MINUTES
THIRD ANNUAL SESSION
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IlKI.n WITH
BDBTHIESID^e^ CHITJE-CSC,
MONTCOMEKY COUNTY, AI,A.,
SEPTEMBER 2d, 3d and 4th, 1884.
OFFICEHS
H. C. TA UL MODERATOK .
J. I. LAMA]{ Clerk
J. IT. DTCKSOX Treasikei: .
. Moiitguinery, Ala.
Deatsville, Ala.
.V\m' L(>v<^], Ala.
MONTGOMERY, ALA. :
I{.VI;1;ETT a- CO., printers ANU HIXDKItS,
1884.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
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MINUTES
THIRD ANNUAL SESSION
mmvi BiPiisi mmm,
HELD WITH
SETHIESHDJ^^ CSITJieCH:,
MOXTGOMERY COUXTY, ALA.,
SEPTEMBER 2d, 3d and 4th, 1884.
OFFICERS
H. C. TAUL Moderator Montgomery, Ala.
J.I. LA^IAR Clerk Deats\dlle, Ala.
J. H. DICKSON Treasurer Pine Level, Ala.
MOXTGO^IERY, ALA. :
BARRETT & CO., PRINTERS AN'D BIXDERS,
1884.
NAMES AND POST-OFFICES OF MINISTERS.
B. A. Jackson Ramer .... Alabama^
J. W. Orme Pugh,
H. C. TaUl Montgomery
J. L. Sampey . . . . • Ramer,
J. J. Cloud Wetumpka,
■p. C. Waite Montgomery,
LICENTIATES.
J. C. McLendon. . Ramer .... Alabama.
J. R. Sampey Ramer "
ASSOCIATION DISTRICTS.
First District.— Wetumpka, Deatsville, Mt. Hebron, Bethany, Unity, Friend-
ship.
Second District.— Pine Level, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Zion, Liberty, Salem, Elim.
Third District.— First Montgomery, Adam Street, Ramer, Bethesda, Phila-
delphia.
13-
14-
15-
i6.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Association called to order by Moderator.
Appoint Committee on Credentials.
Introductory Sermon.
Elect Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer,
Visiting brethren invited to seats.
Receive petitions from churches desiring membership.
Appoint committee to report during session —
On Religious Exercises,
On Finance and Auditing,
On Documents and Requests.
On Nominations.
Call for Correspondence.
Read Rules of Order.
Hear Reports from Committees and Treasurer.
Return Correspondence.
Appoint Committee to report next meeting —
On Home and State Missions,
On Foreign Missions,
On Sabbath Schools,
On Temperance,
On Education,
On Bible and Colportage,
On Indigent Ministers.
Hear Miscellaneous Busine.s.
Call Roll and erase absentees.
Arrange for printing minutes.
Correct minutes and adjourn.
MINUTES.
The Third Annual Session of the Monto'oraerj Baptist Asso-
ciation was held with Bethesda Church, Montgomery county,
Ala., commencing Tuesday, September 2d, 1884, at 11 o'clock,
A. M.
Elder H. C. Taiil, former Moderator, called the body to
order.
Prayer by Elder B. A. Jackson.
Appointed Brethren E. J. Harris, M. A. Pyron, W. G.
Worrell, committee on credentials, to whom were referred let-
ters from the churches.
The principal and alternate appointed to preach the intro-
ductory sermon being absent, by invitation of the body, Dr. W.
C Cleveland performed the duty most acceptably. Te?:t : 1st
Timothy, v chap., part of 4th verse ; theme, "Show piety at
home."
Took a recess for refreshments.
Met and resumed business.
Prayer by Elder J. L. Sampey.
Committee on Credentials reported delegates from the
churches, as follows :
Eirst Montgomery — H. L. Yelverton, A. P. "Wilson, W. T. Hatcliett,
W. Gamble, Misses Mattie Yelverton, A. J. Dennis.
Adam Street, Montgomerv — H. C. Taul, F. C. Waite, A. E. Couiiee,
L. Nickel, G. Montgomerv, E. Hill, Miss M. L. Taul.
Bethesda—,/. C. McLendon, J. T. Boyd, D. W. Fuller.
Pine Level — J. H. Dickson, J, D. "Wright, E. J. Harris.
Mt. Lebanon — J. W. Orme, G. G. Long, M. D. Eiland.
Ramer — B. A. Jacksox, J. L. S.\.mpey, J. R. McLendon.
Elim — Not represented.
Salem — A. B. Brassel.
Bethany — Letter ; no delegate.
Wetumpka — J. .J. Cloud.
Deatsville — J. I. Lamar, ]M A. Pyron.
Mt. Hebron — R. B. James.
Union — Letter ; no delegates.
Sand Tuck — Letter ; no delegate.
Unity— "W. G. Worrell.
Friendshij) — Not represented.
Libertv — Not represented.
Mt. Zibn— J. S. Smith, F. J. Dismukes, J. Mills.
Philadelphia — G. T. Edwards.
The Association proceeded to elect officers. Brethren T. M.
Bailey and W. T. Hatchett acting tellers — resulting in the
choice of Elder H. C. Taul, Moderator, Brethren J. I. Lamar,
Clerk, and J. H. Dickson, Treasurer.
