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CORNELL 

UNIVERSITY 

LIBRARY 


GIFT  OF 


Mrs,  Mack  Swearingen 


BX6248.L6"P34""'"''""-"'^"^ 
"'1lillli}||||i™il&«B?.fiK,.,S,t  Louisiana 


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3  1924  029  452  038 


The  original  of  tliis  bool<  is  in 
tine  Cornell  University  Library. 

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-     i^AXION     D,    D 


^j^.^l 


A  HISTORY 


OF  THE 


BAPTISTS  OF  LOUISIANA, 


FROM 


THE  EAI^LIBST  TIMES 


TO  THE 


PRESENT. 


By  Rey  W,  E,  PAXTON, 


♦  aik-^f 


wild  .3  RTOGP\APHIGAb  I^CT03i^.iniss 

BY  REV.  F.  CG^    ^TNEYfM^ 


ST.  LOUIS:     ^'  i'^ 

C.  K.  Bakks  Publishing  Co., 

1888.       ^  %~ 


PBEFAOE. 


A  good  index  is  half  the  value  of  a  book, 
and  1  have  taken  much  pains  to  make  the  index 
of  persons  as  complete  as  possible.  A  few 
names  may  have  escaped  my  notice  on  account 
of  missing  minutes  in  my  files,  but  I  think 
these  will  be  found  to  be  very  few.  Such  as  it 
is,  T  commit  my  work  to  the  hands  of  my 
brethren. 

If  any  should  think  the  cost  of  the  work  too 
great,  this  is  my  reply :  I  could  not  have  di- 
minished the  size  without  the  loss  of  valuable 
materials  and  all  the  labor  in  collecting  them. 
I  might  have  cheapened  the  work  by  inferior 
paper  and  binding,  but  this  would  have  made 
our  history  almost  as  perishable  as  before. 
These  pages  are  our  family  records,  and  need 
to  be  preserved  in  a  durable  form.  Moreover, 
while  ^'can  never  hope  to  be  paid  for  my  labor, 
just,  right-thinking  brethren  will  agree  that  I 
ought  to  bg  compensated  for  my  toil  in  rescu- 
ing from  oblivion  their  fathers  and  brothers 
and  dearest  friends. 

W.  E.  Paxton. 

Warren,  Ark.,  Bee.  15, 1881. 


6  TABLE    OF   CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Louisiana  Association, — Continued,  220 

CHAPTER  X. 
The  Ouachita  Region,       -  237 

CHAPTER  XI, 
Concord  Association,  .  244 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Ouachita  Association,  276 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Red  River  Association,  1^99 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Bayou  Macon,  Central,  North  Louisiana,  Pal- 
estine, Big  Creek  and  Betlileliem  Associa- 
tions, 335 
CHAPTER  XV. 
Grand  Cane  Association,              -                               354 

CHA.PTER  XVI. 
The  Sabine,  Calcasieu  and  Vernon  Associations,      385 

'^*  CHAPTER  XVIL 

State*Convention,  -  426 

CHAPTER  XVIIl. 
Education  and  Literature,     -  475 


PART  II. 
Biographical  Sketches.  491 


INTRODUCTION. 

A  faithful  and  correct  history  of  the  Louisiana 
Baptists  has  long  been  a  great  desideratum.  The 
denomination  in  the  State  has  felt  the  need  of  such 
a  history,  and  has  repeated  called  for  it.  The 
general  public  have  not  been  uninterested  observers 
af  what  we  have  been  doing  in  this  direction. 

From  many  considerations,  the  work  was  a  diffi- 
cult one.  Our  forefathers  in  this  State  were  humble 
and  unlearned  men,  who  modestly  sought  obscurity, 
and  never  blazoned  their  deeds  before  the  public. 
Hence  the  work  of  bringing  to  light  their  self-deny- 
ing labors,  with  their  crosses,  trials  and  persecutions, 
necessarily  required  great  labor  and  perseverance. 

The  Baptist  pioneers  of  Louisiana  have  passed 
away,  and  their  successors  have  not  always  been  as 
l>rompt  and  explicit  in  giving  the  desired  informa- 
tion as  to  their  history,  as  the  importance  of  the 
subject  demanded. 

Under  these  circumstances,  the  denomination  has 
been  fortunate  in  securing  the  services,  in  this  work, 
of  such  a  man  as  the  author  of  this  book^  Though 
not  unknown  to  the  Louisiana  public,  and  especially 
to  the  Baptists  of  the  State,  there  are  some  things 
which  should  be  known,  which  delicacy'  forbids  the 
author's  saying  of  himself.  Hence  this  Introduc- 
tion. 

Since  the  death  of  Bro.  Paxton,  which  occurred 
at  Fort  Smith,  Ark.,  January  9, 1883,"  it  has  become 
necessary  to  get  the  original  introduction,  which  was 
in  the  hands  of  the  printers,  and  re- write  it,  adapting 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

it  to  the  changed  condition  of  things,  and  bringing 
the  biographical  sketch  up  to  the  time  of  his  death. 
Eev.  Wm.  E.  Paxton,  D.  D.,'  waa  born  in  Little 
Eock,  Ark.,  June  23,  1825,  At  an  early  age  he 
developed  a  fondness  for  books.  His  father  had  a 
small  but  well-selected  library,  to  which  other 
books  were  added  by  purchase,  and  some  borrowed. 
His  mother  was  fond  of  reading,  and  he  often  sat  up 
late  at  night,  reading  to  her.  In  this  way  he  read 
most  of  the  current  literature  of  the  time. 

At  the  early  age  of  thirteen,  he  began  to  write 
verses,  some  of  which  were  published  in  the  Wash- 
ington, Ark.,  Telegraph. 

He  was  ambitious  to  obtain  a  classical  education, 
but  the  country  schools,  at  the  time,  furnished  but 
meager  facilities.  Yet  he  picked  up  some  knowledge 
of  grammar  and  arithmetic,  and  wrote  a  legible 
hand. 

In  1841  he  entered  the  academy  at  Washington, 
Hempstead  Co.,  under  the  charge  of,  Eev.  J.  M. 
Hoge,  a  Presbyterian  minister. 

In  1842  he  moved  to  Woodford  Co.,  Ky.,  where  he 
entered  the  private  school  of  S.  J.  Mahouey,  an 
educated  Irishman,  under  whom  lie  read,  in  fifteen 
months,  the  Latin  Eeader,  six  books  of  Cfesar,  the 
Bucolics  and  six  books  of  Virgil's  .^neid,  Sal- 
lust's'  Conspiracy  of  Cataline,  and  the  Jugurthan 
War.  In  the  Greek  he  read  the  Greek  Eeader  and 
the  Gospel  of  John;  besides  reviewing  Algebra 
and  Geometry. 

September  1843  lie  entered  the  Freshman  class  in 
Georgetown  College,  Ky.,  and  in  1847  graduated 
with    the    first   honors  of  his    class.     Two  vears 


INTRODtrOTION.  *  9 

afterwards,  by  invitation,  he  delivered  the  oration  for 
the  Master's  degree,  |ind  received  the  degree  of  A.  M. 
While  in  College  he  contributed,  in  prose  and  poetry, 
to  different  literary  journals,  among  them  The  Cice- 
ronian^ a  college  magazine,  and  the  Great  West, 
published  at  Cincinnati. 

On  leaving  college,  he  engaged  in  teaching,  at  the 
same  time  reading  law,  preparatory  to  the  practice 
of  the  latter  profession.  His  first  charge  was  a 
private  school  at  Clifton,  in  Woodford  County, 
Kentucky.  He  was  afterwards  principal  of  the 
Salvisa  Academy  in  Mercer  County.  While  at  this 
last  place,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Not  finding 
business  readily,  he  consented  to  take  charge  of  the 
Sfemping  Ground  Male  Academy,  in  Scott  County. 
Here,  in  1851,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  J. 
Mother&hed,  whose  loss  he  was  called  to  mourn 
before  the  year  ended. 

In  th£  early  part  of  1853,  he  moved  to  Bienville 
Parish,  Louisiana,  with  the  view  of  entering  upon 
the  practice  of  his  chosen  profession.  Finding  it 
necessary  to  begin  the  study  of  law  anew,  and 
while  doing  so,  he  temporarily  took  charge  of  the 
preparatory  department  of  Mt.  Lebanon  Univeisity. 
As  soon  as  this  engagement  ended,  he  entered  the 
law  ofBce  of  Hon.  W.  B.  Egan,  late  judge  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Louisiana,  and  applied  himself 
afresh  to  the  study  of  the  civil  law.  While  pursu- 
ing his  studies,  he  settled  in  Sparta,  in  Bienville 
Parish,  bought  a  library,  and  at  once  entered  upon  a 
good  practice.  He  continued  in  successful  practice 
up  to  the  war. 

In   1859  he   assisted  in    editing  the  Jeffersonian, 

2 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

in  Sparta,  and  the  following  year  bought  a  press 
and  published  the  Southern  Barmer  at  the  same  place 
for  nearly  two  years. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  Mr.  Paxton  raised 
the  first  company  in  Bienville  Parish,  which  was 
received  into  the  State  service;  but  the  Confederate 
authorities,  thinking  no  more  men  were  needed,  the 
company  was  discharged.  In  1862  he  was  appointed 
Quartermaster  of  the  19th  Louisiana  Regiment,  and 
in  that  capacity  was  present  and  participatei^u  the 
battle  of  Shiloh.  His  health  now  became^so  bad, 
that  he^was  compelled  to  resign.  Recovering  some- 
what, he  discharged  the  duties  of  Quarterrdaster  of 
Col.  Capers'  cavalry  regiment.  His  heall^  again 
failing,  he  was  detailed  as  assistant  EnrolliugJOflEicer 
of  Bienville  Parish,  in  which  capacity  he  acfed  until 
the  close  of  the  war.  ; 

In  1857  he  was  married  a  second  time;  ^liis  time 
to  Miss  Rebecca  C.  Wardlaw,  of  Bienville' Pai-ish; 
and, was  again  left  a  widower  in  1864.  Jt~ 

It  is  with  the  religious  history  of  Elder  Axton 
however,  that  the  readers  of  this  Introduction  will 
be  most  interested. 

When   about    thirteen    years   old,    he   was    first 
awakened,  under   the   preaching   of  a  young  and 
illiterate  Methodist  preacher,  and  the  following  year 
under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  Isaac  Perkins,  he  was 
led  to  pul  his  trust  in  Christ.      He   did  not  unite 
with  the  church,  as  he  should  have  done,  at  the 
time,  and  consequently  wandered  in  the  path's  of  sin 
from  which  he  did  not   recover  till  1845    when  at 
college   in  Georgetown,  Kentucky.     This  reclama 
tion  ho  always  regarded  as  a   special   answer  to 
prayer. 


INTRODTTCTION,  11 

A  protracted  meeting  was  in  progress  in  Washing- 
ton, Arkansas,  and  his  mother  being  present,  trem- 
blingly arose  and  asked  that  her  absent  boy  be 
remembered.  At  the  same  hour,  a  few  of  the 
students  of  Georgetown  College  had  gathered  in  an 
upper  room  of  the  College,  and  were  pleading  for  the 
unconverted  of  their  number.  The  very  next  letter 
bore  to  the  mother  the  joyful  news  of  her  changed 
boy. 

He  at  once  united  with  the  church,  and  was 
baptized  by  Howard  Malcom,  D.  D.,  President  of 
Georgetown  College.  From  the  time  he  united  with 
the  church,  he  was  impressed  that  it  was  his  duty  to 
preach,  and  he  was  granted  the  privilege  of  exercising 
in  the  bounds  of  the  church.  After  several  efforts, 
very  unsatisfactory  to  himself,  he  abandoned  the 
idea,  at  least  for  the  time. 

He  soon  began  to  write  for  the  the  religious  press. 
Prom  tlie  establishment  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist,  he 
became  a  regular  contributor,  and  subsequently  was 
associated  with  the  writer  in  editing  that  paper. 

In  1859  he  published  his  little  work  "  Eights  of 
Laymen." 

In  1864  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  Sparta 
church,  and  entered  at  onoe  upon  the  active  duties 
of  the  ministry.  He  was  soon  invited  to  preach 
once  a  month  to  Mt.  Lebanon  church,  and  a  short 
time  after  was  called  to  the  pastoral  care  of  Minden 
church,  by  whose  invitation  he  was  ordained  in 
March,  1865;  the  Presbytery  consisting  of  Elders 
F.  Courtney,  J.  A.  Harrell,  G.  W.  Hartsfleld  and 
W.  W.  Crawford.  He  at  once  moved  to  Minden,  and 
in  1866  was  married  to  Mrs.  M.  Eugenia  Fuller.    In 


12  INTEODTJCTION. 

the  fall  of  that  year,  he  was  elected  Principal  of 
Minden  Academy.  After  holding  this  position  two 
years,  he  opened  a  select  private  school  at  *is 
own  residence.  About  this  time  he  was  again 
associated  with  the  writer,  as  editorial  contributor 
to  the  Memphis  Baptist.  He  also  supplied  some 
poor  churches  while  at  Minden. 

In  1872  he  was  elected  President  of  Shreveport 
University.  In  1873  the  fearful  yellow  fever  epi- 
demic devastated  that  city.  Brother  Paxton  was 
urged  by  friends  in  the  country  to  fly  with  his  family. 
But  he  felt  that  there  was  a  work  therefor  him  to  do, 
and  hence,  at  the  imminent  risk  of  his  life,  he 
remained  and  labored  for  the  alleviation  of  the  suffer- 
ing, at  the  same  time  supplying  the  needed  spiritual 
instruction  to  the  sick  and  dying.  He  came  very 
near  dying  himself. 

This  epidemic  utterly  overthrew  the  prospects  of 
the  institution  over  which  he  presided. 

While  living  in  Shreveport,  he  served  as/pastor 
Summer  Grove  Church,  the  members  of/  which 
fondly  cherish  his  memory.  He  also  pr^ched  a 
good  deal  in  the  city,  and  at  the  same  time  was 
Louisiana  Editor  of  The  Baptwt.  He  also  published 
while  in  Shreveport,  his  work  entitled  "Apostolic 
Church,"  and  a  premium  essay  on  "The  Pi-erequisites 
of  Church  Membership."  His  books  have  been  well 
received  by  the  Baptist  public. 

In  1877  he  was  elected  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  Southern  Baptist  Publication  Society;  but  on 
going  to  Memphis  and  looking  into  its  affairs,  he 
advised  its  liquidation. 

In  1878  he  moved  to  Warren,  Arkansas,  and  took 
charge  of  the  Centennial  Institute,  and  pastoral  care 


INTKODUOTION.  ]3 

of  Warren  cliurch.  He  subsequently  became  pastor 
of  Ebenezer,  a  country  church.  In  this  latter  church 
his  laboi's  were  wonderfully  blessed,  there  being  sixty 
additions  in  one  year. 

While  living  in  Warren,-  he  wrote  a  small  work 
entitled  "  Eetribution,"  which  was  published  in 
Texas.  The  Baptist  reading  people  will  remember 
that  about  this  time  he  was  Associate  Editor  of  the 
Baptist  Encyclopedia.  He  also  became  one  of  the 
Editors  of  the  Arkansas  Hvangel. 

In  June  1882,  the  Keachi  College  bestowed  upon 
him  the  title  of  D.  D.  Earely  has  that  honor  been 
more  worthily  bestowed. 

The  Baptist  church  at  Port  Smith,  Arkansas,  having 
become  torn  by  feuds,  the  wise  men  of  the  State 
Convention  indicated  Dr.  Paxton  as  the  man  suited 
to  heal  the  breaches  and  build  up  the  cause  there. 
The  good  and  true  men  of  the  church  set  to  work 
to  get  him  among  them,  and  flually  succeeded.  In 
February,  1883,  he  moved  to  Fort  Smith,  and  at  once 
applied  himself  to  the  work  before  him.  During  the 
four  months  from  his  settlement  in  Port  Smith,  till  his 
death,  he  had  only  time  to  organize  his  forces  for  the 
arduous  work  before  him.  We  cannot  comprehend 
the  mysterious  providence  which  has  removed  him 
in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  and  with  so  much 
unfinished  work,  to  the  proper  performance  of  which 
he  seemed  so  peculiarly  fitted.  But  it  is  the  Lord's 
doing,  and  we  humbly  submit. 

I  append  to  this  introduction  the  testimonials  of  a 
number  of  ministers  and  others,  who  knew  him  and 
with  whom  he  labored  in  the  cause  of  his  Master. 

P.  COURTNEY. 
Gkand  Cane,  La.,  Jan.,  26th.,  18S4. 


14  INTRODTTCTION. 

FROM  KEV.  G.  W.  HARTSFIELD— KECORDING  SECRE- 
TARY OF  THE  LOUISIANA  BAPTIST 
STATE  CONVENTION. 

Mansfield,  La.,  Jan.  18th,  1884. 
Deak  Bro.  Courtney  : 

It  is  a  real  pleasure  to  give  my  testimony  to  the  worth  of 
our  brother  William  Edwards  Paxton,  as  a  noble  Christian 
gentleman.  About  twenty-four  years  ago,  soon  after  I  com- 
menced preaching,  and  while  attending  school  in  the  Mt. 
Lebanon  University,  I  first  saw  him.  It  was  just  as  the  terrible 
war-cloud  was  gathering  over  our  country  that  I  met  Brother 
Paxton.  He  was  then  a  lawyer,  and  on  my  first  acquaintance 
with  him  there  was  an  earnestness  about  him  that  caused  me  to 
love  him.  His  genial  spirit  captivated  most  persons  who  met 
him  in  those  days. 

Though  not  a  minister,  I  soon  found  that  he  was  well  informed 
in  religious  matters. 

A  few  years  after  our  first  meeting  I  was  called  to  preach  to 
the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  and  was  given  to  under- 
stand at  once  that  his  house  was  the  preacher's  home. 

It  was  not  long  before  we  were  all  convinced  that  he  ought 
to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  without  his  knowledge,  .and  I  believe 
in  his  absence,  one  day,  the  church  granted  him  a  license  to 
preach.  He  did  not  hesitate  long  before  deciding  to  give  up 
the  practice  of  law  and  enter  fully  the  Gospel  ministry. 

As  it  was  my  privilege  to  be  his  pastor  when  he  was  licensed 
to  preach,  so  it  was  also  when  he  was  ordained ;  and  I  had  the 
honor  of  being  one  of  the  presbytery  to  assist  in  his  ordina- 
tion.        ' 

My  relations  with  him  were  always  pleasant,  and  while  it 
would  be  gratifying  to  me  to  say  a  great  deal  about  him,  I  feel 
like  saying  from  my  heart  that  he  was  not  only  a  fii-st-class 
Christian  gentleman,  but  one  of  the  very  best  informed  men  I 
ever  knew.  In  general  information  Louisiana  Bai)tists  have  no 
superior  left.  A  precious  brother  he  was  to  me.  His  work  is 
done,  and  the  Lord  has  taken  him  from  us. 

Yours  Sincerely, 

G.  W.  Hartsfield. 


INTRODUCTION.  15 

EXTRACTS  OF  A  LETTER  FROM  JUDGE  W.  F.  MACK, 
OF  WARREN,  ARK. 

'■  I  first  made  the  acquaintance  of  Dr.  Paxton  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  year  1878,  when  he  came  to  our  town  to  take  charge 
of  Centennial  Institute,  a  school  which  had  heen  founded  by 
the  General  Association  of  Southeast  Arkansas  about  two 
years  previously.  The  crippled  condition  in  which  he  found 
this  Institution,  and  the  opposition  which  he  had  to  encounter, 
was  anything  but  agreeable,  and  materially  interfered  with 
his  success.  Nevertheless,  he  had  an  average  attendance, 
during  his  incumbency,  of  from  fifty  to  sixty  students.  While 
the  income  from  this  som-ce  was  meagre,  still,  being  supple- 
mented by  small  salaries  from  his  churches,  he  was  enabled  to 
live  and  purchase  a  house  for  his  famUy  in  our  town.    *    *    * 

'■  His  friends  here  tiled  to  dissuade  him  from  going  to  Fort 
Smith  or  any  where  else.  *  *  *  *  He  had  several  attacks 
of  stricture  of  the  bladder  before  he  left  home,  and  had  been 
wai-ned  by  the  physicians  that  he  nmst  quit  the  school-room 
and  library,  must  take  rest  and  moderate  outdoor  exercise,  if  he 
hoped  to  live  long;  but  he  heeded  not.  His  reply  was,  that  he 
had  but  little  time  to  rest — that  he  had  taken  up  his  cross  late 
iu  life — that  he  must  work  and  make  up  for  lost  time. 

"  Wlien  the  sad  news  of  his  death  reached  us,  we  were  shock- 
ed, but  our  doctors  were  not  surprised,  for  they  knew  that  he 
was  working  himself  to  death. 

' '  He  acted  as  our  pastor  during  his  entu'e  residence  among  us, 
and,  with  perhaps  one  or  two  exceptions,  had  the  good  will  of 
the  entire  community.  We  have  had  more  eloquent  preachers 
as  pastors,  but  none  to  compai-e  \\ith  Paxton  as  a  logician  and 
writer.  »  *  *  *  He  was  a  gentleman  par  exctWance,  and 
his  most  bitter  opponents  could  pick  no  fiaws  in  his  character. 

•  *  *  *  In  all  my  dealings  with  him  during  five  years,  I 
never  knew  him  to  seek  advantage  of  any  one  in  any  way.    * 

*  *  *  His  snow-white  head  and  long  gray  beard  gave  him 
apati-iarchal  appearance;  and  yet,  notwithstanding  this  appear- 
ance and  his  dignified  manners,  he  was  a  great  favorite  among 
the  children.  They  would  flock  around  him  on  all  proper  occa- 
sions,  and  he  seemed  to  be  delighted  when  contributing  to 


16  INTEODUOTION. 

their  amusement  and  instruction.  His  students  all  hold  his 
memory  green  and  speak  of  him  in  endearing  terms.      * 

"  His  idea  of  a  minister's  character  was  that  it  was  sacred, 
and  should  be  kept  as  spotless  as  a  maiden's  honor.      *     *     * 

"  He  was  very  conscientious  about  contracting  debts,  and  it 
troubled  him  greatly  when  he  had  made  a  debt,  if  he  could  not 
meet  it  promptly  when  due.    *     *     *     * 

"1  never  expect,  in  this  life,  to  make  another  friend  to 
admire  more  or  love  better  than  I  did  W.  E.  Paxton." 


FEOM  REV.  J.  A.  HACKETT,  D.  D. 

Shbevepobt,  La.,  Dec.  25th,  1S83. 
Dear  Bko.  Oocktnet  : 

My  acquaintance  with  Brother  Paxton  was  quite  limited.  I 
had  met  him  only  at  some  of  our  general  meetings,  until  I  came 
to  Shreveport  in  1877,  when  I  found  him  on  the  eve  of  leaving 
for  a  new  work  in  Memphis. 

Our  personal  intercourse  was  always  of  the  most  pleasant 
character,  and  the  estimate  I  placed  upon  his  abilities,  as  a 
preacher  and  writer,  was  of  a  very  high  order.  But  I  have 
never  been  in  .any  community  where  the  memory  of  any 
departed  brother  shed  a  richer  fragrance  than  that  of  Brother 
Paxton  in  Louisiana.  In  Minden  and  Shreveport,  where  sev- 
eral years  of  his  life  were  most  earnestly  given  to  the  cause  of 
education  and  the  Gospel  ministry,  his  name  is  universally  and 
affectionately  cherished.  His  former  pupils  speak  of  him  as  a 
loving  faJEher,  and  the  churches  of  his  pastoral  cliai-ges  revere 
his  memory  as  a,^oved  friend  and  faithful  and  successful  under- 
shepherd.  His  unselfish  devotion  to  the  cause  of  humanity 
could  not  well  be  exceeded  in  human  history.  When  the  fatal 
epidemic,  that  almost  depopulated  Shreveport,  visited  our  city 
in  1873,  Brother  Paxton  was  in  no  way  compelled  by  any 
existing  relations  to  expose  himself  to  it.  But  in  utter  self- 
abnegation  and  intrepid  zeal,  he  came  into  the  city  from  his 
suburban  home  and  devoted  his  best  energies  to  visiting  and 
nursing  the  sick,  burying  the  dead  and  encomaging  the  living, 
until,  after  many  weary  weeks  of  such  labor,  he  was  himself 


INTRODTJCTOIN.  17 

stricken  down  by  the  plague-  From  that  attack  he  barely 
escaped  with  his  life,  but  never  to  recover  his  former  robust 
health. 

Of  this  unselfish  service  the  people  of  Shreveport  were  not 
unmindful,  but  when  his  death  was  announced,  they  met  in 
public  assembly  anJ  gave  earnest  expression  to  their  apprecia- 
tion of  these  eminent  services,  by  recounting  his  virtues  and 
making  mention  of  his  individual  assistance. 

At  the  Baptist  church  at  Shreveport,  also,  in  a  special  memo- 
rial service,  a  commemorative  discourse  was  delivered  by  the 
pastor,  and  a  series  of  resolutions  adopted,  touching  the  life 
and  work  of  our  brother.  His  name  will  be  long  and  affec- 
tionately held  in  reverence  by  our  people. 

Faithfully  Yours, 

J.  A.  Hackett. 


FROM  REV.  DR.  W.  T.  D.   DALZELL,  RECTOR  OF  THE 
EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SHREVEPORT,  LA. 

Sheevepobt,  November  19th,  1883. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Couktnet  : 

My  Dear  Sir: — I  regretted  very  much,  on  reaching  home  after 
an  absence  of  two  months,  to  find  your  letter,  dated,  I  think,  a 
day  or  two  after  I  left  for  the  North.  Had  it  reached  me  sooner, 
I  should  at  once  have  complied  with  your  request  to  say  some- 
thing about  our  friend,  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Paxton,  to  be  published 
in  the  memorial  volume  which  you  are  preparing.  But  as  I  find 
from  your  note  of  the- 15th  inst,  that  the  publication  of  the 
memorial  has  been  delayed,  and  that  I  still^^»g  time  to  pay 
my  tribute  to  the  character  of  our  late  friend,  I  will  now  say 
what  I  should  have  been  glad  to  say  before. 

I  made  Dr.  Paxton's  acquaintance  soon  after  he  came  to 
Shreveport;  and,  through  the  kind  oflices  of  our  mutual  friend, 
the  late  Dr.  Egan,  who  had  known  him  long  and  well,  and  who 
had  the  highest  opinion  of  his  character  and  attainments,  we 
frequently  met,  and  I  soon  learned  to  appreciate  the  excellence 
of  his  character,  his  gentleness  and  sweetness  of  disposition, 
bis  great  purity  of  mind  and  purpose,  his  broad  charity,  his 


18  INTEODTJOTION. 

kindliness  of  temper,  together  with  his  unselfish  devotion  to  his 
work,  and  his  evident  though  u  nassuming  piety.  I  think  he  was 
one  of  the  gentlest  and  most  Christ-like  men  I  ever  knew.  At 
the  same  time,  he  had  a  remarkably  fine  intellect,  was  at 
scholarly  man,  and  had  enriched  his  mind  with  wide  and  good 
reading;  so  that  it  was  always  a  pleasure  to  converse  with  him 
about  books;  and  while  we  differed  on  some  subjects,  it  was  a 
difference,  I  am  sure,  which  tended  to  increase  our  respect  for 
each  other. 

As  you  know.  Dr.  Paxton  was  residing  in  the  vicinity  of 
Shreveport  when  we  were  visited  by  the  frightful  epidemic  of 
1873.  Then  I  saw  a  great  deal  of  him,  as  day  after  day  he 
would  ride  into  town  in  the  early  morning,  and  pass  the  day 
in  ministering  to  the  sick  wherever  his  services  could  be  of  use, 
and  burying  the  dead  when  called  upon  to  do  so.  His  conduct 
at  that  time  was  certainly  most  noble.  He  had  no  cure  here. 
It  could  not  be  considered  his  duty  to  put  himself  in  the  way 
of  danger  and  death.  But  he  said  he  felt  his  services  were 
needed,  that  he  could  be  of  some  use,  and  that  he  must  not 
consider  himself.  And  he  did  not.  That  he  did  not  then  gi\e 
his  life  for  our  people,  was  not  because  he  showed  no  readiness 
to  do  so;  for  he  offered  it  as  freely  as  any  man  did,  and  he  was 
spared  only  because  God  covered  his  head  in  the  day  of  that 
battle  with  the  dread  pestilence.  I  shall  always  think  of  him 
as  a  man  who  did  honor  to  his  ministry,  and  whose  walk  was 
worthy  of  his  Christian  vocation. 

I  feel  that  this  is  a  very  slight  and  insufficient  tribute  to  the 
memoiy  of  such  a  man;  but  I  am  writing  in  great  haste,  and, 
such  as  it  is,  it  comes  from  a  heart  inspired  with  great  respect 
for  his  memory. 

With  kind  regards,  I  am,  my  dear  sir, 
Yours  Very  Faithfully, 

W.  T.  Dickinson  Dalzkll. 


FBOM  REV.   W.  H.  McQEE,  MINDEN,  LA. 

W.  E.  I'axton,  D.  D.,  was  a  citizen  of  this  place,  and  pastor 
of  the  Baptist  church  here  for  six  consecutive  years.  He  won 
by  his  intrinsic  merit  the  esteem  of  the  entire  town  and  siu-- 


INTBODITCTION.  19 

rounding  country.  As  a  model  Christian,  a  perfect  gentleman 
and  a  polished  scholar,  he  had  no  superior  here.  He  mingled 
freely  with  our  people  for  their  good,  and  no  one  can  point  to 
a  blot  or  stain  on  his  record.  He  did,  indeed,  "  have  a  good 
report  of  them  which  are  without,"  and  his  unselfish  life  was 
a  blessing  to  all  around  him.  As  a  preacher  and  pastor  he 
made  deep  and  lasting  impressions.  It  will  be  only  when  gen- 
erations have  passed  by  that  his  work  can  be  forgotten.  In  his 
,  defence  and  dissemination  of  the  cardinal  doctrines  of  the  Gos- 
pel he  was  zealous  and  fearless.  And  now  that  he  is  gone,  we 
believe  him  to  be  among  those  who  "  rest  from  their  labors  and 
their  works  do  follow  them." 

W.  H.  McGeb. 

FROM  T.  J.  FOUTS,  M.  D.,  SPARTA,  LA. 

Spakta,  November  29th,  1883. 
Dk.  F.  Cotjktney  : 

My  Dear  Brother. — ^Your  postal  receiyed  and  I  wiU  try  to 
answer. 

I  became  acquainted  with  Brother  Paxton  early  in  the  year 
1854,  at  this  place.  He  was  then  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
law,  which  profession  he  pursued  until  the  war.  Soon  after 
the  close  of  the  war  he  entered  the  ministry. 

During  the  time  Brother  Paxton  was  practicing  law  here,  he 
figured  some  in  politics  and  occasionally  would  lecture.  I 
remember  on  one  occasion,  especially,  he  was  selected  to 
deliver  an  address  on  education  to  the  young  ladies  of  the 
Female  School.  The  address  was  so  highly  esteemed  that  it 
was  requested  for  publication,  and  some  copies  of  it  remain 
among  us  yet.  **■"■ 

In  whatever  calling  Brother  Paxton  was  engaged,  he  ever 
evinced  zeal  and  energy,  and  above  all,  purity  of  character. 
Indeed,  no  man  has  ever  lived  in  this  country,  who  was  more 
universally  esteemed  for  his  sterling  worth,  as  a  Christian 
and  gentleman.  After  he  entered  the  ministry  he  had  the 
unbounded  confidence  and  affection  of  his  brethren  and  all 
who  knew  him.  My  own  family  loved  him  as  a  brother. 
Affectionately  and  fraternally 

T.  J.  FODTS. 


PART  I.- 

GENERAL  HISTO!{Y, 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  MISSISSIPPI  HIVE. 

The  history  of  the  Baptist  denomiuation  in  Louis- 
iana is  intimately  connected  with  that  of  Mississippi. 
From  the  little  hive  in  -the  south-western  corner  of 
Mississippi,  in  close  proximity  to  Louisiana,  from 
time  to  time  issued  the  early  pioneers  who  planted 
the  Gospel  in  several  parts  of,  the  State.  Hence 
came  the  Ohaneys  and  Oourtneys  iijto  Eastern 
Louisiana.  Hence  went  forth  Joseph  Willis,  the 
Aposfcle  of  the  Opelousas.^  Hence  the  pioneer 
Baptists  on  the  Bayou  Eouge,  the  O'Quins,  the 
Nettles,  the  Irions  and  the  Tanners,  whose  coming 
induced  the  removal  of  the  Eoberts  and  the  Jack- 
sons,  their  relatives.  From  the  same  quarter  issued 
the  Humbles,  the  Davises,  the  Merideths  and  the 
Mercers  who  settled  on  the  Ouachita.  In  late  times 
Mississippi  has  contributed  some  of  her  best  talents 
to  Louisiana.  Thence  came  John  Q.  Prescott,  the 
educator,  thence  came  George  Tucker  and  Jeremiah 
H.  Tucker, father  and  son;  thence  came  George  B. 
Eager,  to  make  the  Bayon  Mapon  vocal  with  the 
songs  of  Zion;  thence  came  the  sainted  Nelson,  to 
rouse  the  churches  on  the  subject  of  ministerial 
education;  thence  came  Kellis  and  Freeman; 
thence  A.  J*  Terry,  of  the  Bayou  de  Glaise  ;  thence 


24  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIAlirA  BAPISTS. 

Hackett,  tlie  able  pastor  at  Shreveport,  and  W.  C. 
Friley,  the  State  Evangelist,  with  a  number  of  young 
co-laborers,  who*have  revolutionized  the  State  in  the 
last  few  years. 

Therefore^  the  most  imperfect  sketch  of  Louisiana 
Baptist  history,  must  require  a  glance  at  the  early 
brethren  in  Mississippi. 

Prom  the  adventurous  traders  down  the  Mississippi 
river  to  New  Orleans,  from  Western  Pennsylvania, 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  during  the  Eevolutionary 
War,  such  glowing  accounts  were  carried  back  of 
the  Natchez  country,  that  many  older  States  were 
inflamed  with  the  desire  to  make  their  fortunes  in 
this  land  of  promise.  The  French  had  established 
Port  Eosalie  at  Natchez  in  1712,  and  after  the 
extermination  of  the  Natchez  Indians,  in  1720,  the 
Mississippi  country  was  open  to  settlement.  When 
the  States  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  were  over- 
run by  the  British  troops,  those  who  were  engaged 
in  the  cause  of  American  independence  were  sub- 
jected to  great  cruelties  at  the  hands  of  the  British 
and  their  Tory  allies.  This  increased  the  desire  to 
escape  from  these  annoyances  into  the  wilds  of  the 
West. 

During  the  Eovolution  there  lived  in  South  Caro- 
lina, on  Great  Pedee  river,  near  the  mouth  of  Black 
river,  and  about  sixty  miles  from  Charleston,  a 
family  named  Curtis,  who,  by  their    zeal    for  the 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  HIVE.  25 

American  cause,  had  rendered  themselves  extremely 
obnoxious  to  their  Tory  neighbors  and  their  British 
conquerors.  They  found  themselves  plundered 
again  and  again  by  partisan  raiders.  The  Curtises 
were  known  to  be  Marion  men,  and  when  not  in 
active  service,  they  not  permitted  to  enjoy  the 
society  of  their  families,  but  they  were  hunted  like 
wild  beasts  from  their  hiding  places  in  the  swamps 
of  Pedee.  To  escape  this  they  resolved  to  seek  a 
new  country,  choosing  rather  to  brook  the  dangers 
of  a  home  among  savages  than  the  cruelties  of 
civilized  white  men.  They  had  heard  of  the  un- 
surpassed advantages  of  the  Natchez  country,  and 
they  determined  to  seek  an  asylum  in  the  wilderness. 
The  French  and  Americans  had  made  common  cause 
against  the  British,  and  hence  they  had  nothing  to 
fear  from  their  French  neighbors. 

In  1780,  Eichard  Curtis,  Sr.,  his  wife,  Phoebe  Cur- 
tis, his  step-son,  John  Jones  and  his  wife  ;  his  three 
sons,  William,  Benjamin  and  Eichard  Curtis,  Jr., 
with  their  wives,  together  with  John  Courtney,  who 
married  Hannah  Curtis,  and  John  Stampley,  who 
married  Phoebe  Curtis,  with  their  wives,  set  out  to 
go  to  the  Mississippi  country.  They  were  also 
accompanied  by  Daniel  Ogden  and  his  family,  includ- 
ing his  son  Daniel,  who  became  a  Baptist  minister  at 
a  later  date.  His  son  Willian  came  in  1797.  There 
was  also  another  family  in  the  company,  named 
3 


26  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Perkins.  They  were  also  probably  accompanied  by 
James  Cole,  who  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  the 
Mississippi  Valley,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Salem  church.  He  married  Jeminia  Curtis,  daugh- 
ter of  Elder  Richard  Curtis ;  and  his  son,  Abraham 
Cole,  died  in  Calcasieu  Point,  Louisiana,  August^22d, 
1859,  aged  seventy-two  years  and  ten  months.  He 
had  been  a  Baptist  since  1816. 

They  travelled  by  land  to  the  Holsten  river,  where 
they  built  boats  in  which  they  were  to  descend  the 
Tennessee,  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers  to  the  place 
of  their  destination.  Tennessee  and  Alabama  were 
at  that  time  infested  with  the  hostile  Cherokees, 
through  whom  they  must  pass.  It  is  related  that 
while  descending  the  Tennessee  Eiver  they  were 
assailed  by  the  Indians,  not  far  from  Clinch  Eiver. 
All  hands  on  board  commenced  a  vigorous  defense, 
in  which  the  women  of  the  company  took  part. 
Mrs.  Jones  held  up  a  thick  poplar  stool  between  her 
eldest  son,  William,  then  twelve  years  old,  and  the 
bullets,  while  he  steered  the  boat,  so  as  to  enable  his 
father  to  use  the  rifle.  The  stool  was  pierced  with 
several  bullets.  Another  lady  took  the  steering  oar 
from  her  husband,  that  he  might  return  the  fire  of  the 
enemy,  and  with  unfaltering  courage  guided  the  boat 
until  disabled  by  a  wound  in  the  back.  Hannah  Cur- 
tis (Mrs  Courtney)  was  grazed  on  the  head  by  a  ball, 
and  Jonathan  Curtis  was  slightly  wounded  on  the 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  HIVE.  27 

wrist.  The  two  boats  containing  the  Curtis  and 
Ogden  families  passed  without  the  loss  of  any  of  tie 
party;  but  the  occupants  of  the  third  boat,  travelling 
in  company  with  them,  were  all  killed,  except  one 
woman,  who  remained  a  captive  for  several  years. 
They  had  the  small  pox,  which  was  communicated  to 
the  Indians,  and  it  proved  a  dearly  bought  victory. 

They  reached  their  destination  the  same  year,  with- 
out any  further  notable  adventure  beyond  the 
ordinary  toils  and  exposure  of  such  a  journey. 
They  landed  at  the  mouth  of  Cole's  Creek,  about 
thirty  miles  above  Natchez,  to  the  eastward  and 
southward  of  which  they  made  their  settlements. 

These  were  Baptists.  Mr.  Jones,  a  descendant  of 
John  Jones,  from  whose  work  I  derive  some  of  these 
facts,  states  Ihat  Eichard  Curtis,  Jr.,  was  a  licensed 
preacher  in  South  Carolina,  and  he  conjectures  that 
Eichard  Curtis,  Sr.,  was  a  Baptist.  Some  writers 
have  confounded  these  two  persons,  and  represented 
the  elder  as  the  preacher.  But  this  is  now  known  to 
be  a  mistake.  It  is  also  pretty  well  ascertained  that 
Eichard  Curtis,  Sr.,  was  a  deacon  and  an  active 
Baptist. 

As  soon  as  they  provided  houses,  they  met  for 
worship.  The  members  of  the  Baptist  church  agreed 
to  meet  statedly  for  worship,  and  to  exercise  discip- 
line over  each  other.  They  called  Eichard  Curtis,  Jr., 
to  preach  for  them.     This  community  was  afterward 


28  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

called  Salem  Baptist  Church.  It  was  constituted 
without  a  presbytery  and  without  the  presence  of 
any  ordained  minister.  This  fact,  however,  could 
not  affect  the  validity  of  their  constitution,  as  the 
essential  fact  was  observed,  viz:  the  voluntary 
association  of  persons  qualified  for  chuich  mem- 
bership. 

The  labors  of  Curtis  were  greatly  blessed,  and  in 
a  short  time  sinners  were  converted  and  desired 
baptism.  After  much  perplexity,  it  was  very  prop- 
erly decided  that  Curtis  should  baptize  them.  As 
the  ordinances  are  committed  to  the  church,  she  may 
authorize  any  of  her  members  to  discharge  this 
duty. 

Among  the  converts  was  one  Stephen  d'Alvoy,  a 
Spanish  Catholic,  who  was  led  to  renounce  Catho- 
licism and  was  publicly  baptized.  This  gave  offence 
to  the  Catholic  inhabitants  of  the  territory,  but  as 
yef  they  had  no  power  to  punish  the  offence.  At 
this  time  the  country  was  nominally  under  the  gov- 
ernment of  Great  Britain,  but  at  the  peace  of  1783 
passed  for  a  time  into  the  hands  of  the  Spanish. 

Population  continued  to  flow  into  the  country,  and 
among  them  were  some  Baptists.  William  Chaney, 
an  ordained  deacon,  came  from  South  Carolina ;  also 
his  son,  Bailey  E.  Chaney,  who  was  a  preacher  but 
not  ordained.  There  came  also  one  Harlgail,  from 
Georgia,  and  Barton  Hannah  and  William  Owen,  all 
of  who  were  or  became  licensed  preachers. 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  HIVE.  39 

Harigail  proved  to  be  a  man  of  more  zeal  than  dis- 
cretion, and  proceeded  to  denounce  in  unmeasured 
terms  the  corruptions  of  Eomanism.    This,  together 
with    the  conversion   and  active   labors  of  Alvoy 
incensed  the  Spanish  authorities,  and  they  determ- 
ined to  make  an  example  of  Curtis  and  Alvoy,  whom 
they  regarded  as  the  chief  offenders.    This  was  about 
1793  or  1794.     A  plan  was  concerted  to  send  Curtis 
and  Alvoy  to  the  mines  in  Mexico.    But  being  warned 
in  season,  they  secreted  themselves  until  prepara- 
tions were  made  for  their  flight.    Horses,  money  and 
provisions  being  provided,  they  started  to  make  their 
way  across  the  wilderness  which  intervened  between 
Mississippi  and   South  Carolina,  then  infested  by 
hostile  Indians.    They  however  reached  their  desti- 
nation in  safety  in  the  fall  of  1795.    An  attempt  was 
also  made  to  seize  Harigail,  but  he  was  notified  by 
Morris  Custard,  a  gambler,  and  made  his  escape  ;  but 
Custard  was  seized,  and  lay  in  prison  for  several 
months.    Hannah  was  also  imprisoned,  and  remained 
in  the  dungeon  until  his  wife  at  length  demanded  his 
release  with  such  assurance  of  the  purpose  of  the 
people  to  back  her  demand  with  force  that  the  Gov- 
ernor deemed  it  prudent  to  release  him.     Owen  was 
also  persecuted.    We  are  not  informed  what  became 
of  Bailey  Chaney,  but  he  evidently  kept  out  of  the 
way,  for  we  are  told  that,  a  number  of  persons  desir- 
ing to  be  baptized.  Deacon  William   Chaney  was 
appointed  to  do  it. 


30  HISTORY   OF  LOTJISIANA  BAPIISTS. 

About  the  same  time  a  minister  named  Mulkey  made 
Ms  appearauce  here.  He  was  a  man  of  excellent 
abilities,  and  preached  a  few  times.  The  Catholics 
sent  an  officer  to  one  of  his  meetings  to  arrest  him, 
but  the  congregation  interfered  and  drove  the  officer 
and  his  guard  away  by  force.  This  interference 
with  their  rights  so  incensed  the  people  that  they 
armed  themselves  and  proceeded  to  the  fort,  and 
flred  upon  it.  The  Governor,  Gayoso,  finding  him- 
self too  weak  to  resist  the  infuriated  people, 
consented  to  let  them  go  on  with  their  meetings, 
but  secretly  dispatched  a  messenger  to  Baton  Eouge 
for  reinforcements,  and  as  soon  as  they  came  placed 
himself  in  a  hostile  attitude.  Mulkey  and  his  friends, 
finding  themselves  overpowered,  were  compelled  to 
leave.    What  became  of  Mulkey  does  not  appear. 

Shortly  after  this  the  territory  was  delivered  to 
the  United  States.  The  people  assembled  in  large 
numbers ;  a  bush  arbor  was  built ;  Bailey  Ohaney 
was  sent  for;  and  while  the  flag  of  the  United  States 
floated  over  him  he  preached  the  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ,  unawed  by  the  minions  of  Eome. 

During  his  stay  in  South  Carolina,  Richard  Curtis 
was  ordained  by  Benjamin  Moseley  and  Mathew 
McCullars.  As  soon  as  he  heard  that  the  territory 
was  about  to  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  United 
States,  he  started  to  return  to  his  family,  in  company 
with  William  Ogden,  whose  father  had  accompanied 
Curtis  in  his  first  trip.^This  was  in  1797. 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  HIVE.  31 

In  the  records  of  the  Buflfaloe  or  Bethel  Church  is 
the  following  entry,  copied  by  Dr.  A.  E.  Kilpatrick: 

"In  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  ninety-seven,  William  Ogden  removed 
from  Georgia  to  Fort  Adams,  himself  and  wife  being 
Baptists.     They  soon  formed  an  aiJ^uaintance  with 
David  Jones,  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  who 
had  been  living  there  two  or  three  years  under  the 
Spanish  Government,  and  until  now  had  no  one  unto 
whom  he  could  make  known  his  religious  professions 
in  safety.    These  three  holy  persons,  unobserved  by 
men  in  authority,  met  often  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
sultation and  prayer,  remembering,  no   doubt,  the 
good  promises  of  God,  that  when  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them  ! 
(Matt.  18:20.)    They  prayed   and  they  sought  the 
answer  to  prayer  in  that  way  that  the  providence  of 
God  desired  ;  for  hearing  that  there  was  a  Baptist 
church  on  Cole's  creek,  they  paid  them  a  visit  and 
sought  some  spiritual  assistance  from  them.    They 
sought  not  in  vain,  for  soon  after  their  return  they 
were  visited  by  William  Thompson,  who  preached 
unto  them  the  Gospel  of  our  God  ;  and  on  the  first 
Saturday  in  October,  1798,  came  William  Thompson, 
Richard  Curtis  and  Joseph  Willis,  who  constituted 
them  into   a  church,  subject  to  the  government  of 
the  Cole's'  Creek  church,  calling  the  newly  consti- 
tuted arm  of  Cole's  Creek  '  The  Baptist  Church  on 
Bnffaloe.'" 


33  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

There  appears  to  be  some  discrepancy  between 
some  of  the  statements  in  this  memorandum  and  the 
statement  as  to  the  time  of  Richard  Curtis'  return 
from  South  Carolina.  It  will  be  recollected  that  Curtis 
did  not  return  to  the  Mississippi  until  it  had  passed 
from  under  the  Spanish  dominion,  and  that  William 
Ogden  returned  with  him.  As  the  Spanish  authority 
had  already  ceased,  what  need  of  their  secret  meet- 
ings unobserved  by  men  in  authority  ?  While  there 
may  be  some  minor  inaccuracies  in  the  statement,  the 
general  correctness  may  be  sustained.  It  should 
be  observed  that  the  locality  mentioned  was  on  the 
line  between  Mississippi  and  what  was  then  known 
as  West  Florida.  Napoleon  compelled  the  Spanish 
to  cede  Louisiana  to  Prance  in  1880,  two  or  three 
years  after  the  events  related,  but  West  Florida  was 
not  formally  ceded  to  the  United  States  until  Feb- 
ruary 22d,  1819,  although  Spain  had  virtually  lost 
control  previous  to  this.  These  parties,  living  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Fort  Adams,  may  have  resided 
below  the  Mississippi  line,  and  they  were  subject  to 
the  dominion  of  Spain  ;  or,  as  the  boundry  lines  were 
not  well  defined,  the  Spaniards  may  have  held  this 
part  of  Mississippi  after  they  had  yielded  the  post  at 
Katchez.  The  church  was  no  doubt  constructed  on 
the  acknowledged  territory  of  the  United  States, 
for  there  appears  to  have  been  no  obstacle  to  the 
preaching  of  Thompson  or  the  subsequent  organiza- 
tion of  the  church. 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  HIVE.  33 

It  ajipears  also  from  the  records  of  this  church  that 
subsequently,  in  March,  1799,  Daniel  Ogden,  the 
brother  of  William  Ogden,  and  his  wife,  who  accom- 
panied Curtis  in  his  first  voyage,  were  baptized,  and 
others  were  added,  from  time  to  time,  by  letter  and 
baptism. 

Bond  says  that  in  1800  a  church  was  constituted 
four  miles  from  Woodville,  in  Wilkerson  county,  by 
a  part  of  the  Ogden  family  and  others.  This  refers 
to  the  same  organization,  which  continued  to  meet  as 
an  arm  of  the  Salem  church  until  this  date,  when  it 
assumed  an  independent  existence,  and  was  thence- 
forward known  as  Bethel  church,  by  which  name  it 
aided  in  the  formation  of  the  "  Mississippi  Associa- 
tion ,"  in  1806.  The  other  churches  which  united  to 
form  the  Association  were  Salem,  (1781) ;  New  Hope, 
(1800);  New  Providence,  (1805);  and  Bbenezer, 
(1806).  Of  these,  New  Hope  and  Bethel  were  situ- 
ated in  Wilkerson  county.  Providence  and  Ebenezer 
in  Amite  county,  all  near  the  Louisiana  line. 

Thomas  Mercer  came  from  Georgia  about  1800, 
and  preached  regularly.  Dr.  David  Cooper,  who 
was  probably  from  Tennessee,  a  learned  and  pious 
man,  who  combined  the  callings  of  preaching  and  the 
practice  of  medicine,  came  in  1807.  He  did  more, 
perhaps,  than  any  other  man  to  give  character  to 
these  early  Baptists  He  was  long  Moderator  of  the 
Mississippi  Association.  He  was  active  in  promoting 
education  and  missions.    He  died  in  1830. 


34  HISTORY   OF  LOFISIA]S"A   BAPTISTS. 

About  the  sime  time,  also,  a  number  of  preachers 
appeared  in  this  country,  who  had  either  immigrated 
or  been  licensed  here.  Among  these  were  Moses 
Hadley,  Ezra  Courtney,  Lawrence  Scarborough, 
Josiah  Flowers,  and,  a  little  later,  Isham  Nettles, 
Ezekiel  O'Quin,  Henry  Humble,  Howard  Wall,  and 
some  others,  most  of  whom  labored  subsequently 
in  Louisiana. 


CHAPTER   II. 

EZRA  COURTNEY,  THE  APOSTLE  OP  WEST  FLORIDA. 

That  portion  of  Louisiana  lying  east  of  the  Missis- 
sippi river  and  north  of  the  Bayou  D'Iberville  and 
Lake  Pontchartrain,  was  known  as  West  Florida,  and 
was  claimed  as  a  part  of  the  Spanish  dominions 
until  the  cession  of  Florida,  February  22d,  1819. 
France  ceded  the  territor.y  of  Louisiana  to  the 
United  States  in  1803,  but  the  boundaries  were  not  so 
well  defined  as  to  include  the  settlements  on  the 
east  bank  of  the  Mississippi  river.  Besides  these 
there  were  settlements  on  the  Pearl  river,  in  the 
eastern  part  of  West  Florida.  After  the  cession  of 
Louisiana,  the  Spanish  government  continued  to 
exercise  jurisdiction  over  this  part  of  the  State. 
Year  after  year  a  large  portion  of  the  immigration 
attracted  by  the  fertile  lands  in  Louisiana  settled 
east  of  the  Mississippi  river,  in  the  parishes  of  Bast 
and  West  Feliciana  and  East  Baton  Eouge  ;  but  as 
the  American  population  increased,  the  Spanish 
authority  proportionally  diminished,  until  finally  the 
inhabitants  rose  in  rebellion  ami  established  a  little 
republic  at  Baton  Eouge.  By  connivance  with  Gov- 
ernor Claiborne,  of  Louisiana,  after  an  existence  of 
one  day,  it  was  surrendered  to  the  United  States, 


36  HI8T0ET   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTSTS. 

and  thenceforward  became  a  part  of  Louisiana. 
The  treaty  of  1819  settled  the  matter  definitely,  by 
ceding  to  the  United  States  East  and  West  Florida, 
in  consideration  of  five  millions  of  dollars,  and  the 
relinquishment  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  of 
all  claims  to  Texas. 

The  proximity  of  the  settlements  in  South-West 
Mississippi  and  Eastern  Louisiana,  together  with  the 
similarity  of  views  and  feelings  among  the  American 
settlers,  led  to  continual  intercourse  between  them. 
Persons  moved  from  Mississippi  and  settled  in 
Louisiana.  This  strengthened  the  ties  and  kept 
up  the  intercourse  between  them. 

Among  so  many  Baptists  and  Baptist  preachers,  it 
is  reasonable  to  suppose  that,  some  time  before  the 
beginning  of  the  present  century,  individual  Baptists 
moved  into  Louisiana,  and  some  of  the  ministers 
would  naturally  visit  these  scattered  brethren.  But 
the  first  authentic  account  we  have  is  that  of  Bailey 
E.  Ohaney,  who  removed  with  his  family  from  Cole's 
Creek  to  East  Feliciana  parish,  Louisiana,  1798.  Mr. 
Chaney  began  to  preach,  but  was  soon  arrested  and 
thrown  into  prison.  He  was  afterward  released 
on  his  promise  to  preach  no  more.  This  he  gave, 
hoping  in  some  way  to  be  able  to  evade  his  promise. 
Bond  states  that  he  died  shortly  afterwards,  without 
being  able  to  constitute  a  church,  which  he  had 
hoped  to  be  able  to  do.    I  think  this  in  part  a  mis- 


EZRA   COURTIirEY.  37 

take.  It  is  trne  that  he  disappears  from  view  for  a 
while.  Perhaps  during  his  residence  in  Louisiana  he 
felt  bound  by  his  promise  to  the  Spanish  authorities ; 
but  he  must  have  returned  to  Mississippi,  for  I  find 
him  present  at  the  meeting  of  the  Mississippi  Asso- 
ciation, as  a  delegate  from  the  old  Salem  church,  in 
1814;  and  in  1816  his  name  appears  among  the  list  of 
comtributors  to  the  Missionary  fand.  As  his  name 
disappears  from  the  ministry  after  this,  it  is  probable 
he  died  about  this  time.  However,  about  this  time 
Salem  phurch  became  involved  in  trouble  from 
internal  divisions  and  soon  after  disappeared  from 
view. 

About  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  a 
number  of  young  ministers  crossed  the  line  and 
boldly  preached  the  Gospel,  at  the  peril  of  their 
lives.  Among  these  was  Ezra  Courtney,  who  made 
frequent  visits  to  these  parts.  He  emigrated  from 
South  Carolina  in  1802,  and  settled  in  Amite  county 
in  Mississippi,  near  the  State  line,  where,  mainly 
through  his  instrumentality,  a  church  was  gathered 
in  1806,  called  Ebeuezer,  of  which  he  became  a  mem- 
ber. About  the  time  Courtney  removed  to  Missis- 
sippi, a  company  of  emigrants  came  from  South 
Carolina  and  settled  about  nine  miles  from  Baton 
Rouge.  These  either  knew  Courtney  in  South  Caro- 
lina, or  there  were  among  them  Baptists,  for  they 
invited  him  to  visit  them  and  preach.    This  he  did. 


38  HISTORY   OF  LOTTISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

but  the  Catholics  were  aroused  and  threatened  him 
with  imprisonment.  He  sought  the  Alcalde,  who  was 
an  American,  made  himself  agreeable  and  secured 
his  favor.  Thus  he  was  enabled  to  continue  his  visits. 
In  these  visits  he  made  the  house  of  the  Alcalde  his 
stopping-place  in  passing.  The  Catholics  sought  on 
several  occasions  to  arrest  him,  but  he  always 
escaped  through  the  connivance  of  his  friend  the 
Alcalde.  But  the  Catholic  influence  waned  with  the 
increase  of  the  American  population,  which  contin- 
ued to  flow  into  this  region.  Individual  Bapjbists  no 
doubt  came  with  them,  and  Jesse  Young,  Moses 
Hadley  and  others  occasionally  visited  these  parts. 
But  no  church  was  gathered  for  several  years.  In 
1813  the  Mississippi  Association  admitted  two 
churches  that  had  been  organized  that  year  in  what 
was  afterward  Washington  parish,  called  Mount 
Nebo  and  Peniel.  The  same  year  Ezra  Courtney 
and  Howard  Wall  were  sent  as  itinerants  into  Louis- 
iana. The  following  year  Hepzibah  church  was 
admitted  to  the  Association,  and  Ezra  Courtney 
became  pastor.  It  was  the  custom  of  the  Associa- 
tion to  appoint  general  meetings  to  be  held  in  the 
feebler  churches,  to  be  attended  by  the  younger 
ministers.  One  of  these  meetings  was  held  at 
Hepzibah  church  in  1815.  At  the  meeting  of  the 
Association  that  year,  the  preachers  were  recom 
mended   to  use  their  utmost  diligence  in  itinerant 


131ZRA   OOtTRTNEY.  39 

preaching,  taking  into  view  the  cause  of  the  desti- 
tute churches  and  settlements,  both  in  their  own 
territory  and  West  Florida,  from  which  was  heard 
the  Macedonian  cry :  "  Come  over  and  help  us." 
Ezra  Courtney,  having  removed  to  East  Feliciana 
parish,  appears  as  a  delegate  from  Hepzibah  church 
in  1816.  About  this  time  there  was  organized  the 
Mississippi  Society  for  Baptist  Missions,  Domestic 
and  Foreign.  A  missionary  of  this  society,  Eev. 
James  A.  Kanoldson,  was  present  at  the  meeting  in 
1817.  After  this  date  his  labors  seem  to  have  been 
directed  to  Louisiana,  even  visiting  New  Orleans. 
The  following  year  a  letter  was  presented  by  the 
Moderator  from  the  Orleans  church,  petitioning  for 
admittance,  which  was  granted  according  to  their 
request;  and  B.  Davis,  their  delegate,  admitted  to  a 
seat.  This  was  probably  Elder  Benjamin  Davis,  who 
a  few  years  before  was  pastor  at  Natchez. 

In  1819  the  Association  met  with  Hepzibah  church, 
and  the  St.  Francisville  church  was  admitted,  repre- 
sented by  the  missionary,  J.  A  Eanoldson,  and  E. 
Andrews,  who  was  an  ordained  preacher.  From  this 
time,  all  fear  of  Catholic  interference  having  ceased, 
the  number  of  preachers  multiplied,  and  churches 
sprang  up  in  various  places. 

In  1830,  and  for  some  years  after,  the  church 
began  to  be  troubled  with  the  leaven  of  Campbellism, 
and   some  with  Parkerism,  or  Two-Seedism.     The 


40  HISTOET  OF  LOtriSIAUfA  BAPTISTS. 

distractions  growing  out  of  these  questions  fell  like 
a  blight  upon  the  cause  of  religion.  In  1833  it  was 
reported  to  the  Association  the  Natalbany  church 
had  imbibed  the  Two-Seed  doctrine ;  and  upon  inves- 
tigation it  was  found  to  be  true,  and  the  fellowship 
of  the  Association  was  withdrawn.  In  1835,  the 
Fiv^  church  at  Jackson,  Louisiana,  was  received. 
Elder  J.  A.  Eanaldson,  the  missionary,  having 
embraced  Oampbellism,  was  declared  heterodox, 
and  the  churches  warned  against  his  doctrine.  The 
following  year  the  church  at  Clinton,  Louisiana,  was 
received.  About  this  time  there  was  a  considerable 
accession  to  the  ministry  of  this  part  of  the  State. 
Elder  J.  B.  Smith  had  located  at  Clinton.  Asa  S. 
Mercer,  who  subsequently  labored  in  the  Cata- 
houla country,  west  of  the  Ouachita,  visited 
Louisiana  as  a  Missionary  of  the  Association  in  1830, 
and  continued  his  visits.  The  Walls,  W.  B.  and 
Howard,  had  settled  in  St.  Helena  parish.  T.  M. 
Bond,  H.  D.  F.  Roberts,  Jesse  Young — all  able 
preachers — served  churches  in  Louisiana  while  re- 
siding in  Mississippi.  Charles  Felder  and  others, 
living  near  the  State  line,  often  visited  the  churches. 
About  this  time  also  arose  a  number  of  young 
preachers  E.  A.  Campbell  and  W.  L.  Sibley,  who 
removed  and  died  west  of  Eed  river;  Moses  Seals, 
A.  Pennington,  D.  M.  Chaney,  W.  B.  Allen  and  W. 
Venado,  whose  labors  in  this  region  have  continued 
until  the  present.     - 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  ASSOCIATION.  41 

Mount  Bnon  and  Bethlehem,  St.  Helena  parish, 
were  received  in  1837,  and  the  year  following  the 
Association  met  at  Jackson,  Louisiana,  and  Baton 
Eouge  church  was  received.  During  the  year  an 
unfortunate  difficulty  between  Hepzibah  church,  and 
her  pastor,  Ezra  Courtney,  resulted  in  his  exclu- 
sion ;  but  the  action,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Jackson 
church,  -was  so  manifestly  unjust,  that  the  latter 
church  received  him  into  fellowship.  This  zealous 
pioneer  lived  to  see  a  large  Baptist  population  grow 
up  around  him;  and  died  near  Qliuton,  Louisiana, 
February  22,  1855,  in  the  eighty-fourth  year  of  his 
life,  and  the  sixty-fourth  of  his  ministry.  He  was 
often  Moderator  of  the  Mississippi  Association,  and 
was  one  of  its  most  active  and  efficient  members. 

The  feeble  organization  in  New  Orleans,  admitted 
to  the  Association  in  1818,  soon  became  extinct ;  but 
about  1840  Frederic  Clarke  gathered  another  church 
there,  which  was  received  into  the  Association  in 
1841.  As  I  purpose  to  devote  a  separate  chapter  to 
the  work  in  Kew  Orleans,  I  need  not  at  present  take 
further  notice  of  this  church. 

In  the  report  on  the  state  of  religion,  to  the  Mis- 
sissipi  Association  in  1842, 1  find  the  following  notice 
of  Louisiana  churches : 

"  8hiloh,   (Livingston    Parish).      The  letter    from 

this  church  is  of  an  interesting  nature,  exhibiting  a 

small  number  struggling  against  a  tide  of  opposition, 

having   the    form    of   godliness,  but    denying   the 

4 


42  HISTOET   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTSTS. 

power  thereof.  'We  fear,'  say  they,  'that  the 
standard  of  evangelical  piety,  which  has  its  seat  in 
the  heart,  and  the  operations  of  which  are  felt  in 
the  soul,  has  been  lamentably  low  in  this  region  ;  and 
that  many  have  assumed  the  names  of  disciples,  and 
have  become  partakers  of  the  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel,  without  having  felt  its  power.  While 
the  road  has  been  made  easy,  and  the  quali- 
fications slight,  many  have  been  tempted,  we 
fear,  to  go  forward  in  the  holy  rite  of  baptism,  who 
make  no  pretensions  to,  and  some  who  do  not 
believe  in,  that  fundamental  doctrine  of  the  Gospel, 
a  change  of  heart.'  They  mourn  the  loss  of  their 
deacon,  0.  Edwards,  long  a  constant  Christian,  and 
who  died,  as  all  consistent  Christians  wUl  die,  strong 
in  the  faith,  giving  glory  to  God.  Brother  Poole  is 
their  supply,  who  deserves  the  thanks  of  the  church 
for  his  liberality  in  administering  to  their  necessities. 
Increase,  thirty-three,  mostly  black. 

^^Sepzibah  Church,  (East  Feliciana  Parish).  This 
church  presents  a  pleasing  and  favorable  report, 
showing  that  they  are  alive  in  the  cause  of  God  and 
truth.  'We  have  abundant  reaHon  to  be  thankful' 
(say  they)  '  that  God  is  made  known  to  us  in  the 
conversion  of  sinners,  giving  peace  and  prosperity 
under  the  faithful  labors  of  our  devoted  pastor. 
Increase,  twelve. 

".Mt.  Nebo,  (Washington  Parish).  This  church 
mentions  only  that  they  are  regularly  supplied  with 
preaching  by  Brother  H.  Wall.    Increase,  four. 


THE  MISSISSIPPI  ASSOOIATIOJr.  43 

"Beulah,  (Washington  Parish).  Manifest  peace 
and  prosperity.    Increase,  three. 

^^  Jackson,  (Jackson,  Louisiana).  States  that  they 
are  destitute  of  preaching,  but  do  not  state  the  cause. 
Decrease,  eleven. 

"  Clinton,  (East  Feliciana  Parish).  Eeports  a  grad- 
ual increase  of  five. 

"  Hebron,  (Livingston  Parish).  Laments  her  cold- 
ness and  want  of  fruit  to  God. 

"  Bethlehem,  (St.  Helena  Parish).  Has  experienced 
no  religious  enjoyment.  Their  tone  of  feeling  is  low, 
but  they  desire  prayers ;  their  number  the  same  as 
last  year. 

"  Mount  Unon,  (Washington  Parish).  Presents  an 
interesting  state.    Increase,  eight. 

"  Baton  Bouge,  (East  Baton  Eouge  Parish).  Ee- 
ports a  low  state  of  feeling  and  prosperity.  Their 
number  at  a  stand. 

"  Mount  Bhal,  (Livingston  Parish).  Eejoices  in  her 
union  with  the  churches,  but  has  decreased  three. 

'■'■  Mount  Moriah,  (East  Baton  Eogue  Parish). 
States  no  particulars.  They  are  supplied  by  brother 
Bond.    Increase,  one. 

"  Line  Greek,  (Washington  Parish).  Denotes  pros- 
perity under  the  labors  of  Elder  L.  Wall.  Increase, 
twenty. 

"  Bluff  Greek,  (East  Feliciana  Parish).  Thinks  that 
the  set  time  to  favor  Zion  has  not  yet  come  with 


44  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

them.  They  mourn  their  coldness,  and  hope  that 
the  meeting  of  the  Association  may  prove  a  bless- 
ing to  them.    Increase,  three. 

"Mount  Pisgah,  (Washington  Parish).  Mentions 
no  particulars.  Tbey  have  regular  preaching.  In- 
crease, four. 

"  Sharon,  (Washington  Parish).  Has  received 
thirteen,  with  encourging  prospects. 

'^New  Orleans.  This  church,  under  the  pastoral 
labor  of  Brother  P.  Clarke,  has  experienced  a  steady 
and  permanent  growth.  Their  congregations  are 
well  attended,  and  the  smiles  of  God  are  continued 
to  them.  Among  the  number  baptized  were  two 
Pedobaptist  preachers,  men  of  talent  and  exper- 
ience, who  promise  usefulness.    Increase,  nineteen. 

'■'■Jordan,  (West  Peliciana  Parish).  This  interesting 
body,  located  on  the  Mississippi  river,  was  received 
into  the  Association.  May  the  Great  Head  of  the 
church  bless  them  to  his  glory  and  good." 


CHAPTER  III. 

EASTERN  LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION. 

Up  to  this  point  the  churches  west  of  the  Missis- 
sippi river  continued  under  the  fostering  care  of  the 
old  Mississippi  Association,  by  whose  members  the 
standard  of  the  Gospel  had  been  planted  in  this 
part  of  the  State.  But  now  these  had  reached  a 
point  where  they  were  self-sustaining,  and  as  the  old 
Association  was  growing  large  and  cumbersome,  it 
was  deemed  expedient  to  divide  it.  At  the  session 
of  the  Mississippi  Association  at  Bluff  Creek  church, 
East  Feliciana  parish,  in  the  year  1842,  petitions  from 
several  churches,  desirous  of  forming  a  new  Asso- 
ciation, were  received,  and  the  clerk  was  directed  to 
give  them  letters  of  dismission. 

[1842.]  Agreeable  to  previous  arrangement,  a 
convention  met  with  Beulah  church,  in  the  parish  of 
Washington,  on  Saturday,  November  the  19th,  1842, 
for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  new  Association  out 
of  the  churches  situated  in  the  eastern  part  of  what 
was  formerly  called  West  Florida.  This  body  took 
the  name  of  Eastern  Louisiana  Baptist  Association. 
The  list  of  churches  which  united  in  this  first  meet- 
ing is  given  below,  with  date  of  their  constitution 
and  locality,  as  far  as  I  h  v    been  able  to  ascertain : 


46  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

"  Mt.  Nebo,  (1813),  Washington  Parish.  Total  mem- 
bership, 36. 

"  Beulah,  (1833),  Washington  Parish.  Total  member- 
ship, 63. 

^^  Hebron,  (1837),  Livingston  Parish.  Total  mem- 
bership, 8. 

"Bethlehem,  (1837),  St,  Helena  Parish.  Total  mem- 
bership, 31. 

"  Mt.  Enon,  (1837),  Washington  Parish.  Total  mem- 
bership, 50. 

"  Mt.  Mai,  (1839),  Livingston  Parish.  Total  mem- 
bership, 29. 

''Mt.  Moriah,  (1839),  East  Baton  Eouge  Parish. 
Total  membership,  35. 

"Line  GreeTc,  (1841),  Washington  Parish.  Total 
membership,  74. 

"Sharon,  (1841),  Washington  Parish.  Total  mem- 
bership, 39. 

"Mi.  Pisgah,  (1841),  Washington  Parish.  Total 
membership,  18. 

"  Bluff  Creek,  (1841),  Bast  Feliciana  Parish.  Total 
membership,  74. 

'■'New  Orleans,  (1841),  Parish  of  Orleans.  Total 
membership,  25. 

"ArnoWs  Oreefc,  (1841),  Livingston  Parish.  Total 
membership,  17. 

"Springfield,  (1841),  Livingston  Parish.  Total 
membership,  68. 

"  Amite,  (1841),  Livingston  Parish.  Total  member- 
ship, 22. 


EASTERN  LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  47 

"Bethany,  (1842).    Total  membership,  17. 

"  Mt.  Hope,  (1842).    Total  membership,  11. 

"  Mt.  Pleasant,  (1842).     Total  membership,  9. 

"Palestine,  (1842),  St.  Tammany  Parish.  Total 
membership,  14. 

"  Unon,  Washington  Parish.    Total  membership,  25. 

"Mt.  Olive,  Washington  Parish.  Total  member- 
ship, 32. 

"  Comite,  (1842),  East  Baton  Eouge  Parish.  Total 
membership,  12. 

Twenty-two  churches,  aggregating  a  membership 
of  699. 

The  names  of  the  ministers  composing  the  Asso- 
ciation are  given  as  follows  : 

Ordained:  Frederic  Clarke,  W.  L.  Sibley,  T.  M. 
Bond,  W.  B.  Allen,  L.  E.  Wall,  D.  M.  Chaney  and 
W.  H.  Tarnado.  Licentiates:  E.  A.  Campbell,  W. 
P.  Fort,  J.  Scarborough  and  J.  H.  Smiley. 

The  spirit  of  the  body  may  be  seen  from  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions,  adopted  at  this  fiftt  meeting : 

"  Resolved — That  the  Association  appoint,  annu- 
ally, three  of  her  members,  who  shall  compose  a 
board,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  employ  one  or  more 
Baptist  preachers,  of  good  standing,  zeal  and 
activity,  to  labor  within  the  bounds  of  this  Asso- 
ciation; that  the  preachers  thus  employed  be  the 
authorized  agents  of  this  Association,  to  solicit  funds 
in  the  aid  of  this  object,  and  that  each  missionary 
report  to  the  board  every  three  months,  and  that 


48  HISTOEY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

the  board  report  to  this  Association  at  her  annual 
meetings. 

"  Resolved.— Thsii  the  churches  and  ministers 
belonging  to  this  Association  be  recommended  to 
form  Sunday-schools  in  every  church,  and  other 
practicable  places  ;  and  that  they  report  annually  the 
gumber  of  schools  and  scholars ;  also,  the  number 
of  books  in  each  library. 

"  Resolved. — That  it  is  especially  the  duty  of  every 
Baptist  to  inculcate  and  promote  a  more  careful  and 
constant  reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

"  Resolved. — That  we  feel  deeply  interested  in  the 
operations  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society,  and  that  we  will  heartily  co-operate  with  it 
as  far  as  it  is  in  our  power. 

"  Resolved. — That  the  American  Baptist  Publication 
and  Sunday-school  Society  richly  deserves  the 
attention  and  support  of  this  Convention." 

It  was  also  resolved  to  write  to  all  the  Associa- 
tions in  the  State  to  unite  in  forming  a  General 
Association,  and  although  this  movement  was  not 
seconded  at  the  time,  on  account  of  geographical 
dififlculties,  it  shows  that  these  builders  entertained 
broad  views. 

W.  L.  Sibley,  who  afterwards  labored  in  the  Eed 
Eiver  region,  presided  over  this  meeting,  and  Thomas 
M.  Bond,  the  historian  of  the  Mississippi  Associa- 
tion, was  the  Secretary. 

The  following  Articles    of  Faith  were  adopted: 


EASTEEIT  LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  49 

1.  "  We  believe  in  one  Triune  God,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  same  in  essence,  equal  in 
power  and  glory. 

2.  "  We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testament  were  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  are 
the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice. 

3.  "  We  believe  in  the  fall  of  Adam  from  his  origi- 
nal rectiiftide,  in  the  imputation  of  his  sin  to  all  his 
posterity,  in  the  total  depravity  of  human  nature, 
and  man's  inability  to  restore  himself  to  the  favor  of 
God. 

4.  "We  believe  that  God  has  loved  his  people 
with  an  everlasting  love;  that  he  chose  them  in 
Christ  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  he 
calleth  them  with  an  effectual  calling,  and  being  jus- 
tified alone  through  the  righteousness  of  Christ  im- 
puted to  them,  they  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation. 

6.  "  We  believe  there  is  one  Mediator  between 
God  and  men,  the  Man,  Christ  Jesus,  who  by  the  sat- 
isfaction he  made  to  law  and  justice,  in  becoming  an 
offering  for  sin,  hath  by  his  precious  blood  redeemed 
the  elect  from  under  the  curse  of  the  law,  that  they 
may  be  holy  and  without  blame  in  love. 

6.  "  We  believe  that  good  works  are  the  fruits  of 
faith  and  follow  after  justification,  and  are  evidences 
of  a  gracious  state,  and  that  all  believers  are  bound 
to  obey  every  command  of  God  from  a  principle  of 
love. 

7.  "We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  and 
a  general  judgment;  that  the  happiness  of  the  right- 
eous and  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  will  be  ever- 
lasting. 


50  HISTORY  or  LOUISIANA  BAPISTS. 

GOSPEL  OKDEB. 

1.  "  We  believe  that  the  visible  Church  of  Christ  is 
a  congregation  of  faithful  persons  who  have  given 
themselves  to  the  Lord  and  to  one  another  by  the 
will  of  God,  and  have  covenanted  to  keep  up  a  godly 
discipline  agreeably  to  the  Gospel. 

2.  "  We  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  thread  of 
the  Church,  the  only  law-giver ;  that  the  government 
is  in  the  church. 

3.  "We  believe  that  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per are  Gospel  ordinances  appointed  by  Jesus  Christ, 
and  are  to  be  continued  in  the  Church  until  his 
second  coming. 

4.  "  We  believe  that  the  immersion  of  the  body  in 
water  in  the  name  of  the  Father  and  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  is  the  only  Scriptural  baptism  as  taught 
by  Christ  and  his  Apostles. 

5.  "■  We  believe  that  none  but  regularly  baptized 
chuich  members  who  live  a  holy  life,  have  a  right  to 
partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

6.  "  We  believe  that  it  is  the  privilege  and  duty  of 
all  believers  to  make  a  profession  of  their  faith 
before  submitting  themselves  as  subjects  of  baptism 
and  as  members  of  the  visible  Church. 

7.  "  We  believe  that  it  is  the  duty  of  every  regu- 
larly organized  church  to  expel  from  her  communion 
all  disorderly  and  immoral  members,  and  who  hold 
doctrines  contrary  to  the  Scriptures." 

These  articles  were  taken  from  the  Union  ( Missis- 
sippi) Association.  The  meeting  throughout  was 
harmonious. 

[  1843.]    The  second  session  of  this  body  was  held 


EASTEEN  LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  51 

with  the  ^Bethlehem  church  Parish  of  St.  Helena, 
in  October,  1843.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Frederic  Clarke,  pastor  of  the  New  Or- 
leans church,  who  was  subsequently  elected  Moder- 
ator. Mt.  Gilead  church,  Parish  of  East  Baton 
Eouge,  was  admitted  with  a  total  membership  of 
forty.     ^ 

The  Association  notes  the  death  during  the  past 
year,  and  makes  honorable  mention  of  that  aged 
father  in  the  Gospel,  Elder  Charles  Felder,  who 
preached  the  Gospel  ten  years  in  South  Carolina, 
his  native  State,  and  in  this  State  and  in  Mississippi, 
twenty-four  years. 

The  aggregate  membership  reported  is  seven  hun- 
dred and  twenty-eight.  The  names  of  Isaac  Muse, 
P.  Harbour,  W.  G.  Howard,  and  Charles  Pusche, 
and  McFarland,  were  added  to  the  list  of  ministers. 

[  1844.  ]  The  third  session  was  held  with  the  Mt. 
Olive  church,  Parish  of  Livingston,  October,  1844 ; 
"W.  B.  Allen,  Moderator,  and  W.  L.  Debley,  clerk. 
Twenty-one  churches  in  attendance  by  delegates, 
two  churches,  the  Amite  and  Line  were  dismissed. 
An  executive  board  was  appointed  to  conduct  mis- 
sionary operations  during  the  recess  of  the  Associa- 
tion. 

[  1845.  ]  The  fourth  session  was  held  with  the  Bluff 
Creek  church.  East  Feliciana  Parish,  October,  1846. 
W.  B.  Allen  was  re-elected  Moderator,  and  W.  L. 
Sibley,  Clerk.     Mt.  Zion  church.  Pike  County,  Mis 


52  HISTOET   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

sissippi,  was  reasoned.  For  some  reasons  not  stated 
in  the  Minutes,  letters  of  dismission  were  refused  to 
the  Mt.  Bbal  and  Springfield  Churches.  The  names 
of  Isaac  Shipler,  G.  MuUins,  and  D.  T.  Skinner,  were 
added  to  the  list  of  ministers.  The  reports  from  the 
churches  show  but  a  small  increase. 

[1846.]  The  fifth  session  was  held  w^h  Bnon 
church,  in  the  Parish  of  Washington,  October,  1846. 
Eev.  P.  Clarke  preached  the  introductory  and  was 
elected  Moderator,  with  D.  M.  Chaney,  Clerk. 

Palestine  Church  was  dismissed  and  fellowship 
withdrawn  from-  Springfield  Church.  The  churches 
were  recommended  to  observe  the  monthly  concert 
of  prayer,  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Eedeeming  King- 
dom, and  more  especially  for  the  spread  of  the  Gos- 
pel. A  day  was  also  set  apart  as  a  day  of  fasting, 
humiliation,  and  prayer  to  God,  in  view  of  the  great 
destitution  among  us,  and  that  God  would  send 
both  more  laborers  into  this  part  of  his  vineyard. 
The  aggregate  membership  reported  this  year  was 
five  hundred  and  ninety-six. 

[  1847.  ]  The  sixth  session  was  held  with  the  Mt. 
Zion  church.  Pike  County,  Mississippi,  October  9, 
1847.  W.  B.  Allen  preached  the  introductory^  and 
was  elected  Moderator,  with  W.  H;  Varnado,  Clerk. 

In  response  to  a  query  sent  up  by  Mt.  Pleasant 
church,  it  was  answered  that  it  was  not  in  Gospel 
order  for  a  church  to  retain  a  member  in  fellowship 
who  allowed  drinking  and  dancing  in  his  house. 


EASTEE:^  LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  63 

The  circular  letter  of  this  year  was  on  the  subject 
of  repentance,  and  was  prepared  by  Elder  D.  M. 
Ohaney.  He  maintains  that  true  repentance  has 
the  following  distinguishing  characteristics.  Ist: 
It  extends  to  the  heart  as  well  as  to  the  practice. 
2.  It  embraces  a  deep  sense  of  the  evil  of  sin,  and 
hearty  ^rrow  for  it  as  done  against  God. 

These  points  are  elaborated  with  considerable 
ability,  showing  that  Mr.  Ohaney  was  a  preacher  of 
more  than  ordinary  powers  and  attainments. 

[1848.]  The  seventh  anniversary  was  held  with  the 
Bluff  Creek  church,  W.  B.  Allen,  Moderator,  and  D. 
M.  Ohaney,  Olerk. 

The  Greensburg  and  Tanghipaho  churches  were 
received,  and  Palestine,  which  had  previously  been 
dismissed,  returned  and  was  again  recognized  as  a 
part  of  the  body. 

Some  confusion  having  arisen,  by  reason  of  dif- 
ferences in  the  articles  of  religion  held  by  the  dif- 
ferent associations  in  correspondence,  it  was  agreed, 
at  the  request  of  the  Pearl  Elver  Association,  to 
appoint  a  committee  to  meet  a  similar  committee 
from  the  corresponding  associations  for  the  purpose 
of  forming  articles  of  faith  upon  which  all  might 
agree.  On  that  important  committee  the  following 
brethren  were  appointed:  viz.,  W.  H.  Varnado, 
Isaac  Muse,  P.  Bankston,  W.  B.  Allen,  D.  M.  Ohaney 
and  S.  Lee.  The  aggregate  membership  reported 
was  621. 


54  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

[1849.]  I  have  no  minutes  of  this  year.  Such  is 
the  case  in  the  following  pages  where  no  notice  is 
taken  of  a  meeting  during  any  year. 

[1850.]  The  ninth  anniversary  was  held  with  the 
Mt.  Olive  church,  in  Livingston  Parish,  in  1850.  W. 
B.  Allen  was  elected  Moderator,  and  E.  W.  More, 
Clerk. 

The  Jones  Creek  church,  Bast  Baton>  Eouge 
Parish,  was  admitted  to  membership,  together  with 
two  Mississippi  churches. 

By  resolution,  Elder  Jesse  Crawford,  of  the  Pearl 
Eiver  Association,  was  invited  to  visit  churches  in 
the  bounds  of  this  association,  particularly  the 
Pine  Grove,  Greensburg,  and  Springfield  churches, 
promising  compensation  for  his  services. 

The  following  ministers  are  reported  as  belong- 
ing to  the  association:  Ordained,  Wm.  B.  Allen, 
David  M.  Chaney,  Archibald  Pennington,  Wm.  H. 
Varnado ;  Licentiates,  Gabriel  MuUins,  J.  E.  Ponns, 
I.  J.  Pouns,  Wm.  Collins,  A.  L.  Carpenter,  and  B. 
W.  More.    Total  membership  450. 

[1851.]  The  tenth  session  was  held  with  Amite 
church,  Livingston  Parish,  October,  1851.  Eld.  W. 
B.  Allen  was  elected  Moderator,  and  A.  T.  Barnett, 
Clerk.  The  Sunday  exercises  were  unusually  inter- 
esting, and  many  of  the  congregation  asked  the 
prayers  of  God's  people. 

During  the  year  Elder  Jesse  Crawford  had  visited 
some  of  the  churches  at  the  request  of  the  associa- 


EASTERN  LOTTISIANA   ASSOOIATION.  65 

tion,  and  the  Treasurer  was  directed  to  settle  with 
him  for  his  services.  An  invitation  was  also  ex- 
tended to  Elder  Calvin  McGee,  of  Mississippi,  to 
visit  the  churches  of  the  Association. 

[1852.]  The  eleventh  session  was  held  with  Enon 
church,  Washington  Parish,  in  October,  1852.  On 
Sabbath,  Wm.  B.  Allen,  Wilson  Clark  (of  Missis- 
sippi Eiver  Association),  and  Jesse  Crawford 
preached  to  an  unusually  large  congregation,  who 
gave  marked  attention,  and  at  the  close  of  the  ser- 
vices there  was  quite  a  feeling  of  interest  mani- 
fested throughout  the  congregation.  Jesse  Craw- 
ford was  again  employed  to  ride  as  a  missionary  of 
the  association.  Fifteen  churches  were  represented, 
reporting  63  baptisms  and  a  total  membership  of 
506. 

[1853.]  The  twelfth  session  was  held  with  Mt. 
Zion  church.  Pike  county.  Miss.  No  business  of 
importance  was  transacted.  The  aggregate  mem- 
bership reported  was  408.  The  apparent  falling  off 
since  the  last  year  was  no  doubt  due  to  the  want  of 
representation.  I  find  the  name  of  B.  C.  Allen  added 
to  the  list  of  ordained  ministers,  and  B.  L.  Lea  to 
that  of  the  licentiates. 

[1854.]  The  thirteenth  anniversary  was  held  with 
the  Hebron  church.  Parish  of  Livingston,  October, 
1854.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
W.  H.  Varnado.  Elder  W.  B.  Allen  was  again 
elected  Moderator.    New  Jerusalem  church,  in  the 


66  HISTORY   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Parish  of  Washington,  became  a  member.  This 
church  was  organized  the  year  before,  under  the 
labor  of  I.  J.  Pouns,  with  eleven  members.  It  is 
situated  near  Covington.  The  colored  membership 
is  reported  at  823,  which  added  to  the  white  mem- 
bership makes  an  aggregate  of  1711.  Palestine, 
Bethel,  and  Union  churches  were  dismissed  to  unite 
with  some  other  body.  A  committee  was.  appointed 
to  inquire  why  Mt.  Ebal  church  had  not  for  several 
years  sent  delegates  to  the  association,  to  report  at 
•next  meeting.  Jesse  Crawford  continued  as  a  mis- 
sionary. 

[1855]  The  fourteenth  session  met  with  the  Mt. 
Pisgah  church,  Washington  Parish.  A.  Pennington 
preached  the  introductory  sermon.  In  the  election 
of  offlcers,  W.  B.  Allen  was  again  put  in  the  chair. 
The  West  Pearl  church  ( 8  members ),  St.  Tammany 
Parish,  was  received.  The  Sabbath  exercises  drew 
together  a  large  congregation,  which  was  deeply 
affected  by  the  word. 

Jesse  Crawford  reported  thirty-four  days  labor; 
travelled  about  seven  hundred  miles ;  preached 
twenty-seven  sermons  to  about  one  thousand  per- 
sons, and  assisted  in  the  ordination  of  Brother  I.  J. 
Pbuns  to  the  Gospel  ministry. 

W.  B.  Allen  spent  twenty-one  days  in  service  as  a 
missionary;  preached  twenty  sermons,  travelled 
350  miles,  congregations  varying  from  one  hundred 
and  fifty  to  twenty  in  number. 


EASTERN  LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  57 

Nineteen  charches  report  eighty-one  baptisms; 
received  by  letter,  twenty-three ;  restored  five ;  dis- 
missed, twenty;  excluded,  five;  died,  eleven.  Total 
whites  465,  blacks  57.  Ordained  ministers,  W.  B. 
Allen,  A.  Pennington.  E.  W.  More,  W.  H.  Varnado, 
B.  L.  Lea,  D.  M.  Ohaney;  Licentiates,  A.  L.  Carpen- 
ter and  G.  Mulling. 

[1866.]  The  twenty-fifth  session  was  held  with  the 
Bluff  church,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  October,  1866. 
Introductory  was  preached  by  Henry  Z.  Jenkins. 
Moderator,  Elder  S.  S.  Eelyea;  Clerk,  Eld.  S.  A. 
Hayden.  Ten  churches  were  represented*  Cor- 
responding. Messengers  were  present  from  the 
following  bodies: 

Mississippi  Biver  Association — Elder  E.  H,  Hamlin, 
S.  0.  Kirtland,  and  J.  H.  Calmes. 

Hoholochitto  Association — Elders  J.  C.  Seals  and  E. 
W.  More. 

Louisiana  Baptist  State  Convention. — Elder  J.  Graf- 
ton Lothrop,  and  W.  W.  Crawford.  The  latter,  by 
request  of  the  Association,  gave  a  succinct  history 
of  the  Convention,  urging  the  importance  of  the  co- 
operation of  the  churches  east  of  the  Mississippi 
river,  and  exhibiting  the  working  of  the  departments 
of  Mfc.  Lebanon  University  and  Mt.  Lebanon  Female 
PoUege. 

From  the  corresponding  letters  we  learn  that  the 
churches  were  fairly  represented,  and  some  acces- 
sions to  their  numbers.  Harmony  and  good  feeling 
characterized  the  deliberations.  5 


58  HISTORY   01"  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

The  Association  recommended  the  schools  at  Mt. 
Lebanon,  and  took  active  steps  to  enlist  the  churches 
in  the  Sunday-school  work. 

The  Association  also  expressed  a  readiness  to  co- 
operate, with  the  State  Convention  as  far  as  possible 
in  promoting  its  objects.  Active  steps  were  also 
taken  for  the  education  of  the  indigent  orphans  of 
soldiers.  Strong  resolutions  were  also  passed  in 
favor  of  ministerial  education,  and  the  churches 
urged  to  provide  means  to  educate  young  ministers. 
The  churches  were  also  urged  to  sustain  their 
pastors  so  as  to  enable  them  to  devote  their  whole 
time  to  the  work. 

Fourteen  churches  report  twenty  baptized,  thir- 
teen received  by  letter,  four  restored,  thirty-five  dis- 
missed, twelve  excluded,  eleven  died ;  total  464,  of 
whom  twenty-seven  were  blacks. 

Ordained  Ministers, — W.  B.  Allen,  A.  Pennington,  G. 
MuUins,  B.  L.  Lea,  S.  S.  Eelyea,  H.  Z.  Jenkins,  S.  A. 
Hayden ;  Licentiate,  L.  W.  Carter. 

[  1867.  ]  The  twenty-sixth  annual  session  was  held 
with  Amite  Church,  Livingston  Parish.  Introduc- 
tory preached  by  Elder  S.  A.  Hayden.  Thirteen 
churches  were  represented.  Wm.  B.  Allen  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  S.  A.  Hayden,  clerk.  Bogue- 
feliah  church,  St.  Tammany  Parish,  which  was  dis- 
missed in  1860,  to  join  another  Association,  was 
re-admitted.  Mt.  Zion  church,  Ascension  Parish, 
presented  a  letter  and  was  received.  This  was  a 
small  body  in  the  midst  of  a  Catholic  population. 


EASTERTSr  LOUISIAISTA   ASSOCIATION.  59 

Elder  S.  0.  Kirkland,  messenger  from  the  Missis- 
sippi Eiver  Association,  presented  the  following 
communication : 

"To  the  Eastern  Louisiana  Association :  Brethren — 
In  behalf  of  the  Messengers  of  the  Mississippi  Eiver 
Association,  appointed  at  its  last  session  in  Greens- 
burg,  Louisiana,  I  beg  leave  to  lay  before  you  the 
action  taken  by  that  body  in  reference  to  the  con- 
solidation of  our  two  associations  into  one  body. 
The  question  of  consolidation  having  been  discussed 
among  the  brethren  of  the  Mississippi  Eiver  Asso- 
ciation, on  motion  the  rules  were  suspended,  and  a 
motion  made  to  appoint  a  committee  of  five  to  report 
as  to  the  feasibility  of  consolidating  the  Mississippi 
Eiver  and  Eastern  Louisiana  Associations.  The 
motion  was  unanimously  carried.  J.  G.  Lothrop,  S. 
S.  Eelyea  and  three  others  were  appointed  on  that 
committee.  The  committee  reported  as  follows :  'Jliat 
they  have  ascertained  that  in  the  opinion  of  many  of 
the  delegates  composing  this  Association,  the  con- 
solidation of  the  two  Associations  is  advisable, and 
your  committee  therefore  recommend — 

"  1st.  That  the  delegates  composing  this  Associii- 
tion  be  appointed  as  so  many  committees  to  present 
the  subject  to  their  respective  churches  for  their 
definite  action. 

"  2d.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  by  this  body 
to  visit  the  Eastern  Louisiana  Association,  and  ascer- 
tain whether  or  not  such  consolidation  would  meet 

their  approval. 

"J.  G.  LoTHEOP,  Chairman. 

"  This  report  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  the 
messengers  to  your  body  from  that  Association  were 


60  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

appointed  that  committee.  We  therefore  submit 
this  matter  for  your  consideration,  praying  God  that 
such  steps  may  be  taken  as  shall  promote  his  glory 
and  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  churches. 

"  S.  G,  KiRKLAND,  On  behalf  of  Messengers." 

In  response  to  this  communication  a  committee  of 
five  were  appointed,  who  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted : 

"Ist.  The  faith,  powers  and  purposes  of  the  two 
Associations  as  set  forth  in  their  publications  are 
the  same. 

"2d.  The  churches  of  the  two  Associations  are 
geographically  intermingled. 

"3d.  Both  Associations  are  very  deficient  in  the 
numerical  strength  of  their  ministry. 

"4th.  The  missionary  labor  in  each  Association  is 
insuflacient  and  poorly  sustained. 

"  6th.  The  Associations  are  small,  and  their  Associ- 
ation expenses  nearly  double  what  they  would  be  i'.i 
case  of  consolidation. 

"  We  therefore  recommend  that  in  view  of  the 
action  of  the  Mississippi  Eiver  Association,  and  the 
general  harmony  of  feeling  as  expressed  by  the  del- 
egates composing  this  Association,  that  the  delegates 
composing  this  Association  be  requested  to  lay  the 
subject  of  consolidation  before  their  respective 
churches  at  their  earliest  convenience  for  their  defi- 
nite action,  and  report  the  same  to  this  body  at  its 
next  session,  S.  A.  Haydbn,  Chairman." 

This  important  movement  came  before  the  Asso_ 
ciation  at  their  next  session,  and  the  Mississippi 
Eiver  Association  invited  a  joint  session  of  the  two 


EASTERN  LOUISIANA   ASSOOIATIOK.  01 

bodies  at  the  same  time  and  place.  But  the  churches 
of  the  Eastern  Louisiana  Association  being  adverse 
to  the  consolidation,  the  matter  was  indefinitely 
dropped. 

This  year  (1867),  two  churches,  Hebron  and  Jerus- 
alem, were  dismissed  to  join  the  Hobolochitta  Asso 
ciation. 

The  Woodland  Collegiate  Institute,  under  the 
management  of  the  Eev.  S.  S.  Eelyea,  was  com- 
mended to  the  patronage  of  all  Baptists. 

At  the  close,  the  Moderator,  Eev.  W.  B.  Allen, 
referred  to  the  organization  of  the  Association,  and 
stated  that  of  all  who  went  into  it,  only  Bro.  Alexan- 
der Courtney  and  himself  were  present.  He  was  the 
only  surviving  minister.  In  a  manner  deeply  touch- 
ing, he  referred  to  the  goodness  and  severity  of  the 
dealings  of  God  with  himself  and  his  brethren. 

Sixteen  churches  show  one  hundred  and  seven 
baptisms,  eighteen  received  by  letter,  seven  restored, 
thirteen  dismissed,  nineteen  excluded,  ten  died ;  total, 
five  hundred  and  seventy-two,  of  whom  thirty-two 
were  blacks.    No  change  reported  in  the  ministry. 

[1868.]  The  twenty  seventh  annual  session  met 
with  Mount  Pisgah  Church,  Washington  Parish,  In- 
troductory was  preached  by  Elder.  W.  B.  Allen. 

The  following  churches  presented  letters,  viz :  Mt. 
Nebo,  Beulah,  Hebron,  Mt.  Piagah,  Bluflf  Creek. 
Amite,  Jones'  Creek,  Shiloh,  Spring  Creek,  and 
Boguefeliah.  The  churches  not  represented  were 
Bethlehem,  Sharon,  Skull's  Creek,  Mt.  Zion. 


62  HI8T0KY~0I'  ■  LOTTISIA  WA^BAPTISTS. 

Elder  W.  B.  Allen  was  elected  Moderator,  and  S. 
A.  Hayden,  Clerk.     - 

Corresponding  messengers  were  present  from  the 
HobolocMtta  and  Pearl  Eiver' Associations. 

In  the  letter  of  correspondence  to  sister  associa- 
tions the  following  account  is  given  of  the  state  of 
the  churches:    "We^now  close  the  twenty-seventh 
session  of  our  Association,  which  has  been  one  of 
unbroken  harmony.      We  mark,  with  gratitude  to 
Almighty  God,  the  encouraging  condition  of  most  of 
the  churches.     A  healthy  and  steady  increase  will 
be  noticed  in  our  table  of  statistics.    Some  are  des- 
titute of  the  preached  Word,  but  the  same  godly 
zeal  and  spiritual  life  is  evinced  in  the  churches  that 
we  hopefully  mentioned  in  the  letter  of  the  last  year. 
We  are  sill  unable  to  resume  our  missionary  opera- 
tions, owing  as  well  to  want  of  laborers,  as  to  that 
of  missionary  funds."    The  statistics  show  the  fol- 
lowing figures  :  Baptized,  forty-three  ;  received  by 
letter,  twelve ;   restored,  sixteen ;    excluded,  five ; 
died,  eight;  total,  five  hundred  and  fifty-three,  of 
whom  thirty-eight  were  blacks. 

The  name  of  C.  E.  Eead,  of  Livingston  Parish,  is 
added  to  the  list  of  ministers. 

[  1871.  ]    The  thirtieth  annual  session  met  with 

Jones'  Creek  church,  in  the  Parish  of  East  Baton 

Eouge.    Introductory  by  S.  S.  Eelyea ;  W.  B.  Allen 

re-elected  Moderator,  and  S.  A.  Hayden,  Clerk. 

Macedonia  was  received  upon  a  letter  of  dismis- 


EASTEEN  LOUISIANA  ASSOOIATIOlir.  63 

sion  from  Mississippi  River  Association.  Eden 
church,  a  body  newly  constituted  near  Ooelk,  in 
Livingston  Parish,  was  received,  with  a  membership 
of  twenty-six. 

This  meeting  was  signalized  by  the  presence  of 
the  sainted  James  Nelson,  who  came  to  represent 
the  interests  of  ministerial  education,  and  was  cor- 
dially received.  Bro.  Nelson  preached  on  this  sub- 
ject on  Sabbath,  and  five  hundred  dollars  were 
raised  for  the  education  of  young  ministers  at  Mis- 
sissippi College. 

The  association  agreed  to  unite  with  the  Pearl 
River,  Mississippi  River,  and  the  Mississippi  Associa- 
tions in  the  formation  of  a  Qeneral  Association  to 
operate  in  Eastern  Louisiana  and  Southern  Mississip- 
pi. This  body  existed  a  few  years,  but  was  found  to 
conflict  with  the  Mississippi  Oonvention,and  was  soon 
abandoned. 

Baptisms,  57 ;  received  by  letter,  12 ;  restored,  2; 
dismissed  by  letter,  18 ;  excluded,  10 ;  died,  1 ;  total 
number  492. 

The  ordained  ministers,  with  their  residences,  are 
reported  as  follows : 

W.  B.  Allen,  Live  Oak,  Livingston  Parish,  La.;  A 
Pennington,  Clinton,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  La.;  S.  S. 
Relyea,  Clinton,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  La.;  8.  C. 
Kirkland,  New  River,  Livingston  Parish,  La.;  J.  L. 
Simpson,  Ooelk,  Livingston  Parish,  La.;  0.  E.  Read, 
Springfield,   Livingston  Parish,   La.;   John   Yager, 


64  HISTOBY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Amite  City,  Tanghipaho  Parish,  La.  Licentiates. — D. 
H.  Miller,  Ifew  Eiver,  Livingston  Parish,  La.;  J.  E. 
Duff,  New  Eivcr,  Livingston  Parish,  La.;  Isaac  Ott, 
Amite  City,  Tanghipaho  Parish,  La.;  John  Houze, 
Amite  City,  Tanghipaho  Parish,  La.;  Henry  B.  Allen, 
Georgetown  College,  Ky. 


CHAT  PER  IV. 

MISSISSIPPI    BIVEE   ASSOCIATION. 

Simultaneously  with  the  movement  to  organize 
the  Eastern  ^Louisiana  Association  many  churches 
partly  occupying  the  same  territory,  but  principally 
situated  near  the  Mississippi  river,  started  another 
movement  which'  resulted  in  the  formation  of  the 
Mississippi  River  Association. 

[1843.]  The  first  session  met  with  Bethel  Baptist 
church;  in  Wilkerson  County,  Mississippi,  Oct.  20, 
1843.  Eld.  H.  Wall  was  chosen  first  Moderator,  and 
A.  W.  Poole  Clerk.  The  following  Articles  of  Faith 
were  adopt.ed 

I.  Of  the  Scriptures.— We  believe  the  Holy  Bible 
was  written  by  men  divinely  inspired,  and  is  a  per- 
fect treasure  of  heavenly  instruction ;  that  it  has 
God  for  its  Author,  salvation  for  its  end,  and  truth 
without  any  mixture  of  error  for  its  matter ;  that  it 
reveals  the  principles  by  which  God  will  judge  us, 
and  therefore  is  and  shall  remain  to  the  end  of  the 
world  the  true  center  of  Christian  union;  and  the 
supreme  standard  by  which  all  human  conduct,  creeds 
and  opinions  should  be  tried. 

II.  Of  the  True  Ood. — That  there  is  one  true  and 
living  God,  whose  name  is  Jehovah,  the  maker  and 


66  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

supreme  ruler  of  heaven  and  earth,  inexpressibly 
glorious  in  holiness,  worthy  of  all  possible  honor, 
confidence  and  love,  revealed  under  the  personal 
and  relative  distinctions  of  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy 
Ghost ;  equal  in  every  divine  perfection  and  exe- 
cuting distinct  but  harmonious  offices  in  the  great 
work  of  redemption, 

III.  Of  ihe  Fall  of  Man. — That  man  was  created  in  a 
state  of  holiness  under  ihe  law  of  his  Maker;  but 
by  voluntary  transgression  fell  from  the  holy  and 
happy'  state ;  in  consequence  of  which  all  mankind 
are  now  sinners ;  not  by  constraint  but  by  choice, 
being  by  nature  utterly  void  of  that  holiness  required 
by  the  law  of  God ;  wholly  given  to  thp  gratification 
of  the  world,  of  Satan  and  of  their  own  sinful  pas- 
sions; and  therefore  under  just  condemnation,  to 
eternal  ruin,  without  defense  or  excuse- 

IV.  Oj  the  way  of  Salvation. — That  the  salvation 
of  sinners  is  wholly  of  grace  through  the  mediato- 
rial offices  of  the  Son  of  God,who  took  upon  Him 
our  nature,  yet  without  sin  honored  the  law  by  his 
personal  obedience  and  made  atonement  for  our  sins 
by  his  death ;  being  risen  from  the  dead.  He  is  now 
enthroned  in  heaven,  and  uniting  in  his  wonderful 
Person  the  tenderest  sympathies  with  divine  perfec- 
tions, is  every  way  qualified  to  be  a  suitable,  com- 
passionate and  all-sufficient  Saviour. 

V.  Justification. — That  the  great  Gospel  blessing 
which  Christ  of  His   fulness  bestows  on  such  as 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  67 

believe  in  Him,  is  justification;  that  justification 
consists  in  the  pardon  of  sin  and  the  promise  o^ 
eternal  life,  on  principles  of  righteousness  ;  that  it 
is  bestowed  not  in  consideration  of  any  works  of 
righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  solely  through 
his  own  redemption  and  righteousness;  that  it 
brings  us  into  a  state  of  most  blessed  peace  and 
favor  with  God,  and  secures  every  other  blessing 
needful  for  time  and  eternity. 

VI.  Of  the  IVeeness  of  Salvation. —  That  the  bless- 
ings of  salvation  are  made  free  to  all  by  the  Gospel ; 
that  it  is  the  immediate  duty  of  all  to  accept  them  by 
a  cordial  and  obedient  faith;  that  nothing  prevents 
the  greatest  sinner  on  earth,  except  his  own  volun- 
tary refusal  to  submit  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
which  refusal  will  subject  him  to  an  aggravated  con- 
demnation. 

VII.  Of  Grace  in  Regeneration.— That,  in  order  to 
be  saved,  we  must  be  regenerated  or  born  again; 
that  regeneration  consists  in  giving  a  holy  disposi- 
tion to  the  mind,  and  is  effected  in  a  manner  above 
our  comprehensions  or  calculations,  by  the  power 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  so  as  to  secure  our  voluntary 
obedience  to  the  Gospel;  and  that  the  proper  evi- 
dence is  found  in  the  holy  fruit  which  we  bring  forth 
to  the  glory  of  God. 

VIII.  Of  God's  Purpose  and  Grace.— That  election 
is  the  gracious  purpose  of  God  according  to  which 
he  regenerates,  sanctifies  and  saves  sinners;  that 


68  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

being  perfectly  consistent  with  the  free  agency  of 
man,  it  comprehends  all  the  means  in  connection 
with  the  end;  that  it  is  a  most  glorious  display  of 
God's  so\rereign  goodness,  being  infinitely  wise, 
holy  and  unchangeable;  that  it  utterly  excludes 
boasting,  and  promotes  humility,  prayer,  praise, 
trust  in  God,  and  active  imitation  of  his  free  mercy; 
that  it  encourages  the  use  of  means  in  the  highest 
degree;  that  it  is  ascertained  by  its  effects  in  all 
who  believe  the  Gospel ;  is  thef  oundation  of  Chris- 
tian assurance;  and  that  to  ascertain  it  with  regard 
to  ourselves,  demands  and  deserves  the  utmost  dili- 
gence. 

IX.  Of  the  Perseverance  of  the  Saints. — That  such 
only  are  real  believers  as  endure  unto  the  end ;  that 
their  persevering  attachment  to  Christ  is  the  grand 
mark  which  distinguishes  them  from  superficial  pro- 
fessors; that  a  special  providence  watches  over 
their  welfare ;  and  that  they  are  kept  by  the  power 
of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation. 

X  Harmony  of  the  Law  and  the  Gospel. — That  the 
law  of  God  is  the  eternal  and  unchangeable  rule  of 
his  moral  government;  that  it  is  holy,  just  and  good; 
and  that  the  inability  which  the  Scriptures  ascribe 
to  fallen  men  to  fulfill  its  precepts,  arises  entirely 
from  their  love  of  sin ;  to  deliver  them  from  which, 
and  to  restore  them  through  a  mediator  to  unfeigned 
obedience  to  the  holy  law,  is  one  great  end  of  the 
Gospel;  and  of  the  means  of  grace  connected  with 
the  visible  church. 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  69 

XI.  Of  a  Gospel  Ghureh — That  a  visible  churcli  is 
a  congregation  of  baptized  believers,  associated  by 
covenant  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  Gospel, 
observing  the  ordinances  of  Christ,  governed  by 
his  laws  and  exercising  the  gifts,  rights  and  privi- 
leges in  them  by  his  word;  that  its  only  proper 
officers  are  bishops  or  pastors,  and  deacons,  whose 
qualifications,  claims  and  duties,  are  defined  in  the 
Epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus. 

XII.  Of  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper. —  That 
Christian  baptism  is  the  immersion  of  a  believer 
in  water  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son  and  Spirit 
to  show  forth  in  a  solemn  and  beautiful  emblem, 
our  faith  in  a  crucified,  buried  and  risen  Saviour, 
with  its  purifying  power,  that  it  is  prerequisite  to 
the  privilege  of  church  relation,  and  to  the  Lord's 
Supper,  in  which  the  members  of  the  church  by  the 
use  of  bread  and  wine  are  to  commemorate  together 
the  dying  love  of  Christ,  preceded  always  by  solemn 
self-examination. 

XIII.  Of  the  Christian  Sabbath. —  That  the  first 
day  of  the  week  is  the  Lord's  day  or  Christian  Sab- 
bath; and  is  to  be  kept  sacred  to  religious  purposes 
by  abstaining  from  all  secular  labor  and  recrea- 
tion; by  the  devout  observance  of  all  the  means  of 
grace,  both  private  and  public,  and  by  preparation 
for  the  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 

XIV.  Of  Civil  Qovernment.— That  civil  government 
is  of  divine  appointment  for  the  interest  and  good 


70  HISTORY   OF  LOTJISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

order  of  human  society,  and  that  magistrates  are  to 
be  prayed  for,  conscientiously  honored  and  obeyed, 
except  in  things  opposed  to  the  will  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  only  Lord  of  the  conscience, 
and  the  prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

XT.  Of  the  Righteous  and  the  Wicked. —  That  there 
is  a  radical  and  essential  difference  between  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked ;  that  such  as  through  faith 
are  justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  sanc- 
tified by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,  are  truly  righteous  in 
his  esteem,  while  all  such  as  continue  in  impenitence 
and  unbelief,  are  in  his  sight,  wicked  and  under  the 
curse ;  and  this  distinction  holds  among  men  both  in 
and  after  death. 

XYI.  That  the  end  of  the  world  is  approaching;  that 
at  the  last  day  Christ  will  descend  from  heaven  to 
raise  the  dead  from  the  grave  to  final  retribution ;  that 
a  solemn  separation  will  then  take  place ;  that  the 
wicked  will  be  adjudged  to  endless  punishment  and 
the  righteous  to  endless  joy;  and  that  the  judgment 
will  fix  forever  the  final  state  of  men  in  heaven  or 
hell  on  principles  of  righteousness. 

These  articles  are  coined  from  the  liTew  Hamp- 
shire Confession  of  Faith,  and  differ  in  some  partic- 
ulars from  the  neighboring  associations,  which  were 
based  upon  the  Philadelphia  Confession  of  Faith. 
At  the  time,  it  was  customary  to  lay  great  stress 
upon  the  doctrines  of  election  and  predestination, 
and  at  first  the  surroundyig  associations  hesitated  to 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVEE  ASSOCIATION.  71 

hold  correspondence  with  this  body.  The  clerk  has 
furnished  a  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  con- 
stituent churches. 

"Bethel. — This  is  the  oldest  church  that  was  con- 
nected with  the  Mississippi  Association.*  It  has 
enjoyed  the  labors  of  Hadley,  Mercer,  Cooper, 
Irons  (Irion)  and  others.  It  is  located  four  miles 
west  of  Woodville,  Miss.,  has  experienced  much 
fluctuation,  but  is  at  present  in  a  favorable  state, 
supplied  by  brother  Lorenzo  Scofleld.  Increase 
during  the  year,  twelve. 

"  JSepzibah.-r-Thia  church  is  located  in  the  parish  of 
Bast  Feliciana,  eight  miles  from  Clinton.  It  was  the 
largest  church  connected  with  the  Mississippi  Asso- 
ciation, and  is  an  efflcient  body,  in  a  prosperous  con- 
dition, supplied  by  brother  J.  B.  Smith.  Increase, 
105. 

"Jerusalem. — ^This  church  is  located  in  the  southern 
part  of  Amite  county  ( Miss.)  and  is  a  large  and 
active  body,  zealously  engaged  in  the  spread  of 
righteousness  and  truth.  There  are  two  ordained 
ministers,  brethren  Howel  (  Wall )  and  W.  B,  Wall. 

"Percy's  Greek. — This  church  is  situated  on  the 
creek  from  which  it  derives  its  name,  and  like  old 
Bethel  has  passed  through  many  changes,  but  has 
recently  been  revived  and  is  now  in  a  favorable 

*  In  this  statement  the  clerk  was  mistaken.  The  Bethel 
Church  was  organized  in  ISOO;  but  Salem  Church  was  organ- 
ized in  1780  and  was  a  member  at  the  time  referred  to. 


72  HI8T0KT  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

state,  enjoying  peace  and  prosperity.  Supplied  by 
Bro.  Barlow.    Increase  21. 

"Fort  Adams. — This  church  is  located  in  the  town 
of  Fort  Adams,  on  the  Mississippi  River.  They  have 
built  a  house  of  worship  which  does  them  credit,  and 
are  enjoying  a  good  state  of  feeling.  Supplied  by 
Bro.  Scofield. 

"Clinton. — This  church  is  located  in  the  town  of 
Clinton,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  anl  was  gathered 
under  the  ministry  of  J.  B.  Smith  in  1836,  and  has 
enjoyed  a  good  degree  of  prosperity.  She  has  two 
ordained  ministers.    Increase  6. 

"Jordan. — This  church  is  located  on  the  Mississippi 
Eiver  in  Tunica  Bend.  Was  collected  in  1842  under 
the  labors  of  Bro.  M.  Barlow.  Their  worship  has 
been  interrupted  the  present  year  by  high  water. 
They  enjoy  much  unity  of  feeling  and  action.  In- 
crease 2. 

"Black  Biver. — This  church  is  located  on  Black 
River  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  and  is  the  fruit 
of  missionary  labor,  organized  during  the  past  year 
under  the  ministry  of  Bro.  Scofield,  and  much  good 
is  expected  to  follow.  The  first  Baptist  preaching 
in  this  section  of  country  was  by  Bro.  W.  B.  Wall. 
Bro.  Hotchkiss  is  the  present  supply." 

[1844.]  The  second  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Hepzibah  Church,  Bast  Feliciana  parish.  The 
introductory  was  preached  by  H.  D.  F.  Roberts, 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVBR  ASSOCIATION.  73 

Elder    W.  B.  Wall  was  elected  Moderator  and  Bro. 
D.  Stanley,  Clerk. 

The  following  churches  were  received :  Comite, 
Bast  Baton  Eonge  parish;  Kew  Orleans  (First 
Church ) ;  Line  Creek,  Amite  county,  Miss.  Notice 
is  taken  of  death  during  the  year  of  Elder  Howell 
Wall,  the  former  Moderator,  but  no  dates  are  given. 

The  Association  became  auxiliary  to  the  Missis- 
sippi Baptist  Convention,  and  took  active  measures 
to  raise  fands  for  missionary  purposes. 

The  .  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  repqrts 
that  peace  and  harmony  exist  among  the  churches. 
They  all  appear  to  be  of  the  same  mind.  They 
express  an  ardent  desire  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
Eedeemer's  kingdom  and  the  salvation  of  sinners. 
They  express  a  willingness  to  aid  in  the  missionary 
cause  and  to  do  what  they  can  for  the  promotion  of 
the  interests  of  Zion.  The  churches  were  requested 
to  hold  regular  prayer-meetings,  conduct  Sunday- 
schools,  circulate  religious  tracts  -and  especially 
the  books  of  the  American  Baptist  Publication 
Society.  The  churches  and  ministers  were  also 
requested  to  use  more  exertions  for  the  accommo- 
dation and  supply  of  the  blacks  in  their  bounds  with 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 

The  statistics  show  an  aggregate  membership  of 
783,  of  which  451  were  in  Louisiana,  the  remaining 
332  in  Mississippi. 

The  following  ministers  are  reported  as  belonging 
6 


74  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

to  the  Association  :  James  B.  Smith,  Wm.  B.  Wall, 
L.  E.  Wall,  E.  Holman,  L.  Scofield,  M,  Barlow,  IT.  P. 
Hotchkiss,  A.  W.  Poole,  S.  Jackson  and  D.  Stanley. 

[1845.]  The  third  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
Jerusalem  church,  Amite,  county.  Miss.  The  intro- 
dustory  was  preached  by  W.  B.  Wall  who  was  after- 
wards elected  Moderator,  with  A.  J.  Norwood  as 
Clerk.  Elders  J.  B.  McParland  and  L.  E.  Wall,  who 
rode  as  missionaries  in  the  bounds  of  the  Associa- 
tion were  kindly  received  by  the  people. 

During  the  year  many  of  the  churches  were 
greatly  revived,  notably  the  Hepzibah,  which  re- 
ceived by  baptism  38,  Clinton  36,  Jordan  43,  Lien 
Creek  16. 

The  names  of  Isaac  T.  Hinton,  New  Orleans,  and 
W.  Odom,  Clinton,  were  added  to  the  list  of  minis- 
tors.  The  former  had  become  pastor  of  the  first 
Baptist  church  of  New  Orleans,  and  his  labors  had 
been  greatly  blest  in  that  city. 

[1846.]  The  fourth  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
Line  Creek  church,  St.  Helena  parish.  Introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  W.  H.  Parmley.  W.  B.  Wall 
was  re-elected  Moderator  and  W.  H.  Parmley,  Clerk. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  religion  presents  the 
following  particulars : 

"Bethel. — Eeports  no  changes  and  that  they  have 
been  destitute  of  preaching  most  of  the  past  year. 

"Jerusalem, — Has  reason  to  thank  God  for  the 
unanimity  which  prevails  among  them  and  for  the 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVEE  ASSOCIATION.  75 

evidence  they  have  of  the  continuance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  They  have  the  stated  labor  of  W.  B.  Wall, 
and  during  the  year  have  received  by  baptism  20,  by 
letter  six. 

'^^Fort  Adams— Bias  enjoyed  during  the  year  the 
labors  of  W.  B.  Wall  and  M.  Barlow. 

"jffep2!»6afe."— Has  enjoyed  the  monthly  services  of 
W.  B.  Wall. 

"  Clinton.— 'Ra&  had  preaching  every  Sabbath  by 
Brethren  Smith  and  Parmley.  They  have  an  inter- 
esting Sabbath-school. 

^'Gomite. — Has  enjoyed  the  labors  of  Bro.  J.  B. 
Smith. 

"Ifew  Orleans. — Has  continued  to  increase  under 
the  labors  of  Bro.  Hinton.  They  have  an  increasing 
Sabbath-school  and  sustain  the  monthly  concert  of 
prayer  for  missions  and  are  making  progress  with 
the  work  of  getting  a  house  of  worship. 

"Line  Creefc.— Enjoys  the  labors  of  L.  E.  Wall." 

As  heretofore  stated  the  Articles  of  Faith  adopted 
at  the  organization  of  the  Association  were  looked 
upon  with  some  distrust  by  some  of  the  neighboring 
associations.  They  also  failed  to  satisfy  the  constit- 
uent churches.  At  this  meeting  an  able  committee 
was  appointed,  of  which  I.  T.  Hinton  was  chairman, 
to  revise  the  articles.    I  give  below  the  results  : 

AKTICLES  OF  FAITH  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  EIVER 
ASSOCIATION. 

(Adopted  October  24th,  1846.) 

1.  We  believe  in  one  Triune  God,  the  Father,  the 


76  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  same  in  essence,  eqnal 
in  power  and  glory. 

2.  We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  were  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
and  are  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice. 

3.  We  believe  in  the  fall  of  Adam  from  his  original 
rectitude,  in  the  imputation  of  his  sin  to  all  his  pos- 
terity, in  the  total  depravity  of  human  nature,  in 
man's  inability  to  restore  himself  to  the  favor  of 
God. 

4.  We  believe  that  God  has  loved  his  people  with 
an  everlasting  love,  that  he  chose  them  in  Christ 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  he  calleth 
them  with  a  holy  and  effectual  calling,  and  being 
justified  alone  through  the  righteousness  of  Christ, 
imputed  to  them,  they  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation. 

5.  We  believe  there  is  one  mediator  between  God 
and  man — Christ  Jesus,  who  by  the  satisfaction  made 
to  the  law  and  justice  in  becoming  an  offering  for 
sin,  hath  by  his  most  precious  blood  redeemed  the 
elect  from  under  the  curse  of  the  law,  that  they 
might  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love. 

6.  We  believe  that  good  works  are  the  fruits  of 
faith  and  follow  after  justification,  and  are  evidences 
of  a  gracious  state ;  and  that  all  believers  are  bound  • 
to  obey  every  command  of  God  from  a  principle  of 
love. 

7.  We  believe  in  the  resurection  of  the  dead  and 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVBE  ASSOCIATION.  77 

a  general  judgment,  that  the  happiness  of  the  right- 
eous and  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  will  be  ever- 
lasting. 

GOSPEL  ORDER. 

1.  We  believe  that  the  visible  church  of  Church 
is  a  congregation  of  faithful  persons  who  have  given 
themselves  to  the  Lord  by  the  will  of  God  and  have 
covenanted  to  keep  up  a  godly  discipline,  agreeable 
to  the  Gospel. 

2.  We  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  head  of  the 
church,  the  only  law-giver;  that  the  government 
is  with  the  church. 

3.  We  believe  that  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper 
are  Gospel  ordincnces,  appointed  by  Jesus  Christ) 
and  are  to  be  continued  in  the  church  until  his 
second  coming. 

4.  We  believe  that  the  immersion  of  the  body  in 
.water  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  the  only  Scripturial  bap- 
tism, as  taught  by  Christ  and  his  Apostles. 

5.  We  believe  that  none  but  regularly  baptized 
church  members,  who  live  a  holy  life,  have  a  right 
to  the  Lord's  Supper. 

6.  We  believe  that  it  is  the  privilege  and  duty  of 
all  believers  to  make  a  public  profession  of  their 
faith  by  submitting  themselves  as  subjects  of  bap- 
tism, and  as  members  of  the  visible  Church. 

7.  We  believe  that  it  is  the  duty  of  every  regularly 


78  HI8T0KT   OF  LOUISIAUTA  BAPTISTS. 

organized  CMrch  to  expel  from  her  communion  all 
disorderly  and  immoral  members,  and  who  hold 
doctrines  contrary  to  the  Scriptures. 

POWEKS  AND  DUTIES  OF  AN  ASSOCIATION. 

Section  I.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  Association 
to  provide  for  the  general  union  and  prosperity  of  the 
churches : 

1.  By  encouraging  the  faithful  preaching  of  the 
Gospel,  and  pastoral  duties  among  the  churches. 

2.  By  sending  preachers  of  approved  usefulness 
and  piety  to  preach  to  the  destitute  in  the  bounds  of 
the  Association  and  other  places,  as  they  may  be 
able. 

3.  By  encouraging  the  ministers  in  her  bounds, 
more  fully  to  prepare  themselves  for  the  work  by 
reading,  prayer,  meditation,  and  by  giving  them- 
selves wholly  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

4.  By  encouraging  the  chnrches  to  contribute  lib- 
erally to  the  support  of  their  pastors  and  evangelists 
who  are  laboring  in  Christ's  cause. 

5.  By  assisting  young  men  of  piety  in  indigent 
circumstances,  who  give  evidence  of  a  call  to  the 
ministry  and  abilties  for  usefulness,  in  obtaining  an 
education  as  a  means  of  extending  their  usefulness. 

6.  By  co-operating  with  the  Southern  Missionary 
Convention  in  both  domestic  and  foreign  missions. 

Section  II.  To  accomplish  the  foregoing  objects 
and  other  benevolent  purposes,  the  Association  may 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVEE  AS800IATIOW.  79 

have  an  executive  committee,  to  be  annually  ap- 
pointed by  her,  of  seven  members,  who,  together 
with  the  Treasurer  and  Secretary,  shall  transact  the 
business  of  the  Association  during  the  interim  of 
her  sessions.  The  executive  committee  shall  have 
power  to  appoint  the  times  and  places  of  their  meet- 
ings, also  to  appoint  agents  and  missionaries,  desig- 
nate their  fields  of  labor,  and  compensate  for  such 
service.  A  majority  of  the  committee  shall  consti- 
tute a  quorum  to  do  business,  and  said  committee 
shall  make  an  annual  report  to  this  Association. 

Section  III.  (1)  This  Association  may  conduct  a 
fraternal  correspondence  with  the  other  Associa- 
tions of  the  same  faith  and  order.  (2)  This  Associa- 
tion may  withdraw  from  any  Church  found  to  be 
unsound  in  the  faith.  (3)  This  Association  shall 
not  lord  over  God's  heritage,  nor  infringe  upon  the 
internal  rights  of  the  churches. 

[1847.]  The  fifth  annual  meeting  was  held  with  the 
church  at  Fort  Adams,.  Mississippi.  Introductory 
was  preached  byM.  Barlow.  W.  B.  Wall  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  A.  W.  Poole,  Clerk. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  religion  states  that 
"  During  the  past  year  there  have  been  but  few 
changes  in  the  churches  composing  this  body.  All 
of  them  have  enjoyed  the  ministry  of  the  Word  a 
portion  of  the  time,  and  it  is  believed  that  a  steady 
growth  has  been  promoted  in  grace,  if  not  in  num- 
bers." 


80  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

The  Association  passed  appropriate  resolations 
upon  the  death  of  Isaac  Taylor  Hinton,  the  able  pas- 
tor of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  New  Orleans, 
which  occurred  this  year. 

The  churches  report  an  aggregate  membership  of 
about  800. 

[  1848.  ]  The  sixth  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Hepzibah  Church,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  Octo- 
ber  19,  1848.  The  Introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  Jesse  Crawford,  of  the  Pearl  Eiver  Associa- 
tion. W.  B.  Wall  was  again  re-elected  Moderator 
and  P.  P.  Wilson,  Clerk.  Two  churches  were  added, 
Mt.  Vernon,  near  Liberty,  Mississippi,  and  Tanghi- 
paho,  St.  Helena  ( now  Tanghipaho  ),  Parish. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  religion  report: 
"There  has  been  no  general  revival  of  religion  in 
the  bounds  of  our  Association,  and  but  few  changes 
have  taken  place.  AH  our  churches  except  one, 
have  enjoyed  the  preached  Word,  and  a  lively  inter- 
est has  prevailed  in  many  churches  upon  the  subject 
of  Sabbath-schools.  The  churches  present  the  fol- 
lowing state  of  religion :  — 

"Bethel  Church  is  not  represented;  has  been  desti- 
of  preaching  most  of  the  year. 

"  Jerusalem  Church  reports  peace  and  harmony,  with 
preaching  once  a  month. 

"Hepzibah  Church  reports  preaching  every  Sab- 
bath, a  fine  state  of  religious  feeling,  and  a  flourish- 
ing Sabbath-school  and  Bible  class. 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  81 

"Fort  Adams  Church.  —  Eegular  preaching,  good 
religious  feeling,  and  a  Sabbath-school  well  at- 
tended. 

"  Clinton  Church  has  preaching  every  Sabbath,  a 
Sabbath-school,  and  peace  abounds  in  their  midst. 

"  Mrst  Baptist  Church,  New  Orleans.  —  Kot  repre- 
sented, but  maintains  the  preached  Gospel. 

'^  Line  Greek  Church  has  monthly  preaching.  No 
material  change  is  reported. 

"  Springfield  Church  not  represented,  but  have  had 
preaching  occasionally  by  Elder  L.  E.  Wall. 

"  ML  Vernon  Church,  newly  constituted,  but  have 
enjoyed  monthly  preaching. 

"  Tangipaho  Church,  newly  constituted,  but  enjoys 
the  preached  Word. 

"  In  addition  to  the  above  a  spirit  of  liberality 
prevails  to  some  extent,  and  about  one  thousand 
dollars  have  been  subscribed  for  benevolent  objects 
during  the  past  year." 

The  aggregate  membership,  including  the  mem. 
bers  of  the  churches  not  represented,  noted  in 
the  MSS.  in  the  copy  of  the  minutes  in  my  posses- 
sion, is  788,  of  which  530  were  in  Louisiana. 

The  names  of  ordained  ministers  are  not  given  in 
full. 

[  1849.]  The  seventh  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
Jerusalem  Church,  Amite  County,  Miss.  Introduc- 
tory sermon  was  preached  by  G.  G.  Baggerly.  W 
B.  Wall  was  again  chosen  Moderator,  and  P.  P.  Wil- 
son, Clerk. 


82  HISTORY  OP  liOXJISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Quarterly  meetings  were  appointed  to  be  held 
with  the  following  churches:  Springfield,  Line 
Greek,  Fort  Adams  and  Clinton. 

I  make  the  following  extract  from  the  report  on' 
the  state  of  religion: 

"  We  learn  from  the  letters  received  from  the  sev- 
eral churches,  that  no  revival  of  religion  has  pre- 
vailed in  our  bounds  during  the  past  year.  Most  of 
the  churches  have  enjoyed  the  regular  ministratitfn 
of  the  word  of  God,  yet  a  religious  dearth  seems  to 
prevail  throughout  our  entire  bounds.    *     •     *      * 

"Bethel  Church  has  enjoyed  preaching  once  a 
month,  and  are  in  the  enjoyment  of  peace  and  har- 
mony among  themselves. 

"  Oomite  CAwrc/t  also  has  enjoyed  regular  preach- 
ing, and  are  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  good  state  of  relig- 
ious feeling. 

"Clinton  Church  enjoys  regular  preaching  every 
Sabbath.  Enjoys  peace  among  themselves  ;  have 
received  some  additions  by  baptism. 

"Fort  Adams  Church. —  Some  increase  in  the 
interest  on  the  subject  of  religion,  but  no  additions 
during  the  past  year. 

."Jerusalem  Church  has  enjoyed  regular  preaching, 
though  they  have  had  no  regular  pastoral  labor. 

"Mrst  Baptist  Church  in  New  Orleans Not  rep- 
resented, but  taaintains  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 

"Springfield  Church  has  enjoyed  the  regular 
ministration  of  the  word. 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOOIAXrON.  83 

"  Jft.  Vernon  Church  reports  monthly  preaching. 

^^Sepmibah  Church. — Preaching  only  a  part  of  the 
year. 

"Line  CreeJc  Church. — Monthly  preaching  and  some 
religious  interest. 

"Tanghipaho  Church. —  Has  preaching,  but  little 
religious  feeling. 

"But  little  has  been  contributed  to  benevolent 
purposes  during  the  past  year.  Only  eighteen  bap- 
tisms reported  in  all  thei  churches." 

The  list  of  ordained  ministers  is  given  as  follows: 
W.  B.  Wall,  J.  B.  Smith,  G.  G.  Baggerly,  L.  B.  Wall, 
T.  M.  Bond,  Isaac  Muse,  H.  D.  F.  Eoberts,  A.  W. 
Poole,  W  0.  Duncan,  J.  W.  Belton,  M.  A.  Chrestman, 
L.  Scofield  and  S.  W.  Newport. 

[1850.]  The  eighth  annual  meeting  was  held 
with  the  Comite  Church,  East  Baton  Eouge  Parish, 
commencing  October  26, 1850. 

Introductory  by  Eev.  J.  B.  Smith,  of  Clinton,  La. 
W.  B.  Wall  was  again  reelected  Moderator,  and  P.  P. 
Wilson,  Clerk. 

Ten  churches  represented,  and  with  three  not 
represented,  show  an  aggregate  membership  of 
845;  35  baptisms  and  85  received  by  letter. 

The  Association  manifested  considerable  interest 
on  the  subject  of  missions,  and  this  may  account  for 
the  awakening  signs  of  life. 

The  following  churches  were  added,  viz. :  Greens- 
burg,  St.  Helena  Parish,  14  members;  Mt.  Gilead 


84  HISTOEY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTSTS. 

Ohurcli,  East  Baton  Eouge  Parish,  32 ;  Second  Col- 
ored Baptist  Church,  New  Orleans,  62. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  religion  is  meager  in 
details.  The  committee  say :  "  We  learn  from  the 
letters  received  from  the  churches  that  there  has 
been  no  revival  of  religion  during  the  past  year 
within  our  bounds.  Most  of  them  enjoy  regular 
preaching.  Peace  and  harmony  abound  among 
them.  Most  of  the  churches  complain  of  luke- 
warmness,  but  say  they  have  large  and  attentive 
congregations,  and  are  looking  forward  for  a  better 
day.  The  churches  generally  express  a  desire  and 
a  willingness  to  further  the  cause  of  missions. 
Several  have  contributed  liberally." 

Ordained  Ministers.— W.  B.  Wall,  L.  E.  Wall,  M.  A. 
Chrestman,  L    Fletcher,  J.  B.  Smith,  J.  D.  Abney, 
L.  Scofleld,  S.  S.  Burdett,  T.  M.  Bond,  A.  W.  Poole 
and  JST.  0.  Duncan.    Licentiates.— B.  W.  Newport  and 
Ivy  F.  Thompson. 

[1851.]  The  ninth  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Tanghipaho  Church,  St.  Helena  Parish.  Eleven 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  a  member- 
ship of  497.  J.  D.  Abney  was  elected  moderator 
and  Samuel  Davis  clerk. 

Oolyell  Church,  Livingston  Parish,  was  received 
at  this  meeting.  J.  B.  Smith  continued  to  labor  at 
Clinton,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  and  T.  M.  Bond. 
assisted  by  Ivy  F.  Thompson,  a  licentiate,  at  Greens 
burg    and     Tanghipaho.     The    churches   in    New 


1JIIS8ISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATIOET.  85 

Orleans  failed  to  represent  themselves.  J.  D. 
Abney  also  labored  in  the  region  about  Greensburg; 
S.  S.  Burdett  and  W.  0.  Duncan,  in  Ifew  Orleans; 
A.  W.  Poole,  in  Bast  Baton  Eouge  Parish,  assisted 
by  S.  W.  Newport  and  W.  B.  Vining,  licentiates. 
The  names  of  L.  Scofleld  and  Leonard  Fletcher  are 
also  given,  but  their  field  of  labor  is  not  indicated, 
•I  think  Scofleld  lived  in  Baton  Eouge. 

[1852.]  The  tenth  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Fort  Adams  Church,  Wilkerson  County,  Miss., 
beginning  October  16,  1852.  T.  M,  Bond  preached 
the  Introductory,  W.  B.  Wall  was  again  placed  in 
the  chair,  and  P.  P.  Wilson  was  elected  Clerk.  A 
number  of  churches  failed  to  be  represented.  A 
petition  was  presented  by  a  number  of  Baptists  re- 
siding on  the  Island  of  Mauripas,  Livingston  Parish, 
calling  themselves  an  Associate  Body  of  Baptists, 
asking  the  Association  to  take  cognizance  of  them 
and  aid  them  in  the  constitution  of  a  church,  and 
T.  M.  Bond  and  Ivy  F.  Thompson  were  appointed  to 
visit  them,  and  to  aid  them  by  their  counsel. 

T.  M.  Bond  labored  with  Hepzibah,  Tanghipaho 
and  Greensburg  churches;  Ivy  F.  Thompson  at 
Jerusalem  and  the  country  about  Greensburg;  Cal- 
vin McGee  at  Line  Creek;  J.  B.  Smith  at  Clinton; 
H.  McKnight  at  Mount  Vernon,  near  Darlington,  La. 
This  church  was  located  in  Amite  County,  Miss.,  but 
very  near  the  line,  and  some  of  its  members  resided 
in  Louisiana.    J.  L.  Simpson  labored  with  Colyell 


86  HISTORY   0¥  LOUISIAIirA  BAPISTS. 

Church,  in  Livingston  Parish.  Besides  these,  Leon- 
ard Fletcher,  W.  C.  Duncan  and  S.  S.  Burdett  labored 
in  New  Orleans,  and  S.  W.  Newport  and  U.  B.  Vin- 
ing,  licentiates,  in  East  Baton  Eouge  Parish. 

[1853.]  The  eleventh  annual  meeting  was  held 
with  Hepzibah  Church,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  Octo- 
ber 22,  23  and  24,  1853.  Ivy  F.  Thompson,  of 
Greensburg,  preached  the  introductory  sermon; 
Eld.  W.  B.  Wall,  Moderator,  and  P.  P.  Wilson,  Clerk. 

The  visit  of  Bond  and  Thompson  to  Mauripas 
Island,  had  resulted  in  the  organization  of  a  church 
which  took  the  name  of  New  Providence,  and,  at 
this  session,  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

Hepzibah  had  the  services  of  T.  M.  Bond,  had  an 
interesting  prayer-meeting  and  Bible  class,  and  con- 
tributed liberally  to  domestic  missions. 

Clinton  suffered  very  severely  from  an  epidemic, 
but  lost  -very  few  members;  J.  B.   Smith,  pastor. 

Line  Creek  had  the  services  of  Calvin  McGee  and 
D.  B.  Eoberts.  During  the  year  she  had  a  revival, 
with  an  accession  of  seventeen  members.  Her  con- 
tributions were  liberal.  Comite,  E.  Baton  Eouge, 
had  had  no  preaching  since  1850  until  the  present 
year,  and  asked  the  aid  of  the  Association  in  main- 
taining the  administration  of  the  Gospel. 

The  New  Providence  Church  on  Mauripas  Island 
was  supplied  by  J.  L  Simpson.  Ivy  F.  Thompson 
labored  at  Tanghipaho,  Greensburg  and  Mt.  Vernon. 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  87 

A  number  of  churches  having  failed  to  report  for 
a  number  of  years,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
inquire  into  their  con  ition.  These  churches  were 
Colyel],  Greensburg,  Mt.  Gilead,  Springfield,  Bethel, 
First  Church,  New  Orleans,  and  Second  Colored 
Baptist  Church,  New  Orleans. 

The  following  action  of  the  Association  is  of  suf- 
ficient importance  to  bear  a  note: 

"The  Comite  Church  has  petitioned  the  Associa- 
tion to  ordain  U.  B.  Viuing.  A  committee  appointed 
to  consider  the  matter  made  a  report,  from  which  I 
make  the  following  extract :  "  In  the  opinion  of  your 
committee  this  bcdy,  in  its  associate  capacity,  has  no 
right  or  power  in  the  premises.  It  is  a  matter  which 
belongs  to  the  separate,  individual  action  of  the 
church ;  that  any  church  has  the  right  to  call  a  pres- 
bytery to  ordain  and  set  apart  to  the  ministry  any 
licentiate  member  of  its  body  who  may  be  deemed 
by  said  church  to  be  qualified  and  worthy." 

[1854.]  The  twelfth  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Jerusalem  Church,  Amite  County,  Miss.,  begin- 
ning October  21, 1854.  Introductory  by  Eld.  Thomas 
Adams.     No  change  was  made  in  the  oflScers. 

Two  churches,  Tickfaw  (13)  and  Salem  (23),  both  in 
Livingston  Parish,  were  received.  The  former  was 
gathered  by  the  labors  of  George  H.  Washington, 
and  the  latter  by  the  labors  of  J.  L.  Simpson. 
Hepzibah  enjoyed  the  labors  of  T.  M.  Bond;  had  a 
revival  of  religion  in  which  twenty-seven  were  added 


88  HISTOBY  OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

to  the  church  by  baptism.  It  contributed  largely  to 
Indian  missions.  Clinton  Church  had  preaching 
most  of  the  year  by  Eld.  S.  Taylor  and  Thomas  Ad- 
ams. The  congregations  were  large  and  interesting; 
had  a  Sabbath-school  of  seventy  or  eighty  scholars^ 
with  an  able  superintendent  and  a  highly  respectable 
library.  Line  Creek  enjoyed  the  labors  of  Ivy  P. 
Thompson  during  the  latter  part  of  the  year,  with  a 
gracious  outpouring  of  the  spirit,  and  twenty-eight 
were  added  to  the  church  by  baptism.  Mt.  Vernon 
was  snpplied  by  I.  P.  Thompson,  as  was  also  Tanghi- 
paho,  and  the  latter  had  an  increase  of  eleven  by 
baptism.  The  Ifew  Providence  Church,  on  Mauri, 
pas  Island,  enjoyed  a  revival  under  the  labors  of  J. 
L,  Simpson,  and  eleven  were  baptized.  The  com- 
mittee on  the  religious  state  of  the  churches  regre* 
that  many  of  the  churches  have  preaching  but  one 
Sabbath  in  the  month.  The  Port  Adams  church  was 
dismissed. 

[1855.]  The  thirteenth  annual  session  was  held 
with  Tanghipaho  Church,  St.  Helena  Parish,  begin- 
ning November  3,  1855.  Introductory  by  Ivy  P. 
Thompson.  Eleven  churches  were  represented, 
aggregating  a  membership  of  739.  I.  P.  Thompson 
was  elected  Modertor  and  P.  P.  Wilson,  Clerk. 
The  Mount  Ebbe  [Ebal?]  Church  presented  a 
petitiou  for  membership;  but  being  already  a  member 
of  the  Eastern  Louisiana  Association,  the  church  wag 
recommended  to  obtain  a  letter  of  dismission  from 
that  association  and  then  apply  for  membership. 


MISSISSIPPI   EIVEE  ASSOOIATIOlSr.  89 

The  committee  named  at  two  previous  sessions  to 
visit  non-represented  churches,  report  that  they 
havevisited  Oomite  Church,  who  have  reorganized 
undervery  favorable  auspices  and  re-appear  in  the 
Association  as  Plain's  Church.  Springfield,  has  dis- 
banded by  mutual  consent.  Greensburg  and  Mt. 
Gilead  are  regarded  as  too  important  to  be  given 
up,  and  a  plan  was  suggested  for  arousing  these 
churches  again.  The  First  Baptist  Church,  New 
Orleans,  have  been  prevented  from  sending  dele- 
gates, and  desire  to  do  so. 

There  was  a  fuller  attendance  than  usual  of  the 
churches. 

"  Hepzibah  complains  of  severe  trials — the  removal 
of  one  pastor  to  another  field  of  labor,  another  called 
away  by  death,  together  with  other  circumstances. 
They  are  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd. 

Line  Greek  has  had  the  labors  of  Ivy  F.  Thompson 
have  lost  a  valuable  member,  their  clerk,  by  death ; 
they  have  but  few  changes  to  report.  They  have 
purchased  land  for  the  purpose,  and  contemplate 
building  a  new  house  of  worship. 

"  Tmghipaho  has  had  the  labors  of  I.  F.  Thompson 
and  D.  B.  Eoberts ;  and  enjoy  brotherly  love. 

"Ifew  Providence  is  prospering  under  the  labors  of 
J.  L.  Simpson. 

"  Salem  under  the  same  supply^  has  had  some  ac- 
cessions. 

"  Tickfaw  has  had  a  gradual  increase  of  members 
under  the  labors  of  a.  H.  Washington. 


90  HISTORY   0¥  LOmSIANA   BAPTISTS. 

"  Golyell  has  also  had  the  labors  of  J.  L.  Simpson. 

"  Comite  has  the  services  of  J.  B.  Smith. 

"  Mt.  Vernon  has  enjoyed  a  revival  under  the 
labors  of  Ivy  F.  Thompson. 

"  Clinton  has  enjoyed  the  labors  of  Thos.  Adams ; 
has  a  good  Sabbath-school." 

