Bethany Baptist Church History

Contributed by: Paula Fancher

Submitted by: Ann Geoghegan

August 2005

Pages 1-49

Persons listed as coloured, black, belonging to and references to, are denoted in bold and or italics letters.

Bethany Baptist Church

Organized by William E. Stamps

June 3, 1819

At White Sandy Creek, Lawrence County, Mississippi

Contents – Monthly Conference Proceedings Bethany Church Cemetery Records

PREFACE

William Stamps b-ca.1772 in either Henry or Pittsylvania Co., VA.  married Frances (known as Frankey) ca.1790 VA.  She was b-ca.1798 VA.

On May 25, 1825 he bought 160 acres on White Sand Creek in Lawrence Co., MS, at $2.00 an acre.  On this tract, described as N. E. ¼ Section 22, T7N, R19W, he built his home. 

On February 4, 1837 he bought 80 acres at $1.25 an acre described as N. W. ½ SE ¼ Section 22, T7N, R19W. He settled in Lawrence Co., MS between 1817 and 1820. 

He and his wife were members of the Silver Creek Baptist Church.  It was the first Baptist Church organized in Mississippi.  It was near Salem Baptist Church and was located on Cole’s Creek near Natchez. William and Frankey Stamps transferred their membership to the Bethany Baptist Church. 

Originally the members met under a large oak tree near White Sandy Creek, on property which he owned.  The Church still stands on highway No. 13 near the Junction of the old St. Stephens Road between St. Stephens, AL and Natchez.

The following letter from Silver Creek at Zore, later Bethany: 

“Greetings:   We received your petition which meets our hearty approbation.  We have dismissed the following.    Williams Stamps and Frances Stamps.”  The church building contract was signed on April of 1823 and William Stamps contracted to do certain work on the church building.  He donated the land.  In August of 1845 either he or his son (William Stamps) received ten dollars to build a new pulpit. 

On July 19, 1851 his son (William Stamps) put on a new roof. William Stamps died in the fall of 1854 and his will proved November 28, 1854 in Orphan’s Court, Lawrence Co. A granddaughter of William Stamps (Sidonia Athelia/Kathryn Stamps) made several of the notes which appear in the records of Bethany Baptist Church.  Towards the back of the church records are several pages of names, which she apparently copied from the records.

These church records contain many death records, usually giving only the month and the year.  There are no marriage records,

though the names of married couples are frequently given.  There are no birth records, or records of baptist.

MISSISSIPPI, LAWRENCE COUNTY

The church met at Whitesand, an arm of Silver Creek Church, which arm is called by the name of zone and said church, agree when ever they want discipline to call for the Word of God, which we take for our guide.                           Wm. Nall, Clerk

Saturday preceeding the first Lord’s Day in May 1819 the arm on Whitesand a part of the body of Silver Creek Church, east of Pearl River convened for the purpose of holding conference to receive members by experience, letter, recantatis or excluding of disorderly members. Conference opened by Brother Martin and Brother Joseph Parkman. Sister Susannah Parkman was received by letter in full fellowship with us also Brother Joseph Ford and wife was received by letter in full fellowship with us also Brother and Sister Joshua and Lavina Stockdale received by letter in full fellowship with us also Sister Nancy Mullens was received by letter in full fellowship with us also Brother and Sister William Martin and wife was received by letter in full fellowship with us. Done in conference, signed by order of the church. 

                                                                                               Appointed B. Nall, pro tem Clarke

                                                                                               Wm. Nall Clk

Saturday June 3rd 1819, Conference opened by Brother Martin.  No business came forward. 

Signed by order of the church.

                                          Wm. Nall Clerk

Saturday, September 4th 1819, the church met at Zore, Lawrence County, Whitesand and after worship pro-ceeded to business. 

Saturday, September 4th 1819 - cont

First: A door was opened, Brother and Sister Charles Slater and Rhody Slater came forward with letter and was received in  full fellowship with us.

Signed by order of the church.                  Wm. Nall, Clark

SILVER CREEK CHURCH

To the Brethen of Whitesand at Zore,

Greetings:

We received your petition for a constitution which meets our heart approbation.  We have dismissed the following brethen in order to join in a constitution, to wit:

Brethen Names                       Sisters Names

William Stamps                     Frances Stamps

William Sparks                      Polly Sparks

Levi Tidwell                          Tempy Tidwell

Charles Slater                        Sister Slater

William Martin                       Nancy Martin

Joseph Parkman                    Susannah Parkman

Joseph Ford                          Sister Ford

A. Blackman                          Charity Simmons

Friday                                    Nancy Mullens

Brethren:

May the Divine Benediction attend you in so great an undertaking is the prayer of your Brethren required in conference, this 11th of September, 1819

 William Nall, C. C.

MISSISSIPPI STATE, LAWRENCE COUNTY

We, whose names here unto subscribed do certify that having been called upon by a little body of members collected together on the waters of Whitesand Creek, in order to form a constitution, we formed a presbytery and examined into their standing and finding them ripe for a constitution, we set them in order as a church to keep house for God to be known and distinguished by the church at Bethany.  Given under our hands, this 18th day of September, 1819.

                                          Wm. Cooper

                                          Micajah Fulgham

                                          John P. Martin

ARTICLES OF FAITH ON WHICH THE CHURCH WAS CONSTITUTED:

First,       We believe on one only living and true God and that there is a Trinity of Persons in the Godhead, The Father, Sonne and Holy Ghost and yet there are not three gods, but one God.

Second:  We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the word of God, and the only Rule of Faith and Practice

Third:     We believe in the full of Adam and in the corruption of human nature, and the impotency of man to recover himself by his own  free will and ability.

Fourth:   We believe in the everlasting love of God to his people, and the eternal election of a definite number of the human people, and the eternal election of a definite number of  the human race to grace and glory, and that there was a covenant of Redemption, between the Father and the Son before the world began in which their salvation was made sure and that they in particular were redeemed.

Fifth, We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God only  by the righteousness of what Jesus Christ amounted to them.

Sixth,  We believe that all those who were chosen in Christ will effectually called, regenerated, converted and sanctified by the spirit and supported by the spirit and power of  God, so that they shall preserve in grace and not one of them be finally lost.

Seventh,  We believe that water baptism is an ordinance of the gospel and that true believers in Christ are the only subjects and that simmersion alone is  the mode.

Eighth, We believe that the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the gospel, and that it should be kept in the church to show forth the Lord’s death until He comes.

Nineth, and lastly, we believe in the resurrection of the dead and a general judgment and that the happiness of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked  will be eternal.

                 John P. Martin

NAMES OF MEMBERS CONSTITUTED

1.    William Stamps                     

2.    William Sparks                     

3.    Levi Tidwell,                dismissed               

4.    Charles Slater,             dismissed         

5.    Williams Martin,          dismissed         

6.    Joseph Parkman,         Excom.            

7.    Joshua Stockstill,         Excom.      

8.    Joseph Ford,               dismissed               

9.    Fryday (colored),       dismissed         

10.   Frances Stamps

11.   Polly Sparks

NAMES OF PERSONS ADDED TO THE CHURCH SINCE THE CONSTITUTION

July 3rd, 1820 Brother Stockstill and Sister Stockstill were excommunicated by order of Conference for drunkness and disobeying the church.

August 5th, 1829 Met and after worship, