was  a^Kentuckian  who  was 
pastor  in  north-east  Mississippi,  for  a  few  years.  He 
said:  "No  other  practice  gives  so  much  trouble  in  our 
churches  as  dram-drinking.''  He  recommended  that 
the  pastors  preach  frequently  against  the  evil.  He  was 
evidently  after  the  drinker,  and  not  especially  concern- 
ing himself  about  the  vendor  of  the  liquid  fire.  The  ef- 
fort put  forth  for  years  to  keep  the  drinker  trom  the 
drink  was  productive  of  good,  but  a  failure  so  observa- 
ble that  later  the  mode  of  proceedure  was  reversed  and 
an  attempt  made  to  keej)  the  drink  away  from  the 
drinker. 


664  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1881,  the  report  on  temperance  was  submitted 
by  J.  L.  Henderson,  a  former  pupil  of  the  writer.  In 
In  his  closing  paragraph  he  takes  a  step  to  the  front, 
and  calls  upon  the  Association  to  "line  up."  He  urges 
the  necessity  of  creating  a  healthy  moral  sentiment 
against  the  insinuating  evil,  and  "that  a  prohibition 
of  the  sale  of  ardent  spirits  is  the  only  remedy  against 
intemperance."'  Subjoined  to  the  report  of  the  follow- 
ing year  was  a  resolution  presented  by  A.  D.  Brooks. 
He  said,  "We  recognize  in  the  prohibition  movement 
in  our  State  one  of  the  grandest  causes  in  which  we 
can  engage." 

In  1883,  S,  W.  Sibley,  then pastorat  Verona,  offered 
a  resolution  declarative  of  the  accord  of  the  Association 
w'ith  "the  great  prohibition  movement  throughout  the 
State,'"  and  pledging  the  bod^-  to  give  its^  full  force 
against  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage  and  the 
legalized  sale  of  intoxicants.  These  sentiments  were 
reiterated  the  two  following  years. 

Missions  : — The  reports  made  before  the  Aberdeen 
on  the  various  missionary  fields  between  1870  and 
1880,  were  on  missions.  Foreign  missions,  Home  mis- 
sions, State  missions  and  Associational  were  all  con- 
sidered under  one  head.  The  Foreign  Alission  Board 
and  the  Marion  Board  had  warm  and  constant  sup- 
porters in  the  Aberdeen.  The  parts  of  the  reports  that 
bore  on  these  l^ranches  of  the  mission  work  were  in- the 
usual  vein.  They  were  on  the  general  features. of  these 
phazes  of  our  missionary  endeavor,  which  need  not 
appear  in  this  history  of  the  body,  only  in  so  far  as 
they  are  commended  to  the  churches. 

The  report  of  1871,  after  delineating  the  work  of 
the  Foreign  Board,  and  noting  the  successes  of  the 
Home  Board,  refers  to  the  work  done  in  the  Associa- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  665 

tion  that  year.  J.  L.  Henderson  had  labored  as  mis- 
sionary  for  three  months,  and  had  assisted  in  organ- 
izing one  church.  He  reported  much  destitution  then 
in  the  bounds  of  the  Association. 

Very  Httle  that  bore  on  the  practical  workings  of 
the  Association  was  embodied  in  the  reports  on  mis- 
sions, until  1877.  A  resolution  was  subjoined  to  the 
report  of  that  year,  recognizing  the  importance  of  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  colored  people  in  the  'bounds 
of  the  body.  Just  here,  it  is  in  place  to  say  that,  year 
by  year,  reports  were  made  before  the  Al^erdeen  oii  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  colored  people.  This  resolu- 
tion was  not  spasmodic,  but  in  keeping  with  the  gen- 
eral spirit  of  the  body,  and  every  minister  and  delegate 
agreed  to  abide  its  spirit  and  letter,  and  the  resolution 
was  unanimously  adopted. 

In  1878,*  the  State  Mission  Board  and  its  great 
work  received  favorable  mention.  But  its  recognition 
was  embraced  in  one  sentence.  What  was  the  Aber- 
deen doing  for  missions  at  that  time?  The  question  is 
not  easily  answered.  The  letters  sent  by  the  churches 
to  the  Association  now  may  approximate  a  true  state- 
ment as  the  contril^ution  of  a  church,  but  this  was  not 
true  in  the  Aberdeen  Association  twenty-tive  years  ago. 
In  1878,  there  were  thirty  churches  in  the  organization. 
Of  those  only  eleven  reported  anything  done  for  mis- 
sions. The  total  contributed  that  year  to  missions  by 
the  eleven  churches  was  only  a  little  more  than  $90. 

The  report  of  1880  was  written  by  the  lamented 
W.  P.  Carter.  In  it  the  inission  work  is  considered  by 
divisions.  It  expressed  the  fact  that  the  State  Mission 
Board  was  seven  years  old  and  was  doing  good  work. 
It  is  somewhat  noticeable  that  this  Association  was 
not  visited  often  by  the  strong  advocates  of  the  State 


666  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

mission  work.  In  1883,  a  report  on  State  missions  ap- 
pears in  the  Minutes.  It  is  the  onW  report  on  that 
specific  subject  in  the  Minutes  of  the  body  for  two 
decades.  T.  J.  Walne,  corresponding  secretary  of  the 
State  Mission  Board,  was  at  that  meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation.. S.  W.  Sibley  wrote  the  report.  It  is  lengthy, 
crisp  and  pointed. 

In  1885,  the  Association  endorsed  the  action  of  the 
State  Convention  in  the  consolidation  of  the  numerous 
boards  into  the  Convention  Board.  The  tabular  state- 
ment of  that  3^ear  shows  that  of  the  twentj'-nine 
churches  m  the  organization,  twelve  of  them  contribu- 
ted to  State  Missions  $85.10,  and  to  Foreign  missions 
$3.70.  The  following  3^ear,  they  agreed  to  try  to  raise 
$500  for  State  missions,  and  $200  for  Foreign  missions, 
but  the  minutes  of  the  next  year  show  $83.15  given  by 
the  churches  to  State  missions,  and  $30.30  to  Foreign 
missions;  but  as  has  already  been  remarked,  those 
financial  statements  are  delusive. 

Executive  Board: — The  Executive  Board  of  an' 
Association  is  the  mainspring  of  its  local  activities.  It 
is  expected  to  look  after  the  interest  of  the  Association 
in  the  interview  between  the  annual  meetings  and  to 
plan  and  execute  the  mission  work  in  the  bounds  of  the 
organization. 

In  1872,  the  Board  had  one  missionary  in  the  held 
for  three  months,  but  was  cramped  in  its  enterprises 
by  the  lack  of  means.  In  1874-,  nothing  was  done. 
The  amount  of  money  on  hand,  $60.92  was  too  small 
to  project  work  for  a  considerable  length  of  time.  The 
following  year,  St.  Clair  Lawrence  began  to  ride  as 
missionary  at  a  salar}'  of  $40  a  month,  and  was  kept 
actively  engaged  in  the  field,  being  abundantly  blessed 
in  his  work.     He  baptized  35  people  and   organized  1 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  667 

church,  having  traveled  1,472  miles.  In  1877,  the 
same  missionar\^  was  in  the  saddle.  He  labored  6 
months,  preached  122  sermons,  baptized  24,  and  trav- 
eled 1,366  miles.  The  total  amount  collected  and  dis- 
bursed was  $131.50. 

In  1878,  A.  J.  vSeale,  chairman  of  the  Board,  made 
his  report  in  two  lines — no  work  done.  That  was  a 
dissappointment.  The  work  for  the  two  3^ears  previ- 
ous, had  shown  such  gratifying  results  that  one  ex- 
pected to  hear  of  still  further  progress.  The  report  of 
1880,  is  exhilarating  to  the  writer.  It  states  that  dur 
ing  that  year  W.  P.  Carter  was  the  missionary  of  the 
Board,  A.  J.  Scale  chairman,  and  J.  H.  Garrett  clerk. 
In  1869,  the  historian  taught  a  school  at  Pleasant 
Grove  church  in  the  Aberdeen  Association.  In  that 
school  he  taught  W.  P.  Carter  to  read,  J.  H.  Garrett 
was  one  of  his  patrons,  and  A.  J.  Scale  was  pastor  of 
the  Pleasant  Grove  church  at  the  time.  They  have 
each  gone  to  his  reward.  Peace  be  to  their  ashes. 
W.  P.  Carter  was  instructed  to  begin  his  work  on  the 
first  of  May,  spending  that  month  with  the  churches 
to  raise  funds  to  sustain  the  mission.  He  received  into 
the  churches  bv  letter  36,  by  restoration  10,  and  by 
baptism  47.  He  collected  in  cash  $84.10,  and  had 
$153.33  subscribed  to  the  work. 

During  the  following  year  good  work  was  done  by 
the  missionary  east  of  the  Tombigbee  river.  He  bap- 
tized 26  and  received  14  by  letter.  The  plan  for  the 
ensuing  year  was  to  secure  the  co-operation  of  the 
State  Mission  Board  and  to  have  an  evangelist  for  the 
entire  Association.  In  1882,  W.  F.  .\usburn  was  mis- 
sionary east  of  the  river.  He  baptized  43,  received  11 
by  letter,  constituted  3  churches,  and  organized  2  Sun- 
day schools.     T.  H.  Smith  was  missionary  colporteur, 


668  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

and  collected  $178,65,  organized  3  Sunday  schools, 
baptized  31,  and  received  21  by  letter.  The  following 
year  it  was  recommended  that  the  entire  work  be 
turned  over  to  the  State  Board. 

But  in  1888,  we  find  the  work  resumed' by  the  Ex- 
ecutive Board  appointed  the  year  previous.  Two  mis- 
sionaries had  been  put  into  the  field.  M.  K.  Thornton 
was  to  give  all  his  time  for  three  months  at  a  salary  of 
$50  a  month.  He  labored  principally  at  Amory,  Mul- 
doon,  Bluff  Springs  and  Kingsley's.  Ward  Coleman 
did  a  general  work  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association. 
After  the  missionaries  were  paid  a  balance  was  re- 
ported of  $59.91.  The  following  year  the  Board  aided 
the  weak  churches  of  the  body. 

Sunday  schools: — Their  Sunday  school  work,  is 
looked  on  as  of  secondary  consideration.  Usually  the 
reports  on  Sunday  schools  refer  to  the  advantage 
accruing  to  the  children.  They  are  called  the  nurseries 
of  the  churches,  and  the  handmaids  of  Christianity,  or 
by  other  terms  of  misconception.  The  Aberdeen  Asso- 
ciation did  not  maintain  an  organized  Sunday  School 
Convention.  Between  1870  and  1890,  one  Sunday 
School  Institute  was  held.  In  1875,  the  committee  on 
Sunday  schools  recommended  that  a  Sunday  school 
missionary  be  put  into  the  field  as  soon  as  practicable. 
In  1882,  the  Aberdeen  church  reported  a  flourishing- 
Sunday  school.  There  were  then  Sunday  schools  in  the 
Central  Grove,  Houston,  Hebron,  Okolona,  Pleasant 
Grove,  Pontotoc,  and  Verona  churches. 

Between  1870  and  1890,  the  moderators  of  the  As- 
sociation were  A.  J.  Scale  from  1871-'81,  inclusive; 
R.  W.  Thompson  in  1878|:  A.J.  vSeale  from  1879-'81, 
inclusive;  S.  M.Taylor  in  1882;  Franklin  Finney  in 
1883 :  W.  L.   Gideon  from  1885-89,  inclusive;  and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  669 

Frank  Souter  in  1890.  The  imperfect  iile  of  the  Min- 
utes in  hand  makes  it  impossible  to  give  the  names  of 
the  clerks  and  treasurers  of  this  period  correctW. 

,  The  Aberdeen  Association  impresses  one  as  being  a 
conservative,  correct  bodv.  Not  at  any  time  in  its 
history  has  it  assailed  the  organized  work  of  Missis- 
sippi Baptists.  Its  moral  and  spiritual  force  has  all 
the  time  been  exerted  for  the  promotion  of  the  good 
and  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  Notwithstanding  its 
great  distance  from  the  base  of  the  operations  of  Mis- 
sissippi Baptists,  it  has  kept  step  with  our  advancing 
files.  It  has  not  l^een  distressed  by  men  of  anti-mis- 
sionary views,  nor  rent  asunder  by  schisms.  On  the 
whole,  its  histor\^  is  an  agreeable  study,  and  its  records 
are  without  a  blemish. 


670  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER  XY. 

■     ■  MISSISSIPPI   RIVER    ASSOCIATIOX. 

No  effort  shall  be  put  forth  to  give  a  complete  his- 
toiy  of  this  body.  It  is,  and  has  all  the  while  been 
largely  a  Louisiana  Association.  But  it  claims  our  at- 
tention as  it  has  from  the  first  had  some  churches  in 
Mississippi  in  its  organization. 

This  institution  was  constituted  in  1843  of  seven 
churches  that  received  letters  of  dismission  from  the 
Mississippi  Association.  The  seven  churches  were  Hep- 
zibah,  Clinton  (La.),  Bethel,  Jerusalem,  Percy's  Creek, 
Fort  Adams,  and  Jordan.  In  1885,  the  Hepzibah, 
Clinton,  and  Jerusalem  churches  were  still  in  the  Asso- 
'ciation.  The  Jerusalem  church  was  constituted  in 
1812,  and  the  Hepzibah  in  1813.  These  churches  that 
formed  the  bod\-  were  in  the  w^estern  and  southern  part 
of  the  Mississippi  Association. 

This  Association  was  first  represented  in  the  Miss- 
issippi Baptist  State  Convention  in  1844.  Its  messen- 
gers were,  H.  D.  F.  Roberts,  B.  Whitfield,  and  W.  H. 
Anderson,  It  had  in  it  at  that  time  seven  ordained 
ministers.  Its  connection  with  our  Convention  has 
been  irregular.  After  1844  we  do  not  find  it  in  the  list 
of  Associations  represented  in  the  Convention  until 
1849,  when  it  had  a  full  representation  of  strong  men. 
After  that  date,  it  was  represented  in  the  Convention, 
with  a  few  exceptions,  until  the  Civil  War.     After  that 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


6Y1 


time,  it  was  not  represented  again  until  1872,  when 
S.  S.  Ralyea,  and  S.  A.  Harden  were  among  its  messen- 
gers. In  1876,  it  was  again  represented,  W.  E.  T\'nes 
being  one  of  the  messengers,  and  in  1877  it  had  one 
representative  in  the  Convention.  Occasionally  after- 
w^ard  we  find  the  Mississippi  River  represented  in  our 
State  Convention. 

In  1885,  there  were  six  Mississippi  churches  in  the 
Association,  when  its  list  numbered  twenty-two 
churches.  In  1890,  there  were  four  Mississippi  churches 
in  the  body,  Amite  River,  First  Osyka,  Gillsburg,  and 
Jerusalem.  In  1892,  these  four  churches  were  still  in 
the  union,  but  all  of  them  have  now  changed  their  con- 
nections to  Mississippi  Associations,  and  the  Mississ- 
ippi River  Association  affiHates  with  the  Louisiana 
State  Convention.  The  Mississippi  River  is  composed 
of  some  strong  churches  numerically.  In  1892,  Jerusa- 
lem had  127  members,  and  New  Zion  126.  Its  churches 
at  present  are  mostly  in  the  parishes  of  St.  Helena, 
and  Tangpahoa. 


672  HISTORY     CF     MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 


CHAPTER  XYI. 

CENTRAL   ASSOCIATION. 

No  association  in  the  State  has  a  more  creditable 
and  attractive  history  than  the  Central.  It  has  not 
only  been  wise  in  its  views  of  progressive  ^vork,  but 
has  all  the  while  been  in  the  vanguard  of  progress.  It 
has  had  no  weights  to  retard  its  onward  movements, 
no  anti-missionary''  sentiment  to  stifle  generous  emo- 
tions, no  refractor3^  churches  to  menace  the  peace  of 
the  body.  Its  movements  have  been  orderl3%  persistent 
and  correct. 

The  Central,  from  its  constitution  had  churches  in 
some  of  the  best  towns  in  Mississippi.  A  town  church 
is  not  necessarily  a  good  church.  As  a  rule,  they  are 
not  as  correct  in  deportment  as  the  countr^^  churches. 
Our  country  churches  are  the  staff  and  stay  of  the 
town  churches.  But  the  churches  in  our  tow^ns  and 
villages  are  usually  more  generous  with  their  means, 
and  have  in  them  men  of  more  advanced  ideas  than 
characterize  our  country  churches.  In  the  first  annual 
meeting  there  was  in  the  bod^'  the  churches  of  Jackson, 
Canton,  Vicksburg,  Utica,  Raymond,  Lexington,  and 
Yazoo  City. 

The  Central  was  organized  in  a  good  tci-ritory. 
The  churches  were  in  the  centi'al  prairie  region,  and 
along  the  Big  Black  river  and  its  tributaries  with  a  few 
churches  along  the  rich  bkifif  formation.     The  central 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  673 

prairie  region  of  Alississippi  is  slightl}'  undulating,  but 
not  precipitous.  Its  stratum  just  beneath  the  surface 
soil  is  strongl}'^  impregnated  with  lime,  and  is  naturally 
susceptible  of  a  high  degree  of  fertilization,  is  not  easily 
washed  into  fretting  gullies.  The  lands  along  the  Big 
Black  are  generous  in  their  yield,  and  produce  a  very 
fine  staple  of  cotton.  The  bluff  formation  is  remarka- 
ble for  its  continual  productiveness  when  favored  with 
wise  cultivation. 

This  Association  w^as  constituted  in  a  district 
where  schools  had  been  fostered  for  nearly  a  decade. 
One  of  the  earliest  high  schools  ol  Central  Mississippi 
was  atSociety  Ridge,  w^here  the  Association  was  organ- 
ized. The  school  at  Palestine  Avas  made  famous  by 
the  Granberry  family,  and  performed  a  good  work  for 
the  mental  acumen  and  culture  of  that  part  of  the 
country.  Only  this  much  is  said  of  these  schools,  as  it 
bears  on  the  stable  foundation  upon  w^hich  this  Asso- 
ciation was  built.  More  shall  he  said  of  these  schools 
in  another  connection. 

Quite  a  number  of  churches  w^ent  into  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  Central  Association.  The  numerical  strength 
of  the  body  was  unusual  in  the  projection  of  such  an 
enterprise.  Twenty-one  churches  were  represented  in 
the  constituting  convention,  and  three  more  w^ere  re- 
ceived at  the  first  annual  meeting.  These  churches  had 
a  total  of  2,373  members.  The  general  thrift  of  the 
whites  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  in  the  tw^ent^'-four 
churches  there  were  1,221  blacks.  Ever\'  church  of  the 
body  had  colored  members  in  it.  All  the  churches  ex- 
cept five,  reported  additions  by  baptism  during  the  year 
preceding  the  first  annual  meeting  of  this  body.  It 
would  be  difficult  to  conceive  of  an  association  starting- 
out  wath  better  prospects. 


674  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Considermg  the  beginnings  of  this  Association  we 
must  note  the  fact  that  it  came  out  of  a  hearty,  vigor- 
ous bod3'.  The  Union  Association,  at  the  time  of  the  " 
separation,  was  a  very  hveh'  and  progressive  body  of 
Christians.  It  yielded  the  palm  to  no  association  in 
the  State  for  organic  development.  The  Central  was 
organized  for  a  sufficient  length  of  time  before  the  Civil 
War  to  gather  strength  to  bear  the  strain  of  that  per- 
ilous period  of  the  history  of  our  State.  When  the  war 
closed  the  Central  'had  much  recuperative  power,  and 
led  the  associations  in  the  reconstruction  of  their  spiri- 
tual equipments.  Again,  the  temporal  affairs  in  Cen- 
tral Mississippi  had  gotten  stable  when  the  Central 
was  organized.  There  was  at  that  time  an  air  of  per- 
manency observable  among  the  people.  Instability  of 
population  is  \vasting  in  church  and  associational 
work.  In  1845,  Central  ^lississippi  had  settled  down 
to  the  material  development  of  the  land,  and  many 
men  were  accumulating  rapidly,  and  were  already 
^vealthy. 

The  Central  was  formed  largelv  on  the  ground 
where  the  Bethel  had  failed  of  development.  Strangely 
enough  it  was  organized  with  the  church  with  which 
the  Bethel  dissolved.  Of  course,  the  conditions  had 
changed  in  the  interim,  and  the  conditions  were  more 
propitious.  It  emerged  from  the  ITnion  without  fric- 
tion and  with  auspicious  indications. 

In  1845,  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  was 
constituted.  It  was  not  more  peculiarly  Southern  in 
its  likes  and  dislikes  than  the  Central  Association,  nor 
more  determined  as  to  the  development  of  its  territory. 
Many  of  the  moving  spirits  of  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention were  in  the  Central. 

Men  who  were  prominent  in  the  organization  had 


HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS.  675 

been  prominent  in  the  Union  Association.  At  the  time 
it  was  decided  to  divide  the  Union,  N.  R.  Granberry 
Tvas  moderator,  and  W.  J.  Denson  was  clerk.  Know- 
ing that  their  churches  would  go  into  the  new  organi- 
zation, they  resigned  their  respective  positions.  By  a 
courtesy  that  was  peculiarly  graceful  these  two  men 
were  requested  to  act  as  tellers  in  the  election  of  their 
successors  in  office.  The  pastors  of  the  churches  that 
w^ent  into  the  organization  were  men  of  good  education 
and  superior  culture.  The^^  were  positive  in  their  de- 
nominational belief.  Their  names  are  not  unknown  to 
the  well-informed  Baptists  of  to-day.  To  give  the 
names  of  some  of  them  will  not  be  amiss:  S.  I.  Cald- 
well, Wm.  H.  Taylor,  S.  Thigpen,  R.  N.  Granberry, 
Wm.  M.  Farrar,  D.  B.  Crawford,  L.  B.  Holloway, 
R.  Warren,  Henry  Pitman  and  James  R.  Clinton.  It 
would  not  be  an  easy  task  to  find  a  brighter  galaxy  m 
our  ministry  of  to-day. 

It  appears  that  in  1845,  a  number  of  the  constitu- 
ent churches  of  the  Union  Association,  in  their  annual 
letters  to  that  l^ody,  prayed  for  a  division  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. Their  request  was  referred  to  a  committee 
of  five,  consisting  of  W.  H.  Taylor,  W.  H.  Anderson, 
D.  B.  Crawford  and  E.  C.  Eager.  The  report  of  the 
committee  was  strong.  It  stated  the  facts  that  the 
Union  had  become  unwiekU'  and  that  it  occupied  more 
territory-  than  its  locjil  strength  commanded.  It  re- 
commended that  the  churches,  either  in  the  northern  or 
the  southern  ])()rtion  of  the  Association,  should  hold  a 
convention  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  new  union, 
that  it  should  be  understood  at  that  meeting,  which 
wing  would  go  out,  and  that  the  funds  on  hand  should 
be  equally  divided  between  the  two.  Then  a  resolution 
was  adopted  to  the  effect  that,  if  a  new  association 


676  HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

should  be  formed,  it  be  in  the  northern  territor3'  of  the 
old  one.  This  was  the  inception  of  the  Central  Asso- 
ciation. 

Let  us  now  address  ourselves  to  the  condition,  the 
development,  and  work  of  the  Central  to  the  opening- 
of  the  Civil  strife  in  1861.  Churches  in  four  counties 
went  into  its  constitution ;  of  Wan-en,  Hinds,  Madison, 
and  Yazoo.  The  four  churches  of  Warren  \vereAntioch, 
Mound  Albon,  Vicksburg,  and  Flower  Hill;  ten  were  in 
Hinds,  Palestine,  Macedonia,  Beulah,  Baker's  Creek, 
New  Salem,  Jackson,  Raymond,  Bethel,  Union,  and 
Peniel ;  three  were  of  Madison,  New  Hope,  Canton,  and 
Mount  Bluft^  and  four  of  Yazoo,  Blackjack,  Ogden, 
Yazoo  City,  and  Concord. 

The  Convention  formed  of  the  representatives  of 
these  churches,  met  with  the  Union  church,  Society 
Ridge,  Hinds  county,  which  was  near  the  old  Whitfield 
residence,  now  the  propert3'  of  E.  H.  Green.  The  Con- 
vention was  composed  of  fifty-one  delegates,  represent- 
ing twent3'-one  churches.  It  was  an  unusually  able 
body  of  men.  Many  of  thetn  were  men  of  liberal  edu- 
cation, and  quite  a  number  of  them,  men  of  considera- 
ble wealth.  Wm.  L.  Balfour,  then  one  of  the  wealthiest 
men  of  the  State,  was  chosen  president  of  the  Conven- 
tion, and  T.  S  N.  King,  a  great  preacher,  was  elected 
secretar3'.  The  proceedings  of  the  meeting  as  recorded 
by  him.  are  exceedingly  well  wa-itten. 

The  formation  of  the  Central  was  dignified  and  or- 
derly. In  this  respect,  it  is  not  equaled  b3'  an^-  Associa- 
tion yet  considered.  In  the  Convention,  on  resolutions 
presented  by  T.  S.  N.  King,  a  committee  was  raised  to 
prepare  a  constitution  for  the  intended  Association. 
Another  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  rules  of 
order,  and  requested  to  report  on  Monday'.    The  Con- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  677 

vention  then  rested  from  its  labors  until  Monday, 
when  it  was  formall3'  resolved  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole.  The  president  called  S,  W.  Sexton  to  the  chair, 
and  reported  to  the  committee  of  the  whole  the  presi- 
dent called  S.  W.  Sexton  to  the  chair,  and  reported  to 
the  committee  that  the  Convention  had  performed  the 
necessary-  service  of  that  bod}'  for  the  forming  of  a  new 
Association,  which  report  was  then  unanimously 
adopted.  Then  they  proceeded  to  the  election  of  per- 
manent officers,  which  resulted  in  the  choice  of  N.  R 
Granberry  as  moderator,  Wm.  J.  Denson  clerk,  and 
Moses  Granberry  treasurer.  The  newly  elected  mod- 
erator was  conducted  to  his  chair  b}'  S.  W.  Sexton. 

J.  C.  Caipenter,  of  Jackson,  presented  the  first  item 
of  business  before  the  new  Association.  It  was  very 
timely.  It  was  as  to  the  establishment  of  a  State  Bap- 
tist newspaper,  the  Mississippi  Baptist.  After  dinner, 
R.  Warner  of  Ra^-mond,  continued  the  discussion  of  the 
subject,  and  presented  a  motion  to  the  effect  that  all 
who  were  willing  to  do  so  should  let  it  be  known  what 
they  were  willing  to  give  for  the  procuring  of  a  printing 
out-fit.  The  discussion  was  closed  b_v  \\.  H.  Tavlor,  of 
Bethel  church. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  funds  sent  up  bv  the 
churches  should  be  returned  to  them,  as  the  minutes  of 
the  proceedings  were  to  be  printed  with  the  minutes  of 
next  session.  A  committee  of  three  was  appointed  "to 
take  charge  of  a  fund,  to  be  entitled  the  Ministers' 
Widow's  Fund.''  Before  the  Civil  War,  nearly  all  the 
Associations  had  a  fund  for  Sustentation.  As  a  gener- 
al thing,  the  preachers  were  poor.  It  was  said  that  if 
the  Lord  would  keep  the  preachers  humble,  the  churches 
might  be  depended  on  in  keeping  them  in  humble  cir- 
cumstances. 


678  HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

The  lirst  annual  meeting  of  the  Central  was  with 
the  Beulah  chureh  at  Brown.sville,  September  26,  1846. 
The  weather  ^vas  exceedingh'  inclement,  and  but  few  of 
the  delegates  were  able  to  reach  Beulah  church  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  proceedings.  It  was  not  thought  best  to 
organize  and  proceed  to  business.  After  forming  a  tem- 
poraiy  organization,  the  meeting  was  adjourned  until 
9  A.  M.,  Monday.  The  officers  of  the  year  previous  de- 
clined a  re-election  for  reasons  which  they  explained. 
D.  B.  Crawford  was  chosen  moderator,  and  W.  H. 
Ta^dor  clerk.  Three  ne\v  churches  were  received  into 
the  union,  viz:  Lexington,  and  Union,  in  Holmes  coun- 
ts', and  Bethesda  in  Hinds  county.  Lexington  had  31 
members,  and  Union  150,  but  82  of  them  were  blacks; 
Bethesda  had  29  whites,  and  16  blacks,  a  total  of  45 
members.  But  these  additions  brought  into  the  bodj' 
such  men  as  Jas.  K.  Clinton,  Dr.  A.  V.  Rowe,  Thos.  S. 
Wright,  Henr^'  Pitman,  and  Isaac  Riser.  The  New 
Hope  church  was  dismissed  to  unite  with  the  Mt.  Pis- 
gah  Association,  and  thus,  Isaac  R.  Bass  was  lost  to 
the  Central. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were 
passed  on  Ministerial  Education  : 

"Where.\s,  In  the  providence  of  God,  there  is  a 
great  and  increasing  demand  for  ministerial  labor, 
w^hile  the  community  is  rapidly  increasing  in  education 
and  intelligence,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  our  churches  to 
seek  out  j'oung  men  among  themselves,  who  have  suit- 
able gifts,  and  who  furnish  evidence  of  having  been 
called  of  God  to  the  ministry'  of  His  word,  and  assist 
them  in  acquiring  such  an  education  as  may  make  them 
emiilentl}'  useful."'  Where  were  the^-  to  be  educated? 
Some  3'oung  preachers  were  sent  to  Alercer  University, 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  679 

and  some  to  Kentucky.  Mississippi  College  "was  not 
yet. ' '  Stand  at  these  first  resolutions  passed  l3y  the  Cen- 
tral on  Ministerial  Education  as  on  a  vantage  ground. 
As  the  3^ears  come  and  go,  see  the  3^oung  ministers  in- 
spired by  this  bod3'  to  educate  themselves,  as  they  go 
away  from  the  halls  of  learning  to  fill  the  best  pulpits 
of  our  land,  to  go  into  foreign  fields,  and  preside  over 
the  finest  educational  institutions  of  our  countr\^ 
What  an  inspiring  view  ! 

The  second  session  was  held  with  the  Antioch 
church,  in  Warren  county.  D.  B.  Crawford  was  re- 
elected moderator,  and  W^m.  Jordan  Denson  was 
elected  clerk.  The  benevolences  of  the  Association  were 
taking  shape  in  184-7.  The  first  missionar3^  board  was 
appointed  that  year,  consisting  of  Wm.  L.  Balfour, 
and  J.  J.  Scott,  of  Mound  Bluff,  W.  B.  Herring,  of 
Ogden,  W.  E.  Bolls,  of  Mount  Albon,  Joseph  Wilson,  of 
Flower  Hill,  D.  C.  Henderson,  of  Bethel,  M.  Granberry, 
of  Palestine,  W.  C.  Ellis,  of  Union,  H.  M.  White,  of 
Beulah,  and  L.  Stephens,  of  Antioch.  An  Executive 
Board  was  appointed  the  year  before,  ^vhich  was  to 
act  between  the  meeting  of  the  body,  and  have  the  gen- 
eral oversight  of  the  w^ork  between  the  two  meetings, 
but  v^'^as  not  solely  a  missionary'  committee.  The  mis- 
sionarj'  board  was  a  representation  of  some  of  the 
strongest  churches,  and  was  to  have  as  its  exclusive 
v^'ork  the  missionar\'  efforts  in  the  bounds  of  the 
Association. 

A  little  episode  occurred  at  that  meeting  of  the  As- 
sociation, which  it  is  hoped  had  no  harrowing  signal. 
The  clerk  asked  leave  to  retire  for  awhile  to  attend  on 
a  sick  daughter,  who  was  presumabh^  either  at  tlie 
church  or  near  bv.  The  business  of  the  body  went  on, 
it  is  to  be  supposed,  for  an  hour  or  more.     The  report 


680  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

of  the  Executive  Board  had  been  received  and  discussed 
and  a  resolution  ofifered  by  Benjamin  Whitfield  adopted". 
Then  a  motion  obtained  to  suspend  the  order  of  busi- 
ness and  to  offer  prayer  in  behalf  of  the  sick  y  oung 
lady.  The  affair  ma^-  excite  a  curiosity  to  know  if  she 
soon  recovered,  and  if  so  if  she  is  living  to-day ;  but  the 
diversion  went  far  to  show  the  courtliness  of  the  body, 
and  the  general  kindly  feeling  for  the  clerk, Wm.  Jordan 
Denson. 

A  resolution  was  adopted  instructing  the  clerk  to 
prepare  a  suitable  letter  to  the  convention.  Though  it 
did  not  cover  two  lines  of  the  Minutes,  it  is  worthy  of 
mention,  as  it  shows  the  breadth  of  the  moulds  in 
which  the  Central  was  cast.  Another  item,  closely 
related  to  it  in  this  respect,  were  the  preamble  and 
resolution  as  to  a  scheme  to  establish  a  denominational 
college  at  Mississippi  Springs.  The  property  had  been 
purchased  for  the  purpose,  and  all  things  were  in  readi- 
ness for  the  shaping  up  of  the  institution  of  learning. 
Mississippi  Springs  is  a  few  miles  south  of  Clinton. 
The  enterprise  was  heartily  approved  and  cordially  re- 
commended. There  appeared  at  that  time  a  readiness 
to  begin  educational  work  and  a  nervousness  as  to  the 
real  leading  of  providence  indicative  of  proper  action. 

The  work  of  Ministerial  Education  was  in  a  formu- 
lating process.  The  subject  of  creating  an  educational 
society  was  commended  to  the  prayerful  consideration 
of  the  churches,  and  each  church  was  asked  to  send 
two  delegates  to  a  meeting  which  should  be  called  with 
this  specific  design  in  view,  which  meeting  was  to  be 
held  at  Alississippi  Springs  with  the  next  meeting  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  school  at  that  place. 
This  indicated  definiteness  of  aim  at  least.  The  gratifi- 
cation of  the ,  union  was  expressed  as  to  the  interest 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  681 

the  churches  were  taking  in  Simday  schools,  and  the 
request  was  made  that  a  statement  as  to  the  Sunday 
school  should  be  put  in  the  annual  letters  of  the 
churches  to  the  Association. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  body,  the  Mission  Board  met  and  resolved  to  begin 
work  at  once.  D.  A.  Moore  was  to  be  missionary  in 
the  parts  of  Hinds  and  Claiborne  counties  near  the 
Big  Black,  and  also  on  BogueDeSha.  A  missionary 
was  to  begin  work  in  the  upper  part  of  Warren  and  the 
lower  part  of  Yazoo.  We  shall  watch  the  missionary 
movements  of  this  body  with  much  interest,  as  the 
activities  of  the  State  Convention  in  the  general  work 
will  bear  their  coloring.  A  short  resolution  was 
adopted,  showing  appreciation  of  the  Mississippi  Bap- 
tist as  a  denominational  paper. 

The  Raymond  church  was  in  1S47  building  a  house 
of  worship,  which  they  were  expecting  to  finish  in  the 
fall  of  that  year.  The  churches  in  Vicksburg  and  Jack- 
son were  striving  to  build  "under  pecuniary  embar- 
rassments," and  were  calHng  on  the  public  for  help. 
The  church  at  Utica  was  full  of  missionary  zeal.  A 
great  interest  was  felt  by  this  church  in  the  destitute 
field  "  on  the  borders  of  the  Big  Black  river,'"  and  they 
raised  that  year  $322  to  support  a  missionary  on  that 
field."  This  surpasses  any  missionary  collecting  made 
by  an  individual  church  for  associational  missions  up 
to  that  time.  The  Palestine  church  has  a  Sunday 
school  of  forty  scholars  and  two  hundred  volumes  in 
the  library  of  the  school.  Vicksburg  had  a  juvenile 
missionary  society  which  was  so  patriotic,  as  to  dis- 
solve its  connection  with  the  North  and  to  turn  the 
current  of  its  contributions  to  the  Southern  Board  of 
Foreign  missions  to  support  a  Chinese  female  scholar 


682  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

under  the  supervision  of  Missionary  Shuck  and  his 
wife  at  Shanghai.  The  bod^-  had  $550.61  on  hand  for 
printing  Minutes  and  for  missionar^^  work. 

In  184-8,  the  Central  met  with  the  Concord  church 
in  Yazoo  count3^  The  Richland  church,  Holmes  county, 
w^as  received  into  the  bod3\  The  presence  of  William 
Carey  Crane  as  a  member  of  the  body  is  worthy  of 
notice.  He  first  appeared  in  the  Association  in  1841 
as  a  citizen  of  Yicksburg,  He  was  reared  in  Richmond. 
Virginia.  His  father  was  an  intimate  personal  friend  of 
Rev.  Jas.  B.  Taylor.  Wm.  Care\^  Crane  was  one  of  the 
most  valuable  men  that  came  to  our  State  before  the 
Civil  War.  On  the  Lord's  daA^  included  in  the  sitting 
of  the  body,  he  preached  on  Gospel  Christianity,  Agres- 
sion and  Progression,  after  Avhich  a  collection  ^vas 
taken  of  $33.25.  They  assuredh-  defied  the  complaints 
of  the  covetous,  tight-handed  grumblers. 

On  the  last  day  of  the  meeting,  Wm.  Carey  Crane 
read  a  lengthy  report  on  the  Pearl  River  Association 
project  to  establish  a  uniform  system  of  articles  of 
faith  in  our  Associations.  As  a  negative  response,  it 
was  stated  that  the  churches  of  the  Union  had  not  been 
consulted,  and  that  the  agitation  of  such  a  question  in 
the  churches  would  create  divisions  where  peace  then 
prevailed.  In  fact  six  reasons  were  given  to  show  that 
the  plan  was  not  feasible.  A  resolution  was  adopted 
which  highly  commended  the  work  of  the  Baptist  State 
Convention  and  urged  liberal  contributions  b\'  the 
churches  to  its  benevolences.  The  assertion  was  genu- 
ine, as  was  shown  at  once  by  a  collection  of  $17.30,  to 
be  appropriated  to  the  objects  of  the  convention.  The 
Mississippi  Baptist  was  not  forgotten,  and  Home  and 
Foreign  missions  received  due  attention. 

The  associations  in  Mississippi,  without  exception, 


HISTORY     OF    MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  683 

SO  far  as  they  have  been  considered,  have  taken  stand 
together  in  condemning  the  evil  of  strong  drink.  Here 
is  the  resolution  the  Central  adopted  in  1848  : 

^'Resolved,  In  view  of  the  great  good  that  has 
already  resulted,  and  is  likely  to  result,  both  to  religion 
and  the  community  at  large,  from  the  temperance  re- 
form, this  Association  cordialW  approves  of  the  modern 
eiforts  for  the  promotion  of  total  abstinence  from  all 
intoxicating  drinks."  Jackson  church  had  that  year 
completed  the  inside  of  their  house  ol  worship,  the 
house  at  Raymond  was  nearing  completion,  and  the 
church  at  Vicksburg  had  paid  half  the  debt  on  their 
house  and  were  making  efforts  toward  completing  it. 

The  fourth  annual  meeting  was  with  the  Mound 
Bluff  churcb,  Madison  county.  Dr.  Wm.  L.  Balfour 
was  elected  moderator,  and  Moses  Granberr^^  clerk. 
The  introductor3''  sermon  was  preached  by  Wm.  Carey 
Crane,  on  "Christian  Libert}^  as  advocated  by  the 
Baptists."  Four  churches  were  received  into  the  Union : 
Hebron  and  Benton  of  Yazoo  county ;  Harmony,  of 
Hinds;  and  Hickory  Grove,  of  Madison.  The  distin- 
guished visitors  at  that  meeting  were  E.  C.  Eager  from 
the  ITnion  Association,  and  S.  S.  Lattimore,  represent- 
ing the  State  Convention. 

About  this  time  much  interest  was  shown  as  to  the 
vSpiritual  condition  of  the  black  population.  ^  In  1849, 
there  were  1,408  colored  people  in  the  churches  of  the 
bod3^  Mound  Bluff  had  175  black  members.  That 
year  the  heads  of  families  were  advised  to  see  that  the 
colored  people  had  suitable  spiritual  instruction  and  the 
ministers  requested  to  preach  to  them  separateh',  that 
they  might  know  their  duty  as  Christians.  It  was  the 
desire  of  the  body  that  the  blacks  be  taught  the  sanc- 
tity of  the  marital  relation,  and  th?it  they  hold  their 


684  msTORY   OF   Mississippi    baptists. 

own  church  conferences,  receiving  and  excluding  their 
own  members  under  the  control  of  a  committee  of 
w^hites  appointed  by  the  local  church.  The  following  ' 
year,  it  Avas  recommended  that  a  minister  be  employed 
for  all  his  time,  by  the  Mission  Board,  to  preach  to  the 
colored  population  within  their  bounds.  Surely  no 
more  could  have  been  asked  of  Mississippi  Baptists 
before  the  freedom  of  the  slaves  than  was  don^  by  the 
whites  for  the  spiritual  benefit  of  the  African  race  in 
our  State.  The  zeal  of  our  people  for  the  religious  wel- 
fare of  the  blacks  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  when  the 
negroes  were  set  free,  the  majority  of  them  were  Bap- 
tists, irrespective  of  the  denominational  bias  of  their 
former  masters. 

On  August  27,  1849,  D.  B.  Crawford  was  called  to 
his  reward.  As  nothing  is  written  of  his  life  in  Foster's 
Mississippi  Baptist  Preachers  something  must  be  said 
of  him  just  here.  He  was  born  in  South  Carolina, 
June  27,  1794.  He  came  of  good  and  respectable  pa- 
rentage. Gen.  Andrew  Jackson  was  his  cousin.  In 
early  life  he  moved  to  Tennessee,  where  he  professed 
religion  and  joined  the  Cimiberland  Presbyterian 
church.  He  began  preaching  as  a  minister  of  that  de- 
nomination. After  coming  to  Mississippi  he  became  a 
Baptist,  and  was  baptized  by  S.  S.  Lattimore  and  be- 
came a  member  of  the  Alound  Bluft'  church.  He  preached 
five  years,  first  and  last,  to  Mound  Bluff  church  and 
two  years  to  Antioch  and  Mt.  Albon  churches  in  War- 
ren county.  For  a  number  of  years  he  was  a  practising 
physician  and  had  the  degree  of  M.D.  conferred  upon 
him  by  the  Transylvania  University.  He  was  fond  of 
metaphysics,  having  a  discriminating  mind.  He  was 
moderator  of  the  Central  from  its  first  annual  meeting 
to  the  vear  of  his  death.     His  last  words  were,  "  The 


HISTORY    OF  ■  MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  685 

Star  of  Bethlehem  hath  appeared  to  Hght  me  through 
the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death. ' ' 

In  1850,  the  Central  had  adopted  the  plan  of  ap- 
pointing stated  committees  on  the  various  objects  of 
benevolence.  All  the  associations,  in  their  earliest 
existence,  introduced  business  by  preamble  and  resolu- 
tion, or  by  a  motion  put  almost  in  the  shape  of  a 
resolution.  In  1850,  there  was  a  manifest  revival 
spirit  in  the  churches.  J.  Harbin  offered  a  resolution 
reciting  this  fact  and  suggesting  a  day  of  fasting  and 
thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  copious  showers  of  l^less- 
ing  they  had  enjoyed.  Sharp  resolutions  were  passed 
against  secular  amusements  and  the  dram-shop  evil. 
Progress  was  being  made  in  Ministerial  Education, 
It  w^as  said  that  the  "increasing  intelligence  of  our 
people  is  a  providence  indicating  the  dut3^  of  providing 
for  a  rising  ministry  proportionately  intelligent,''  and 
the  Mississippi  Baptist  Educational  Society  was  re- 
commended to  the  confidence  and  patronage  of  the 
churches.  A  considerable  amount  was  collected  for 
this  object  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer. 

Lexington  and  Union  churches  in  Holmes  county 
received  letter  of  dismission  to  join  the  Zion  Associa- 
tion "on  account  of  its  being  more  convenient  to  at- 
tend its  session." 

In  1850,  Antioch  church  had  a  Sunday  school  with 
twenty  scholars  and  a  library  of  two  hundred  volumes. 
Baker's  Creek  had  been  peculiarly  blessed  during  the 
year  and  had  baptized  seventeen  converts.  Bethesda 
'was  rejoicing  over  the  favors  of  the  Lord,  and  Canton 
had  divided  their  membership,  and  formed  the  Hickory 
Grove  and  the  Madisonville.  The  church  at  Jackson 
was  reported  as  prosperous,  with  J.  B.  Stiteler  as  pas- 
tor, and  had  nearly  succeeded  in  pa^'ing  off  their  church 


686  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

debt.  The  Richland  church  had  a  good  meeting  in 
September,  and  was  in  the  flow  of  delight.  There 
were  twenty-nine  churches  in  the  union,  which  had 
during  the  associational  year  received  199  by  baptism, 
and  156  by  letter,  with  a  total  membership  of  2,9 ii-. 
Nineteen  (19)  of  the  churches  had  Sunday  schools  and 
Bible  classes,  and  reported  as  contributed  to  general 
purposes,  $460.15. 

Norvell  R.  Granberry  died  during  the  associational 
A^ear,  between  the  middle  of  October,  1849,  and  Oc- 
tober, 1850.  This  worthy  minister  was  born  in  Jeffer 
son  county,  Georgia,  in  1807.  He  came  as  a  boy  to 
Covington  county  in  1819,  and  a  few  years  after 
moved  to  Hinds  count\'.  He  was  converted  in  early 
life,  and  joined  the  Palestine  church.  Soon  after  he 
became  a  Christian  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  He  was 
a  very  successtul  preacher,  devout  and  consecrated.  It 
is  said  that  he  baptized  during  his  ministry  not  less 
than  1,000  persons.  He  was  among  the  first  in  all  the 
work  of  the  Central  Association  until  the  year  of  his 
death.  He  was  in  the  constitution  of  the  Association 
as  a  member  of  Union  Church  of  Hinds  count\'.  He 
was  moderator  in  the  organization  of  the  Association 
and  declined  an  election  at  the  first  annual  meeting. 
He  was  that  \'ear  put  on  the  committee  of  arrange- 
ments. He  was  for  many  A^ears  prominent  in  the  Union 
Association  before  the  constitution  of  the  Central.  It 
is  a  little  singular  and  somewhat  saddening  that  we 
have  no  connected  biographical  sketch  of  this  useful 
man. 

In  1851,  the  lions  were  roaring  in  Natchez.  The 
diflliculty  between  the  old  first  church,  and  the  Wall  Street 
church  had  reached  extended  proportions.  They  asked 
the  Union  Association  for  help  in  the  proper  adjustment 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  687 

of  their  differences,  and  that  good  old  body  failed  of 
the  accomplishment  of  any  pacification  of  the  accusing 
brethren.  Then  the  Union  Association  called  on  the 
Central  for  help  in  the  emergency.  C.  S.  McCloiid  pre- 
sented the  resolutions  of  the  Union,  asking  the  Central 
to  send  three  of  its  members  to  assist  in  council  over 
the  perplexed,  and  perplexing  question.  W.  L.  Balfour, 
Jesse  Woodall,  and  Wm.  H.  Taylor  were  appointed  to 
fulfill  this  mission. 