[  1856.]  The  fourteenth  annual  session  of  the  As- 
sociation was  held  with  the  Line  Creek  Church,  St. 
Helena  Parish,  September  27th,  28th  and  29th,  1856. 
The  Introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  Calvin 
McGee.  I.  F.  Thompson  was  re-elected  Moderator, 
and  P.  P.  Wilson,  Clerk.  Sandy  Creek  Church, 
twelve  members;  U.  B.  Yining,  supply.  Parish  of 
East  Baton  Eouge,  was  received. 

The  Mt.  Gilead  Church,  not  being  represented,  J. 
L.  Simpson,  James  Richardson,  Thos.  Adams,  and  I. 
F.  Thompson,  were  appointed  to  visit  the  church  for 
the  purpose  of  reviving  it.  Elder  E.  R.  Witter, 
agent  of  the  Coliseum  Place  Church,  New  Orleans, 
addressed  the  Association  on  behalf  of  that  church, 
and  its  claims  were  recognized  and  the  agent  com- 
mended to  the  affectionate  attention  of  churches 
and  congregations.  An  unusual  number  of  dele- 
gates were  in  attendance,  and  the  state  of  the 
churches  reported  as  follows : 

^^Hepgibah  rejoices  in  a  recent  revival.  Many 
have  been  converted,t  he  church  generally  roused 
to  a  sense  of  duty.    Eighteen  baptized. 

"  Clinton  enjoys  the  labors  of  E.  H.  Hamlin  ;  is  in 
peace,  but  reports  no  important  changes, 


■   MISSISSIPPI  KIVEE   ASSOCIATION.  91 

"  Line  Greek  is  in  a  prosperous  corfdition,  having 
recently  erected  a  comfortable  house  of  worship; 
baptized  twenty-five  under  the  labors  of  I.  E,  Thomp- 
son. 

"Mt.  Vernon  enjoys  the  occasional  labors  of  I.  P. 
Thompson,  but  reports  no  important  change. 

'•  Tanghipaho  had  the  pastoral  labors  of  Elder  D. 
B.  Eoberts,  with  occasional  preaching  by  I.  F. 
Thompson ;  no  special  outpouring  of  the  Spirit. 

"  Golyell  had  no  increase  under  the  labors  of  J.  L. 
Simpson,  but  occasional  seasons  of  refreshing  from 
the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

"  TicJefaw  continued  to  enjoy  the  labors  of  G. 
H.  Washington,  and  has  a  gradual  increase  of 
members. 

Salem  was  reported  prosperous  under  the  labors 
of  J.  L.  Simpson. 

Plains  had  the  pastoral  labors  of  James  Eichardson 
and  a  gradual  increase  of  membership. 

The  Second  Colored  Baptist  Vhurch,  New  Orleans. 
The  labors  of  Elder  H.  Nabring  have  greatly 
prospered. 

Greensiury.    Continued  desolate. 

Sandy  Greek  was  recently  organized  and  revived 
under  the  labors  of  J.  B.  Smith  and  F.  B.  Vining." 

The  aggregate  membership    reported    was    909; 
"  baptized  83  and  received  by  letter  25. 

[1857.]  The  fifteenth  annual  meeting  was  held 
with  Hepzibah  Church,  East  Feliciana  Parish,  Louis- 


92  HISTORY   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

iana,  beginning  September  26,  1857.  Introductory 
preached  by  Ivy  F.  Thompson,  who  was  also 
re-elected  Moderator,  with  P.  P.  Wilson  as  Clerk, 
Seventeen  churches  were  represented,  including 
four  received  at  this  session,  viz :  Mt.  Ebal,  15 
members,  Livingston  Parish;  Kew  Eiver,  22  mem- 
bers. Ascension  Parish ;  Macedonia,  17  members, 
Washington  Parish,  The  Association  aggregated 
1048  members,  without  including  First  Church  in 
Few  Orleans  and  the  Greensburg  Church,  not 
represented. 

The  report  on  the  state  of  religion  gives  the 
following  account  of  the  churches. 

"Sepeibah  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  and  though 
she  can  boast  of  no  great  additions  to  her  member- 
ship, she  yet  feels  thankful  to  the  Great  Head  of  the 
church  for  the  many  mercies  she  has  enjoyed. 
Brother  Ivy  F.  Thompson  is  pastor. 

^^  Jerusalem  has  not  enjoyed  the  regular  adminis- 
tration of  the  Word  during  the  past  year.  They 
look  forward  with  hope  to  better  times,  having 
engaged  the  labors  of  Elder  Magee. 

"  Olinton  rejoices  that,  although  they  have  had  no 
special  outpouring  of  God's  spirit  among  them,  they 
have  lost  none  of  their  members.  Elder  E.  H. 
Hamlin  is  pastor. 

"ime  OreeJc  has  enjoyed  a  gracious  revival,  many 
having  been  added  to  their  number.  They  enjoy 
the  labors  of  Ivy  F,  Thompson. 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  93 

"  Mount  Vernon  reports  refreshings  from  the  Lord. 
They  request  the  prayers  of  the  brethren.    Bro.  I. 

F.  Thompson  is  pastor.    The  church  has  licensed  A. 

G.  W.  Stewart. 

"  Tanghvpaho  has  had  to  mourn  the  loss  of  some  of 
her  members,  and  yet  rejoices  that  they  dwell  in  the 
unity  of'the  spirit  and  the  bonds  of  peace.  Bro. 
Thompson  is  their  pastor.  I.  D.  Eainer  is  a  licen- 
tiate of  the  church. 

"  Tickfaw  has  enjoyed  the  manifestation  of  the 
Spirit.  Many  have  been  added  to  their  numbers. 
She  enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  Gr.  H.  Washington. 

"  Southern  (Second)  Colored  Ba^Ust  Church,  New 
Orleans.  The  Lord  is  still  blessing  our  colored 
brethren  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Joseph  Daven- 
port. 

"  J^ew  Providence  is  rejoicing  in  the  blessings  of  a 
happy  revival.  They  enjoy  the  labors  of  J.  L. 
Simpson. 

"  Sandy  Creek  reports  herself  in  a  cold  and  luke- 
warm state,  but  hopes  that.  God  wUl  revive  her  by 
the  outpouring  of  his  spirit.  The  pastor  is  Bro.  XJ. 
B.  Vining. 

'■'■  Plains  enjoys  the  harmony  that  is  generally  found 
among  God's  people,  and  finds  it'good  to  strive  for 
the  welfare  of  souls.  Bro.  J.  B.  Smith  has  preached 
occasionally. 

"  Colyell  has  enjoyed  occasional  seasons  of  refresh- 
ing from  on  high,  and  is  living  in  order,  striving  to 


94  HISTORY  OF  LOiriSIAIfA  BAPTISTS. 

keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace. 
Eev.  J.  L.  Simpson,  pastor. 

"  Mt.  Gfilead  has  passed  through^a  dark  and  dreary 
time,  but  is  now  encouraged  by  the  results  of  the 
late  labors  of  ministering  brethren.  The  members 
are  living  in  peace  with  each  other.  The  church 
desires  our  missionaries  to  labor  within  its  bounds. 

"Mount  Ubal  is  living  in  peace  and  harmony,  and 
enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  G.  H.  Washington. 

"  New  River  is  a  little  band  in  an  enemy's  land,  and 
is  surrounded  by  the  bulwarks  of  Catholicism  and 
by  vice  of  every  kind.  But  she  hopes  to  conquer 
yet. 

"Macedonia  is  a  new  church, and  sends  up  only  her 
statistics.     Bro.  Simpson  is  her  pastor. 

"Salem  reports  herself  in  a  cold  state,  but  is 
thankful  for  some  favors  received.  Bro.  J.  L.  Simp- 
son is  pastor. 

"  First  Baptist  Church,  New  Orleans,  has  but  few 
in  its  membership,  and  those  are  attending  the  meet- 
ings of  the  Coliseum  Place  church,  over  which  W.  C. 
Duncan  is  pastor." 

The  Association  condemned  the  anti-slavery  reso- 
lutions of  the  American  Tract  Society. 

The  following  is  given  as  the  list  of  ministers  of 
this  Association :  "  Ordained,  Joy  P.  Thompson,  B. 
H.  Hamlin,  Thos.  Adams,  P.  H.  Harbour,  U.  B. 
Vining,  J.  B.  Smith,  W.  C:  Duncan,  J.  L.  Simpson, 
G.  H.  Washington.    Licentiates,  W.  Odom,  Thomas 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVEE   ASSOCIATION.  95 

Rainer,  W.  H.  F.  Edwards,  A.  G.  W.  Stewart,  John 
W.  Crawford. 

[1858J  The  sixteenth  annual  session  was  held  with 
Line  Creek  church.  East  Feliciana  Parish,  Septem- 
ber 25th,  26th  and  27th,  1858.  Introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Elder  Thos.  Adams.  Elder  I.  F. 
Thompson  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  P.  P.  Wilson, 
Clerk.  Fifteen  churches  report  144  baptized,  7  re- 
stored, 31  received  by  letter,  30  dismissed  by  letter, 
2  excluded,  10  died ;  aggregate,  whites  644,  blacks 
112,  total  837. 

D.  B.  Eobert,  Tanghipaho,  La.,  is  added  to  the  list 
of  ministers.  Thomas  D.  Eainer  and  W.  H.  F.  Edwards 
were  ordained  during  the  year.  S.  W.  Newport 
and  Elijah  Eice  are  added  to  the  list  of  licen- 
tiates. Thomas  D.  Eainer  labored  as  a  missionary 
to  a  limited  extent,  and  supplied  Tanghipaho  church. 
Thomas  Adams  supplied  Hepzibah ;  0.  Magee,  Jeru- 
salem and  Line  Creek  ;  E.  H.  Hamlin,  Clinton ;  S.  S. 
Relyea,  Mount  Vernon ;  J.  L.  Simpson  supplied 
Tickfaw,  Macedonia  and  Colyell,  and  jointly  with  P. 
H.  Harbour  supplied  New  Providence  and  New 
Eiver.  P.  H.  Harbour  also  supplied  Mount  Gilead- 
W.  H.  F.  Edwards  supplied  Plains  Church.  J.  B. 
Smith,  while  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at 
Clinton,  preached  occasionally  in  the  surrounding 
country.  •  W.  C.  Duncan  labored  in  New  Orleans  as 
pastor  of  the  Coliseum  Place  church,  D.  B.  Eoberts 
at  Taughipaho  and  the  region  round  about,  and  Geo. 
H.  Washingtan  near  Springfield. 


96  HISTORY   OF   LOTJISIAlirA  PATISTS. 

[1859]  The  seventeenth  annual  session  was  held 
with  Plains  church,  East  Baton  Eouge  Parish.  In- 
troductory by  Elder  E.  H.  Hamlin,  of  Clinton  ;  Bro. 
C.  D.  Strickland  was  elected  Moderator,  and  P.  P. 
Wilson,  Clerk.  The  Fourth  African  church,  'New 
Orleans,  was  received  as  a  member.  This  year  died 
Thomas  Adams,  pastor  of  Hepzibah  chftrch,  and 
Deacon  Thomas  Davis,  a  prominent  and  useful 
member  of   the   Clinton  church. 

The  relation  of  ministers  to  churches  remained 
about  the  same  as  last  year.  The  reported  statistics 
are  as  follows :  Baptized  77,  received  by  letter  23, 
restored  10,  dismissed  38,  excluded  53,  died  17 ;  ag- 
gregate, whites  663,  colored  254,  total  927. 

[1860]  The  eighteenth  annual  session  was  held 
with  Mount  Vernon  church,  Amite  county,  Missis- 
sippi September  22  -  24 :  1860.  Introductory  preach- 
ed by  Elder  P.  H.  Harbour.  C.  D.  Strickland  was 
elected  Moderator  and  L.  A.  Duncan,  Clerk. 

The  First  German  Baptist  fchurch,  New  Orleans, 
W.  Fasching,  pastor,  was  received.  During  the 
year  P.  P.  Wilson,  the  former  clerk,  died,  and  Elder 
Ivy  F.  Thompson,  who  will  receive  a  suitable  notice 
in  the  proper  place. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  visit  Bbal  and 
Sandy  Creek  churches  and  urge  them  to  send  dele- 
gates to  the  Association. 

The  following  extract  from  the  Eeport  on  Missions 
shows  the  state  of  the  work : 


MISSISSIPPI  RIVEB  ASSOCIA.TIOW.  97 

"But  little  progress  has  beeu  made  in  supplying 
the  destitution  in  the  bounds  of  the  Association  dur- 
ing the  past  year.  We  are,  however,  gratified  to 
find  the  amount  of  contributions  considerably  in- 
creased over  the  preceding  year.  From  this  we  are 
led  to  believe  that  the  great  dififlculty  in  the  way  of 
home  missions  is  the  want  of  ministers  who  can  go 
forth  in  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel,  and  spend  their 
entire  time  in  preaching  to  the  destitute  and  in  visit- 
ing from  house  to  house,  and  doing  the  work  of  an 
evangelist." 

Thomas  D.  Eainer  travelled  as  a  missionary  forty- 
nine  days,  preached  forty-one  sermons  and  rode 
890  miles.  He  was  kindly  received  and  had  large 
and  attentive  congregations.  He  consecrated  one 
church  and  baptized  seven  persons.  He  found 
great  destitution  in  the  region  where  he  travelled. 
J.  L.  Simpson  labored  as  missionary  seventeen  days^ 
preached  nineteen  sermons  and  baptized  twelve. 
The  following  statistics  show  the  growth  of  the 
Association:  Baptized  134,  received  by  letter  86 
restored  24;  dismissed  49,  excluded  40,  died  .16;  ag- 
gregate, whites  769,  colored  486,  total  1394. 

[1861]  The  Jnineteenth  anniversary  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Eiver  Association  was  held  with  Salem  Church, 
Livingston  Parish,  Sept.  21-23,  1861.  Introductory 
by  Elder  S.  S.  Eelyea.  Elder  E  H.  Hamlin  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  J.  E.  Jackson,  Clerk. 

Three  new  churches  were  received,  of  which  two 


98  HISTOEr   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

were  situated  in  Louisiana:  New  Hope,  Ascension 
Parish,  and  Galilee,  Livingston  Parish. 

Eighteen  churches  out  of  twenty  were  repre- 
sented, and  reported:  Baptisms  135,  received  by 
letter  88,  restored  12;  dismissed  by  letter  30,  ex- 
cluded 37,  died  17;  aggregate  1472,  of  whom  736 
were  whites  and  462  colored. 

E.  H.  Hamlin  supplied  Clinton  and  Hepzibah.  S. 
S.  Eelyea  was  located  at  Clinton,  engaged  in  teach- 
ing and  preaching  in  the  surrounding  country.  J. 
B.  Smith  was  also  located  at  Clinton  in  the  practice 
of  the  law,  and  occasionally  preached.  M.  W.  Stam- 
baugh  resided  at  Jackson  and  supplied  the  Plains 
church,  and  devoted  a  portion  of  his  time  to  mis- 
sionary labor.  T.  D.  Eainer  supplied  the  church  at 
Tanghipaho  and  Gallilee.  J.  G.  Lothrop  was  located 
at  Tanghipaho,  and  preached  in  the  surrounding 
country  as  a  missionary  of  the  Association.  Wm.  0. 
Duncan,  having  resigned  the  care  of  the  Coliseum 
Place  chuich,  New  Orleans,  was  laboring  with  the 
First  church.  Dr.  D.  E.  Ha;ynes  was  a  practicing 
physician  in  New  Orleans,  and  occasionally  preached. 
He  was  a  son-in-law  of  Jesse  Hartwell,  D.  D.  W. 
Pasching  was  pastor  of  the  German  Baptist  Church, 
New  Orleans.  T.  Teuksbury  resided  at  Bayou  Bar. 
bara.  He  co-operated  with  J.  L.  Simpson,  in  his 
field  of  labor,  as  did  also  G.  W.  Gunn,  a  licentiate, 
and  E.  J.  Eice,  who  supplied  New  Hope,  Ascension 
Parish.    J.  L.  Simpson,  abounding  in  labors,  sup- 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  99 

plied  New  Providence,  Salem  and  Oolyell  in  Livings- 
ton Parish,  New  River  in  Ascension  Parish,  and  Mace- 
donia, "Washington  Parish.  Alex.  Sutherland  preach- 
ed at  Covington  and  in  the  surrounding  country. 
G.H.Washington  supplied  Tickfaw,Livingston  Parish; 
S.  W.  Newport,  Plains ;  G.  W.  Gunn,  Old  Field ;  J. 
W.  Odom,  Dennis  Mills,  and  T.  J.  Causey,  Roberts 
Mills.  AD  preached  occasionally  in  their  particular 
localities. 

[1862]  The  twentieth  annual  session  was  held 
with  Hepzibah  Church,  Bast  Feliciana  Parish,  Sep- 
tember 27th,  1862.  Introductory  by  Elder  Peter 
Turner,  of  Mississippi.  C.  D.  Strickland  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  L.  A.  Duncan,  Clerk. 

Friendship  church,  Livingston  Parish,  was  received 
as  a  member,  and  Sandy  Creek  church  reported  dis- 
solved. 

Thirteen  churches  represented  (nine  present)  re- 
port :  Baptizied  224  and  received  by  letter  24,  restored 
1 ;  dismissed  by  letter  24,  excluded  12,  died  12 ;  total 
867,  of  whom  574  were  whites  and  293  were  blacks. 

[1863]  The  twenty-first  annual  session  met  at  Line 
Creek  church,  St.  Helena  Parish.  Introductory  by 
Elder  E.  H.  Hamlin,  C.  D.  Strickland  was  elected 
Moderator  and  J.  B.  Jackson,*Clerk. 

Shiloh  chnrch,  St.  Helena  Parish,  organized  Oct. 
3d,  1862,  was  received. 

On  account  of  the  unsettled  condition  of  the 
country  but,  little  business  was  done.  Only  ten 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  75  baptisms. 


100  HISTOEZ   OP  LOUISIAWA   BAPTISTS 

[1864]  The  twenty-second  session  was  held  with 
Hepzibah,  the  old  mother  church,  beginning  Sept. 
24th,  1864.  Peter  Turner,  of  Mississippi,  preached 
the  Introductory.  The  former  Moderator  and  Olerk 
were  elected. 

Antioch  dhurch,  St.  Tammany  Parish,  organized 
during  the  year,  was  received.  Thirteen  ckurches 
were  represented,  reporting  37  baptisms  and  a  total 
membership  of  835. 

The  association  records  the  death,  July  11th,  1863, 
of  Deacon  Henry  Humble,  aged  sixty-three.  He 
was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and  in  1809  emigrated  to 
this  State.  He  became  a  Baptist  in  1836.  He  was 
an  active  member. 

[1865]  The  twenty-third  annual  session  was  held 
with  Jerusalem  church,  Amite  County,  Mississippi, 
beginning  Sept.  23d,  1865. 

Eleven  churches  were  represented,  reporting  112 
baptisms  and  an  aggregate  membership  of  882. 

Introductory  preached  by  Elder  E.  H.  Hamlin. 
Elder  Peter  Turner  was  elected  Moderator  and  Elder 
Chas.  H.  Otkin,  Clerk. 

I  quote  from  the  report  on  the  State  of  the 
Churches  to  show  the  condition  of  the  Louisiana 
churches  at  this  time : 

"  Hepzibah — Eeports  a  most  precious  revival  of  re- 
ligion since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Association. 
Sixteen  were  added  to  the  church.  The  meeting 
was  conducted  by  the  pastor,  assisted  by  Elder  Peter 
Turner.    Elder  E.  H.  Hamlin,  pastor. 


MISSISSIPPI  RIVER  ASSOCIATION.  101 

t— Has  nothing  to  report  that  will  cause 
pleasure  or  profit;  is  in  a  cold,  cheerless  condition 
and  only  a  few  seem  to  care  that  the  church  lan- 
guishes. Preaching  twice  a  month  by  its  former 
pastor,  E.  H.  Hamlin,  and  most  of  the  other  Sab- 
baths have  been  filled  by  Elder  S.  Taylra. 

"  Lme  Greek — Has  enjoyed  the  pastoral  labor  of 
Elder  Peter  Turner,  once  a  month,  and  report  a 
gradual  increase  during  the  year.  .  It  has  also  had 
preaching  once  a  month  by  Elder  Hilburn.  During 
the  past  year  they  have  lost  valuable  members ;  among 
them  two  deacons;  James  Breland  and  John  Powell. 
A  protracted  meeting  was  held  in  September,  con- 
ducted by  Elders  Turner  and  Hilburn.  Several 
professed  faith  in  the  Eedeemer  and  the  church  was 
much  revived. 

'■^Tanghvpdho — Has  not  been  blessed  with  regular 
preaching  this  year,  but  has  had  occasional  preaching 
by  Elder  Allen  Sutherland  and  D.  B.  Eoberts 
during  the  former  part  of  the  year,  and  has  now 
secured  the  services  of  Bro.  A.  G.  W.  Stewart. 
Is  in  a  lukewarm  state ;  brethren  are  at  peace 
among  themselves. 

"Oolyell — Has  nothing  of  interest  to  relate.  Elder 
J.  L.  Simpson  is  pastor. 

"Tickfaw — Eeports  that  they  are  in  a  cold  state ; 
but  are  living  in  peace,  harmony  and  brotherly 
love. 

"Salem — Says : — 'Although  we  are  in  a  cold  state  at 


102  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

present,  we  hope  for  better  times,  and  desire  an  in- 
terest in  the  prayers  of  the  Association.  Elder  J.  L. 
Simpson  is  our  pastor.' 

"JTew  ^ope— Reports  that  they  are  living  in  peace 
and  harmony;  had  sixteen  accessions  during  the 
year.  Have  prayer-meeting  twice  a  week.  Enjoy 
the  pastoral  labors  of  Elder.  J.  L.  Simpson,  who 
preaches  with  great  acceptance. 

"iSMtofe-^Has  had  some  additions  during  the  year, 
but  is  now  rather  in  a  cold  state.  Has  to  mourn  the 
loss  'Qf  her  beloved  brother,  A.  Sutherland.  Has 
preaching  twice  a  month,  Elder  J.  Grafton  Lothrop 
pastor." 

Plains,  Mt.  Gilead,  New  Providence,  Ifew  River, 
Macedonia,  Friendship,  First  Church,  New  Orleans, 
(J.  0.  Carpenter  pastor);  First  German  Church,  Npw, 
Orleans;  Second  African  Church,  New  Orleans; 
Fourth  African  Church,  New  Orleans,  were  not 
represented. 

The  following  ministers  reported :  Ordained: — E. 
H.Hamlin,  Clinton,  J.  L.  Simpson,  White  Houmas. 
J.  G.  Lothrop,  Greensburg.  Licentiate: — J.  W_ 
Stewart,  Springfield.  Doubtless  this  is  an  imper- 
fect report,  and  certainly  does  not  embrace  the 
ministers  in  New  Orleans. 

[1866.]  The  twenty-fourth  annual  session  was 
held  with  New  Hope  church.  Ascension  Parish,  be 
ginning  September  twenty-fourth,  1866.  Introductory 
by  Elder  Peter  Turner,  who  was  afterwards  elected 


MISSISSIPPI.  RIVEE  ASSOCIATION.  •  103 

Moderator,  with  Elder  J.  Grafton  Lothrop  as  Clerk. 
The  churches  at  Jackson  and  Greensburg  were  re- 
ceived intb  the  Association. 

Eighteen  churches  were  represented,  and  reported 
78  baptisms,  and  an  aggregate  membership  of  1021. 

Eld6r  Peter  Turner,  formerly  of  Mississippi,  settled 
as  pastor  at  Jackson,  La.,  but  still  served  Line  Creek 
church  a  part  of  the  time.  J.  L.  Simpson,  residing 
in  Livingston  Parish,  labored  with  Colyell,  Salem^ 
New  Hope  and  New  Eiver.  T.  J.  Causey,  residing 
near  Amite,  preached  to  the  Macedonia  church, 
A.  G.  M.  Stewart,  having  removed  from  Mississippi 
to  Louisiana,  settled  at  Greensburg,  where  a  church 
was  this  year  constituted  and  he  became  pastor  of 
the  church  at  Tanghipaho.  E.  J.  Eice,  without  any 
change,  was  a  co-laborer  of  Simpson  in  the  New 
Eiver  country.  J.  S.  Odom,  resided  in  Livington, 
and  also  co-operated  with  J.  L.  Simpson.  E.  H. 
Hamlin,  continued  to  reside  at  Clinton,  and  served 
the  Hepzibah  church.  S.  D.  Simms,  residing  at 
Springfield,  served  the  church  at  Tickfaw,  and 
preached  in  the  surrounding  country.  I.  Tewksbury, 
resided  at  New  Eiver,  and  assisted  Simpson  in  his 
field.  G.  H.  Washington,  resided  at  Springfield,  and 
preached  to  the  New  Providence  church.  J.  0. 
Carpenter  was  pastor  of  the  First  Bapist  church, 
New  Orleans.  Elias  George  resided  at  Amite  City, 
and  assisted  by  Elder  Peter  Turner,  held  a  meeting 
at  Greensburg,  at  which  they  constituted  a  church, 


104  .HISTORY  OP  LOTJISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

of  which  the  former  became  pastor.  The  Tanghipaho 
church  enjoyed  a  revival  under  the  labors  of  her 
pastor,  A.  G.  W.  Stewart,  assisted  by  -Elias  George 
and  S.  A.  Hayden,  then  licintiate,  who  has  since  held 
important  pastorates,  and  is  at  present  (1881)  pastor 
in  Galveston,  Texas. 

[1867.]  The  tw«nty-flfth  annual  session  was  held 
with  the  church  at  Greensburg,  St.  Helena  Parish 
beginning  September  2l8t,  1867. 

The  Introductory  was  preached  by  Elias  George, 
of  Amite  City.  Elder  Peter  Turner  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  E.  P.  Eussell,  Clerk. 

Bethel  and  two  churches  named  Sarepta,  and 
designated  as  No.  1  and  No.  2,  were  received  as 
members.  Twenty  churches  were  represented.  I 
copy  the  report  on  the  State  of  the  Churches. 

'■'^ Sandy  Greek — Eeports  quite  a  change.  Wishes 
still  the  aid  of  a  missionany.  Bro.  Edwards  has  been 
preaching  for  them.  Bequests  the  minister  to  visit 
them. 

'^Greensburg — Eeports  peace  and  church  fellow- 
ship. Elder  S.  A.  Hayden  is  pastor.  His  labors 
have  been  greatly  blessed. 

'^Jackson  Church — Eeports  that  they  are  in  a  cold 
and  lukewarm  state.  Supplied  by  Elder  Peter  Turner, 
two  Sabbaths  in  the  month.  Desires  the  prayers  of 
the  Association. 

"JTew  Sope — Eeports  peace  and  harmony,  and  an 
advancement  in  the  cause  of  Christ ;  prayer-meeting 


MISSISSIPPI   EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  105 

once  a  week;  licensed  one  of  her  members,  Bro.  Kirk- 
land,  to  preach  ;  mourns  the  loss  of  her  deacoi),  and 
has  the  labors  of  Elder  J.  L.  Simpson, 

"Clinton — Has  had  the  services  of  our  esteemed 
brethren  Hamlin  and  Eelyea  until  recently,  when 
she  called  Elder  S.  Ar  Hayden ;  are  in  peace  and 
harmony.  Eeport  quite  recently  a  precious  revival, 
and  a  goodly  number  professed,  and  were  added  to 
the  church. 

"Jerusalem — Has  constituted  and  organized  a 
colored  church,  taken  from  her  own  body  by  letters 
"  of  dismission.  No  other  changes.  In  peace,  and 
have  the  labors  of  Elder  S.  A.  Hayden. 

"Repzibah — Enjoys  religious  privileges  and  de- 
sires that  the  Great  Euler  of  the  Universe  will  bring 
order  out  of  confusion,  and  will  restore  to  us  civil, 
as  well  as  religious  liberty.  Elder  Peter  Turner  is 
pastor. 

"Line  Greek — Has  not  had  regular  preaching  for 
the  first  part  of  the  year;  now  enjoys  the  labors  of 
S-  A.  Hayden.  Is  in  peace,  and  hopes  for  the  bless- 
ed influence  of  the  Spirit ;  desires  the  prayers  of  the 
Association. 

"Tichfaw — Has  nothing  of  interest  to  report. 
Eather  cold,  but  hope  for  a  better  time.  Has  been 
supplied  by  Eev.  S.  D.  Simms.  Desires  the  prayers 
of  the  churches. 

"Shiloh — Eeports  peace  and  harmony.  Have  had 
8 


106  HISTORY   OF  XOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

the  labors  of  Bro.  A.  G.  W.  Stewart.  Church  on  the 
increase;  greatly  revived,  and  desires  the  prayers  of 
the  churches. 

"if<.  Vernon — Enjoys  the  labors  of  Bro.  Chas.  H. 
Otkin.  Desires  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
No  additions.  In  peace  and  harmony,  and  is  in  good 
hope. 

"Plains  Church — Eeports  that  they  have  no  pastor.^ 
Trials  and  afflictions  have  been  great.  Their  house 
of  worship  was  destroyed  during  the  war.  Had  the 
labors  of  Bro.  Lothrop  a  short  time.  The  church  is 
kept  up  by  holding  meetings  in  a  grove,  near  the 
ruins  of  the  house.  Eeligion  at  a  low  state ;  desires 
the  prayers  of  the  churches,  that  God  in  his  provi- 
dence may  send  them  a  pastor. 

"Golyell—BiepoTi  a  gradual  increase.  Enjoys  the 
faithful  labors  of  J.  L.  Simpson,  and  occasionally  of 
S.  C.  Kirkland.     In  peace. 

"JVew  Providence — Enjoys  the  labors  of  Bro.  S.  0. 
Kirkland.    Good  prospects  before  them. 

"  Tanghipaho — Eeports  much  refreshed,  and  have 
been  revived.  Several  additions  to  the  church. 
In  peace  and  harmony,  and  have  the  labors  of  A.  G. 
W.  Stewart. 

"  Salem — Has  been  blessed  with  additions  to  the 
church.  Have  a  Sabbath  School.  Enjoys  the  faith- 
ful labors  of  Elder  J.  L.  Simpson.  Have  licensed 
Bro.  John  Calmes,  from  whom  we  expect  much*^ 


MISSISSIPPI   RIVER   ASSOCIATIO]Sr.  107 

Bro.  W.  Odom,  an  ordained  minister,  labors  with 
them. 

"Macedonia — Is  living  in  peace  and  harmony. 
Some  additions.  Enjoys  the  labors  of  J.  L.  Simpson, 
vrhose  labors  are  well  received. 

"  The  following  are  the  churches  recently  received : 
Sarepta,  St.  Helena  Parish,  consituted  March  10th, 
1866 :  asks  the  prayers  of  the  churches.  They  num- 
ber forty-seven.  Bethel,  St.  Helena  Parish,  have 
been  blessed  with  additions;  were  supplied  by  Elder 
D.  B.  Eobert,  and  are  in  a  prosperous  state.  Sareptaj 
Livington  Parish.  Have  twelve  members.  Enjoyed 
the  labors  of  Elder  S.  D.  Simms.  Much  interest. 
Have  a  Union  Sabbath  School.  Ask  the  prayers  of 
the  Association."  The  following  churches  were  not 
represented :  Mount  Gilead,  ^ew  River,  First  church 
New  Orleans.  First  German  church  Nevv  Orleans, 
Second  African  church  New  Orleans,  Friendship 
and  Autioch. 

The  Association  records  the  death  in  East  Felici- 
ana   Parish,  on  the  day  of 1863,  of  Elder 

M.  W.  Stambaugh,  about  years  of  age.     Elder 

Stambangh  came  to  this  State  from  Mississippi,  in 
1859,  and  labored  with  the  Jackson  church  until 
1861,  when  he  became  pastor  of  the  Plains  church. 
He  remained  the  esteemed  pastor .  of  this  church 
until  the  time  of  his  death  in  1863.  He  was  a 
man  of  great  energy  and  perseverance  in  the  minis- 
try, and  his  labors  were  abundantly  blessed. 


108  HISTOBY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

[  1868.]  The  twenty-sixth  session  met  with  Mount 
Venion  church,  Amite  county,  Mississippi,  beginning 
September,  26th,  1868.  Elder  Peter  Turner  preached 
the  introductory  sermon.  He  was  also  elected  Mod. 
ertor,  with  E.  F.  Eussell,  Clerk.  Sixteen  churches 
were  represented,  aggregating  898  members.  But 
few  baptisms  reported. 

The  Association  takes  notice  of,  and  commends  to 
the  brethren  Woodland  Collegiate  Institute,  under 
the  charge  of  Elder  S.  S.  Eelyea,  assisted  by  Elder 
S.  A.  Hayden. 

It  was  at  this  meeting,  that  the  movement  was 
inaugurated  to  unite  with  the  Eastern  Louisiana 
Association,  as  I  related  in  the  sketch  of  that  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  committee  on  Obituaries  note  quite  a  number 
of  deaths.  C.  D.  Strickland,  formei"  Moderator  of  this 
Association^  was  born  in  Georgia.  He  came  to 
Louisiana  in  1818,  and  soon  after  joined  the  church 
and  became  a  deacon.  He  died  at  his  residence  in 
St.  Helena  Parish,  March  1st  1868,  in  his  seventy- 
sixth  ye  a  r. 

Elder  J.  B.  Smith  emigrated  to  Mississippi  in  1834. 
He  participated  in  the  constitution  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Clinton  in  1836.  Before  he  went  to  Mis- 
sissippi he  labored  as  a  missionary  of  the  Home  Mis- 
sion Society  in  the  bounds  of  the  Louisiana  Associa- 
tion, for  about  eighteen  months.    This  was  in  1832. 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER   ASSOCIATION.  109 

He  was  an  eloquent  preacher.  He  entered  the  prac- 
tice of  law  at  Clinton,  and  attained  eminence  at  the 
bar,  and  on  the  bench.  He  continued  to  preach  oc- 
casionally up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred 
at  Clinton,  La.,  in  the  Fall  of  1867. 

Elder  J.  Grafton  Lothrop,  a  young  man  of  pro- 
mise, also  fell  this  year.  He  was  a  promising  lawyer, 
living  in  Xew  Orleans  in  1861,  when  he  began  to 
preach.  He  labored  chiefly  in  Eastern  Louisiana. 
He  died  of  consumption  at  Greensburg,  January 
16th,  1868. 

[1869.]  The  twenty-seventh  annual  session  met 
with  Hepzibah  church.  East  Feliciana  Parish,  begin- 
ning Oct.  23d,  1869.  Elder  J.  C.  Carpenter,  pastor  of 
the  Fii'st  Baptist  church,  New  Orleans,  preached  the 
introductory  sermon.  He  was  also  elected  Moder- 
ator, with  O.P.  Amaker,  Clerk. 

No  material  change  had  taken  place  in  the  status 
of  the  churches. 

Notice  is  taken  of  the  death  of  two  prominent  and 
useful  laymen.  Deacon  William  Travis  was  born  in 
South  Carolina,  in  1794,  and  died  in  St.  Helena 
Parish,  1869,  aged  seventy  years.  At  the  age  of 
thirty-five  he  made  a  profession  of  faith  and  was 
baptized.    He  was  long  a  deacon  af  Bethel  church. 

Deacon  Chesley  Jackson  was  born  in  South  Caro- 
lina in  1781.  He  moved  in  early  life  to  Kentucky : 
thence  to  Tennessee,  and  in  1860,  to  East  Feliciana 


110  HISTOEY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Parish,  where  he  died,  March  26th,  1869,  aged  eighty- 
eight  years  and  ten  months.  For  the  last  thirty 
years  of  his  life  he  was  an  active  member  of  the 
church,  and  for  twenty-four  he  filled  the  oflBce  of 
deacon  with  efl&ciency  and  fidelity. 

[1870.]  The  twenty-eighth  anniversary  was  held 
with  Salem  church,  Livingston  Parish,  beginning 
Sept.  30th,  1870.  Peter  Turner  preached  the  intro- 
ductory. J.  C.  Carpenter  was  elected  Moderator, 
and  S.  A.  Hayden,  Clerk.  Twenty  churches  were 
represented,  reporting  142  baptisms,  65  received  by 
letter,  17  restored,  41  dismissed,  30  excluded,  20 
died.  Total  membership  1180.  Most  of  the  churches 
report  Sabbath-schools. 

The  Association  notes  the  death  of  Elder  A.  G. 
W.  Stewart,  in  August,  1869,  aged  about  thirty-five 
years.  He  was  born  in  Amite  County,  Miss.  He 
ioined  the  St.  Helena  Baptist  church  in  early  life,  and 
was  ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry  December, 
1865.  He  was  a  man  of  limited  education,  but  his 
great  zeal  for  Christ  rendered  him  one  of  the  most 
influential  ministers  of  this  section. 

Elder  W.  H.  F.  Edwards  labored  as  a  missionary 
one  half  his  time. 

.  A  query  was  raised  whether  unanimity  is  required 
in  the  dismission  of  members.  Answered:  that  the 
majority  should  rule  in  the  dismission  of  members. 

[1871.]     The  twenty-ninth  annual   session   of  the 


MISSISSIPPI   RIVER   ASSOCIATION.  Ill 

Association  met  with  Jerusalem  church,  Amite 
county,  Miss.,  beginning  Sept.  30th,  1871.  Peter 
Turner,  Moderator,  and  S.  A.  Hayden,  Clerk.  I  note 
the  attendance  of  Elder  James  Nelson,  agent  of  the 
Board  of  Ministerial  Education  of  Mississippi  Col- 
lege. Considerable  interest  was  excited  on  this 
subject,  and  nearly  five  hundred  dollars  was  pledged 
to  this  object. 

I  quote  so  much  of  the  report  on  the  State  of  the 
Churches  as  applies  to  those  situated  in  Louisiana : 

"Sepzibah. — Is  in  a  prosperous  condition.  Has  an 
interesting  school.  Pays  her  pastor,  Elder  Peter 
Turner,  three  hundred  dollars,  for  the  fourth  and 
fifth  Sabbaths. 

"Clinton  Church — Has  had  a  number  of  accessions 
during  the  year ;  are  preparing  to  build  a  brick  house 
of  worship,  and  report  an  interesting  Sabbath- 
school  of  about  fifty  scholars.  Elder  S.  A.  Hayden, 
pastor. 

"Line  Greek. — Although  at  peace,  laments  her 
want  of  activity  and  zeal,  and  desires  an  interest  in 
the  prayers  of  the  Association.  Elder  H.  Z.  Jen- 
kins, pastor. 

'■^  Salem  Church — Is  in  a  good  condition.  Has  a 
school  in  successful  operation.  Enjoying  the  faithful 
labors  of  J.  L.  Simpson.  Has  had  twenty-seven 
accessions. 

"Mrst  Baptist  Church,  New  Orleans — Has   passed 


1X3  HISTOKf   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

through  many  changes  daring  the  past  years;  has  a 
good  Sabbath-school ;  has  also  established  a  mission 
Sabbath-school,  which  promises  much  good,  and 
numbers  seventy-six  pupils.  Elder  J.  M.  Lewis, 
pastor. 

"  Shiloh  Church — Has  has  an  interesting  revival , 
under  the  efficient  labors  of  Elder  J.  L.  Simpson. 

^^  Jackson  Church — Eeports  an  interesting  and  in- 
creasing interest.  Pays  her  pastor,  S.  A.  Hayden, 
six  hundred  dollars  for  one  half  of  his  time ;  has 
expended  four  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  church 
improvement,  and  has  built  an  elegant  baptistery 
through  the  generous  liberality  of  the  churcii  and 
its  friends. 

Greensbury  Church — Has  suffered  much  for  want 
of  a  pastor ;  has  now  secured  the  services  of  O.  L. 
Johnson. 

"■  Sandy  Creek  Church — Has  just  closed  an  inter- 
esting revival  meeting;  has  established  a  Sabbath- 
. school.    Elder  W.  H.  F.  Edwards,  pastor. 

"  Sarepta  Church,  (  St.  Helena  Parish) — Has  regu- 
lar preaching,  good  congregation,  and  believes  that 
the  Lord  was  with  them.  Had  a  number  of  additions. 
Elder  T.  J.  Causey,  pastor. 

'•'•Redwood  Church — Is  in  a  prosperous  condition. 
Had  a  revival ;  additions,  ten  members.  Pays  Elder 
Edwards  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  for 
one  Sabbath  a  month. 


MISSISSIPPI  RIVER  ASSOCIATION.  113 

"  Zoar  Church — Had  an  •interesting  meeting  in 
August,  during  which  some  were  added  to  the 
church,  but  feels  ashamed  of  having  done  so  little 
for  her  pastor,  Elder  Edwards. 

"Mrst  German  Church,  New  Orleans — After  an  in- 
terval of  some  years  had  reorganized  and  desires  to 
renew  her  correspondence  and  co-operation.  In 
answer  to  her  prayers  the  good  Lord  has  sent  her 
Elder  F.  W.  Shallike  as  paster." 

The  Association  notes  the  death  of  Deacon 
Charles  J.  Wall,  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1797;  died 
Oct.  29th,  1870. 

Ordained  Ministers: — Peter  Turner,  Jackson,  La.; 
L.  D.  Sims,  Tickfaw,  La.;  G.  Mullins,  Dennis  Mills, 
La.;  J.  C.  Carpenter,  ISTew  Orleans,  La.;  J.  M.  Lewis, 
Kew  Orleans,  La.;  F.  W.  Shillike,  New  Orleans,  La.; 
George  Tucker,  Xew  Orleans,  La.;  S.  W.  Newport, 
Port  Hudson,  La.;  S.  H.  Hayden,  Clinton,  La.; 
Licentiates. — J.  H.  Calmes,  Dennis  Mills,  La  ;  W. 
Odom,  Dennis  Mills,  La.^  Joseph  A.  Booth,  George- 
town College,  Ky  ;  W.  E.  Tynes,  Osyka,  Miss. 

The  question  of  organizing  a  General  Association 
for  South  Mississippi  and  Eastern  Louisaana  having 
been  for  some  time  mooted,  this  Association  heartily 
approved  the  move  and  took  active  steps  toward 
effecting  an  organization. 

Elder  Edwards  labored  successfully  as  a  mission 
ary  until  June  1st.    Elder  J.  L.  Simpson  had  been 


114  HISTOBT  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

engaged  for  a  year  at  a  salary  of  eight  hundred 
dollars.  His  labors  were  signally  blest.  He  rode 
2000  miles,  preached  100  sermons,  delivered  92  ex- 
hortations, baptized  113,  and  constituted  one  church 
with  38  members,  and  organized  one  Sabbath-school. 
Among  those  baptized  were  six  Catholics.  He  also 
collected,  in  cash  and  pledges,  most  of  his  salary. 

The  churches  represented  report  144  baptisms, 
with  an  aggregate  membership  of  1115. 

[1873]  The  thirtieth  session  of  the  Association 
was  held  with  Osyka  Baptist  church.  Pike  county. 
Miss.  S.  A.  Hayden,  Moderator  and  W.  E.  Tynes, 
Clerk. 

Nineteen  churches  represente  1  report:  baptized, 
191;  received  by  letter,  84;  restored,*  17 ;  dismissed, 
69;  excluded,  19;  died,  22.  Aggregate  membership, 
1167. 

[  1873.]  The  thirty-first  session  was  held  with  the 
Clinton  Baptist  church.  In  consequence  of  the 
alarm  of  yellow  fever,  which  had  previously  ravaged 
this  place,  the  attendance  was  very  small.  S.  A. 
Hayden,  Moderator  and  W.  B.  Tynes,  Clerk. 

"Repzibah — Reports  encduraging  revivals  under 
O.  L  Johnson,  pastor. 

"  Glinton — Reports  rejoicings  amid  blessings.  She 
has  had  some  precious  seasons  of  revival.  Has  just 
completed  a  new  house  of  worship  [  This  house  was 
dedicated  during  the  meeting].    She  mourns  the  loss 


MISSISSIPPI  EIVER  ASSOCIATION.  115 

of  sister  Smith-,  the  last  of  the  original  constituonts ; 
and  MoUie  Bobbins.    Elder  Gr.  M.  Hayden,  pastor. 

" Tickfaw — Has  had  many  trials  and  difficulties; 
but  has  passed  safely  through  them.  Elder  C.  E. 
Eeid  is  pastor.     She  asks  a  letter  of  dismission. 

'■'■Jackson — Reports  a  lively  interest  and  a  good 
Sunday-school.    Elder  T.  J.  Rowan,  pastor. 

'■'■First  Ghurch^New  Orleans — Has  much  to  be  grate- 
ful for  and  is  in  a  good  lively  state.  Elder  S.  A. 
Hayden,  pastor. 

"ime  Creefc— Rejoices  in  showing  forth  of  God's 
blessing.  Has  had  an  interesting  meeting  of  days 
and  quite  a  goodly  number  of  accessions.  Rev.  H. 
7i.  Jenkins,  pastor. 

"  New  Zion—E.Si&  had  an  interesting  meeting ;  sev- 
eral accessions  by  baptism  and  by  letter.  B.  L. 
Lea,  pastor. 

"  Greensburg — Reports  a  state  of  peace  and  good 
fellowship.     Enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  W.  E.  Tynes. 

"  SMloh — Has  suffered  muchaflfliction  for  two  years; 
mourns  the  loss  of  sister  Story;  has  T.  J.  Causey  for 
pastor." 

[1874.]  The  thirty-second  session  of  the  Associa- 
tion met  with  Clinton  church.  East  Feliciana  Parish, 
beginning  "on  October  4th,  1873.  S.  A.  Hayden, 
Moderator,  W.  E.  Tynes,  Clerk. 

An  effort  was  made  by  the  Executive  Board  to 
occupy  the  city  of  Baton  Rouge  and  co-operating  with 


116  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

the  General  Association.  W.  B.  Tynes  has  been 
placed  there,  and  a  small  church  organized.  From 
this  it  appears  that  the  church  which  had  been  once 
organized  here  had  become  extinct. 

The  churches  report:  baptisms,  100;  received  by 
letter,  86|;  restored,  3;  died,  3;  dismissed,  72;  exclud- 
ed, 3.  Total  membership  1184.  Sunday-schools  11; 
scholars,  495;  average  attendance,  305;  teachers,  67; 
volumes  in  library,  270. 

[1875.]  The  thlrty-thtrd  anniversary  was  held 
with  Mt,  Vernon  church,  Amite  county,  Miss.,  Oct., 
2d,  1875.  Moderator,  J.  E.  Jackson,  Elder  W.  E. 
Tynes,  Clerk. 

Twelve  churches  represented,  reporting  56  bap- 
tisms and  a  total  membership  of  109J. 
,  The  most  important  change  I  note  is  the  accession 
of  Thomas  Lansdell,  formerly  of  Cherryville,  to  this 
part  of  the  State,  as  pastor  of  Clinton  and  Hepzibah 
churches. 

[1876.]  The  thirty-fourth  anniversary  was  held 
with  Kedron  church,  St.  Helena  Parish,  beginning 
Sept.  30th,  1876.  J.  E.  Jackson,  Moderator,  and  E. 
W.  Spencer,  Clerk.  Seventeen  churches  were  repre- 
sented, aggregating  1259  members. 
,  Thomas  Lansdell  labored  at  Hepziban,  Jackson 
and  Clinton  with  success.  L.  S.  Piker  labored 
at  Greensburg  with  great  acceptance,  and  also  at 
Shiloh  and  Eocky  Creek.    G.  M.  Hayden  was  pastor 


MISSISSIPPI   EIVEB   ASSOCIATIOJ^.  117 

at  Kedron  church.  The  First  church  at  Baton 
Kouge  is  without  a  pastor,  Elder  W.  E.  Tynes  having 
removed.  Elder  S.  0.  Kirkland  labored  with  Salem 
church.  Sarepta  (St.  Helena)  enjoyed  the  labors  of 
C.  E.  Eeid.  Elder  S.  W.  Newport,  was  at  Galilee 
church.  The  New  Orleans  church  was  without  a 
pastor  and  unable  to  procure  one. 


CHAPTER  V- 

THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW  ORLEANS. 

With  the  great  tide  of  population  that  flowed  into 
Louisiana  after  its  acquisition  in  1803,  came  a  few 
Baptists,  and  among  them  Cornelius  Paulding,  a  na- 
tive of  l>rew  York,  who  settled  in  'Eew  Orleans.  He 
was  a  man  of  some  means,  and  possessed  a  faculty 
for  acquiring  property.  In  his  new  home  he  amass- 
ed a  large  fortune.  He  was  an  eccentric  man,  but 
desired  to  promote  the  Baptist  cause,  and  rendered 
essential  service  by  furnishing  places  for  worship, 
which  he  always  did  free  of  charge.  An  occasional 
minister  visited  the  city,  but  no  regular  eflfort  was 
made  to  establish  a  church  here  until  1817.  lu  that 
year,  Eev.  James  A.  Eanaldson  was  sent  out  as^a- 
missionary  by  the  Board  of  the  Triennial  Baptist 
Convention.  He  preached  and  taught  in  the  "  Long 
Eoom  "  belonging  to  Mr,  Paulding,  on  Dorsieve  St. 
near  Canal.  Here  he  organized  a  church  the  same 
year,  which,  the  year  following,  was  admitted  into 
the  Mississippi  Association.  About  the  same  time 
Eev,  Benjamin  Davis,  of  Natchez,  Miss.,  settled  in 
H^ew.  Orleans.  He  represented  the  church  in  the 
Association,  in  1818,  and  was  successor  of  Mr.  Ean- 
aldson in  the  pastorate  after  a  year  or  so,  the  latter 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW   ORLEANS.     119 

having  settled  at  St.  Prancisville,  where  he  gathered 
a  church  in  1819.  "  Mr.  Davis  preached  in  the  brick 
building  belonging  to  Mr.  Paulding,  on  Canal  street 
near  the  present  site  of  Christ's  Church.  The  church 
had  at  one  time  sixteen  white  and  thirty-two  colored 
members.  Mr.  Davis  left  in  1820,  and  the  church 
soon  dissolved.  Before  he  left  he  performed  a  bap- 
tism in  the  Mississippi  river,  in  front  of  the  old 
custom-house.  The  candidate,  th&  first  baptized  in 
i^Tew  Orleans,  was  Mr.  Davidson,  the  father-in-law 
of  Alfred  Heunin,  Esq  ,  a  distinguished  jurist  of 
New  Orleans. 

"In  1817,  also,  Eev.  Wm.  B.  Johnson,  of  South 
Carolina,  paid  a  visit  to  this  city  for  his  health,  and 
preached  in  the  '  Long  Eoom '  to  congregations  res- 
pectable for  numbers  snd  attention.  He  discoursed 
also  on  board  a  ship;  and  by  special  permission  of 
Pere  Antoine  he  preached  a  sermon  in  the  Eoman 
Catholic  Cathedral  for  the  benefit  of  the  lately  form- 
ed Poydras  Orphan  Asylum. 

"  After  the  departure  of  Mr.  Davis,  Baptist  preach- 
ing was  heard  here  only  occasionally  until  1826,  when 
Eev.  William  Eondeau  arrived  from  England.  Mr. 
Eondeau  formed  a  new  organization,  preached  about 
a  year;  first  in  the  building  already  mentioned,  on 
Canal  Street,  then  in  a  school-house  in  Paulding's 
Eow,  on  St.  Charles  Street,  and  then  in  a  brick 
building  on  the  corner  of  Poydras  and  Tchoupitoulas 


120  HISTORY   OP   LOUISIANA   BAPIISTS. 

streets;  after  which,  he  went  northward  and  finally 
settled  in  Kentucky.  His  church  had  at  one  time 
about  twenty  in  its  membership,  but  by  the  end  of 
1828  it  was  dissolved  and  scattered."  [W.  0. 
Duncan.] 

I  find  reference  to  this  organization  in  the  minutes 
of  the  Louisiana  Association  for  1827.  It  is  said 
that  there  were  in  the  city  "a  few  white  brethren 
( seven  in  number  )  in  a  church  there."  They  were 
constituted  the  Spring  before  with  three  members. 
Afterwards,  one  joined  by  letter  and  three  were 
baptized. 

There  was  also  at  this  time  an  African  church  of 
about  twenty  members.  They  had  a  colored  minister 
ndmed  Asa  Goldsbury,  who  just  before,  had  been 
bound  over,  by  authority  of  the  city  or  otherwise,  to 
be  silent  six  months,  under  a  law  against  colored 
preachers. 

Of  this  body,  J.  L.  Furman,  an  intelligent  member 
of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  N.  O.,  and  editor  of  the 
New  Orleans  Baptist  Messenger,  says:  "As  we  have 
been  informed  by  the  late  brother,  Lewis  Banks,  an 
aged  colored  Baptist  from  Virginia,  who  resided  here 
many  years,  and  who  died  last  February  [1876],  and  as 
appears  also  from  a  book  of  minutes  in  his  possession, 
the  first  colored  Baptist  church  of  this  city  was  organ- 
ized on  the  31st  of  October,  1826,  under  the  name  of 
the  First  African  Church  of  New  Orleans.    This  was 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW  0ELEAN8.     121 

'done  in  a  school  on  Burgundy  street,  by  a  presby- 
tery consisting  of  the  already-mentioned  Elder  Wm. 
Eondeau  and  Elder  Elisha  Andrews."  This  Elisha 
Andrews  came  into  Eastern  Louisiana  and  aided 
Eanoldson  in  the  constitution  of  the  church  at  St. 
Francisville.  He  was  present  at  the  Mississippi 
Association  in  1826,  and  wrote  the  circular  letter  for 
^hat  year.  He  was  probably  on  a  visit  to  the  city  at 
this  time. 

Mr.  Pnrman  continues:  "Asa  0.  Goldsbury  wa 
«elected  by  the  church  and  ordained  pastor,  and 
Moses  Jackson,  deacon.  The  church  flourished  for  a 
time.  Additions  were  made  from  time  to  time,  until 
the  membership^  numbered  forty-one  males  andforty- 
feix  females,  on  the  church  book.  After  a  few  years 
Mr.  Goldsbury  died  and  the  church  declined.  I 

"About  1831,  several  other  colored  Baptists  came 
from  Virginia  and  elsewhere,  among  whom  were 
brethren  If.  D.  Sanders  (who  still  survives,  though 
in  great  infirmity  and  confined  entirely  to  his  room), 
Eichard  Satterfield,  John  Edmonds,  Lewis  Banks 
and  Ifathan  Short.  The  church  became  somewhat 
revived,  worship  was  maintained  and  new  life  was 
apparent.  Brethren  Sanders  and  Satterfield  were 
licensed  as  ministers,  and  labored  with  much  success. 

In  1833,  Elder  Peter  W.  Eobert,  who  had  been 
ordained  by  Father  Willis  and  Ezekiel  O'Quinn,  re- 
moved from  the  Opelousas  country  and  settled  in 
the  city,  where  he  remained  eight  years.  , 


122  HISTORY   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

"In  1837,"  says  Mr.  Purman,  "aided  by  spme  traa- 
sient  preacher,  Mr.  Eobert  reconstituted  this  First 
(African )  Church,  and  ordained  Sanders  and  Batter- 
field  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  Sanders  became  pastor. 
The  church  purchased  property  and  began  to  build 
on  their  present  site,  corner  Howard  and  Cypress 
streets,  in  1842. 

"  During  several  years  after  Mr.  Bondeau's  depart- 
ure there  was  no  regular  organization  of  white  Bap- 
tists. Preaching  was  held  occasionally,  when  any 
minister  was  here.  Rev.  Mr.  Hurley  and  Eev.  Mr. 
Gourtland  were  among  those  who  held  forth  the 
word  of  life.  They  probably  preached  in  the  tobacco- 
warehouse  on  the  south  side  of  Lafayette  Square^, 
which  Mr.  Paulding  had  fitted  up  for  divine  service 
by  the  Baptists,  but  which  was  ere  long  sold  to  ih© 
Presbyterians.  On  its  site  was  erected  the  house 
some  years  ago  destroyed  by  fire,  which  has  since 
been  replaced  by  the  present  edifice  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church. 

"  After  this,  Mr.  Paulding  erected  the  large  build- 
ing on  St.  Charles  and  He  via  (Lafayette)  streets,  now 
(1876)  Soul5  Commercial  College,  the  upper  portion 
of  which  he  intended  as  a  house  of  worship  for  the 
Baptists.  If  we  are  correctly  informed,  the  Eev. 
Pharcellus  Church  here  ministered  for  a  time,  but 
not  under  flattering  or  encouraging  auspices,  and 
returned  to  New  York. 
"  In  1841  Mr.  Frederic  Clarke,  an  excluded  member 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW  OKLEANS.     123 

of  tbe  church  at  Saco,  Maine,  attempted  to  establish 
a  church  here.  He  gathered  some  members  together, 
collected  some  money,  and  began  a  building,  first  on 
Julia  or  Baronne  street,  and  afterwards  on  Triton 
Walk.  On  account  of  his  personal  standing,  neither 
he  nor  his  church  was  recognized  by  the  denomina- 
tion, and,  after  lingering  through  several  years  of 
languid  existence,  it  finally  became  extinct.  Several 
of  the  members  became  incorporated  into  the  First 
Baptist  Church." 

In  reference  to  this  body  I  find  the  following 
in  the  minutes  of  the  Mississippi  Association  for 
1841 :  "A  letter  was  received  from  the  New  Orleans 
Church  by  the  hand  of  her  delegate,  petitioning  ad- 
mittance into  the  Association,  which  church  beings 
found  orthodox,  was  admitted  into  the  union,  and 
her  delegate,  F.  Clarke,  received  the  right  hand  of" 
fellowship  by  the  moderator." 

In  1842  this  language  appears  in  the  report  on  the: 
State  of  Eeligion : 

'■'■New  Orleans. — This  church,  under  the  pastoral 
labor  of  brother  F.  Clarke,  has  experienced  a  steady 
and  permanent  growth ;  their  congregations  are  well 
attended,  and  the  smiles  of  God  are  continued  to 
them.  Among  tbe  number  baptized  were  two  Pedo- 
baptist  preachers,  men  of  talent  and  experience,  who 
promise  usefulness.    Increase  nineteen." 

This  body  united  in  the  formation  of  the  Eastern 
Louisiana  Association,  in  1842.    It  continued  to  be 


124  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

represented  in  the  Association  until  1849,  when  it 
disappears,  having  been  disbanded  about  this  time. 
When  last  reported  (1848)  it  had  over  forty  mem- 
bers. In  1846,  Mr.  Clarke  preached  the  introduc- 
tory sermon  before  the  Association,  and  was  after- 
-ward  elected  Moderator,  go  that  Mr.  Purman  states 
the  case  too  strongly  when  he  says  that  neither  Mr. 
Clarke  nor  his  church  was  recognized  by  the  deno- 
mination. ^ 

In  1843  began  another  movement.  For  the  reason 
given  above,  Mr.  Clarke  and  his  church  were  not  in 
favor  with  some,  who  set  out  to  build  a  new  church. 
A  meeting  was  conducted  by  Eev.  Eussell  Holman, 
aided  by  Eev.  Thomas  J.  Fisher,  the  celebrated  Ken- 
tucky revivalist,  and  Eev.  Wm.  Minter,  of  Missis- 
fiippi.  On  the  18th  day  of  December,  1843,  was 
organized  what  is  now  known  as  the  First  Baptist 
Church  in  New  Orleans.  In  1844  this  body  petition, 
for  membership  in  the  Mississippi  River  Association, 
and  was  admitted,  J.  S.  Davis  and  W.  H.  Eondean 
being  the  delegates;  the  total  membership  being 
twenty-seven. 

In  January,  1846,  Eev.  Isaac  Taylor  Hinton  became 
pastor,  and  labored  with  it  until  the  time  of  hig 
death,  in  August,  1847.  Hinton  was  an  Englishman. 
He  had  formerly  labored  at  Chicago,  and  came  from 
St.  Louis  to  New  Orleans.  He  was  a  man  of  talent, 
and  is  the  author  of  a  "  History  of  Infant  Baptism." 
His  la  bors  were  at  once  blest  in  raising  the  stand- 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW  0BLEAN8.     125 

ing  of  the  Baptists  ia  New  Orleans  to  a  position 
among  other  denominations.  During  the  summer  ho 
was  engaged  in  raising  funds  to  build  a  spacious  and 
well-finished  meeting-house,  on  a  well-selected  piece 
of  ground  which  had  been  chosen  for  the  purpose. 
Bev.  B.  Holman  had  also  devoted  the  summer  months 
to  the  same  purpose,  with  considerable  success,  as  a 
general  interest  was  felt  througboat  the  denomina- 
tion in  favor  of  the  enterprise.  The  members  were 
of  a  good  character,  correct  views,  and  exercised 
a  salutary  influence  in  the  city.  In  1846  they  re- 
port a  total  membership  of  sixty-two.  Under  the 
labors  of  Hinton  they  were  gradually  increasing. 
They  had  an  interesting  Sabbath-school,  and  sustain- 
ed the  monthly  concert  of  prayer  for  missions.  They 
had  been  enabled  to  purchase  an  excellent  lot  of 
ground,  most  eligibly  located  on  St.  Charles  street, 
and  to  erect  a  lecture-room  capable  of  accommodat- 
ing three  hundred  persons. 

The  year  1847  was  a  sad  one  for  the  Baptists  in 
New  Orleans.  Their  membership  had  increased  to 
one  hundred  and  six;  but  the  city  was  ravaged  by  the 
yellow  fever  that  year,  and  while  the  church  lost 
only  two  members,  one  of  them  was  their  beloved 
pastor,  who  fell  at  his  post  in  August  of  this  year. 
The  other  victim  was  the  wife  of  Bev.  W.  0.  Dun- 
can, who  had  removed  to  the  city  in  the  earlj  part 
of  the  year,  and  on  the  13th  day  of  March,  1847,  had 
issued  the  %st  number  of  T}ie  South  Western  Baptist. 


126  HISTORY   OF   LOTJISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Chronicle.  Mr;  Duncan  was  also  confined  with  the 
fever  when  Hinton  was  stricken.  The  loss  of  their 
pastor  was  a  sad  blow  to  the  church,  but  they  were 
stimulated  to  greater  love  and  devotedness  in  conse- 
quence, and  continued  to  increase  steadily.  They 
took  steps  to  secure  another  minister  immediately. 

In  May,  1848,  Eev.  Charles  A.  Raymond  was  called, 
and  labored  with  the  church  until  December,  1849. 

In  January,  1850,  Eev.  L.  Fletcher  became  pastor, 
and  continued  until  April,  185i.  During  the  pastor- 
ate of  Fletcher  the  colored  members  of  the  First 
Church  organized  a  church  under  the  .watch-care  of 
their  white  brethren,  numbering  sixty-two  members, 
and  were  received  into  the  Mississippi  Eiver  Associa- 
tion at  the  session  of  1850. 

About  this  time  Cornelius  Paulding,  a  wealthy  Bap- 
tist, died  in  New  Orleans,  leaving  a  legacy  to  the  Bap' 
tists  in  the  city,  but  in  such  a  manner  that  the  Firs 
Church  could  not  obtain  it.  The  church  was  involv- 
ed for  payments  falling  due  on  the  lot  which  they 
had  purchased,  and  the  lot  was  sold  under  seizure, 
with  the  understanding  that  it  would  be  purchased 
by  the  executors  of  Paulding.  But  in  this  they 
were  disappointed;  and  their  fine  property  was  all 
lost. 

In  June,  1854,  a  few  members  took  their  letters 
and  organized  the  Coliseum  Place  Baptist  Church,  in 
order  to  mtfet  the  legal  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
obtaining  the  legacy  left  by    Paulding.    The  First 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSIf  IN  NEW  ORLEATS"S.     127 

Oharcli  worshipped  with  them  until  the  church  was 
completed  and  they  proclaimed  themselves  out  of 
-debt.  In  the  meantime  the  First  Church  maintained 
their  organization,  and  in  1860,  resumed  their  reg- 
ular worship.  In  1861  they  secured  the  services  of 
Rev.  W.  0  Duncan,  D.  D.,  as  pastor.  Dr.  Duncan 
liad  been  serving  the  Coliseum  Place  Churchy  but 
liad  given  it  up  on  account  of  ill  health.  The  church 
resumed  its  relation  to  the  Mississippi  Eiver  As- 
sociation in  1860,  reporting  sixteen  accessions  by 
■letter  and  au  aggregate  membership  of  thirty-four. 
Upon  the  accession  of  Dr.  Duncan  there  was  an  ad- 
^lition  of  twenty  members,  and  the  number  reported 
this  year  is  fifty-five.  In  July,  they  purchased  the 
grounds  and  buildings  formerly  used  by  one  of  the 
•city  high  schools,  in  the  Fourth  District,  and  fitted 
«p  a  neat  lecture-room.  Dr.  Duncan  held  this  posi- 
1  ion  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  but  differing 
from  his  brethren  upon  the  question  of  secession,  he 
was  advised  to  resign,  which  he  did  and  removed 
worth. 

In  1860  the  First  German  Church  N.  O.,  which  had 
been  meeting  as  a  branch  of  the  Coliseum  Church, 
was  organized  as  an  independent  body,  July  20th, 
^  ith  a  membership  of  twenty-three,  Eld.  W.  Fasch- 
ing,  pastor. 

In  1857  Rev.  E.  H.  Steptoe  began  a  new  interest 
among  the  colored  people,  which  resulted  in  the  or 
^anization  of  a  church  called  The  Fourth  Colored- 


128  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Baptist  Church  of  New  Orleans.  It  was  admitted  into 
the  Mississippi  Eiver  Association  in  1869,  and  uponi 
the  organization  of  the  Oolisenm  Ohurch  it  came; 
under  the  legal  supervision  of  that  church. 

I  have  already  alluded  to  the  formation  of  the 
Coliseum  Place  Church,  and  return  to  notice  this  new 
movement  more  in  detail. 

The  importance  of  the  Baptist  cause  in  New  Or- 
leans  was  felt  throughout  the  South.  In  1852  th& 
Alabama  Baptist  Convention  appointed  a  delegare  to 
meet  with  similar  delegates  appointed  by  each  of  th& 
State  conventions  of  Georgia,  Mississippi  and  Ten- 
nessee, to  meet  in  New  Orleans  and  to  examine  into 
the  religious  interests  of  that  great  city ;  also  to  in- 
quire into  the  situation  of  the  legacy  left  by  Corne- 
lius Paulding,  designed  to  aid  in  the  erection  of  » 
house  of  worship  for  the  use  of  the  Baptists,  of  New 
Orleans.  In  the  spring  of  1853  these  delegates- 
assembled,  and  called  to  their  aid  in  their  confer- 
ence the  Baptists  then  visiting  the  city,  together 
with  the  faithful  few  who  were  residents  of  the  city,, 
and  organized  their  body.  After  taking  a  full  survey 
of  the  field  and  considering  the  wants  and  difficultiea 
wWch  confronted  them,  they  decided  that  it  was  im- 
portant  that  a  Baptist  interest  should  be  established 
upon  a  permanent  basis  ;  and  in  their  opinion  a  house 
of  worship  should  be  built  at  a  cost  of  not  less  than 
forty  or  flftf  thousand  dollars. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Conventioa 


THE  BAPTIST   CAUSE  IS   NEW  OELEANS.     129 

at  Baltimore  in  1853,  they  took  up  the  Baptist  interest 
in  New  Orleans,  and  appointed  a  Board  of  Trustees^ 
aeyen  in  number,  four  of  whom  were  located  in  the 
oity  and  one  in  each  of  the  States  of  Mississippi,. 
Alabama  and  Georgia. 

The  Trustees  who  were  appointed  by  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention,  after  giving  their  personal  bond 
to  the  executor  of  Paulding  for  the  faithful  perform- 
ance of  their  trust,  took  charge  of  the  funds  devised 
and  proceeded  to  carry  out  the  purposes  intended 
by  the  testator.  As  has  already  been  stated,  a 
number  of  the  members  of  the  First  Church  took 
letters,  and  in  June,  1854,  organized  the  Coliseum 
Baptist  Church;  and  the  remaining  members  co- 
operated for  a  time  in  maintaining  worship. 

The  Trustees  proceeded  with  the  erection  of  a 
beautiful  and  commodious  edifice  near  Coliseum 
Place,  which  gives  name  to  the  church.  But  the 
Paulding  fund  proved  inadequate,  and  other  funds 
did  not  come  in  as  was  expected ;  and  the  Trustees 
found  themselves  encumbered  with  a  debt  of  $20,- 
000. 

An  agent  was  sent  out  to  raise  funds  to  liquidate 
this  amount.  The  General  Association  of  Virginia 
in  1858  assumed  $5,000  of  this  indebtedness,  and  ap- 
pointed C.  C.  Bitting  as  their  agent  to  raise  the 
amount.  The  Louisiana  Convention  also  resolved 
to  raise  $5,000,  and  T.  A.  Kouton  was  appointed  to 
collect  it,  (Minutes  1858  p.  28,)  but  for  some  reason 
unknown  to  me  he  accomplished  nothing. 


130  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Other  amounts  were  raised  by  the  agent,  but,  after 
all  efforts  were  exhausted,  there  still  remained  about 
^12,000.  This  amount  was  advanced  by  James  H. 
Low,  a  noble,  self  sacrificing  member  of  the  church. 
This  debt,  with  its  accumulated  interest  somewhal 
reduced  from  time  to  time,  still  remains,  in  1881,  a 
ijurden  upon  the  church. 

The  condition  of  the  cause  about  this  time  in  New 
Orleans  may  be  seen  from  a  communication  of  E.  E. 
Witter,  agent  of  the  church,  addressed  to  the  Missis- 
sippi Baptist,  dated  December  17, 1857. 

Says  Mr.  Witter :  "  In  the  Baptist  Church  in  New 
■Orleans,  the  first  Sunday  in  each  month  is  the  regu 
lar  communion  day.  That  day,  ever  solemn,  when 
the  love  of  God  is  more  perceptibly  felt  in  the 
liearts  of  those  who  worthily  'eat  this  bread  and 
■drink  this  cup,'  was  rendered  yet  more  solemn  and 
interesting  on  the  last  occasion  by  the  addition  of 
sixteen  more  of  '  such  as  should  be  saved '  to  that 
•devoted  little  flock  who  through  good  and  evil  re- 
port have  continued  the  worship  of  God  in  accord- 
ance with  the  pure  and  simple  teachings  of  the 
Scriptures.  Of  the  sixteen  new  members  eleven  had 
'been  baptized  the  previous  week.  I  did  not  enjoy 
the  gratification  of  participating  in  the  solemn  com- 
memoration; of  witnessing  the  pleasing  sight,  bat 
learned  from  a  stranger  who  was  present  that  the 
large  congregation  exhibited  visible  proofs  of  awe 
and  emotion,  and  upon  the  countenances   of  the 


THE   BAPTIST   CAUSE   IN  NEW  ORLEANS.     131 

members  were  apparent  Christian  joy  and  salvation. 
Well  may  the  members  be  glad  and  exceedingly  re- 
joice; for,  from  a  state  of  littleness  and  obscurity 
scarcely  conceivable  by  those  unacquainted  with  the 
facts,  the  church  like  a  grain  of  mustard-seed  sown, 
has  grown  and  shot  out  its  branches,  so  that  hun- 
dreds now  lodge  under  it.  This  is  the  working  of 
God,  the  answer  to  fervent  prayer  that  this  church, 
planted  in  the  wilderness  of  sin,  obstructed  by  causes 
that  purified  and  brightened  the  faith  of  the  few 
faithful,  should  at  length  emerge  from  its  obscurity  ; 
and  become  as  a  'light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place.' 
Less  than  four  weeks  ago  this  church  was  a  name 
rather  than  a  reality.  It  is  true  there  was  an  organ- 
ization, it  is  true  that  this  little  flock,  numbering  only 
nine,  forsook  not  the  assembling  of  themselves  to- 
gether, but  regularly  met  where  prayer  is  wont  to  be 
made  to  supplicate  Him  in  whom  they  trusted;  it  is 
true  that  the  present  pastor,  then  suffering  from  ill 
health  and  struggling  with  poverty  and  other  afflic- 
tion's, conscientiously  and  faithfully  performed  his 
pastoral  duties;  it  is  true  that  a  delegation  from 
various  States  met  in  the  city  to  devise  means  to 
build  up  the  denominational  cause;  but  it  is  also 
true  that  their  plans  were  ineffectual,  that  the 
church  was  left  comparatively  alone  and  unaided  to 
labor  under  trials  and  difficulties,  which  nought  but 
the  gracious  promises  of  God  could  have  enabled 
them  to  sustain ;  that  for  their  present  tempond 


132  HISTOBX  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

prosperity  they  are  indebted  to  one  man,  whom, 
under  the  Almighty,  seems  to  have  been  raised  up 
for  this  especial  object:  that  man  is  James  H.  Low. 

"  In  thus  asserting  I  do  not  mean  to  detract  one 
particle  from  the  strenuous  and  increasing  efforts  of 
other  members  of  the  church.  They  did  all  that  man 
could  do,  'but  Bro.  Low  was  in  a  condition  to  do 
what,  doubtless,  they  would  have  done  under  similar 
circumstances.  The  Baptist  organization  is  now 
assuming  its  proper  position  in  Kew  Orleans.  It 
numbers  nearly  two  hundred  white  members,  has  a 
large  and  commodious  place  of  worship,  which  each 
Sabbath  is  as  well  attended  as  any  church  without 
exception  in  the  city;  has  a  lecture-room  where 
weekly  prayer  meetings  are  held,  to  which  not  only 
the  members,  but  numerous  strangers  flock ;  has  the 
largest  and  most  interesting  Sabbath-school  in  the 
city,  and,  to  be  brief,  'it  is  doing'  as  a  distinguished 
Pedobaptist  minister  asserted  from  his  pulpit, '  more 
for  the  cause  of  religion  than  all  the  churches  in  the 
city  together.'  Eecently  brother  Hempstead  has 
assumed  the  duty  of  missionary  and  supervisor  of 
numerous  colored  members ;  and  an  effort  has  been 
made  to  organize  and  build  up  a  German  Baptist 
Church,  which,-  by  the  aid  of  country  brethren,, 
through  the  instrumentality  of  brother  Nabring,  is 
in  a  fair  way  of  success. 

"But  while  all  that  I  have  written,  and  more  too,  is 
true;  while  our  Heavenly  Father  is  so  bounteously 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW  ORLEANS.     133 

exhibiting  his  spiritual  blessings,  what  is  man  doing 
with  those  temporal  treasures  which  God  has  be- 
stowed upon  him  ;  and  for  the  stewardship  of  which 
he  will  be  called  to  render  a  rigid  account.  'Tell  it 
not  in  Gath :  lest  the  hearts  of  unbelievers  rejoice,' 
that  the  Baptist  denonimation,  the  largest,  the 
wealthiest,  the  most  influential  in  the  South,  has  not 
only  permitted  the  most  important  city  in  their 
midst,  for  a  leiigth  of  time,  precious  time,  to  be  with- 
out a  church ;  but  now  that  a  church,  by  almost  pro- 
vidential means,  has  been  built^  permits  the  burthen 
of  its  indebtedness  to  rest  upon  the  shoulders  of  one 
self-sacrificing  individual!  Yes,  Baptists,  your 
church  in  New  Orleans  now  owes  James  H.  Low, 
ifour  true  brother,  more  than  twelve  thousand  dollars* 
He  is  dependent  for  the  maintenance  of  his  family 
and  those  Christian  charities  which  he  so  liberally 
bestows,  upon  his  own  industry  and  energy,  having 
none  of  those  adventitious  aids  which  enable  many 
to  give  without  feeling  the  loss. 

"The  undersigned  entered  upon  the  agency  of  this 
church  in  May,  1856.  Since  then,  to  the  best  of  his 
ability  and  to  the  injury  of  his  own  affairs,  he  has  de- 
voted every  moment  which  could  be  spared  from  the 
necessitous  calls  of  a  dependent  family  in  urging 
upon  the  denomination  in  this  and  other  States  the 
vital  need  of  putting  the  New  Orleans  church  upon 
an  independent  basis,  thereby  enabling  her  success- 
fully to  combat  the  powerful  antagonisms  by  which 


184  HISTOEY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

she  is  surrounded.  To  these  entreaties  to  God's 
people  to  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against 
the  mighty  only  feeble  responses  have  been  made. 
Some  had  nothing  to  give,  although  wallowing  in 
wealth ;  some  thought  that  the  church  was  too  fine ;. 
some  thought  that  New  Orleans  was  too  distant; 
some  one  thing  and  some  another,  and  in  the  wealth- 
iest part  of  Mississippi,  where  millions  are  owned 
by  our  denomination,  less  than  four  thousand  dollars 
have  been  given  in  aid  of  one  of  the  most  important 
and  most  necessary  works  before  the  denomination. 
Of  this  amount  Sister  Jane  E.  Sanders,  now  Babert, 
of  Wilkinson  county,  gave  fifteen  hundred,  and 
Brother  W,  J.  Britton,  of  Madison,  sixteen  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars.  Other  individuals,  in  proportion  to 
their  means,  particularly  in  Wilkinson,  have  given 
equally  liberally,  while  many  whole  churches  have 
not  given  a  dollar.  'God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver.' 
Louisiana  has  contributed  nearly  eight  hundredf 
and  with  a  few  hundred  dollars  paid,  wimcA  more  pro- 
misedfin  South  Carolina,  this  is  theresultof  nearly  two 
years,  hard,  exacting  labor.  Every  dollar,  with  the 
name  of  every  giver,  has  been  rendered  to  the  treas- 
urer, and  will  at  a  future  time  be  published." 

"Already  are  to  be  seen  the  good  effects  of  what 
has  been  done.  A  new  impetus  is  given  to  the  city 
brethren  ;  a  missionary  called  to  the  colored  breth- 
ren— an   important  work,  and  he  a  native  of  the 


THE  BAPTIST  CAUSE  IN  NEW  ORLEANS.     135 

South ;  a  German  church  being  erected,  which  will 
powerfully  counteract  Catholic  effort  and  intrigue,. 
and  at  this  place  [Bay  St.  Louis]  where  every  deno- 
uinatiou  has  hitherto  failed,  measures  are  being 
taken  to  erect  a  place  of  worship,  (the  first  except 
Oatholic  in  the  community),  through  the  labors  of  a 
licensed  preacher  of  the  New  Orleans  church." 

William  C.  Duncan,  D.  D.,  became  pastor  of  this 
church  in  1854,  and  continued  in  this  relation  until 
1859  when  his  declining  health  compelled  him  to 
resign.  He  was  succeeded  by  Kev.  W.  Q.  Howard, 
who  continued  until  April,  1861.  Rev.  W.  T.  Brant- 
ley, D.  D.,  was  afterward  called,  and  served  a  part  of 
the  year  1862.  When  the  city  fell  into  the  hands  of 
the  Federals^  most  of  the  members  of  this  church 
retired  with  the  retreating  Confederates.  The 
church  was  seized  by  the  Federal  authorities,  and  a 
pastor  appointed  over  the  congreg'ation  by  military 
authority,  and  a  Baptist  preacher  was  found  who  was 
so  far  forgetful  of  the  principle  of  independence 
which  lies  at  the  foundation  of  our  church  polity  as 
to  accept  the  position  at  tlie  hands  of  the  mUitary, 
This  state  of  things  continued  until  March,  1866, 
when  the  church  gained  control  of  iheir  property, 
and  Rev.  Russell  Holmau  supplied  the  church  until 
October  of  the  same  year.  From  that  date  until 
May,  1867,  Rev.  W.  H.  Bayless  supplied  the  pulpit.- 
He  died  while  holding  this  position.  The  eloquent 
David  E.  Burns  filled  the  pastorate   one  year,  be- 


136  HISTOBY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

tween  July,  1867,  and  July,  1868.  He  was  succeeded 
by  Eev.  M.  S.  Shirk,  who  supplied  the  pulpit  until 
April,  1870.  The  following  November,  Eev.  Edward 
G.  Taylor  entered  upon  a  successful  pastorate,  dur- 
ing which  the  church  prospered  and  the  church  debt 
was  greatly  reduced.  He  closed  his  labors  here 
January,  1875.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  sainted 
James  Nelson,  who  supplied  the  pulpit  from  Febru- 
ary to  June,  1875.  In  December,  1876,  Norvill  W. 
Wilson,  D.  D.,  an  extendei  sketch  of  whom  appears 
«lsewhere  iii  this  volume,  became  pastor.  He  con- 
tinued in  this  relation  until  he  fell  a  victim  to  yellow 
fever  and  his  eloquent  lips  were  touched  by  the 
cold  finger  of  death.  J.  O'B.  Lowry  began  his 
labors  in  December,  1879.  S.  Landrum,  D.  D.,  be- 
came pastor  in  1881. 

Upon  the  occupation  of  the  city  by  the  Federal 
a<rmy  the  membership  of  the  First  Church  became 
scattered.  Only  from  five  to  eight  members  remain- 
ed, who  retained  their  house  of  worship,  and  con- 
tinued regular  prayer-meetings  and  social  worship 
on  the  Sabbath.  They  contrived  to  maintain  their 
independence  during  the  occupation  by  the  Federal 
army. 

A  layman,  J.  0.  Carpenter,  who  had  been  a  mer- 
chant and  was  connected  with  the  Sunday-school 
"work,  began  to  ho  Id  services.  Having  gifts,  in  1863, 
he  was  invited  to  supply  the  pulpit.  His  ministry 
was  blest  and  soon  there  were  a  number  of  persons 


THE  BAPTIST   CAUSE   IN  NEW  ORLEANS.     137 

to  be  baptized.  Mr:  Carpenter  was  anordained,  but 
was  unwilling  to  accept  ordination  at  the  hands  of 
the  usurpers  of  the  Coliseum  Church,  and  it  was  im- 
practicable to  reach  the  Confederate  lines  to  procure 
ordination  at  the  hands  of  ministers  in  sympathy 
with  him.  In  this  emergency  Mr.  Carpenter  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  church  to  administer  the  ordinance; 
and  this  has  been  accepted  by  the  denomination  as 
regular,  the  ordinances  being  committed  to  the 
<5hurch  by  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  and  not  to 
the  ministry  except  at  the  agents  to  execute 
the  will  of  the  church.  He  continued  in  this  con- 
nection until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  regu- 
larly set  apart  to  the  ministerial  of&ce.  He  has  since 
£lled  an  important  pastorate  in  Texas. 

In  1870  they  report  to  the  Association  an  interest- 
ing Sunday-school  and  thirty-two  baptisms  during 
the  year. 

The  First  German  Church  had  become  extinct,  but 
lihis  year  was  again  revived,  and  F.  W.  Shallike  be- 
'Came  pastor.  The  First  and  Fourth  African  churches 
had  greatly  prospered.  They  had  baptized  into  their 
fellowship  about  three  thousand.  They  had  estab- 
lished a  number  of  branches  in  the  city  and  extended 
their  labors  along  the  river  above  and  below  the 
■city.  With  their  branches  they  now  numbered  about 
seven  thousand  members. 

Eld.  J.  0.  Carpenter  having  resigned  in  1871,  J.  M. 
Xiewis  became  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
10. 


138  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS, 

and  the  following  year  they  report  twenty-five  bap* 
tisms.  In  1873  Dr.  Lewis  gave  place  to  S.  A.  Hay- 
den,  who  served  the  church  one  year.  The  next  re- 
ports tells  the  sad  tale.  The  extreme  financial  em- 
barrassments of  the  past  year  rendered  it  impossi- 
ble for  her  to  retain  her  pastor.  She  reports  his 
labors  blessed,  both  temporally  and  spiritually,  with 
an  interesting  Sabbath-school. 

For  about  Ave  years  the  church  remained  without 
a  pastor  enjoying  an  occasional  sermon  from  some 
passing  minister,  when  a  young  man,  M.  O.  Cole,  one 
of  her  own  members,  was  set  apart  to  the  Gospel 
ministry  and  has  since  served  the  church  acceptably^ 
aided  to  some  extent  by  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Con- 
vention, under  whose  auspices  Dr.  W.  H.  Tucker  ha» 
also  labored  as  a  missionary  in  the  city. 

Our  cause  has  greatly  flourished  among  the  colored 
population  in  New  Orleans.  The  Leland  University, 
founded  by  the  munificence  of  Deacon  Chamberlain, 
for  the  education  of  freedmen,  ha§  done  a  great  deal 
to  farther  the  Baptist  caused  among  the  ft-eedmen» 


CHAPTER  VIi 

JOSEPH  WILLIS,  THE  APOSTLE  OP  THE  OPELOUSAS. 

Joseph  Willis,  whom  I  have  mentioned  as  a  co- 
laborer  with  Curtis  in  Mississippi,  was  probably  a 
native  of  South  Carolina,  as  be  appears  in  Missis- 
sippi and  Louisiana  on  intiinato  terms  with  the  South 
Carolina  settlers,  and  bis  oldest  son  was  born  in  that 
State.  He  was  a  mulatto,  and  came  to  Mississippi 
previous  to  179S,  as  a  licensed  pvencher.  He  was  a 
man  of  some  education,  fnll  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
was  a  sound  Gospel  preaelu  r.  Some  of  his  produc- 
tions in  my  possession  indicate  that  he  was  a  sim- 
ple-hearted Christian,  glowing  with  the  love  of  Jesus, 
and  an  effective  speaker. 

Louisiana  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  in  1803* 
This  purchase  embraced  all  the  French  possessions 
watered  by  the  Mississippi  river  and  its  tributaries. 
The  French  and  Americans  had  been  allies  during 
the  American  Revolution,  and  daring  the  French  Ee- 
volution  which  followed  many  Americans  sym- 
pathized with  the  French  people.  This  state  of  good 
feeling  led  many  adventurous  Americans  to  settle 
on  French  territory,  about  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century.  Many  of  these  located  along  the 
Mississippi  river,  and  even  penetrated  into  the  in- 
terior and  occupied  the  beautiful  Teche  and  the  rich 


140  mSTOR?   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

prairies  of  the  Opelousas.  Others  turned  north  and 
found  homes  upon  those  wonderfully  fertile  bayous 
which  thread  the  valley  of  the  lower  Eed  Biver. 
Among  these  it  is  probable  were  some  of  the  aQ- 
quaintances  of  Joseph  Willis.  At  any  rate  he  was 
induced  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  country  in  1804. 
Where  he  entered  the  State  or  what  route  he  took  I 
can  only  conjecture.  Only  this  is  known:  In  Nov- 
ember of  this  year  he  preached  the  first  sermon  ever 
preached  in  the  State  west  of  the  Mississippi  River 
by  other  than  Catholic  priests.  This  was  at  Vermil- 
lion, about  forty  miles  southwest  of  Baton  Bouge. 
At  night  he  preached  at  Plaquemine  Brul6.  This 
was  during  a  visit  in  which  he  preached  but  three  or 
four  times,  and  that  at  the  peril  of  his  life.  Both  his 
color  and  his  being  a  Baptist  exposed  him  to  violent 
prejudices,  and  he  was  often  threatened  with  vio- 
lence. 

Having  explored  the  country  north  of  Vermillion, 
he  felt  impressed  that  it  was  his  duty  to  come  among 
these  people  and  labor  for  their  spiritual  good.  He 
selected  a  place  to  locate,  returned  to  Mississippi, 
made  his  arrangements,  and  the  year  following  located 
permanentlyin  Louisiana.  The  place  where  he  settled 
was  on  Bayou  Ohicot,  in  St.  Landry  Parish.  Bene- 
dict, in  his  History  of  the  Baptists,  quotes  from  a 
correspondent  that  Mr.  Willis  spent  a  fortune  in  his 
labors  to  build  up  tlie  Lord's  cause  in  Louisiana.  Be 
that  as  it  may,  his  first  labors  were  at  Plaquemine  and 


THE  APOSTLE  OF  THE  0PEL0USA8.  141 

Vermillion.  At  both  these  places  a  good  work  was 
manifested  in  the  hearts  of  many  persons.  Bat  he 
was  not  yet  ordained,  and  oonld  not,  therefore,  bap- 
tise and  organize  into  a  church.  The  result  was  that 
a  Methodist  minister  entered  into  his  labors,  and  out 
of  the  persons  converted  under  his  preaching  formed 
a  society  at  Plaquemine,  the  first  organisation  of  any 
Protestant  denomination  in  this  part  of  the  State. 
This  aggressive  sect  followed  the  eailiest  emigrants 
into  the  wilderness.  At  the  Methodist  Confereuce 
held  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  in  1799,  Tobias 
Gibson  was  sent  as  a  missionary  into  the  Natchez 
country,  and'in  the  spring  of  that  year  he  entered 
upon  his  labors  at  Washington,  six  miles  from 
Natchez,  where  he  soon  organized  a  society.  In 
1S02  Moses  Floyd  was  sent  to  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Gibson.  In  1804  they  were  reinforced  by  Hezekiah 
Harriman  and  Abraham  Amos.  These  two  were  ef- 
fective ministers,  and  previous  to  1806  supplied  the 
immense  district  included  in  the  Natchez  Circmt,  the 
size  of  which  may  be  inferred  from  a  statement  made 
by  Mr.  Jones  in  his  "Introduction  of  Protestantism 
into  Mississippi  and  the  Southwest,  "  that  "by  mak- 
ing a  round  each  in  foiu-,  six  or  eight  weeks,  and 
preaching  nearly  every  day,  and  oft«n  at  night,  were 
enabled  to  supply  the  people  with  tlie  Oospet  of  sal- 
^•ation  and  the  ordinances  of  the  church."  It  was 
no  doubt  one  of  these  who  entered  into  Willis' 
labors  at  Vermillion  and  Plaquemine. 


X42  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Feeling  that  his  work  was  greatly  hindered  by 
want. of  authority  to  administer  ordinances,  he  re- 
turned to  Mississippi,  where  he  still  held  his  member- 
ship, to  seek  ordination.  He  stated  to  the  chnrch 
what  works  the  Lord  had  wrought  by  his  hands  in 
this  land  of  total  destitution  and  darkness.  He 
made],known  his  request,  but  the  church,  having  no 
pastor  at  the  time,  considered^that  they  had  no  au- 
thority to  act  in  the  matter,  though  expressing  a 
willingness  that  he  should  be  ordained.  They,  there- 
fore, advised  him  to  take  his  letter  and  unite  with 
a  church  which  had  a  pastor.  This  he  did,  but  the 
church  to  which  he  gave  his  letter  objected  to  his 
ordination,  lest  the  cause  of  Christ  should  suffer  re- 
proach from  the  humble  social  position  of  his  servant. 
Bnch  obstacles  would  have  daunted  the  zeal  of  any 
man  engaged  in  a  less  holy  cause.  But  how  could  he 
give  up  the  people  among  whom  he  lived  to  ungod- 
liness? In  this  emergency  he  was  advised  by  a 
prudent  minister  to  obtain  a  recommendation  from 
the  people  among  whom  he  labored,  and  present  it 
to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Mississippi  Association. 

In  accordance  with  this  advice,  in  1811  he  attended 
the  meeting  of  the  Association  and  was  invited  to  a 
seat;  and  two  ministers,  Thomas  Mercer  and  David 
Cooper,  were  invited  to  visit  the  brethren  in  the  Ope- 
lousas.  These  were  providentially  hindered.  In 
1812  the  Association  appointed  Moses  Hadley  and 
Lawrence  Scarborough  to  proceed  to  the  Opeloasas 


THE  APOSTLE   OF  THE  0PEL0USA8.  143 

tjountry,  ordain  Mr.  Willis  and  constitute  a  church 
in  the  vicinity  where  he  lived.  This  may  appear  to 
'be  an  assumption  of  authority  on  the  part  of  the 
association.  But  the  procedure  under  this  appoint- 
ment shows  that  the  action  was  regarded  as  only 
advisory.  They  proceeded  at  once  to  the  discharge 
■of  their  duty.  On  their  arrival  at  Bayou  Chicot,  in 
the  parish  of  St.  Landry,  which  was  one  of  the  places 
at  which  Mr.  Willis  preached,  they  found  five  breth- 
ren and  one  sister,  whom  they  constituted  into  a 
•church  called  CJalvary.  This  church  was  constituted 
ITovember  13th,  1812,  the  first  in  the  State.  At  the 
same  time,  at  the  request  of  the  newly  constituted 
<5hurch,  they  proceeded  to  ordain  Joseph  Willis  as 
their  pastor.  During  .the  following  year  the  meeting 
■of  the  church  was  regularly  attended,  and  nine  addi- 
tional members  were  received.  In  1813  the  Missis- 
sippi Association  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  a 
friendly  address  from  the  Baptist  Ohnrch  on  Bayou 
Chicot. 

The  zeal  of  Father  Willis,  as  he  came  to  be  called 
by  the  affectionate  people  among  whom  he  labored, 
-could  not  be  bounded  by  the  narrow  limits  of  his 
■own  home,  but  he  travelled  far  and  wide.  He  ex- 
tended his  labors  to  Oheneyville,  on  Bayou  Boeuff,  in 
the  Parish  of  Eapides,  some  fifty  or  sixty  miles  higher 
up  the  country,  where  many  of  his  Mississippi  ac- 
quaintances had  settled,  among  whom  were  some  of 
the  members  of  the  church  on  Bayou  Ohicot.    Among 


144  HISTOKY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

these  settlers  on  the  Bayou  Boeuff,  twenty-five  or 
thirty  miles  below  Alexandria,  were  Eobert  Tanner^ 
and  his  son,  Eobert  Lynn  Tanner,  the  Elder  Robert 
with  his  two  sons,  Baynard  0.  and  Peter  W.  Robert, 
also  some  of  the  Cheneys  and  Jacksons,  all  of  whom 
were  related.  In  1816  a  church  was  constituted  here 
out  of  members  dismissed  from  Calvary  Church,  and 
called  Beulah.  About  this  time  Ezekiel  O'Quinn  and 
Isham  Nettley  settled  near  Beulah  Church  in  Rapides 
Parish.  They  were  from  Mississippi  and  were  men 
of  ability.  Elder  John  O'Quinn  says  his  father  came 
to  Rapides  Parish  in  1815.  But  as  he  does  not  seem 
to  have  participated  in  the  organization  of  Beulah 
Church  he  probably  settled  at  first  in  some  remote 
part  of  the  parish,  which  was  then  very  large. 
I.  Mr.  Willis  says  in  his  diary  that  previous  to  this  time 
two  Baptist  ministers  visited  the  Parish  of  St.  Lan- 
dry and  preached  a  few  sermons.  They  remained 
but  a  short  time.  They  were,  no  doubt,  some  of  the 
ministers  of  the  Mississippi  Association,  acting  under 
the  resolution  of  the  Association  in  1814,  recommend- 
ing and  enjoining  them  to  use  their  utmost  diligence 
in  itinerant  preaching,  taking  into  view  the  destitu- 
tion in  Louisiana  and  Mississippi. 

This  year,  1816,  these  two  churches  uniied  with 
the  Mississippi  Association,  Beulah  represented  by 
Ezekiel  O'Quinn,  who  had  become  pastor,  and  Bayot> 
Chicot  by  Joseph  Willis,  of  which  he  was  a  member 
and  pastor.     But  the  following  year  it  was  agreed 


THE  APOSTLE  OF  THE   OPELOUSAS.  14S 

that  the  churches  on  the  west  side  of  the  Missis- 
sippi Eiver  be  dismissed  on  account,  of  the  great 
diflftculties  they  had  to  attend  the  Association. 

In  1817  Calvary  (Chicot)  Church  dismissed  some  of 
its  members  to  form  new  communities,  and  churches^ 
were  constituted  at  Vermillion  and  Plaquemine 
Brul6  and  also  at  Hickory  Plat,  now  called  Aimwell. 
This  community  is  also  called  Debourn,  and  is  so  de- 
signated in  the  first  minutes  of  the  association. 
This  old  body  is  situated  in  the  Parish  of  Calcasieu 
and  belongs  to  the  association  of  the  same  name. 

The  necessity  for  the  closer  union  of  the  churches 
became  apparent,  in  order  to  keep  up  a  correspond- 
ence and  mutually  counsel  each  other  and  plan  the 
extension  of  the  cause.  Some  impostors  had  visite;! 
the  churches  and  produced  mischief.  The  Beulab 
[Cheneyville]  Church  took  the  initiative  and  invited 
the  other  churches  to  meet  by  delegates  for  the  pur- 
pose of  or^niziug  an  association,  and  requested  the 
Mississippi  Association  to  send  some  of  its  ministers^ 
to  assist  in  the  organization.  Dr.  David  Cooper, 
Ezra  Courtney  and  J.  Smith  were  appointed  for  this 
purpose.  This  meeting  was  held  and  the  associa- 
tion  constituted  October  31st,  1818. 

It  is  my  plan  to  give  a  general  history  of  the  plant- 
ing of  churches  in  the  territory  occupied  by  this 
mother  association  and  her  daughters,  before  giving 
the  history  of  the  association,  which  will  be  reserve* 
for  a  subsequent  chapter. 


113  HISTORT   OF   LOUISIATSTA    BAPTISTS. 

In  1818  Eev.  J.  H.  T.  Kilpatrick  came  into  this  re- 
gion, but  after  laboring  here  a  year  or  two  returned 
to  Georgia.  A  church  called  Canaan  was  gathered 
this  year,  but  at  what  point  can  only  be  conjectured. 
It  was  represented  by  Solomon  Cole,  in  the  associa- 
tion which  met  1819 ,  which  convened  with  the  Cal- 
vary Church,  St.  Landry  Parish ;  and  it  was  likely 
this  church  was  situated  in  St.  Landry  or  St.  Mary's 
Parish.  As  it  never  appears  in  the  minutes  after- 
ward, it  is  probable  that  it  changed  its  name  or  be- 
came extinct.  In  1820  a  church  was  gathered  in  St. 
Mary's  Parish  called  Bayou  Sal6  (pronounced  Sally). 
Among  its  members  were  two  young  men  of  gifts, 
Peter  W.  Eobert,  and  Baynard  C.  Robert,  brothers, 
and  in  1821  the  church  requested  Ezekiel  O'Quinn 
«nd  Joseph  Willis  to  set  them  apart  to  the  gospel 
ministry.  O'Quinn  failed  to  attend  and  Willis  alone 
proceeded  with  the  ordination.  Mr.  Willis  in  his 
diary  remarks :  "  They  promise,  in  my  view,  to  do 
much  good."  About  this  time  Elder  William  B.  Wil- 
bourn  settled  in  the  neighborhood  of  Aimwell 
Church,  St.  Landry,  and  Isham  Nettles  removed 
from  Eapides  to  this  parish.  By  the  labors  of  these 
ministers  and  Joseph  Willis,  a  church  was  gathered 
at  Beaver  Creek,  Parish  of  St.  Landry,  called  Zion 
Hill.  This  church  was  constituted  May  2d,  1824, 
with  twelve  members,  Isham  Nettles  pastor.  At  this 
time  the  distribution  of  the  ministers  within  the 
Louisiana  Association,  which  embraced  all  the  State 


THE   APOSTLE  OF  THE  OPELOUSAS.  147 

west  of  the  Mississippi  Eiver,  was  as  follows :  Jas. 
Brinson,  Arthur  McFarland,  John  Impson,  in  the 
parish  of  Ouachita;  Henry  Humble,  Catahoula; 
Isham  Kettles,  William  B.  "Wilbourn  and  Joseph 
Willis,  St.  Landry;  Peter  W.  Eobert,  St.  Mary's; 
and  Baynard  0.  Eobert  and  E.  S.  T.  H.  de  la  Thule, 
Eapides  Parish.  The  latter  was  a  Catholic  who  pro- 
fessed conversion.  At  first  he  was  full  of  zeal,  and 
won  the  confidence  of  the  brethren,  but  he  after- 
ward fell  into  disorder  and  was  excluded.  He  re- 
fused to  give  up  his  credentials,  and  the  association 
warned  the  denomination  against  him. 

In  1823  the  venerable  Ezekiel  O'Quinn  passed  to 
his  reward.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Beulah  Church  at 
Oheneyville. 

After  twenty  years  from  the  time  when  Father 
Willis  began  his  labors,  there  were  only  eight  churches 
and  ten  preachers  west  of  the  Mississippi  river 
aggregating  a  membership  of  one  hundred  and  fifty. 
These  churches  were  scattered  over  a  thinly  popu- 
lated country  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in 
width  and  four  hundred  in  length,  and  they  were 
situated  from  twenty  to  fifty  miles  apart,  and  conse- 
quently could  have  but  little  intercourse  with  each 
other.  At  this  time  the  population  between  the 
Ouachita  and  Eed  Eiver  was  very  sparse,  and  the 
country  had  only  lately  begun  to  be  settled.  Previ- 
ous to  this  an  occasional  vacherie  occupied  by  a 
Creole  herdsman,  or  a  solitary  hut  here  and  there  in . 


148  HISTORY   OP   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

the  wilderness  broke  the  solitude  of  the  pine  forester. 
In  the  lower  Eed  Eiver,  the  Opelousas  and  Attaka- 
pas  regions  there  was  considerable  population, 
largely  French  Catholics.  But  it  was  distributed 
chiefly  along  the  meanderings  of  the  numerous  bay- 
ous that  thread  this  country.  The  places  of  worship 
for  the  greater  part  of  the  year  are  accessible  only 
up  and  down  the  bayous,  and  hence  it  was  incon- 
venient to  assemble  in  considerable  numbers.  Oth- 
er causes  operated  to  retard  the  cause  of  religion. 
This  fertile  region  yielded  the  most  abundant  crops 
of  cotton  and  sugar,  which  brought  exorbitant  prices 
in  market.  The  country  was  fast  filling  up  with  an 
intelligent  and  enterprising  population  from  the  older- 
States^  who  came  for  the  sole  purpose  of  amassing 
fortunes  and  who  cared  very  little  for  the  state  of 
society  around  them,  because  they  expected  to  re- 
main no  longer  than  their  object  was  attained. 
Children  were  sent  abroad  to  be  educated,  and  sup- 
plied abundantly  with  money  which  was  so  easily 
acquired,  and  in  time  returned  with  habits  of  self- 
indulgence,  and  often  with  the  most  dissolute  morals, 
to  influence  the  state  of  society  for  evil.  Where 
wealth  was  so  easily  acquired,  most  of  the  people 
were  rich  and  dissipation  generally  prevailed.  Even 
the  professors  of  religion  were  led  into  gross  irregu- 
larities by  the  example  of  those  around  them.  In  a 
MS.  "  History  of  the  Early  Baptists  of  Lousiana, 
arranged  by  W.   T*.  Ford    from  notes    by   Joseph 


THE    APOSTLE    OF    THE    OPELOUSAS.  149 

Willis,"*  which  I  was  permitted  to  copy,  I  find  a 
quotation  from  J.  M.  Peck,  who  visited  this  country 
about  this  time  and  gives  a  description  of  the  state 
of  things  he  witnessed  : 

"  Slaves  were  introduced  into  the  country  by 
thousands  every  year.  The  forests  were  being  level- 
ed and  farms  extended  as  if  by  the  hand  of  magic, 
and  the  people  generally  so  absorbed  in  making 
money  that  they  seemed  to  be  infatuated ;  and  one 

*  It  appears  that  Mr.  Willis  kept  notes  of  the  events  trans-. 
■piring  around  him.  These  were  arranged  in  1841  by  Eld. 
W.  P.  Ford,  and  form  the  substance  of  a  small  MS.  volume 
which  by  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Ford  I  was  permitted  to  copy  in 
1858.  To  this  volume  and  a  flle  of  the  minutes  of  the  Louis- 
iana Association,  furnished  by  Mr.  Ford,  I  am  indebted  for 
most  of  the  facts  about  this  region.  ~  ' 

Perhaps  the  reader  may  desire  to  know  something  of  the 
person  who  enjoyed  so  much  of  the  confidence  of  Father 
Willis  as  to  be  intrusted  with  his  papers,  and  I  append  a  short 
notice  of  him. 

Mr.  Ford  was  born  in  Henry  County,  Kentucky,  January. 
5th,  1803.  He  is  the  brotherof  the  late  Rev.  J.  Franklin  Ford, 
formerly  President  of  Minden  Female  College,  a  Presbyterian 
minister  of  distinction.  Eld.  W.  P.  Ford  is  mentioned  by 
Benedict  in  his  History  of  the  Baptists  as  one  of  the  eflSeient 
ministers  of  the  Louisiana  Association.  He  was  baptized  by 
Elder  G.  A.  Irion  at  Cotile,  in  Bapides  Parish,  in  the 
year  1829.  The  year  following  he  removed  to  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Cheneyville  and  became  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  church  there.  In  1835  he  removed  to  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Spring  Hill,  and  in  1841,  in  company  with  four- 
teen others,  was  constituted  into  a  church  by  that  name. 
Here  in  1844,  at  the  request  of  the  church  he  was  ordained 
to  the  Gospel  ministry  by  Elder  B.  C.  Robert,  Thomas  Rand 
And  A.  J.  Spencer. 

About  1841  a,difflculty  grew  up  in  the  Cheneyville  church 


150  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

who  suffered  religion  to  interfere  in  the  least  was 
unhesitatingly  pronounced  a  fanatic;  and  by  sO' 
doing  he  was  thought  to  give  evidence  of  a  weak- 
ness of  mind  bordering  on  insanity.  It  is  a  fact 
worthy  of  notice  here  that  at  this  time  it  was  a  rare 
thing  to  find  a  professor  of  any  Protestant  denomin- 
ation among  the  influential  part  of  society.  There 
were  a  few  noble  exceptions.  In  addition  to  thi* 
the  population  who  had  been  raised  here  were  gen- 

In  reference  to  the  articles  of  Faith,  one  of  which  was  a  de- 
claration of  belief  in  the  eternal  and  unconditional  election  of 
a  definite  number  of  the  human  family  to  grace  and  glory, 
from  which  a  number  of  the  recently-added  members  dissent- 
ed. They  made  several  unsuccessful  attempts  to  modify  the 
article,  but  the  older  members,  who,  however,  were  in  the 
minority,  were  unyielding,  and  required  an  assent  as  uncon- 
ditional as  the  doctrine  itself.  Just  at  this  juncture  a 
preacher  of  the  "Current  Keforraation,"  by  the  name  of 
McOall,  made  his  appearance  in  the  place  and  commenced 
preaching.  At  length,  in  1842,  a  large  number  of  the- 
CheneyviUe  church,  finding  the  old  members  unyielding  in 
their  adhesion  to  the  Articles  of  Faith,  withdrew  and  con- 
stituted a  Campbeilite  church.  In  1845  Mr.  Ford  was 
charged,  1st,  with  having  administered  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per to  the  Oarapbeliite  chni-ch  at  CheneyviUe;  2d,  with 
having  ordained  elders  in  said  church;  and  3d,  with  having 
thus  given  countenance  to  the  schism  in  the  CheneyviUe  Bap- 
tist church.  Upon  the  investigation  of  these  charges  he  wa& 
expelled  from  the  Spring  Hill  church,  March  16th,  1845.  He 
then  united  with  the  Eeformers,  in  which  connection  he  con- 
tinued until  his  death,  which  occurred  August  23d,  1866, 
though  for  many  years  he  had  ceased  to  preach.  His  son,  B. 
J.  Ford,  in  a  letter  to  me  dated  May  tOth,  1869,  says:  "  My 
father  was  never  reconciled  to  the  Baptist  Church,  as  a  church ; 
but  during  his  last  years  there  was  a  good  feeling  between  hiui 
and  members  of  Baptist  churches  in  this  section." 


THE   APOSTLE   OP   THE    0PEL0USA8.  151 

erally  Oatholios;  and  the  Oonstitntion  of  the  State 
forbade  any  teacher  or  officer  in  the  church  to  hold 
any  ciTil  office  of  honor  or  profit.  Hence  it  required 
a  degree  of  moral  courage  to  come  out  publicly  as  & 
follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  of  which  one  who  ha» 
not  witnessed  a  similar  state  of  things  can  form  no 
just  conception." 

But  the  churohes^seem  to  have  been  awakened  to 
a  sense  of  the  degree  of  spiritual  declension,  for 
they  humbled  themselves  and  appointed  four  daya 
of  fasting  and  prayer,  which  were  named  to  be  held 
in  January,  April,  July  and  October;  and  all  the 
churches  in  the  association  were  affectionately  re- 
quested to  observe  them,  and  to  pray  earnestly  for 
the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  churchea 
also  resolved  to  enter  heartily  into  the  domestic 
mission  work.  A  society  was  organized  to  carry  out 
this  resolution.  This  was  the  first  attempt  at  any 
thing  like  systematic  effort  in  the  missionary  cause^ 
and  is  important  rather  as  a  beginning  than  for  the 
actual  results ;  for  although  some  good  was  accom- 
plished the  committee  do  not  appear  to  have  pro- 
cured the  labors  of  more  than  one  or  two  mission- 
aries for  a  short  time;  and  that  from  among  the 
ministers  already  in  the  field. 

In  1825  Haywood  Alford  appears  as  a  preacher  in 
the  region  between  the  Ouachita  and  Bed  River,  and 
in  1826  John  Hill,  in  Catahoula,  and  "William  Cook  in 
Natchitoches  Parish. 


152  HISTOKY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

About  this  time  Lawrence  Scarborough,  who  had 
Ijeen  a  prominent  minister  in  Mississippi,  but  had 
separated  from  his  wife  and  had  married  again,  and 
had  been  excluded  from  a  church  in  Mississippi, 
came  into  Ouachita  Parish.  He  was  received  into 
the  Pine  Hills  Church.  On  this  account  the  Pine 
Hills  Church  was  refused  a  letter  of  dismission  until 
Scarborough  was  excluded,  or  satisfaction  rendered 
to  the  church  in  Mississippi,  In  1830  notice  was 
given  that  Pine  Hills  Church  had  excluded  Lawrence 
Scarborougb.  A  few  members  of  the  church  and  ii 
few  of  the  Black  Lake  Church  adhered  to  him  for  a 
time  ;  but  were  finally  convinced  that  he  was  wholly 
unworthy.  He  removed  to  South  Arkansas,  where 
Jie  remained  till  his  death,  in  connection  with,  the  An- 
ti-missionaries ;  but  so  far  as  I  know  he  ceased  to 
preach. 

.  On  the  5th  of  May,  1829,  Isham  Nettles  was  called 
iome.  He  began  to  preach  in  Mississippi.  He  was 
,a  pious  and  useful  man.  He  was  residing  in  St. 
Mary's  Parish  when  he  died.  On  the  19th  of  Sep- 
tember of  the  same  year  William  Cook,  who  had  been 
pastor  of  Zion  Hill,  Parish  of  Natchitoches,  died. 
The  association  also  lost  lost  this  year  Elder  Janies 
Martin,  of  Natchitoches  Parish,  who  died  September 
26th,  1829,  and  the  venerable  Henry  Humble,  of 
Catahoula,  who  died  October  23d,  1829.  About  the 
same  time  G.  A.  Irion  settled  in  Eapides  Parish  and 
became  pastor  at  Oheneyville.  James  Brinson  died 
in  1831 . 


THE   APOSTLE    OF   THE    OPELOUSA8.  153 

In  1832  J.  B.  Smith  was  sent  as  a  missionary  by 
the  Home,  Missionary  Society.  He  began  his  labors 
at  Franklin,  but  soon  .went  to  Cheney  ville,  and  after- 
wards extended  his  labors  to  Alexandria,  Cotile  and 
many  other  places  where  there  were  no  Baptist 
churches.  .  Mr.  Ford  says:  "About three  years  be- 
fore the  arrival  of  this  missionary  a  lady  was  baptized 
by  Elder  G.  A.  Irion  at  Cotile,  in  the  Parish  of 
Eapides,  and  there  were  old  persons  present  who  had 
never  before  seen  an^  immersion  ;  and  Cotile  is  one 
of  the  oldest  settlements  in  the  Parish." 

In  1833  the  churches  and  ministers  between  Oua- 
chita and  Eed  Elvers  were  dismissed  to  form  a  new 
association.  P.  W.  Eobert  removed  to  New  Or- 
leans. Baynard  C.  Eoberts  and  Joseph  Willis  re- 
moved to  Eapides  Parish,  and  in  a  year  or  two  St. 
Landry  was  left  entirely  without  a  Baptist  minister. 
A  general  defection  took  place  in  the  churches,  and 
the  meetings  of  the  association  declined  until  finally 
the  meetings  ceased  altogether.  But  as  the  Baptists 
declined  from  inactivity,  the  Methodists  increased, 
so  tbat  in  some  parishes  they  almost  supplanted  the 
Baptists.  During  this  gloomy  period  John  O'Quinn 
was  converted,  joined  the  Methodists,  and  was  licens- 
ed to  preach,  and  even  applied  to  the  Conference  for 
ordination.  But  upon  investigation  he  became  con- 
vinced that  the  Baptist  is  the  Scriptural  church. 
Desiring  to  be  baptized,  he  found  no  administrator 
in  the  parish  of  St.  Landry.  He,  therefore,  went  to 
11 


154  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA^BAPTISTS. 

New  Orleans  to  find  Elder  Peter  "W.  Robert  who 
had  been  living  in  the  city  since  1833,  engaged  in  his 
occupation  as  a  tanner.  Failing  to  find  him,  he  re- 
turned and  wrote  him  a  letter.  Early  in  the  year 
1841  Mr.  Eobert  came  to  Bayou  Eouge,  now  in  the 
parish  of  Avoyelles,  at  the  request  of  John  O'Qninn 
and  Addison  Gr.  Eobert,  who  wished  to  be  baptized. 
On  his  arrival  there  he  found  a  good  state  of  religi- 
ous feeling.  Several  had  lately  joined  the  Method- 
ists and  others  were  anxiously  inquiring  the  way  of 
life.  He  preached  several  sermons  and  baptized  a 
number  of  persons,  O'Quinn  and  Eobert  among 
them.  These  were  constituted  into  a  church; 
O'Quinn  began  to  preach,  and  in  June,  the  following 
year,  was  ordained  by  Archibald  McClary,  D.D.,  who 
was  visiting  the  country,  Elihu  Eobinson,  and  Thomas 
Eand,  jr.,  who  had  just  come  to  the  State. 

''Prom  Bayou  Eouge  Mr.  Eobert  came  to  CJheney- 
ville,  where  he  found  the  chui:ch  scattered  and  no 
meetings  or  discipline  kept  up.  And  in  the  course 
of  about  three  months  he  visited  all  the  churches  in 
the  association  except  Zion  Hill,  and  found  them  all 
in  the  same  condition,  with  one  or  two  exeeptions.'' 
[W.  P.  Ford].  He  continued  to  labor  for  two  years 
as  missionary,  during  which  time  he  baptized  about 
four  hundred.  Mr.  Ford  says:  "From  the  time 
that  Elder  Robert  commenced  preaching  in  this  sec 
tion  it  became  apparent  that  the  churches  were  be- 
ginning to  enjoy  a  season  of  refreshing.    The  mem- 


THE    APOSTLE   OF   THE    OPELOU8AS.  153 

bers  who  had  left  their  first  love  began  to  repent 
and  to  do  the  first  works,  and  the  feeling  became  so 
general  that  no  one  could  be  indifferent  about  their 
eternal  welfare." 

At  the  close  of  the  first  year  it  was  found  that 
two  hundred  and  fifty-two  persons  had  been  baptized 
within  the  year,  most  of  them  by  Elder  Eobert. 
The  association,  which  had  been  suspended  for 
several  years,  resumed  her  meetings.  The  churches 
were  revived  and  entered  actively  upon  the  mis- 
sionary work.  I  have  reserved  for  the  next  chapter 
the  events  which  followed. 


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CHAPTER  VII. 

TEOUBLE  WITH  THE  CAMPBKLLITES. 

In  the  midst  of  the  prosperous  events  related  afc 
the  close  of  the  last  chapter,  the  leaven  of  Camp- 
bellism  began  to  work,  and  schism,  alienation  and 
spiritual  decay  was  the  result.  The  reaction  wa& 
from  a  dead  Antinomianism  to  a  spiritless  ritualism,, 
equally  fatal  to  vital  godliness.  Two  causes  operated 
to  produce  this  reaction.  The  doctrines  of  grace 
had  been  formulated  in  such  >ll-chosen  terms  as  to- 
present  a  one-sided  view  of  the  plan  of  redemption,, 
and  to  bring  into  disrepute  these  doctrines,  always- 
distasteful  to  the  carnal  mind.  The  Methodists  took 
advantage  of  the  inactivity  of  the  Baptists,  and  in* 
dustriously  propagated  their  doctrinal  views,  so  that 
the  public  mind  became  largely  Arminianized.- 
Moreover,  Peter  W.  Robert,  during  his  stay  in  the 
city,  had  come  in  contact  with  Eanoldson  and  other 
propagators  of  the  new  views  of  Alexander  Gamp- 
bell  and  had  to  some  extent  imbibed  their  principles. 
But  without  avowing  them  he  had  covertly  and 
cautiously  propagated  them,  and  gathered  into  the 
churches  a  large  number  of  persons  ready  to  follow 
his  leading,  either  from  congeniality  of  doctrinal 
views,  or,  from  personal  attachment.  Although  Mr. 
Robert  never  separated  from  the  Baptists,  it  was 
understood  that  he  sympathized  with  the  new  views* 


TROUBLE    WITH    THE    CAMPBELLITES.  157 

and,  as  was  claimed  by  the  Oampbellites,  favored 
them.  He  ceased  to  be  active  as  a  Baptist  preacher 
with  the  incoming  disturbance,  and  never  resumed 
bis  work  afterward. 

Jabez  Tanner,  who  united  with  the  Oampbellites, 
gives  ''An  Account  of  the  Eise  and  Progress  of  the 
State  of  AfEairs  in  the  Beligious  World,  at  Gheney- 
ville."  I  quote  his  publication  entire,  appending 
such  notes  as  are  necessary  to  explain  or  correct  his 
statements : 

"My  father  [Robert  Tanner]  was  one  of  the  first 
settlers  on  Bayou  Boeuflf  in  1813.  In  1816  there  was 
a  Baptist  church  formed  at  this  place  [Oheneyville] 
of  a  few  members.  Various  was  its  state  and  condi- 
tion to  the  year  1841.  The  church  was  formed  on  a 
creed  or  articles  of  faith  which  have  ever  been  a 
source  of  contention  and  bad  feelings. 

"About  the  year  1828  there  was  a  preacher  em- 
ployed to  preach  and  take  charge  of  the  church,  by 
name  of  George  A.  Irion,  who  contended  against 
the  creed,  and  it  was  after  a  hard  struggle  and  much 
contention  voted  to  '  lie  on  the  shelf,'  an  expression 
meaning  that  it  was  to  have  no  weight  or  authority 
in  the  church  i. 

"Some  years  after  this,  said  Irion  moved  away  2; 

1  This,  no  doubt,  relates  to  some  particular  articles  of  the 
creed,  which  the  church  agreed  not  to  insist  upon.  These,  per- 
haps, were  the  articles  on  election  and  predestination,  which 
•were  afterward  made  the  pretext  of  a  schism. 

2  The  name  of  G.  A.  Irion  appears  as  a  delegate  from  Beu- 
lah  (Oheneyville)  church  in  1834,  though  his  residence  is  given 
as  Avoyelles  Parish  in  1845  and  1846,  about  the  time  of  the 
publication  of  this  document. 


158  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

the  church  dwindled  to  a  name.  In  1834  the  Home 
Missionary  Society  sent  out  James  B.  Smith,  who 
produced  some  excitement  and.a  number  were  added 
to  the  church  i.  He  preached  nearly  two  years,  and 
left,  and  a  man  by  the  name  of  Seiz  ^  was  employed 
by  the  neighborhood  to  preach,  under  whose  labors 
the  church  began  to  decline.  After  a  year  or  two  he 
left,  and  there  was  no  one  to  take  charge  of  the  flock^ 
which  numbered  at  this  time  about  60  members. 
The  church  was  for  three  or  four  years  froitn  this  time 
without  any  stated  minister  or  preaching.  The  in- 
tervals between  preaching  were  of  long  duration ;  for 
it  is  well  known  that  among  Baptists,  unless  there  is- 
a  preacher,  there  is  no  meeting. 

"We  were  supplied  occasionally  by  our  Methodist, 
friends  until  the  year  1841,  when  an  elderly  gentle- 
man, P.  W.  Eobert  by  name,  was  written  for  by  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  church  to  come  and  bap- 
tize him  3 ;  and  when  he  came  the  situation  of  the 
church  (if  church  it  could  be  called,  for  it  had  only  a 
name  to  live)  was  truly  lamentable.  It  had  dwindled 
to  a  name,  and  those  who  claimed  to  be  members 
were  entirely  engrossed  with  the  world.  There  was 
but  one  house  in  which  family  worship  was  main- 
tained. Elder  P.  W.  Robert  was  truly  a  man  of  God. 
He  commenced  lecturing  publicly  and  privately  in  ^ 
manner  that  was  entirely  new  at  this  place,  for,  m 
preaching,  he  held  up  Christ  in  front  of  himself.    He 

1  He  gathered  the  church  at  Clinton,  La.,  in  1836. 

2  No  mention  is  made  of  this  man  in  the  minutes  of  the  as- 
sociation. Some  of  ray  correspondents  refer  to  him,  but  I  caa 
learn  nothing  further  of  him. 

3  This  was  John  O'Quinn,  who,  soon  after,  became  a  Bap- 
tist preacher. 


TROOBLE  WITH  THE  CAMPBELLITES .    |159 

read  the  Word  of  the  Lord  and  caused  the  people 
to  understand  the  meaning  thereqf.  In  a  very  short 
time  there  was  a  considerable  stir  amongst  the  peo- 
ple. Persons  who  had  not  been  on  friendly  terms 
for  years  were  induced  to  become  reconciled.  To 
be  concise,  he  preached  about  a  .year  i,  and  bap- 
ti2sed  in  this  region  about  four  hundred  persons. 

"  The  first  Lord's  Day  in  August,  1841^  there  were 
forty-three  persons  baptized  at  Cheneyville,  among 
whom  was  the  writer  of  this.  All  things  at  this  time 
seemed  to  be  going  on  well.  There  was  a  call  for 
the  association  to  be  revived  (for  it  had  failed  to 
meet  for  several  years).  The  meeting  was  held  at 
Hickory  Flat,  on  the  third  Friday  in  October,  1841. 
To  this  association  were  several  young  members  sent 
as  delegates  from  the  church  at  Oheneyville.  I  was 
at  the  association,  but  not  a  delegate.  On  the  morn- 
ing of  the  meeting  of  the  association,  we,  then  and 
there  for  the  first  time,  saw  the  articles  of  Faith ; 
and  oh !  such  a  faith !  Several  were  astonished  when 
they  heard  them  read  ! 

"  I  wish  here  to  be  somewhat  particular,  as  I  con- 
sider this  the  commencement  of  the  present  state  of 
affairs.  I  was  reading  the  articles  ^  to  a  company 
of  some  fifteen  persons,  when  I  read  the  Fourth  Ar- 
ticle, which  reads :  '  We  believe  in  the  eternal  un- 
conditional election  of  a  definite  number  of  the  hu- 
man family  to  grace  and  glory.'  A  young  preacher 
by  the  name  of  A.  J.  Spencer  stopped  me  and  re- 

1  The  minutes  for  1841  show  252  baptized  in  connection  with 
the  churches  of  the  association,  and,  in  1S42, 192.  Mr.  Robert 
did  not  appear  at  this  meeting  of  the  associstiou.  But  his 
labors  must  have  lasted  more  than  a  year  if  the  400  were  bap- 
tized into  Baptist  churches. 

2  These  articles  may  be  found  on  page  172. 


160  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

quested  me  to  read  it  again.  I  did  so,  when  he  said  : 
*If  that  be  true  I  have  no  further  use  for  the  Bible'; 
to  which  remark  several  agreed.  This  is,  in  truth, 
the  beginning  of  all  the  strife  and  discord  that  has 
ensued.  The  association  went  forward  with  the 
business.  There  were  several  new  churches  added. 
The  Spring  Hill  church  came  near  being  rejected  on 
account  of  its  having  received  a  member,  who  had 
been  baptized  by  a  Pedobaptist  minister.  The  Bayou 
Eouge  church  was  not  readily  received  because  it 
had  not  inserted  in  its  creed  the  doctrines  \  The 
association  over,  we  returned  home;  some  of  us 
with  the  determination  to  have  the  creed  altered. 
"On  our  return  to  Cheneyville  we  there  found 
a   preacher   named    McCall  *.    He   was  requested 

1  The  record  says:  "A  door  having  been  opened  for  the 
reception  of  churches  wishing  to  associate  with  us,  the  Church 
of  Christ  called  Bayou  Kouge,  made  application  by  letter,  and 
delegates,  and  on  examination  being  found  orthodox,  was  re- 
ceived by  a  unanimous  vote  and  the  right  band  of  fellowship 
given  by  the  Moderator  in  behalf  of  the  association  to  the  de- 
legates on  behalf  of  the  church.  The  Church  of  Christ  called 
Spring  Hill  made  application  by  letter  and  delegates,  and  on 
examination  being  found  orthodox  was  received,  and  the  Mod- 
erator gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  on  behalf  of  the  as- 
sociation to  the  delegates  on  behalf  of  the  church." — Minutes 
1841, p.  1. 

2  This  McCall  was  a  Campbellite  preacher,  well  known  in 
Kentucky.  From  Mr.  Tanner's  account  it  appeal's  that  he  dis- 
guised his  real  character  and  assumed  the  role  of  a  Baptist 
preacher,  in  order  that  he  might  the  more  successfully  pro- 
pagate his  doctrines.  Dishonorable  as  this  practice  was,  it-was 
frequently  resorted  to  by  the  promoters  of  the  Current  Ee- 
formation.  Baptist  preachers  who  adopted  these  sentiments 
retained  their  places  in  the  churches  until  driven  out,  in  order 
to  carry  with  them  as  many  as  they  could  convert  to  the  new 
faith. 


TROUBLE   WITH   THE   CAMPBELLITES.  161 

to  preach.  He  did  so  to  a  large  assembly.  His 
«ubjeot  was  spiritual  influence.  Whilst  he  was 
preaching  it  appeared  to  me  the  whole  congregation 
were  delighted.  I  judged  from  the  countenances  of 
those  I  saw.  P.  W.  Pobert  appeared  to  be  much 
pleased.  As  soon  as  McCall  had  finished,  Elder  B. 
C  Eobert  arose  and  complained  of  being  unwell. 
He  then  went  on  to  say  that  if  what  he  had  just  heard 
was  the  truth,  he  had  been  preaching  error  for 
twenty  years,  and  sat  down  without  appointing  a,  time 
to  teach  us  the  right  way.  On  which  P.  W.  Eobert 
arose  and  said  what  we  had  heard  was  the  truth.  He 
then  went  on  and  preached  a  severe  sermon  against 
the  old  way  of  doing  business.  Now  the  campaign 
may  be  said  to  be  fairly  opened.  There  were  a  number 
■of  persons  present,  who  wished  to  be  baptized,  but 
the  church  was  declared  to  be  out  of  order,  and 
they  were  not  baptized.  P.  W,  Robert  and  McCall 
were  denounced  as  Campbellites,  and  that,  too,  by 
individuals  who  had  previously  compared  the 
preaching  of  P.  W.  Eobert  to  that  of  the  Apostle 
Paul  Affairs  were  now  in  a  very  bad  way.  Parties 
began  to  arise  in  the  church.  At  the  next  meeting 
of  the  church  a  call  was  made  to  read  the  articles  of 
Faith  1,  of  the  church,  and  here  we  can  see  the 
state  in  which  the  church  had  been  :  for  it  was  for- 
gotten that  they  had  been  laid  on  the  shelf.    The 

1  It  is  evident  that  this  was  not  done  with  a  view  to  rectify 
the  objectionable  article  on  Election  and  Predestination,  which 
it  is  confessed  had  remained  a  dead  letter;  but  in  order  to  get  a 
pretext  to  agitate  a  number  of  new  questions.  Had  this  at- 
tack been  confined  to  these  articles  alone,  no  schism  would 
Lave  been  produced.  But  it  is  evident  they  contemplated  more 
radical  changes,  and  hence  the  resistance  on  the  part  of  the 
church. 


162  HISTORY   OB   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

book,  however,  was  produced  and  the  article  read. 
Many  were  astonished,  saying  the  Baptists  had  no 
creed  but  the  Bible.  There  were  strong  objections 
made  to  several  parts  of  it.  A  move  was  made  for 
amendment.  The  old  members  and  their  party  put  it 
off  from  time  to  time,  for  more  than  a  year,  i 
the  state  of  things,  in  the  meantime,  growing  no 
better,  each  side  denouncing  the  other.  '  Campbell- 
ites,'  '  factlonists,'  etc.,  were  applied  to  one,  and 
'  Hardshells '  to  th£  other. 

"  At  this  time  I  do  not  suppose  there  was  an  in- 
dividual in  the  neighborhood  who  knew  Mr.  Camp- 
bell or  the  tenets  he  taught^  .  For  my  part  I  did 
not,  never  having  read  a  page  of  his  writing  in  my 
life.  I  did  not  know  in  what  century  he  lived,  but 
being  denounced  as  a  Campbellite  I  inquired  what 
Mr.  Campbell  taught,  and  was  told  that  baptism  waa 
all  he  taught  for  salvation;  for  instance,  catch  a  man^ 
pull  him  into  the  water,  duck  him  and  he  would  be 
saved.  I  was  induced  to  write  for  some  periodicals 
in  order  to  find  out  whether  I  was  a  Campbellite  or 
not,  andio!  such  as  they  call  Campbellites  I  am* 
for  any  one  who  has  no  creed  but  what  is  contained 
in  the  Bible  is  a  Campbellite.    Well,  be  it  so.    But 

1  This  shows  that  the  new  party  were  in  the  minority,  as  the- 
ultimate  result  also  proves. 

2  A  clear  proof  that  McCall  and  Robert  concealed  their 
true  character. 

3  This  is  an  unguarded  admission  that  Mr.  Tanner  sought  ta 
reform  the  articles  of  faith  so  as  to  embrace  the  distinctive- 
teachings  of  Mr.  Campbell  on  baptismal  remission,  spiritual 
influence  and  other  points  of  religious  faith,  and  hence  the  op- 
position they  met.  They  wished  to  sweep  away  not  a  single 
obsolete  article,  but  the  whole  creed. 


TROUBLE  WITH  THE  CAMPBELLITES.     163 

at  this  time  I  was  for  a  creed.  The  party  with 
which  I  acted  was  willing  to  have  a  moderate  creed^ 
one  that  was  according  to  the  Bible. 

"  The  next  thing  that  widened  the  breach  was  the 
calling  of  A.  J.  Spencer  to  ordination.  He  was  one 
who  opposed  the  creed  K  The  vote  of  the  church 
stood  26  in  favor  and  7  opposed.  Many  did  not  vote, 
myself  one  2.  Spencer  was  told  if  he  would  sign 
the  creed  he  would  be  ordained;  if  not,  he  could  not. 
One  law  of  the  church  is  that  the  majority  shall  rule, 
in  all  cases  except  touching  fellowship,  when  the  vote 
shall  be  unanimous.  This  was  not  a  case  of  fellow- 
ship, yet  Spencer  was  not  ordained.  Sometime  after 
he  changed  his  doctrine  3.  This  materially  added 
to  the  discontent,  one  party  striving  for  liberty  *  the 
other  oposing  it. 

"Things  went  on  in  this  way  until  October,  when 
the  meeting  of  the  association  being  at  hand,  each 
party  desired  to  send  delegates  holding  their  views; 

1  According  to  Mr.  Tanner's  own  statement,  Mr.  Spencer's 
objection  was  to  the  article  on  election  and  predestination,  and 
hence  it  is  hardly  fair  to  class  him  with  the  reforming  party 
in  the  church.  No  doubt  the  fact  that  he  was  classed  as  such 
was  the  ground  of  objection  to  his  ordination.  And  it  is  not 
strange  that  he  was  required  to  purge  himself  from  the  taint 
of  Campbellism  before  he  was  ordained.  This  being  done,  he 
was  accordingly  ordained,  to  the  chagrin  of  those  who  had 
hoped  to  win  him  to  their  party.    Hunc  illae  lachrymce. 

2  Twenty-six  out  of  255  members  can  hardly  be  considered 
a  majority. 

3  He  purged  himself  from  the  taint  of  Campbellism  and  the 
article  on  election  was  so  explained  as  to  remove  his  objec- 
tions. 

4  The  liberty  to  remain  in  the  church  and  propagate  errors 
which  sap  the  faith  the  church  was  organized  to  preserve  ! 


164  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

and  were  taking  measures  to  effect  tliat  object,  when 
it  was  remarked  by  the  preacher  (Spencer)  that  it 
would  be  a  stigma  upon  the  church  for  them  to  send 
the  young  members  as  delegates  to  the  Associa- 
tion 1.  On  hearing  this  I  determined  to  use  my  in- 
fluence with  the  young  members  not  to  offer  their 
services  nor  to  vote.  I  so  far  succeeded  that  none 
of  them  were  elected.  We  now  considered  our- 
selves as  having  '  no  part  in  David.'  We  clearly  saw 
that  unless  peace  was  speedily  restored  there  would 
be  a  division.  I,  at  that  time,  determined  to  with- 
draw, but,  by  persuasion  of  W.  P.  Ford,  was  induced 
to  hold  on  until  after  the  association,  thinking  there 
might  be  something  done  during  the  meeting  which 
would  produce  peace.  But  when  the  association 
convened  the  breach  was  widened,  if  possible,  ^  for 
instead  of  preaching  Christ  and  him  crucified  it  was 
doctrine  and  doctrine  and  such  like ;  and  that  handled 
so  poorly  that  nothing  was  effected.  The  meeting 
continued  six  days.    Seven  preachers  were  present, 

1  The  objection  was  not  to  their  age,  but  to  their  principles. 

2  I  suppose  Mr.  Tanner  refers  to  the  following  preamble 
and  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Association  in  1842 : 

"  Whereas,  there  are  certain  persons  going  about  through 
the  State  and  the  United  States,  who  call  themselves  Ohris- 
tians  and  practice  immersion,  and  frequently  impose  them- 
selves upon  the  community  for  Baptist  preachers ;  but  who  do 
not  hold  to  Baptist  doctrines.  Therefors  be  it  resolved,  That- 
ftll  the  Baptist  churches  in  this  State  and  the  United  States  are 
requested  especially  to  record  the  names  of  all  the  preaching 
•brethren  in  good  standing  in  the  minutes  of  their  Association, 
and  that  they  request  them  (their  members]  to  carry  with  them 
a  copy  of  such  minutes  as  the  best  evidence  of  their  standing, 
and  that  we  recommend  to  all  the  churches  to  watch  with 
6crutinous  care,  all  ministers  who  may  neglect  or  refuse  so  to  do. 


TROUBLE    WITH    THE    CAMPBELLITES.  165 

and  obtained  one  convert,  who  had  been  previously 
convicted  by  P.  W.  Eobert.  Suffice  it  to  say,  the 
association  over  and  no  reconciliation,  we  deter- 
mined to  make  one  more  effort  for  liberty  of  con- 
science and  peace ;  for  I  can  safely  say  that  there  was 
not  an  individual  who  wished  to  be  separated  from 
the  Baptists.  Our  friends,  our  relations  and  our  in- 
terest was  with  them.  But  we  could  not  remain 
without  liberty  of  conscience  i.  And  here,  lest 
some  should  mistake,  I  will  show  where  we  had  not 
liberty  of  conscience.  The  Confession  begins :  'We 
who  have  been  baptized  upon  a  profession  of  faith 
and  repentance,  promise  by  divine  assistance  to  be-~ 
lieve,  profess,  stand  by  and  defend  the  following 
doctrines  or  articles  of  faith.'  Now  we  could  not 
believe  them,  therefore,  we  could  not  defend  them. 
We  believed  they  were  contrary  to  the  Bible.  We 
had  to  lie  to  God  or  man,  or  withdraw.  But  before 
we  would  do  it  we  appointed  a  meeting  at  my  house, 
and  several  of  the  opposite  side  were  invited  to  at- 
tend, one  of  which  was  the  deacon  Henry  Jackson. 
He  was  requested  to  take  the  chair  and  open  the 
meeting  with  prayer.  He  did  so.  After  a  discussion 
in  which  there  was  nothing  effected,  a  proposition 
was  made  that  one  side  should  draw  up  a  confession 
or  articles  of  faith  and  the  other  to  have  the  privi- 
lege of  erasing  what  they  disapproved.  It  was  re- 
jected. 

"  We  afterwards  held  another  meeting,  at  which 
there  was  but  one  side  represented,  and  drew  up  ar- 
ticles that  were  satisfactory  to  us ;  and  pledged  our- 
selves to  use  our  influence  to  have  them  adopted  at 

1  That  was  strange  liberty  of  conscience  which  restrained 
the  many  that  the  few  might  have  liberty. 


166  HISTORY    OP   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

the  next  meeting  in  lieu  of  the  old  ones.  Each  was 
to  see  his  respective  friends  in  the  meantime.  Many 
said  they  would  not  oppose  nor  favor  it.  The  op- 
posers  were  the  oldest  members  of  the  church.  We 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  if  it  was  forced  on  them 
they  would  withdraw,  and  if  any  did  withdraw  it 
ought  to  be  those  who  came  into  the  church  last.  I 
spoke  to  them  and  told  them  they  would  be  the 
cause  of  a  division  in  the  church;  to  which  they 
replied  they  could  not  help  it.  I  then  said  to  one 
of  them  I  was  in  hopes  he  would  not,  but  did  hope 
that  all  who  could  not  believe  the  articles  or  confes- 
sion of  faith  would  leave,  that  they  might  have 
peace,  which  remark  was  made  in  the  meeting  of 
the  church.  I  asked  for  a  letter  of  dismission 
for  myself  and  wife.  J.  B.  Eobert  asked  for  one 
also.  We  were  all  refused  letters,  because  it  was 
known  we  would  not  join  a  Baptist  church.  The 
church  was  in  a  strait.  They  would  not  give  us  letters 
of  dismission  and  they  could  not  exclude  us,  for  there 
was  not  and  never  had  been  any  charge  of  immoral 
conduct,  or  holding  heretical  views,  against  us.  I 
then  observed  to  them  they  had  better  erase  our 
names,  which  they  did.  It  is  true  there  was  much 
said  which  it  would  do  no  good  to  record.  • 

"After  our  withdrawal  we  still  continued  to  attend 
their  meetings,  there  being  no  church  in  the  neigh- 
borhood in  which  we  were  willing  to  take  member- 
ship. This  continued  until  the  month  of  May  follow- 
ing, when  we  were  organized  into  a  church  of  eight 
members,  by  G.  W.  H.  Smith,  an  evangelist.  Since 
which  time  we  have  done  as  well  as  we  could,  though 
bad  enough.  The  church  now  numbers  about  eighty 
members,  has  one  bishop,  two  deacons  and  an  evan- 


TROUBLE  WITH  THE  OAMPBELLITES.     167 

gelist.  Our  manner  of  conducting  our  meeting  is  to 
assemble  every  Lord's  Day  for  the  purpose  of  prayer, 
praise,  exhortation,  breaking  of  bread  and  fellow- 
ship. Fow,  fellow  citizens,  you  have  a  concise  and 
fair  statement  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  present 
state  of  things. 

"  If  there  has  been  aught  dictated  in  malice  I  am 
not  aware  of  it.  If  I  have  in  writing  shown  any  par- 
tiality, or  made  any  false  statement^  I  am  not  sensible 
of  it.  That  there  has  been  a  great  deal  of  personal  de- 
famation on  both  sides  is  to  be  deplored;  but  there  is 
a  time  when  forbearance  ceas684o  be  a  virtue.  That 
time  is  now.  I  have,  therefore,  given  this  short  his- 
tory, that  all  may  read  and  judge  for  themselves. 

"  I  pray  God  all  may  act  in  that  manner  that  when 
we  shall  have  to  give  our  account  at  the  bar  of  God 
we  may  do  it  with  joy  and  not  with  grief. 

"Jabbz  Tanner." 

This  statement  of  Mr.  Tanner  was  published  in 
3845,  in  connection  with  a  statement  by  W.  P.  Ford 
to  which  reference  will  be  made  hereafter. 

I  copy  from  the  same  pamphlet  an  extract  from  the 
minutes  of  Beulah  Church : 

"  Saturday  before  the  first  Lord's  Day  in  lifovem- 
ber,  1842,  brother  Jabez  Tanner  and  lady,  and  brother 
J.  B.  Robert's  names  were  erased  from  this  book  at 
their  request,  accompanied  by  their  declarations  that 
they  do  not  hold  all  the  doctrines  as  set  forth  in  our 
Confession  of  Faith. 

"  Saturday  before  the  first  Lord's  Day  in  Septem- 
ber, 1843,  by  the  request  of  brother  J.  W.  Pearce 
that  the  names  of  himself  and  sister  E.  J.  Pearce  be 


168  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

erased  from  the  church  book,  the  church  do  hereby 
withdraw  their  fellowship  from  them. 

"  Saturday  before  the  first  Lord's  Day  in  October, 
1843,  after  praise  and  prayer  by  brother  B.  0. 
Robert,  the  state  of  the  church  was  inquired  after,^ 
when  it  was  found  that  some  members  of  this  church 
had  joined  churches  of  a  different  faith. 

'^Besolved,  That  the  following  members  and  others 
who  may  come  under  the  knowledge  of  the  clerk  be- 
tween now  and  our  next  meeting,  be  cited  to  appear 
to  answer  to  this  church  for  having  joined  different 
churches,  viz :  William  Hetherwick,  Matilda  Heth- 
erwick,  Andrew  Jackson,  Eliza  Jackson  and  N^.  C> 
Chambers. 

"  Saturday  before  the  first  Lord's  Day, in  Novem- 
ber, 1843,  the  church  met  according  to  rule.  When 
the  state  of  the  church  was  inquired  after,  it  being  as- 
certained that  the  disorderly  members  before  men- 
tioned have  been  cited,  it  was  moved  and  carried 
to  take  up  each  of  the  cases  as  they  came  and  deal 
with  them. 

"  Said  Ketherwick  failing  to  come,  or  render  any 
excuse  for  the  conduct  complained  of,  it  was  moved 
and  carried  that  the  fellowship  of  this  church  be 
withdrawn  from  him  and  that  he  be  no  longer  a  mem- 
ber of  this  church. 

"The  cases  of  Matilda  M.  Hetherwick,  Andrew 
Jackson  and  Nancy  0.  Chambers  were  severally 
taken  up,  and  decided  that  the  church  withdraw  fel- 
lowship, and  that  they  be  no  longer  members  of  the 
church,  for  the  same  offences  and  under  the  same 
circumstances  with  Wm.  Hetherwick. 

