Minutes of the ... Annual Session of the Bethlehem Baptist Association 1861

*"««* wrasr msroucAL mm

PROCEEDINGS.

Brooklyn Church, Sept. 21, 1861.

The Bethlehem Baptist Association convened with the
Brooklyn Church, Conecuh County, Ala., pursuant to ad-
journment.

Elder Jno. McWilliams being absent, the alternate, El-
der Z. Williams preached the Introductory from 1 Corin-
thians, 3d chap. 15th and 19th verses ; also, 2 Corinthians
6 : 16 ; Gal. 4 : 5.

After a short recess the delegates assembled in the meet-
ing house. The former Moderator, Elder A. Jay, being ab-
sent, Elder Wm. C. Morrow was called to the Chair, who
opened the Association with appropriate remarks, and after
prayer by Elder F. H. Moss, was declared ready for busi-
ness : Elder Geo. L Lee acting as Clerk.

Brethren C. L. Thornton, F. H. Moss, Y. M. Rabb and
A. J. Robinson, were appointed to read the letters.

Letters were read, contents noted and the names of the
delegates enrolled. (See Tabular Statement.)

On motion of bro. Y. M. Rabb, proceeded to the elec-
tion of officers, which resulted in the election of Elder
Wm. C. Morrow Moderator, and the re-election of Elder
Geo. L. Lee, Clerk, and bro. Y. M. Rabb Treasurer.

APPOINTED COMMITTEE ON PREACHING.

A. Hendrix, W. E. Carter, Elder Z. Williams and the
Deacons of Brooklyn Church.

Invited visiting brethren to scats.

Opened the door for the reception of Churches ; where-
upon the delegates from Pleasant Hill, Monroe county.

Ooon Hill, and Little Escambia Churches presented let-
ters, which were read, the Churches received, and the names
of the delegates enrolled,., wrrty li MiJ&tM

The Moderator then announced the following committees:

1. On the State of Religion and Digest of Letters — El-
der P. S. Milner, M. Herington, J. Norred and A. Dees.

2. On Domestic Missions — Elders F. H. Moss, Z. Will-
iams and brethren W. J. Milner and J. J. Jackson.

3. On Sabbath Schools— Elders C. L. Thornton, F. H.
Moss and brethren D. M. McNeil, and H. Gully.

4. On Correspondence — S. Maxwell, E. G. Autrey, D.
Robbins and T. Kendal.

5. On Queries and Requests — Elder Z. Williams, 0. F.
Nunalee, J. M. Travis and M. Wimberly.

6. On Finance— Y. M. Rabb, C. W. Snowden, A. Hen-
drix and E. G. Autrey.

The committee on preaching reported as follows : Elder
Wm. C. Morrow to-night ; for Sabbath to the whites, Eld.
J. D. Kendrick, 11 a. m. ; Elder F. H. Moss, 2 p. m. ; at
night Elder G. W. Kiercc. To the blacks, Elder P. S.
Milner, 11 a. m. ; Elder C. L. Thornton 2 p. m. Prayer
meeting to-morrow morning 9 o'clock.

Adjourned until Monday morning 9 o'clock. Prayer by
Elder J. D. Kendrick.

Sabbath, September 22, 1861.

Special Prayer-meeting 9 o'clock, for our bleeding coun-
try, and for the success of our arms. Prayer by Elders G.
L. Lee, P. S. Milner, and J. C. R. Lockhart. Recess 15
miuutes.

The brethren appointed to preach came forward in the
order of their names, and preached with power to large
and attentive congregations.

At the close of the 11 o'clock sermons, collections were
taken up amounting to $13 85 cents.

Monday Morning, Sept. 23.

Met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Elder J. C. R.
Lockhart. The Minutes of Saturday's proceedings were
read, statistics corrected and received.

An opportunity was given for the presentation of other
letters.

Letters from corresponding bodies were called for.

Howard College — D. R. Lide.