Aasiting bretliren were invited to seats. Drs. T. M. Bailey,
Secretary of State Mission Board, W. C. Cleveland, Chairman
of Board of Ministerial Education, G. A. Xnnnallee, repre-
senting Home Mission Board, President J. T. Mnrphee, of
Howard College and Prof. L. D. Inskeep, of Jndson Institute,
were cordially I'eceived.
Mt. Zion Church. Montgomery county, recently organized,
was received into membership.
Philadelphia Church, of the Alabama Association, was re-
ceived into membership and the Clerk instructed to obtain a
letter of dismission for her from said Association.
Appointed the following committees :
On lieligions Exercises — Pastor and Deacons of Bethesda Church, with
Brethren J. D. Wright, A. P. Wilson.
On Finance and Aucliting — E. J. Harris, W. G. Worrell, A. E. Coupee.
On Documents and Requests — J. J. Cloud, L. Kickel, J. C. McLendon.
On Nominations — J. H. Dickson, G. Montgomery, J. W. Orme.
Select Place of Holding Next Meeting — B. A. Jackson, W. L. Yelverton,
M. A. Pyron.
Called for correspondence and received from —
Salem Association — J. D. McLendon, F. M. Sullivan, F. A. Curtis.
Package of Minutes from Alabama State Convention.
The hour of 10 o'clock to-morrow morning was made special
order to consider the subject of missions.
The subject of education to be considered at 2 o'clock, p. m.
to. morrow.
In absence of chairman on Home and State Missions, Elder
J. L. Sampey was appointed to prepare a report for this
session.
Report of Committee on Sabbath Schools read and after
able speeches by a number of brethren, was amended and
adopted as follows :
REPORT ON SABBATH SCHOOLS.
Your Committee beg to submit the following i-eport :
The number of Schools reported we find only 7 ; number of Teachers,
69 ; number of Scholars, 660 ; number received from Sabbath School into
the Ciiurch, 52.
While a majoritj^ of the churches report no school at all, others we are
glad to say are doing a nol)le work for <Tod and their fellow-man through
the hallowed influence of the Sabbath School.
And, whereas, the Bible is the only Book amongst all Books, that re-
veals man's fall fi"om his high and holy state, his natural depravity, his
enmity to God, the desperate -wickedness of his lieart, God's hatred to
sin, and His infinite and only plan by which man can jiossibly be rein-
stated into the favor of a Merciful God ;
And, whereas, the great object of the Sabbath School is to impart to
all around a more perfect knowledge of Jesus' love, His wondrous plan
to restore man to his former favor and affection with God, His precious
promises, and his touching ai:)peals to sinners of every grade ;
I
Therefore, your committee most earnestly request the delegates of this
Association on their return to their respective churches to bring the great
need and worth of the Sabbath School prominently before their brethren,
and if possible arouse the indifferent to a sense of dut3% to the require-
ments of a Merciful God, and the great needs of perishing souls around
them becoming better acquainted with Jesus, who is the way, the truth
and the life to those and those only who are believers.
We further recommend that Sabbath School Conventions be held in
each district of this Association during the next year.
That the Sunday School Committee be instructed to arrange pro-
gramme for the Conventions to be held in the different districts.
J. W. ORME, Chairman.
The following brethren wei'e appointed a committee on
Bible and CoJpovtage—F. C. Waite, G. Long, J. T. Boyd.
Adjourned to 9 o'clock, a. m. to-morrow.
Prayer by Bro. J. T. Murphee.
Dr. G. A. Nunallee preached at night.
Wednesday, September 3, 18S4.
The Association met pursuant to adjournment.
Prayer by Bro. E. J. Harris.
Read the minutes of yesterday.
Treasurer's report read and referred to Committee on Finance
and Auditing.
The following order, districting the Association, was adopted
as follows :
First District — Wetumpka, Deatsville, Mt. Hebron, Bethany, Unity,
Friendshi]).
Second District — Pine Level, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Zion, Libertv, Salem,
Elim.
Third District — First Montgomery, Adam Street, Eamer, Bethesda,
Philadelphia.
The delegates from the district entitled to the Association
shall determine the place where the next Association shall
meet.
Report of Committee on Temperance read and ably dis-
cussed by a number of brethren, was amended by resolution
and adopted as follows :
REPORT OX TEMPERANCE.
It is with profound gratitude to our Heavenly Father, that j-our com-
mittee feel able to report, that never before in the history of our country
has the cause of Temperance occupied the high prominence that it does
at the pi-esent time. Its advocates no longer need to labor with argu-
ments to prove that the use of intoxicants are not only useless, but in-
jurious, sapping the very foundation of all good and bringing degradation
and bankruptcy upon our people. The question of legal interference has
been settled and now no longer doubted, and we hail witii gladness the
dawn, upon the great Temperance cause, of an era such as never opened
up before. The success that has attended the efforts to remove the
tratfic in ardent spirits from our midst is of the most gratifying character.
In this as in other great enterprises the faithful and persistent labors of
small communities in getting laws passed bj' State legislation prohibiting
the traffic in their localities, has enabled whole counties and States to
drive it out and quiet and prosperity reigns where revelings and disorder
prevailed. And now that our law-makers ax-e disposed to aid in the mat-
ter, we believe it to be the duty of every community, by petition to the
legislature, to have an act passed prohibiting the sale of liquors in their
midst. The churclies too should take high ground. Let them see to it
that Bible teaching on this subject be rigidly enforced, and as suggested
in the report on Temperance adopted by the last session of the Alabama
Baptist State Convention, "That we let it be clearly understood that a
Baptist church is no home for a drunkard or a liquor vendor."