"  I  certify  the  above  and  foregoing  to.be  a  true 
copy  from  the  book  of  records  of  the  Baptist  church 


TROUBLE   AVITH    THE    CAMPBELLITES.  169 

at  Cheneyville  called  Beulah.    Done  this  26th  day 
of  June,  1845.  •         TCenky  Jackson." 

The  seceding  members  organized  a  church  in 
Oheneyville,  which  they  denominated  the  "  Church 
of  Christ,"  and  they  called  themselves  Disciples  or 
Christians.  This  was  done  in  May,  1843.  By  Janu- 
ary, 1844,  this  body,  at  first  organized  with  eight 
members,  had  grown  to  fifty  members.  At  this  time 
they  chose  Jabez  Tanner  and  Andrew  Jackson  as 
deacons  and  John  W.  Pearce  as  bishop,  and  these 
were  ordained  by  Eev.  W.  P.  Ford,  an  ordained 
minister  of  the  Spring  Hill  Baptist  Church ;  who  ad- 
ministered to  them  the  Lord's  Supper,  himself  alsa 
partaking.  Porthis  conduct,  after  being  repeatedly 
admonished,  and  persisting  in  his  fellowship  with, 
these  factious  and  heretical  persons,  he  was  finally 
arraigned  and  excluded  by  the  church.  The  charges 
were  in  these  words : 

"  Spring  Hill,  Saturday,  January.  1845 . 
"  Inasmuch  as  it  has  been  reported  to  this  church 
by  brethren  Wright  and  Eand  that  our  brother  Eev. 
W.  P.  Ford  had  been  administering  the  communion 
of  the  Lord's  Supper  and  himself  communing  with 
the  Oampbellite  church  at  Cheneyville,  composed,  in 
part,  of  persons  standing  excluded  from  our  sister 
church  called  Seulah.  And  second,  That  he  has  or- 
dained elders  in  said  church  who  are  persons  ex- 
cluded as  above  and  persons  not  holding  the  mys- 
tery of  the  faith  in  a  pure  conscience.  And  third, 
That  his  course  has  confirmed  division,  and  of- 
12 


170  HISTORY    Ol    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

fenses  contrary  to  the  doctrines  we  have  learned; 
and  inasmuch  as  the  said  bfethren  Wright  and  Band 
have  entreated  brother-Ford  and  told  him  his  faults 
according  to  the  Gospel  and  have  not  gained  our 
brother, 

"  Therefore  we  the  Church  of  Ohrist  at  Spring 
flill  feel  offended  by  Bro.  Ford's  course,  and  feel  it 
our  duty  to  entreat  and  admonish  him  according  to 
the  Gospel,  and  that  Bro.  Band  acted  int  his  matter 
in  behalf  of  the  church ;  and  that  Bro.  Ford  be  re- 
quested to  desist  from  preaching  till  the  final  action 
of  the  church,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be 
forwarded  to  him. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  church  set  apart  Saturday  the 
25th  inst.  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  to  God  with 
special  reference  to  the  case  of  brother  Ford. 

E.  G.  Robert,  Clerh. 

"  Sunday,  March  16, 1845.  The  church  met  in  con- 
ference. Prayer  by  Brother  Eand.  Whereas  Broth- 
er W.  P.  Ford  has  been  admonished  and  entreated 
by  this  church  and  has  refused  to  hear  us.  There- 
fore, Resolved,  that  he  is  no  longer  with  us." 

This  church  was  destroyed  all  spirituality.  The 
Oampbellite  church  that  formed  in  course  of  time  be- 
came extinct,  and  Beulah  Church  has  never  recovered 
from  the  effect  of  it.  So  far  as  I  can  learn,  none  of 
these  parties  ever  became  reconciled  to  the  church. 
Bat  some  of  their  children  are  leadiii^  Baptists  in 
ne  part  of  the  State  where  these  conflicts  took  place. 


CHAPTER  yill. 

LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION. 

I  have  already  given  some  account  of  the  leading 
events  in  this  part  of  the  State  up  to  the  year  1845. 
Subsequent  events  in  this  region  will  be  included  in 
the  history  of  the  Louisiana  Association,  to  which  I 
desire  to  recur  more  particularly. 

On  the  31st  of  October,  1818,  the  Baptist  churches 
in  Louisiana  west  of  the  Mississippi  met  by  messen- 
gers with  the  Beulah  Church  at  Cheneyville,  Rapides 
Parish,  for  the  purpose  of  being  organized  into  an  as- 
sociation, which  took  the  name  of  the  Louisiana 
Baptist  Association.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Ezekiel  O'Quinn.  The  following  table 
shows  the  names  of  the  delegates  and  the  numerical 
strength  of  these  several  churches : 

Beulah — Ezekiel  O'Quinn,  Isham  Nettles,  Robert 
Tanner.    Number  in  fellowship,  38. 

DefioMrn— Jg-mes  Oole,  James  Simmons,  Absalom 
Cole.  1     Number  in  fellowship,  16. 

Calvary— Johnson  Sweat,  Joseph  "Willis.  Number 
in  fellowship,  13. 

Vermillion — William  Whitlock,  William  Harris. 
Number  in  fellowship,  12. 

1  Absalom  Cole  was  a  grandson  of  Elder  Bichard  Curtis. 
His  father  James  married  Jemima  Curtis.  Whether  the  James 
Cole  here  mentioned  was  !.e!    ather  fdo  not  know. 


172  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Piagwemme— Stephen  Jett.  Number  in  fellowship,  T 

Total  membership,  86. 

Ezekiel  O'Quinn  was  elected  Moderator  and  J.  H. 
T.  Kilpatrick  ^   Clerk. 

The  association  was  constituted  upon  the  Articles 
of  Faith  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  AssociatipiL,  which 
are  as  follows :  r 

PEEAMBLB. 

"  We,  the  churches  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  have  been 
regularly  baptized  upon  a  profession  of  our  faith,  are 
convinced  of  the  necessity  of  a  combination  of  churches 
and  of  maintaining  a  correspondence  for  preserving  a 
federal  union  among  all  the  churches  of  the  same  faith 
and  order.  We,  therefore,  do  agree  to  unite  and 
form  ourselves  into  an  association  upon  the  following 
principles : 

ARTICLES  OP  FAITH. 

1.  We  believe  in  one  only  true  and  living  God,  and 
that  there  are  a  trinity  of  persons  in  the  G-odhead — 
the  Father,  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  same  in 
essence,  equal  in  power  and  glory. 

2.  We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testament  were  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  are  of 
divine  authority  and  the  only  rule  of  fnith  and  prac- 
tice. 

3.  We  believe  in  the  fall  of  Adam ;  [the  imputation 
of  his   sins  to  all  his  posterity  2] ;    in  the  total  de- 

1  Mr.  Kilpatrick  was  afterward  a  distinguished  minister  in 
Georgia.  His  son,  Dr.  Kilpatriclc,  has  furnished  some  valuable 
sketches  relating  to  Louisiana  and  Mississippi. 

2  These  words  are  ommitted  in  the  copy  of  the  articles 
printed  in  the  minutes  of  1826,  the  first  copy  printed. 


TROUBLE    WITH    THE    CAMPBELLITES.  173 

pravity  pf  human  nature ;  and  in  man's  inability  to 
restore  himself  to  the  favor  of  God. 

4.  We  believe  in  the  everlasting  love  of  God  to  his 
people ;  in  the  eternal,  unconditional  election  of  a  de- 
finite number  of  the  human  family  to  grace  and  glory. 

5.  We  believe  that  sinners  are  only  justified  in  the 
sight  of  God  by  the  imputed  righteousness  of  Jesus 
Christ,  which  is  unto  all  and  upon  all  that  believe. 

6.  We  believe  that  aU  those  who  were  chosen  in 
Christ  before  the  foundation  of  the  world  are  in  time 
effectually  called,  regenerated,  converted  and  sancti- 
fied, and  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith 
unto  salvation. 

7.  We  believe  there  is  one  moderator  between  God 
and  Man,  the  Man  Christ  Jesus,  who,  by  the  satis- 
faction which  he  made  to  law  and  justice  in  becoming 
an  offering  for  sin,  hath  by  his  most  precious  blood 
redeemed  the  elect  from  under  the  law,  that  they 
might  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love. 

8.  We  believe  good  works  are  the  fruits  of  faith, 
and  follow  after  justification,  are  evidences  ofagra- 
'Cious  state,  and  that  it  is  the  duty  of  all  believers  to 
perform  them  from  a  principle  of  love. 

9.  We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  and  a 
igeneral  judgment,  and  that  the  happiness  of  the  right- 
eous and  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  will  be  eter- 
nal. 

ON  GOSPEL   ORDER. 

1.  We  believe  that  the  visible  church  of  Jesus 
Christ  is  a  congregation  of  faithful  persons  who  have 
given  up  themselves  to  the  Lord,  and  to  one  another, 
and  have  covenanted  to  keep  up  a  godly  discipline 
agreeable  to  the  rules  of  the  Gospel. 

2.  We  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  head  of  the 


174  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Church  ;  the  ouly  law-giver ;  that  the  government  is 
with  the  body— the  church— and  is  equally  the  right 
and  privilege  of  each  member  thereof. 

3.  We  believe  that  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Suppet- 
are  Gospel  ordinances  appointed  by  Jesus  Christ,  and 
are  to  be  continued  in  the  church. 

4.  We  believe  that  baptism  by  immersion  is  the  only 
Scriptural  mode,  and  that  believers  are  the  only^ 
proper  subjects. 

5.  We  believe  that  none  but  regularly  baptized 
church  members  have  a  right  to  partake  of  the  Lord's 
Supper. 

6.  We  believe  it  to  be  the  duty  and  privilege  of  all 
believers  to  make  a  public  profession  of  their  faith,  to 
submit  to  baptism  by  immersion,  and  to  give  them-, 
selves  members  of  the  visible  church. 

7.  We  believe  it  to  be  the  duty  of  every  regular  or- 
ganized church  to  expel  from  her  communion  all  dis- 
orderly members,  who  are  immoral  in  their  lives,  or 
that  hold  doctrines  contrary  to  the  Scriptures. 

POWltES    OP  THE   ASSOCIATION. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  business  of  the  Association  to  pre 
vide  for  the  general  union  of  the  churches. 

2.  To  keep  up  a  friendly  correspondence  when  con- 
venient with  those  associations  of  the  same  faith  and 
order, 

3.  This  association  shall  have  no  power  to  lord  it 
over  God's  heritage,  nor  infringe  upon  any  of  the  in- 
ternal riglits  of  the  churches. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  association  to  give" 
the  churches  the  best  advice  in  its  power  in  difficult 
matters;  to  inquire  into  any  difficulties  that  may 
exist  between  sister  churches,  and  remove  them  if 
pofesiblfe.'       ■.  J      '  '  .    ^-. 


LOUISIANA    ASSOCIATION.  17& 

6.  To  admit  any  of  the  brethren  of  the  ministry  as 
assistants,  but  not  give  them  the  privilege  of  voting. 

6.  This  association  shall  have  power  to  withraw" 
from  any  church  in  the  union  which  may  be  unsound 
in  principle  or  immoral  in  practice,  until  reclaimed. 

7.  To  appoint  any  person  or  persons,  by  and  with 
their  consent,  to  transact  any  business  which  the  as- 
sociation may  deem  necessary. 

8.  The  association  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  t» 
any  time  or  place  they  may  think  most  proper. 

9.  The  association  shall  be  opened  and  closed  with 
prayer. 

[1819].  The  second  annual  meeting  was  held  with 
the  Calvary  Church  [Bayou  Chicot]  November  6, 1819. 
Five  churches  were  represented,  aggregating  a  mem- 
bership of  101,  ten  of  whom  were  added  by  baptism 
during  the  year  and  six  by  letter.  David  Cooper,  of 
Mississippi,  as  corresponding  messenger,  preached 
the  introductory  sermon.  Three  other  visiting  breth- 
ren were  present — James  Woodbury  and  Abraham 
Eobinson,  of  whom  I  have  no  other  information,  and 
Henry  Humble,  who  subsequently  removed  from  Mis- 
sissippi and  settled  on  the  Ouachita. 

Joseph  Willis  was  chosen  Motlerator  and  John  Og 
den,  Clerk. 

The  following  resolution  shows  that  the  association' 
early  accepted  the  missionary  views  of  the  Mississipp 
association,  whose  articles  of  faith  had  been  adopted  V 

^^Besolved,  That  we  recommend  to  all  the  churchest 
to  raise  collections  and  send  them  bv  the  hands  of 


176  HISTOET  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

their  delegates  to  our  next  annual  meeting,  for  the 
purpose  of  raising  an  association  fund." 

[1823].  My  file  of  minutes  lacks  the  years  1820 
1821  and  1822,  and  the  minute  which  next  occurs  is 
■without  date,  but  is  supposed  to  be  the  minute  of 
1823,  as  the  association  adiourned  to  meet  with  Pine 
Hills  Church,  which  it  did  in  1824.  At  this  session 
Bayou  Salg  Church  and  Pine  Hills,  both  organized  in 
1 821,  were  received.  Besides  these  the  churches  rep- 
resented were  Beulah,  Aimwell,  Calvary  and  Vermil- 
lion. The  nam(is  of  Canaan  and  Debourn  do  not  ap- 
pear. The  minute  is  equally  silent  about  the  place  of 
meeting.  Bzekiel  O'Quinn  was  chosen  Moderator  and 
Kathan  Holly,  Clerk.  Besides  the  Moderator,  the  fol- 
lowing ministers  were  present  and  took  seats :  John 
Impson  and  James  Brinson,  who  had  settled  in  Oua- 
chita Parish  in  1820;  and  Baynard  C.  Kobert  and 
Peter  W.  Eobert,  who  had  been  ordained  by  Father 
Willis  the  year  before  at  Bayou  Sale.  Joseph  WiUis 
was  also  present.  Notice  is  taken  of  the  reception  of 
a  letter  from  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  Eedeemer's  Kingdom. 

It  was  ordered  by  the  association  that  the  words: 
"  In  the  imputation  of  Adam's  sin  to  all  his  poserity," 
in  Article  3  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  be  erased. 
The  aggregate  membership  was  reported  to  be  114. 

[1824.]  The  association  met  with  Pine  Hills  Church, 


LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  177 

Ouachita  Parish,  September  24, 1824.  The  introduc- 
tory was  preached  by  Baynard  0»  Eobeif.  James 
Brinson  was  chosen  Moderator  and  Kathan  Holly, 
Clerk.  The  following  churches  were  admitted;  Black 
Lake,  Parish  of  Natchitoches  [now  Webster],  and  the 
church  at  Beaver  Dam,  St.  Landry,  called  Zion 
HUl.  The  former  church  was  located  near  Minden, 
Webster  Parish,  then  a  part  of  Katchitoches. 

A  query  presented  by  Pine  Hills  Church  the  year 
before,  whether  it  is  necessary  to  reordain  a  deacon 
who  is  called  to  the  ministry,  was  decided  that  he 
should  be  ordained  again. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  cite  Calvary,  Aim- 
well,  Vermillionville  and  Bayou  Sale  Churches  to  ac- 
count to  the  next  association  why  they  were  not  rep- 
resented. This  action  is  somewhat  remarkable,  if 
we  consider  that  these  churches  were  about  two  hun- 
dred miles  distant  from  the  place  of  meeting. 

The  ministers  of  the  association  are  given  as  fol- 
lows :  James  Brinson,  Arthur  McFarland  and  John 
Lnpson,  Parish  of  Ouachita ;  Henry  Humble,  Parish 
of  Catahoula ;  Isham  Nettles,  William  Wilbourn  and 
Joseph  Willis,  Parish  of  St.  Landry;  Peter  W. 
Robert,  Parish  of  St.  Mary;  K.  S.  T.  de  la  Thule  and 
Baynard  C.  Eobert,  Parish  of  Eapides. 

The  association  notices  the  death  of  Ezekiel  O'Quinn, 
which  occurred  April  13,  1823.  The  aggregate  mem- 
bership reported,  150. 

[1825.]  The  associationmetat  CheneyviUe,  on  Bayou 


178  HISTOKY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

BcBuf,  September  24tb,  1825.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Isham  Nettles,  who  was  afterwards 
elected  Moderator,  with  Baynard  C.  Eobert  as  Clerk. 
Niue  churches  were  represented,  including  the  Provi- 
dence church,  Natchitoches  Parish.  This  church  was 
located  about  four  miles  east  of  Mt.  Lebanon,  in  the 
northern  part  of  what  is  now  Bienville  Parish. 

It  was  resolved  unanimously  that  the  association 
enter  heartily  into  domestic  missionary  exertions,  and 
P.  W.  Robert,  Johu  Impson,  Isham  Nettles,  Nathan 
Holly  and  Hayward  Alford  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  receive  and  disburse  funds  and  to  contract 
with  an  itinerant  missionary.  The  churches  were 
earnestly  recommended  to  appoint  one  or  more  agents 
to  obtain  funds  for  the  above  mission. 

The  association  solemnly  set  ajjart  Saturday  before 
the  First  Lord's  Day  in  January,  April,  July  and 
October  as  days  of  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer, 
and  desired  the  churches  religiously  to  observe  them. 

The  churches  rei)orted  23  baptisms  and  an  aggre- 
gate membership  of  152. 

[1826.]  The  association  met  with  Bayou  Sal6  church 
in  the  Parish  of  St.  Mary.  Ten  churches  were  rep- 
resented, including  the  Catahoula,  which  was  this  year 
added.  This  church  was  constituted  on  the  second 
Sunday  in  March,  1826,  with  seven  members ;  but  had 
received  an  accession  of  fifteen  members.  Elder, 
Joseph  Willis  preached  the  introductory.  Igham 
Nettles  was  elected  Moderator  and  P.  W.  Eobert, 
Clerk.   '  '■ 


LOUISIANA    ASSOCIATION.  17& 

It  was  resolved  to  correspond  with  Little  Eock  As- 
sociation, Arkansas  Territory.  The  Bayou  Balk 
church  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  on  Sabbath 
and  invited  the  association  and  members  of  sister 
churches  to  commune  with  her,  and  the  record  says  it 
was  a  precious  season  of  remembrance  of  Him  who 
gave  himself  for  us. 

The  names  and  residences  of  the  preaching  breth- 
ren were  given  as  follows:  James  Brinson  and  Wil- 
liam Cook,  Natchitoches  Parish ;  Arthur  McFarland 
and  John  Impson,  Ouachita ;  Henry  Humble,  Cata- 
houla; Joseph  Willis,  Isham  Nettles  and  William 
Wilbourn,  St.  Landry ;  Baynard  C.  Robert  and  Peter 
W.  Eobert,  St.  Marys ;  Licentiates,  Hayward  Alford, 
Ouachita ;  Eobert  St.  H.  de  la  Thule,  Eapides. 

[1827.]  The  body  met  with  Black  Lake  Church,  near 
the  present  town  of  Minden,  in  what  was  then  known 
as  the  Allen  settlement,  in  what  was  then  Natchi- 
toches Parish.  B.  C.  Eobert  preached  the  introduc- 
tory, and  James  Brinson  was  elected  Moderator. 

It  was  resolved  "that  this  association  express  their 
interest  in  the  Little  Eock  Association.  We  cordially 
wish  our  brethren  God  speed.  It  is  our  desire  to  cor-, 
respond  with  them,  but  not  having  received  any 
information  as  to  the  time  and  place  of  their 
session,  we  are  at  a  loss  when  and  where  to  send„ 
Our  brethren ,  of  that  association,  are  affection- 
ately invited  to  correspond  with  us,  and  brother 
Merrill  is,re,quested  to  send  a  copy  ol our  minutes:  to 
some  member  of  that  body. 


180  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

The  following  query  from  Yermillionville  Church 
was  considered :  "  Shall  a  person  be  received  into  a 
church  that  had  been  divorced  and  married  another ; 
or  if  being  in  the  church,  they  marry  again,  shall 
theirmembership  be  continued.  Unanimously  agreed 
that  except  it  be  manifest  that  such  separation  was 
occasioned  by  the  fornication  of  the  opposite  party, 
they  should  not  be  received.    See  Matt.  19:9. 

Black  Lake  and  Providence  churches  were  dismissed 
to  unite  in  the  formation  of  a  new  association.  Pine 
Hills  applied  for  a  letter  for  the  same  purpose,  but 
was  refused  until  she  either  exclude  Lawrence  Scar- 
borough from  her  communion,  or  satisfy  the  church 
from  which  he  was  excluded  in  the  State  of  Missis- 
sippi, with  respect  to  her  receiving  said  Scarborough 
into  fellowship.  This  Scarborough  had  been  a  prom- 
inent minister  in  Southwest  Mississippi.  Having 
separated  from  his  wife,  he  left  Mississippi  in  com- 
pany with  another  woman,  to  whom  he  was  married  in 
Louisiana.  He  was  excluded  by  his  church,  but  re- 
fused to  surrender  his  credentials.  He  managed  to 
get  received  into  the  Pine  Hills  Church.  Subse- 
quently the  church  became  satisfied  of  his  unwbrth- 
iness  and  withdrew  her  fellowship,  and  thus  gave 
satisfaction  to  the  association.  Scarborough  removed 
to  Southern  Arkansas,  \where  he  lived  a  number  of 
years  and  died,  as  I  have  learned,  in  connection  with 
the  anti-missionary  Baptists. 

The  following  action  was  taken ;    "We  do  recom- 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  181 

mend  to  tlie  churches  of  this  association  to  have  the 
Lord's  Snpper  administered  and  the  ordinance  of 
Washing  of  Feet  attended  to  during  the  session  of  the 
Association."  * 

The  name  of  William  Cook  disappears  from  the  list 
of  ministers.  Haywood  Alford  had  been  ordained, 
and  John  Hill  appears  as  a  licentiate  from  Catahoula 
Parish. 

Ten  churches  reported  an  aggregate  of  220  mem- 
bers and  twelve  preachers. 

[1828.]  The  next  session  was  with  Catahoula 
church,  Catahoula  Parish.  Joseph  Willis  preached 
the  introductorji  Henry  Humble  was  elected  Mod. 
erator  and  James  Curtis,  Clerk.  Only  eight  churches 
were  represented,  including  Antioch,  which  was  re- 
ceived. This  church  was  situated  on  the  Calcasieu, 
in  the  Parish  of  St.  Landry.  JSTo  business  of  import- 
ance was  transacted. 

[1829.]  The  session  of  1829  was  held  with  Zion  Hill 
church,  St.  Landry  Parish,  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Henry  Humble;  who  also  preached  on 
Sabbath,  perhaps  the  last  sermon  he  ever  preached, 
as  he  died  on  his  way  home  from  the  association.  He 
was  also  elected  Moderator  and  Baynard  C.  Eobert, 
Clerk.  Amiable  Church,  Eapides,  and  Zion  Hill,  ISTat- 
chitoches  Parish,  were  admitted  as  members.  The 
names  of  Gr.  A.  Irion,  Eapides,  and  James  Martin, 
Natchitoches,  are  added  to  the  list  of  ministers.  The 
following  obituaries   appear  in  the  minutes : 


182  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

"Bro.  Isham  Nettles  has  been  called  home.  He 
departed  this  life  ou  the  5th  of  May,  1829.  In  the 
death  of  this  aged  minister  we  are  called  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  a  tender*  and  faithful  servant  of  our 
Lord.  But  we  do  not  sorrow  as  those  who  have  no 
hope.  He  seemed  ripe  for  glory.  We  have  a  lively 
hope  that  he  has  only  gone  before  us  to  the  embraces 
of  that  dear  Eedeemer  who  has  declared  himself  to 
be  the  resurrection  and  the  life. 

"  Bro.  William  Cook,  of  Zion  Hill  Church,  Parish 
of  Natchitoches,  has  also  been  called  home.  As  a 
minister  of  our  Lord  his  character  was  irreproachable, 
and  he  lives  in  the  recollections  of  those  who  knew 
him.  He  has  left  behind  him  to  mourn  their  loss,  a 
little  church  in  the  planting  of  which  he  was  instru- 
mental in  the  hands  of  the  Lord.  He  took  his  flight 
on  the  19th  of  September,  1829." 

Nine  churches  were  represented,  reporting  a  total 
membership  of  183. 

[1830].  The  association  of  1830  was  held  with  the 
Antioch  Church,  Parish  of  St.  Landry.  Introductory 
by  Joseph  Willis,  who  was  afterwards  elected  Mod- 
erator, with  Joel  Coe  as  Clerk.  Eleven  churches  were 
represented,  reporting  an  aggregate  membership  of 
326. 

Pine  Hills  Church  having  removed  the  obstacle  to 
fellowship,  her  delegates  were  received  and  welcomed 
to  seats.  The  Black  Lake  and  Providence  churches, 
which  had  taken  letters  in  1827  to  unite  in  formiug  a 
new  association,  having  failed  to  associate  or  repre- 
sent thcmsolves  in  this  association  for  two  j-ears,  a 


LOtJISIANA    ASSOCIATION.  183 

committee  was  appointed  to  visit  them  and  inquire 
into  the  cause.  A  suitable  tribute  was  paid  to  the 
memory  of  Henry  Humble,  who  died  on  his  way  home 
from  the  last  association,  October  23d,  1829.  During 
the  associational  year  Elder  James  Martin,  a  member 
of  Zion  Hill  Church,  Parish  of  Natchitoches,  was 
called  to  his  reward.  As  a  minister  his  character  was 
irreproachable.     He  died  September  25th,  1829. 

The  Clerk  (Joel  Coe)  was  requested  to  write  to  the 
Baptist  Missionary  Society  of  ISew  York,  stating  to 
them  our  destitute  situation,  and  to  request  them  if 
they  can  to  send  us  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel  to  travel 
and  preach  within  the  bounds  of  the  association  for 
one  year  without  any  charge  to  the  association. 

[1831  ].  In  1831  the  association  met  with  the  church 
at  Zion  in  the  parish  of  Natchitoches.  Fourteen 
churches  were  represented,  including  Black  Lake 
and  Providence  churches,  and  Bethel,  a  new  church 
constituted  in  Catahoula  Parish  during  the  year. 
The  introductory  was  preached  by  John  Hill.  G.  A. 
Irion  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Joel  Coe,  Clerk. 
The  aggregate  membership  reported  was  272. 

It  appears  that  in  the  exclusion  of  Lawrence  Scar- 
borough the  year  before  some  of  the  members  of 
Pine  HUls  adhered  to  him.  These  were  excluded  by 
the  church  and  the  act  commended  by  the  associa- 
tion. 

It  was  determined  that  the  sittings  of  the  associa- 
tion should  be  confined  to  the  bounds  of  the  churches 


184  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

occupying  a  central  position,  owing  to  the  distance 
from  one  extreme  to  the  other.  The  justice  of  this 
action  "will  be  seen  if  we  remember  that  the  associa- 
tion occupied  a  territory  350  miles  long  and  125  miles 
broad. 

Appropriate  notice  was  taken  of  the  death  of  James 
Brinson,  September  5,  1831-. 

[1832].  In  1832  the  association  met  with  Beulah 
Church  at  Cheneyville.  My  minute  for  this  year  is 
imutilated  and  contains  only  the  title  page  and  "Eules 
for  the  Management  of  Auxiliary  AssQciations  for  the 
support  of  Home  Missions."  From  this  it  appears 
that  a  society  had  been  organized,  auxiliary  to  the 
Home  Mission  Society  of  Kew  Tork,  called  the  "Do- 
mestic Missionary  Society  of  Louisiana."  The  rules 
were  for  the  government  of  loeal,  societies  to  be 
formed,  auxiliary  to  the  State  organization. 

[  1833. 1  The  session  of  1833  was  held  with  Calvary 
Church,  Parish  of  St.  Landry.  The  introductory  ser- 
mon was  preaphed  by  Eld.  B.  C.  Eobert,  who  was 
afterward  elected  Moderator,  with  Eobert  L.  Tanner  as 
Clerk.  Eld.  Asa  S.  Mercer  now  first  appears  as  a 
member  of  this  body.  Ten  churches  were  repre- 
sented, including  Occupy  Church,  constituted  this  year 
in  the  Parish  of  Eapides.  These  reported  270  mem- 
bers, besides  about  fifty  black  persons  who  had  been 
baptized  in  the  Parish  of  St.  Mary,  too  remote  to 
unite  with  any  churcli.  Bethel  and  Catahoula 
churches   wore    dismissed    to    unite    with    adjacent 


LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATIOK.  185 

churches  in  the  formation  of  Concord  Association.  It 
was  resolved  to  correspond  by  letter  with  Pine  HiQ 
Baptist  Association,  hut  it  is  not  stated  where  this 
body  was  located.  It  is  probable  that  reference  is 
made  to  the  contemplated  association  which  included 
Pine  Hill  Church,  but  which  took  the  name  of  Concord. 
This  I  infer  from  the  fact  that  the  corresponding  let- 
ter was  sent  by  Asa  S.  Mercer,  who  lived  in  the  region 
embraced  by  the  Concord  Association. 

The  formation  of  the  new  association  between  the 
Ouachita  and  Eed  River  reduced  the  boundaries  of 
the  mother  association  so  much  that  it  was  voted  to 
discontinue  the  location  of  the  body  so  as  to  allow  it 
to  meet  with  any  church  of  the  association. 

The  list  of  ministers  is  given  as  follows :  P.  W. 
Eobert  and  B.  C.  Eobert,  St.  Marys;  Joseph  Willis 
Sr.,  and  Gr.  A.  Irion,  Rapides;  W.  B.  Wilbourn  and 
Coward,  St.  Landry ;  Brannon,  Natchito- 
ches; John  HjU,  Asa  S.  Mercer  and  Thomas  Mere- 
dith, Catahoula. 

[1834.  ]  The  Association  met  with  Amiable  church 
Rapides  Parish,  in  1834.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Joseph  Willis.  Only  four  churches,— Calvary,  St. 
Landry;  Beulah,  Occupy  and  Amiable,  Rapides;  and 
Zion  Hill,  Nachitoches,— were  represented,  aggregat- 
ing 157  members.  The  names  of  ministers  are  reported 
as  follows:  Ordained,  P.  W.  Robert,  B.  C.  Robert, 
St.  Marys;  Joseph  Willis,  Sr.,  and  Benjamin  Garling- 
ton,  Rapides;  Gt.  A.  Irion,  Avoyelles.  Licentiates: 
13 


186  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Wilson  Clark  and  W.  B.  Wilbourn,  St.  Landry.  Wil- 
bourn  has  heretofore  been  reported  among  the  or- 
dained. The  young  Clerk  must  have  been  mistaken. 
Eld.  G.  A.  Irion  was  elected  Moderator,  and  W.  P. 
Ford,  Clerk.  Eld.  John  Hill  was  received  as  a  cor- 
responding messenger  from  Concord  Association, 
Eld.  James  B.  Smith,  afterwards  prominent  as  a 
preacher  and  lawyer  in  Eastern  Louisiana,  was  pres- 
ent as  a  Missionary  of  the  Baptist  Home  Missionary 
Society. 

The  following  resolutions  indicate  the  spirit  of  the 
association : 

Resolved,  That  this  association  most  affectionately 
recommend  to  the  churches  to  sustain  the  Louisiana 
Home  Missionary  Society,  and  thereby  promote  the 
preaching  of  the  Gospel. 

^'■Resolved,  That  we  earnestly  recommend  to  the 
churches,  that  have  not  already  done  so,  to  organize 
themselves  into  Sabbach-schools." 

Mr.  Ford,  the  Clerk  of  this  session,  in  his  MS. 
"History  of  the  Early  Baptists  of  Louisiana,"  says : 

"  To  the  Methodists  belongs  the  credit  of  introduc- 
ing Sunday-schools  in  the  bounds  of  this  association. 
In  1829  Sunday-schools  commenced  in  the  different 
towns  and  neighborhoods  where  there  was  any  pro- 
bability of  their  being  continued.  But  the  Baptists 
stood  aloof  for  several  years,  and  in  fact  there  was 
a  general  prejudice  against  them;  consequently  but 
little  could  be  done,  and  after  a  year  or  two  most  of 
the  schools  were  discontinued. 


L0TJI8IANA   ASSOCIATION.  187 

"About  the  same  time  societies  were  formed  in  dif- 
ferent neighborhoods  for  the  distribution  of  tracts, 
published  by  the  Methodist  denomination.  These 
were  opposed  by  the  Baptists,  whUe  they  made  no  ef- 
fort to  place  other  tracts  in  the  hands  of  the  people. 

"About  this  time  came  two  Cumberland  Presbyter- 
ian ministers  and  commenced  preaching.  They  soon 
formed  small  churches  in  several  towns.  They  also 
advocated  Sunday-schools,  which  gave  a  new  impetus 
to  the  work. 

"I  would  notice  here  as  a  circumstance  that  appeared 
to  have  a  great  moral  bearing  upon  the  neighborhood, 
the  formation  of  a  Temperance  society  in  CheneyvUle, 
in  1831.  In  this  work  the  Methodists  were  foreinost. 
This,  I  believe,  was  the  first  society  of  the  kind  in 
the  South- Western  district  of  the  State,  or  perhaps  in 
any  part  of  the  State  " 

Mr  Ford  quotes  from  the  report  for  1834  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive Committee  of  the  Missionary  Society : 

"We  should  be  encouraged  to  redouble  our  efforts 
in  the  cause  under  consideration  from  the  existence  of 
the  fact  that  the  Cheney  ville  Church,  which  has  en- 
joyed the  largest  portion  of  the  labors  of  the  Mission- 
ary during  the  last  eight  months,  has  almost  doubled 
its  members,  while  its  seasons  of  grace  during  this 
time  are  unprecedented  in  its  history.  And  the  bene- 
fits of  missionary  labor  are  not  confined  to  this  church 
alone  in  the  bounds  of  this  society.  But  other 
churches  have  reason  to  say  that  it  is  well  for  them 
to  have  contributed  of  their  substance  to  the  suj)i)ort 
of  missions,  although  the  accessions  to  their  number 
are  yet  small." 


188  HISTORY  OF  LOTJISIAITA  BAPTISTS. 

Of  the  action  of  the  association  this  year  on  the 
subject  of  Sunday-schools,  Mr.  Ford  remarks,  "This 
is  the  first  recommendation  of  Sunday-schools  by  the 
Baptists  as  a  denomination,  and  unfortunately  they 
did  not  even  now  generally  engage  in  the  work.  But 
some  individual  members  were  alive  to  the  subject 
and  actively  engaged  in  it."  This  remark  of  Mr. 
Ford  applies  only  to  the  particular  locality  to  which 
he  refers,  and  not  to  the  denomination  generally. 

At  this  time  an  address  was  delivered  by  Elder 
Joseph  Willis  on  the  difficulty  of  constituting  and 
sustaining  churches.  Nearly  all  the  churches  now 
left  in  the  association  were  gathered  either  directly 
or  indirectly  by  the  labors  of  Mr.  WUlis.  Mr.  Ford 
remarks  of  this  effort:  "It  was  truly  affecting  to  hear 
hitn  speak  of  them  as  his  children;  and  with  all  the 
affection  of  a  father  allude  to  some  schisms  and  di- 
visions that  had  arisen  in  the  past,  and  to  warn  them 
against  the  occurrence  of  anything  of  the  kind  in  the 
ixiture.  But  when  he  spoke  of  the  fact  that  two  or 
three  of  them  had  already  become  extinct,  his  voice 
failed  and  he  was  compelled  to  give  utterance  to  his 
feelings  by  his  tears;  and  surely  the  heart  must  have 
been  hard  that  could  not  be  melted  by  the  manifes- 
tation of  so  much  affection,  for  he  wept  not  alone." 

After  the  close  of  this  meeting  another  subscription 
was  circulated  in  the  neighborhood  of  Cheneyville, 
and  the  citizens  generally  were  again  liberal  in  their 
contributions  to  the  Missionary  Society. 


LOXJISIATTA   ASSOCIATION.  189 

This  was  the  last  minute  of  the  association  printed 
until  1841,  and  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Ford's  labors  to 
supply  the  facts  in  the  interval. 

[  1835.  ]  The  meeting  in  September,  1835,  was  held 
with  the  Zion  Hill  Church,  in  the  Parish  of  IJTatchito- 
ches.  The  minutes  of  this  meeting  were  prepared 
for  the  press,  but  the  printer  charged  so  exorbitantly 
for  the  printing  that  the  Clerk  who  was  charged  with 
superintending  their  printing  and  distribution  thought 
it  best  not  to  have  them  printed.  So  that  we  are  left 
in  the  dark  respecting  the  state  of  the  churches  at  that 
time.  But  the  thinness  of  the  representation  of  the 
churches,  and  the  small  attendance  of  ministers  at  the 
meeting,  indicate  a  fearful  falling  off  and  the  diminu- 
tion of  zeal. 

The  Missionary  Society  also  relaxed  its  exertions 
to  sustain  a  missionary,  and  Mr.  Smith,  the  mission- 
ary, was  compelled  to  abandon  the  field.  A  tem- 
porary engagement  was  made  with  another,  but  his 
preaching  did  not  seem  to  have  much  effect.  Says 
Mr.  Ford:  "Individual  members  appeared  to  be  grow- 
ing careless  of  their  standing  in  the  churches  and 
fast  losing  all  enjoyment  in  religious  exercises,  and 
there  w«re  none  inquiring  what  they  must  do  to  be 
saved.  Thus  the  cloud  of  darkness  seemed  to  hang 
over  the  future." 

[  1836.  ]  In  consequence  of  the  minutes  not  having 
been  published,  it  became  necessary  in  the  fall  of  1836 
to  address  letters  to  the  different  churches  to  let  them 


190  HISTORY   OF  liOUISIANA  BAPTISTS, 

know  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  of  the  association, 
and  the  reason  why  the  minutes  were  not  published. 
The  writer  of  these  letters,  after  stating  that  the  next 
meeting  was  appointed  by  the  association  to  be  held 
with  Beulah  Church,  at  Cheneyville,  on  Saturday  be- 
fore second  Lord's  day  in  Oct.,  (one  month  later  than 
usual),  and  urging  the  churches  to  send  delegates  in 
order  that  all  the  churches  might  be  represented,  and 
alluding  to  the  fact  that  but  two  churches  were  rep- 
resented at  the  last  meeting,  says,  "Oh,  with  what  aw- 
fully solemn  feelings  we  should  reflect  upon  our  con- 
dition ! — that  each  returning  year,  instead  of  bringing 
with  it  seasons  of  rejoicing  on  account  of  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners  and  the  formation  of  new  churches, 
and  the  revival  of  those  already  constituted,  we  should 
be  called  to  mourn  over  the  leanness  and  starving 
condition  of  sons  and  daughters  of  the  household  of 
faith,  while  our  solemn  feasts  and  holy  convocations, 
in  which  we  should  delight,  are  treated  as  small  mat- 
ters." 

Mr.  Ford,  who  was  an  eye-witness  of  the  spiritujil 
condition  which  he  laments,  says,  "The  few  who  had 
erected  the  family  altar  forgot  the  time  of  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  sacrifice.  Every  one  appeared  to  be 
resting  in  carnal  security  and  indalgiug  in  ease  in 
Zion." 

During  the  four  succeeding  years  there  was  no 
meeting  of  the  association.  Regular  services  were 
discontinued  in  most  of  the  churches.    Zion    Hill, 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  191 

NatcMtoclies  Parish,  seems  to  be  the  only  church  that 
kept  up  even  the  forms  of  worship  and  had  regular 
preaching.  During  this  time  the  only  preachers  in  the 
association  were  Joseph  Willis,  G.  A.  Irion  and  B.  C. 
Eobert,  all  of  whom  resided  in  the  Parish  of  Eapides, 
Benjamin  Garlington,  Natchitoches,  and  W.  B.  Wil- 
bourn,  St.  Mary's. 

f  1841.  ]  The  revival,  of  which  an  account  was  given 
in  a  previous  chapter,  led  to  a  called  meeting  of  the 
association,  which  assembled  with  Aimwell  Church 
in  the  Parish  of  Calcasieu,  October  9th,  1841.  Benja- 
min G-arlington,  of  Zion  Hill  Church,  was  elected  Mod- 
erator and  L.  P.  Audrey  was  chosen  Clerk.  The  fol- 
lowing churches  were  represented:  Calvary,  Beulah, 
Aimwell,  Zion  Hill  and  Occupy,  which  reported  an  ag- 
gregate membership  of  396,  with  a  clear  gain,  during 
the  year  previous,  of  243.  Two  new  churches  were 
received.  Bayou  Eouge,  Avoyelles  Parish,  constituted 
July  25th,  1841,  and  Spring  Hill,  Eapides  Parish,  con- 
stituted August  7th,  1841. 

The  following  record  is  made  of  the  Sabbath  pro- 
ceedings :  "This  day,  according  to  the  arrangement  of 
Saturday,  an  able  sermon  was  delivered  by  brother  A. 
J.  Spencer,  from  the  following  passage  of  Scripture : 
'Therefore  being  justified  by  faith  we  have  peace  with 
God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  Eom.  5:  1. 
Brother  B.  Garlington  then  followed  and  preached 
from  John  15 :  16.  Brother  Baynard  C.  Eobert  fol- 
lowed in  order,  and  preached  an  able  sermon  from 


192  HISTOBT  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Eev.  21 :  17.  Brother  P,  W.  Eobert  then  followed  in 
an  able  discourse  preparatory  to  opening  the  door  of 
the  church,  which  being  done  several  persons  came 
forward  and  were  received  for  baptism.  Their  rela- 
tions being  heard,  the  congregation  was  invited  to 
meet  on  the  banks  of  the  d'Arbonne  at  11  o'clock  A. 
M.,  the  ensuing  day,  at  which  time  and  place  twelve 
persons  received  the  holy  ordinance  of  baptism." 

An  earnest  invitation  was  sent  to  the  remaining 
churches  to  represent  themselves  at  the  next  meeting 
of  the  association,  and  all  the  churches  were  urged  to 
combine  in  an  effort  to  employ  one  or  more  missiona- 
ries to  itinerate  and  preach  within  the  bounds  of  the 
association.  To  further  this  end  a  convention  was 
called  to  meet  at  Oheneyville  on  the  first  Saturday  iu 
January  following,  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  sum  of 
fifty  dollars  entitle  each  delegate  to  a  seat  in  the  con- 
vention. Mr.  Ford  informs  us  that  this  convention 
was  accordingly  held;  a  Missionary  Society  was 
formed  and  an  Executive  Committee  appointed.  The 
objects  of  the  society  were  to  promote  preaching,  Sab- 
bath-schools and  the  distribution  of  the  Bible.  But 
after  the  society  had  been  formed  and  about  500  dol- 
lars subscribed,  the  object  of  its  foundation  seems 
to  have  been  forgotten.  Mr.  Ford  gives  the  ordain- 
ed ministers  at  this  time:  Joseph  Willis,  Beiya- 
min  Garlington,  Baynard  0.  Eobert,  W.  B.  Wilbourn, 
Thomas  Eand;  licentiates:  John  O'Quinn  and  A.  J. 
Spencer. 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  193 

[  1842.  ]  The  association  met  with  Beulah  Church,  at 
Cheneyville,  Oct.  7th,  1842.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  A.  J.  Spencer.  Ten  churches  were  rep- 
resented, including  Hammock  Church,  constituted  in 
1842,  aggregating  a  membership  of  597.  Thomas 
Band,  Jr.,  was  elected  Moderator,  and  W.  P.  Ford, 
Clerk.  Eld.  L.  Scofield,  who  was  long  a  prominent 
minister  in  this  association,  was  present,  and  took  his 
seat  as  a  miaister.  The  names  of  Isaac  Johnson  and 
William  S.  Terrell,  of  Amiable  Church,  are  printed  in 
small  capitals,  to  indicate  that  they  were  ordained 
ministers.  Eld.  P.  Clarke,  of  New  Orleans,  was  pres- 
ent as  a  corresponding  messenger  of  the  Mississippi 
Riyer  Association. 

The  Committee  on  Missionary  Effort  reported  the 
following  resolutions,  which  were  adopted: 

^^Besolved,  1,  That  this  association  appoint  an  exe- 
cutive Missionary  Board  consisting  of  a  President, 
Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

^'Resolved,  2,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  this  Board  to 
employ  one  or  more  missionaries  of  unexceptionable 
character.  Baptist  ministers,  and  that  said  missiona- 
ries be  the  authorized  agents  of  this  association,  to 
present  its  claims  as  a  missionary  body,  both  publicly 
and  privately,  and  that  they  receive  contributions  for 
the  support  of  the  Missionary  cause  within  the  asso- 
ciation. 

"Besolved,  3,  That  the  said  missionaries  be  required 
to  report  quarterly  to  the  Board  and  the  Board  annu- 
ally to  the  Association." 


194  HISTORT   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

No  doubt  the  Missionary  Society  formed  the  year 
before  was  abandoned  for  two  reasons.  First,— the 
work  could  be  more  conveniently  conducted  by  the 
association  itself,  without  the  necessity  of  a  second 
general  meeting;  and,  secondly,  the  association  could 
more  effectually  guard  against  the  insidious  opera- 
tions of  those  ministers  who  in  the  character  of  Bap- 
tist ministers  were  more  or  less  openly  propagating 
Campbellism.  The  second  resolution  refers  to  this 
class  of  preachers,  as  does  also  the  following  preamble 
and  resolution  passed  at  this  session: 

"Whereas,  there  are  certain  persons  going  about 
through  the  State  and  the  United  States  calling  them- 
selves Christians  and  practice  immersion  and  fre 
quently  impose  upon   the   community    for   Baptist 
preachers,  but  who  do  not  hold  to  Baptist  doctrines 

"Therefore  be  it  resolved  that  all  the  Baptist  church- 
es in  the  State  and  United  States  are  specially  re^ 
quested  to  record  the  names  of  their  preaching  breth- 
ren in  good  standing,  in  the  minutes  of  their  associa- 
tions, and  that  they  request  their  ministers  to  carry 
with  them  a  copy  of  such  minutes  as  the  best  evidence 
of  their  standing,  and  that  we  recommend  to  all  the 
churches  to  watch  with  scrutinous  care  all  ministers 
who  may  neglect  or  refuse  to  do  so." 

It  was  also  resolved  "That  this  association  recom- 
mend to  the  churches  of  which  it  is  composed  to  take 
measures  to  aid,  as  effectually  as  may  be,  the  Ameri- 
can and  Foreign  Bible  Society  to  give  the  whole  Bi- 
ble faithfully  translated  to  the  whole  world." 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  195 

The  Sabbath-school  work  was  also  commended  to 
the  churches.  The  subject  of  ministerial  education 
and  the  support  of  the  ministry  also  received  the  fa- 
vorable consideration  of  the  body. 

A  committee  on  the  history  of  the  association  read 
for  their  report  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in  the  bounds 
of  the  association  from  their  first  eftbrts  in  this  region 
to  the  present  time.  As  Mr.  Ford  was  one  of  that 
committee  I  presume  the  MS.  from-  which  I  have  so 
often  quoted  is  the  report  reiferred  to. 

A  query  was  presented  by  Bayou  Eouge  Church  in 
regard  to  the  laying  on  of  hands  in  baptism,  and  it 
was  decided  not  to  be  required  by  the  law  of  Christ- 

The  minutes  of  this  year  contain  the  report  of  a 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  churches,  giving  a  de- 
tailed account  of  the  state  of  each,  but  my  copy  is  too 
much  mutilated  to  be  of  any  service. 

[1843.]  The  association  met  with  Antioch  Church, 
near  Big  Woods,  in  the  Parish  of  Calcasieu,  October 
11,  1843.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
B.  C.  Eobert.  Ten  churches  were  represented:  Cal- 
vary (1812),  66;  Beulah  (1816),  324;  Aimwell  (1817), 
45;  Zion  Hill  (1824),  18;  Antioch  (1828),  25;  Amiable, 
(1829),- 34;  Occupy  (1833),  56;  Bayou  Eouge  (1841),  102; 
Spring  Hill  (1841),  51;  Hammock  (1842),  23;  aggregate, 
744. 

The  following  are  named  as  ministers:  B.  C.  Eobert, 
David  D.  Porman,  Isaac  Johnson,  William  S.  Terrell, 
Joseph  Willis,  John  O'Quinn,  Thomas  Eand,  Jr.,  and 
A.  J.  Spencer, 


196  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

E.  L.  Tanner  was  elected  Moderator,  and  J.  S. 
Wright,  Clerk.  The  constitution  was  amended  so 
that  the  Fifth  article  of  the  Powers  of  the  Association 
should  read  as  follows:  "To  admit  any  of  the  visiting 
brethren  in  the  ministry  as  assistants  but  not  to  give 
them  the  privilege  of  voting." 

The  subject  of  ministerial  education.  Sabbath- 
schools,  and  missions  all  received  favorable  considera- 
tion. The  Eeport  on  the  State  of  the  Churches 
presents  the  following  facts : 

Calvary,  is  at  peace  and  in  harmony.  She  has 
had  an  increase  of  eleven.  Elder  O'Quinn  is  pastor. 
She  is  silent  about  Sabbath-schools  and  other  benev- 
olent institutions. 

Beulah,  has  'had  a  season  of  severe  trial.  Her  net 
increase  is  sixty-three.  She  hopes  that  her  purgation 
is  nearly  complete.  She  reports  a  Sunday-school 
and  Bible-class —no  pastor. 

Aimwell,  is  in  harmony  and  love;  has  experienced 
the  loss  of  one.  She  has  no  Sabbath-school — no  pas- 
tor. 

Zion  Hill,  is  feeble  but  united,  and  all  believe  the 
same  thing.  Report  neither  pastor  nor  Sabbath- 
school.     Has  experienced  the  loss  of  three. 

Antioch,  has  no  pastor ;  has  increased  four  in  num- 
ber ;  is  in  order ;  has  no  preacher ;  no  Sabbath-school. 

Occwpy,  is  in  good  order ;  decidedly  missionary,  and 
has  for  pastor  an  old  and  well-beloved  brother  (Jos- 
eph WilUs). 


LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  197 

Bayou  Bouge,  has  had  an  accession  of  forty-three, 
and  appears  to  be  in  order.  Her  letter  not  having 
been  brought,  the  report  is  necessarily  incomplete. 

Spring  Hill,  is  a  missionary  body,  ready  for  every 
good  word  and  work,  and  deeply  engaged  in  the 
spread  of  the  good  news.  She  has  two  preachers — 
no  pastor — a  good  Sabbath-school. 

Amiable,  remained  as  she  was — has  two  ordained 
preachers ;  no  Sabbath-school." 

It  was  resolved  that  the  messengers  inform  their 
constituents  that  it  was  their  privilege  to  aid  Elder 
Joseph  Willis,  who  had  now  grown  old  and  was  needy. 

[1844.]  The  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  at 
Occupy,  on  Ten  Mile  Creek,  Parish  of  Eapides.  My 
file  lacks  the  minute  of  this  year. 

[1845.]  The  association  met  at  Calvary  Church, 
Bayou  Chicot,  St.  Landry  Parish,  October  18th,  1845. 
Twelve  churches  were  represented,  including  Cotile  in 
Eapides,  and  Csesarea,  Calcasieu  Parish,  which  were 
received  the  year  before.  Ordained  ministers:  B.  C. 
Eobert,  G.  A.  Irion,  D.  D.  Forman,  W.  B.  Wilboujn, 
Isaac  Johnson,  "William  S.  Terrell,  Joseph  Willis, 
John  O'Quinn,  Thomas  Eand,  Jr.,  J  D.  Wright  and 
A.  J.  Spencer.  Licentiates,  Peter  Tanner  and  [J.  D.?] 
Harper. 

John  O'Quinn .  preached  the  introductory  sermon. 
Eobert  L.  Tanner  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Peter 
Tanner^  Clerk. 

B.  C.  Eobert  had  been  employed  as  a  missionary 


198  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

and  did  effective  work  during  the  year,  and  the 
same  plan  of  operations  was  continued  for  the  suc- 
ceeding year. 

I  copy  from  the  Eeport  on  the  State  of  the  Church- 
es: 

Calvary,  is  in  peace ;  has  preaching  once  a  month  by 
Eld.  John  O'Quinn ;  has  a  weekly  prayer-meeting ;  no 
Sunday-school;  is  favorable  to  missionary  effort.  The 
members  have  erected  a  good  meeting-house  this  sea- 
son. 

Beulah,  affords  good  evidence  of  the  peculiar  favor 
of  God;  has  a  Bible-class,  prayer-meeting  and  Sab- 
bath-school; no  bishop,  though  preaching  regularly. 

Amiable,  has  experienced  trials;  has  no  Sabbath- 
school  ;  no  bishop,  but  occasional  preaching  by  D.  D. 
Forman.  """ 

Antioch,  is  still  visible;  has  had  some  additions  and 
seems  to  promise  some  usefulness;  reports  no  Sunday- 
school,  no  prayer-meeting  and  no  Bible-class. 

Occupy,  enjoys  peace  and  harmony.  Elder  Joseph 
Willis  is  still  living;  no  Sabbath-school;  has  enjoyed 
the  labors  of  Elder  D.  D.  Forman  occasionally. 

Bayou  Bouge,  is  in  peace;  some  additions;  enjoys 
the  labors  of  Eld.  John  O'Quinn  occasionally;  reports 
no  Sunday-school;  no  Bible-class. 

Hammooh,  expresses  feebleness,  but  humility,  af- 
fording indication  of  better  things;  enjoys  the  labors 
of  Eld.  A.  J.  Spencer  monthly;  reports  no  Sunday- 
school,  no  prayer-meeting. 

Ootile,  not  represented. 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  199 

Gcesarea,  is  in  peace  and  harmony;  no  bishop,  no 
Sabbath-school;  preaching  occasionally  by  Eld.  B.  0. 
Eobert;  some  additions. 

Spring  Sill.— This  church  is  in  peace  and  engaged  in 
the  benevolent  operations  of  the  day ;  reports  weekly 
prayer-meeting  and  Sabbath-school,  and  has  the  pas- 
toral care  of  Thomas  Eand,  Jr.  This  church  has  met 
with  trials,  among  which  is  the  loss  of  W.  P.  Ford  by 
exclusion.  He  was  a  minister  and  was  excluded  on 
the  following  charges :  [These  ■  proceedings  are 
given  in  full  in  Chapter  VII,  and  need  not  be  repeated 
here]. 

Steps  were  taken  to  establish  a  Ministerial  Library 
within  the  Association,  and  Thomas  Eand,  Jr.,  was  ap- 
pointed Librarian  for  one  year. 

Some  discontent  having  arisen  in  regard  to  the  Ar- 
ticles of  Faith,  the  association  recommended  the 
churches  to  examine  the  Articles  of  Faith  of  the  Miss- 
issippi Eiver  Association,  and  to  send  up  delegates 
next  year,  instructed  to  vote  upon  the  question  of 
adopting  them  as  a  substitute  for  those  heretofore 
adopted. 

[1846.]  The  association  met  with  Zion  Hill  Church, 
near  Many,  in  Sabine  Parish,  formerly  a  part  of  Natch- 
itoches Parish,  Oct.  1st  1846.  Ten  churches  were  rep- 
resented. Ordained  ministers:  B.  C.  Eobert,  G.  A.  Ir- 
ion, D.  D.  Forraan,  Isaac  Johnson,  Joseph  Willis,  John 
O'Quinn,  Thomas  Eand,  J.  D.  Wright  and  A.  J.  Spen- 
cer.   Licentiates :  Peter  Tanner  and  E.  A.  Campbell. 


200  HISTORY  OF  LOtnSIANA  BAPTISTS.  , 

The  introductory  was  preached  by  Baynard  0.  Eob- 
ert.  Eobert  L.  Tanner  was  elected  Moderator,  and 
Peter  Tanner,  Clerk. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Abstract  of 
Faith  being  in  favor  of  one  entirely  in  Bible  language, 
B.  C.  Eobert,  Peter  Tanner,  J.  J.  Simmons  and  Basil 
Smith  were  appointed  to  draft  a  constitution  for  the 
inspection  of  the  churches.  This  was  no  doubt  done 
to  hush  the  clamors  of  brethren  of  CampbeUite  ten. 
denciesj  of  brethren  whose  watch- word  was:  "No  creed 
but  the  Bible."  As  Baptists  have  in  all  ages  denied 
any  authority  but  the  Bible  in  matters  of  faith  and 
practice,  it  was  thought  by  some  that  an  Abstract  of 
Faith  in  any  other  than  Scripture  language  was  a  de. 
parture  from  the  ancient  faith.  The  Campbellites 
took  advantage  of  this,  and  urged  that  they  were 
standing  on  original  Baptist  grounds,  and  that  those 
who  defended  Creeds  had  departed  from  the  old  land, 
marks.  This  sophistry  disturbed  the  minds  of  some, 
and  to  meet  it  this  device  was  fallen  upon.  I  give 
the  report  of  the  Committee  as  suqsequently  made,  as 
a  sample  of  what  may  be  done  in  this  line : 

ABSTEAOT  OP  FAITH. 

The  Being  of  Qod. 

1.  But  to  us  there  is  but  one  God,  the  Father,  of 
whom  are  all  things  and  we  by  him.    1  Cor.  8 :  6. 

2.  For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven, 
he  Father,  the  Word  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  these 

'  hree  are  one.    1  John  5 :  7. 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  201 

The  Holy  Scriptures. 

1.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  G-od,  and 
is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for 
instruction  in  righteousness. 

2.  No  prophecy  of  Scripture  is  of  any  private  in- 
terpretation, for  the  prophecy  came  not  in  olden  tima 
by  the  will  of  man;  but  holy  men  of  old  wrote  as  tbey 
were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost.    2  Pet.  1 :  20,  21. 

The  Depravity  of  Man. 

1.  Therefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered  into  the 
world  and  death  by  sin,  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  • 
men  for  that  all  have  sinned.    Eom.  5 :  12. 

2.  And  you  hath  he  quickened  who  were  dead  in 
trespasses  and  in  sins,  wherein  in  times  past  ye  walked 
according  to  the  course  of  this  world,  according  to  the 
prince  of  the  power  of  the  air,  the  spirit  that  now 
worketh  in  the  children  of  disobedience ;  among  whom 
we  all  had  our  conversation  in  times  past,  in  the  lusts 
of  our  flesh  fulfilling  the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the 
mind,  and  were  children  of  wrath  even  as  others. 
Eph.  2:  1-3. 

3.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  shall  no  flesh 
be  justified  in  his  sight,  for  by  the  law  is  the  know- 
ledge of  sin.    Eom,  3 :  20. 

Meetion. 

1,  Elect  according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God  the 
Father,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  unto  obedi- 
ence and  the  sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 
1  Peter  1:  2. 

2.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith;  and 
that  not  of  yourselves;  it  is' the  gift  of  God;  not  of 
works  lest  any  man  should  boast.     For  we  are  his 

14 


202  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

workmansMp  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works, 
which  God  hath  before  ordained  that  we  should  walk 
in  them.    Eph.  2:8-10. 

Justification. 

1.-  Being  freely  justified  by  his  grace  through  the 
•redemption  that  is  Christ  Jesus ;  whom  God  hath  set 
foYth  to  be  a  propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood  to 
declare  his  righteousness  for  the  remission  of  sins  tha 
are  past  through  the  forbearance  of  God.  Kom.  3 :  24- 
25. 

2.  Therefore  being  justified  by  faith  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Rom.  5 :  1. 

Sanctification. 

1.  Sanctify  them  through  thy  truth ;  thy  word  is 
truth.     John  17 :  17. 

2.  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks  always  unto 
God  for  you  brethren,  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because 
God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salvation, 
through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  the  belief  of 
the  truth.    2Thes.2:13. 

The  Safety  of  the  Church. 

1.  My  sheep  hear  my  voice  and  I  know  them  and 
they  follow  me ;  and  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life,  and 
they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck  them 
out  of  my  hands.  My  Father  which  gave  them  me  is 
greater  than  all;  and  no  man  is  able  to  pluck  them  out 
of  my  Father's  hand.    John  10 :  27-29. 

2.  For  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  death,  nor  life, 
nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things 
present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor 
any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from 
the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord^ 
Eom.  8:  38,  39. 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  203 

The  Office  of  Christ. 

■    1.    For  there  is  one  God  and  one  mediator  between 
God  and  man,  the  man  Christ  Jesus.  1  Tim.  2 :  5. 

li.  But  now  hath  he  attained  unto  a  more  excellent 
ministry  by  how  much  also  he  is  the  mediator  of  a  bet- 
ter covenant  which  was  established  on  better  promises. 
Heb.  8 :  6. 

Good  Worlcs. 

1.  Ye  shall  know  them  by  their  fruits.  Do  men 
gather  grapes  of  thorns  or  figs  of  thistles?  Even  so 
every  good  tree  bringeth  forth  good  fruit ;  but  a  cor- 
rupt tree  bringeth  forth  evil  fruit.  A  good  tree  cannot 
bring  forth  evil  fruit;  neither  can  an  evil  tree  bring 
forth  good  fruit.  Every  tree  that  bringeth  not  forth 
good  fruit  is  hewn  down  and  cast  into  the  fire.  Matt. 
li :  16-19. 

Baptism. 

1.  And  he  commanded  the  chariot  to  stand  still,  and 
they  went  down  both  into  the  water,  both  Philip  and 
the  eunuch,  and  he  baptized  him.    Acts  8:  38. 

2.  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in  the  full  as- 
surance of  faith,  having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an 
evil  conscience  and  our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water. 

Heb.  10:  22. 

Church  Discipline. 

Moreover  if  thy  brother  trespass  against  thee,  go  and 
tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone;  and  if 
he  shall  hear  thee  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother,  but 
if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or 
two  more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses 
every  word  may  be  established.  And  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church,  but  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  the  church  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen 
man  and  a  publican.    Matt,  18: 15-17. 


204  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  ara 
gathered  together,  and  my  Spirit  with  tlie  power  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  deliver  sucli  a  one  unto  Satan 
for  the  destruction  of  the  Hesh,  tliat  tlie  Spirit  inay  be 
saved  in  the  day  of  Jesus  (Jlirist      1  Cor.  ."> :  4,  5. 

The  Lord's  Supper. 

1.  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I  de- 
livered unto  you.  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same 
night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread,  and  when 
he  had  given  thanks,  he  broke  it,  and  said.  Take, 
eat:  this  is  my  body,  which  was  broken  for  you,  this 
do  in  remembrance  of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also 
he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup 
is  the  new  testament  in  my  blood.  This  do  ye  as  oft- 
en as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often 
as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  ghow 
the  Lord's  death  until  he  come. 

Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup  of  the  Lord  unworthily  shall  be  guilty  of  the 
body  and  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine 
himself  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of 
that  cup ;  for  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily, 
eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself,  not  discern- 
ing the  Lord's  body.     1  Cor.  11:  23-29. 

Resurrection. 

But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead  and  bccoino 
the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept.  But  every  man  in 
his  own  order.  Christ  the  first  fruits,  afterwards  they 
that  are  Christ's  at  his  coming.    1  Cor.  l.~> :  20-2.'>. 

For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again, 
even  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring 
with  him.    1  Thess.  14 :  14. 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  205 

Judgment. 

1.  Because  he  liath  appointed  a  day  iu  the  which  he 
will  judge  the  world  iu  righteousness  by  that  mau 
whom  he  hath  ordained ;  whereof  he  hath  given  assur- 
ance unto  all  men  iu  that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the 
dead.    Acts  17 :  31. 

2.  And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  be- 
fore Grod ;  and  the  books  were  opened ;  and  another 
book -was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of  life;  and  the 
deaxl  were  judged  out  of  those  things  which  were  writ- 
ten in  the  books,  according  to  their  works.  And  the 
sea  gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in  it;  and  death 
and  hell  delivered  uj)  the  dead  which  were  in  them: 
aud  they  were  judged  every  man  according  to  their 
works,     IJev.  !.'(»:  11',  13. 

The  following  resolutions  on  pastoral  labor  look 
in  the  right  direction  : 

^^Resolved  That  we  do  most  earnestly  advise  the 
brethren  to  take  this  matter  into  consideration  and 
learn  the  will  of  the  Master  on  the  subject,  and 
that  each  church  seek  to  supply  herself  with  a  bishop, 
that  the  pattern  given  in  G-od's  word  may  be  followed 
in  this  as  well  as  iu  other  things. 

^'■Resolved,  That  the  usual  method  of  monthly 
and  occasioual  supply  by  ministers  does  not  come 
up  to  the  Gospel  standard,  nor  does  it  meet  the -wants 
of  the  churches." 

The  Eeport  ou  the  State  of  the  Churches  presents 
the  following  facts : 

Calvary. — This  clnirch  has  increased  iumembers  dur- 
a^ng  the  year.     Her  letter  shows  a  clear  increase  of 


206  HISTOEr    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

nineteen.  She  reports  a  Bible-class  and  enjoys  the 
labors  of  Elder  John  O'Quinn  and  B.  C.  Robert,  the 
former  once  a  month  and  the  latter  twice  a  month. 

Beulah,  has  no  bishop;  enjoys  the  labors  of  B.  C.  Rob- 
ert and  L.  Scofield  each  once  a  month,  and  of  P.  Tan- 
ner, a  licentiate,  and  one  of  her  members.  She  re- 
ports two  Bible-classes;  has  decreased  nine. 

Aimwell,  is  at  peace  but  complains  of  a  want  of  zeal ; 
has  no  pastor,  no  Bible-class,  no  Sunday-school ;  but 
enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  Porman  once  a  month  and 
sometimes  oftener,  and  has  decreased  one. 

Antioch,  has  been  cheered  with  the  smiles  of  the  Di- 
vine Parent,  at  least  to  some  extent.  She  enjoys  the 
labors  of  Elder  Porman  once  a  month,  and  has  in  - 
creased  three. 

Zion  Hill,  is  at  peace,  and  brotherly  love  abounds ; 
enjoys  the  labors  of  brother  E.  A.  Campbell,  one  of 
her  own  members  and  a  licentiate,  but  complains  of 
coldness;  has  increased  three. 

Occupy,  complains  of  the  want  of  zeal ;  but  is  sensi- 
ble that  the  cause  of  that  want  is  themselves  They 
enjoy  the  labors  of  Eld.  D.  D.  Porman  once  a  month, 
and  the  pastoral  care  of  that  aged  brother,  Elder  Jo- 
seph Willis;  has  decreased  three. 

Amiable,  has  been  favored  with  some  seasons  of  pre- 
cious enjoyment,  and  the  Lord  has  added  to  her  mem- 
bers. They  enjoy  peace  and  harmony,  and  are  all 
walking  in  the  truth ;  has  a  Bible-class  and  Sabbath- 
school;  no  pastor,  but  has  enjoyed  the  occasional  la-» 

f 


LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  207 

bors  of  Elders  Wright  and  Spencer;  has  increased 
two  and  is  in  favor  of  missionary  effort. 

Hammock,  complains  of  coldness,  which  she  laments; 
but  is  not  willing  as  heretofore  to  bear  all  the  blame, 
inasmuch  as  she  is  poor  and  lacks  ministerial  labors ; 
and  requests  that  all  the  brethren  would  pray  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  out  more  laborers  into  the 
harvest ;  has  enjoyed  the  occasional  labors  of  Elder 
Spencer  and  been  visited  by  Elder  Wright;  has  in- 
creased one. 

Bayou  Bouge  has  not  sent  up  any  delegate,  but  has 
forwarded  a  letter  with  the  following  information :  She 
enjoys  the  pastoral  labors  of  Elder  O'Quinn  statedly ; 
is  in  peace  and  has  had  forty-five  added  to  her  mem- 
bers; clear  increase  two,  having  dismissed  forty-one; 
and  aids  in  conducting  a  Union  Sunday-school. 

Spring  Hill,  is  diligently  engaged  in  the  Master's 
cause;  enjoys  His  smiles  and  is  blest  with  peace;  has 
a  Sabbath-school,  Bible-class  and  weekly  prayer-meet- 
ing, and  comes  together  according  to  the  Gospel  eveiy 
first  day  of  the  week,  and  being  desirous  to  aid  in 
spreadiag  the  Gospel,  contributes  to  several  benevolent 
institutions.  Their  pastor.  Elder  Eand,  is  in  bad  health; 
his  labors  are  suspended.  He  has  been  a  blessing  to 
them.  They  have  enjoyed  the  occasional  labors  of 
Elders  Wright,  Spencer  and  others. 

Gotile  and  Ocesarea  were  not  represented. 
[184:7.]    The  association  met   with  Bayou  Rouge 
Church,  Avoyelles  Parish,  September  30,  1847.    Thir- 


208  HISTORY   OF   LOTJISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

teen  cliurches  were  represented,  including  Bayou  de  , 
Glaize  Churcli,Avoyelles  Parish,  and  Big  Cane,  St.  Lan- 
dry, which  were  received.  The  former  was  constituted 
in  1845,  and  the  latter  in  1846.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  John  O'Quinn.  J.  D.  Wright  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  Peter  Tanner,  Clerk. 

The  Eeport  on  the  State  of  the  Churches  indicates  a 
general  prosperity ;  total  membership,  894. 

The  Abstract  of  Faith  presented  last  year  was  re- 
jected, and  the  original  articles  amended  by  the  alter- 
ation of  the  3d  and  4th  articles  so  as  to  read  thus : 

"3d.  We  believe  in  the  fall  of  Adam  and  the 
uheritauce  of  his  sin  by  all  his  posterity;  in  the 
total  depravity  of  human  nature  and  man's  inability 
to  restore  himself  to  the  favor  of  G-od." 

^'  4th.  We  believe  in  the  everlasting  love  of  God  to 
his  people^  that  he  chose  them  in  Christ,  before  the 
world  began." 

These  changes  were  adopted  subject  to  the  approv- 
al of  the  churches.  In  the  third  article  I  suppose 
tliey  use  the  term  sin,  not  to  mean  the  personal 
guilt  of  Adam,  but  only  his  sinful  nature. 

A  communication  was  received  fi'om  Salem  Church, 
at  Duncan  Woods,  in  the  State  of  Texas,  containing 
the  following  queries: 

1st.  "Is  it  right  for  a  lay-member  or  deacon  to  bap- 
tize by  order  of  the  church? 

2d.  "Is  it  right  for  a  deacon  to  administer  the 
Lord's  Supper  in  llie  absence  of  the  minister." 


LOUISIANA    ASSOCIATIOl^.  209 

These  questions  were  answered  in  the  negative,  for 
the  reason  that  "when  officers  are  designated  to  per- 
form certain  duties,  none  who  are  not  so  designated 
ought  to  perform  such  duties."  But  if  the  ordinances 
belong  to  the  church,  may  she  not  authorize  any  of  her 
members  to  perform  them"*  The  ordination  of  a  minis- 
ter is  only  the  public  recognition  df  the  authority  con- 
ferred by  the  church,  to  authenticate  his  acts  abroad. 
It  has,  therefore,  usually  been  held,  that  in  the  absence 
of  an  ordained  minister,  the  church  may  authorize 
any  suitable  layman  or  deacon  to  administer  the  ordi- 
nances. 

The  ordained  ministers  of  the  body  are  given  as  fol- 
lows: Joseph  Willis,  Sr.,  Lorenzo  Schofleld,  Wm.  A.. 
Robert,  J.  D,  Wright,  Gr.  A,  Irion,  A.  J.  Spencer, 
Thomas  Band,  Jr.,  John  O'Quinn,  B.  C.  Eobert,  E.  A. 
Campbell  and  H.  D.  F.  Eoberts. 

[1848.]  The  association  met  with  the  Beulah  Church, 
at  Cheneyviile,  September  30, 1848.  Seven  churches 
were  represented,  aggregating  a  membershixj  of  six 
hundred  and  eighty-five.  Tlie  introductory  was 
preached  by  A.  J.  Spencer.  J.  D .  Wright  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  Peter  Tanner,  Clerk. 

The  state  of  the  churches  was  the  subject  of  the  fol- 
lowing report : 

Calvary^  has  had  severe  trials  during  the  past  year; 
a  decrease  of  ten  members  during  the  year;  enjoys  the 
labors  of  Elder  B.  C.  Eobert  twice  a  month,  and  is  en- 
gaged in  a  Union  Sunday-school. 


210  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Beulah,  at  Oheneyville,  is  in  peace;  has  a  Bible- 
class  and  Sunday-school.  Elder  A.  J.  Spencer  is  her 
bishop.    Her  increase  since  last  year  is  twenty-two. 

Antioch,  at  Big  Wood,  reports  little  improvement ; 
has  no  Sunday-school,  no  Bible  class;  but  enjoys  the 
stated  labors  of  Elder  D.  D.  Fonnan.  Increase  last 
year,  five  members. 

Amiable,  at  Big  Spring,  is  grateful  for  past  service; 
is  in  peace  and  enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  B.  C.  Kob- 
ert,  monthly;  has  a  prayer-meeting  and  a  Bible-class. 

Bayou  Rouge,  at  Bayou  Eouge,  has  a  prayer-meet- 
ing—no Sunday-school  or  bishop;  decrease  twenty- 
flve. 

Spring  Hill,  at  Spring  Hill,  has  experienced  some 
trials;  has  a  weekly  prayer-meeting  and  has  decreased 
thirteen;  enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  B.  C.  Kobert. 

Big  Cane,  at  Big  Cane,  has  had  many  and  severe 
trials;  increase  during  the  year,  two;  has  the  monthly 
labors  of  John  O'Quinn. 

Hammocle,  Cmsarea,  Cotile,  Occupy,  and  Bayou  de 
Qlaize  were  not  represented. 

In  answer  to  a  query  from  Spring  Hill  Church,  it 
was  '■'■Resolved,  That  the  14th  verse  of  the  18th  chap- 
ter of  Leviticus  is  a  part  of  the  civil  law  of  the  He- 
brews, and  is  not  of  moral  obligation  upon  the  Gen- 
tiles or  binding  upon  the  Christian  Church;  and  that 
the  marriage  of  a  deceased  uncle's  wife  is  not  forbid- 
den in  Scripture;  and  that  we  advise  the  church  in  this 
case  to  be  governed  by  the  State  law." 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  211 

The  aged  brother  Willis  was  remembered  in  the 
contributions  of  the  delegates. 

[1849.]  The  associati6u  met  with  Bayou  Rouge 
Church,  October  4th,  1849.  Introductory  by  B.  C. 
Eobert.  Elder  John  O'Quinn  was  elected  Moderator, 
and  R.  H.  Jackson,  Clerk.  All  the  churches  having 
approved  the  amendments  to  the  Articles  of  Faith, 
they  were  adopted  by  the  association. 

The  following  is  the  Report  on  the  State  of  the 
Churches : 

"We  deem  it  unnecessary  to  enter  into  details  upon 
this  subject,  as  the  letters  from  the  different  churches 
show  a  lamentable  uniformity  in  their  present  condi- 
tion. There  prevails  throughout  the  association  a 
want  of  interest  distressing  to  think  of.  AU  energy, 
devotion  and  zeal  seem  to  have  departed  altogether, 
or  to  have  been  merged  into  the  avocations  of  life. 
While  our  ears  occasionally  are  greeted  by  the  tidings 
of  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  other 
portions  of  "Sunny  South,"  there  reigns  within  the 
bounds  of  our  association  the  inactivity  of  death. 
True,  some  two  or  three  churches  report  a  small  in- 
crease, but  the  number  baptized  in  the  churches  rep- 
resented, during  the  associational  year,  is  so  small, 
that  it  is  sufflcient  to  arouse  every  church  and  every 
member  from  their  lethargy  and  awaken  the  dread 
apprehension  that  the  candle-sticks  may  be  removed. 

B.  C.  Robert,  Chairman." 

There  was  no  change  in  the  list  of  ordained  minis- 
ters—Daniel Willis  is  reported  as  a  licentiate.  He  is 
a  grand-son  of  Joseph  Willis.    He  has  long  been  an 


212  HISl'ORY   01*   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

effective  minister  of  this  assoeiatioii.     For  some  years 
past  he  has  been  entirely  blind. 

[1850.]  The  session  of  ISoO  was  held  with  Antioch 
Church,  in  the  Parish  of  Calcasieu,  and  met  on  the  3d 
of  October.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder 
D.  D.  Forman.  John  O'Quinn  was  elected  Modera- 
tor, and  J.  E.  McBride,  Clerk.  The  aggregate  mem- 
bership reported  was  737.  ^"^o  business  of  importance 
beyond  the  ordinary  routine  was  transacted. 

•  [1851.]  The  session  of  1851  was  held  with  Big  Cane 
Church,  in  the  Parish  of  St.  Landry.  Twelve  churches 
were  represented,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of 
815,  being  a  net  gain  of  thirty  during  the  year.  Most 
of  this  gain  was  in  one  churcL,  Spring  Hill.  The  in- 
troductory was  preached  by  L.  Scofield,  who  was 
afterward  elected  Moderator,  with  K.  L.  Tanner, 
Clerk. 

A  feature  of  the  Louisiana  Association  was  the  ac- 
cumulation of  a  library  for  the  use  of  her  ministers. 
The  report  of  this  year  shows  twenty  volumes  in  tlie 
library,  which  had  been  judiciously  selected. 

[1852.]  Tiie  association  met  with  Bayou  Eouge 
Church,  Parish  of  Avoyelles,  October  1st,  1852. 
The  introductory  was  preached  by  H.  J.  Spencer, 
who  was  afterward  elected  Moderator,  witli  John 
0'Quinn,^lerk.  Elder  N.  IL  Bray  was  present  as  a 
messenger  of  Sabine  Association,  and  Elder  Z.  Wor- 
ley,  as  a  visitor.  Twelve  churches  were  represented, 
aggregating  a  membership  of  849,  a  net  gain  during 
the  year  of  22. 


LOtllSIAlSrA   ASSOCIATIOX.  213 

The  following  extract  shows  the  state  of  the 
churches : 

Calvary,  complains  of  coldness,  but  has  an  in- 
teresting Union  Sabbath-school,  presided  over  by 
Mr.  Cushman  ;  has  the  pastoral  care  of  B.  C.  Robert. 

Beulali,  complains  of  lukewarmuess;  has  an  in- 
teresting Union  Sabbath  school  and  has  the  labor  of 
A.  J.  Spencer;  has  decreased,  and  although  the 
largest  church  in  the  association,  is  cojaposed  mostly 
of  colored  members. 

Antioch — not  represented.  Their  letter  came  to 
hand  by  Elder  Willis,  apprising  us  of  the  delicate 
health  of  their  pastor,  D.  D.  Forman,  asking  for  the 
prayers  of  the  brethren  in  his  behalf. 

Amiable,  has  no  pastor,  but  has  a  prayer-meeting 
and  a  Sunday-school. 

Bayou  Rouye,  has  no  stated  preaching. 

Springfield,  has  no  pastor,  but  shows  an  increase  of 
24  colored  members  from  missionary  labors ;  ^Jk^s 
only  twenty-six  white  members,  who  are  much  scat- 
tered. 

Occupy,  shows  a  small  increase ;  enjoys  the  preach- 
ing of  Elder  D.  H.  Willis. 

Big  Cane,  has  no  pastor,  but  has  preaching  by  Elder 
John  O'Quinn  occasionally;  has  a  Union  Sunday- 
school  ;  complains  of  the  loss  of  her  deacons  by  ex- 
clusion. 

Bayou  de  Olaize — not  represented. 

Aimwell^not  represented. 


214  HISTORY   OF  LOTJISIAKA   BAPTISTS. 

CcBsarea,  enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  D.  H.  Willis; 
has  had  a  refreshing  season,  with  an  increase. 

Gotele — not  represented. 

The  association  seconds  the  movement  of  the  State 
<3onvention  to  establish  a  school  of  high  grade,  in 
the  following  preamble  and  resolutions  : 

"i  Whereas,  our  brethren  of  sister  association  in 
the  northern  part  of  our  State  are  agitating  the  pro- 
priety and  practicability  of  establishing  an  academy 
or  college  of  high  order,  to  be  under  the  supervision 
of  the  Baptists,  having  for  its  object  not  only  the 
education  of  the  children  and  youth  of  the  State, 
but  also  to  embrace  a  department  where  young  men 
of  promising  abilities  may  pursue  a  course  of  study 
as  preparatory  to  the  ministry.  And,  whereas,  our 
brethren  of  other  States  are  setting  us  laudable  ex- 
amples in  the  establishing  such  literary  institutions 
as  enable  them  to  educate  their  children  and  supply 
their  churches  with  an  intelligent  ministry.  There- 
fore: 

"  Resolved,  that  the  subject  of  this  report  is  worthy 
of  our  most  serious  consideration  as  a  means  of  ex- 
tending our  usefulness  as  a  denomination,  and  de- 
mands our  liberal  support. . 

"  Resolved,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  as- 
certain the  desires  of  our  brethren  in  the  northern 
part  of  our  State  upon  the  subject  of  a  convention, 
and  report  to  the  next  annual  meeting  of  this  associ- 
ation." 

Among  those  who  filled  the  pulpit  during  the 
meeting  was  the  venerable  Father  Willis,  said  to  be 
ninety-four  years  old. 


liOTTISIAKA   ASSOCIATION.  gl5 

[1853.]  The  association  met  in  1853  with  the  church 
called  Occupy,  on  Ten  Mile  Greek.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  John  O'Quihn.  E.  L.  Tanner 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  H.  Butler,  Clerk.  The 
table  of  statistics  shows  a  decrease  during  the  year. 
The  following  extract  shows  the  state  of  the 
churches : 

"From  the  tenor  of  the  letters  from  the  several 
churches,  the  painful  fact  is  too  obvious  that  dearth 
and  coldness  prevail  *  #  *  *.  Prom  reading 
the  letters  your  committee  observe  that  the  pastoral 
office  is  a  thing  almost  unknown  among  us.  li^ot  a 
single  preacher  is  fully  sustained,  so  as  to  devote  his 
time  wholly  to  ministration  of  the  word.  Only  four 
churches  mention  their  Sunday-schools.  Only  two 
have  preaching  oftener  than  once  a  month. 

"In  view  of  the  deplorable  condition  of  the 
churches  the  association  recommends  the  brethren 
'to  meet  regularly  on  the  Lord's  day  at  their  respec- 
tive places  of  worship,  whether  they  have  preaching 
or  not,  for  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  for  prayer 
and  praise ;  that  they  labor  to  obtain  pastors,  and  con. 
tribute  to  their  support  in  whole  or  in  part  as  the 
Lord  may  prosper  them.'" 

The  ordained  ministers  are  given  as  follows :  B 
C.  Robert,  D.  D.  Forman,  Joseph  Willis,  Sr.,  John 
O'Quinn,  D.  C.  McOalley,  William  A.  Robert  and 
Daniel  H.  Willis. 

[1854.J  The  association  met  in  1854  with  the 
mother  church,  Calvary,  Bayou  Chicot,  in  the  Parish 
of  St.  Landry.     The  introductory  was  preached  by 


216  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

D.  D.  Formal!,  who  was  afterwards  chosen  Modera- 
tor, and  Thomas  Kand,  jr..  Clerk.  The  Bayou  Clear 
Church  was  received,  and  Elder  Mason  Harper  was 
recognized  as  one  of  her  delegates.  The  report  on 
the  state  of  the  churches  shows  a  somewhat  improved 
state  of  things,  though  much  is  still  to  deplore.  The 
name  of  Elder  W.  H.  Richards  oceurs  for  the  first 
time  in  conuecticn  with  Occupy.  Church.  The  as- 
sociation paid  a  suitable  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
Joseph  Willis,  who  died  September  14th,  1854,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety-two. 

[1855.]  Tne  next  meeting  was  held  with  AntiocU 
Church,  at  D'Arbonne,  October  4th,  1855.  B.  C. 
Robert  preached  the  introductory.  Fifteen  churches 
were  represented,  including  Mount  -Pleasant  and 
Grand  Chenier,  which  were  constituted  this  year. 
With  the  last  named  church  was  also  received  a 
valuable  accession  to  the  ministry.  Elder  E.  B. 
Carter,  who  had  been  an  active  pioneer  preacher  in 
Arkansas,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Saline  As' 
sociation  in  that  State,  had  settled  the  year  before  on 
Bayou  Jaques,  and  the  Grand  Chenier  Church  was 
gathered  by  his  labors.  R.  L.  Tanner  was  elected 
Moderator  and  Thomas  Rand,  jr.,"Clerk.  A  few  of 
the  churches  had  enjoyed  a  revival,  but  most  of  them 
were  but  little  improved  and  some  had  retrograded. 
The  Committee  on  Obituaries  noticed  the  following 
ministers  as  having  died  since  1847 :  George  A. 
Irion,  J.  D.  Wright  and  P.  W.  Robert.    From  the  re- 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  2l7 

port  on  missions  it  appears  that  W.  A.  Eobert  did 
efficient  service  as  a  missionary  this  year. 

[1856.]  The  meeting  of  1856  was  with  Big  Cane 
Church,  Parish  of  St.  Landry.  D.  D.  Forman  preach- 
ed the  introductory.  Fifteen  churches  were  repres- 
ented, reporting  668  members,  a  decrease  of  one  hun- 
dred and  one  during  the  year.  This  was  due  to  the 
large  number  dropped.  Beulah  Church  alone  drop- 
ped two  hundred  and  thirty-four.  These  were  chiefly 
colored  members,  who  had  perhaps  changed  owners 
and  could  not  be  accounted  for. 

[1857.]    The  association  met  with  Amiable  Church, 
on  Big  Spring  Creek,  in  the  Parish  of  Eapides,  Octo- 
ber 1st,  1857.    The  report  on  the  churches  shows  an 
increase  of  fifty-six  members.    John  O'Quinn  preach- 
ed  the  introductory.    D.  D.  Forman  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Thomas  Band,  Clerk.     Some  of  the 
churches   had   been   revived.    This  was  especially 
true  of  Bayou  de  Glaize  Church,  which  had  during 
the  year  erected  a  handsome  church  edifice  and  set- 
tled W.  A.  Eobert  as  pastor.    I  quote  from  the 
printed  manual  of  this  church  the  following  facts  in 
regard  to  that  church:    "The  Baptist  church  on 
Bayou  de  Glaize  was  constituted  August  the  9th, 
1845,  with  twenty  members.    She  then  enjoyed  the 
labors  of  brother  Lorenzo   Schofield.    Since  1846, 
having  no  house  of  worship  and  only  casual-  preach- 
ing, the  church  retrograded.    In  1856  the  members, 
with  the  assistance  of  a  liberal  community,  erected  a 
15 


218  HISTOBT   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

suitable  house  of  worship.  In  1857  they  employed 
William  A.  Eobert  as  pastor,  under  whose  care  they 
have  been  signally  blest."  Among  the  names  of  its 
members  I  recognize  the  leading  persons  of  that  sec- 
tion, and  among  them  the  Hon.  William  F.  Griffin, 
who  was  at  one  time  President  of  the  Senate  of 
Louisiana. 

It  was  resolved  by  the  association  "that  we  heart- 
ily approve  of  the  efforts  and  objects  of  the  Louis- 
iana Baptist  State  Convention,  and  that  we  send  mes- 
sengers to  their  next  session." 

[1858.]  The  meeting  of  the  association  was  held 
in  1858  with  the  Bayou  de  Glaize  Church,  but  I  have 
no  minute  of  this  tuession. 

[1859.]  The  association  met  in  1859  with  Aimwell 
Church,  Parish  of  Calcasieu.  D.  H.  Willis  preached 
the  introductory.  E.  L.  Tanner  was  elected  Moder- 
ator, and  E.  K.  Branch,  Clerk.  Eighteen  churches 
were  represented,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of 
904,  being  an  increase  during  the  year  of  96.  Among 
the  additions  to  the  ministry  of  this  section  I  note  the 
names  of  W.  W.  Crawford,  who  had  removed  from 
Minden  and  become  pastor  at  Bayou  Eouge,  also 
Basil  Smith,  who  had  been  recently  ordained.  The 
churches  generally  were  in  a  healthy  condition. 

[I860.]    The  association  met  this  year  with  the 
Bayou  Eouge  Church  but  I  have  no  minute  of  this 
meeting. 
[1861,]    The  association  met  with  Antioch  Church 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  219 

Calcasieu  Parish.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  W.  0.  Boone.  W.  W.  Crawford  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  W.  C.  Boone,  Clerk.  Twenty 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  ninety  bap- 
tisms and  1090  members. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION— CONTINUED. 

This  brings  us  to  the  period  of  the  war,  when  the 
field  of  this  association  was  traversed  by  opposed 
armies.  Most  of  the  members  of  the  churches  were 
large  slave-holders,  and  refugeed  with  their  slaves  to 
Texas.  Thus  most  of  the  churches  were  for  a  time 
broken  up.  There  were  regular  meetings  of  the 
association,  but  the  minutes  were  not  published  from 
1862  until  1866. 

[1863.]  I  have  the  MS.  minutes  of  1863,  furnished 
by  the  Clerk,  Elder  W.  C.  Boone.  This  year  the 
meeting  was  held  at  Gheneyville.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  W.  M.  Fancher.  W.  J.  Morris 
was  elected  Moderator  and  W.  0.  Boone,  Clerk. 
Five  churches  only  were  represented — Calvary, 
Beulah,  Bayou  Eouge,  Mt.  Olivet  and  Pine  Grove. 
The  followings  is  the  Report  on  the  State  of  the 
Churches : 

"Owing  to  the  distracted  state  of  our  country 
your  committee  can  make  only  a  very  partial  report, 
only  four  letters  having  been  received." 

Calvary,  seems  to  be  in  rathera  lukewarm  state ; 
has  the  monthly  labors  of  Elder  B.  0.  Robert,  and 
has  decreased  one.    Total  60. 

Beulah,  seems  to  be  deeply  afflicted  by  the  recent 
death  of  one  of  her  most  faithful  members,  but  is 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  221 

doing  well  otlierwise.  She  still  has  the  regular 
pastoral  labors  of  Elder  T.  Lansdell.  Increase  4 ; 
total  U5. 

Bayou  Rouge,  appears  prosperous.  She  has  the 
mioisterial  labors  of  Elder  W.  W.  Crawford  twice  a 
month,  and  those  of  brethren  O'Qainn  and  Boone 
occasionally.    Her  increase  is  sixteen — total  122. 

Mt.  Olivet,  is  prosperous.  She  has  the  ministe- 
rial labors  of  Elder  W.  M.  Fancher.  Has  increased 
sixteen;  total  40. 

Most  of  the  session  of  the  body  was  taken  up  in  a 
wrangle  over  the  conduct  of  Pine  Grove  Church  in 
receiving  an  excluded  member  of  Antioch  Church- 
The  following  is  given  as  the  list  of  ordained  minis- 
ters of  that  year :  B.  C  Eobert,  Bayou  Chicot ; 
John  O'Quinn,  Evergreen;  W.  W.  Crawford,  Ever- 
green; W.  0.  Boone,  Evergreen;  E.  B.  Carter,  Big 
Cane ;  L.  Schofield,  Cheney  ville ;  T.  Lansdell,  Cheney- 
ville;W.  A.  Robert,  Cotele;  D.  H.  Willis,  Lucky 
Hit;  W.  S.  Terrell,  Hinestou;  D.  D.  Porman,  Ballou's 
Ferry;  W.  M.  Fancher,  Big  Cane;  W.  Manning, 
Abbeville;  W.  B.  Knight,  Abbeville. 

[1864.]  The  body  adjourned  to  meet  with  Bayou 
Rouge  Church,  Avoyelles  Parish,  on  Saturday  be- 
fore the  first  Lord's  day  in  October,  but  I  have  no 
uiinnte  of  this  session. 

[1866.]  My  next  minute  is  for  the  year  1866.  This 
year  the  Association  met  with  Amiable  Church, 
Rapides  Parish.    The  introductory  was  preached  by 


222  HISTORY    OP   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Elder  W.  W.  Crawford.  B.  L.  Tanner  was  elected 
Moderator  and  Elder  Thomas  Lansdell,  Clerk. 
Eight  churches  were  represented— Cavalry,  Benlah, 
Occupy,  Amiable,  Bayou  Eouge,  Bayou  de  Glaize,  Big 
Cane  and  Mt.  Olivet— reporting  a  membership  of  520. 
The  Eeport  on  the  State  of  the  Churches  says: 

"  The  churches  of  this  Association,  with  few  excep- 
tions, are  in  a  deplorable  condition.  We  have  the 
names  of  twenty -two  churches  oh  our  minutes;  of 
that  number  there  are  ten  which  have  visibility  and 
twelve  are  extinct." 

Calvary,  is  doing  well  and  reports  an  increase 
of  members.  Elder  W.  M.  Pancher  has  ministered 
to  them  during  the  past  year. 

Beulah,  is  prospering  under  the  faithful  labors  of 
Elder  Thomas  Lansdell. 

Amiable,  is  doing  well  under  the  care  of  Elder  D. 
H.  Willis. 

Antiocli,  is  going  forward  under  the  guidance  of 
Elder  D.  D.  Porman. 

Occupy,  is  barely  alive,  without  preaching,  prayer- 
meeting  or  Sabbath-school. 

Mt.  Olivet,  is  doing  well,  but  at  present  without  a 
pastor. 

Bayou  Rouge,  is  still  enjoying  the  pastoral  care  of 
Elder  W.  W.  Crawford,  and  is  doing  well. 

Big  Cane,  is  doing  well,  and  is  supplied  by  Elder 
W.  W.  Crawford. 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  223 

Bayou  de  Glaize,  is  in  a,  prosperous  condition,  and 
has'employed  Elder  W.  M.  Fancher  as  pastor. 

SoUy  Grove,  is  without  preaching  at  present.   ' 

Good  Hope — has  no  preaching  and  holds  no  con- 
ference meetings. 

Cotele,  Gcesarea,  Bayou  Clear,  Pine  Grove,  Onion, 
Johnson's  Bayou,  Lower  Vermillion  and  Alexandria, 
have  all  dissolved  and  are  extinct.  Elm  Bayou  in- 
tends to  dissolve  and  return  to  Calvary  Church. 

After  the  war,  freedmen  came  under  the  influence 
of  political  adventurers  from  the  northern  States. 
Their  religious  meetings  were  little  more  than  polit- 
ical gatherings,  and  their  churches  were  converted 
into  political  clubs.  In  many  of  them,  not  to  belong 
to  the  Eepublican  party  was  considered  a  good  cause 
of  exclusion.  Under  these  circumstances  many 
churches  and  brethren,  in ,  a  spirit  of  resentment, 
favored  the  abandonment  of  the  colored  population 
to  their  new  masters.  But  the  association  wisely  re- 
commended "that  each  church  should,  as  in  former 
years,  instruct  the  colored  population  in  spiritual 
matters,  according  to  its  own  discretion.  As  to  the 
policy  of  organizing  separate  African  churches,  we 
would  not  presume  to  advise ;  but  that  each  church 
be  the  judge  of  the  best  policy  to  be  pursued." 

I  note  the  following  changes  in  the  ministry.  J. 
G.  Lothrop  had  settled  at  Big  Cane,  and  E.  F.  Fan- 
cher at  Ballou's  Perry.  The  former  came  from  New 
Orleans,  the  latter  from  Claiborne  Parish.    Thomas 


224  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Band  had  returned.  W.  A.  Eobert  had  refugeed  to 
Texas  and  died  there.  D.^D.  Forman  also  went  to 
Texas.  The  names  of  Terrell,  Manning  and  Knight 
disappear,  but  I  do  not  know  what  became  of  them. 
W.  W.  Crawford  and  John  O'Quinn  remained  at 
Evergreen,  Thomas  Lansdell  at  Oheneyville,  and  W. 
M.  Fancher,  after  laboring  successfully  as  an  evan- 
gelist for  some  time,  settled  as  pastor  at  Bayou  de 
Glaize.  W.  Q.  Boone  became  professor  of  languages 
in  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  and  removed  thither. 

[1867.]  The  association  met  in  1867  with  the 
church  at  Bayou  de  Glaize,  in  the  Parish  of  Avoyel- 
les. Thomas  Lansdell  preached  the  introductory. 
Dr.  B.  W.  Blakewood  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
Elder  Thomas  Lansdell,  Clerk.  The  committee  on 
the  State  of  the  Churches  says :  "  We  deeply  re- 
gret the  sad  state  of  many  of  our  churches,  mani- 
fested by  the  absence  of  their  messengers.  Two  of 
the  churches  have  ceased  to  exist,  and  several  others 
have  failed  to  meet  with  us  by  delegates  or  by  letter. 
These  things  tell  us  plainly  their  condition.  A  few, 
however,  are  up  and  doing. 

Calvary,  is  holding  her  stated  meetings  twice  a 
month ;  has  had  no  revival;  has  a  membership  of  76 
— a  decrease  of  eight  since  last  year.  Elder  John 
O'Quinn  is  her  supply. 

Beulah,  is  in  order,  with  a  well-conducted  Sabbath- 
school  and  a  membership  of  fifty-three.  She  reports 
additions  but  no  revival.  Elder  Thomas  Lansdell  is 
her  pastor,  preaching  every  Lord's  day. 


tOUISIANA  ASSOOIATIOlJ^i  225 

Antioch,  is  in  order,  with  a  Sabbati-scliool  and 
prayer-meeting,  but  reports  no  additions.  Elder  E. 
F.  Fancher  is  her  pastor. 

Amiable,  is  [in  order,  with  two  Sabbath-schools, 
and  reports  seven  baptized.  Elder  D.  H.  Willis  is 
her  supply. 

Bayou  de  Olaisie,  is  also  in  order,  with  a  Sabbath- 
school  and  prayer-meeting.  She  reports  seven  bap- 
tized, with  cheering  prospects.  Elder  W.  M.  Fan- 
cher is  her  pastor,  preaching  every  Lord's  day  and 
once  a  month  to  the  colored  members. 

Spring  Mill,  has  revived  her  conference  meetings, 
and  still  wishes  the  fostering  care  of  the  association. 

Antioch,  was  dismissed,  and  Hollg  Grove  and  Aim 
well  are  reported  extinct. 

I  make  the  following  extract  from  the  report  on 
missions  in  reference  to  the  field  occupied  by  the  as- 
sociation: "It  extends  from  Alexandria  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  120  miles  north  and  south.  From  east  to 
west  it  extends  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Calcasieu 
rivbr,  one  hundred  miles,  including  an  area  of  nearly 
twelve  thousand  square  miles,  equal  to  more  than 
one-fourth  of  the  State.  It  includes  twelve  parishes, 
large  portions  of  seven  more,  and  contains  according 
to  the  last  census,  a  population  of  210,000  souls. 
Situated  in  this  large  territory  is  our  little  associa- 
tion, numbering  eleven  churches,  six  ministers  and 
about  four  hundred  members;  or  one  church  to 
every  twenty  thousand  souls ;  one  minister  to  every 


226  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

thirty-five  thousand,  and  one  member  to  every  525." 

The  six  ministers  were  John  O'Quinn,  L.  Scho- 
field,  Wm.  M.  Paticher,  Thomas  Lansdell,  D.  H. 
Willis  and  Thomas  Band. 

[1868.]  The  association  met  with  Amiable  Church, 
Parish  of  Eapides,  in  1868.  John  O'Quinn  preached 
the  introductory.  B.  W.  Blakewood  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  B.  K.  Branch,  Clerk.  Six  churches 
were  represented,  reporting  two  hundred  members 
and  six  churches  not  represented.  No  change  in  the 
ministry. 

[1869.]  The  association  met  with  Bayou  Eouge 
Church,  in  the  Parish  of  Avoyelles,  September  30th, 
1869.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Elder  W.  M.  Fancher.  Dr.  B.  W.  Blakewood  was 
elected  Moderator,and  Elder  Thomas  Lansdell,  Clerk. 
Seven  churches  were  represented,  reporting  sixty- 
one  baptisms  and  a  total  membership  of  398. 

The  Eeport  on  the  State  of  the  Churches  was  as 
follows : 

Bayou  de  Olaize,  has  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder 
W.  M.  Fancher ;  has  two  Sabbath-schools,  reports 
an  increase  of  twenty-seven  and  a  revival  feeling. 

Beulah,  is  yet  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder 
Thomas  Lansdell,  and  is  in  peace.  Beports  the  death 
of  our  much-esteemed  brother,  Deacon  B.  L.  Tanner, 
whose  praise  is  in  all  the  churches  of  this  associa- 
tion.   Nothing  cheering.    Has  a  Sunday-school.      ^ 

Amiaile,  sends  up  cheering  news.    She  has  been 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  227 

revived  and  quite  a  number  has  been  added  by  bap- 
tism, and  still  a  deep  interest  felt.  Has  two  Sabbath- 
schools  in  operation,  and  six  of  the  late  conversions 
were  from  the  pupils.  Elder  D.  H.  Willis,  though 
blind  and  otherwise  deeply  afflicted,  still  preaches  to 
this  church  as  her  supply. 

Spring  Hill,  This  little  church  has  long  been  with- 
out preaching,  holding  no  conference  meetings.  Of 
late,  however,  they  have  enjoyed  a  time  of  refresh- 
ing. The  spark  has  had  fuel  added,  and  fanned  by 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  They  report  an  addition  of 
twelve  to  their  number.  Have  no  pastor  or  stated 
supply,  and  only  occasional  visits  from  Elder  Willis 
and  Brother  Smith.  Eeport  a  flourishing  Sabbath- 
school. 

Bayou  Bouge,  reports  nothing  cheering.  Has  had 
neither  pastoral  care  or  conference  meetings,  until 
of  late  they  are  taking  steps  to  supply  the  pulpit, 
and  call  as  their  pastor.  Elder  E.  P.  Pancher.  Ee- 
port a  Union  Sunday-school. 

Calvary,  has  the  services  of  Elder  John  O'Quinn 
once  a  month.  Communicates  nothing  cheering  and 
is  at  peace.    Eeports  no  Sabbath-school. 

Mount  Olivet,  is  yet  alive,  and  though  reduced  in 
numbers  by  the  loss  of  three  of  their  most  useful 
members  by  death,  yet  report  a  good  state  of  feeling 
and  are  hopeful — are  preparing  to  organize  a  Sabbath- 
sc^ol. 

Big  Cane — ^not  represented. 


228  HISTORY   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS < 

[1870.]  The  fifty-second  annual  session  was  held 
with'_Beulah  Church,  at  Oheneyville,  September  29th 
until  October  2d,  1870.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elde;?  E.  K.  Branch.  Dr.  B.  W.  Blake- 
wood  was  elected  Moderator,  and  E.  S.  Jackson, 
Clerk.  Ten  churches  were  represented,  including 
Bethel  and  Pilgrim's  Eest,  which  were  received. 
They  report  127  baptisms  and  BOO^members.  Bethel 
was  situated  in  Eapides  Parish.  It  was  gathered  by 
E.  K.  Branch,  the  missionary  of  the  State  Conven- 
tion, and  constituted  September  21st,  1870.  Pil- 
grim's Eest  was  organized  March  11th,  1870,  by  Elders 
W.  M.  Pancher  and  E.  K.  Branch.  It  enjoyed  the 
labors  of  Elder  Wiley  G.  Stanton  as  pastor  until  his 
death,  July  3d,  1870.  Bellone  church  was  organized 
June  22d,  1867,  by  Elders  Eand  and  Lansdell. 

The  association  pays  a  fitting  tribute  to  Elders 
Thomas  Eand,  Wiley  G.  Stanton  and  Deacon  E.  L. 
Tanner,  a  notice  of  whom  appears  in  the  sketches  in 
this  work.  The  ministers  of  the7  association  are 
given  as  follows:  ordained  L.  Calloway,  Cheneyville; 
John  O'Quinn,  Evergreen;  D.  H.  Willis,  Alexandria; 
E.  P.  Pancher,  Evergreen,  Thomas  Lansdell,  Cheney- 
ville; W.  M.  Pancher,  Big  Bend.  Licentiates:  E.  S. 
Jackson,  Cheneyville;  U.  W.  Jarrell,  Alexandria; 
Basil  Smith,  Alexandria ;  W.  O.  Godwin,  Alexan- 
dria, 

[1871.]  The  association  met  with  Mt.  Olive  Ohu^^i, 
Parish  of  St.  Landry,  September  28,  1871.      Intro- 


LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  229 

ductory  was  preached  by  Elder  John  O'Quinn.  B. 
M.  Blakew ood  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Thomas 
Lansdell,  Clerk.  Eleven  churches  were  repre- 
sented, reporting  32  baptisms  and  549  members.  Pine 
Grove,  Eapides  Parish,  organized  in  1870,  and  Bayou 
Clear,  reorganized  in  1871,  were  received  into  the 
association. 

The  following  report  shows  the  state  of  the 
churches : 

Calvary,  continues  to  enjoy  the  voluntary  labors 
of  Elder  John  O'Quinnn  once  amonth.  Beports  one 
baptism  and  a  Sabbath-school. 

Beulah,  is  yet,  as  formerly,  eleven  years,  under  the 
pastoral  care  of  Elder  Thomas  Lansdell.  Has  had 
an  increase  of  six  by  baptism  and  letter;  is  enjoying 
a  moderate  degree  of  prosperity ;  has  one  Sabbath- 
school,  with  a  good  library. 

Amiable,  has  been  supplied  once  a  month  by  D.  H. 
Willis  until  recently.  Kow  has  the  monthly  labors 
of  Elder  E.  W.  More ;  has  added  seven  to  her  num- 
ber ;  notwithstanding,  she  reports  a  heavy  decrease, 
having  dismissed  nineteen  to  assist  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  two  new  churches.  Reports  a  prosperous 
Sabbath-school. 

Evergreen,  reports  occasional  preaching  by  Elders 
Lansdell  and  O'Quinn,  and  she  enjoys  the  labors  of 
Elder  Thomas  E.  Muse  once  a  month ;  has  a  large 
and  prosperous  Union  Sabbath-school.  -^ 


230  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

i 

Bayou  de  Olaize,  has  no  pastor ;  has  recently  en- 
joyed a  refreshing  season  frdm  the  presence  of  the 
Lord ;  has  added  three  to  her  number,  and  reports 
a  flourishing  Sabbath-school. 
Spring  Mill,  not  represented. 
Mt.  Olivet,  has  no  pastor,  but  a  prayer-meeting 
twice  a  month ;  reports  fifteen  additions  and  a  good 
Sabbath-school. 

Bethel,  enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  W.  D.  Godwin 
as  a  supply  once  a  month,  and  reports  two  added. 

Filgrim's  Best,  reports  preaching  twice  a  month 
by  Elder  E.  F.  Pancher;  nothing  cheering. 

Bellevue,  enjoys  the  labors  of  Elder  K.  F.  Pancher 
twice  a  month;  reports  a  revival  with  twenty-six 
additions. 

Bayou  Clear,  reorganizied  on  the  15th  of  July,  1871, 
by  Elder  D.  H.  Willis,  with  four  original  members  ; 
reports  an  increase  of  eleven  since ;  is  now  enjoying 
the  labors  of  Elder  D.  H.  Willis  once  a  month. 

Pine  Orove,  organized  October  26th,  1870,  by 
Elder  D.  H.  Willis,  with  eleven  members;  is  now 
supplied  with  preaching  once  a  month  by  Elder  W. 
D.  Godwin,  and  reports  six  additions  and  a  flourish- 
ing Sabbath-school. 

During  this  year  the  cause  received  a  terrible 
shock  in  the  fall  of  Wm.  M.  Pancher,  a  talented  and 
influential  minister  of  this  association,  who  was  at 
the  time  pastor  at  Bayou  de  Glaize,  and  who  aban- 
noued  his  family  and  fled  the  country,  in  compH!^ 


LODISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  231 

with  the  daughter  of  a  deceased  Baptist  preacher, 
whom  he  had  seduced. 

[1872.]   Met  October  3, 1372,  with  Bayou  de  Glaize 
Church,  Avoyelles Pa,rish.    Introductory  was  preach- 
ed by  Elder  Thomas  Lansdell.    Dr.  B.  W  .Blackwood 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Thomas  Lansdell,  Clerk. 
Fourteen    churches    were    represented,    reporting 
119    baptisms    and    684  members.      The     Coulee 
Croche  Church  at  Grand,Couteau,  organized  in  1872, 
with  A.  J.  Terry   as   pastor,   was    received.    The 
churches  generally  report  a  growing  condition,  and 
some  had  enjoyed  precious  revivals.    The  following 
ministers  had  been  recently  added  to  the  list :  Thos. 
E.  Muse,  at  Evergreen,  who  labored  in  this  region 
several  years  and  then  removed  to  Texas;   A.  J. 
Terry,  who  began  his  labors  at  Grand  Couteau,  who 
has  since  labored  successfully  at  Bayou  de  Glaize ; 
E.  W.  More,  W.  D.  Godwin,  M.  H.  Lynch,  U.  W 
Jarrell,  all  of   whom  were  recently   ordained  and 
labored  in  the  region  about  Alexandria ;  and  Adolphe 
Stagg,  an  intelligent  Creole  recently  ordained,  who 
has  since  done  a  noble  work  among  the  Creoles. 
Besides  these  there  were  several  licentiates,  as  H.  M. 
Branson,  E.  J.  Eush,  G.  Smith  and  F.  M.  Ohaney. 

[1873.)  Met  with  Amiable  Church,  Eapides  Parish, 
October  2, 1873.  Introductory  by  Elder  A.  J.  Terry. 
John  O'Quinn  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Thomas 
Lgnsdell,  Clerk.  Fifteen  churches  were  represented, 
lauding  Fairview  Church,  Point  Coupee  Parish, 


232  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

organized  1873,  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Thomas  E. 
Muse.  These  churches  reported  160  baptisms  and 
889  members.  About  this  timeElder  Kingsbury  set- 
tled at  Eed  Eiver  Landing,  and  has  since  labored 
occasionally  in  this  region. 

[1874.]  Met  with  Bayou  Eouge  Church,  Avoyelles 
Parish,  October  1, 1874.  Introductory  was  preached 
by  E.  K.  Branch,  Elder  John  O'Quinn  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  Thomas  Lansdell,  Clerk.  Thirteen 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  138  baptisms 
and  966  members.  New  Hope  Church,  Eapides  Par- 
ish, was  received  this  year.  Some  of  these  churches 
had  enjoyed  precious  revivals,  and  others  had  de- 
creased in  numbers.  Elder  Adolphe  Stagghad  done 
good  work  as  a  Missionary  and  Colporteur. 

[1875.]  Met  with  Calvary  Church,  Bayou  Chicot, 
St.  Landry  Parish,  September  30,  3875.  Introduc- 
tory by  Elder  John  O'Quinn.  B.  W  Blakewood  was 
elected  Moderator,  andU.  W.  Jarrell,  Clerk.  Sixteen 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  72  baptisms 
and  a  total  membership  of  883.  Eden  Church,  near 
Ville  Platte,  St.  Landry  Parish,  was  admitted.  Most 
of  the  churches  reported  a  decrease.  The  Mission- 
ary, Stagg,  reports  the  baptism  of  several  Catholics. 

[1876.]  Fairview  Church,  Simsport,  Avoyelles 
Parish,  September  28, 1876.  Elder  Henry  Bennett 
preached  the  introductory.  Deacon  B.  F.  Miles  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  Elder  A.  J.  Terry,  Clerk. 
Fourteen  churches  reported  75  baptisms  and  a  tdlfel 


LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION.  233 

membership  of  936,  including  three  churches  not 
represented.  The  names  of  Henry  Bennett  at  Sims- 
port,  and  G.  W.  Smith,  near  Alexandria,  are  added  to 
the  list  of  ordained  ministers. 

[1877.]  Met  with  Big  Cane  Church,  St.  Landry 
Parish,  October  4,  1877.  Introductory  by  Elder  A. 
J.  Terry,  of  Bayou  de  Glaize.  Elder  Henry  Bennett 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  A.  J.  Terry,  Clerk.  Six- 
teen churches  report  66  baptisms  and  834  members. 

I  quote  from  the  report  on  Queries : 

"1.  Has  a  church  the  right  to  restore  an  excluded 
member  from  another  church  without  a  letter  of 
recommendation?    Answer,  Yes. 

"2.  Should  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  be  permitted 
to  preach  who  has  used  such  unchristian  and  mal- 
icious conduct  toward  his  wife,  as  to  cause  a  separa- 
tion?   Answer,  No. 

"3.  Should  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  be  permitted 
to  hold  his  credentials,  who  voluntarily "  separated 
from  his  wife  against  her  will,  and  the  wife  in  full 
fellowship  with  the  church  1    Answer  No. 

"4.  Is  it  proper  for  a  church  to  grant  a  letter  of 
dismission  to  a  member  without  said  member  giving 
a  reason  for  so  doing?    Answer,  No." 

The  statistics  show  7  Sabbath-schools,  with  30 
officers  and  teachers,  184  scholars,  and  845  volumes 
in  library.  Eev.  D.  H.  Willis,  the  Missionary,  reports 
labors  from  Feb.  1st  to  Sept.  30th,  1877:  travelled 
1263  miles;  preached  49  sermons ;  visited  67  families; 
ro?)rganized  T  church ;  baptized  14,  and  ordained  2 
deacons.  16  , 


234  HISTORY    0:P   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Calvary,  Beulah,  Fair  View,  and  New  Hope  were 
without  pastors;  Amiable  was  supplied  by  J.  E.  Duff, 
who  formerly  labored  in  Eastern  Louisiana;  Bayou 
Eouge,  by  Henry  Bennett ;  Spring  Hill,  Pine  Grove 
and  Aimwill  by  D.  H.  Willis;  Bayou  de  Glaize,  by  A. 
J.  Terry;  Big  Cane,  by  John  O'Quinn;  Mt.  Olivet,  by 
H.  M.  Brunson;  Bellevue,  Pilgrim's  Eest,  Coulee 
Croche  and  Eden,  by  Adolphe  Stagg.  Dr.  B.  W. 
Blakewood  had  been  ordained  and  was  doing  active 
service  in  the  waste  places.  L.  Callaway  and  E.  W. 
More  labored  occasionally  in  the  country  about 
Cheney ville ;  W.  D.  Godwin  about  Alexandria ;  E.  J. 
Eush  in  Avoyelles  Parish,  and  G.  C.  Wolf  at  Chicot, 
St.  Landry  Parish. 

[1878.]  The  minutes  of  this  year  show  eighteen 
churches,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of  935. 
The  active  ministers  were  distributed  as  follows:  H. 
M.  Brunson,  Bayou  Chicot ;  T.  Kingsbury,  Cheney- 
ville;  B.  W.  Blakewood,  Babb's  Bridge;  Henry 
Bennett  and  John  O'Quinn,  Evergreen;  D.  H.  Willis, 
Babb's  Bridge;  A.  J.  Terry,  Big  Bend;  Adolphe 
Stagg,  Whitesville;  J.  P.  Duff,  Kanomime;  E.  D. 
Truman,  Opelousas;  E.  K.  Branch,  Simsport,  and  W. 
Hamilton,  Hineston. 

[1879.]  Met  with  New  Hope  Church,  llapides  Par- 
ish, Oct.  2d,  1879.  Introductory  by  H.  M.  Brunson. 
Adolphe  Stagg  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  A.  J. 
Terry,  Clerk.  17  churches  report  80  baptisms  and 
a  total  membership  of  972.    The  association  notices 


LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  235 

the  death  of  Elder  L.  Callaway  and  Deacon  Jesse 
Ford,  at  Beulah  Church ;  at  Eden  Church,  Deacon 
Alcide  Soilieau.  The  following  brethren  labored  in 
charge  of  churches:  H.  M.  Brunson,  H.  Bennett,  A.  J. 
Terry,  W.  D.  Godwin,  B.  W.Blakewcod,  S.  P.  Lynch, 
E.  K.  Branch,  W.  Hamilton,  A.  Stagg,  E.  W:More 
and  J.  H.  Eush. 

The  Coulee  Croche  Church  had  been  consolid- 
ated with  the  Bellevue  Church. 

Providence  Church,  Eapides  Parish,  and  Latana- 
tche  Church,  Point  Coupee  Parish,  the  former  con- 
stituted in  1877,  and  the  latter  in  1879,  were  received 
into  membership. 

[1880.]  Met  with  Mt.  Olivet  Church,  Parish  of 
Eapides,  Sep.  30, 1880.  Introductory  by  Elder  Henry 
Bennett.  Elder  Adolphe  Stagg  was  chosen  Mode- 
rator, and  A.  J.  Terry,  Clerk.  17  churches  repre- 
sented, reporting  62  baptisms  and  963  members. 
In  reply  to  a  query  from  Amiable  Church,  it  was  an- 
swered that  a  church  should  withdraw  her  fellow- 
ship from  any  member  who  wilfully  neglects  or 
refuses  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  ministry. 
Bethlehem  Church  was  received  as  a  member.  No- 
tice is  taken  of  the  death  of  Deacon  C.  C.  Eush,  who 
had  been  an  active  member  of  Bayou  de  Glaize 
Church  for  thirty  years,  also  of  Deacon  Basil  Smith, 
of  Amiable  Church.  He  was  a  native  of  Georgia ; 
was  sixty-five  years  in  the  service  of  the  Master, 
and  many  years  deacon  of  Amiable  Church.    He  was 


236  HISTORT   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

also  a  licentiate.    The  ministers  of  this  body  are  given 
as  follows : 

B.  W.  Blakewood,  Big  Grove,  St.  Landry  Parish ; 
Henry  Bennett,  Evergreen,  Avoyelles  Parish ;  E.  K. 
Branch,  Bordelonville,  Avoyelles  Parish;  H.  M. 
Brunson,  Prudhomme  P.  O,  St  Landry  Parish  ;W. 
D.  Godwin,  Babb's  Bridge,  Eapides  Parish;  S.  P. 
Lynch,  Science  Hill,  St.  Landry  Parish;  T.  Kings- 
bury, Eed  Eiver  Landing,  Point  Coupee  Parish ;  E. 
W.  More,  Babb's  Bridge,  Eapides  Parish;  John 
O'Quinn,  Evergreen,  Avoyelles  Parish ;  E.  I.  Eush, 
Big  Bend,  Avoyelles  Parish ;  J.  H.  Eush,  Pineville, 
Eapides  Parish ;  Adolphe  Stagg,  Whiteville,  St.  Lan- 
dry Parish;  A.  J.  Terry,  Big  Bend,  Avoyelles  Parish; 
D.  H.  Willis,  Babb's  Bridge,  Eapides  Parish. 

This  closes  the  history  of  this  mother  association, 
which  I  have  followed  through  a  period  of  sixty-two 
years.  Of  the  five  churches  which  united  to  form 
the  association,  only  two,  Calvary  and  Beulah,  have 
survived.  Calvary,  the  mother  church,  now  num- 
bers sixty-two.  Beulah,  once  numbering  over  two 
hundred,  is  reduced  to  fifteen  and  is  without  a  pastor. 
The  Aim  well,  or  as  it  was  sometimes  called  the  Der- 
bourn  Church,  organized  at  Hickory  Flat,  became 
extinct;  but  in  1877  it  was  reorganized  and  again 
became  a  member  of  the  body. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  OUACHITA  KEGION. 

In  this  division  of  the  State  I  embrace  all  the  ter. 
ritorylying  between  the  Ouachita  Eiver  on  the  east; 
the  State  of  Arkansas  on  the  north,  and  Bed  River 
on  the  south  and  west.  In  this  region  are  now 
located  eight  Associations:  Concord,  situated  in 
Union  Parish  chiefly,  and  embracing  churches  in  the 
northwestern  part  of  Ouachita  Parish,  most  of 
those  in  Lincoln,  and  those  situated  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Claiborne ;  Ouachita,  situated  along  the  river 
which  gives  it  name,  south  of  Monroe.  The  churches 
are  chiefly  located  west  of  the  river,  in  Catahoula 
and  Caldwell  Parishes.  West  of  the  Ouachita  Asso- 
ciation lies  the  Palestine,  in  the  western  part  of 
Caldwell,  and  embracing  churches  in  Jackson,  Winn 
and  Grant.  West  of  the  Palestine  lies  the  Bethlehem 
Association,  composed  of  churches  dismissed  from 
Red  Eiver  and  Concord  Associations.  They  lie  in 
the  northwestern  part  of  Bienville  and  the  adjoin- 
ing parts  of  Lincoln  and  Claiborne.  Big  CreeJc  As- 
sociation lies  between  Little  Eiver  and  Red  Eiver, 
principally  in  the  Parish  of  Grant.  Central  Associ- 
ation is  situated  on  Eed  Eiver  above  the  last  named 
body,  chiefly  in  the  Parish  of  Winn.  Bed  Biver  As  - 
sociation  is  now  mainly  confined  to  Bienville  Parish, 
jucluding  a  few  churches  situated  in  the  adjoining 


^38  HISTOET   or   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

parishes.  S^orth  Louisiana  Association  embraces 
most  of  the  churches  in  Bossier,  Webster  and  the 
western  part  of  Claiborne  Parish.  A  few  churches 
in  this  region  belong  to  associations  in  the  neigh- 
boring State  of  Arkansas. 

I  will  give  some  account  of  pioneer  labors  before 
proceeding  with  the  history  of  Associations. 

In  1820  James  Brinson,  an  ordained  minister  from 
Tennessee,  settled  not  far  from  the  present  town  of 
Vienna,  at  a  place  called  Upper  Pine  Hills.  In  the 
same  company  came  his  son-in-low,  Arthur  McFar- 
land,  who  afterwards  became  a  preacher,  Christo- 
pher Koonce  and  James  Whitson,  and  his  brother-in- 
law,  A.  P.  Nelson,  with  their  wives.  Most  of  these 
were  Baptists,  and  in  1821  constituted  the  Pine  Hills 
Church,  which  joined  Louisiana  Association  in  1822. 
About  the  same  time,  but  a  little  later,  Elder  John 
Impson  settled  in  the  same  neighborhood,  and  a 
preacher  named  Head,  from  Mississippi,  gathered  a 
church  at  Lower  Pine  Hills,  near  the  present  town  of 
Downsville ;  but  for  some  doctrinal  peculiarity  it 
was  not  recognized  as.  a  regular  Baptist  Church, 
and  soon  came  to  nought. 

James  Brinson  and  John  Impson  extended  their 
labors  westward  into  the  northern  part  of  what  was 
then  Natchitoches  Parish.  Near  the  present  town  of 
Minden  they  found  a  few  Baptists,  among  whom 
were  John  Murrell  and  Newitt  Drew,  the  father  of 
Governor  Drew  of  Arkansas,  and  of  Judge  Eichard 


THE    OUACHITA   REGION.  239 

M.  Drew,  and  Judge  Harrison  A.  Drew.  Here  they 
gathered  a  small  churchin  1823,  called  Black  Lake, 
from  a  bayou  of  that  name,  near  which  it  was  lo- 
cated. 

In  1824  they  gathered  another  church  about  four 
miles  East  of  Mt.  Lebanon,  called  Providence,  where 
some  of  Brinson's  company  had  settled.  This 
church  was  afterwards  removed  to  Athens,  and  re- 
organized under  the  name  of  New  Hope. 

In  1826  Brinson  was  joined  by  Haywood  Alfred, 
who  was  ordained  about  this  time.  He  was  a  zeal- 
ous and  popular  preacher,  whose' praise  was  in  all 
the  churches,  if  we  may  judge  from  the  number  of 
persons  in  that  part  of  the  State  who  bear  his  name. 
He  was  a  successful  evangelist.  He  went  to  Arkan- 
sas, where  he  died.  Brinson  died  in  1831,  and  Imp- 
son  not  long  after. 

In  1822  Elder  Henry  Humble  emigrated  from  Mis- 
sissippi and  settled  on  the  Ouachita  Eiver,  in  the 
parish  of  Catahoula,  about  fifteen  miles  above 
Harrisonburg.  He  was  among  the  first  settlers 
of  that  region.  The  few  citizens,  scattered  over 
a  large  district  of  country,  gave  themselves  up 
to  that  half-savage  life  that  belongs  to  the  frontier. 
Under  such  circumstances  it  required  strong  faith 
in  Jesus,  and  a  fervent  love  of  souls,  to  undertake 
to  plant  the  standard  of  Christianity  in  this  then  wil- 
derness, into  which  were  flowing  the  enterprising 
from  the  older  States.     Henry  Humble,  although 


240  HISTORY-    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

at  an  advanced  age,  being  born  in  1765,  began  to 
gather  his  scattered  neighbors  together,  and  with 
the  aid  of  John  Hill,  a  licentiate,  preached  to  them 
the  Gospel  of  Peace  ;  and  in  March,  1826,  the  Cata- 
houla Church  was  constituted  by  Henry  Humble 
and  John  Impson,  with  seven  members.  Shortly 
afterward  this  church  enjoyed  a  revival  season,  and 
twenty  were  added  by  baptism.  The  same  year 
this  church  united  with  the  Louisiana  Association. 
Out  of  this  Mother  Church  sprung  most  of  the 
churches  of  this  region,  of  which  a  more  particular 
account  will  be  given  hereafter,  in  connection  with 
the  history  of  Concord  Association. 

Henry  Humble  was  succeeded  in  the  field,  in  1831, 
by  Asa  S.  Mercer,  an  able  minister  from  Mississip- 
pi, who  long  and  efficiently  labored  in  this  region. 
Somewhat  later  he  was  aided  by  Thomas  Meredith, 
a  veteran  of  the  cross,  who  still  survives,  and  his 
brother  James  J.  Meredith,  both  able  preachers. 
Henry  Humble  bequeathed  to  the  church  four 
grandsons,  who  became  ministers ;  Nathan  M.  Davis, 
who  began  to  preach  soon  after  his  grandfather's 
death,  and  continued  his  useful  labors  until  called  to 
his  reward,  in  May,  1880j  his  brother,  A.  B.  Davis, 
who  began  to  preach  soon  after,  and  died  in  1881 ; 
Thomas  J.  Humble,  long  Clerk,  and  often  Moderator 
of  Ouachita  Association,  who  began  to  preach  in 
1860;  and  his  brother,  J.  N.  Humble,  about  the  same 
time;  both  of  whom  still  survive  to  contipue  the 


THE    OUACHITA    REGION.  241 

work  begun  by  their  grandfather  in  1822.  Thus, 
though  he  is  dead,  he  yet  speaketh  through  his  de- 
scendants. 

T.  A.  Bouton  also  began  to  preach  in  this  region 
in  1843,  and  is  still  an  efficient  minister.  After  the 
death  of  Henry  Humble,  John  Hill  was  ordained  and 
became  pastor  of  Catahoula  Church.  He  continued 
to  labor  in  this  region  a  number  of  years,  until  he  re- 
moved to  Union  County,  Arkansas,  where  he  proba- 
bly died. 

Another  important  center  is  Mt.  Lebanon,  in  Bien- 
ville Parish.  In  1837  a  colony  of  emigrants  removed 
from  Edgefield  District,  South  Carolina,  including 
the  Canflelds,  the  Prothros,  the  Drakes,  the  Logans, 
the  Keys,  the  Thurmons,  the  Burnetts,  the  Hardys, 
the  Gibbs,  Mathias  Ardis,  and  others,  and  settled  at 
Mt.  Lebanon,  in  the  present  parish  of  Bienville,  but 
then  a  part  of  Natchitoches.  Most  of  these  were 
Baptists,  and  July  8th,  1837,  were  recognized  as  a 
Baptist  Church  by  John  Hill  and  Henry  Adams,  who 
constituted  the  presbytery.  Mr.  Hill  has  already 
been  mentioned  in  connection  with  the  Catahoula 
Church.  Mr.  Adams  was  a  colored  man,  a  free-born 
mulatto,  who  accompanied  the  party  from  South 
Carolina.  He  was  a  man  of  education  and  ability. 
He  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  church  thus  formed, 
and  continued  to  labor  here  very  acceptably  for  two 
years.  He  was  very  much  respected.  He  went  to 
Kentucky,  and  became  pastor  of  the  First  African 


242  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Baptist  Church,  Louisville,  where  he  died  a  few  years 
ago,  after  a  successful  pastorate  of  about  twenty-five 
years.  The  ministers  of  the  city  attended  his  funeral, 
and  great  respect  was  shown  to  his  memory. 

Mr.  Adams   was  succeeded  at  Mt.  Lebanon  by 
Elder  B.  M.  Ware,  who  continued  but  a  short  time. 
About  1845  George  W.  Bains  settled  in  this  pastorate. 
He  was  a  man   of  great  ability  and  did  much  to  in- 
doctrinate the  people.    In  1847  he  was  joined  by  his 
brother-in-law,  Elder  James  E.  Paxton,  who  followed 
him  from  Arkansas.     About  the  same  time  also  John 
Q.  Burnett  began  to  preach.    These    two    young 
preachers  were  full  of  zeal,  and,  under  the  guiding 
wisdom  of   Bains,    laid    the   foundation    of   many 
churches  in  the  parishes  of  Bienville,  Jackson,  Clai- 
borne,    Bossier    and    jS'atchitoches.     Flourishing 
churches  were  planted  atMinden,  Sparta,  Saline,  Ver- 
non, Arcadia,  Homer  and  at  Mt.  Zion  in  Bossier 
Parish,  and  at  other  places,  mainly  through  the  labors 
of  these  active  laborers.     Mr.  Bains  moved  to  Texas 
in  1849  and  founded  the  "  Texas  Baptist."    A  few 
years  later  Paxton   and   Burnett  followed  him  to 
Texas. 

In  1849  A.  E.  Clemmons,  an  eloquent  minister,  was 
called  to  this  field.  Xfter  two  years  he  removed  to 
Minden,  where  he  continued  as  pastor  until  1865.  In 
1853  Dr.  F.  Courtney  removed  from  Eldorado,  Ark- 
ansas, to  Mt.  Lebanon,  where  he  continues  to  the 
present,  most  of  the  time  preaching  to  this  church. 
Besides,  this  place  and  the  surrounding  country  have 


THE   OUACHITA   EEGION.  243 

enjoyed  the  labors  of  Jesse  Hartwell,  D.  D.,  John 
Q.  Prescott,  W.  C,  Crane,  D.  D.,  W.  0.  Boone,  A.  S. 
Worrell,  D.  D.,  W.  H.  Bayless,  W.  E.  Paxton  and 
others.  The  leading  ministers  of  this  region  at  pre- 
sent are  the  venerable  Dr.  Courtney,  at  Mt.  Lebanon ; 
W.  H.  McGee,  at  Minden ;  D.  H,  Bent,  W.  C.  More- 
land  and  D.  H.  Head,  at  Arcadia;  T.  J.  Fonts,  at 
Sparta ;  J.  A.  Harrell  at  Saline ;  J.  A.  Walker,  near 
Minden ;  the  venerable  John'  Dapree,  near  Spring- 
ville ;  and  John  Hinson,  James  Paller  and  L.  P. 
Lowry,  also  near  Minden. 

About  1850  Eobert  Martin  settled  in  the  north- 
western part  of  Bossier  Parish,  and  as  missionary  of 
the  State  Convention  planted  two  churches  west  of 
the  Bodcan  and  two  between  Bodcan  and  Dorchete. 
He  was  aided  in  his  work  by  Elder  A.  Winham,  who 
settled  in  the  same  region  about  the  same  time.  He 
was  joined  somewhat  later  by  Moses  McDonald,  from 
Union  Parish,  who  was  an  eflcient  co-laborer. 

The  first  settlers  in  Union  Parish  were  principally 
from  Alabama  and  Georgia.  The  earliest  ministers 
in  this  region  were  S.  J.  Larkin,  W.  B.  Larkin,  Samp- 
son B.  Thomas,  Asa  Lee,  Elias  George,  Jesse  Tubb 
and  George  Everett.  I  regret  that  my.scanty  ma- 
terial does  not  enable  me  to  give  the  details  of  their 
labors  further  than  is  mentioned  in  connection  with 
Concord  AL^sociation. 

The  first  churches  constituted  in  this  parish  were 
Good  Hope  in  1839,  and  Concord  in  1842,  and  some- 
what later  in  the  same  year,  Mt.  Zion  Church. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

CONCORD  ASSOCIATION. 

The  old  Louisiana  A  ssociation  occupied  so  much 
territory  that  it  was  difllcult  for  the  churches  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  State  to  attend,  and  the  subject 
of  a  new  association  began  early  to  be  agitated. 
There  were  now  between  the  Ouachita  and  Red  Rivers 
eight  churches  and  six  ministers,  and  four  of  these 
met  on  the  third  day  of  November,  3832,  with  the 
Black  LakeOhurch,  Claiborne  ( now  Webster)  Parish, 
not  far  from  Minden.  The  following  churches  were 
represented:  "Pine  Hills — Elders  John  Impson, 
Haywood  Alford,  and  Arthur  McFarland,  and  Mills 
Parmer,  John  Hancock,  and  William  Honeycut;  52 
members.  Providence  —Alexander  P.  Nelson,  Thad- 
deus  Byas  and  Samuel  Leatherman ;  30  members. 
Black  Lake — Robert  Byas,  Newitt  Drew,  Jesse  Mil- 
lions and  William  Barry;  12  members.  Bayou  Bar- 
tholomew—Jonathan Newman  (a  licentiate)  and 
Philip  Mason ;  34  members." 

After  an  introductory  sermon  by  Arthur  McFar- 
land, Elder  John  Impson  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
Alexander  F.  Nelson,  Clerk.  They  adopted  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Akticlbs  op  Faith. 

L  We  believe  in  one  only  true  and  living  God,  and 
that  he  has  revealed  himself  unto  men  under  the 
characters  of  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost. 


CONCOBD  ASSOCIATION.  245 

2.  We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  ISew 
Testaments  were  given  by  inspiration  of  God  and 
are  of  divine  authority  and  the  only  rule  of  faith  and 
practice. 

3.  We  believe  in  the  fall  of  Adam,  in  the  total  de- 
pravity of  human  nature,  and  in  man's  inability  to  re- 
store himself  to  the  favor  of  God. 

4.  We  believe  in  the  everlasting  love  of  God  to  his 
peopl«,  in  the  doctrine  of  election,  and  the  persever- 
ance of  the  saints  in  grace. 

5.  We  believe  that  sinners  are  justified  in  the  sight 
of  God  only  by  the  imputed  righteousness  of  Christ, 
which  is  unto  all  and  upon  all  who  believe. 

6.  We  believe  that  there  is  one  mediator  between 
God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  who  gave  him- 
self a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified  in  due  time,  and 
in  becoming  an  offering  for  sin  hath  perfected  for- 
ever them  that  are  sanctified. 

7.  We  believe  that  good  works  are  the  fruits  of 
faith  and  follow  after  justification,  are  evidences  of  a 
gracious  state,  and  are  performed  by  believers  from  a 
principle  of  love. 

8.  We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  and. 
a  general  judgment,  and  that  the  happiness  of  the 
righteous  and  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  will  be 
eternal. 

Gospel  Okder. 

1.  We  believe  that  the  visible  church  is  a  congre- 
gation of  faithful  persons,  who  have  given  them- 
selves to  the  Lord  and  to  one  another,  by  the  will  of 
God,  and  have  covenanted  to  keep  up  a  godly  dis- 
cipline agreeable  to  the  rules  of  the  Gospel. 

2.  We  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  head  of  the 
church  and  the  only  law-giver;  that  the  government 


246  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

is  with  the  body  of  the  church  and  is  equally  the 
right  and  privilege  of  each  member  thereof. 

3.  We  believe  that  Baptism,  the  Lord's  Supper  and 
Washing  the  Saints'  Feet  are  Gospel  ordinances  ap- 
pointed by  Jesus  Christ  to  be  continued  in  the  church 
until  his  second  coming. 

4.  We  believe  that  believers  are  the  only  proper 
subjects;  and  immersion  the  only  Scriptural  action 
of  baptism ;  and  the  only  legal  administrators  of  the 
ordinance  are  the  regularly  ordained  ministers  of  the 
gospel  in  full  fellowship  in  and  with  the  United  Bap- 
tists. 

5.  We  believe  that  none  bat  regularly  baptized 
church  members  have  a  right  to  partake  of  the  Lord's 
Supper. 

The  convention  in  a  committee  of  the  whole  con- 
sidered and  adopted  these  articles,  article  by  article, 
with  entire  unanimity,  and  the  body  was  declared  to 
be  organized  under  the  name  of  the  Concord  Mis- 
sionary Baptist  Association . 

The  practice  of  Feet- Washing,  here  recognized  as 
an  ordinance  of  the  Gospel,  gradually  fell  into  dis- 
use, and  was  dropped  from  the  Articles  of  Faith. 
The  name  Missionary  was  also  dropped  from  the 
name  as  unnecessary. 

[1833.]  The  alsociation  met  with  Pine  Hills  Church 
on  Saturday  before  the  first  Lord's  day  in  Novem- 
ber, 1833.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder 
Haywood  Alford.  Arthur  McFarland  was  elected 
Moderator  and  Haywood  Alford,  Clerk.  Bethel, 
Union  and  Catahoula  churches  were  received  upon 


OONCOED   ASSOCIATION.  247 

letters  from  the  Louisiana  Association.  The  churches 
report  seventeen  baptisms  and  104  members. 
.  I  have  already  given  an  account  of  the  planting  of 
the  Catahoula,  Black  Lake,  Providence  and  Pine 
Hills  churches.  The  Black  Lake  and  Pine  Hills 
ceased  to  have  a  visible  existence  in  a  few  years,  and 
their  numbers  were  absorbed  in  later  organizations. 
Providence  was  recognized  at  Athens  under  the 
name  of  Kew  Hope,  and  still  exists.  I  will  now-give 
a  brief  sketch  of  some  other  of  the  older  churches 
of  this  body. 

The  Catahoula  Church,  the  mother  body  of  the 
Ouachita  region,  as  we  have  already  seen,  was  con- 
stituted March  11th,  1826,  by  Elder  John  Impson,  P. 
W.  Eobert  and  Henry  Humble,  with  seven  members  in 
fellowship,  viz:  Henry  Humble,  sr.,  and  his  wife, 
Alice  Humble,  John  Hill,  sr.,  Elizabeth  Hawthorne, 
Jonathan  Newman,  Anne  Newman  and  Henry  Hum- 
ble, jr.  Henry  Hflmble,  sr.,  was  called  to  the  pas- 
torate. She  experienced  some  revivals  and  remained 
prosperous  and  in  a  healthy  condition  until  1829, 
when  she  lost  her  venerable  pastor,  who  died  on  his 
return  from  the  association,  July  11th,  1830.  John 
Hill,  sr.,  was  ordained  and  called  to  the  care  of  the 
church.  This  brother  was  present  and  participated 
in  the  business  of  the  second  meeting  of  the  Con- 
cord Association.  He  aided  in  the  organization  of 
the  church  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  and  afterwards  removed 
to  Union  County,    Arkansas.    Here  he  became  a 


248  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

member  of  the  Saline  Association,  but  in  1841  with- 
drew from  that  body  with  other  anti-missionaries. 
On  the  very  day  of  Hill's  ordination,  Nathan  M.  Davis, 
long  pastor  of  this  old  body,  was  baptized.  This 
church  began  to  decline  from  this  time  by  the  dis- 
mission of  members  to  form  other  churches,  and  finally 
became  extinct.  A  church,  like  a  bee-hive,  may  swarm 
itself  to  death,  and  this  was  an  instance  of  it.  This 
old  body  was  reorganized  in  1850  and  continues  to 
the  present. 

February  12th,  1381,  seven  members  were  dis- 
missed by  letter  to  constitute  the  Bethel  Church. 
The  church  fell  into  a  cold  state,  and  in  1834  the 
church  was  much  distracted  by  a  difficulty  among  the 
members.  This  was  partially  settled  the  following 
year,  but  only  for  a  short  time,  when  the  troubles 
were  renewed  and  several  members  were  excluded, 
and  Hill  was  compelled  to  give  up  the  pastorate. 
Asa  S.  Mercer  was  called  in  1837,  and  the  same  year 
four  members  were  dismissed  to  constitute  Jerusa- 
lem Church. 

In  August,  1839,  six  members  were  dismissed  to 
constitute  Aimwell  Church,  which  reduced  the  num- 
ber to  thirteen  members;  seven  whites  and  six 
blacks.  The  Concord  Association  met  with  this  old 
body  in  1839,  and  in  November  following  four  mem- 
bers were  added  by  experience  and  one  by  letter. 
Among  those  baptized  was  T.  A.  Eouton,  who  after- 
ward became  a  prominent  minis|er  in  this  region. 


CONCOED   ASSOCIATION.  249 

The  hearts  of  the  people  were  made  glad  to  thinktbe 
Lord  had  visited  this,  the  mother  church  of  this  part 
of  the  State,  and  for  a  time  the  prospects  brightened. 
Nathan  M.  Davis,  whose  biography  is  given  else- 
where, was  ordained  March  14th,  1841,  and  called  to 
the  care  of  the  church.  On  the  same  day  Elijah  Nix 
was  chosen  deacon  and  joined  the  church  by  letter 
the  following  day,  being  ordained  before  he  joined. 
The  church  now  enjoyed  a  short  revival  season,  in 
which  numbers  were  added  at  different  times.  In 
November,  1841,  T.  A.  Eouton  was  ordained,  and 
February  10th,  1847,  Samuel  H.  Sherwood  was  or- 
dained a  deacon,  in  place  of  T.  A.  Eouton,  who  was 
ordained  an  elder  on  the  12th  of  April,  1843. 

In  the  spring  of  this  year  there  was  a  Sunday- 
school  commenced,  and  it  was  well  attended  by  the 
youths  of  the  neighborhood.  In  1843  the  church 
numbered  about  fifty-three  members.  Some  farther 
account  of  this  old  body  is  given  in  the  history  of 
the  Ouachita  Association. 

The  oldest  daughter  of  the  old  Catahoula  was 
Bethel,  which  was  constituted  in  the  Parish  of  Cald- 
well, April  25, 1831,  with  six  members.  The  consti- 
tuting presbytery  consisted  of  John  Impson,  Hay- 
wood Alfred,  and  John  Hill.  In  the  winter  of  this 
year  Asa  S.  Mercer  moved  here  from  Amite  county, 
Mississippi,  and  was  called  to  the  pastoral  care  of 
this  church.  On  the  27th  of  April,  1833,  Bowen 
Hill  was  chosen  Deacon.    February  22,  1834,  Thos. 

