Minutes of the ... Annual Session of the Bethlehem Baptist Association 1874

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FIFTY -EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY

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MINUTES.

Philadelphia Chuech, )

Monroe County, Ala., Sept. 26, 1874. )

The Bethlehem Baptist Association met pursuant to ad-
journment, with the Philadelphia Church. The annual ser-
mon was preached by Elder Ingram Spence, from 28th chap-
ter of Matthew, 19th and 20th verses: " Go ye, therefore, and
teach all nations," &c.

After a recess of an hour the delegates assembled in the
church and the Association was called to order by the Mod-
erator, Elder A. Jay, and opened by singing, and prayer by
Elder J. L. Eddins, and the Moderator announced the Asso-
ciation ready for the transaction of business.

The Moderator appointed J. W. Leslie, A. J. Kobinson,
and J. W. Locke, to read the letters. The letters were read,
contents noted, (see tabular statement), and the names of the
delegates enrolled, to-wit:

FIRST DISTRICT.

Little River. — D. H. Boyles.

Claiborne. — R. A. Lambert, James Thames, and N. C.
Thames.

Salem. — D. M. McNeill, B. Sawyear, and James Newberry.

Zion. — John McWilliams, L. W. Duke, and Bichard Hixon.
/ Pleasant Hill.—K. McLeod.

Monroeville — J. W. Leslie, T. J. Emmons, and John De-
Loach.

Philadelphia. — W. G. Curry, J. H. Daily, William Helton,
and W. T. Nettles.

Pleasant Ridge. — C. W. Smith, E. Andress, and Travis
Biggs.

Mars HiU. — James Boon.

SECOND DISTRICT.

Bethany. — B. Sherley, 8. Brantley,
Bellville.—E. Cline, C. D. Gulley, T. A. Bobbins,

ArkadelpMa. — James Norecl, John Higdon.

Pilgrims Rest. — J. B. Colley, J. S. Scott, and E. P. Lovless.

Breckenridge. — F. M. Walker, A. S. Hudson.

Cedar Creek.— M. C. Kirkland, J. M. Steel.

Point Pleasant. — B. J. Howell, John Howell.

Bamah. — J. H. Bains, B. Bradberry, J. White.

THIKD DISTRICT.

Evergreen. — J. W. Locke, Y. M. Rabb, and T. B. Long.

New Prospect. — D. D. Bennett, J. H. Stamps.

Union. — J. W. Page, L. Garner.

Brushy Creek.— J. M. Fortune, J. A. Cohron.

Brooklyn. — A. J. Robinson, C. A. Thames, G. R. Boulware.

Georgiana. — E. C. Milner.

Old Town. — I. Spence.

Mt. Carmel. — J, Chancellor, J. W. Darby, J. J. Howell.

Beulah. — A. Jay, J. M. Travis, J. G. Baggitt, jr.

Proceeded to the election of officers for perfecting organi-
zation, which resulted in the re-election of Elder A. Jay,
Moderator; John DeLoach, Clerk, and A. J. Robinson,
Treasurer.

The Moderator appointed Committee on Preaching, to-wit:
Elder J. McWiUiams, J. M. Travis, J. B. Colley, Y. M. Rabb,
W. G. Curry, Pastor and Deacons of Philadelphia Church.

On motion, Elder A. Jay was relieved from preaching to-
night on the subject of Temperance, and hold a temperance
mass meeting instead thereof.

Letters and messengers from corresponding bodies were
called for.

Received from the Pine Barren Association her messengers,
and invited them to seats with us, to-wit: Elder J. L. Eddins,
P. Armstrong, H. E. Davison, W. R. Countryman, E. F.
Griffin.

On motion of Brother J. W. Leslie, that there being pres-
ent several members of the Bethlehem Association, colored,
who desired to be present and witness the order of business
of the Association, and get such information as would be of
service to them as a body, to-wit: Jim Wilson, Harrison
Stallworth, Lewis Barnett, Willis Stallworth, and Reese
Montgomery.

3

On motion of Bro. E. P. Lovless, that we reinstate as an
item of business " Temperance," and raise a committee to re-
port on the same.

On motion of Bro. J. W. Locke, that a special committee
be appointed to select a minister to preach the annual sermon,
and the alternate, and report the same to the Association,
and committee appointed to-wit : J. W. Locke, J. S. Scott, J.
M. Travis, W. T. Nettles, T. A. Bobbins.

On motion of Elder W. G. Carry, that " periodicals and
publications" be an item of business, and that a committee
be raised to report on the same.

The Moderator announced the appointment of standing
committees, as follows :

On State of Religion. — Elder W. G. Curry, A. J. Kobinson,
J. W. Darby, C. A. Thames, James Newberry.

On Sabbath ScJtods. — J. W. Locke, Elder J. Spence, G. R.
Boulware, J. B. Colley, James Nored.

On Domestic Missions. — Elder L. W. Duke, Y. M. Rabb,
D. M. McNeill, J. M. Fortune, D. D. Bennett.

On Temperance. — J. "W. Leslie, E. P. Lovless, T. J. Em-
mons, J. H. Stamps.

On Queries and Bequests. — A. J. Robinson, Elder E. Cline,
R. A. Lambert, B. Bradberry, J. J. Howell.

On Correspondence. — E. C. Milner, J. W. Darby, Elder L.
"W. Duke.

On Periodicals and Publications. — Elder W. G. Curry, A. J.
Robinson, J. W. Leslie, E. C. Milner, E. P. Lovless.

On Finance.— Y. M. Rabb, T. A. Robbins, T. B. Long.

Elder A. Jay, Chairman of the Committee of the Executive
Board, made his report ; which, on motion, was received and
adopted. (See appendix A.)

Bro. Y. M. Rabb moved to reconsider the vote adopting
the report of the Chairman of the Committee of the Execu-
tive Board. The Association, after considerable debate, re-
fused to reconsider.

The Committee on Preaching reported as follows: On Sab-
bath, in the church, at It o'clock a. m., Elder A. Jay; at the
same hour, at the arbor, Elder J. L. Eddins ; in the church,

at 2 o'clock p. m., Elder P. Armstrong; at the same hour, at
the arbor, Elder J. M. Fortune.

On motion, adjourned to Monday morning at 8 o'clock.
Prayer by Elder J. McWilliams.

On the Sabbath, the ministers preached in the order of
their appointment, to large and attentive audiences. After
the morning services a collection was taken up for associar
ional purposes, amounting to $

Monday Morning, September 28, 1874.

The Association convened pursuant to adjournment. Sing-
ing and prayer by Elder W. G. Curry.

The minutes of Saturday were read, corrected and ap-
proved.

J. W. Leslie, Chairman Committee on Temperance, made
his report ; which was received, amended and adopted. (See
appendix B.)

J. W. Locke, Chairman of the Committee on Sabbath
Schools, made his report ; which was received and adopted.
(See appendix C.)

Elder L. W. Duke, Chairman of the Committee on Domes-
tic Missions, made a majority report, and Bro. Y. M. Rabb
made a minority report, and after some discussion Bro. W.
T. Nettles moved to refer both reports to a select and special
committee ; which was carried and committee appointed, to-
wit: A. J. Eobinson, W. T. Nettles, J. B. Colley, C. W. Smith,
J. H. Dailey; and, on motion, J. W. Leslie was added to the
committee.

E. C. Milner, Chairman of the Committee on Correspond-
ence, made his report ; which was received and adopted.
(See appendix D.)

A. J. Robinson, Chairman of the Committee on Queries
and Bequests, made his report; which was received and
adopted. (See appendix E.)

W. G. Curry, Chairman of the Committee on State of Re-
ligion, made his report; which, on motion, was received and
adopted. (See appendix F.)

Elder W. G. Curry, Chairman of the Committee on Peri-

odicals and Publications, made his report ; which was received
and adopted. (See appendix C.)

Bro. Y. M. Eabb offered the following preamble and reso-
lution ; which was, on motion, adopted :

Whereas, at the Association at Belleville in 1872, that ac-
tion was taken recognizing Bro. B. F. Riley as a beneficiary
of this Association, and that brother B. F. Riley has now
gone to Crozier Theological Seminary, relying, as is under-
stood, upon this body for the means contemplated in the
adoption of him as a beneficiary ; and, whereas, it was not
contemplated that any departure from this precedent, hereto-
fore established by this body, would be in his case, be it,
therefore,

Resolved, That while we do not feel that the resolutions
bind us to contribute to his support at any other point, only
that of our own institution, we would refer to the considera-
tion of the churches composing this Association his claim
upon us as a denomination.

On motion of A. J. Robinson, that committees on Sabbath
schools, domestic missions and temperance be appointed at
this Association, and to report at the next annual meeting of
this Association.

On motion of brother J. W. Locke, that a committee be
appointed to procure subscribers for the Alabama Baptist.
The committee appointed are as follows, to-wit : L. W. Duke,
E. C. Milner, E. P. Lovless, F. M. Walker, R. A. Lambert;
also, that all ministers of this Association be requested to act
as agents in getting subscribers for the Alabama Baptist.

Appointed correspondents, as follows :

To Pine Barren Association — L. W. Duke, W. R. Maxwell,
John W. Leslie, J. W. Locke, C. D. Gulley.

To Alabama Association — E. C. Milner and J. H. Stamps.

To Elim Association — E. P. Lovless, J. B. Colley, T. M.
Rabb, G. J. Scott.

To Zion Association — A. J. Robinson, J. W. Locke, W. G.
Curry, J. W. Darby, J. M. Fortune, N. B. Lynn, J. M. Travis,
E. C. Milner, G. R. Boulware.

To State Convention — A. J. Robinson, J. W. Locke, W. G.
Curry, A. Jay.

To Bethlehem Association (colored) — E. C. Milner, J. M.

6

Fortune, J. H. Stamps, D. D. Bennett, J. W. Darby, N. B.
Lynn.

Brother Y. M. Rabb, chairman of the finance committee,
made his report, and on motion it was received and adopted.
(See Appendix H.)

On the application of the delegates from the Belleville
church, the nest annual session of this Association will be
held with that church.

Brother J. W. Locke, chairman of a special committee, re-
ported that they had selected Elder L. W. Duke to preach
the next annual sermon of this Association, and as alternate
Elder W. G. Curry.

Brother Y. M. Rabb offered the following resolution, which
was adopted :

Resolved, That this Association regards with the utmost
satisfaction the high position the Howard College has taken
in the rank of colleges in the United States, and because it is
our college we heartily recommend it to the favorable consid-
eration of all who may desire a first class education, either
theological or literary.

Brother A. J. Robinson, chairman pf special committee on
domestic missions, made his report, which, on motion, was
received and adopted. (See appendix I.)

Appointment of standing committees :

On Sabbath Schools. — John W. Locke, J. B. Colley, E. P.
Lovless, E. C. Milner, J. W. Darby, J. M. Fortune, J. M.
Travis, E. Cline, Moore Wood.

On Domestic Missions. — A. J. Robinson, Y. M. Rabb, I.
Spence, Calvin Gulley, L. W. Duke.

On Temperance. — W. T. Nettles, W. G. Curry, J. W. Leslie,
C. W. Smith, T. J. Emmons.

On motion, proceeded to raise funds from the delegates to
pay our obligations to the late deceased Elder P. H. Lundy.

Amount raised, $24 50 ; and, on motion of brother J. W.
Leslie, that the money so raised be turned over to the treas-
urer.

On motion of R. A. Lambert, that the treasurer turn over
the minute fund to the clerk, and that he be allowed $20 for
his services, and the balance of the minute fund be appropri-
ated for printing and distributing the minutes.

On motion of brother J. W. Leslie, the money in the hands
of the treasurer for associational purposes be paid to the
chairman of the executive committee for brother Lundy's
daughter.

On motion of brother Leslie, that the amount of funds in
the hands of the treasurer for the beneficiary of this Associa-
tion, brother B. F. Riley, be paid over to brother Y. M. Rabb
to be forwarded to him ; and the amount in the hands of the
treasurer for home missions be paid to the chairman of the
executive committee.

On motion of brother J. W. Locke, that a financial com-
mittee be appointed, of one from each church, to raise funds
for missionary purposes, to be sent up to the next meeting of
this association. (See appendix J.)

Brother A. J. Robinson, treasurer, made his report, which
was received and adopted. (See appendix K.)

Brother Robert J. Lambert offered the following resolution,
which was adopted :

* Resolved, That the thanks of the Association be tendered
to the citizens and members of Philadelphia church and vicin-
ity for their kindness and hospitality so kindly tendered by
them to us, and to brother G. W. Davison for the use of his
house for preaching purposes.

On motion, the Association, after a harmonious session,
adjourned to meet with the Belleville church, Conecuh coun-
ty, Ala., on Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in Septem-
ber, 1875.

A. JAY, Moderator.

John DeLoach, Clerk.

APPENDIX.

(A.)
KEPOET OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

It was the pleasure of the Association, at its last session to refer the entire
missionary operations of the Association to her two boards, executive and
financial — the one to raise means, the other to disburse them, under instruc-
tions then given. It was no doubt expected that all that was laid out to be
done could be readily done by the entrusted agents, but up to this time the
financial committee have placed no means in our hands, consequently the much
cherished wishes of the Association failed — the obligation not discharged, nor
the mission to Pensacola supplied.

Your committee participated largely in the wish that these laudable Christian
objects could have been accomplished, but without funds they were powerless.
On information derived from brother B. F. Riley, the chosen theological ben-
eficiary of the Association at its session at Belleville, that he intends to be
ready to enter the Seminary at the commencement of the approaching session,
and needed some help . We, through our chairniRn, made known the same
through the Alabama Baptist, the best medium at our command, and requested
the brethren to be ready to respond at this session of our body. Your com-
mittee would further add, that never in the history of the Bethlehem Associa-
tion have our people been so hard run for money, or found it so difficult to
make a support for themselves and those dependant upon them, as in the past
year ; and we would suggest, in view of the trying times upon us, -that further
operations requiring much money, be passed for the present, and use all of our
exertions to liquidate the obligations outstanding. Were it possible to do so,
it would be a labor of love to supply Pensacola with another brother Lundy,
but the outlook at present is not of that encouraging character to justify it.
Respectfully submitted,

ANDREW JAY, Chairman.
A. J.ROBINSON,
W. G. CURRY,
J. W. LESLIE,
F. M. WALKER.
(B.)
ON TEMPERANCE.

Your committee on temperance is not in possession of data from which to
give statistical accounts of the evils of intemperance or the amount of opposi-
tion arrayed against it. But although the evils arising from intemperance are
indescribably great, we rejoice in the knowledge that, in many instances, they
are yielding to a great opposing force . The bloody tyrant, Alcohol, has long
swayed an almost unresisted sceptre, but now a formidable and well organized
army is disputing his right to reign, and a hard fought battle is going on, each
army is calling for recruits, and the time has come when every philanthropist
should enlist in the peaceful army of temperance and valiantly fight with the
weapons of love . This is the greatest of the world's enemies. We record with
pleasure the enthusiastic temperance mass meeting held during the present
session of your body, and which will form an epoch in the history of this As-
sociation, B" which unanimity of sentiment was expressed in regard to the de-
moralizing influence of intoxicating drinks among professors of religion. Your
committee would urge upon churches an unremitting effort to eradicate from
its pales the use of this unnatural and soul destroying beverage, and especially
that such means be adopted as will effectually prevent the traffic in ardent

9

spirits by their members, and we hail with pleasure the co-operation of any
total abstinence society as a means by which this most desirable end should be
the more speedily attained.

Respectfully submitted,

J. W. LESLIE, Chairman.

(C.)
ON SABBATH SCHOOLS.

Your committee beg leave to state, that from the letters and other sources of
information, they are induced to believe that the Sunday school cause is on the
increase, and we trust much good is being done in the name of our Lord and
.Saviour. We would recommend that the ministers serving the different
churches be reqiiested to make it a specialty to use their influence to have a
Sunday school in each church- -to earnestly impress upon them the importance
of the work and would also recommend that when any other text-book than
the Bible be used, our denominational works should be adopted.

Your committee, appointed at your last meeting, beg leave to state that they
have organized tour schools and have been influential in having others organ-
ized . They have felt the importance of the work, and have not failed to advo-
cate the cause on every occasion that presented itself. We feel that much good
can be done by a similar committee, and would recommend that a committee of
nine (three from each district) be continued, and that they, through their
chainnau, make the Sunday school report at our next meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

J. W. LOCKE, Chairman.

(D.)

ON CORRESPONDENCE.

To corresponding Associations the Bethlehem Baptist Association hails with
delight her fifty-eighth annual session, and our hearts are made glad by the
revivals reported from many parts of our Association, which is all evidence
thirt the word of the Lord shall not return unto him void, but that it is still
accomplishing that whereunto he has sent it. We still hope that this inter-
communion may continue, and that the blessing of God may rest upon us.
We regret that no corresponding messengers wen- present, except those of the
Pine Barren Association.

Respectfully submitted,

E. C. MILNE J!. Chairman.

(E.)

ON QUERIES AND REQUESTS.

Your committee on queries and requests beg leave to report, that there has
been no requests made or queries submitted.

Respectfully submitted,

A. J. ROBINSON. Chairman.

(F.)

ON STATE OF RELIGION.

Your committee beg leave to report, that from information derived from ihe
various churches of this Association, that the cause of Christ seems to be pros-
pering in our bounds. Many churches have been visited with gracious revivals
and large numbers have been added to their membership. This, amid the
stringency of the times, should call forth our profoundest gratitude and en-
courage us to believe that God is still pouring out his blessings upon us, and
sending forth his reviving influences.