Mabama Association — S. W. Lide.

Pine Barren Association— Present, Elder J. D. Kendrick,
with package of minutes and letter.

Zion Association — Present, Elders J. C. R. Lockhart, L.
H. Oswalt, J. Thames, and bro. H. M. Merrel. All the
above named brethren were received, and invited to seats
with us.

On motion the names of delegates not present, be omited
in the minutes.

The committee on preaching reported — Elder F. H. Moss
in the forenoon, and Elder J. D. Kendrick in the afternoon.

Resolved, That the delegates of this Association reduce
all resolutions to writing, which they offer to the Body for
its consideration. The benefits arising' from such a course
are too obvious to require enumeration here. But the
principal reason why this resolution is submitted is, that it
will prevent many inaccuracies and omissions in making out
the minutes and preparing them for publication, which una-
voidably arise when the Clerk is compelled, through the
press of business to rely so much upon his memory. Unan-
imously adopted.

Reports from standing committees called for.

Committee on State of Religion and Digest of Letters — Re-
port received and adopted. [Appendix A.]

On Domestic Missions— Report received and adopted.—
[Appendix B.]

On Sabbath Schools— -Report received and adopted. [Ap-
pendix C]

On Correspondence — Report received and adopted. [Ap-
pendix D.]

On Queries and Requests — Report received and adopted.
[Appendix E.]

On Finance — Report received and adoped. [Appendix
F.]

Resolved, To wait on Corresponding Bodies. Brethren
volunteered to go to our corresponding bodies as follows :

To the State Convention— Elders P. S. Milner, A. Jay,
W. C. Morrow and brethren W. J. Milner and A. Hendrix.

6

Pine Barren Association — Elders C. L. Thornton, G. L.
Lee, F. H. Moss, W. C. Morrow, A Dees and brethren D.
Robbins, Y. M. Rabb, D. M. McNeil and J. M. Travis.
Providence Association — Elder A. Jay.
Bethel Association — Resolved, That the Clerk prepare a
letter and package of minutes, and forward by Elder J. D.
Kendrick, if convenient.

Bethel Association — No one agreed to go ; but do not
wish to cease correspondence.

Alabama Association — Elders P. S. Milner, C. L. Thorn-
ton and bro. W. J. Milner.

Zion Association — Elders F. H. Moss, Z. Williams, G. L.
Lee, A. Jay, and brethren J. M. Travis, A. J. Robinson
and M. Wimberly.

On motion, regular order of business was suspended for
a short time to give Elder C. L. Thornton an opportunity
of representing Elder J. L. Brier's condition.

Resolved, That the same committee appointed to visit the
Blakely Church by this Body last year, be continued, and
that said committee's expense for waiting on said Church
be defrayed by the Association at her next annual session.
Committee — Elders W. C. Morrow, G. L. Lee, and J. L.
Briers.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to pre-
pare a suitable obituary in memory of our much beloved
Z. G. Henderson, deceased ; and that said obituary be
spread on the minutes. Committee — Elders W. C. Mor-
row, G. L. Lee and bro. A. Hendrix.

Resolved, That any member of this Association whose
name appears on our minutes, be authorized to represent
us in any of the Associations with whom we are accustomed
to correspond. Unanimously adopted.

Resolved, That the money sent up by this Association to

the State Convention be appropriated to Indian Missions.

On motion, by bro. Milner, a collection was taken up

voluntarily to increase the Indian Mission fund. Amount

collected $14 75 cents.

Resolved, That the Clerk take the names and the amounts
of those willing to pledge for Indian Missions ; to be paid
at the next annual meeting of this body ; provided, if 1

mistake not, that the war now waged upon us as a nation,
should cease.