Great good has been accomplished. Much remains to be done. The
field is inviting. The masses are awake to the great movement. Let all
Christians unite and by earnest prayer, faithful labor and consistent ex-
ample, the glorious day of deliverance will dawn upon us.
We would most earnestly impress upon pastors and indeed all minis-
ters in the bounds of this Association the duty that devolves upon them
that they ''should cry aloud and spare not, and when they preach of right-
eousness and judgment to come," they should also "reason of Temper-
ance."
As a denomination, your committee are decidedly of the opinion that
we shoulxl not be satisfied short of entire and absolute prohiL)ition, and
that we should earnestly labor for the acct)mplishment of that great end.
Resolved, That this Association will not fellowship any church that
recognizes or permits the traffic in intoxicating liquors among its mem-
bers.
J. I. LAMAR, Chairman.
Dr. jSTunallee presented the claiins of Dr. Tuckers work,
" The old Theology Reinstated.''
The hour for special order having arrived, the reports on
Home and State, and Foreign Missions were read, and after due
consideration were adopted, as follows :
REPORT ON HOME AND STATE MISSIONS.
A few years ago the Baptists of Alabama had one man trying to per-
form the impossible work of being an Evangelist for the entire State and
it wds very difficult to pay his salarj', in fact a few cliurches had to
pledge at the Convention to pay the salary. "What a change has taken
place, now there are seventy men employed by the State Board and it is
easier to raise nine thousand dollars now for the work than it was to raise
one thousand then. There is progress along the lines, but much remains
to be done. There are many places that need missionaries. The Board
has accomplished a great work in our own Association. The pastor assisted
by a State Evangelist at Adams Street church in the city of Montgomery
has succeeded in making that church self-stistaining, and instead of being
a beneficiary that church will hereafter assist in carrying the gospel to
other points.
The Home Board is also on rising ground. It had 144 missionaries
employed during the past year. This board is operating in Florida,
Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and the Indian Territory. The board has
inaugtirated a plan to raise money to assist weak churches in building
houses of worship. There are places where w^e have failed because we
have no houses for oiu" people to w'orship in. This work is meeting with
some success and demands our hearty co-operation.
JAMES L. SAMPEY.
REPORT ON FOREIGN MISSIONS.
The spirit of Missions is steadily advancing, and taking a firmer hold
upon the hearts of Southern Baptists, than in all the history of the past.
The annual contributions to the different Boards of the Convention, es-
tablish this assertion. From the Treasurer's report at Baltimore, there
is a gain over the preceding year of $23,-561.16. The receipts of the last
Convention for foreign missions exclusively, show the home contributions
to be !fS0,465.87. This is over 41^2 per cent gain. If a like gain can be
made the present year, the next report at Augusta will show the hand-
some sum of over $113,859.20. The Board is out of debt, and had a
balance in hand of .$9,566.36, after all disbursements. But we call atten-
tion to one feature in this statement which might mislead some. It is
this : Dr. Yates, of China, is authorized by the Board to draw at any
minute on the treasurer for .$6,000 for a mission house in Ching Kiang.
This leaves a balance of .$8,566.36.
Such a representation is cheering to renewed souls. It is not only a
source of gratification, but profound joy. "We are making progress. This
has been long de.sired. It is gi'eatly needed. Christians have prayed
earnestly for it, and there has been indefatigable toil on their jjart to
bring about the present results.
Eleven new missionaries have been added to the li.st, viz ; Miss Emma
Young, of Missouri, and Miss Mattie M. Roberts, of Kentucky, sailed
for China last December, the former to Canton, the latter to Tung Chaw.
Bro. W. S. Walker, our missionary to Shanghai, married Miss Lilian Ellen
Mateer, of TungCliaw, and when last he^rdfrom he and his wife were in
this country recruiting his failing health. Bro. Francis 31. Myrers, of
Kentucky, and Charles E. Smith and 3Irs. Smith, of Arkansas, for
Africa. Frederick C. Hicksou and Mrs. Hickson, of South Carolina,
Elijah E. Davault, of Tennessee, and James M. .Joiner, of Louisiana, for
China. Mrs. C. W. Pruitt, of Tung Chaw, has been baptized, which
completes the number above mentioned. The Secretarj' says: "In no
year since the organization of the Convention, have so many or more
promising missionaries been enrolled by this Board." The past year
has been blessed with an increase of laborers for Christ, and perhaps
never a better qualified host have gone forth to extend the Redeemer's-
kingdom in foreign lands.
The following is a summary of the Foreign Mission work : Number of
missionaries, native and foreign, 95 ; increase of membership, 175 ; pupils
in day and Sunday schools, 684; number of church members, 1,141 ; con-
tributions on the fields, $1,077 ; nearly one dollar a piece.
The Lord is blessing the work that is being done for the salvation of
lost sinners in China, Italy, Africa, Brazil and Mezico. There have been
some p'recious revivals. At Lagos there was said to be one hundred
conversions, and twenty-five added to our denomination by baptism. O
the value of one soul ! "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner that repenteth." What a stimulus to Christians !