17 


250  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Meredith  was  ordained  as  Elder,  by  request  of  the 
church,  by  John  Hill,  Haywood  Alfred  and  Asa  S. 
Mercer.  This  brother  is  mentioned  more  fully  in 
connection  with  the  Anti-mission  movement.  I  can- 
not refrain  from  calling  attention  to  the  bearing  «f 
these  facts  upon  the  origin  of  the  Anti-mission 
churches  in  Louisiana  and  Arkansas.  The  Missis- 
sippi Association  was  an  active  missionary  body 
from  its  organization,  in  1808.  The  old  Catahoula 
Church  was  gathered  by  the  labors  of  Henry  Hum- 
ble, a  missionary  of  that  body.  John  Hill  was  or- 
dained at  the  request  of  this  missionary  church,  by 
a  missionary  presbytery.  Bethel  came  out  of  the 
old  Catahoula,  was  a  missionary  body,  and  ordained 
Thomas  Meredith ;  Asa  S.  Mercer  and  Haywood  Al- 
ford,  of  the  ordaining  presbytery,  being  active  mis  - 
sionaries.  Yet  Thomas  Meredith  headed  the  Anti- 
mission  separation  in  Louisiana,  and  Johu  Hill  joined 
in  the  Anti-mission  revolt  from  Saline  Association, 
in  Arkansas,  claiming  to  be  Primitive  Baptists,  and 
denying  the  validity  of  the  ordinances  of  the  mis- 
sionary Baptists.  Mr.  Meredith  seems  to  have  felt 
the  force  of  this  state  of  facts,  and  in  1879  returned 
to  our  connection,  and  at  present  (1881)  is  pastor  of 
four  missionary  churches. 

Two  churches  were  constituted  out  of  the  Bethel 
Church,  viz :  Zion  Hill,  in  July,  1842,  and  Palestine, 
in  September,  1842. 

Jerusalem  Church   was  formed  from    Catahoula 


CONCORD,  ASSOCIATION.  261 

Church  in  1837,  with  four  or  five  members.  The 
church  was  constituted  by  a  single  minister,  Elder 
Asa  S.  Mercer,  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  ministerial 
help.  This,  however,  did  not  affect  the  validity  of 
the  constitution,  which  depends  upon  the  voluntary 
association  of  qualified  members  The  only  office 
of  the  Presbytery  is  to  recognize  the  existence  of 
the  church,  and  they  introduce  it  to  the  sisterhood 
of  churches. 

In  1842  Nathan  M.  Davis  became  pastor,  after- 
which  there  were  a  number  of  additions.  In  1^43 
five  or  six  members  were  dismissed  to  constitute  a 
church  in  tlie  town  of  Harrisonburg,  which  took 
place- February  18,  1843,  This  church  was  called 
Shiloh. 

The  church  called  Salem  was  constituted  June 
10, 1843,  out  of  members  dismissed  from  Jerusalem. 
Upon  his  ordination,  T.  A,  Eouton  took  charge  of 
this  church. 

The  Aimwell  Church  was  formed  from  the  Cata- 
houla, August  31, 1839 ;  presbytery,  A.  S.  Mercer 
and  Thomas  Meredith.  At  first  there  were  present 
three  members,  John  Squires,  William  Francis  and 
his  wife,  Annie  Francis.  Though  beginning  with  so 
small  a  membership,  they  were  signally  blessed. 
Nathan  M.  Davis  became  pastor,  and  during  the 
years  1842  and  1843,  quite  a  number  were  baptized, 
until  in  November,  1843,  the  church  numbered  sixty- 
four. 


252  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Liberty  Church  was  constituted  August,  1841,  by 
Asa  A.  Mercer  and  N.  M.  Davis,  with  seven  mem- 
bers, viz:  William  Kirklandand  wife,^acob  Odom, 
Henry  Howard,  A.  B.  Davis,  Sarah  Spinks  and  Anna 
Brooks.  A.  M.  Davis  was  the  first  pastor.  These 
churches  were  in  Catahoula  and  Caldwell  Parishes. 

zion  Hill,  as  we  have  already  stated,  was  consti- 
tuted out  of  members  dismissed  from  Bethel.  Thos. 
Meredith  became  pastor. 

Palestine  was  constituted  November,  1842,  by  Asa 
L.  Mercer  and  Thomas  Meredith. 

Bayou  Bartholomew  Church  was  located  in  Oua- 
chita Parish,  not  far  from  the  present  town  of  Tren- 
ton. It  has  long  since  been  dissolved,  and  some  of 
its  members  united  with  the  church  at  Trenton.  It 
was  constituted  some  time  about  1830,  or  1831, 
and  Hayward  Alford,  under  whose  labors  it  was 
gathered,  was  chosen  pastor.  When  Jonathan  New- 
man was  ordained  he  became  its  pastor,  and  contin- 
ued so  many  years. 

Antioch,  also  situated  in  Ouachita  Parish,  was  con- 
stituted in  the  year  1838.  It  was  for  some  years 
without  regular  preaching.  In  1843  it  experienced 
quite  a  revival,  under  the  labors  of  Peter  S.  Goyle, 
of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  who  was  spending  some  time 
that  year  in  Monroe,  with  his  married  daughter. 
About  twenty  were  added. 

Mount  .^rial,  sitnated    in  the  westein  part  of 
Ouachita  Parish,  which  afterwards  became  Jackson 


CONCORD   ASSOCIATION.  253 

Parish,  was  constituted  about  1833.  It  maiutaiued  a 
feeble  existence  until  about  1850,  when  it  ceased  to 
exist. 

Mount  Vernon  was  situated  in  Ouachita  Parish  It 
was  constituted  in  1839,  by  Asa  S,  Mercer  and  Jon- 
athan Xewuian.    It  was  withouta  pastor  for  years. 

Concord  Church,  Union  Parish,  was  constituted 
some  time  in  1842,  with  a  considerable  number  of 
members,  chiefly  from  the  State  of  Alabama.  Among 
the  number  were  Elders  SamuelJ.  Larkin  and  Samp- 
son B.  Thomas,  who  became  supplies, 

Mount  Ziou,  Union  Parish,  was  constituted  on 
Saturday  before  the  first  Snnday   in     September, 

1842,  with  eight  members.    They  had  no  pastor  until 

1843,  when  Asa  Lee  was  ordained  as  pastor. 

Good  Hope,  Union  Parish,  was  constituted  in  the 
year  1839. 

Of  Rehoboth  (Mt,  Lebanon),  Providence,  and 
Black  Lake  Churches,  I  have  already  given  some 
account. 

My  file  of  the  minutes  of  this  body  is  incomplete, 
but  sufficient  to  enable  me  to  connect  events. 

[1837.]  The  Association  met  with  Mount  ^rial 
Church,  Ouachita  Parish,  October  6, 1837,  The  in- 
troductory was  preached  by  Asa  S.  Mercer,  who  was 
afterwards  chosen  Moderator,  with  A.  F.  Nelson, 
Clerk.  The  following  churches  were  represented: 
Mt.  -^rial.  Union,  Bethel,  Catahoula,  Bayou  Bar- 
tholomew, Providence,  and  Jerusalem,  representing 


254  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

an  aggregate  membership  of  142.     The  last  named 
church  was  received  at  this  session. 

The  following  action  is  rather  noticeable,  when  we 
take  into  consideration  the  subsequent  attitude  of 
John  Hill,  who  was  presen,t  participating  in  the 
meeting . 

"  Whereas,  Brother  John  Hill,  having  traveled  and 
preached  last  year,  on  motion, 

"  JBesoZwf?,  That  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed 
to  present  him  with  twenty  dollars." 

It  was  also,  "  Resolved,  That  we  recommend  our 
ministering  brethren  to  to  try  to  double  their  dili- 
gence in  traveling  and  preaching  amongst  the  remote 
and  destitute  parts  of  our  association,  and  make  col- 
lections and  receive  donations  for  the  furtherance 
of  the  Gospels." 

A  correspondence  was  opened  with  the  Saline 
Association,  Arkansas.  This  correspondence  was 
returned. 

[1841.]  Met  with  Antioch  Church,  Ouachita 
Parish,  October  7th,  1841.  Introductory  by  Elder 
Arthur  McFarland.  Elder  A.  S.  Mercer  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Samuel  Quarles,  Clerk.  Twelve 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  forty-three 
baptisms,  twenty-four  received  by  letter,  and  314 
members. 

[1845.]  Met  with  Rehoboth  Church,  at  Mount  Leb- 
anon, October  10th,  1845.  Introductory  by  Elder 
William  J.  Larkin.  This  minister  was  a  brother  of 
Dr.  Samuel  J.  Larkin,  and  probably  came  to  the  coun- 


CONCORD   ASSOCIATIOX.  255 

• 

try  with  him  or  soon  after.  S.  J.  Larkin  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  Elder  George  Vf.  *Bains,  Clerk. 
Seventeen  churches  were  represented,  reporting  180 
baptisms,  98  received  by  letter,  and  703  members. 
The  following  were  the  churches  represented:  Mt. 
^rial  and  Mt.  Zion,  Jackson  Parish;  Bartholomew, 
Antioch  and  Mt.  Yernon,  Ouachita  Parish ;  Concord, 
Zion  Hill,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Montgomery,  Union 
Parish;  Eehoboth,  Saline,  Gilgal,  Ebenezer,  Holly 
Grove  and  Walnut  Creek,  Claiborne  Parish,  and  Sa- 
lem, Bossier  Parish.  The  ordained  ministers  men- 
tioned at  this  time  are  Jonathan  Newman,  Ouachita 
Parish;  Asa  Lee,  W.  J.  Larkin,  S.  J.  Larkin  and  W. 
Milburn,  Union  Parish ;  George  W.  Bains,  E.  A.  Har- 
ris and  Arthur  McFarland,  Claiborne  Parish,  and 
Moses  McDonald,  Bossier  Parish. 

The  churches  in  the  Southern  Division  had  been 
dismissed  to  form  Ouachita  Association. 

[1847.]  Met  with  Walnut  Creek  Church,  Claiborne 
Parish,  in  October,  1847.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  S.  B.  Thomas.  S.  J.  Larkin  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  George  W.  Bains,  Clerk. 
Twenty-three  churches  report  ninety  baptisms,  eighty 
received  by  letter,  and  933  members.  Bethel,  Castor 
and  Plat  Lick,  in  Claiborne,  and  Cauey  Creek  and  Mt. . 
Zion,  Bossier  Parish,  were  received  at  this  meeting. 
The  ministers  named  are  S.  J.  Larkin,  W.  B.  Larkin, 
John  Hickman,  Asa  Lee  and  S.  B.  Thomas,  Union 
Parish ;  Jonathan  Newman  and  Lewis  L.  Squires  in 


256  HISTORY   00?  LOUISIAJtA  SAPTISTS. 

Ouachita;  James  Scarborougb  in  Jackson;  G.  W- 
Bains,  Allen  Morris,  J.  Q.  Burnett  and'  Arthur  Mc- 
Farland,  in  Claiborne,  and  Allen  Winham  and  M.  S. 
McDonald  in  Bossier. 

[1848.]  Met  with  the  Saline  in  the  then  newly 
created  parish  of  Bienville,  October  7th,  1848.  The 
introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  L.  L.  Squires. 
George  W.  Bains  was  elected  Moderator,  and  J.  H. 
Cunningham,  Clerk.  Twenty-five  churches  reported 
139  baptisms,  141  received  by  letter  and  an  aggreg- 
ate membership  of  1122. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were 
adopted : 

"  Whereat,  it  is  believed  by  this  association  that  her 
territory  is  now  too  large  for  the  churches,  all  to  re- 
present themselves  conveniently  in  this  body : 

'^Besolved,  therefore,  that  the  association  be  di- 
vided ;  and  that  the  line  of  division  be  that  dividing 
Union  and  Claiborne,  and  Jackson  and  Bienville,  al- 
lowing all  the  churches  to  belong  to  the  old  or  new 
association  as  they  may  choose. 

^^Besolved,  further,  that  the  churches  east  of  the  line 
described  shall  retain  the  present  name,  constitution, 
records,  etc. 

"Resolved,  that  the  churches  west  of  this  line  of 
division  be  requested  to  meet  by  delegation  on  Fri- 
day before  the  fourth  Lord's  day  in  November  next 
with  the  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Bossier  Parish,  to  or- 
ganize the  new  association. 

"Resolved,  that  the  treasurer  of  this  association  pay 
to  the  treasurer  of  the  new  association  contemplated 


CONCORD   ASSOCIATIOSr.  257 

ill  the  above  resolutions  one  half  of  the  money  that 
shall  remain  in  his  hands  of  the  funds  of  this  body, 
after  defraying  the  expenses  of  this  session." 

[1849.]  Met  with  Bartholomew  Church,  Ouachita 
Parish,  October  3d,  1849.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  J.  Newman.  Elder  S.  J.  Larkin 
was  elected  Moderator,  and  Elder  W.  B.  Larkin, 
Clerk.  Thirteen  churches  were  represented,  report- 
ing 124  baptisms,  l"??  received  by  letter  and  679 
members.  Fellowship  Church  No.  1,  Fellowship 
Church  No.  2,  and  Shiloh,  in  Union  Parish,  and 
Morehouse  Church,  in  Morehouse  Parish,  were  re- 
ceived at  this  session, 

Eesolutions  looking  to  the  better  support  of  the 
ministry  were  adopted. 

[1850.]  Met  with  the  Parmerville  Church,  Union 
Parish,  Friday  before  the  second  Sabbath  in  Octo- 
ber, 1850.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder 
E.  F.  Fancher.  Elder  Williamson  Milburne  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  W.  C.  Carr,  Clerk. 

Fifteen  chiftches  report  153  baptisms  and  78  ad- 
ditions by  letter,  with  858  members.  The  churches 
were  supplied  with  preaching  as  follows :  S.  J.  Lar- 
kin, Concord,  Union  Parish ;  Elias  George,  Farmers- 
ville  and  Liberty  in  Union  Parish;  S.  T.  Cobb,  Fel- 
lowship No.  2,  in  Union  Parish ;  George  Everett,  Zion 
Hill  in  Union  Parish;  Arthur  McFarland,  Walnut 
Creek,  Bienville  Parish ;  E.  McDonald,  Montgomery^ 
in   Jackson,  and  Providence,  in  Union;  Jonathan 


258  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

iS^ewman,  Bartholomew  and  Mt.  Vernon,  in  Ouachita ; 
Jesse  Tubbs,  Shiloh  and  Fellowship  No.  1,  in  Union 
and  Eocky ,  Springs,  in  Claiborne;  John  Hickman, 
Liberty,  in  Ouachita.  Besides  the;  e,  W.  Milburn  and 
S.  B.  Thomas  preached  occasionally,  and  John  L. 
Mays  labored  with  great  zeal  in  the  western  part  of 
Union  and  the  adjoining  parts  of  Claiborne.  The 
Morehouse  Church  seems  to  have  been  without  reg- 
ular preaching.  The  association  opened  a  corres- 
pondence with  the  convention,  then  but  recently  or- 
ganized. At  eleven  o'clock  on  Sabbath,  Elder  Geo. 
Everett  preached  a  forcible  and  instructive  discourse 
on  missions,  and  a  good  collection  was  taken  for  the 
purpose. 

[1851  ]  Met  with  the  Concord  Church,  Union 
Parish,  October  11th,  1851.  The  introductory  by 
Elder  Jesse  Tubbs,  who  was  also  elected  Moder- 
ator, with  W.  C.  Carr,  Clerk.  Twenty-six  churches 
were  represented,  reporting  118  baptisms  and  988 
members.  Four  churches  were  received,  Pleasant 
Grove,  Pisgah  and  Bethesada,  in  Union  Parish,  and 
Bastrop,  in  Morehouse.  The  ministerial  work  was 
distributed  as  follows :  S.  J.  Larkin  supplied  Con- 
cord, in  Union,  and  laborediu  Morehouse  Parish  as  a 
missionary  of  the  association.  Blias  George  supplied 
Farmersville  and  Egypt  churches,  in  Union  Parish; 
S.  T.  Cobb,  Fellowship  No.  2,  Union  Parish ;  Jesse 
Tubb,  Zion  Hill,  Shiloh,  Fellowship  No.  1  and  Union, 
in  Union  Parish;  IJ.  McDonald,  Montgomery,  Ouach- 


CONCORD   ASSOCIATION.  259 

ita  and  Providence,  in  Union  Parish;  W.  B.  Larkin, 
Walnut  Creek,  in  Bienville  Parish,  and  Bastrop  in 
Morehouse ;  James  Scarborough,  Bartholomew,  in 
Ouachita;  Johnathan  Kewman,  Ouachita  Cliurch,  in 
Monroe,  La.,  and  Ouachita  Church  at  Porksville;  R. 
P.  Fancher,  Rocky  Springs,  in  Claiborne ;  John  L. 
Mays,  Pleasant  Grove  and  Bethesda,  in  Jackson 
Parish,  besides  laboring  in  the  northwestern  part  of 
Jackson  and  southwestern  part  of  Union  as  a  mis- 
sionary of  the  association. 

The  following  queries  were  considered  and  an- 
swered. 

1.  Is  a  church  member  deprived  of  any  of  the 
church  privileges  so  soon  as  a  letter  is  granted,  if 
the  letter  reads  dismissed  from  us  when  joined  to 
another  of  the  same  faith  and  order?  Ans.  En- 
titled to  communion  only. 

2.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  principles  of  the  Gospel 
for  one  member  to  go  to  law  with  another  without 
first  bringing  it  before  the  church?  Ans.  There 
are  cases  in  which  it  is  consistent. 

[1852.]  Slet  with  Walnut  Creek  Church,  Bienville 
Parish,  October  8th,  1852.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  S.  J.  Fuller.  Elder  Jesse  Tubb 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Hardy  Jackson,  Clerk. 
Sixteen  churches  report  27  baptisms,  and  (including 
last  year's  report  of  four  churches  not  represented) 
the  number  of  members  aggregated  896. 

The  ministerial  labors  were  distributed  as  follows  ; 


260  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

S.  J.  Larkiii,  Goucoid,  in  Union  PaiisL  ;  Joel  HeatL, 
Bethel,  in  Union;  Jesse  Tubb,  Ziou  Hill,  Shiloh  and 
Fellowsliip,  in  Union;  J.  L.  Mays,  Union,  Pisgah  and 
Pleasant  Grove  churclies,  in  Union  ParisU ;  J.  N.  Mar- 
tin, Union,  in  Jackson,  Walnut  Creek,  in  Bienville, 
and  Bartholomew,  in  Oaaohita ;  J.  Newman,  Mt.  Ver- 
non, Liberty  (Ouachita);  George  Everett,  Liberty 
( Union ) ;  E.  F.  Fancher,  liocky  Springs,  in  Claiborne ; 
Thomas  D.  Armstrong,  at  Bastrop,  and  S.  J.  Fuller  at 
Friendship.  Bethesda,  Egypt  and  Hebron  appear  to 
be  without  regular  preachingl  Union,  Hebron  and 
Friendship  churches  were  received(the  two  named  last 
in  Claiborne  Parish  and  the  first  in  Ouachita). 

A  letter  of  dismission  was  granted  to  Bastropj 
Church  toiiuite  with  Bartholomew  Association  in  Ark^. 
ansas. 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Churches,  re- 
port a  general  declension  and  lethargy  among  the 
churches. 

[1853.]  Met  with  Shiloh  Church,  Union  Parish, 
October  8,  1853.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  E.  F.  Fancher.  Samuel  J,  Larkin  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Reuben  Ellis,  Clerk.  Sixteen 
churches  report  74  baptisms.  These  were  mainly 
confined  to  three  churches,  Concord.  Shiloh  and 
Farmersville.  The  whole  nnmber  of  members  ag- 
gregated 902, 

Bethel  No.  2  was  received  from  Liberty  Associa- 
tion, Arkansas. 


COKCORB  ASSOCIATION.  261 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  memorialize  the 
Legislature  on  the  subject  of  Temperance.  But  lit- 
tle was  doiie  beside  the  usual  routine.  The  minutes 
furnish  but  little  information  on  the  subject  of  min- 
isterial labor. 

[1854.]  Met  with  Union  Church,  in  Union  Parish, 
Saturday  before  the  second  Sabbath  in  October, 
1854.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  Jesse 
Tubb,  who  was  also  elected  Moderator,  with  W.  C. 
Carr  as  Clerk.  Seventeen  churches  were  represent- 
ed (three  not  represented).  The  number  of  baptisms 
reported  was  162,  and  111  received  by  letter,  aggre- 
gating 1,301  members,  which  shows  a  decided  im- 
provement. Three  churcJies  were  received:  Hope- 
well, Claiborne  Parish  ;  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Saline,  in 
Union  Parish.  The  churches  were  recommended  to 
establish  Sunday-schools  and  report  lo  this  body. 
The  following  query  was  answered  : 

"  What  is  the  duty  of  a  deacon  when  a  member 
refuses  to  take  a  seat  at  the  communion  table  ? 
Answer:  It  is  the  duty  of  the  deacon  to  make  in- 
quiry of  the  member  or  members,  the  cause  of  this 
neglect  of  duty,  and  if  not  satisfactorily  answered, 
the  deacon  should  report  the  same  to  the  church." 

Elder  James  N.  Martin  labored  eight  months  as  a 
missionary  of  the  association.  The  pastoral  work 
was  distribu'jed  as  follows  j  S.J.  Larkin,  Concord 
Church;  Elias  George,  Farmersville  and  Liberty 
(Union) ;    John   L.   Mays,   Union   Church,  Pleasant 


262  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Grove  and  Saline  OMrclies  ;  S.  B.  Thomas,  Zion 
Hill ;  Jesse  Tubb,  Shiloli ;  Jonathan  Newman,  Mt. 
Vernon  and  Liberty  (Oaachita) ;  R.  F.  Fancher, 
Rocky  Springs ;  Joel  Heath,  Fellowship  an.l  Mt. 
Pleasant ;  S.  J.  Fuller,  Friendship  and  Hebron ;  R, 
L.  Wheless,  Hopewell,  Bethel  No.  1,  Bethel  No,  2  j 
Walnut  Creek  and  Bethesda  were  without  regular 
preaching. 

[1855.]  Met  with  Concord  Church,  Union  Parish, 
October  13, 1855  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  R,  L.  Wheless.  Jesse  Tubb  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, and  W.  C.  Oarr,  Clerk.  Thirty  churches 
were  represented,  including  the  new  churches  :  Mt. 
Pisgah,  in  Union  Parish ;  New  Hope,  in  Ouachita ; 
Mt,  Moriah,  Jackson;  Saints'  Rest,  Ouachita;  Anti- 
och  and  Sardis,  in  Union  Parish.  They  report  240 
baptisms,  128  received  by  letter,  and  1,462  members. 
The  following  statement  shows  the  field  of  ministerial 
labor  :  S.  J,  Larkin,  Concord ;  Elias  George^  Parm- 
ersville,  Egypt  and  Liberty  (Union) ;  J.  N,  Martin, 
Bethel  No,  1 ;  S.  B.  Thomas,  Zion  Hill  and  Mount 
Pisgah;  S,  T-  Cobb,  at  Fellowship  No.  2 ;  J-  L.  Mays, 
at  Bethesda,  Pleasant  Grove,  Saline  and  Antioch  ; 
A.  J.  Peddy,  New  Hope  ;  U.  Vaughn  (licentiate),  Mt. 
Moriah ;  Joel  Heath,  Saints'  Rest,  Walnut  Creek, 
and  Mt.  Pleasant;  Jesse  Tubb,  Shiloh  and  Pisgah; 
A.  C.  A,  Simmons,  Rock  Springs;  S.  J.  Puller, 
Friendship  and  Hebron ;  R.  L,  Wheless,  Hopewell ;  J. 
Newman,  Liberty  (Ouachita);   John    A,  McGuire, 


CONCOKD   ASSOCIATION.  263: 

Monroe ;  J.  A,  Martin,  Mt.  Venion ;  he  had  also  la- 
bored as  missionary  of  the  association,  and  preached 
three  hundred  sermons,  baptized  27,  and  constituted 
two  churches. 

The  following  query  was  considered:  ''Is  it  con- 
sistent with  the  principles  of  the  Gospel,  for  Baptist 
■churches  to  receive  members  from  the  Campbellite 
societies,  without  rebeing  baptized?  Answer  :  It  is 
not," 

Strong  resolutions  were  adopted  in  regard  to  the 
use  of  intoxicating  liquors ; 

"  Resolved,  That  as  a  Christian  body  we  denounce 
its  use  as  a  beverage,  and  advise  the  churches  com- 
posing this  association  to  denounce  it  in  like  manner, 
and  to  pass  resT)lutions  in  their  several  bodies  request- 
ing their  members  to  adopt  the  teetotal  abstinence 
principles. 

"■Resolved,  That  the  ministers  of  our  body  be  re- 
quested to  withhold  their  aid  from  the  constitution  of 
churches,  except  they  adopt  the  total  abstinence  priu  ■ 
ciples. 

'■'Resolved,  That  they  be  requested  to  put  hands  on 
no  man,  to  ordiiln  him  as  a  minister  or  deacon  of  our 
order,  who  will  not  pledge  himself  to  abstain  from  all 
intoxicating  drinks,  as  a  beverage." 

Several  tracts  on  Temperance  were  printed  and  dis- 
tributed by  the  association,  in  connection  with  the 
minutes. 

[1856.]  Met  with  Bethesda  Church,  Jackson  Par- 
ish, October  11, 1856.    The  introductory  was  preached 


264  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

by  Elder  S.  J.  Fuller.  Elder  Jesse  Tubb  was 
chosea  Moderator,  and  ^^^  0.  Carr,  Clerk,  Thirty 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  247  baptisms,  91 
additions  by  letter,  and  1,645  members. 

Ministerial  labor  was  distributed  as  follows  :  S.  J. 
Larkin,  at  Concord ;  Elias  George,  at  Liberty  (Union), 
Egypt  and  Farmersville ;  J.  P.  Everett,  at  BetbelNo. 
1  and  Bethel  Ko.  2;  B.  Black,  at  Zion  Hill;  S.  B. 
Thomas,  at  Mount  Pisgah;  W.  S.  Modgling,  atSpears- 
ville;  J.  L.  Mays,  at  Bethsha,  Pleasant  Grove, 
Mount  Moriah  and  Union ;  A.  J.  Peddy,  at  'New 
Hope,  Liberty  (Ouachita),  and  Sardis;  Joel  Heath,  at 
Saint's  Rest  and  Moimt  Pleasant;  H.  INL  Cook,  at 
Walnut  Creek  ;  Jesse  Tubb,  at  Shiloh  and  Pisgah ; 
E.  L.  Wheless,  at  Eocky  Spring  and  Hopewell;  J,  A. 
McGuire,  at  Monroe;  M.  Haggard,  at  Saline;  B. 
Haggard,  at  Antioch,  and  J.  X.  Martin,  at  Mount 
Yernon. 

The  association  adopted,  after  much  discussion  pro 
and  con,  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions: 

"  Whereas,  the  temperance  resolutions  adopted  at 
our  last  annual  session  are  calculated  to  bring  strife^ 
and  they  have  already  brought  divisions  in  some  of  the 
churches,  and  as  it  is  our  deliberate  conviction  that  it 
is  impossible  and  wrong  for  this  body  to  legislate  or 
pass  resolutions  in  relation  to  temperance  so  as  to  af- 
fect fellowship ;  therefore, 

"1.  Resolved,  that  we  rescind  the  temperance  re- 
solutions of  our  last  annual  session. 

"2.  Resolved,  that  we  are  as  ever  deeply  impressed 


COjSTOOHD    ASSOCIATION".  205 

■with  the  baneful  iutlueiice  iiud  demoiiiliziiijj;-  steiideucie 
■of  intemperance;  therefore,  we  recominend  and  advise 
the  churches  to  use  all  persuasive  meaiis  in  their 
power  to  foster  and  encourage  temperance ;  that  we 
advise  and  recommend  individnal  members  to  abstain 
from  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  boAerage,  teacliing 
others  to  do  likewise. 

"3.  i^esoiceti,  that  while  we  recommend  and  advise 
as  above,  we  also  recommend  and  advise  the  churches 
not-  to  legislate,  passing-  stringent  prohibitorj^  and 
condemnatory  laws  touching  the  question  of  temper- 
ance, so  as  to  affect  fellowship. 

"  We  believe  the  temperance  cause  is  prosperous 
and  onward,  and  we  hope  soon  to  see  the  time  when 
drunkenness  will  be  unknown  among  us." 

It  must  be  confessed  that  while  the  resolutions  of 
1855  were  extreme  and  injudicious  in  some  respects 
those  of  1856  show  a  surprising  tenderness  towards 
whisky-loving  members.  The  truth  is  no  legislation 
at  all  is  necessary.  The  law  of  Christ  is  full  and 
'«lear,  and  needs  only  to  be  enforced,  to  put  the  evil 
sought  to  be  remedied  outside  of  the  church.  And 
no  complaisance  towards  offenders  should  keep  the 
church  from  faithfully  enforcing  n  proper  discipline, 
even  at  the  risk  of  disturbing  fellowship.  To  tolerate 
the  offence  is  to  have  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness,  and  the  sooner  that  Sf)rt  of  fellow- 
ship is  broken  the  better. 

The  association  having  settled  with  Elder  J.  X. 
Martin,  the  missionary   of  1855,    Elder  Joel  Heath 

18 


266  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

wiis  employed  for  the  coming  year  at  a  salary  of  live 
hundred  dollars. 

[1857.]  Met  with  Hebron  Church,  Claiborne  Parish, 
October  10th,  1857.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  Jesse  Tubb,  who  was  afterwards  chosen 
Moderator,  with  S.  C.  Lee  as  Clerk.  Thirty  churches 
were  represented,  reporting  128  baptisms,  105  received 
by  letter,  and  1601  members.  The  following  is  the  list 
of  ordained  ministers,  given  with  their  respective  local- 
ities: Jesse  Tubb,  E.  D.  Black  and  A.  Wade  at 
Shiloh ;  Washington  Hunt,  at  Spearsville ;  S.  J.  Larkiu 
and  Ellas  George,  at  Marion;  Ansel  Kitchens,  at 
Cherry  Eidge;  W.  L.  Elvers,  Joel  Heath,  S.  J.  Fuller, 
A.  C.  A.  Simmons  and  E.  L.  Wheless,  at  Lisbon ;  S.  B. 
Thomas,  Spring  Hill ;  J.  L.  Mays,  A.  J.  Peddy  and  J. 
N.  Martin,  at  Vienna.  Most  of  these  had  churches  in 
the  association,  and  Joab  Pratt  and  S.  T.  Cobb,  of 
Arkansas,  W.  J.  Ledford,  J.  M.  Scarborough  and  B. 
F.  Fancher,  of  Eed  Eiver  association,  and  J.  A.  Mc- 
Guire  and  B.  Haggard,  of  Ouachita  Association,  sup- 
plied churches  in  this  connection..  There  were  also 
four  licentiates. 

The  following  query  was  discussed  and  answered : 

"  Is  it  Baptist  usage  for  a  Presbytery  to  refuse  to 
ordain  a  deacon  because  ho  believes  in  the  doctrine  of 
apostacy.  Ans.— It  is  Baptist  usage  and  Bible  usage 
to  refuse  in  the  ordination  of  deacons  whom  they  con- 
ceive to  be  heterodox,  and  apostacy  is  heterodoxy  with 
Baptists  from  time  immemorial." 


CONCOED   ASSOCIATION.  267 

B\d(iv  Joel  Heath  had  labored  during  the  year  as 
missiouary  of  the  associatiou. 

[1858.]  Met  with  Mt.  Yern'ou  Church,  Ouachita 
Parish,  October  9th,  1858.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  A.  C.  A.  Simmons,  who  was  after- 
ward chosen  Moderator,  with  S.  C.  Lee  as  Clerk. 
Twenty-fonr  churches  were  represented,  reporting  93 
baptisms,  108  received  by  letter  and  1419  members. 
Six  churches  were  not  represented.  Tlie  ^Monroe 
Church  was  admitted. 

During  the  year,  S.  B.  Thomas  supplied  Concord 
Cluirch ;  Joab  Pratt,  Zion  Hill  and  Hebron ;  A.  Kit- 
chens, Mt.  Pisgah  and  Bethel  ISTo.  1 ;  W.  J.  Ledford, 
Bethesda;  J.  L.  Mays,  Pleasant  Grove,  Friendship  and 
Union;  J.  N.  Martin, Liberty  (Ouachita) ;  S.  T.  Cobb, 
Spearsville  and  Bethel  No.  1;  A.  J.  Peddy,  New 
Hope;  E.  F.  Fancher,  Saints' Rest  andEocky  Spring; 
E.  D.  Black,  Pisgah ;  S.  J.  Puller,  Shiloh  ;  A.  C.  A.  Sim- 
mons, Hopewell ;  J.  A.  McGuire,  Monroe ;  Joel 
Heath,  Salem ;  J.  CI.  Taylor,  Mt.  Vernon  ;  Elias  George, 
Liberty  (Union). 

Pleasant  Grove,  Union,  Liberty  (Ouachita),  Mt. 
Vernon,  Bartholomew,  Salem  and  Bethesda  were  dis- 
missed to  form  a  new  associaition,  but  the  association 
advised  the  chnrches  to  continue  with  the  Concord 
longer,  and  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  formation 
of  a  new  association  would  be  injudicious  at  the  pres- 
ent time.  This  advice  was  taken  and  the  movement 
was  abandoned. 


268  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPllSTS. 

[1859.]  Me-t  with  Ziou  Hill  (Jlmicli,  IJuiou  Tarisb, 
October  8tli,  1859.  The  iiitrodiictoiy  was  pveaclied 
by  Elder  S.  J.  Fuller.  '  A.  C.  A.  Siuimous-was  elected 
Moderator,  and  S.  C.  Lee.  Cleric.  Thirty  clmrcbes re- 
ported 12()  baptisms  and  1.5S!»  meinbers.  Betldeheiu 
Oluu'cli,  Ouachita  Parish,  was  admitted. 

A  few  churches  reported  tlourishiiiy  Sabbath- 
schools,  but  the  greater  part  were  without.  A  commit- 
tee on  the  subject  ofiuiuisterial  support  made  report : 

"  We  believe  from  readiug  tlie  Scriptures  tliat  the 
churches  are  very  remiss  in  their  duty  to  the  minis- 
try. The  Scriptures  clearly  to  our  mind  incidcate  the 
doctrine  that  they  who  i)reach  the  gospel  should  live 
of  the  gospel.     See  1  Cor.  0:7-14 ;  II  Cor.  10:13-16.'" 

''  Therefore  we  recommend  the  churches  where  they 
call  a  pastor  to  accompany  the  call  with  the  amount 
they  are  williug  to  give  liiiii  for  hi.s  .services  and  we 
would  say  to  the  ministering  brethreu  we  believe  that 
unless  churches  thus  act  it  is  their  privilege  to  accept 
or  refuse  the  call." 

[1860.]  Met  with  Saints'  Kest  Church,  Clail)orne 
Parish,  October  1.3th,  1860.  The  iutroductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  J.  M.  Scarborough.  Elder  A.  C.  A. 
Simmons  was  chosen  .Moderator,  and  S.  C.  Lee,  Clerk- 
Twenty-four  churches  reported  268  baptisms,  135  re- 
ceived by  letter,  and  1510  members.  Six  churches 
were  not  represented.  Two  cluirches  ^\'ere  received : 
Shady   (iro\c,  .Jai-kson   I'arish,  and  Mount  Pleasant, 


(^ONCOKD    ASSOCIATION.  269 

Claiboriii'  Pjirish.     Nothing  boymul  mere  loutiuo  \v;i.s 
(louo. 

[ISGl.]  Met  ^vitll  Fellowship,  Union  rarish,  Octo- 
ber I2th,  JSlil.  The  introductory  was  preaeliod  by 
Elder  A.  J.  Peddy.  Elder  A.  V.  A.  Simmons  was 
fleeted  .Moderator,  and  W.  (!.  ('oleman.  Clerk. 
Twenty-seven  churches  reported  50  baptisms,  93  re- 
ceived by  letter  and  a  membership  of  1G;U.  Time 
churches  were  not  represented.  Eeehab  Church  was 
received.  This  church  was  gathered  by  the  labors  of 
S.  J.  Fuller,  and  was  situated  uear  Seottsville,  Clai- 
borue  Parish.  .Vctive  steps  were  taken  to  supply  the 
soldiers  in  the  Confederate  army  froui  North  Louisi- 
ana with  the  Scrii)tnres  and  a  considerable  fund  Was 
raised  for  this  purpose. 

[1S64.]  :\ret  with  Eocky  Spring  Church,  Claiborne 
Parish,  October  Sth,  1804.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  S.  C.  Lee.  Elder  S.  J.  Fuller  was 
chosen  :^roderat.or,  aud  Elder  Henry  Paruell,  Clerk. 
Twenty-two  churches  were  represented,  rejjorting  '2i4: 
baptisms,  GlJ  received  by  letter,  and  a  total  inember- 
slup  of  1618.  Bethlehem,  Jackson  Parish,  was  re- 
ceived. The  followiug  ministers  arc  reported  as  be- 
longing to  churches  iu  this  couuection  :  S.  C.  Lee,  .1 . 
P.  Kelly,  Wm.  Samford,  Joab  Pratt,  ^Y.  Hunt,  J.  C. 
Jones,  J.  L,  3Iays,  A.  C  A.  Simmons,  S.  J.  Fuller,  J. 
T.Griffln,  J.  :M.  Hart.  1>.  D.  Swindall,  D.  L.  Hicks, 
A.  J.  Peddy  and  H.  Parnell. 

Notice  is  taken  of  the  ileatli  of  Eld.  8.  B.  Thomas, 


270  HISTOKY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

of  Concord  Church,  one  of  the  earliest  ministers  of 
this  Parish,  but  neither  the  date  of  his  death,  nor  any 
other  fact  in  his  history  is  given.  His  labors  deserved 
a  better  notice,  and  I  regret  that  I  have  not  been  able 
to  obtain  elsewhere  the  materials  to  write  a  sketch  of 
him. 

[1866  ]  Met  with  Union  Church,  at  Downsville, 
Union  Parish,  Oct.  13, 1866.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Eld.D.  L.  Hicks.  S.  J.  Fuller  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  E.  P.  Bolton,  Clerk.  Twenty-eight 
churches  reported  175  baptized,  92  received  by  letter, 
and  2005  members.  Of  the  latter  278  were  blacks. 
Pleasant  Hill  Church  was  received.  The  following 
ordained  ministers  are  named  as  members  of  churche^ 
in  this  body.  S.  C,  Lee,  J.  P.  Kelly,  U.  W.  Lunsfordf 
W.  Hunt,  Joseph  MUburn,  J.  C.  Jones,  J.  L.  Mays,  J. 
M.  Scarborough,  A.  Kitchens,  Q.  A.  Byron,  A.  C.  A. 
Simmons,  S.  J.  Fuller,  J.  M.  Hart,  J.  S.  Thomas,  Wm- 
J.  Hood,  J.  Miluer,  H.  M.  Cook  and  D.  L.  Hicks.  Be- 
sides these  the  following  supplied  churches  in  this 
body:  G.  B.  Talbert,  A.  Harris,  J.  M.  Scarborough  and 
W.  0.  Moreland. 

[1867.]  Met  with  Spearsville  Church,  Union  Parish, 
Oct.  li,  1867.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Eld. 
A.  J.  Peddy.  Eld.  A.  Harris  was  elected  Moderator, 
and  Eld.  A.  J.  Peddy,  Clerk.  Twenty -five  churches  re- 
ported 89  baptisms;  98  received  by  letter,  and  a  total 
membership  of  1711.  In  addition  to  names  of  minis- 
ters already  referred  to,  I  find  those  of  B.  P.  Eobin- 


CONCOBD-  ASSOCIATION.  271 

SOU,  W.  B.  Talifero  aucl  J.  S.  Shirty.  Xotice  is  taken 
of  the  death  during  the  year  of  Elders  John  L.  May.s 
and  A.  0.  A.  Simmons,  but  no  facts  are  given  in  either 
case.  A  sketch  of  Mays  appears  in  this  volume  from 
data  gathered  elsewhere.  Of  Mr.  Simmons,  I  only 
knoTT  that  he  was  a  man  of  education  and  ability,  and 
came  from  Alabama  about  1860,  and  .settled  in  Clai- 
borne Parishj  and  preached  to  churches  in  his  vicinity 
with  great  acceptance. 

[1868.  J  Met  with  Mineral  Spring  Church,  Lincoln 
Parish,  Saturday  before  second  Lord's  day  in  October, 
1868.  The  introductory  was  pieached  by  Elder  A. 
Harris.  Elder  S.  T.  Cobb  was  elected  Moderator, 
and  Elder  A.  Harris,  Clerk.  Twenty-six  churches  re- 
port 60  baptisms;  102  received  by  letter,  and  total 
membership  of  1654.  Mount  Ararat  was  received.  El- 
der S.  C.  Lee  was  placed  in  the  field  as  a  missionary. 

[  1871.  J  Met  with  Xew  Hope  Chvirch,  Saturday  be- 
fore third  Sabbath  in  September,  1871.  The  intro- 
ductory was  preached  by  Elder  J.  Milner.  Elder  S.  T. 
Cobb  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  C.  J.  Cargile,  Clerk. 
Twenty-six  churches  report  only  23  baptisms  and  1127 
members.  During  the  year  D.  L.  Hicks  labored  as  a 
missionary. 

[1873.]  Met  with  Hebron  Church,  Saturday  before 
the  third  Sabbath  in  September,  1873.  The  introduc- 
tory was  preached  by  Elder  W.  P.  Smith.  Elder  S- 
T.  Cobb  was  elected  ]\lodertor,  and  0.  J.  Cargile, 
Clerk.    Thirty  churches  were  represented,  but  the 


272        HISTORY  OF  Louisiana  baptists. 

statistical  table  in  my  copy  of  the  minutes  is  so  dimly 
printed  that  I  am  unable  to  give  the  number  of  bap- 
tisms, or  the  aggregate  membership.  Mount  Olive  and 
Antioch  churches  were  received.  Ministerial  labor 
was  distributed  as  follows :  J.  P.  Everett  at  Meridian 
Church,  L.  B.  Abbott  at  Camp  Greek,  Zion  Hill, 
Canaan  and  Bethel ;  S.  l^'.  Cobb  at  Farmerville  and 
Spearsville;  D.  D.  Booth  at  Pleasant  ■  Hill ;  W.  P. 
Smith  at  Shiloh,  Fellowship  and  Pisgah,  assisted  by  A . 
Kitchens ;  J.  W.  .Melton  at  Sharon  ;  A.  Harris  atliocky 
Spring  ;  Henry  Britt  at  ^It.  Pleasant ;  A.  Kitchens  at 
Mt.  Olive  ;  D.  H.  Bart  at  Saints  Rest ;  J.  Lolly  at  Xew 
Prospect,  Walnut  Creek  and  Vienna ;  J.  C.  Jones  at 
Pleasant  Grove  and  jSTew  Hoiie  ;  S.  P.  Leggett  at  Sar- 
dis ;  D.  L.  Hicksat  Mineral  Spring,  Liberty  (Ouachita), 
;\lt.  Ararat  and  Union. 

[1874.]  Met  with  Mineral  Springs,  Lincoln  Parish, 
Saturday  befoi-e  the  third  Sabbath  in  September,  1S74. 
The  introductory  was  preached  by  D.  L.  Hicks.  El- 
der S.  P.  Cobb  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  C.  J.  Car- 
gile.  Clerk.  Thirty  churches  reported  399  baptisms, 
and  2238  members.  Three  churches  were  not  repre- 
sented. Ministerial  labor  was  distributed  as  follows: 
J.  P.  Everett  at  ^leridian ;  A.  Kitchens,  Camp  Creek, 
Pisgah  and  Mount  Olive ;  S.  C.  Lee  at  Farmerville, 
Liberty  (Union)  and  Concord;  L.  B.  .Abbott,  Zion  Hill, 
Bethel  and  Canaan  ;  S.  T.  Cobb,  Spearsville  and  Pleas- 
ant Hill;  W.  P.  ij^mith,  Shiloh  and  Fellowship;  J,  AV. 
Melton,  Sharon  and  Saints  Rest;  John  Talbott,  He- 


CONCORD    ASSOCIATION.  273^ 

broil ;  A.  Harris,  Itocky  Spring'  ami  Arizona  ;  Josiali 
Lolly,  New  Prospect  anrl  Antiocli ;  J.  0.  Jones,  Pleas- 
ant Grrove,  Mount  Nebo  and  Mount  Arar#t;  D.  L. 
Hicks,  Mineral  Springs,  Liberty  (Ouachita)  and  Union; 
^V.  J.  Ledford,  Walnut  Creek  and  Xew  Hope;  and  S, 
P.  Leggett  at  Sardis. 

[1875.]  Met  with  the  church  at  Shiloh,  Union  Par- 
ish, on  Saturday  before  the  fifth  Sabbath  in  October, 
1875.  This  was  not  the  regular  time  of  meeting,  which 
was  disappointed  on  account  of  continued  rains  and 
high  waters.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  El- 
der J.  G.  Jones.  Elder  S.  F.  Cobb  was  elected  Mod- 
erator, and  C.  J.  Cargile,  Clerk.  Thirty-two  churches, 
reporting  257  bajitisms,  and  2408  members.  Mount 
Tabor  and  Hasley  Churches  were  received.  At  this 
meeting  was  inaugurated  the  movement  which  re- 
sulted in  the  establishment  of  the  "Concord  Institute" 
at  Shiloh.  The  ordained  ministers,  members  of 
churches  in  this  connection  are  given  as  follows :  L. 
B.  Abbott,  S.  C.  Lee,  S  T.  Cobb,  W.  P.  Smith,  John 
Talbott,  A.  I<:itchens,  J.  W.  Melton,  A.  Harris,  J.  C. 
Jones,  1).  L.  Hicks,  J.  A.  Hicks,  C.  H.  Bailey,  Josiah 
Lolly  and  L.  C.  Kellis.  Besides  these,  other  ministers 
labored  among  the  churclies ;  as  .  J.  P.  Everett,  Wm. 
Hunt,  S.  P.  Leggett  and  W.  J.  Ledford. 

fl87(;.j  :Met  with  the  Concord  Church  at  Marion, 
Union  Parish,  Friday  before  third  Sabbath  in  Sep- 
tember, 1876.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  El- 
der A.  Kitchens.     Elder  S.  C.  Lee  was  chosen  Moder- 


274  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA -BAPTISTS. 

ator  aud  0.  J.  Oargile,  Clerk.  Thirty  churches  were 
represented,  reporting  74  baptisms  and  L'2.55  members. 
The  Monroe  Church  was  received,  W.  C.  Firley,  pas- 
tor. Six  churches  report  Sabbatli-schools.  The  dis- 
tribution of  ministerial  labor  continued  about  a.s  it 
was  last  year. 

[1877.]  Met  with  Sharon  Ohurch,  Claiborne  Par- 
ish, Saturday  before  the  third  Sabbath  in  September, 
1877.  Thirty-six  churches  report  202  baptisms,  and 
2,402  members.  Shady  Grove,  Providence,  Mineral 
Springs  (Ouachita),  and  Mt.  Nebo,  were  received. 
The  ordained  ministers  belonging  to  churches  of  this 
association  are  given  as  follows :  S.  T.  Cobb,  L.  B.  Ab- 
bott, Wm.  Hunt,  T.  M.  Post,  Q.  A.  Byram,  A.  Harris, 
J.  Melton,  Ivan  M.  Wise,  A.  Kitchens,  J.  P.  Everett, 
W.  P.  Smith,  John  Talbot,  W.  G.  Simmons,  D.  L. 
Hicks,  J,  A.  Hicks,  0.  H.  Bailey,  F.  M.  Burns,  A.  J. 
Calloway,  S.  P.  Leggett,  J.  Lolly,  and  C.  Jones.  Dur- 
ing the  year  a  Sunday-school  convention  was  held, 
and  much  good  was  done  to  promote  this  interest. 

[1878.J  Met  with  the  Walnut  Creek  Church.  Lin- 
coln Parish.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Eld. 
J.  P,  Everett.  Elder  J.  C.  Jones  was  chosen  Modera- 
tor, and  J.  D.Hamilton,  Clerk,  Thirty -eight  churches 
report  107  baptisms,  and  2,270  members,  not  ionlud- 
ing  ^Valnut  Creek  and  Antioch,  which  Avere  dismiss- 
ed.   Culbertson  Church,  Union  Parish,  Avas  received. 

[1879.]  Met  with  Liberty  Cluirch,  Ouachita  Parish, 
September  20,  1870.  The  introductory  sermon  Avas 
preached  by  Elder  \V.  A.  Mason,  of  JNIonroe.    Elder 


CONCORD    ASSOCIATION.  275 

J.  C.  Jones,  Moderator,  and  J.  D.  Hamilton,  Clerk. 
Thirty-six  churches  report  240  baptisms,  an  2,590 
members.  Cuba  and  Vienna  churches  were  received 
Tlie  proceedings  were  of  unusual  interest,  and  a  new 
impulse  was  given  to  Education,  Sunday-schools,  Mis- 
sions and  Temperance. 

[1880:i  Met  with  Farmersville  Church,  Union  Par- 
isli,  September  18th,  1880.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  W.  A.  Mason.  Judge  W.  E.  Eut- 
land  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  J.  D.  Hamilton, 
Clerk.  Thirty-six  churches  were  represented,  report- 
ing 159  baptisms,  and  1,923  members.  The  pastoral 
labors  were  distributed  as  follows :  L.  P.  Abbott,  at 
Concord  and  Zion  Hill;  J.  B.  Edwards,  Liberty, 
Union,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Union;  W.  P.  Smith,  at 
Meridian,  Bethel,  Mt.  Olive  and  Fellowship;  F.  M. 
Burns,  at  Shady  Grove ;  S.  C.  Lee,  at  Farmersville 
and  Mt.  Tabor ;  C.  B.  Freeman,  at  Camp  Creek ;  S.  T. 
Cobb,  at  Canaan ;  A.  Harris,  at  Eocky  Springs  and 
Antioch  ;  J.  W.  Melton,  at  Hebron  ;  A.  Kitchens,  at 
Sharon  and  Pisgah  ;  J.  P.  Everett,  at  Shiloh  and  Vi- 
enna ;  J.  Lolly,  at  Saint's  Eest ;  P.  Moore,  at  New 
Prospect ;  J.  C.  Jones,  at  Mineral  Springs  and  Kew 
Hope ;  John  Talbot,  at  Sardis ;  D.  L.  Hicks,  at  Cul- 
bertson.  Liberty  (Ouachita)  and  Mount  Ararat ;  W.  A . 
Mason,  at  Monroe ;  J.  J.  White,  at  Hasley  (Trenton) 
and  Cuba ;  J.  A.  Hicks,  at  Mount  Xebo,  and  A.  J. 
Calloway,  at  Providence. 

This  old  body  has  an  efficient  Ministry,  and  is  fully 
alive  to  all  the  enterprises  of  the  denomination. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

OUACHITA   ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  is  chiefly  situated  in  the  Parish  of  the 
same  name,  and  tlie  Parishes  of  Caldwell,  Catahoula 
and  Franklin.  It  originally  embraced  all  the  churches 
south  of  Monroe,  on  both  sides  of  the  Ouachita  Elver. 
I  have  already  given  an  account  of  the  planting  of 
the  early  churches  of  this  region.  They  were  orig- 
inally embraced  in  the  Louisiana  Association;  then 
united  iu  the  formation  of  the  Concord,  in  1832.  But 
the  territory  was  so  large  and  the  number  of  churches 
so  great,  that  in  1844  a  new  association  was  formed, 
called  Ouachita.  ]My  file  of  minutes  begins  with  the 
second  anniversarj^ 

This  body  was  organized  on  Articles  of  Faitli 
strongly  Oalvinistic  in  theology,  if  1  may  judge  from 
the  synopsis  in  tlie  title  page  of  the  minute*,  for 
several  years,  according  to  which  it  embraced  the 
following  points:-  1.  Three  eciual  jiersous  in  the  God- 
head. '2.  Eternal  and  ]jersounl  election.  3.  Original 
siu.  4  .  Particular  redemption.  5.  Free  redemption 
by  the  righteousness  of  Christ  imputed.  (5.  The  ab- 
solute necessity  of  the  Spirit's  operation.  7.  I'^ttica- 
cious  grace  iu  regeneriition.  8.  The  obligation  of 
believers  to  nttond  to  all  the  precepts  of  the  Script- 
ures. '.».  The  final  perseverance  of  real  believers.  10. 
The  resunection  of  tlu^  dend.     11.  (JcnemJ  judgment 


OUACHITA    ASSOCIATIOX.  -217 

at  the  last  day.  12.  The  everlasting  liappiness  (if  the 
righteous,  and  the  everiastiug  misery  of  the  iinpeiii- 
teut.  13.  The  baptism  of  believer.*!  by  iiiimersi(ni.  14. 
Tlie  independence  of  the  cliurches. 

My  file  of  minutes  is  not  comjdete,  but  1  do  not 

find  a  copy  of  the  articles  mitil  ISiiS,  from  which  1 

judge  that  they  must  have  been  somewhat  modified. 

1  will  notice  these  admirable  articles  in  the  proper 

l)lace. 

[l.sl.j  J  The  association  held  its  second  anniversary 
with  Ziou  Hill  Church,  Caldwell  Parish,  beginning 
September  20,  isi.").  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  Asa  S.  Mercer,  who  was  afterwards  elected 
.Moderator,  with  A.  IJ.  Itatclift',  Clerk.  The  following 
cliurches  composed  the  body:  >Sliiloh,  Catahoula 
ParLsh  (10),  constituted  February  4,  1843,  by  H.  31. 
Hodges  aiul  A.  S.  Mercer;  Jerusalem,  Catahoula 
Parish  (21),  constituted  September  14,  1837,  by  Asa 
S.  Mercer;  Salem,  Catahoula  (10),  constituted  June 
10,  1843,  by  X.  M.  Davis  and  T.  A.  Eouton;  First 
Baptist  Church,  on  Black  River,  Catahoula  (12),  con- 
stituted August  !t,  1845.  by  Allen  Nix  and  T.  A. 
Eouton;  First  Baptist  Church,  on  Little  Eiver,  Cata- 
houla, constituted  August  4,  184.5,  by  Allen  Xix  and 
T.  A.  Eouton;  Catahoula,  Catahoula  (55),  con.stituted 
March  11,  1826,  by  Henry  Humble  and  John  Impson ; 
Liberty,  Caldwell  (20),  constituted  August  14,  1841, 
by  A.  S.  Mercer  and  X.  .M.  Davis ;  Aimwell,  Cata- 
houla (.52).  constituted  August  31,  1839,  by    A.  S. 


278  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Mercer  aucl  Thomas  Mereditli;  Bethel,  Cakhvell  (30), 
constituted  April  25, 1831,  by  H.  Alforil,  Joliii  Impson 
and  John  Hill;  Zion  Hill,  Caldwell  (35),  constituted 
July  2,  184:2,  by  N.  M.  Davis  and  Thomas  Mereditli; 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Caldwell  (33),  constituted  March  9, 
1844,  by  A.  S.  Mercer  aud  ^N^.  M.  Davis;  Palestine, 
Caldwell  (21),  constituted  September,  1842,  by  A.  S. 
Mercer  and  Thomas  Meredith;  Hebron,  Caldwell 
(11),  couf,tituted  January  25,  1845,  by  X.  M.  Davis 
and  Thomas  Meredith.  Total  membership,  31(i.  The 
ordained  ministers  were  as  follows:  Asa  S.  Mercer, 
Tliomas  Meredith,  Allen  Morris,  Xathan  M.  Dinis, 
Talbot  A.  Eouton,  Joshua  S.  Yanu,  Allen  Nix  aud 
Andrew  B.Davis.  One  church  reports  a  successful 
Sunday-school  in  operation. 

In  reply  to  queries  from  Black  River  Cliureh  the 
following  answers  were  returned : 

"  1.  The  duty  of  a  deacon  is  to  attend  to  the  tem- 
poral necessities  of  the  church  and  ministers,  to  poor 
widows  and  saints,  serving  the  Lord's  table,  supplj-ing-j 
the  wants  of  the  ministry  and  endeavoring  to  keep 
the  house  of  the  Lord  in  order  in  all  things. 

''2.  The  duty  of  a  bishop  is  to  minister  to  the 
church  in  spiritual  things,  both  in  word  and  doctrine, 
stand  as  a  mouth  for  the  Lord,  speaking  the  thi4igs 
that  become  souiul  doctrine,  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but 
of  a  ready  mind,  according  to  the  divine  word  of  God. 

"  3.  The  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,  for  -which 
we  should  earnestly  contend,  consists  in  the  everlast- 
ing   word    of   (!o(l    given   by   inspiration,   which  is 


OUACHITA   ASSOCIATION.  279 

calculated,  tbrougli  grace,  to  produce  faitli  in  every 
child  of  God,  aud  make  them  wise  uuto  salvation." 

Au  able  circular  letter  on  the  subject  of  Repeutaucc, 
prepared  by  Thomas  Meredith,  appears  in  the  minutes. 
The  churches  were  invited  to  unite  in  a  season  of  fn st- 
ing, humiliation  and  prayer.  The  meeting  of  tlie 
association  was  attended  by  a  revival  spirit.  Thirteen 
willing  converts  were  baptized  by  Thomas  Meredith. 

[1846.]  Met  with  the  Black  River  Church,  Catii- 
houla  Parish,  September  25,  1846.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  T.  A.  Kouton.  A.  8.  MercCr 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Allen  D.  Eatclifi'e,  Clerk'. 
Fifteen  churches  were  represented,  reporting  57  bap- 
tisms and  384  members.  Two  new  churches  were 
received:  Good  Hope,  Caldwell  Parish,  numbering 
eight  members,  constituted  August  22,  1846,  by  A.  S. 
Mercer  and  N,  M.  Davis;  and  Mount  Vernon,  in  tlu! 
same  parish,  numbering  sixteen  members,  constituted 
July  1, 1846,  by  Thomas  Meredith  and  W.  H.  Holland. 

it  was  '^Resolved,  That  each  church  composing  tliis 
body,  be  requested  to  send  up  contributions  to  the 
next  association,  to  support  one  or  more  ministering 
brethren  to  preach  in  the  destitute  parts  of  our  section 
of  the  country." 

Instead  of  the  usual  circular  letter,  a  committee  pre- 
sented as  a  substitute  the  following  summary  view  of 
the  condition  of  the  churches,  which  1  copy  for  its 
historical  value : 

"  Shiloh  Church,  is  in  Harrisonburg ;  constituted  in 


280  HISTOKT    01^   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

IS-t's,  with  eiglit  membeis,  including-  our  l)elove(l 
biothor  Hodges,  who  was  pastor  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year.  This 
little  church  has  had  many  difficulties  to  eucounteriii 
its  infant  state.  During  the  year  she  has  lost  one  of 
her  deacons,  and  is  now  witliout  a  pastor,  or  regular 
preaching,  iind  is  in  a  cold  and  declining  state.  Still, 
there  are  a  few  determined  to  persevere  in  the  dis- 
charge of  duty,  assisted  by  Divine  power.  She  has 
a  flourishing  Sabbath-school,  wliich  we  trust  will  l»e 
a  nursery  to  the  church. 

''■Jerusalem  Church,  is  situated  eight  or  ten  miles 
south-west  of  Ilarrisonburg ;  was  constituted  in  18'57, 
and  although  she  now  numbers  nineteen,  she  has  had 
many  additions,  a  part  of  whom  now  compose  other 
churches  constitued  in  her  neighborhood.  Peace  and 
harmony  reigii  in  her  midst,  and  she  exerts  a  g'ood 
influence;  is  supj)lied  with  monthly  ijreachiug  by 
Elder  T.  A.  Kouton,  and  keeps  up  a  prayer-meeting. 

Salem  Church,  is  situated  about  twenty  miles  south- 
west of  Harrisonburg ;  was  constituted  in  1843.  She 
has  had  some  additions,  but  is  still  small ;  brotherly 
lore  dwells  witli  them,  and  they  pray  for  an  increase 
of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

''Black  River  Church,  is  situated  about  tifteeu  miles 
south  of  Trinity,  in  Catahoula  Parish.  This  church 
was  constituted  in  1845,  in  a  populous  neighborhood, 
and  is  in  a  prosiierous  state,  although  few  have  been 
added;  brethren  A.  ISi.K,  pastor,  and  SamnelJackson, 
supply. 

"  Little  Birvr  Church,  situati'd  about  ten  miles  west 
of  Trinity,  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  but  lias  had  some 
additions  in  the  last  year.  Being  in  a  flourishing 
iieighboiliood,  we  trust  many  more  will  be  added 
to  it.     Brotlier  Allen   Xi\,  pastor. 


OUACHITA.  ASSOCIATION.  281 

"Catahoula  Church,  situated  twelve  iiiile.s  uoitliwest- 
«f  Harrisonburg,  is  the  oldest  cliurcli  iu  the  associa- 
tion; constituted  in  182G;  has  ordained  four  or  five 
ministers,  members  of  her  ■  body,  and  has  been  the 
nursery  of  all  the  churches  within  the  bounds  of  the 
association.  She  is  well  entitled  to  the  term  <  mother 
church.'    Brother  K.  M.  Davis  is  pastor. 

^^  Liberty  C/mrc/t,  in  Copenhagen,  Caldwell  Parish, 
is  supplied  by  brother  N".  M.  Davis,  and  she  is  in  a 
cold  state. 

"  Aimwell  Church,  situated  about  twenty  miles  west 
of  Harrisonburg;  constituted  in  1839,  with  three 
members;  now  numbers  fifty-six.  She  has  enjoyed  a 
refreshing  season  during  the  past  year,  but  now  has 
some  little  difficulty;  supplied  by  brother  X.  M.  Davis. 

"Bethel  Church,  Caldwell  Parish,  situated  ten  miles 
south-west  of  Columbia;  constituted  in  1831;  is  now 
In  a  cold  state;  suppliedby  A.  S.  Mercer. 

""'  Zion  Hill  Church,  situated  eighteen  miles  west  of 
•Columbia;  constituted  in  1842,  with  eight  members, 
and  now  numbers  forty-five.  This  church  Iras  enjoyed 
a  refreshing  season  during  the  past  year,  and  is  still 
in  a  prosperous  state;  brother  Thomas  Meredith, 
pastor. 

"  Mount  Pleasant  Church,  situated  ten  miles  north- 
west of  Columbia ;  constituted  in  1844,  with  sixteen 
Imembers,  now  numbers  fifty-four.  She  has  been  much 
revived  the  past  year,  and  is  now  in  peace  and  har- 
mony, and  union  among  themselves.  They  have  set 
apart  two  of  their  members  to  the  work  of  the  minis- 
try; brother  Thomas  Meredith,  pastor, 

^^  Palestine  Church,  situated  twenty-five  miles  west 
of  Columbia;  constituted  iu  1842 ;  supplied  by  brother 
A.  S.  Mercer.    She  mourns  a  languid  state. 
19 


282  HISTOEY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

.  ^^  Hebron  Church,  situated  twenty -five  miles  west  of 
Columbia;  constituted  in  1845,  with  seven  members,, 
and  now  numbers  twenty.  She  has  been  much  bless- 
ed and  is  in  a  flourishing  state  ;  Brother  Thomas  Mer- 
edith, supply, 

"  Good  Sope  Church,  situated  twelve  or  flfteenmiles 
south-west  of  Copenhagen ;  constituted  in  1846 ;  IJro 
N.  M.  Davis,  supply. 

''  Mount  Vernon  Church,  situated  about  thirty  miles 
south  of  Columbia;  a  new  church,  constituted  in. 
1846,  and  is  supplied  by  Brother  Holland." 

Elder  Asa  S.  Mercer  had  been  api>ointed  by  the 
association  the  year  before  to  visit  all  the  churches. 
I  make  the  following  extract  from  his  interesting, 
report : 

"  In  compliance  with  your  request  of  last  associa- 
tion, 1  have  visited  all  the  churches  in  its  bounds,  and 
trust  that  whilst  I  have  dispensed  the  Gospel  to  others 
in  my  feeble  manner,  my  own  soul  has  been  fed  with 
manna  from  Heaven.  I  am  happy  to  say  that  I  have,, 
with  some  slight  exceptions,  found  the  churches  in 
peace,  though  in  a  lukewarm  condition.  Notwith- : 
standing,  I  have  had  many  pleasant  meetings,  where 
the  power  of  the  Lord  was  manifest  among  the  peo- 
ple. Christians  have  been  comforted,  while  sinners 
have  been  made  to  tremble  and  cry  for  mercy.  My 
prayer  is  that  it  may  prove  as  bread  cast  upon  the 
waters, that  shall  be  gathered  many  days  hence.  I  have 
been  kindly  received  and  hospitably  entertained  dur- 
ing the  time,  and  often  entreated  to  return  and  break 
the  bread  of  life  anew  to  the  hungry,  starving  souls.. 
*  *  *  I  have  spent  four  days  with  the  First  Church 


OUACHITA  ASSOCIATION.  283 

on  Black  Eiver;  four  days  with  the  First  Church  ou 
Little  River;  five  days  with  Shiloh  Church;  six 
days  with  James  Eiver  Church;  six  days  with 
Jerusalem  Church;  six  days  with  Salem  Church; 
eleven  days  with  the  Catahoula  Church;  seven 
days  with  the  Liberty  Church ;  nine  days  with 
the  Aim  well  Church ;  ten  days  with  the  Betiiel 
Church ;  eleven  days  with  the  Zion  Hill  Church ; 
eight  days  with  the  Mount  Pleasant  Church  ;  four- 
teen days  with  the  Palestine  Church ;  and  six  days 
with  the  Hebron  Church ;  being  an  aggregate  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty -five  days ;  traveled  two  thous- 
and, three  hundred  miles,  and  preached  one  hundred 
and  fifty-seven  sermons.  This  closes  my  labors  for 
the  past  associational  year,  in  the  thirty-fourth  year 
of  my  ministry,  and  the  fifty -sixth  year  of  myage.^' 

[1847.]  Met  with  Aimwell  Church,  Catahoula  Par- 
ish, October  23, 1847.  The  Introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  W.  H.  Holland.  A.  S.  Mercer  was  chosen 
Modera'tor,  and  A.  D.  Eatcliflf,  Clerk.  Fifteen  churches 
were  represented,  reporting  32  baptisms  and  403  mem- 
bers. 

The  attempt  to  carry  out  the  resolutions  of  last 
year,  requesting  the  churches  to  send  up  contributions 
to  support  a  minister  in  the  destitute  parts  of  the  as- 
sociation, roused  the  anti-missionary  feeling  in  some 
of  the  churches,  and  at  this  session  a  resolution  was 
passed  declaring  that  in  order  to  preserve  peace  and 
union  among  the  churches,  the  request  could  not  be 
complied  with.  The  churches  were  counselled  to  ex  • 
ercise  due  caution  with  regard  to  licensing  youug 


824  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

gifts,  and  ordaiuiijg  ministers  without  a  plurality  of 
ordained  and  orthodox  ministers. 

Although  the  beginning  of  the  session  was  inter- 
rupted by  a  violent  storm,  the  meeting  ijroved  to  be 
an  interesting  and  profitable  one. 

"Sabbath  morning  a  large  and  respectable  audience 
assembled  at  an  early  hour.  Brethren  Turnage,  Hol- 
land, Grant  and  Thomas  Meredith  occupied  the  stand. 
In  the  closing  address  by  Brother  Meredith,  he  made 
a  touching  allusion  to  the  present  state  of  this  section 
of  country,  compared  with  a  few  years  back,  when  he 
and  our  present  Moderator  first  visited  it,  then  a 
wilderness  with  a  few  scattering  inhabitants.  Our 
venerable  brethren.  Hill  and  Humble,  who  pioneered 
the  way,  stood  alone  upon  the  threshold,  whose  voices 
are  now  hushed  in  death,  and  whose  bodies  sleej)  in 
the  silent  tomb.  But  we  trust  their  prayers  are  heard 
and  answered.  Already  have  the  hills  become  vocal 
with  the  praises  of  the  living  God,  and  prayer,  like 
incense,  ascends  to  the  throne  of  heaven.  JTot  only 
do  we  see  a  church  here  in  the  wilderness,  but  an  as 
sociation  composed  of  those  whom  we  trust  will  soon 
mingle  their  voices  around  the  throne  of  God,  in  praise 
to  Him  to  whom  be  all  the  glory.  Every  heart  was 
moved,  and  when  he  came  down  from  the  stand  and 
offered  his  hand  in  prayer,  the  aged  and  young,  the 
gay  and  sad,  crowded  alike  to  mingle  their  sympathies 
and  prayers.  Brother  Haggard  led  in  prayer,  closing 
the  exercises  of  a  day  that  will  long  be  cherished  in 
the  hearts  of  those  who  were  present. 

"  On  Monday  the  stand  was  occupied  by  brethren 
H.  Mecom,  A.  B.  Davis,  J.  J.  Meredith,  and  T.  A. 
Eouton.    The  congregation  was  large,  attentive  and 


OUACJIITA   ASSOCIATION.  285 

soleiim.  Tears  of  j)eniteutial  sorrow  were  miugled 
with  tliose  of  gratitude  and  love  to  the  Saviour  ot 
luankiud.  Much  feeling  was  manifested,  and  a  spirit 
of  piety  breathed  through  the  congregation  generally." 

[1848.]  Met  with  Hebron  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish,  October  19,  1848.  The  Introductory  was 
preached  by  Thomas  Meredith.  A.  S.  Mercer  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  Elder  J.  J.  Meredith,  Clerk. 
Seventeen  churches  were  represented,  reporting  29 
baptisms  and  406  members.  Two  new  churches  were 
received :  Pisgah,  constituted  by  Martin  Haggard  iu 
Natchitoches  Parish,  October,  1848,  with  eight  mem- 
bers, and  Bceuif  Eivei',  constituted  by  L.  L.  Squires 
and  F.  Aiibrey,  Franklin  Parish,  with  four  members, 
January  9,  1848. 

The  following  resolution  was  intended  to  allay  the 
.spirit  of  division  on  the  subject  of  Missions: 

"  It  shall  be  the  inalienable  right  of  each  convoca- 
tion of  the  association,  of  each  church  composing  her 
body,  and  every  member  of  the  same,  to  contribute 
for  benevolent  purposes,  or  withhold,  according  to 
their  several  views,  and  this  right  shall  never  be  chal- 
lenged in  this  association.  Any  motion  to  the  con- 
trary shall  be'ruled  out  of  order  by  the  Moderator  as 
being  unconstitutional." 

This  session  of  the  body  was  held  under  circum- 
stances most  favorable.  The  weather  was  fine  and 
the  attendance  large.  The  proceedings  were  con- 
ducted iu  the  most  fraternal  spirit.    The  congrega- 


86  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

tions  were  favored  by  a  revival  spirit,  and  at  the  close 
tlie  church  received  twelve  accessions. 

[1850.]  Met  with  Catahoula  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish,  October  24,  1850.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Thomas  Meredith.  Elder  l!^.  M. 
Davis  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Francis  Bryan, 
Clerk.  Seventeen  churches  were  represented,  report- 
in  p-  72  baptisms,  with  436  members. 

The  anti-missionary  spirit  which  had  been  brewing 
culminated  at  this  session.  The  Mount  Pleasant 
Church  asked  for  a  letter  of  dismission,  and  after  some 
objections  and  much  debate  the  application  was  laid 
upon  the  table  until  next  meeting,  whereupon  Elder 
T.  Meredith  announced  to  the  association  in  behalf  of 
that  church  that  she  was  no  longer  a  member  of 
Ouachita  Association.  A  committee  was  appointed 
to  labor  with  the  church  and  if  possible  bring  about  a 
reconciliation,  but  nothing  was  accomplished.  Under 
the  lead  of  Elder  Thomas  Meredith  a  convention  met 
at  Pilgrim's  Eest,  an  u.nassociated  church,  September 
11. 1851,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  an  association  of 
the  anti-missionary  order.  Ten  churches  met  in  con- 
vention, viz:  Hepzibah,  Zion  Hill,  Mt.  Pleasant,  New 
Bethel,  Pilgrim's  Eest,  Hopewell,  d'Arbonne,  New 
Providence,  Mount  Olive  and  Bethel,  of  which  only 
Zion  Hill  and  Mount  Pleasant  appear  to  have  been 
from  the  Ouachita  Association.  The  rest  were  no 
doubt  of  this  order.  Great  as  was  Meredith's  talent, 
and  much  as  he  was  beloved,  I  do  not  find  that  a  siu- 


OUACHITA   ASSOCIATION.  287 

:gle  iniuister,  not  excepting  Ms  brother,  John  J.  Mere- 
"ditli,  followed  him.  The  ministers  who  united  with 
him,  so  far  as  I  can  ascertain,  were  all  of  the  Anti- 
mission  order  before.  These  were  Z.  Thomas,  J.  L. 
McGrinty,  J.  Taylor  and  C.  B.  Landers.  The  last 
named  lived  in  Arkansas  and  was  present  as  a  visitor. 
The  Abstract  of  Faith  adopted  would  be  accepted  by 
most  Missionary  Baptist  churches,  except  the  article 
in  regard  to  Feet- Washing.  Article  Fourth  of  their 
■Constitution  is  the  only  ground  of  separation  between 
them.  "This  association  disclaims  all  connection 
Tvhatever  with  any  modern  missionary  or  society,  what- 
soever name  called,  which  without  any  aiithority  of 
.Scriptures,  claims  to  be  auxiliary  to  the  church  of 
God;  nor  will  it  knowingly  correspond  with  or  receive 
correspondence  from  any  association  that  holds  such 
things  in  fellowship." 

[  1853.  ]  Met  with  Aimwell  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish,  October  13,  1853.  The  introductory  was 
prea.ched  by  Elder  N.  M.  Da-vis,  who  was  afterwards 
•elected  Moderator,  with  Francis  Bryan,  Clerk.  Eigh- 
teen churches  were  represented,  reporting  35  baptism§ 
and  403  members.  .  Mount  Lebanon  Church,  Cata- 
houla Parish,  was  admitted  to  membership,  with  ten 
members.  The  pastors  named  are  T.  A.  Eouton,  W. 
J.  Lacy,  K.  M.  Davis  and  D.  B.  Thomas.  H.  Mecora, 
Simon  Thomas,  J.  P.  Blake,  J.  J.  Meredith  and  A.  B. 
Davis,  seem  to  have  been  witnout  a  charge,  and  M. 
Haggard  was  laboring  as  a  missionary  in  the  countrj' 


288  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

The  report  on  the  State  of  Eeligion  says  :  "  There 
is  a  general  complaint  of  coldness  throughout  the 
bounds  of  the  association,  and  great  destitution  of 
preaching  exists." 

A  correspondence  was  opened  with  the  Louisiana 
Baptist  State  Convention. 

[1857.  ]  Met  with  Fellowship,  Caldwell  Parish,  Oc- 
tober 15,  1857.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  N.  M.  Davis,  Avho  was  afterward  elected  Moder- 
ator, with  T.  J.  Humble  as  Clerk.  Twenty-seven 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  120  baptisms  and 
G04  members ;  of  these  Harmony  Grove,  Mount  Par- 
nassus, Bethlehem,  First  Colored  Church  on  the 
Ouachita,  Caldwell  Parish ;  Big  Spring,  in  Union  Par- 
ish^ and  Pleasant  Hill,  in  Jackson  Parish,  were  received 
at  this  session. 

The  Clerk  remarks  :  "  There  has  been  a  marked 
improvement  in  the  missionary  cause,  since  our  last 
annual  session,  as  the  amount  sent  up  to  the  Louis- 
iana Baptist  State  Convention,  and  the  freeness  with . 
which  each  delegate  contributed,  gives  evidence  of 
greater  improvement  in  the  future." 

N.  M.  Davis,  who  had  been  appointed  to  visit  the 
churches  which  failed  to  represent  themselves,  made  a 
report  from  which  extract : 

"  The  First  Concordia  Church  we  found  in  a  healthy 
condition,  but  had  no  pastor,  and  from  this  fact  did 
not  propose  to  represent  themselves. 

"  The  Shiloh  Church  is  in  a  good  condition. 


OUACHITA   ASSOCIATION.  289 

"  The  Jerusalem  Church  Ave  found  very' much  scat- 
tered, consequently  we  were  unable  to  effect  anything. 
We  think  the  members  are  in  need  of  advice,  as  in  its 
present  condition  it  i.s  impossible  to  effect  a  full  at- 
tendance. 

"  The  Catahoula  Church  we  found  in  such  an  unset- 
tled state  that  its  members  desired  to  be  dissolved, 
and  of  those  present  there  was  a  unanimous  voice  given 
for  its  dissolution.  Therefore  in  council  with  them  we 
dissolved  it. 

"TAe  Mount  Vernon  Church  we  did  not  visit,  but 
have  it  from  reliable  sources  that  they  have  adopted 
resolutions  that  caused  the  division  of  this  associa- 
tion in  1850. 

"  Bmuff  River  we  did  not  visit. 

"  The  New  Bethel  Church  we  found,  much  to  our  sor- 
roAv  in  a  very  bad  condition.  Half  of  the  members 
were  in  disorder.  The  others  seemed  anxious  for 
church  privileges.  Therefore  we  recommend  you  to 
pass  resolutions  for  their  relief." 

Two  missionaries  labored  during  the  year,  X.  M. 
Davis  and  M.  Haggard. 

[1858.]  Met  Avith  Trout  Creek  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish,  October  14,  1858.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  T.  A.  Eoutou.  Elder  If.  M.  Davis 
Avas  chosen  Moderator,  and  T.  J.  Humble,  Clerk. 
Twenty-nine  churches  report  211  baptisms  and  845 
members.  The  pastors  reported  are,  D.  D.  Swindall, 
J.  P.  Blake,  T.  A.  Eoviton,  M.  Haggard,  W.  J.  Lacy, 
T.  C.  Bradford,  A.  B.  Davis,  D.  O'Quinn,  D.  Odom, 
L.  S.  Markman  and  H.  M,  Cook.  J.  J.  Meredith,  ]!f. 
M.  Davis  and  T.  A.  Ronton  rode  as  missionaries. 


^90  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Catahoula  and  Pine  Grove  Cliurclies,  in  Catahoula 
Parish,  were  admitted.  The  former  seems  to  have 
been  reconstituted. 

The  following  query  was  answered  unanimously  iu 
the  negative :  "Shall  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church 
who  is  iu  the  habit  of  dealiug  in  spirituous  liquors  for 
the  sake  of  gain  be  retained  as  a  member  of  the 
church." 

Five  accessions  to  the  church  was  a  part  of  the 
fruits  of  the  meeting. 

The  Clerk  remarks :  "  Eeligion  in  the  bounds  of 
our  association  is  in  a  more  flourishing  condition  at 
this  time  than  perhaj)s  at  any  time  since  its  organiza- 
tion. Most  of  the  churches  have  been  revived  and 
enjoyed  accessions  to  their  numbers.  There  seems  to 
be  a  general  interest  in  every  church  for  the  life  and 
spirit  of  our  Holy  Religion.  All  of  our  churches  are, 
I  think,  supplied  with  a  preached  word ;  while  the 
colored  population  are  totally  neglected." 

[1859.]  Met  with  Catahoula  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish,  October  13,  1859.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  D.  D.  Swindall.  Elder  T.  A.  Eon- 
ton  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  T.  J.  Humble,  Clerk. 
Thirty-two  churches  were  represented,  reporting  173 
baptisms  and  1021  members .  The  following  churches 
-were  received:  Ebenezer,  in  Catahoula  Parish,  and 
Little  Creek,  Eapides  Parish;  also  three  colored 
churches:  First  ACriean,  in  Eognely,  Eapides  Parish; 
First  Africiiu  Church  on  Little  Elver,  Catahoula  Par- 


OUACHITA   ASSOOIATIOjN-.  291 

isli ;  and  the  First  Africau  Church  ou  Tensas  Eiver, 
in  Concordia  Parish.  A.11  tliese  churches  were  consti- 
tuted in  1859. 

Steps  were  taken  to  aid  young  men  preparing  for 
the  ministry,  and  $446  were  subscribed  to  the  object. 
Able  reports  were  read  on  Temperance,  Sabbath 
Schools,  Education,  and  the  State  of  Eeligion  among 
the  Blacks.  Two  missionaries  had  been  employed 
part  of  the  time. 

[I860.]  Met  with  Harmony  Grove  Church,  Cald- 
well Parish,  October  20,  1860.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  N.  M.  Davis,  who  was  afterward 
elected  Moderator,  and  T.  J.  Humble,  Clerk.  Thirty- 
three  churches  were  represented,  reporting  206  bap- 
tisms and  1,317  members.  Of  these  the  following  were 
received  at  this  session,  viz:  Concord,  Caldwell  Par- 
ish, fifty  members;  Bethesda,  Catahoula  Parish, 
eleven  members  |  Pine  Hill,  Catahoula  Parish,  eleven 
members;  Bceuff  Prairie,  Franklin  Parish,  twenty-one 
members;  Pope's  Creek,  Winn  Parish,  nineteen  mem- 
bers ;  Hudson's  Creek,  Eapides  Parish,  nine  members. 
All  these  were  constituted  in  1860. 

The  pastors  reported  are  D.  Odom,  at  Jerusalem, 
l\It.  Nebo,  Pine  Grove  and  Ebenezer;  J.  Heath,  at 
^alem;  T.  A.  Eouton,  at  Little  Eiver  and  Bethesda; 
A.  B.  Davis,  at  Aim  well  and  Catahoula ;  K.  M.  Davis, 
at  Good  Hope,  Mount  Parnassus,  First  Ouachita, 
Bethel  and  Bceuff  Prairie;  J.  P.  Blake,  at  Bethlehem; 
J.  J.  Meredith,  at  Fellowship ;  L.  S.  Markham,  at  Pal- 


292  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

estine  autl  First  Colored  Church  at  Ouachita;  A.  J. 
West,  at  Union  (Colored);  A.  Harris,  at  Harmony 
Grove;  H.  M.  Cook,  at  Hebron,  and  Z.  Cox,  at  Pleas- 
ant Hill. 

Shiloh,  First  Black  itiver,  iSTew  Liberty,  Little 
Creek,  Pine  Hill,  Pope's  Creek,  Hudson's  Creek,  First 
Colored  on  Ouachita,  and  First  Colored  on  Tensas, 
were  without  pastors. 

Representatives  were  present  from  the  State  Con- 
vention, and  Dr.  B.  Egan  was  permitted  to  address 
the  body  on  the  several  objects  of  the  Convention, 
Avhich  he  did  very  ably  and  in  a  brief  manner,  and  a 
collection  was  taken  to  aid  ministerial  students  at 
Mount  Lebanon  University. 

The  churches  had  prospered  during  the  year,  and 
many  revivals  had  occurred.  D.  B.  Thomas  had  trav- 
eled as  colporteur,  and  had  sold  over  five  hundred 
books. 

[1861.]  Met  with  Black  River  Church,  CatahoiUa 
Parish,  October  19,  1861.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Martin  Haggard.  Elder  X.  M. 
Davis  was  elected  Moderator,  and  T.  J.  Humble, 
Clerk.  Thirty-one  churches  were  represented,  report- 
ing 52  baptisms  and  an  aggregate  membership  of 
1281,  of  which  Little  Star,  Caldwell  Parish,  25  mem 
bers,  and  Liberty,  Rapides  Parish,  were  received. 

In  consequence  of  bad  weather  and  muddy  roads, 
and  the  existence  of  the  war,  the  attendance  was  very 
small,  and  the  business  transacted  was  unimportant. 


OUACHITA   ASSOCIATIOM-.  293 

Tlie  ministers  continued  to  labor  in  aboxtt  the  same 
fields,  with  the  addition  of  J.  N.  Humble,  who  had  been 
ordained  as  pastor  of  Pine  Hill  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish. 

[1864.]  Met  with  Aim  well  Church,  Catahoula  Par- 
ish, October  14, 1864.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  T.  A.  Eouton.  N.  M.  Da-vis  was  chosen  Moderator, 
and  J.  X.  Humble,  Clerk.  Twenty-five  churches  were 
represented,  reporting  64  baptisms,  and  a  total  mem- 
bership of  506,  being  a  decrease  of  more  than  one-half. 
The  same  ministers  occupied  about  the  same  fields, 
except  that  T.  J.  Humble  appears  as  pastor  at  Har- 
mony Grove  and  Pine  Hill,  and  the  namgs  of  A.  Har- 
ris, J.  Heath,  J.  J.  Meredith,  L.  S.  Markham,  A.  J. 
West,  H.  M.  Cook  and  Z.  Cox  disappear.  A  mission- 
ary had  been  appointed,  but  he  did  not  accept,  and 
nothing  more  was  done.  Owing  to  th6  unsettled  state 
of  things  in  the  country  the  attendance  was  small,, 
but  the  business  w'as  transacted  in  a  fraternal  and 
orderly  manner. 

After  the  missionary  sermon  on  Sunday,  the  sum  of 
$400  in  Confederate  money  was  taken,  which  at  the 
depreciated  state  of  currency  at  the  time  amounted  to 
but  little.  Nothing  was  done  beyond  the  usual  routine 
of  appointing  committees  and  reading  repovts— papy- 
rus et  preterea  nihil. 

[1867.]  Met  with  Fellowship  Church,  Caldwell  Par- 
ish, October  18, 1867.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  K    M   Davis,  who  was  afterward  elected 


294  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Moderator,  aud  T.  J.  Humble,  Clerk.  Seventeen 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  84  baptisms  and 
a  total  membership  of  812. 

The  First  Colored  Chureh  on  Ouachita  Kiver  was 
admitted  to  membership,  A  general  improvement  ap- 
pears in  the  churches.  Although  the  attendance  was 
small  on  account  of  prevailing  sickness,  the  business 
was  transacted  in  a  fraternal  spirit.  The  weather  was 
fine  and  the  congregations  solemn  and  attentive. 

The  following  is  given  as  the  list  of  ordained  min- 
isters :  T.  A.  Eouton,  Harrisonburg ;  W.  J.  Lacy. 
Hemp's  Creek;  J.  P.  Blake,  Columbia;  M.  W.  Lilly, 
Columbia  jN.  M.Davis,  Columbia;  W.  L.- Cain,  Co- 
penhagen ;  T.  C.  Bradford,  Copenhagen ;  J.  A.  Grant, 
Copenhagen;  A.  A.  B.  Davis,  Harrisonburg;  T.  J. 
Humble,  Columbia ;  J.  N.  Humble,  Columbia ;  D.  B 
Thomas,  Columbia ;  J.  J.  Meredith,  Columbia. 

[1868.]  Met  with  Salem  Church,  Catahoula  Parish. 
October  16, 1868.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  T.  J.  Humble,  who  was  afterwards  elected  Mod- 
erator, with  Elder  E.  L.  Brooks  as  Clerk.  Nineteen 
churches  report  64  baptisms,  and  a  total  membership 
of  624,  a  decrease  of  nearly  200,  owing  no  doubt  to 
removal,  and  the  purgation  of  the  chiirches.  Though 
some  of  the  churches  had  prospered  during  the  year, 
most  of  them  are  reported  as  cold  and  lifeless. 

In  this  minute  is  found  printed  the  Articles  of 
Faith,  which  are  copied  fi'om  the  New  Hampshire 
Confession.     The   list  of  ordained  ministers,    with. 


OUACHITA   ASSOCIATION.  295 

tlieir  address,  is  given  as  follows  :  T.  A.  Routon,  Har- 
.risonburg ;  N.  J.  Lacy,  Hemp's  Creek ;  R.  L.  Brooks, 
Hemp's  Creek;  W.  J.  Atwood,  Alexandria;  J.  P, 
Blake,  Funny  Louis;  M.  M.  Lilly,  Columbia;  N.  M. 
Davis,  Columbia;  T.  J.  Humble,  Columbia;  J.  if. 
Humble,  Columbia ;  D.  B.  Thomas,  Columbia ;  J.  J. 
Meredith,  Columbia;  W.  L.  Cain,  Copenhagen;  J.  C. 
Bradford,  Copenhagen;  J.-A.  Grant,  Copenhagen. 

[1870.]  Met  with  Bethel  Church,  Caldwell  Parish, 
October  14,  1870.  The  introductory  was  preachad  by 
Elder  R.  L.  Brooks.  T.  J.  Humble  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, and  C.  P.  Kees,  Clerk.  Twenty-one  churches 
report  79  baptisms  and  811  members.  Pour  new 
churches  were  received.  The  ordained  ministers  are 
reported  as  follows :  A.  B.  Davis,  P.  Snow,  ]Sr.  M, 
Davis,  J.  A.  Grant,  J.  N.  Humble,  M.  W.  Lilly,  T.  J. 
Humble  T.  A.  Routon,  D.  Stay,  J.  P.  Blake  and  R.  L. 
Brooks.  A  fitting  tribute  was  paid  to  Elders  J.  J. 
Meredith  and  T.  C.  Bradford,  who  had  departed  this^ 
life  since  the  last  meeting. 

The  12th  Article  of  Faith  was  so  amended  as  to  read, 
"  that  baptism  is  the  immersion  of  a  believer  in  water 
by  a  legal  administrator," 

[1878.]  Met  with  Catahdula  Church,  Catahoula 
Parish,  Iifovember  15,  1878.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  T.  J.  Humble.  Elder  A.  B.  Davis 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  J.  N.  Humble,  Clerk. 
Thirty-three  churches  report  sixteen  ordained  min- 
isters, 84   baptisms   and    1,232  members.     Hebron 


296  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Clnu'ch  was  received.  The  iiiinister.s  uot  before  men- 
tioned were:  W.  A.  J.  Odoiii,  J.  T.  Bailey, W.  C.  Black- 
man,  T.  J.  Pentecost,  W.  D.  Ford,  S.  A,  Lilly,  W.  Is". 
Cooper,  E.  W.  Crews  and  four  licentiates.  The 
clnirclies  are  represented  to  be  generiilly  in  a  pros- 
]ieroiis  condition,  and  enjoying  regular  monthly 
preaching.  The  Spring  Eidge  Church  was  admonished 
for  dismissing  two  of  her  members  to  join  the  Meth- 
odist Church,  which  was  declared  not  to  be  in  good 
order  and  according  to  the  usage  of  the  denomination. 
It  was  also  declared,  iu  answer  to  a  query  from  Beech 
Creek  Church,  that  it  is  not  Gospel  order  for  a  church 
to  withdraw  fellowshii)  from  an  offending  brother, 
without  having  given  him  previous  notice  of  the 
sstme. 

Steps  were  taken  to  further  the  design  heretofore 
expressed,  to  locate  and  establish  a  High  school  at 
Jena,  Catahoula  Parish.  A  committee  was  appointed 
to  compile  and  publish  in  a  ueatly  bound  book  the 
annual  minutes  of  the  association  from  the  beginning- 
A  colporteur  was  appointed  to  distribute  sound  Bap- 
tist literature  in  the  bounds  of  the  association. 

[1879.]  Met  with  New  Bethel  Church,  Caldwell 
Parish,  October  17,  1,^79.  The  introductory  was 
[(reached  by  Elder  W.  D.  Ford.  Elder  N.  M.  Davis 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  J.  N.  Humble,  Clerk. 
Thirty-three  churches  report  twenty  ordained  minis- 
ters, 86  baptisms,  and  a  total  membership  of  1204. 

The  folloAving  queries  wore  received,  discussed  an- 
swered : 


dtTAOHITA  ASSOOIATlOIf.  S9t 

"  Query  from  Little  Creek  Church :  If  a  man  put 
away  hi«  wife  for  .fornication,  four  years  afterwards 
marries  again,  then  joins  the  church  by  experience 
and  baptism,  then  takes  his  letter  out  of  the  church 
and  moves  to  another  State  and  is  riiceived  into  the 
church  on  the  face  of  the  letter,  remains  a  member  five 
years,  and  is  then  removed  as  an  adulterer,  for  putting 
away  his  first  wife ;  has  another  church  tlie  right  ac- 
cording to  Scripture  to  receive  him  into  fellowship  be- 
lieving him  to  be  a  Christian?  Answer.  No  person 
is  held  responsible  for  acts  done  previous  to  his  con- 
Jfession  of  faith  and  baptism,  and  uniting  with  the 
church. 

"Query  from  Pleasant  Ridge  Church :  Is  it  Chris- 
tian like  to  withdraw  fellowship  from  a  member  who 
is  guilty  of  conduct  thought  to  be  un-Christian  like,  if 
they  cannot  show  Scripture  condemning  the  act?  An- 
swer.   No." 

The  project  to  establish  a  High  School  was  aban- 
doned. 

[  1880.  ]  Met  with  Salem  Church,  Catahoula  Parish, 
October  14,  1880.  Elder  T.  A.  Ronton  preached  the 
introductory,  and  was  afterwards  elected  Moderator, 
with  J.  N.  Humble,  Clerk.  Thirty-four  churches  re- 
port 17  ordained  ministers,  68  baptisms  and  1249  mem- 
bers. Two  churches  were  received.  Christian  Hope 
and  Columbia.  A  fitting  tribute  is  paid  to  the  vener- 
able Nathan  M.  Davis,  who  died  May  17,  1780,  and 
also  to  S.  J.  Beck,  a  recently  ordained  brother  who 
died  June  5, 1880. 

The  Clerk  remarks,  that  "  This  session  of  Ouachita 
20 


298  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Associatiou  was  one  long  to  be  remembered  by  all  the 
delegates.  Their  Moderator,  since  the  last  session, 
had  been  taken  from  them,  and  other  ministering 
brethren  usually  seen,  were  missing.    But  with  all 

.  this  the  churches  were  well  represented  and  the  busi- 
ness was  conducted  in  the  spirit  of  love  and  peace. 
Union  and  harmony  characterized  all  their  work.  The 
session  was  well  entertained  by  Salem  Church,  and 
the  friends  of  the  neighborhood.  The  weather  was 
pleasant  and  the  congregations  large  and  attentive, 

,  and  we  trust  that  much  good  was  done.  Collected  on 
Sabbath,  sixty-one  dollars." 

The  ordained  ministers  are  given  as  follows :  T.  A 
Eouton,  Harrisburg;  T.  I.  Bailey,  Jena;  W.A.J. 
Odom,  Jena ;  T.  J.  Pentecost,  Jena ;  E.  W.  Crews, 
Jena;  C.  E.  Blackman,  Manifest;  A.  B.  Davis,  Enter- 
prise; John  Brooks,  Enterprise;  E.  M.  Bryan,  Enter- 
prise ;  J.  P.  Blake,  Sr.,  Davis ;  W.  D.  Ford,  Davis ;  S. 
A.  Lilly,  Columbia ;  J.  N.  Humble,  Columbia ;  M.  ^^'. 
Lillie,  Plat  Creek ;  P.  Snow,  Castor  Sulphur  Springs; 
Joseph  Chapman,  Punny  Louis;  Bobert  Chapman, 
Punny  Louis ;  H.  M.  Hutson,  Big  Creek.  Six  licenti- 
ates are  also  reported.  Of  the  earlier  ministers  of  this 
gion  only  J.  N.  Humble,  T.  J.  Humble,  T.  A.  Kouton, 
and  the  venerable  Thomas  Meredith  remain.  Of  these 
liouton  and  Meredith  began  to  preach  before  the  or- 
giinization  of  the  association. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

KED  EIVER  ASSOCIATION. 

At  tbe  session  of  the  Concord  Association  held 
with  the  Saline  Church,  Bienville  Parish,  in  October, 
1848,  believing  that  the  territory  was  too  large  for 
all  the  churches  to  represent  themselves  conven- 
iently, and  that  there  were  enough  churches  to  form 
two  associations,  it  was  resolved  that  the  body  be 
divided  by  the  line  separating  the  Parishes  of  Clai- 
borne and  Union,  and  Bienville  and  Jackson.  The 
portion  east  of  this  line  was  to  retain  the  old  name, 
and  the  churches  west  of  this  line  to  form  a  new 
association,"  the  churches  to  unite  with  which  ever 
body  they  saw  proper.  This  was  the  last  business 
of  the  session,  and  to  show  the  kind  and  brotherly 
feeling  with  which  the  separation  took  place,  I  quote 
from  the  valedictory  remarks  of  the  Moderator, 
George  W.  Bains,  a  report  of  which  has  happily  been 
preserved  by  the  Clerk : 

"  He  spoke  in  a  touching  manner  of  the  Christian 
harmony  and  brotherly  love  that  had  marked  every 
action  of  the  body,  and  characterized  the  language 
and  deportment  of  every  brother  while  they  had 
been  together.  With  deep  emotion  he  alluded  to  the 
resolution  of  division,  expressing  great  thankfulness 
that  this  was  not  the  effect  of  divided  sentiment  or 
sundered  affection,  but  alone  the  result  of  divine 


300  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIAN-A   BAPTISTS. 

■  favor  by  which  the  churches  have  become  so  numer- 
ous and  spread  over  so  vast  a  territory,  that  it  is 
now  expedient  to  divide  for  convenience.  He  wept 
with  a  mixture  of  joy  and  sorrow  while  he  bade  Oon- 
cord  Association  an  affectionate  farewell.  He  told 
the  brethren  he  never  expected  to  be  a  member  of 
that  body  again;  yet  he  felt  that  the  Christian  tie 
that  bound  them  together  was  stronger  than  death, 
and  could  not  be  severed  by  time  or  distance;  that 
when  separated  in  body  they,  would  sweetly  remem- 
ber each  other  until  they  should  meet  in  the  great 
association  above." 

A  fervent  prayer  was  then  offered  by  the  Moder- 
ator, a  parting  song  was  sung,  and  the  right  hand  of 
charity  given  with  deep  emotion  by  the  assembly, 
manifested  by  sobbing  and  tears. 

Before  the  division  Concord  had  25  churches,  with 
1120  communicants,  scattered  over  the  Parishes  of 
Union,  Claiborne,  Bossier,  Bienville,  Jackson  and 
Ouachita,  and  these  Parishes  then  embraced  the 
greater  part  of  the  territory  between  the  Ouachita 
and  Eed  Rivers. 

In  pursuance  of  the  resolution  of  separation,  a 
convention  met  with  Mount  Zion  Church  in  Bossier 
Parish,  November  24, 1848,  for  the  purpose  of  organ- 
izing the  new  association.  The  following  churches 
sent  delegates:  Bethel  (Arcadia),  Eehoboth  fMt. 
Lebanon),  Saline,  Castor  and  Fellowship  in  Bienville 
Parish;  Ebenezer  (Homer),  Gilgal,  Minden  and  Flat 
Lick  in  Claiborne  Parish ;  and  Society  Hill,  near  the 


RED   RIVER  ASSOCIATION.  301 

line  of  Jackson  and  Bienville,  and  Mt.  Zion,  Salem 
and  Oaney  Creek,  Bossier  Parish, 

The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  George 
W.  Bains,  who  was  afterwards  chosen  Moderator, 
with  E.  H.  Burnett  as  Clerk,  for  organization.  A 
Constitution,  Rules  of  Decorum  and  Abstract  of 
Faith  were  adopted,  and  the  convention  resolved 
itself  into  "Red  River  Association,"  of  which  Elder 
George  W.  Bainsi  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Elder 
J.  Q.  Burnett,  Clerk. 

The  history  of  the  church  is  but  an  account  of  the 
progress  of  principles,  and  the  history  of  this  and 
any  other  religious  body  would  be  incomplete  with- 
out presenting  the  fundamental  doctrines  that  formed 
the  basis  of  union.  1  will  content  myself  with  giving 
the  substance  of  the  creed,  referring  the  curie  us 
reader  to  the  miuutes  of  the  body,  where  the  Abstract 
of  Faith  is  frequently  reprinted.  It  embraces  the 
following  points  in  fourteen  articles:  1.  The  inspir- 
ation of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  2.  The  Bible,  the 
only  rule  of  faith  and  practice.  3.  The  Trinity. 
4.  Man's  total  depravity.  5.  Salvation  by  Christ 
alone.  6.  The  atonement  is  universal,  but  restricted 
in  its  application  to  believers.  7.  Particular  elec- 
tion. 8.  Final  perseverance  of  the  Saints.  9.  The 
resurrection  of  the  dead.  10.  A  final  judgment, 
when  the  wicked  will  be  punished  and  the  righteous 
rewarded.  11.  A  Christian  church,  an  organized 
congregation  of  baptized  believers.    12.  Baptism  a 


302  HISTORY   OP  LOXJrSIANA   BAPTISTS. 

positive  ordinance — immersion  the  only  action,  and 
is  only  validly  given  to  a  believer  by  an  authorized 
administrator  in  good  standing  with^  an  orderly 
church.  13.  The  Lord's  Supper,  a  positive  institu- 
tion, and  restricted  to  baptized  believers,  members 
of  an  orderly  church  in  fellowship  with  each  other. 
14.  The  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  Christian  Sab- 
bath, 

To  these  might  be  added  five  others  deduced  from 
the  action  of  the  association:  1.  The  religious  train- 
ing of  the  young  in  Sabbath-schools.  2.  The  obli- 
gation of  the  churches  to  support  their  pastors. 
3.  The  obligation  of  Christians  to  supply  the  Gospel 
to  the  destitute.  4.  The  importance  of  education 
as  an  auxiliary  to  the  ministry.  5.  The  manufac- 
ture, sale  and  use  of  spirituous  liquors  as  a  beverage 
inconsistent  with  Christian  character  These  prin- 
ciples are  not  peculiar  to  this  body,  but  are  common 
to  all  the  churches  and  associations  of  the  denomi- 
nation in  the  State. 

The  ministers  participating  in  the  organization  were 
George  W.  Bains,  John  Q.  Burnett,  J.  E.  Paxton, 
Asa  Lee,  A.  Winham  and  M.  S.  McDonald.  The 
churches  composing  this  primary  meeting  repre- 
sented a  membership  of  307.  They  were  divided  into 
three  districts. 

[1849.]  Met  with  Eehoboth  Church,  Mt.  Lebanon, 
September  22, 1849.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  J.  E.  Paxton.    Elder  George  W,  Bains  was 


BED   KIVEB  ASSOCIATION.  303 

chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder  John  Q.  Burnett, 
Clerk.  Eighteen  churches  were  represented,  aggre- 
gating a  membership  of  758,  an  increase  of  451  dur- 
ing the  year.  Among  the  additions  were  two  min- 
isters, James  Scarborough,  who  afterward  labored 
extensively  as  a  missionary  in  the  Eed  Eiver  region, 
and  Dr.  E.  M.  Stell,  who  located  at  Vernon.  He  was 
a  very  able  minister,  who  labored  there  many  years 
as  a  preacher  in  connection  with  the  practice  of  med- 
icine. He  subsequently  removed  to  Texas,  where 
he  died  since  the  war.  Bethlehem  and  Black  Lake 
Churches,  Bienville  Parish,  and  Eed  Eiver  Church, 
Bossier  Parish,  were  admitted.  This  Black  Lake  is 
a  different  church  from  the  church  of  the  same  name, 
organized  near  Minden,  which  had  become  extinct. 
Although  no  account  is  given  of  their  reception,  Mt. 
Zion,  Vernon  and  Mt.  ^rial  Churches,  Jackson  Par- 
ish, were  recognized  as  members,  and  were  added  to 
the  fourth  district. 

But  little  was  done  at  this  meeting  besides  the 
usual  routine  of  receiving  and  reading  the  letters 
from  the  churches,  and  the  appointment  of  a  few  un- 
important committees. 

The  reports  of  the  district  meetings  show  that 
much  good  has  been  effected  through  their  instru- 
mentality. The  first  meeting  was  held  with  Castor 
Church,  Bienville  Parish,  but  owing  to  the  want  of 
ministerial  aid  but  little  was  accomplished.  The 
second  meeting  was  held  at  Minden,  and  resulted  iu 


304  HISTORY   OF   LOTJISIAWA   BAPTISTS. 

a  revival  among  the  members,  and  the  addition  of 
several  persons  to  the  cTiurch.  The  third  meeting 
was  held  with  Salem,  Bossier  Parish  ;  the  church 
was  much  revived,  and  good  fruit  continued  to  be 
gathered. 

The  churches  were  requested  to  appoint  seasons 
of  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer. 

A  special  committee  reported  in  favor  of  estab- 
lishing Sabbath-schools  wherever  it  can  be  done,  in 
order  to  train  up  the  young  in  the  nurture  and  ad- 
monition of  the  Lord. 

But  by  far  the  most  part  of  the  session  was  the 
able  ^rcular  letter  prepared  by  Elder  George  W. 
Bains  on  the  subject  of  personal  piety.  My  space 
does  not  allow  me  to  make  extracts  from  this  valu- 
able document,  but  I  cannot  dismiss  the  subject 
without  remarking  that  it  is  written  in  a  plain,  forci- 
ble style,  and  bears  the  marks  of  the  practical,  which 
is  so  strongly  impressed  upon  all  the  author  said  or 
did, 

[1850.]  Met  with  Ebenezer  Church,  at  Homer, 
September  21, 1850.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  E.  M.  Stell,  who  was  afterward  elected 
Moderator,  with  Elder  John  Q.  Burnett,  Clerk. 
Twenty-two  churches  were  represented,  aggregating 
921  members.  There  were  present  eight  ministers 
and  two  licentiates.  We  miss  the  father  of  this  body, 
Elder  George  W.  Bains,  who  had  removed  to  Texas 
sjpce  the  l^st  meeting,  but  we  note  the  additipn  of 


EBD   RIVER   ASSOCIATION.  305 

A.  E.  Clemmons,  A.  J,  Eutherford  and  W.  H.  Bay- 
less,  distinguished  ministers,  of  whose  labors  an  ac- 
count may  be  found  among  the  "  Personal  Sketches" 
in  this  volume.  I  also  notice  the  presence  of  Elders 
James  Buys  and  J.  H.  Cunningham.  The  former 
had  settled  at  Minden  in  the  practice  of  medicine, 
the  latter  in  Homer.  Ebenezer,  Mt.  Pleasant  and 
Salem,  Jackson  Parish;  Sparta  Church,  Bienville, 
and  Dorchete,  Bossier,  were  admitted  at  this  ses- 
sion. 
The  following  action  is  worthy  of  particular  notice: 

"In  answer  to  the  request  of  the  Mt.  Zion  and 
Saline  Churches,  we  reply  that  we  have  cdidially 
opened  a  correspondence  with  the  Baptist  State 
Convention,  and  for  the  present  deem  this  sufficient, 
and  cannot  yet  unanimously  agree  to  hecome  a  compo- 
nent member  of  said  convention," 

At  first  this  apparently  paradoxical  position  ap- 
peared to  me  to  be  inexplicable.  The  body  had  been 
organized  at  least  nominally  as  an  association  of 
Missionary  Baptists.  The  Convention  was  organized 
about  the  same  time  expressly  for  Missionary  pur- 
poses, and  the  association  was  not  engaged  in  any 
missions  of  its  own.  But  upon  further  examination 
I  found  what  appears  to  be  an  explanation  of  the 
matter : 

It  was  resolved,  "that  whereas  many  brethren 
among  us  desire  that  this  association  shall  operate 
in  the  c^use  of  Missions,  we  advise  the  churches 


306  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

composing  this  body  to  express  their  sentiments  on 
the  subject,  and  to  communicate  them  at  our  next 
meeting." 

Thus  it  appears  that  many  of  the  brethren  thought 
that  the  association  ought  to  engage  in  missionary 
operations  on  its  own  account,  and  while  they 
heartily  approved  the  efforts  of  the  Convention,  and 
gave  it  their  sympathy  and  prayers,  they  opposed 
any  connection  with  it  that  might  interfere  with  work 
of  the  association  separately  in  the  same  field. 
Thus,  as  is  usual  with  men,  the  two  parties  differing 
about  the  best  icay  to  do  the  same  thing,  nothing  was 
done. ^There  were  also,  no  doubt,  a  few  who  were 
inclined  to  anti-missionary  sentiments. 

No  other  business  of  importance  was  transacted 
at  this  session. 

From  the  reports  of  the  district  meetings  and  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  churches,  we  learu 
that  there  had  been  revivals  and  considerable  addi- 
tions,to  many  of  the  churches. 

]1851.]  Met  with  Cauey  Creek  Church,  Bossier 
Parish,  September  27th,  1851.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  John  Q.  Burnett,  who  was  after 
wards  elected  Moderator,  with  Elder  M.  S.  Mc- 
Donald as  Clerk.  Twenty-five  churches  were  rep- 
resented, aggregating  1094  members;  an  increase 
of  173.  Six  ordained  ministers  were  present,  and 
one  licentiate.  I  notice  an  addition  to  the  ministry 
of  the  association,  of  I^.  L.  Squires,  who  had  been 


RED   KIVER  ASSOCIATION.  307 

ordained  in  Jackson  Parish,  and  Samuel  Harris,  a 
venerable  brother,  who  had  settled  near  the  Ark- 
ansas line,  and  wasfor  some  time  pastor  at  Homer. 
Liberty,  Winn  Parish,  Liberty  Hill  and  Friendship, 
Bienville  Parish,  were  added  to  the  body. 

The  subject  of  the  association's  becoming  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Convention  again  came  up.  The  matter  was 
referred  to  a  select  committee,  who  recommended 
the  association  to  continue  the  correspondence ;  but 
thought  it  best  not  to  become  a  member.  At  the 
same  time  they  recommended  the  churches  to  be- 
come members,  and  requested  the  ministers  to  preach 
suitable  sermons  to  their  flocks  on  the  subject  of 
missions.  They  also  urged  the  reading  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Journal,  Christian  Index,  and  other  papers,  as 
the  best  means  of  gaining  correct  missionary  in- 
formation. In  this  report  the  association  concurred. 
A  collection  for  missionary  purposes  was  taken  on 
Sunday,  and  the  sum  raised,  with  other  funds  sent  up 
by  the  churches  for  the  same  purpose,  was  ordered 
to  be  paid  to  the  proper  officer  of  the  Convention. 
At  the  same  time  it  was  resolved  that,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  association,  brethren  ought  not  to  allow  an 
honest  difference  of  opinion  on  benevolent  opera- 
tions to  mar  Christian  love  or  church  fellowship ; 
but  that  each  member  has  the  undoubted  right  to  his 
individual  opinion,  and  none  should  think  of  lording 
over  God's  heritage  or  hi^  brethren.  This  last  res- 
olution discloses  the  existence  of  an  anti-mission- 


308  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

ary  feeling  in  the  association,  which  arrayed  itself 
against  the  wishes  of  the  majority,  and  it  was,  no 
doubt,  through  fear  of  wounding  this  small  minority, 
that  the  association  hesitated  to  become  a  member 
of  the  Convention,  hoping  that  time  would  remove 
their  prejudices.  This  proved  to  be  a  wise  course  ; 
for  many  of  those  who,  at  the  beginning,  stood  aloof 
from  the  Convention,  became  warm  friends  and  lib- 
eral contributors  to  the  funds  of  that  body. 

A  very  indefinite  report  informs  us  that  there  was 
"  a  very  great  effort  being  made  to  circulate  among 
us  wrong  publications  containing  grave  errors,  which 
might, have  an  evil  influence  upon  the  minds  of  the 
uninformed,"  and  recommends  the  churches  to  take 
up  collections  immediately  for  the  purpose  of  pur- 
chasing books  calculated  to  counteract  their  baneful 
effects.  What  those  publications  were,  we  are  not 
informed,  nor  what  errors  were  thus  propagated; 
but  the  association  deemed  it  of  sufBcient  import- 
ance to  take  up  a  special  collection  for  this  purpose. 

From  the  reports  of  the  district  meetings  we  learn 
that  the  meeting  with  the  Mount  Zion  (Jackson) 
Church  resulted  in  the  addition  of  thirty-four  by 
baptism  to  that  church. 

From  the  remarks  of  the  clerk  at  the  close  of  the 
minutes  we  learn  that  the  preaching  during  the  ses- 
sion made  a  deep  impression  upon  the  people. 

[1852.]  Met  with  Mount  Zion  Church,  Jackson 
Parish,  September  26th,  1852.    The  introductory  was 


R^D   RIVEE  ASSOCIATlOlsr.  309 

preached  by  Elder  J.  E.  Paxton.  Elder  J.  Q.  Burnett 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  J.  E.  Paxton,  Clerk. 
Thirty  churches  were  represented,  aggregating  1266 
members.  There  were  present  nine  ordained  minis- 
ters and  two  licentiates.  We  note  the  addition  to 
the  ministry  of  James  Puller,  who  came  from 
Georgia  and  settled  four  miles  from  Minden,  in  Clai- 
borne Parish.  He  took  charge  of  Fellowship,  Gil- 
gal  and  Antioch  churches.  Some  account  of  his 
labors  may  be  found  in  the  appropriate  place.  Elder 
L  S.  Markham  also  settled  in  Jackson  Parish,  and 
Elder  Alex.  Southerland  appears  in  the  same  parish. 

The  following  churches  were  added  to  the  associa- 
tion :  Dugdemona,  (afterwards  called  Pleasant  Hill), 
and  Bethlehem,  in  Jackson  Parish;  Antioch  and 
Union,  in  Claiborne  Parish ;  Shiloh,  in  Bossier,  and 
Pisgah,  in  Winn  Parish  (formerly  a  member  of  Oua- 
chita Association.) 

The  missionary  collection  taken  on  Sunday,  and  the 
surplus  funds  remaining  in  the  treasury,  were  or- 
dered to  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Convention, 
the  former  to  be  applied  to  domestic  missions,  the 
latter  to  purchase  denominational  books. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  un- 
animdusly  adopted : 

"  Whereas,  Eed  Eiver  Association  at  its  last  ses- 
sion in  1851  recommended  the  churches  composing 
it  lo  unite  with  the  Baptist  State  Convention :  there- 
fore. 


310  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

"  Resolved,  1.  That  we  ar.e  pleased  to  find  so  many 
of  the  churches  of  our  body  united  with  the  Conven- 
tion at  its  last  session. 

'■'^  Resolved,  2.  That  we  recommend  all  churches  and 
associations  in  North  Louisiana,  either  as  churches  or 
in  their  associate  capacity,  to  unite  with  the  Conven- 
tion, as  one  of  its  main  objects  is  to  unite  the  influ- 
ence and  pious  intelligence  of  Louisiana  and  thereby 
facilitate  their  union  and  co-operation. 

'■'■  Resolved, '6.  That  we  approve  the  effort  of  the 
Convention,  now  being  made,  to  establish  a  college 
of  high  literary  grade,  with  a  theological  department, 
and  having  a  female  institute  connected  therewith, 
under  the  control  and  direction  of  the  Convention. 

"  Resolved,  4.  That  we  cordially  commend  the  in- 
stitution now  in  progress  of  establishment  at  Mt. 
Lebanon,  to  the  favorable  consideration  and  support 
of  the  denomination,  because  we  view  it  as  our  best 
policy  to  rear  up  and  establish  such  an  institution 
for  the  Baptists  of  our  country." 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  opposition  to  the 
Convention  hitherto,  it  seems  to  have  retired  into 
the  background,  as  the  unanimous  adopxion  of  these 
resolutions  shows.  The  Clerk,  who  had  )jeen  a  mem- 
ber of  the  association  from  the  beginning,  confirms 
this  by  remarking  at  the  close  of  his  record  that  this 
was  one  of  the  most  harmonious  sessions  of  the 
body  since  its  organization. 

[1853.]  Met  with  Saline  Church,  Bienville  Parish, 
September  24,  1853.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  L.  S.  Markham.  Elder  J.  Q.  Burnett  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder  J.  E.  Paxton,  Clerk. 


RED   RIVER  ASSOCIATION.  311 

Twenty-nine  churches  represented  an  aggregate 
membership  of  1385.  Nine  ordained  ministers  pres- 
ent, and  one  licentiate.  Elder  J.  Q.  Prescott  and  F. 
Courtney,  at  Mt.  Lebanon;  W.  J.  Ledf or d,  Jackson 
Parish ;  L.  Boydston,  Winn  Parish ;  J.  A.  David,  re- 
cently ordained,  Claiborne  Parish,  and  Robert  Mar- 
tin, of  Bossier,  were  added  to  the  ministry  of  the 
association;  while  W.  H.  Bayless  and  A.  J.  Ruther- 
ford had  removed. 

Black  Lake  and  Bethlehem  Churches,  Bienville, 
and  Liberty  Hill,  Jackson,  were  reported  dissolved, 
while  Jerusalem,  Winn  Parish ;  Mt.  Gilead,  Jackson, 
and  Constatta,  Natchitoches  (formerly  a  member  of 
Saline  Association),  were  added.     . 

At  the  instance  of  Vernon  Church,  a  systematic 
organization  of  Sabbath-schools  and  a  Sunday.school 
Convention  were  recommended  to  the  churches.  All 
approved  the  plan  in  theory,  but  very  few  put  it  into 
practice.  A  Sunday-school  Convention  was  ap- 
pointed with  the  Vernon  Church,  in  May,  1864,  but 
so  far  as  I  can  learn,  it  never  existed  longer  than  its 
first  primary  meeting. 

The  second  district  meeting,  held  with  Gilgal 
Church,  Claiborne  Parish,  lasted  ten  days,  and  the 
account  states :  "  Christians  were  revived,  sinners 
convicted  and  mourners  converted,  and  quite  a 
number  added  to  the  church." 

The  churches  were  earnestly  urged  to  exert  them- 
selves  in  raising  the  funds  for  the  theological  depart- 


312  HISTOEY   01*  LOtJISlANA  BAPMSTS. 

The  policy  previously  adopted  in  regard  to  the  Con- 
vention was  tacitly  pursued.  The  usual  missionary 
collections  were  taken  on  the  Sabbath,  which,  wi^h 
the  surplus  funds  in  the  treasury,  were  ordered  to  be 
paid  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Convention. 

Salem  Church,  Bossier  Parish,  was  granted  a  let- 
ter of  dismission. 

[1854.]  Met  with  Minden  Church,  September  23, 
1854.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Elder  Hanson  Lee.  Elder  J.  Q.  Burnett  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Elder  J.  E.  Paxton,  Clerk.  Twenty- 
eight  churches  were  represented,  with  an  aggregate 
of  1517.  Thirteen  ordained  ministers  were  present, 
among  them  Eldep  Hanson  Lee,  who  had  settled  at 
Mt.  Lebanon,  and  taken  charge  of  the  Mt.  Lebanon 
Female  College;  Elder  W.  B.  Tippett,  in  the  western 
part  of  Bienville;  A.  Bradley,  ordained  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Bienville ;  E.  Strickland,  who  had  settled  in 
Claiborne  Parish,  near  Minden ;  R.  F.  Pancher,  near 
Homer,  and  J.  L.  Mays,  in  the  eastern  part  of  Union 
Parish.  The  following  churches  were  added  to  the 
association:  Hopewell,  Ringgold,  Mt.  Olivet  and 
Friendship,  all  in  Bienville  Parish. 

At  this  session  the  association,  feeling  that  the 
time  had  arrived,  resolved  to  become  a  member  of 
the  Convention,  and  sent  fourteen  messengers.  The 
order  of  business  was  twice  suspended,  once  to  give 
Elder  A.  E.  Clemmons,  agent  of  the  Convention,  an 
opportunity  to  address  the  association  on  the  subject 


EED  BIVER   ASSOCIATION.  313 

of  his  agency,  and  a  second  time  to  present  the 
books  for  subscriptions  to  the  endowment  funds  of 
Mt.  Lebanon  University.  I  present  these  facts  to 
show  the  final  and  complete  triumph  of  a  great  prin- 
ciple which  had  been  struggling  in  the  association 
ever  since  its  organization.  In  fact  the  same  prin- 
ciple, deep  rooted  in  the  churches,  -had  struggled 
for  years  in  the  old  Concord  Association  against  a 
stubborn  and  determined  opposition,  until  at  length 
it  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the  Convention  in 
order  to  find  an  outlet  for  those  benevolent  feelings 
that  prompted  many  of  the  brethren  to  aid  in  send- 
ing the  Gospel  to  the  destitute. 

The  fourth  district  meeting,  held  with  Vernon 
Church,  resulted  in  the  addition  of  many  to  the 
churches. 

The  churches  were  recommended  to  adopt  a  sys- 
tem of  church  visitation  by  messengers,  especially 
on  communion  seasons.  The  following  resolution 
deserves  notice : 

"Resolved,  that  we  regard  the  sale  and  use  of  in- 
toxicating liquors,  except  for  sacramental,  mechan- 
ical and  medicinal  purposes,  contrary  to  the  genius 
of  Christianity,  and  injurious  to  the  cause  of  Christ." 

Letters  of  dismission  were  granted  to  Salem 
Church,  Jackson,  and  Dorchete  Church,  Bossier 
Parish. 

[1855.]  Met  with  Mount  Zion  Church,  Bossier  Par- 
ish, Sept.  23, 1855.    The  introductory  was  preached 


314  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

by  Elder  W.  J.  Ledford,  Elder  J.  Q.  Burnett  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder  J.  E.  Paxton,  Clerk. 
Twenty-nine  churches  were  represented,  with  a  total 
membership  of  1601.  There  were  present  12  or- 
dained ministers  and  two  licentiates. 

Castor  and  Liberty  Churches  were  reported  dis- 
solved. Bethlehem  and  Salem,  in  Bossier  Parish, 
and  Mount  Calm,  Bienville,  were  added. 

From  the  report  of  the  district  meetings  we  learn 
that  much  good  was  the  favorable  result. 

A  special  committee  was  appointed  on  the  Ee vision 
of  the  English  version  of  the  Scriptures.  The  com- 
mittee expressed  the  opinion  (in  which  the  association 
concurred),  that  it  was  desirable  to  have  a  version 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  perfect  as  human  means 
can  make  it.  They  believed  that  the  common  ver- 
sion will  be  greatly  improved  by  the  efforts  being 
made  by  the  Eevisiou  Association,  auxiliary  to  the 
American  Bible  Union.  But  they  did  not  think  the 
present  version  so  defective  as  to  divert  our  slender 
means  from  the  cause  of  education  and  missions  at 
home  to  aid  in  the  cause  of  Bevision. 

Three  of  the  churches  having  expressed  the  desire 
that  the  association  should  engage  as  a  body  in  mis- 
sionary operations,  the  subject  was  taken  under  con- 
sideration, and  after  mature  deliberation  it  was 
thought  it  would  be  inexpedient  to  adopt  any  plan  of 
operations  independent  of  the  Convention,  and  that 
it  could  effect  more  good  through  the  Convention  ; 


BED   RIVER   ASSOCIATION.  315 

that  by  withdrawing  its  funds  from  that  bodyit  would 
cripple  its  operations  and  render  it  less  effective  for 
good  throughout  the  whole  State. 

[1856.]  Met  with  the  Vernon  Church,  Parish  of 
Jackson,  September  27,1856.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  H.  Lee.  Elder  B.  M.  Stall  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  Elder  J.  E.  Paxton,  Clerk.  Twenty- 
nine  churches  were  represented,  having  a  member- 
ship of  1836.  John  A.  Harrell,  in  Bienville,  and 
Mathias  Scarborough,  in  Jackson,  both  efficient  min- 
isters were  added  to  the  ministry. 

Eamah,  in  Natchitoches  Parish,  and  Siloam,  Jack- 
son Parish,  were  added  to  the  association.  A  letter 
of  dismission  was  granted  to  Union  Church,  Bien- 
ville, to  join  the  Columbia  Association,  Arkansas. 

I  find  but  little  of  interest  in  the  transactions  of 
this  session.  An  effort  was  made  to  adopt  a  form  of 
church  letter  for  the  guidance  of  churches  in  mak- 
ing their  reports  to  the  association,  but  there  was  a 
great  difference  of  opinion,  and  after  much  discus- 
sion the  matter  was  laid  on  the  table. 

A  warm  debate  grew  out  of  the  subject  of  Tem- 
perance. I  quote  the  resolutions  appended  to  the 
report  as  embodying  the  substance,  that  my  readers 
may  see  the  grounds  of  debate. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  believe  dram-drinking  to  be 
evil  in  its  tendency,  if  not  in  its  nature.  Therefore 
we  would  recommend  our  brethren  to  abstain  from 
its  unnecessary  use. 


316  HISTORY   OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  do  not  believe  any  church 
should  undertake  to  prohibit  its  moderate  use  by 
discipline,  or  any  other  way  that  will  affect  fellow- 
ship." 

The  report  with  the  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  district  meetings  had  been  accompanied  by  a 
revival  spirit. 

[  1857.  ]  Met  with  the  Bethel  Church  at  Arcadia, 
September  25,  1857.  The  introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  B.  Strickland.  Elder  B.  M.  Stall 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Elder  H.  Lee,  Cl.erk. 
Twenty-five  churches  were  represented,  with  a  mem- 
bership of  1638.  This  apparent  decrease  was  due  to 
the  large  number  of  churches  not  represented. 

The  Liberty  Hill  Church  sent  up  the  following 
query.:  "  Is  it  the  duty  of  Baptists  to  wash  each 
others'  feet  while  assembled  in  church  state  ?" 

The  query  was  returned  to  the  church  unanswered, 
because  it  is  not  made  to  appear  that  as  a  church  she 
has  tried  in  vain  to  settle  it  as  the  Constitution  re- 
quires. However  the  association  appointed  a  com- 
mittee on  Feet-Washing  to  report  at  the  next  meet- 
ing. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  memoralizethe  Leg- 
islature in  behalf  of  Mount  Lebanon  University. 

The  recent  action  of  the  American  Tract  Society, 
on  the  subject  of  slavery,  was  brought  before  the 
association,  and  resolutions  were  passed  condemning 
the  course  of  that  Society,  and  advising  the  people 
no  longer  to.  contribute  to  its  funds. 


KEi>   JRIVER   ASSdCIAtlOif.  31t 

The  project  of  forming  a  joint  stock  company,  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  a  Baptist  Publishing 
House  and  Book  Depository  in  New  Orleans,  met 
the  hearty  approval  of  the  association. 

The  following  resolution  deserves  special  notice  : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  is  not  in  good  order  and  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  usages  and  customs  of  the  Bap- 
tist denomination  for  our  ministers  with  a  few  mem- 
bers of  the  church  to  hear  experiences  and  adminis- 
ter the  ordinance  of  baptism  outside  of  church 
capacity,  and  giving  certificates  of  such  facts  for 
membership  in  the  church,  except  when  done  by 
authority  of  some  church,  or  in  sections  of  the  coun- 
try remote  from  any  church ;  and  that  the  churches 
composing  this  association  are  recommended  to  dis- 
approve such  practice." 

I  will  close  my  notice  of  this  session  by  an  extract 
from  the  jiidicious  Eeport  on  Temperance. 

"  We  believe  the  churches  ought  not  to  tolerate 
moderate  drinking  in  their  membership,  and  that 
members  of  the  church  ought  not  to  visit  places  of 
drinking  or  be  seen  there  without  particular  and  nec- 
essary business. 

"  We  think  the  churches  have  sufficient  laws  in  the 
New  Testament  for  their  government  and  protection 
from  this  evil,  without  any  laws  of  their  own  mak- 
ing." 

[1858.]  Met  with  the  church  at  Homer,  September 
25, 1858.  The  introductory  sermon  was  preached  by 
Elder  W.  W.  Crawford.    Elder  Jesse  Hartwell  was 


318  HISTORY   OP   LOUISIANA  BAPTISI^S. 

three  churches  were  represented,  reporting  a  total 
membership  of  2040,  with  207  baptisms.  Two  new 
churches,  Mars  Hill  and  Gum  Spring,  were  received. 
The  question  of  feet-washing  having  been  agitated 
to  some  extent  among  the  churches,  an  able  committee 
was  appointed,  of  which  Hanson  Lee  was  chairman, 
to  prepare  a  report  upon  the  subject,  whose  report 
was  adopted  unanimously  by  the  association,  express- 
ing the  opinion  that  "  it  does  not  appear  that  washing 
one  another's  feet  was  intended  by  our  Saviour  to  be 
observed  as  a  perpetual  and  positive  ordinance  by. 
the  church." 

The  following  query  from  Homer  Church,  after 
consideration,  was  unanimously  answered  in  the  af- 
firmative . 

"Ought  aBaptist  Church  to  receive  those  persons  who 
have  been  immersed  by  an  ordained  Baptist  minister 
upon  a  profession  of  faith  and  an  experience  of  grace 
prior  to  those  ministers'  exclusion  or  their  avowal  of 
the  doctrines  of  Alexander  Campbell,  or  not?" 

[1859.]  Met  with  Salem  Church,  Bossier  Parish, 
September  24, 1859.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  F.  P.  Moore,  ofMinden.  Judge  T.  W. 
Bledsoe  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Elder  H.  Lee, 
Clerk.  Twenty-eight  churches  were  represented,  re- 
porting 2070  members,  with  five  churches  not  repre- 
resented. 

The  following  is  given  as  the  list  of  ordained  min- 
isters : 


ilEb.ElVER  ASSOCIATION.  319 

J.  Q.  Prescott,  F.  Courbury,  M.  D.,  G.  A.  Matthews, 
M.  D.,  H.  Lee,  Mount  Lebanon ;  J.  A.  Harrell,  Sparta; 
W.  B.  Tippett,  Einggold;  E.  Eusb,  Mud  Branch;  A. 
Bradley,  Brush  Valley;  N.  P,  Moore,  J.  A.  David,  E. 
Strickland,  James  Puller,  Minden;  E.  P.  Panclier, 
J.  H.  Cunningham,  Homer;  A.  McParland,  Athens; 
W.  J. Ledfoi-d, Vernon;  E.Martin,  A.  Winham,Eocky 
Mount;  C.  J,  Crew,  Montgomery;  D.  O'Quin,  A.  E. 
Hardin,  James  Buys,  M.  D.,  Wheeling;  James 
Matthews^  Winnfield ;  A.  G.  Collier,  Louisville. 

The  body  paid  a  fitting  tribute  to  the  good  and 
great  Jesse  Hartwell,  who  died  September  16th  of 
this  year,  while  discharging  the  duties  of  President 
of  Mount  Lebanon  University. 

At  this  session,  New  Hope  Church  at  Athens  was 
received.  This  was  only  a  revival  of  the  old  Provi- 
dence Church,  which  had  been  in  operation  for  years, 
but  was  now  re-organized. 

On  Sabbath,  Elders  If.  P.  Moore  and  H.  Lee 
preached  at  the  appointed  hour  to  a  large,  orderly 
and  attentive  audience.  After  the  missionary  ser- 
mon by  Elder  Moore,  a  public  collection  was  taken 
up  for  missions  within  the  bounds  of  this  associa- 
tion, amounting  to  $116.20. 

Elder  J.  Q.  Burnett  of  Arkansas,  concluded  the 
exercises  with  an  exhortation  and  prayer.  Some  in- 
terest was  manifested,  and  a  few  came  forward  for 
prayer. 

Pledges  were  also  taken  for  missions  to  the  amount 
of  $500.     Most  of  the  churches  were  reported  in  a 


320  HISTOEY    OF   LOUISIANA.  BAPTISTS. 

prosperous  condition.    Some  had  been  blessed  with 
gracious  seasons. 

There  were  fewer  baptisms  than  the  year  before, 
but  more  members  received  by  letter.  The  churches 
in  Winn  Parish  were  granted  letters  of  dismission 
to  unite  in  forming  a  new  association. 

[1861.]  Met  with  Liberty  Church,  Bienville  Par- 
ish, September  21,  1861.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  R.  Martin.  Elder  W.  Carey  Crane  . 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  W.  P.  Wells,  Clerk. 
Thirty-eight  churches  were  represented,  including 
Mount  Carmel,  Mount  Gilead  and  Pleasant  Grove,  re- 
ceived at  this  meeting.  New  Bethel,  Shady  Grove, 
Salem  and  Caney  Creek  were  dismissed  to  unite  in 
the  formation  of  a  new  association  in  the  north-east- 
ern part  of  tbe  territory  occupied  by  the  association. 
Committees  were  appointed  to  visit  Einggold  and 
Mount  Olivet  Churches,  and  report  their  condition 
at  the  next  session. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  offered  by 
Elder  Robert  Martin  were  adopted : 

"  Whereas,  our  beloved  country  is  involved  in  a  de- 
fensive civil  war  with  the  Lincoln  Government  of 
tiie  North,  for  the  protection  of  our  property,  our 
families,  our  liberties  and  our  honor,  and  that  the 
present  dark  and  alarming  clouds  that  have  settled 
over  us  threaten  that  this  war  will  be'continued  until 
a  strusglo  still  more  bloody  shall  ensue  than  has 
hitherto  been  known  to  America,  and  perhaps  not 
surpassed  in  Uie  bloody  history  of  any  nation. 


BED   RIVER  ASSOCIAflOtf.  321 

"Besolved,  that  the  EedEivcr  Association  (La.)  now 
session  memorialize  Jefferson  Davis,  the  President 
of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  to  appoint  a  day  to  be 
observed  by  the  whole  South  as  a  day  of  humiliation, 
fasting  and  prayer  to  God  for  our  country,  govern- 
ment and  rulers,  and  for  the  safety,  protection  and 
success  of  our  army  in  the  defense  of  our  common 
good,  and  further  request  our  President  that  drilling 
and  all  labor  be  dispensed  with  in  our  army  on  the 
Sabbath,  except  in  cases  of  necessity." 

The  report  on  the  state  of  the  churches  states  that 
of  all  the  churches  represented,  only  four,  Antioch, 
Caney  Creek,  Fellowship  and  Mount  Lebanon  re- 
ported revivals. 

The  following  statement  will  exhibit  the  field  of 
labor  by  each  minister  in  charge  of  the  churches: 
J.  A.  Harrell,  at  Bethel,  Sparta  and  Eamah ;  W.  C. 
Crane,  at  Saline  and  Minden ;  W.  B.  Tippett,  Liberty 
Hill;  B.  S.  Sweat,  at  Hopewell  and  Friendship;  G. 
W.  Hartsfleld,  at  Fellowship  and  Mount  Gilead ; 
James  Fuller,  at  Gilgal ;  John  Short,  at  Antioch ;  II. 
Martin,  at  Shady  Grove ;  W.  J.  Ledford,  at  Mount 
Zion  (Jackson)  ;  A.  Wiubam,  at  Caney  Creek;  W.  S. 
Leggett,  at  Salem  and  New  Bethel ;  L.  S.  Markham,  at 
Ebenezer,  Jackson  Parish;  J.  M.  Scarborough,  at 
Pleasant  Hill ;  A.  Harris,  at  Siloam  ;  John  Dupree,  at 
Pleasant  Grove  and  Mt.  Carmel.  Einggold,  Mount 
Olivet,  Mars  Hill,  Homer,  Few  Hope,  Eed  Eiver, 
Shiloh  (Fillmore),  Bethlehem,  Mt.  Zion  (Bossier), 
Vernon,  Mt.   Calm,  Macedonia,    Mt.   Pleasant  and 

Tla.ina.sniia  ava  all  rAimrtArl  ■witTiniit,  lia.st.nrs 


322  HISTORY   OF  tOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

[1863.]    Met  with  Minden  Church,  September  26th, 

1863.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  W. 
H.  Bayless,  who  was  afterward  elected  Moderator, 
with  Elder  A.  Harris  as  Clerk.  Seventeen  churches 
report  1029  members  and  44  baptisms.  The  churches 
were  all,  with  the  exception  of  two  or  three,, cold  and 
declining.  No  business  of  any  importance  was  tranS' 
acted. 

[1864.]    Met  with  Arcadia  Church,  September  24th, 

1864.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  A. 
Harris.  Judge  T.  W.  Bledsoe  was  chosen  Moder- 
ator, and  W.  F.  Wells,  Clerk.  Twenty-four  churches 
were  represented,  with  an  aggregate  membership  of 
1433.  Two  hundred  and  forty-nine  baptisms  took 
place  in  connection  with  these  churches,  showing  a 
general  revival  spirit.  Pleasant  Grove,  New  Hope, 
Social  Spring,  Antioch,  Fellowship,  Siloam,  Liberty, 
Mt.  Gilead,  Hopewell,  Liberty  Hill,  Arcadia,  Eamah, 
Sparta,  Friendship,  Gilgal  and  Mt.  Lebanon  all  re- 
port revivals.  Among  the  new  ministers  who  had 
come  into  this  region  may  be  noted  John  Dupree, 
A.  Parnell,  B.  S.  Sweat  and  G.  W.  Hartsfleld  in  Bien- 
ville; J.  Short  and  Austin  Harris,  in  Claiborne;  T.  J. 
Baton,  in  Winn,  and  Wm.  McBride,  in  Jackson.  W. 
E.  Paxton,  who  had  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
law  at  Sparta  since  1853,  entered  the  ministry  and 
preached  his  first  sermon  during  the  session  of  this 
body. 

[1866.]    Met  with  Saline  Church,  Bienville  Parish, 


RED   ElVEE  ASSOCIATION.  3^3 

September  22d,  1866.  The  introductory  was  preach- 
ed by  Elder  G.  W.  Hartsfleld.  Elder  J.  A.  Harrell 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  W.  F.  Wells,  Clerk. 
Twenty-three  churches  were  represented,  with  a 
total  membership  of  1247  members.  Among  the  new 
ministers  may  be  noted  A.  S.  Worrell,  who  had 
been  made  president  of  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  and 
W.  G.  Boone,  who  occupied  a  professorship  in  the 
same  institution ;  W.  E.  Paxton,  who  had  been  or- 
dained and  settled  as  pastor  at  Minden ;  E.  N.  Kirt- 
ley,  who  had  settled  as  pastor  at  Einggold,  and  W. 
G.  Moreland,  an  able  minister,  who  came  to  us  from 
the  Methodists  and  had  been  ordained  the  year  be- 
fore. 

The  subjects  of  most  interest  before  the  associa- 
tion were  the  Orphans  of  Deceased  Soldiers,  and 
the  Golored  Population.  Steps  were  taken  to  aid  in 
the  education  of  the  indigent  orphans  of  those  who 
had  fallen  in  the  war  for  Southern  independence.  In 
reference  to  the  blacks,  the  question  was  whether 
they  should  be  organized  as  independent  churches 
or  constituted  as  subordinate  congregations  under 
the  watchcare  of  the  white  churches.  These  poor, 
ignorant  creatures  had  been  suddenly  elevatedinto  the 
rights  of  citizenship ;  but  unused  to  self-government, 
they  were  being  made  dupes  of  by  designing  white 
men  whose  interest  was  to  alienate  them  from  the 
Southern  white  people.  Thus  a  prejudice  was 
created  against  them,  and  many  were  in  favor  of 


324  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

cutting  loose  from  them  entirely  and  leaving  them 
to  take  care  of  themselves.  The  wiser  and  more 
far-seeing  perceived  that  the  whites  were  interested 
in  retaining  an  influence  over  them  for  good,  and  in 
iinprovingthem  morally,  mentally  and  socially.  A  re- 
port on  the  subject  recommended  the  churches  to 
organize  them  into  separate  bodies  under  the  friendly 
supervision  of  the  pastors  and  churches  of  the 
whites.  This  was  violently  assailed,  and  a  warm  dis- 
cussion ensued.  A  proposition  was  made  to  substi- 
tute a  resolution  recommending  the  churches  to  act 
in  this  matter  according  to  their  own  best  judgment 
in  reference  to  the  peculiar  circumstances  by  which 
each  church  was  surrounded.  This  was  wise,  and 
just  what  the  churches  had  a  right  to  do.  But  it 
was  opposed  with  equal  violence,  and  finally  the 
whole  subject  was  tabled.  The  churches  pursued 
this  course.  Some  awaited  a  call  for  letters,  which 
were  granted  to  such  as  were  orderly,  and  excluded 
the  unworthy.  Some  did  nothing  at  all,  except  after 
a  time,  dropped  the  names  of  their  colored  members 
from  their  rolls  ;  while  others  took  an  active  interest 
in  the  religious  condition  of  the  freedmen.  This  was 
particularly  the  case  at  Minden,  Sparta  and  Mount 
Lebanon.  At  Minden  separate  services  were  begun 
for  the  blacks.  The  colored  members  were  encour- 
aged to  withdraw  and  form  an  organization  of  their 
own.  They  were  aided  in  purchasing  a  lot  and 
erecting  a  house  of  worship.    The  pastor  preached 


EED   RIVER   ASSOCIATION.  325 

to  them  regularly,  instructed  them  in  the  manage- 
ment of  their  affairs,  supplied  them  with  about  three 
hundred  copies  of  the  New  Testament ;  encouraged 
them  to  employ  a  teacher  and  learn  to  read.  They 
were  organized  into  a  church,  about  sixty  taking  let- 
ters for  the  purpose.  A  few,  distrusting  themselves, 
still  retained  membership  with  the  whites.  The  pas- 
tor continued  to  preach  to  them  regularly,  instructed 
them  in  discipline  and  the  practical  matters  pertain- 
ing to  the  church.  He  organized  them  into  a  Sun- 
day-school, and  supplied  them  with  the  necessary 
books.  A  few  could  read.  These  were  selected  as 
teachers  and  instructed  how  to  conduct  the  school, 
and  a  large  number  of  children  and  adults  were  thus 
weekly  instructed  in  the  knowledge  of  God's  word. 
A  discreet,  pious  and  intelligent  colored  man,  named 
William  Newman,  who  had  long  been  a  deacon  in  the 
service  of  the  colored  members  at  Mount  Lebanon, 
was  set  apart  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  and  was  chosen 
as  pastor.  The  church  became  and  continues  to  be 
as  orderly  and  well  disciplined  as  most  of  the  white 
churches,  and  the  relations  between  them  and  the 
whites  have  always  been  cordial  and  pleasant. 

A  somewhat  similar  course  was  pursued  at  the 
other  places ;  and  wherever  it  was  done,  the  same  re- 
sults were  manifest. 

[1867.]  Met  with  Siloam  Church,  Winn  Parish, 
September  21st,  1867.  The  introductory  was  preach- 
ed by  Elder  W.  E.  Paxton.    Deacon  E.  H.  Burnett 


326  HISTORY    OT    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

was  chosen  Moderator,  and  W.  F,  Wells,  Clerk. 
Twenty-two  churches  were  represented,  with  a  mem- 
bership of  1334.  I  copy  the  Eeport  on  the  State  of 
the  Churches : 

"ilft.  Lebanon,  seems  to  be  in  a  pleasant  condition, 
with  a  weekly  prayer-meeting  and  also  a  monthly 
concert  of  prayer  for  missions,  usually  well-attended. 
She  has  a  Sabbath-school  of  about  seventy  students. 
She  has  had  a  protracted  meeting  of  some  interest, 
and  has  preaching  twice  a  month  by  Elder  W.  0. 
Boone,  and  once  a  month  by  Dr.  F.  Courtney  and 
Elder  A.  Parnell,  alternately. 

^'Arcadia,  under  the  pastorate  of  Elder  J.  M. 
Scarborough,  has  a  Bible  class  and  has  had  a  pro- 
tracted meeting.    She  is  at  peace. 