Names and amounts ; — W. J. Milner $10 ; C. L. Thorn-
ton $10 ; 0. F. Nunnelee $5 ; J. M. Travis $5 ; C. W.
Snowden $5 ; B. M. Lovelace $5 ; T. Kendal $5 ; A. Hen-
drix $5 ; Y. M. Rabb $10 ; E. G. Autrey $10 ; S. Maxwell
$5 ; G. L. Lee $5 ; J. T. Fountain $5 ; I. Hines $5 ; Wm.
B. Lovelace $5 \ J. H. Sims $5 ; Wm. Lovel $5 ; D. M.
McNeill $5 ; M. Wimberly $5 ; A. J. Roinson $5 ; Z. Wil-
iams $5 ; D. Robbins $5 ; H. Gully $5 ; W. C. Morrow
$5 ; R. T. McDavid $5 ; A. Dees $5 ; J. Moore $5 ; M.
Owens $5 ; W. L. Gully $5 ; J. Norred $2 50 ; J. J.Jack-
son $2 ; T. A. Mclver $1. Total, $170 50.

On motion of Elder G. L. Lee,

Resolved, That the Bethlehem Baptist Association now in
session recommend, especially to the Churches within her
bounds, as well as throughout the Confederate States, that
the first Sabbath in November next, be observed as a day
of fasting and prayer in behalf of our bleeding country,
and for the success of her arms. And that a copy of this
resolution be forwarded immediately to the South Western
Baptist for publication. Unanimously adopted.

September 23, 1861.

The Committee on Correspondence reported letters to
the different Corresponding Bodies, which being read and
adopted, the committee was discharged. [Appendix D.]

Resolved, That this Association feeling the great import-
ance of sustaining a Missionary amongst the Indians, re-
commend that the different Churches within our bounds
send up if possible, to our next annual meeting, enough
funds to support at least one Missionary in that field. —
Unanimously adopted.

On motion, the Delegates present agreed to circulate sub-
scriptions at their several Churches, for the purpose of
raising funds for Indian Missions.

On motion, the Clerk was requested to have 600 copie?
of these minutes printed, and distribute amongst the
Churches, and that he be allowed $25 for his trouble.

Ordered the Treasurer to pay over to the Clerk the min-

ute fund, that amount being $56 65 cents. Clerk gave re-
ceipt for the same.

Resolved, That the next session of this Association be
held with the Salem Church, in Monroe County, Alabama.
to convene on Saturday before the fourth Lord's day in
Sept. A.D. 1862.

Appointed Elder F. II. Moss to preach the next Intro-
ductory Sermon and Elder G. L. Lee, alternate.

No other business being before the body, a hymn was
sung, the parting hand given and prayer by Elder F. II.
Moss, and then adjourned, after a peaceful and harmonious
session. WM. C. MORROW. Moderator.

Geo. L. Lee, Clerk.

September 23, 1861.

Report of Committee on the State of Religion.

Your committee on the State of Religion beg leave to report, thaton ex-
amination of the letters, they find some few churches have had a revival of
religion and baptized a good number. Many appear to be at a stand still,
and consequently a want of spirituality abounds ; and worldly-mindeducss
is seen in every church to an alarming extent. Some have not been repre-
sented at all. Others have no pastor, and ask your prayers and sympathies.

Brethren, these things call for our action, especially at this time, when
war is in our laud. We would therefore, most earnestly recommend the
churches to try and live this year more religiously and more prayerfully ; —
praying for all men, and will all pray that the word of God may have free
course, and be glorified,'and that our country be speedily delivered from
threatened despotism, war and bloodshed, and that peace and good will may
abound throughout our Southern Confederacy and the world.

Respectfully submitted, " PITT. S. MILNER, Cha'n.

B.

Report on Domestic Msssions.

Your committee report as follows : There being no missionary in the
bounds of this Association, and the churches being relieved from the expense
thereof, your committee would suggest that the Domestic or Home mission-
ary work in the limits of the Gontederate States, presents a subject worthy
of the services and prayerful consideration of this body. In consequence of
the present struggles in our country and the hardness of times, the contri-
butions to the Domestic work have fallen far short of the demand, and many
of our missionaries have been discontinued, and the work will be suspended
"altogether, unless something is done to sustain those now in the field.