The  question  of  female  education  was  at  that  time 
boiling  to  the  surface.  The  Yalobusha  Association  was 
undertaking  to  erect  a  Female  Seminary  at  Grenada, 
and  had  secured  more  than  $12,000  forbuilding  pur- 
poses. The  Central  was  requested  to  co-operate  with 
them  in  the  enterprise,  which  rec|uest  received  a  polite 
response.  Why  should  not  the  Central,  strong  in 
financial  resources,  foster  such  a  school?  Quickly  to 
his  feet  rose  M.  D.  Phillips.  An\'  good  student  of  the 
history  of  Mississippi  Baptists  knows  something  of 
that  worthy  man.  He  was  in  1851,  a  wealthy  planter 
at  old  Auburn  in  south-western  Hinds.  He  was  a  vi- 
vacious, generous  man,  forward  in  all  good  works. 
He  presented  this  preamble  and  resolution,  immediately 
after  the  resolution  above  referred  to,  was  passed, 

"'Resolved,  As  a  body  of  professed  believers  in  our 
Savior,  Jesus  Christ,  we  deem  it  not  only  a  privilege, 
but  a  duty  to  give  an  expression  of  our  opinion  favora- 
ble to  the  cause  of  improving  the  condition  of  our  coun- 
try as  to  the  facilities  in  giving  and  acquiring  an 
education. 

We  learn  with  great  pleasure  that  our  beloved 
brother,  Wm.  H.  Taylor  has  a  Female  Institute  at 
Utica,  now  in  successfuj  operation,  with  all  the  neces- 
sary appliances  towards  giving  to  females  of  our  coun- 
trv  a  finished  education.     Be  it  therefore. 


^88 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 


^^ Re  solved,  That  we  do  herein^  most  cordially  rec- 
ommend said  Institute  to  the  patronage  of  our  de- 
denomination,"  etc. 

The  third  session  of  the  Utica  Female  Institute 
commenced  Sept.  22,  1851.  The  work  was  planned 
for  permanency.  The  school-room  was  forty  bj^  twen- 
ty-six feet,  conveniently  arranged  and  neatly  furnished. 
Another  room,  thirty  b^-  eighteen  feet  was  to  be  ready 
for  use  b}'  the  first  of  next  3'ear.  The  school  and  board- 
ing house  were  under  the  direct  supervision  of  W.  H. 
Ta3dor,  one  of  the  best  preachers  of  that  day.  After 
the  first  of  1852,  he  was  to  have  a  room  ready  for  a 
class  of  male  students,  not  to  exceed  twenty,  and  would 
undertake  to  prepare  them  for  college  work.  G.  W. 
Mimms  was  to  board  the  male  students. 

It  ma}'  be  well  to  say  just  here  that  the  Central 
was,  between  1850  and  1860,  largeh^  occupied  with 
the  school  question.  The  problem  of  denominational 
education  among  Mississippi  Baptists  in  its  final  solu- 
tion was,  at  the  beginning  of  that  period,  just  taking 
shape.  The  efforts  at  the  establishment  of  schools  were 
rapid  and  numerous.  Different  places  were  vicing  with 
each  other  for  acceptance,  sometimes  without  a  shadow 
of  a  possibility-  of  receiving  public  favor.  It  shall  be 
necessary  to  notice  minuteh^  these  efforts  of  this  pericd, 
as  they  are  manifested  in  the  Central  as  the  question  of 
male  and  female  education  was  to  take  definite  shape 
in  the  bounds  of  that  body. 

Immediately  following  the  Phillips  resolution,  was 
presented  a  preamble  and  resolution  by  S.  J.  Caldwell, 
as  follows : 

"Whereas,  The  citizens  of  Clinton  and  vicinity 
have  tendered  the  property  of  Mississippi  College  to 
the    Baptist    denomination,    free    of  all    charge,    and 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  689 

whereas  said  property  has  been  received,  and  new  trus- 
tees appointed,  and  they  have  succeeded  in  employing 
a  gentleman  of  high  distinction  as  a  scholar  and  discip- 
linarian to  take  charge  of  the  preparatory  department^ 
therefore. 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  Mississippi  College 
to  the  patronage  and  support  of  our  denomination  in 
this  State.''  The  gray  dawn  was  breaking  over  the  ed- 
ucational interests  of  the.  Association, 

The  Association  w^as  feeling  the  effect  of  hnancial 
prosperity  on  the  state  of  religion.  Long  reports  were 
made  on  secular  amusements,  and  on  dram-drinking. 
Numerous  resolutions  were  adopted.  Where  are  those 
young  people  who  annoyed  the  fathers  in  Israel  in  their 
church  work  in  those  good  old  days  ?  Those  l^right 
eyes  have  lost  their  lustre,  and  those  laughing  lips  have 
become  pinched.  In  truth,  some  of  them  have  gone 
to  the  world  unseen  by  living  mortals,  and  some  are 
now  in  the  decreptitude  of  age. 

The  principal  missionary  operations  of  the  Execu- 
tive Board  were  carried  on  at  Cayuga,  Warrington^ 
BogueDeSha,  and  Benton.  They  were  doubtless  places 
of  destitution.  But  the  labors  were  fruitless,  as  we  find 
these  places  either  not  occupied  at  present,  or  blotted 
off  the  map  of  our  State.  The  principal  difficulty  which 
the  promoters  of  associational  missions  had  to  encoun- 
ter was  that  preachers  without  a  complement  of  work 
would  insist  on  having  luissionary  labor  performed  at 
some  out-of-the-way  school  house  in  a  portion  of  the 
territory  sparseh'-  populated,  and  forever  to  remain  in 
that  condition. 

At  the  session  of  1852  four  churches  came  into  the 
Association,  viz:  Clinton,  Friendship,  Ca^-uga,  and 
Wall  Street,  Natchez.     The  Clinton  church  was  consti- 


690  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

tuted  on  February  14,  1852.  In  their  letter  to  the 
Association  they  said  that  they  felt  a  deep  interest  in 
the  college  at  that  place  and  hoped  that  it  would  com- 
mend itself  to  the  Baptists  of  the  State.  The  Wall 
street  church  of  Xatchez  was  constituted  in  April,  1850, 
and  in  1852  had  a  house  of  worship  costing  $7,000, 
free  of  any  annoying  debt.  It  was  the  first  church 
house  ever  owned  b^-  Baptists  in  Natchez,  though  they 
were  the  first  Protestant  denomination  to  preach  the 
gospel  on  the  heights  there  overlooking  the  Mississippi 
river.  The  Friendship  church  was  constituted  on 
September  18,  1852,  and  the  Cayuga  on  October  2d  of 
that  year. 

On  Saturday  afternoon  during  the  sitting  of  the 
body,  S.  J.  Caldwell,  by  previous  appointment,  deliv- 
ered an  address  on  Ministerial  Education  and  Missis- 
sippi College.  He  was  followed  by  Dr.  M.  W.  Phillips 
in  a  persuasive  speech  on  female  education.  He  thought 
the  education  of  boys  and  girls  should  be  alike  con- 
sidered. Speeches  were  also  made  by  Isaac  Urner,  B. 
Whitfield  and  R.  H.  Brumby.  Nothing  is  said  of  the 
female  school  at  Utica. 

A  special  hour  was  given  for  the  consideration  of 
the  "  Baptist  College  at  Clinton,"  and  lengthy  pream- 
ble and  resolutions  introduced  by  Dr.  M.  W.  Phillips. 
The  preamble  afiirmed  that  education,  in  the  fullest 
extent  of  its  meaning,  was  one  means  of  carrying  the 
gospel  to  the  world,  and  the  resolutions  declared  it  thfe 
dutv  of  Mississippi  Baptists  to  support  Mississippi 
colleges  and  to  aid  in  building  up  a  female  school  at 
Clinton,  until  it  became  ''second  to  none  in  our  land." 
After  the  adoption  of  these  resolutions,  pledges  were 
taken  of  $3,210.00,  securing  six  perpetual  scholarships 
in  Mississippi  College.      Then   the  Association  had  a 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  691 

recess  of  half  an  hour  for  dinner,  giving  the  delegates 
an  opportunity  to  talk  over  the  promising  educational 
schemes  in  contemplation. 

The  plans  projected  by  the  wise  and  progressive 
men  of  the  Central  lacked  the  propelling  power  of  a 
State  religious  newspaper.  The  publication  of  the 
Mississippi  Bnptist  was  suspended  in  April,  1849,  and 
was  not  resumed  until  1857.  In  1852,  D.  E.  Burns 
offered  a  resolution  commending  the  Western  Recorder 
and  Cl^ristian  Repository  published  in  Louisville,  Ky., 
and  the  Tennessee  Baptist  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  This 
was  going  a  long  way  for  fire. 

In  1852,  there  was  in  the  Central  a  most  remarka- 
ble man.  He  was  Peter  S.  Cayle.  He  was  pastor  of 
old  .Mound  Bluff  church.  "How  did  Mound  Bluff 
church  secure  such  a  man  as  pastor?"'  The  historian 
was  told  a  few  days  ago  by  one  who  was  formerly  a 
member  of  Mound  Bluff,  that  the  old  church  paid  its 
.pastor  $1,000  for  half  his  time.  It  was  then  the  most 
Avealthy  church  in  the  State.  On  the  Lord's  day  morn- 
ing a  number  of  carriages  w^ere  driven  to  the  door  of 
this  old  country  church,  costing  from  $1,500  to  $2,000 
each.  The  drivers  were  clad  in  linen,  and  dusky  maid- 
ens held  the  sweeping  trails  of  the  costly  dresses  of  the 
dimpled  beauties,  as  they  walked  down  the  aisles  of 
the  church. 

P.  S.  Cayle  was  jjastor  of  Mound  Bluff  church  four- 
teen rrionths,  during  which  time,  the  church  had  more 
than  twenty  additions  by  baptism,  and  was  in  a  con- 
stant state  of  peacable  emjoyment  of  religion.  His 
bearing  was  alwa^-s  and  everywhere  with  the  easy 
grace  of  a  cultured  gentleman.  His  speech  was  polite, 
and  free  from  offensive  ostentation.  Before  coming  to 
our  State,  he  preached  twenty-six  years  in  Tennessee, 


692  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

where  his  labors  were  remarkably  blessed.  The  labors 
of  no  one  has  done  more  toward  laving  the  foundation 
of  the  prosperit}'  of  the  Baptists  of  that  State,  than  the 
twenty-six  years'  work  of  Peter  S.  Cajde.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  Tennessee  Baptists  will  give  him  a  niche  in 
their  histor3\ 

His  worth  was  recognized  b^^  the  Central  by  elect- 
ing him  moderator  of  the  first  session  of  the  body  he 
attended.  He  was  in  the  midst  of  a  brilliant,  and  suc- 
cessful meeting  at  Clinton,  in  connection  with  the  tal- 
ented McLeod,  and  the  eloquent  Burns,  when  he  sud- 
denh'  was  called  to  the  beautiful  home  above.  His  re- 
mains rest  in  the  old  church  yard  at  Clinton.  Before 
the  Central,  he  offered  the  following  preamble  and 
resolution : 

"  Wherf:as,  The  history  of  our  church  showf^  that 
the  divine  blessing  rests  peculiarly  on  all  our  churches, 
and  other  benevolent  bodies,  who  patronize  Foreign 
missions,  and  that  it  is  desirable  for  every  church  to 
have  some  specific  object  before  them,  as  a  means  of  in- 
creasing their  zeal  and  knowledge,  we,  therefore,  rec- 
ommend to  the  churches  of  this  body  to  take  up  the 
subject,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  body, 
how  much  the}'  will  furnish  annualh'  to  sustain  a  mis- 
sionar}'-  in  central  Africa,  to  be  the  missionarv'  of  the 
Central  Association,  under  the  Southern  Baptist  Board 
of  Missions."' 

At  the  close  of  the  minute  of  the  proceedings  of  1 852,. 
the  clerk  gives  a  short  resume,  in  which  he  says  that  it 
was  one  of  the  most  interesting  sessions  of  that  body. 
Every  one  was  filled  with  the  spirit  of  the  age,  "to 
excel  in  ever}-^  good  word  and  work,  no  county,  no 
State,  no  country,  but  the  world  the  field.'' 

In  1853,  the  Central  met  with  the  Ogden  church,. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  693 

E.  C.  Eager  was  elected  moderator,  and  G.  W.  Mimms 
clerk,  and  H.  M.  White  treasurer.  At  this  meeting 
M.  W.  Phillips  was  persistent  in  his  efforts  to  get  the 
union  to  take  positive  stand  as  to  a  female  school  at 
Clinton.  The  meeting  had  but  gotten  duly  organized, 
when  he  offered  the  following  resolvition  : 

^'Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  raised  by 
this  Association,  wnth  plenary  power,  to  act  as  this 
body,  in  determining  and  acting  on  our  best  interests 
in  regard  to  the  College  enterprise  in  Clinton." 

Reference  was  had  to  the  female  college  established 
in  Clinton  that  year.  The  committee  of  five  consisted 
of  M.  W.  Phillips,  I.  N.  Urner,  AlosesGranberry,  George 
Stokes,  and  R.  H.  Brtimby.  In  the  afternoon,  M.  W. 
Phillips  read  the  report  of  a  special  committee  appoint- 
ed on  "the  propositon  for  a  female  school  at  Clinton." 
Benjamin  Whitfield  was  chairman  of  the  committee. 
The  report  was  lengthy  and  complicated.  It  closed 
^'ith  three  resolutions.  It  was  resolved  that  a  sub- 
scription be  taken  up  for  purchasing  property  in,  or 
near  the  town  of  Clinton,  as  might  be  deemed  best ; 
that  a  Board  of  Trustees  be  appointed,  and  that  the 
female  school  be  st^ded,  The  Central  Female  Institute. 
A  Board  of  twent3^-two  Trustees  was  appointed.  It  is 
sufficient  to  say  that  M.  W.  PhilHps,  B.  Whittield,  S. 
Thigpen,  R.  Sivh%  E.  C.  Eager,  and  W.  L.  Balfour  were 
on  the  Board. 

E.  C.  Eager,  who  kept  abreast  of  the  times  on  mis- 
sions and  education,  offered  a  resolution  recommending 
to  the  churches  the  observance  of  the  day  of  praver  for 
the  colleges  of  the  United  States,  and  especiallv  for  the 
home  interests  in  Clinton.  The  pastors  were  requested 
to  preach  on  that  day,  on  the  subject  of  education. 
E.  C.  Eager  was  then  the  financial  agent  of  Mississippi 


694  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

College,  and  doing  a  good  work.  He  had  raised 
$60,000  on  endowment  of  the  College,  and  w^as  forging 
ahead  to  increase  the  amount  to  $100,000.  ItmUvSt  be 
stated  that  a  full  histor}!-  of  Alissis^ippi  College,  and 
Central  Female  Institute,  shall  be  given  in  another 
place,  which  Avill  obviate  the  necessity'  of  giving  in  this 
■wanting  all  that  is  found  extant  bearing  on  the  history 
of  these  two  institutions  of  learning. 

The  Minutes  of  1864-  were  printed  by  the  Vicks- 
burg  Whig.  The  meeting  was  in  Canton.  Dr.  Balfour 
was  elected  moderator.  Two  churches  were  received 
into  the  union,  and  one  dismissed  by  letter.  The  Rich- 
land church  left  the  Central  to  go  into  the  Yazoo.  The 
Pleasant  Grove  church  and  Warren  and  the  African 
church  of  Yazoo  were  represented  by  W.  Jordan  Denson 
and  H.W.  Portwood.  As  it  was  represented  Ijy  Denson 
and  was  of  Yazoo  county,  it  is  but  natural  to  suppose 
that  it  was  constituted  of  some  of  the  blacks  of  Mound 
Bluff  church.  J.  T.  Freeman,  who  was  then  the  pastor 
of  Mound  Bluff,  was  also  pastor  of  the  African  church, 
and  not  pastor  of  any  other  church  in  the  union.  The 
Central  was  then  composed  of  thirt^'-one  churches, 
with  a  total  of  3,938  members.  There  were  4-96  bap- 
tisms reported  to  the  Association.  Twelve  churches 
reported  Sunda}'  schools  and  ten  a  weekly  pra\'er  meet- 
ing, each.  The  prominent  pastors  were  W,  H.  Taylor, 
Jesse  Woodall,  L.  B.  Holloway,  D.  E.  Burns,  J.  T.  Free- 
man, A.  C.  Caperton,  W.  W.  Bolls,  C.  S.  McLeod,  A.W. 
Chambliss  and  Wm.  H.  Anderson. 

On  the  Lord's  day  W.  H.  Anderson  preached  in  the 
morning,  after  which  a  collection  was  taken,  amount- 
ing to  $82.21.  J.  T.  Freeman  preached  in  the  after- 
noon, and  J.  R.  Graves  at  night  from  the  subject, 
''Jesus  Only:' 


HISTORY    OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  695 

Prof.  Aloses  Granbeny  was  watching-  the  interest 
of  missions.  He  suggested  that  each  pastor  preach  one 
sermon,  during  the  coming  year,  on  missions  and  take 
a  collection  for  that  object,  and  that  each  church  re- 
port annually  what  w^as  given  to  pastoral  support  and 
other  benevolent  objects.  The  treasurer  of  that  3'ear 
reported  receipts  to  the  amount  of  $695.05.  The  irre- 
pressible M.  W.  Phillips  wanted  J.R.  Graves  to  address 
the  bodj^  on  Ministerial  Education  and  take  a  collec- 
tion for  the  Educational  Societ}^  which  the  distin- 
guished visitor  did  with  such  gratifying  success  as  to 
raise  $540.50,  one-half  pa^^able  in  five  months,  the 
renicdnder  in  twelve  months.  In  the  fall  of  1854  the 
name  of  Walter  Hillman  appeared  in  the  advertisement 
of  Mississippi  College  as  professor  of  mathematics. 

The  previous  year  yellow  fever  had  prevailed  in  a 
most  malignant  form  in  the  country  between  Jackson 
and  Natchez.  While  the  Association  ui^  1854  was  in 
session  in  Canton,  Dr.  R.  Warner  fell  a  victim  to  that 
dread  malady  in  the  city  of  Jackson.  He  was  the  be- 
loved physician,  an  acceptable  preacher  and  a  valuable 
church  member.  For  many  years  he  was  a  practitioner 
in  Ra3'mond.  He  changed  his  residence  to  Jackson  a 
few  months  before  his  death.  "  The  mere}-  of  God  was 
devoutW  acknowledged  in  1855  by  the  friends  of  Mis- 
sissippi College  and  Central  Female  Institute,  in  the 
divine  protection  ot  Clinton  from  the  ravages  of  the 
yellow  fever.  It  was  decided  the  next  State  legislature 
should  be  asked  to  incorporate  Clinton,  that  quaran- 
tine regulations  might  be  strictly  and  rigidh^  enforced. 

On  Monday  a  number  of  spicy  resolutions  were 
passed.  Certain  ministers  w^ere  sharply  excoriated  for 
engaging  actively  in  political  contests.  "The  Old 
Landmark  Reset,"  a  tract  written  by  J.  M.  Pendleton, 


696  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Avas  highly  recommended.  Quarterly  concert  of  prayer 
Avas  recommended  for  the  purpose  of  pra^-ing  the  Lord 
to  "call  and  send  more  laljorers  into  his  vineyard." 
Peter  Crawford's  work  as  agent  of  Central  Female 
Institute  received  the  warm  approval  of  the  body. 

In  1856,  the  Central  corresponded  with  the  Yallo- 
busha,  the  Yazoo,  the  Union,  the  Mississippi  and  the 
San  Francisco  of  California.  A  collection  of  $104'.25 
w'as  taken  on  Sunday  morning  after  preaching  at  the 
Baptist  and  Methodist  houses  of  worship.  The  sub- 
ject of  education  received  its  usual  consideration.  The 
choice  of  Prof.  Walter  Hillman  as  principal  of  the  Cen- 
tral Female  Institute  was  heartily  approved.  C.  S.  Mc- 
Leod  was  the  agent  of  the  school.  The  Board  of  Trustees 
were  requested  to  make  annual  reports  to  Harmony, 
Strong  River  and  Pearl  River  Associations. 

A  movement  was  on  foot  to  build  a  church  house 
in  Clinton.  It  was  thought  to  be  the  interest  and  duty 
of  Baptists  throughout  the  State  to  assist  in  this 
work.  There  was  an  agent  of  the  Coliseum  Place  Bap- 
tist church  of  New  Orleans  at  the  meeting,  who  was 
kindh'  received,  and  given  a  collection  amounting  to 
$455.  An  effort  was  made  to  secure  a  list  of  the  Asso- 
ciations in  the  State,  and  the  time  and  place  of  their 
next  meeting.  This  was  done  for  general  information 
as  to  Baptist  affairs  in  the  State  and  in  the  interest  of 
the  general  benevolences  of  Mississippi  Baptists. 

The  Executive  Board  made  a  good  report  of  work 
done  in  the  bounds  of  the  body.  They  had  been  hin- 
dered in  their  \vork  by  the  yellow  fever  excitement. 
This  fear  of  the  dread  malady  at  that  time  is  not  a 
matter  of  wonder,  as  statistics  show  that  in  1S54, 
three  of  every  four  who  had  a  well-defined  case  of  the 
disease  died  of  it.     H.  \V.  Portwood  gave  one-fourth  of 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  697 

his  time  to  the  B>)ard  in  the  Yazoo  Valley,  and  W.  B. 
Gallnian  preached  once  a  month  in  the  fork  of  the 
White  Oak  and  Tallahoe  creeks.  Aid  was  granted  to 
the  Vicksburg,  Cayuga  and  Hebron  churches.  The  re- 
port of  the  missionaries  was  entirely  satisfactory. 

There  were  two  gratifying  events  that  claimed 
their  attention  in  1857.  The  effort  of  the  ladies  of  Jack- 
son, and  the  resuming  of  the  publication  of  the  Mississ- 
ippi Baptist.  The  ladies  of  Jackson  had  become  much 
enlisted  in  what  we  now  call  sustentation.  The\'  read 
with  interest  the  resolution  passed  on  this  subject  at 
the  Association  of  1856.  ThcA'  gave  a  glowing  state- 
ment as  to  the  destitute  widows  of  preachers,  and  ex- 
pressed the  wish  most  devoutly  that  a  permanent  fund 
would  be  raised,  the  interest  of  which  to  be  appropri- 
ated to  the  object  mentioned.  They  proved  their  inter- 
est in  the  matter  by  their  works,  by  sending  to  the  As- 
sociation the  handsome  amount  of  $180,  which  they 
hoped  to  increase  year  by  year. 

The  Mississippi  Baptist  resumed  publication  in 
1857,  with  Elliot  and  Williams  as  proprietors  and 
J.  T.  Freeman,  as  editor.  The  Central  raised  a  com- 
mittee on  the  paper  interest,  consisting  of  Shelton, 
Burnes,  Waul,  Sanders,  and  Snodgrass.  This  commit- 
tee made  a  lengthy  report,  Saturday  afternoon,  Oct.  9, 
1857.  The  paper  was  under  the  patronage  of  the  Bap- 
tist State  Convention,  and  its  outlook  was  favorable. 
It  was  located  at  Jackson,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Cen- 
tral, which  called  for  the  especial  support  of  the  body. 
By  resolution,  the  paper  was  cordially  recommended, 
and  it  was  expressed  as  the  duty  of  the  Central  to  ren- 
der assistance  in  raising  the  funds  promised  by  the 
State  Convention  to  relieve  the  editor  and  proprietor 
of  the  responsibilities  which  they  had  assumed.     For 


698  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

this  object,  the  Central  pledged  $1,315.  The  effort 
made  at  that  time  toward  the  establishment  of  a 
Southern  Theological  school  at  Greenville,  S.  C,  was 
cominended. 

The  sad  occurrence  of  the  year  was  the  death  of 
Wm.  L.  Balfour.  Dr.  Balfour  was  1)orn  in  Edgecombe 
count3%  N.  C,  March  25,  1802.  An  obituary-  report  of 
his  death,  which  appeared  in  the  Mississippi  Baptist, 
\vritten  by  Wm,  Jordan  Denson,  must  be  accurate. 
From  it  we  learn  that  his  father,  Wm.  Balfour,  moved 
to  Bayou  Sara,  La.,  in  1820,  when  the  subject  of  this  ' 
sketch  was  but  eighteen  ^-ears  of  age.  His  father's 
name  first  appears  in  the  minutes  of  the  Mississippi 
Association  in  1821.  In  1822,  he  was  clerk  of  that 
body,  and  his  name  appears  on  the  minutes  as  a  dele- 
gate from  Sharon  church  until  1826. 

Wm.  L.  Balfour  moved  to  Madison  county  in  1827, 
and  "settled  a  plantation"  near  Vernon.  His  old 
homestead  was  a  mile  or  more  north  of  Flora,  west  of 
the  Y.  &  M.  V.  Railroad,  where  Vick  Varnell  now  lives. 
He  professed  religion  in  1839,  and  was  baptized  by  D. 
B.  Crawford,  liecoming  a  member  of  Mound  Bluff 
church.  He  was  made  a  deacon  in  184-0.  He  suffered 
the  misfortune  of  losing  his  wife  in  January,  1853.  It 
was  said  of  him  that  his  word  was  as  good  as  bis 
bond.  He  grew  very  wealthy.  He  raised  3,000  bales 
ot  cotton  a  3^ear  on  his  farm  at  $50.00  a  bale,  which 
gave  from  this  source  alone  an  annual  income  of 
$150,000.  He  was  at  one  time  and  another  president 
of  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention,  moderator  of 
Central  Association,  and  president  Board  Trustees  of 
Alississippi  College.  He  was  a  democrat  of  the  State- 
rights  School. 

In   1858,    the    General    Association   of  South-east 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  699 

Mississippi  sent  a  letter  of  correspondence  to  the  Cen- 
tral, accompanied  b\'  a  request  for  help  in  their  work 
in  South  Alississippi.  The  territory  of  the  General  As- 
sociation was  large,  and  their  churches  financially 
weak.  In  response  to  this  request,  a  committee  of 
three  was  raivSed,  consisting  of  Alillikin,  I^urns  and 
Stambaugh.  The  committee  replied  that  their  funds 
were  not  sufficient  to  supply  the  destitution  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Central,  lout  the  request  was  made  of 
any  who  were  able  to  do  so  to  contribute  to  that  noble 
work. 

The  all  a1)sorl)ing  question  at  that  time  was  the 
proposition  from  Canton  to  move  the  Centrtil  Female 
Institute  to  that  place.  The  Canton  church  proffered 
a  liberal  donation  to  the  school,  should  the  removal 
be  effected.  But  as  the  interest  was  in  a  health\'  con- 
dition, and  doing  well,  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, that  it  was  inexpedient  to  entertain  for  a  mo- 
ment the  idea  of  removal.  Prof.  Walter  Hillman  had  a 
faculty  so  satisfactory  in  the  .scholastic  year  of  1857 — 
1858,  that  he  had  secured  all  his  teachers  for  the  ensu- 
ing year.  The  Board  of  Trustees  had  purchased  a 
building  site  of  nearh'  nineteen  acres  for  the  considera- 
tion of  $1,200,  north  of  the  Vicksburg  and  Meridina 
Railroad.  Ever^'thing  was  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Association,  to  which  the  school  lielonged  and  no 
changes  were  desired. 

But  in  1859,  Canton  renewed  the  proposition  to 
remove  the  School,  presumably  with  some  hope  of  final 
success.  The  reference  in  the  letter  of  the  Canton 
church  to  "a  school  of  high  order"  was  referred  to  a 
committee  of  three  which  was  to  report  Saturday 
afternoon,  but  was  eventually  allowed  until  Monday 
morning  to  make  their  report.     The  report  was  read 


700  HISTORY    OF    MISSISSIPPI    BAPTISTS. 

by  W.  \V.  Keep,  chairman.  The  atmosphere  became 
warm.  The  Association  went  into  a  committee  of  the 
w^hole,  Benjamin  Whitfield  in  the  chair.  Pending  the 
continued  discussion,  the  hungry  members  were  in  the 
majority,  and  the  committee  of  the  whole  adjourned 
for  dinner*  After  refreshments,  the  discussion  went 
bravely  on  for  two  hours.  At  4:30  p.  m.,  the  commit- 
tee arose  and  reported  progress.  As  to  just  what  the 
progress  was,  Ave  are  left  to  conjecture.  After  the  mod- 
erator of  the  Association  resumed  his  seat,  a  vote  was 
taken  on  the  vexed  question,  the  result  of  which  was 
fourteen  ayes  and  forty -eight  "noes.'" 

The  Central  Association  could  not  but  be  courteous. 
It  w^as  composed  of  gentlemen  of  broad  culture.  The 
bod}^  could  not  adjourn  until  the  defeated  town  was 
made  to  understand  that  the  Association  was  not 
possessed  of  other  than  the  most  kindh'  emotions  and 
generous  sentiments.  The  proffer  of  $40,000  for  the 
removal  by  the  Association  of  their  female  school  to 
Canton  and  the  decision  of  the  body  contrary  to  the 
AA-ish  of  that  town  were  gallantly  expressed  and  a  reso- 
lution adopted  indicating  the  appreciation  of  the  body 
of  the  poposed  donation. 

The  Central  in  1859,  had  broadening  conceptions 
of  Mississippi  College  and  Associational  missions. 
Ap]>ended  resolution : 

Resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  Association  that  the 
best  interests  of  the  Mississippi  College  imperitively 
requires  the  early  election  of  a  president  of  the  college." 
To  that  time  the  college  had  a  princpial,  but  the  Cen- 
tral thought  the  institution  \vas  in  grade  sufficiently 
high  to  require  a  higher  official. 

D.  S.  Snodgrass  reported  to  the  Executive  Board  a 
visit  to  Bolivar  county  for  the  purpose  of  organizing 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  701 

a  church.  He  thought  Baptists  should  occup3'  the  field, 
as  that  county  was  being  rapidly  filled  with  an  ener- 
getic and  wealthy  population.  The  Board,  through 
its  secretary,  G.  W.  Mimms,  expressed  the  belief  that, 
as  much  could  be  said  of  Yazoo  county.  The  treas- 
urer of  the  Association  reported  to  the  eleventh  annual 
session  of  the  body,  that  he  had  received  from  different 
sources,  $859.18;  and  Benjamin  Whitfield,  treasurer  of 
the  Widow's  and  Orphan's  Fund,  reported  on  hand, 
$1, 4-12.84.  The  Central  was  then  composed  of  thirty- 
five  churches,  which  had  a  total  membership  of  3,994. 
Antioch,  of  Warren,  was  83  years  old  ;  Union,  of  Hinds, 
was,  1859,  55  years  old,  and  Mound  Bluff  34  years. 
Of  these  three  churches,  only  one,  Antioch,  is  now  in 
existence  and  is  enjoying  the  freshness  of  3'outh. 

The  .Association  of  1860,  met  in  the  city  of  Jackson. 
The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by  Jesse 
Woodall.  L.  B.  Holloway  was  elected  moderator,  and 
Dr.  J.  Ai.  Lewis,  clerk.  The  principal  item  of  interest 
was  the  discussion  of  the  report  on  missions.  Soine 
good  speeches  were  made  by  George  and  Theodore 
Whitfield  and  others,  in  which  enthusiasm  was  mani- 
fested, and  a  general  agreement  as  to  the  demand  for 
missionar3'  labor  at  home  and  abroad. 

The  meeting  of  the  following  year  was  with  the 
Bethesda  church,  October  11,  1861.  As  might  have 
been  expected,  interest  was  manifested  as  to  the  spiri- 
tual reform  of  the  Confederate  soldiers.  The  ministers 
who  preached  on  Sundaj^  were  requested  to  direct  their 
sermons  to  the  cause  of  giving  copies  of  the  Bible  to 
Confederate  troops.  The  collection  onSunda\^  for  that 
object  amounted  to  $60.  Great  care  was  manifested 
as  to  the  future  of  the  Baptist  State  paper  in  those 
troubled  times.     Members  of  the   Association  pledged 


T02  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

themselves  to  raise  definite  numbers  of  yearh'  subscrip- 
tions, and  labored  manfully  to  redeem  their  pledges. 

