Minutes of the tenth annual session of the Mud Creek Baptist Association (Ala.) 1881

MINUTES

OF THE

T'mmfh Mmwrnml ^mmrn^mM

mF the

HELD WITH

LIBERTY CHURCH, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALA.,

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, OCT. 14 and 15, 1881.

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.:

W. & C. BOBEKTS, BOOK AND JOB PKINTERS.

1881.

HivdiznsnzrTiES.

r Co., Ala.,\
t, 1881 J

Liberty Ciiurcjh, Jefferson
Friday, October 14,

Acconliiig- to appointment the Mud Creek Baptist Asso-
ciation, in its tenth anual session assembled with the Liber-
ty church, and the appointee being absent the alternate, Rev.
.1. X. McFall preached the Introductory Sermon, followed
by B. S. Thompson, then adjourned one hour and a half
for dinner. Delegates then assembled in the church, and
were calknl to order by former Moderator, Ehler T. A. Nor-
wood ; prayer by Elder John I. Gilbert. The lettei\s of the
several churches were then read by Elder J. H. Moody and
W. B. Vines, and delegates enrolled.

The delegates then came forward and voted for Modera-
tor and Clerk, which resulted in the choice of Elder J. H.
Moody, Moderator, and W. B. Vines, C-lerk.

APPOINTED COMMITTEES.

On Pr('orItin(/.—M. M. Gwin, J. M. Hyche, Thos. Birch-
field and deacons of Liberty church.

CAIvEED FOR CORRESPONDENCE.

C((n<((i>u — S. T. Huey, Jos. B. Glenn and R. Y. Robert-
son delegates. Also, Revs. M. M. Wood, R. E. Huey, O.
J. Waldrop and B. M. Waldroj) from Canaan Association.
On motion of Elder T. A.- Norwotkl the delegates and let-
ter were received and delegates and ministers invited to
seats.

Harmony, — Brothers Miles Parsons and A. Riley with
letter and minutes, invited to seats.

North Hither, — Elder A. White and Owen Franklin.

Tuscdhom. — Elder W. J. Herrin with letter and minutes.

RETURNf:D CORRESPONDENCE.

CWaan.— Revs. T. A. Norwood, J. N. McFall, B. S.
Thompson and J. H. Moody.

Hannony, — Elder B. S. Thompson and Wm. H. Batson.
Thompson to write.

North i^/rer.— Elder J. H. Moody, Dr. E. Foster, W. C.
Gilmore and W. P. Salter. W. C. Gilmore to write.

Ttiscdioosd. — Elder B. fS. I'hoinpson, Dr. E. Foster, Mon-
roe Hosnier aud J. H. Moody. Thoin])8on to write.

On motion of Thos. A. Norwood, the regular order of
hiisinews in Article ()th was dispensed with in order to take
up other business.

Report of Committee on Devotion.
We, y our Committee on Dtvotioii lug It ave to report Krvictt tu-night
hv Rf V. ,T. I. (Tilbert, followed by R. E. Hiuy ; prayer meeting to-mor-
rnw at 10 o'l'loek eonilncted by O. J. Waldrop. Preaehing to-uiorrow by
Brother M. M. Wood, at 11 a. in.

M. M. GWIN, Chairman.

On motion of Elder Norwood, the ^!th Article of busi-
ness was disjiensed with in order to reach otiier husiness.

On report of executive couimittee appointed Elders T. A.
Norwood, R. S. Thompson and W. 0. (ililmore.

On motion of Elder Norwood, I'ith Article of business
was dispensed with.

On motion of T. A. Norwood, M. M. Gwin was elected
Treasurer of this Association by acclamation.

On motion the letters from the two districts were read and
referred to a special committee consistino: of T. A. Norwood
and. I. H. fiaF^ty for amendment.

Ari><»LNTKl) COM.MITTEES.

XoiiiiiidfioiiM. — J, M. Hyche, John H. Batson and W. H,
LaFoy.

I hicii incuts. — J. T. (Tilbert, W. V. Oilmore and W. V.
Saltei-.

Sohhdth Schooh.—Uexs. J. N. Me Fall, J. 1. Oilbert and
W. C. Gilmore.

State and Foreign Missions. — Dr. E. Foster, Elders B. S.
Thompson and T. ^V. Norwood.

Home Mis.nons. — John IT. Batson, T. A. Norwood and
J. K. P. Laird.

leinperance. — Elder B. S. Thompson, J. M. Hyche and
T. A. Norwood.

Education. — M. M. (twin, B. S. Thompson and Dr. E.
Foster.

Finance. — W. H. Jiatson, P. A. Wilkey and Thomas
A. Birchlield.

Adjourned nntil 9 to-morrow morning.
SECOND DAY.

October 15.
The Association met in the church this morning at 9
o'(doek, and was called to order by the Moderator, after

wliich a hymn was suiio' an<l prayer otf'orcd by EUlcr H. (I,
Smith, The roll was then called and absentees marked.
( 'on.stitntion and llules oi" Decroriun were then read, after
which minutes of yesterday were read and adopted.

On motion of Elder T. A. Norwood, an Executive Com-
mittee of tive was appointed to serve during the year, con-
sisting of Brothers J. M. Hyche, Thomas Birchlield, M. M.
Gwin, 8. F. Wilkey and W.B. Vines.

Report off Committee on Documents.

We, your Committor on Doruiii^'iits \k-s; It'ave to report that after care-
hil exaiiiiiKition, we find nothini( worth our attention, only Mud Creek
churrli petitions for the next session of this body. Also, after examin-
ing the ( -ireular Letter written by Elder E. S. Thompson, cordially en-
dorse it and ask for its adoption and for it to be spread on the minutes.

jVftei" some discussion on the adoption of the Circular I^et-
ter, Elder T. A. Norwood moved that it l)e laid over and
considered until the next meeting of the body — carried.

On motion the Association then adjourned until 2 o'clock.
EVENING SESSION.

After singing prayer was ottered by the Moderator. Com-
mittee on Devotion th(>n reported preaching to-night at
candlelight by Rev. :sr. M. Wood, followed by Elder H. G.
Smith.

On motion of Elder T. A. Norwood, the report on Doc-
uments was adopted \vith amendment as follows : C 'ireular
Letter be deferred ibr next session of this body.

Report of Committee on Nominations.

We tiud that tlure is a request from Mud Creek church for the next
Si ssion of this body, but alter consulting the delegates present from Mud
Creek church, also the delegates froru Friendship church, we recommend
that the next session of this body be held with Friendship church, com-
mencing on Friday before the Third Sabbath in October, 1882. Intro-
(iuctory 8vnm)n to be preached by Elder Wm. Hanna, Elder J. A. Mark-
ham, alternate; Ekler .7. H. Moody to preach Missionary Sermon on
Sabbath at 11 a. m. An J^ssay to be written by Elder B. S. Thompson,
subject : Mathow xi chap., 7th to ]4th verses inclusive.

.JAMES M. HYCHE, Chairman.
Report on Finance.
The Committee on Finance i\>port the receipt of $23 to be used in
printing minutes and associational purposes.

WM. BATSON, Chairman.

Report off Committee on Sabbatffi Schools.

We, your Committee on Sabbath Schools beg leave to rejiort : W^e think
there is great responsibility resting on us as parents, to raise up our chil-
dren in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and teach the scripture
to all, old and young, and that there is no more efficient way than the
Sabbath ScIkjoIs. We also recommend the Alabama Baptist, Kind Words
and other religious reading matter to be used in families.

J. I. GILBEKT, Chairman.

4

It was then ag:reed that tliere wouhl he a mass meeting
held on to-morrow morning at 9 o'eloi-k, and the sul)jeet of
Sabbatli Sehools disenssed. Meeting to be opened by Rev.
M. M. Wood. ■

The Home Board of Alabama Ba])ti.st State Convention
asks of the Mud (Veek Association J&104 for objects fostered
by the iState Convention, and the Comjnittce on Home and
Foreign Missions report as folhnvs :

W(.' your committee on Home and Foivign Missions heg leave to re-
port, that we recommend that this body co-operate with tlie above sng-
gv,stion and contribute our pro rata share from each church.

E. FOyTER, Chairman.
Aftei' the report of Committee on Home and Foreign

Missions, a resolution was otfered and adopted that we co-
operate with, and raise the amoimt asked for by the Home
Board of the State Baptist Convention. The churches
•pledging themselves, with tiie exception of IMue Creek — it
not being represented in this i)ody — but we think Blue
Creek church will pay her ])ro rata share of the amount.

Report of Committee on Education.

We, your Committee on Education beg leave to re])ort thelollowing
thoughts on this all important subject: We feel that the time is now up-
on us, as an associational body, when we not only should act, but must
act. It should be our chief and special object to devise some m'^ans by
which religious education, both to children and ail in the bdunds ot tlij
Association can reap thu great benefit derived tlierefrom.

The time bnng v.ry short, we can only recommend that w ■ should us ■
every entrgy, and every self-denying eflbrt should be made by all of our
people, to secure for the rising generation such an anH)unt of nselul
learning as may he within our rvacli. The Free Schools, Sabbath Schools
and cheap papers, within our reach, we recommend the use of ; and h. t us
do al! in our Upowir to tuconrage the education of our childnn. To
those of our brethren who wish to become vducat.d in the ministry we
cordially r^ commend the Howard College as a tine institution of learning,
isi)t.ciallv for Theologv. Hi spectfullv submitted,

PI FOSTER, Cliairman.
Report of Committee on Intemperance.

We, your Committee on Int 'Uiperance l).g leave to report as follows:

1. That the several ehurcle s of this b(xly use all tluir iuHuence against
this great evil, and withdraw from any broth<_r who drinks intoxicating
drinks as a beverage, or to excess.

2. We further recommend that the sveral churclies in tliis Association
be instructed, through their pastoi's, to use all their influence to get a law
passed to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors outside- of incorpora-
ted cities of this countv. Respectfullv submitted,

JAMES M. HYCIIE, Cliairman.

Report of Committee on Mome Missions.

We, your Committee on Home Missions beg leave to report as follows :
That this Association send out an itinerant in the bounds, or adjacent
l>ounds of the Mud Creek Association for the ])Urpose of })reat hing and
organizing Sabbath Schools, and that he b • instructed, by this hoily, to
preach one sermon at each church on the subject of Home ^Missions, giv-
ing an opportunity to all to contribute to the support of the same.

THOS. A. NORWOOD, Cliairman.

• )
A I'esolution was passcil instructint;' tlic Kxcnitivc ( oiu-
luittce to secure a niissionary to labor in tlie hounds ot" the
Mud Creek Asso(uatiou, so loniu^ as funds would admit.

Report of Executive Committee.

Wo, your comniittfo beg Uavc to report that we appoint Elder J. H.
Moody as an itinerant to preach in tiie bounds of tl\e Mud Creek Associ-
ation, and oro-rtiiize Sunday Schools, &e.

Kespeotfullv submitted,

M. M. GWIN, (Jiiairmun.

Kssolwd, Tiiat we amend the 5th Article of the Constitution by strik-
ing out tliat part from the word " nevertheless" to the close of said Arti-
cle; also tluit tile ('onstitution, Rules of Decorum and Articles of Faith
be spri-ad on tliis minute.

Kesolveil, Tliat there be fifteen dollars of present fund paid for print-
ing minutes, and the remainder be paid to the Clerk of this Association.

Eesolved, That the thanks of this body be returned to the members of
Liberty church, and this community, for the manner in whicii they have
entertained us.

Bro. M. M. Gwin then stated that he wished to give old
l)rother H. G. Smith something, and wanted to see how ma-
ny was willing to give him something — and therv was ^7 40
made up for hini.

Rvsolved, That the collection taken up to-morrow be us'<l for the pur>
po.so of paying an itinerant.

Tlieu after appropriate services the Association adjourned
to meet with Friendship church, 21 miles northeast of Tus-
caloosa, in Tus(;aloosa countv, on Friday before the Tliir<l
Sabbath in October 1882.

J. H. MOODY, ^Moderator.

W. B. Vines, Clerk.

coiNrsmarxjmonsr.

Article I. This Association shall be known as the ISIud Creek Kajitist Association.

•J. It shall be formed of delegates from all the churches which may conuer't them-
selves with this body.

3. Any church may be admitted into, this body by general consent of the m,erabeTS
present at any regular session.

1. Aii>- church may withdraw from this body at her own discretion on proper applic-
jition for ilismission.

.'i. Tliis body shall usurp no authority over the churches in our union, nor infriu.w
iju any III their internal rights, but merely be considered as an Advisory Council in
all matters relative to their internal affairs.

6. The cliurches in the union shall transmit each aimual session of the Association
with a written communication specifying the names of their messengera and the state
• if their church since the last session.

7. Every church in our union shall be entitled to five delegates. Any church failing
to represent herself as aTjove described, shall state her reason at the next session.

8. Newly constituted churches shall be admitted into our union by messengers bear-
ing petitionary letters. If upon due examination they be found orderly and orthi nlox,
their reci-pticn shall Ije manifested by the Moderator giving t!ie messengers the riglit
iiand of fellowship.

VI. The Association when convening shall be governed by a regular and proper rule
of decfanun, which she is authorized to alter or amend according to her own views.

6

10. At even- sessioD of the Association a Sloderator shall be chosen by, and from
rtmong the delegates present, whose dutv it shall be to see that all the rules of deeoruni
be strictly observed, and take the voice of the Association on all subjects lejjnlly in-
troduced. A clerk shall be chosen in the same manner, whose duty it shall be to
make proper and correct minutes of the Association.

11. The Association shall have power to exclude from her union any church which
may violate the cunstitntinn or (iev)art from the orthodox principles of the Gospel.

12. The Association .-^hall furnish the churches with minutes accordin,:; to the funds
sent up for said purjiuse by the church each session.

13. Every query scut by a particular church nuisi V)o inserted in her letters certify-
uig that she has eniieavored to reconcile and has failed: In sticha case the Association
shall take it inider consideration, and the voice of a maiority shall be considered as
■m advi.'iory .•uis\\er. which shall Vie entered upon the minutes!

14. Queries that innuediately concern the Keueral union of the churches sent up by
a particular church, or introdticed bv a proper motion shall be taken up and decided
upon as soon as practicable.

lo. The Association shall have a Treasurer, whose dutv it shall be to receive all
monies from the hands of the Finance Committee and pay it out at the order of
The Association.

16. There shall be an Association book proA'ided, in which the minutes of every an-
nual session shall be recorded.

17. The A;-.sociation shall not adjourn any session until it shall have finished all the
Uusiness on hand, unless it be in extraordinarv cases.

15. Jlinutes of the Association shall be read and signed by the Mtxlerator and clerk
if neces.sary before the session rises.

19. Amendments to tlie Constittition may be made at any session when two-third^^
I'f the members may deem it necessary.

Article 1. The A.s^ociation shall be opened and closed by ]irayer.

2. The Moderator shall be deemed a jiid,i;e of order, and shall have a right to call
to order at any time, also it shall be his duty t(> see the rules of Decorum are attended
and to take the opinion of the A.ssoeiation on all (|uestions properly brought before
that body.

3. Any member not satisfied with his decisions on any point of order may appeal to
the As.soeiation on the sime day that the decision is made, but at no otlier time.

i. It shall be the duty of the clerk to keep a trtie record of the transactions of The
Asssciation.

o. But one person shall speak at a time, and he shall rise to his feet and address the
Moderator.

6. The Moderator when addressed for leave of speech shall signify the same by
laming them or otherwise.

7. No member shall be interrupted while speaking unless he depart from the sabje<-t
under consideration or use words of pei-sonal reH(X'tion. or with a view of calling' to
order for some particular purpose, and any motion made and seconded shall come
under the consideratio!i of the As.sociatiuu unless withdrawn by him who mule it.

S. Every case taken up by the Association after allowing time for rlebate. the M<jde-
rator shall put the question, and if necessary the sense of the body may be taken by
rising to their feet.

9. When anything is tikin up by the Association it shall first be decided upon be-
fcire another is jiroposed.

10. No person shall depart from the services of the As.'=ociation without leave of the
same.

11. The appellation of Brother shall be used in our address to each other.

12. The names of the memiiers shall be called as often as is necessary.

13. No person shall lie indulged in any practice that has a tendency to interrupt in
.■my time of public speech or other practice that would dishonor the As.sociation.

14. The Moderator shall be entitled to the same jirivileges of speech as (Others, prt)-
x'ided he appoint some other member to take his seat while he is sperking, but shall
not vote unless the Assocation be equally divided, then he shall give the <';;sting vote.

15. No member of this liody shall be permitted to speak more than twice on the
Njime subject without first obtaining leave of the .Association, tniless to explain.

l(i. Any person breaking the Rules of Decorum shall be reproved, at the discretion
of the Moderator, but only on the day the breach is made.

I. We believe in one only true and living God, ihe Father, Son and Holy Ghost
three in one.

■J. AVe believe that the Scriptures of the Old and Xew Testament are the word of God:
and the only true rule of faith and practice,
o. We believe in the doctrine of Original Sin.

4. AVe believe in man's inability to rcco\er himself from the fallen state he is in, by
his own free will and holiness.

."). We believe the doctrine of Election thronsh Snntification of the Spirit, and belief
of the truth.

6. Wc believe that sinners are justified in the siplit of God, only by tlie merits of
Jesus Christ.

7. We believe the Saints shall persevere in grace, and not finally fall away.

5. We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Slipper are ordinances of Jesus Christ,
and the true believers are the only proper Subjects, and dt) conscientiously believe
that the true mode of Baptism is immersion.

9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and general judgment,

10. We believe the joys of the righteous, and the punishmenr of the wicked will be
eitemal.

II. We believe that no minister has a right to the administration of the ordinances
only such as have lieen called of God, and regnlarh' baptised and approved by the
chuivh, and come under the imposition of hand by a "presb>1;ery.

12. We belseve that none but believers have a right to the ordinances of Baptism and
the Lord's Supper,

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