The Southern Baptist Convention asks the churches to contribute the
present year $100,000. Our State Board endorses the request. We
recommend —
First, That the Association accept its proportional part and endeavor
to raise it during the year.
Second, That all collections for this purpose be forwarded through the
State Board.
B. A. JACKSON, Chairman.
Appointed J. H. Dixon, W. Gamble, G. T, Edwards a com-
mittee to apportion amount asked for in report on missions
from the churches.
The following amounts were pledged by churches to aid
Rutledge church to build a house of worship, to be paid by
December 1, 1884 :
Earner '. . . .$5 OOlFirst Montgomery $10 00
Pine Level 5 OOjBethesda 5 00
Mt. Lebanon 5 00 Mt. Zion 2 50
Adam Street 5 001
Total 37 50
Adjourned till 2 o'clock. Prayer by Prof. Inskeep.
Met and resumed business. Prayer by J. H. Dickson.
Report on Education read and after discussion the following
amounts were contributed for ministerial education in Ploward
College :
Ramer Church $10 00 G. A. Nunallee $ 5 00
Pine Level 20 00 G. G. Lono- 5 00
Adam Street 10 00 W. R. Waller 5 00
Mt. Lebanon 10 00 Col. Murphee 5 00
Mt. Zion 5 00 J. C. McLendon 5 00
A. B. Braswell 5 00 JNIrs. L.. AVard 1 00
F. C. Waite 5 00 Mrs. Dr. Mullen paid 2 00
L. Nickel 5 00 G. A. Nunallee paid 5 00
J. B. Scott paid. . 5 00 J. H. Dickson paid 1 00
J. W. Orme paid. . 1 00
Total $110 00
The report was then adopted as follows :
REPORT ON EDUCATION.
Your Committee on Education hail with delight, tlie fact, that the
Baptists throughout the State are manifesting more and more interest in
the cause of education. We are glad to see that the Baptists, as a de-
nomination, are keeping abreast with other denominations in their ap-
preciation of the responsibilities which attach to every parent to do the
utmost in equipping his child fi)r the duties and demands of a useful life.
The man or woman who seeks the highest good for their cliildren must
see to it that the restraints of morality liave full sway in their discipline.
Hence arises a necessity for Christian schools — denominational schools —
and we think we have them in the Howard College for boys and the Jud-
son Female Institute for girls.
On the subject of Ministerial Education we report that the matter has
been brought to the attention of the Alabama State Convention at their
last session and the following Board was appointed, viz : R. H. Sterrett,
D. I. Purser, A. .1. AValdrop, E. B. Teague, W. C. Cleveland, J. M.
Frost, and J. I. Dill. This Board having given their permission, a
"mess hall" for Theological students at Howard College will be estab-
lished. The Convention having limited assistance to twelve dollars per
month to each pupil, makes it necessary to practice economy. We attach
hereto the following explanation of the work of the Board of Ministerial
Education, as a conclusion of this report :
1. All who receive aid will be expected to board in the "mess hail"
provided by this Board.
2. An attemiit will V)e made to reduce board to $8 per month.
3. Each student will furnish bed clothing, pillows, towels and lights.
4. In no case can w^e do more than pay for books, college expenses and
board, and students will, as far as possible, provide college expenses and.
board, and return the books at the end of the session.
In order to the successful prosecution of this work the Board will need
$1,200 on the first of October next, and $1,200 on the first of Februarj',
1885.
The following express requirements on the part of the Convention are
obligatory upon the Board : Each applicant must be recommended by
his church, examined by this Board, and give his note, v\ithout interest,
for the amount received, to be paid if at any time he should abandon the
ministry.
Feeling the responsibility resting upon us in the conduct of this most
important work, the Board earnestly appeals to the churches throughout
the State in this crisis of ministerial education. May we not confidently
appeal to the ladies to assist us in furnishing the rooms in the home of
our yo'ing preachers ?
All communications to this Board are to be addressed to R. H. Sterrett,
President of the Boaid, Birmingham, Ala. All moneys must be sent to
T. L. Hudgins, Trea.surer, Birmingham, Ala.
A. E. COrPEE, Chairman.
REPORT OX DOCUMENTS AND REQUESTS.
Committe on Documents and Requests report. Union and S:indtuck
churches desire letters of dismission to join the Central Association.
The numVjer of baptisms reported in the church letters is 133. Nine
regular prayer meetings reported. \
We regret to have to announce the death of Elder P. W. Spear, who
departed this life 21st of last Mav. Adopted.
J. S. CLOUD, Chairman.
REPORT ON APPORTIONMENT.
Resolied, That the churches of this Association are requested to put
forth earnest efforts to raise for tlie different objects under the directions
of the State Mission Board, a contribution equal to one dollar per mem-
ber.
"We further recommend that our pastors be requested to explain these
different objects fostered bj- the State Board, and to lift collections for
these objects at least once a month during the vear.
J. H. "DICKSON, Chairman.
Appointed Brethren B. A. Jackson, W. G. Warrell. J. D.
Wright committee to prepare obituary of Elder P. W. Spear.
Report of committee on Bible and Colportage read and
adopted as follows :
REPORT ON BIBLE AND COLPORTAGE.