"Fellowship,  under  the  care  of  Elder  James  Fuller, 
is  at  peace  but  a  ruinous  peace,  as  she  complains  of 
coldness  and  has  nothing  of  interest  to  report. 

''Macedonia,  under  the  care  of  iflder  J.  M.  Scar- 
borough, says :  '  We  have  nothing  of  interest  to 
write.' 

"  Social  Spring,  under  the  pastorate  of  Elder  E. 
N.  Kirtley,  reports  having  had  a  very  precious  meet- 
ing of  three  days,  when  the  members  were  revived 
and  weeping  sinners  inquired  the  way  of  life;  but  the 
meeting  was  reluctantly  closed  because  of  the  pas- 
tor's ill-health,  as  there  was  no  other  ministerial  aid. 

"Mt.  Zion  (Jackson),  under  the  care  of  W.J.  Led- 
ford,  sends  nothing  but  what  is  in  the  statistical 
table.  [6  received  by  letter,  5  dismissed,  4  excluded 
— 1  restored ;  total  34.] 

^  Liberty  Hill,  calls  on  the  association  to  rejoice, 
with  her  over  her  late  precious  revival,  when  the 


RED   RIVER   ASSOCIATION.  327 

tiiembers  were  blessed  and  many  sinners  sought  and 
found  Jesus  precious  to  their  souls.  This  is,  indeed, 
good  news,  and  we  do  rejoice  with  her.  Elder  A. 
Bradly  is  her  pastor. 

"  Ringgold,  under  the  care  of  Elder  E.  N.  Klrtley 
has  no  good  news  to  send  us. 

'■^  JSopewell,  under  the  care  of  A.  Parnell,  is  at 
peace,  but  complains  of  a  spirit  of  coldness. 

"  Saline,  under  charge  of  Elder  J.  A.  Harrell,  re- 
ports herself  in  a  tolerably  prosperous  condition. 

"  Pleasant  Qrove,  is  at  peace  and  in  harmony,  un- 
.  der  the  care  of  Elder  John  Dupree. 

"  Siloam,  has  had  preaching  during  a  portion  of 
the  past  year  by  Elder  W.  J.  Ledford. 

"1ft.  Qilead,  under  the  pastorate  of  Elder  W.  G. 
Boone,  is  at  peace.  She  has  had  a  meeting  of  several 
days,  during  which  the  members  were  "somewhat  re- 
vived and  some  some  sinners  were  led  to  seek  the 
right  way.  She  looks  for  the  gathering  of  the  bread 
after  many  days.  She  has  her  monthly  prayer-meet- 
ing, but  her  Sabbath-school  failed. 

"  Sparta,  complains  of  coldness,  but  thanks  God 
for  peace  and  harmony.  She  has  made  a  feeble  ef- 
fort to  have  a  Sabbath-school.    Elder  J.  A.  Harrell 

I 

is  her  pastor. 

"Bamah,  under  the  pastorate  of  J.  A.  Harrell,  is 
at  peace,  and  is  looking  forward  to  the  time  when  the 
Lord  will  visit  them  with  showers  of  his  grace. 

^^  Liberty,  is  in  a  cold  condition,  but  hopes 
that  the  word  spoken  by  her  pastor.  Elder  J.  Du- 
pree, will  sooner  or  later  have  its  desired  effect. 

"  Oilgal,  laments  her  great  coldness  and  the  way- 
wardness of  sinners,  but  at  a  called  conference  adds 
a  postscript  of  joy  over  a  precious  revival  and  the 


328  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

hopeful  conversion  of  sinners.  Elder  James  Puller 
is  her  pastor, 

"  Bethel,  under  the  care  of  Elder  J.  Dupree,  says 
nothing  more  than  appears  in  the  statistics  [received 
by  letter  1 ;  died  1 ;  total  15]. 

"  Minden,  has  the  faithful  ministration  of  Elder  W. 

E.  Paxton^  and  trusts  in  God  that  his  example  and 
teachings  may  bring  many  to  believe  in  God.  She 
has  a  Sabbath-school  of  about  thirty  students. 

"  Vernon,  has  had  no  regular  preaching  since  the 
close  of  the  vrar,  till  last  Spring,  since  which  time 
Elder  William  McBride  has  preached  for  her  one 
Sabbath  in  each  month. 

"  Athens  ov  New  Hope,  vLndeT  the  caTB  of  Elder  J. 
Fuller,  complains  of  being  in  rather  a  lukewarm  con- 
dition, but  adds  a  postscript  of  joy  over  several 
conversions  and  a  precious  revival. 

"  Garolina,  received  at  this  session  from  Central 
Association.    Makes  no  statements. 

"  Friendship,  New  Ehenezer  and  Homer  are  not  re- 
ported this  year." 

[1868.]  Met  at  Athens,  September  26th,  1868. 
The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  F.  Court- 
ney.   E.  H.  Burnett  was  choeen  Moderator,  and  W. 

F.  Wells,  Clerk.  Thirty  churches  were  represented, 
reporting  72  baptisms  and  a  membership  of  1416.  I 
note  the  following  new  ministers:  Elders  John 
Barron,  "Natchitoches  Parish;  D.  Franks,  Bienville 
Parish;  John  F.  Hinsonj  near  Minden,  and  P.  E. 
Collins,  at  Mt.  Lebanon.  The  latter  was  in  charge  of 
the  school  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  and  was  a  man  of  fine 
preaching  abilities. 


RED   ElVEE   ASSOCIATION.  329 

The  churches  generally  are  reported  to  be  in  good 
condition. 

A  letter  was  presented  and  read  by  Elder  Strick- 
land, from  the  Mt.  Olivet  (colored)  Church,  asking 
advice  in  regard  to  the  colored  churches  forming 
themselves  into  an  association.  The  association  re- 
sponded by  the  following  resolution : 

"  jiBesoi?;ed,  That  in  reply  to  the  communication  of 
Mt.  Olive  (colored)  Church,  asking  advice,  we  say 
that  we  do  not  think  it  advisable  for  our  colored 
brethren  to  go  beyond  the  formation  of  separate 
churches ;  that  in  these  they  can  enjoy  all  the  free- 
dom of  the  Gospel,  and  this,  we  think,  is  all  they  need 
or  are  capable  of  for  the  present." 

On  motion  it  was  resolved  that  the  clerk  be  in- 
structed to  communicate  to  said  church  this  expres- 
sion of  the  opinion  of  this  body  in  reply  to  their  let- 
ter of  inquiry. 

It  will  be  observed  that  wiser  counsels  had  begun 
to  prevail  on  this  subject.  Beyond  the  usual  routine 
little  else  was  done. 

[1869.]  Met  with  Mount  Gilead  Church,  Bienville 
Parish,  September  25, 1869.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Wm.  McBride.  E.  H.  Burnett 
was  elected  Moderator,  and  W.  F.  Wells,  Clerk. 
Twenty-nine  churches  were  represented,  reporting 
1365  members.  Pleasant  Hill  and  Coushutta churches 
were  received.  An  able  and  practical  report  on  mis- 
sions was  presented  by  Dr.  Courtney,  and  the  speech- 


330  HISTORY    OI    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

es  or  the  subject  reported  in  the  minutes  partake  of 
the  right  spirit. 

A  fraternal  feeling  having  sprung  up  between  some 
of  the  leading  brethren  of  the  association  and  some 
of  the  preachers  of  the  anti-mission  brethren,  and  a 
desire  existing  to  remove  the  barriers  to  fellowship, 
a  meeting  had  been  proposed  to  confer  about  the 
basis  upon  which  we  could  draw  closer  together. 
It  was  hoped  that  as  our  formulw  of  faith  substan- 
tially agreed,  that  we  might  draw  nearer  in  fraternal 
intercourse.  To  this  end  a  committtee,  consisting  of 
Elders  E.  Strickland,  W.  J.  Ledford,  F.  Courtney, 
J.  A.  Walker,  W.  E.  Paxton  and  Dr.  W.  C.  Patterson 
and  W.  Pearce,  was  appointed  to  confer  with  a  like 
committee  on  the  part  of  the  anti-missionaries.  But 
the  injudicious  zeal  of  some  of  the  committee  spoiled 
the  whole  matter,  and  it  was  dropped. 

[1871.]  Met  with  Carolina  Church,  Bienville  Parish, 
September  23, 1871.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  J.  A.  Harrell.  E.  H.  Burnett  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Elder  W.  E.  Paxton,  Clerk.  Thirty- 
two  churches  were  represented,  reporting  J555  mem- 
bers and  118  baptisms.  Among  the  names  of  minis- 
ters not  heretofore  mentioned  I  note  Hilary  Phillips 
at  Athens;  J.  Lally,  Arcadia;  W.  H.  Chandler,  Sa- 
line; E.  J.  Mayrant,  Brush  Valley;  T.  J.  Fonts, 
Sparta;  A.  J.  Peddy,  Vernon ;  with  nine  licentiates. 
I  copy  from  the  Eeport  on  Missions : 


RED   ElVER   ASSOCIATION.  331 

"Although  there  is  yet  much  destitution  within  our 
bounds,  the  labors  of  our  missionaries  have  been  much 
blessed  daring  the  past  two  years ;  so  that  where  the 
people  sat  in  darkness  they  have  Gospel  light.  Eld,  J. 
Dupree  constituted  a  church  near  Campto  recently 
with  seven  members,  afterward  baptized  four,  and 
the  little  church  was  received  as  a  member  of  this 
body  at  this  session.  He  has  also  recently  baptized 
about  twenty  four  persons  near  Buckhorn  (P.  O.), 
who  united  with  Bistenean  Church,  a  very  small  and 
feeble  band-  b&fore  this  occasion.  Brother  John 
Dupree  is  supplying  about  twelve  churches  and  as 
many  stations  with  regular  preaching^  where  there 
would  be  none  but  for  his  labors.  According  to  the 
best  information,  Bro.  John  Dupree  and  Brother 
Branch  are  baptizing  from  forty  to  fifty  yearly. 
Elder  W.  E.  Paxton,  as  missionary  of  the  Domestic 
Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  will  con- 
stitute a  church  atBellevue  soon,  with  a  rapidly  in- 
creasing interest,  where,  until  he  visited  the  place, 
scarce  a  trace  of  Baptist  interest  could  be  found. 
The  travel  of  Brothers  Dupree  and  Branch  is  esti- 
mated at  from  two  to  three  thousand  miles  each 
yearly.  They  preach  from  two  to  three  hundred  ser- 
mons each,  and  the  Lord  is  abundantly  blessing  their 
labors.  *  *  *  Brother  J.  M.  Williamson  (a  li- 
centiate), near  Minden,  has  done  some  labor  among 
the  colored  people,  instructing  them,  and  especially 
their  ministers,  which  they  receive  kindly." 

The  association  raised  and  disbursed  about  four 
hundred  dollars. 
The  following  resolutions,  presented  by  Elder  W. 


332  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

E.  Paxton  and  unanimously  adopted,  deserve  to  be 
noticed : 

"Besolved,  that  in  the  opinion,  of  this  association,  a 
properly  qualified  administrator  is  essential  to  scrip- 
tural baptism. 

^^Besolveii,  that  the  authority  of  an  orderly  Baptist 
church  is  an  essential  qualification  to  authorize  one 
to  administer  baptism. 

"  Resolved,  That  immersions  performed  by  admin- 
istrators not  authorized  by  such  a  church  should  not 
be  received  by  Baptists." 

[  1874.  ]  Met  with  Saline  Baptist  Church,  Bienville 
Parish,  September  26,  1874.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  W.  J.  Ledford.  E.  H.  Burnett 
was  re-elected  Moderator,  and  W.  0.  Moreland, 
Clerk,  Thirty-six  churches  were  represented,  rep- 
resenting 1661  members  and  170  baptisms. 

[1878.]  Met  with  Saline  Church,  Bienville  Parish, 
September  21, 1878.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  W.  H.  McGee,  of  Minden.  Elder  H.  Z. 
Ardis  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  D.  P.  Head,  Clerk. 
Twenty-nine  churches  were  represented,  reporting  a 
membership  1783. 

The  association  noticed  approvingly  Ihe  work  of 
the  Convention  and  adopted  the  usual  reports.  The 
death  of  the  veteran  Arthur  McFarlaud,  and  W.  J. 
Ledford,  was  noticed,  but  no  account  of  their  labors 
given. 

The  general  state  of  the  churches  was  not  very 
encouraging. 


RED  RIVEE  ASSOCIATION.  aoH 

[1879.]  Met  with  Pleasant  Grove  Churcb,  Bien- 
ville Parish,  September  27,  1S70.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  J.  A.  Harrell.  E.  H.  Burnett 
was  chosen  Jloderator,  and  D.  F.  Head,  Clerk. 
Twenty-seven  churches  were  represented,  reporting 
1660  members  and  256  baptisms.  The  business  con- 
sisted chiefly  in  the  routine  and  the  usual  reports. 
The  sum  of  $29S.75  was  expended  for  various  pur- 
poses. 

[1880.]  Met  with  Liberty  Hill  Church,  Bienville 
Parish,  September  25,  1880.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Wm.  McBride,  of  Jackson  Parish. 
R.  H.  Burnett  was  re-elected  Moderator,  and  Elder 
D.  F.  Head,  Clerk.  Twenty-four  churches  were  rep- 
resented, reporting  1642  members  and  111  baptisms. 

The  excellent  practice  of  printing  in  the  minutes 
the  names  and  addresses  of  the  ordained  ministers, 
has  been  neglected  by  the  clerks  for  some  years  past; 
but  the  following  list  I  give  from  the  minutes  and 
from  personal  recollection:  John  Dupree,  J.  F.  Hin- 
son,  Wm.  McBride,  N.  W.  Warren.  W.  H.  McGee, 
G.  W.  Singleton,  J.  W.  Garswell,  T.  J.  Fonts,  W.  H. 
Chandler,  J.  A.  Walker,  L.  P.  Lowry,  J.  A.  Harrell, 
W.  C.  Morelaud  and  F.  Courtney.  • 

[ISSl.]  During  the  present  year  the  venerable 
James  Fuller  and  Henry  Z.  Ardis  passed  to  their 
maker.  Elder  J.  C.  Carter  has  located  at  Athens,  to 
supply  the  field  made  vacant  by  the  deatli  of  Elder 


334  HISTORY  OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Ardis.  Ambrose  N.  Walker  has  been  licensed  at 
Fellowship,  and  Thomas  Geren  and  Thomas  B.  Har- 
rell,  two  licentiates  of  this  body,  are  pursuing  a 
course  of  preparatory  studies  at  Mississippi  College. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

BAYOU  MACON,  CENTRAL,  NORTH  LOUISIANA, 
PALESTINE,  BIG  CREEK,  AND  BETHLEHEM 
ASSOCIATIONS. 

I  group  together  in  a  single  chapter  the  remaining 
associations  of  this  section  of  the  State.  As  my  files 
are  incomplete,  I  will  not  be  able  to  give  their  history 
in  detail. 

BAYOU  MACON   ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  occupies  the  field  between  the  Ouachita 
and  Mississippi  Elvers,  along  the  stream  from  which 
it  takes  its  name.    The  earliest  churches  were  planted 
in  Franklin  Parish,  by  the  labors  of  Kathan  M.  Davis, 
J.  P.  Blake  and  other  missionaries  of  the  Ouachita 
Association.    The  first  churches  were  organized  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  territory,  at  Bceuff  Prairie,  and 
one  or  more  in  Concordia  Parish.    Churches  were  sub- 
sequently organized  at  Hurricane  and  Deer  Creek,  in 
Franklin  Parish;  Bayou  Macon,  Deerfield  and  New 
Hope,  in  Carroll,  Queens  and  Madison  Parishes.    But 
at  what  dates  and  by  whose  labors,  I  have  not  been 
able  to  ascertain.     D.  D.  Swindall  labored  some  time 
in  this  region,  and  perhaps  some  of  these  were  organ- 
ized by  him.      In  1855  the  churches  which   I  have 
named  met  by  delegates,  November  29th,  with  the 
Deerfield  Church,  Carroll  Parish,   and  proceeded  to 


336  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

organize  the  Bayou  Macon  Association.  The  six 
churches  numbered  184  members.  At  this  time  there 
appear  to  be  but  four  ministers,  M.  Kain water,  Gr.  E. 
Nash,  L.  E.  Capers  and  Joseph  V.  Leake.  I  once  met 
the  latter  in  the  State  Convention.  He  was  a  man  of 
more  than  ordinary  ability  and  great  zeal.  It  was 
through  his  influence  that  the  association  was  form- 
ed. He  had  come  into  this  region  some  time  before, 
and  perhaps  by  his  labors  some  of  these  churches 
were  organized. 

Joseph  V.  Leake  was  elected  first  Moderator,  and 
Josiah  L.  Stovall,  Clerk.  Articles  of  Faith  were 
adopted,  strongly  Calvinistic,  and  embracing  the  fol- 
lowing points  :  1.  The  inspiration  and  sufficiency  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures.  2.  The  fall  of  man  and  his  ina- 
bility in  his  natural  state  to  recover  himself.  3.  The 
atonement.  4.  Eedemption  through  Christ  alone.  5. 
Election.  6.  Eesurrection.  7.  A  church— a  congre- 
gation of  baptized  believers.  8.  Baptism  the  immer- 
sion of  a  believer  by  a  qualified  administrator,  duly 
authorized  by  an  orderly  church.  9.  The  Lord's  Sup- 
per, commemorative  and  restricted  to  baptized  be- 
lievers in  fellowship  with  each  other.  10.  The  inde- 
pendence of  the  churches.  11.  The  first  day  of  the 
week,  the  Christian  Sabbath. 

A  Board  of  Missions  was  established,  and  a  sum 
raised  for  this  object.  At  the  close  of  the  exercises 
\wo  persons  were  baptized. 

The  second  session  mot  with    Hurricane  Church, 


BAYOU   MACON   ASSOCIATION.  337 

Franklin  Parish,  October  31, 1856.  Eight  churches 
represented,  reporting  41  baptisms  and  180  members. 
Two  churches  were  added :  Pine  Grove,  Ouachita 
Parish,  from  Bartholomew  Association,  Arkansas, 
and  Macedonia,  a  newly-constituted  church  in  Frank- 
lin Parish,  with  D.  L.  Grant  as  pastor.  Elder  J.  V. 
Leake  was  elected  Moderator,  and  J.  L.  Stovall, 
Clerk. 

The  construction  of  the  railroad  from  Vicksburg  to 
Monroe  attracted  attention  to  this  fertile  country,  and 
there  was  a  large  influx  of  population.  The  churches 
established  were  largely  increased,  and  new  ones  gath- 
ered. But  the  Baptists  of  this  region  suffered  a  great 
loss  in  the  death  of  Elder  J .  V.  Leake,  who  was  the 
guiding  hand  in  the  affairs  of  the  association. 

In  1859  the  association  met  with  Macedonia  Church, 
Carroll  Parish.  At  this  time  there  appear  to  have 
been  thirteen  churches  in  this  connection,  but  as  the 
statistics  are  incomplete  I  cannot  ascertain  their  ag- 
gregate membership.  Six  of  them  report  611  mem- 
bers. The  following  are  the  names  of  the  churches : 
Antioch,  Bayou  Macon,  Deerfleld,  Macedonia,  and 
Bbenezer,  in  Carroll  Parish ;  Deer  Creek,  Hurricane, 
Providence  and  Turkey  Creek,  in  Franklin  Parish  ; 
Pine  Grove  in  Ouachita ;  New  Hope,  Oak  Eidge  and 
Harmony,  in  Morehouse.  The  pastors  given  are :  L. 
E.  Capers,  W.  Phillips,  J.  S.  Wood  and  C.  W  Kinard. 

During  the  war  the  greater  part  of  the  populatioii 
of  this  region  refugeed.    Churches  were  broken  up 


338  HISTOBT    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

and  the  association  ceased  to  meet.  Being  between 
the  two  lines  of  the  hostile  armies,  it  was  alternately 
plundered  by  both  parties.  The  levees  were  cut  on  the 
Mississippi,  and  the  whole  country,  except  the  Bayou 
Macon  hills,  exposed  to  inundation.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  the  country  presented  a  wide  scene  of  desola- 
tion and  ruin,  A  large  part  of  the  population  never  re- 
turned to  their  desolate  homes.  Those  who  did  were 
devoted  to  the  recovery  of  their  lost  fortunes.  A  few 
Baptists  came  back,  whose  hearts  longed  for  the  sure 
word  of  God.  A  few  feeble  churches  were  reorgan- 
ized, and  at  length  the  association  was  again  called 
together,  a  feeble,  badly- organized  body,  without 
efficient  ministers ;  but  with  hearts  burdened  on  ac- 
count of  the  state  of  the  country,  and  a  willingness 
to  work  for  the  Master. 

George  B.  Eager,  a  Clinton  student,  was  induced 
to  come  and  labor  for  awhile.  God  blessed  him  and 
he  continued  his  labors.  Churches  were  revived. 
New  associations  sprung  up,  and  a  general  awaken- 
ing was  the  result.  Efficient  service  was  also  render- 
ed by  Elders  James  Christian,  W.  W.  Kash  and  N.  F. 
McGraw. 

In  1870  the  association  met  with  Deer  Creek  Church, 
Franklin  Parish,  The  following  churches  were  rep- 
resented: Bayou  Macon,  Macedonia  and  Oak  Grove, 
Carroll  Parish;  Delhi,  Providence  and  Bayville, 
liichland  Parish ;  Deer  Creek  and  Hurricane,  Frank- 
lin Parish ;  Harmony  and  Oak  Eidge,  Morehouse  and 


BAYOU   MACON   ASSOCIATION.  339 

Siloam,  Caldwell  Parish.  Two  linndred  aud  ninteen 
baptisms  were  reported,  and  513  members.  The  pas- 
tors were  J.  S.  Shepherd,  1^.  P.  McGraw,  W.  W.  Nash, 
and  James  Christian. 

In  1871  the  association  met  with  Oak  Eidge  Church. 
Ten  churches  reported  585  members. 

The  names  of  the  following  ordained  ministers  are 
given:  James  Christian,  Bastrop;  N".  P.  McGraw 
and  J.  A.  McGuire,  Monroe;  J.  S.  Shepherd,  Floyd; 
W.  M.  Kiese  and  W.  W.  Nash,  Warsaw ;  C.  McEim- 
mon,  W.  H.  Faulkner  and  J.  M.  Eandolph,  Alto ; 
George  B.  Eager,  Lake  Village,  Arkansas;  E.  S. 
Jackson  and  S.  J.  Larkin,  near  Port  Jefferson  ;  E.  B. 
Eeynolds,  Floyd. 

Through  the  labors  of  Eager  and  Jackson,  this 
body  had  become  actively  missionary.  Both  of  these 
brethren  settled  as  pastors  in  this  region. 

In  1872  eight  churches  reported  574  members. 

After  the  departure  of  Eager  and  Jackson,  and  the 
removal  of  Eiese  and  other  ministers,  there  was  a 
rajpid  and  sensible  decline  until  1878.  A  committee  re- 
ports :  "  The  spiritual  condition  of  a  large  number  of 
the  churches  composing  our  association  is  anything 
but  encouraging.  Only  a  few  years  ago  there  were 
eighteen  churches  within  the  bounds  of  this  associa- 
tion, and  most  of  them  in  a  flourishing  condition  *  * 
But  alas !  What  a  sad  change  in  a  few  years.  The 
light  of  nearly  half  of  these  churches  has  ceased  to 
burn  and  the  golden  candlestick  has  been  removed 


340  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

from  before  the  altars.  Their  condition  is  truly  de- 
plorable. They  are  without  regular  preaching.  Their 
membership  is  scattered  and  woefully  dispirited,  and 
their  dissolution  seems  almost  inevitable."  Only  six 
churches  were  this  year  represented  and  as  no  statis- 
tics are  given  I  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  their 
numerical  strength. 

A  short  time  before  this,  Elder  L.  C.  Kellis,  who  had 
served  the  church  at  Trenton,  began  to  labor  in  this 
region  particularly  at  Oak  Eidge,  Wynn  Island  and 
Bastrop.  W.  W.  Nash  also  returned  and  labored  in 
the  region  about  Alto,  and  a  better  state  of  things  be- 
gan to  dawn.  From  that  time  to  the  present,  the  con- 
dition of  the  churches  has  steadily  improved.  This 
region  was  visited  by  Elder  W.  C.  Friley,  State  Evan- 
gelist, who  was  cordially  received  and  his  labors 
blessed  with  revivals.  The  labors  of  Kellis  have  also 
resulted  in  gracious  revivals  in  his  churches,  and  large 
numbers  have  been  added. 

The  last  session  of  this  body  was  held  with  Provi- 
dence Church,  at  Alto,  Eichland  Parish,  beginning 
October  8,  1880.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  J.  J.  White.  H.  F.  Vickers  was  chosen  Moder- 
ator, and  T.  J.  Mangham,  Clerk.  Fifteen  churches 
report  34  baptisms,  and  a  total  membership  of  741. 
Elder  J.  M.  Joiner,  employed  as  an  evangelist  by  the 
State  Mission  Board,  labored  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  association  and  did  a  good  work,  and  since  the 


CENTRAL    ASSOCIATION.  341 

last  meeting  J.  W.  Lumbly  has  done  very  efficient 
work  in  this  region. 

CENTRAL  ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  embraces  churches  in  Winn  Parisli  and 
the  neighboring  parts  of  the  adjoiniug  parishes.  It 
\yas  organized  at  Mars  Hill,  Winn  Parish,  October 
21,  1859,  out  of  churches  dismissed  from  Ouachita  and 
Eed  Eiver  Associations.  The  following  churches  par- 
ticipated: Big  Spring,  Jerusalem,  Mars  Hill,  Pisgah, 
Pleasant  Hill,  Shady  Grove,  Union  and  Zion  Hill, 
aggregating  157  members.  The  ordained  ministers 
were  reported  as  follows:  James  Buys,  M.  D.,  M. 
Brady  and  D.  O'Quin,  at  Wheeling;  0.  J.  Crew,  at 
Montgomery;  J.  S,  Matthews,  Win ufleld;  H.  Mecom, 
at  Bertrand  Prairie.  The  Abstract  of  Faith  adopted 
is  the  same  as  that  of  Bayou  Macon  Association.  I 
have  but  few  minutes  of  this  body. 

In  1864,  the  association  met  with  Union  Church, 
Caldwell  Parish.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  Z.  Cox.  Elder  L.  S.  Markham  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  L.  Harvy,  Clerk.  Ten  churches  were 
represented,  reporting  79  baptisms  and  446  members. 
There  were  other  churches  not  represented,  whose 
names  are  not  given.  The  pastors  reported  are:  D. 
O'Quin,  at  Mars  Hill,  Pisgah  and  Sardis;  A.  J.  West, 
at  Union  and  Hebron;  L.  S.  Markham,  at  Pleasant 
Hill;  Wm.  McBride,  at  Ebenezer;  T.  J.  Baten,  at 
Jerusalem ;  E.  Adams,  at  Damascus ;  and  A.  Bradley, 


342  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

at  Concord.  A  contribution  of  $171  was  made  on 
Sabbath,  besides  something  sent  up  by  the  churches 
for  missions,  and  Elder  D.  O'Quin  was  appointed  to 
labor  as  a  missionary. 

In  1866,  met  with  Jerusalem  Church,  Winn  Parish. 
Introductory  by  Elder  Wra.  McBride.  Elder  A. 
Bradley,  Moderator,  and  E.  W.  Wood,  Clerk.  Seveu- 
teen  churches  report  78^  baf>ifeism»  and  &7fr  members; 
A  committee  reported  that  there  was  no  Sabbath- 
school  within  the  bounds  of  the  association.  The  use 
of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage  was  condemned. 
Peace  and  harmony  prevailed  among  the  churches, 
and  some  of  them  had  refreshings  from  the  Lord  and 
ingatherings  among  them. 

In  1867,  met  with  Pisgah  Church,  Winn  Parish. 
Introductory  by  H.  M.  Cook ;  Elder  A.  Bradly,  Mod- 
erator, and  E.  W.  Woods,  Clerk.  Sixteen  churches 
report  90  baptisms  and  677  members. 

In  1868,  met  with  Mount  Vernon  Church,  Ouachita 
Parish.  Introductory,  by  L.  L.  Bissett;  Elder  H.  M. 
Cook,  Moderator,  and  E.  W.  Woods,  Clerk.  Sixteen 
churches  report  79  baptisms  and  450  members.  Cold- 
ness prevailed  among  the  churches.  Some,  however, 
had  enjoyed  happy  seasons  of  grace,  and  considerable 
ingatherings.  New  Liberty  Church,  in  Caldwell 
Parish,  reported  a  Sunday-school  organized  this  year, 
and  in  a  good  condition.  Pleasant  Hill  was  charged 
with  holding  in  her  fellowship  a  minister  who  held  to 
human  perfection  and  final  apostacy,  and  the  church 


CENTRAL   ASSOCIATION.  343 

was  admonished  to  purge  herself  from  this  scandal. 
Elder  W.  M.  Eaymond  was  employed  to  ride  as  mis- 
sionary in  the  bounds  of  the  association  for  six 
months. 

In  1869,  met  with  Shiloh  Church,  Winn  Parish,. 
October  2d,  1869.  Introductory  was  preached  by  El- 
der W.  S.  Leggett.  Elder  H.  M.  Cook,  Moderator, 
and  E.  W.  Wood,  Clerk.  Nineteen  churches  report 
122  baptisms  and  684  members. 

The  association  met  with  New  Salem  Church,  Winn 
Parish,  September  27th,  1879.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  J.  S.  Payde,  who  was  afterward 
elected  Moderator,  with- J.  D.  Williams,  Clerk.  Nine- 
teen churches  reported  106  baptisms  and  705  members. 
The  pastors  given  are :  D.  B.  Williams,  O.  E.  Dre- 
witt,  H.  F.  Miller,  T.  M.  Womack,  A.  J.  O'Quin,  J. 
S.  Payne;  A.  J.  Hartley,  M.  W.  Lilly,  W.  D:  Smith,, 
S.  li.  Dean  and  W.  Gr.  Sanders.  The  other  ministers 
reported  are :  T.  J.  Smith,  C.  V.  Terrell,  C.  J.  Crew, 
P.  McManns,  J.  T.  Wallace.  The  churches  generally 
were  reported  to  be  in  a  good  condition.  Elder  A.  J.. 
Hartley  had  labored  as  a  missionary  for  most  of  the 
year.  His  labors  were  attended  with  success.  He 
reports  91  baptized,  25  received  by  letter  and  11  by 
restoration.  Under  his  labors  a  new  church  was  or- 
ganized at  St.  Maurice.  This  body  seems  to  have  en- 
tered upon  a  new  career. 

NORTH  LOUISIANA  ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  is  composed  of  churches  situated  chiefly 


344  HISTOKY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

in  the  uorthern  part  of  Bossier  and  Webster  Par- 
ishes, and  a  few  in  the  western  part  of  Claiborne.  It 
was  organized  in  1860,  out  of  churches  dismissed 
from  Red  Eiver  Association.  My  first  minute  is  for 
the  year  1864.  This  year  the  body  met  with  Oaney 
Creek  Church,  Bossier  Parish.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  John  Short.  Elder  W.  S. 
Leggett  was  elected  Moderator,  and  Elder  R.  Martin, 
Clerk.  The  churches  represented  were  Caney 
Creek  (115),  Chalybeate  Springs  (52),  Bethel  (39), 
Pilgrim's  Rest  (103),  New  Bethel  (18),  Salem  (81), 
New  Friendship  (93),-  Shady  Grove  (28),  Union  (54), 
Gum  Springs  (40),  Bethel  No.  2  (74),  Red  River  (85), 
State  Line  (41),  New  Hope  (45),  aggregating  868 
members,  and  reporting  82  baptisms. 

The  ministers  at  this  time  were  A.  Winham,  J. 
Short,  R.  Martin,  L.  J.  Ford,  D.  Wise,L.  P.  Lowry, 
and  T.  Gibson.  The  Articles  of  Faith  given  in  the 
minutes  are  the  same  as  those  of  Bayou  Macon  and 
Central  Associations.  Notice  is  taken  of  the  death 
of  Elder  L.  J.  Ford,  who  had  died  during  the  past 
year.  He  was  a  useful  and  efficient  Gospel  minister, 
of  deep  and  essential  piety,  and  every  way  worthy 
of  the  important  trust.  He  labored  in  the  country 
west  of  Lake  Bisteneau. 

The  field  of  ministerial  labor  was  as  follows:  Elder 
A.  Winham  labored  with  Red  Eiver  Church  east  of 
tlie  Bodcan  Lake;  Robert  Martin's  field  extended 
from  Rocky  Mount  across  the  northern  part  of  Bos- 


NORTH   LOUISIANA'  ASSOCIATION.  345 

sier,  into  what  is  now  the  northern  part  of  Webster; 
W.  S.  Leggett  lived  in  Bossier  Parish,  but  labored  as 
a  missionary  to  the  soldiers  camped  in  Bossier  Point 
and  about  Shreveport ;  J.  Short's  field  was  about 
Haynesville;  D.  Wise,  about  Wiseville,  and  L.  P. 
Lowry  in  the  country  about  Minden. 

[1866.]  Met  with  New  Bethel  Church,  Bossier 
Parish,  Saturday  before  first  Sabbath  in  October, 
1866.  Introductory  by  Elder  T.  Gibson.  Elder  A. 
Winham,  Moderator,  and  W.  S.  Copeland,  Clerk. 
Sixteen  churches  were  represented,  reporting  65 
baptisms  and  856  members. 

Holly  Springs,  Double  Springs  and  Antioch 
Churches,  recently  constituted  in  Webster  Parish, 
were  received. 

[1867.]  Met  with  Union  Church,  Claiborne  Parish, 
October  5, 1867.  Introductory  by  Elder  E.  Strick- 
land. Elder  W.  S.  Leggett,  Moderator,  and  W.  S. 
Copeland,  Clerk.  Sixteen  churches  were  repre- 
sented, reporting  135  baptisms  and  857  members. 
Most  of  the  churches  had  enjoyed  refreshing  sea- 
sons. 

[1868.]  Met  with  Chalybeate  Springs  Church,  Bos- 
sier Parish,  October  3, 1868.  Introductory  by  Elder 
E.  Martin.  G.  L.  Sandidge  was  elected  Moderator, 
and  W.  S.  Copeland,  Clerk.  Sixteen  churches  rep- 
resented, reporting  103  baptisms  and  822  members. 
It  was  determined,  after  defraying  the  expenses  of 
the  Association,  to  appropriate  the  remaining  funds 
23 


346  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

to  the  purchase  of  religious  books,  to  be  disposed 
of  in  the  bounds  of  the  association.  This  plan 
proved  very  successful,  and  in  this  way  a  large 
amount  of  religious  literature  has  been  distributed, 
without  any  material  diminution  of  the  funds  appro- 
priated for  this  object.  The  churches  were  urged 
to  follow  the  example  of  the  first  churches,  and  lay 
by  in  store  on  the  first  day  of  the  week,  as  the  Lord 
hath  blessed  them,  that  funds  may  not  be  wanting  to 
support  pastors  and  missionaries. 

[1871.]  Met  with  New  Friendship  Church,  Sep- 
tember 30,  1871.  Introductory  by  Elder  L.  P. 
Lowry.  E.  Martin  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  W. 
S.  Copeland,  Clerk.  Sixteen  churches  were  repre- 
sented, reporting  75  baptisms  and  852  members. 

Beech  Spring,  Webster  Parish,  was  received  as 
a  member.  The  ministers  connected  with  churches 
of  this  body  are  reported  as  follows:  G.  G.  Wise,  J. 
W.  Melton,  L.  P.  Lowry,  J.  F.  Hinson,  E.  Martin,  O. 
M.  Bigbee,  A.  Winham,  H.  Philips  and  James  Fuller. 

The  exercises  on  Sabbath  were  varied  by  the 
ordination,  at  the  request  of  New  Friendship,  of  B. 
E.  Neel  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  Elder  W.  E,  Paxton, 
of  Minden,  preached  the  ordination  sermon. 

The  report  of  the  board  appointed  to  buy  and  sell 
books,  make  a  gratifying  exhibit  of  their  success. 
The  stock  of  books  on  hand  amount  to  $151.75,  be- 
sides cash,  $108.76,  amounting  to  $260.50  employed 
in  this  work.    An  appropriation,  $62.60,  to  Elders 


NOKTH  LOUISIANA   ASSOCIATION.  347 

John  Dupree  and  W.  E.  Paxton  each,  for  missionary 
labors  in  the  association.  An  able  report  on  foreign 
missions  accompanies  the  minutes.  The  association 
notices  the  death  of  G.  M  Sandidge,  a  former  Mod- 
erator of  this  body,  a  prominent  layman,  the  father 
of  Hon.  John  M.  Sandidge,  formerly  member  of 
Congress  from  this  district. 

[1878.]  Met  with  Eed  River  Church,  Bossier  Par- 
ish, October  5th,  1878.  Introductory  by  E.  K  Kirt- 
ley,  who  was  afterward  elected  Moderator,  with  W. 
S.  Oopeland,  Clerk.  Seventeeja  churches  were  rep- 
resented, reporting  70  baptisms  and  919  members. 
The  committee  on  obituaries  notice  the  death  this 
year  of  Deacons  P.  E.  Lansford  and  James  Ingram. 
I  remember  old  Father  Ingram  well ;  he  was  espe- 
cially gifted  in  prayer;  I  have  heard  few  men  who 
could  get  so  near  the  throne  of  grace. 

This  is  the  latest  minute  I  have  of  tbis  body.  I 
close  my  notice  with  a  statement  of  the  ministry  and 
their  fields :  Austin  Harris  iat  New  Friendship ;  J, 
W.  Melton  at  Cold  Spring  and  Homer;  B.  R.  Neel 
at  Pilgrim's  Rest;  W.  H.  McGee  at  Shady  Grove;  E. 
N.  Kirtley  at  Salem,  New  Bethel,  Red  River  and 
Chalybeate  Springs;  J.  W.  Bidson  at  Crystal 
Springs;  R.  Martin  at  New  Hope  and  Sarepta;  A. 
Winham  at  Caney  Creek,  and  J.  F.  Hinson  at 
Antioch,  Beech  Springs  and  Holly  Springs. 

This  is  an  active  and  eflacient  body. 


348        HISTORY  or  Louisiana  baptists. 

PAELSTINE  association. 

This  body  occupies  the  territory  immediately  west 
of  the  Ouachita  Association,  in  the  western  part  of 
Caldwell  and  Ouachita  Parishes,  in  the  Castor  and 
Dugdemona  region.  It  was  organized  in  1869,  by 
churches  dismissed  from  Ouachita  and  Central  As- 
sociations. I  have  received  the  minutes  of  this 
body  only  for  the  years  1877, 1878  and  1880. 

[1877.]  Met  with  Union  Church,  Catahoula  Parish, 
October  13th,  1877.  Introductory  by  Elder  E.  P, 
Mitchell.  Elder  Thomas  Meredith  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, and  B.  P.  Thomas,  Clerk.  The  following 
churches  were  represented,  viz.:  Union,  Pleasant 
Hill,  Palestine,  Antioch,  Harmony  Grove,  Fellow- 
ship, Cypress  Creek,  Mt.  Vernon,  Friendship  and  Mt. 
Pleasant,  reporting  229  members.  The  pastors  were 
E.  F.  Mitchell,  at  Palestine,  Union  and  Fellowship; 
J.  W.  Wise,  at  Pleasant  Hill ;  B.  E.  Erwin,  at  Antioch 
and  Cypress  Creek;  T.  J.  Humble,  at  Mt.  Vernon  _ 
W.  B,  Lucas,  at  Newport,  and  Thomas  Meredith,  at  Mt' 
Pleasant.  This  is  the  venerable  Thomas  Meredith^ 
long  prominent  in  this  region  as  the  leader  of  the 
Anti-Missionary  Baptists  of  this  section.  The  church 
to  which  he  belonged,  after  thedissolutionof  the  An- 
ti-Missionary association,  applied  for  membership  in 
this  body,  accepted  the  Articles  of  Faith,  and  were 
received  with  their  pastor, 

[1878.]  Met  with  Antioch  Oiiurch,  Ouachita  Parish 
October  4th,  1878.     Introductory  by  B.  E.  Erwin 


PALESTIJME  AND  BIG  CREEK  ASSOCIATIONS.  349 

Elder  B.  P.  Mitchell  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
Elder  B.E.  Er win,  Clerk.  Xine  churches  report  39 
baptisms,  and  308  members.  J.  F.  Taylor  is  reported 
as  pastor  at  Memphis  Church,  Jackson  Parish.  The 
churches  were  at  peace,  but  many  of  them  cold  and 
indifferent. 

[1880.]  Met  at  Fellowship  Church,  Winn  Parish, 
October  Ist,  1880.  Introductory  by  E.  P.  Mitchell, 
who  was  afterward  chosen  Moderator,  with  B.  F. 
Thomas,  Clerk,  Thirteen  churches  were  represent- 
ed, reporting  39  baptisms  and  462  members.  The 
following  is  given  as  the  list  of  ordained  ministers 
of  this  body :  W.  B.  Lewis,  B.  W.  Taylor,  I.  E. 
Hatten,  J.  L.  Hatten,  John  W.  Wise  and  George  A. 
Kelley,  at  Gaar's  Mills;  Thomas  J.  Humble  and  Ben 
E.  Erwin,  near  Monroe ;  J.  F.  Taylor  and  C.  W. 
Peters,  at  Hood's  Mills;  E.  F.  Mitchell  and  Thomas 
Meredith,  at  Columbia. 

There  are  reports  on  Temperance  and  Sabbath- 
schools,  and  the  association  sent  delegates  to  the 
State  Convention. 

BIG  CREEK  ASSOCIATION. 

This  is  a  small  body  located  between  Little  Eiver 
and  Eed  Eiver,  south  of  Central  Association.  The 
churches  are  chiefly  located  in  Grant  Parish. 

[1871.]  By  previous  agreement,  a  number  of 
churches  through  their  delegates  met  with  Big 
Creek  Church,  Grant  Parish,  December  29,  1871,  to: 


350  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPIISTS. 

organize  a  new  association.  The  following  churches 
were  represented  in  this  meeting:  Bethel,  Phil- 
adelphia, Big  Creek,  Prospect,  lat  and  Simmons' 
Chapel.  The  latter  church  was  situated  iu  Avoyelles 
Parish.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder 
Daniel  Slay.  W.  J.  Lacy  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
G.  W.  Scarborough,  Clerk.  The  following  ministers 
participated  in  the  meeting:  Daniel  Slay,  B.  P. 
Brian,  W.  J.  Lacy  and  J.  C.  Hale. 

The  convention  adopted  the  Articles  of  Faith  of 
the  Ouachita  Association  as  the  basis  of  union,  and 
took  the  name  of  Big  Greek  Association. 

[1872.]  Met  with  Prospect  Church,  Grant  Parish, 
September  13,  1872.  Introductory  sermon  by  Elder 
B.  P.  Brian.  Elder  W.  J.  Lacy  was  elected  Modera- 
tor, and  G.  W.  Scarborough,  Clerk.  Eight  church- 
es were  represented,  including  two  received,  Pleas- 
ant Hill  and  Ii^ew  Zion.  Ko  statistics  are  given,  but 
the  churches  were  all  feeble.  The  Philadelphia 
Chapel  put  the  following  query,  which  sounds  oddly : 
"  Will  the  association  suffer  her  members  to  practice 
Infant  Sprinkling?"    Answered,  So. 

[1873.J  Met  with  lat  Church,  Grant  Parish,  No- 
vember 1,  1873.  Introductory  by  Elder  W.  J.  Lacy, 
who  was  elected  Moderator,  with  M.  D.  Andrews, 
Clerk.  Ten  churches  represented,  two  of  which,  He- 
bron and  Little  Creek,  newly  constituted  churches, 
were  received.  Big  Creek  was  supplied  by  Eld.  W.  J. 
Lacy ;  lat  and  Hebron  by  Elder  J.  C.  Hale ;  Simmons' 


Bia  OEEEK   ASSOCIATION.  351 

Chapel  and  Philadelphia,  by  Elder  D.  Slay;  Bethel 
by  M.  D.  Young ;  New  Zion  by  Elder  J.  B.  Lewis  ; 
and  Little  Creek  by  B.  F.  Brian.  Prospect  and  Pleas- 
ant Hill  were  without  pastors. 

The  committee  on  the  State  of  Eeligion  reported: 
"That  a  majority  of  the  churches  have  been  revived 
by  showers  of  Divine  grace.  Kew-born  souls  are 
continually  being  added  to  our  number." 

[1874.]  Met  with  Simmons'  Chapel,  Avoyelles 
Parish,  October  9,  1874.  Introductory  by  Elder  B. 
F.  Brian.  Elder  Daniel  Slay,  Moderator,  and  M.  D. 
Andrews,  Clerk.  Nine  churches  were  represented, 
reporting  64  baptisms  and  an  aggregate  membership 
of  262.  Several  well  organized  Sunday-schools  were 
reported.  M.  D.  Young  supplied  Big  Creek,Prospect, 
Pleasant  Hill  and  Bethel;  B.  F.  Brian,  Little  Creek; 
D.  Slay,  Simmons'  Chapel  and  Philadelphia ;  J.  C. 
Hale,  Hebron  and  lat. 

[1875.]  Met  with  Little  Creek  Church,  Grant  Par- 
ish, October  8,  1875.  Introductory  sermon  was 
preached  by  Elder  M.  D.  Young.  Elder  J.  C.  Hale, 
Moderator,  and  M.  D.  Andrews,  Clerk.  Nine  church- 
es represented,  reporting  31  baptisms  and  314  mem- 
bers. Friendship  presented  a  letter  of  dismission 
from  Ouachita  Association,  and  was  received.  A 
considerable  sum  was  raised  to  put  a  missionary  in 
the  field.  The  committee  on  the  State  of  Eeligion, 
reviewing  the  past,  say  that  six  years  ago  only  one 
church  existed  in  the  large  territory  occupied  by  the 


352  HISTOKT   OP   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

association.  Now  eight  growing  churches  occupy 
the  field,  with  four  ordained  ministers  and  three 
licentiates. 

[1876.]  Met  with  Pleasant  Hill  Church,  Grant 
Parish,  October  6, 1876.  Introductory  by  Elder  B,  P. 
Brian.  Elder  J.  C.  Hale,  Moderator,  and  M.  D.  An- 
drews, Clerk.  Two  churches,  Bethlehem  and  Union 
Chapel,  were  added.  Eleven  churches  were  repre- 
sented, reporting  11  baptisms  and  340  members. 

[1877.]  Met  with  lat  Church,  Grant  Parish,  Oc- 
tober 12,  1877.  Introductory  by  Elder  J.  C.  Hale, 
who  was  afterwards  elected  Moderator,  and  M.  D. 
Andrews,  Clerk.  Eight  churches  were  represented, 
reporting  only  2  baptisms  and  259  members.  The 
pastors  reported  were  M.  D.  Young,  J.  0.  Hale,  E. 
M.  Gates  and  B.  F.  Brian.  Little  Creek  was  granted 
a  letter  of  dismission. 

[1878.]  Met  with  Big  Creek  Church,  Grant  Parish, 
October  12,  1878.  Introductory  by  Elder  J.  C.  Hale, 
who  was  elected  Moderator,  with  M.  D.  Andrews, 
Clerk.  Corinth  Church  was  received  a  member. 
Eight  churches  represented,  reporting  32  baptisms 
and  a  total  membership  of  292. 

The  question  of  consolidation  with  Central  Asso- 
ciation was  fully  discussed,  and  it  was  finally  deter- 
mined to  maintain  the  organization  intact.  The  con- 
dition of  the  churches  was  considerably  improved. 
The  pastors  were  E.  M.  Gates,  M.  D.  Young  and  B. 
F.  Brian. 


BIG-  OEEEK  AND  BETHLEHEM  ASSOCIATIONS.  353 

[1879  ]  Met  with  Philadelphia  Church,  Grant  Par- 
ish, OctQber  11,  1879.  Introductory  by  Elder  N.  L. 
Eobertson.  Elder  J.  C,  Hale,  Moderator,  and  M.  D. 
Andrews,  Clerk.  Seven  churches  represented,  re- 
porting 29  baptisms  and  324  members, 

[1880.]  Met  with  Hebron  Baptist  Church,  Grant 
Parish,  October  9,  1880.    Introductory  by  Elder  J. 

C.  Hale,  who  was  afterwards  elected  Moderator,  with 
M.  D.  Andrews,  Clerk.  Eight  churches  were  repre- 
sented, reporting  13  baptisms  and  350  members.    M. 

D,  Young  supplied  Big  Creek,  Philadelphia,  Friend- 
ship and  Prospect;  J,  0.  Hale,  lat;  E.  M.  Gates,  He- 
bron ;  B,  P.  Brian,  Pleasant  Hill ;  and  J.  H.  Eush, 
Mount  Pleasant. 

BETHLEHEM  ASSOCIATION. 

I  have  seen  some  account  of  this  body,  but  have 
not  been  able  to  Obtain  a  minute.  It  was  organized 
about  1879  or  1880.  It  is  located  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  Bienville  Parish,  the  southeastern  part  of 
Claiborne,  the  western  part  of  Lincoln  Parish,  and 
perhaps  the  northwestern  part  of  Jackson.  It  em- 
braces the  church  at  Arcadia. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

GRAND  CANE  ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  is  situated  in  the  flourishing  Parishes  of 
Caddo  and  DeSoto,  and  is  one  of  the  most  efQcient 
bodies  in  the  State. 

Although  this  region  is  contiguous  to  Natchito- 
ohez,  the  oldest  settlement  in  the  State,  it  has  been 
settled  within  the  last  fifty  years. 

In  May,  1700,  Bienville,  a  French  officer,  ascended 
Eed  Eiver  to  Natchitoches,  and  founded  a  flourish- 
ing colony,  seventeen  years  before  the  settlement  of 
New  Orleains.  His  further  progress  upward  was,  no 
doubt,  intercepted  by  the  Great  Eaft,  the  lower  end 
of  which  was  then  in  the  neighborhood  of  Natchito- 
ches, or  perhaps  far  below,  for  the  Rigolet  de  Bon 
Dieu,  a  consequence  of  the  raft,  was  not  then 
formed,  and  the  water  passed  by  the  old  channel.  I 
learn  from  an  old  manuscript  in  my  possession  rela- 
tive to  the  raft,  written  in  IS'il  by  Dr.  Joseph  Pax- 
ton,  an  early  explorer  of  the  Red  Eiver  region,  that 
it  was  there  "  within  the  memory  of  the  oldest  in- 
habitants about  Natchitoches,  when  the  lower  end 
of  the  raft  was  still  opposite  that  place,  and  that  the 
then  governor  ordered  out  the  troops  under  his 
command  to  break  down  and  cause  to  float  off,  all 
the  decayed  ]),irt  at  that  time  below  that  place." 
This  fact  he  states  on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Sibley, 


GRAND   CANE   ASSOCIATION.  355 

then  a  resident  of  Natchitoches  Parish.  He  places 
this  event  sixty  or  seventy  years  before  he  wrote, 
or  about  1757.  As  the  raft  gradually  ascended  the 
river,  which  it  is  known  to  have  done,  the  rich  val- 
leys above  became  accessible ;  bat  as  the  French  are 
a  contented  people,  and  rarely  ever,  if  undisturbed, 
change  their  habitation,  it  is  not  likely  that  they 
pushed  their  settlements  much  beyond  the  limits  of 
their  first  location,  for  they  would  thus  deprive 
themselves  of  those  social  enjoymenf.s  which  consti- 
tute the  life  of  a  Frenchman.  Bat  when  Louisiana 
came  under  the  dominion  of  the  more  migratory 
Anglo-American  race,  who  combine  in  their  charac- 
ter a  high  degree  of  civilization  with  the  wandering 
life  of  the  nomad,  this  part  of  the  State  began  to 
settle  up  slowly.  About  fifty  years  ago  the  attention 
of  Congress  was  directed  to  the  removal  of  the  raft. 
Then  the  beauty  and  fertility  of  this  region  became 
known.  Captain  Shreve,  who  was  shortly  afterward 
appointed  by  the  government  to  remove  the  obstruc- 
tions in  Bed  River,  founded  Shreveport,  now  the 
most  considerable  town  iu  north  Louisiana,  at  the 
head  of  free  navigation. 

At  this  time  the  Mexican  government  was  offering 
large  inducements  in  the  way  of  land  grants  to  set- 
tlers in  the  Province  of  Texas,  and  from  the  tide  of 
emigration  into  that  territory,  it  was  easy  to  foresee 
the  importance  Shreveport  was  likely  to  assume; 
and  this,  with  the  natural  advantages  of  tlie  sur- 


356  HISTORY   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

rounding  country,  induced  a  rapid  settlement. 
Among  the  emigrants  to  these  parishes  were  a  few 
Baptists,  but  they  were  widely  scattered,  and  with- 
out a  minister. 

In  1843,  Elder  John  Bryce,  an  eminent  Baptist 
minister,  was  sent  to  Shreveport  as  collector  of  cus- 
toms on  imports  from  the  republic  of  Texas.  This 
devoted  brother  was  distinguished  in  Virginia,  and 
afterjrard  in  Kentucky,  both  as  a  la_wyer  and  a 
preacher.  The  author  remembers  to  have  heard 
him  preach  in  Georgetown,  Ky.,  a  short  time  before 
he  left  for  Louisiana.  He  was  in  great  favor  with 
the  people,  and  crowds  flocked  to  hear  him.  The 
impression  left  upon  my  mind  is  very  favorable  to 
his  abilities  as  a  pulpit  orator.  His  mind  was  of  a 
high  order,  and  his  delivery  energetic  and  impas- 
sioned, while  his  private  life  was  characterized  by  a 
deep  toned  piety  and  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  master's 
cause.     . 

When  he  arrived  at  Shreveport,  he  found  the 
whole  country  we^t  of  Red  River  destitute  of  Bap- 
tist preaching,,  and  whilst  attending  assiduously  to 
the  duties  of  his  office,  he  found  leisure  to  devote 
much  of  his  time  to  the  work  of  the  Grospel  in 
Shreveport  and  surrounding  country.  As  the  fruit 
of  his  ministry  the  First  Baptist  Ohurch  of  Shreve- 
port was  constituted  with  seven  members,  March 
,18, 1845.  This  is  the  oldest  organization  of  our  order 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Grand  Cane  Association. 


GRAND   CANE   ASSOCIATION.  357 

Immediately  after  the  constitution,  they  chose  for 
pastor  Elder  John  Bryce,  whose  labors  the  congre- 
gation enjoyed  until  his  return  to  Kentuclry  in  1850. 

Elder  John  Bryce  continued  to  labor  alone  in  this 
region  for  several  years,  earnestly  praying  the  Lord 
to  send  more  laborers  into  his  vineyard,  and  passing 
from  place  to  place,  cheered  and  consoled  his  scat- 
tered flock.  In  1845,  the  duties  of  his  oflQce  as  col- 
lector of  customs  expired  by  the  annexation  of 
Texas  to  the  United  States,  and  he  devoted  himself 
entirely  to  the  duties  of  the  ministry. 

In  1847,  the  prayers  of  Elder  Bryce  and  his  de- 
voted brethren  were  answered.  During  this  year 
Elders  A.  W.  Jackson  and  Jesse  Lee,  both  efficient 
ministers,  immigrated  from  Alabama  and  settled,  the 
former  in  DeSoto  Parish,  near  Mansfield,  and  the 
latter  in  Caddo  Parish,  near  Summer  Grove.  They 
at  once  entered  actively  upon  the  duties  of  their 
calling.  The  united  labors  of  these  devout  men 
were  soon  felt,  and  during  the  next  two  years  four 
churches  were  constituted,  one  in  DeSoto,  the  rest 
in  Caddo  Parish. 

There  were  now  five  churches,  with  an  aggregate 
membership  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-five;  and  for 
the  purpose  of  more  intimate  intercourse  they  met 
by  messengers  at  Summer  G-rove  Church,  December 
21st,  1849,  and  organized  Grand  Cane  Association. 
They  adopted  the  New  Hampshire  Confession  of 
Faith  as  the  basis  of  union. 


358        HiSTORr  oy  Louisiana  baptists. 

In  1850  Elder  Bryce  returned  to  Kentucky,  where 
he  continued  to  labor  for  some  years.  There  is  pro 
bably  no  period  of  his  long  and  useful  life  in  which 
he  accomplished  so  much  good  in  the  same  length  of 
time  as  during  the  seven  years  he  remained  in  Louis- 
iana. 

In  1851  this  association  received  a  valuable  acces- 
sion of  ministers.  The  year  before,  Elder  A.  J. 
Eutherford,  an  able  minister,  came  to  Louisiana,  and 
after  remaining  a  year  at  Mount  Lebanon,  he  eventu- 
ally settled  in  the  western  part  of  Caddo  Parish,  near 
the  Texas  line,  where  he  continued  to  labor  until  the 
time  of  his  death  in  1863. 

About  ihe  same  time  Elder  Obadiah  Dobson  made 
his  appearance  in  this  region.  He  was  a  man  of 
limited  talents,  but  of  great  zeal  and  energy,  and  ef- 
fected much  more  good  than  many  men  of  greater 
ability.  He  was  originally  from  Tennessee.  In  1848 
he  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the  Louisiana  Bap- 
tist Convention,  and  the  following  year  acted  as  its 
missionary,  after  which  he  settled  in  Caddo  Parish, 
where  he  died  in  1854.  He  was  pastor  of  Pleasant 
Grove  Church  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  was  much 
loved  by  his  people. 

About  1852  a  remarkable  man  arose  in  this  region 
who  professed  to  be  powerfully  converted  while 
teaching  at  Summer  Grove,  in  Caddo  Parish.  He  at 
first  connected  himself  with  the  Protestant  Method- 
ists, and  was  licensed  to  preach.    But  he  did  not  re- 


GEAND   CANE  ASSOCIATION.  359 

main  long  in  that  connection.  After  conferring  a 
great  deal  with  brethren  of  our  order,  he  professed 
to  renounce  his  pedobaptist  errors,  joined  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  and  in  quick  succession  became  a  licen- 
tiate and  an  ordained  minister.  Being  gifted  with 
extraordinary  preaching  talents,  he  created  a  great 
sensation.  Wherever  he  went  crowds  hailed  him  as 
a  second  Apollos,  and  hung  with  beathless  interest 
upon  his  ministry.  But  if  his  rise  was  rapid,  his 
descent  was  equally  so.  He  shot  up  like  a  blazing 
meteor  and  rapidly  reached  the  zenith,  but  his  light 
went  suddenly  out.  His  career  of  usefulness  was 
soon  run.  He  declined  rapidly  in  the  eoniidence  of 
the  brethren,  and  to  add  to  his  calamities  domestic 
misfortunes  overtook  him.  His  companion  sickened 
and  died,  and  his  child  soon  followed  its  mother  to 
the  grave.  Finally  came  a  letter  from  his  native 
State,  New  York,  bringing  the  shameful  tale  of  a  wife, 
basely  deserted  there.  He  confessed  his  guilt  and 
fled  from  the  State  in  disgrace,  and  his  name  is  cov. 
ered  with  infamy.  Be  not  mine  the  task  to  snatch  it 
from  oblivion. 

Elder  William  Ivans  moved  from  Alabama  in  1854, 
and  was  employed  as  a  missionary  of  the  executive 
Board  of  the  Association  for  the  year  1855.  He 
afterward  settled  in  the  northern  part  of  Caddo 
Parish,  where  he  preached  several  years  to  a  number 
of  congregations.  A  church  was  constituted  near 
Mooringsport  which  existed  a  few  years,  but  was 


360  HISTORT   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

for  a  long  time  inoperative,  until  reorganized,  a  few 
years  ago,  at  Mooringsport. 

During  the  year  1854,  L.  Scarborough  and  E.  N. 
Kirtley  were  set  apart  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  The 
latter  was  ordained  during  the  session  of  the  Associ- 
ation of  that  year.  He  had  been  a  licentiate  of  the 
Methodist  denomination,  but  having  carefully  read 
Pendleton's  "  Three  Eeasons,"  he  became  convinced 
of  the  truth  of  Baptist  sentiments  and  united  with 
us.  He  was  several  years  missionary  of  the  associa- 
tion, and  rendered  efiicient  service  in  building  up  the 
waste  places  of  our  Zion. 

Cotemporary  with  the  oldest  churches  in  Grand 
Cane  Association  there  were  two  others  of  the  Anti- 
Missionary  School  of  Baptists,  Boggy  Bayou  and 
Grand  Cane.  Imbibing  more  correct  views  of  Chris- 
tian duty  in  1855,  they  petitioned  for  membership  in 
the  association  and  were  cordially  received,  bring- 
ing with  them  Elders  G.  W.  Eogers,  E.  E.  Fortson 
and  Moses  C.  Williams. 

In  1856  Elder  J.  H.  Tucker,  who  had  previously 
held  the  chair  of  mathematics  in  Mt.  Lebanon  TJni, 
versity,  a  young  man  of  great  promise  of  usefulness, 
was  called  to  the  pastorate  at  Shreveport  and  or- 
dained by  Elders  W.  H.  Stokes,  George  Tucker, 
Jesse  Leo  and  A.  J.  Eutherford.  On  the  same  day, 
by  the  same  presbytery,  John  Jones,  a  colored  man- 
was  set  aside  to  minister  the  word  and  the  ordinances 
of  the  Gospel  to  the  colored  people.    This  brother 


GRAND   CANE   ASSOCIATION.  361 

possessed  wonderful  gifts,  and  he  frequently,  by  re- 
quest, preached  to  large  congregations  of  whites. 
He  organized  the  First  African  Church  in  Shreve- 
port,  of  which  he  continued  pastor  until  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1877.  He  exercised  great  influence  over 
his  race,  and  did  more  to  preserve  order  among 
them  than  all  the  police  of  the  city.  He  was  a  free- 
man, and  during  the  war  fell  under  the  operation  of 
a  law  requiring  all  free  persons  of  calor,  not  natives 
the  State,  to  leave  the  State  under  heavy  penalties. 
He  therefore  went  north  for  a  season,  but  it  was 
found  that  the  influence  of  his  example  was  so  es- 
sential in  preserving  order  among  the  blacks  that 
the  Legislature  then  sitting  in  Shreveport,  passed  a 
special  act  recalling  him.  He  was  consequently  sent 
for,  and  gladly  returned  to  his  home  and  people. 
During  the  days  after  the  war,  when  bad  men  sought 
to  array  the  blacks  against  the  whites,  John  did  all 
he  could  to  allay  the  bitterness  of  the  strife  and  to 
harmonize  the  races. 

In  the  Winter  of  1856  Elder  D.  E.  W.  Mclver  emi- 
grated  from  Alabama  and  took  charge  of  the  Mans- 
field, Evergreen  (Kingston)  and  Union  Churches. 
He  was  an  able  man,  and  labored  in  this  field  until  his 
death  in  1863. 

A  short  sketcli  of  the  principal  churches  of  this 
body  will  perhaps  be  as  acceptable  to  my  readers  as 
a  detailed  account  of  the  meetings  of  the  association. 

The  First  Baptist  Church  in  Shreveport,  the  oldest  in 
24 


B62  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

this  connectiou,  as  already  stated,  was  constituted 
March  18,  1845,  with  seven  members,  and  chose  Eld. 
John  Brice  for  pastor,  who  retained  this  relation  un- 
til his  return  to  Kentucky  in  1856.    At  that  time  the 
church  had  increased  to  about  thirty-five  members. 
He  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  in  1851  by  Elder 
Jesse  Lee,  who  labored  here  one  year.    In  1852  they 
reported  forty-two  members,  with  J.  Bell  as  pastor. 
He  was  succeeded  in  1854  by  Jesse  Lee,  who  labored 
here  three  years,  during  which  lime  the  membership 
had  increased  to  seventy-one.    He  was  succeeded  by 
by  Elder  J.  H.  Tucker,  who  was  ordained  to  the  pas- 
torate, and  held  it  until  called  to  the  presidency  of 
of  Keachi  Female  College  in  1859.    At  the  session  of 
the  association  of  this  year,  the  church  reports  one 
hundred  and  eight  members,  with  Joseph  Hay  as 
pastor-    Hay  continued  a  little  over  one  year,  and  in 
1861  George  Tucker  became  pastor,  until  1864,  when 
he  entered  the  Confederate  service.    This  year  the 
church  reports  one  hundred  and  forty-five  members. 
During  the  war  the  church  was  without  a  regular 
pastor,  and  was  supplie  1  with  occasional  preaching 
by  arm,y  chaplains  and  passing  ministers.    For  sev- 
eral years  this  body  was  not  represented  in  the  as- 
sociation.   But  in  1866,  Elder  W.  H,  Bayless  accepted 
the  pastorate  and  labored  here  one  year,  when  he 
resigned  and  returned  to  Tennessee,    He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  W.  W.  Guinn.    At  this  time  the  church 
reports  only  seventy  members,     Mr,  Guinn  remained 


GKAND    OANB    ASSOCIATION.  ovo 

two  years,  during  which  time  there  was  some  increase. 
In  1870,  Elder  A.  E,  Olemmons  began  a  successful 
pastorate,  which  lasted  five  years,  and  the  church 
grew  to  number  near  two  hundred  numbers.  In 
1873,  the  city  of  Shreveport  was  desolated  by  a  ter- 
rible epidemic,  and  a  large  number  of  the  members 
of  this  church  fell  victims  to  yellow  fever.  In  1875, 
Elder  W.  W.  Landrum,  an  eloquent  and  popular 
young  man,  was  chosen  to  succeed  Dr.  Olemmons, 
who  declined  re-election.  But  Mr.  Landrum  con- 
tinued less  than  two  years,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Edward  Lewis.  He  was  a  Jew,  and  did  not  enjoy 
the  confidence  and  co-operation  of  the  church,  and 
in  a  little  while  left  in  disgust  and  united  with  the 
Episcopalians.  After  a  short  interval  the  church 
called  Elder  J.  A.  Hackett,  of  Mississippi,  who  en- 
tered upon  the  pastorate  in  1877,  and  continues  up 
to  the  present.  During  that  time  the  church  has 
grown  in  spirituality  and  numbers,  and  has  erected 
at  a  cost  of  over  $12,000,  the  most  beautiful  church 
edifice  in  the  city. 

Friendship  Church,  DeSoto  Parish,  was  constituted 
June  6,  1847,  with  twenty  members,  and  united  in 
the  organization  of  the  association.  It  was  gathered 
by  the  labors  of  Elder  A.  Wycher  Jackson,  who  be- 
came the  first  pastor.  In  1855,  they  enjoyed  a  gra- 
cious revival,  and  fifty-four  were  added,  and  they 
reported  this  year  147  members.  The  church  then 
declined  for  ten  years,  and  in  1865  reported  only  93 


364  HISTOBT   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

members.  But  the  following  year  they  had  a  revival 
and  an  increase  of  24  by  baptism.  In  1867,  they  re- 
quested the  ministers  attending  the  association  then 
in  session  with  them,  to  ordain  to  the  ministry  Dr. 
M.  O.  Stribling,  one  of  her  members,  which  was 
done.  During  this  year  they  had  also  enjoyed  a  fur- 
ther increase  of  fourteen  by  baptism.  In  1868  they 
report  a  decrease  of  eighty-eight.  This  was  no  doubt 
owing  to  the  withdrawal  of  the  colored  members  to 
constitute  separate  churches.  In  1879  they  lost  their 
old  pastor,  who  had  served  them  faithfully  from  the 
beginning.  Elder  A.  W.  Jackson  removed  to  Texas, 
where  he  continued  preaching  occasionally,  as  his 
age  and  infirmities  permitted.  He,  died  a  few  years 
ago,  at  about  eighty  years  of  age.  He  was  succeeded 
in  the  pastorate  at  Friendship  by  Elder  Moses  C 
Williams,  in  1870,  and  the  church  this  year  reported 
thirteen  baptisms  and  an  aggregate  membership  of 
sixty-two.  For  some  cause  the  church  declined,  and 
in  1876  reports  only  thirty-three  members,  with  F. 
W.  Ebetloft  as  pastor.  During  the  following  year 
there  was  a  revival,  and  the  net  increase  was  twenty- 
one,  of  whom  fourteen  were  baptized.  In  1878, there 
was  a  decrease  of  three.  In  1880,  Elder  Ebetloft,  on 
account  of  bad  health,  resigned,  at  which  time  the 
number  reported  was  forty-eight. 

Summer  Qrove,  nine  miles  from  Shreveport,  was 
one  of  the  largest  churches  in  the  associution.  It 
was  constituted  in  1849,  with  fifteen  members,  and 


GRANB"  OANE  A8S00IATI0K.  365 

chose  John  Bvyce  pastor.  He  continued  for  one 
year,  and  was  succeeded  by  Elder  Jesse  Lee,  who 
continued  to  labor  there  until  disabled  by  disease, 
and  even  after  he  was  no  longer  able  to  preach,  this 
affectionate  people  refused  to  choose  another  pastor. 
He  died  in  1872,  and  Elder  W.  E,  Paxton,  President 
of  Shreveport  University,  was  chosen  to  succeed 
him.  Owing  to  depletions  by  death,  and  removals 
after  the  roll  of  members  was  revised,  and  some  dis- 
orders removed,  only  about  forty  were  left  of  this 
large  church.  But  they  bad  a  mind  to  work.  In 
1873  they  resolved  to  have  service  twice  a  month, 
instead  of  monthly  as  heretofore,  and  the  year  follow- 
ing began  to  have  service  weekly.  A  regular  weekly 
prayer-meeting  and  an  interesting  Sunday-school  was 
kept  up.  The  church  steadily  grew  in  spirituality 
and  numbers.  This  pastorate  closed  with  the  year 
1876,  during  which  the  membership  was  doubled.  C. 
W.  Tompkies,  a  gifted  young  man,  who  had  been 
teaching  in  connection  with  the  Shreveport  Univer- 
sity, and  afterwards  as  principal  of  Keachi  Male 
Academy,  was  ordained  in  1877  to  take  charge  of 
this  church.  Under  his  ministry  the  church  has  con- 
tinued to  increase  in  numbers  and  effliciency. 

Boggy  Bayou  Church,  one  of  the  largest  in  the  asso- 
ciation, is  situated  in  Oaddo  Parish,  southwest  of 
Shreveport,  not  far  from  the  Texas  line.  It  was  con- 
stituted as  an  Anti-Missionary  Baptist  Church  about 
1849,  and  continued  in  that  connection  until  1865,  at 


366  HISTORY  OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

which  time  it  was  visited  by  a  gracious  revival,  dur- 
ing which  fifty-eight  persons  were  baptized  into  its 
fellowship.  It  is  not  surprising  that  such  a  display 
of  Divine  Grace  should  have  filled  their  hearts  with  a 
desire  to  communicate  to  others  the  blessings  of  the 
Gospel.  This  they  evinced,  by  the  same  year  joining 
the  association,  which  was  preeminently  missionary 
in  its  character.  They  continued  to  be  blessed  of 
God,  and  the  next  year  they  received  fifty-three  by 
baptism.  In  1857  they  numbered  one  hundred  and 
fifty-nine.  G.  W.  Eogers  sustained  the  relation  of 
pastor  at  the  time  they  united  with  the  association, 
which  he  held  until  1858.  In  1859  E.  li.  Fortson  was 
reported  pastor,  with  two  hundred  and  sixty-four 
members.  Jesse  Lee  succeeded  him,  and  in  1862 
they  report  two  hundred  and  twelve  members. 
Elder  Lee,  on  account  of  declining  health,  gave  up 
the  church  in  1865,  and  Elder  William  McCullougb, 
who  lived  in  the  adjoining  county  iu  Texas,  suc- 
ceeded. Mr.  McOullough  wan  a  man  of  fine  attain- 
ments, and  a  profound  theologian.  This  church,  like 
all  the  rest,  suffered  by  the  war,  and  in  1866  reported 
one  hundred  and  four,  and  the  year  following  only 
seventy-five.  McOullough  labored  here  until  1869, 
when  Jesse  Lee,  having  improved  a  little  in  health, 
again  took  charge  for  a  short  time,  but  was  com- 
pelled this  year  to  desist  from  preaching  entirely.  In 
1870  it  reports  eighty-four  members.     About  this 


GRAND   OAWE   ASSOCIATION.  367 

time  E.  E.  Portson,  a  member  of  this  church,  was  or- 
dained, and  became  pastor.  In  1876  it  reports  one 
hundred  and  twelve  members,  with  E.  B.  Aikin  as 
pastor.  Elder  Aikin  lived  in  Texas.  The  next  two 
years,  Elder  G.  W.  Butler,  also  living  in  Texas,  sup- 
plied the  church.  Since  then,  it  has  enjoyed  the 
labors  of  Elder  0.  W.  Tompkies.  In  1880  it  reports 
sixty-one  members. 

Pvovidenee  Church  was  constituted  in  1849,  with 
fourteen  members,  and  chose  Jesse  Lee  as  pastor, 
He  was  succeeded  in  1852  by  Elder  A.  J.  Eutherford, 
at  which  time  they  report  one  hundred  and  four 
members,  forty-five  having  been  baptized  during  the 
year.    In  1853  this  church  passed  through  scenes  of 
trials  and  afflictions,  ^yet  the  Lord  in  his  mercy  de- 
livered them.     In  1855  they  again  enjoyed  a  season 
of  refreshing,  and  thirty-two  were  added  by  baptism. 
In  1856  they  report  eight  baptisms  and  one  hundred 
and  six  members,    In  1863  they  lost  their  able  pastor 
by  death,  and  Jesse  Lee  succeeded  him,  and  during 
the   next  associational    year    received  by  baptism 
eighteen.     The  following  year  Elder  J.  H.  Tucker 
was  chosen  pastor,  who  was  succeeded  in  1866  by 
Elder  George  Tucker.    In  1867,  the  church  enjoyed 
a  gracious  revival,  and  twenty-five  were  baptized. 
The  total  membership  reported  that  year  was  one 
hundred  and  thirty-nine,  and  Elder  Thomas  D.  Arm- 
strong was  pastor.     In  1868  Elder  E.  S.  Hall  became 
pastor.    This  year  there  was  considerable  decrease 


368  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

by  dismission  and  exclusion.  The  death  of  Elder 
Hall  left  them  again  without  a  pastor.  Elder  E.  E. 
Fortson  is  reported  as  pastor  in  1876.  During  this 
year  they  had  enjoyed  a  revival,  and  sixteen  were 
baptized.  At  this  time  the  church  numbered  eighty- 
nine.  In  1877  the  church  was  again  visited  by  an 
outpouring  of  God's  spirit,  and  fourteen  were  bap- 
tized. In  1878  the  church  decreased  by  dismission, 
exclusion  and  death.  In  1879  the  church  reports  a 
good  meeting,  in  which  one  of  the  evangelists  of  the 
association  and  others  labored,  and  the  church  con- 
tributed liberally  ta  missions.  Elder  E.  E.  Fprtson 
continues  pastor  of  this  old  community,  and  in  1880 
it  reports  thirteen  additions  by  baptism,  and  an 
aggregate  membership  of  eighty-eight. 

Bethel  Church,  was  constituted  in  1849,  and  was  sit- 
uated in  Caddo  Parish,  not  far  from  the  present  town 
of  Mooringsport.  Jesse  Lee,  the  first  pastor,  held 
the  pastorate  until  1856,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
Elder  William  Ivins,  who  held  the  of&ce  one  year, 
and  was  succeeded  by  George  W.  Rogers.  In  1859 
they  report  8  baptisms  and  a  membership  of  80,  and 
Wm.  MoOullough,  pastor.  After  thisthey  declined, 
and  ceased  to  represent  in  the  association,  and  from 
thence  became  virtually  extinct.  About  1868  those 
who  composed  it  removed  to  Mooringsport  and  re- 
organized. In  1870  they  report  the  church  in  a  cold 
state,  without  a  house  of  worship  and  without  a  pas- 
tor.   At  this  time  they  report  a  total  membership  of 


GRAND   OAWE   ASSOCIATION.       .  369 

32^and  were  dismissed  to  unite  with  the  Soda  Lake 
Association,  with  which  it  has  since  been  connected. 
In  1874  Elder  J.  M.  Eussell  became  pastor,  and  J.  W. 
Erwin,  a  member  of  this  church,  was  shortly  after  or- 
dained. Under  the  pastorate  of  Elder  J.  M,  Eussell 
the  church  increased  in  membership  and  built  a  vety 
comfortable  house  of  Worship.  I  do  not  know  the 
present  condition  of  this  old  community. 

Grand  Gane  Church,  situated  in  DeSoto  Parish, 
like  Boggy  Bayou,  was  constituted  on  anti-mission- 
ary principles.  When  it  is  joined  the  association  in 
1855,  it  reported  100  members,  with  E.  B.  Fortson  as 
pastor.  They  declined  somewhat  until  1857,  when 
they  enjoyed  a  revival,  and  report  7  baptisms,  with  a 
membership  of  69.  In  1859  they  were  decreased  by 
the  dismissal  of  25,  and  at  this  time  numbered  40 
members.  About  this  time  Elder  Fortson  died,  the 
church  ceased  to  represent  in  the  association,  and 
gradually  declined  until  it  became  extinct. 

Hazelwood  Church,  was  gathered  in  1850,  under  the 
labors  of  A.  W.  Jackson,  with  11  members,  and 
Elder  Jackson  became  pastor.  The  following  year 
18  were  received  by  lett'er.  In  1852  the  labors 
of  Elder  Jackson  were  again  blessed,  and  30  were 
added  by  letter  and  baptism,  and  the  church  num- 
bered 67.  In  1853  there  were  10  baptisms  and  6  re- 
ceived by  letter,  and  the  church  was  characterized  by 
brotherly  love  and  Christian  affection.  In  1854  they 
report  a  further  increase,  with  a  Sabbath-school  and 


370  HI8T0BY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Bible-class  in  operation,  both  of  which  were  promis- 
ing, with  preaching  twice  a  month  by  A.  W.  Jackson. 
In  1866  they  were  again  revived  and  12  were  added 
by  baptism  ;  and  the  year  following,  7  more.  Elder 
E.  H.  Scott  succeeded  to  this  pastorate  in  1859,  at 
which  time  the  membership  is  given  at  114.  Elder 
Scott  continued  in  this  pastorate  until  1871.  In  1866 
there  was  a  gracious  revival,  and  29  were  received 
by  baptism  and  12  by  letter.  The  year  following  they 
enjoyed  another  blessing,  and  32  were  added  by  bap- 
tism and  13  by  letter.  Elder  J.  H.  Tucker  became 
pastor  in  1871,  and  continued  in  that  relation  several 
years. 

At  that  time  the  church  had  declined  until  it  num- 
bered only  55.  Elder  G.  W.  Hartsfield  is  reported 
as  pastor  in  1876.  In  1877,  5  were  baptized  and  6 
added  by  letter.  In  1879  Elder  Hartsfield  left  this 
pastorate  to  engage  in  the  work  as  State  Evangelist, 
and  the  church  was  left  without  a  pastor,  but  In  1880 
he  resumed  this  relation  and  the  church  reports  9 
baptisms  and  55  members. 

Mansfield  Church,  was  constituted  in  1850  or  1851, 
under  the  labors  of  A.'  W.  Jackson,  who  became 
pastor.  It  was  received  by  the  association  iu  1851, 
with  16  members.  Elder  Jackson  continued  to  labor 
successfully  with  this  church  until  1853.  In  1852,  28 
were  received  by  baptism  and  18  bj  letter.  Iu  1853, 
Elder  J.  P.  Buckner  is  reported  as  pastor.  In  1855, 
A.  W.  Jacksou  resumed  the  pastorate  for  a  short 


aBAND   OANE   ASSOCIATION.  371 

while,  and  was  succeeded  the  following  year  by  D.  E. 
W.  Mclver.  This  year  they  were  greatly  blessed. 
Twenty-eight  were  baptized  and  11  received  other- 
wise. In  1857  eight  more  were  baptized.  In  1859 
eighteen  were  baptized,  and  the  aggregate  member- 
ship was  128.  Upon  the  death  of  Elder  Mclver, 
"Elder  J.  H.  Tucker  became,  for  a  time,  pastor.  In 
1864  they  report  23  baptisms  and  161  members.  In 
1866  Elder  G.  W.  Hartsfleld  began  a  successful  pas- 
torate at  this  place,  which  continued  ten  years.  His 
first  year  was  signalized  by  a  gracious  visitation. 
Forty-one  were  baptized  and  thirteen  added  by  let- 
ter. The  year  1867  was  also  a  prosperous  year,  spir- 
itually, for  the  church.  Thirty-two  were  baptized 
and  thirteen  received  by  letter.  The  aggregate  mem- 
bership reported  was  223.  Of  these  157  were  blacks. 
In  1868  fourteen  were  baptized  and  ten  received  by 
letter.  In  1870  seventy  were  baptized,  and  the  aggre- 
gate membership  had  increased  to  314,  of  whom  248 
were  blacks.  The  following  year  154  blacks  were  dis- 
missed and  organized  into  a  separate  church.  Seven - 
ty-flve  blacks  preferred  to  retain  their  connection  with 
their  white  brethren.  At  this  time  the  church  had  a 
successful  prayer-meeting  and  Sunday-school.  In 
1876  Elder  Hartsiield  was  succeeded  in  his  pastorate 
bp  Elder  T.  W.  Ebeltoft,  a  native  of  Alabama,  who 
had  held  the  pastorate  of  the  St.  Francis  Street 
Church,  Mobile.  He  was  a  graduate  of  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminaiy.-  In  1879  he  was  compelled  to  resign  by 


372  HI8T0BY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

reason  of  bad  health,  and  was  succeeded  in  1880  by 
Elder  0.  W.  Tompkies.  In  1875  there  was  a  further 
reduction  by  the  dismissal  of  the  remaining  colored 
members,  and  in  1876  they  report  eighty-two,  nearly 
all  whites.  In  1880  they  report  eighty-three  members. 
In  1881  G.  W.  Hartsiield  was  recalled  to  this  pasto- 
rate. 

Goushatta  Church.  The  struggles  of  this  little  body 
deserve  more  than  a  passing  notice.  It  was  gathered 
by  the  labors  of  J.  E.  Paxton,  about  1850,  and  took  its 
name  from  the  Coushatta  Chute,  near  which  the  mem- 
bers lived.  A  substantial  meeting-house  was  built  on 
public  land,  about  three  miles  from  the  present 
town  of  Coushatta,  on  the  road  to  Coushatta.  They 
united  with  the  Sabine  Association  until  1852, 
when  they  were  dismissed.  They  united  with  Ked 
Eiver  Association  in  1853,  but  being  remote""and 
feeble,  they  were  seldom  represented  in  that  body. 
For  many  years  they  were  withont  preaching,  except 
when  visited  by  some  missionary.  About  the  begin- 
ning of  the  war  they  lost  their  house  of  worship.  The 
circumstances  deserve  to  be  put  upon  record.  It  was 
built  upon  public  land,  as  already  stated ;  but  as  the 
land  was  worthless  for  cultivation,  this  gave  them  no 
concern.  The  house  was  a  good  one,  and  a  Methodist 
preacher  named  Eead,  who  was  a  lazy  tramp,  concefv- 
ed  the  idea  that  it  would  be  much  easier  to  enter  into 
the  labors  of  others  than  to  undergo  the  labor  of 
building  himself  a  house ;  and  learning  the  condition 


GRAND   CANE   ASSOCIATION.  373 

of  the  title,  entered  the  laud  and  moved  his  family 
into  the  church.  Thus,  by  one  shrewd  movement,  he 
secured  a  shelter  for  himself,  and  at  the  same  time 
crippled  the  hated  Baptists. 

Although  greatly  discouraged  by  this  event,  they 
did  not  yield  their  colors.  About  1861  Elder  E. 
]Sr.  Kirtley  came  from  DeSoto  Parish  and  settled 
at  Springville,  a  village  in  the  piney  woods,  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  from  Coushatta.  He  took  charge 
of  the  academy  here,  and  built  up  a  fine  school. 
The  little  church  moved  their  place  of  meeting  into 
the  town,  and  held  their  meetings  in  the  academy, 
and  in  1861  the  church  represented  herself  in  the 
Grand  Cane  Association.  They  soon  received  an  in- 
crease by  letter,  and  in  1862  they  report  twenty-seven 
members.  In  1864  they  received  seven  by  baptism 
and  eight  by  letter  They  purchased  the.  academy, 
which  was  offered  for  sale,  and  once  more  had  a  house 
of  worship. 

Eed  Eiver  Parish  was  formed,  and  Coushatta  was 
made  the  Parish  site,  soon  after  the  war.  Hither  re- 
moved a  number  of  Baptists  from  Sparta  and  other 
parts  of  the  hill  country,  and  the  question  was  agitat- 
ed of  removing  the  church  to  Coushatta,  but  the  polit- 
ical troubles  through  which  they  passed,  delayed  the 
consummation  of  an  end  so  desirable.  It  was  last  rep- 
resented in  Grand  Cane  Association  in  1865.  About 
this  time  Elder  Kirtley  removed  to  Ringgold,  and  like 
too  many  other  churches,  when  the  pastor  cannot  at- 


374  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS, 

tend  the  association,  it  neglected  to  represent.  With- 
out any  formal  withdrawal,  so  far  as  1  can  ascertain, 
they  returned  to  their  old  connection  with  the  Bed 
River  Association.  Elder  John  Barron  succeeded 
Kirtley,  iind  in  1869  they  report  thirty  members. 
Subsequently,  G.  W.  Singleton,  a  member  of  this 
cluyirch,  was  ordained  and  became  pastor. 

State  Evangelist  Friley  visited  the  town  of  Coushat- 
ta,  and  by  his  earnest  labors  succeeded  in  raising 
funds  enough  to  build  a  beautiful  church,  which  has 
been  recently  completed.  A  number  of  valuable  addi- 
tions were  made  to  the  church,  and  a  sum  raised  suffi- 
cient to  engage  the  services  of  an  efficient  pastor,  Elder 
J.  W.  Carswell,  under  whose  labors  the  Baptist  cause 
is  steadily  advancing. 

Patience  Church,  was  gathered  about  1850,  under  the 
labors  of  A.  W.  Jackson,  who  became  their  pastor. 
It  numbered  nine  members,  and  was  situated  in  the 
south-western  part  of  DeSoto  Parish.  It  ceased  to  be 
represented  after  its  admission^  and  probably  became 
extinct.  In  1875  a  church  of  the  same  mime  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  association,  Avith  Elder  J.  B.  More  as 
pastor.  He  continued  in  that  relation  until  the  pres- 
ent time  (1880),  with  the  exception  of  a  single  year, 
when  W.  Y.  Oraddock  was  pastor.  In  1876  they  re- 
port twenty-five  baptisms  and  a  membership  of  74. 
They  were  also  greatly  blessed  the  following  year,  and 
twenty-one  more  were  baptized.  At  present  they 
number  109. 

Union  Church,  DeSoto  Parish,  was  constituted  under 


GRAND   CANi:   ASSOCIATION.  375 

the  ladjors  of  Elder  A.  W.  Jackson,  about  1851,  with 
nine  members.    Elder  Jackson  became  pastor,  and 
continued  in  this  relation  until  1855.    In  1853  they  re- 
ceived a  slight  addition,  and  in  the  year  foUowinji' 
were  increased  by  the  addition  of  sixteen  members. 
Elder  Jackson  was  succeeded  in  1855  by  E.  N",  Kirtley, 
recently  ordained,  who  labored  here  two  years,  and 
then  resigned  to  become  missionary  of  the  associa- 
tion.   In  1857  Elder  D.  R.  W.  Mclver  became  pastor. 
During  this  year  they  enjoyed  a  gracious  revival,  and 
twenty -two  were  baptized.     In  1859  they  received  a 
further  increase  of  seven.    Elder  Mclver  continued  as 
pastor  until  his  death,  in  1863,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Elder  Moses  0.  Williams.    At  this  time  they  report 
74  members.    In  1867  Elder  G.  W.  Hartsfleld  became 
j)astor.     During  this  year  they  were  greatly  revived, 
and  seventeen  were  added  by  baptism.     In  1870  Eld. 
M,  C.  Williams  is  reported  as  pastor.     In  1875  they 
report  a  gracious  revival  iuterest,  and  a  meeting  of 
six  days,  in  which  sixteen  were  added  to  the  church 
by  experience  and  baptism.    The  following  year  they 
report  seven  baptisms  aud  72  members,  with  G-.  W 
Hartsfleld  as  pastor.    He  continued  in  this  relation 
until  1879.    At  this  time  they  had  an  interesting  meet- 
ing, in  which  Elders  Tucker  and  George  M.  Harrell 
participated.      After  one  year  Elder   Hartsfleld  re- 
turned to  the  pastorate,  and  in  1880  they  report  86 
members. 
Keachi  Church,   formerly  called  Good  Hope,  was 


376  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

constituted  in  1852,  and  received  into  the  association 
with  eighteen  members.  They  chose  A.  J.  Rutherford 
for  pastor,  and  continued  in  this  relation  until  his 
death  in  1863.  In  1857  they  report  one  hundred  and 
forty-flve  members,  and  in  1864,  one  Imndred  and  six- 
ty-seven members,  with  J.  H.  Tucker  as  pastor.  In 
1867  Elder  Peter  Crawford,  who  succeeded  Elder 
Tucker  in  the  Presidency  of  Keachi  Female  College, 
was  also  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  church.  This 
relation  he  sustained  for  one  year,  when  Elder  J.  H. 
Tucker  again  resumed  his  position  in  the  college 
and  church,  which  he  sustained  until  his  death  in 
1881,  with  the  exception  of  the  year  1870,  when  Elder 
Hartsfleld  was  pastor  for  one  year.  The  church  re- 
ported in  1880  one  hundred  and  one  members. 

Evergreen  Church,  situated  near  Kingston,  in  De 
Soto  Parish,  was  constituted  April  20th,  1852,  with 
twelve  members.  It  api^ears  to  have  been  without  a 
pastor  tor  several  years,  enjoying  only  the  occasional 
labors  of  visiting  ministers  until  185(!,  when  they  re- 
ceived the  valuable  services  of  Elder  D.  R.  W.  Mc- 
Iver,  under  whose  ministry  they  were  greatly  blessed. 
In  1857  they  report  132  memberSv  In  1863  they  sus- 
tained an  irreparable  loss  in  the  death  of  their  pastor. 
Moses  C.  Williams  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  for  one 
year,  during  which  eighty-two  were  added  by  bap- 
tism, and  the  following  year,  thirty-two.  E.  H.  Scott, 
a  member  of  this  church,  was  then  ordained  to  this 
pastorate,  and  continued  in  this  relation  until  1876, 


GRAND   OANE   ASSOCIATION.  377 

PDJoyiiig  the  fullest  coiifldence  of  the  church  and  de- 
nomiuatioii ;  but  at  this  time  he  was  charged  with  a 
scandalous  sin,  which  he  confessed,  and  was  deposed 
from  the  ministry  and  excluded  from  the  church.  The 
Baptists  were  greatly  scandalized  and  the  whole 
country  Avas  shocked.  G-ladly  would  I  draw  a  veil 
over  these  events,  for  I  loved  him  dearly ;  but  faith- 
fulness becomes  the  historian,  and  the  standing  of  the 
man  and  the  publicity  given  at  the  time  would  render 
the  absence  of  any  notice  as  conspicuous  as  the  record 
I  have  made.'  It  is  due  to  the  facts  of  history  to 
state  that  Scott  has  so  far  regained  the  confidence  of 
his  brethren  as  to  be  restored  to  the  membership  of  the 
church  by  a  recent  action.  Elder  G.  W.  Hartsfleld 
then  held  the  pastorate  for  one  year,  biit  the  troubles 
.  in  the  chuvch  made  its  pastorate  unpleasant  and  he 
declined  to  continue.  Elder  E.  B.  Ebeltoft  was  then 
called.  He  filled  the  position  but  a  short  time,  and 
C.  W.  Tomkies,  Avho  was  ordained  about  this  time, 
has  since  supplied  the  church. 

Bethany  Church  was  constituted  in  March,  1852,  and 
A.  J.  Eutherford  chosen  jjastor. 

The  history  of  this  church  deserves  more  thaua  pass- 
ing notice.  :^ethany  is  an  inconsiderable  village  just 
on  the  line  between  Louisiana  and  Texas,  and  was 
once  noted  for  every  species  of  immorality.  The  place 
is  better  known  to  fame  by  the  not  very  euphonious 
title  of  "  Lick  the  Skillet,"  given  to  it  by  the  rowdies 
themselves  to  commemorate  an  exploit  of  one  of  theiv 
25 


378  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

own  heroes.  It  was  located  on  the  line  of  the  two 
States  for  the  convenience  of  rowdyism.  By  a  singu- 
lar coincidence  the  law  of  Louisiana  allowed  almost 
every  species  of  gambling  and  even  encouraged  horse- 
racing,  but  prohibited  the  retailing  of  spirituous 
liquors  without  license,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
law  of  Texas  allowed  the  latter  but  punished  the 
former.  To  accommodate  this  state  of  things  a  caterer 
to  the  public  tastes  fitted  up  an  establishment  just  on 
the  line,  with  the  drinking  departmttat  on  the  Texas 
side  and  the  gambling  saloon  on  the  Louisiana  side, 
so  that  his  customers  could  enjoy  both  the  luxury  of 
mean  whiskey  and  the  pleasant  excitement  of  a  game 
of  "old  sledge,"  without  the  fear  of  the  law,  "that 
terror  to  evil-doers." 

In  this  temple  the  orgies  of  vice  were  celebrated- 
day  and  night  with  as  true  a  devotion  as  ever  Greek 
or  Roman  paid  to  Bacchus,  and  not  unfrequently  a 
human  victim  was  sacrificed  to  the  Moloch  of  gam- 
bling and  intemperance.  This  citadel  of  iniquity  was 
a  terror  to  the  people  of  God  in  its  neighborhood;  but 
who  would  dare  to  attack  it?  It  indeed  required 
more  than  mortal  courage. 

But  at  length  God  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  his  peo- 
ple to  try  the  effect  of  the  Gospel  on  this  stronghold 
of  Satan.  Accordingly  a  meeting  was  appointed  in 
December,  1851,  and  was  attended  by  Elders  O.  Dod- 
son,  E.  B.  Reynolds,  Jesse  Lee  and  A.  J.  Rutherford, 
who  preached  the  word  faithfully.     In  a  place  less 


GEAND   OANE   ASSOCIATION.  379 

wicked,  the  effort  might  have  beeu  attended  with  con- 
sequences more  disastrous  to  the  preachers.  But 
here,  where  sin  had  undisputed  sway,  the  attempt 
seemed  so  bold  that  its  votaries  were  awed  into  re- 
spect and  silent  astonishment.  They  attended  the 
meeting,  anxiously  waiting  to  see  what  would  be  at- 
tempted next.  Gradually  they  became  unconsciously 
interested  in  what  was  going  on,  and  to  use  the  lan- 
guage of  an  eye-witness,  "  the  word  of  God  had  the 
desired  eftect,  and  before  the  meeting  closed  maiiy  of 
those  who  had  been  the  ringleaders  in  vice,  became 
happy  converts  to  the  Christian  religion." 

Under  the  culture  of  A.  J.  Eutherford  and  G.  W. 
Eogers,  the  seed  thus  sown  grew  into  a  church  of  66 
members.  The  character  of  the  village  was  entirely 
changed,  and  it  became  a  living  example  of  the  power 
of  the  Gospel.  "  The  temple  of  vice"  was  standing  a 
few  years  ago,  a  dilapidated  ruin,  the  roof  decayed 
and  falling,  the  gables  and  doors  broken  in ;  and  as 
the  wind  sighed  through  the  unchinked  logs,  one 
could  imagine  that  he  almost  heard  the  echoes  of  the 
midnight  revel  which  once  re-echoed  from  the  under- 
r  afters. 

The  subsequent  history  of  this  church  presents  but 
little  of  interest.  A.  J  Eutherford,  the  first  pastor, 
continued  until  1855.  Then  there  was  no  pastor  one 
year,  and  in  1857  G.  W.  Eogers  is  reported  as  in 
charge.  Soon  after  this  it  ceased  to  maintain  a  sep- 
arate existence,  and  its  members  were  absorbed  into 


380  HISTORr    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

the  neighboriug  churches  of  Providence  and  Boggy 
Bayon. 

Ifeto  Hope,  DeSoto  Parish,  was  received  into  the" 
association  in  1852,  with  10  members,  and  L.  Scar- 
borough as  pastor.  Under  the  labors  of  L.  Scarbor- 
ough and  O.  Dodsou  they  enjoyed  a  gracious  seasou 
in  1853,  and  fourteen  were  baptized  on  a  profession  ol 
faith.  The  church  for  several  years  alternately  de- 
clined and  increased  in  a  small  way  until  1857,  when 
they  were  again  blessed,  and  ten  were  baptized. 
Then  it  disappears  from  the  minutes  of  the  associa- 
tion, and  probably  became  extinct. 

Longstreet,  formerly  called  Pleasant  Grrove,  was 
constituted  in  1853,  and  received  into  the  association 
with  five  members,  and  no  pastor.  The  next  year  nine 
were  added  by  letter,  but  it  only  had  the  occasional 
labors  of  passing  ministers.  In  1855  W.  J.  Canter- 
bury is  reported  as  pastor,  and  L.  Scarborough  in 
1856,  when  it  ceased  to  be  represented  for  a  number 
of  years.  In  1866  it  reports  twenty-three  members, 
and  Gr.  W.  Joiner  as  pastor.  In  1870  J.  B.  More  is  re- 
ported as  pastor.  In  1875  they  report  a  long  season 
of  darkness,  with  some  indications  of  a  revival  spirit. 
M.  O.  Stribling  is  reported  as  pastor  in  1876,  but  no 
change  in  its  spiritual  condition.  In  1878  C.  W.  Tom- 
kies  was  reported  as  pastor,  with  sixteen  members. 
It  has  since  failed  to  be  represented. 

Ummaus  Church  was  constituted  in  1851,  near  the 
town  of  Pleasant  Hill,  DeSoto  Parish,  with  J.   1' 


GRAND   CANE   ASSOCIATION.  381 

Backus  as  pastor,  with  forty-five  members.  E.  T. 
Kirtley  succeeded  as  pastor  in  1845.  After  this  it  was 
no  more  represented.  It  either  became  extinct  or 
changed  its  name. 

Mt.  Zion  Church  was  received  in  1837,  with  twenty- 
five  members,  E.  N".  Kirtley,  pastor.  In  1859  they  re- 
port an  increase  of  thirteen  by  baptism.  For  several 
years  it  disappears,  but  in  1867  it  reappears,  with  A. 
W.  Jackson  as  pastor.    It  then  disappears  entirely. 

Antioch  Church,  not  far  from  Mansfield,  in  DeSoto 
Parish,  was  gathered  in  1857  by  Elder  M.  0.  Wil- 
liams, who  became  the  first  pastor.  It  reports  to  the 
association  that  year,  fifteen  members.  In  1859  they 
enjoyed  a  revival,  and  twelve  were  added  by  baptism 
and  letter.  It  failed  to  represent  in  the  association 
for  five  or  six  years,  but  in  1870  this  church  reappears 
with  M.  C.  Williams  as  pastor,  and  fifty  members 
In  1873  they  report  a  revival  and  a  Sabbath- school, 
and  the  following  year  they  also  report  a  season  of 
rejoicing,  a  revival  spirit  and  a  number  of  accessions, 
and  a  regular  prayer-meeting  and  Sabbath-school. 
After  the  death  of  M.  0.  Williams,  Elder  G.  W.  Harts- 
field  became  pastor. 

In  1876  they  were  visited  by  a  precious  revival 
under  the  labors  of  the  pastor,  Hartsfield,  and  others, 
and  received  twenty  by  baptism,  making  a  total  mem- 
bership of  one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  eighty-three 
receiving  instructions  in  the  Sabbath-school.  In  1878 
the  colored  members  were  dismissed  to  organize  a 


382  HISTORY   OP   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

separate  church,  which  reduced  the  total  inembershii) 
to  ninety.  In  1879  Elder  Hartsfleld  left  this  pastor- 
ate to  engage  iu  missiou  work,  and  they  remained  a 
short  time  without  au  undersheperd.  In  1880  they 
report  lilder  G.  M.  Harrell  as  pastor,  twenty-four  bap- 
tisms and  one  hundred  and  eighteen  members. 

Forest  Qrove  Church,  DeSoto  Parish,  was  received 
in  1859  with  21  members,  R.  R.  Fortson,  pastor.  Upon 
the  death  of  Elder  Fortson,  Elder  M.  C.  Williams  be- 
came pastor. 

In  1864  they  enjoyed  a  revival.  Eight  were  bap- 
tized. At  this  time  they  numbered  38.  After  the 
death  of  Elder  Williams,  John  Howell  is  reported  as 
supply,  who  was  succeeded  in  1867  by  Elder  Dugan. 
I  find  no  further  notice  of  this  body.  It  either  be- 
came extinct,  or  informally  withdrew. 

Qrove  Hill,  DeSoto  Parish,  was  constituted  in  1859 
by  Elder  M.  C.  Williams,  who  was  then  laboring  as  a 
missionary  of  the  association,  aided  by  B.  F.  Robin- 
son, Tvith  8  members,  and  it  came  into  the  association 
with  32,  M.  0.  Williams,  pastor.  Like  most  of  the 
churches  during  the  war,  this  church  declined.  In 
186't  it  reports  a  slight  increase,  with  a  total  member- 
ship of  31,  and  E.  N.  Kirtley  as  pastor.  Kirtley  gave 
place,  after  one  year,  to  the  old  i)astor  by  whose 
labors  the  church  had  been  gathered ;  who  labored 
without  any  material  change  until  1870,  when  the  seed 
sown  during  these  years  ripened  into  an  abundant 
harvest.      Twenty-eight     were    added   by   baptism. 


GRAND  OANE  ASSOOIATION.  383 

The  cliurcli  now  numbered  66,  Upou  the  death  of 
Williams,  R.  H.  Scott  succeeded  to  the  pastorate,  and 
iu  1876  they  report  14  baptisms  and  98  members. 
Mathias  Scarborough  became  pastor  in  1877.  In  1880 
B.  P.  Brown  is  reported  as  pastor,  with  70  members. 

Salem,  DeSoto  Parish,  situated  between  Kingston 
and  Summer  Grove,  was  gathered  in  1870  under  the 
labors  of  Elder  E.  H.  Scott,  and  was  admitted  into 
the  association  in  that  year  with  22  members,  19  of 
whom  had  been  baptized.  In  1871  they  report  a  far- 
ther increase,  by  baptism,  of  13,  and  14  by  letter. 
This  body  gradually  grew  until  1877,  when  they  re- 
port a  gracious  revival  with  28  baptisms.  About  thii 
time  Elder  J.  H.  Tucker  succeeded  Scott  in  the  pas- 
torate, and  has  since  held  that  position  until  his  death 
in  1881.  It  reported  74  members  in  1880.  It  has  a 
successful  Sunday-school  and  contributes  liberally  to 
missionary  purposes. 

The  remaining  churches  of  this  association  are  a 
few  situated  in  Texas,  and  the  following  :  Bethsaida, 
DeSoto  Parish,  38  members,  B.  F.  Brown,  pastor; 
Gum  Springs,  near  Logansport,  34  members,  W.  Y. 
Craddock,  pastor;  Logansport,  19  members,  M.  O. 
Stribling,  pastor ;  Spring  Ridge,  Caddo  Parish,  46 
members,  0.  W.  Tomkies,  pastor. 

The  Grand  Oane  Association  is  the  most  efficient 
and  active  body  of  Baptists  in  the  State.  It  has  con- 
tributed liberally  to  support  all  the  benevolent  work 
of  the  denomination.    The  Keachi  Female  College  is 


384  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAP'IISTS. 

a  monuineut  of  tlieir  liberality  in  the  cause  of  female 
education.  It  was  under  the  fostering  care  of  the  as- 
sociation that  the  movement  to  establish  the  Shreve- 
port  University  was  inaugurated,  and  the  unfortunate 
termination  of  that  enterj)rise  was  from  causes  no  hu- 
man foresight  could  have  anticipated,  and  no  human 
wisdom  averted.  The  work  of  missions  has  largely 
engaged  the  attention  of  the  association.  It  has  sel- 
dom been  without  one  or  more  missionaries  in  the 
field,  and  often  some  of  her  ablest  men  devoting  their 
whole  time  to  the  work.  In  connection  with  the  as- 
sociation is  a  Sunday-school  Convention  which  has 
done  much  to  promote  the  Sunday-school  work  of 
this  section.  Almost  every  church  in  this  association 
has  a  Sunday-school  in  good  working  order.  The  fol- 
lowing facts,  taken  from  the  minutes  of  1880,  show 
only  a  part  of  what  was  done  by  the  churches  : 

"Contributed  to  church  buOdiug  purposes,  $12,758; 
for  pastoral  services  (partial  report),  $4,077.17  ;  asso- 
ciational  purposes,  $59.16 ;  ministerial  education, 
$58.65 ;  Sunday-school  literature,  8258.65 ;  Foreign 
missions,  $247.00;  State  and  Indian  missions,  $557.25; 
incidental  purposes,  $220.60,  making  an  aggregate  of 
118,141,22." 

Having  devoted  so  large  a  space  to  the  history  of 
tlK'  churches,  I  cannot  go  into  further  details  of  the 
transactions  of  the  association. 


CHAPTER  XYI. 

THE    SABINE    ASSOCrATIOST,    CALCASIEU   ASSOCIA- 
TION, VERNON  ASSOCIATION. 

The  carelessness  of  our  people  in  preserving  the  ma- 
terials for  their  history,  renders  it  often  very  difficult 
to  trace  their  labors.  This  is  particularly  true  of  th(^ 
Sabine  region.  Before  the  organization  of  the  Sabine 
Association,  but  little  is  known.  Kev.  N.  H.  Bray  has 
done  much  to  preserve  the  records  of  the  association, 
but  his  MS.,  which  I  procured  at  great  trouble,  con- 
tains little  besides  copies  of  the  minutes.  It  is 
greatly  to  be  regretted  that  he  did  not  commit  his 
recollections  to  paper.  I  copy  from  the  introduction 
to  his  work  the  following  facts  in  regard  to  the  early 
history  of  the  Baptists  of  this  region : 

"I  am  informed  that  in  the  year  1824  (in  the  early 
part)  Elder  William  Cook,  of  Mississippi,  moved  here 
and  settled  on  the  If  egrete  Bayou,  then  in  If  atchitoches 
Parish,  with  his  familj'.  Elder  Cook  certainly  preached 
the  first  Baptist  sermon  in  this  part  of  the  country. 
He  kept  up  regular  preaching  at  the  houses  of  his 
neighbors,  and  baptized  sister  L.  Montgomery,  and 
shortly  afterwards  her  husband,  J.  P.  Montgomery. 
These  were  the  first  baptized  in  that  part  of  the  State. 
Father  J.  P.  Montgomery  is  still  (1803)  living,  and 
states  that,  although  he  has  no  date  to  his  birth,  lie 
thinks  he  is  106  years  old.  He  retains  his  mental  fac- 
ulties remarkably  well. 


386  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

"  Some  time  in  the  year  1825,  the  Negrete,  or  Ziou 
Hill  Church,  was  constituted  by  Elder  W.  Cook  and 
P.  W.  Robert,  then  a  missionary  of  the  Louisiana  As- 
sociation, with  the  following  members :  Sister  L.  Mont- 
gomery, J.  P.  Montgomery,  Xancy  Xorris,  John 
Thompson  and  wife.  Elder  James  Martin  and  wife, 
together  with  William  Cook  and  wife,  making  nine 
members  in  all.  Elder  James  Martin  had  moved  here 
about  this  time.     [He  died  in  1830.] 

"The  church  was  soon  increased  by  letters  and  bap- 
tism, but  the  church  records  having  been  accidentally 
destroyed  by  fire,  much  valuable  information  was  thus 
lost.  Elder  W.  Cook  was  called  to  the  care  of  the 
church,  and  continued  so  until  his  death,  [September 
19,  1829.]  At  an  early  date  [1829]  the  church  became 
a  member  of  the  Louisiana  Association. 

"Elder  Joseph  Willis,  who  was  much  beloved  by 
all  who  knew  him,  labored  well  and  faithfully  for  his 
Master.  He  was  confined  to  bis  bed  for  many  long 
years,  but  was  always  ready  to  defend  his  Master's 
cause  and  warn  sinners  whenever  they  came  about 
him. 

''After  the  death  of  William  Cook,  Elder  Benjamin 
Garlington,  the  first  Baptist  preacher  the  writer  ever 
heard  in  America,  was  called  to  the  care  of  the  church, 
and  remained  until  about  1841  or  1812,  when  a  very 
unpleasant  trouble  took  place,  resulting  in  the  division 
of  the  church,  the  pastor  leaving  with  some  of  its 
members,  a  small  majority.  At  the  association  the 
minority  was  declared  in  order,  and  declared  to  be  the 
church  proper,  about  1842  or  1843. 

"Elders  B.  0.  Eoberts  and  [A.  J.]  Spencer  were  sent 
out  as  missionaries  by  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Associa- 
tion.   Brother  E.  A.  Campbell,  a  licensed  preacher, 


SABINE   ASSOCIATION.  387 

moved  in  from  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  [in  1845], 
and  preached  to  Zion  Hill  Church.  Elder  A.  PhiUips 
also  came  from  Mississippi,  and  in  a  short  time  Elder 
D.  0.  McOorley,  by  whose  labors  the  following  churches 
were  built  up :  Mount  Pleasant,  Pleasant  Hill,  Many, 
Liberty  (now  called  Pisgah),  and  Bethel.  W.  L.  Sib- 
ley came  as  an  ordained  preacher  in  1847  from  Liv- 
ingston Parish,  Campbell  was  ordained  in  1846,  and 
N.  H.  Bray  licensed  in  1847.  About  the  same  time 
W.  C.  Southwell  was  licensed.  I  also  find  the  name 
of  J,  L.  Eitter,  but  of  his  labors  I  have  no  account. 

[1847]  Agreeably  to  previous  arrangement,  a  con- 
vention met  with  Many  Curch,  Sabine  Parish,  October 
22, 1847,  and  after  examining  the  Articles  of  Faith  of 
the  churches,  and  finding  them  orthodox,  adopted  a 
constitution,  resolved  themselves  into  an  association 
to  be  called  the  Sabine  Association,  and  adjourned  to 
meet  with  Zion  Hill  Church  the  following  year.  Only 
a  short  abstract  of  this  meeting  is  published  in  the 
minutes  of  1847,  and  no  account  given  of  the  churches 
represented  or  the  date  of  their  constitution.  The 
Articles  of  Faith  adopted  embrace  the  following  par- 
ticulars. 1.  The  Trinity.  2.  The  Inspiration  and 
Sufiiciency  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  3.  The  fall  of 
Adam ;  the  imputation  of  his  sin  to  Ms  posterity,  the 
total  depravity  of  human  nature,  and  man's  inability 
to  recover  himself.  4.  The  election  of  a  definite  num- 
ber; efficient  calling,  and  justification  through  the  im- 
puted righteousness  of  Christ,  and  the  final  persever- 
ance of  the  saints.     5.   Christ  the  one  Mediator  by 


388  HISTOEY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

whom  the  elect  were  redeemed,  6.  The  absolute  aud 
eternal  purpose  of  God  does  not  set  aside  the  necessity 
of  secondary  causes,  but  the  means  are  a  part  of  his 
decrees.  These  are  made  effectual  through  the  agency 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  7.  Good  works  the  fruits  and  evi- 
dence of  faith.  8.  The  resurrection  of  the  dead,  the 
eternal  happiness  of  the  righteous,  and  the  everlasting 
misery  of  the  wicked. 

aOSPEL  OEDEE. 

1.  Christ  the  head  and  only  law-giver  of  the  church; 
the  government  with  the  body,  the  church.  2.  The 
ordinances,  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supjjer,  are  to  be 
continued  until  his  second  coming.  3.  The  action  of 
baptism  is  immersion;  the  subject  a  professed  believer 
in  Christ.  4.  The  Supper  restricted  to  the  regular 
baptized  members  of  the  church.  5.  Baptism  the  duty 
and  privilege  of  all  believers.  6.  The  duty  of  the  church 
to  exclude  from  her  fellowship  disorderly  members  and 
heretics. 

POWBES  OP  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

1.  The  churches  are  independent  aud  the  asssciation 
merely  advisory,  but  may  withdraw  fellowship  from 
disorderly  or  heretical  churches.  2.  The  duty  of  the 
association  to  preserve  union  and  liarmony  among  the 
churches,  and  to  diffuse  the  Gospel.  3.  It  is  the  privi- 
lege of  all  to  contribute  of  their  means  to  benevolent 
uses,  but  giving  or  uot  giving  shall  be  no  bar  to  fel- 
lowship. 


SABINE   ASSOCIATION.  389 

[1848.]  The  association  met  with  Zion  Hill  Church, 
Sabine  Parish,  October  6,  1848.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  Alauson  Phillips.  Elder  E. 
A.  Canij)bell  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  N.  P.  Smart, 
Oleck.  The  following  churches  composed  this  body  : 
Zion  Hill,  constituted  1824,  22  members,  E.  A.  Camp- 
bell pastor;  Mt.  Zion,  constituted  1846,  11  members, 
Elder  A.  Phillips  pastor ;  Pleasant  Hill,  constituted 
1847,  27  members,  D.  C.  McCorley  pastor ;  Liberty, 
constituted  1847,  9  members,  D.  C.  McCorley  supply ; 
Many,  constituted  1847,  16  members,  D.C.  McCorley 
pastor ;  Mt.  Pleasant,  constituted  in  1847, 18  mem- 
bers, A.  Phillips  pastor ;  Toro,  constituted  1848,  W. 
L.  Sibley  pastor;  Bethel,  constituted  in  1847,  9  mem- 
bers, D.  C.  McCorley  pastor;  and  Little  Flock,  16 
members,  J.  L.  Eitter  pastor.  The  last  named  was 
situated  in  Ilfewton  county,  Texas.  Mt.  Pleasant  was 
situated  in  Eapides  Parish,  and  Bethel  in  Natchi- 
toches Parish.  The  rest  were  located  in  Sabine  Par- 
ish. In  1847  they  report  15  baptisms  and  an  aggre- 
gate membership  of  129. 

[1849. J  Met  with  Mt.  Pleasant  Church,  Eapides 
Parish,  October  9, 1849.  The  introductory  was  preach- 
ed by  Elder  E.  A.  Campbell.  Elder  Calvin  Magee 
was  elected  Moderator,  and  Elder  E.  A.  Campbell, 
Clerk.  Seven  churches  were  represented,  reporting 
20  baptisms  and  111  members.  Calvin  Magee  was  ad- 
ded to  the  ministers  of  this  region.  He  came  from 
Mississipj)i,  on  the  lower  Pearl  river. 


390  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

[1850.]  Met  with  Pleasant  Hill  Church,  Sabine 
Parish,  October  18,  1850.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  W.  L.  Sibley,  who  was  afterward  elected 
Moderator,  with  E.  A.  Campbell,  Clerk.  Nine 
churhes  were  represented,  reporting  15  baptisms  and 
172  members.  Mt.  Zion,  DeSoto  Parish,  established 
in  1846,  was  received.  This  is  a  different  church  from 
that  which  aided  in  the  formation  of  the  association, 
which  appears  to  have  become  extinct.  This  year 
Elder  N.  H.  Bray,  who  had  been  laboring  two  years 
as  a  licentiate,  appears  as  an  ordained  minister,  and 
began  that  career  of  usefulness  which  distinguished 
his  labors  in  this  region.  Little  Flock  was  dismissed 
to  unite  in  forming  an  association  in  Eastern  Texas- 
On  Lord's  Day,  Elders  Vining,  Campbell,  Miller  and 
Sibley  preached.  The  congregations  were  large  and 
very  attentive.  The  meeting  was  continued  until  the 
next  Sabbath,  and  the  happiest  results  were  experi- 
enced. The  church,  which  at  the  commencement  of 
the  meeting  was  in  a  state  of  dissolution,  was  greatly 
revived.  Her  divisions  were  healed,  and  seven  were 
added  by  baptism  and  four  by  letter.  "^I  "■ 

[1851.]  Met  with  Toro  Chui-ch,  Sabine  Parish,  Oc- 
tober 17,  1851.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  D.  C.  McCorley.  W.  L.  Sibley  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, and  E.  Campbell,  Clerk.  Eleven  churches 
Avere  represented,  reporting  04  baptisms  and  237 
members.  Three  new  churches  were  received :  Little 
Flock,  Mt.  Oavmel  and  Coushatta,  all  constituted  this 


SABINE   ASSOCIATION.  391 

The  following  queries  were  considered  and  an- 
swered : 

"1.  Where  a  disagreement  exists  between  two 
members  of  different  churches,  both  claiming  to  be 
right,  what  course  should  be  pursued ;  and  if  each 
church  should  maintain  that  its  member  is  right 
and  refuse  or  neglect  to  bring  him  to  account, 
what  course  should  then  be  pursued  ?  Answer,  Two 
churches  thus  situated  should  immediately  resort  to 
some  expedient  most  likely  to  promote  a  reconciliation 
between  the  two  brothers  at  enmity  with  each  other. 
This  done,  the  churches  will  be  relieved  from  further 
difficulty.  To  effect  this  desirable  end,  we  recommend 
the  following  expedient :  Let  the  two  churches  in  their 
own  cai)acity  select  two  brethren  each,  from  the  near- 
est sister  churches.  The  selection  should  be  made 
with  care  and  caution,  making  choice  of  brethren  of 
experience,  mild  in  disposition,  aud  stable  in  char- 
acter. Then  place  before  these  brethren  all  the  facts 
connected  with  the  difiQculty,  omitting  nothing  calcu- 
lated to  guide  them  in  their  deliberations,  granting 
them  the  privilege  of  choosing  an  umpire  in  case  of  a 
tie  between  them.  Then  the  brethren  between  whom 
the  difficulty  exists  should  be  required  to  commit 
themselves  fully  to  abide  their  brethren's  decision. 

"  2.  Would  it  not  promote  the  good  health  of  Zion 
and  stability  of  our  ministers,  for  each  church  to  state 
in  her  associational  letter,  the  amount  anniially  paid 
her  pastor  1    Answer  :  Yes. 

"  3.  Would  it  not  greatly  promote  the  cause  of  Zion 
in  this  association,  for  the  churches  and  ministers  to 
labor  conjointly  in  protracted  meetings  !  Answer  : 
Thirf  association  not  only  recommends  that  the  chureli- 


.392  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

es  labor  in  that  way,  bat  promote  by  every  possible 
means  in  their  power,  protracted  meetings. 

"  4.  Is  it  right  because  a  church  is  poor  and  not  able 
to  do  much,  that  they  should  do  nothing  at  all,  pecu- 
niarially  ?  Answer :  No,  it  is  not  right,  but  we 
recommend  the  churches  carefuUy  to  consult  the 
pecuniary  condition  of  their  pastor." 

The  name  of  N.  W.  Hall  was  added  to  the  list  of 
ministers. 

[1852.]  Met  with  Mount  Zion  Church,  DeSoto  Par- 
ish, October  14,  1852.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  E.  A.  Campbell.  Elder  W.  L.  Sibley  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  E.  A.  Campbell,  Clerk.  Four- 
teen churches  were  represented,  reporting  34  baptisms 
and  260  members. 

Cedron  Church,  constituted  in  1852,  was  received 
this  year.  Messengers  were  appointed  to  the  State 
Convention,  and  a  resolution  passed  approving  the 
efforts  of  the  Convention. 

A  dissmission  was  granted  the  Coushatta  Church  to 
unite  with  Eed  Eiver  Association.  W.  C.  Southwell 
was  ordained  by  request  of  his  church.  The  ministers 
present  participated.  The  meeting  was  continued  and 
resulted  in  the  addition  of  six  to  the  chiucli. 

Notice  is  taken  of  the  death  of  Alansou  Phillips 
(luring  the  year.  He  was  pastor  of  Mount  Pleasant 
(Jhurcli,  but  no  aeeouut  is  given  of  his  life  and  labors. 

[1853.]  Met  with  Many  Church,  Saline  Parish,  Oc- 
tober 14,   1853.    Tlie  introductory  was  i>reached  by 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  3 

Elder  W.  0.  Southwell.  Elder  N.  H.  Bray  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  Elder  E.  A.  Campbell,  Clerk.  Thir- 
teen churches  were  represented,  reporting  54  baptisms 
and  a  total  membership  of  304.  Psalmist  Church, 
Natchitoches  Parish,  constituted  in  1853,  and  Big 
Sandy  Creek  Church,  Saline  County,  Texas,  were  ad- 
mitted. The  name  of  D.  C.  McCarthy  disappears 
from  the  list  of  ministers,  and  that  of  Isham  !N".  McAlis- 
ter  is  added. 
The  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  is  fully  convinced 
of  the  moral  and  religious  influence  of  Sabbath-schools, 
and  therefore  recommend  that  every  church  within  its 
bounds  establish  as  soon  as  possible  such'  school  or 
schools,  as  one  of  the  best  and  readiest  methods  of 
elevating,  moralizing  and  Christianizing  the  youth  of 
our  country." 

Elder  i<r.  H.  Bray  was  appointed  general  agent  for 
Sabbath-schools  for  the  association,with  power  to  ap- 
point as  many  sub-agents  as  he  may  deem  necessary. 

The  following  query  was  considered  : 

"Is  it  according  to  Gospel  order  to  receive  Campbell- 
ites  into  the  full  fellowship  of  a  Baptist  Church  without 
rebaptism.  Ans.  As  we  have  been  acquainted  with 
those  known  as  Cam^beilites  or  Christian  Baptists, 
who  deny  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  man  in 
the  regeneration ;  that  there  is  no  such  thing  as  Chris- 
tian experience,  as  held  by  the  Baptists,  and  that 
without  Baptism  it  is  impossible  for  any  to  be  saved ; 
and  who  were  in  the  habit  of  baptizing  all  who  would 

26 


394  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

consent,  without  evidence  that  they  professed  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Christ. 

"  Therefore  we  do  not  believe  it  would  be  in  Gospel 
order  to  receive  Oampbellites  into  the  membership  of 
a  Baptist  Church  in  any  other  than  the  ordinary  way  of 
receiving  members,  viz :  by  experience  and  baptism." 

It  was  also  resolved:  "  That  the  Abstract  of  Faith 
known  as  the  Union  Articles  be  adopted  as  our 
Articles." 

These  Articles  are  as  follows : 

ABTIOLES   OP  FAITH. 

"Article  1.  We  believe  in  one  Triune  God,  the 
Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  the  same  in  essence, 
equal  in  power  and  glory. 

"Art.  2.  "We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  were  given  by  the  inspiration  of  God, 
and  are  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice. 

"Art.  3.  We  believe  in  the  fall  of  Adam  from  his 
original  rectitude,  in  the  imputation  of  his  sin  to  all 
his  posterity ;  the  total  depravity  of  human  nature, 
and  in  man's  inability  to  restore  himself  to  the  favor 
of  God. 

"Art.  4.  We  believe  that  God  has  loved  his  peo- 
ple with  an  everlasting  love;  that  he  chose  them  in 
Christ  before  the  foundation  of  the  world ;  that  he 
calleth  them  with  a  holy  and  effectual  calling,  and 
being  justified  through  the  righteousness  of  Christ 
imputed  to  them,  they  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation. 

"Art.  5.  We  believe  there  is  one  mediator  between 
God  and  man,  the  man  Christ  Jesus,  who  by  the  sat- 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  39 

isfaction  he  made  to  the  law  and  to  justice  in  becom- 
ing an  offering  for  sin,  hath  by  his  most  precious 
blood  redeemed  the  elect  from  the  curse  of  the  law, 
that  they  might  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him 
in  love. 

"Aet.  6.  We  believe  that  good  works  are  the 
fruits  of  faith  and  follow  after  justification,  and  are 
evidences  of  a  gracious  state,  and  that  all  believers 
are  bound  to  obey  every  command  of  God  from  a  prin- 
ciple of  love. 

"Art.  7.  We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead  and  a  general  judgment;  that  the  happiness  of  the 
righteous  and  the  punishment  of  the  wicked  will  be 
everlasting." 

[1854.]  Met  with  Zion  Hill  Church,  Sabine  Parish, 
October  12,  1854.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  N.  H.  Bray,  who  was  afterward  elected  Modera- 
tor, with  Elder  W.  0.  Southwell,  Clerk.  Sixteen 
churches  reported  83  baptisms  and  304  members.  Ten 
of  these  report  Sunday-schools  in  active  operation,  ag- 
gregating 416  scholars,  57  teachers  and  i9  conversions 
in  connection  with  their  labors.  The  following  church- 
es were  received:  Oak  Grove,  l^atchitoches  Parish ; 
Good  Hope,  Sardis  and  Shiloh,  Sabine  Parish,  all  con- 
stituted in  1864.  The  following  ordained  ministers  are 
reported;  W.  L.  Sibley,  K.  H.  Bray,  James  Scar- 
borough, W.  H.  Eichards,  E.  A.  Campbell,  Samuel 
Lacy,  J.  K.  McAlister. 

The  following  queries  were  considered: 

"  1.  From  Bethel  Church:  Would  it  be  a  violation  of 


396  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Baptist  order,  to  receive  the  testimony  of  worldlings 
for  or  against  a  church-member,  where  no  other  can 
be  had?  and  if  admitted,  how  should  it  be  taken! 
Tour  committee  would  respectfully  state,  that  after 
carefully  meditating  on  the  above  query,  they  are  of 
opinion  that  it  would  not  be  Gospel  order,  or  Baptist 
custom.  Hence,  as  a  precedent,  it  would  result  in 
much  evil  to  our  churches. 

"2.  From  Big  Sandy  Greek  Church:  Would  it  be 
legal  for  one  of  your  churches  to  receive  a  member 
into  fellowship,  who  had  been  baptized  by  Peter  Eld- 
ridge  (now  of  Texas)  or  his  followers,  without  rebap- 
tism  ?  Your  committee,  in  regard  to  the  above  query, 
would  respectfully  slate  that  it  would  not  be  in  order, 
for  we  do  not  consider  such  to  be  really  baptized,  one 
essential  element  of  baptism  being  wanting,  viz :  a 
legal  administrator.  And  we  have  reliable  evidence 
both  from  Georgia  and  Alabama,  that  he  left  those 
States  in  bad  disorder.  Besides  oral  testimony  of  his 
having  acknowledged  it  in  this  country,  and  he  never 
having  been  restored." 

In  regard  to  the  first  answer,  it  is  certainly  the 
usage  of  the  Baptist  Churches,  so  far  as  my  informa- 
tion goes,  to  receive  the  testimony  of  credible  persons 
of  the  world  in  church  trials.  The  church  should 
judge  in  such  cases  as  to  the  weight  to  be  given  to  the 
testimony.  As  to  the  second  query,  it  is  to  be  re- 
gretted that  the  facts  are  not  given  with  greater  full- 
ness, to  enable  us  to  form  an  intelligent  opinion  as  to 
its  correctness.  Our  best  authorities  agree  that  the 
fact  of  his  being  an  impostor  and  an  excluded  person, 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  397 

would  not  necessarily  invalidate  his  acts  if  authorized 
by  an  orderly  church. 

Nineteen  churches  report  Sunday-schools  in  opera; 
tion  during  the  year.  They  were  organized  on  the 
Union  plan,  and  although  in  connection  with  Baptist 
Churches,  were  not  strictly  Baptist  schools.  N.  H. 
Bray  was  continued  as  general  agent.  Four  hundred 
and  thirty-five  dollars  was  expended  in  this  work. 

During  the  year,  N.  H.  Bray,  James  Scarborough 
and  Isham  N.  McAlister  labored  in  the  employment 
of  the  Convention,  but  mthin  the  bounds  of  this  asso- 
ciation. 

[1855.]  Met  with  Bethel  Church,  N^atchitoches 
Parish,  October  20th,  1855.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  W.  C.  SouthweU.  Elder  K  H. 
Bray  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  W.  C.  Southwell, 
Clerk.  Smyrna,  Salem,  New  Hope,  Union  and  Ano- 
coco  were  received.  The  pastors  were  distributed  as  , 
follows :  E.  A.  Campbell  at  Zion  Hill;  N.  H.  Bray  at 
Pisgah,  Many,  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Bethel;  I.  N.  McAl- 
ister, Pleasant  Hill  and  Good  Hope ;  W.  L.  Sibley  at 
Toro  and  Cedron ;  S.  Lacy  at  Mt.  Zion,  Sardis  and 
Shilph;  W.  C.  Southwell  at  Little  Flock  and  Big 
Sandy  Creek;  James  Scarborough  at  Psalmist.  Oak 
Grove  dissolved. 

[1856.J  Met  with  Mt.  Pisgah  Church,  Sabine  Par- 
ish, October  17,  1856.  The  introductory  by  James 
Scarborough.  N.  H.  Bray  was  re-elected  Moderator, 
and  W".  C.  Southwell,  Clerk.    Twenty  churches  were 


398  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

represented,  reporting  79  baptisms  and  612  members. 
The  churches  were  supplied  as  follows :  E.  A.  Camp- 
bell, Zion  Hill,  Sabine  Parish ;  Isham  N.  McAlister, 
Pleasant  Hill  (Sabine),  Good  Hope  (Sabine),  and  New 
Hope  (Sabine);  James  Scarborough,  Pisgah  (Sabine) 
and  Bethel  (Natchitoches);  N.  H.  Bray,  Mt.  Pleasant 
(Eapides),  Smyrna  (Sabine),  Salem  (Sabine)  and  Ano- 
coco  (Sabine);  W.  L.  Sibley,  Toro  (Sabine)  and 
Cedron  (Natchitoches) ;  W.  C.  Southwell,  Little  Flock 
(Sabine),  Big  Sandy  Creek  (Sabine) ;  S,  Lacy,  Psalm- 
ist (Natchitoches).  Many  (Sabine),  Sardis  (Sabine), 
Shiloh  (Sabine)  and  Mt.  Zion,  in  Natchitoches,  are  re- 
ported without  pastors. 

During  the  session  of  the  body,  Y.  I.  Prewitt  was 
ordained  by  a  chosen  Presbytery,  composed  of  N.  H. 
Bray,  E.  A.  Campbell  and  W.  C  Southwell. 

Most  of  the  churches  in  this  connection  had  more 
or  less  prospered  during  the  year.  Two  missionaries, 
N.  H.  Bray  and  I.  N.  McAllister,  had  labored  during 
the  year  in  the  employ  of  the  Domestic  Mission  Boards 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  and  State  Con- 
vention. 

The  report  on  Temperance  states  that  there  had  been 
progress  in  this  cause.  Two  neighborhoods  were  in- 
fested with  groceries.  Most  of  those  still  kept  up  are 
declining. 

The  following  query  and  answer  shows  the  state 
of  religious  sentiment  in  reference  to  dram-drinking : 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  399 

"Query.  Should  a  churcli  member  be  held  in  full 
fellowship  who  is  in  the  habit  of  dram-drinking  in 
groceries,  and  if  not,  what  steps  should  be  taken  by 
the  church  of  which  he  is  a  member?  Answer.  We 
think  such  members  are  in  disorder,  and  not  fit  sub- 
jects for  communion,  and  therefore  recommend  the 
church  to  which  such  members  belong,  to  admonish 
them,  and  if  they  do  not  quit  the  evil,  expel  them." 

[1857.]  Met  with  Mt.  Pleasant  Church,  Eapides 
Parish,  September  18,  1857.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  If.  R.  Bray,  who  was  afterward  re- 
elected Moderator,  with  Mark  McAlpin  as  Clerk. 
Twenty  churches  report  twenty-six  baptisms,  45  ac- 
cessions by  letter,  and  a  total  membership  of  612.  W. 
L.  Sibley  supplied  Toro  and  Middle  Creek;  N.  H. 
Bray,  Anococo,  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Good  Hope;  James 
Scarborough,  Pisgah,  Psalmist  and  Bethel;  I.  K. 
McAlister,  Pleasant  Hill,  l^Tew  Hope  and  Little  Flock; 
Y.  I.  Prewitt,  Salem;  Saw  Lacy,  Cedron;  W.  C. 
Southwell,  Big  Sandy  Creek. 

Many,  Zion  Hill,  Union,  Mt.  Zion,  Smyrna  and  Sar- 
dis  appear  to  have  been  without  regular  preaching. 

If.  H.  Bray  had  labored  during  the  year  as  a  mis- 
sionary under  the  appointment  of  the  Domestic  Mis- 
sion Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  and 
Isham  F .  McAlister,  under  appointment  of  the  State 
Convention.  Their  labors  were  greatly  blessed.  The 
ordained  ministers  mentioned  are :  W.  L.  Sibley, 
James  Scarborough,  If.  H.  Bray,  I.  K  McAlister, 
Sam.  Lacy,  Y.  I.  Prewett  and  Bldred  Forshee. 


400  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

The  following  queries  received  attention : 

"1.  What  should  be  done  with  a  church  that  does 
hold  a  member  in  fellowship,  who  keeps  a  grogshop  ? 
Ans.  Any  professor  keeping  a  grogshop  is  openly 
violating  the  word  of  God,  (Heb.  3: 15,  and  other  pas- 
sages), and  if  any  church  knowingly  allows  such  a 
member  to  continue  the  practice  and  still  hold  mem- 
bership, she  should  be  kindly  reproved ;  and  should 
she  still  tolerate  such  gross  conduct,  the  association  is 
bound  by  the  Bible  to  withdraw  her  fellowship  from 
such  church.  (See  Powers  of  Association,  Art.  1,  also 
Gospel  Order,  Art.  6).  And  we  do  hope  that  all  such 
churches  will  receive  this  in  all  kindness. 

"2.  What  course  ought  a  church  to  pursue  with  a 
member  who  is  in  the  habit  of  going  to  public  places 
and  getting  drunk,  quarreling,  and  swearing,  and 
then  comes  to  the  church  and  begs  pardon,  the  church 
forgives  him,  and  this  member  continues  to  do  the 
same  from  time  to  time?  Answer.  In  the  Scriptures 
the  drunkard  and  the  swearer  are  classed  with  the 
vilest  of  the  vile.  See  Oor.  5 :  11, 6 : 9-10.,  Gal.  5 :  19--21, 
with  any  other  passages  of  Scripture  in  which  we 
are  taught  not  to  keep  company  with  such.  We, 
therefore,  regard  all  such  professors  as  public  offend- 
ers against  the  laws  of  Christ's  Chsirch.  They  should 
be  expelled.  And  farther,  that  it  does  not  require 
that  a  church  should  take  the  same  course  of  discipline 
with  men  committing  flagrant  crimes  as  in  private  of- 
fenses, as  laid  down  in  the  18th  chapter  of  Matthew. 
We,  therefore,  do  hope  that  the  churches  of  this  as- 
sociation will  receive  this  as  a  friendly  admonition." 

The  association  sent  out  an  address  to  the  churches 
on  the  subject  of  missions,  prepared  by  Elder  N.  H. 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION".  401 

Bray,  which  puts  the  question  of  duty  very  pointedly ; 
from  which  I  make  this  extract :  "  I  would  ask  my 
brethren,  Who  is  to  do  this  work  1  Will  the  followers 
of  Thomas  Paine,  Yoltaire,  Hume  and  Owens,  or  the 
world,  lead  in  this  great  work  ?  No  ;  the  church  must, 
and  we  have  many  kind  friends,  who  will  follow  the 
example.  Brethren,  I  would  kindly  invite  your  at- 
tention to  the  minutes  of  the  association,  and  there 
you  will  see  that  twenty  churches  send  up  sixty-seven 
dollars  and  twenty-flve  cents.  This  is  the  contribu- 
tion of  six  hundred  and  twelve  professing  Christians ; 
about  ten  cents  each.  Can  we  expect  God  to  bless  us 
when  we  live  in  neglect  of  a  duty  so  plainly  taught  in 
His  word?  Eesolution  after  resolution  has  been 
spread  upon  the  minutes,  but  little  has  been  eifected. 
We,  need  system,  and  that  system  properly  carried 
out." 

Elder  E.  A.  Campbell  (a  sketch  of  whose  labors 
may  be  found  elsewhere)  departed  this  life  this  year, 
and  the  association  pays  him  a  proper  tribute  of 
respect. 

The  minutes  of  the  Sabine  Sunday-School  TJnion 
are  printed  with  the  minutes  of  the  association,  but 
the  facts  given  are  too  meager  to  glean  farther  than 
the  expenditure  of  $146.47.  Gftie  general  agent.  Elder 
N.  H.  Bray,  says  in  his  report :  "  I  am  sorry  to  say 
that  owing  to  two  causes  I  have  not  accomplished  as 
much  good  as  1  had  wished.  I  have  met  with  opposi- 
tion from  some  from  whom  I  expected  aid.    My  field 


402  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

as  a  missionary  is  in  part  a  new  one  and  very  large. 
The  schools  now  in  operation  are  doing  well,  and 
others  waiting  to  be  organized.  I  am  not  at  all  dis- 
couraged by  our  little  success  this  year." 

[1858  ]  Met  with  Little  Flock  Church,  Sabine  Par- 
ish. The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  James 
Scarborough.  K.  H,  Bray  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
J.  A.  Weeks,  Clerk.  Nineteen  churches  were  repre- 
sented, reporting  56  baptisms  and  622  members.  I.  N. 
McAlister  supplied  Zion  Hill,  Pleasant  HiU,  Little 
Flock  and  New  Hope ;  S.  Lacy,  Pisgah,  Psalmist  and 
Union ;  N.  H.  Bray,  Many,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Smyrna  and 
Auococo;  W.  L.  Sibley,  Toro;  T.  I.  Prewett,  Cedrou, 
Good  Hope  and  Salem;  W.  C.  Southwell,  Big  Sandy 
(Texas),  and  J.  Scarborough,  Bethel.  Middle  Creek 
was  without  a  pastor.  The  Big  Sandy  Church  (Texas) 
was  gtanted  a  letter  of  dismission. 

During  the  year  Elder  K.  H.  Bray  had  labored  as  a 
missionary  under  the  appointment  of  the  Domestic 
Mission  Board ;  Y.  I.  Prewett,  as  a  Bible  Colporteur  in 
the  employ  of  the  Bible  and  Tract  Society,  aud  Bro. 
White,  as  Tract  Colporteur. 

The  following  query  was  presented  and  answered : 

"  Would  it  be  in  accordance  with  the  teachings  of 
the  Bible,  or  with  Baptist  usage,  for  a  portion  of  the 
members  of  the  church  to  draw  their  letters  for  the 
purpose  of  constituting  another  church  within  a  short 
distance  of  the  same,  say  three  miles.  Ans.  It 
would  not  be  in  gospel  order,  nor  according  to  Bap- 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  403 

tist  usage  for  a  few  members  of  a  regular  Baptist 
churcli  to  draw  letters  of  dismission  and  constitute 
another  church  of  the  same  faith  and  order  in  the 
same  neighborhood,  especially  when  it  affects  the 
peace  of  the  church.  And  if  such  a  church  should  be 
constituted,  the  association  should  not  receive  them 
into  their  union." 

This  decision  had  reference  to  a  thinly-populated 
district,  and  not  to  a  city. 

[  1859.]  Met  with  Anococo  Church,  Sabine  Parish, 
October  7, 1859.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Mathias  Scarborough.  N.  H.  Bray  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, and  J.  A.  Weeks,  Clerk.  Providence,  Macedo- 
nia and  Pleasant  Grove  churches  were  admitted  as 
members.  The  churches  were  supplied  as  follows : 
I.  N.  McAlister,  Zion  Hill,  Pleasant  Hill,  Little  Flock 
and  Good  Hope ;  K  H.  Bray,  Many,  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Anococo  and  Pleasant  Grove;  J.  Scarborough, 
Bethel ;  W.  L.  Sibley,  Toro ;  Young  I,  Prewett,  Cedron, 
Good  Hope,  Smyrna  and  Salem;  B.  F.  Eobinson, 
Union ;  H.  Simmons,  Middle  Creek ;  Samuel  Harper, 
Macedonia ;  Providence  was  without  a  pastor. 

The  ordained  ministers  residing  in  the  bounds  of 
this  association  were :  W.  L.  Sibley,  I.  IN".  McAlister, 
N.  H.  Bray,  H.  Simmons,  T.  I.  Prewett,  S.  Harper 
and  E.  Forshee. 

[I860.]  Met  with  Toro  Church,  Sabine  Parish, 
October  19,  1860,  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  H.  Simmons.    N.  H.  Bray  was  again  elected 


404  HISTOEY   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

Moderator,  and  N.  McAlpin,  Oler^-  Twenty-two 
churches  report  76  baptisms  and  709  members.  Mt. 
Zion  is  reported  as  dissolved.  Antioch,  Bapides  Par- 
ish, was  admitted,  and  Union  Church  was  granted  a 
letter  of  dismission  to  unite  with  the  Grand  Cane  As- 
sociation. A  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  on 
New  Hopo  Church  and  ascertain  why  she  was  not 
represented  in  the  association;  and  a  like  committee 
to  visit  Sardis  and  Psalmist  Churches.  The  associa- 
tion heartily  approved  of  the  efforts  being  made  by  the 
brethren  and  friends  generally  for  the  education  of 
Y.  I.  Prewett;  and  recommended  the  churches  to  con- 
tribute for  said  purpose.  Only  about  two  months' 
missionary  labor  was  performed  during  the  year, 
which  was  rendered  by  Elder  James  Scarborough  un- 
der appointment  of  the  Southern  Board  of  Domestic 
Missions.  A  committee  to  whom  the  subject  of 
missions  was  referred,  were  of  the  opinion  that  the 
present  plan  could  not  be  made  a  success.  It  was 
recommended  that  the  Executive  Board  be  dispensed 
with  and  a  Missionary  Board  be  appointed  upon  a 
monied  basis,  allowing  five  dollars  for  membership  of 
churches  and  two  dollars  for  individuals,  and  that 
public  collections  shall  be  taken  up  at  each  meeting 
of  the  Board  for  missionary  purposes,  and  that  all 
monies  thus  collected,  and  also  by  membership,  be  ap- 
propriated to  the  payment  of  missionaries  appointed 
by  the  Board,  and  who  shall  report  at  the  quarterly 
meetings  of  the  Board.    The  Board  consisted  of  M. 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  405 

Scarborough,  Joseph  Scarborough,  James  Martin,  W. 
L.  Sibley,  Mark  McAlpin,  Phillip  Koor.ce  and  E.  M, 
Oox. 

[1861.]  Met  with  Oedron  Church,  Natchitoches 
Parish,  October  18,  1861.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Henry  Simmons,  who  was  after- 
ward elected  Moderator,  with  J.  C.  Sibley,  Clerk. 
Nineteen  churches  report  96  baptism  and  671  mem- 
bers. Central  Church,  Natchitoches  Parish,  and 
Ebenezer,  Rapides,  were  received  as  members. 

The  Missionary  Board  which  was  appointed  at  the 
last  meeting,  held  one  meeting,  collected  sixteen  dol- 
lars and  met  no  more;  and  consequently  no  missionary 
was  put  into  the  field.  The  Board  was,  however,  con- 
tinued with  a  slight  alteration,  the  name  of  John  H, 
Elzey  being  substituted  for  that  of  W,  L.  Sibley. 

[1862.]  Met  with  Pleasant  Hill  Church ,  Sabine  Par- 
ish, October  17, 1862.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  M.  Scarborough.  N.  H.  Bray  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Phillip  Koonce,  Clerk.  Twenty- 
three  churches  reported  100  baptisms  and  805  mem- 
bers, including  Clemantine  Church,  Rapides  Parish, 
and  Friendship,  Calcasieu  Parish,  which  were  re- 
ceived at  this  meeting.  The  churches  were  supplied 
as  follows  :  I.  N.  McAlister,  Zion  Hill,  Little  Flock, 
Good  Hope  and  Clemantine ;  Henry  Simmons,  Pleas- 
ant Hill;  M.  Scarborough,  Many,  Pisgah,  Bethel, 
Cedron  and  Central;  N.  H.  Bray,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Toro, 
Anococo   and  New  Hope;  S.  Harper,  Smyrna  and 


406  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Psalmist;    Y.    I.    Prewett,    Antioch;    E.   Forshee, 
Friendship. 

The  association  published  an  obituary  of  Elder  W. 
L.  Sibley,  who  died  October  4, 1861,  of  whom  notice  is 
taken  elsewhere. 

James  Scarborough  had  removed  to  Texas,  where 
he  abandoned  the  faith  and  became  a  Campbellite 
preacher. 

The  Missionary  Board  having  held  no  meeting, 
nothing  had  been  done  in  the  work.  The  association, 
therefore,  took  the  matter  in  hand  and  appointed 
Samuel  Harper  and  Young  I.  Prewett  as  mis- 
sionaries. Quite  a  number  of  the  churches  had 
enjoyed  revivals. 

[1863.]  Met  with  Zion  Hill  Church,  Sabine,  Oc- 
tober 17,  1863.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  S.  Harper.  Elder  N.  H.  Bray  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  N.  P.  Smart  Clerk.  Seventeen 
churches  report  59  baptisms  and  582  members.  A 
large  number  of  churches  were  not  represented^ 
no  doubt  owing  to  the  civil  war  which  was  then 
pending. 

The  two  missionaries  appointed  at  the  last  meet- 
ing, made  cheering  reports.  The  churches  had  sent 
up  $340.75,  which  was  increased  by  the  Sabbath  col- 
lection to  $683.45,  for  missionary  purposes.  The 
pastors  of  the  association  were  I.  K".  McAlister  at 
Zion  Hill,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Little  Flock;  M.  Scar- 
borough at  Many,  Bethel,  Oedron  and  Central ;  N. 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  407 

H.  Bray  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Toro,  Anococo  and  New 
Hope ;  T.  I.  Prewitt  at  Good  Hope,  Model  Creek 
and  Pleasant  Grove ;  S.  Harper  at  Providence  and 
Macedonia;  E.  Porshee  at  PriendsMp.  Printed  in 
these  minutes  is  an  excellent  missionary  sermon 
preached  by  Elder  N.  H.  Bray  the  year  before. 

[1864.]  Met  with  Bethel  Church,  Natchitoches 
Parish,  October  15, 1864.  The  introductory  sermon 
was  preached  by  Y.  I.  Prewett.  N.  H.  Bray  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  N.  P.  Smart,  Clerk.  Sixteen 
churches  report  80  baptisms  and  571  members. 
Seven  churches  were  not  represented.  No  mission- 
aries were  at  work  during  the  year,  and  the  sum  of 
$1,500  (Confederate  money)  had  accumulated  in  the 
treasury.  The  executive  board  were  authorized  to 
employ  missionaries,  and  have  a  care  for  evangelical 
work  among  the  soldiers. 

[1865.]  Met  with  Anococo  Church,  Sabine  Parish, 
October  14,  1865.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  I.  N.  McAlister.  N.  H.  Bray  was  re-elected 
Moderator,  and  M.  McAlpin,  Clerk.  Nineteen 
churches  were  represented,  reporting  123  baptisms 
and  864  members.  Providence  (Eapides)  is  reported 
as  dissolved ;  also  New  Hope  { Sabine),  Shiloh  (Cal- 
casieu), and  Comrade  (Eapides)  were  received. 

The  committee  on  obituaries  note  the  death  of 
Elder  Henry  Simmons,  from  which  I  glean  the  fol- 
lowing facts :  "  Bro.  Simmons  was  born  March  8, 
1805,  and  died  March  20, 1865.    He  was  converted 


408  HISTOEY   OP  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

in  1826,  and  joined  Salem  Baptist  Churcli  in  1827,  and 
was  baptized  by  Elder  James  Cone.  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  by  Bogue  Ohitto  Churcli,  December  25, 
1837;  was  ordained  by  Jesse  Crawford,  Zachariah 
Reeves,  Willis  McGee  and  Wm.  Portenburg."  Such 
is  the  brief  and  indefinite  record.  Where  he  was 
born  does  not  appear,  but  as  the  preachers  men- 
tioned belonged  to  that  part  of  Mississippi  adjoin- 
ing Livingston  Parish,  it  is  probable  that  he  was 
from  that  part  of  Mississippi. 

The  ordained  ministers  were :  N.  H.  Bray,  Ano- 
coco ;  I.  N.  McAlister,  Many;  Samuel  Harper,  Sugar 
Town ;  M.  Scarborough,  Natchitoches ;  Y.  I.  Prew- 
ett,  Anococo.  Prewett  and  McAlister  labored  in 
the  Confederate  army  while  stationed  at  Alexandria, 
under  the  appointment  of  the  executive  board  of  the 
association. 

[1866.]  Met  with  Good  Hope  Church,  Sabine  Par- 
ish, October  17,  1866.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Y.  I.  Prewett.  Elder  N.  H.  Bray  was 
again  chosen  Moderator,  and  T.  Koonce,  Clerk. 
Twenty-one  churches,  63  baptisms  and  880  members 
were  reported.  Friendship  and  Pleasant  Grove 
were  not  represented.  Ebenezer,  Macedonia  and 
Smyrna  are  reported  dissolved,  and  Antioch  ex- 
cluded. Calcasieu  Church,  Bapides  Parish,  12  mem- 
bers; Bethsaida,  Eapides,  34  members;  Palestine, 
Bapides,  19  members,  and  Mt.  Zion,  Calcasieu  Par- 
ish, 11  members,  were  received  into  membership. 


SABINE   ASSOCIATION.  409 

The  following  queries  came  up  for  consideration : 

"  1.  What  shall  be  done  with  church  members  who 
attend  and  participate  in  what  are  commonly  called 
play  [card  playing]  and  dancing  parties'?  Answer. 
We  recommend  that  all  those  Baptists  who  partici- 
pate in  these  wordly  amusements,  should  be  ex- 
cluded if  they  do  not  desist  after  being  duly  admon- 
ished. 

"  Question.  What  course  should  the  churches  pur- 
sue in  regard  to  our  colored  members?  Answer. 
We  would  recommend  the  churches  to  arrange  their 
rules  of  decorum  so  as  to  keep  the  government  of 
the  churches  in  the  hands  of  the  white  members,  and 
treat  the  colored  members  as  they  have  hitherto 
done,  until  the  churches  in  their  wisdom  deem  it 
proper  to,  devise  some  other  plan." 

It  will  certainly  strike  every  intelligent  reader  at 
this  date  that  such  an  action  was  wholly  unneces- 
sary, and  a  violation  of  the  Baptist  theory  of  church 
government ;  but  it  may  be  urged  as  an  apology  for 
these  brethren  that  the  colored  people  of  this  section 
of  the  State  were  under  very  bad  influences,  and  the 
white  brethren  had  reason  to  anticipate  trouble  in 
the  church  from  this  source. 

The  names  of  B.  J.  Ford,  A.  Wright,  E.  Duggan,  J. 
E.  Melton  and  J.  H.  Cunningham  are  added  to  the 
list  of  ordained  ministers. 

[1867.]  Met  with  Little  Flock  Church,  Sabine  Par- 
ish, October  19, 1867.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  E.  Duggan.  Elder  N".  H.  Bray  was  re- 
27 


410  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

elected  Moderator,  and  M.  H.  Stanley,  Clerk. 
Twenty  churches  report  23  baptisms  and  801  mem- 
bers. Five  churches  were  not  represented.  Beu- 
lah,  Sabine  County,  Texas,  and  Castor  Church,  Eap- 
ides  Parish,  were  received. 

A  number  of  queries  were  answered,  but  only  the 
following  deserves  attention: 

"  Has  a  deacon  the  right,  according  to  the  Script- 
ures, to  administer  the  ordinances  of  the  church,  viz: 
baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  Ans.  He  has  not, 
and  the  church  which  allowed  it,  together  with  the 
deacon  who  may  practice  it,  are  both  in  disorder." 

In  consequence  of  this  decision  the  delegate  of 
Palestine  Church  offered  an  apology  for  the  church 
for  having  permitted  her  deacon  to  administer  the 
Lord's  Supper. 

I  think  many  intelligent  brethren  will  question  the 
correctness  of  this  decision.  These  ordinances  be- 
long to  the  church,  and  she  may  select  her  own 
agents  to  perform  these  functions.  The  ordination 
of  a  minister  is  only  the  public  recognition  of  the 
church's  authority.  It  will  be  recollected  that  the 
first  church  in  New  Orleans  authorized  J.  C.  Car- 
penter, a  layman,  to  baptize  her  converts  during  the 
war,  and  I  have  never  heard  the  validity  of  these 
baptisms  questioned,  because  done  by  the  authority 
of  the  church. 

[  1868.]  Met  with  Central  Church,  Sabine  Parish, 
October  17, 1868.    The  introductory  was  preached 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  411 

by  Elder  IT.  H.  Bray,  who  was  afterwards  elected 
Moderator,  with  M.  H.  Stanley,  Clerk.  Twenty-two 
churches  report  164  baptisms,  with  1,028  members^ 

Five  churches  were  not  represented.  Two  new 
churches  were  received,  viz:  Union,  Kachitoches 
Parish,  17  members;  Kessatchie, Nachitoches  Parish, 
21  members. 

Friendship,  Shiloh,  Palestine  and  Mt.  Zion  were 
dismissed  for  the  purpose  of  forming  Calca- 
sieu Association.  A  number  of  important  queries 
were  answered.  But  little  else  beyond  the  usual  rou- 
tine was  transacted.  The  reports  show  an  unusual 
prosperity  of  the  churches  and  a  large  increase  of 
members. 

[  1869.]  Met  with  Anococo  Church,  Sabine  Parish, 
October  16, 1869.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  J.  H.  Cunningham.  N.  H.  Bray  was  con- 
tinued as  Moderator,  and  M.  H.  Stanley,  Clerk. 
Twenty  churches  report  64  baptisms  and  905  members, 
with  six  churches  not  represented.  The  following 
churches  were  received,  viz:  Benlah,  15  members; 
Smyrna,  12  members,  both  in  Sabine  Parish,  and 
Elam,  Bapides  Parish,  10  members.  Elder  M.  Scar- 
borough was  employed  to  labor  as  a  missionary 
within  the  bounds  of  the  association.  From  these 
minutes  it  appears  that  K.  H.  Bray  had  prepared  a 
history  of  the  association,  and  steps  were  taken 
looking  to  its  publication.  I  have  seen  the  MS.  of 
Brother  Gray  .    It  consisted  chiefly  in  a  transcript 


412  HISTORr   OF  LOUrsiANA   BAPTISTS. 

of  the  file  of  the  minutes  of  the  association.  It  was 
never  printed.  I  obtained  it  from  Rev.  W.  M.  Reese, 
Hemphill,  Texas,  1o  whom  I  returned  it. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  offered  by 
Elder  E.  Duggan,  were  adopted : 

"  Whereas,  Certain  men  calling  themselves  Chris- 
tian ministers,  or  who  are  commonly  known  as 
Campbellites,  are  going  through  some  parts  of  the 
association  and  drawing  some  of  our  members  into 
the  belief  that  there  is  no  material  difference  in  their 
doctrines  and  tliose  of  the  Missionary  Baptists, 
thereby  creating  confusion. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  association  recommend  all  our 
churches  and  ministers  to  re-fuse  to  recognize  them 
or  their  followers  as  Baptists,  and  cannot  be  Bap- 
tists, since  they  deny  essential  truths  of  the  Bible, 
and  consider  they  are  regenerated  in  the  act  of  bap- 
tism in  water  of  any  who  say:  'I  believe  that  Jesus 
the  Nazarineis  the  Messiah,'  and  that  they  are  other- 
wise unsound  in  the  faith." 

In  answei"  to  the  query :  "  How  often  ought  a 
church  to  commune?"  Ans.  "As  the  Scriptures 
are  silent  on  this  subject,  we  recommend  that  they 
commune  quarterly." 

"Should  a  church  neglect  to  commune  because 
they  have  no  deacon  ?  "  Ans.  "  They  should  not. 
If  they  cannot  obtain  a  deacon  from  a  sister  church, 
their  pastor  should  administer  this  ordinance." 

The  report  on  the  slate  of  the  churches  shows 
hat  a  serious  difllculty  existed  between  the  Anococo 
and  New  Hope  churches. 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  413 

About  five  hundred  dollars  were  pledg^  to  put  a 
missionary  in  the  field. 

[  1870.]  Met  with  Toro,  Sabine  Parish,  October  15, 
1870.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  B. 
Duggan.  N.  H.  Bray  was  re-elected  Moderator,  and 
M.  H.  Stanley,  Clerk.  Twenty-three  churches  re- 
port l02  baptisms  and  889  members.  Comrade 
(Calcasieu),  Bethesda  and  Clamantine  were  not 
represented,  and  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Pisgah,  Beulah 
(Texas),  were  reported  dissolved.  Prewett's  Chapel, 
Sabine  Parish,  30  members,  and  Harmony,  Natchi- 
toches Parish,  17  members,  were  admitted.  The 
churches  were  supplied  as  follows :  Zion  Hill, 
Pleasant  Hill,  Little  Flock  and  Good  Hope,  by  I.  N. 
McAlister ;  Many,  Tbro,  Anococo  and  Castor,  by  F. 
H.  Bray ;  Bethel,  Union  and  Sardis,  by  M.  Scarbor- 
ough; Cedron,  Middle^Creek  and  Central,  by  E. 
Duggan ;  Mt.  Carmel,  Kissatchie  and  Prewett's 
Chapel,  by  Z.  Corley ;  Elam,  Smyrna  and  Walnut 
Hill,  by  J.  Belton,  and  Harmony,  by  J.  H,  Cunning- 
ham. Besides  these  were  Y.  I.  Prewett  and  G-.  W. 
Stringer  (ordained),  and  G.  W.  Whitfield,  who 
preached  occasionally.  Elder  M.  Scarborough 
labored  under  appointment  as  missionary,  263  days, 
"preached  231  sermons,  150  exhortations,  recieived 
by  experience  and  baptism,  65 ;  received  by  expe- 
rience, not  baptized,  4;  received  by  letter  and  resto 
ration,  46;  Sabbath-schools  organized  and  in  pro 
gress,  5 ;  miles  traveled,  2,438 ;  families  visited,  542 ; 


414  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

prayers  Offered,  400."  The  association  determined 
to  pursue  the  same  plan  of  operation  during  the  en- 
suing year,  and  Elder  lif.  H.  Bray  was  appointed  to 
solicit  means  for  the  support  of  the  missionaries. 
The  churches  generally  were  reported  to  be  in  a 
prosperous  condition.  Two  churches  had  been  or- 
ganized during  the  year,  and  a  third  re-organized. 
The  following  queries  received  attention : 

"1.  Is  it  in  keeping  with  Baptist  usage  and  the 
word  of  God  for  church  members  to  attend  dancing 
parties?  Answer.  We  answer  unhesistatingly,  No. 
They  are  worldly  amusements  and  we  are  commanded 
to  abstain  from  evil  and  the  appearance  of  evil. 

"  2.  What  course  should  a  church  pursue  toward 
an  applicant,  who  presents  experience  and  demands 
baptism  after  having  once  been  baptized  into  the 
Baptist  church?  Answer.  We  think  great  care 
should  be  used  to  ascertain  the  grounds  upon  which 
the  second  baptism  is  demanded,  for  on  thia  the 
action  must  depend.  If  the  applicant  was  baptized 
into  a  Baptist  church,  we  suppose  it  was  done  by  a 
properly  authorized  administrator,  and  the  act  so  far 
as  the  form  is  concerned  must  be  legal.  Unless  there 
was  some  defect  in  the  faith  of  the  subject,  not  made 
manifest  at  the  time  and  afterwards  coming  to  the 
light,  we  think  the  church  should  not  baptize  the 
applicant. 

"3.  Would  a  member  do  right  to  object  to  the  ad- 
mission of  a  negro  into  the  church  on  account  of  the 
moral,  social  and  political  status,  now  sought  to  be 
forced  upon  the  negro  by  a  certain  political  party. 
Answer.    There  is  no  authority  in  God's  word  for 


SABINE  ASSOCIATION.  415 

refusing  admission  on  any  such  grounds.  We  think 
it  best  that  the  negroes  have  churches  of  their  own 
under  the  supervision  of  white  ministers. 

"  4.  How  often  should  a  church  forgive  a  member 
for  drinking  or  other  public  offenses?  Answer.  "We 
think  the  second  well-developed  case  of  drunk- 
enness a  sufficient  cause  for  exclusion,  and  that  for 
other  offenses  of  a  public  nature  in  which  there 
might  be  extenuating  circumstances  we  think  the 
church  should  be  ruled  by  the  evidence  shown  of 
the  penitence  of  the  offender. 

"  5.  What  course  should  a  church  pursue  with  an 
applicant  for  baptism,  who  dates  his  experience  back 
six  months,  who,  two  years  before  that  time,  had 
married  a  woman  who  had  left  her  husband,  and  he 
has  not  been  heard  of  during  that  time  and  does  not 
know  whether  he  is  dead  or  alive.  Answer.  We 
advise  the  church  to  baptize  the  applicant. 

"6,  Is  it  right  for  a  member  of  a  Baptist  church  to 
take  the  benefit  of  the  bankrupt  law  for  the  purpose 
of  avoiding  the  payment  of  his  just  debts,  and  if  not 
what  should  be  done  with  such  a  member.  Answer. 
It  is  not  right,  and  should  a  member  be  guilty  of  such 
an  act  the  church  to  which  he  belongs  should  deal 
with  him." 

A  circular  letter  on  Church  Sovereignity,  prepared 
by  Elder  K.  H.  Bray,  was  adopted  as  the  sentiment 
of  the  body.  The  doctrine  of  the  essay  is  that  each 
church  is  sovereign  and  independent  in  subjection 
to  the  law  of  Christ,  accountable  to  God  alone  for 
its  acts,  and  not  to  any  pope,  bishop,  priest  or  other 
body   of  human   invention  on  earth.    But  as  each 


416  HISTOET   OP  LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

church  is  equally  sovereign  and  independent,  one 
church  is  not  bound  by  the  acts  of  another  contrary 
to  the  law  of  Christ.  A  number  of  these  sovereign 
churches  may  unite  for  their  common  good,  and  to 
co-operate  in  the  work  of  evangelization.  But  the 
association  is  not  a  court  of  appeals,  nor  has  any  au- 
thority over  a  church  ;  but  by  mutual  consent  of  all 
parties  may  act  as  a  council  in  cases  of  trouble.  If, 
however,  any  church  belonging  to  the  association 
departs  from  the  faith  or  becofties  disorderly,  the  as- 
sociation may  withdraw  fellowship  by  refusing  to 
associate  with  her. 

[1876.]  Met  with  Central  Church,  Natchitoches 
Parish,  October  14th,  1876.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  M.  Scarborough,  who  was  after- 
ward elected  Moderator,  with  D.  W.  Self  as  Clerk. 
Forty-two  baptisms,  seventy  received  by  letter,  and 
a  total  membership  of  808  were  reported.  Shady 
Grove,  DeSoto  Parish; New  Hope,  Natchitoches,  and 
Allen,  Natchitoches,  were  received.  The  churches 
were  supplied  as  follows:  G.  W.  Stringer,  Zion 
Hill;  J.  H.  Paddy,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Good  Hope ;  A. 
Murry,  Bethel;  M.  Scarborough,  Toro,  Shady  Grove, 
New  Hope  and  Allen;  N.  0.  Southwell,  Little  Flock; 
E.  Duggan,  Middle  Creek,  Central,  Mt.  Carmel  and 
Antioch;  B.  F.  Brown,  Sardis;  J.  T.  Wilkinson,  Har- 
mony; A.  J.  Weldon,  Prewett's  Chapel.  Many,  Ce- 
dron,  Beulah,  and  Kissatchie  without  preaching,  and 
Z.  Corley  and  0.  Hardin  without  churches. 


SABINE  ASBOCIATION.  417 

The  association  had  no  missionary  in  its  employ, 
but  Elders  George  Tucker  and  J.  H.  Peddy  and  H. 
M.  Branson,  missionaries  of  the  State  Convention, 
paid  the  churches  occasional  visits. 

[1877.]  Met  with  Pleasant  Hill  Church,  Sabine 
Parish,  October  21st,  1877.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  B.  F.  Brown.  Mr.  Scarborough 
was  re-elected  Moderator,  and  D.  W.  Self,  Clerk. 
Seventeen  churches  were  represented,  reporting  36 
baptisms,  50  received'by  letter,  and  a  total  member, 
ship  of  863.  Three  churches  were  not  represented. 
The  churches  generally  were  reported  to  be  in  a 
good  condition,  and  Shady  Grove,  Sardis,  New  Hope 
and  Allen  had  all  enjoyed  precious  revivals.  The 
following  query  was  considered  : 

"  When  a  church  excludes  one  of  her  deacons  and 
restores  him  to  fellowship  again,  there  being  nothing 
said  about  his  deaconship,  is  he  restored  to  his  ofiBce 
of  deacon?  Answer.  No  ;  not  without  some  action 
of  the  church  restoring  him  to  the  office  of  deacon.'' 

[1880.]  Met  with  New  Hope,  Vernon  Parish,  Oct. 
15, 1880.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Elder 
Daniel  Slay,  who  was  afterward  elected  Moderator, 
with  D.  W.  Self  as  Clerk.  The  statistics  of  twenty- 
four  churches  showed  88  baptisms,  65  admitted  by 
letter,  and  a  total  membership  of  1,007.  The  church- 
es were  supplied  with  preaching  as  follows :  Daniel 
Slay  supplied  Antioch,  Little  Flock,  Mt.  Carmel,  Zi- 
onHill  and  Ford;  M. Scarborough,  Bethel, Harmony 


418  HISTORY  OP  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

and  Friendship ;  A.  J.  Peddy,  Beulah;  B.  Duggan, 
Central  and  Oedron ;  J.  Sorrels,  Good  Hope;  W.  J. 
Atwood,  Kissatchie  and  Middle  Greek ;  A.  J.Watson, 
Prewett's  Chapel;  G.  W.  Harrell,  Sardis,  Spring 
Eidge  and  Union;  C.  McEimmon,  Shady  Grove;  B. 
F.  Brown,  Wallace.  New  Hope  appears  to  be  with- 
out a  supply.  Besides  these  ministers  there  were 
also  Z.  Oorley,  G.  W.  Stringer  and  Calvin  Hardin,  who 
preached  occasionally.  A.  J.  Peddy,  J.  Sorrels,  W. 
J.  Atwood  and  A.  J.  Weldon,  lived  in  Texas. 

The  association  recognized  and  approved  the  work 
of  the  State  Convention  in  the  following  resolution : 

^^  Resolved,  That  we  hail  with  pleasure  the  present 
plan  of  missionary  work  of  the  State  Convention, 
which  is  already  meeting  with  good  success,  and  that 
we  hereby  pledge  the  board  our  hearty  sympathy 
and  co-operation,  and  that  Elder  G.  W.  Hartsfield, 
the  present  evangelist  and  financial  agent  of  the 
board,  who  is  present  with  us,  be  cordially  invited  to 
present  the  claims  of  the  board  on  Sunday,  at  11 
A.  M." 

The  following  queries  were  considered  and  an- 
swered: 

"  1.  Is  it  right  for  Baptist  ministers  to  preach  the 
Gospel  on  funeral  occasions  ?  Answer.  It  is  right 
for  ministers  to  preach  the  Gospel  on  funeral  occa- 
sions, but  not  right  to  depart  from  the  Gospel  on  any 
occasion. 

"  2.  Is  foot-washing  a  Christian  duty,  to  be  per- 
formed in   church  capacity  ?    Answer.    We  believe 


CALCASIEU  ASSOCIATION.  419 

foot-washing  to  be  a  Christian  duty,  but  not  a  church 
ordinance ;  to  be  performed  as  often  as  it  suits  the 
feelings,  or  convenience  of  the  brethren. 

"3.  How  often  should  a  church  commune?  Ans. 
As  often  as  they  deem  proper." 

An  excellent  sermon  on  temperance,  by  Elder  G. 
W.  Harrell,  appears  in  the  minutes. 

THE    CALCASIEU   ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  is  situated  chiefly  in  the  Parish  from 
which  it  takes  its  name.  The  earlier  churches  in  this 
connection  were  gathered  by  ministers  of  the  old 
Louisiana  Association,  to  which  they  belonged.  Oth- 
ers belonged  to  the  Sabine  Association.  Their 
remote  situation  from  the  usual  meetings  of  these 
bodies,  made  it  inconvenient  to  attend  them,  and 
although  the  churches  were  few  and  feeble,  they  con- 
sidered it  best  to  unite  into  an  association  of  their 
own.  This  took  place  in  1860.  They  were  formed 
on  the  New  Hampshire  confession  of  faith.  My  first 
minute  of  this  body  is  of  1872. 

[1872.]  Met  with  Occupy  Church,  Eapides  Parish, 
September  16, 1872.  The  Introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  S.  Harper.  Elder  W.  M.  White  was  elected 
Moderator,  and  J.  M.  C.  Martin,  Clerk.  Seventeen 
churches  report  46  baptisms  and  332  members.  The 
following  is  the  report  on  the  state  of  the  churches : 
Shiloh  has  enjoyed  the  services  of  Elder  S.  Harper, 
and  is  in  a  revival  condition ;  Mt.  Zion,  not  repre- 


420  HISTORY  OF  LOtriBIANA  BAPTISTS. 

sented,  is  in  a  languishing  condition;  Antioch,hasuo 
supply,  and  is  in  peace;  Lake  Charles,  not  represent- 
ed; Mt.  Olive,  is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  J.  Hamil- 
ton ;  Smyrna,  is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  B.  J.  Ford ; 
Good  Hope,  supplied  by  S.Harper,  is  in  peace;  Hol- 
ly Springs,  is  at  peace,  supplied  by  J.  Sorrell;  Oc- 
cupy, is  supplied  by  J.  Hamilton ;  Laurel  Hill,  is  sup- 
plied by  S.  Harper,  at  peace  ;  Big  Hammock,  sup- 
plied by  E.W.  Moore,  is  in  peace;  Providence, sup- 
plied by  S.  Sorrell ;  Joppa,  supplied  by  B.  J.  Ford,  is 
at  peace;  Magnolia  and  Hepzibah,  supplied  by  Z.  S. 
Patterson ;  Union,  supplied  by  S.  Kone.  Only  one 
church  reports  a  Sabbath-school. 

[1873.]  Met  with  Smyrna  Church,  Bapides  Parish, 
September  20,1873.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Elder  S.  Hamilton.  Elder  B.  J.  Ford  was  elected 
M  oderator,  and  J.  L.  Martin,  Clerk.  Sixteen  churches 
report  41  baptisms  and  417  members.  Three  church- 
es were  not  represented.  Friendship,  Vernon  Par- 
ish, and  Bagdad,  Culcasieu  Parish,  were  received. 
Bethel  Church,  in  Calcasieu  Parish,  applied  for  ad- 
mission. The  Clerk  states  that  the  application  was 
rejected,  but  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the 
churches  says  it  was  received,  and  it  appears  in  the 
statistical  table. 

Ministerial  labor  was  distributed  as  follows:  S. 
Harper  supplied  Shiloh,  Friendship  No.  1  and  Friend- 
ship No.  2;  Elder  J.  Sorrell,  Magnolia,  Joppa  and 
Providence;  B.J.Ford,  Smyrna;  J.  Hamilton,  Mt. 


CALCASIEU  ASSOCIATION.  421 

Olive,  Occupy  and  Palestine ;  Z.  S.  Patterson,  Hep- 
zibah,  Union  and  Good  Hope ;  U.  W.  Jarrett,  Bag- 
dad ;  and  Jno.  E.  Allen,  Bethel. 

[1876.]  Met  with  Shiloh,  Calcasieu  Parish,  Septem- 
ber 23d,  1876.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Elder  Isaac  Hamilton,  who  was  afterwards  elected 
Moderator,  with  J.  M.  Dear  as  Clerk. 

The  following  churches  were  represented :  Smyr- 
na, Elder  B.  J.  Ford,  supply ;  Palestine,  Elder  Isaac 
Hamilton,  supply;  Occupy,  J.  E.  Duffy,  supply; 
Friendship,  J.  E.  Duffy,  supply;  Magnolia,  James 
Sorrells;  Brushy  Creek,  Z.  S.  Patterson;  Shiloh, 
Warren  Hamilton ;  Antioch,  B.  B,  Saxon  ;  Union,  S. 
Harper;  Big  Hammock,  J.  E.  Duff;  Providence, 
Warren  Hamilton ;  Good  Hope,  Z  S.  Patterson ; 
Chapel,  Z.  S.  Patterson ;  Bethel,  W.  Hamilton ;  Bag- 
dad, E.  F.  Fancher ;  Grand  Chenier,  E.  F.  Fancher ; 
Hepzibah  and  Mount  Olive,  not  represented,  and 
Friendship  Ko,  Ireported  dissolved.  These  churches 
report  87  baptisms  and  an  aggregate  membership  of 
516.  Eeports  were  adopted,  approving  missions, 
Sabbath-schools  and  temperance.  Four  churches, 
Smyrna,  Union,  Good  Hope  and  Bagdad,  maintained 
successful  Sabbath-schools.  Elder  E.  P.  FanQher^was 
employed  as  a  missionary. 

[1877.]  Met  with  Providence  Church,  Vernon 
Parish,  October  20th,  1877.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  John  E.  Allen.  Elder  Z.  S.  Pat- 
terson was  elected  Moderator,  and  J.  M.  Dear,  Clerk. 


422  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Fourteen  churches  report  70  baptisms  and  538  mem- 
bers. I  quote  from  the  Report  on  the  State  of  the 
Churches :  "  The  churches  of  Calcasieu  Association 
are  supplied,  with  few  exceptions.  Providence  is 
supplied  by  Elder  W.  Hamilton ;  Shiloh  is  at  peace, 
and  supplied,  by  Elder  W.  Hamilton;  Brushy  Creek 
is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  Elder  S.  Harper;  Good 
Hope  is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  Elder  Z.  S.  Patter- 
son, and  had  a  Sabbath-school  six  mouths;  Palestine 
is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  Elder  Isaac  Hamilton; 
Mt.  Olive  is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  Elder  I.  Ham- 
ilton ;  Bethel  No.  1  is  at  peace  and  supplied  by  Elder 
W.  Hamilton;  Union  is  at  peace  and  supplied  by 
Elder  S.  Harper;  Hepzibah  is  at  peace  and  supplied 
by  Elder  B.  B.  Saxon ;  Occupy  is  at  peace  and  sup- 
plied by  Elder  J.  E.  Duflf;  Johnson  Bayou,  Bethel, 
from  Louisiana  Association,  and  Pleasant  Hill  request 
admittance  into  our  body.  They  being  found  ortho- 
dox were  received.  Friendship  No.  2  dissolved. 
Magnolia,  Chapel,  Antioch,  Grand  Cheuier  and  Bag- 
dad not  represented." 

[1878.]  Met  with  Brushy  Creek  Church,  Calcasieu 
Parish,  September  24th,  1878.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  I.  Hamilton.  Elder  Z.  S.  Patter- 
son was  elected  Moderator,  and  J.  M.  Dear,  Clerk. 
Twelve  churches  report  31  baptisms  and  443  mem- 
bers. I  notice  the  presence  at  this  meeting  of  Elder 
A.  J.  Peddy,  who  had  recently  moved  into  this  re- 
gion. 


CALCASIEU  ASSOCIATION.  423 

[1879.]  Met  with  Palestine  Church,  Calcasieu 
Parish,  October  18th,  1879.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Isaac  Hamilton.  J.  M.  Dear  was 
elected  Moderator,  and  M.  V.  Johnson,  Clerk.  Nine- 
teen churches  report  45  baptisms  and  507  members. 
I  copy  the  report  on  the  state  of  the  churches : 
"  Good  Hope  and  Hepzibah  are  supplied  by  Z.  S. 
Patterson ;  Occupy  reports  a  Sabbath-school  in  suc- 
cessful operation ;  Bethel  No.  1  is  at  peace  and  re- 
ports a  Sabbath-school  and  prayer-meeting,  both 
supplied  by  Elder  W.  Hamilton ;  Bethel  No.  2  is  at 
peace  and  is  supplied  by  Elder  [W.  D.]  Godwin ; 
Magnolia,  supplied  by  Elder  J.  Sorrells;  Brushy 
Creek,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Smyrna,  supplied  by  S. 
Harper ;  Palestine,  at  peace,  and  supplied  by  Elder 
Isaac  Hamilton ;  Providence  is  in  a  prosperous  con- 
dition, supplied  by  Elder  B.  J.  Ford ;  Sugar  Town, 
just  added  to  the  association,  supplied  by  B.  J.  Ford, 
is  in  a  prosperous  condition ;  Johnson's  Bayou,  Mt. 
Olive,  Shiloh  and  Union,  not  supplied. 

[1880.]  Met  with  Mt.  Olive  Church,  Vernon  Par- 
ish, October  16th,  1880.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  Warren  Hamilton.  Elder  B.  J. 
Ford  was  elected  Moderator,  and  J.  M,  Dear,  Clerk. 
Twenty  churches  reported  74  baptisms  and  668  mem- 
ber?. The  churches  were  supplied  as  follows :  Isaac 
Hamilton  supplied  Palestine  and  Mt.  Olive ;  Warren 
Hamilton,  Occupy  and  Bethel  No.  1 ;  James  Sorrells, 
Shiloh,  Chapel,  Magnolia,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Mt.  Oar- 


424  HI8T0BY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPII8T  . 

mel ;  Z.  S.  Patterson,  Hepzibah ;  J.  Bennett,  John- 
son's Bayou,  S.  Harper,  Good  Hope ;  B.  J.  Ford, 
Smyrna,  Providence  and  Sugar  Town ;  S.  Lynch,  [S. 
Smith  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  connection]; 
A.  P.  Schofield,  Lake  Charles  ;  S.  Mallet,  Union. 

Elder  D.  H.  Willis  has  labored  as  a  missionary  of 
the  body,  and  his  labors  were  greatly  blessed.  Says 
the  report :  "  Under  the  providence  of  God  he  has 
largely  increased  the  interest  of  the  association  and 
has  labored  faithfully  and  fraternally  with  our 
churches.  But  the  field  has  been  so  large,  and  cir- 
cumstances so  difQcult  that  there  are  some  fields  he 
has  been  unable  to  reach.  We  deplore  the  want  of 
system  in  the  association,  in  the  management  of  her 
mission  work." 

There  being  felt  the  want  of  educational  facilities, 
a  committee  was  formed  to  report  to  the  next  as- 
sociation the  expediency  of  attempting  to  establish 
a  high  school  within  the  association,  and  if  the 
thought  expedient  to  report  plans  and  details  for 
action. 

VERNON  ASSOCIATION. 

This  body  is  situated  chiefly  in  the  Parish  of  Ver- 
non. I  have  received  no  minutes  of  this  associa- 
tion, but  I  learn  otherwise  that  it  was  established  in 
the  year  1871,  and  Elder  N".  H.  Bray  became  Moder- 
ator, and  continued  in  this  capacity  until  his  death 
in  1876.  I  have  no  means  to  ascbrtain  the  present 
state  of  the  body. 


VERNON   ASSOCIATION.  425 

I  have  also  received  a  minute  of  the  first  meeting  of 
Calcasieu  Union  Missionary  Baptist  Association,  which 
met  with  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Ohoates  Prairie,  Calcasieu 
Parish,  September  16th,  1880.  This  is  an  association 
of  colored  Baptists,  representing  six  churches,  four 
ministers  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine  members. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

STATE  CONVENTION. 

Feeling  the  necessity  for  more  united  action  on 
the  part  of  the  churches  and  individuals  in  the  great 
cause  of  education  and  missions,  an  informal  meet- 
ing was  held  in  Mt.  Lebanon  in  1847,  of  which  no 
minutes  were  kept.  But  the  following  year  a  num- 
ber of  brethren,  principally  belonging  to  Concord 
and  Eed  Eiver  Association's,  according  to  appoint- 
ment, met  for  deliberation  in  the  town  of  Mt.  Leb- 
anon on  the  first  Saturday  in  December,  1848.  After 
an  appropriate  sermon,  the  meeting  was  organized 
by  calling  Elder  James  Scarborough  to  the  chair,  and 
appointing  W.  W.  Crawford  Secretary.  Eesolutions 
were  passed  expressing  the  views  of  those  present  as 
to  the  necessity  for  union  and  co-operation  in  the 
great  work  of  sending  the  Gospel  to  the  destitute.  A 
constitution  and  rules  of  order  were  adopted,  and 
the  body  permanently  organized  under  the  name  of 
the  "  Baptist  State  Convention  of  North  Louisiana." 
This  awkward  name  of  the  body  continued  until  1853, 
when  the  word  North  was  stricken  out  by  a  resolu- 
tion of  the  Convention.  Rev.  James  Scarborough 
was  chosen  President,  Eev.  Obadiah  Dodson  and  J. 
Q.  Burnett,  Vice-Presidents ;  W.  W.  Crawford,  Ee- 
cording  Secretary;  W.  B.  Prothro,  Corresponding 
Secretary,  and  M.  Ardis,  Treasurer.    It  may  be  a* 


STATE   CONVENTION.  427 

matter  of  interest  to  the  denomination  to  know  the 
names  of  that  noble  band  of  brethren  who  laid  the 
foundation  of  what  has  since  grown  to  be  a  large 
and  efficient  organization.  The  following  persons 
appear  from  the  minutes  to  have  composed  the  body: 
George  W.  Bains,  Jas.  Scarborough,  A.  Dodson,  J. 
Q.  Burnett,  M.  Ardis,  W.  D.  B.  Bdins,  B.  Hardy,  T. 
D.  Pitts,  Jeremiah  Burnett,  B.  Egan,  W.  B.  Prothro, 
James  Oanfleld  and  Wm.  W.  Orawford.  After  ap- 
pointing an  Executive  Board,  the  Convention  ad- 
journed to  meet  at  Minden  on  the  13th  of  June,  1849. 

The  Executive  Board  met  on  the  6th  of  December, 
organized  and  took  steps  for  raising  funds. 

[  1849.]  At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Board  at 
the  house  of  Irvin  Scarborough,  in  Jackson  Parisli, 
March  17,  1849,  Elder  Obadiah  Dodson  was  ap- 
pointed to  labor  as  a  missionary  within  the  bounds 
of  the  Convention.  Elder  G.  W.  Bains  was  ap- 
pointed as  a  delegate  to  represent  the  Convention 
in  the  Triennial  Baptist  Convention,  which  met  that 
year  in  Kashville,  Tenn.  Thus  early  did  these 
devoted  brethren  show  their  faith  by  their  works. 

On  the  13th  of  June,  1849,  the  Convention  met 
with  the  church  at  Minden,  with  a  considerable  in- 
crease of  membership;  but  it  does  not  appear  that 
any  church  was  represented,  and  only  one  mission- 
ary society.  There  were  eleven  ministers  present. 
Eev.  G.  W.  Bains  was  elected  President,  and  W.  W. 
Orawford,  Eecording  Secretary.    A  financial  state- 


428  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

ment  shows  that  the  Convention  had  received 
$333.80,  leaving  a  balance  of  $180.80  in  the  hands  of 
the  Treasurer  after  paying  all  the  liabilities  of  the 
Convention.  The  reports  on  Foreign  and  Domestic 
Missions,  and  on  Education,  manifest  a  deep  interest 
in  those  subjects,  particularly  in  Domestic  Missions 
and  Ministerial  Education,  to  which  the  efforts  of  the 
Convention  were  principally  directed.  They  re- 
solved to  put  into  the  field  as  many  missionaries  as 
the  liberality  of  the  brethren  would  from  time  to 
time  allow.  In  regard  to  agencies,  it  was  thought 
best  to  employ  only  local  agents,  to  be  assisted  in 
their  labors  by  the  pastors  of  various  churches. 
They  thought  it  inexpedient  for  the  missionaries  to 
solicit  funds,  lest  they  might  neglect  the  more  im- 
portant work  of  preaching  the  Gospel.  Rev. 
Obadiah  Dodson  labored  six  months  during  the  year 
stS  a  missionary,  principally  in  the  parishes  of 
Bossier,  Claiborne  and  Bienville.  He  visited  136 
families  and  delivered  95  sermons  and  lectures.  He 
collected  for  the  Convention  $122.60.  I  suppose 
this  was  the  occasion  of  the  resolution  declaring  it 
inexpedient  for  the  missionaries  to  labor  to  collect 
funds  for  the  Convention.  I  can  see  no  good  reason 
why  missionaries  ought  not,  prudently,  and  on  proper 
occasions,  to  present  the  claims  of  missions  and  re- 
ceive such  sums  as  the  people  may  see  proper  to 
give.  Of  course  they  ought  not  to  make  themselves 
unpleasant  visitors  by  pressing  their  solicitations  in 


STATE    CONVENTION.  429 

judiciously.  From  the  facts  before  us  it  appears 
that  Mr.  Dodson  more  than  supported  himself  on 
the  field  of  labor,  besides,  no  doubt,  doing  much 
good  as  a  missionary.  And  there  is  scarcely  a  mis- 
sionary region  in  the  State,  but  would  do  something 
to  sustain  their  missionary,  to  whom  they  feel  under 
obligations  for  the  word  of  life,  provided  they  knew 
it  would  accrue  to  his  benefit.  Thus  a  spirit  of  giv- 
ing would  be  developed  in  each  field,  and  it  would 
sooner  become  self-sustaining. 

[1850.]  The  Convention  met  with  Mount  Zion 
Church,  Jackson  Parish,  June  15th,  1850.  The  In- 
troductory was  preached  by  Elder  William  B.  Lar- 
kin,  of  Union  Parish.  Eev.  E.  M.  Stell  was  chosen 
President,  and  J.  O.  Morris,  Eecording  Secretary. 
J.  J.  Meredith  had  been  employed  as  general  agent 
for  three  months.  James  Scarborough,  J.  Q.  Bur- 
nett, M.  S.  McDonald,  James  B  Paxton  and  J.  New- 
man were  appointed  missionaries  for  a  limited  time. 
H.  L.  Pettus  was  also  appointed  as  a  general  agent, 
and  E.  M.  Stell,  agent,  to  procure  denominational 
books.  If  these  brethren  performed  any  service 
under  this  appointment  of  the  Board,  no  reports  are 
published  in  the  minutes. 

[1851.]  The  third  annual  session  was  held  with 
Bartholomew  Church,  Ouachita  Parish,  July  19, 
1851.  At  this  meeting  there  was  only  five  churches, 
one  missionary  society  and  one  association  repre- 
sented.   The  rest  of  the  Convention  was  composed 


430  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

of  individual  members.  Eev.  E.  M.  Stell  was  chosen 
President,  and  W.  W.  Crawford,  Eecording  Secre- 
tary. From  the  report  of  the  executive  board,  I 
learn  that  they  had  in  the  field  a  part  of  the  time, 
James  Scarborough,  James  E.  Paxton  and  W.  H. 
Wyatt,  as  missionaries,  but  I  cannot  learn  from  the 
minutes  the  particular  district  within  which  they 
labored.  The  board  had  made  some  efforts  to  obtain 
the  services  of  an  efficient  agent,  but  without  effect, 
and  it  appears  that  the  attention  of  the  Convention 
was  directed  to  the  same  object.  The  committee  on 
Agencies  strongly  urged  the  importance  of  having  in 
the  field  an  able  and  energetic  man,  who  should  lay 
before  the  people  the  plans  and  purposes  of  the 
Convention.  The  committee  on  Domestic  Missions 
recommended  that  all  the  funds  in  the  treasury  be 
applied  to  this  purpose.  Several  strong  resolutions 
weje  passed  to  the  same  effect.  The  financial  report 
showed  that  the  funds  received  from  all  sources 
amounted  only  to  the  meager  sum  of  $192.55.  No 
wonder  they  felt  the  need  of  an  agent  to  explain  the 
objects  of  the  Convention,  and  arouse  the  brethren 
to  their  duty. 

[1852.]  The  Convention  assembled  with  the 
Church  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  July  16th,  1852.  Seventeen 
churches,  three  associations  and  twenty-two  individ- 
ual members  composed  the  body.  The  Mississippi 
State  Convention  was  also  represented.  Eev.  W. 
H.  Bayless  was  elected  President,  and  W.  W.  Craw- 
ford, Eecording  Secretary. 


STATE   CONVENTION.  431 

It  appears  that  up  to  this  time  Elder  James  Scar- 
borough had  labored  as  a  missionary  in  the  Parishes 
of  Bienville,  Jackson  and  Winn;  A.  J.  Eutherford 
in  the  Parishes  of  Caddo  and  DeSoto;  J.  E.  Paxton 
in  the  region  between  Black  Lake  Bayou  and  Red 
River,  and  M.  S.  McDonald  in  the  western  part  of 
Winn  Parish. 

Immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Conven- 
tion in  1851,  the  Executive  Board  appointed  Rev- 
W.  B.  Larkin  agent  of  the  Convention  in  the  field  of 
his  labors,  within  the  bounds  of  Concord  Associa- 
tion; and  at  a  subsequent  meeting  Rev.  J.  Q.  Bur- 
nett was  appointed  general  agent.  Rev.  Alexander 
Sutherland  was  employed  as  a  colporteur,  and  many 
useful  denominational  books  were  distributed  among 
the  people.  All  these  active  causes  no  doubt  con- 
tributed greatly  to  securing  a  larger  attendance  than 
usual. 

This  session  of  the  Convention  was  one  of  more 
than  usual  interest. 

The  committee  on  Foreign  Missions  thought  that 
the  most  effective  way  to  promote  this  branch  of 
missionary  labor,  would  be  to  spread  a  knowledge  of 
the  truth  among  the  churches  at  home,  and  that  by 
raising  the  standard  of  piety  at  home,  it  would  mani- 
fest itself  by  diffusing  its  sacred  principles  through- 
out the  whole  world.  The  committee  on  Domestic 
Missions  urged  the  necessity  for  more  vigorous  ex- 
ertions in  order  to  supply  the  great  destitution  of 


432  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

the  state.  The  committee  on  Agencies  recommended 
that  an  active  agent  be  continued  in  the  field. 

The  attention  of  the  Convention  was  directed  to 
the  religious  condition  of  the  colored  population, 
and  the  pastors  of  churches  were  earnestly  re- 
quested to  give  a  portion  of  each  Sabbath  to  ex- 
pounding the  word  to  the  blacks. 

The  report  of  the  general  agent  shows  that  he  had 
labored  in  that  capacity  eighty  days;  that  he  had 
travelled  1557  miles,  preached  sixty-three  sermons, 
delivered  eighteen  public  lectures,  and  collected 
$300  for  the  use  of  the  Convention.  This  amount  is 
really  very  small,  but  it  must  be  remembered  that 
as  yet  the  purposes  of  the  Convention  were  but  lit- 
tle understood  by  the  people,  and  even  looked  upon 
with  suspicion  by  many ;  besides,  the  brethren  were 
but  little  used  to  systematic  effort  in  the  promotion 
of  missions. 

The  report  of  the  colporteur  is  not  sufficiently 
definite  to  enable  us  to  ascertain  the  number  and 
kind  of  books  distributed,  except  fifty  copies  of  the 
Pious  Instructor,  donated  to  the  Convention  by  the 
author,  Eev.  E.  M.  Stell  The  importance  of  this 
branch  of  evangelical  labor  was  duly  considered^ 
and  the  Convention  resolved  to  keep  a  colporteur 
in  the  field.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  Conven- 
tion, for  several  years  past,  has  lost  sight  of  this 
effective  means  of  dispensing  Gospel  light.  Books 
are  uncomplaining  teachers  of  godliness,  who  never 


STATE    CONVENTION.  433 

weary  in  well  doing,  They  go  forth  upon  their  quiet 
mission  of  truth  ;  they  enter  the  low-roofed  cabins 
of  the  humble,  and  the  proud  mansions  of  the  great, 
without  respect  of  persons.  Without  the  shock  of 
aversion  on  the  one  had,  or  the  bow  of  obsequious- 
ness on  the  other,  they  are  quietly  installed  as  the 
pastors  and  teachers  of  the  domestic  circle.  Their 
companionship  is  sought  in  the  hour  of  contempla- 
tion, and  they  plant  the  seeds  of  truth  deep  in  the 
heart. 

At  this  session  of  the  Convention  the  foundation 
of  important  educational  interests  were  laid.  The 
Convention  deeply  felt  the  want  of  an  educated  min- 
istry, and  in  order  to  afford  young  ministers  the  nee* 
essary  facilities  at  home,  it  was  resolved  to  establish, 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Convention,  a  school  of 
high  order,  with  a  theological  department,  and  as 
auxilliary  to  that  object,  a  female  college.  After 
some  discussion  as  to  the  location  of  the  school,  Mt. 
Lebanon  was  agreed  upon.  Its  healthiness  and 
accessibility,  as  well  as  the  high  state  of  social  and 
moral  culture  among  its  citizens,  eminently  fitted  it 
for  the  purpose. 

The  Executive  Board,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
details  of  the  plan,  met  and  elected  a  Board  of  thir- 
teen Trustees,  and  appointed  Eev.  W.  H.  Bayless, 
agent,  to  solicit  donations  to  the  institution. 

As  I  design  to  devote  a  separate  chapter  to  Educa- 
tion, although  the  history  of  Mt.  Lebanon  Univer- 


434  HISTORY    Ol    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

sity  is  largely  the  history  of  the  Convention,  I  will 
confine  my  history  of  the  Convention  chiefly  to  the 
work  of  missionaries. 

The  proposed  publication  of  the  New  Orleans  Bap- 
tist Ohronicle,  was  the  subject  of  an  able  report,  which 
strongly  recommended  the  enterprise,  and  urged  the 
denomination  to  sustain  it.  The  financial  report 
shows  that  during  the  conventional  year  the  Treas- 
urer had  received  $629.63,  of  which  $215  remained  in 
the  Treasurer's  hands. 

[1853.]  Although  the  Convention  had  adjourned 
to  meet  at  Minden,  the  Executive  Board  thought  the 
interests  of  the  University  would  be  bestpromotedby 
.changing  the  meeting  to  Mount  Lebanon,  and  by  the 
advice  and  concurrence  of  the  Minden  Church,  the 
change  was  accordingly  made. 

The  Convention  met  on  the  15th  of  July,  composed 
of  delegates  from  twenty-six  churches,  and  four  as 
sociations,  with  forty  individual  members.  Eev.  W. 
H.  Bayless  was  chosen  President,  and  W.  E.  Faxton, 
Becording  Secretary. 

The  unusually  large  attendance  at  this  session  was, 
no  doubt,  owing  to  the  indefatigable  labors  of  Eev. 
J.  Q.  Prescott,  whose  services  as  general  agent  had 
been  secured  by  the  Board.  At  this  session  the 
name  of  the  Convention  was  changed.  It  had  been- 
organized  as  The  Baptist  State  Convention  of  North 
Louisiana,  But  this  title  seemed  to  limit  its  opera- 
tion to  a  particular  portion  of  the  State,  and  hence 
the  change. 


STATE    CONVENTION.  435 

Up  to  this  meeting  of  the  Convention  there  had 
been  two  missionaries  in  the  field :  Robert  Martin,  in 
the  northern  portion  of  Bossier  Parish,  and  James 
Scarborough,  who  labored  chiefly  in  Winn  and  that 
part  of  Natchitoches  lying  between  Old  Eiver  and 
the  Rigolet  de  Bon  Dieu.  Their  reports  show  that 
they  had  planted  three  churches,  which  were  regu- 
larly supplied  with  preaching,  and  they  had  baptized 
69  persons. 

Eev.  J.  Q.  Prescott,  the  General  Agent,  with  un- 
tiring industry,  had  traversed  all  the  Parishes  of 
North  Louisiana,  vindicating  the  claims  of  the  Con- 
vention in  public  and  private.  He  traveled  about 
four  thousand  miles,  collected  in  cash  the  sum  of 
$347.35,  and  obtained  subscriptions  to  the  amount  of 
$3,200,  to  be  paid  in  four  equal  annual  instalments. 

The  Agent  of  the  University,  Rev.  W.  H.  Bayless, 
believing  his  appointment  premature,  had  done  very 
little  in  his  department,  but  during  the  meeting  of  the 
Convention  books  were  opened  for  subscriptions 
to  the  Theological  Endowment  fund ;  and  althoug  hit 
was  late  in  the  session,  when  many  of  the  delegates 
and  friends  had  left  for  home,  the  sum  of  $5,280  was 
promptly  subscribed  by  those  present,  and  a  deep 
interest  was  manifested  in  the  cause  of  ministerial 
education.  A.  B.  George  was  appointed  agent  of  the 
University,  subject  to  be  discontinued  at  the  end 
of  three  months,  if  deemed  advisable  by  the 
■  Executive  Board. 


436  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

The  report  of  the  Treasurer  shows  a  disbursement 
during  the  conventional  year  of  $1,508.13. 

During  the  year  the  foundations  of  the  Mt.  Leba- 
non Female  College  were  laid,  under  the  management 
of  Mrs.  M.  D.  ijee. 

Immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Con- 
vention, the  Board  appointed  Eev.  Thomas  Arm- 
strong General  Agent  of  the  Convention,  for  six 
months,  but  as  I  find  no  report  from  him,  I  presume 
he  never  accepted.  The  following  missionaries  were 
appointed  :  N.  H,  Bray,  within  the  bounds  of  Sabine 
Association ;  James  Scarborough  and  Eobert  Martin, 
in  the  bounds  of  Eed  Eiver  Association,  and  E.  F. 
Fancher,  in  the  bounds  of  Concord  Association. 

[1854  ]  The  Convention  met  in  thfi  city  of  Shreve- 
port,  on  July  11th,  1854,  with  delegates  from  twenty 
churches  and  five  associations,  and  with  twenty-six 
individual  members.  Eev.  F.  Courtney  was  elected 
President,  and  Eev.  H,  Lee,  Eecording  Secretary. 
With  that  devotion  to  religious  liberty  which  has 
ever  characterized  the  Baptists,  the  Convention 
appointed  a  committee  to  memorialize  the  Senate 
and  Executive  of  the  United  States,  praying  them  to 
use  their  best  efforts  to  secure,  by  treaty  with  for- 
eign nations,  the  right  of  free  and  uninterrupted 
worship  to  our  citizens  sojourning  abroad.  The  me- 
morial was  respectfully  received,  and  we  have  reason 
to  believe  that,  in  connection  with  addresses  from 
other  Baptist  bodies,  it  has  had  its  influence  in  estab- 


STATE    CONVENTION.  437 

lishing  the  settled  policy  of  our  Government  to  pre- 
serve, as  far  as  possible,  religious  freedom  to  our 
citizens  in  foreign  countries. 

Two  missionaries  were  put  in  the  field :  James 
Scarborough,  in  the  Parishes  of  Union  and  Natchi- 
toches, and  I.  K.  McAlister,  in  the  Parishes  of  Sabine, 
Eapides  and  Calcasieu. 

•  The  results  of  missionary  labors  during  the  year, 
were  very  satisfactory.  They  report  82  baptisms,  five 
churches,  nine  Sunday-schools  and  a  temperance 
society  organized,  and  three  houses  erected  for 
Baptist  worship. 

From  the  colporteur's  report  we  learn  that  about 
$400  worth  of  denominational  books  had  been  dis-' 
tributed.    Upwards  of  $1,600  had  been  expended  in 
the   missionary  work  of  the  Convention,  including 
the  colportage. 

[1855.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  Mt.  Zion 
Church,  Jackson  Parish,  July  13, 1855.  It  was  com- 
posed of  missionaries  from  34  churches  and  four 
associations,  and  46  individual  members.  Deacon 
P.  W.  Bledsoe  was  chosen  President,  and  Eev.  H. 
Lee,  Eecording  Secretary. 

Although  it  appears  there  was  a  colporteur  in  the 
field,  in  whose  hands  the  book  agent  had  placed  all 
the  books  on  hand,  he  made  no  report,  and  I  have 
no  means  of  knowing  the  amount  of  books  distrib- 
uted by  him.  A  few  books  had  been  deposited  with 
the  Mt.  Lebanon  Book  Association,  and  a  part  of 


438  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

them  sold.  The  report  of  the  book  agent  is  too 
indefinite  to  form  any  idea  of  the  condition  of  this 
department.  But  it  is  sufficiently  evident  that  the 
Convention  had  not  paid  that  attention  to  this  branch 
of  evangelical  labor  which  its  importance  demands. 
The  book  agent  resigned,  and  no  new  appointment 
was  made.  After  distributing  the  amount  of  books 
in  the  colporteur's  hands,  no  effort  has  since  been 
made  by  the  Convention,  to  supply  the  crying  wants 
of  the  people  for  religious  books.  But  this  lack 
of  service  has  been  partly  supplied  by  private 
enterprise. 

The  reports  of  the  missionaries  were  not  published 
*in  the  minutes,  so  that  I  cannot  learn  the  result  of 
their  labors,  but  the  committee  on  Domestic  Mis- 
sions, who  had  examined  them,  state  that  James  Scar- 
borough, I.  K.  McAlister  and  Samuel  Lacy  had 
labored  in  a  very  destitute  region,  between  Eed  and 
Sabine  Eivers. 

The  subject  of  Bible  revision  received  the  atten- 
tion of  the  body.  The  principle  that  the  Bible  ought 
to  be  faithfully  translated  into  all  languages  was 
recognized,  and  the  efforts  of  the  American  Bible 
Union  to  secure  a  purer  version  of  the  English 
Scriptures,  were  strongly  commended. 

The  Treasurer's  report  shows  the  receipts  of  the 
conventional  year  to  have  been  only  $502.78. 

[1866.]  On  the  31st  of  October,  1856,  the  Conven- 
tion met  with  the  Evergreen  Church,  DeSoto  Parish, 


STATE    CONVENTION.  439 

composed  of  missionaries  from  20  churches  and 
three  associations,  with  five  individual  members. 

Deacon  T.  W.  Bledsoe  was  re-elected  President, 
and  H.  Lee  as  Eecording  Secretary. 

Elder  W.E.  Tippett  had  labored  as  missionary  in 
the  region  between  Black  Lake  Bayou  and  Red  River 
231  days,  baptized  17,  left  three  candidates  for  bap- 
tism, and  constituted  two  churches.  After  the  consti- 
tution of  those  churches  three  persons  were  baptized 
into  one  of  them,  and  seven  into  the  other. 

L  D.  McAlister  labored  93  days  in  the  country  west 
of  the  Red  River,  baptized  10,  and  received  nine 
by  letter. 

The  amount  of  contributions  for  missionary  pur- 
poses, from  all  sources,  amounted  to  $1,285.98. 

[1857.]  The  Convention  met  at  Mt.  Ltjbanon,  July 
3, 1857.  There  were  present  missionaries  from  30 
churches  and  one  missionary  society,  with  nine 
individual   members. 

Up  to  the  meeting  of  the  Convention  there  had 
been  two  missionaries  in  the  field :  1.  N.  McAlister, 
in  the  Parish  of  Sabine,  and  N.  M.  Davis,  in  the  Oua- 
chita country.  They  report  4  baptisms,  one  received 
for  baptism,  one  received  by  letter,  and  one  ordina- 
tion to  the  ministry. 

Jt  appears  from  the  Treasurer's  report  that  $402.77 
had  been  expended  for  missionary  purposes,  leaving 
a  balance  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  $1,082.82. 

[1858.]    The  Tenth  Annual  Session  met  with  the 


440  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Bayou  DeGlaize  Church,  Avoyelles  Parish,  begin- 
ning July  2, 1858.  Twenty-three  churches,  five  asso- 
ciations, and  one  missionary  society,  were  repre- 
sented. Rev.  Jesse  Hartwell^  D.  D.,  was  chosen 
President,  and  W.  E.  Paxton,  Recording  Secretary. 
A.  committee  was  appointed  to  report  upon  the  state 
of  the  Baptist  cause  in  New  Orleans.  From  their 
able.report  I  have  elsewhere  quoted  extensively.  A 
like  committee  reported  upon  the  state  of  the  Afcta- 
kapas  country,  which  shows  a  very  great  destitution. 
Encouragement  was  given  to  the  movement  to 
establish  in  New  Orleans  a  Baptist  Book  and  Publi- 
cation Society.  Able  reports  were  presented  on 
Education,  Missionaries  and  Sunday-schools.  The 
following  missionaries  were  employed  by  the  Board : 
I.  N.  McAlister,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Sabine  Asso- 
ciation ;  N.  M.  Davis,  in  the  Ouachita  region,  and 
William  Phillips,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Bayou  Macon 
Association.  Of  these  only  the  labors  of  N.  M. 
Davis  are  reported.  During  the  year  he  baptized  38, 
constituted  four  churches,  and  assisted  in  the  ordi- 
nation of  one  minister  and  four  deacons.  The  Treas- 
urer's report  shows  the  receipts  for  the  conventional 
year  $1,768.56,  and  disbursements  $1,168.96;  balance, 
$599.59. 

[1859.]  The  Convention  met  at  Oheneyville,  July  1, 
1859.  Sixteen  churches  and  three  associations  were 
represented,  with  two  individual  members.  Rev. 
Jesse  Hartwell,  D,  D.,  was  chosen  President,  and 
Rev.  John  Q.  Prescott,  Recording  Secretary. 


STATE    CONVENTION.  441 

A  special  oommlttee  was  appointed  to  report  some 
plan  for  raising  the  funds  necessary  to  carry  on  the 
missionary  work  of  the  Convention.  The  committee 
presented  the  following  resolutions,  which  were 
adopted ; 

"  Resolved,  That  in  accordance  with  the  resolution 
reported  by  the  committee  on  Domestic  Missions, 
submitted  to.  us,  we  appoint,  through  the  Executive 
Board,  an  agent  or  agents,  to  operate  on  the  five- 
year  plan,  as  adopted  last  year. 

"2.  That  such  agent  or  agents  be  instructed,  as 
far  as  possible,  to  visit  the  associations  and  the 
churches  of  the  State  and  present  these  claims,  and 
ask  the  privilege  of  taking  collections  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

"3.  That  we  recommend  that  each  church,  repres- 
ented in  this  Convention,  appoint  as  an  agent  any  of 
its  members  to  urge  the  claims  at  home,  and  collect 
and  forward  to  the  treasurer  or  by  the  hands  of  the 
Convention  agent. 

"  4.  That  we  recommend  the  adoption  of  family 
mission  boxes,  to  be  urged  by  some  local  agent,  or 
the  elders  of  the  church." 

The  committee  on  Foreign  Missions  recommend 
that  a  Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions  be  appointed 
to  exercise  a  general  supervision  over  the  work  in 
the  State,  and  that  the  churches  be  recommended  to 
observe  the  monthly  concert  of  prayer  for  Foreign 
Missions. 

The     Treasurer's    report    shows    disbursements, 


29 


442  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

$677.34,  and  a  balance  of  $216.85  unexpended.  N. 
M,  Davis  and  Wm.  Phillips  continued  to  labor  in  the 
same  field  which  they  occupied  last  year. 

[I860.]  The  Convention  met  atMt.  Lebanon,  June 
29th,  1860.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Dr. 
F.  Courtney.  Eev.  W.  Carey  Crane,  D.  D.,  was 
chosen  President,  and  Rev.  J.  Q.  Prescott,  Record- 
ing Secretary.  Twenty-five  churches,  two  associa- 
tions and  one  missionary  society  were  represented, 
with  fifteen  individual  members.  The  subject  of 
Foreign  Missions  received  due  attention.  The  Treas- 
urer's report  shows  that  $171.20  had  been  sent  to 
the  Foreign  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention,  and  during  the  session,  and  sent  up  by 
the  churches,  the  sum  of  $215.65  was  added.  The 
subject  of  Indian  Missions  was  considered,  but  no  con- 
tributions were  made.  Sabbath-schools  were  made 
the  subject  of  a  report — "  only  this  and  nothing 
more." 

At  the  request  of  W,  E.  Paxton,  the  Convention 
took  a  recess  for  the  purpose  V)f  allowing  the  forma- 
tion of  a  Baptist  Historical  Society,  with  a  view  to 
preserving  the  history  of  the  denomination  in  the 
State.  Dr.  Crane  was  elected  President;  Dr.  Court- 
ney, Vice-President;  W.  E.  Paxton,  Corresponding 
Secretary;  Kev.  John  Q.  Prescott,  Recording  Secre- 
tary, and  Prof.  J.  A.  Simmons,  Librarian. 

In  the  field  of  Domestic  Missions  considerable 
activity  was  manifested.    Rev.  N.  H.  Bray  had  been 


STATE    CONVENTION.  443 

appointed  general  agent,  who  engaged  in  the  work 
with  his  usual  zeal  and  energy.  A  Ithough  interrupted 
somewhat  by  sickness  in  his  family,  he  made  a  thor- 
ough canvass  of  Grand  Cane  Association,  and  the 
Parishes  of  Eapides,  Avoyelles,  St.  Landry  and  Cal- 
casieu. He  also  visited  New  Orleans,  Baton  Eouge 
and  Alexandria.  He  was  in  the  field  seven  months, 
travelled  3,000  miles,  and  raised  in  cash  and  subscrip- 
tions the  sum  of  $6,563.50.  Wm.  Phillips  continued 
to  labor  in  the  Bayou  Macon  country.  F.  W.  Glod- 
felt  also  labored  as  missionary  and  colporteur,  to 
the  German  population  in  Kew  Orleans. 

W.  H.  F.  Edwards  was  appointed  missionary  for  the 
Attakapas  country,  but  owing  to  sicknebs  in  his 
family  he  was  compelled  to  decline,  and  no  suitable 
man  could  be  obtained  to  take  the  place.  The  labors 
of  Wm.  Phillips  were  attended  with  considerable 
success. 

During  the  session  Eev.  W.  C.  Crane,  D.  D.,  de- 
livered an  address  on  the  "Life  and  Character  of 
Eev.  Jesse  Hartwell,  D.  D.,  late  President  of  Mount 
Lebanon  University. 

[186L]  The  Convention  met  with  Bayou  Eouge 
Church,  Avoyelles  Parish,  July  5th,  1861.  The  intro- 
ductory was  preached  by  Eev.  N.  H.  Bray.  Twelve 
churches  and  five  associations  were  represented, 
with  three  individual  members.  Eev.  W.  C.  Crane, 
D.  D.,  was  chosen  President,  and  John  Q  Prescott, 
Eecordihg  Secretary. 


444  HISTORY    OP    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

The  disturbance  of  the  country  on  account  of  the 
civil  war,  greatly  retarded  the  work  of  the  Conven- 
tion. The  General  Agent  continued  in  the  field  only 
two  months.  During  this  time  he  took  subscriptions 
amounting  to  $2,060.  But  little  cash  was  collected, 
even  on  the  last  year's  subscriptions,  and  the  coun- 
try Jjecame  so  disturbed  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
subscriptions  taken  were  lost. 

The  Convention  interested  itself  in  Colportage, 
especially  in  reference  to  the  Confederate  army ;  and 
a  fund  of  six  or  seven  hundred  dollars  was  sub- 
scribed as  a  basis  of  the  work. 

A  liberal  subscription  was  also  made  for  the  bene- 
fit  of  the  young  ministers  studying  in  Mt.  Lebanon 
University. 

The  Treasurer's  report  shows  the  following  re- 
ceipts for  the  conventional  year,  which  does  not  em- 
brace the  meeting  of  the  Convention :  Domestic 
Missions,  $1,448.14;  Foreign  Missions,  $436.80;  Min- 
isterial Education,  $119.15.  The  Finance  Report 
shows  receipts  during  the  Convention  for  various 
purposes,  $369.50. 

The  Convention  had  three  missionaries  in  the  field 
during  the  year  ;  one  in  Bayou  Macon  Association; 
one  in  New  Orleans,  and  one  in  Monroe.  Carroll 
Clark  labored  in  Bayou  Macon  Association.  He  re- 
ports an  increased  religious  feeling  and  a  fair  pros- 
pact  of  future  good  results  in  this  field— a  disposi- 
tion to  erect  more  suitable  houses  of  worship— more 


STATE    CONVENTION.  440 

general  attendance  upon  public  worship,  but  few  it 
any  accessions  to  the  church.  Eev.  P.  W.  Glodfelt, 
of  New  Orleans,  had  been  zealously  engaged  distri- 
buting religious  books  and  tracts.  He  aided  in 
maintaining  two  Sabbath-schools,  visited  numerous 
families,  talked  and  prayed  with  them,  endeavoring 
to  impress  religious  truths.  He  represents  his  field 
as  a  rough  one,  and  he  has  had  few  seals  to  hi»  min- 
istry. Eev.  John  A.  McGuire,  of  Ouachita,  was 
eminently  Wessed  in  his  labors  through  the  year. 
He  reports  many  accessions  to  the  church,  and  an 
increased  interest  in  the  subject  of  religion.  "The 
small  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars,"  remarks  the  Cor- 
responding Secretary,  "  appj?opriated  to  his  support, 
could  not,  it  seems,  have  been  more  profitably  ex- 
pended." 

[1862.]  The  Convention  met  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  July 
4,  1862.  Twelve  churches  and  three  associations 
were  represented,  with  one  individual  member.  The 
introductory  was  preached  by  Eev.  W.  Carey  Crane, 
D.D.,  who  was  afterward  elected  President,  with  J. 
N.  Shepherd,  Eecording  Secretary. 

The  great  and  absorbing  theme  that  engaged  the 
public  mind,  was  tile  existing  war.  The  Convention 
participated  in  the  general  feeling,  and  a  committee 
on  the  State  of  the  Country.,  of  which  Dr.  Courtney 
was  chairman,  made  the  following  report: 

"  The  experience  of  the  past  year  has  served  only 
to  fasten  the  conviction,  that  the  cause  for  which  the 


446  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

OoDfederate  States  is  struggling  is  jast;  that  the 
existence  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  and  the 
perpetuation  of  institutions  established  by  God  him- 
self, depends  upon  our  success. 

"  Conjectures  have  given  way  to  startling  realities, 
and  probabilities  have  been  lost  in  the  fearful  facts 
which  have  crowded  upon  us.  Our  sons  have  been 
slain,  our  fathers  and  brothers  have  been  impover- 
ished, our  ministers  have  beee  threatened  and 
silenced,  and  our  mothers,  wives,  sisters  and  daught- 
ers, have  been  most  brutally  insulted. 

"  In  humble  dependence  on  our  God,  we,  the 
Louisiana  Baptist  State  Convention,  do  resolve : 

"1.  That  the  cause  for  which  our  countiy  is  battling 
is  just;  that  we  contend  as  well  for  religious  as  for 
civil  freedom,  and  we  therefore  confidently  approach 
the  Throne  of  Grace,  seeliing  the  aid  of  our  God  in 
our  struggle. 

"  2.  That  we  have  unaltered  and  unalterable  confi- 
dence in  the  final  success  of  the  South. 

"3.  That  our  want  of  proper  dependence  on  God, 
as  well  as  ojir  actual  sins  against  Him,  have  occa- 
sioned the  reverses  which  ha-'e,  from  time  to  time, 
come  upon  us. 

"4.  That  we  offer  to  God  the  gratitude  of  our 
hearts  for  the  victories  with  which  he  has  blessed 
us,  and  will  continue  our  prayers  to  him  for  his  guid- 
ance, and  for  his  interposition  in  «nr  behalf. 

"6.  That  we  recognize  the  chastening  rod  of  a 
kind  Father  in  our  reverses,  and  will  bow  ourselves 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God. 

"  6.  That  we  will  strive  against  the  bitter  and  un- 
hallowed spirit,  which  the  unheard  of  cruelties  of 
our  enemies  are  so  well  calculated  to  engender. 


STATE   CONVENTION.  447 

"  7.  That  we  will  tender  the  hand  of  relief  as  well 
as  the  word  of  comfort,  to  the  wounded  and  sick  in 
our  army,  and  contribute  in  every  way  in  our  power 
to  the  succor  and  comfort  of  the  fugitives  among  our 
friends  and  brethren  from  the  hands  of  the  op- 
pressor." 

The  report  on  Domestic  Missions  says : 

"The  prostrate  condition  of  the  finances  o-f  our 
country,  the  interruption  to  the  various  channels  of 
communication — the  necessities  of  our  armies  en- 
gaged in  fighting  for  our  liberties — and  the  occupa- 
tion of  a  large  portion  of  our  territory  by  the  enemy, 
have  all  forbidden  operations  in  domestic  missions 
*  *  *  We  are  pleased  to  learn  that  some  associations 
have  been  able  to  maintain  a  missionary,  and  among 
them  is  the  Louisiana  Association,  which  sustains  an 
eflficient  missionary  in  the  person  of  Elder  W.  M. 
Fancher." 

[1863.]  Met  with  Mt.  Zion  Church,  Bossier  Parisb, 
July  3,  1863.  The  introductory  was  preached  by 
Eev.  W.  N.  Crawford.  Fourteen  churches  and  one 
association,  with  two  individual  members.  Rev.  W. 
H.  Bayless  was  elected  President,  and  J.  N.  Shep- 
herd, Recording  Secretary.  The  usual  formal  re- 
ports were  made.-  The  education  of  the  indigent 
children  of  deceased  Confederate  soldiers  excited 
considerable  interest,  and  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  devise  a  plan  for  carrying  out  this  benev- 
olent purpose. 

The  distribution  of  religious  literature  among  the 


448  HISTORY    OP    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

soldiers  had  engaged  the  attention  of  the  Conven- 
tion for  two  years,  and  a  considerable  fund  had  ac- 
cumulated in  the  treasury  for  this  purpose.  But 
there  was  great  diflculty  in  obtaining  books  and 
tracts.  A  committee  recommended  that  steps  be 
taken  to  have  tracts  published,  and  brethren  were 
called  upon  to  write  tracts  for  this  purpose.  But 
printing  material  had  become  too  scarce  to  render 
this  practicable,  and  nothing  was  done, 

The  committee  on  Domestic  Missions  were  of  opin- 
ion that  the  efforts  in  that  respect  should  be  directed 
to  the  army,  and  steps  were  taken  to  raise  funds  to 
send  missionaries  among  the  soldiers. 

[1864,]  The  Convention  met  with  Evergreen 
Church,  DeSoto  Parish,  July  1, 1864.  The  introduc- 
tory was  preached  by  Eev.  W.  N.  Crawford.  Four- 
teen churches  were  represented,  and  one  associa- 
tion, with  one  individual  member.  Judge  T.  W. 
Bledsoe  was  chosen  President,  and  W.  F.  Wells,  Ee- 
cording  Secretary.  Eev.  W.  H.  Bayless  was  ap- 
pointed and  labored  some  time  as  a  missionary  in 
the  army,  but  resigned  and  removed  to  Texas.  It 
was  resolved  that  this  Convention  co-operate  with 
the  Eastern  Texas  General  Association  in  sustaining 
a  missionary  to  labor  in  conjunction  with  Bro.  H.  F. 
Buckner,  among  the  Creek  Indians,  but  nothing 
more  was  done. 

The  committee  appointed  in  1863  to  devise  a  plan 
to  provide  for  the  education  of  indigent  orphans  of 


State  convention.  449 

deceased  soldiers,  reported  that  nothing  had  been 
done  in  consequence  of  the  disturbed  state  of  the 
country. 

[1865.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  Fellowship 
Church,  Bienville  Parish,  September  1,  1865.  The 
introductory  was  preached  by  Elder  Gr.  W.  Harts- 
field.  Twelve  churches  and  two  associations  were 
represented,  with  two  individual  members.  Judge 
T.  W.  Bledsoe  was  re-elected  President,  and  W.  F. 
Wells,  Eecording  Secretary.  Immediately  after  the 
adjournment  of  the  Convention  in  1864,  the  board 
appointed  Eev.  W.  M.  Fancher  and  Eev.  G,  W. 
Hartsfleld  to  labor  as  missionaries  among  the  sol- 
diers in  the  Trans-Mississippi  department.  The  lat- 
ter declined,  but  the  former  entered  upon  his  duties 
and  labored  for  some  time,  but  made  no  report  of 
the  results.  The  Eev.  H.  F.  Buckner,  missionary 
among  the  Creek  Indians,  was  authorized  to  employ 
one  of  several  brethren  then  in  the  Indian  Territory, 
to  assist  him,  at  the  expense  of  the  board. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  board,  Eev.  H. 
Parnell  was  appointed  a  missionary  to  the  army  in 
the  place  of  Bro.  Hartsfleld.  This  brother  entered 
zealously  upon  this  work,  and  labored  several 
months  very  efficiently. 

At  a  meeting  held  August  24, 1864,  the  board  were 
met  by  Eev.  E.  L.  Compere,  agent  of  the  Domestic 
Mission  Board,  Marion,  Ala.,  tendering  liberal  assist- 
ance to  this  board ;   but  owing  to  the  difBculties  at- 


450  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

tending  the  transportation  of  all  articles  across  the 
Mississippi,  this  proffered  assistance  was  never  re- 
ceived.  S.  C.  Lee  was  also  appointed  as  a  mission- 
ary to  the  army,  but  declined. 

March  29,  1866,  the  board  was  visited  by  Eev.  J. 
B.  Link,  agent  of  the  Domestic  and  Indian  Mission 
Board,  at  Marion,  Ala.,  for  the  Trans-Mississippi  de- 
partment, who  proposed  to  act  in  conjunction  with 
the  board,  in  the  collection  and  disbursement  of 
funds  entrusted  to  him,  and  in  securing  and  appoint- 
ing missionaries.  This  proposition  was  accepted, 
but  owing  to  the  speedy  collapse  of  the  Confederate 
cause,  nothing  was  done. 

The  Convention  took  appropriate  notice  of  the 
recent  death  of  Daniel  O'Quin  and  Baynard  C.  Rob- 
ert. Of  the  latter  a  sketch  appears  in  the  proper 
place. 

Elder  Daniel  O'Quin  died  at  his  residence  in  Winn 
Parish,  February  8,  1865,  aged  65  years.  He  was 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  Union  Baptist  Church, 
Pike  County,  Miss.,  about  the  year  1827.  He  was 
ordained  a  deacon  soon  after,  an  office  he  filled  until 
he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry.  He  preached  his 
last  sermon  the  third  Sabbath  in  January,  1865. 

The  altered  condition  of  the  blacks  was  a  source 
of  solicitude  to  the  Convention.  Some  favored  their 
immediate  evangelization,  the  establishment  of  Sun- 
day-schools among,  and  an  earnest  effort  to  improve 
their  spiritual  condition.    Others  were  not  prepared 


STATE    CONVENTION.  451 

for  this,  and  a  report  on  the  subject  recom- 
mending this  policy  was  strongly  opposed.  The 
chairman  finally  withdrew  the  report,  and  offered  the 
following,  which  was  adopted, 

"  Your  committee  on  the  instruction  of  the  colored 
population,  respectfully  submit  the  following  reso- 
lution for  adoption : 

^^  Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  present  and  pros- 
pective condition  of  the  colored  population,  we  rec- 
ommend that  special  attention  be  paid  to  preaching 
the  Gospel  to  them." 

[1866.]  Met  with  Mt.  Lebanon  Church,  Bienville 
Parish,  June  29,  1866.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Elder  F.  Gourtney.  Fifteen  churches 
and  two  associations,  with  two  individual  members. 
Judge  T.  W.  Bledsoe  was  elected  President,  and  W. 
F.  "Wells,  Eecording  Secretary. 

The  education  of  the  indigent  orphans  of  deceased 
soldiers  came  again  before  the  body.  The  obligation 
to  provide  for  them  was  strongly  expressed,  and  an 
able  committee  presented  an  excellent  plan,  but  the 
energies  of  the  people  were  so  completely  paralyzed 
by  the  results  of  the  war,  that  nothing  was  done. 
Two  subjects  principally  engrossed  the  attention  of 
the  Convention :  the  reorganization  of  Mt.  Lebanon 
University  and  the  evangelization  of  the  blacks. 
The  first  will  be  noticed  when  I  take  up  the  history 
of  the  University.  The  latter  subject  came  up  in 
connection  with  the  report  on  Domestic  Missions,  in 
which  occurs  the  following  language- 


452  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

"  Christianity  and  humanity  both  demand  that  we 
should  not  follow  the  dictates  of  unhallowed  preju- 
dice, but  that  we  should  calmly  and  in  the  spirit  of 
Christianity,  study  the  interests  of  the  colored  pop- 
ulation. Your  committee  believe,  unhesitatingly, 
that  it  is  our  duty,  as  Baptists,  to  assist  them  in  ac- 
quiring a  correct  knowledge  of  the  Bible,  in  order 
that  their  notions  of  human  depravity,  of  salvation 
by  grace,  of  the  ordinances  of  the  New  Testament, 
church  government  and  all  scriptural  truths,  may  be 
correct.  While  we  are  conscious  that  they  are  not 
equal  in  intellect  to  our  race,  we  feel  that  it  is  our 
duty  to  do  all  we  can  to  enlighten  them,  to  improve 
the  standard  of  morals  among  them,  believing  that 
in  all  this  we  will  be  conferring  a  benefit  upon  them 
and  upon  ourselves. 

^^  Noticing  that  a  few  of  the  churches  have  established 
Sabbath-schools  for  them,  we  feel  encouraged  to  urge 
the  churches  generally  to  do  likewise,  believing  that  it  is 
a  move  in  the  right  direction.^' 

The  discussion  arose  in  connection  with  that  part 
of  the  report  which  I  have  put  in  italics,  which  was 
presented  as  an  amendment  to  the  original  report. 
The  Secretary  has  preserved  the  substance  of  the  re- 
marks of  the  leading  speakers,  which  I  copy  here  as 
a  part  of  the  history  of  the  matter. 

"  Bro.  Hartsfleld  advocated  the  adoption  of  this 
amendment  in  a  few  warm  and  feeling  remarks.  He 
urged  the  importance  of  instructing  the  negroes. 
They  were  in  our  midst,  and  would  come  in  contact 
with  our  children,  and  would  have  an  influence, 
either  good  or  bad.    They  are  said  to  be  an  ignorant. 


STATE   CONVENTION.  453 

lying,  thieving  race,  and  that  it  is  degrading  to  teach 
them.  If  so  vile,  the  more  important  that  they 
should  be  taught.  That  it  is  degrading,  he  did  not 
stop  to  consider ;  Christ  did  not  command  him  sim- 
ply to  preach  the  Gospel  to  the  white  man  only,  or 
the  red  man,  or  the  black  man,  but  '  go  ye  into  all 
the  world  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.' 
The  negroes  look  for  this  Convention  to  do  some- 
thing for  them.  And  what  shall  be  the  effect  when 
we  return  to  them  and  tell  them  this  Convention  has 
voted  down  this  recommendation'?  So  far  as  he  was 
concerned,  he  expected  to  do  all  he  could  for  them 
anyway.  He  felt  it  to  be  his  duty,  and  God  helping 
him,  he  would  perform  it. 

"  Elder  F.  Courtney  said :  The  remarks  of  Bro. 
Hartsfleld  were  appropriate.  The  moral  character 
of  Ihe  negro  was  considered  bad,  and  so  long  as  it 
remained,  so  the  idea  that  it  is  degrading  to  teach 
them,  would  continue.  This  prejudice  ought  to  be 
removed. 

"  Elder  W.  E.  Paxton  said  it  cannot  be  denied  that 
there  is  a  prejudice  existing  in  regard  to  this  matter 
which  ought  to  be  removed.  The  negroes  are  in  our 
midst,  and  in  order  to  save  our  children  from  the 
degrading  influence  of  their  vices  we  must  raise  their 
standard  of  morality.  We  must  instruct  them  and 
raise  them  up  to  us  or  they  will  drag  us  down  to 
them.  Many  would  engage  in  this  work  but  for  the 
prejudice  that  jBxists.  He  wanted  the  moral  force  of 
the  Convention  to  encourage  them,  so  that  they  may 
not  be  frowned  down.  The  negroes  now  stand  in  a 
different  relation.  Once  they  could  be  controlled  by 
physical  force;  but  now  only  by  moral  restraint.  Ko 
Christian  can  refuse  to  impart  to  them  moral  instrac- 


454  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

tion.  Dark  thought  they  be,  they  have  souls  to  suf- 
fer or  rejoice.  We  cannot  shrink  from  the  respons- 
ibility. 

"  Elder  A.  S.  Worrell  said  he  was  opposed  to  any- 
thing that  smacks  of  political  design,  which  he  was 
afraid  this  recommendation  would  be  construed  to 
mean.  He  was  not  in  favor  of  doing  things  preju- 
dicial to  the  interests  of  our  orphan  children.  They 
have  first  claims  upon  u~.  Yet,  so  far  as  he  was  con- 
cerned, he  was  not  afraid  to  give  religious  instruc- 
tion to  the  negro.  He  thought  he  would  instruct  a 
class  every  Sunday  evening,  if  the  pastor  would  give 
him  the  use  of  the  church.  He  did  not  regard  the 
prejudice  that  might  exist,  when  it  conflicted  with 
anything  which  he  felt  to  be  his  religious  duty  to 
perform.  He  hoped  the  amendment  would  be 
adopted. 

"  Elder  J.  M.  Hart  said  the  blacks  looked  for  some 
action  by  the  Convention  towards  their  instruction 
in  some  way.  He  thought  some  steps  should  be 
taken  in  that  direction. 

"  Bro.  L.  J.  Phillips  made  a  few  remarks  corrobor- 
ative of  the  statement  of  brother  Hart,  and  urged  the 
adoption  of  the  amendment. 

"  Elder  W.  W,  Crawford  said :  We  are  not  only 
under  moral  obligation  to  the  blacks  to  instruct 
them,  but  we  owe  it  to  our  children,  with  whom  it  is 
impossible  to  prevent  contact  daily.  If  we  do  not 
educate  them,  others  from  the  North  will,  who  will 
instill  into  them  principles  wholly  different  from  our 
own,  which  will  prove  prejudicial  to  the  interests 
of  both  of  the  blacks  and  the  whites.  We  must  oc- 
cupy the  ground  or  we  will  be  crashed  by  these 
things.  He  thought  the  time  had  come  when  we 
ought  to  suppress  prejudice. 


STATE    CONVENTION.  455 

"  The  Eecording  Secretary  [  W.  P.  "Wells  ]  remarked 
that  those  brethren  who  advocated  with  such  zeal 
the  adoption  of  the  amendment  seemed  to  assume 
the  erroneous  position,  we  were  opposed  to  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  blacks.  This  was  not 
the  case.  He  did  not  suppose  there  was  one  mem- 
ber of  the  Convention,  who  was  not  in  favor  of  it, 
and  would  not  perform  his  duty  in  this  respect.  He 
was  opposed  to  the  amendment  on  the  ground  that  he 
did  not  want  the  Convention  to  do  anything  which 
could  be  construed  as  pandering  to  the  prejudices  of 
our  Northern  friends.  He  feared  that  such  would  be 
the  construction  placed  upon  it,  and  upon  the  action 
in  regard  to  the  negro  of  all  the  religious  denomina- 
tions of  the  South,  not  only  by  the  Eadicals  of  the 
North,  but  by  our  own  people.  The  adoption  of  the 
amendment  would  not  force  any  one  to  adopt  the 
suggestion,  who  was  determined  not,  nor  would  its 
rejection  prevent  any  one  who  was  determined  to 
do  it.  He  was  in  favor  of  letting  all  act  according  to 
their  own  peculiar  notions.  Some  had  organized 
Sabbath-schools  for  them.  Let  others  do  so  who 
liked.  He  preferred  that  we  should  go  on  quietly, 
and  do  our  own  work  in  our  own  way,  and  let  those 
who  wish  to  know  what  we  are  doing,  take  the 
trouble  to  inform  themselves.  But  let  us  uot  in  our 
zeal  for  the  negro  forget  the  interests  of  the  poor 
orphans  of  our  soldiers,  who  have  the  first  claims 
upon  all  our  means,  talents  and  energy.  But  as  the 
brethren  urged  as  a  reason  for  the  adoption  of  the 
amendment,  the  prejudice  that  existed  against 
those  who  were  disposed  to  give  religious  instruc- 
tion to  the  negro,  the  only  feasible  reason  he  had 
heard,  and  if  this  prejudice  did  exist  to  any  serious 


456  HISTOBY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

extent,  and  if  the  adoption  of  this  amendment  would 
remove  it,  with  this  view  of  the  subject  he  would 
vote  for  it,  but  no  other. 

"  Bro.  R.  H.  Burnett  said  he  regretted  that  breth- 
ren would  persist  in  making  the  impression  that  the 
majority  of  the  Convention  and  those  opposed  to 
the  amendment  were  opposed  to  the  moral  instruc- 
tion of  the  negroes.  Let  brethren  notice  the  lan- 
guage of  the  report.  After  lamenting  the  condition  of 
our  country  and  referring  to  the  unfortunate  situa- 
tion of  this  class  of  beings  among  us,  the  committee 
urge  that  Christianity  and  humanity  both  demand 
that  we  should  not  follow  the  dictates  of  unhallowed 
prejudice,  but  that  we  should  calmly  and  in  the 
spirit  of  Christianity  study  the  interests  of  the  col- 
ored population.  The  committee  further  say  un- 
hesitatingly that  they  believe  that  it  is  our  duty  as 
Baptists  to  assist  them  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  of 
the  Bible,  in  order  that  their  notions  of  human  de- 
pravity, of  salvation  by  grace,  of  the  ordinances  of 
the  New  Testament,  church  government  and  all 
Scriptural  truths,  may  be  correct.  And  further,  that 
while  they  are  conscious  that  the  blacks  are  not 
equal  in  intellect  to  our  race,  yet  they  feel  it  to  be 
our  duty  to  do  all  we  can  to  enlighten  them,  to  im- 
prove the  standard  of  morals  among  them,  believing 
that  in  doing  this  we  will  be  conferring  a  benefit 
upon  them  and  upon  ourselves.  This  he  thought 
was  enough.  Let  each  adopt  his  own  plan  by  which 
this  can  be  best  accomplished.  Many  were  already 
teaching  the  negroes.  In  some  communities  churches 
have  been  and  are  being  erected  for  them  and  min- 
sters secured  to  preach  to  them  regularly,  because 
hey  prefer  it.    Let  the  work  of  their  moral  instruc- 


STATE   CONVENTION.  457 

tion  go  on  in  the  way  that  seems  best  to  the  differ- 
ent communities.  This  the  committee  heartily  re- 
commended, discountenancing  any  unhallowed  pre- 
judice against  it  that  might  exist.  All  the  moral 
force  which  this  Convention  could  bring  to  bear  in 
favor  of  this  object  and  in  opposition  to  the  preju- 
dice that  might  exist,  was  embraced  in  this  report. 
He  hoped  the  amendment  would  be  rejected  and  the 
report  adopted  as  it  now  reads. 

"Bro.  Head  said  he  had  just  come  in  and  did  not 
understand  the  merits  of  the  question,  but  he 
thought  that  before  the  negroes  could  be  much  bene- 
fitted by  Sabbath-schools  they  would  have  to  be  first 
taught  to  -read.  He  inquired  if  the  amendment 
which  he  had  not  heard  did  not  pledge  us  to  educate 
them. 

"Bro.  A.  B.  George  replied  that  it  did  not  pledge 
us  to  educate  them.  He  did  not  think  it  necessary 
even  for  them  to  know  the  alphabet  to  be  taught  the 
Scriptures.  The  amendment  did  not  propose  to 
expend  money  on  them.  It  merely  .proposed  the 
expenditure  of  a  little  energy,  a  littl-e  Christian  zeal. 
And, '  brethren,' said  he,  'if  it  does  the  poor  negro  no 
good,  it  will  do  us  good.  It  is  a  matter  of  very 
great  importance.  No  action  would  more  affect  us 
politically  and  religiously.  Some  seemed  to  have 
forgotten  the  relation  the  negroes  sustain  to  us. 
There  appear  to  be  prejudices;  and  are  we  to  show 
to  the  Radicals  they  areright,  by  refusing  to  educate 
them?  No:  we  must  interest  ourselves  in  them. 
They  have  been  our  servants  and  friends;  they  have 
stood  by  us  in  our  sorest  trials  and  are  not  respon- 
sible for  our  disasters.  Prejudice  must  give  way. 
There  is  no  disgrace  even  in  teaching  the  negro.' 
30 


458  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

He  would  rejoice  to  see  it,  and  would  take  by  the 
hand  the  young  man  who  would  engage  in  this 
work." 

The  vote  being  taken  the  amendment  was  adopted. 
But  the  discussion  was  continued  some  time  in  the 
columns  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist. 

[  1867.]  The  Convention  met  with  Eeachi  Church, 
DeSoto  Parish,  July  6th,  1867.  The  introductory 
was  preached  by  Elder  W.  0.  Boone.  Eleven 
churches  and  two  associations  were  represented, 
with  five  individual  members.  Jndge  T,  W.  Bledsoe 
was  re-elected  President,  and  W.  F.  Wells,  Eecord- 
ing  Secretary. 

The  attendance  upon  the  Convention  since  the 
war  had  been  very  meager,  and  it  was  thought  by 
many  judicious  brethren  that  the  monied  basis  of 
representation  in  the  body  operated  to  prevent  a 
large  attendance  in  the  distressed  and  bankrupt  con- 
dition of  the  people  in  the  years  succeeding  the  war. 
It  was  felt  that  in  order  to  re-animate  the  denomi- 
nation it  was  desirable  to  get  together  as  many  of 
the  leading  brethren  as  possible.  To  accomplish  this, 
it  was  proposed  to  change  the  basis  of  representation. 
The  matter  was  fully  discussed  in  the  columns  of  the 
Louisiana  Baptist  before  the  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion; and  accordingly,  on  the  first  day  of  the  session, 
Eev.  W.  B.  Paxton  introduced  a  number  of  amend- 
ments to  the  constitution,  which  were  adopted,  fixing 
representation  in  the  Convention  on  the  basis  of 


STATE    CONVENTION.  459 

numbers,  without  regard  to  the  amount  contributed 
to  the  funds  of  the  body. 

A  report  on  Indian  Missions  was  read,  and  Eev. 
W.  0.  Boone  presented  the  needy  condition  of 
Bro.  J.  S.  Murrow,  who  is  now  laboring  as  a  mis- 
sionary among  the  Indians,  and  a  contribution  of 
$30  was  made  for  his  relief,  and  by  a  collection  on 
Sabbath  this  amount  was  increased  to  $55.40. 

The  sum  of  $73.43  had  been  contributed  by  Mt. 
Lebanon  church  to  Foreign  Missions,  and  the  treas- 
urer's report  shows  a  balance  of  $301.80  for  Domestic 
Missions.  These  amounts  were  increased  during  the 
Convention  by  contributions  to  various  objects,  over 
$300. 

[1868.]  The  Convention  met  in  the  city  of  Shreve- 
port,  July  3,  1868.  The  introductory  was  preached 
by  Eev.  E.  H.  Scott.  Twelve  churches  and  two 
associations  were  represented.  Judge  T.  W.  Bled- 
soe was  elected  President,  and  W.  F.  Wells,  Eecord- 
ing  Secretary. 

The  usual  reports  were  read  on  Domestic,  Indian 
and"  Foreign  Missions,  Sabbath-schools  and  Educa- 
tion. The  finance  report  shows  about  the  usual 
amount  sent  up  by  the  churches.  Efforts  had  been 
made  to  secure  the  services  of  missionaries  to  labor 
in  the  domestic  field,  but  without  effect. 

[1869.]  The  convention  met  at  Mansfield,  July  2, 
1869.  The  introductory  was  preached  by  Eev.  W. 
M.  Fancher.    Twenty  churches  and  five  associations 


460  HISTORY    OP   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

were-  represeuted.  Judge  T.  W.  Bledsoe  was  re- 
elected President,  and  W.  P.  Wells,  Eecording  Sec- 
retary. 

Eev.  Carroll  Clark  labored  a^  a  missionary  in  the 
Parishes  of  Caddo,  DeSoto,  Bossier  and  Claiborne. 

The  attendance  upon  the  Convention  was  good, 
and  the  spirit  of  Christ  was  manifest.  Including  the 
amount  in  the  treasurer's  hands,  the  finance  report 
showed  *a  total  fund  of  $1,224.50. 

During  the  year  a  Sabbath-school  Convention  had 
been  organized.  This  Convention  held  its  first  ses- 
sion with  the  ckurch  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  April  24, 1869. 
Dr.  B.  W.  Blake  wood  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
W.  F.  Wells,  Eecording  Secretary;  and  after  trans- 
acting much  important  business  pertaining  to  the 
permanent  organization  and  the  future  work  of  the 
Convention,  the  body  adjourned  to  meet  with  the 
State  Convention  at  Mansfield  in  July.  The  second 
meeting  was  held  during  the  Convention.  A  depos- 
•itory  was  established  at  Shreveport,  and  other  prac- 
tical work  was  performed. 

During  the  year  the  State  Board  of  the  Convention 
had  secured  the  services  of  the  Eev.  John  Dupree 
and  Eev.  B.  K.  Branch,  to  labor  as  missionaries;  the 
former  east  of  Eed  Eiver,  and  the  latter,  west. 

[1870.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  church  at 
Minden,  July  1,  1870.  The  introductory  was 
preached  by  Eev,  J.  C.  Carpenter,  of  New  Orleans. 
Thirty-two  churches  and  two  associations  were  rep- 


STATE    COJMTENTION.  461 

resented.  Judge  T.  W.  Bledsoe  was  elected  Presi- 
dent, and  W.  F,  Wells  as  Eecording  Secretary.  The 
attendance  was  unusually  large,  and  the  proceedings 
interesting.  Among  the  distinguished  visitors  from 
abroad  were:  Eev.  J.  B.  Searcy  and  Eev.  W.  M.  Lea, 
of  Arkansas;  Rev.  J.  E.  Graves  and  Eev.  T.  C. 
Teasdale,of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  and  Eev.  James  Nelson, 
of  Mississippi. 

It  was  resolved  to  co-operate  with  the  Domestic 
Mission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Eev.  W.  E.  Paxton,  the  following 
resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted: 

"  Whereas,  In  the  opinion  of  many  good  brethren, 
it  is  desirable  to  effect  a  closer  union  and  a  freer  co- 
operation among  the  Baptists  of  the  United  States, 
we  declare  the  following  to  be  our  sentiments  upon 
the  subject : 

"1.  We  readily  agree  that  there  should  be  no 
rivalry  among  brethren  of  the  same  household,  ex- 
cept that  noble  emulationas  to  who  can  best  ad- 
vance the  Kingdom  of  Christ,  and  promote  peace 
and  good  will  among  men.  Hence  we  deprecate  the 
rancor  and  bitterness  of  sectional  feeling  which  tend 
to  perpetuate  the  alienations  of  the  past. 

"  2.  We  think  harmony  and  good  feeling  between 
the  Iforth  and  the  South  can  best  be  promoted  by 
maintaining  our  own  organizations  in  all  their  boards 
and  operations  intact.  Hence,  we  heartily  approve 
the  action  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  at  its 
late  session,  in  declining  any  organic  co-operation 
with  northern  societies,  which  would  destroy  its  in- 
dependence or  cripple  any  of  its  boards. 


462  HISTOEY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

"  3.  We  believe  that  the  Boards  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention  and  the  Boards  of  the  several 
State  Conventions  and  District  Associations,  being 
located  in  the  midst  of  the  domestic  field  to  be  sup- 
plied, are  better  prepared  to  judge  of  itswants,  and 
to  superintend  and  direct  the  work,  than  any  board 
could  be,  located  beyond  our  limits,  unacquainted 
with  the  wants  of  the  people,  and  whose  movements 
would  be  regarded  by  many  with  jealousy  and  sus- 
picion, and  whose  agents  would  encounter  all  the 
prejudice  and  ill-feeling  of  the  people.  We  cannot 
afford  to  enter  the  field  in  compotition  with  other 
denominations,  and  carry  unnecessary  weight.  If, 
therefore,  our  brethren  of  the  North  desire  to  aid  us 
in  supplying  the  destitution  at  the  South,  they  can 
most  effectually  do  so  through  our  organizations. 

"4.  Whilst,  as  a  subjugated  people,  we  could  not, 
without  further  humiliation,  however  great  our  ne- 
cessity, ask  aid  from  our  conquerors,  it  would  be  no 
humiliation  in  them  to  offer  it;  and  should  such  aid 
be  tendered  to  our  boards,  we  believe  it  would  be 
their  duty  to  accept,  accpunting  to  the  donors,  as  to 
•  other  donors,  by  making  a  clear  and  faithful  exhibit 
of  the  use  of  their  contributions." 

The  Corresponding  Secretary  presented  a  full  re- 
port, embodying  all  the  information  he  could  obtain 
in  regard  to  the  destitution  in  the  State,  and  the  con- 
dition and  resources  of  the  denomination,  but  my 
limited  space  will  not  allow  me  to  copy  it.  The 
board  had  sustained,  on  fair  salaries,  John  Dupree, 
east  of  Red  River,  and  E.  K.  Branch  in  the  south- 
western part  of  the  State,  each  twelve  months,  and 


STATE    CONVENTION.  463 

J.  B.  More  in  the  southwestern  part  of  DeSoto  Par- 
ish, three  months. 

Important  matters  were  considered  in  relation  to 
publications  and  education,  which  will  be  noticed  in 
the  next  chapter. 

A  meeting  of  the  Sunday-school  Convention  was 
held  at  a  suitable  hour,  and  the  session  was  unusu- 
ally interesting. 

[1871]  The  Convention  met  with  the  church  at 
Oak  Eidge,  Morehouse  Parish,  June  30,  1871.  The 
introductory  was  preached  by  Eev.  W.  E.  Paxton,  of 
Minden.  Sixteen  churches  and  two  associations  had 
sent  delegates,  but  very  few  attended;  indeed,  it 
was  the  smallest  meeting  of  the  body  since  its 
organization. 

Dr.  P.  Courtney  was  chosen  President;  -Elder  J, 
M.  Lewis,  of  New  Orleans,  was  chosen  Eecording 
Secretary.  The  treasurer's  report  shows  the  amount 
received  and  expended  during  the  year.  Three  mis- 
sionaries were  employed :  John  Dupree,  east  of  Eed 
Eiver;  E.  K.  Branch,  west  of  the  lower  Eed  Eiver, 
and  J.  B.  More  along  the  Sabine  Eiver,  in  DeSoto 
Parish.  The  session  of  the  body  was  mainly  taken 
up  in  considering  important  educational  and  publi- 
cation interests,  which  will  be  noticed  in  their  proper 
places. 

Among  the  distinguished  visitors  were:  Eev.  J. 
E.  Graves,  D.  D.,  of  Memphis,  representing  the 
Southern  Baptist  Publication  Society;    Eev.  T.  C. 


464  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Teasdale,  D.  D.,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Sunday-school  Board;  Eev.  T.  H.  Morgan,  District 
Secretary  of  S.  S,  Board,  and  Eev.  E.  0.  Eager,  Dis- 
trict Secretary  of  the  Domestic  Mission  Board, 
Southern  Baptist  Convention. 

[1872.]  The  Convention  met  at  Mt.  Lebanon  July 
12,  1872.  The  conventional  sermon  was  preached  by 
Eev.  Gr.  W.  Hartsfield.  Delegates  from  thirty-four 
churches  and  five  associations  assembled.  Dr.  F. 
Courtney  was  chosen  President,  and  Eev.  W.  E.  Pax- 
ton,  Eecordilig  Secretary.  The  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary says:  "We  entered  upon  the  work  with  a  debt 
of  $1,219.18,  bequeathed  us  by  the  Convention,  of 
wKich  $1,219.18  was  due  to  the  missionaries  of  the 
Convention.  The  additional  labors  of  the  mission- 
aries inereased  this  amount  to  the  sum  of  $2,019.18. 
By  the  operations  of  the  board,  the  details  of  which 
may  be  seen  in  the  accounts  of  the  missionaries  in- 
cluded in  this  report,  and  the  report  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  board,  which  is  appended,  this  sum  has  been 
reduced  to  $860.95.  In  other  words,  the  board  has 
met  its  own  engagements,  and  reduced  the  debt  with 
which  it  started,  over  $400.  In  this  work  we  have 
not  had  the  sympathy  and  co-operation  of  the  brethren 
generally.  Appeal  after  appeal  has  been  sent  out  in 
vain.  We  have  felt  the  need  of  an  efBcient  mission- 
ary agent  to  enter  the  field  and  rouse  the  churches  to 
their  duty,  but  so  far  we  have  not  been  able  to  secure 
the  servicrs  of  a  brother  to  undertake  the  work." 


STATE    CONVENTION.  465 

At  the  close  of  the  year  the  board,  unwilling  to 
contract  further  without  the  means  to  pay,  discon- 
tinued the  services  of  the  missionaries. 

Eev.  M.  T.  Sumner,  D.  D.,  Corresponding  Secretary 
Domestic  Mission  Board,  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion, was  present,  and  received  a  contribution  of 
about  $60  for  his  Board,  and  a  plan  of  co-operation 
with  the  board  by  the  Convention,  upon  conference 
with  the  Secretary,  was  agreed  upon. 

The  principal  interest  of  the  Convention  was  taken 
up  in  educational  matters. 

[1873.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  church  at 
Keachi,  July  11,  1873.  The  conventional  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  K.  S.  Jackson,  of  Bastrop.  Thirty 
two  churches  and  three  associations  were  represented 
Eev.  J.  H.  Tucker  was  chosen  President,  and  Eev.  W 
E.  Paxton,  Eecording  Secretary.  The  board  had  em 
ployed  T.  J.  Humble,  L.  P.  Lowry  and  M.  Scar 
borough,  each  one  month ;  John  Dupree,  two  months ; 
and  E.  K.  Branch,  ten  weeks.  W.  H.  F.  Edwards 
was  also  employed  as  missionary  and  financial  agent, 
and  labored  seven  months.  The  report  shows  the 
board  to  be  in  debt  to  its  missionaries  a  considerable 
amount.  The  Convention  expressed  the  opinion  that 
"it  is  not  the  policy  of  this  Convention  to  burden 
itself  with  debts  through  the  action  of  its  boards." 
The  action  of  the  board  in  creating  this  additional  in- 
debtedness was  based  upon  pledges  made  at  the  last 
Convention,  many  of  which  were  never  redeemed. 


466  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

An  interesting  Sunday-school  institute  was  held  in 
lieu  of  the  Sunday-school  Convention,  which  had  been 
permitted  to  go  by  default  for  several  years.  As  at 
the  last  two  meetings,  the  educational  interests  en- 
gaged the  principal  attention  of  the  Convention. 

[1874.]  The  Convention  met  in  Shreveport,  July 
10, 1874.  Eev.  J.  A.  Walker,  of  Minden,  preached  the 
conventional  sermon.  Eighteen  churches  and  three 
associations  were  represented.  Eev.  J.  H.  Tucker 
was  re-elected  President,  and  Eev.  W.E.  Paxton,  Re- 
cording Secretary.  Among  the  distinguished  visitors 
I  note  the  names  of  Eev.  W.  D.  Mayfield,  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  Southern  Baptist  Publication 
Society,  and  Eev.  M.  T.  Sumner,  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary Domestic  Mission  Board,  Southern  Baptist 
Convention.  The  proceedings  were  of  considerable 
interest,  but  I  cannot  enter  into  details  without  copy- 
ing long  reports,  for  which  I  have  not  room. 

[1875.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  Hasley  Bap- 
tist Church  at  Trenton,  July  9,  1875.  The  conven- 
tional sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  George  B.  Eager, 
of  Bastrop.  Eev.  J.  H.  Tucker  was  re-elected  Presi- 
dent, and  Eev.  W.  E.  Paxton,  Eecording  Secretary. 
Twenty-nine  churches  and  six  associations  were  rep- 
resented. The  State  Board,  encumbered  with  debt, 
was  very  much  embarrassed  in  their  labors.  They, 
however,  appointed  Eev.  George  Tucker  as  financial 
missionary,  who  labored  two  and  a  half  months  in  the 
Sabine  Association,  but  on  account  of  his  age  and 


STATE    CONVENTION.  467 

infirmities,  was  compelled  to  desist.  Eev.  W.  E, 
Tyuer  was  also  appointed  financial  missionary  for 
Eastern  Louisiana,  who  labored  three  months  with 
some  success.  Eastern  Louisana  is  geographically 
separated  from  that  territory  in  which  the  Convention 
has  operated.  Several  efforts  have  been  made  to  in- 
duce them  to  co-operate,  but  the  inconvenience  has 
always  been  so  great  that  they  have  never  done  so. 
At  this  session  the  Convention  offered  to  organize  an 
adjunct  board  to  be  located  in  Eastern  Louisiana,  and 
invited  the  churches  to  co-operate  on  this  basis.  But 
this  part  of  the  State,  including  Ifew  Orleans,  is  geo- 
graphically a  part  of  the  territory  of  the  Mississippi 
Convention,  and  has  very  naturally  became  actually 
so.  The  Centennial  movement  received  the  attention 
of  the  Convention,  and  though  but  little  was  accom- 
plished pecuniarily,  it  afforded  the  occasion  to  dissem- 
inate much  information  in  relation  to  the  denomina- 
tion. 

Dr.  Courtney  had  been  appointed  agent  of  Foreign 
Missions,  and  reports  $360.05  sent  to  the  Foreign  Mis- 
sion Board  through  his  agency. 

[1876.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  Shreveport,  July  7,  1876.  The  conventional 
sermon  was  preached  by  Eev.  W.  E.  Paxton,  of 
Shreveport.  Tflirty  churches  and  three  associations 
were  represented.  Eev.  J.  H.  Tucker  was  chosen 
President,  and  Eev.  W.  E.  Paxton,  Eecording  Secre- 
tary. 


468  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

At  this  session  the  Convention  abandoned  the 
numerical  basis  of  representation,  and  returned  to  the 
monied  basis. 

The  State  Mission  Board  had  labored  to  rouse  the 
churches  to  the  importance  of  this  work,  and  several 
"financial  missionaries"  labored  a  short  while,  but 
with  little  success.  The  agent  for  Foreign  Missions 
received  for  this  work  $186.15. 

The  Centennial  committee  reported  cash  contrib- 
uted to  Theological  Seminary,  $5 ;  to  Keachi  Female 
College;  $365,  and  to  Mississippi  College,  $950.75. 

[1878.]  The  Convention  met  with  the  Shiloh 
Church  July  12,  1878.  The  conventional  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  W.  H.  McGee,  of  Minden.  Forty- 
one  churches  and  five  associations  were  represented. 
Eev.  G-eorge  Tucker  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Eev. 
W.  H.  McGee,  Secretary.  This  session  was  unusually 
large,  and  much  enthusiasm  was  manifested.  It  had 
been  the  cherished  desire  of  the  State  Board  for  years 
to  secure  an  efQcient  agent  to  take  the  field,  and 
rouse  the  churches.  At  this  meeting  the  Convention 
was  fortunate  in  securing  the  services  of  Eev.  W.  0. 
Friley  as  State  Evangelist.  He  was  admirably  adapted 
to  the  work.  Full  of  zeal  and  industry,  a  good 
speaker,  genial  in  his  manners,  and  withal  having  the 
gift  of  singing  well,  he  has  won  his  w'ky  to  the  hearts 
of  the  people,  and  has  revolutionized  the  State.  The 
Convention,  no  longer  a  lifeless  body,  has  caught  his 
enthusiasm,  and  has  become  one  of  the  most  earnest 
bodies  of  Christian  workers  in  the  South. 


STATE    CONVENTION.  469 

The  duty  of  State  Evangelist,  as  defined  by  the 
report  on  State  Missions,  was  "to  canvass  the  State, 
visit  all  the  churches  and  associations,  preach  and 
collect  funds  for  the  support  of  our  mission  work  in 
the  State;  and  that  the  Executive  Board  shall  select 
and  employ  the  man,  and  supervise  the  work,  and 
that  out  of  the  funds  collected  by  such  agent,  he  shall 
receive  his  pay.  In  order  to  secure  such  an  agent,  we 
also  recommend  that  whatever  funds  are  in  hand  be 
pledged  for  his  support."  Upon  the  adoption  of  this 
report,  the  sum  of  $495.50  was  raised,  in  cash  and 
pledges,  to  pay  the  salary  of  the  agent  thus  to  be 
appointed.  The  brethren  of  the  Convention  also 
made  a  voluntary  contribution  to  Elder  John  Dupree, 
an  old  minister,  and  former  missionary  in  the  State, 
amounting  to  $58.15  cash. 

The  claims  of  Eome  Chapel  were  presented,  and  the 
sum  of  $63.21  raised  in  cash,  and  something  besides  in 
pledges. 

[1880.]  The  Convention  met  at  Keachi,  July  9th, 
1880.  The  conventional  sermon  was  preached  by 
Rev.  S.  C.  Lee,  of  Farmersville.  Sixty-four  churches 
and  eight  associations  were  represented. 

I  copy  the  report  of  the  State  Board,  to  show  the 
work  done : 

"Encouraged  by  the  success  of  past  years,  the 
board  entered  upon  the  work,  hopeful  of  the  future. 
We  are  truly  gratified  to  be  able  to  report  some  pro- 
gress, and  an  increased  interest  in  State  Missions. 


470  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

"Bro.  Priley  was  again  employed  as  State  Evange- 
list, at  a  salary  of  $1,200  per  annum,  with  an  addi- 
tional amount  of  $100  to  help  pay  for  an  outfit. 

"Success  has  again  crowned  his  labors.  He  has 
visited  and  preached  in  some  destitatc  fields.  He 
held  a  meeting  with  Bro.  Cunningham,  at  Natchito- 
ches, and  preached  a  week  at  Opelousas,  mth  encour- 
aging results  at  both  those  important  commercial 
centers. 

"We  also  employed  Bro.  Hartsfleld  to  engage  in 
the  same  work  in  a  different  part  of  State  for  four 
months,  beginning  September  1st,  at  a  salary  of  $100 
a  month.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  was  con- 
tinued in  the  work  at  half  pay,  devoting  only  one-half 
his  time,  commencing  the  first  of  February. 

"  It  is  gratifying  to  us  that  success  has  also  attended 
the  labors  of  Bro.  Hartsfield.  Many  have  been  added 
to  the  churches,  a  missionary  spirit  has  been  aroused, 
destitute  fields  have  been  occupied  and  a  church 
organized. 

"  Through  the  agency  of  these  evangelists  the  fol- 
lowing missionaries  have  been  employed:  viz.  Bro. 
N.  W.  Warren  for  one  fourth  of  his  time,  at  a  salary 
of  $150  per  year,  from  the  date  of  his  employment,'in 
October,  to  this  time ;  and  his  field  of  labor  wa»  the 
southern  part  of  Jackson  and  the  eastern  portion  of 
Bienville. 

»*  Bro.  George  Tucker  was  also  employed  as  a  mis- 
sionary for  one-half  his  time,  at  a  salary  of  $25  per 
month,  to  labor  at  Lougwood,  Mooringsport  and  the 
surrounding  country,  in  Oaddo  Parish.  This  work 
Bro.  Tucker  was  forced  to  abandon,  owing  to  ill- 
health,  after  two  months. 

"  Bro.  B.  E.  Fortson  was  then  employed  to  continue 


STATE   CONVENTION.  471 

Bro.  Tucker's  services,  at  a  like  salary,  and  his  labors, 
although  of  short  duration,  have  done  substantial 
good. 

"  Bro.  Cunningham  began  his  work  in  Natchitoches 
with  the  promise  of  needed  aid  from  this  Board, 
should  the  work  give  promise  of  permanency.  On  the 
3d  Sabbath  in  October,  a  church  was  constituted  with 
seventeen  members,  in  that  city,  and  in  December  we 
pledged  him  $200  for  his  services,  and  subsequently 
we  appropriated  $250  to  aid  in  the  erection  of  a  house 
of  worship  there.  Bro.  Cunningham  has  made  great 
sacrifices  for  the  cause  in  Natchitoches,  giving  up  all 
his  own  private  means,  and  not  only  depriving  him- 
self of  the  luxuries  of  life,  but  many  of  its  necessities. 
But  God's  blessings  have  attended  his  work,  and 
thirteen  useful  members  have  been  added  to  the  origi- 
nal membership,  and  it  now  numbers  thirty  members. 

"  The  Board  has  also  agreed  to  help  the  church 
constituted  at  Lake  Charles,  by  contributing  $100 
towards  paying  for  the  erection  of  a  house  of  worship 
in  that  growing  young  city.  This  we  were  willing  to 
do  for  the  following  reasons :  Lake  Charles  is  one  of 
the  most  flourishing  towns  in  South-western  Louisiana, 
and  with  a  rapidly  increasing  population,  and  Bro.  A. 
P.  Scofield  is  an  able,  active  and  consecrated  minister, 
who  organized  the  church  there,  and  who  has  its  pas- 
toral care,  and  the  Board  believes  gives  great  promise 
of  success,  in  organizing  a  permanent  and  a  useful 
church  in  the  center  of  a  large  field  of  destitution. 
The  sum  of  $100  that  church  has  agreed  to  return 
to  the  Board,  to  be  expended  in  missionary  work  in 
the  destitute  field  around  Lake  Charles,  which  we 
hope  will  ultimately  be  a  grand  center  of  influence  in 
the  coast  country  of  our  State. 


472  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

"  Bro.  Joiner,  a  student  of  Mississippi  College,  from 
Louisiana,  has  also  been  employed  to  labor  during  the 
three  months  of  his  vacation,  in  Bayou  Macon  Asso- 
ciation, with  the  churches  formerly  served  by  Bro. 
Ehymes,  under  the  employment  of  this  Board,  and 
the  Board  has  agreed  to  pay  him  $50  per  month  for 
his  services. 

"  Bro.  John  Dupree,  who  was  employed  by  the  last 
Convention  to  engage  in  the  missionary  work,  has  been 
doing  efficient  work  in  his  alloted  field,  and  we  must 
say  his  report  shows  faithful  service  and  much  good 
done. 

"  In  obedience  to  a  resolution  of  this  body,  at  its 
last  session,  the  Board,  at  its  meeting  in  February, 
requested  brethren  over  the  State  to  organise  insti- 
tutes of  lecturers  for  colored  people,  and  Baptist  min- 
isters in  particular,  which  request  was  promptly 
responded  to  by  brethren  McGee  and  Courtney.  One 
of  these  institutes  was  organized  at  Farmersville, 
with  satisfactory  results,  and  it  has  held  a  subsequent 
meeting,  and  promises  much  good.  Bra.  Hartsfleld, 
while  acting  as  evangelist,  has  also  lectured  for  them, 
and  preached  for  them,  as  also  did  Brother  Dupree." 

"  We  are  happy  to  report  this  class  of  our  popu- 
lation as  eager  for  instruction  in  the  great  truths  of  the 
Bible,  and  as  being  remarkably  apt  to  learn. 

"  In  conclusion,  we  submit  that  brethren  Friley  and 
Hartsfleld  have  each  given  about  one-third  of  their 
time  to  labor  in  fields  of  destitution. 

"  We  submit  the  following  summary  of  work  done 
by  our  evangelists  and  missionaries,  during  the  past 
conventional  year: 

"Miles  traveled,  8,633  ;  sermons  and  lectures  deliv- 
ered, 507  ;   prayer-meetings  conducted,  179 ;  families 


STATE    CONVENTION.  473 

visited  for  religious  service,  280 ;  churches  organized, 
2 ;  added  to  the  churches,  267." 

In  connection  with  the  report,  Brother  Everett, 
the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Board,  remarked 
that  more  men  would  have  been  appointed  if  suita- 
ble ones  could  have  been  found.  "  We  do  not  want 
to  make  mistakes.  There  is  greater  demand  for  three 
evangelists  than  there  was  for  one,  two  years  ago." 

In  addition  to  meeting  the  expenses  of  the  State 
work,  the  sum  of  $889.60  was  contributed  to  Foreign 
Missions. 

[1881^]  The  Convention  met  July  8, 1881,  in  the  old 
city  of  If  atchitoches,  in  the  midst  of  a  grand  work 
accomplished  by  the  Convention.  The  beautiful 
church,  in  which  the  meeting  was  held,  was  a  monu- 
ment well  calculated  to  stimulate  the  Convention 
to  renewed  efforts.  The  conventional  sermon  was 
preached  by  Eev.  J.  A.  Hackett,  of  Shreveport.  Ten 
associations  and  sixty-two  churches  were  represented. 
This  was  the  grandest  meeting  of  the  body  since  its 
organization.  My  space  will  not  allow  me  to  go  into 
details,  further  than  to  state  some  general  results. 
The  Board  had  in  its  employ  two  evangelists  and  nine 
missionaries  during  the  year. 

The  Board  of  Education  had  assisted  six  young 

ministers  at  Mississippi  College  from  this  State,  to  the 

amount  of  $563  60,  and  during  the  session  the  sum  of 

$1,008.15  was  raised  in  cash  and  subscriptions  for  this 

purpose. 

31 


474  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

For  State  Missions  the  sum  of  $1,408.00  was  raised 
in  cash  and  pledges.  During  the  year  $614  had  been 
contributed  to  Foreign  Missions,  and  the  sum  of 
$313.70  was  raised  in  cash  and  pledges  during  the 
session.  The  sum  of  $617  was  pledged  to  support 
a  Sunday-school  Evangelist,  and  subsequently  M.  E. 
Shaddock  was  employed  by  the  Sunday-school  Board 
for  this  important  service.  Mr.  Shaddock  is  a  lay- 
man, but  has  proven  himself  very  efilcient  in  this 
field. 

Col.  William  H.  Jack,  an  eminent  lawyer  of  Natchi- 
toches, presided  over  the  body,  and  Eev.  G.  W.  Harts- 
field  was  the  Secretary. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

EDUCATION  AND  LITERATURE. 

The  early  Baptists  in  Louisiana  were  scattered  over' 
so  large  a  territory  and  had  so  little  intercourse  with 
each  other,  except  in  their  annual  meetings,  that  they 
could  not  well  co-operate  in  building  up  schools  and 
establishiug  periodicals  to  advocate  their  views.  They 
sent  their  sons  and  daughters  abroad  to  be  educated, 
very  often  to  the  schools  of  other  denominations,  and 
they  subscribed  for  the  new^spapers  published  in 
the  localities  from  which  they  had  removed.  Those 
who  came  from  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  subscribed 
for  the  Index.  The  Tennessee  Baptist  was  also  very 
popular  with  a  large  number.  The  Religious  Herald 
and  the  Baptist  Banner  and  Pioneer  ( now  the  Western 
Recorder)  also  had  their  friends.  Of  the  Baptist 
colleges  most  patronized  were  Mercer  College,  Pen- 
field,  Georgia;  Howard  College,  Marion,  Alabama,  and 
Georgetown  College,  Georgetown,  Kentucky.  Of  the 
female  schools,  the  Judson  and  Georgetown  Female 
Seminaries  were  most  generally  patronized. 

But  when  the  Baptists  became  more  numerous,  and 
their  intercourse  more  frequent,  the  need  of  schools 
and  papers  at  home  was  more  keenly  felt,  and  efforts 
were, made  to  establish  them. 

EDtrOATION. 

There  were  some  local,  private  schools  in  different 
parts  of  the.  State,  controlled  by  Baptists,  but  they 


476  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

were  not  denominational,  and  no  effort  was  made  to 
concentrate  patronage  upon  them. 

Mt.  Lebanon  University. — The  first  organized  efi'ort 
was  made  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
State.  In  1847,  Dr.  B.  Egan,  a  finely  educated 
Baptist,  and  a  distinguished  physician,  who  had 
recently  settled  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  began  to  agitate 
the  subject  of  education,  and  proposed  to  his  Bap- 
tist brethren  to  unite  in  establishing  a  school  of 
high  grade  at  that  place.  His  eftbrts  were  warmly 
seconded  by  Eev.  George  W.  Bains,  the  pastor  of 
the  church.  In  1847  a  preliminary  meeting  was  held 
and  it  was  resolved  to  organize  a  Convention,  the 
object  of  which  should  be  to  promote  education.  Bat 
the  matter  did  not  take  a  definite,  practical  shape 
until  1852,  when  the  Committee  on  Education  reported 
that,  in  their  opinion,  the  time  had  evidently  come 
when  the  Convention  should  adopt  some  measures  to 
meet  the  crying  want  of  our  denomination  in  North 
Louisiana  for  an  educated  ministry,  and  when  its 
members  should  unite  zealously  in  sustaining  a  school 
of  high  character,  to  give  instruction  to  our  common 
country.  They  therefore  recommended  the  establish- 
ment at  Mt.  Lebanon,  Bienville  Parish,  under  the 
immediate  patronage  of  the  Convention,  of  an  iustitu" 
tion  of  such  an  order,  with  a  Theological  department 
to  be  connected  therewith,  as  soon  as  prtacticable,  and 
as  auxiliary  to  the  object,  a  Female  Seminary. 

The  matter,  after  the  adoption  of  the  report,  was 


EDUCATION   AND    LITERATURE.  477 

referred  to  the  Executive  Board  to  perfect  tlie  details. 
The  Board  met  and  appointed  Eev.  W.  H.  Bayless  as 
General  Agent,  and  a  Board  of  Trustees,  with  the 
usual  powers  and  duties.  The  Board  at  once  organ- 
ized and  went  vigorously  to  work.  They  soon  ob- 
tained the  sum  of  $1768.12,  principally  contributed 
by  the  citizens  of  Mt.  Lebanon  and  its  immediate 
vicinity.  They  purchased  a  lot  and  contracted  for 
the  construction  of  a  college  building  large  enough 
to  accomodate  about  two  hundred  students.  They 
determined  to  open  the  preparatory  department  as 
soon  as  a  competent  principal  could  be  obtained;  and 
that  nothing  might  be  left  undone,  they  became  per- 
sonally responsible  for  the  salaries  of  the  teachers. 
After  repeated  efforts  to  obtain  a  suitable  teacher, 
William  E.  Paxton,  A.  M.,  was  prevailed  upon  to 
accept  the  position  for  the  time  being,  and  the  school 
opened  on  the  second  Monday  in  March,  1853,  with 
about  twenty-five  students. 

The  agent  of  the  University,  Eev.  W.  H.  Bayless, 
believing  his  appointment  to  be  premature,  did  very 
little  in  his  department;  but  during  the  meeting  of 
the  Convention  in  July,  books  were  openedTfor  sub- 
scriptions to  the  Theological  Endowment  Fund,  and 
although  it  was  late  in  the  session,  when  many  of  the 
delegates  and  friends  had  gone  home,  the  sum  of 
$5280  was  promptly  subscribed  by  those  present,  and 
a  deep  interest  was  manifested  in  ministerial  educa- 
tion.   A.  B.  George,  Esq.,  was  appointed  agent  of  the 


478  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

University,  subject  to  be  discontinued  by  the  Board 
at  the  end  of  three  months,  if  deemed  advisable. 

In  1854  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  shows 
a  deep  devotion  to  the  cause  of  education.  During 
the  recess  of  the  Convention  they  had  adopted  a 
charter  which  was  approved  by  that  body.  The  ex- 
treme and  protracted  illness  of  A.  B.  George,  the 
agent  of  the  University,  had  greatly  disappointed  their 
expectations.  However,  he  was  enabled  to  labor  two 
months,  during  which,  the  sum  of  $3,325  was  added 
to  the  Theological  Fund.  They  had  been  unremitting 
in  their  efforts  to  secure  an  efflicient  and  eminent 
divine  to  take  charge  of  the  theological  professorship, 
but  without  effect.  The  preparatory  department  was 
in  full  and  successful  operation,  with  from  60  to  70 
students,  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  J.  Q.  Prescott, 
assisted  by  A.  B.  George,  A.  M.  The  range  of  studies 
was  such  as  to  prepare  students  for  the  Junior  Class 
when  the  Collegiate  Department  should  be  organized. 

The  collegiate  department  of  the  University  was 
organized  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1856,  with  the 
following  faculty :  Bartholomew  Bgan,  M.  D.,  Presi- 
dent and  Professor  of  Moral  and  Mental  Science ; 
Eev.  F.  Courtney,  M.  D.,  Professor  of  Theology ;  Eev. 
J.  Q.  Prescott,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  Mathematics  and 
Associate  Professor  Ancient  Languages ;  Rev.  J.  H. 
Tucker,  A.  M  ,  Professor  Natural  Science,  and  Lewis 
M.  Cormick,  Professor  Ancient  and  Modern  Lan- 
guages.   The  President  and  Professor  of  Theology  per- 


EDUCATION    AND   LITEKATURE.  479 

• 

formed  their  labors  gratuitously,  whilst  the  other  pro- 
fessors labored  in  the  preparatory  department.  At 
the  close  of  the  collegiate  year  there  were  94  students 
in  attendance.  An  agent  was  in  the  field  a  short 
time,  and  the  amount  added  to  the  endowment  was 
Inconsiderable.  The  nucleus  of  a  college  library  had 
been  formed,  and  the  Convention  authorized  the 
Board  of  Trustees  to  expend  a  sum  not  exceeding  five 
hundred  dollars,  from  the  unappropriated  interest  of 
the  endowment  fund,  in  the  purchase  of  theological 
books. 

During  the  year  1857,  Eev.  J.  E.  Paxton  acted  as 
agent  of  the  university  for  five  months,  and  obtained 
over  $10,000  for  the  theological  fund,  making  in  all 
over  $25,000.  A  question  arose  as  to  the  proper 
disposition  of  the  interest  of  this  fund.  It  was 
finally  referred  to  the  decision  of  competent  lawyers 
friendly  to  the  institution,  and  their  opinion  was 
accepted  by  all.  Eev.  J.  B.  Hartwell,  since  Mission- 
ary to  China,  filled  a  chair  in  the  faculty  at  this  time. 

The  following  year  the  Board  of  Trustees  were 
fortunate  in  securing  the  services  of  Eev.  Jesse  Hart- 
well,  D.  D,  as  President  and  Professor  of  Theology. 
Prof  J.  B.  Hartwell  having  accepted  an  appointment 
as  missionary,  was  succeeded  by  W.  T.  H.  Scott.  The 
attendance  was  greatly  improved,  and  everything 
betokened  prosperity. 

In  1859  the  matriclates  had  increased  to  114,  many 
of  whom  were  preparing  for  the  ministry.    Dr.  Hart- 


480  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

well  continued  in  the  department  of  Theology,  Dr. 
Bgan  filled  the  chair  of  Belles  Lettres ;  George  A. 
Mathews  filled  the  chair  of  Ancient  Languages, 
vacated  by  the  resignation  of  Prof.  Prescott;  James 
A.  Simmons  was  Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Experi- 
mental Philosophy,  and  Thomas  B.  Tompkins,  tutor. 

The  Convention  had  memorialized  the  legislature, 
and  received  a  donation  of  $10,000  from  the  Stale. 
This  enabled  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  fit* up  a  board- 
ing department  and  build  a  president's  house,  and 
make  other  needed  improvements. 

In  the  death  of  Rev.  .Jesse  Hartwell,  D.  D.,  Presi- 
dent, the  university  sustained  a  great  loss.  Eev.  W. 
Carey  Crane  was  secured  as  his  successor.  The  cata- 
logue for  1860  shows  the  number  of  matriculates  117. 
Important  additions  were  made  to  the  apparatus  and 
library,  and  still  further  additions  were  made  to  the 
wants  of  the  institution.  Mr.  C.  S.  Yearwood  had 
taken  the  place  of  T.  B.  Tompkins  as  tutor. 

The  collegiate  year  of  1861  closed  with  fair  pros- 
pects, and  127  matriculates.  Prof.  Mathews  resigned, 
and  J.  N.  Shepherd,  A.  M  ,  was  appointed  in  his 
stead.  Mr.  W.  W.  Womack  was  made  Principal  of 
the  Preparatory  Department. 

This  was  the  period  of  the  beginning  of  the  civil 
war,  and  a  large  number  of  the  students  volunteered 
in  the  Confederate  army.  The  Board  of  Trustees 
seriously  considered  whether  they  would  suspend  the 
exercises,  but  finally  reduced  the  teaching  force,  and 


EDUCATION    AND   LITERATURE.  481 

continued.  The  university  opened  in  September, 
1861,  witli  sixty  pupils,  under  the  auspices  of  Dr. 
W.  C.  Crane,  J.  K.  Shepherd  and  W.  W.  Womack. 

In  1863  the  school  was  opened  by  Prof.  Shepherd  as 
an  academy,  but  in  September  the  university  building 
was  impressed  by  the  Confederate  authorities  as  a 
hospital,  and  the  school  was  suspended,  and  continued 
so  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  the  property  was 
again  restored  to  the  Board  of  Trustees.  The  univer- 
sity was  opened  September,  1865,  under  the  charge  of 
the  following  faculty:  Eev.  A.  S.  Worrell,  A.  M., 
President;  Eev.  J.  Q.  Prcscott,  A.  M.,  Prefessor  of 
Mathematics;  Eev.  W,  0.  Boone,  B.  D.,  Professor  of 
La-nguages ;  J.  Courtney,  A.  B.,  tutor.  The  endow- 
ment fund,  so  far  as  collected,  having  been  invested 
in  Confederate  bonds,  was  all  swept  away.  The  uncol- 
lected subscriptions  proved  worthless,  and  the  profes- 
sors were  compelled  to  rely  upon  tuition  for  their 
salaries.  Although  the  distracted  state  of  the  country 
affected  the  school,  the  matriculates  in  the  year  1866- 
'67,  reached  the  number  81.  At  the  end  of  the  year 
Professor  Worrell  resigned.  The  session  of  1867-68, 
opened  very  inauspiciously,  on  account  of  the  failure 
of  the  cotton  crop,  and  the  first  term  was  conducted 
under  the  auspices  of  Prof.  Boone.  At  the  beginning 
of  the  next  term,  Eev.  P.  E.  Collins  became  President, 
but  he  soon  became  discouraged  and  resigned. 

From  this  time  the  institution  began  to  decline.  It 
was  conducted  for   several  years  as  a  High  School, 


482  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

but  in  1873  the  Convention  turned  the  property  over 
to  the  Board  of  Trustees,  to  make  the  most  of  it. 

Mt.  Lebanon  Female  CoHe^c— Simultaneously  with 
the  establishment  of  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  a  move- 
ment was  also  made  in  behalf  of  female  education. 
In  1853  the  Mt.  Lebanon  Female  College  was  organ- 
ized, and  the  accomplished  wife  of  Rev.  Hanson  Lee 
was  secured  as  Principal,  aided  by  Mr,  Lee.  This 
school  greatly  flourished  until  Mr  Lee's  declining  health 
compelled  him  to  give  it  up.  In  1860  Eev.  J.  Q.  Pres- 
cott  became  Principal.  At  this  time  the  school  num- 
bered 106.  In  1863  Mr.  Prescott  dissolved  his  con- 
nection with  the  school.  A  private  school  was  con- 
ducted for  a  while  in  the  building  by  Mrs.  M.  B.  Hay ; 
but  Mr.  Prescott  resumed  his  duties  in  March  follow- 
ing, with  seventy-flve  pupils. 

The  following  year  the  buildings  were  sold  to  the 
State  for  a  Laboratory,  and  continued  to  be  used  for 
that  purpose  until  the  close  of  the  war,  not  long  after 
which  the  buildings  were  destroyed  by  fire.  About 
the  close  of  the  war.  Dr.  B.  Egan,  for  a  short  while, 
conducted  the  school  at  his  private  residence,  and 
after  the  war,  J.  Q.  Prescott  resumed  for  a  short  while, 
and  was  succeeded  by  W.  C.  Crane.  The  school  has 
been  extinct  since  about  1867. 

KeacM  Female  Oollege. — This  institution  is  Under 
the  patronage  of  the  Grand  Cane  Association.  It  was 
chartered  in  1857,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $18,000,  and 
with  buildings  donated  by  Thomas  M.  Gatlin.  Esq., 


EDUCATION   AND   LITERATURE.  483 

which  cost  $4,500.  The  school  opened  in  1858,  under 
Dr.  J.  S.  Bacon,  who  resigned  in  a  short  time,  and 
Eev.  J.  H.  Tucker  succeeded  him.  Under  his  admin- 
istration the  school  prospered,  and  at  the  beginning 
of  the  war  there  were  125  young  ladies  in  attendance. 
During  the  latter  part  of  the  war  the  exercises  of  the 
Institution  were  suspended,  and  the  building  used  as 
a  Confederate  Hospital. 

After  the  war  the  college  was  reorganized  under 
Eev.  Peter  Crawford,  who  held  the  position  until 
1871,  when  he  resigned,  and  Eev.  J.  H.  Tucker  was 
again  called  to  the  Presidency.  President  Tucker 
applied  himself  with  his  usual  energy  to  the  work  of 
restoring  the  institution  to  its  former  prosperity.  He 
had  many  diflOiculties  to  encounter,  but  the  school 
gradually  improved  under  his  administration. 

In  1879  the  Keachi  Male  Academy  was  united  with 
the  College  under  the  same  management  and  the  same 
faculty,  but  in  separate  buildings  and  djstinct  classes. 

The  year  1880  was  a  disastrous  one  for  the  College. 
The  chair  of  Languages  was  twice  vacated  by  death, 
and  a  fearful  cyclone  did  much  injury  to  the  build- 
ings, besides  killing  one  of  the  professors  referred  to, 
and  doing  much  injury  to  President  Tucker  and  other 
members  of  his  family.  The  injury  to  the  buildings 
was  soon  repaired  by  the  liberality  of  the  friends  of 
the  institution.  But  the  cup  of  her  misfortunes  was 
not  yet  full.  The  health  of  President  Tucker,  always 
delicate,  began  seriously  to  decline  after  his  injuries 


484  HISTORY    Ol    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

in  the  cyclone.  Best  and  travel  proved  unavailing, 
and  May  31st,  1881,  he  passed  to  his  reward. 

Eev.  T.  K.  Coleman,  B.  D.,  was  chosen  as  the  suc- 
cessor of  the  lamented  Tucker,  and  the  College  opened 
at  the  usual  time  in  September,  with  a  fall  corps  of 
teachers  and  a  liberal  patronage ;  and  this  noble  insti- 
tution continues  its  career  of  usefulness  unabated  by 
the  disasters  through  which  it  has  passed. 

Shreveport  University. — In  1870  an  association  of 
gentlemen  at  Shreveport  purchased  the  Helm  school 
property,  with  seventy  acres  in  the  suburbs  of  the 
city,  intending  to  develop  the  value  of  the  property 
and  devote  the  proceeds  to  the  establishment  of  a 
university.  An  arrangement  was  made  with  the 
Southern  Life  Insurance  Company  by  which  policies 
were  to  be  taken  in  favor  of  the  university,  and  the 
Insurance  Company  advanced  the  money  to  put  up 
the  building.  A  company  was  organized  to  build  a 
street-railroad  out  to  the  property.  The  school  was 
opened  in  1871  in  the  old  Helm  building,  under  Rev. 
M.  S.  Shirk,  who  continued  until  the  close  of  the  term 
in  the  summer  of  1872.  Rev.  W.  B.  Paxton,  A.  M., 
was  elected  President,  and  entered  upon  his  duties  in 
September,  1872.  The  winter  of  1872-3  was  one  of 
unprecedented  low  water  in  Red  River,  and  the  city 
had  yet  no  railroad  connections  completed.  Some 
trouble  about  the  right-of-way  delayed  the  work 
on  the  street-railway  until  the  river  became  past 
navigation   and  the  material  could  not  be  had.    For 


EDUCATION    AND    LITERATURE.  485 

the  same  reason,  althougli  the  brick  were  burnt,  the 
contractor  was  compelled  to  delay  the  commencement 
of  the  building.  As  soon  as  navigation  opened  in  the 
spring  the  work  on  the  building  was  commenced  and 
pushed  forward  vigorously,  with  the  view  of  having  it 
ready  for  the  fall  term.  It  was  eighty  by  a  hundred 
feet,  and  two  stories  high.  During  the  early  summer 
the  railroad  company  was  reorganized,  and  steps  were 
being  taken  to  let  out  the  work.  But  every  species  of 
business  was  suspended  by  the  fearful  epidemic 
which  ravaged  the  city  in  the  summer  and  fall  of 
1873.  The  yellow  fever  was  succeeded  by  the  money 
panic  of  1874.  Business  was  prostrated.  The  Insur- 
ance Company  suffered  so  greatly  from  the  ravages  of 
the  fever  at  Memphis  and  Shreveport,  where  most  of 
its  policies  were  held,  that  it  failed,  the  university 
property  depreciated,  and  there  was  a  collapse.  The 
mechanic's  lien  and  the  mortgage  for  the  money  bor- 
rowed swept  away  the  property,  and  the  enterprise 
was  abandoned. 

Concord  Institute  was  organized  in  1876,  under  the 
patronage  of  Concord  Association,  with  a  capital  of 
$14,000.  It  was  located  at  Shiloh,  in  Union  Parish, 
and  has  since  been  in  successful  operation.  It  is  sit- 
uated in  the  midst  of  an  intelligent  and  enterprising 
population ;  and  under  the  management  of  Eev.  C.  B. 
Freeman,  the  Principal,  it  has  attained  a  high  stand- 
ing and  a  gratifying  success. 