The  churches  were  requested  to  release  their  pas- 
tors from  some  of  the  stated  appointments,  that  they 
might  labor  under  the  direction  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee in  destitute  fields.  The  Widow's  and  Orphan's 
Fund,  which  was  quite  a  considerable  amount,  was 
sedulously  guarded  and  every  effort  made  b^-  the  cus- 
todian of  the  fund,  Benjamin  Whitfield,  to  preserve  it 
until  the  close  of  the  Wcir.  The  Association  adjourned 
to  meet  with  the  Antioch  church  on  Friday  before  the 
second  Sunday  in  October,  1.S62. 

At  that  meeting,  many  of  the  churches  were  not 
represented.  The  impression  had  been  made  that  the 
body  would  not  have  a  meeting.  An  effort  was  made 
b}'  the  pastor  of  Antioch  church,  T.  J.  Walne,  to  correct 
the  false  impression,  but  to  small  effect.  Everything 
was  in  promiscuous  order.  The  homes  of  the  members 
of  the  Antioch  church  were  full  of  sick  soldiers.  But 
nothing  daunted,  they  sent  .carriages  to  Vicksburg  to 
convey  the  delegates  to  the  church. 

Of  course,  but  little  was  done.  The  paper  interest 
Avas  suffering.  It  had  been  trimmed  down  to  a  very 
small  sheet,  Ijut  heroic  effort  was  being  made  to  carry 
it  through  the  fratricidal  strife.  Some  were  not  able 
to  redeem  their  pledges  for  its  help,  and  the  editor 
frowned  on  them  for  their  inefiiciency.  It  is  just  to  saj 
that  our  loved  J.  T.  Freeman  was  not  then  presiding 
over  the  editorial  department  of  the  Mississippi  Bap- 
tist. The  clerk  of  the  Association,  Dr.  J.  AI.  Lewis, 
was  authorized  to  notify  the  churches  that  had  not 
sent  representatives  that  they  were  to  send  contribu- 
tions to  him  within  two  weeks,  or  they  would  fail  to 
get  cojjies  of  the  Minutes. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  703 

No  Association  in  the  State  suffered  more  from  the 
ravages  of  war  than  did  Central.  Some  of  them  held 
all  their  annual  meetings  through  the  years  of  the  civil 
strife,  without  hurtful  results  and  with  a  good  degree 
of  interest.  The  Central  pretermitted  three  of  its  ses- 
sions, and  was  prostrate  when  the  \var  had  ended. 
Two  or  three  causes  operated  in  producing  this  result. 
The  track  of  contending  armies  was  through  the  length 
of  the  territory  of  the  Association.  Truly  speaking,  the 
country  was  laid  waste  and  was  desolate.  One  who 
has  not  been  in  the  swath  of  destruction  cut  by  an 
invading  army  can  form  little  conception  of  the  utter 
desolation  that  is  wrought  by  the  vandalism  of  the 
troops.  The  iron  heel  of  ^var  grinds  to  powder.  Again, 
the  territorv  of  the  Central  was,  in  the  main,  occupied 
by  a  people  of  comparative  wealth.  Many  of  the 
farmers  had  large  plantations  andagreat  man}- slaves. 
They  were  left  by  the  war  without  anything  but  their 
lands,  and  such  realty  was  then  a  drug  on  the  market. 
Their  gin-houses  had  been  burned,  their  corn  taken  and 
their  stables  emptied.  Ifi  many  instances  the  hogs 
and  cattle  had  been  killed  by  the  invading  army,  the 
"smoke-houses"  ravaged,  and  even  the  poultry  killed, 
and  nothing  but  bare  fields  awaited  the  return  of 
young  men  from  the  Southern  array,  who  had  been 
reared  in  ease  and  affluence. 

The  system  of  labor  required  readjustment.  This 
was  a  vexing  problem  and  one  that  yielded  slowly  to  a 
solution,  though  considered  by  practical  farmers.  Men 
from  the  North  and  the  West,  who  came  South  wath 
money  to  make  fortunes  planting,  went  back  to  their 
homes  poorer  but  wiser  from  their  bootless  .efforts. 
Only  one  class  of  farmers  succeeded  at  once  to  accumu- 
late, the  men  who  had  been  managers  of  large  planta- 
tions before  the  war. 


704  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

But  there  was  recuperative  power  in  the  Central. 
The  location  of  the  two  institutions  of  learning  in  this 
territorA'  was,  after  the  war,  productive  of  two  happy 
results.  They  had  made  the  impression  of  their  stamp 
on  the  ones  who  were  to  l)e  actors  in  the  onward  move- 
ments of  Mississippi  Baptists.  The  educational  ali- 
ment the  schools  had  given  the  minds  of  the  young 
before  the  civil  strife  was  not  onh'  strengthening,  but 
located  force  where  the  desolating  hand  of  war  could 
not  reach  it.  The  buildings  of  these  two  institutions 
were  saved  from  Sherman's  sportive  torch  through  the 
personal  influence  and  the  sleepless  vigilance  and  the 
untiring  energies  of  Prof.  Walter  Hillman.  These  build- 
ings were  ready  for  occupancy  and  invited  the  youths 
of  Mississippi  to  their  halls,  when  the  cruel  war  Avas 
over.  Mississippi  College,  especially,  was  the  center 
about  which  was  to  be  manifested  the  returning  vigor 
of  the  Baptists  of  southwest  and  north  Mississippi. 

The  session  of  the  Central  of  1865  was  but  little 
more  than  an  associational  gathering.  It  was  held  at 
Beulah  church  on  the  6th  of  October.  It  was  called  to 
order  by  Benjamin  Whitheld,  the  former  moderator. 
Of  the  thirty-four  churches  constituting  the  body,  only 
thirteen  were  represented.  The  reading  clerks  were 
James  Nelson  and  J.  J.  Robinson.  Benjamin  Whitfield 
was  elected  moderator,  A.  L.  Trevilion,  clerk,  and  W.L. 
Hemphill,  treasurer.  Only  tv.-o  messengers  from  other 
associations  were  present. 

A  resolution  was  presented  and  obtained  favor  to 
the  effect  that  the  Widows  and  Orphans  Fund  be  al- 
lowed to  make  a  written  report  and  that  all  censure 
should  be  removed  for  the  loss  of  the  fund.  In  1862,  it 
consisted  of  $1,44-4.10,  and  was  invested  in  Confeder- 
ate 8  per  cent,  bonds ;   but,  as  these  bonds  were  taxa- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  705 

ble,  they  were  sold,  and  6  percent,  non-taxable  bonds 
were  purchased.  These  bonds,  the  treasurer  had  in 
1865,  but  were  of  no  value.  The  report  on  Domestic 
missions  advised  that  immediate  steps  be  taken  to 
supply  the  destitution  in  their  bounds,  but  had  to 
lament  that  this  embraced  one-half,  or  two-thirds  of 
the  churches.  Benjamin  Whitfield  in  the  letter  of  cor- 
respondence said  :  "Our  financial  affairs  are  such,  that 
we  feel  unable  to  do  anything  in  the  direction  of  For- 
eign missions,  but  for  the  present,  will  turn  our  atten- 
tion to  Home  missions. 

The  session  of  1865  convened  with  the  Palestine 
church,  Hinds  count3^  T.  J.  Walne  preached  the  intro- 
ductory sermon  from  Phil.  1:21.  With  a  few  excep- 
tions a  new  set  of  names  appears  on  the  Minutes — 
Nelson,  Walne,  Hackett,  McLeod,  Woodall,  Freeman, 
Hillman  and  Finley.  The  Christian  Watchman,  of 
Jackson,  was  commented,  as  a  denominational  paper. 
Its  prospectus  came  out  in  January  of  that  year,  and 
specimen  copies  on  the  14th  of  February.  J.  B.  Hamb- 
lin  was  editor,  and  the  subscription  of  the  paper  was 
$5.00  a  year. 

The  Executive  Committee  reported  but  little  money 
on  hand  for  supplying  the  destitution  in  the  bounds  of 
the  Association.  Special  attention  was  given  to  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  the  colored  people.  Some  of  the 
churches  had  asked  the  Association  for  advice  as  to 
what  should  be  done  for  their  brethren  in  black.  It 
was  thought  best  to  do  some  kindh^  acts  for  them  at 
once  before  they  got  be\^ond  their  control,  and  it  was 
recommended  to  the  churches  that  they  become  inter- 
ested as  to  the  religious  instruction  of  the  colored  peo- 
ple, and  organize  them  into  churches  as  rapidly  as 
possible.      White   ministers   were  to  be  their  pastors 


706  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

until  colored  persons  with  suitable  gifts  and  divine 
calling  should  be  found  to  assume  that  sacred  relation 
to  their  people. 

The  trustees  of  Central  Female  Institute  were  in 
1866  in  deep  distress.     The  new  building  on  the  land 
purchased,  to  which   allusion   has  been  made,    "had 
been   run   up  to  nearly  the  first  story.      Money  sub- 
scribed could  not  be  collected  in  the  chaotic  condition 
of  the  country.     Debt    was    conse([uentl\'   made    and 
monex'must  be  borrowed  to  liquidate  the  encumbrance. 
They  saw  that  there  was  imminent  danger  in  a  law 
suit,  and  that  it  would  entail  the  sacrifice  of  all  the 
property  to  pa^'^  the  small   sum  due  by  the  Institute. 
The  trustees  in  the  desperation  of  the  moment,  pro- 
posed to  sell  to  Prof.  Walter  Hillman  the  original  prop- 
erty of  the  Institute  for  the  amount  due  him  in  assuming 
the  indebtedness  of  the  school.     But  to  this  there  was 
^  lively  dissent.     He  then  proposed  to  give  the  trustees 
three  years  to  reimburse  him.     The  raging  storm  was 
becoming  blinding.     The  finance  committee  showed  on 
hand  for  State  Convention  $2.00,  for  Foreign  missionvS 
$2.00,  and  for  Indian  missions  $3.00.     Truly  the  g\ory 
of  the  Central  had  departed. 

In  1867,  J.  A.  Hackett  was  elected  moderator,  and 
W,  T.  Ratliflf  clerk  of  this  second  incumbency.  It  was 
resolved  that  the  Central  instruct  the  treasurer  to  for- 
ward $25.00  to  the  next  State  Convention  for  neces- 
sary uses,  and  W.  Hillman,  Thos.  Whitfield.  T.J.  Walne, 
A.  A.  Lomax,  J.  A.  Hackett,  Jas.  Xelson  and  others 
were  appointed  messengers  to  the  State  Convention. 

The  trustees  of  the  Institute  were  able  to  report  to 
the  bod^'  that  a  compromise  had  been  effected  with  the 
contractor  of  the  new  building  by  which  he  was  to 
receive  in  cash  $1,000  for  the  $5,000  due  him.    The 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  707 

•$1,000  was  gotten  from  Walter  Hillman  on  two  years 
\v-ithout  interest.  He  also  agreed  to  advance  the 
-ilioney  necessary  for  putting  the  grounds  and  buildings 
'of  the  Institute  in  such  a  state  as  to  preserve  them 
'{torn  permanent  injury,  hoping  that  the  country  would 
soon  rally  from  the  paralyzing  effects  of  the  war. 

Some  missionary  work  was  being  done  in  1867; 
$50.00  had  been  appropriated  to  Indian  Creek  and 
$50.00  to  Bolton's  Depot,  Hinds  county.  Many  of  the 
churches  reported  line  revivals.  Yet  some  of  them  were 
•not  reported  to  the  meeting  of  the  body — some  dying 
«ind  some  already  dead.  "Houses  dedicated  to  the 
\vorship  of  God  have  become  the  abode  of  bats  and 
•owls,"  said  T.  J.  Walne. 

The  session  of  1868  was  held  at  Raymond.  Mat- 
ters seemed  to  be  getting  worse  in  some  respects.  There 
was  a  redemption  of  their  lost  estate  coming  to  them, 
but  not  through  their  educational  enterprises.  It  is  a 
touch  of  history  seen  in  other  States  than  ours,  that 
union  of  effort  and  success  of  religious  work  may  be 
achieved  in  missions  where  they  are  not  secured  in  pro- 
moting education.  It  was  resolved  that  as  the  Asso- 
ciation was  not  able  to  raise  the  funds  necessary  to 
pay  the  debt  on  the  Institute,  that  the  trustees  be 
authorized  to  deed  the  proj^erty  to  Walter  Hillman, 
and  to  sustain  him  with  their  influence  and  patronage 
as  before  the  transfer  of  property.  The  institution  of 
learning  was  cordially  recommended  to  the  Baptists  of 
the  State.  Thus,  it  appears,  that  the  strongest  Asso- 
ciation in  the  State  was  not  able  at  remove  of  the  Civil 
War  to  pay  a  debt  of  $1,900  on  a  loved  institution  of 
learning. 

The  report  on  Ministerial  Education  made  by  Wal- 
.ter  Hillman,  chairman  of  the  committee,  showed  some 


708  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  ' 

sprightliiiess.  It  stated  that  it  was  well  known  that 
there  were  A^oung  men  in  the  limits  of  the  Association, 
who  felt  that  they  were  called  to  preach,  who  needed 
help  in  securing  an  education.  It  was  recommended 
that  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  receive  all 
money  collected  for  education,  and  to  aid  in  the  sup- 
port of  an3^  young  minister  who  needed  it  in  his  educa- 
tion. The  committee  was  authorized  to  commission 
an  agent  to  represent  this  interest  within  the  bounds  of 
the  body. 

The  report  of  the  Executive  Committee  made  by  its 
Secretary,  Capt.  W.  T.  Ratliff,  was  the  truly  encourag- 
ing feature  of  the  meeting.  They  induced  Elder  A.  A. 
Loraax  to  consent  to  do  work  in  Yazoo  City,  but  their 
efforts  were  thwarted  by  the  fact  that  the  Baptist 
house  of  worship  in  Yazoo  City  had  been  rented  to  the 
Episcopalians.  This  is  stated  only  because  it  is  history. 
The  encouraging  feature  of  the  report  was  that  Capt. 
W.  T.  Ratliff  was  able  to  induce  Gen.  AI.  P.  Lowrey, 
the  evangelist  of  the  Home  Mission  Board  for  our  state, 
to  visit  Natchez,  Vicksburg  and  Jackson,  promising  to 
assist  that  board  in  the  pa^^ment  of  the  salary  of  the 
evangelist.  This  visit  produced  most  gratifying  results. 
An  appropriation  of  $80.00  was  made  to  the  salary  of 
Gen.  Lowrey,  with  an  urgent  request  that  he  continue 
in  the  work,  in  consequence  of  which,  he  held  a  pro- 
tracted service  at  Jackson  extending  over  the  sbace  of 
two  months.  The  church  was  greatly  revived,  the 
Sunday  School  reorganized,  and  a  general  improve- 
ment in  the  condition  of  the  church  plainly  observable. 
At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee  before 
the  meeting  of  the  Association  an  appropriation  was 
made  to  the  salary'  of  the  evangelist,  amounting  to 
$163.00. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  709 

At  the  meeting  of  the  association  the  following 
year,  Elders  T.  C.  Teasdale  and  W.  M.  Farrar  repre- 
sented the  Baptist  State  Convention.  T.  C.  Teasdale 
represented  the  Sunday  School  Board  and  VV.  M.  Far- 
rar the  Orphanage  at  Lauderdale.  The  Association, 
with  a  good  heart,  branched  out  into  general  work 
and  showed  considerable  signs  of  coming  life.  Numer- 
ous committees  were  appointed,  correspondents  ap- 
pointed to  four  associations,  and  to  the  State  Conven- 
tion. A  cheerful  air  was  assumed  and  activeh'  mani- 
fested. The  Executive  Committee  was  instructed  to 
appoint  a  committee  ot  at  least  five  of  its  members, 
a  majority  af  them  at  Clinton,  to  be  called  the  Minis- 
terial Educational  Committee,  to  perform  the  labors  of 
looking  after  the  education  of  young  ministers.  The 
Executive  Committee  was  urged  to  co-operate  with  the 
Home  Mission  Board. 

The  deplorable  condition  of  the  church  in  Yicks- 
burg  was  recognized.  A  pathetic  address  was  made  by 
T.  J.  Walne,  stating  the  condition  of  the  church.  The 
church  house  had  been  perforated  by  cannon  balls  dur- 
ing the  Civil  War,  and  the  openings  were  still  in  the 
w^alls.  The  sum  of  $100.00  was  appropriated  to  the 
church. 

The  Trustees  of  Central  Female  College  reported 
that  the  property  of  the  institution  had  been  duly 
turned  over  to  the  president  unconditionally  and  that 
the  titles  were  all  invested  in  his  name.  The  Institute 
had  passed  out  of  the  hands  of  the  bod\',  and  their  pri- 
Yaa.ry  responsibility  for  it  was  at  an  end. 

The  Committee  on  Ministerial  Education,  appoint- 
ed at  their  last  meeting,  reported  that  they  had  em- 
ployed James  Nelson  to  act  as  an  agent.  As  soon 
as    the    amount    necessary    for  the    support  of    two 


TlO  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

yotmg  men  had  Ijeen  raised,  W.  C.  Friley  and  George 
B.  Eager  were  appointed  beneliciaries.  About  the  mid- 
dle of  July,  James  Nelson  was  appointed  agent  for  all 
his  time.  In  October  six  licentiates  were  receiving  sup- 
port from  the  committee. 

The  Executive  Committee  had  but  little  money 
with  which  to  plan  missionar\'  work.  But  A.  A.  Lo- 
max  went  to  Yazoo  City,  "where  no  Baptist  preacher 
had  been  since  the  war,"  and  T.  J.  Walne  was  induced 
to  do  some  preaching  in  Vicksburg  and  $120.00  appro- 
priated to  his  support. 

The  Central,  in  1890,  met  with  the  Friendship 
church.  The  Macedonia  church  was  re-admitted  into 
the  body.  The  interest  of  the  association  in  Mississip- 
pi College  was  unabating.  In  that  year  the  College 
was  laboring  under  the  pressure  of  a  $10,000.00  debt. 
How  it  was  incurred  will  appear  in  the  history  of  the 
College.  A  report  was  placed  before  the  association  on 
this  subject  by  J.  L.  Pettigrew.  The  amount  of  the  in- 
debtedness the  Central  was  to  raise  was  $600.00, 
T^'hich  Avas  secured  in  pledges  at  once.  A  resolution 
was  adopted  thanking  Dr.  Walter  Hillman  for  his  dis- 
interested kindness  of  saving  the  College  from  foreclos-^ 
ure. 

The  following  3'ear  it  was  insisted  that  the  pledges 
made  to  save  the  College  be  paid;  and  in  the  summer 
of  that  year  the  amount  in  cash  needful  to  pay  the 
debt  w'as  raised.  Flushed  with  this  success  an  on- 
-ward  inovement  was  inaugurated,  and  Prof.  M.  T. 
Martin,  a  member  of  Central  Association,  was  sent 
into  the  held,  because  "the  time  has  come  to  endow  the 
College."' 

Ministerial  Education  was  a  favorite  l)enevolence 
of  the  Association.     In  1870,  the  committee  referred  to, 


HIvSTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  711 

which  had  the  work  in  charo-e,  reported  that  in  Octol^er, 

1869,  James  Nelson  was  appointed  agent  at  a  salary 
of  $100  a  month,  in  which  capacity  he  acted  until  July, 

1870,  when  he  was  elected  secretai-y  of  the  Board  of 
Ministerial  Education.  The  committee  had  in  one  year 
collected  $2,195.05,  and  disbursed  $1,060.50  in'  the 
support  of  fifteen  young  ministers  in  Mississippi  Col- 
lege.  In  the  report  made  to  the  Association  on  the 
subject  by  W.  H.  Head,  it  was  said  that  gratuitous 
education  was  not  proffered  to  young  men  to  induce 
them  to  enter  the  ministry,  but  to  young  ministers. 
Great  satisfaction  was  expressed  as  to  the  success  of 
the  work  to  the  time  it  was  turned  over  to  the  conven- 
tion and  gratification  as  to  the  fact  that  the  Central 
had  a  record  of  leading  the  other  associations  in  the 
State  in  this  good  work. 

Their  report  on  the  subject  in  1873  was  read  by 
J.  L.  Pettigrew.  It  closed  with  this  preamble  and 
resolution  : 

Whereas,  the  magnitude  of  the  Ministerial  Educa- 
tion work  is  such  at  this  time  in  Mississippi  that  the 
secretary  of  our  State  Board  of  Ministerial  Education 
IS  unable  to  provide  means  sufficient  to  meet  the  de- 
mands ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Central  Association  pledge  her 
sell,  as  tar  as  practicable,  to  provide  for  the  voung 
mmisters  m   her  Ijounds.     Pledges  and  cash   were  re 
ceived  tor  Mmisterial  Education,  amounting  to  $350 
The  old  association  was  itself  again. 

The  following  year,  the  report  on  the  subject  was 
historical      It  was  said  that,  in  1868,  before  anv  othei 
movement  was  made  m  the  State  looking  to  Ministe 
rial  Education,  the  work  was  projected  bv  the  Central 

ploy^cf'''''"  """  ''^^""^   ^•^'''"''  ^'^'^'"^")    ^^^««  em- 


712  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

In  1875,  he  was  called  upon  to  act  as  general  agent 
for  the  centennial  movement.  It  really  seems  that  in 
this  a  mistake  was  made.  The  work  he  was  doing  was 
worth  more  to  Mississippi  Baptists  than  any  other 
benevolence  fostered  by  our  people.  In  1876,  the  re- 
port on  Ministerial  Education  closed  with  the  state- 
ment that  there  were  three  young  men  in  the  bounds 
of  the  Association,  who  were  regarded  by  their  respect- 
ive churches  as  called  to  the  ministry.  One  of  them 
was  in  Mississippi  College ;  the  other  two  were  not  in 
college  in  consequence  of  pecuniary  inability  to  do  so. 
Pledges  were  made  to  Ministerial  Education,  amount- 
ing to  $400. 

Uniform  reports  were  made  during  this  period  on 
the  Central  Eemale  Institute,  and,  four  years  of  the 
time,  reports  were  made  of  usual  significance,  on  the 
Orphan's  Home  at  Lauderdale. 

From  1870  to  1876,  it  is  understood  that  there 
was  not  a  single  Baptist  newspaper  in  the  State.  The 
last  issue  of  the  Christian  Watchman,  extant,  was 
pubhshed  on  September  26,  1867.  At  the  meeting  of 
the  State  Convention  at  Canton,  in  1869,  J.  R.  Graves 
proffered  our  people  one  page  of  his  paper  each  week. 
In  1870,  The  Baptist  was  cordially  commended.  In 
the  report  was  a  statement  of  the  fact  that  the  propo- 
sition of  J.  R.  Graves  had  been  accepted,  and  that  M. 
P.  Lowrey  had  been  chosen  to  conduct  the  department. 
The  hearty  wish  was  expressed  that  The  Baptist  might 
reach  "every  family  in  our  State."'  Year  by  year  this 
paper  was  commended,  along  with  the  Home  and  For- 
eignjournal,  Kind  Words,  and  occasionally  other  pa- 
pers. This  language  is  found  in  the  report  on  Publica- 
tions made  in  1876:  "We  are  not  insensible  of  our 
need  of  a  better  medium  of  communication  for  Missis- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  71v3 

sippi  Baptists  in  our  State  work,  and  for  this  reason 
approve  of  the  action  of  the  last  State  Convention  in 
providing  for  the  inauguration  of  a  State  Journal.  That 
report  was  read  by  J.  A.  Hackett. 

The  Executive  Board  of  the  Central  seemed  all  the 
while  circumscribed  in  its  movements  from  the  lack  of 
means.  Associational  missions  in  the  bounds  of  the 
body  was  seldom  a  pronounced  success.  In  1870,  M. 
P.  Lowrev  was  in  the  meeting  with  the  Board  at  Clin- 
ton, and  urged  the  importance  of  occupying  Yazoo 
City,  and  as  agent  for  the  "Marion  Board,''  to  turn 
over  to  them  all  subscriptions  made  at  the  last  Con- 
vention by  persons  in  the  bounds  of  the  association 
(450.00)  which  was  accepted.  T.  J.  Walne  was  called 
at  Vicksburg  for  all  his  time,  to  commence  work  Janu- 
ary 1,  1870,  and  A.  A.  Lomax  was  to  go  to  Yazoo 
City  for  one-half  time.  Of  the  churches  in  Natchez, 
Vicksburg,  Yazoo  City,  Jackson,  Canton  and  Clinton, 
only  one  was  able  to  have  a  pastor  for  all  his  time. 
The  church  at  Natchez  had  not  been  able  to  have  an^'- 
regular  preaching  since  the  Civil  War.  Clinton  was 
having  preaching  two  Sundays  in  the  month. 

In  1871,  W.  C.  Friley  was  secured  as  pastor  at  Ya- 
zoo City.  He  did  a  fine  work.  Not  until  the  last  tew 
years  has  the  work  at  Yazoo  City  looked  brighter  than 
while  Friley  was  with  the  church.  The  Board  did  not 
have  the  money  to  help  the  church,  in  that  auspicious 
hour;  nor  was  it  in  any  better  condition  the  following- 
year.  In  1873,  the  sum  of  $800.00  was  pledged  by  the 
churches,  but  says  Capt.  Ratliff,  l)ecause  of  the  absence 
of  some  systematic  plan  in  our  church  of  contributing 
to  the  cause  of  missions, only  a  small  pai-t  of  the  amount 
due  our  missionaries  has  been  collected  and  turned  over 
to  them.'' 


714  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

Ill  1874-,  W^ilne  was  still  at  Vicksl^iirg  and  Friley 
at  Yazoo  City.  That  year  the  ciiiestion  of  co-operat- 
ing wath  the  State  Mission  Board  was  discussed.  On 
July  1,  Walne  entered  the  State  Mission  work  as  Cor- 
responding Secretary  of  the  State  Board,  and  Friley 
Avas  "forced  into  the  school  room  for  a  support."  In 
1875,  co-operation  with  the  State  Board  had  l)een  ef- 
fected, cind  all  means  and  pledges  for  Home  Missions 
Avere  turned  over  to  the  State  Board. 

After  the  Civil  war  until  1872,  their  reports  on 
missionary  activities  were  on  "Missions."  In  that 
year  we  tind  a  report  on  Foreign  missions.  But  this 
does  not  indicate  that  in  that  time,  the  churches  did 
nothing  for  Foreign  missions.  On  the  contrar}-,  ^ve 
find  in  the  financial  tallies  they  did  contribute  to  For- 
eign Missions.  After  1872,  reports  on  Foreign  Mis- 
sions were  invariable,  and  free  of  information  as  to 
w'ork  in  heathen  lands.  In  that  year,  more  than  $700 
^vas  subscriljed  to  Domestic  missions. 

In  the  fall  of  1873,  the  association  adopted  pream- 
ble and  resolution,  offered  b\'  P.  A.  Haman,  to  the  ef- 
fect that  as  a  State  Mission  Board  had  been  appointed 
In'  the  Convention,  that  the  association  would  hearti- 
ly concur  in  the  matter,  and  invite  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  to  visit  the  churches  in  the  interests  of  State 
evangelization.  The  following  year  J.  A.  Hacket  made 
an  acceptable  motion  to  lay  on  the  table  a  report  on 
Domestic  Missions  (associational),  and  then  made  a 
motion  to  raise  a  committee  on  co-operation  with  the 
State  Mission  Board.  He  was  made  chairman  of  the 
committee,  on  Monday,  made  a  fine  report  on  the  sub- 
ject. 

In  1876,  T.  J.  Walne  was  made  chairman  of  the 
committee  on  Domestic  missions.    He  save  a  full  state- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  715 

ment  of  the  work  of  the  State  Mission  Board.  The 
consideration  of  the  report  was  followed  by  a  collec- 
tion, amounting  to  $432.20.  George  Whitiield  gave 
$20.00  in  gold. 

In  1870,  there  ^vere  twenty-three  churches  in  the 
bod}',  with  an  aggregate  membershiij  of  1,572,  of  which 
49  were  colored  people.  The  pastors  of  the  churches 
-were:  Hall,  Woodall,  Butt,  Lomax,  Pettigrew,  Lewis. 
Head,  Hollingsworth,  Hackett,  and  Walne.  In  1776, 
there  were  thirty-three  churches  in  the  Association, 
with  a  total  membership  of  1,881.  Added  to  the  pas- 
tors already  named  were:  A.J.  Aliller,  W.  S.Webb, 
].  T.  Zealy,  J.  R.  Parish,  W.  A.  Mason,  S.  W.  Sibley, 
and  W.  L.  Skinner,  with  a  few  others. 

The  thirty-second  annual  session  was  held  with  the 
church  at  Brandon.  Their  church-house  had  not  then 
been  built.  The  body  convened  in  the  court  house. 
The  Brandon  church  went  into  the  Association  in  1874. 
J.  L.  Pettigrew  was  elected  moderator  in  1877,  J.  M. 
Lewis  clerk,  and  W.  T.  Ratliff  treasurer. 

The  appearance  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Record, 
published  at  Clinton,  was  hailed  with  delight.  Capt. 
W.  T.  Ratliff  said  in  a  report:  "The  paper  is  just  such 
a  one  as  our  churches  need  *  *  *  Let  us  keep  our  pledge 
to  sustain  it. 

The  report  on  State  missions  was  read  bv  Presi- 
dent W.  S.  Webl:),  and  was  written  in  his  happy  style. 
In  it  a  statement  was  made  as  to  the  amount  paid  by 
their  churches  to  State  missions.  The  Clinton  church 
led  the  sisterhood  by  a  gift  of  $229.00,  the  Crystal 
Springs  following  with  $109.55.  Eighteen  of  the  thir- 
ty-one churches  had  their  names  in  the  list  of  contribu- 
tors. The  total  amount  paid  bv  all  the  churches  was 
$1,612.95.     A  resolution  was  adopted  recommending 


716  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  write  a  report  for 
the  next  meeting  on  "The  Scriptural  Use  of  F'roperty." 

In  the  fall  of  1878,  the  great  3'ellow  fever  scourge 
was  upon  our  State.  Cold  weather  did  not  come  until 
vei^  late  in  the  year,  and  the  associations  that  were 
able  to  hold  their  annual  meetings  found  that  they 
could  be  but  slimly  attended,  and  very  little  was  ac- 
complished by  the  gathering. 

In  1879,  the  Central  met  at  old  Concord  church,  in 
Yazoo  county.  J.  L.  Pettigrew  was  chosen  moderator, 
S.  J.  Thigpen  clerk,  and  W.  T.  Ratliff  treasurer.  The 
Fannin  church  was  received  into  the  fraternity-.  At 
that  time  the  Central  indulged  in  fraternal  correspond- 
ence with  the  Bayou  Macon  Association  of  Louisiana, 
the  Harmony,  Union,  Strong  River,  Yazoo  and  Spring- 
field Associations  in  Alississippi,  and  with  the  State 
Convention. 

In  that  associational  year  they  contributed  $4-45.02 
to  Foreign  missions.  This  amount  was  given  by  a 
body  of  Baptists  1,634-  strong,  which  was  about  27 
cents  a  member.  That  year  the  Association  pledged 
$798.00  to  Foreign  missions,  which  was  less  than  fifty 
cents  a  member.  The  sum  of  $747.35  was  ])ledged  to 
State  missions. 

In  1880,  there  were  thirtv-three  churciies  in  the 
Association,  with  a  total  membership  of  2,250.  The 
churches  gave  that  A'car  to  State  missions  $1,413.85, 
and  to  Foreign  missions  $1,128.05,  which  was  much 
more  than  they  pledged  for  these  purposes  the  year 
before. 

In  1885,  there  were  thirty-five  churches  in  the  Asso- 
ciation, wfth  a  total  membership  of  2,208.  The 
churches  gave  that  year  to  Foreign  missions  $784.34, 
and  to  State  missions   $827.00.     But  they  gave  that 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  717 

year  large  amounts  to  Ministerial  Edubation,  Missis- 
sippi College;  and  Home  missions. 