The value of the Bible and its wonderful influence in the world, both as
a civilizing agency and as an educational power, aside from its v.onder-
ful saving efficacy in bringing sons and daughters unto God, can best be
estimated by a comparison of those lands where the Bible has been widely
circulated and the light of the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" has
risen with healing in its wings, subduing the stronger passions of man
and elevating the nobler impulses of his nature and bringing him into an
attitude of a true worshipper of the only true and living God. With those
lands where its light has never penetrated and to-day they are in the
darkness of heathendom and superstition and in ignorance of the true
God, they are bowing in stupid adoration to stocks of wood and stone.
A nearer comparison can be made in our own land between thosi^ fami-
lies where the Bible is their text book and man of their counsel, and that
10
family, which, Goliah like, cares for none of those things, orby that man
whose life is hid with Christ in God, with that man who will not have
the man Christ Jesus to rule over him. We therefore feel that circu-
lating the Bible among the masses, is second to nothing but the preach-
ing of the gospel, as an agmicy under God of hastening forward that glo-
rious epoch when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdomis
of our God and his Christ. "We would therefore recommend that the
work of Bible and Colportage be pushed forward in our midst imtil ther«
shall not be a family or person within the bounds of this Association
without a cop3' of tlie Bible.
We also recognize the value of the religious press in circulating reli-
gioiis literature both for the family and the Sabbath school, and we vrould
urge the importance of every family taking at least one religious paper for
the benefit of themselves anrl children.
We would also recommend that our Sunday schools avail themselves
of the best helps they can procure for the study of the Scriptures.
We would recommend as among the best papers and helps and those
worthy of support for the family, the Alabama Baptist, published at
Sekna, and the Christian Index, published at Atlanta, Ga., and for the
Sunday school, Kind Words, published at Macon, Ga. The Young
Reaper, the Baptist Teacher, and the series of Sunday school quarterlies
published by the American Baptist Publishing Society, Philadelphia.
We append fur adoption the report of the Corresponding Secretary of
the State Mission Board, of work done in this department for the last
Conv^tional year, also the action of the Convention with regard to the
American Bap. Pub. Society, which we endorse and recommend that this
Association give to it its sympathv and hearlv co-operation.
F. C. WAITE, Chairman.
I
BIBLE AND COLPORTAGE WORK.
Progress has been made in this very interesting and hopeful depart-
ment Oi labor. We have had twenty-six men engaged in this work dur-
ing the last Conventional year. Their labors extended into forty-seven
of our counties. They sold 8,732 bf)oks and pamphlets, valued at
$2,864.51. Tliev save awav to poor families and individuals destitute of
the Scriptures, 100 Bibles and S04 Testaments; valued at $66.20.
For the furtherance of this work twenty permanent funds of $100 each
have been raised in cash and pledges, by Sunday Schools, Churches and
Associations. These funds are not spent, but are used as a capital with
which to keep our Colporteurs well supplied with books. We hope that
in Associations where "Permaneat Funds" have not been raised, efforts
will be made to do so this fall. We very much desire to raise $1,000 this
year to t-nable us to extend the work.
The Bible Work of the American Baptist Publication Society was
heartily endorsed by our Convention, and the State Board was instructed
to raise money foi* its support. Since the commencement of our State
work the Societv has generously furnished us gratuitously with as many
Bibles and Testaments as we needed for distribution. During the year
ending ^March 31, 1884, it gave to Alabama Baptists 5,756 copies of the
Scriptures, valued at $513.30. During the same time our churches gave
to Bible Work $33.95.
Alabama Baptists are amply able to supply the destitution of the Scrip-
tures in their own State, and to give generous help to the Society, to en-
able it to meet the wants of less favored States. ^Ve propose to raise
this year $500 for this work. We hope to receive a collection from every
Church for Bible Distribution.
Appointed the following committees, to report at the next
sessior. :
11
On Foreign Missions— J . J . Cloud, W. B. Warrell, M. A. Pyron.
On Home and State Missions— J . W. Orme, W. D. Eiland, J. C. Mc-
Lendon.
On Sabbath Schools— F. C. Waite, W. B. Davidson, J. I. Lamar, J. H.
Dickson.
On Tem-perance — J. L. Sampe}^ E. J. Harris, J. D. Wright.
On Education — J. H. Dickson, W. Gamble. J. S. Smith.
Bible and Colportage — B. A. Jackson, A. E. Coupee, G. G. Long.
On Indigent Ministers — A. P. Wilson, L. Nickel, R. B. James.
Executive Board — J. W. Orme, G. W. Thomas, W. G. Worrell.
Adjourned to meet to-morrow 9 o'clock, a. m.
Prayer by Elder F. C. Waite. ',
Preaching at night by Dr. T. M, Bailey.
Thursday, September 4, 1884.
Association met. Prayer by Elder J. J. Cloud.
Union and Sundtuck churches, Elmore county, requested let-
ters of dismission, which were granted.
Adopted report of committee on Obituary of Elder P. W.
Spear, as follows :
OBITUAPtY.
Died, at his residence on the 21st of May, 1884, Dr. Pleasant AV. Spear,
aged 78 years.
The deceased was one of the constituent members of the First Baptist
Church, Montgomery, Ala. In the year 1842, at a regular conference, he
was unanimously invited by that church to preach for them three Sun-
days in each month. He accepted a monthly appointment. In after
years, having a growing family to support and educate, he embarked in
the practice of medicine, graduating at the INIedical College of South
Carolina in 1857, and followed tlijs profession till death took him hence.