Mississippi  College, — In  1870  overtures  were  made 


486  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

by  the  friends  of  Mississippi  College,  to  unite  with 
that  State  in  building  the  College  at  Clinton.  A  com- 
mittee of  conference  was  appointed  by  the  Mississippi 
Convention,  which  met  with  a  similar  committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  Louisiana  Convention.  The  terms  of 
co-operation  proposed  to  invest  the  Louisiana  Con- 
vention with  chartered  rights  in  the  college,  propor- 
tioned to  the  number  of  white  Baptists  in  the  State, 
as  compared  with  the  number  of  Baptists  in  the  States 
co-operating. 

The  Convention,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the 
committee,  adopted  the  following  resolutions: 

"  Besolved,  That  we  cordially  accept  the  terms  of 
co-operation,  as  offered  in  the  plan  submitted  by  the 
Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention. 

"2.  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  this 
Convention,  to  represent  its  interests  at  the  next  ses- 
sion of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention,  and 
that  they  be  fully  authorized  to  consummate  the  pro- 
posed co-operation. 

"  3.  That  we  earnestly  commend  Mississippi  College 
to  the  patronage  and  support  of  the  Baptists  of 
Louisiana,  as  capable  of  supplying  in  every  respect 
the  great  necessities  we  experience  of  Christian  and 
ministerial  education. 

"4,  That  in  consideration  of  the  great  benefits 
offered  in  this  co  operation,  we  accept  the  invitation 
of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  State  Convention,  to  aid  in 
relieving  the  present  embarassment  of  the  college, 
and  for  this  purpose  we  do  hereby  welcome  to  the 
State  their  agent,  Rev.  A.  A.  Lomax,  to  solicit  contri- 
butions to  this  object." 


EDUCATION    AND   LITRRATURE.  487 

In  1872,  the  terms  were  fully  accepted,  and  trustees 
on  behalf  of  Louisiana  were  appointed,  and  the  ar- 
rangement fully  consummated.  The  agent  of  the  col- 
lege was  invited  to  canvass  the  State  with  a  view  to 
obtaining  the  proportionate  share  of  the  endowment 
fund,  under  the  new  organization  of  the  college.  Sub- 
sequently the  Convention  declared  that  this  arrange- 
ment was  not  intended  to  supersede  any  educational 
enterprise  within  the  State.  This  co-operation  has 
continued  to  the  present,  much  to  the  advantage  of 
the  State,  and  it  will,  no  doubt,  be  long  before  it  will 
be  superseded  by  any  State  movement.  Quite  a  num- 
ber of  young  men  from  the  State  have  been,  and  are 
being  educated  at  Clinton,  and  the  spirit  of  Christian 
work,  which  the  students  of  that*  institution  imbibe, 
is  being  transplanted  to  Louisiana  soil. 

Leland  University,  New  Orleans,  La. — This  institu- 
tion, founded  by  the  munificence  of  Holbrook  Cham- 
berlain, under  the  direction  of  the  Home  Mission 
Society,  is  devoted  to  the  education  of  freedmen.  Mr. 
Chamberlain  first  gave  $12,500  to  found  this  school, 
and  the  amount  was  duplicated  by  contributors  to  the 
society.  He  then  gave  $5,000  more  toward  the  build- 
ings. He  and  his  wife  not  only  gave  money  to  this 
noble  object,  but  also  their  hearty  personal  effort. 
This  school  has  now  been  in  successful  operation  sev- 
eral years,  and  has  the  hearty  sympathy  of  the  Bap- 
tists of  the  city,  and,  indeed,  of  the  Southwest.  It  is 
an  important  factor  in  the  evangelization  of  the  freed- 
men of  the  South. 


488  HISTORY    OF   LOTjrSIANA   BAPTISTS. 

LITERATURE. 

While,  perhaps,  the  great  mass  of  the  Baptists 
of  the  State  have  not  been  a  reading  people,  a  large 
number  have  felt  the  importance  of  circulating 
religious  literature  among  the  people.  From  time 
to  time  colporteurs  were  sent  out  to  distribute  books, 
and  individual  ministers  have  done  a  great  deal  to 
supply  reading  matter  for  the  masses.  The  Louisiana 
Association  kept  a  library  for  the  use  of  her  ministers. 
The  Grand  Cane  and  Korth  Louisiana  Associations 
have  each  had  a  book  depository  for  several  years,  and 
have  been  successful  in  disposing  of  our  leading  de- 
nominational books. 

The  importance  of  a  well-conducted  newspaper,  as  a 
factor  in  the  evangelization  of  the  State,  was  early 
felt,  and  efforts  were  made  to  establish  papers  in  the 
State. 

Southwestern  Baptist  Chronicle. — In  1847  Rev.  W. 
C.  Duncan  began  in  New  Orleans  the  publication  of 
the  '■'■Southwestern  Baptist  Chronicle,^^  and  the  denomi- 
nation in  the  State  hailed  its  appearance  by  resolu- 
tions of  approval  and  liberal  subscriptions.  But  on 
account  of  failing  health.  Dr.  Duncan  was  compelled 
to  discontinue  it  in  1850.  It  was  ably  conducted  and 
was  very  creditable  to  the  publishers. 

Wew  Orleans  Baptist  Ohronicle.— In  1852,  Dr.  Dun. 
can's  brother,  L.  Alex.  Duncan,  started  the  New 
Orleans  Baptist    Chronicle,  which    circulated  exten- 


EDUCATION   AND    LITERATURE.  489 

sively  in  Louisiana,  Mississippi  and  Arkansas ;  but 
after  five  years  experiment  it  was  discontinued. 

Louisiana  Baptist.— In  1855,  Rev.  Hanson  ^  Lee 
began  the  publication  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist,  at  Mt. 
Lebanon,  and  conducted  it  with  such  ability  that  it 
soon  ranked  among  the  ablest  religious  papers  of  the 
South.  In  1863  Mr.  Lee  died,  and  the  paper  was  con- 
tinued by  W.  F.  "Wells,  with  Dr.  Courtney  as  associ- 
ate editor,  and  afterwards  as  part  owner.  The  publi- 
cation of  the  paper  was  continued  during  the  war. 

After  the  war  Rev.  A.  S.  Worrell  bought  the  paper, 
but  after  a  brief  connection  resold  to  W.  F.  Wells,  and 
Dr.  Courtney  became  editor,  and  W.  E.  Paxton,  asso- 
ciate. About  the  close  of  the  war,  Mr.  Wells  also 
began  the  publication  of  the  Children  of  the  West,  a 
monthly  Sunday-school  paper,  which  was  discontinued 
in  1869.  About  the  same  time  he  sold  the  susbcrip- 
tion  list  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist  to  Rev.  J.  R.  Graves 
of  the  Memphis  Baptist,  and  discontinued  the  publica- 
tion. A  Louisiana  Department  was  opened  in  the 
Baptist  and  edited  by  Dr.  Courtney  and  W.  E.  Paxton. 
tfot  long  after,  the  State  Convention  adopted  the 
Baptist  as  its  organ,  and  W.  E.  Paxton  was  selected 
as  editorial  contributor.  This  arrangement  continued 
until  1877. 

Southern  Messenger. — In  1876  J.  L.  Furman  started, 
in  New  Orleans,  a  semi-monthly  called  the  Southern 
Messenger,  but  for  want  of  sufficient  patronage  it  was 
soon  discontinued. 


490  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Louisiana  Baptist  Messenger. — In  1879  Eev.  S.  C. 
Lee  began  a  new  paper  at  Farmersville,  called  the 
Baptist  Messenger.  It  at  once  attained  an  unexiJected 
popularity,  and  the  subscription  soon  reached  twelve 
hundred.  For  some  time  the  difficulty  was  to  secure 
a  practical  printer  interested  in  its  publication.  This 
was  secured  in  1881.  The  paper  was  moved  to 
Arcadia,  on  the  Vicksburg,  Shrevesport  and 
Texas  Eailroad.  J.  D.  Head  became  the  publisher, 
and  Rev.  D.  F.  Head,  Associate  Editor.  Under  the 
new  arrangement  the  paper  has  greatly  improved  in 
its  mechanical  appearance  and  its  literary  character, 
and  its  subscription  has  largely  increased. 


PART  II, 


BIOGRAPHieAL  SKETSHES, 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 

Elder  Thomas  Eand,  Je. — The  subject  of-  this 
sketch  was  born  in  West  Springfield,  Mass.,  July 
10th,  1813,  His  father,  Thomas  Eand,  Sr.,  was  also  a 
Baptist  preacher,  and  had  an  academy  at  West 
Springfield,  where  many  men  afterwards  distinguished 
received  the  rudiments  of  learning.  The  son  was 
brought  up  in  a  literary  atmosphere,  and  imbibed  an 
ardent  thirst  for  knowledge.  He  improved  the  oppor- 
tunities he  enjoyed,  and  became  a  ripe  scholar.  At  an 
early  age  he  became  the  subject  of  divine  gtace;  and 
in  1836  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  That  he  might  the 
better  qualify  himself  for  the  sacred  calling,  he  entered 
Hamilton  Theological  Seminary,  where  he  graduated 
in  1838.  ]S"ot  long  afterwards  he  came  to  Louisiana 
and  engaged  in  teaching,  in  St,  Landry  Parish.  He 
was  ordained  in  1841,  He  devoted  his  life  to  preach- 
ing and  teaching ;  and  both  by  precept  and  example 
encouraged  a  higher  standard  of  ministerial  attain- 
ments. The  fact  that  the  Louisiana  Association 
fostered  ministerial  education  was  largely  due  to  his 
influence.  He  encouraged  the  Association  to  raise  a 
library  fund  and  purchase  books  for  the  use  of  her 
ministers.  A  valuable  library  was  thus  accumulated, 
to  which  all  her  ministers  had  access  and  by  which 
they  were  greatly  benefitted.  He  was  for  some  time 
missionary  of  the  Association,  and  enjoyed  the  confi- 
dence of  the  Creole  population  among  whom  he  labored  J 
and  was  instrumental  in  bringing  many  to  the  light  of 
the  Gospel.  He  died  at  Lake  Charles,  in  the  Parish 
of  Calcasieu,  July  1st,  1869. 


494  HISTOBY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Elder  John  J.  Meredith— "Was  an  intelligent 
minister  of  Ouachita  Association.  He  was  born  Octo- 
ber 27th,  1810,  and  died  in  Caldwell  Parish,  June  27th, 
1870.  He  was  ordained  in  1846,  and  served  churches 
in  the  parishes  of  Catahoula  and  Caldwell,  near  his  resi- 
dence. His  brother,  Thomas  Meredith,  separated  from 
the  Ouachita  Association  and  formed  an  Anti-Mission- 
ary body ;  but  he  adhered  to  the  parent  body,  and 
rendered  efiScient  aid  to  the  cause  of  truth. 

Elder  Nathan  H.  Brat—"  The  Apostle  of  the 
Sabine" — was  born  in  Peterborough,  Eng.,  April 
29th,  1809.  In  1840  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States 
and  landed  at  New  Orleans.  Providence  directed  his 
steps  to  Sabine  Parish.  At  this  time  he  made  no  pro- 
fession of  religion.  Not  long  after,  however,  he  joined 
the  Baptists,  and  in  1847  he  was  licensed  to  preach. 
Although  a  man  of  limited  education,  he  developed 
rare  gifts  as  a  preacher.  Laboring  under  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Domestic  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention,  and  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Con- 
vention, he  became  the  father  of  the  Sabine  Associa- 
tion ;  and  at  a  later  day  of  the  Calcasieu  and  Vernon 
Associations,  which  have  sprung  from  it.  He  was 
Moderator  of  the  Sabine  Association  from  its  organ- 
ization up  to  1871.  He  was  an  active  Mason,  and  was 
often  elected  to  important  ofBces  in  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Louisiana.  After  the  war  he  filled  the  office  of 
Parish  Judge  for  several  years.  His  labors  were  in- 
cessant, and  he  traversed  that  immense  region  lying 
between  the  Calcasieu  and  Sabine  Eivers  and  extend 
ing  north  as  far  as  Spanish  Lake  and  the  southern 
parts  of  DeSoto  Parish.  Few  men  in  the  State  have 
exerted  a  wider  influence  and  left  such  visible  results 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  495 

of  their  labors.    He  died  at  his  home,  near  Leesville, 
February  18th,  1876. 

Deacon  Thomas  W.  Bledsoe — Was  taoru  in  Green 
County,  Georgia,  April  11th,  1811,  and  was  brought 
up  in  the  house  of  his  uncle,  Thomas  Stocks,  of  Tol- 
berton,  Georgia.  His  uncle  was  one  of  the  most  pro- 
minent men  in  his  part  of  the  State.  He  presided 
over  the  Senate  of  Georgia  twenty-six  years,  and  suc- 
ceeded Jesse  Mercer  as  President  of  the  Georgia  Bap- 
tist Convention.  In  the  house  of  his  uncle  young 
Blidsoe  enjoyed  frequent  association  with  the  Mercers, 
the  Lumpkins  and  others,  the  most  pious  and  gifted 
of  the  Georgia  Baptist  fathers.  He  was  baptized  by 
Jack  Lumpkin  in  1829.  He  was  for  several  years 
Presiding  Judge  of  Tolbert  County,  Georgia.  He 
came  to  Louisiana  in  1848,  and  settled  near  Fillmore, 
in  Bossier  Parish,  where  he  at  once  identified  himself 
with  the  Baptists  of  the  State,  aiding  in  the  formation 
of  the  church  at  Fillmore,  of  which  he  was  long  a 
deacon.  He  presided  four  years  as  Moderator  of  Eed 
Eiver  Association,  and  in  1855  was  elected  President 
of  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Convention.  He  was  re- 
elected in  1864,  and  continued  in  the  position  until  the 
time  of  his  death,  January  10th,  1871.  Judge  Bledsoe 
was  a  men  of  strong  convictions,  and  abounded  in 
labors,  both  public  and  private,  for  the  Master. 

Deacon  Eobeet  Lynn  Tanner,  a  prominent  lay- 
man, who  long  lived  at  Cheneyville,  in  Eapides  Par- 
ish, was  born  in  Beaufort  District,  S.  C,  in  1793,  and 
removed  with  his  father,  Eobert  Tanner,  also  a  Bap- 
tist, to  Eapides  Parish  in  1813.  He  was  baptized  in 
1826,  and  soon  after  united  with  Beulah  Church  at 
Cheneyville,  and  was  made  a  deacon  of  that  church. 


496  HISTORY    OF    L0UI8TANA    BAPTISTS. 

He  was  a  man  of  largemeans,  and  contributed  liberally 
to  the  service  of  God.  For  many  years  he  bore  almost 
alone  the  salary  of  his  pastor.  He  frequently  acted  as 
Clerk  and  many  years  presided  as  Moderator  of  the 
Louisiana  Association,  and  on  several  occasions  acted 
as  Vice-President  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention. 
He  died  in  1870. 

Elder.  A,  J.  Uutheefobd— Was  born  in  1815,  in 
the  State  of  Vermont,  Upon  attaining  his  majority 
he  left  his  native  State  to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  South. 
In  1837  he  settled  in  Alabama,  and  engaged  in  teach- 
ing. It  was  here  that  he  was  led  to  consider  the  claims 
of  God  upon  him,  and  after  mature  consideration  he 
adopted  the  doctrinal  tenets  of  the  Baptists,  with' 
whom  he  united.  In  1843  he  removed  to  Arkansas 
and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at  Camden.  He 
rose  rapidly  in  his  profession,  and  was  soon  elected  to 
the  ofiQce  of  Probate  Judge,  a  responsible  position, 
which  he  filled  with  faithfulness  and  ability.  In  1846 
Judge  Eutherford  laid  aside  the  ermine  and  was 
ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  He  carried  into  the 
ministry  the  same  tact  and  energy  which  he  displayed 
at  the  bar.  His  influence  was  felt  far  and  near,  in  the 
region  where  he  lived.  In  1851  he  removed  to  Louis- 
iana, and  after  remaining  a  j'ear  at  Mt.  Lebanon, 
where  he  taught  and  preached,  he  settled  west  of  Ked 
Eiver,  in  Caddo  Parish,  about  twenty  miles  from 
Shieveport.  Here  he  became  the  co-laborer  of  Jesse 
Lee  and  A,  Wyche  Jackson,  in  the  bounds  of  Grand 
Cane  Association.  At  the  time  he  located  in  this 
region  religion  was  scoflfed  at,  and  immorality  gen- 
erally prevailed.  Near  his  home  was  Bethany,  built 
oil  the  confines  of  two  States,  for  the  convenience  of 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  497 

the  lawless  and  dissipated.  Here  they  met,  drank 
whiskey,  gambled  and  fought.  Saturdays  and  Sun- 
days were  the  principal  days  for  their  orgies.  A  man 
of  less  courage  than  Eutherford  would  have  hesitated 
to  assault  such  a  stronghold  of  Satan.  But  he  give 
place  to  the  Devil — ^no,  not  for  a  moment.  When  he 
made  his  first  appointment  and  appeared  among  them, 
they  stood  amazed  at  the  audacity  of  the  man.  But 
this  feeling  soon  gave  way  to  resentment,  and  they 
made  demonstrations  of  violence.  liTothing  daunted, 
he  began  a  protracted  meeting.  Those  who  came  to 
scoft"  and  disturb  the  services  were  arrested  by  the 
bold  utterance  of  the  fearless  man  of  God,  and  they 
became  at  first  silent  listeners,  then  humble  penitents, 
crying  for  mercy.  The  result  was  a  revival,  and  a 
strong  church  was  organized  in  the  neighborhood,  of 
which  he  continued  the  honored  pastor  until  his  death. 
From  being  the  resort  of  rowdies^  Bethany  became  a 
civil  and  law-abiding  place. 

The  churches  at  Providence,  Boggy  Bayou  and 
Spring  Eidge  received  his  regular  ministrations,  and 
his  influence  was  largely  felt  in  the  Grand  Cane  Asso- 
ciation and  in  the  State  Convention.  He  was  many 
years  Moderator  of  Grand  Cane  Association.  He  died 
very  much  regretted,  in  June,  1 863. 

Eutherford  was  of  the  genuine  "  Green  Mountain  " 
type,  tall,  lank,  awkward  and  wiry ;  his  eyes  set  some- 
what awry ;  but  with  a  massive,  intellectual  forehead. 
He  was  a  close  reasoner  and  a  fluent  speaker,  but  con- 
vinced rather  by  inexorable  logic  than  by  impassioned 
delivery.  As  the  writer  can  testify,  few  men  could 
handle  him  in  debate.  He  enjoyed  a  reputation  for 
the  most  solid  honor  and  integrity. 


498  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Elder  John  Q.  Prescott— Was  born  in  Kew 
Hampshire,  February  28, 1820.  He  was  mainly  self- 
educated.  His  parents  were  very  poor,  but  lie  was 
born  with  that  sort  of  pluck  that  knows  no  discour- 
agement, and  that  iron  will  which  succumbs  to  no 
obstacle.  To  obtain  some  academical  advantages,  he 
lived  a  long  time  on  bread  and  water,  earning  an 
occasional  penny  by  blacking  the  shoes  and  doing  other 
little  chores  for  the  richer  students.  This  fact  I  have 
from  his  own  lips. 

By  his  diligence  and  perseverance,  before  he  had 
attained  his  majority,  he  had  acquired  a  fair  English 
education,  and  some  knowledge  of  the  elements  of 
Latin.  With  this  mental  capital  he  removed  to  Ala- 
bama in  1840,  and  engaged  in  teaching ;  at  the  same 
time  continuing  his  studies. 

Mr.  Prescott  was  reared  under  Pedobaptist  influ- 
ence ;  but  while  pursuing  the  study  of  Greek,  his 
attention  was  drawn  to  the  subject  of  baptism.  The 
result  was,  he  finally  adopted  the  views  of  the  Bap- 
tists and  united  with  the  church ;  and  he  was  shortly 
afterward  licensed  to  preach.  Giving  evidence  of 
ministerial  ability,  one  of  the  churches  to  which  he 
administered  called  for  his  ordination,  and  he  was 
consequently  fully  set  apart  to  the  Gospel  work  in 
1845.  He  soon  after  removed  to  the  adjoining  parts 
of  Mississippi,  and  continued  for  six  years  at  the 
head  of  a  large  school  at  Macon.  He  also  engaged 
in  preaching  in  the  surrounding  country. 

In  1852  he  removed  to  Louisiana  and  became  finan- 
cial agent  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention,  laboring 
very  successfully  in  this  field.  In  1853  he  accepted 
the  chair  of  Mathematics  in  the  Mt.  Lebanon  Univer- 
sity, which  he  held  for  six  years.    During  this  time 


BIOGRAPHICAI.   SKETCHES.  499 

the  University  of  Alabama  conferred  upon  him  the 
degree  of  A.  M.,  a  distinction  which  his  scholarship 
richly  deserved. 

In  1859  he  became  President  of  Mt.  Lebanon  Female 
College,  which  continued  in  successful  operation  until 
interrupted  by  the  events  of  the  civil  war.  During 
the  war  he  acted  for  a  time  as  Chaplain  in  a  Confed- 
erate regiment.  But  returning  home,  he  took  a  male 
school  at  Sparta,  where  he  taught  about  a  year.  He 
theii  went  back  to  Mt.  Lebanon,  and  resumed  the 
exercises  of  the  Female  College.  But  he  met  with 
discouragements  of  such  an  annoying  character  that 
he  resigned,  removed  to  Avoyelles  Parish,  and  took 
charge  of  the  Evergreen  Academy  and  church.  In 
1867  he  was  called  to  preside  over  the  school  at  Pratt- 
viUe,  Ala.,  and  was  on  the  eve  of  removal  when  he 
received  an  accidental  injury,  from  which  he  died  July 
22,  1867. 

The  fate  of  the  family  was  a  sad  one.  Eemoving 
to  Shreveport,  they  were  residing  there  during  the 
yellow-fever  epidemic  in  1873.  Henry  Prescott,  a  very 
promising  young  man,  fell  first;  then  Annie;  then 
Mrs.  Prescott,  and  finally  little  Hartwell — all  but 
Howard,  who  was  the  only  survivor.  I  attended 
them  in  that  dark  time,  and  ministered  as  I  had  abUity. 

Eldek  W.  L.  Sibley. — A  pioneer  preacher  in 
Louisiana.  He  was  born  in  Bullock  County,  Ga.,  Jan. 
31, 1795.  He  became  a  Baptist  in  1825,  about  which 
time  he  settled  in  Washington  Parish,  La.  He  began 
to  preach  in  1841.  In  1847  he  removed  to  Sabine  Par- 
ish, and  became  a  co-laborer  with  Father  Bray,  whose 
confidence  and  esteem  he  long  enjoyed.  He  was  in- 
strumental in  building  up  many  churches,  both  in 


500  HISTORY    OF   LOUI8IA  BAPTISTS. 

Eastern  and  Western  Louisiana.    He  died  October 
21,  1861. 

Elder  J.  Garpton  Lotheop,— A  brilliant  young 
minister,  who  began  to  preach  in  ISeyf  Orleans  about 
1861,  After  laboring  here' some  time  in  the  bounds  of 
Louisiana  Association,  he  went  into  Eastern  Louisiana. 
He  died  at  Greensburg,  January  16, 1868. 

Elder  James  Buys,  M.  T>. — Like  many  others 
he  combined  the  practice  of  medicine  with  the  minis- 
try. He  was  born  in  Georgia  in  1800.  He  was  bap- 
tized in  his  eighteenth  year,  and  began  to  preach  in 
1822.  1  regret  that  the  facts  in  my  possession  are  so 
meager  that  I  cannot  do  justice  to  this  brother.  He 
came  to  Louisiana  about  1848.  He  was  a  man  full  of 
zeal,  and  did  much  to  strengthen  the  churches  in 
North  Louisiana.  When  I  first  formed  his  acquaint- 
ance he  was  residing  in  Minden.  Afterwards  he 
removed  to  Arcadia,  where  he  remained  until  a  few 
years  before  the  war.  He  then  settled  in  Winn  Par- 
ish, about  eight  miles  from  Montgomery,  where  he 
died  October  26,  1867. 

Elder  John  L.  Mats.— Of  this  good  man  it  may 
be  said  that,  though  he  is  dead,  he  yet  speaketh.  The 
scene  of  his  labors  was  the  western  part  of  Union 
Parish  and  eastern  part  of  Claiborne.  Most  of  the 
churches  in  this  region  were  either  gathered  or 
strengthened  by  his  labors.  He  was  born  in  1814. 
He  came  from  Arkansas,  as  an  ordained  minister,  in 
the  year  1845,  and  settled  in  Union  Parish,  where  he 
began  his  successful  labors.  He  was  exceedingly 
zealous,  and  often  expressed  the  wish  that  he 
might  die  in  the  pulpit.    This  desire  was  fulfilled. 


BIOGEAPHIOAt    SKETCHES.  50l 

While  preaching  with  unusual  fervor,  Nov.  18, 1866,  he 
was  seized  with  heart  disease,  and  expired  in  a  few 
minutes,  before  he  could  be  removed  to  the  house  of 
a  friend. 

Elder  W.  H.  Bayless— Was  an  earnest  and  elo- 
quent man.  He  was  born  at  Columbia,  Greorgia,  May, 
1806.  He  spent  the  first  years  of  his  life  in  the  prac- 
tice of  law  in  West  Tennessee,  where  his  talents 
gained  him  distinction.  It  was  while  thus  engaged 
that  he  was  enabled  to  do  great  service  to  his  coun- 
try. A  company  of  land-pirates,  headed  by  the  notori- 
ous John  A.  Morrell,  carried  on  their  operations  in 
Tennessee  and  the  adjoining  States.  The  clan  was 
bound  by  terrible  oaths,  and  was  dispersed  through- 
out the  field  of  their  operations  for  the  convenience  of 
their  nefarious  business.  Horse-stealing,  negro-steal- 
ing, highway -robbery  and  murder  were  among  their 
common  crimes.  Their  business  was  so  systematized 
that  when  one  was  accused  an  accomplice  was  always 
at  hand  to  prove  an  alibi,  and  thus  the  members  of 
the  band  long  went  "  unwhipped  of  justice."  But  the 
day  of  retribution  was  at  hand.  Virgil  A.  Stewart,  a 
sufferer  by  their  depredations,  pursued  the  thief  into 
West  Tennessee,  where  he  lost  all  trace  of  him.  Here 
he  became  acquainted  with  Bayless,  and  they  together 
laid  a  plan  by  which  the  leader  was  entrapped  and 
convicted,  and  the  confederacy  broken  up.  During 
the  Indian  wars  in  1836  he  took  an  active  part,  and 
acquired  the  title  of  "Ool.  Bayless,"  an  honorable 
designation  which  he  bore  till  his  death.  In  early  life 
Col.  Bayless  was  somewhat  reckless  and  dissipated, 
but  it  pleased  G-od  to  convert  him,  and  in  1841  he  be- 
gan to  preach.    His  eloquence  soon  attracted  atten- 


502  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

tion,  and  he  was  in  succession  called  to  important 
pastorates.  He  was  especially  a  favorite  at  Lebanon, 
Tenn.  In  1846  lie  settled  as  pastor  at  Tulip,  in  what 
is  now  Dallas  County,  Arkansas,  one  of  the  most  in- 
fluential churches  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State  ; 
and  exerted  a  wide  influence  in  the  Saline  Association 
and  in  the  Arkansas  State  Convention,  which  he  aided 
in  forriiing,  and  was  among  its  first  presidents.  At 
some  he  occupied  for  a  short  while  a  pastorate  in  St. 
Louis,  but  I  have  not  the  means  of  knowing  whether 
before  or  after  he  came  to  Arkansas.  He  served 
the  Arkansas  State  Convention  two  years  as  finan- 
cial agent,  and  presided  three  years  as  Moderator  of 
Saline  Association.  In  1850  he  removed  to  Mt. 
Lebanon,  La.  I  first  met  him  at  the  Convention 
in  1853,  at  Mount  Lebanon.  He  was  General  Agent 
of  the  University.  He  was  chosen  President  of  the 
Convention,  and  I  was  elected  Secretary.  This 
gave  me  a  good  opportunity  to  observe  the  fine  pro- 
portions of  the  Man,  both  mentally  and  physically. 
When  the  subject  of  the  University  came  up,  he 
vacated  his  seat  and  made  one  of  the  most  thrilling 
appeals  I  ever  heard.  The  Convention  was  enthused; 
and  although  not  a  large  delegation  was  present, 
$5,200  was  added  to  the  Theological  Endowment  fund. 
In  1854  Elder  Bayless  severed  his  relations  to  the 
Baptists  of  Louisiana  for  a  time,  receiving  the  highest 
commendations  of  the  State  Convention  in  a  compli- 
mentary resolution  prepared  by  the  venerable  Dr. 
Egan ;  and  returned  to  Tennessee,  where  he  was  suc- 
cessively pastor  at  Lebanon,  Murfreesboro,  and  the 
First  Church,  Nashville. 

In  1861  he  returned  to  Louisiana,  and  became  pas^ 
tor  at  Minden,  and  at  the  same  time  preached  to  the 


BIOGRAPAICAL  SKETCHES.  503 

soldiers  camped  in  the  neighborhood,  until  1864,  when 
he  became  pastor  at  Marshall,  Texas.  The  year  fol- 
lowing he  was  pastor  at  Shreveport.  In  1866  he 
was  called  to  supply  the  Coliseum  Place  Baptist 
Church  in  Kew  Orleans,  where  he  continued  to  labor 
until  the  time  of  his  death,  June  13th,  1867. 

Col.  Bayless  was  just  the  material  out  of  which  to 
make  an  orator.  A  fine  physique,  a  musical  voice  and 
an  impassioned  soul,  joined  to  an  earnest  conviction 
of  the  truth  and  importance  of  his  message.  His  san- 
guine and  impulsive  nature  unfitted  him  for  steady 
and  persistent  effort,  but  he  was  admirably  adapted 
to  rouse  men  to  action  whose  judgments  were  con- 
vinced. Altogether  he  was  a  man  the  like  of  whom 
we  will  not  soon  see  again. 

Elder  Baynaed  C.  Egbert.— Among  the  most 
intelligent  and  efficient  of  the  pioneer  ministers,  who 
planted  the  Baptist  cause  in  Louisiana,  may  be  men- 
tioned Baynard  C.  Eobert.  He  was  born  in  South 
Carolina  in  1800.  He  came  to  Louisiana  in  1818,  and 
settled  in  Eapides  Parish.  He  subsequently  removed 
to  St.  Mary's  Parish,  and  in  1820  united  in  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Bayou  Sal6  Church.  The  year  following 
he  and  his  brother,  Peter  W.  Eobert,  at  the  request 
of  Bayou  Sale  Church,  were  ordained  to  the  Gospel 
ministry.  The  Presbytery  appointed  for  this  purpose 
consisted  of  Isham  Nettles  and  Joseph  Willis.  Net- 
tles having  failed  to  attend,  Willis  proceeded  with  the 
ordination  alone.  Baynard  C.  Eobert  ab  once  entered 
upon  that  active  career  in  the  ministry  which  he  had 
come  to  regard  as  his  great  life-work.  From  his  resi- 
dence in  St.  Mary's  Parish,  he  travelled  far  and  near. 
Jn  1824:  he  was  chosen  Clerk  of  the  Association,  to 


504  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

which  position  he  was  frequently  re-elected,  and  even 
when  others  were  chosen  he  was  often  requested  to 
aid  in  preparing  the  minutes  for  the  press.  He  was 
usually  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter,  regarded 
as  the  most  important  work  of  the  association.  In 
1832,  as  chairman  of  a  committee,  he  reported  a  plan 
for  the  support  of  Domestic  Missions,  through  which 
the  ass(jpiation  operated  effectively  for  years.  In  1833 
he  was  Moderator  of  the  association.  In  1842  he  was 
elected  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Board,  a  position 
to  which  he  was  frequently  re-elected. 

When  the  Campbellite  troubles  came,  while  his 
brother  wavered,  he  stood  firm  and  battled  for  the  old 
landmarks.  The  Articles  of  Faith,  which  were  copied 
from  the  Mississippi  Association,  were  of  the  extreme 
Galvinistic  type,  and  were  the  especial  object  of 
attack.  The  Baptists  labored  under  the  diflculty 
that  many  of  the  articles  were  clumsily  expressed  and 
could  not  be  d-efended,  while  many  of  the  older  mem- 
bers opposed  any  change.  Under  these  circumstances 
Elder  Baynard  0.  Eobert  was  called  upon,  and  pro 
duced  an  Abstract  of  Faith  expressed  in  Scripture 
language.  The  manner  in  which  he  executed  the 
work  shows  his  familiarity  with  the  Scriptures.  But 
it  was  felt  that  this  was  a  mere  evasion  of  the  real 
issue,  and  the  following  year  he  produced  another 
Abstract  to  which  general  assent  was  given.  In  1845 
he  accepted  the  position  of  Evangelist,  and  traversed 
the  whole  region  from  Alexandria  to  the  Gulf,  and 
laid  the  foundation  of  many  new  churches  and  revived 
some  that  were  nearly  extinct.  Thus,  sometimes  as 
supply  for  local  churches  of  this  region,  sometimes  as 
Evangelist,  he  labored,  chiefly  at  his  own  charges,  al- 
ways the  advocate  of  Sunday-schools,  Missions  and 
Temperance. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHDS.  505 

The  war  swept  away  his  property  and  he  was  re- 
duced to  poverty,  but  his  labors  never  abated  and  his 
zeal  never  cooled.  He  died  in  1865,  full  of  years  and 
good  works,  ripe  for  the  rewards  above. 

Elder  Jesse  Lee — "Was  the  second  Baptist  Min- 
inster  in  Oaddo  Parish.  He  was  born  in  Simpson 
County,  N.  C,  August  12,  1803.  He  became  a  Bap- 
tist in  Alabama  in  1822,  and  was  made  a  deacon  in 
1828;  licensed  to  preach  in  1837,  and  ordained,  in 
Lowndes  Co.,  Alabama,  in  1842.  He  emigrated  to 
Caddo  Parish,  La.,  and  settled  about  ten  miles  from 
Shreveport,  where  he  immediately  began  to  preach. 
Through  his  labors,  most  of  the  early  churches  in 
Caddo  Parish  were  either  founded  or  strengthened. 
Kear  his  residence  he  planted  the  Summer  Grove 
Church ;  which,  under  his  faithful  ministry,  grew  to 
be  the  largest  in  the  State.  He  was  also  pastor  in 
Shreveport  from  1854  to  1857.  Although  disabled  by 
years  and  sickness  for  several  years  before  his  death, 
and  unable  to  preach,  his  devoted  brethren  were  un- 
willing to  call  another  to  fill  his  place  so  long  as  he 
lived.  I  visited  him  in  his  last  illness,  and  found  him 
tenderly  watched  by  his  affectionate  people,  His 
mind  was  clear  and  calm,  and  he  looked  forward  to 
his  approaching  dissolution  with  joy  and  hope.  He 
died  of  dropsy  October  9,  1872.  He  was  a  man  of 
strong  mind,  a  fair  speaker,  and  enjoyed  the  confi- 
dence of  those  among  whom  he  labored,  as  is  manifest 
in  the  success  of  his  labors. 

Elder  Peter  Crawford — Was  born  in  Louisa 
County,  Ya.,  February  1,  1809,  and  died  at  Keachi, 
La.,  April  25,  1873.  He  professed  religion  in  1831, 
and  soon  after  began  to  preach.    He  received  a  liberal 


506  HISTORY   OI    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

education  in  what  has  since  become  Eichmond  Col- 
lege 5  and,  possessing  a  rare  faculty  for  imparting  in- 
struction, he  devoted  his  life  principally  to  teaching, 
although  he  preached  regularly.  In  1835  he  removed 
to  Marion,  Ala.,  and  became  the  founder  of  the  now 
justly  famed  Judson  Female  Institute.  Subsequently 
he  removed  to  Mississippi,  and  took  charge  of  the 
Central  Female  College,  at  Clinton.  In  1866  he  re- 
moved to  Louisiana  and  became  president  of  Keachi 
Female  College.  A  single  incident  will  illustrate  the 
character  of  the  man.  He  kept  a  diary  from  his  youth. 
One  day,  looking  over  this,  he  found  that,  years  before, 
he  had  promised  to  donate  $25  to  Randolph  Macon 
College.  Having  no  recollection  of  having  paid  it,  he 
carefully  scanned  the  intervening  years,  but  finding 
no  evidence  of  the  payment,  he  at  once  remitted  prin- 
cipal and  interest  to  the  president  of  the  college. 
What  an  example  to  those  who  make  pledges  at  con- 
ventions and  associations  I 

He  lost  an  only  son,  a  very  promising  youth,  in  the 
war,  and  he  never  recovered  from  the  effect  of  it. 
This  event,  no  doubt,  hastened  his  death. 

Elder  E.  S.  Jackson— Was  a  native  of  Louis- 
iana. He  was  born  near  the  mouth  of  Eed  Eiver, 
September  12, 1844.  He  was  educated  at  Mt.  Lebanon 
University  and  at  the  State  Seminary,  at  Alexandria, 
then  under  charge  of  the  now  famous  Gen.  W.  T. 
Sherman,  Young  Jackson  left  the  Seminary  to  enlist 
in  the  Confederate  service,  and  rose  to  the  rank  of 
Captain.  About  the  close  of  the  war,  he  married 
Viola,  eldest  daughter  of  William  Eoscoe,  Esq.,  of 
Bossier  Parish,  a  lady  of  fine  literary  attainments, 
who  has  since  distinguished  herself  in  Southern  liter- 


BIOGEAPHIOAL    SKETCHES.  507 

ature.  After  the  war  he  engaged  for  a  time  in  teach- 
ing, at  first  as  assistant  in  Minden  Male  Academy, 
and  subsequently  as  president  of  Homer  Female  Col- 
lege. He  then  returned  to  his  plantation  in  Avoyelles 
Parish,  and  engaged  for  a  time  in  planting.  He  was 
baptized  in  1869,  and  shortly  after  began  to  preach. 
His  first  labors  were  among  the  Creoles,  whom  he 
addressed  in  their  vernacular.  When  the  Louisiana 
Baptist  Convention  agreed  to  co-operate  with  Missis- 
sippi in  building  up  the  college  at  Clinton,  he  became 
Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Education.  He 
was  two  years  tutor  in  Mississippi  College,  and  for  a 
time  missionary  of  Bayou  Macon  Association.  Finally 
he  located  as  pastor  at  Bastrop.  But,  panting  for 
higher  usefulness,  in  1873  he  went  to  the  theological 
seminary  at  Greenville,  S.  C.  While  at  the  seminary 
he  supplied  several  churches  in  the  surrounding  coun- 
try. He  applied  himself  with  dilig'ence,  and  made 
rapid  progress  in  his  theological  studies.  In  the 
meantime  he  had  won  an  enviable  reputation  as  a  de- 
nominational writer,  by  contributing  to  most  of  our 
Southern  Baptist  periodicals,  but  especially  to  The 
Baptist,  for  whiclfwrote  much.  But  in  the  midst  of 
the!  most  brilliant  prospects  he  fell  a  victim  to  an  old 
army  wound,  and  died  at  the  seminary,  September  10, 
1874.  I  never  knew  a  young  man  to  develop  more 
rapidly;  and  had  he  lived  he  would  have  attained  the 
highest  rank. 

Elder  James  F.  Blackman — Was  a  prominent 
preacher  of  the  Ouachita  region.  He  was  born  in 
West  Feliciana  Parish,  January  7, 1828.  He  learned 
the  printer's  trade  at  Clinton,  La.,  and  at  an  early  age 
became  editor  of  the  Clinton  Democrat,  and  was  a 


508  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

popular  writer  and  speaker.  He  joined  the  Baptist 
church  in  his  eighteenth  year.  He  removed  to  Cata- 
houla Parish  in  1872,  and  in  1874  was  ordained.  He 
preached  sometimes,  as  a  licentiate,  but  only  survived 
his  ordination  a  few  months.  He  died  December  11, 
1874.  Although  his  career  as  a  minister  was  brief, 
he  left  his  impress,  and  many  souls  were  blest  by  his 
ministry. 

Elder  D.  B.  Thomas.— Among  the  minor  prophets 
whose  memory  deserves  to  be  preserved,  stands  the 
name  of  D.  B.  Thomas,  an  eflS.cient  minister  of  the 
Ouachita  region.  He  was  born  in  Hickman  County, 
Tenn.,  in  1804.  He  was  ordained  in  1850,  and  was 
sometime  a  missionary  of  Ouachita  Association.  He 
was  a  good  preacher,  and  very  useful  in  his  region. 
He  died  January  22,  1872. 

Elder  Egbert  S.  Hall.— Was  born  in  the  county 
of  Caven,  Ireland,  IsTovember  25, 1825,  of  Presbyterian 
parents,  who  devoted  much  care  to  his  religious  and 
mental  culture.  Being  designed  for  the  ministry,  he 
was  placed  at  an  early  age  in  Queen's  College,  Belfast 
under  the  patronage  of  the  General'Assembly  of  Ire" 
land.  He  continued  four  years,  and  received  his 
degree.  But  when  about  to  enter  the  theological  de- 
partment, the  fearful  thought  occtuTed  to  his  mind 
that  he  was  destitute  of  grace.  He  felt  that  a  change 
of  heart  was  necessary  to  qualify  him  for  the  sacred 
office  of  the  ministry,  and  to  enter  upon  it  without  this 
change  would  be  desecration.  But  not  to  do  so  would 
be  a  sad  disappointment  to  the  hopes  of  his  father. 
To  avoid  the  dilemma,  and  escape  the  reproaches  of 
his  father,  he  fled  the  college  and  his  country.  He 
arrived  at  New  Orleans  in  1846,  and  proceeded  up  the 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  509 

Mississippi  Eiver  to  Dubuque,  la.,  where  lie  remained 
six  years.  During  this  time  he  was  converted,  and 
after  a  careful  investigation  of  the  subject  of  baptism, 
he  united  with  the  Baptists.  In  1852  he  came  to 
Caddo  Parish,  La.,  and  engaged  in  teaching  at  Sum- 
mit G-rove.  He  became  at  once  prominent  in  the  gen- 
eral meetings  of  the  denomination.  In  1867  he  was 
ordained  to  the  ministry,  and  entered  zealously  upon 
the  work.  His  abilities  and  education  soon  placed 
him  in  the  front  rank.  But  his  health  soon  failed, 
and  he  fell  a  victim  to  consumption,  at  his  home  near 
Spring  Ridge,  December  28, 1873,  much  regretted. 

Elder  Moses  0.  Williams — Was  long  identified 
with  Grand  Cane  Association,  La.,  as  one  of  its  most 
prominent  and  devoted  ministers.  He  was  born  in 
Georgia  in  1804;  removed  to  Mississippi  in  early  life, 
and  thence  to  Louisiana.  He  settled*near  Mansfield, 
DeSoto  Parish,  about  1852.  He  was  ordained  in 
1854,  and  traveled  one  year  as  missionary  of  Grand 
Cane  Association.  He  supplied  many  churches  near 
his  home.  He  was  strongly  Calvinistic  in  his  views, 
and  loved  to  dw^U  upon  the  doctrines  of  grace.  He 
was  a  rigid  Baptist,  and  his  infiuence  will  long  be 
felt  in  that  part  of  the  State  west  of  Eed  Eiver. 
He  died  February  13th,  1874. 

Elder  'S.  P.  McCeaw— Was  born  in  Tennessee 
in  1828.  He  united  with  the  Methodist  church 
when  he  was  twelve  years  old,  and  became  a 
minister  in  that  connection  when  he  was  thirty- 
eight  years  old.  In  1858  he  came  to  Louisiana,  and 
for  some  years  pursued  the  practice  of  dentistry 
and  preached  as  a  local  Methodist  preacher.  In 
1867,  after  a   long'  and  conscientious  investigation, 


510  HISTORY   OP   LOUISIANA   BAPtlSTS. 

he  was  led  to  renounce  the  faith  of  the  Methodists 
and  was  baptized  into  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
at  Bastrop,  Louisiana,  by  P.  E.  Collins.  He  was 
an  able  and  effective  minister,  and  did  much  to 
build  up  the  Baptist  cause  in  that  part  of  the  State 
between  the  Ouachita  and  Mississippi  rivers.  He 
was  pastor  at  Delhi  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which 
occurred  January  11th,  1874,  at  Hazlehurst,  Miss,, 
whether  he  had  gone  in  search  of  health. 

Elder  James  Edwakds  Paxton — Was  born  in 
"Woodford  county,  Kentucky,  October  5th,  1820,  but 
removed  with  his  father  to  Arkansas  in  1824,  and  was 
brought  up  on  a  farm  near  Washington,  in  Hempstead 
County.  He  received  the  elements  of  an  English 
education  in  the  academy  at  Washington,  then  under 
the  charge  of  Eev,  J.  M.  Hogae,  a  Presbyterian  min- 
ister. He  became  a  Baptist  in  1844,  and  was  licensed 
soon  after.  He  was  ordained  in  1845,  and  not  long 
after  removed  to  Louisiana  and  settled  at  Mt.  Lebanon, 
and  pursued  his  theological  studies  under  the  direction 
of  George  W.  Bains.  He  engaged  actively  and  zeal- 
ously in  the  ministry,  and  a  large  number  of  the 
churches  in  the  surrounding  country  were  the  fruit  of 
his  evangelical  labors.  He  aided  in  the  organization 
of  Red  Eiver  Association  and  the  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention, of  which  bodies  he  was  long  Secretary.  He 
was  financial  agent  of  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  and 
was  successful  in  obtaining  most  of  the  endowment  of 
that  institution.  He  removed  to  Texas  in  1858,  and 
settled  first  at  Anderson.  He  subsequently  became 
pastor  at  Washington,  the  old  capital  of  the  State, 
where  he  continued  to  labor  until  1873,  when  he  was 
disabled  by  a  stroke  of  paralysis,  from  over- work  in 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  511 

the  ministry.  In  this  condition  he  continued  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  Williamson  County  Tex., 
May  9th,  1876.  During  his  ministry  he  baptized  about 
fifteen  hundred  persons. 

Bldek  Constant  S.  McCloud— Was  born  in  Plain- 
field,  Vermont,  October  18th,  1818.  He  united  with 
the  Baptist  church  when  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age ; 
and  in  1839  he  emigrated  to  Kentucky.  In  1846  he 
graduated  at  Georgetown  College,  Kentucky,  then 
under  the  presidency  of  Howard  Malcom,  D.  D. 
After  his  graduation  he  married  Mary  Jarvis,  daugh- 
ter of  William  Jarvis,  Esq.,  of  ShelbyvUle,  Ky.,  and 
settled  as  pastor  at  Starkville,  Miss.  In  1853  he 
became  pastor  at  Vicksburg.  Having  lost  his  first 
wife,  he  married  Miss  Anne  Covington,  near  Eaymond, 
Miss.,  whither  he  removed,  and  engaged  in  planting ; 
but  continued  to  labor  in  the  G-ospel  with  great  zeal 
and  success  in  the  surrounding  country,  until  after  the 
close  of  the  Civil  War.  In  1867  he  became  pastor  at 
Jefferson,  Texas,  where  he  continued  until  October  3, 
1871 ;  -and  by  his  indefatigable  labors  increased  the 
church  from  a  mere  handful  to  about  two  hundred,  and 
built  one  of  the  handsomest  church  edifices  in  the 
State,  and  a  comfortable  pastor's  home.  After  his 
resignation  he  returned  to  Mississippi  and  became,  for 
a  short  while,  agent  of  the  Sunday-school  Convention. 
Thence  in  a  few  months  he  removed  to  Paris,  Ky. ;  but 
not  realizing  his  expectations,  in  the  fall  of  1872  he 
accepted  work  as  a  missionary  of  Grand  Cane  Asso- 
ciation, Louisiana,  and  labored  in  this  capacity  until 
1873.  Just  before  the  terrible  epidemic  which  ravaged 
Shreveport  in  1873,  he  removed  his  famity  to  that 
city  and  went  to  seek  a  pastorate  in  Texas.    This  he 


512  HISTORY   or    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

found  at  Navasota,  and  returned  to  Shreveport  for 
his  family.  But  before  he  could  get  away,  qnarantine 
was  established  and  he  was  compelled  to  remain. 
Not  long  after  his  own  family  was  taken  with  the 
yellow  fever,  himself  among  the  number.  The  loss  of 
his  children,  two  of  whom  died,  fell  with  crushing 
weight  upon  him  at  the  crisis  of  the  fever,  and  he 
died  October  17th,  1873.  His  remains  repose  in  the 
cemetery  beside  his  children,  at  Shreveport,  among 
the  hundreds  who  fell  victims  to  the  plague. 

Jesse  Habtwell,  D.  D. — The  soil  of  Louisiana 
contains  no  more  sacred  dust  than  that  of  Jesse  Hart- 
well,  the  father  of  J.  Boardman  Hartwell,  D.  D.,  the 
distinguished  China  missionary.  He  was  born  in 
Buckland,  Hampshire  (now  Franklin)  County,  Mass., 
May  2d,  1795.  His  father,  Jesse  Hartwell,  was  also 
an  eminent  Baptist  minister,  and  survived  his  son. 
He  was  prepared  for  college  in  an  academy  taught  by 
Eev.  Thomas  Eand,  at  West  Springfield,  Mass.,  and 
entered  Brown  University,  where  he  graduated  in 
1816,  being  a  classmate  of  Horace  Mann  and  aToom- 
mate  with  Eufus  Babcock,  Jr.,  D.  D.  While  at  the 
academy  he  made  a  profession  of  religion.  He  was 
baptized  by  his  father  at  Sandisfleld,  Berkshire  Coun- 
ty, Mass.,  September  13th,  1815,  and  the  following 
year  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  He  was  ordained  in 
the  First  Baptist  Church,  Providence,  R.  I.,  July 
16th,  1821.  In  1819  he  was  invited  to  supply  the 
Second  Baptist  Church,  Providence,  the  care  of  which 
he  resigned  in  1822,  on  account  of  failing  health,  and 
went  to  Charleston,  S.  0.  Not  long  after,  he  took 
charge  of  the  High  Hills  of  Santee  and  Sumpterville 
churches,  and  at  the  same  time  taught  a  large  female 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES  r  513 

school.  In  1828  the  Purman  Theological  Institution, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of 
South  Carolina,  was  located  at  High  Hills  of  Santee, 
in  Sumpter  District,  and  Jesse  Hartwell  was  associated 
with  Samuel  Furman  as  professor.  Here  he  labored 
six  years,  and  some  of  the  most  distinguished  minis- 
ters in  the  South  were  his  pupils  at  this  time.  Out  of 
the  institution  thus  begun  has  grown  the  Purman 
University.  Here  too  was  sown  the  seed  that  pro- 
duced the  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Seminary, 
In  1836  he  went  to  Alabama  as  agent  of  the  Poreign 
Mission  Board  of  the  old  Triennial  Convention.  In 
1837  he  became  pastor  of  Curlowville  Church,  Dallas 
County,  Ala ;  also  preaching  occasionally  at  Mont- 
gomery. About  this  time  he  was  elected  Moderator  of 
the  Alabama  Baptist  Convention.  In  1839,  as  Chair- 
man of  the  Committee  on  Education,  he  originated  a 
movement  that  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  How- 
ard College.  At  the  same  time  he  was  an  active  pro- 
moter of  the  Alabama  Baptist,  which  was  started 
about  this  time. 

In  1844:  he  removed  to  Marion  and  assumed  the 
duties  of  Professor  of  Theology  in  Howard  College. 
The  University  of  Alabama  conferred  upon  him  the 
well-earned  degree  of  D.  D.  in  1845. 

Dr.  Hartwell  was  an  active  participator  in  the 
events  which  led  to  the  formation  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention,  and  was  one  of  its  first  Secre- 
taries. He  remained  in  Marion,  discharging  the 
duties  of  his  professorship,  and  at  the  same  time  act- 
ing as  President  of  the  State  Convention,  and  also  of 
the  Domestic  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention,  until  1848,  when  he  removed  to  Arkansas. 
He  settled  at  Camden,  and  established  the  Camden 


514  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Female  Institute,  but  preached  regularly  in  the  sur- 
rounding country.  He  was  an  active  promoter  of 
the  Arkansas  Baptist  State  Convention,  and  was  often 
chosen  as  Moderator. 

In  1857  he  was  induced  to  remove  to  Mt.  Lebanon, 
La. ,  and  became  President  and  Professor  of  Theology 
in  the  Mt.  Lebanon  University.  WhUe  occupying  this 
position  he  passed  away,  September  16, 1859.  During 
his  long  and  laborious  life  he  was  an  active  promoter 
of  Foreign  Missions,  and  gladly  gave  up  to  this  work 
his  gifted  son,  J.  Boardman  Hartwell,  D.  D.,  late  mis- 
sionary to  Tung  Chow,  China,  and  now  laboring  with 
the  Chinese  in  California.  The  impress  of  Dr.  Hart- 
well's  consecrated  life  is  felt  throughout  the  entire 
South.  In  1860  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Convention 
published  a  "Memorial  Address  on  the  Life  and 
Character  of  Jesse  Hartwell,  D.  D.,  by  Eev.  Wm. 
Carey  Crane,  D.  D.,"  from  which  most  of  these  facts 
have  been  drawn. 

Bldek  Ezra  Courtney. — So  much  space  has 
been  given  to  the  labors  of  this  pioneer  preacher  in 
the  body  of  the  work,  that  only  a  short  sketch  is 
needed  here.  According  to  his  son,  D.  H.  Court- 
ney, from  whom  I  derived  many  of  my  facts,  Ezra 
Courtney  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1771 ;  but 
Benedict,  in  his  history,  says  he  was  a  native  of 
Pennsylvania.  As  Mr.  Courtney  was  Benedict's 
principal  correspondent  for  Eastern  Louisiana,  I  am 
unable  to  account  for  the  discrepancy,  but  it  is  cer- 
tain he  came  from  South  Carolina.  In  1802  he 
settled  in  Amite  County,  Miss.,  near  the  Louisiana 
line.  At  that  time  Eastern  Louisiana  was  under  the 
dominion   of  Spain.     Many  of  his  South  Carolina 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  515 

friends,  among  whom  were  some  Baptists,  were 
attracted  into  the  Pelicianas.  These  Courtney  fre- 
quently visited,  and,  by  request,  preached  to  them ; 
and  by  making  a  friend  of  the  Alcalde,  who  was  an 
American,  he  escaped  Ihe  fury  of  the  Catholics.  In 
passing  he  made  the  house  of  the  Alcalde  his  stop- 
ping place.  He  organized  a  church,  called  Hepzibah, 
not  far  from  the  present  town  of  Clinton,  in  East 
Fieliciana  Parish,  in  1814,  whither  he  soon  removed. 
He  was  an  efficient  and  popular  minister,  and  con- 
tinued to  labor  in  this  region  until  disabled  by  age. 
He  was  often  Moderator  of  the  Mississippi  Associa- 
tion.   He  died  February  22,  1855. 

Elder  Jambs  Brinson.— I  have  been  unable  to 
obtain  many  details  of  this  Baptist  father  in  Louis- 
iana, who  has  already  been  mentioned  in  a  previous 
page.  He  was  born  in  Tennessee,  and  came  to 
Louisiana  in  1821,  and  settled  not  far  from  the 
present  town  of  Vienna ;  and  being  a  Baptist  minister, 
he  gathered  a  church,  called  Pine  Hills,  in  1822,  made 
up  at  first  chieifly  of  members  of  his  own  family,  who 
accompanied  him  from  Tennessee.  So  far  as  I  have 
been  able  to  ascertain,  he  is  the  first  Baptist  preacher 
who  labored  in  the  region  between  the  Ouachita 
Eiver  and  the  Dorchete.  He  gathered  a  few 
churches.  He  died  in  what  is  now  Claiborne  Parish, 
September  5, 1831. 

Elder  Joseph  Willis. — The  history  of  Louisiana 
Baptists  could  not  be  written  without  the  mention  of 
this  brother,  whose  name  occurs  so  often  in  connec- 
tion with  the  oldest  churches  in  Louisiana  Associa- 
tion. He  was  probably  a  native  of  South  Carolina, 
and   was    born  in  1762.      He  was  a  mulatto,   but 


516  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

perhaps  free-born,  as  he  had  acquired  a  fair  English 
education.  He  first  appears  in  Southwest  Missis- 
sippi in  1798.  In  1804  he  came  into  the  Attakapas 
country,  and  preached  a  few  times.  The  following 
year  he  settled  in  Bayou  Ohicot,  where  he  gathered 
the  first  Baptist  church  west  of  the  Mississippi  in 
this  State. 

He  was  ordained  in  1812,  by  Moses  Hadley  and 
Lawrence  Scarborough,  who  had  been  sent  over  by 
the  Mississippi  Association  for  this  purpose.  I  have 
already  detailed  his  labors  in  this  region.  He  subse- 
quently removed  to  Ten  Mile  Creek,  in  Eapides 
Parish,  where  he  died  September  14,  1854.  His 
grandson,  D.  H.  Willis,  is  one  of  the  most  respected 
ministers  in  the  Louisiana  Association. 

Elder  Solomon  S.  Eelyea— Was  born  at  Olin- 
tondale,  Ulster  County,  N.  Y.,  February  7, 1822.  He 
entered  Waterville  College,  Maine,  about  1842,  and 
continued  in  that  institution  two  years,  when  he  en- 
tered Kew  York  City  University,  where  he  graduated 
in  1846.  He  then  entered  Hamilton  Theological 
Seminary,  where  he  graduated  in  1849.  He  professed 
conversion  while  at  Waterville,  and  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  1846,  by  the  First  Baptist  Church,  New 
York,  of  which  Spencer  H.  Cone  was  pastor.  Here 
he  was  also  ordained  in  1849.  His  first  pastorate  was 
the  First  Baptist  Church,  Harlem,  N.  Y.  Here  he 
labored  three  years,  and  then  accepted  Kingston 
Baptist  Church,  Ulster  County,  N.  Y.  After  four 
years  he  removed  to  Skaneateles,  and  served  the 
church  there  two  years.  In  1857  he  removed  to 
Amite  County,  Miss.,  and  engaged  in  teaching  and 
preaching.     Two  years  afterward  he  removed  to 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  517 

Clinton,  La.,  and  in  1859  took  charge  of  the  Silliman 
Institute,  where  he  continued  to  labor  until  1867.  In 
1868  he  organized  Woodland  Institute,  Bast  Feliciana 
Parish.  In  1876  he  again  removed  to  Mississippi, 
and  became  connected  with  a  school  at  McOomb 
City.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  June 
4, 1877,  he  was  associate  editor  of  the  Southern  Bap- 
tist, published  at  Meridian,  Miss.  He  occupied  a  high 
rank  as  an  educator,  a  preacher  and  a  writer.  He 
left  in  MS.  a  work  on  church  polity,  which  surviving 
friends  are  moving  to  bring  before  the  public. 

Elder  Peter  William  Egbert— Was  distin- 
guished among  the  early  evangelists  who  labored  in 
Southern  Louisiana.  He  was  a  brother  of  Baynard 
C.  Eobert,  and  was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1798, 
and  removed  to  Louisiana  in  1818,  and  settled  in 
St.  Mary's  Parish,  where  he  was  converted  under  the 
preaching  of  Joseph  Willis.  He  was  licensed  by 
Bayou  Sal6  Church  and  ordained  by  Joseph  Willis  in 
1821.  Elder  Eobert  was  by  trade  abrick-mason,  and 
in  1833  removed  to  Jefferson,  a  suburb  of  New  Or- 
leans, where  he  remained  eight  years,  engaged  at  his 
trade  and  preaching  as  best  he  could  as  opportunity 
presented  itself.  In  1837  he  aided  in  the  re-organiz- 
ation of  the  First  African  Baptist  Church,  and  or- 
dained two  colored  ministers,  Sanders  and  Satter- 
field.  In  1841  John  O'Quin  and  others,  residing  in  St. 
Landry  Parish,  desired  to  receive  baptism,  and  P. 
W.  Eobert  was  sent  for  to  perform  the  ordinance, 
there  being  no  more  convenient  administrator.  Mr. 
Eobert  came,  and  continuing  some  days  preaching, 
he  gathered  the  church  on  Bayou  Eouge  (now  Avoy- 
elles Parish).    Encouraged  by  his  success,  he  con- 


518  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

tinned  two  years  or  more  to  labor  as  an  evangelist  in 
the  bounds  of  Louisiana  Association,  during  which, 
as  the  fruit  of  his  labors,  four  hundred  and  six  were 
added  to  the  churches.  He  then  returned  to  Jeffer- 
son, where  he  continued  a  few  years,  but  again  re- 
turned to  the  Eed  Eiver  region,  broken  down  in 
health,  and  settled  in  Eapides  Parish,  where  he  died 
about  1847.  Of  this  brother.  Elder  John  O'Quin, 
who  knew  him  long  and  intimately  says  :  "  He  had 
a  good  estate  to  begin  life  with,  but  was  much  en- 
gaged in  preaching,  and  without  any  provision  being 
made  for  a  support,  together  with  his  great  kindness 
of  heart  in  giving  away  good  books  and  helping  the 
poor,  he  was  much  reduced  in  property  at  his  death. 
He  was  a  man  greatly  beloved,  very  catholic  in 
spirit,  but  sound  in  faith.  I  have  heard  many  great 
men,  but  never  listened  to  a  better  one  as  a  teacher 
of  Christianity.  He  was  a  natural  orator.  Under 
his  ministry  Elder  D.  D.  Porman  and  Elder  D.  H. 
Willis,  and  many  others,  the  most  useful  members  of 
our  churches,  were  brought  in.  The  wife  of  Bro. 
W.  E.  Hargrove,  of  Sugar  Town,  Eapides  Parish,  is 
his  only  surviving  child.  In  doctrine  he  was  not 
very  'hard-shelled',  and  by  some  he  was  called  a 
'  Campbellite,'  but  he  died  a  Baptist." 

Mr.  Ford  claims  that  he  endorsed  the  doctrine  of 
McOall,  the  Campbellite  evangelist.  But  as  he  con- 
tinued with  the  Baptists  until  his  death,  it  is  probable 
that  he  differed  from  his  brethren  in  that  he  opposed 
the  hyper-Oalvinistic  and  Antinomian  views  of  many 
of  his  brethren,  without  adopting  the  peculiar  errors 
of  Oampbellism. 

Elder  William  A.  Eobert— Was  the  son  of 
Daniel  Eobert,  and  was  a  native  of  Eapides  Parish 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  519 

He  was  converted  while  attending  college  at  George- 
town, Ky.,  and  was  licensed  to  preach.  It  was  in 
college  with  him  that  my  acquaintance  once  began, 
in  1843.  He  was  a  good  student,  a  fine  speaker,  and 
graduated  in  1846,  in  a  large  class,  many  members  of 
which  have  since  distinguished  themselves.  He  was 
ordained  shortly  after  his  return  from  college,  by  H. 
D.  F.  Eoberts,  John  O'Qain  and  Samuel  Harper. 
He  entered  at  once  upon  a  career  of  great  useful- 
ness, sometimes  as  supply  of  some  of  the  weaker 
churches  in  Eapides  Parish,  sometimes  as  an  evan- 
gelist of  the  Louisiana  Association.  But  his  great- 
est work  was  at  Bayou  de  Glaize,  where  he  founded 
one  of  the  most  eflBcient  churches  in  the  association. 
Under  his  ministry  the  church  erected  a  beautiful 
edifice,  established  fegular  weekly  service,  with  a 
well-organized  Sunday-school,  and  entered  largely 
into  missionary  work.  And  so  well  did  he  impress 
his  spirit  upon  the  people,  that  the  church  continues 
to  the  present  time  the  leading  and  most  influential 
church  in  this  part  of  the  State.  After  the  close  of 
his  pastorate  here  he  retired  to  his  plantation  on  Oo- 
tile  Bayou,  preaching  in  the  surrounding  country. 
When  the  Federal  army  invaded  this  part  of  the 
State  he  refugeed-with  his  slaves  to  Texas,  where  he 
died  in  1863.    He  was  never  married. 

Bldek  D.  D.  Forman — Long  a  prominent  minister 
in  Louisiana  Association,  was  born  in  St.  Landry 
Parish  in  1812,  and  was  converted  under  the  ministry 
of  P.  W.  Eobert  in  1843.  He  was  quite  illiterate 
when  he  began  to  preach,  but  by  dint  of  application 
made  himself  a  fair  English  scholar,  and  especially 
familiar  with  the  Bible.    He  was  a  logical  reasoner, 


520  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

a  good  speaker  and  a  very  spiritual  man.  He  did 
much  to  strengthen  the  churches  in  the  bounds  of 
the  Louisiana  Association.  He  removed  to  Texas 
after  the  war,  where  he  is  still  (1880)  actively  en- 
gaged in  the  ministry. 

Eldbe  Georob  a.  Irion— Was  a  native  of  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry.  He 
first  settled  in  Wilkinson  County,  Miss.,  and  in  1825 
came  to  Louisiana,  and  became  pastor  at  Oheney- 
ville.  John  O'Quin  says  of  him  that  "  he  was  a  very 
logical  and  zealous  preacher.  He  was  paralyzed  for 
many  years  and  unable  to  preach.  He  possessed 
great  versatility  of  talent.  He  was  an  apothecary, 
and  very  active  in  business."  He  ceased  to  preach 
about  1840,  and  spent  some  time  in  West  Tennessee. 
He  then  returned  to  Louisiana,  and  died  at  the  resi- 
dence of  his  son,  Eobert  E.  Irion,  in  Avoyelles  Par- 
ish. 

Elder  Samuel  A.  Haydbn — Was  born  in  Wash- 
ington, (Tangipahoa)  Parish,  La.,  April  7th,  1839. 
After  spending  three  years  at  the  Floridiana  Male 
Academy,  at  Greensburg,  he  entered  Georgetown 
College,  Ky.,  in  1857,  where  he  continued  until  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Civil  War.  The  class  that  year 
did  not  graduate.  He  served  as  a  Captain  in  the 
16th  La.  Reg.  Infantry,  Confederate  Army.  Captain 
Hayden  was  baptized  in  1856.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  1866.  During  this  year  he  edited  the 
Oreensburg  State  Jaurnal,  He  was  ordained  in 
1867.  After  preaching  a  year  at  Greensburg,  La.,  he 
became  pastor  at  Clinton,  La  Here  he  built  one  of 
the  finest  church  edifices  in  the  State.  In  1873  he 
became  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  New  Or- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  521 

leans.  After  laboring  here  two  years,  in  1875  he 
went  to  Paris,  Texas,  where  his  labors  were  greatly 
blest.  In  1877  he  became  pastor  at  Jefferson,  Texas, 
and  in  1879  removed  to  the  Broadway  Church,  Gal- 
veston, Texas;  where  he  still  labors  (1880). 

James  Bussy,  Esq. — Among  the  effective  laymen 
who  have  labored  to  build  up  the  Baptist  cause  in 
Louisiana,  none  deserve  more  honorable  mention 
than  Judge  Bussy,  of  Bastrop,  Morehouse  Parish. 
He  was  born  in  Edeuton,  Putnam  county,  Georgia, 
December  15, 1830.  When  in  his  thirteenth  year  he 
received  an  injury  from  which  he  became  a  hopeless 
paralytic.  Bat  by  almost  superhuman  energy  he 
overcame  the  disadvantages  of  his  condition,  and 
from  almost  utter  helplessness,he  learned  to  balance 
himself  on  crutches,  and  has  led  as  active  a  life  as 
most  men  with  sound  limbs.  He  came  to  Bastrop, 
La.,  in  1849,  from  Arkansas,  and  began  the  study  of 
law.  He  was  soon  admitted  to  the  bar;  but  was 
offered  the  lucrative  position  of  Clerk  of  the  District 
Court,  which  he  held  by  successive  elections  until 
1868,  when  he  was  elected  Parish  Judge.  In  1872  he 
resumed  the  practice  of  the  law.  Judge  Bussy  has 
been  an  active  Baptist  since  1848.  For  years  he 
has  been  Moderator  of  the  Bayou  Macon  Associa- 
tion, and  has  several  times  been  elected  Vice-Presi- 
dent of  the  Baptist  State  Convention.  He  has  been 
an  active  promoter  of  Sunday-schools  and  missions. 
It  has  long  been  a  rule  with  him  to  contribute  to  the 
Lord  one-tenth  of  his  gross  income,  and  in  so  doing 
he  has  been  greatly  blessed,  having  acquired  a  com- 
fortable fortune.  Instead  of  becoming  a  burden  to  his 
family,  he  became  the  support  of  his  aged  and  be- 
34 


522  HiSTOET  or  Louisiana  baptists. 

loved  parents,  and  has  brought  up  in  his  house  a 
number  of  orphan  children  of  his  sisters. 

Eldek  B.  a.  Campbell. — An  efiBcient  minister 
who  labored  in  the  Eed  Eiver  Valley.  He  was  born 
in  North  Carolina,  April  15, 18.18.  He  came  to  Louis- 
iana very  young,  and  settled  in  East  Baton  Eouge 
Parish,  where  he  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1841.  He 
settled  west  of  KedEiver  in  1845,  and  was  ordained 
in  1846.  He  labored  earnestly  and  efficiently  in  this 
part  of  the  State,  until  his  death.  May  7, 1847. 

Elder  Obadiah  Dodson. — Was  born  in  North 
Carolina,  or  Tennessee,  where  his  labors  as  a  min- 
ister began.  He  was  an  active  missionary,  and 
seeking  a  new  field  about  1847,  removed  to  Arkansas 
and  thence  to  Louisiana,  and  became  a  missionary  in 
the  employ  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Convention.  He 
was  the  author  of  an  excellent  work  called  "  Fifteen 
Eeasons  for  the  Proper  Training  of  Children."  He 
died  in  DeSoto  Parish  in  1854. 

Eldek  Isham  N.  McAlister— Was  an  active  min- 
ister of  the  Sabine  Association,  La.  He  was  born 
in  Mississippi,  April  27, 1813;  baptized  in  1841; began 
to  preach  in  1850;  ordained  in  1853.  Soon  after,  he 
removed  to  Louisiana  and  settled  in  Sabine  Parish. 
He  was  employed  as  a  missionary  of  the  State  Con- 
vention in  1855.  He  did  good  service.  He  labored 
extensively  between  Natchitoches  and  the  Sabine 
Eiver.    He  died  January  27,  1874. 

Elder  Allen  Nix — Was  an  able  pioneer  preacher, 
in  the  bounds  of  the  Ouachita  Association,  La.  He 
died  in  Catahoula  Parish,  La.,  June  9,  1847.    At  the 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  523 

time  of  his  death  he  was  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  on  Little  River. 

Deacon  D.  R. Gaudy  -  An  eminent  Baptist  layman, 
in  the  Sabine  Association,  La,  He  was  for  many 
years  Sheriff  of  Sabine  Parish,  and  served  one  term 
in  the  legislature  in  1853.  He  took  an  active  interest 
in  the  Baptist  cause.  He  was  born  in  Georgia  in 
1811,  and  died  in  Sabine  Parish,  May  12, 1867. 

Deacon  Egbert  H.  Burnett— A  prominent  lay- 
man, whose  membership  is  at  Gilgal,  Claiborne  Par- 
ish. He  was  born  in  Edgefield  District,  South  Caro- 
lina, May  28, 1812,  and  was  baptized  in  his  sixteenth 
year.  He  came  to  Louisiana  in  1836,  and  was  one 
of  the  constituent  members  of  the  church  at  Mt. 
Lebanon,  in  1837.  Deacon  Burnett  has  been  an 
active  worker,  and  has  long  filled  the  chair  of  Mod- 
erator of  Eed  Elver  Association,  and  succeeded 
Judge  Bledsoe  as  President  of  the  State  Convention. 
He  held  these  positions  until  age  and  declining 
health  have  prevented  his  attending  these  general 
meetings. 

Elder  Green  W.  Hartspield — A  prominent  min- 
ister of  Grand  Cane  Association,  residing  at  Mans- 
field, La.  He  was  born  in  Muscogee  County,  Ga., 
December  14,  1833.  He  came  with  his  father  to 
Louisiana  in  1849,  and  settled  in  Caddo  Parish.  He 
made  a  profession  of  religion  and  was  baptized  Dec. 
3, 1851,  by  Jesse  Lee.  He  spent  three  years  at  Mt. 
Lebanon  University,  under  the  presidency  of  Dr.  W. 
C.  Crane.  In  September,  1860,  he  was  ordained  to 
the  ministry ;  presbytery,  Jesse  Lee,  A.  J.  Euther- 
ford,  J.  H.  Tucker  and  William   McCullougb.    He 


524  HISTORY   OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

married  Unice  Brown,  a  daughter  of  George  W, 
Brown,  of  Bienville  Parish,  and  a  great-grand- 
daughter of  James  Brinson,  the  pioneer  preacher  in 
North  Louisiana. 

For  five  years  he  preached  with  great  acceptance 
to  churches  in  Bienville  Parish.  In  1865  he  was 
called  to  the  church  at  Mansfield,  where  he  contin- 
ued as  pastor  for  ten  years.  Subsequently  he 
served  churches  in  the  surrounding  country.  For 
the  years  1879-'80  he  was  engaged  in  evangelistic 
labors,  under  appointment  of  the  State  Convention. 
In  the  fall  of  1881  he  was  recalled  to  the  pastorate 
at  Mansfield.  He  has  devoted  mach  time  to  the 
colored  population,  preaching  to  them,  holding  min- 
isters' institutes,  and  aiding  in  the  reorganization  of 
the  North-western  Louisiana  (colored)  Association, 
of  which  he  became  Secretary.  He  has  been  an 
active  promoter  of  temperance,  and  for  more  than 
five  years  was  President  of  the  Grand  Cane  San- 
day-school  Convention.  He  is  an  earnest  and  forci- 
ble speaker,  and  wields  a  wide  influence  in  the  State. 
With  the  courage  to  maintain  his  convictions,  he 
has  often  suffered  from  his  faithfulness  to  the  truth, 
but  he  has  accounted  it  his  glory  to  suffer  for  Christ. 

Eldee  William  0.  Feilby— Since  1878  the 
successful  and  efiBcient  State  Evangelist  and  Cor- 
responding Secretary  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist 
Convention.  He  was  born  in  Yazoo  county.  Miss., 
July  12,  1845,  and  became  a  Baptist  when  he  was 
fourteen  years  of  age.  He  began  to  preach  in  1806. 
He  graduated  at  Mississippi  College  in  1871,  and 
shortly  after  was  ordained  and  became  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  church  in  Yazoo  City.    Here  he  labored  sac- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES. 


525 


cessfuUy  three  years.  In  1876  he  became  pastor  at 
Trenton,  La.,  and  in  the  Summer  following  organized 
a  charch  in  Monroe,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
Ouachita  river,  with  eighteen  members.  He  continued 
to  labor  in  connection  with  these  two  churches  until 
the  meeting  of  the  Convention,  in  1878,  when  he 
accepted  the  position  of  State  Evangelist.  He  is  a 
young  man  of  great  promise,  and  his  labors  have 
been  greatly  blest. 

Phinetta  B.  Hasley. — Among  the  noble  women 
whose  names  deserve  to  be  preserved,  none  rank  high- 
er for  consecration  to  the  Master's  service  than  Mrs. 
P.  B.  Hasley.  She  was  born  in  Green  county,  Ga., 
in  1800,  and  died  near  Trenton,  La.,  July  14, 1878. 
She  was  twice  married ;  the  first  time  to  Elder  Jon- 
athan Newman,  who  preached  for  many  years  in 
Ouachita  Parish,  west  of  the  river.  After  his  death 
she  married  Mr.  Hasley,  of  Trenton,  who  died  in  a 
few  years,  and  left  her  again  a  widow.  She  never 
had  children.  The  churches  at  Trenton  and  Monroe, 
erected  entirely  at  her  own  expense,  the  latter  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  church  edifices  in  the  State, 
are  monuments  to  her  memory. 

Elder  Fkanexin  Courtney,  M.  D.— This  distin- 
guished brother  was  born  in  King  and  Queen's 
county,  Va.,  June  4, 1812.  His  parents  were  Baptists, 
and  in  his  early  years  he  sat  under  the  ministry  of 
Robert  B.  Semple,  Andrew  Broadus,  Sr.,  William 
Todd  and  the  Montagues.  After  receiving  a  good 
academical  education,  he  began  the  study  of  medi- 
cine, and  graduated  at  the  University  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, in  March,  1833  In  November,  1835,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Adaliue  Pendleton,  of  Virginia,  and 


526  HISTORY   OT   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

in  the  Spring  following  removed  to  Gainesville,  Sum- 
ter county,  Ala.  Here,  in  the  Summer  of  1838,  he 
and  his  wife  were  converted  under  the  preaching  of 
Eev  Daniel  Parker,  D.  D.,  an  eminent  Presbyterian 
minister,  and  united  with  the  Baptist  church  at 
Grainesville.  The  church  being  without  a  pastor,  he 
was  led  to  take  an  active  part  in  the  services  of  the 
church,  but  declined. to  be  recognized  as  a  preacher 
for  about  six  years  afterward. 

In  1845,  at  the  call  of  Providence  Church,  Sumter 
County,  Ala.,  he  consented  to  ordination.  The  pres- 
bytery consisted  of  B.  Manly,  Sr.,  D.  D.,  Daniel  P. 
Bestor,  D.  D.,  James  Barnes,  Lewis  Barnes,  William 
M,  Farrer,  A.  E.  Clemmons  and  S.  S.  Lattimore.  In 
the  fall  of  1845  he  removed  to  Eldorado,  Ark.,  and 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  at  the  same  time 
preaching  regularly  to  the  church  in  Eldorado  and 
the  surrounding  country. 

In  1850  he  removed  to  Mt.  Lebanon,  in  Bienville 
Parish,  and  continued  the  practice  of  his  profession. 
Here  he  has  since  resided,  and  most  of  the  time  has 
supplied  the  church  as  pastor.  He  has  often  been 
elected  Moderator  of  Eed  Eiver  Association,  and 
President  of  the  State  Convention.  He  also  filled 
the  Chair  of  Theology  in  Mt.  Lebanon  University 
temporarily.  When  the  Louisiana  Baptist  was  started 
by  Eev.  Hanson  Lee,  Dr.  Courtney  became  a  regular 
contributor.  When  Lee  retired  on  account  of  failing 
health,  Dr.  Courtney  became  editor,  and  subsequent- 
ly part  owner  of  the  paper.  In  1870  he  sold  his 
interest,  but  continued  to  edit  the  paper  in  connec- 
tion with  Eev.  W.  E.  Paxton.  When  the  Louisiana 
Baptist  was  sold  to  the  Memphis  Baptist,  he  was 
placed  upon  the  editorial  staff  of  that  paper,  a  post- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHK8.  527 

tion  he  filled  for  some  time.  Dr.  Courtney  is  a 
forcible  speaker,  and  a  terse  writer ;  strong  in  his 
convictions  and  fearless  in  their  utterance,  he  has 
exercised  a  wide  influence  in  the  State.  Strongly 
Oalvinistic  in  his  views,  he  has  done  perhaps  more 
than  any  other  man — not  even  excepting  Bain — to 
indoctrinate  the  churches  in  his  part  of  the  State. 
When  he  came  to  Louisiana  a  large  part  of  the  Bap- 
tists were  little  more  than  baptized  Methodists,  and 
many  of  the  ministers  were  openly  Arminian  in 
doctrine.  But  this  leaven  of  false  doctrine  has  been 
pretty  thoroughly  purged  out. 

He  has  long  been  an  active  pioneer  of  Foreign 
Missions, and  is  one  of  the  most  earnest  and  eflcient 
Sunday-school  workers  in  the  State. 

Eldbe  William  H.  McGeb.— Mississippi  has 
contributed  largely  to  the  ministry  of  Louisiana. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Noxubee 
county,  Miss.,  November  1,  1846,  He  united  with 
the  New  Hope  Baptist  Church,  Winston  county, 
Miss.,  October  10,  1864.  He  was  licensed  by  Shu- 
qualak  Church,  July,  1871.  After  undergoing  a 
course  of  preparatory  studies  in  the  Summerville 
Institute,  taught  by  Thomas  S.  Gathright,  he  entered 
Mississippi  College  in  1872,  and  graduated  in  1876. 
H?  was  ordained  December  20,  1874;  presbytery, 
Edwin  Pace,  G.  Gay,  Jesse  H.  Buck  and  J.  M.  Nichol- 
son. This  was  done  at  the  instance  of  Mt.  Pisgah 
Church,  which  had  been  organized  as  the  fruit  of 
his  labors  while  in  college.  He  continued  to  labor 
in  the  region  about  Clinton  until  he  graduated. 
Shortly  afterwards,  January,  1877,  he  accepted  the 
call  of  the   church  at  Miuden,  La.,  where  he  has 


528  HISTORY   OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

since  labored  acceptably  in  connection  with  the 
churches  at  Homer  and  Mt,  Lebanon.  Under  his 
care  the  churches  have  been  largely  developed. 
He  has  also  done  much  evangelistic  work  in  the  sur- 
rounding country,  Mr.  McGee's  talent  is  of  that 
order  which  is  useful  rather  than  ornate,  and  what 
his  sermons  lack  in  brilliancy  they  make  up  in  the 
practical.  He  aims  to  reach  the  heart  rather  than  to 
please  the  fancy.  His  workmanship  is  solid  masonry 
that  will  endure  the  ravages  of  time. 

He  married  November  15,1877,  Miss  Alice  Martin, 
of  Copiah  county,  Mi3S.,  who  has  proved  to  be  a  wor- 
thy helpmeet  in  the  Lord. 

Mr.  McGee  has  been  Secretary  of  the  State  Con- 
vention, and  held  important  positions  in  the  boards 
of  that  body.  At  present  he  is  the  efficient  Sunday- 
school  Secretary. 

L.  Alexander  Duncan — Was  long  a  prominent 
layman  in  the  State.  He  was  born  in  the  City  of 
New  York,  February  16, 1829.  His  parents  moved 
to  Alabama  while  he  was  yet  an  infant.  In  1838  the 
family  removed  to  Grenada,  Miss.  His  father  was 
for  many  years  a  teacher,  having  charge  of  high- 
schools,  but  later  in  life  he  was  devoted  to  religious 
work.  Under  such  influences  and  the  training  of  a 
pious  mother,  young  Duncan  early  conceived  a  dis- 
position to  labor  for  the  young.  He  received  a 
mercantile  education.  He  went  to  New  Orleans  in 
1847,  and  became  associated  with  his  brother,  Eev- 
W.  0.  Duncan,  D.  D.,  in  the  publication  of  the  South 
Western  Baptist  Chronicle. 

The  death  of  his  mother,  May  27,  1847,  made  a 
deep  impression  upon  his  mind,  and  in  October  fol- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  529 

lowing  he  was  baptized  by  Eev.  J.  K.  Clinton,  and 
united  witii  Eiohland  Baptist  Church,  Holmes  county, 
Miss.  He  never  attended  a  Baptist  Sunday-school 
except  for  a  year  or  two  in  New  York  City,  in  the  old 
Amity  Street  Church,  of  which  Eev,  W.  E.  Williams, 
D.  D.,  was  pastor.  His  first  labors  were  in  connec- 
tion with  the  First  Baptist  Church,  Kew  Orleans,  in 
1848.  Subsequently  he  labored  in  a  mission  Sunday- 
school  ;  and  after  1853  with  the  Coliseum  Place 
Church,  of  which  he  was  clerk.  He  was  also  assist- 
ant superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school,  and  was 
highly  esteemed  for  his  ef&ciency. 

In  1852  he  established  the  New  Orleans  Baptist 
Chronicle,  which  was  the  means  of  awakening  a  new 
interest  in  the  Baptist  cause,  not  only  in  New 
Orleans,  but  throughout  the  State.  It  was  discon- 
tinued in  1865. 

In  1856  he  married  a  daughter  of  Edward  C. 
Payne,  Esq, 

From  1855  to  1861  he  was  Superintendent  of  the 
American  Tract  Society's  work  in  the  South-west,  a 
position  of  great  trust  and  responsibility,  there  being 
from  sixty  to  ninety  colporteurs  constantly  employed. 
The  operations  of  the  Tract  Society  were  interrupted 
in  the  South  by  the  Civil  War,  and  Mr,  Duncan's 
labors  in  that  line  closed.  With  fine  executive 
abilities,  he  gave  eminent  satisfaction  as  Superin- 
tendent. 

In  1863  he  located  at  Mieridian,  Miss,  There  was 
then  but  a  small  Baptist  church  in  that  city,  and  no 
Sunday-school  at  all.  He  began  at  once  to  agitate 
the  matter,  but  it  was  May,  1865,  before  he  was  able 
to  commence  operations.  The  war  had  closed,  and 
all  was  confusion.   A  start  was  made  with  only  three 


530  HI    TORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

teachers  and  four  scholars,  and  during  the  year  the 
enrolments  were  only  thirty-five.  But  the  Meridian 
Sunday-school  became  an  institution,  numbering  in 
seven  years,  650  in  its  membership;  equal  to  all 
others  in  the  city  combined.  He  was  elected  Ee- 
cording  Secretary  of  the  Mississippi  Baptist  Con 
vention,  in  1868.  In  1878  he  removed  to  Memphis, 
Tenn.,  and  began  the  publication  of  The  Bible  Student, 
a,  monthly  periodical.  He  was  also  connected  with 
the  Sunday-school  of  the  Central  Baptist  Church 
(Dr.  Landrum's).  But  the  fearful  epidemic  that 
ravaged  that  city  in  1878,  caused  him  to  change  his 
residence  and  business;  and  he  removed  to  Jackson, 
Tenn.,  in  the  interest  of  the  Ministerial  Education 
Board.  Subsequently  he  returned  to  Meridian,  Miss., 
where  he  still  resides. 

His  services  to  the  Baptist  cause  in  this  State  en- 
title him  to  the  space  which  I  have  given  him  in  this 
work. 

William  Cecil  Duncan,  D.  D.,  was  born  in  Kew 
York  City,  January  22, 1824.  His  parents  removed 
to  North  Alabama  in  1830,  and  first  settled  at  Court- 
land,  where  his  father,  William  Duncan,  established 
a  female  school.  In  1836  the  family  removed  to 
Athens,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tennessee  river ; 
but  two  years  latter  emigrated  to  Grenada,  Miss., 
where  his  father  engaged  in  mercantile  business. 
Young  Duncan  assisted  his  father  as  clerk.  But  he 
showed  a  dislike  for  business,  and  craved  a  thorough 
education  and  a  professional  life. 

About  the  year  1840  he  went  to  New  York  to  pursue 
his  studies.  So  well  had  he  been  instructed  in  the 
private  schools  of  the  South,  he  had  to  attend  a  high 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  581 

school  only  one  year,  when  he  entered  the  Sopho- 
more class  at  Columbia  College,  where  he  graduated 
in  1844.  Among  his  classmates  were  George  Payne 
Quackenbos,  LL.  D.,  the  distinguished  author  of  a 
number  of  useful  school-books,  and  several  others 
who  have  become  Episcopal  ministers. 

Eeturning  to  his  home  in  Grenada,  Miss.,  be  began 
the  study  of  law  under  Gen.  I.  K  Waul,  now  of 
Texas.  Before  applying  for  a  license  he  visited  rela- 
tions in  Bast  Mississippi,  and  while  attending  a  meet- 
ing in  Kemper  county,  made  a  profession  of  religion. 
The  same  fall  he  was  baptized  by  Eev.  S  S.  Parr, 
then  pastor  of  the  Grenada  Church.  He  soon  felt  a 
conviction  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  the  Gospel, 
Arrangements  were  made,  and  he  entered  Madison 
University,  Hamilton,  N".  Y.  The  climate  at  Hamil- 
ton proved  too  severe,  and  he  was  compelled  to  seek 
rest,  after  having  contracted  a  jiulmonary  complaint 
which  followed  hhn  through  life.  He  nevertheless 
graduated  with  his  class,  married  a  daughter  of 
Lyman  Cobb,  Esq.,  and  returned  to  Grenada  in  1846. 
In  January  of  the  following  year  he  went  to  New 
Orleans,  and  on  the  13th  of  March,  1847,  issued  the 
first  number  of  the  South-  Western  Baptist  Chronicle. 
His  health  at  that  time  did  not  permit  him  to  engage 
much  in  preaching.  During  the  summer  of  1847  he 
lost  his  wife,  and  at  a  later  day  was  attacked  by 
yellow  fever,  being  confined  to  his  bed  when  Kev. 
Isaac  Taylor  Hinton,  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  was  stricken  down  and  taken  to  his  heav- 
enly home.  In  1848  he  was  again  married,  to  a 
daughter  of  John  Juden,  Esq. 

In  1850  he  began  teaching  in  connection  with  his 
editorial  labors.    His  health  failed,  the  Ohronicle  was 


632  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

suspended,  and  he  was  advised  to  take  a  sea  voyage. 
This  he  did,  sailing  to  Marseilles,  France,  and  back 
early  in  1851.  He  was  elected  Professor  of  Ancient 
Languages  and  Literature  in  the  University  of  Loui- 
siana, upon  his  return ;  and  held  that  position  until 
called  into  the  pastorate  in  1853.  In  November  of 
that  year  the  Coliseum  Place  Baptist  Church  was 
organized,  with  nine  members,  and  he  was  chosen 
pastor.  Meanwhile  he  had  been  preaching  under 
appointment  of  the  Domestic  Mission  Board,  to  a 
mission  in  a  hall  over  the  Carrollton  Depot,  to  full 
congregations. 

As  pastor  of  the  Coliseum  Church,  he  met  with 
remarkable  success.  But  his  health  again  failed,  and 
he  was  compelled  to  ask  leave  of  absence.  A  move- 
ment being  made  to  change  pastors  in  the  meantime, 
for  the  sake  of  avoiding  dissension  he  resigned. 
Subsequently  he  accepted  the  care  of  the  First 
Baptist  Church,  of  which  he  was  pastor  at  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  Civil  War. 

Though  in  feeling  and  interest  politically  with  the 
youth,  his  judgment  was  against  secession.  This 
finally  led  to  his  being  advised  to  seek  a  home  in 
Kentucky,  as  neutral  ground.  But  he  was  evidently 
induced  to  go  further  north,  where  he  remained  until 
the  fall  of  New  Orleans.  His  family  were  with  rela- 
tions in  Mississippi,  until  arrangements  were  made  to 
join  him  at  their  old  home.  He  never  regained  his 
strength,  and  was  compelled  to  abandon  the  pulpit, 
yielding  up  his  life,  after  a  long  illness,  May  1, 1864, 
leaving  a  wife  and  six  children. 

He  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  from  Columbia 
College,  in  1864,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty.  Dr. 
Duncan  made  valuable  contributions  to  the  literature 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  533 

of  our  denomination,  among  which  was  a  work  on 
baptism.  He  also  published  a  translation  of  Von 
Ehodin's  "John  the  Baptist". 

Elder  John  A.  Harrell— Was  born  in  Twiggs 
County,  Ga.,  in  1817.  He  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Jackson  County,  Fla.,  when  he  was  very  young. 
Here  he  grew  up  to  manhood,  and  married.  He 
came  to  Louisiana  in  1848,  and  settled  near  Sparta,  in 
Bienville  Parish.  Under  the  ministry  of  Elder  James 
E.  Paxton,  he  was  led  to  Christ,  and  was  baptized  by 
him  into  Sparta  Church.  He  was  licensed  to  preach 
in  1854,  and  the  year  following  ordained.  The  fol- 
lowing churches  have  received  the  benefit  of  his  earn- 
est and  efficient  labors:  Sparta, twelve  years';  Eingold, 
five  years;  Friendship,  four  years;  Liberty  Hill,  one 
year;  Eamah,  eleven  years,  and  Saline,  twenty-one 
years.  All  these  churches,  except  Ramah,  are  in  Bien- 
ville Parish.  He  is  still  (1881)  pastor  at  Saline.  This 
faithful  servant  of  the  Lord  is  sound  in  doctrine 
unwavering  in  his  attachment  to  the  principles  of  the 
Baptists,  and  consistent  in  his  life.  He  has  so  lived 
as  to  enjoy  the  confidence  of  his  neighbors,  and  has 
reared  a  large  family;  while  constantly  devoting 
himself  to  the  ministry. 

Two  of  his  sons  have  entered  the  ministry  :  Geo. 
M.  Harrell,  of  Pleasant  Hill,  DeSoto  Parish,  and 
Thomas  B.  Harrell,  who  is  a  student  at  Mississippi 
College.  A  long  and  intimate  acquaintance  with 
Elder  Harrell  has  given  me  the  highest  respect  for 
his  character  and  his  abilities  as  a  minister. 

Elder  Jeremiah  H.  Tucker — This  well-known 
brother  is  the  third  in  succession  of  a  line  of  preach- 
ers.   His  grandfather,  Jeremiah  Tucker,  was  a  pio- 


534  HISTOBT   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

neer  preacher  in  North  Alabama.  His  father,  George 
Tucker,  was  distinguished  in  Alabama,  Mississippi, 
Texas  and  Louisiana.  Jeremiah  H.  Tucker  was  born 
near  Athens,  Limestone  County,  Alabama,  Novem- 
ber 14th,  1829.  He  was  taught  the  rudiments  of  an 
English  education  at  Columbus,  Miss.,  during  the 
pastorate  of  his  father  at  that  place.  During  the 
years  1848,  1849  and  1850  he  studied  Greek,  Latin 
and  h'igher  mathematics  at  Union  University,  Tenn. 
He  spent  most  of  the  year  1851,  prospecting  in  Texas; 
taught  school  in  Marshall  County,  Miss.,  in  1852  and 
a  part  of  the  year  1853.  He  removed  to  Marshall, 
Texas,  in  the  latter  part  of  1853,  and  engaged  in 
teaching,  in  connection  with  Prof.  Petit,  in  the  Mar- 
shall High  School;  and  was  Superintendent  of  the 
Baptist  Sunday-school  in  1854.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  by  the  Marshall  Church  the  same  year.  In 
January,  1855,  he  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  Nat- 
ural Science  in  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  and  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  the  position  in  February.  But 
in  the  winter  of  that  year  he  received  a  call  from 
the  Shreveport  church,  and  he  resigned.his'profes- 
sorship  to  accept  it.  He  was  ordained  and  installed 
pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  January,  1856. 
The  presbytery  consisted  of  A.  J.  Eutherford,  W. 
A.  Stokes,  Jesse  Lee  and  George  Tucker.  He 
labored  here  with  great  satisfaction  to  his  congrega- 
tion  for  three  years.  In  1858  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Anna  M.  Jenkins,  of  Shreveport,  La.  In  September 
of  the  same  year  he  accepted  the  Presidency  of 
Keachi  Female  College,  and  entered  immediately 
upon  the  duties  of  the  position.  There  were  only 
forty-five  pupils  in  the  school  when  he  took  charge 
in  1858.    In  1859  the  college  opened    with  eighty 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES.  535 

pupils  and  matriculated  during  the  year  one  hundred 
and  twenty  one,  of  whom  sixty  five  were  boarders. 
His  connection  with  the  college  continued  until 
March,  1862,  when  he  resigned  his  position  to  enter 
the  Confederate  Army,  with  the  rank  of  Lieutenant. 
But  his  feeble  physical  constitution  could  not  bear 
the  rigors  of  camp  life,  and  he  returned  home  broken 
down  in  health.  He  was  solicited  by  the  Board  of 
Trustees  to  resume  his  position  as  President  of 
Keachi  Female  College,  but  declining  to  re-enter  the 
school-room,  he  purchased  a  farm  and  began  plant- 
ing, hoping  by  an  active  life,  with  much  exercise  in 
the  open  air,  to  restore  his  shattered  health. 

Upon  the  death  of  A.  J.  Eutherford,  pastor  of 
Keachi  Baptist  Church,  in  1863,  Elder  Tucker  ac- 
cepted the  pastorate  of  that  church.  Having  lost 
his  first  wife,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  B.  Jen- 
kins in  May,  1866.  He  continued  planting  and 
preaching  to  Keachi  Church,  and  a  part  of  the  time 
to  Hazelwood,  until  1871,  when  his  health  having 
been  partially  restored,  he  consented,  upon  the 
earnest  solicitation  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  and  the 
friends  of  Keachi  Female  College,  to  again  take 
charge  of  that  institution.  He  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  the  Presidency,  September,  1871,  from 
which  time  to  the  present  (1881)  he  has  held  that 
position;  and  preaching  every  Sabbath — one  half  his 
time  at  Keachi  and  twice  a  month  to  Hazelwood,  and 
afterward  to  Salem.  In  the  fearful  cyclone  which 
passed  through  Keachi  in  November,  1880,  and  partly 
destroyed  the  college.  President  Tucker  was  seri- 
ously injured.  After  his  injuries  his  health  rapidly 
declined.  He  tried  rest  and  travel  in  vain,  and  he 
died  at  his  home,  May  31st,  1881. 


536  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

He  served  as  President  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist 
Convention  three  years,  and  as  Moderator  of  Grand 
Cane  Association  for  six  years.  He  also  had  charge 
of  the  Depository  of  the  Sunday-school  Convention, 
and  did  much  to  aid  in  the  dissemination  of  Sunday- 
school  literature.  President  Tucker  was  a  man  of 
fine  executive  abilities.  He  had  a  clear  head,  a 
sound  judgment  and'  a  kind  heart.  He  was  not  a 
fluent  speaker,  but  the  subject-matter  of  his  dis- 
courses was  so  superior  that  the  hearer  forgot  his 
defective  delivery,  and  was  carried  along  by  the 
force  of  his  logic  and  the  aptness  of  his  illustrations. 
As  a  man  he  was  noted  for  his  unwavering  integrity ; 
as  a  teacher,  for  his  excellent  discipline,  and  the 
thoroughness  of  his  instruction;  and  as  a  preacher, 
for  his  zeal  and  faithfulness. 

Nortel  W.  Wilson,  D.  D.— One  of  the  most 
eloquent  ministers  of  the  South,  late  pastor  of  Coli- 
seum Place  Church,  New  Orleans,  was  born  in 
Franklin,  Pendleton  County,  Va.,  October  20th,  1834. 
He  made  a  profession  of  religion  when  about  four- 
teen years  of  age.  His  thoughts  soon  turned  to  the 
ministry.  His  parents  were  pious  Methodists,  but 
owing  to  what  his  youthful  mind  considered  their  in- 
consistency in  the  treatment  of  their  infant  member- 
ship, he  discarded  the  doctrine  of  the  Methodist 
Church  and  joined  the  Moravians,  one  of  the  lead- 
ing denominations  of  the  Valley. 

He  enjoyed  the  advantage  of  a  flrst-class  classical 
school  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  when  he 
went  into  business  that  he  might  secure  funds  to 
complete  his  education.  An  extract  from  his  diary 
will  give  some  insight  into  his  feelings  at  this  time : 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES. 


537 


"At  eighteen  years  of  age,  poor  and  inexperienced,  I 
found  myself  two  hundred  miles  from  home  in  mid- 
winter, without  a  single  acquaintance,  attempting  to 
establish  business,  which,  should  it  fail,  would  leave 
me  without  the  means  to  carry  me  back  to  home  and 
friends.  Everything  was  unpropitious,  except  that  I 
had  determined  to  succeed,  and  united  with  reso- 
lution, earnest  prayer  and  continued  effort.  Amid 
many  discouragements  God  owned  and  prospered 
my  labors.  But  while  bearing  away  the  spoils  my 
heart  was  set  upon  them,  instead  of  becoming  more 
devoted  to  the  Giver.  On,  on,  for  fouryears  I  pursued 
the  glittering,  delusive  wealth,  waiting  only  to  say: 
'  Soul  take  thine  ease '  *  *  *  Like  Jonah  I  ran 
from  God  until  the  billows  ran  over  me.  From  the 
deep  of  distress  he  heard  my  cry  and  entrusted  me 
once  again  with  a  message  to  my  dying  fellow-men. 
It  was  to  say :  '  Who  is  suflicient  for  these  things  1 ' 
It  availed  nought  to  plead:  '  I  am  a  man  of  unclean 
lips' or  '  stammering  tongue.'  From  the  caverns  of 
my  own  heart  the  answer  was  always  ready.  Some- 
times it  strikes  me  sadly  as  an  echo  from  the  grave : 
'Woe  !  woe  is  me !  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel.'" 

In  the  autumn  of  1857  his  heart  was  retouched,  and 
in  studying  to  know  "the  way  of  the  Lord  more  per- 
fectly," he  was  led,  in  spite  of  his  early  prejudices, 
to  become  a  Baptist.  He  then  knew  but  little  of  the 
people  with  whom  he  had  cast  his  lot.  He  had 
heard  but  one  preach  in  his  early  life.  But  with  his 
convictions  of  duty  drawn  from  the  Bible,  he  could 
become  nothing  else.  In  alluding  to  his  baptism,  a 
correspondent  of  the  Religious  Herald  wrote:  "I 
have  met  with  few  young  men  superior  to  him  in  in- 
tellect. He  is  a  good  scholar,  a  finished  orator,  and 
35 


538  HISTORT    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

if  he  enters  the  ministry,  will  take  a  high  stand  in 
this  or  any  other  State," 

He  felt  called  to  preach ;  not  back  to  school.  After 
preaching  and  traveling  as  a  colporteur  for  nearly  a 
year,  he  was  ordained  in  Pittsylvania  County,  Va., 
August  11^  1858.  He  immediately  took  charge  of 
two  or  three  country  churches,  which  he  served 
very  successfully  till  January,  1861,  when  he  accepted 
a  call  to  the  Baptist  church  at  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C, 
the  seat  of  the  university.  In  the  following  June  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Betts,  of  Virginia.  Speaking  of 
his  pastorate  in  Chapel  Hill,  a  recent  correspondent 
of  The  Observer  (Ealeigb,  N.  C.)  says:  "Dr.  Wilson 
first  became  known  as  a  preacher  of  rare  excellence 
in  I^orth  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill.  *  *  *  The  late 
President  (Bx-Governor)  Swain  used  to  say  that  he 
was  a  man  of  extraordinary  power."  His  labors  in 
Chapel  Hill  were  greatly  blessed,  and  he  made  a  fine 
impression  for  the  Baptist  denomination,  not  only  on 
the  community,  but  among  professors  and  students 
who  attended  very  regularly  upon  his  ministry. 

In  August,  1867,  he  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  accept 
a  call  which  had  been  extended  him  from  the  Baptist 
church  at  Farmdale,  Va.  Here  he  had  two  years  of 
sunshine  and  success.  A  loving,  united  church, 
ready  for  every  good  word  and  work,  helped  him  in 
a  glorious  work  for  the  Master.  But  he  was  not 
allowed  to  remain  here  long.  A  wider  field  was 
opened.  In  April,  1870,  he  was  called  to  the  Grace 
Street  Baptist  Church,  Eichmond,  Va.,  as  the  suc- 
cessor of  the  venerable  and  distinguished  Dr.  J.  B. 
Jeter,  who  had  filled  the  pulpit  seventeen  years.  In 
this  new  field  his  labors  were  wonderfully  blessed- 
Among  some  resolutions  published  on  the  occasion 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES.  539 

of  his  resignation,  after  a  pastorate  of  nearly  five 
years,  this  appears : 

"In  thus  consenting  to  sever  the  relation  which 
for  nearly  five  years  has  bound  us  together  as  pastor 
and  people,  we  feel  it  due,  alike  to  him,  to  ourselves 
and  to  the  cause,  to  testify  that  he  has  proven  an 
able,  faithful  and  laborious  preacher,  as  attested  by 
the  fact  that  very  large  and  interested  congregations 
have  listened  to  the  386  sermons  and  139  lectures, 
which  he  has  delivered  from  our  pulpit;  that  his 
labors  have  been  greatly  blessed,  as  proven  by  the 
fact  that  he  has  baptized  162,  and  that  100  others 
have  professed  conversion  in  connection  with  his 
ministry ;  that  during  his  pastorate  the  church  has 
contributed  in  the  aggregate  about  $40,000  to  church 
and  benevolent  objects,  and  that  progress  has  been 
made  in  every  department  of  our  work." 

Dr.  Jeter,  in  editorially  noticing  his  resignation  in 
the  Beligious  Herald,  said:  "We  have  rarely  known 
a  pastorate  attended  with  more  manifest  tokens  of 
the  divine  approbation;  or  a  ministry  more  accept- 
able to  the  crowds  who  attended  it.  Dr.  Wilson  is 
a  preacher  of  rare  endowments.  *  *  *  The  fresh- 
ness, originality  and  vivacity  of  his  sermons,  we  have 
never  known  excelled.  He  never  repeats  his  own 
thoughts,  or  runs  in  old  ruts,  or  ever  crosses  his 
tracks  without  reminding  his  hearers  of  it.  His 
preaching  is  eminently  Scriptural.  All  his  dis- 
courses are  drawn  from  the  word  of  God.  *  *  * 
We  have  heard  him  preach  almost  constantly  fo? 
several  years,  and  we  never  listened  to  him  without 
interest  and  instruction." 

About  the  same  time  a  correspondent  of  the  Index 
and  Baptist  wrote :   "A  preacher  is  rarely  so  much 


540  HISTORY   OP  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

loved  and  admired  as  Dr.  Wilson  has  been  in  Kich- 
mond,  throughout  his  pastorate.  He  has  probably 
the  largest  congregations  in  the  city,  which  is  easily 
understood  by  those  who  are  acquainted  with  the 
style  and  power  of  his  preaching.  »  •  *  He 
speaks  with  the  utmost  naturalness  and  earnestness, 
goes  right  to  the  heart  of  his  subject,  is  always  fresh 
and  vigorous  in  thought,  has  a  fine  voice  and  man- 
ner, is  sometimes  grandly  eloquent^  always  evangeli- 
cal, and  thoroughly  a  Baptist,  and  last,  next  for  first, 
he  knows  when  to  s'op." 

In  the  fall  of  1875,  he  accepted  a  call  to  the  Coli- 
seum Place  Baptist  Church,  New  Orleans.  He  knew 
the  difiSculties  of  this  field,  but  he  felt  that  God  was 
leading  him,  and  to  Him  he  trusted  all  his  way.  His 
labors  in  this  pastorate,  though  perhaps  not  as  mani- 
fest in  results  as  at  Eichmond,  were  not  without  good 
fruit.  He  accomplished  all  that  any  man  could 
accomplish  under  the  difficulties  that  surrounded 
him.  While  his  efforts  were  especially  directed  at 
building  up  the  cause  in  New  Orleans,  his  work  was 
not  confined  here.  He  lent  a  helping  hand  to  the 
mission  work,  which  was  conducted  under  the  labors 
of  Eev.  J.  B.  Hamberlin,  along  the  line  of  the  New 
Orleans  and  Mobile  Eailroad.  He  led  the  Coliseum 
Church  to  unite  in  the  Coast  Association,  composed 
of  the  churches  in  the  railroad  towns  and  the  cities 
of  New  Orleans  and  Mobile.  In  May,  1878,  he  was 
elected  Moderator  of  the  Coast  Association,  and 
filled  the  office  well. 

With  that  true  heroism,  which  recognizes  the  prin- 
ciple that  no  man  liveth  for  himself,  when  the  terri- 
ble scourge  that  ravaged  the  South  in  1878,  fell  upon 
the  city  of  his  home,  although  he  had  a  large  family 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  541 

wholly  dependent  upon  his  labors  for  support,  to 
whom  liis  life  was  everything  in  a  temporal  point  of 
view,  he  hesitated  not  to  lay  his  life  as  sacrifice  upon 
the  altar  of  humanity.  Up  to  the  time  he  was 
stricken  down,  he  was  incessant  in  his  ministrations 
to  the  suffering.  He  yielded  up  his  valuable  life,  a 
victim  to  yellow  fever,  September  6, 1878,  in  the  44th 
year  of  his  age. 

The  Southwestern  Presbyterian  (New  Orleans),  S.ep- 
tember  12,  speaks  of  his  death  as  "the  first  break  in 
the  ranks  of  the  Protestant  ministry  in  !N'ew  Or- 
leans," and  adds,  "  During  his  three  years'  stay  in 
New  Orleans,  he  had  endeared  himself  to  his  con- 
gregation, and  won  the  respect  of  his  brethren  of  all 
evangelical  denominations.  He  was  a  man  of  learn- 
ing and  ability,  genial  in  temper,  kind  and  affection- 
ate, but  an  unobtrusive  and  spiritual-minded  Chris- 
tian." 

In  an  editorial  notice  in  the  Biblical  Recorder,  Dr, 
Pritchard,  a  personal  friend,  says:  "He  was  a  dis- 
criminating, accurate  and  bold  thinker;  his  style 
was  almost  a  model  in  its  clearness,  vigor  and  nerv- 
ous energy;  and  he  was  beyond  question  a  great 
preacher." 

His  funeral  was  largely  attended,  the  celebrateji 
Dr.  Palmer  leading  the  memorial  services,  and  other 
Protestant  ministers  participating.  A  memorial  ser- 
vice was  also  held  in  the  Grace  Street  Church  (Eich- 
mond),  his  former  charge,  in  which  many  of  the  lead- 
ing ministers  in  Virginia  took  part. 

S.  M.  NoEEis — An  active  Sunday-school  worker, 
residing  at  Kingston,  La.  He  was  born  in  Edgefield 
District,  S.  C,  November,  18J3.     He  removed  to 


542  HISTOEY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Alabama  in  1831,  and  to  Louisiana  in  1853.  He  was 
baptized  by  his  father,  a  Baptist  preacher,  in  South 
Carolina,  in  the  seventeenth  year  of  his  age.  While 
in  Alabama  he  acted  gratuitously  as  a  colporteur  in 
the  service  of  the  American  Sunday-school  Union. 
Prom  1876  to  1879  he  acted  as  colporteur  and  agent 
of  the  Grand  Cane  Sunday-school  Convention,  an 
organization  that  grew  up  largely  by  his  influence. 
During  eighteen  months  of  his  connection  with  the 
Sunday-school  Convention,  he  sold  and  distributed 
300  Bibles  and  Testaments,  and  2^700  volumes  of 
hymn  books  and  Sunday-school  literature,  besides 
thousands  of  pages  of  tracts.  The  Sunday-schools 
largely  increased.  From  300  teachers  and  scholars 
at  first,  the  numbers  grew  to  1,000.  Besides  this,  he 
has  supplied  and  aided  in  organizing  into  Sunday- 
schools  about  600  colored  children.  He  also  aided 
Rev.  G.  W.  Hartsfield  in  holding  institutes  for  col- 
ored ministers. 

Elder  Ivy  F.  Thompson— Was  born  in  Amite 
County,  Miss.,  January  15,  1820.  In  1811  he  gradu- 
ated at  Oakland  College,  Miss.,  and  subsequently  at 
Judge  Shattutjk's  Law  School,  at  Brandon.  In  1844 
hp  was  married  to  Miss  Luclnda  F.  Firth,  Amite 
County,  Miss.,  and  during  the  same  year  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  at  Liberty.  In  September,  1848,  he 
was  baptized  by  Elder  H.  Knight  into  the  fellowship 
of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Liberty,  Miss.,  and  in  the 
following  year  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  On  the 
21st  of  December,  1851,  he  was  ordained  at  Greens- 
burg,  La.;  presbytery.  Elders  H.  Knight  and  Calvin 
McGee.  Possessing  a  clear,  logical  mind,  a  heart 
burning  with  zeal  for  the  extension  of  the  Master's 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  543 

Kingdom  and  tbe  salvation  of  souls,  he  was  an  earnest, 
eloquent  and  effectual  preacher  of  the  kingdom  of 
righteousness. 

During  the  ten  years  of  his  ministry,  he  labored  at 
Greensburg,  Tangipahoa  and  Hepzibah.  He  was  for 
four  years  Moderator  of  the  Mississippi  Eiver  Asso- 
ciation, which  position  he  held  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  at  the  residence  of  0.  D. 
Strickland,  in  the  Parish  of  St.  Helena,  July  28, 1860. 

Elder  Alex.  Sotjtheeland — Was  a  native  of 
Scotland.  I  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  when  he 
came  to  this  country,  or  when  he  became  a  Baptist 
and  began  to  preacL,  He  first  appears  prominently 
as  a  missionary  and  colporteur  of  the  Baptist  State 
Convention,  a  work  he  began  March  15th,  1852.  His 
field  of  labor  was  principally  between  the  Dugde- 
mona  and  Red  Eivers,  in  Jackson,  Winn,  Caldwell 
and  Catahoula  Parishes.  In  1860  he  appears  at  Cov- 
ington, La.,  and  he  continued  to  preach  with  great 
acceptance  in  Eastern  Louisiana  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  the  Parish  of  East  Baton  Eouge, 
August  31, 1865. 

Eldek  James  Nelson, — Although  a*Mississippian 
by  birth  and  residence,  rendered  such  valuable  ser- 
vice to  the  cause  in  Louisiana  as  to  deserve  a  place 
in  this  volume.  He  was  born  in  Grenada,  Miss.,  Jan- 
uary 16, 1841,  and  died  at  Clinton,  Miss.,  January  21, 
1876.  He  belonged  to  a  Presbyterian  family,  and 
was  being  educated  at  Center  College,  Danville,  Ky. 
when  he  became  a  Baptist.  This  act  severed  him 
from  his  family.  He  was  disinherited  by  his  father. 
But  he  was  made  of  heroic  stuff.  His  great  work 
was  in  connection  with  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Edu- 


544  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

cation  of  Mississippi  College.  His  field  was  Arkan- 
sas, Mississippi  and  Louisiana,  where  his  name  is 
still  affectionately  remembered.  Mainly  through  his 
instrumentality,  some  of  the  most  eflBcient  workers 
in  Arkansas,  Mississippi  and  Louisiana  were  pro- 
vided with  the  means  to  pursue  their  studies  at  Clin- 
ton. Besides  his  work  in  the  particular  line  of  his 
agency,  he  did  a  great  deal  of  evangelical  work,  and 
many  souls  rejoice  in  Christ  through  instrumentality. 
It  was  through  his  influence  that  Mrs.  Hasley,  at 
Trenton,  consecrated  her  property  to  the  canse  of 
Christ,  and  the  beautiful  churches  at  Trenton  and 
Monroe  are  the  result.  For  about  six  months  he  sup- 
plied the  Coliseum  Place  Chnrch,l!few  Orleans,  very 
acceptably.  But  the  pastorate  was  not  his  forte. 
He  sighed  to  return  to  his  work  in  behalf  of  young 
ministers.  Being  invited  by  the  Board  of  Ministerial 
Education  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Convention,  he 
again  resumed  his  agency  work.  But  Providence 
had  ordered  otherwise,  and  he  soon  fell  a  victim  to 
swamp  fever,  which  he  contracted  in  the  swamps  of 
Louisiana.  Nowhere  was  he  more  regretted  than  in 
this  State,  where  he  bestowed  so  much  of  his  labors. 
• 

Eldee  Seaborn  J.  Fuller— A  pioneer  in  Clai- 
borne and  Union  Parishes,  was  born  in  Green 
County,  Georgia,  May  20,  1816.  His  father  subse- 
quently moved  to  Alabama,  where  he  grew  to  man- 
hood. In  1849  he  removed  to  Louisiana  and  settled 
in  Claiborne  Parish.  Elder  Fuller  had  united  with 
the.j!hurch  in  Alabama,  and  had  been  licensed  to 
preach,  but  had  exercised  but  little  previous  to  his 
coming  to  Louisiana.  He  settled  near  a  small  church 
which  was  without  a  pastor  and  without   preaching. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  545 

But  not  Ibng  afterwards  Elder  Jesse  Tuff,  of  Union 
Parish,  was  called  to  the  care  of  the  church.  Through 
his  influence  Fuller  began  to  exercise,  and  in  1850 
was  ordained.  For  seventeen  years  he  labored  in 
this  section  of  the  State.  His  first  pastorate  was  at 
Friendship  Church,  ten  miles  north  of  Homer 
Church,  where  he  labored  five  years,  and  in  that 
time  baptized  one  hundred.  At  other  churches  he 
was  equally  successful,  often  baptizing  forty  or  more 
at  a  single  meeting.  At  one  of  his  meetings  he 
baptized  between  sixty  and  seventy.  He  was  Mod- 
erator of  Concord  Association  at  the  time  he  left  the 
State,  in  1866.  He  removed  to  Columbia  County, 
Arkansas,  where  he  labored  three  years,  and  then 
removed  to  Logan  county,  where  he  engaged  act- 
ively in  missionary  labor.  Herehew.as  instrumental 
in  gathering  an  association,  which  was  named  Con- 
cord,  after  the  body  over  which  he  presided  in  Lou- 
isiana, and  of  which  he  became  Moderator.  He 
visited  the  State  Convention  in  1878.  To  use  his 
own  language,  he  "  still  lingers  in  the  border  land 
of  eternity,"  (1880),  but  still  hale  and  actively 
engaged  in  the  ministry.  It  is  by  such  men  that  the 
Gospel  is  planted  in  new  countries. 

Elder  W.  "W.  Crawford,  was  born  in  Pensyl- 
vania  in  1816.  He  came  to  Louisiana  some  time  pre- 
vious to  1845,  and  settled  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  where  he 
was  baptized  in  1845  by.  George  W.  Baines,  and  in 
the  following  year  was  married  to  Permelia  Thur- 
mond. He  moved  to  Minden  in  1849,  and  uoited 
with  the  church  at  that  place.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  1853,  and  continued  to  preach  in  the  sur- 
rounding country  for  several  years  as  a  licentiate. 


546  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

He  gathered  the  material  out  of  which  was  consti- 
tuted Shady  Grove  Church,  about  seven  miles  north 
of  Minden,  and  preached  two  years  to  the  church  at 
Fillmore,  by  the  request  of  which  church  he  was 
ordained,  June  29,  1856,  at  Minden,  by  Elders  P. 
Courtney,  H.  Lee,  James  E.  Paxton,  James  Fuller 
and  John  Q.  Prescott.  In  1859  he  moved  to  Avoy- 
elles Parish,  and  took  charge  of  Evergreen  and  Big 
Cane  Churches.  Both  these  churches  were  at  the 
time  very  much  reduced.  Evergreen  having  only 
about  twenty  members,  and  Big  Cane  only  ten.  His 
labors  were  greatly  blessed  in  this  field,  and  for  two 
years  Big  Cane  was  in  a  continual  state  of  revival. 
Its  membership  was  largely  increased,  and  two 
churches  wereformed  from  its  membership.  During 
the  five  years  of  his  pastorate  he  baptized  over  one 
hundred  and  fifty  into  its  membership,  and  renovated 
the  church  house  at  considerable  outlay.  Evergreen 
grew  more  slowly,  but  of  better  material.  He  served 
them  nine  years,  during  which  time  they  built  a  beau- 
tiful church  edifice,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
were  added  to  its  membership.  His  pastorate  em- 
braced the  trying  period  of  the  war,  and  as  hostile 
armies  marched  and  countermarched  through  this 
part  of  the  State,  he  endured,  with  his  brethren, 
much  suffering,  but  still  remained  at  his  post,  shar- 
ing the  trials  and  perils  of  his  brethren.  At  Chicot 
he  also  baptized  about  fifty.  Two  years  after  the 
war  he  removed  to  Caddo  Parish,  and  settled  near 
Summer  Grove,  where  he  aided  the  aged  Jesse  Lee 
for  two  years.  He  then  removed  to  Gilmer,  Texas, 
where  he  preached  one  year.  He  was  then  called  to 
Dardanelle,  Arkansas.  Here  he  found  a  small  body 
of  twenty-five  members,  without  a  house  of  worship. 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES.  547 

Daring  the  first  year  they  built  a  good  house,  and  in 
the  three  years  he  was  pastor  the  membership 
increased  to  eighty-four,  forty  by  baptism. 

Since  that  time  Elder  Crawford  has.  given  up  the 
pastorate,  preaching  occasionally,  while  conducting 
a  small  farm  near  Dardanelles.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  Louisiana  Baptist  Convention,  and 
its  first  Secretary. 

Elder  Lewis  C.  EIbllis,  is  a  native  of  Kemper 
County,  Mississippi,  where  he  lived  until  1871,  except 
the  time  he  was  absent  at  Summerville  Institute  and 
Mississippi  College.  His  early  opportunities  were 
not  good;  his  parents  were  poor,  and  he  was  com- 
pelled to  labor  on  the  farm  until  he  was  grown,  to  aid 
in  the  support  of  the  family.  Prom  boyhood  he 
craved  an  education,  and  has  always  been  a  close 
student.  He  professed  faith  in  Christ  at  the  age  of 
sixteen,  and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of 
Salem  Church,  Noxubee  County,  which  was  after- 
ward consolidated  with  Mount  Vernon,  in  Kemper 
County.  He  left  Mississippi  College  in  1871,  and 
soon  after  began  to  teach  in  Noxubee  County,  where 
he  also  engaged  in  pastoral  work.  He  remained 
here,  preaching  and  teaching,  two  years.  He  mar- 
ried on  the  29th  of  July,  1873,  and  in  January  follow- 
ing removed  to  Alto,  La.,  and  took  charge  of  Provi- 
dence Church.  In  the  fall  of  that  year  he  was 
called  to  the  pastorate  of  Trenton  and  Delhi 
churches,  and  in  January  following  to  Rayville,  on 
the  Vicksburg,  Shreveportand'Texas  Eailroad.  The 
latter  church  he  has  supplied  ever  since.  It  has 
built  up  and  developed  wonderfully  under  his  foster- 
care.    Since  1876  he  has  supplied  the   church   at 


548  HISTORY  or  Louisiana  baptists. 

Wynne  Island ;  and  since  1878  he  has  preached  for 
the  churches  at  Bastrop  and  Oak  Ridge.  Bastrop 
and  Wynne  Island  haven  early  doubled  their  mem- 
bership during  his  pastorate,  and  Oak  Ridge  has 
received  additional  strength.  He  has  also  supplied, 
a  part  of  the  time,  New  Hope  and  Hurricane 
churches.  Mr.  Kellis  resides  in  Monroe,  and  to 
reach  his  appointments  he  has  traveled  monthly  over . 
two  hundred  miles,  preaching  from  twelve  to  twenty 
sermons  in  his  circuit.  At  the  beginning  of  the 
present  year  (1881),  he  has  wisely  concentrated  his 
labors  on  the  First  Church  in  Bastrop.  This  is  an 
important  field.  Mr.  Kellis  is  yet  young,  about  35, 
and  gives  promise  of  many  days  of  useful  labor. 

Eldee  William  0.  Morbland— Was  born  in 
Clark  County,  Georgia,  September  30th,  1824.  At 
the  age  of  twelve  years  he  was  hopefully  converted 
and  united  with  the  Methodists.  He  was  early  im- 
pressed with  a  call  to  the  ministry,  but  for  a  number 
of  years  concealed  his  impressions,  until,  constrained 
by  the  convictions  of  his  mind,  he  at  last  began  to 
exercise  in  the  Methodist  connection.  In  1845  he 
joined  the  Georgia  Conference,  and  travelled  three 
years,  until  ill-health  and  removal  to  Louisiana 
severed  the  connection.  He.  settled  near  Homer, 
where  i  first  met  him  in  1853.  He  was  there  one  of  the 
most  efficient  and  beloved  local  preachers  among  the 
Methodists.  Some  time  after  this,  his  attention  was 
arrested  byEph.  4:5,  and  his  views  of  the  church  and 
its  ordinances  underwent  are  entire  change.  In 
1864  he  was  baptized  into  the  Antioch  Baptist 
Church,  and  was  at  once  called  to  ordination  by  that 
church.    He  was  immediately  called  to  the  care  of 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES.  549 

the  Antioch,  Homer  and  Eock  Spring  churches  in 
Claiborne  Parish.  Here  he  labored  acceptably  until 
1870,  when  he  removed  to  Bienville  Parish.  Since 
then  he  has  served  several  churches.  The  church 
at  Arcadia  has  enjoyed  his  labors  for  ten  years. 

His  style  of  sermonizing  is  expository,  and  his 
presentation  of  truth  clear  and  forcible.  His  manner 
is  earnest  and  attractive.  His  early  educational  ad- 
vantages were  limited,  but  by  assiduous  attention  to 
self-culture  he  has  acquired  much  useful  practical 
knowledge,  which  places  him  in  the  front  rank 
among  Louisiana  ministers.  When  he  preaches  he 
always  attracts  respectful  attention.  He  has  enjoyed 
the  confidence  of  the  people,  and  his  labors  have 
been  greatly  blessed  in  building  up  and  strengthen- 
ing the  churches  of  his  charge.  He  lives  on  a  farm 
between  Mount  Lebanon  and  Arcadia,  and  his  im- 
proved health  gives  promise  of  many  years  of  nse- 
fulness. 

Dr.  Bartholomew  Egan.— The  founder  of  Mt. 
Lebanon  University,  La.,  was  born  in  Killarney,  Ire- 
land, December  10th,  1795.  His  father,  James  Oon- 
stantine  Egan,  descended  from  a  long  line  of  an- 
cestry, was  distinguished  in  the  South  of  Ireland  for 
the  excellence  of  his  classical  learning.  D' Alton, 
the  celebrated  archaeologist,  says  in  his  sketch  of 
the  Egan  family  in  King  James's  army  list :  "  They 
were  generally  distinguished  for  learning  and  hospi- 
tality." Under  the  careful  training  of  his  father, 
Dr.  Egan  became  well  versed  in  classical  literature. 
After  spending  some  time  in  Killarney  College,  he 
went  to  Dublin,  and  in  due  time  graduated  at  the 
university.    Shortly  after  his  graduation  he  married 


550  HISTOET   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Eliza  Cormick,  the  accomplished  daughter  of  John 
Cormick;  who,  having  participated  in  the  Irish  re- 
bellion of  '98,  in  which  Robert  Emmett  sacrificed 
his  noble  life,  was  expatriated.  Choosing  America  as 
his  home,  he  settled  in  Augusta,  Georgia.  Soon  after 
his  marriage  Dr.  Bgan  emigrated  to  America  and 
settled  in  Dinwiddle  County,  Va.,  where  he  became 
principal  of  the  Dinwiddle  Academy,  and  was  cele- 
brated for  his  classical  attainments.  Afterwards  he 
bought  a  farm  in  Mecklenburg,  adjoining  Christians- 
ville,  and  took  charge  of  a  flourishing  academy.  It 
was  during  his  stay  here  that  he  materially  aided  in 
the  education  of  a  youth,  who  might  not  otherwise 
have  emerged  from  the  poverty  and  obscurity  in 
which  he  was  born.  1  allude  to  Rev.  James  B.  Tay- 
lor, late  Corresponding  Secretary  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  During 
a  residence  here  of  three  years  Dr.  Egan  frequently 
attended  services  of  the  Baptist  church  under  the  care 
of  old  Father  Richards.  At  this  time  he  made  no  pro- 
fession of  religion,  but  living  among  this  people  and 
seeing  the  eftect  of  their  religious  belief  on  their 
habits  and  character,  he  could  but  respect  them.  In 
a  private  letter  to  the  writer  he  says :  "  I  was  often 
much  moved  by  the  simple,  earnest  preaching  of  Mr. 
Richards;  but  though  I  had  great  respect  for  the 
Christian  religion,  and  no  tincture  of  infidelity,  I  felt 
that  I  was  unprepared  to  connect  myself  with  any 
church.  I  determined,  however,  if  I  could  feel 
authorized  at  any  time  to  do  so,  I  should  give  the 
subject  a  thorough  examination  before  I  made  a 
selection." 

His  reputation,  especially  as  a  classical  scholar, 
spread  throughout  the  State,  and  he  began  to  be 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  351 

plied  with  repeated  applications  to  settle  elsewhere. 
When  Governor  Giles,  who  had  been  thirty  years  in 
the  United  States  Senate,  retired  to  private  life,  he 
conceived  the  idea  of  establishing  at  his  own  home 
in  Amelia  County  a  school  of  high  grade,  partly  as  a 
preparatory  school  for  the  University  of  Virginia, 
and  partly  to  afford  facilities  to  those  wlio  had  not 
the  means  to  take  a  course  at  the  university.  To 
the  head  of  this  institution  Dr.  Egan  was  called. 
After  some  time,  from  the  difficulty  of  obtaining 
boarding  facilities,  he  removed  his  school  to  Char 
lottesville,  which  was  near  by.  During  these  years  he 
taught  raanyyoung  men,  who  afterwards  distinguished 
themselves  in  Virginia  and  other  States. 

Whilst  teaching  he  had  assiduously  applied  himself 
to  the  study  of  medicine.  His  residence  at  Char- 
lottesville gave  him  an  opportunity  to  attend  the  med- 
ical lectures  in  the  university.  At  this  time  Dr. 
Dunglinson,  distinguished  in  Europe  and  America 
for  his  works  on  pliysiology  and  medical  jurisprud- 
ence, and  others  but  little  less  celebrated,  were  con- 
nected with  this  school. 

After  obtaining  his  degree  he  engaged  in  the  regu- 
lar practice  of  his  profession,  and  settled  in  Henry 
County,  at  Martinsville.  He  afterwards  removed  to 
Danville  and  engaged  in  an  extensive  practice.  Here, 
in  1841,  Bishop  Johns,  Episcopal  Bishop  of  Virginia,  - 
held  a  series  of  meetings.  His  preaching  was  pun- 
gent and  evangelistic,  and  Dr.  Egan  was  led  to  con- 
sider the  subject  of  religion  as  he  had  never  done 
before;  and  he  was  enabled  to  exercise  an  abiding 
trust  in  the  efficacy  of  Christ's  cleansing  blood,  that 
was  long  his  stay  and  comfort  in  many  trying  vicis- 
situdes in  after  life. 


552  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

After  the  departure  of  Bishop  Johns,  a  protracted 
meeting  was  continued  by  Eev.  J.  H.  Pritchard,  af- 
terward of  Wilmington,  N.  C,  under  whose  preach- 
ing his  impressions  were  deepened,  and  he  came  to 
realize  the  witness  of  the  Spirit  The  question  of 
duty  now  presented  itself;  and,  after  a  thorough  ex- 
amination of  the  subject  in  the  original  Scriptures, 
he  felt  constrained  to  unite  with  the  Baptist  Church, 
which  he  accordingly  did. 

In  1847  he  removed  to  Louisiana.  Induced  by  the 
glowing  descriptions  of  Judge  Bry,  of  the  vine-clad 
hills  of  North  Louisiana,  which  he  read  in  DeBow's 
Eeview,  and  having  learned  that  there  was  a  colony 
of  wealthy  and  intelligent  Baptists  from  South  Car- 
olina settled  at  Mt.  Lebanon,  he  came  directly  to 
that  point.  The  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at  that 
time  was  George  W.  Baines,  a  sensible  and  prudent 
man,  with  more  education  than  was  common  with 
Baptist  ministers  of  that  section  at  that  day.  Baines 
was  also  a  man  of  great  zeal  and  piety.  Dr.  Egan 
often  conferred  with  Baines,  and  they  mutually  felt 
the  need  of  an  educated  ministry  and  the  great  want 
of  a  high-school  for  the  home  education  of  the  youth 
of  North  Louisiana.  Finally  they  matured  a  plan  to 
carry  out  their  cherished  design,  and  taking  the 
leading  brethren  in  Mt.  Lebanon-  and  the  surround- 
ing country  into  their  councils,  they  called  a  Baptist 
convention.  Thus  began  the  Louisiana  Baptist  State 
Convention,  the  leading  object  of  which  was  educa- 
tional and  missionary  work.  A  movement  was  inau- 
gurated to  establish  at  Mt.  Lebanon  a  school  of  high 
order. 

From  that  time  forward,  Dr.  Egau  became  so 
closely  identified  with  the  University,  that  the  his- 
tory of  one  is  the  history  of  the  other. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES.  553 

Dr.  Bgan  continued  to  reside  at  Mt.  Lebanon  until 
the  death  of  hia  wife,  in  1871.  This  estimable  lady 
had  the  faculty  of  winning  all  hearts,  and  as  Dr. 
Courtney  beautifully  said  on  the  occasion  of  her 
funeral,  "  She  never  made  an  enemy  and  she  never 
lost  a  friend."  With  her  he  lived  very  happily  for 
fifty-three  years.  On  the  occasion  of  their  golden 
weeding  he  addressed  to  her  the  following  beautiful 
lines,  which  are  preserved  both  for  intrinsic  merit 
and  as  a  deserved  tribute  to  her  memory : 

"  How  swiftly  passed  the  time  since  first, 
Just  fifty  years  ago, 
Each  pledged  to  each  with  earnest  trust, 
To  share  or  weal  or  woe ! 

We've  had  our  joys;  we've  had  our  cares; 

For  such  must  mortals  know. 
As  midst  the  golden  grain,  some  tares 

In  richest  harvest  grow. 

Yet,  hand  in  hand  we've  climbed  the  hill 

Whence  we  can  see  that  shore, 
Where  sickness,  sorrow,  pain,  nor  ill 

Can  reach  us  evermore. 

'Tis  well  adown  that  hill  to  glance, 

See  shadows  dwarf  d  in  light, 
And  let  the  rstrospect  enhance 

The  joys  that  still  are  bright. 

Blessed  in  our  children's  tender  care, 

Contented  with  our  state. 
Let's  down  the  hill  together  move. 

And  calm  the  summons  wait."  * 

Dr.  Egan  has  filled  several  important  public 
stations  during  his  residence  in  Louisiana,  such  as 
Presidential  Elector,  Surgeon  General  of  Louisiana, 

36 


554  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Superintendent  of  the  State  Laboratory,  and  one  of 
the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  tbe  State  Semiuary. 

After  the  death  of  Mrs.  Bgan  he  resided  in  Shreve- 
port,  with  Ms  son,  Hon.  W.  B.  Bgan,  late  Associate 
Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Louisiana.  He 
died  in  1879,  at  the  residence  of  his  son,  Dr.  James 
0.  Egan,  an  eminent  physician,  who  has  filled  the 
ofSce  of  State  Senator  since  the  war,  and  won  the 
distinction  of  being  the  incorruptible  in  a  body  noted 
for  its  venality  and  corruption. 

Elder  Henry  Humble — One  of  the  pioneer 
preachers  of  Louisiana,  was  born  in  the  State  of 
South  Carolina,  about  1765.  He  removed  and  settled 
in  Amite  County,  Miss.,  about  1811 ;  and  about  1822 
removed  to  Catahoula  Parish,  La.,  and  settled  on  the 
Ouachita  Eiver,  about  fifteen  miles  above  Harrison- 
burg. He  was  among  the  first  settlers  in  that 
region.  The  few  citizens,  scattered  over  a  large 
district  of  country,  gave  themselves  up  to  the  half- 
savage  life  that  belongs  to  the  frontier.  Under  such 
circumstances  it  required  strong  faith  in  Jesus  and 
a  strong,  love  for  souls  to  undertake  to  plant  the 
standard  of  Christianity  in  this,  then,  wilderness, 
into  which  were  flowing  the  enterprising  from  the 
Eastern  States,  who  came  actuated  chiefly  by  the 
desire  to  acquire  fortune.  Henry  Humble,  although 
at  an  advanced  age,  began  to  gather  his  scattered 
neighbors  together,  and  with  the  aid  of  John  Hill, 
a  licentiate,  preached  to  them  the  Gospel  of  peace ; 
and  in  March,  1826,  the  Catahoula  church  was  con- 
stituted by  Henry  Humble  and  John  Impson,  with 
seven  members  ;  but  shortly  afterward  they  enjoyed 
a  revival  and  twenty  more  were  added.    This  body 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  555 

united  with  the  Louisiana  Association  in  1826.  In 
1828  the  association  met  with  Catahoula  church,  and 
Henry  Humble  was  elected  Moderator.  In  1829  the 
association  met  at  Zion  Hill,  St.  Laudry,  and  although, 
in  his  sixty-ninth  year,  he  attended,  preached  the  in- 
troductory sermon,  and  was  re-elected  Moderator. 
But  the  fatigue  of  such  a  journey  was  too  great  for 
him ;  he  was  taken  sick  on  the  road  home ;  died  and 
was  buried  among  strangers,  October  23, 1829.  Pour 
of  his  grandsons  became  ministers,  viz:  T.  J.  Hum- 
ble, J.  N.  Humble,  N.  M.  Davis  and  A.  B.  Davis. 

Elder  Thomas  J.  Humble,  a  grandson  of  Henry 
Humble,  the  leading  minister  of  the  Ouachita  Asso- 
ciation, and  long  Clerk  of  that  body,  was  born  in 
Caldwell  Parish,  Louisiana,  in  1829,  the  very  year  his 
grandfather  died.  His  father,  James  Humble,  was 
a  Baptist,  and  died  when  Thomas  was  only  three 
years  old.  Eight  years  afterward  he  Ipst  the  tender 
care  of  his  pious  mother.  His  religious  convictions 
extend  back  to  his  childhood.  In  his  fifteenth  year 
he  was  enabled  to  put  his  trust  in  Jesus.  He 
received  a  good  common-school  education  in  an 
academy  near  Columbia.  About  this  time  (1845),  the 
duty  to  profess  Christ  openly  and  unite  with  the 
church,  pressed  upon  him.  Just  at  this  time,  how 
ever,  the  churches  of  this  region  were  distracted  over 
the  question  of  missions  and  pastoral  support.  A  large 
anti-mission  element  was  in  all  the  churches.  In- 
deed, it  was  the  prevailing  sentiment  of  this  region. 
Nearly  all  the  ministers  were  of  this  way  of  think 
ing,  and  the  churches  were  not  instructed ;  conse- 
quently, his  first  impressions  and  prejudices  were  in 
keeping  with  the  prevailing  opinions.    This  question 


556  HISTORY   OB    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

ran  so  high  that  in  1857  a  division  took  place,  and  a 
new  association  was  formed,  uuder  the  lead  of  Elder 
Thomas  Meredith,  at  that  time  one  of  the  ablest  min- 
isters in  the  association.  Thomas  J.  Humble  was 
sorely  exercised  over  the  schism ;  and  not  having  yet 
united  with  the  church,  he  was  led  to  examine  the 
subject  thoroughly,  by  the  light  of  God's  word,  and 
in  spite  of  his  preconceived  opinions,  he  adopted 
the  scriptural  view  of  the  subject,  and  in  1850  united 
with  a  Missionary  Baptist  church. 

During  the  period  from  1850  to  1860,  he  was  en- 
gaged in  teaching,  and  on  Sundays  he  gathered  the 
children  of  his  neighborhood  into  Sunday-schools, 
and  instructed  them.  In  1855  he  was  elected  Clerk 
of  Ouachita  Association,  and  served  in  that  capacity 
for  thirteen  Or  fourteen  years  in  succession  ;  while 
at  the  same  time  acting  as  a  member  and  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  of  the  Domestic  Mission  Board  of 
the  Association. 

In  1860  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  his  church, 
and  in  1861  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 
Impressed  with  the  great  neglect  of  duty  to  their 
pastors  by  the  churches  of  this  section,  he  at  once 
began  to  impress  upon  them  their  duty  to  support 
their  pastors,  though  long  meeting  with  great 
opposition. 

In  1868  he  was  elected  Moderator  of  Ouachita  As- 
sociation, and  served. in  that  capacity  three  or  four 
years.  But  his  eflQciency  as  Clerk  made  him  indis- 
pensable in  that  position ;  so  that  he  was  re-elected 
to  his  old  ofiflce,  which  he  has  ever  since  filled  by  suc- 
cessive elections.  He  at  present  (1880)  resides  at 
Columbia,  Caldwell  Parish,  where  he  still  labors 
eflSciently  for  the  Master. 


BIOaKAPHIOAL    SKETCHES.  557 

Elder  Asa  S.  Meecee  belonged  to  a  family 
of  preachers.  He  was  a  nephew  of  the  cele- 
brated Jesse  Mercer.  His  father,  Thomas  Mercer, 
the  author  of  a  popular  collection  of  hymns,  came 
from  Georgia  to  South-west  Mississippi  in  1802, 
where  he  died  in  1818,  while  absent  from  home  on  a 
tour  of  preaching.  His  son,  Asa,  was  born  in  Georgia 
in  1790,  and  came  to  South-west  Mississippi  with  his 
father  when  he  was  twelve  years  old.  He  began  to 
preach  in  1824.  This  is  in  accordance  with  his  own 
statement  in  the  minutes  ofthe  Ouachita  Association 
for  1846;  although  he  does  not  seem  to  have  taken 
an  active  part  in  the  work  until  some  years  after- 
wards. In  1816  he  began  to  appear  more  promi- 
nently, but  not  until  1820  did  he  become  very  promi- 
nent. In  1823  he  appears  in  the  Mississippi  Associa- 
tion as  a  delegate  from  the  St.  Fraucisville  Church, 
West  Feliciana  Parish,  and  it  is  probable  he  had  set- 
tled near  that  place.  He  continued  to  labor  in  East- 
ern Louisiana  until  about  1831,  a  part  of  the  time  as 
missionary  of  the  association.  Shortly  afterwards 
he  settled  on  the  Ouachita  anl^  became  pastor  of 
Bethel  Church,  Catahoula  Parish,  in  1832.  He  at 
once  took  rank  as  a  prominent  and  active  minister  of 
this  region.  The  Concord  Association  was  formed 
this  year,  with  which  he  united  the  following  year, 
and  at  once  took  a  leading  part  in  all  its  proceed- 
ings. He  was  frequently  called  to  preside  over  this 
body. 

In  1844  he  aided  in  the  formation  of  the  Ouachita 
Association,  out  of  churches  di,smissed  from  the 
Concord.  In  this  body  was  a  strong  anti-missionary 
element,  and  in  the  contests  that  followed  he 
strongly  opposed  Thomas  Meredith,  the  leader  ofthe 


558  HISTORY  or  Louisiana  baptists. 

anti-mission  party.  These,  finding  that  they  could 
not  control  the  strong  zeal  of  the  missionaries,  fiinally, 
in  1850,  withdrew  and  formed  an  association  of  their 
own,  Mercer  was  often  elected  Moderator  of  the 
Ouachita  Association,  and  exercised  a  wide  influence. 
He  removed  to  Texas  in  1850,  and  shortly  after  died. 