In  1889,  there  were  thirty-six  churches  in  the  union, 
with  an  aggregate  membership  of  2,636,  or  an  increase 
in  membership  in  four  years  of  428.  These  churches 
gave  in  1889,  $734.85  to  Foreign  missions,  $679.75  to 
State  missions,  $249.05  to  Home  missions,  $879.80  to 
the  College  and  Ministerial  Education,  and  a  grand 
total  to  all  objects  of  $14,152.00. 

The  body,  all  things  considered,  made  perceptible 
progress  through  this  decade.  There  was  an  increase 
of  about  400  members,  and  the  general  benevolence  of 
the  body  showed  an  expansion  of  their  missionar}^  con- 
ception. The  Association  was  animated  by  such 
strong  men  as  J.  L.  Pettigrew,  v^'^ho  was  its  moderator 
through  the  decade,  Capt.  W.  T.  RatHff,  vS.  M.  Ellis, 
W.  S.  Webb,  George  Whitfield,  H.  F.  Sproles,  Walter 
Hillman,  T.J.  Walne,  and  H.  D.  White. 

In  ISSO,  there  were  ladies'  missionary  societies  in 
the  Jackson,  Clinton,  Edwards,  Salem,  Ra3'niond  Pal- 
estine and  Bethesda  churches.  In  1849,  Mrs.  Margaret 
J .  Webb  \vas  vice-president  of  the  central  committee  for 
the  Association.  There  were  then  six  societies  report- 
ing their  work  to  her,  Imt  the  books  of  the  secretar\'  of 
the  State  Central  Committee  showed  the  names  of 
twelve  societies  in  the  churches  of  the  Association. 
This  gave  a  numerical  gain  of  five  societies  in  the  de- 
cade. The  Association  adopted  the  following  resolu- 
tion : 

''Resolved,  That  we  heartily  endorse  Sister  Mar- 
garet J.  Webb,  of  Clinton,  Miss.,  as  Vice-President  of 
the  Central  Committee  of  W'oman's  Work  in  Central 
Association,  and  pledge  her  our  support  in  her  work." 

In  the  report  on  Sunday  schools,  in  1880,  it  is  said 


718  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS, 

■*'Man3'  of  the  letters  from  the  churches  are  entirely 
silent  upon  the  subject,  and  no  statistics  furnished,  by 
which  we  can  fortn  any  correct  idea  of  what  is  being 
done  in  that  important  field  of  Christian  work.  In 
1889,  the  Sunday  school  statistics  of  the  body  were 
tabulated.  Twenty-one  churches  had  Sunday  schools 
which  were  reported,  with  iin  enrollment  of  1,257 
pupils. 

Through  this  period  J.  L.  Pettigrew  was  moderator. 
The  clerks  were,  S  J.  Thigpen,  B.  D.  Gray  and  Isaac  T. 
Riser;   their  treasurer  was  Capt.  W.  T.  Ratliflf. 

The  original  intention  of  the  writer  was  to  pre- 
serve in  this  work  100  years  of  the  history  of  Mississip- 
pi Baptists,  which  would  have  closed  the  writing  about 
1890:  but  since  he  has  concluded  to  continue  the  la- 
.bors  to  1900,  where  historical  data  is  available.  So  a 
running  historical  statement  of  the  occurrences  in  the 
Central  Association  during  the  last  decade  of  the  old 
century  is  added  to  what  has  been  written. 

Between  1890  and  1895,  Capt.  W.  T.  Ratliff  was 
continued  as  Moderator  of  the  bodv,  J.  S.  Riser,  Clerk 
and  Wm.  Bell,  Treasurer.  The  Association  met,  in 
1891,  with  Concord  church,  Yazoo  county:  in  1892,  at 
Edwards:  in  1893,  at  Brandon,  in  1894,  with  Pales- 
tine church.  Hinds  County,  and  in  1895  again  with  the 
concord  church. 

In  1890,  there  were  thirty-four  churches  in  the  fra- 
ternity with  a  total  membership  of  2,457.  In  1896,  the 
body  was  composed  of  thirty-four  churches,  with  a 
membership  of  2,583;  an  increase  of  eighty-eight  mem- 
bers in  five  years.  In  1900,  there  were  thirty-two 
churches  in  the  organization  which  had  an  aggregate 
membership  of  3,097,  an  increase  of  514  in  the  last  five 
Years  of  the  centurv,  which  was  a  fine  showing. 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  719 

In  the  report  on  Mississippi  College  made  in  1891, 
it  is  said,  "The  present  l)uildings  need  repairing  and  en- 
larging. To  compete  successfull  v  with  other  colleges 
of  the  same  grade,  our  accommodations  must  be  im- 
proved. The  committee  would  recommend  that  the 
Association  take  immediate  steps  to  raise  $10,000." 
The  chair  was  instructed  to  appoint  a  committee  of 
five  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  raising  the  amount. 
The  churches  were  also  asked  to  raise  that  year  $400 
for  Ministerial  Education. 

The  report  on  Sunday  Schools  showed  that  they 
had  eighteen  Sunday  Schools  with  a  total  of  1,174  pu- 
pils, against  a  showing  of  thirty -four  churches,  with  a 
membership  of  2,457.  There  are  sixteen  churches  that 
did  not  report  Sunday  Schools,  and  the  churches  of  the 
body  had  1,283  more  members  than  they  had  Sunday 
School  pupils. 

The  Centennial  of  missions  was  duly  observed  by 
the  Association.  It  was  reported  on  by  a  committee 
consisting  of  H.  F.  Sproles,  J.  L.  Pettigrew,  L.  Ball, 
George  Whitfield,  and  William  Bell.  The  report  was 
long  and  closely  written.  It  is  a  fine  document  on  the 
rise  and  progress  of  missions.  It  was  discussed  by 
J.  T.  Christian  and  H.  F.  Sproles. 

In  1892,  the  Central  was  on  its  metal  as  to  the  re- 
moval of  the  College.  The  utmost  dissatisfaction  was 
manifested,  and  they  hastened  to  record  their  disap- 
proval of  any  further  attempt  at  the  removal  of  that 
long  cherished  institution  from  Clinton  to  Meridian. 
It  was  said  that  "the  Central  Association  has  ever 
stood  nearest  to  Mississippi  College  in  its  ever\'  need, 
patronage,  contributions  and  endowment.''  At  this 
remove  from  the  settling  of  the  troubled  question  of 
college  removal,  we  cannot  but  at  least  admire  the  de- 


720  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

votion  of  the  members  of  the  Central  Association  to  the 
college,  SO  long  prayed  for  and  fostered  by  them. 

The  Central  Association  was  much  interested  in  the 
mission  work  of  Yazoo  City  and  West  Jackson.  It 
was  said:  "For  3'ears  we  have  been  working  to  build 
np  churches  in  the  country  *  *  *  but  let  us  determine  to 
take  hold  of  these  business  and  political  centres,  and 
plant  the  Baptist  banner  surely  and  permanently  in 
the  midst  of  them." 

In  1893,  two  leading  remarks  were  made  at  the 
close  of  a  report  made  by  B.  R.  Womack  on  Ministerial 
Education: 

1.  "Let  Central  Association  lead.  It  has  led  in 
every  good  work  for  a  long  time.  Let  us  continue  to 
lead. 

2.  Let  every  church  give  to  this  cause. 
(1.)  Give  liberally. 

(2.)  Give  regularly."  Acashcollection  of  $7.66  was 
taken  for  this  cause,  and  the  sum  of  $325  subscribed. 

Mrs.  Linda  B.  Ellis  resigned  the  position  of  Associ- 
ational  Vice-President  that  year  and  Mrs.  E.  Louise  Mc- 
Comli  was  elected  her  successor.  Many  of  the  church- 
es had  well  organized  Ladies  Societies  and  Young  Peo- 
ples' Missionary  and  Aid  Societies  that  were  doing  good 
work.  The  contributions  to  all  objects  were  about 
equal  to  the  year  previous.  In  1894,  Mrs.  Margarette 
J.  Webb  reported  on  Woman's  Work.  Her  report  \vas 
worth3'  of  high  praise.  The  Women  in  the  Association 
had  raised  in  the  past  year  for  Home  missions  $202.40; 
for  Ministerial  Education  $85.47;  for  Foreign  missions 
$216.30;  tor  State  missions  $217.60.  It  is  allowable 
for  a  historian  to  say  these  two  things  of  that  report: 
it  is  remarkable  for  the  eveness  of  their  gifts  to  the- 
three  mission  tields;  and   it  bv  far  surpasses  the    mis- 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  721 

sionarj-  contribution  made  b3'  the  whole  of  some  of  the 
missionary  associations  of  our  State  in  a  single  3'ear. 

In  1893,  the  churches  reported  to  the  Association 
112  baptisms.  The  contributions  had  suffered  a  de- 
crease from  the  gifts  of  the  year  previous.  In  18  95,  the 
churches  gave  to  Foreign  Missions  $395.29;  to  State 
Missions,  $455.31;  to  Home  Missions  $213.72.  Their 
total  contributions  amounted  to  $10,077.01.  The  La- 
dies Societies  gave  to  missions  $847.15. 

J.  H.  Whitfield  was  moderator  of  the  Association 
from  1895  to  1899,  inclusive.  P.  A.  Haman  was  mod- 
erator in  1900.  J.  S.  Riser  was  clerk  those  five  3'ears» 
and  the  late  William  Bell,  treasurer.  The  body  met  at 
Utica  in  1896;  with  the  Concord  church  in  1897:  in 
Canton  in  1898;  in  Terry  in  1899;  and  at  Raymond 
in  1900. 

In  1896,  a  report  was  placed  before  the  Association 
on  "  r*lans  of  Work."  It  recommended,  after  the  duty 
of  giving,  that  an  Executive  Committee  be  appointed 
of  live  members  which  \vas  to  hold  meeting  on  the  fifth 
Sunday,  with  special  reference  to  Missions  and  Chris- 
tian Education.  Pastors  and  deacons  were  asked  to 
co-operate  with  the  committee,  and  the  churches  urged 
to  S3^stematic  giving.  The  committee  was  to  co-oper- 
ate with  the  Convention  Board. 

In  this  3'ear,  preamble  and  resolution  were  offered 
on  evils  in  universities  and  seminaries  that  had  a  good 
qualit\^  of  pepper  in  them.  Something  was  going* 
wrong  somewhere.  The  resolutions  gave  a  recital  of~ 
universities  and  theological  seminaries  that  taught 
"false  doctrines  and  inculcated  erroneous  views." 
Many  of  the  students  in  these  schools  were  imbibing^ 
the  views  of  their  learned  j^rofessors.  Darts  were 
hurled  at  those  who  taught   that  all  the  Bible  is  not. 


722  HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

inspired  and  had  new  views  about  the  relation  of  Bap- 
tists to  16i-l.  It  was  deemed  l3etter  for  young  minis- 
ters "  after  completing  their  literary  course  in  college  to 
prayerfully  study  God's  word  for  themselves,  than  to 
go  to  such  a  seminary  as  this."'  A  correction  ma^'  be 
well  recommended  when  the  physical  man  is  about  to 
be  down  with  an  apparent  disorder. 

The  Baptist  Orphanage  was  kindly  spoken  of  by 
the  l)ody  in  1897.  The  charity  was  then  an  estab- 
lished fact,  and  its  cc^nditions  and  prospects  were 
cleiirly  mentioned  in  the  report.  The  usual  reports 
Avere  submitted  on  State  missions,  Home  and  Foreign 
missions,  Mississippi  College,  Ministerial  Education, 
Sustentation,  etc. 

In  1898,  the  following  preamble  and  resolution 
•were  presented  to  the  Ijody  ])v  Prof  J.  C.  Hardy,  Su- 
perintendent of  Schools  in  Jackson  : 

"  \Vhekp:as,  Brother  A.J.  Miller  and  his  loyal  flock 
are  engaged  in  the  arduous  task  of  building  a  new 
Baptist  church  in  Yazoo  City  :  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  commend  them 
and  their  work,  and  pledge  them  our  prayers  and  sup- 
port.'* 

In  1900,  W.  J.  Derrick  was  pastor  at  Yazoo  City, 
ivnd  was  kindly  treated  in  his  efforts  at  building  a  new 
house  of  worship  there. 

The  Association  In'  resolution,  in  1898,  expressed 
its  satisfaction  that  \V.  H.  Whitsitt  had  resigned  his 
position  in  the  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Seminary. 
Misguided  Whitsitt  I  Only  a  historian  can  properly 
appreciate  his  condition.  The  student  of  the  ])ast  soon 
becomes  elated  over  his  discovery  of  what  was  deemed 
lost  history,  juid  the  reclaitned  fajts  are  as  jewels  in 
his    hands.     Facts  that  evervbodv   knows  are  to  him 


HISTORY     OF     MISSISSIPPI     BAPTISTS.  723 

pros}'.'  His  delig'ht  is  to  labor  hours  with  hands  soiled 
with  dusty  old  records,  making  them  yield  up  what 
they  have  held  concealed  for  years.  It  is  not  far  trom 
virtue  to  a  false  step  in  bringing  to  light  old  things 
that  the  searchers  of  the  ])ast  have  overlooked. 

The  quick  eye  of  William  Bell  saw  some  good  in  an 
action  of  the  State  Convention  in  1899  referring  to  the 
Sunday  school  work,  and  he  presented  the  following" 
prefimble  and  resolution : 

"Whereas,  The  Baptist  State  Convention  at  its 
last  session  directed  our  Convention  Board  to  appoint 
an  assistant  secretary,  '  who  shall  have  special  charge 
of  our  Sunday  school  work,'  and  who  shall  appoint 
associational  missionaries  who  shall  have  charge  of 
the  Sundjiy  schools  in  the  Associations,  therefore, 

i?eso/re(/,  That  we  heartih- approve  said  movement, 
and  that  we  hereby  pledge  our  cheerful  support  to  our 
associational  missionary. "" 

The  year  1900  was  a  year  of  glorification  among 
Baptists  in  America.  In  Mississippi,  no  special  object 
was  to  be  forwarded  by  gifts  of  money,  and  we  could 
hand  out  the  fruit  of  our  lips  to  any  willing  receiver. 
The  opportunity  \vas  neither  overlooked  nor  permitted 
to  pass  by  without  an  aifectionate  embrace.  At  the 
Association  in  Raymond  some  of  us  treated  this  rare 
opportunity  with  a  most  aifectionate  hug.  The  writer 
of  these  lines  was  happy  and  liberal  in  his  caresses  as 
one  can  see  from  the  Minutes  of  that  meeting.  Capt. 
W.  T.  Ratliff,  W.  T.  Lowrey,  I  and  inan^'  others  who 
^vere  there  of  our  kin  J,  are  looking  wistfully  for  the 
opportunity  to  come  this  way  again. 

The  session  of  1900  was  unusualh'  free,  and  was* 
in  a  great  measure,  profitable.  The  old  Association 
showed  itself,  in  some  wise,  comparable  to  itself  when 


724  HISTORY     OF     MISSIvSSIPPI     BAPTISTS. 

it  showed  large  attendance  and  a  full  measure  of  useflil- 
ness — the  days  of  Hackett,  Walne,  WcIdI),  Gambrell^ 
Martin,  Ratliff,  Mimms  and  others. 

The  ministry-  of  the  Association  in  1900  was  mosth'^ 
young,  brilliant  and  active.  In  the  Association  was 
such  3'oung  preachers  as  Yarborough,  Derrick,  C.  C. 
Pugh,  Lipsey,  Low,  S.  M.  Allen,  Nutt,  Maum,  Ellzej', 
Cooper,  and  Harrington. 

The  report  on  the  condition  of  the  churches  noted 
the  fact  that  only  two  of  the  churches  had  failed  to 
make  a  contribution  to  missions  while  the  others  gave 
$1,  963.81.  The  churches  gave  $555.76  to  the  Or- 
phanage. 14-2  baptisms  were  reported.  In  the  place  o+~ 
the  usual  fifth  Sunday  meeting,  held  during  the  asso- 
ciational  year,  the  committee  suggested  that  on  a  fifth 
Sunda}^  in  the  ne.xt  spring  a  meeting  be  held  for  the 
spiritual  improvement  of  those  \vho  could  attend  it- 
Long  live  the  Central  Association. 


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