At different times and places he preached the Gospel to the comfort and
edification of Christians. During his sojourn amongst us, he maintained
the character and dignity of a minister of Jesus Christ.
Resolved, That, as it has pleased God to take him from our ranks to
himself, we bow in humble submission to His' will, tendering our sympa-
thies and kind wishes to the remaining relations.
B. A. JACKSON, Chairman.
REPORT ON PLACE OF MEETING.
Committee to select time and place of next meeting, recommend Adam
Street Church, INIontgomery, Saturday before the first Sabbath in Novem-
ber, 1885.
B. A. JACKSON, Chairman.
Adopted.
Committee on Nominations select to preach Introductory sermon,
Elder J. J. Cloud; J. L. Sampey, alternate. Missionary sermon on Sab-
bath, Dr. T. M. Bailey ; Elder B. A. Jackson, alternate.
It was resolved. That this Association appoint an Executive Commit-
tee of three brethren to confer or advise, when necessary, with the State
Board on all matters pertaining to the work in which it is engaged.
12
Returned correspondence, and appointed to
State Co7ivention—B.. C. Taul, J. W. Orme, B. A Jackson, F. C.
Waite, A. E. Coupee, E. J. Harris, J. L. Sampey, J. J. Cloud, M. A.
Pyron, J. C. McLendon, W. G. Worrell, J. T. Boyd.
Alabama Association — B. A. Jackson, J. C. McLendon, A. E. Coupee,
G. Montgomery, A. P. Wilson.
Salem — J. H. Dickson, J. C. McLendon.
Centennial Association — E. J. Harris, J. H. Dickson, B. A. Jackson.
Unity Association — J. J. Cloud, M. A. Pyron.
Auditing committee report that they examined the Treasurer's
report and ifind it correct
TREASURER'S REPORT, 1883.
J. H. Dickson, Treasurer of Montgomery Association.
Dr.
To E. J. Harris, Chairman F. C, vouchers $445 80
cash 154 75
.$600 55
Cr.
By G. M. Harrington, for Friendship church $ 4 00
J. I. Lamar, Minute money 30 55
T. M. Bailey, vouchers 445 80
State Missions 34 45
Foreign Missions 35 95
Home and Indian Mission 23 15
Indigent Ministers 2 00
Ministerial Education 6 50
P. H. Lundy, B. C. F 10 50
Anniston church building 7 65
Total disbursed $600 55
J. H. DICKSON, Treasurer.
13
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The following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That we recommend to the favorable consideration and ac-
tive co-operation of the sisters in the churches of this Association, the
Central State Convention of women on woman's work of which Mrs. A.
H. Alexander is President, Miss Mary Davis, Treasurer, Miss A. J.
Dennis, Secretarj', located in Montg. imeiy, Ala.
Ordered that $25.00 of the Minute fund be appropriated for
printing the minutes and the balance paid to the clerk for his
services.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of this body are hereby tendered Bethesda
church, and also the community at large for their generous hospitality
during the sessions of this body.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are tendered the Mont-
gomery Southern Railroad for courtesies shown delegates to this meeting.
Called the roll and corrected the list of delegates.
The Association then adjourned to meet with Adam Street
Church, Montgomery, Ala., Saturday before the first Sabbath
in November, 1885.
Prayer by Dr. G. A. Nunallee.
H. C. TAUL, Moderator,
J. I. LAMAR, Clerk, Montgomery, Ala.
Deatsville, Ala.
15
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II
fl a i;_g^i-^^a'|5 5 §
c*»-
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
MONTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Article I, This union of churches shall be known and distinguished by the
style and title of the Montgomery Baptist Association.
II. This Association shall be composed of representatives from the churches in
union.
Each church shall be entitled to three delegates, and for every additional twenty-
five members above the first hundred, shall be entitled to an additional delegate;
but in the business of the Association, whenever the delegates from any church of
the body shall request it, the vote shall be taken by churches, and in that event
each church shall be entitled to three votes
III. The delegates, when convened, shall organize themselves into a deliberative
body, by the appointment of a Moderator and Clerk ; these officers shall be chosen
by ballot, at each annual meeting, and continue in office until new ones are
chosen.
Should any event transpire so as to prevent an annual meeting of this Association,
the Moderator shall have the power to call a meeting at any time or place ; which
meeting, when convened, shall have all the rights of a regular annual meeting.
IV. This -Association shall not int- rfere with the rights of the churches of which
she is composed She shall regard them as independent bodies in all measures of
internal c;o\'ernment, and shall only act as an advisory council; assuming no author-
ity bu: what is expressly d-legated to her by the churches, or evidently implied by
the Vrry natur ■ of the compact. She nevertheless claims authority over her own
members, the delegates of the churches, and in justice and propriety must have pow-
er to withdraw from and disown all churches that depart from the principles of this
compact, by becoming heterodox in faith or disorderly in practice. She should,
therefore, regard all the churches, united under the constitution, with a vigilant eye
for good Her principal business shall be to promote the declarative glory of God,
by extending his kingdom of grace on earth, through the medium of preaching the
Gospel, and other means, in accordance with that Gospel ; to cultivate union and
fellowship with all the churches of Christ, and especially with those united in this
Association
V. Newly constituted churches dismissed from other Associations, of the same
faith and order, may be admitted into this union, on their sending up delegates to
an annual meeting, with a petition, and by those delegates agreeing to the abstract
of principle'^ adopted by this Association.