The Indian mission is one of peculiar interest to us, and commends itself
to the benevolence of every Christian and patriot in the land.

The consideration, that the efforts of our missionaries have been successful
in destroying the enmity excited among the Indians against us by Abolition
agents sent from the North, should urge us to liberal contributions to sus-
tain that mission, in view of our political and sectional interests. This, in
connection with the great importance of their souls' salvation, cannot fail
to excite our deepest sympathies, and elicit from every Christian and patriot
the means of supporting missionarses among them, in order to foster and
perpetuate in their bosoms that friendship already entertained for us as a
nation, in preference to oui Northern enemies, who have made strenuous ef-
forts to secure (heir co-operation.

Your committee would, therefore, recommend the adoption, by t'lis body,
of some plan by which we can co-operate in the work ot Indian missions.

F. H. MOSS, Cha'n,

10

c.
Report on Sabbath Schools

Your committee on Sabbath Schools respectfully reports, — That they de-
plore the manifest want of interest in Sabbath Schools by the churches in
this Association. That they find comparatively very few Sabbath Schools
reported in the Associational letters. That they earnestly recommend to
the prayerful consideration of all the churches, the great importance of hav-
ing Sabbath Schools. That they diligently employ the necessary means for
their successful operation. And that they give a statistical report of the
same in their Associational letters.

All of which is submitted, C. L. THORNTON, Cha'n.

E.

Report on Queries and Requests.

We, your committee on Queries and Requests, beg leave to report, that
we find no queries or requests in the different church letters to this Associa-
tion, that comes before your committee.

Respectfully submitted, Z. WILLIAMS, Cha'n.

H.

Your committee on the obituary notice of Elder Z. G. Hexdersox, have
to regret the scanty means of" information in their possession as to the life of
our 1-imented brother.

On the 7th of October, 1860, he died of pulmonary consumption, after
several months of severe suffering ; which he bore with Christian fortitude
and resignation, and departed this life in perfect peace, with the blessed as-
surance of eternal joy at God's right hand. Bro. Henderson was born in
the State of Georgia. His father, Wm. Henderson, wasadistinguished min-
ister of the Gospel, and died while the subject of this notice was an infant,
and predicted on his dying bed, that this child would fill his place in the
church.

In 18! 5 he was baptized by Elder J. R.Hand, and joined the Calebee
Church of Christ. He was then about 16 years of age. In 1857 he gradu-
ated, with high honors at Howard College. In 1855 he was called to ordi-
nation by the church at Tallassee, Elders J. D. Williams and S. Henderson
acting as presbytery. His labors here were much blessed. Subsequently h<-
served succesfully as pastor of the Wetumpka church. "After this he de-
voted a year to the agency of Howard College, in which he succeeded be-
yond the most sanguine expectations of his friends. I do not suppose that
College ever had an agent that accomplished so much in all respects as he
did. He was the most indefatigable agent I ever saw." (S. Henderson.)

In 1858 he acceptedthe call of the Pensacola church, in which he labore'l with
great zeal, ability and success, until he fell a prey to the disease that brought
on his death. In Dec. 1859 he was married to Miss Mattie Sterns, who died
only a few days previously to his own death.

Though bro. H. pursued no secular business, yet succeeded in laying in a
competency, all of which he left to the care of Christ.

Bro. Henderson, besides writing several communications for newspapers,
which bore the mark of intelligence and mature reflection, published a treat-
ise while at Pensacola, with the singular title of, "Strike, but hear me," in
which he defended the Old Landmark doctrine, with signal ability and orig-
inality.

His piety was ardent, and his zeal for his Master unsurpassed by any one
we ever knew. All the benevolent objects of the day shared largely in his
■-ympalb.it s and contributions. He was possessed of sound judgment, and
consequently a firm believer in the doctrine of grace and the sovereignty of
God.