Respectfully submitted,

W. G. CURRY, Chairman.

10

(G.)
ON PERIODICALS AND PUBLICATIONS.

Your committee respectfully recommeud the adoption of the following pre-
amble and resolution :

Whereas an organ of communication for the Baptists of Alabama has been a
felt necessity, and whereas the Alabama Baptist, published at Marion, fully
meets the wants of the denomination, therefore,

Resolved, That we give it our hearty support, and that we use every effort m
our power to extend its circulation.

W. G. CURRY. Chairmar.

(H.)

FINANCE REPORT.

Your committee beg leave to report the following amounts for the objects
designated :

CHUKCHES. MINUTE FUND, j CHURCHES. MINUTE FUND.

Claiborne $0 50 Union $1 50

Zion 3 50

Monroeville 5 00

Pleasant Hill 0 50

Salem 2 50

Belleville 5 00

Arkadelphia 1 65

Pilgrim's Rest 3 25

Cedar Creek 1 25

Philadelphia 3 00

Point Pleasant 2 00

Breckenridge 1 75

New Prospect I 35

Minute Fund $58 40

Sabbath Collection 18 25

Monroeville, for beneficiary •. 10 00

Monroeville, for Associational purposes 5 65

Georgiana, " " " 4 75

Mount Carmel, " " 150

Old Town, Home Missions 2 15

Brother Mc Williams " 1 50

Brother A. Jay " 2 00

Brooklyn 2 00

Georgiana 3 00

Old Town 2 00

Antioch 3 40

Beulah 2 00

Ramah 2 00

Mars Hill 1 50

Mount Carmel 3 00

Pleasant Ridge 2 00

Evergreen 2 50

Bethany 2 25

Total $103 60

Respectfully submitted,

Y. M. RABB, Chairman.

(I-)
ON DOMESTIC MISSIONS.

The special committee to whom was referred the majority and minority re-
ports on domestic missions, and the letters i >f Mrs. Nuininy, submit the fol-
lowing :

While your committee feel the great importance of reoccupying the field
emporarily and from necessity abandoned last year, Ave find that there is yet
no means on hand with which to prosecute the work, we therefore recommend
that no action be taken by your body, except to urge upon the churches their
duty to raise all the means possible and send to the next meeting of this Asso-
ciation for domestic missions. We would, however, urge that the amount due
brother Lundy's family for his services as missionary ai Pensacola, be raised
and paid to his daughter, Mrs. Nunimy, at once.

Respectfully submitted,

A. J. ROBrNSON, Chairman.

11

(K.)
TREASURER'S REPORT.
A. J. Robinson, Treasurer, in account with the Bethlehem Association :

DR.

To amounts received from finance committee.

Minute fund $58 40

Sabbath collection 18 25

Beneficiary 10 00

Associational purposes 11 30

Home missions 5 65

Special collection from delegates 24 50

$128 10

CR.

By amount paid clerk $58 40

" " chairman executive committee 54 07

" " home missions 5 65

" paid Y. M. Rabb for Riley 10 00— $128 12

Respectfully submitted,

A. J. ROBINSON, Chairman.

(J.)

FINANCIAL COMMITTEE.

Little River, D. H. Boyles. Evergreen, T. B. Long.

Claiborne, R.A.Lambert. New Hope, James Cook.

Salem, D. M. McNull. New Prospect, J. H. Stamps.

Zion, L. W. Duke. Union, L. Gamer.

Monroeville, J. W. Leslie. Brushy Creek, J. A. Cohron.

Philadelphia, Q. W. Davison. Brooklyn, C. A. Thames.

Pleasant Hill, M. McLeod. Georgiana, P. M. Bruner.

Mars Hill, James Boon. Sepulga, W. A. Smith.

Bethany, S. Brantley. Old Town. W. R. Watson.

Belleville, T. A. Bobbins. Mount Carmel, M. A. Cooper.

Arkadelphia, James Norrid. Antioch, J. W. Wamack.

Catawba Springs, J. J. Jackson. Damascus, L. W. Manning.

Pilgrim's Rest, E. P. Lovless. Beulah, J. G. Baggett.

Breckenridge, F. M. Walker. Ramah, B. Bradberry.

Cedar Creek, Isaac Kirkland. Pleasant Ridge, C. W. Smith.

Point Pleasant. Benjamin Howell. Bethel, Mrs. B. Avant.

Tabular Statement of the Churches.

No. Sabbath
Meetings.

Total.

No. of Blacks.

No. of Whites.

Dead.

Dismissed.

Excluded.

Restored.

Received by
Letter

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