VI. The churches in this union shall transmit to every annual session of the As-
sociation written communications specifying the names of the delegates, number in
fellowship, baptised, received by letter, dismissed, excluded, restored, deceased
since last session, and all other information which churches may deem of import-
ance, which shall be read and minuted accordingly.
VII. This .\3sociation shall have a fund, supplied by the voluntary contributions
of the churches, and all monies thus contributed shall be transmitted from the
churches and paid over, t -rough the Committee on Finance, to the Treasurer, who
shall be elected bv ballot, and hold his office during the pleasure of the Association.
He shall receive and manage the funds according to the order of the Association,
and present annually, for insertion in the Minutes, a clear and full statement of all
receipts and expenditures.
VIII. This Association shall furnish the churches with the Miuutes of every
session.
17
IX. This Association shall take cognizance of no query sent up from the church-
es unless they have endeavored to solve the same and have failed; nor of any diffi-
culty between churches, unless they have pursued the directions contained in the
XVIII chaptc; of Matthew, and have not been able to settle them ; then the Associ-
ation shall take such matters into consideration and act upon them at her
d'scretion.
X. It shall be the duty of the clerk of this Association to keep a regular file of
printed Minutf-s of every session of this body, and deliver over the same to his suc-
cessor in office.
XI. This Association, when convened, shall be governed by proper rules of de-
corum, which she is authorized to form and amend according to her own views.
XII. This constitution may be altered or amended at a regular meeting of the
.Association, by a concurring voice of two-thirds of the members present ; provid-
ed, such alteration or amendment be approved by a majority of the churches.
RULESOFORDER,
FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS, AND DECORUM IN DEBATE, IN THE
MONTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
1. At every annual meeting of this Association, immediately after the delegates
names are enrolled, tellers shall be appointed by the chair, and the Association
shall pioceed to choose from among their number a Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer,
who are to hold their offices until new ones are chosen.
2. The Moderator shall take the chair every day at the hour to which the Asso-
csation shall have adjourned on the preceding day; shall immediately call the mem-
bers to order, and on the appearance of a quorum shall cause the minutes of the
precedi:.g day to be lead.
8. He shall preserve order and decorum ; may speak on points of order in
preference to other members, rising from his seat for that purpose ; and shall decide
questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Association, by any two members,
on which appeal no member shall speak more than once unless b)' leave of the As-
sociation.
4. He shall rise to put a question, but may state it sitting.
5. Questions shall be distinctly put ; those voting in the affirmative shall say aye,
and those of a contrary opinion no. If the Moderator doubts, or a division be
called for, the delegate? shall divide : those voting in the affirmative shall first arise
from their seats, and afterwards those voting in the negative.
6. The Moderator shall appoint all committees, unless otherwise specially di-
rected by the Association.
7. In all cases of election, the Moderator may vote; in other cases, he shall not
vote, unless the body be equally divided; in that event he shall give the casting vote.
He may speak on any question, provided he shall call some other member to the
chair while he is speaking.
8. The Clerk shall enroll the names of the delegates, minute the proceedings of
the body, and perform such other duties as the Association may direct.
g. The Treasurer shall receive, account tor and pay out all monies belonging to
this body, according to the instructions of tl:e Association, and perform such other
duties as the Association may direct.
10. When any member is about to speak or deliver any matter to the Association,
he shall rise from his seat and respectfully address the Moderator, and shall confine
himself to the question under debate and avoid personalities.
11. If any member, in speaking or otherwise, transgress the rules of the Associ-
ation, the Moderator shall, or any member may, call him to order; in which case
the member so called to order shall immediately sit down unless permitted to ex-
plain ; and the Association shall, if appealed to, decide on the case, but without
debate. If there be no appeal, the decision of the Chair shall be submitted to ; if
the decision be in favor of the member called to order he shall be at liberty to pro-
ceed ; if otherwise he shall not be permitted to proceed, in case any member object,
without leave of the Association.
18
12. When two or more members happen to rise at once the Moderator shall
name the one who is to spt-ak first.
13. No member shall speak more than cnce to the same question, without leave
of the Association, unless he be the mover, proposer or introducer of the matter
pending, in which case he shall be permitt d to speak in reply, but not until every
member choosing to Speak shall have spoken.
14. Every member who shall be in the house when a question is put shall give
his vote, unless the Association, for special reason, excuse him.
15. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the Chair ; or,
being in writing, it shall be handed to the Moderator, and read aloud before
debated.
16. Every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the Chair or any member de-
sire it,
17. After a motion is stated by the Chair, or read aloud by the Clerk, it shall be
deemed to be in possession of the body, but may be withdrawn, by leave of the As-
sociation, at any time before a decision or amendment.
18. When a question is under debate no motion bhall be entertained but to ad-
journ, to tie on the table, for previous question, to postpone to a day certain, commit,,
amend, to po-tpone indefinitely ; which several motions shall have precedence in the
order in which thev are arranged, and no motion to postpone to a day certain, to
commit, or postpone indefinitely, being decided, shall again be allowed during the
session.
19. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order, e.xcept the Association be en-
gaged in voting.
20 A motion to lay on the table shall be taken without debate ; a ^d shall always
be in order, except a member be speaking, or the Ijody engaged in voting.
21. On a previous question there shall be no debate All incidental questions
of order arising after the motion is made for the previous question, and pending
such motion shall be decided, whether on appeal or otherwise, without debate.
22. The previous ques'ion shall be in this form : ' Shall the main question be
now put? " It shall only be admitted when demanded by a majority of the mem-
bers present; its effc ct shall be to put an end to all debate, and bring the Associa-
tion to a direct vote upon amendments reported by committee, if any : upon pend-
ing amendments, and then upon the main question
23. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that under considera-
tion shall be admitted under color of amendment
24. When a motion has been once made and carried, in the aft'irmative or nega-
tive, it shall be in order for any member of the ■! ajority to move a reconsideration
thereof, on the same or succeeding business day, and such motion shall take pre-
cedence of all other questions, except a motion to adjourn.
25. No member shall absent himself from the house without leave of the Mod-
erator; or leave the meeting without leave of the .A.ssociation.
26. Should any member of this Association absent himself before the close of
the session, without permission of the body, be shall be marked in the Minutes as
alisent without leave.
DECLARATION OF FAITH
OF THE
MONTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOC! AT fOX.
I. Of the SCRlPrURES. — We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men di-
vinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction ; that it has God for
its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mi.xture of en or for its mat-
ter; 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 centre of Christian union and the
suprerrie standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be
tried.
19
II. Of the True God. — That there is one, and only one, true and hving God,
whose name is Jehovah ; the Maker and Supreme Ruler of iieaven and earth ; in-
expressibly glorious in holiness ; worthy of all confidence and love ; revealed under
the personal and re'ative distinctions of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost!
equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in
the great work of redemption.
III. Of the Fall of Man. — That man wa=; created in a stateof h( liness, un-
der the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and
happy state ; in consequence of which all mankind are sinners, not by constraint
but choice, being by nature- utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God,
wholly given to tiie gratification of the world, ot Sa'an, and of *heir own sinful pas-
sions; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or
excuse.
TV. Of the Way of Salvation.— That the salvation of sinners is wholly of
grace, through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who took on Him our na-
ture, yet without sin, honored the law by His personal obedience, and n ade atone-
ment 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
perfections. He is every wav qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-
sufficient Savior.
V, Of JUSTIFICATION. That the great Gospel blessing, which Christ oi His ful-
ness bestows on such as believe in Him, is justification ; and Justification consists in
the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness ; that
it is bestowed, not in consideration of any work- of righteousness which we have
done, but solely through His own redemption ami righteousness; that it brings us
into a state of most blessed peace and favor w th God, and secures every other bless-
ing needful fort imeand eternity.
VL Of THE Freeness of Salvation. — That the blessings of salvation are
made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them
by cordial and obedient faith ; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the great-
er sinner on earth, except his own voluntary refusal to submit to the Lord Jesus
Christ, which refusal will subject him to an aggJavated condemnation.
VII., Of Grace in Regener.vtion. — That in order to be saved, we must be
regenerated, or born again ; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition
to the mind; and iseff;cted in a mannej above our comprehension or calculation
by the power of the Holy Spirit, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the
Gospel ; and that its proper evidence is found in the holy fruit we bring forth to the
glory of God.
VIII. Of God's Purfose of Grace. — That election is the gracious purpose of
God, according to which he regenerates, sacrifices and saves sinners ; that, being per-
fectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in con-
nection w ith the end ; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness,
being infinitely wise, licly and unchang'-_able ; that it utterly excludes boasting and
promotes liumility, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mer-
cy ; tliat it encourages the use of means in the highest degree ; that it is ascertained
l)y its effects in all who believe the Gospel; is the foundation of Christian assur-
ance, and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves our ut-
most diligence.
IX. Of the Preseverance of Saints. — That such only are real believers as
i-ndure to the end ; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the gra' d mark
which distinguishes them from superficial profession, that a special Providence
watches over thei I welfare; and th.at they are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation.
X. Harmony of the Law and Gospel. — That the law of God is the eternal
and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just and good ;
th::t the inaljility 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 establishment of the
visible church.
XL Of a Gospel Church — That a visible church of Christ is a congregation
of baptised believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gos-
pel, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, and exercising the
gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by his word ; that its only proper ofticers
2<»
are bishops or pastors, and deacons, whose quahfications, claims and duties are de-
fined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XII. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.— That Christian Baptism is tlie
immersion of a behevcr, in water, in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit to show
fortli in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in a crucified and risen Savior,
with its purifying power; and that it is a prerequisite to the relatives of a church re-
lation and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members ct 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 Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by
abstaining from all secular labor and rCi reations, by the devout observance of all
the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest Vv'hich
remaineth for the people of God.
XIV. Of Civil Government. That civil government is of Divine appoint-
ment, for the interest and good order of human society, and tjiat magistrates are to
be prayed for, conscientiously henored and obeyed, except in things opposed to the
will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and Prince
of the Kings of the earth.
XV. Of the Righteous and the Wicked. — That there is a radical and es-
sential difference between the righteous and the wicked ; that such only as through
fai'h are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God,
are truly righteous in his esteem ; while a 1 such as continue in impotence and un-
belief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse ; and this distinction holds among
men boih in and after death.
XVI. Of the World to Come. — That the end of this world is approaching;
that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead from the
grave for 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 this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on princi-
ples of righteousness.
1
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