Elder  Nathan  M.  Davi3,  long  an  efftcient 
minister  of  the  Ouachita  region,  was  a  grandson  of 
Henry  Humble,  the  pioneer  preacher  of  the  Oua- 
chita. He  was  born  in  Amite  County,  Mississippi, 
October  15,  1809.  Here' he  received  such  limited 
education  as  was  afforded  by  the  country  schools. 
He  removed  with  his  father  to  Catahoula  Parish,  in 
1829.  It  was  during  this  year  he  was  deeply  con- 
victed of  sin,  and  in  the  following  year  he  made  a 
profession  of  faith  in  Christ.  He  was  received  into 
the  old  Catahoula  Church,  but  as  Henry  Humble  had 
died  the  year  before,  there,  was  no  ordained  minister 
within  seventy  miles,  to  baptize  him.  But  in  July 
following,  John  Hill,  who  had  been  preaching  sevei  al 
years  as  a  licentiate,  was  ordained,  and  the  same 
day  Davis  was  baptized.  He  began  to  preach  occa- 
sionally as  early  as  1832.  He  continued  to  exercise 
with  more  or  less  frequency  in  the  parishes  of  Oua- 
chita, Catahoula  and  Caldwell,  but  did  not  consent 
to  be  ordained  until  March  13,  1841.  For  two  or 
three  years  before  this  time  he  had  been  preaching 
very  acceptably  to  three  or  four  churches,  calling  in 
the  aid  of  Asa  S.  Mercer  and  Thomas  Meredith,  to 
administer  the  ordinance  of  baptism.  His  churches 
immediately  prospered,  and  during  the  two  years 
succeeding  he  baptized  over  one  hundred  persons. 
The  three  churches  which  had  received  his  labors, 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  .    559 

the  old  Catahoula,  Jerusalem  and  Aimwell,  from  being 
weak  bodies,  grew  to  be  strong  churches,  and  in 
1842-'43  other  churcbes,  partly  as  the  fruit  of  his 
labors,  were  organized,  and  a  number  of  young 
ministers  were  raised  up  to  occupy  the  field. 

Inl837  Elder  Davis  was  visited  by  severe  afflic- 
tion, being  called  to  give  up  his  wife,  and  a  son  and 
daughter,  in  rapid  succession. 

In  1850  he  was  elected  Moderator  of  the  Ouachita 
Association.  This  was  a  stormy  session,  and  resulted 
in  the  withdrawal  of  the  Anti-Missionaries,  under  the 
lead  of  Thomas  Meredith^  but  during  the  angry 
debates  Davis  presided  with  such  impartiality  as 
to  receive  the  commendation  of  both  parties.  He 
has  frequently  presided  over  this  body  since,  and 
always  with  satisfaction  to  his  brethren. 

In  1857  he  was  appointed  missionary  of  this  asso- 
ciation, and  by  his  labors  in  the  destitute  places,  laid 
the  foundation  for  future  churches. 

During  the  years  1858  and  1859,  he  rode  as  a  mis- 
sionary of  the  Baptist  State  Convention  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Ouachita  Association,  constituted  four 
or  five  churches,  and  baptized  many  persons.  In 
1860  he  rode  as  a  missionary  at  his  own  charge,  and 
baptized  ninety-four  persons,  and  received  ten  others 
who  were  not  baptized  until  the  year  following. 
During  the  war  he  preached  regularly  every  Sunday, 
and  generally  on  Saturday  before,  while  conducting 
a  tannery,  a  business  he  had  learned  in  his  youth, 
and  which  was  very  useful  to  his  neighbors. 

The  result  of  the  war  stripped  him  of  the  greater 
part  of  his. property,  and  deprived  him  of  that  inde- 
pendence which  enabled  him  to  devote  himself 
largely  to  evangelistic  labors  without  compensation. 


560  HI8T0ET   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

But  while  now  compelled  to  labor  with  his  own  hands 
for  the  support  of  his  family,  he  was  not  idle  in  the 
Lord's  vineyard.  Having  long  lived  in  a  malarial 
region,  he  had  learned,  by  experience  and  observa- 
tion, the  nature  of  diseases  incident  to  this  climate, 
and  their  proper  treatment,  and  for  many  years  had 
kept  a  stock  of  medicines  which  he  administered  to 
his  neighbors,  free  of  charge.  After  the  war,  at  the 
earnest  solicitation  of  his  neighbors,  he  entered  the 
practice  regularly;  and  from  that  time  until  his  death 
in  1880,  he  combined  the  practice  of  medicine  with 
regular  preaching.  Elder  Davis  was  interested  in 
preserving  the  history  of  his  cnosen  people,  and  con- 
tributed much  valuable  matter  to  Benedict's  History 
of  the  Baptists,  and  also  to  this  work 

Elder  Geokgb  Tuckee— Was  born  in  Wilson 
County,  Tenn.,  December  12,  1806,  near  Lebanon. 
His  father,  Elder  Jeremiah  Tucker,  was  a  pioneer 
preacher  in  Tennessee  and  North  Alabama.  In  1818 
the  family  moved  to  Limestone  County,  Ala.,  which 
was  then  a  sparsely  settled  country.  This  circum- 
stance, together  with  the  limited  means  of  his  father, 
prevented  his  receiving  more  than  the  rudiments  of 
an  English  education.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he 
professed  religion,  and  united  with  the  Baptist 
church.  In  1827,  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  in 
the  latter  part  of  that  year  was  married.  He  was 
ordained  in  1829,  and  became  pastor  of  the  church 
called  Bound  Island  Baptist  Church,  and  also,  shortly 
afterward,  of  the  Poplar  Creek  Church.  He  con- 
tinued to  labor  for  these  churches  until  1834,  and 
under  his  ministry  they  grew  to  be  large  and  flour- 
ishing bodies. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES.         561 

In  1835  he  removed  to  Columbus,  Miss.  Here  lie 
found  a  few  Baptists  without  any  organization  or 
house  of  worship.  He  procured  the  use  of  a  vacant 
school-house  in  the  suburbs,  organized  a  church,  and 
began  to  preach.  Soon  after,  the  congregations  in- 
creased, until  they  were  obliged  to  seek  larger 
accommodations.  For  awhile  they  worshipped  in  the 
basement  of  the  court-house.  Subsequently  they 
leased  the  basement  of  the  Masonic  Lodge,  where 
they  held  their  meetings  for  two  years,  during  which 
time  the  church  grew  in  numbers  and  strength  suffi- 
cient to  build  a  large  house  for  their  accommodation. 
He  continued  to  labor  in  Oolambus  and  the  sur- 
rounding country  from  1835  to  1840.  The  church  at 
Columbus  grew  from  12  to  160.  Besides,  he  baptized 
about  300  in  the  surrounding  country. 

In  1840  he  removed  and  settled  in  Chulahoma,  in 
Marshall  County,  Miss.  He  preached  alternately  to 
the  Chulahoma  and  Hernando  churches,  during  a 
period  of  nine  years. 

In  1850  he  accepted  the  call  of  the  church  in 
Jackson,  Tenn.,  where  he  continued  for  two  years, 
after  which  he  returned  to  Mississippi,  and  preached 
at  Chulahoma  and  Holly  Springs  one  year. 

In  1853  he  became  pastor  at  Marshall,  Texas, 
where  he  labored  successfully  until  1856  During 
this  time  he  preached  much  in  the  surrounding 
country,  especially  with  the  Bethsaida  and  Glade- 
spring  churches.  He  also  constituted  the  church  at 
Jefferson,  Texas. 

In  1857  he  was  called  to  the  church  in  Houston, 
Texas,  where  he  continued  until  1861,  when  he 
became  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  in 
Shreveport.     Here  he  labored  until  March,   1862, 


562  HISTORY   OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

when  he  entered  the  Confederate  Army,  and  served 
until  the  close  of  the  war,  with  the  rank  of  Major. 
For  a  time  he  also  discharged  the  duties  of  Post- 
master at  Shreveport.  After  the  war.  Major  Tucker 
settled  for  a  time  in  New  Orleans,  as  a  commission 
merchant,  occasionally  preaching.  His  mercantile 
business  having  proved  disastrous,  he  returned  to 
Keachi,  La.,  where  he  has  since  resided  with  his 
son,  Elder  Jeremiah  Tucker.  But  although  broken 
down  in  health  and  enfeebled  by  age,  he  could  not 
long  remain  idle.  For  two  years  he  rode  as  mission- 
ary and  financial  agent,  with  wonderful  zeal  and 
activity.  The  author  remembers  to  have  accom- 
panied him  upon  one  of  his  missionary  tours,  and 
was  astonished  at  the  old  man's  vigor  and  zeal.  He 
has  also  served  two  years  as  missionary  within  the 
bounds  of  Grand  Cane  Association,  and  he  still 
(1881)  continues  actively  engaged  in  preaching. 

During  his  ministry  in  Mississippi  he  was  fre- 
quently elected  Moderator  of  the  association  to 
which  he  belonged.  He  aided  in  the  formation  of 
the  Columbus  Association,  and  was  Moderator  for 
several  years.  He  was  also  elected  Moderator  of 
Cold  Water  Association,  for  a  number  of  years.  He 
served  one  year  as  Moderator  of  the  Mississippi 
Baptist  Convention ;  and  at  the  meeting  of  the  Loui- 
siana Baptist  Convention,  in  1878,  presided  over  that 
body.  Daring  his  ministry  he  has  baptized  about 
fourteen  hundred  persons. 

Professor  Charles  Edgar  Crawford— Was  a 
prominent  teacher  and  Sunday-school  worker  in 
Korth-western  Louisiana.  He  was  born  in  Perry 
County,  Ala.,   November,  1838.     He    was   left  an 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  568 

orphan  at  the  age  of  eleven  years,  and  was  received 
into  the  family  of  his  uncle,  Peter  Crawford,  an 
eminent  preacher  and  teacher,  well  known  in  Ala- 
bama, Mississippi  and  Louisiana.  Under  the  direc- 
tion of  his  uncle,  he  received  his  academic  education. 
He  entered  Mississippi  College  in  1854,  and  grad- 
uated in  1858.  He  immediatelyafterward  came  to 
Louisiana,  and  engaged  in  preaching  at  Summer 
Crove,  Caddo  Parish.  He  subsequently  became 
Principal  of  the  Keachi  Male  Academy,  which  he 
held  for  a  number  of  years ;  and  was  one  of  the 
most  successful  teachers  in  the  State.  He  was  one 
of  the  active  movers  in  getting  up  the  Grand  Cane 
Sunday-school  Convention,  and  gave  a  deep  interest 
to  its  proceedings.  He  died  in  1877,  at  San  Antonio, 
Texas,  whither  he  had  gone  in  search  of  health. 

Hon.  William  E.  Eutland  —A  prominent  lawyer, 
and  an  active  Baptist  at  Farmersville,  La.  Judge 
Eutland  was  born  in  Graves  County,  Kentucky, 
April  28th,  1836.  His  father  having  died  in  1840,  his 
mother  married  Col.  Hardy  Jackson  in  1843,  and  in 
1846  the  family  settled  in  what  was  then  Claiborne 
(now  Bienville)  Parish.  Young  Eutland  labored  on 
the  farm  of  his  step-father  until  1854,  at  which  time 
he  was  baptized  into  the  church  at  Aurelia  by  Elder 
John  Q.  Burnett. 

In  the  winter  of  1854  he  returned  to  Kentucky 
to  go  to  school,  and  entered  the  Feliciana  Acad- 
emy. But  on  account  of  failing  health  he  was  com- 
pelled the  following  year  to  return  South.  After 
spending  a  short  time  at  school  at  Arcadia,  and 
in  teaching  a  country  school,  he  entered  Mount 
Vernon    University  in    1856,    where   he    took    an 


564  HISTOBY    OF    LOUrSIANA    BAPTISTS. 

irregular  course,  and  then  engaged  in  teaching  in 
Natchitoches  Parish.  He  was  married  to  Mrs.  0.  A. 
Montgomery,  September  10th,  1858.  In  1859  he  be- 
gan to  study  law  in  the  office  of  Judge  James  6-. 
Campbell.  In  1861  he  entered  the  Oonfe  lerate  Army 
as  First  Lieutenant  in  the  Eleventh  Louisiana  Batal- 
lion,  which  was  subsequently  consolidated  with  the 
Orescent  City  Eegiment.  In  the  early  part  of  1865 
he  was  discharged  from  the  service  on  account  of 
bad  health,  and  returned  home  to  begin  life  anew. 
He  removed  to  the  Gulf  coast  and  began  the  prac- 
tice of  law  at  Lake  Charles.  During  his  stay  at  that 
place  he  organized  a  Sunday-school.  At  that  time 
the  population  was  composed  chiefly  of  Catholics, 
lumber-men  and  sailors.  This  Sunday-school  was 
for  that  country  a  novelty,  but  it'proved  a  success. 
He  also  hunted  up  a  few  scattered  Baptists,  and  with 
the  aid  of  Elder  M.  Scarborough  and  Nathan  Smart, 
they  were  organized  into  a  church.  Elder  E.  P. 
Fancher  and  other  ministers  moved  into  the  Parish 
about  the  same  time,  and  churches  enough  were  soon 
gathered  to  form  Calcasieu  Baptist  Association. 

By  1869  his  health  was  restored,  and  he  removed 
to  Colfax,  in  Grant  Parish,  where  he  was  soon  ap- 
pointed Judge. 

This  Parish  was  in  the  hands  of  the  negroes,  whose 
numbers  largely  predominated ;  and  the  instincts  of 
self-preservation  solidified  the  white  people  of  the 
whole  Red  River  Valley,  into  one  political  party. 
Judge  Rutland  was  the  recognized  leader  of  the 
white  man's  party  in  his  parish.  It  was  a  struggle  of 
intelligence  and  property  against  ignorance,  brutal- 
ity and  numbers.  Under  his  leadership  the  whites 
succeeded  in  carrying  the  election  in  1872.    This  so 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  565 

incensed  the  negroes  that  under  the  instigation  of  a 
few  bad  men  they  organized  a  rebellion  against  the 
newly  elected  authorities,  to  put  them  down  by  force. 
They  seized  the  town  of  Colfax,  and  drove  out  the 
white  people,  except  Judge  Rutland,  whom  they  held 
as  a  prisoner,  closely  guarded  in  his  house,  where  he 
remained  an  anxious  watcher  by  the  corpse  of  one 
of  his  children,  who  had  just  died.  He  was  com- 
pelled to  listen  to  the  curses  of  the  brutal  wretches 
who  held  him  as  a  prisoner,  and  who  made  several 
demonstrations  of  violence.  However,  during  the 
confusion  occasioned  by  a  report  that  they  were 
soon  to  be  attacked  by  the  whites.  Judge  Rutland 
left  the  house  with  his  family,  being  compelled  to 
leave  the  body  of  their  child  behind,  and  entering  a 
skiff  crossed  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Here 
he  placed  his  family  on  board  a  steamboat  and  sent 
them  up  to  Montgomery,  a  place  of  security  above, 
and  himself  took  refuge  in  the  house  of  a  friend. 
This,  however,  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  before 
morning,  being  threatened  by  negroes.  In  a  day  or 
two  the  whites  had  collected  sufficient  forces,  and  in 
company  with  Judge  Rutland,  under  the  lead  of  the 
Sheriff,  re-entered  Colfax,  and  after  a  stubborn  re- 
sistance, in  which  several  negroes  and  one  white 
man  were  killed,  the  negroes  were  compelled  to 
retire.  Judge  Rutland  found  his  house  completely 
sacked,  and  his  poor  dead  child  hurled  into  the  street 
by  the  brutal  savages  who  had  held  him  prisoner. 
Such  is  the  true  history  of  the  Colfax  Riot,  or  "  The 
Colfax  Massacre,"  as  it  was  falsly  termed  by  parti- 
zan  newspapers  at  the  North. 

Judge  Rutland  was  made  the  object  of  cruel  per- 
secution on  the  part  of  the  corrupt  radical  leaders 


566  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

and  to  escape  it,  retired  to  Texas.  He  settled  at 
Fort  Worth,  and  engaged  in  teaching.  He  aided  in 
organizing  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  that  city.  He 
remained  there  until  1874,  when  he  returned  to  Louis- 
iana and  resumed  the  practice  of  law  at  Farmer- 
ville,  his  present  place  of  residence.  He  soon  iden- 
tified himself  prominently  with  the  movements  of 
the  Baptists. 

In  the  fall  of  1875  he  was  appointed  one  of  the 
committee  of  fifteen  by  the  Concord  Association, 
with  instructions  to  devise  some  plan  for  the  estab- 
lishment and  maintenance  of  an  institution  of 
learning,  within  the  bounds  of  the  association.  The 
result  was  the  establishment  of  the  Concord  Insti- 
tute, at  Shilbh. 

As  chairman  of  the  Executive  Board  of  the  State 
Convention,  in  1877,  he  did  much  to  arouse  the  lead- 
ing brethren  to  renewed  labors. 

It  was  mainly  through  his  influence  that  the  pres- 
ent ef&cient  evangelist  was  put  in  the  field;  and  his 
suggestions  have  done  much  to  give  shape  to  the 
policy  of  the  Board. 

Judge  Eutland  is  yet  in  the  prime  of  life,  is  a 
decided  Baptist,  and  exercises  a  wide  influence  in 
the  affairs  of  the  Baptists  of  his  State. 

Eldek  a.  J.  Terry — ^The  efficient  pastor  at  Bayou 
de  ©laize,  in  Avoyelles  Parish,  was  born  in  Copiah 
County,  Miss.,  April  23,  1846.  He  was  baptized  by 
Elder  E.  E.  Freeman,  and  received  into  the  fellowship 
of  the  County  Line  Church,  Copiah  County,  in  April, 
1863.  He  began  to  preach  in  1866,  and  was  ordained 
by  the  same  church  in  1869 ;  Elders  W.  B.  Gallman 
and  Seth  G.  Mallins  acting  as  presbytery.    He  re- 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES.  567 

moved  to  Louisiana  in  1871,  He  preached  two  years 
in  St.  Landry  Parisli.  In  November,  1873,  he  removed 
to  Avoyelles  Parish,  and  has  since  then  devoted  his 
whole  time  to  his  present  charge,  the  Bayou  de 
Glaise  Church,  which  has  greatly  prospered  under 
his  ministry. 

Elder  J.  A.  Hackett— The  present  able  pastor  of 
the  First  Baptist  Church,  Shreveport,  was  born  in 
Crawford  County,  Ills.,  October  13, 1833.  His  father 
was  a  non-professor,  but  his  mother  was  a  pious 
Methodist,  and  he  was  brought  up  in  that  faith.  He 
was  converted  when  about  nineteen,  and  he  began  at 
once  to  investigate  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  for 
himself.  After  many  conflicts  between  truth  and 
conscience  on  one  side,  and  early  prejudices  and  asso- 
ciations on  the  other,  he  yielded  to  the  force  of  truth. 
Having  in  the  meantime  removed  to  Mississippi,  he 
was  immersed  into  the  fellowship  of  Jerusalem  Bap- 
tist Church,  in  Scott  County,  by  Elder  William  Den- 
son,  in  August,  1855,  and  began  to  preach  shortly 
after.  He  received  an  elementary  education  in  the 
schools  of  the  neighborhood,  and  then  took  a  brief 
course  in  Mississippi  College.  He  was  two  years  a 
soldier  in  the  Confederate  army,  and  for  the  remain- 
der of  the  war  was  Chaplain  of  the  Eighteenth  Mis- 
sissippi Eegiment,  serving  in  the  Army  of  Virginia. 
He  received  a  wound  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  from 
which  he  has  never  fully  recovered.  He  was  ordained 
by  the  Canton  Church,  Miss.,  June,  1863,  the  presby- 
tery being  T.  J.  Drane,  W.  W.  Keep  and  D.  E.  Burns, 
His  first  pastorate  was  in  1866,  at  Jerusalem,  Scott 
County.  He  subsequently  s.erved  churches  in  Yazoo 
County.    He  was  at  length  called  to  the  pastorate  of 


568  HISTOBY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

the  Baptist  Church  at  Jackson,  the  capital  of  the 
State.  It  was  here  that  he  first  distinguished  himself 
as  a  man  of  fine  mental  powers.  He  subsequently  re- 
moved to  Crystal  Springs,  preaching  also  at  Hazel- 
hurst  and  Clinton,  the  seat  of  Mississippi  College. 
He  was  called  to  Shreveport,  La.,  in  1877,  and  has 
since  labored  with  great  efficiency  there.  The  church 
has  been  largely  increased  under  his  pastorate ;  the 
finest  church  edifice  in  the  city  has  been  built ;  a  con- 
siderable interest  started  at  Jewella,  a  suburb  of 
Shreveport ;  and  his  influence  has  been  felt  in  all  the 
surrounding  country,  and  in  the  Bai)tist  councils  of 
the  State.  He  has  done  much  to  foster  Foreign  Mis- 
sions. When  he  removed  to  Shreveport  it  was  re- 
marked, by  one  who  knew  whereof  he  affirmed,  that 
Louisiana  had  captured  one  of  Mississippi's  best 
minds. 

Eldeb  Ezekiel  O'QtriN— One  of  the  earliest  min- 
isters of  our  denomination  in  the  State,  was  born  in 
the  State  of  North  Carolina,  February  18th,  1781,  and 
was  married  to  Mary  Brockton,  on  Beaufort  Jsland, 
South  Carolina.  He  first  emigrated  to  Tennessee,  and 
thence  to  Mississippi  Territory,  in  1810,  and  settled  in 
Wilkinson  County.  Here  he  was  ordained  to  the 
ministry  in  1812 ;  and,  in  1815  removed  to  Eapides  Par- 
ish, La.  He  was  the  second  Baptist  preacher  who 
settled  west  of  the  Mississippi  Eiver,  Joseph  Willis 
being  the  first.  He  became  pastor  of  the  church  at 
Cheneyville,  which  was  constituted  the  year  after  his 
arrival.  He  took  part  in  the  formation  of  the  Louisi- 
ana Association,  and  was  its  first  Moderator.  He  was 
actively  engaged  in  preaching  up  to  a  short  time  be- 
fore his  death,  which  occurred  April  23d,  1823.    He 


BIOGRAPHICAl,    SKETCHES. 


569 


took  an  active  part  in  every  religious  effort.  Although 
a  man  of  limited  education,  he  was  noted  for  logical 
acumen,  and  is  represented  as  a  natural-born  orator. 
His  voice,  though  loud,  was  musical.  He  was  very 
forcible  in  exhortation,  and  a  thorough  Baptist. 
Through  his  labors,  aided  by  Father  Willis  and  Isham 
Nettles,  most  of  the  early  churches  of  this  region  were 
planted;  and  although  he  never  demanded  any  com- 
pensation for  his  services,  he  was  well  supported  by 
the  freewill  offerings  of  the  people. 

Eldbe  John  O'Qxjin — "Was  the  son  of  Ezekiel 
O'Quin,  and  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  January  1st, 
1808.  He  came  to  Louisiana  with  his  father  in  1815. 
His  father  having  died  when  he  was  but  sixteen  years 
old,  the  care  of  his  mother  and  her  seven  children  de- 
volved mainly  upon  him,  and  he  was  consequently 
deprived  of  the  advantages  of  an  education.  But  he 
managed  to  acquire  the  rudiments  of  an  English 
education  from  men  hired  to  labor  on  his  farm.  He 
became  religiously  impressed  in  early  life.  Subse- 
quently, attempting  to  solve  some  of  the  deep  mysteries 
of  the  Gospel,  he  became  involved  in  skepticism.  But 
upon  a  review  of  his  conclusions  he  was  drawn  to  ad- 
mit the  divine  character  of  Christianity.  After  the 
death  of  his  father,  the  Baptist  influence  waned  in  this 
region  for  several  years,  the  years  of  his  religious 
conflict.  Bat  the  Methodists  had  become  active  and 
influential.  He,  therefore,  united  with  the  Methodists 
soon  after  his  conversion,  and  in  a  short  time  was  an 
exhorter,  and  applied  to  be  ordained  as  a  minister. 
But,  pending  the  matter,  he  met  with  "  Pengilly's 
Scripture  Guide  to  Baptism";  and  "  Circumcision  no 
Plea  for  Infant  Baptism,"  by  Archibald  McClay ;  and  he 
37 


570  HISTORY    OF  LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

became  convinced  that  infant  baptism  is  of  men,  with- 
out divine  claim  or  support,  and  that  the  immersion 
pf  believers  is  the  only  baptism  known  to  the  New 
Testament.  He  therefore  withdrew  his  application 
for  ordination  in  the  Methodist  connection.  At  this 
time  there  was  no  Baptist  minister  in  St.  Landry  Par- 
ish, where  he  was  then  living.  Desiring  to  be  baptized, 
he  went  to  New  Orleans  to  see  P.  W.  Eobert,  who  had 
removed  to  the  city,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  bap- 
tism. Failing  to  see  Eobert,  he  wrote  to  him,  and  he 
came  up  and  baptized  O'Quin,  with  two  others;  and 
continuing  the  meeting,  there  was  a  gracious  revival, 
and  a  church  constituted.  He  then  rode  two  years 
as  a  missionary  in  the  bounds  of  Louisiana  Associa- 
tion, during  which  time  he  baptized  about  four  hun- 
dred persons.  O'Quin  began  to  preach  soon  after  he 
joined  the  church,  and  in  June,  1841,  he  was  regularly 
set  apart  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  Archibald  McOlay, 
D.  D.,  Elihu  Eobinson  and  Thomas  Eand,  Jr.,  acting 
as  the  presbytery. 

While  preaching  constantly  as  occasion  offered. 
Elder  O'Quin  engaged  successfully  in  planting,  and 
amassed  a  large  fortune.  Since  the  war  he  has  been 
led  to  engage  in  politics,  and  has  filled  with  credit 
several  terms  in  the  State  Legislature.  He  is  a  man 
of  strong  native  ability,  but  somewhat  eccentric. 

Elder  S.  0.  Lee,  formerly  pastor  at  Parmersville, 
and  editor  of  the  Baptist  Messenger,  now  published  at 
Arcadia,  was  born  in  Wilcox  County,  Ala.,  September 
2,  1826.  His  parents  were  anti-mission  Baptists,  his 
father  being  a  deacon ;  and  he  was  reared  in  that  faith. 
He  was  converted  and  joined  the  church  at  the  early 
age  of  thirteen,   and  was  baptized    into  the  Cedar 


BIOGEAPHIOAL    SKETCHES.  571 

Creek  Ohurch  by  Eobert  Warner.  In  1846  he  re- 
moved with  his  father  to  Union  Parish,  La.  He  con- 
tinued to  hold  membership  with  the  anti-mission 
brethren  until  1850.  Having  dissented  from  the 
extreme  Calvinistic  views  and  anti-mission  tendencies 
of  his  brethren,  and  especially  on  the  extent  of  the 
Atonement,  he  was  arraigned  and  excluded  for  heresy. 
At  the  end  of  two  years,  during  which  time  he  gave  the 
subject  of  the  church  a  thorough  examination,  he 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  Church  of  Christ  is 
with  the  Missionary  Baptists.  Accordingly,  in  1853 
he  united  with  the  church  at  Spearsville,  and  was 
soon  after  ordained  a  deacon. 

From  his  boyhood  he  had  been  impressed  with  a 
call  to  the  ministry;  but  unwilling  to  heed  the  call, 
he  strove  to  cast  off  his  impressions,  and  to  drown  the 
sense  of  duty,  became  to  some  extent  disorderly.  He 
became  a  habitual  drinker,  and  turned  politician.  He 
was  twice  elected  to  the  Legislature  of  Louisiana,  and 
served  in  that  capacity  for  four  years;  he  also  filled 
important  parish  offices. 

In  the  fall  of  1861,  during  a  long  sickness,  when  he 
was  given  up  to  die,  the  sense  of  neglected  duty 
pressed  hard  upon  him.  He  earnestly  prayed  God  to 
spare  his  life,  vowing  to  devote  it  to  His  service.  His 
prayer  was  answered.  While  still  prostrated,  the 
Farmersville  Church  licensed  him  to  preach.  As  soon 
as  he  had  sufficiently  recovered  to  be  able  to  stand, 
he  entered  actively  upon  the  work.  In  1862,  Liberty 
Church,  being  without  a  supply,  called  for  his  ordi- 
nation, which  was  accordingly  done  at  Farmersville, 
September  23,  1862;  Elders  J.  P.  Everett  and  A.  W. 
Johnston  acting  as  presbytery.  He  was  at  once  called 
to  the  pastorate  of  Liberty  Church,  which  he  has 


572  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

served  once  a  month  for  sixteen  years,  consecutively. 
Concord  Church,  the  mother  church  of  the  associa- 
tion, was  next  to  call  him,  and  he  has  continued  that 
relation  until  the  present  time.  Elder  Elias  George 
having  removed  to  Eastern  Louisiana,  Elder  Lee  was 
called  to  fill  his  place  at  Parmersville  in  1863,  and  he 
has  filled  the  pulpit  here  mo&t  of  the  time  since ; 
recently  but  twice  a  month.  He  has  also  in  the  mean- 
time occasionally  supplied  Shiloh,  Zion  Hill,  Liberty 
Hill  and  Union  churches,  in  Union  Parish,  and  Spring 
Hill,  in  Arkansas.  His  labors  have  been  signally 
blessed.  During  his  ministry  he  has  baptized  about 
five  hundred  persons.  Several  ministers  have  sprung 
up  under  his  ministry  :  John  H.  Quillen,  G.  W.  Sim- 
mons, of  Arkansas,  Joseph  Milburn  and  George  Sav- 
age (now  of  Texas),  are  all  his  sons  in  the  Gospel. 

He  has  served  the  Concord  Association  both  as 
Moderator  and  Clerk.  In  1869  he  traveled  as 
missionary  of  the  association,  and  preached  in  the 
destitute  places  within  her  bounds.  He  conceived  the 
first  idea  of  establishing  an  associational  school  within 
the  bounds  of  the  association.  As  the  fruit  of  his 
labors  in  this  direction,  the  '^Concord  Institute,"  an 
excellent  school,  was  established  at  Shiloh.  He  trav- 
eled three  months  in  the  interest  of  the  school,  and 
obtained  an  endowment  of  $10,000 ;  sufficient  to  secure 
permanency  to  the  academy. 

In  the  year  1878  the  call  for  a  denominational 
paper  induced  him  to  begin  the  publication,  at  Farm- 
ersville,  of  the  Baptist  Messenger,  at  first  every  two 
weeks;  but  in  two  years  it  had  attained  a  circulation 
of  twelve  hundred  and' was  published  weekly. 

Elder  Lee  has  always  been  a  favorite  with  the  young 
people,  and  has  celebrated  aoout  two  hundred  mar- 


BIOGKAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  573 

riages.  During  his  ministry  he  has  performed  an 
amazing  amount  of  labor  for  one  so  feeble.  His  health 
continues  feeble,  but  his  zeal  and  energy  compensate 
for  the  frailty  of  his  physical  organization.  He  has 
recently  (1881),  removed  to  Arcadia  with  his  paper. 

A.  E.  Clbmmons,  D.  D., — Was  born  in  Shelbyville, 
Bedford  County,  Tennessee,  September  lith,  1821. 
He  professed  religion  when  he  was  about  seventeen 
years  of  age,  and  joined  the  Methodist  Church.  In 
this  connection  he  was  licensed  to  preach ;  but  soon 
after  underwent  a  change  of  views,  and  joined  the 
Baptists,  in  his  twenty^econd  year.  He  shortly  after- 
wards moved  to  Noxubee  County,  Miss.,  where  he  was 
ordained  as  a  Baptist  minister.  He  travelled  as  a 
missionary  of  the  Choctaw  Association  for  three  years, 
during  which  time  he  baptized  a  great  many  persons. 
He  was  also  pastor  at  Macon,  Miss.,  one  year.  In 
1847  he  removed  to  the  southern  part  of  Arkansas, 
where  he  lived  one  year,  and  then  went  into  Texas. 
After  two  years  he  returned  and  settled  as  pastor  at 
Mt.  Lebanon,  La.  He  was  soon  after  also  called  to 
the  Minden  Church.  Having  removed  to  the  latter 
place  he  devoted  himself  to  that  church  until  1856. 
During  his  pastorate  the  church  increased  rapidly  in 
numbers  and  influence.  During  this  time  he  also 
preached  in  Homer,  where  he  resided  a  short  while. 

As  agent  of  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  he  raised  dur- 
ing one  summer,  $14,000.  His  labor  in  this  line  was 
gratuitous. 

After  leaving  Minden,  he  took  charge  of  the  church 
at  Marshall,  Texas,  where  he  continued  sixteen  years, 
except  a  portion  of  the  time  during  the  war,  when  he 
was  Chaplain  of  a  Confederate  regiment.    In  1869, 


574  HISTORY    OP   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

while  still  residing  at  Marshall,  he  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  at  Shreveport.  He  held  this  position  for 
Ave  years,  during  which  the  church  largely  increased. 
Since  then  he  has  resided  in  Marshall,  Texas,  preach- 
ing at  Long  View  and  other  places  along  the  line  of 
the  Texas  and  Pacific  Eailroad. 

In  1876  the  Waco  University  honored  him  with  the 
title  of  D.  D.  Dr.  Olemmons  is  a  man  of  great  abili- 
ties. Keen  logical  powers,  a  fine  memory,  and  an  ex- 
cellent command  of  language,  contribute  to  make  him 
a  popular  pulpit  orator. 

Elder  Henbt  Z.  Ardis  —Was  born  in  Edgefield 
District,  S.  C,  August  8,  1811,  The  family  came  from 
Zell  Canton,  Switzerland,  about  the  middle  of  the  last 
century,  and  settled  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born.  They  were  of  the  Presbyterian  faith.  His 
maternal  grand-uncle  planted  Presbyterianism  in 
Georgia, 

He  received  a  good  academic  education,  the  best  his 
widowed  mother  could  afford.  He  professed  faith  in 
Christ  in  his  sixteenth  year,  and  united,  with  others 
(mostly  kindred),  in  the  constitution  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church  on  Beech  Island,  S  C,  in  August,  1827. 
He  was  married  in  1832,  and  in  the  year  following  his' 
first  child  (a  daughter),  was  born.  This  was  the  turn- 
ing point  in  his  religious  faith.  He  was  urged  to  com- 
ply with  the  requirement  of  liis  church  and  have  the 
infant  baptized.  In  order  that  he  might  act  intelli- 
gently, he  undertook  to  investigate  the  subject  of 
infant  baptism  in  the  light  of  the  Scriptures.  The 
result  of  his  researches  was,  that  he  was  overwhelm- 
ingly convinced  that  the  New  Testament  knows  noth- 
ing of  such  practice.    He  embraced  the  Baptist  faith 


BIOQKAPHIOAL    SKETCHES.  575 

and  was  baptized  September  26,  1834.  To  him  it  was 
a  fiery  ordeal  to  leave  wife,  mother,  mother-in-law. 
brother  and  sisters.  He  began  early  to  speak  for  the 
Master;  in  fact  immediately  after  his  conversion  he 
began  to  conduct  prayer-meetings,  and  to  exhort  sin- 
ners to  come  to  Christ.  Before  he  was  twenty-one, 
three  persons  dated  their  impressions  from  words 
uttered  by  him  in  conversations  and  exhortation.  Of 
this  he  says  in  a  letter  to  me  :  "  Those  three  gave  me 
more  joy  than  any  in  my  subsequent  ministry."  The 
persons  consisted  of  his  mother,  his  aged  aunt,  and 
John  Gill  Shorter,  afterwards  distinguished  in 
Alabama. 

On  the  third  Lord's  day  in  January,  1835,  he  was 
ordained,  by  request  of  Union  Church,  Barnwell  Dis- 
trict, S.  C,  by  Elders  J.  L.  Brooks,  E.  Estes,  Samuel 
Gibson  and  John  Broome.  He  served  this  church  as 
pastor  nine  years.  He  also  filled  the  pulpit  of  the 
following  churches  in  South  Carolina:  Steel  Creek 
and  Matlock,  in  Barnwell  District,  and  Beach  Island, 
Edgefield  District. 

In  1845,  on  account  of  iU-health,  he  removed  to  Mad- 
ison County,  Florida,  and  took  charge  of  the  church 
at  Madison  C.  H.,  January,  1846.  He  remained  in  this 
pastorate  twenty-one  years,  and  the  church  in  the 
meantime  grew  from  a  few  to  be  a  strong  body.  In 
1850  he  baptized  his  wife,  who,  up  to  this  time,  had 
continued  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  supplied 
various  churches  in  this  county  during  this  time.  He 
also  supplied,  a  part  of  the  time,  Monticello  Church, 
Jefferson  County,  and  Bellville  Church,  Hamilton 
County.  His  labors  were  greatly  blessed,  and  he  bap- 
tized a  great  many  persons,  both  in  South  Carolina 
and  Florida.  In  1870  he  lost  his  wife,  who  had  been 
the  mother  of  ten  children. 


576  HISTORY  or  Louisiana  baptists. 

In  1871  he  removed  to  Louisiana,  -whither  his  brother 
Mathias  had  preceded  him,  being  one  of  the  South 
Carolina  colony  who  settled  in  Mt.  Lebanon  in  1837. 
He  became  pastor  at  Mt.  Lebanon.  He  subsequently 
served  the  church  at  Homer,  and  also  at  Minden,  hav- 
ing succeeded  the  writer  in  the  latter  pastorate.  He 
resided  in  Claiborne  Parish,  not  far  from  Homer,  and 
continued  actively  engaged  in  the  ministry  in  the  sur- 
rounding country  until  his  death,  July  11,  1881. 
Shortly  aftes  he  came  to  Louisiana  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Cooksey,  an  excellent  lady,  with  whom  he  lived 
very  happily.    He  was  forty -five  years  in  the  ministry. 

Elder  D.  E.  W.  McIver— Was  born  in  Charleston, 
S  C,  December  8,  1794.  His  mother,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann 
McIver,  was  baptized  and  united  with  the  First  Bap- 
tist Church  of  that  city  when  only  fourteen  years  of 
age,  and  was  remarkable  for  consistent  piety.  On 
the  death  of  her  husband,  which  occurred  when  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  only  eighteen  months  old, 
she  removed  to  Society  Hill,  in  the  same  State,  where 
she  resided  with  her  brother,  Gen.  D.  E.  Williams. 
Believed  of  all  domestic  care,  she  devoted  herself  to 
the  education  and  religious  training  of  her  children ; 
an  influence  greatly  blessed  in  forming  their  characters 
for  future  usefulness.  Mr.  McIver  was  a  graduate  of 
the  South  Carolina  University,  at  Columbia,  after 
which  he  became  a  planter,  near  Society  Hill,  on  the 
Peedee  river;  and  in  early  life  married  Miss  Caroline 
Wilds,  of  that  place. 

He  was  often  brought  under  deep  religious  influ- 
ences, but  it  was  not  until  his  fortieth  year  that  he 
made  a  profession  of  religion  by  putting  on  Christ 
publicly,  in  the  ordinance  of  baptism.     He  united 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES.  577 

with  the  Welsh  Feck  Church,  at  Society  Hill.  From 
this  time  he  became  an  earnest  advocate  of  the  cause 
of  the  Eedeemer.  His  labors  at  first  were  confined  to 
the  colored  people,  among  whom  he  organized  a  Sab- 
bath-school. It  soon  became  evident^  from  his  exhort- 
ations and  his  zeal  for  the  conversion  of  sinners,  that 
the  Master  was  preparing  him  for  a  more  extended 
field  of  usefulness. 

The  duty  to  preach  was  urged  upon  him  by  his 
faithful  pastor,  Kev.  J.  0.  Furman,  and  the  deacons 
of  the  church  ;  but  he  hesitated  because  of  his  want 
of  theological  training.  About  this  time  he  was 
called  to  bear  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  was  a  devoted 
Christian,  leaving  six  children  to  the  care  of  the 
father.  This  only  seemed  to  deepen  his  consecration. 
Not  long  after  this  aflaiction,'  he  had  the  satisfaction 
to  witness  the  profession  of  two  of  his  children. 

In  1838  he  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  E.  Grant, 
of  Georgetown,  8.  0.,  and  in  1843  carried  out  a  long 
cherished  purpose  by  removing  to  Carlowville,  Dallas 
County,  Ala.  He  there  became  a  member  of  the  Cen- 
ter Eidge  Church,  under  the  care  of  Eev.  Jesse  Hart- 
well.  By  the  untiring  labors  and  faithful  ministry  of 
this  great  and  good  man,  a  large  and  working  church 
had  been  established.  In  the  course  of  a  few  months 
Dr.  Hartwell  resigned  the  care  of  the  church,  to 
become  President  of  Howard  College,  at  Marion,  Ala. 
After  this  the  church  was  supplied  twice  a  month  by 
Eev.  Piatt  Stout,  who  had  recently  moved  to  the 
neighborhood  from  Mobile.  Mr.  Mclver  continued  to 
labor  here  for  the  benefit  of  the  colored  people,  assisted 
by  the  deacons  of  the  church.  In  1844  the  church 
called  him  to  ordination,  which  took  place  in  Septem- 
ber of  that  year,  the  presbytery  consisting  of  Jesse 


578  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Hartwell,  Piatt  Stout,  Wm.  Kerwin,  James  Devotie, 

Sessions  and  Hawthorn.     He  was  at 

once  elected  pastor  of  the  church,  but  this  he  declined, 
consenting,  however,  to  preach  twice  a  month,  in  con- 
nection with  Mr.  Stout. 

In  December,  1845,  he  was  again  called  as  pastor, 
and  entered  upon  his  duties  January,  1846,  and  con- 
tinued to  labor  with  signal  success  until  1850.  He 
was  then  called  to  the  care  of  the  Wetumpka  and 
Prattville  churches.  He  accepted,  and  removed  to 
Wetumpka  in  February,  1850.  Here  he  labored  with 
great  success,  and  in  a  short  time  the  churches  doubled 
their  membership. 

Many  friends  having  removed  from  South  Carolina 
and  Alabama,  and  settled  in  DeSoto  Parish,  La,,  his 
mind  was  turned  in  that  direction.  He  received  a  call 
to  Mansfield  and  Evergreen  churches,  and  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1856,  removed  to  Kingston,  DeSoto  Parish. 
Here  he  labored  with  great  success  until  1862,  when 
his  health  had  so  declined  that  he  was  compelled  to 
resign.  It  was  hoped  that  rest  would  restore  his  shat- 
tered health,  but  in  vain.  After  suffering  for  some 
time  from  acute  rheumatism,  he  was  taken  to  his  re- 
ward in  the  triumphs  of  a  living  faith.  He  died  Feb- 
ruary 10th,  1863. 

Elder  J.  O'B.  Lovtry — Was  born  in  Louisville, 
Ga.,  January  10,  1851,  but  reared  in  South  Carolina. 
He  took  a  literary  course  at  Erskine  College,  the 
Presbyterian  college  in  South  Carolina,  and  a  theo- 
logical course  at  the  Southern  Baptist  Theological 
Seminary.  He  also  spent  some  time  in  study  abroad, 
at  Leipzig,  Germany,  where  the  influence  of  Delitzoh 
and  others  stimulated  the  aims  engendered  by  such 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  579 

teachers  at  home  as  Dr.  Broadus.  Upon  his  return  he 
was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  St.  Francis  Street 
Church,  Mobile,  where  he  labored  acceptably  for  five 
years  Here  he  acquired  such  a  reputation  as  an  elo- 
quent and  attractive  preacher,  that  in  December, 
1879,  he  was  called  to  fill  the  place  of  the  eloquent 
Wilson,  at  the  Coliseum  Place  Church,  New  Orleans. 
During  the  past  year  he  has  fully  sustained  the  repu- 
tation he  had  previously  acquired.  During  the  present 
year  (1881)  Mr.  Lowry  resigned. 

Elder  Austin  Harris — "Was  born  in  Pike  County, 
Ga,,  July  17, 1835.  His  father  died  when  he  was  four 
years  old,  and  he  was  left  under  a  guardian,  who  was 
a  devout  Methodist  and  an  exceedingly  pious  man. 
Naturally  enough,  young  Harris  adopted  the  senti- 
ments of  the  family  in  which  he  was  reared,  and  which 
were  commended  by  the  piety  of  his  guardian.  At  an 
early  age  he  became  a  member  of  the  Methodist 
church.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  became  concerned 
about  his  spiritual  condition,  and  after  a  severe  con- 
flict was  enabled  to  trust  hopefully  in  Jesus. 

When  about  twenty  years,  whilst  reading  the  New 
Testament,  he  was  struck  with  the  expression, 
"  buried  in  baptism,"  and  it  occurred  to  him  that  if 
Paul's  baptism  was  a  burial,  he  had  never  been  bap- 
tized. The  struggle  then  began  in  his  mind.  He  tried 
to  satisfy  himself  by  reading  Methodist  books  dn  the 
subject.  The  result  of  his  investigarion  was  the 
adoption  of  Baptist  views,  and  he  was  baptized  in  his 
twentieth  year.  About  this  time  he  married  the 
youngest  daughter  of  Elder  John  H.  Milner,  a  mis- 
sionary Baptist  minister  in  Georgia.  He  soon  began 
to  preach,  and  was  ordained  in  1858,  and  the  follow- 


580  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

ing  year  moved  to  Louisiana  and  settled,  first  in  Cald- 
well Parish,  where  he  labored  several  years;  then 
removed  to  Claiborne  Parish. 

He  had  received  a  fair  academical  education  in 
Georgia,  and  when  he  reached  Louisiana  he  engaged 
successfully  in  teaching,  in  Caldwell  Parish;  in  the 
meantime  preaching  regularly  to  the  churches  in  his 
vicinity.  He  afterward  established  an  academy  at 
Arizona,  in  Claiborne  Parish,  where  he  thoroughly 
educated  hundreds  of  pupils  in  the  surrounding  coun- 
try and  the  adjacent  parts  of  Arkansas. 

Elder  Harris  was  an  easy  and  graceful  speaker,  a 
clear  reasoner  and  a  sound  theologian.  In  1880  he 
supplied  four  churches.    He  died  in  1881. 

Elder  John  Pinkney  Everett — Was  born  in 
Dallas  County,  Ala.,  March  20,  1826,  and  removed  to 
Perry  County  the  same  year,  where  the  family  resided 
until  1847.  In  October  of  this  year  his  mother  died, 
and  in  a  short  time  afterward  his  father,  George 
Everett,  with  his  eight  children,  moved  west  and  set- 
tled in  Union  Parish,  La.,  near  the  present  town  of 
Oakland,  near  the  Arkansas  line.  George  Everett 
was  a  preacher.  He  died  from  home,  whither  he  had 
gone  to  fill  an  appointment,  June,  1855.  John  was 
the  eldest  of  thirteen  children,  and  the  care  of  the 
family  devolved  mainly  upon  him,  in  the  absence  of 
his  father  from  home,  and  he  was  thus  deprived  of 
educational  advantages;  the  extent  of  his  opportuni- 
nies  being  seven  months  in  school,  when  he  was  six- 
teen years  old.  But  good  natural  abilities  and  indus- 
trious self-culture  have  to  some  extent  overcome  these 
early  disadvantages. 

He  was  converted  very  early,  under  the  quiet  influ- 
ences of  his  father's  pious  home,  but  did  not  make  a 


BIOGEAPHICAL  SKETCHES.         581 

public  profession  until  he  was  nineteen  years  old.  In 
September,  1845,  lie  was  baptized  by  his  father.  In 
1846  he  volunteered  and  served  twelve  months  in  the 
war  with  Mexico.  Here  he  learned  much  of  the  de- 
pravity of  the  human  heart,  and  the  corrupting  influ- 
ences of  camp  life.  In  December,  1851,  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Buckley,  from  Tennessee,  by  whom  he 
has  had  ten  children,  one  of  whom  fell  a  victim  to 
yellow  fever  in  Memphis,  in  1878. 

In  1849  the  Baptist  church  at  Spring  Hill  was  con 
stituted,  with  nineteen  members.  Among  this  num- 
ber were  his  father,  younger  brother,  two  sisters  and 
himself.  This  church  his  father  served  until  his 
death  in  1855.  In  1853,  John  P.  Everett  was  ordained 
deacon  in  this  church.  Having  purchased  a  good  de- 
gree and  much  boldness  in  the .  faith  as  a  deacon,  he 
was  licensed  by  the  church  in  1854  to  exercise  in 
public. 

In  September,  1855,  he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry, 
and  thus  the  mantle  of  the  sainted  father,  who  had 
died  a  short  time  before,  he  fell  upon  a  worthy  suc- 
cessor in  the  Gospel.  The  following  presbytery 
oflciated  in  his  ordination,  viz:  S.  J.  Larkin,  Elias 
George,  S.  B.  Thomas,  S.  T.  Cobb  and  S.  J.  Puller. 
The  meeting  was  protracted,  and  at  the  close  he  bap- 
tized eighteen  persons.  After  the  death  of  George 
Everett,  Elder  S.  J.  Larkin  was  called  to  fill  out  the 
year.  But  in  October  he  was  called  to  the  vacancy. 
Distrusting  himself,  he  declined,  and  Dr.  Larkin  con- 
tinued to  supply  the  church,  with  his  assistance. 

In  October,  1856,  he  was  regularly  installed  as  pas- 
tor of  this  church,  and  continued  in  this  relation  until 
October,  1876,  during  which  time  he  baptized  about 
five  hundred  into  its  fellowship.    From  this  church 


582  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

was  dismissed  the  material  to  aid  in  the  constitution 
of  three  other  churches,  two  of  which  he  served  as 
pastor.  He  preached  to  the  church  at  New  London, 
Ark.,  for  several  years,  and  baptized  over  one  hundred 
into  the  fellowship,  one  of  whom,  Dr.  Gr.  Iforsworthy, 
became  an  able  minister.  He  also  preached  to  the 
churches  at  Hillsboro  and  Eldorado,  in  the  same  State. 
When  he  took  charge  of  the  church  at  Hillsboro, 
which  was  immediately  after  the  war,  there  were 
only  about  ten  or  twelve  members,  and  the  village  was 
one  of  the  wickedest  places  in  South  Arkansas.  Dur- 
ing the  three  years  of  his  pastorate  here  he  baptized 
between  sixty  and  seventy  persons,  and  the  morals  of 
the  place  had  so  improved  that  some  of  the  business 
houses  closed  during  the  Saturday's  meetings. 

The  church  at  Spring  Hill  having  united  with  the 
Liberty  (Arkansas)  Association,  Elder  Everett  be- 
came a  member  of  that  body^  and  presided  over  it 
from  1867  to  1876. 

In  December,  1876,  he  was  called  to  the  chui'ch  at 
Shiloh,  La,,  and  removed  with  his  family  to  that  place. 
To  this  church  he  has  given  half  his  timej  the  rest  has 
been  divided  between  Zion  Hill  and  Vienna.  His  min- 
istry at  these  places  has  greatly  prospered.  For 
several  years  he  has  been  the  efficient  President  of 
the  Executive  Board  of  the  State  Convention. 

Elder  Everett  has  made  frequent  contributions  to 
our  periodical  literature,  and  is  the  author  of  an  ex- 
tended work  on  "  Bible  Types,"  which  has  been  com- 
mended by  some  of  the  most  judicious  brethren  in  the 
South. 

Eldbe  W.  B.  Allen — One  of  the  most  useful  minis- 
ters in  Eastern  Louisiana,  was  born  in  Marion  Dis- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  583 

trict,  S.  0.,  July  6,  1809.  He  was  ordained  in  Oct., 
1827.  He  settled  in  Livingston  Parish,  La.,  when 
about  twenty-one  years  old,  where  he  has  resided  ever 
since,  preaching  to  from  one  to  four  churches.  In 
October,  1841,  the  Amite  Baptist  Church  was  consti- 
tuted, and  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  and  has 
served  them  ever  since.  The  church  has  prospered, 
and  is  now  the  largest  and  most  active  church  in  the 
Eastern  Louisiana  Association.  He  also  served  Heb- 
ron Church  in  this  association  thirty  years.  He  aided 
in  the  organization  of  the  Eastern  Louisiana  Associa- 
tion, and  has  presided  over  that  body  twenty-seven 
years, — the  best  commendation  of  his  character.  He 
was  deprived  of  the  benefits  of  a  collegiate  education, 
but  by  dint  of  application  has  made  himself  an  inter- 
esting and  instructive  preacher.  He  has  given  one 
son  to  the  ministry,  Eev.  Henry  B.  Allen,  of  Ringgold, 
La.,  whom  he  has  afforded  better  opportunities 
than  he  enjoyed. 

Elder  Egbert  Martin— Was  born  in  Spartans- 
burg  District,  S.  C,  December  29,  1814.  His  father's 
name  was  James  Martin,  and  his  mother  was  Hester 
Bogan,  of  Union  District  His  father  was  not  re- 
ligious, but  his  mother  was  a  pious  member  of  the 
Baptist  church  from  her  early  youth.  She  lived  to  be 
old,  but  never  wavered  in  her  faith.  She  raised  nine 
children,  all  of  whom  became  Baptists.  Five  of  her 
sons,  Isaac,  Eobert,  John,  Crawford  and  Charles,  be- 
came preachers.  When  Eobert  was  quite  young,  the 
family  moved  into  Jasper  County,  Ga.,  and  thence 
into  Eandolph  County,  in  the  same  State,  where  he 
grew  to  manhood,  and  February  19, 1839,  was  married 
to  Indiana  Dillard.    In  October  of  the  same  year  he 


584  HISTORY  or  Louisiana  baptists. 

and  his  wife  united  with  the  church,  and  were  bap- 
tized by  Elder  John  Raspberry  into  the  fellowship  of 
Few  Bethel  Church,  now  a  member  of  the  Bethel  Bap- 
tist Association.  This  church  had  been  constituted 
with  his  mother,  five  of  her  children  and  another  lady, 
in  the  spring  of  1839.  It  became  a  strong  and  influ- 
ential body  in  the  Baptist  brotherhood,  and  has  sent 
out  over  nine  preachers, 

Robert  Martin  began  to  preach,  after  a  hard  strug- 
gle, in  1841,  and  in  1843  was  ordained  by  Elder  T.  J. 
Bowen  (afterwards  missionary  to  Africa)  and  his 
brother  Isaac  Martin.  This  was  at  the  time  the 
schism  took  place  in  the  denomination  in  Georgia,  on 
the  subject  of  missions.  Robert  belonged  to  the  mis- 
sionaries, but  the  outcry  against  a  hireling  ministry 
deterred  him  from  enforcing  upon  his  churches  the 
duty  of  ministerial  support;  and  while  supplying  three 
or  four  churches,  he  carefully  avoided  any  allusion  to 
money.  This  was,  of  course,  popular,  and  his  praises 
abounded  among  his  penurious  brethren,  and  he  re- 
ceived more  calls  than  he  could  supply.  But  as  might 
be  expected,  not  a  dollar  was  contributed  toward  his 
support.  He  was  enabled,  however,  to  support  him- 
self by  labor  on  his  farm.  This  state  of  things  con- 
tinued for  three  years.  But  it  was  not  according  to 
the  Lord's  plan,  and  Providence  interfered  to  break  it 
up.  At  the  close  of  the  third  year  his  gin-house  and 
fixtures,  with  his  entire  cotton  crop  for  the  year,  were 
destroyed  by  fire,  leaving  him  largely  in  debt,  and 
without  means  to  make  another  crop.  In  this  emer- 
gency it  would  have  been  highly  proper  that  those 
who  had  been  made  partakers  of  his  spiritual  things 
should  come  to  his  relief  in  temporal  things.  But  the 
only  encouragement  he  received  was  profuse  general 


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BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES.  587 

promises,  that  he  should  be  supported  next  year  if  he 
would  continue  to  preach  to  them.  Upon  these  he 
relied,  and  continued  his  labors  another  year,  which 
were  so  far  blessed  of  the  Lord  that  seventy-five  were 
baptized  into  his  churches.  At  the  close  of  the  year, 
seeing  nothing  being  done  to  relieve  his  temporal 
wants,  he  announced  to  them  that  unless  they  did 
something  to  help  him  he  would  be  obliged  to  remove 
to  his  mother-in-law's  to  make  a  crop.  To  use  his  own 
quaint  language  when  describing  the  result:  "They 
sorrowed  much  when  I  preached  to  them  and  said 
farewell.  They  wept  aloud,  and  met  me  on  the  floor, 
and  while  taking  the  parting  hand,  prayers  were 
going  up  that  God  would  open  the  way  for  me  to 
preach  to  them  again.  I  received  many  warm  hugs 
and  many  a  "  God  bless  you,  brother  Bob !"  One 
brother  put  a  double  handful  of  wet  sugar  in  my  sad- 
dlebags, and  old  Sister  Davil  (who  walked  two  miles 
on  her  staff  to  hear  me  preach,  God  bless  her !)  gave 
me  a  nice  pair  of  woolen  socks ;  that  was  all  I  received 
from  my  churches." 

The  removal  to  the  house  of  his  mother-in-law 
proved  every  way  advantageous.  He  made  a  fine 
crop,  supported  his  family,  paid  his  debts,  and  had 
$400  in  cash  left,  and  supplies  enough  for  the  next 
year.  But  with  this  outward  prosperity  was  great  in- 
ward discomfort.  He  felt :  "  Wo  is  me  if  I  preach 
not  the  Gospel";  and  to  add  to  his  distress  of  mind  his 
health  became  impaired. 

He  determined  to  seek  a  new  home ;  and,  under  the 
direction  of  God,  in  1852  he  moved  to  Bossier  Parish, 
La.  He  had  gone  to  labor  in  the  State  under  ap- 
pointment of  the  Domestic  Mission  Board  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention.  But  before  he  entered 
39 


588  HISTOKY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

upon  his  labors  he  received  an  appointment  from  the 
Baptist  State  Convention.  It  was  in  this  capacity  he 
was  laboring  when  I  first  met  him  at  the  Convention 
in  1853.  I  was  impressed  with  his  earnestness  and 
faithfulness,  but  hi  s  frail  physical  aijpearance  indicated 
a  man  in  the  last  stages  of  consumption.  But  that 
frail  man,  with  iron  will,  continues  to  the  present,  and 
during  all  those  years  no  one  has  been  more  abund- 
ant in  labors  than  he. 

While  missionary,  he  founded  and  built  strong 
churches  west  of  Bodcan  and  in  the  northern  part  of 
Bossier.  To  these  he  has  ministered,  and  aliso  to 
churches  east  of  Dorchete,  in  "Webster,  particularly 
Shady  Grove,  five  or  six  miles  north  of  Minden.  In 
1879  he  was  serving  four  churches,  Salem,  New 
Hope,  Sarepta  and  Spring  Branch,  all  in  the  North 
Louisiana  Association.  He  has  done  a  great  work, 
also,  by  the  distribution  of  denominational  literature. 
He  is  a  strict  Baptist,  with  strong  Calvinistic  views 
of  doctrine. 

Elder  V.  G.  Cunningham — The  indefatigable 
young  pastor  at  Natchitoches,  deserves  a  notice  in 
these  pages. 

Virgil  Gilbert  Cunningham  was  born  in  Caddo  Par- 
ish, La.,  October  10th,  1844.  He  received  his  early 
education  at  Homer,  La.  He  served  in  the  Confeder- 
ate army,  and  was  made  a  prisoner  at  Vioksburg  in 
1864 ;  and  during  the  same  year,  while  on  parole,  was 
baptized  bj'^  Elder  M.  Scarborough,  into  Bethel 
Church,  on  Spanish  Lake.  After  attending  two  terms 
at  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  and  being  licensed  by  the 
church  at  that  place,  he  began  to  preach  near  Tren- 
ton, in  1867.    During  the  same  year  he  took  charge  of 


BI06KAPHICA1,   SKETCHES.  589 

the  church  at  Caldwell,  Texas,  at  the  request  of  which 
church  he  was  ordained  in  1868,  the  presbytery  con- 
sisting of  B.  H.  Carroll,  D.  D.,  J.  S.  Allen,  J.  G. 
Thomas,  M.  Cole  and  J.  H.  Cunningham.  He  was 
married,  in  March  of  the  same  year,  to  Miss  Mary 
Pilgrim,  daughter  of  Hon,  Thomas  J.  Pilgrim,  of  Gon- 
zales, a  life-long  Baptist  and  a  zealous  Sunday-school 
Superintendent,  having  organized  the  first  Sunday- 
school  in  Texas. 

During  his  pastorate  of  one  year  and  a  half  at 
Caldwell,  the  church  grew  in  the  various  elements 
of  strength,  prominent  among  which  was  the  collec- 
tion of  subscriptions  for  erecting  the  house  of  worship, 
which  is  a  great  ornament  of  the  town. 

Natchitoches  is  an  old  French  town,  the  oldest  in 
the  State,  long  the  seat  of  a  cathedral  and  an  episco- 
pal residence,  and  of  a  convent  for  the  education  of 
young  ladies.  Previous  to  the  war  it  seemed  crys- 
talized  in  sin  and  Catholicism,  and  it  appeared  impreg- 
nable to  the  feeble  efforts  of  Baptists  and  Protestants. 
After  the  war  there  was  an  influx  of  American  popu- 
lation, and  among  them  a  few  Baptists,  but  no  organ- 
ization was  attempted,  and  only  occasional  preaching 
to  small  congregations,  by  passing  ministers.  The 
heart  of  young  Cunningham  yearned  for  this  field. 
He  came  here  and  surveyed  the  ground.  But  what 
could  he  do ;  young,  poor,  and  as  yet  only  partially 
educated  ?  He  took  in  all  the  difficulties,  but  nothing 
daunted,  he  returned  to  Texas,  and  in  1870  entered 
Waco  University,  his  heroic  young  wife  bearing  a  large 
part  of  the  burden  of  expense  by  teaching  in  the  col- 
lege. He  graduated  in  1871,  and  for  a  time  accepted 
the  pastorate  in  East  Waco  and  at  Bosqueville.  But 
resigning  his  Texas  work,  he  determined  to  link  his 


590  HI8T0ET  OF   LOUISIANA  BAPTISTS. 

fortunes  with  the  little  band  of  unorganized  brethren 
at  Natchitoches.  He  met  with  but  little  encourage- 
ment until,  the  summer  of  1879,  the  city  was  visited 
by  State  evangelist  Priley  and  J.  Q.  Haskell,  who 
assisted  in  constituting  a  church,  of  which  Mr.  Cun- 
ningham became  pastor,  the  State  Board  assisting  in 
his  support.  In  1880  a  gracious  revival  encouraged 
the  heart  of  this  faithful  servant,  and  a  number  were 
added  to  the  little  company.  At  this  time  was  wit- 
nessed a  strange  spectacle.  Thousands  of  persons 
were  assembled  on  the  banks  of  Old  Red  Eiver  in 
ftont  of  the  city,  to  witness  the  ordinance  of  immer- 
sion. Many  old  persons  were  present,  who  had  never 
witnessed  such  a  sight  before.  A  profound  impres- 
sion was  made,  and  the  city  press  commented  upon 
the  solemnity. 

Mr.  Cunningham,  whom  nothing  could  discourage, 
set  about  raising  the  means  to  build  a  house  of  wor- 
ship, and  at  the  beginning  of  the  year  1881  they  were 
enabled  to  worship  in  a  neat  church,  all  their  own. 

The  Baptists  of  the  city  now  occupy  a  commanding- 
social  position,  there  being  found  among  the  members 
of  this  little  body  some  of  the  leading  lawyers,  mer- 
chants and  other  business  men  of  the  city. 

The  State  Convention  met  here  in  1881,  and  greatly 
strengthened  Mr.  Cunningham's  work.  He  has  since 
baptized  quite  a  number,  some  of  whom  were 
Catholics. 

Eldee  B.  W.  Blakbwood— Is  now  (1881),  about  50 
years  of  age.  He  was  born  in  Beaufort  District,  S.  C. 
He  received  a  literary  course  in  Georgia  and  South 
Carolina.  He  studied  medicine  in  Philadelphia  and 
New  York,  and  was  afterwards  offered  the  chair  of 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  591 

Surgery  in  the  Oglethorpe  Medical  College,  which  he 
declined.  For  some  reason  he  changed  his  mind  as  to 
iiis  profession,  and  took  a  course  in  law  at  Harvard 
University,  and  was  admitted  to  the  practice  of  law 
in  the  State  of  Maine. 

Dr.  Blakewood  united  with  the  Baptists  in  1849, 
and  was  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  at 
Waynesville,  Ga.,  by  Dr.  Royall.  Shortly  afterwards 
he  removed  to  Louisiana  and  became  a  citizen  of  Avoy- 
elles Parish.  He  was  mainly  instrumental  in  building 
the  church  at  Bayou  de  G-laize,  to  which  he  contributed 
largely  of  his  own  means.  Indeed,  few  men  in  the 
State  have  contributed  more  liberally  to  the  cause  of 
Christ  thaii  Dr.  Blakewood,  and  his  zeal  in  stimulat- 
ing his  tardy  brethren  to  duty  often  pushed  him 
beyond  the  bounds  of  discretion,  and  sometimes  gave 
offense  to  the  brethren.  The  example  of  Bayou  de 
Glaize  Church  had  a  happy  effect  upon  the  surrounding 
country,  and  previous  to  the  war  there  was  a  great 
advance  in  this  section  of  the  State. 

During  the  war  Dr.  Blakewood  represented  the  Par- 
ish of  Avoyelles  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  dis- 
played the  same  zeal  and  activity  in  matters  of  State 
he  has  always  done  in  the  affairs  of  the  Church. 

Dr.  Blakewood  was  an  active  promoter  of  Sunday- 
schools,  and  was  appropriately  elected  the  first  Presi- 
dent of  the  State  Sabbath-school  Convention,  a  posi- 
tion he  held  during  the  existence  of  that  body.  He 
was  frequently  elected  Vice-President  of  the  Baptist 
State  Convention,  and  Moderator  of  the  Louisiana 
Association,  to  which  he  belonged.  He  was  also  often 
sent  to  represent  the  State  in  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention. 

After  the  war,  returning  to  his  desolated  home,  he 


592  HISTORY   OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

did  much  to  rally  and  encourage  his  dispirited  breth- 
ren of  the  Louisiana  Association,  and  the  present 
activity  and  prosperity  of  that  body  is  largely  due  to 
his  zeal. 

My  acquaintance  with  Dr,  Blakewood  began  soon 
after  I  came  to  the  State.  He  was  always  ready  to 
speak  for  Christ,  and  he  spoke  fluently  and  well.  His 
brethren  often  solicited  him  to  consent  to  ordination, 
and  enter  regularly  upon  the  ministry ;  but  not  until  a 
few  years  ago  did  he  consent,  when  he  was  set  apart. 
Since  then  he  has  been  active  in  the  ministry,  preach- 
ing mainly  to  the  poor.  He  has  some  eccentricities  of 
doctrine,  but  in  the  main  is  in  harmony  with  his  breth- 
ren, a  staunch  Land-mark  Baptist ;  and  though  his 
health  is  somewhat  impaired,  he  promises  yet  many 
years  of  usefulness. 

In  addition  to  the  title  of  M.  D.,  Dr.  Blakewood  also 
received  the  literary  degree  of  LL.  D. 

Elder  W.  H.  Tucker.— The  materials  at  my  com- 
mand for  a  sketch  of  this  brother  are  too  meagre  to 
do  justice  to  either  to  his  abilities  or  his  labors. 

He  was  born  in  1840.  At  the  time  the  Confederate 
war  began  he  was  living  in  Eastern  Louisiana.  He 
became  a  soldier  and  was  in  the  Army  of  Virginia. 
He  was  baptized  in  the  First  Baptist  Church,  Eich- 
mond,  Va.,  by  Eev.  J.  L.  Barrows,  April  10th,  1864, 
and  licensed  to  preach  by  the  church  in  the  summer 
of  1865,  when  he  began  t.o  preach  at  his  home  in  Pon- 
chatoula,  La.  After  laboring  in  this  part  of  the  State 
for  three  years,  he  removed  to  Magnolia,  Miss.,  where 
he  was  ordained  pastor  December  27th,  1868 ;  the 
ordaining  presbytery  being  J.  E.  Graves,  T.  J.  Drane 
and  E.  C.  Eager.    Subsequently  he  served  Crawford- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  593 

ville,  Bethesda  and  Sharon  cliurches,  in  the  Columbus 
Association.  He  also  labored  in  connection  with  the 
Lauderdale  Orphan  Asylum,  and  edited  the  Orphan^ s 
Friend,  and  while  here  he  baptized  sixty -five  of  the 
inmates.  He  was  also  for  two  years  pastor  of  Sardis 
and  Batesville  churches.  His  health  failing,  he  re- 
turned to  Louisiana.  After  the  death  of  Dr.  Wilson, 
he  supplied  the  Coliseum  Church  for  a  time,  and  has 
for  some  time  labored  as  a  city  missionary,  under  ap- 
pointment of  the  Board  of  the  Mississippi  Conven- 
tion. 

Thomas  Jackson.— Among  the  many  prominent 
Baptist  laymen  who  laid  the  foundation  of  the  de- 
nomination in  Louisiana,  none  were  more  conspicuous 
than  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  whose  descendants 
have  also  filled  prominent  places  in  the  denomination. 
Prom  him  descended  the  Jacksons  in  East  Feliciana 
Parish,  conspicuously  among  them  his  grandson,  J.  E. 
Jackson,  long  a  prominent  layman  in  Mississippi  Asso- 
ciation, and  also  those  of  Eapides  Parish,  from  whom 
sprung  the  gifted  R  S.  Jackson,  mentioned  in  these 
pages.  Thomas  Jackson  was  born  in  South  Carolina, 
where  he  acted  a  j)rominent  part  during  the  Revolu- 
tionary War,  as  one  of  Marion's  men.  He  was  a  faithful 
soldier,  and  accompanied  the  old  "Swamp  Pox" 
throughout  the  entire  campaign.  Those  who  have 
read  the  life  of  Marion  will  remember  the  incident  of 
a  visit  of  British  officers  under  a  flag  truce  to  Marion; 
his  hospitable  entertainment  on  the  best  in  camp — 
roasted  sweet  potatoes — and  his  declaration  that  it  was 
impossible  to  conquer  men  who  fought  for  liberty  and 
were  content  to  live  on  roots.  Thomas  Jackson  was 
the  man  who  roasted  that  lot  of  potatoes. 


594  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

After  tlie  Eevolutionary  War  lie  moved  first  into 
Tennessee,  and  in  1806  lie  settled  not,  far  from  the 
present  town  of  Clinton,  in  East  Feliciana  Parish,  La. 
This  was  then  Spanish  territory.  Here  in  1833  he 
united  in  the  formation  of  Hepzibah  Church,  of  which 
he  was  long  a  prominent  member.    He  died  in  1844. 

J.  E.  Jackson. — I  was  promised  full  data  for  a 
sketch  of  this  prominent  brother,  in  the  absence  of 
which  I  substitute  this  meager  notice. 

J.  E.  Jackson  is  the  grandson  of  Thomas  Jackson, 
heretofore  noticed.  He  was  born  in  Bast  Feliciana 
Parish,  in  1 821.  He  united  with  the  Hepzibah  Church 
in  October,  1838,  in  his  seventeenth  year.  He  first 
appears  in  the  Mississippi  Eiver  Association  in  1847  ; 
in  whose  affairs  he  ever  afterward  took  a  prominent 
part,  seldom  missing  one  of  its  meetings.  He  has 
often  served  as  clerk  and  also  Moderator  of  this  old 
body.  He  was  a  man  of  large  means,  which  he  freely 
bestowed  upon  the  Lord's  cause.  After  the  war,  like 
thousands  of  others,  attempting  to  raise  cotton  with 
the  labors  of  freedmen,  he  became  pecuniarily  in- 
volved ;  and  although  giving  up  all  his  property  to 
satisfy  his  creditors,  his  faithfulness  was  called  in 
question,  and  influences  brought  to  bear  by  which  he 
was  excluded  from  the  Clinton  Church,  of  which  he 
was  then  a  member.  In  consequence  of  this  action 
the  cauae  has  greatly  suffered  in  Eastern  Louisiana. 
Having  removed  to  McOomb  City,  where  he  resides, 
the  church  at  that  place  instituted  an  inquiry  into  the 
subject,  and  reaching  the  conclusion  thac  flagrant  in- 
justice had  been  done  him,  they  received  him  as  a 
member. 

"  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Jackson  for  the  use  of  his 


BIOOKAPHIOAL    SKETCHES.  595 

bound  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  Mississippi  River 
Association  in  the  preparation  of  this  History. 

Elder  Henry  Adams — Was  a  distinguished 
colored  Baptist  minister,  who  labored  awhile  in  this 
State  and  deserves  a  place  for  his  labors,  which  are 
gratefully  remembered  by  many  old  brethren  and 
sisters,  who  esteemed  him  much  for  his  work's  sake. 
He  was  born  in  Franklin  County,  Ga  ,  December  17th, 
1802.  He  was  converted  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years, 
and  the  same  year  was  licensed  to  preach  in  the 
bounds  of  his  church.  In  1823  his  license  was  ex- 
tended without  limits,  and  in  1825  he  was  ordained. 
After  laboring  some  time  in  his  native  State,  he  extend- 
ed his  labors  into  South  Carolina.  Here  he  became 
acquainted  with  a"  number  of  Baptist  families,  who 
were  preparing  to  emigrate  to  Louisiana,  and  he  was 
induced  to  join  them.  They  settled  at  Mt.  Lebanon, 
where  Adams  aided  in  the  constitution  of  the  church 
and  became  its  first  pastor.  He  continued  here  two 
years,  and  in  1839  he  was  settled  as  pastor  of  the 
First  Colored  Baptist  Church  in  Louisville,  Ky.  Here 
he  spent  the  remainder  of  a  long  and  eminently  use- 
ful life.  The  church  was  small  when  he  took  charge 
of  it,  and  was  the  only  colored  Baptist  church  in  the 
city.  At  his  death  it  numbered  over  1000  members, 
and  was  the  parent  of  six  other  churches,  with  a  total 
membership  of  4000. 

Mr.  Adams  was  free-born,  and  received  a  liberal 
education.  He  always  exercised  a  salutary  influence 
over  the  colored  population,  and  after  their  emancipa- 
tion he  was  solicitous  for  their  improvement.  He 
died  in  Louisville,  November  3d,  1872,  and  his  funeral 
was  attended  by  the  most  eminent  clergymen  of  the 
city,  and  a  funeral  procession  such  as  honors  few  men. 


596  HISTORY   Ol    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

/ 

Elder  Thomas  Adams— Was  a  prominent  mem- 
ber of  the  Mississippi  River  Association.  He  was 
born  in  South  Carolina  in  1804.  He  entered  the  min- 
istry about  1830,  and  receiyed  a  regular  theological 
education  at  the  Furman  Institution,  in  Sumter  Dis- 
trict ;  after  which  he  entered  upon  the  active  duties  of 
the  ministry,  with  a  zeal  befitting  an  earnest  follower 
of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus. 

The  salvation  of  souls  seemed  to  be  the  great  desire 
of  his  heart.  About  the  year  1836  he  was  called  to 
the  care  of  the  Congaree  and  Beulah  churches,  in 
Eichland  District,  where  he  labored  faithfully  and 
successfully  until  the  year  1853,  when  he  emigrated  to 
Louisiana  and  settled  at  Clinton,  in  Bast  Feliciana 
Parish,  where  he  became  pastor  until  1858,  when  his 
declining  health  compelled  him  to  resign.  He  was 
called  to  his  reward  July  20, 1857. 

Elder  M.  W.  Stambaugh — Was  a  useful  min- 
ister in  Eastern  Louisiana.  He  came  &om  Mississippi 
in  1859,  and  labored  with  the  Jackson  Church  until 
1864,  when  he  became  pastor  of  Plains  Church,  where 
he  remained  until  his  death,  in  1863.  He  is  said  to 
have  been  a  man  of  great  energy  and  perseverance  in 
the  ministry;  of  more  than  ordinary  ability,  and  his 
labors  were  greatly  blessed.  I  can  obtain  no  other 
particulars  of  his  life. 

Elder  J.  B.  Smith — Was  long  a  prominent  minis- 
ter and  lawyer  at  Clinton,  La.  He  was  born  in  1806, 
but  in  what  place  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain. 
He  came  to  Mississippi  in  1834 ;  thence  he  came  into 
Louisiana,  and  labored  about  a  year  and  a  half  as  a 
missionary,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Louisiana  Asso- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  597 

elation.  In  1836  he  settled  at  Clinton,  East  Feliciana 
Parish,  and  assisted  in  the  constitution  of  the  church 
in  that  place.  He  engaged  successfully  in  the  practice 
of  law,  at  the  same  time  preaching  regularly  to 
churches  in  the  surrounding  country.  He  rose  in  his 
profession,  and  became  Judge  of  his  district.  He 
fell  a  victim  to  yellow  fever,  which  ravaged  Clinton 
in  1868. 

Elder  John  Duprbe — The  veteran  missionary, was 
born  in  Georgia  in  1806.  He  entered  the  ministry  in 
1841,  and  labored  successfully  in  his  native  State  until 
his  removal  to  Louisiana,  in  1862.  He  settled  between 
Black  Lake  and  Grand  Bayou,  in  what  is  now  Red 
River  Parish.  Here  he  soon  gathered  a  church,  and 
greatly  improved  the  condition,  morally  and  socially, 
of  a  neighborhood  regarded  the  worst  in  the  country. 
It  is  now  thrifty  and  orderly,  and  the  worthless  pop- 
ulation have  either  reformed,  or  moved  away.  He  also 
extended  his  labors  across  Black  Lake,  and  gathered 
a  church  called  New  Ebenezer,  in  a  destitute  neigh- 
borhood in  Bienville  Parish.  After  the  war  he  was 
appointed  to  labor  as  a  missionary  in  the  bounds  of 
Red  River  Association.  His  field  exten<1ed  up  Grand 
and  Black  Lake  bayous,  and  along  Lake  Bisteneau  on 
both  sides.  He  was  instrumental  in  gathering  Biste- 
neau Church,  and  greatly  strengthened  other  feeble 
churches  in  his  field. ,  The  amount  of  labor  he  per- 
formed, as  shown  by  the  reports  of  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  Convention,  is  almost  incredible  for 
a  man  of  his  age. 

Although  of  limited  education,  he  was  a  man  of 
strong  native  intellect,  and  was  an  excellent  preacher. 
He  neglected  his  personal  appearance,  and  his  efforts 


598  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

always  created  surprise.  His  antagonists  were  often 
thus  deceived,  to  their  sorrow.  I  remember  one  inci- 
dent. He  was  supplying  a  little  church  called  Gum 
Spring,  west  of  Dorchete,  and  began  to  make  inroads 
upon  the  Methodist  flock  who  who  worshipped  in  the 
same  school-house.  This  determined  Sam  Scott,  the 
presiding  elder,  to  run  him  off.  So  he  appointed  his 
services  on  Dupree's  day.  But  Dupree,  nothing 
daunted,  filled  his  saddle-bags  full  of  books,  which  he 
well  knew  how  to  use,  and  confronted  the  elder  at  the 
appointed  time.  After  that,  Scott  concluded  that  he 
had  undertaken  a  rough  job,  and  let  him  alone.  The 
result  was,  the^church  was  so  strengthened  that  they 
moved  out  on  the  public  road,  built  a  good  house  of 
worship,  and  are  now  a  strong  and  active  body. 

I  met  the  old  man  at  the  Convention  at  ShUoh  in 
1878.  He  had  rode  on  horseback  nearly  a  hundred 
miles  to  be  present.  We  were  taking  a  collection  for 
State  Missions.  The  old  man  rose  and  said  he  would 
gladly  give,  but  he  had  worn  himself  out  in  the  service, 
and  was  now  old  and  poor,  and  could  do  no  more ;  and 
he  gave  way  to  a  flood  of  tears.  At  that  instant  some 
one  threw  a  silver  dollar  upon  the  table— another  fol- 
lowed, and  another,  until  in  a  very  few  minutes  he 
looked  up  to  find  himself  in  possession  of  nearly  fifty 
dollars. 

Annually  since,  the  Convention  has  taken  up  a 
collection  for  his  benefit. 

I  met  him  last  at  Natchitoches  in  1881,  still  full  of 
zeal  for  the  Master. 

Absalom  Oolb — Died  August  22, 1859,  at  the  resi- 
dence of  liis  son,  in  Hickory  Flat,  Calcasieu  Parish, 
Absalom  Cole,  Sr.,  aged  72  years  and  10  months.    He 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  599 

had  been  an  active  member  of  the  Baptist  church  for 
forty-three  years.  He  was  born  in  the  State  of  Missis- 
sippi. His]|father,  James  Cole,  was  one  of  the  first 
settlers  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  when  it  was  under 
the  Spanish  Government,  and  one  of  the  founders  of 
the  first  Baptist  church  in  that  State.  His  mothex- 
was  Jemima  Curtis,  daughter  of  Elder  Elder  Eichard 
Curtis,  the  first  Baptist  minister  that  ever  came  into 
that  State.  James  Cole  moved  with  his  family  and 
settled  at  Plaquemine  Brul6,  before  ATssalom  was 
grown.  Here  he  grew  tomanhood,  and  in  1826  united 
with  the  church.  He  often  represented  the  Hickory 
Flat  Church  in  the  Louisiana  Association. 

Elder  Moses  S.  McDonald— Was  born  in  Missis- 
sippi in  1814.  He  removed  to  Claiborne  Parish,  La., 
where  he  united  with  the  Baptist  church,  and  was 
baptized  by  Arthur  McEarland.  Shortly  after  his 
baptism  lie  was  licensed  by  Ebenezer  Church,  and 
in  a  few  years  was  ordained,  the  presbytery  consisting 
of  Williamson  Milburn,  Kathan  M.  Davis  and  John 
Meek.  He  subsequently  removed  to  Bossier  Parish, 
where  he  was  laboring  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He 
was  an  acceptable  preacher,  and  during  his  ministry 
many  were  brought  to  Christ. 

General  W.  P.  Griffin— Was  a  resident  of  Avoy- 
elles Parish,  and  a  prominent  and  active  member  of 
the  Baptist  church.  He  was  a  man  of  rare  talents, 
and  was  very  prominent  as  a  politician.  He  was  long 
a  member  of  the  State  Senate,  and  presided  over  that 
body  many  years.  He  died  February  8th,  1865,  aged 
fifty-four  years. 


600  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

Eldee  Charles  W.  Tomkibs— Was  born  in  Han- 
over County,  Va,,  October  18th,  1848.  He  was  edu- 
cated at  Eandolph  Macon  College,  which  was  situated 
near  his  father's.  After  leaving  college  he  engaged 
in  teaching,  for  which  his  accurate  scholarship  admir- 
ably fitted  him.  He  taught  in  the  Evergreen  Acad- 
emy, at  Kingston,  La.,  from  1871  to  1873,  and  also  in 
Shreveport  University  from  1874  to  1875,  He  then 
returned  to  Kingston  for  one  year,  after  which  he 
again  taught  in  Shreveport  University.  In  1876  he 
was  elected  to  the  presidency  of  Keachi  Male  Acad- 
emy, where  he  remained  two  years. 

He  was  baptized  at  Salem  Church,  DeSoto  Parish, 
by  E.  H.  Scott  in  1872,  and  was  licensed  by  Ever- 
green Church  in  1873.  But  he  made  no  effort  to 
preach,  from  excessive  modesty,  for  several  years.  In 
1878  the  destitution  of  laborers  in  Caddo  and  DeSoto 
Parishes  was  such  that  he  could  no  longer  resist  the 
calls  of  duty.  He  was  this  year  ordained  by  J.  H. 
Tucker,  George  Tucker,  T.  W.  Ebeltoft,  J.  A.  Hackett 
and  B.  E.  Portsou.  He  preached  at  Summer  Grove 
from  1878  to  1881,  during  which  time  the  church  re- 
ceived 100  members  and  was  improved  generally. 
There  had  been  a  number  of  efforts  to  establish  a 
church  at  Spring  Eidge,  in  Caddo  Parish.  Mr.  Tom- 
kies  took  hold  of  this  work  in  1879  ;  reorganized  the 
church  with  six  members.  It  now  numbers  56  mem- 
bers, and  he  is  still  pastor.  He  has  been  pastor  at 
Evergreen  for  one  year.  The  church  has  been  re- 
moved to  Kingston  and  a  new  house  built.  He  also 
served  Boggy  Bayou  Church  during  1879  and  1880. 
The  interest  grew,  and  the  church  increased  in  num- 
bers. The  present  year  ( 1 881 )  his  labors  are  confined 
to  Summer  Grove,  Kingston  (Evergreen)  and  Spring 
Eidge. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  601 

Elder  A.  B.  Davis— Was  the  grandson  of  Henry 
Humble  and  the  broiher  of  IsT,  M.  Davis.  He  was 
born  in  Amite  County,  Miss.,  in  the  year  1817,  and 
came  to  Louisiana  in  1832.  He  was  baptized  into  the 
fellowship  of  Bethel  Church,  Catahoula  Parish,  in 
1840.  He  soon  began  to  exercise  in  public,  and  devel- 
oped such  gifts  in  the  ministry  that  he  was  regularly 
ordained  in  1843.  From  that  time  he  devoted  himself 
assiduously  to  the  work  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
his  home,  seldom  going  abroad.  That  his  labors 
were  faithful  and  acceptable  is  proven  by  the  fact 
that  for  twenty -five  consecutive  years  he  supplied  the 
old  Catahoula  Church,  the  mother  church  of  this  re- 
gion, which  had  been  gathered  in  1826  under  the 
labors  of  his  grandfather. 

Without  ostentation  he  pursued  the  even  tenor  of 
^  his  way,  more  concerned  for  the  salvation  of  the  souls 
about  him  than  to  make  himself  a  name.  Many  men 
of  less  gifts  have  pushed  themselves  into  wider  notice ; 
but  his  modest  work  was  greatly  blessed  of  God,  and 
many  souls  will  shine  in  the  crown  of  his  glory.  For 
three  years  and  a  half  he  was  a  painful  sufferer  from 
cancer,  and  for  some  time  before  his  death  he  was  de- 
prived of  speech.  He  died  on  the  28th  of  May,  1881, 
fall  of  years  and  good  works. 

Eldee  Thomas  Meredith— Was  born  in  Mis- 
sissippi about  1802,  and  followed  Henry  Humble  into 
the  wilderness  of  the  Ouachita.  I  am  not  informed 
when  he  became  a  Baptist,  but  he  was  among  the  first 
members  of  Bethel  Church  in  the  parish  of  Caldwell, 
at  the  request  of  which  church  he  was  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry  February  22d,  1834.  The  ordain- 
ing presbytery  consisted  of  John  Hill,  Haywood  Alford 


602  HISTORY   OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

and  Asa  S.  Mercer.  He  was  a  man  of  great  native 
strength  of  mind,  and  possessed  of  great  pulpit  powers. 
He  often  wrote  the  circular  letters.  These  show 
vigor  of  mind  and  depth  of  thought.  He  was  strongly 
Oalvinistic  in  his  views,  and  zealous  in  his  labors. 
Many  of  the  churches  in  this  region  were  strength- 
ened under  his  dispensation  of  the  word. 

Unfortunately  he  became  prejudiced  against  mis- 
sionary operations ;  and,  after  vainly  endeavoring  to 
bring  the  association  over  to  his  views,  in  1850  he 
withdrew  from  the  Ouachita  Association  and  formed 
an  Anti-Missionary  Association.  This  movement  did 
not  prosper,  and  the  association  he  formed  finally  be- 
came extinct.  He  returned  to  the  Missionaries  in 
1879,  by  applying  with  his  church  for  membership  in 
the  Palestine  Association  and  accepting  the  Articles 
of  Faith  of  that  body.  He  is  now  (1881)  pastor  of 
four  missionary  churches,  Bethel,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Union 
and  Harmony  Grove;  and  although  in  his  79th  year, 
he  preaches  with  much  of  his  former  fervor  and  effect. 

Elder  J.  N.  Humble— Was  born  in  Natchitoches 
Parish,  near  Lewisville  ( now  Winn  Parish ),  January 
22d,  1823.  He  was  baptized  at  Bethel  Church  by 
Thomas  Meredith  in  1841.  He  was  ordained  in  1863, 
by  T.  0.  Bradford,  M.  W.  Lilly  and  T.  J.  Humble. 
He  is  a  brother  of  Thomas  J.  Humble  and  a  grand- 
son of  Henry  Humble.  He  has  served  Good  Hope, 
Concord,  Little  Star  and  New  Liberty,  in  Caldwell 
Parish,  and  Pleasant  Eidge,  in  Catahoula.  I  met  him 
at  the  Convention  at  Natchitoches  in  1881.  He  ap- 
pears yet  full  of  vigor,  and  promises  many  years  of 
usefulness. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  603 

Elder  T.  A.  Eotjton — Was  born  in  Jasper  Coun- 
ty, Georgia,  ZSTovember  4th,  1816.  He  removed  to 
Louisiana  in  1839,  and  settled  in  Catalioula  Parish. 
The  same  year  he  was  baptized  into  the  Catahoula 
Church  by  Asa  S.  Mercer.  He  was  ordained  in  1842 
by  Elders  N.  M.  Davis  and  W.  H.  Hodges.  He  has 
served  the  following  churches  in  the  region  where  he 
has  lived:  Catahoula,  Shiloh,  Jerusalem,  Aimwell,  Oak 
Grove,  Salem,  First  Baptist  Church  on  Little  Eiver, 
and  First  Church  on  Black  Eiver.  He  was  Modera- 
tor of  the  Ouachita  Association  in  1849,  1859  and 
1880.  He  was  Parish  Superintendent  of  Public  Edu- 
cation from  1847  to  1852.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
State  Legislature  in  1877  and  1878.  He  is  still  vigor- 
ous, and  has  stamina  enough  left  to  work  many  years 
to  come  for  the  Master. 

Elder  W.  M.  Eebse — Was  born  in  Warren  Coun- 
ty, Georgia,  December  16th,  1847.  He  was  educated 
at  Mercer  University  until  1866,  when  he  left  without 
graduating.  He  was  baptized  at  Penfleld,  Ga.,  in 
1864,  while  attending  college,  by  V.  A.  Bell.  He  was 
ordained  at  the  call  of  Sardis  Church,  Cobb  County, 
Ga.,  in  December,  1868:  presbytery,  W.  L.  Mansfield 
and  D.  B.  Hamilton.  He  removed  to  Louisiana  in 
November,  1870,  and  settled  near  Hurricane  Church, 
in  Franklin  Parish.  Here  he  labored  one  year,  and 
then  removed  to  Texas,  where  he  has  since  resided. 
For  some  time  he  edited  a  Baptist  paper  at  Jasper, 
Texas,  which  had  considerable  circulation  in  Sabine 
Association.  He  is  at  present  located  at  Hemphill 
Texas,  and  is  President  of  Sabine  Valley  University, 
not  far  from  the  Louisiana  line.    He  has  labored 


30 


604  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

much  across  tlie  line,  as  a  missionary  in  the  bounds  of 
of  the  Sabine  Association. 
Mr.  Eeese  is  said  to  be  a  fine  preacher. 

Eldeb  a.  J.  Pedbt— Was  born  in  Jones  County, 
Georgia,  June  17th,  1830.  He  came  to  Louisiana  in 
1849,  and  settled  in  Jackson  Parish.  He  was  baptized 
in  September,  1844,  by  Dr.  Moodie,  of  Alabama.  He 
was  licensed  to  preach  by  Bethesda  Church,  Jackson 
Parish,  in  1853.  He  was  ordained  in  1855,  by  John  L. 
Mays  and  Jonathan  Newman.  He  labored  chiefly  in 
Union,  Jackson  and  Ouachita  parishes,  until  1872, 
when  he  first  removed  to  Arkansas  and  thence  to 
Texas.  He  now  resides  in  Sabine  County.  H^  has 
done  much  missionary  labor  across  the  line  in  Sabine 
Association.  He  has  charge  of  Beulah  Church  in 
Louisiana. 

Elder  A.  Wychb  Jackson — Was  born  in  Green 
County,  Ala.,  March  27th,  1805.  He  came  as  an  or- 
dained minister  to  Louisiana  in  1847,  and  settled  near 
Mansfield,  in  DeSoto  Parish,  and  the  same  year  he 
gathered  the  Friendship  Church,  DeSoto  Parish,  of 
which  he  continued  as  pastor  until  1878.  In  1849  he 
aided  in  the  formation  of  Grand  Cane  Association. 
In  1850  he  was  instrumental  in  gathering  Hazel  wood 
Church.  Here  he  labored  until  1856,  About  1851  he 
gathered  the  church  in  Mansfield,  and  he  was  pastor 
here  for  two  years.  About  1851  he  also  constituted 
the  Union  Church,  and  became  pastor  until  1855.  The 
Patrice  Church  was  gathered  about  the  same  time, 
and  Mr.  Jackson  became  the  first  supply ;  though  it 
does  not  appear  that  he  supplied  them  long.  While 
abounding  in  l.ibors  throughout  the  region  where  he 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  605 

lived,  his  regular  ministrations  were  more  devoted  to 
Friendship,  Hazelwood  and  Mansfield  churches.  He 
often  served  as  Moderator  of  Grand  Cane  Association, 
and  presided  with  dignity  and  impartiality. 

He  removed  to  Texas  in  1868,  and  died  in  Coryell 
County,  in  that  State,  on  March  3d,  1878.  On  ac- 
count of  age  and  infirmities  he  preached  but  little  in 
the  last  years  of  his  iife. 

Elder  Calvin  Hardin — Was  born  in  Alabama  in 
1831.  He  came  to  Louisiana  about  1859,  and  settled 
in  Jackson  Parish.  He  was  baptized  at  Shiloh,  Union 
Parish,  by  Elder  W.  P.  Smith,  in  1874.  He  was  or- 
dained in  1875.  He  afterwards  removed  to  Sabine 
Parish,  where  most  of  his  labors  were  spent.  He 
was  an  eflcient  minister.  From  failing  health  he 
went  for  relief  to  the  Eureka  Springs,  Arkansas ;  but 
too  late,  as  he  died  shortly  after  reaching  there,  May, 
1880, 

Elder  E.  K.  Branch — Was  born  in  Moulton,  Ala., 
June  13th,  1828.  He  came  to  Louisiana  in  1850,  and 
settled  in  Avoyelles  Parish.  Mr.  Branch  was  reared 
by  Presbyterian  parents,  but  in  his  new  home  he  was 
brought  in  contact  with  the  Baptists  and  led  to  ex- 
amine their  views.  The  result  was  that  in  1857  he 
became  a  Baptist,  uniting  with  Bayou  de  Glaize 
Church,  under  the  pastorate  of  W.  A.  Eobert.  He 
was  licensed  to  preach  in  1867,  and  was  ordained,  to 
take  the  mission  field  of  the  State  Convention,  in  the 
same  year,  by  W.  M.  Fancher  and  Thomas  Lansdell. 
His  field  of  labor  was  west  of  Eed  Eiver,  and  he  has 
labored  all  the  way  from  Mansfield  to  the  month  of 
Red  Eiver,  and  down  the  Calcasieu  Eiver  nearly  to 


606  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

Lake  Charles.  He  has  talents  peculiarly  adapted  to 
the  work  in  which  he  is  engaged.  He  has  supplied 
Bayou  de  Glaize,  Big  Cane,  Mount  Olivet,  Fairview 
and  Latenatchie. 

Eldek  Heney  Bennett— Was  born  in  Boston, 
Mass.,  of  Irish  parents,  September  7,  1847.  His 
father  having  died  when  he  was  a  very  small  child, 
his  mother  married  again,  and  not  long  after  the  family 
removed  to  Alabama.  As  is  often  the  case,  Henry 
grew  accustomed  to  be  called  by  the  name  of  his  step 
father.  When  he  went  into  the  world  he  adopted  the 
name  to  which  he  had  been  accustomed  in  his  child- 
hood. Under  great  disadvantages,  Mr,  Bennett  has 
contrived  to  obtain  a  good  English  education.  He 
came  to  Louisiana  in  1871 ,  and  settled  in  St.  Landry 
Parish.  Here  he  was  brought  under  religious  influen- 
ces and  became  a  Baptist.  He  was  baptized  into 
Pilgrim's  Eest  Church,  St.  Landry  Parish,  by  Eld.  E. 
P.  Fancher,  in  1872.  He  began  to  preach  in  1873,  and 
was  ordained  the  same  year  by  Elders  A.  J.  Terry  and 
H.  M.  Branson.  He  has  supplied  Pilgrim's  Eest, 
Coulie  Croche,  Cheneyville  aod  Fairview.  He  is  now 
(1881),  the  acceptable  pastor  at  Bayou  Eouge  (Ever- 
green), Avoyelles  Parish. 

Elder  Mathias  Scarborough— Was  born  in  Law- 
rence County,  Miss.,  December  5,  1822.  He  came  to 
Louisiana  in  1840,  and  settled  in  Jackson  Parish.  He 
was  baptized  atMt.  Zion  Church,  near  Vernon,  in 
1843,  by  Elder  Peter  S.  Gaylo,  of  Memphis,  Tenn., 
who,  (luring  a  visit  to  liis  daughter  at  Monroe,  made 
many  preaching  excursions  into  the  country.  He 
began  to  preach  in  1853,  and  was  ordained  by  request 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  607 

of  the  church  at  Mt.  Lebanon  in  1854,  by  Elders  J.  E. 
Paxton,  F.  Courtney,  H.  Lee  and  J.  Q.  Prescott. 

He  was  educated  at  Mt.  Lebanon  University,  and 
during  the  time  supplied  several  churches  in  Bienville 
Parish.  In  1859  he  settled  on  Spanish  Lake,  in  Natch- 
itoches Parish,  and  established  an  academy  near 
Bethel  Church.  The  academy  was  afterwards  burned, 
but  Mr.  Scarborough  continued  to  labor  here  as  a 
minister  until  1867,  when  he  went  to  Lake  Charles, 
where  he  gathered  a  church  and  aiiled  in  the  oigani- 
zation  of  Calcasieu  Association.  For  two  years  he 
rode  as  a  missionary  of  Sabine  Association.  He  was 
then  called  to  Beaumont,  Texas,  where  he  preached 
for  several  years.  In  1875  he  returned  to  Louisiana 
and  settled  near  Fort  Jesup,  in  Sabine  Parish,  where 
he  still  resides,  preaching  successfully  to  churches  in 
the  surrounding  country. 

Elder  W.  P.  Smith— Was.  born  in  Henry  County, 
Georgia,  January  20, 1827.  He  was  baptized  in  1851, 
by  Eld.  William  Stevens,  into  the  fellowship  of  Indian 
Church.  He  came  to  Louisiana  in  1856,  and  settled  in 
Union  Parish.  He  began  to  preach  in  1869,  and  was 
ordained  in  1870,  by  Elders  D.  L.  Hicks  and  J.  Milner. 
He  has  supplied  the  following  churches :  Pisgah, 
Shiloh,  Mount  Olive  and  Bethel,  in  Union  Parish ; 
Mineral  Springs  and  Fellowship,  Lincoln  Parish,  and 
Hebron,  in  Claiborne  Parish.  He  is  an  acceptable 
preacher  and  enjoys  the  confidence  of  his  brethren  in 
the  fullest  degree.  He  resides  near  Shiloh,  Union 
Parish. 

Elder  Joab  B.  Pratt.— This  brother  properly 
belongs  to  the  State  of  Arkansas,  but  as  he  did 


608  HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 

effective  service  in  this  State,  in  tlie  country  north  of 
Farmersville.  I  have  determined  to  give  him  a  short 
notice.  He  was  born  in  S'orth  Carolina  in  1798; 
thence  he  removed  with  his  father  to  Bledsoe  County, 
Tenn.,  in  1819.  In  1820  he  was  married  to  Frances 
Pierson,  and  the  same  year  moved  to  Bibb  County, 
Ala.  Soon  afterwards  he  united  with  the  Baptist 
church  at  Enon.  He  soon  began  to  preach,  and  was 
ordained  a  few  years  later.  He  labored  very  success- 
fully in  this  part  of  Alabama  for  about  sixteen  years. 
In  1841  he  removed  to  Saline  County,  Ark.  After 
laboring  in  that  and  the  adjoining  counties,  he  settled 
in  Union  County,  where  he  continued  to  labor  until 
his  death,  shortly  after  the  war.  For  five  or  six  years 
he  preached  to  churches  in  Union  Parish,  La.  He 
was  a  man  of  ability,  and  deserves  to  be  remembered. 

Elder  L.  P.  Loweby— Was  born  in  Bibb  County. 
Ala.,  November  11th,  1830.      He  professed  faith  in 
Christ,  and  joined  Shultz  Creek  Baptist  Church,  in 
that  county.    He  was  baptized  by  Elder  Willis  Burns. 
In  1855  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  the  year  fol- 
lowing was  married  to  Mary  A.  Smith ;  and  not  long 
afterwards  moved  to  Butler  County,  Ala.,  where  he 
was  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  December,  1857,  by 
Elders  Eobert  Keith  and  L.  H.  Oswald.    He  continued 
to  preach  successfully  in  this  part  of  the  State  until 
1860,  when  he  removed  to  Louisiana  and  settled  at 
Mitiden,  where  he  has  ever  since  continued  to  reside. 
He  was  soon  called  to  Gum  Spring  Church,  now  Anti- 
och,  where  he  was  pastor  twelve  years.    In  1864  and 
1865  he  served  the  Mount  Zion  and  Fillmore  churches, 
in  Bossier  Parish.  He  also  served  Shady  Grove  Church, 
near  Minden,  in  1865.    In  1871  he  was  called  to  Union 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  609 

Churcli,  Webster  Parish,  and  in  1872  organized  tlie 
Evergreen  church,  Webster  Parish.  Since  1872  he 
has  served  no  church,  but  has  bestowed  his  labors  in 
destitute  places  where  there  was  prospect  of  doing- 
good. 

Elder  Julius  C.  Jones— Was  born  in  Iredell 
County,  North  Carolina,  February  4,  1832.  He  came 
to  Louisiana  in  1858,  and  settled  in  what  is  now  Lin- 
coln Parish  in  1862.  He  was  baptized  into  the  fellow- 
ship of  Liberty  Church,  Arkansas,  in  1851,  by  Elder 
C.  W.  Kinuard,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the 
same  church  in  1858.  He  was  ordained  at  the  request 
of  Mt.  Olive  Church,  Union  Parish,  La.,  in  1860; 
Elders  A.  W.  Johnson,  Ansel  Kitchens  and  W.  Hunt 
being  the  presbytery.  He  has  supplied  the  following 
churches:  New  Hope,  Lincoln  Parish,  ten  years; 
Mount  Ararat,  Union  Parish,  nine  years;  Pleasant 
Grove,  Lincoln  Parish,  eight  years ;  Antioch  Church, 
in  the  same  parish,  five  years ;  Walnut  Creek  Church, 
Lincoln  Parish,  four  years ;  Mineral  Springs  Church, 
Lincoln  Parish,  three  years.  The  present  year,  1881, 
he  supplies  the  New  Hope  and  Mineral  Springs 
churches. 

He  was  Moderator  of  Concord  Association  three 
years.  During  his  ministry  he  has  baptized  about  four 
hundred  persons,  and  has  greatly  strengthened  the 
churches  under  his  charge.    He  resides  near  Douglas. 

Elder  James  Fuller — Was  born  in  Hancock 
County,  Georgia,  May  8,  1801.  He  was  baptized  in 
1828,  by  Elder  B.  M.  Sanders,  into  Bethlehem  Church, 
Warren  County,  Ga.  He  removed  to  Harris  County, 
in  the  same  state,  aud  began  to  preach  in  1830,  as  an 


610 


HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 


evangelist,  but  would  not  consent  to  be  ordained  until 
1840.  The  presbytery  consisted  of  Elders  Sam,  Harris, 
George  Key,  John  Cooper  and  James  Kendrick.  He 
labored  in  Harris  and  thj  adjoining  counties  for 
twenty  years.  About  1834  he  went  into  the  tenth 
district  of  Merriweather  County,  at  that  time  very 
destitute  of  the  Gospel.  There  was  but  one  little 
church,  which  had  divided  on  Missions,  and  the  door 
of  the  house  was  shut  against  the  Mi  ssionaries.  But  1  ic 
appointed  to  preach  under  an  arbor  which  the  people 
promised  to  build.  When  he  reached  the  place  and 
was  getting  off  his  horse,  he  was  met  by  a  man  who 
ordered  him  to  go.  home.  Nothing  daunted,  however, 
he  began  his  meeting,  which  continued  day  and  night 
for  ten  days ;  and  37  were  baptized  and  others  admitted 
by  letter.  It  may  also  be  added  that  they  recovered 
their  church.  On  one  occasion  he  was  sent  for  to  go 
into  the  neighboring  part  of  Alabama  to  aid  in  a 
meeting  in  Chambers  County,  held  in  a  church  of 
which  Elder  Thornton  was  pastor.  He  was  again 
warned  to  leave  by  a  Whitsite  preacher,  who  attempt- 
ed to  disturb  the  meeting,  but  he  continued  until  the 
following  Sabbath,  and  there  were  about  forty  con- 
versions. 

Soon  after  he  began  to  preach,  he  held  a  meeting  of 
twelve  days  and  nights,  in  a  school-house  in  Harris 
County,  which  resulted  in  102  conversions.  On  one 
occasion  a  man  waylaid  him  with  a  stick,  to  beat  him 
for  baptizing  his  wife  and  daughter,  but  was  prevented 
by  the  interference  of  a  man  named  Sterling.  On 
another  occasion  he  was  set  upon  by  a  crowd  of 
rowdies,  but  he  was  defended,  and  the  meeting  con- 
tinued with  good  results.  Once  he  had  an  appoint- 
ment at  an  academy  in  Upson  County ;  after  he  had 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  611 

attended  a  few  times  he  was  assulted  by  a  mau  who 
had  been  excluded  from  the  church  fcr  drunkenness, 
and  who  threatened  to  shoot  him  if  he  ever  returned. 
This  threat  he  perhaps  would  have  executed,  but 
Elder  Puller  was  warned  by  Sister  Catherine  Sholars, 
and  avoided  him.  Not  long  after,  the  man  was  fear- 
fully beaten  by  his  own  sons  for  abusing  their  mother. 

During  the  twenty  years  he  labored  in  Georgia, 
after  his  ordination,  he  baptized  over  a  thousand ;  and 
besides  there  was  a  large  number  of  conversions,  in 
connection  with  his  labors,  whom  he  did  not  baptize. 
The  Union  Church  near  Whiteville,  where  he  preached, 
had  200  conversions.  Besides  his  work  in  Georgia, 
he  preached  and  constituted  a  number  of  churches  in 
the  neighboring  parts  of  Alabama. 

He  came  to  Louisiana  in  1859,  and  settled  iu  what 
was  then  Claiborne  Parish  (now  Webster),  about 
four  miles  from  Mindeu.  By  his  labors  Antioch, 
near  Homer,  was  gathered;  also  Einggold,  Antioch 
(Bossier),  Gum  Spring,  Shady  Grove  and  Beech 
Springs.  PelloM'^ship,  Sparta  and  Gilgal  churches 
all  increased  under  his  labors.  In  all  these  churches 
he  baptized  sibout  300.  He  was  called  to  his  reward 
September  9,  1881. 

I  visited  him  at  his  home  about  a  month  before  he 
died.  He  loved  to  talk  of  Jesus ;  aud  he  enjoyed,  like 
an  old  soldier,  fighting  over  the  battles  for  the  Cross 
in  which  he  had  participated.  He  continued  to  preach 
to  the  little  church  near  him,  with  all  the  fire  of  his 
youth,  up  to  the  time  of  his  death. 

Elder  Hanson  Lee — ^Was  born  iu  Sampson 
County,  N.  C,  December  27,  1815.  His  parents, 
Media  and  Joel  Lee,  removed  to  Burnt  Corn,  Conecuh 


612  HISTOEY   OF   LOUISIANA   BAPTISTS. 

County,  Ala,,  in  1816,  where  his  venerable  father,  a 
man  of  ninety  years,  survived  him.  Two  of  Hanson's 
brothers  became  Baptist  preachers,  and  distinguished 
themselves.  At  the  age  of  eighteen,  having  acquired 
a  good  English  education,  he  began  to  teach,  devoting 
his  leisure  hours  to  the  study  of  the  Latin  language. 
He  shortly  afterward  went  to  Carlowville,  in  Ala.,  to 
study  with  Eev.  Jesse  Hartwell,  D.  D.  He  afterwards 
went  to  East  Tennessee  and  became  a  student  in  the 
Southwestern  Theological  Seminary,  at  Maryville, 
where  he  finished  his  collegiate  studies. 

His  mind  was  of  a  superior  order,  well  cultivated ; 
his  memory  extraordinarily  retentive;  he  seemed 
never  to  lose  anything  once  acquired.  As  a  teacher 
he  was  very  successful,  and  very  much  loved  and 
honored,  as  hundreds  of  his  former  pupils  can  attest. 
As  a  minister  in  the  pulpit  he  was  modest,  yet  digni- 
fied in  manners.  His  style  as  a  preacher  and  writer 
was  concise,  with  no  affectation  of  ornament.  His 
thoughts  flowed  seemingly  without  an  effort,  and  were 
expressed  in  an  easy,  natural  manner.  He  spoke  ex- 
temporaneously from  brief  notes.  I  was  surprised 
after  his  death,  upon  inquiry  of  Mrs.  Lee,  in  regard 
to  his  literay  remains,  to  find  that  he  left  no  written 
sermons. 

He  WAS  ordained  in  January,  1844,  and  was  immedi- 
ately chosen  pastor  of  the  church  of  which  he  was  a 
member.  Here  he  remained  until  January,  1847,  when 
he  removed  to  Brooklyn,  Ala.  He  was  pastor  at 
Brooklyn  six  years.  In  1853,  he  was  chosen  president 
of  Mossy  Greek  College,  East  Tenn.,  but  finding  the 
climate  uusuited  to  his  health  he  returned  south.  In 
.filly,  1854,  he  came  to  Mt.  Lebanon,  La.,  where  as  editor 
he  acquired  great  reputation,  the  Louisiana  Baptist 


'      BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  613 

ranking  with  the  best  Southern  religious  newspapers. 
In  April,  1860,  his  tailing  health  compelled  him  to 
give  up  the  paper.  He  gradually  sank  under  the 
disease — consumption.  For  mouths  before  his  deiath 
his  voice  was  lost  in  a  whisper.  He  often  spoke  of 
death,  and  said:  "If  I  am  saved,  it  is  all  of  grace;  a 
sinner  saved  by  grace."  His  sickness  seemed  to 
purify  and  fit  him  for  the  immortality  which  his 
spirit  now  enjoys.  He  was  so  gentle,  so  affectionate, 
so  submissive  to  the  will  of  God.  The  day  before  he 
died  his  wife  ask  him  how  he  felt  about  dying. 
"Oh!"  said  he,  "I  am  willing  to  die.  Life  is  sweet, 
but  if  it  is  God's  will  that  I  should  die,  I  am  perfectly 
willing  to  die."  When  his  wife  wept,  he  said:  "Don't 
weep,  darling ;  look  above  to  our  glorious  hope,"  He 
was  perfectly  conscious  until  nine  o'clock  Wednesday 
evening.  May  7,  1862,  when  he  said:  "1  am  dying!" 
and  in  a  very  few  moments  breathed  out  his  spirit, 
calmly  and  peacefully. 

In  connection  with  his  iutelligent  wife,  he  founded 
Mount  Lebanon  Female  College. 

Elder  Thomas  G.  Bradford  -  Was  born  in  Geor- 
gia, June  22,  1818 ;  was  united  with  the  church  in  the 
year  1S4;3;  ordained  in  1853.  He  lived  in  Caldwell 
Parish,  on  the  Ouachita  River,  where  he  died  Jan- 
uary, 1870.  He  was  an  earnest  and  faithful  minister. 
His  ministerial  life  was  spent  in  this  region. 

Elder  B.  N.  Kirtley — Was  born  in  Virginia,  and 
received  a  good  academic  education.  He  came  to 
Louisiana  about  1850,  and  settled  in  DeSoto  Parish- 
He  united  with  the  Methodists  and  began  to  preach  in 
that  connection.    Having  met  with  Pendleton's  "Three 


614  HISTORY    OF    LOUISIANA    BAPTIS-ft. 

Keasons,"  he  gave  the  subject  a  careful  examination, 
which  resulted  in  a  thorough  change  of  views.  He 
united  with  the  Baptist  church,  and  was  soon  after 
licensed  to  preach.  In  1854,  during  the  session  of  the 
Grand  Oane  Association,  he  was  set  apart  to  the  Gos- 
pel ministry  by  the  ministers  present.  From  this  until 
the  war  he  labored  in  the  bounds  of  this  association, 
sometimes  as  missionary  and  at  others  as  pastor  of 
churches.  During  the  war  he  moved  across  Red  River 
and  located  at  SpringviUe,  now  in  Eed  River  Parish. 
Here  he  taught  a  school  and  preached.  The  church  at 
this  place  was  greatly  strengthened  and  built  up  by 
his  ministrations.  He  extended  his  labors  into  Bien- 
ville Parish,  and  gathered  a  church  not  far  from  Black 
Lake,  called  Social  Spring.  His  labors  about  the 
close  of  the  war,  and  for  several  years  afterward,  were 
blessed,  and  several  feeble  churches  in  this  region 
were  greatly  strengthened.  He  subsequently  moved 
to  Ringgold,  in  Bienville  Parish,  where  he  taught  a 
number  6t  years,  preaching  to  the  church  there,  and 
to  others  in  the  neighborhood. 

Upon  the  removal  of  W.  E.  Paxton  to  Shreveport, 
Elder  Kirtley  was  called  to  succeed  him  in  the  pastor- 
ate at  Minden.  Here  he  continued  one  year,  and  in 
1874  removed  to  Eed  Land,  in  Bossier  Parish,  to  take 
charge  of  the  academy  at  that  place.  In  this  field  he 
has  since  successfully  labored,  supplying  churches  in 
the  surrounding  country.  Elder  Kirtley  is  now  (1881) 
about  sixty  years  of  age. 

Elber  John  Q.  Burnett— Was  born  in  Edgefield 
District,  S.  0.,  December  19,  1815.  He  was  baptized 
into  the  fellowship  of  Gilgal  Baptist  Church,  in  that 
district,  by  Elder  N.  W.  Hodges,  in  September,  1828. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  615 

He  removed  with  the  rest  of  the  family  to  Louisiana 
in  1837,  and  was  one  of  the  colony  of  Baptists  who 
located  at  Mt.  Lebanon  and  formed  the  Rehoboth 
Church.  He  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  March  22, 
1846 :  presbytery,  George  W.  Bains,  E.  A.  Hargis  and 
Arthur  McFarland.  He  entered  at  once  actively  and 
zealously  upon  the  work,  and  rendered  efficient  aid  to 
his  co-laborers,  George  W.  Bains  and  J.  E.  Paxton,  in 
planting  and  watering  many  of  the  early  churches  in 
Claiborne  and  Bienville  parishes.  He  labored  in  this 
region  about  ten  or  twelve  years.  He  served  as  clerk 
of  Red  River  Association  in  1849  and  1856,  and  as 
Moderator  from  1851  to  1856. 

After  this  he  removed  to  Columbia  County,  Ark., 
where  he  continued  to  labor  with  his  accustomed  zeal 
and  efficiency  until  after  the  war,  when  he  removed  to 
Tarrant  County,  Texas.  Here  he  preached  for  several 
years,  but  for  some  time  past  he  has  been  compelled, 
from  declining  health,  to  desist  from  his  labors.  He 
still  ( 1881 )  resides  there,  preaching  occasionally,  as 
his  health  permits. 

Elder  George  Everett. — The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  born  in  Rockingham  County,  N.  C,  June 
25,  1797.  In  early  life  he  moved  to  Oak  Grove, 
Perry  County,  Ala.  In  1827  he  made  a  public  pro- 
fession of  religion  and  united  with  the  Ocmulgee 
Baptist  Church,  and  September  30,  in  the  year  1831, 
he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry.  He  labored  with 
the  churches  in  the  vicinity  with  encouraging  suc- 
cess, until  his  removal  to  Louisiana,  Union  Parish, 
in  1858.  He  united  at  first  with  the  Concord  Church, 
in  May,  1849.  Under  his  labors  the  Spring  Hill 
Church,  near  his  residence,  was  organized  in  1849, 
with  19  members.     With  this  church  he  continued 


616 


HISTORY    OF   LOUISIANA    BAPTISTS. 


to  labor  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1855. 
During  this  time  the  church  had  increased  to  156, 
most  of  whom  he  had  baptized  and  counted  as  his 
spiritual  children,  who  loved  him  as  a  father  and 
friend.  During  his  last  year  he  rode  upwards  of  a 
thousand  miles  and  delivered  84  sermons,  besides  a 
number  of  exhortations.  His  last  sermon  was  at 
Gilgal  Church,  Union  County,  Ark.,  which  he  was 
serving  as  pastor.  His  last  words  were  to  his  son, 
J.  P.  Everett,  who  had  just  entered  the  ministry: 
"Be  faithful!"— and  the  mantle  of  the  father  fell 
upon  the  son. 

Elder  Daniel  H.  Willis. — The  labors  of  this 
excellent  brother  have  been  noticed  in  connection 
with  the  history  of  the  Louisiana  and  Calcasieu  asso- 
ciations. I  have  received  a  few  additional  facts  just 
as  I  am  closing  this  volume,  which  I  embody  in  this 
short  sketch. 

Daniel  H.  Willis  was  born  on  Bayou  Boeuflf,  in 
liapides  Parish,  December  28,  1817.    His  father's 
name  was  Agerton  Willis,  the  eldest  son  of  the 
pioneer,  Joseph  Willis,  who  removed  with  his  family 
from    South    Carolina,   where    he    was   born,    and 
married  Sophia   Story,  to  whom  Daniel  was  born. 
At    eleven   years    he    removed    with    his   father's 
family  and  settled  on  the  Calcasieu  Eiver,  in  St. 
Landry  Parish,  in  a  wilderness  country,  eight  miles 
from  the  nearest  white  settlement.    Nine  years  of 
his  life  was  spent  in  this  wilderness.    He  attended 
school  five  months,  between  the  age  of  eight  and  ten. 
When  seventeen  years  of  age  he  went  to  an  academy 
twenty  miles  from   home,  but   remained   but  one 
month.    This  was  the  extent  of  his  educational  advan- 


BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES.  617 

tages,  but  by  diligence  and  application  he  acquired 
a  fair  knowledge  of  the  use  of  correct  English. 
He  married  March  J5, 1838.  Two  years  afterward 
he  made  a  profession  of  faith  and  was  baptized  into 
the  fellowship  of  Occupy  Church,  then  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Louisiana  Association.  He  began  to 
preach  in  1847,  and  was  ordained  in  1849,  by  Elders 
Joseph  Willis,  B.  0.  Eobert  and  John  O'Quin,  at  the 
residence  of  Elder  Joseph  Willis,  on  Spring  Creek, 
Rapides  Parish.  With  all  his  disadvantages,  Mr. 
Willis  has  been  a  useful  man  in  his  section,  and 
enjoys  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  brethren. 
For  some  years  past  he  has  been  totally  blind,  but 
he  has  not  ceased  his  labors  in  the  ministry  on  that 
account. 


INDEX  OF  PERSONS. 


Abbott,  L.  B., 273 

AdamB,  Henry 2d,' 59b 

Adams,  Thomas, 87,  96,  596 

Aikin,  B.  B., 367 

Alford,  Hay  wood 151, 181,  239 

Allen,  B.C 55 

Allen,  J.  B 421 

Allen,  W.B 40,62,582 

d'Alvoy,  Stephen., 28,  29 

Andrews,  E., 39 

Andrews,  M.  D., 350 

Amaker,  O.  P 109 

Ardis,  H.  Z., 333,  574 

Armstrong,  T.  D., 260, 367 

Atwood,  W.  J.,  418 

Aubrey,  F., 285 

Audrey,  L.  F. , 191 

Bacon,  J.  S 483 

Baggerly,  G.  G., 81 

Bailey,  C.  H., 274 

Bailey,  J.  T^ 296 

Bains,  Geo.  W., 242, 299,  427 

Banks,  Lewis, 120 

Bankston,  P 53 

Barlow,  M 72 

Barnett,  A.  T 54 

Barron,  John, 328,  374 

Bart,  D.  H 272 

Baton,  T.  J., 322 

Bayless,  W.  H.,  135,  305,  362.  477,  601 

Beck,  S.  J., 297 

Belton,  J.  W.,  83 

Bennett,  Henry, 332,  235,  606 

Bigbee,  O.  M., 346 

Bissett,  li.  L 342 

Bitting,  C.  C, 129 

Black,  k, 264 

Black,  R.D., 266 

Blackman,  James  ¥., 507 

Blake,  J.  P., 289,  335 

Blakewood,  B.  W 224,  590 

Bledsoe,  T.  W., 318,  495 

Bolton,  E.  P., 270 

Bond.T.M 40,  48,  85 

Boone,  W.C, 219,  220,823 

Booth,  D.  D., 273 

Boydston,  L 311 

Bradford,  T.  C 289,  296 

Bradford,  Thomas, 613 

Bradley,  A., 342 

Branch,  E.  K 228,  605 

Branch,  F.  K., 318 

B  ran  tly .  W .  T 135 

Bray,  N.  H.,...213,  386,  387,  399,  494 

Brian,  D.  F 360 

Brlnson,  Jas 147,  162, 179, 184,  288, 

615 
Brooks,  E.  L., 294 


Brown,  B.  F 383 

Bryan,  Francis, 286 

Bryoe,  John, ; 356 

Buokner,  H.  F., 44S 

Burdett,  8.  S. 85 

Burnett,  J.  Q 242,  431,  614 

Burnett,  E.  H., 301,  325,  623 

Bums,  David  E 135 

Burns,  F.  M., 274 

Bussy,  James, "  521 

Buys,  James, 305,  500 

Byron,  Q.  A., 270 

Cavn,  W.  L., 294 

Calloway,  A.  J., 275 

Calloway.  L 328,  235 

Calmes,  A.  H., 57 

Campbell,  E.  A., 40, 386,  532 

Canterbury,  W.  J 330 

Capers,  L.  E.,. /..... 336 

Cargile,  C.  J., 271 

Carpenter,  A.  L., 54 

Carpenter,  J.  C, 103,  136 

Carr,  W.  C., 257 

Carswell,  J.  W 333 

Carter,  E.  B., 216 

Carter,   J.  C^ 833 

Causey,  T.   J. j. 99 

Chamberlain,  H., 487 

Chandler,  W.  H 330 

Chaney ,  Bailey  B., 28,  29,  36 

Chaney.-D.  M., 40,  53 

Chaney,  William 28 

Chapman,  J.,  298 

Chapman,  Eobert 298 

Chrestman,  M.  A., 88 

Christian,  J  ames, 338 

Clark,  Carroll, 444 

Clarke,  Frederick,  ...41,  51,  123,  193 

Clark,  Wilson,  65,  186 

Olemmons.  A.  E.,..342,  306,  363,  623 

Cobb,  S.  T., 266,  371 

Coe,   Joel, 183 

Cole,   Abraham, 26,  698 

Cole,  James,  26 

Cole,  M.  C 138 

Coleman,  T.S., 484 

Collins,  P.  B 328 

Collins,  Wm., 54 

Cook,  H.M 270,  342 

Cook,  William 151,  152,  181,  385 

Cooper,  David 33,  142,  145 

Cooper,  W.N 296 

Corfey,  Z., 416 

Courtney,  Ezra, 35,  41,  514 

Courtney,  Dr.  F., 243,  311,  525 

Cox,  Z., 292 

Craddook,  W.  T 374 

Crane,  W.  C 243,  320,  443 


INDEX.  619 

Crawford,  Charles  E., 563    Gaudy,  D.  K., 523 

Crawford,  Jesse, 54    Gayoso.Gov., 29,30 

Crawford,  Peter 376,  505    George,  Blias i03,  243 

Crawford,  W.  W., 67,218,545    Geren,  Thomas, 334 

Crews,  E.  W., 296    Gibson,  ToMas, 141,344 

Cunningham,  J.  H.,  256,  305,  409, 471    Glodf  elt,  P.  W 443  445 

Cunningham,  V.  G., 688    Godwin,  W.   0., '228 

Curtis  Family 24,  25    Goldsbury,  Asa, 120 

Curtis,  Richard.-Jr., 27,  30    Goyle,  Peter  S 252 

Curtis^  Richard,  Sr 25,27,  9i    Griffin,  J.T., 269 

David,  J.  A 31]     Grifian.W.P., 218,599 

Dalzell,  Eev.  W.  T.  D 17    Grant,  D.  L .337 

Davenport,  Joseph 93    Grant,  J.  A., 294 

Davis,   Benjamin 39,118    Guinn,  W.  W.,  363 

Davis,  Nathan  M.,.. 240,  248,  251,  291,    Gunn,  G.  W 98 

658  Haokett,  J.  A.,  D.  D., .  .16,  24,  363,  567 

Davis,  Thomas, 98    Hadley, Moses, 34,38,142 

Dear,  J.  M.,  421    Haggard,  B., 266 

Debiey,  W.  L.,    ..  ..51    Haggard,  Martin 285 

Dobson,  Obadich, 358    Hale,  J.  C 350 

Dodson,  O.,.' 428,  522    Hall,  E.  S 367,608 

Drew,  Newltt, 238    Hamlin,  B.  H., 57,  98 

Duff,  J.  E 234    Hamilton,  Isaac, 421 

Duffy,  J.  E 421    Hamilton,  J.  D., 275 

Duggan,   E 409    Hamilton,  W., 234 

Duncan,  L.   Alex., ■ 528    Hatten,  J.  L., 349 

Duncan,   w,  C,  83,  85,  125,  127,  135,    Hancocli,  John, 244 

448,  530,  243.  ,  Hannah,  Barton, 28,  29 

Dupree,  John 243,  322,  331,  597    Harbour,  P 51 

Eager,  Geo.  B., 23,  338    Hardin,  Calvin 605 

Ebeltoft,  T.   W. 364,371    Hargis,  E.  A 255 

Edwards,  C 42    Harigall,  — , 28,  29 

Edwards,  J.   E., 275    Harper,  Mason, 216 

Edwards,  W.  H.  F., 95,  110,  443    Harper,  Samuel,. 403,  419 

Egan,  Dr,  B., 292,  476,  fj49    HaiTell,  G.  M., 382 

Eidson,  J.  W,, 347    Harrell,  John  A.,. 243,  315,  633 

Ellis.  Keuben, 260    Harrell,  Thos.  B 334 

Erwin,  B.  E., 348    Harris,  A., 270,271,322,579' 

Everett,  George 243,258,615    Hart.J.M 269 

Everett,  John    P., 580 .  Hartley,  A,  J 343 

Fancher,  K.  F., 223,  431    Hartsfleld,  G.W.,  14,321,370,371,381, 

Fancher,  W.  M., 220,  230       448,  523. 

Farmer,  Mills, 244    Hartwell,  Jesse 243,  319,  480, 512 

Fasching,  W 76,  127    Hayden,  Samuel  A.,  67,104,138,520 

Faulkner,  W.  H 339    Hasley,  Phinetta  B., 525 

Felder,  Charles 40,  51    Hay,  Joseph, 362 

Fisher,  Thomas  J . , 124    Hay,  Mrs.  M.  B., 482 

Fletcher,  Leonard 85, 126    Haynes,  Dr.  D.  B., 98 

Flowers,  Joseph 34    Head,  D.  F., 490 

Ford,  B.J 409    Head,  D.  H., 243 

Ford,   Jesse, . . . .' 335    Head,  J.  D 490 

Ford,  W.P 149,169,186    Heath,  Joel 262,265 

Forman,  D.  D 195,212,217,519    Hioliman,  John 255 

Fortson,  E  E., 360,368    Hicks,  D.  L 269 

Forshee, Eldred 399    Hicks, J.  BT .....274 

Fouts,  Eev.  T.  J 19,  243,  330    Hilburn,  Eld 101 

Franks,  D 328    Hill,  Bowen 249' 

Freeman,  C.  B., 23,275,485    Hill,  John 151,240,241,247 

Friley,  W.  C, 24,340,468,  524    Hinson,  John 243 

Fuller,  James 243, 309,  321,  609    Hinson,  John  F., 328 

Puller,  S.J 269,  544    Hinton,  Isaac  T., 74,  80,124 

Furiian,  J.  L 120, 489    Hodges,  H.  M 277 

Fusohe,  Charles 51    Holland,  W.  H 283 

Garlington,  Benj 185, 19] ,  386    Holman,  Eussell, 124, 135 

Gates,E.M.,  352    Hood,  Wm.  J 270 


6-20 


INDEX. 


Homard,  W.  G 51,135, 

Humble,  Henry,  34,  ICO,  Ur,  153, 183, 
!.'39,  247,  554. 

Humble,  J.  N., 240,  293,  603 

Humble,  ThOS.'J 240,  290, 293, 655 

Hunt,  W 269 

Hutaon,  H.  M 298 

Impson,  John 147, 238, 244 

Ingram,  James,  347 

Irion,  George  A, 152, 157, 216,  520 

Ivans,  Wm., 359 

•IHokson,  A.  W. , .  .357, 363, 369, 374, 604 

Jackson,  Chesley, 109 

Jackson,  J.  K 97, 116,  594 

Jackson,  Hardy, 259 

Jackson,  K.  S  , 228,  339,  506 

Jackson,  Thomas, 593 

Jarrell,  U.  W., 228 

Jarrett,  IT.  W 421 

Jenkins,  Henry  Z., 57 

Johnson,  Isaac,  198 

Johnson,  O.  L., 112 

Johnson,  Wm.  B., 119 

Joiner,  J.  M., 340 

Jones,  David, 31 

.Tones,  John 380 

Jones,  Julius  C,  . .  .'.272,  273,  274,  609 

Kee8,C.P., 296 

Kelley ,  George  A 349 

KeUy,J.P., .J.269 

Kellls,  L.  C 23,  34(f,  547 

Kilpatriok,  J.  H.  T. 146 

Kinard,  C.W 337 

Kin'gsbury,  Elder, 232 

Kirkland,  S.  C, 59 

Kirtley,  B.  N.,..323,  347,  360, 373, 381, 
«13. 

Kitchens,  Ansel 266,  270 

Kone,S.,. •..■■420 

Koonce,  Christopher, 238,  405 

Lacy,  ■<*■.  J., 289,350 

Lally,  J.,. 330 

Landers,  C.  B., 287 

Landrum,  S., 136 

Landrum,  W.  W., 363 

Lansdell,  Thomas 16 

Lansford,  P.  R., ••■•3|7 

Larkin,S.  J 243,253 

Larkin,W.  B 243,431 

Larkln,  Wm.  J., 264 

tathrokJ-G- 67,108,223,500 

Lealce,  Joseph  V »„•„■  „•.•,•  nSS 

Ledford,  W.^ 268,311,332 

Lea.  B.  L 55,57 

Lee  Asa,. 248,258,302 

Lee  Hanson, 319,482,611 

Lec,.Te8se,  357,525 

Lec.S.C.'. 2«».r>70 

Leagett,  a.  1*., *72 

leXTM.,.: 1I2.J8!'88? 

Lilly,k.W 294,:  8 

Lllly,S.  A., 3';|;; 

LoUyfl  b'B.;.\\\'.\'/.'.' .■.'.'.■  .■.i88.W8 
Lowry;  [.P.,.. ««,  808 


Lucas,  W.  B 34K 

Lumbly,  J.  W., 34] 

Lunsford,  U.  W 270 

Lynch,  M.  H 231 

Lynch,  S.  P 235 

MoAlister,  Isham, 393,  522 

McBride,  J.  R ? 212 

MoBrlde,  Wm 322 

McCloud,  Constant  S 511 

McCorley,  D.  C, 387 

MoCullough,  Wm 366 

McDonald,  Moses, 255 

McDonald,  M.  S 302,306,599 

McFarland,  Arthur 51,  238,  255 

McGee,  Calvin,  55 

McGee,  W.  H 18,  243,  333,  .527 

McGinty,  J.  L., 287 

McGraw,  N.  P 338,  609 

MoGuire,  John  A., . .  .262,  266,  339,  445 

Mclver,  D.  K.  W., 361,576 

McKnight,  H., , 85 

McManus,  P., 343 

McRimmon,  C, 389 

Mack,W.F 15 

Magee,  Calvin, 389 

Mallet,  S., : 424 

Markman,  L.  S 289,  309 

Martin,  James 152, 183,  386 

Martin,  J.  A., 263 

Martin,  James  N 261,  265,  26() 

Martin,  J.  M.  C, 419 

Martin,  Robert, 243, 311, 320, 583 

Mason,  W.  A., 274 

Matthews,  J.  S., 341 

Mayrant,  E.  J 330 

Mays,  John,  L., 258, 271,  500 

Meoom,  H., 284 

Melton,  J.  W 272 

Mercer,  Asa  S., .  .40, 184, 185,  240,  277, 
282,  557. 

MerSer,  Thomas, 33,142 

Meredith,  J.  S., 240,  287,  295,  494 

Meredith,  'rhomas,..185,  240, 250,  284, 
286,  348,  601. 

Milburn,  W., 255,257 

Miles,  B.  P., 232 

Mills,  Robert, 9".i 

Milner,  J., 270,271 

Minter,  Wm, 124 

Mitchell,  R.  Py 348 

ModgUng,W.S 264 

Monigomery,  J.  P., 385 

Mqore,  N.  P., 318,:il!i 

More,  E.  W. 54,  234 

More,  J.B 374 

Moreland,  W.  C 248, 270,  328,  548 

Morris,  Allen, 256 

Morrip,  W.  J., 220 

Mulkey,  Rev.  Mr., 30 

Mullins,G 62 

Murrell,  John, 238 

Murry,  A.,      416 

Muse,  Isaac, .61 

Muse,  Thos.  K 229,231 

Nabrin?,H., 91 


INDEX. 


621 


Nash.G.E 336 

Nash,  W,  W. , 338 

Neel,  B.  R 346 

Nelson,  A.  1\, 238,  244 

Nelson,  James 63,  111,  136,  543 

Nettles,  Isliam 34, 144, 146, 152 

Newman,  JT)nathan, 244,  262 

Newport,  S.  W.,  83,95 

Nix,  Allen, 523 

Nix,  BUjah 249 

Norrls,  S.  M., 541 

Norwood,  A.  J., 74 

Odom,  D.,  289 

Odom,  J.  W 99 

Odom,  W., 74 

Odom,  W.  A.  J. 296 

Ogden,  Daniel 25,  33 

Ogden,  William 25,  30 

O'Quin,  D., 341,450 

O'Quin,  EiseMel, 34, 144, 147,  568 

O'Quin,  John, 153,  569 

Ottin,  C.H., 100 

Owen,  William 38,  29 

Parmley,  W.  H., 74 

Parnell,A ......322 

Parnell,  Henry, 269,  449 

Patterson,  Z.  S., 420 

Panlding,  Cornelius, 118 

Paxton,  Joseph, ■.. 354 

Paxton,  J.  B., 342,  302,  372,  510 

Paxton,  Wm .  E  , . . .  7, 19,  322,  477,  442, 
.  484 

Payne,  J.  S. 343 

Peddy,  J.  H., 416 

Peddy,  A.  J.,. . .  .263,  270,  330,  433,  604 

Pennington,  Archibald 40,  54 

Pentecost,  T.  J., 296 

Phillips,  A 387 

Phillips,  Hilary 330 

Phillips,  W, 337 

Pilcer.L.  S 116 

Poole,  A.  W 65 

Pouns,  I.J 54,  56 

Pouns,  J.  E., 54 

Pratt,  Joab 266 

Pratt,  Jacob  B 607 

Prescott,  J.  Q.,..23,  311,  398,  404,  435, 
498. 

Eainer,  I.  D., .' 93 

Bainer,  Thomas  D., 95,  97 

Hainwater,  M 336 

Rand,  Thomas, 193 

Rand,  Thomas,  Jr., 493 

Randolph,  J.  M 339 

Hanoldson,  James  A., 39,  40,  118 

Ratcliff,  A.  D 277 

Raymond,  Chas.  A. , 126 

Bead,C.B., 62,115 

Reese,  W.  M., 603 

Relyea,S.  S.,  57,516 

Reynolds,  B.  B 339 

Bice,  Elijah 95 

Bioe,B.  J 98 

Richards,  W.  H 316 

Riese,  W.M., 339 


Ritter,  J.  L., 387 

Robert,  Baynard  C 141,  388,  503 

Robert,  Elder, 144 

Bobert,  W.  A., 217,  518 

Eobert,  Peter  W., . .  131, 146,  156,  316, 

517. 

Boberts,  D.  B., 89,  91,  95 

Eoberts,,  H.  D.  B 40,  72 

Eobertson,  N.  L., 353 

Bohinson,  B.  P., 370 

Bogers,  G.  W 260,  379 

Bondeau,  Wm., 119 

Bouton,  T.  A., ..139;  341,  348,  251,  603 

Bush,  CO.,...     235 

Bush,  J.  H 353 

Rnsh,  R.  J.J. 234 

Russell,  B.  B., 104 

Russell,  J.  M., 369 

Rutherford,  A.  J.,.. 305,  358,  SO"?,  377 

496 

^ntland,  W.  B 375,  663 

Samf  ord,  Wm .269 

Sandridge,  G.  L 345 

Scarborough.  G.  W., 350 

Scarborough,  James,. . . .256,  303, 406 
Scarborough,  Lawrence,. 34, 143, 153, 

163,  ISO,  360. 

Scarborough,  Mathias 305,  606 

Sohofleld,  A.  P., 424,  471 

Sctiteld,  Lorenzo 71, 198 

Scott,  B.  H., 376 

Seals,  Moses, 40 

Self.D.  W 417 

Shaddock,  M.B 474 

Shallike,  P.  W 113, 137 

Shepherd,  J.  N., 481 

Shepherd,  J .  S 339 

Sherwood,  S.H., 249 

Shipler,  Isaac, 53 

Shirk,  M.  S 136,484 

Shirty,  J.  S., 271 

Short,  John 321,  323,  344 

Sibley,  W.  L., 40,  48,387,  499 

Simmons,  A.  (J.  A 362,  371 

Simmons,  Henry 405,  407 

Simmons,  W.  G., 274 

Simms,  S.  D., 103- 

Simpson,  J.  L 85,  ST,  97 

Singleton,  G.  W 333,  374 

Skinner,!).  T .53 

Slay,  Daniel, 417 

Smith,  Basil 218,  335 

Smith,  J.  B 40,  71, 108, 186,  598 

Smith,  T.  J., 343 

Smith,  W.  P., 271,607 

Snow,  B 295 

Soilieu,  Alcide, 335 

Sorrels,,! 418 

Southerland.  Alex., 309,  543 

Southwell,  W.  C. , 387,  393 

Spencer,  A.J 163, 193,  386 

Spencer,  E.  W., 116 

Squires,  L.  L. 255,285 

Stagg;  Adolphe, 231 

Stan,B.M., 316 


622 


INDEX. 


Stamtaugh,  M.  W 98, 107,  596 

Stanley,  D 73 

Stanton,  W.  G., 228 

Stay,  D., 295 

Steptoe,  E.  H 127 

Stewart,  A.  G.  W., 93, 103, 110 

Stell,  R.M.,  303 

Stovall,  J.  L., 336 

Stribling,  M.  O., 864 

Strickland,  B 316 

StrioWand,  C.  D., 108 

Stringer,  G.  W 413 

Swindall,  D.  D 269,  289,  335 

Sweat,  B.S 321 

Sutherland,  Alex., 99,  431 

Talberl,G.  B 870 

Talbott,  John, 272 

Talif  ero,  W.  B., 271 

Tannery  .labez,  157 

Tanner,  Robert, 144 

Tanner,  R.  L.,  196, 495 

Taylor,  E.  G 136 

Taylor,  J 287,  349 

Taylor,  J.  G., 267 

Terrell,  C.V 343 

Terrell,  Wm.  S., 193 

Terry,A.J. 23,231,233,566 

Teuksbury,  T., 98 

Tewksbury,  I., 103 

Thomas,  D.  B., ^....292,508 

Thomas,  Sampson  B.,.. 36,  253,  255, 
266,  269. 

Thomas,  Z 287 

Thompson,  Ivy  F., 84,  542 

Thompson,  Wm., 31 

de  la  Thule,  R.  S.  T.  H., 147 

Tlppett,  W.  B., 321,439 

Topkies,  C.  W., 363;  600 

Travis,  Wm., 109 

Truman,  R.D., ...234 

Tubb,  Jesse 243 

Tucker,  George 28, 362,  B60 

Tucker,  Jeremiah  H.,  23, 360, 376, 483, 

Tucker,  W.  H 138,592 

Turner,  Peter, 99, 100, 103 

Tyner,  W.  B.,  114,467 

Vann,  JoBliua  B., 278 


Varnado,  W.  H., .52 

Vaughp,  U., 262 

Venado,  W., 40 

Vickers,  H.  F 340 

Vining,  TJ.  B., 87 

Vining,  W.  B., 85 

Wade,  A., * 266 

Walker,  Ambrose  N., 334 

Walker,  J.  A., 243,333 

Wall,  C.J,, 113 

Wall,  H., 65 

Wall,  Howard 34,  38 

Wall,  Howell 73 

Wall,  W.  B., 71 

Wallace,  J.  T., 343 

Ware,  B.  M., 242 

Warren,  N.W 333 

Washington,  G.  H 87 

Weldon,  A.  J., 416 

Wells .  W.  F., 320,  326 

WheleSB,  R.  L., 262 

White,  J.  J 275 

White,  W.M 419 

Whitneld,  G.  W., .-413 

Whitson,  James, : 238 

Wilbourn,  W.  B., 146, 186 

Williams,  Moses  C 360,381,509 

Williams,  D.B 343 

Williamson,  J.  M., 331 

iVillis,  Daniel 210 

Willis,  D.H., 233,434,616 

Willis,  Joseoh 23, 31, 139, 1S8,  515 

Wilson,  N.W., 136,536 

Wilson,P.P 80,83 

Winham,A., 243,302 

Wise.G.G., 346 

Wise,  I.  M., 374 

Wise,J.W .348,349 

Witter.  B.R., 90,130 

Wolf,  G.  C,  234 

Wood,  J.  S 337 

Worley,  Z., 312 

Womack,  T.  M 343 

Worrell,  A.  S., 243, 333,  489 

Wright,  J.  D 316 

Wright,  J.  S. 196 

Young,  Jesse 38,  40 

Toung,M.D 352 


il?®iiliii!i{!!i!l:'i;:;iv