He was probably the most laborious pastor we ever knew and as success-
ful as any.

We mourn his loss as of one whose place cannot be easily supplied.

W.C. MORROW, Cha'n.

11

p
Report of Auditing and Finance Committee.

Your Committee report the following amounts for the objects designated

Churches.

3'

c
n

SO

SO
S'S

on a

22. °-
o 5'

?

o

2 00

3 00
3 50
5 00

1 75

2 00
5 00
1 50

1 00

2 35
1 30

3 0

1 00

1 00

2 50
2 00

1 95

2 00
1 35

1 50

2 00
2 00
2 00

70

1 00

2 00
75

2 00
75
75

2 00

3 00

i oo

3 50

Monroeville . . .
Philadelphia.. .

5 00
1 00
1 75

2 00

Bellvillc

5 00

Hopewell

1 50

Murder Creek.

1 00

Arkadelphia .

2 35

Cataba Spring.

1 30

Beulah

3 00

Shilo

1 00

Pilgrims' Rest.

I 00

Evergreen

2 50

5 00
2 00

Olive Branch . .

1 95

New Hope ....

2 00

Union . . ....

1 35

Brushy Creek .

1 50

Georgiana ....

2 00

2 00

Bethel

Sepulga ....

....

2 00
70

Old Town ....

1 00

New Prospect .

2 00

Pine Barren .. .

75

Pleasant Hill..

2 00

Little Escambia

75

Coon Hill ....
Sunday Collec.
Voluntary Con.

i3 85
14 75

75

1 13 85
14 75

!58 65

31 10 1 00

90 75

Respectfully submitted,

E. G. AUTREY, Cha'n.

12

Treasurer's Report.

Y. M. RABB, Treasurer, In Account loith the Bethlehem Association.

CR.
By amount paid by G. L. Lee

lor Minutes. $58 U."

DR.

To Sabbath collection SI 3 85

Amount of Minute fund 58 G5

': " Associations! fund 11 SO.State Convention fund 41 4(»

Voluntary contribution of the

Asso. for Indian Missions 14 75!

$99 05

Respectfully submitted,

$100 ().".
Y. M. RABB, Treasurer.

Note.— Received from New Prospect Church, after the Association ad*
journed, two dollars for Minutes. CLERK.

13 *
A LIST OF MINISTERS,

WITH THEIR POST OFFICES.

ORDAINED MINISTERS.

A. J. Lambert. ...... Claiborne.

J. Mc Williams Monroeville .

G. L. Lee Burnt Corn,

Wm. C. Morrow Bellville.

A. Jay Sparta.

A. W, Jones Evergreen.

J. Smith Bellville.

Z. Williams Brooklyn.

P. S. Milner Georgiana.

T. Bennett Garland.

N. Parker Oaky Streak.

A. D. Stewart Monroe Springs

R. Gentry Starlington.

J. P. Myres Garland.

P. H. Moss East Georgia.

J. Mitchell Pensacola.

C. L. Thornton "

J. L. Briers Bluff Spring.

S. Johnson Pensacola.

-. -. Irvin

• <«> ■

LICENTIATES.

J D. Beck Pensacola.

W. A. Jones " -

James Thames Claiborne.

NOTICE.

Dear Brethren : — It is with regret that I have been so long in getting
the Minutes of the Association published. 7 have endeavored to do my du-
ty ; prepared the manuscript soon after the Association adjourned ; sent it
immediately to R. B. Witter, of Sparta, to publish ; said Witter having
ngreed to do so, but failed to comply with his promise, without sending me
hack the manuscript, or letting me know any thing about it. After waiting
on Witter for weeks, for the job, I have been compelled to re-write ; and
there may be some inacuracy in the Minutes. GEO. L. LEE, Cl'k.

Sabbath

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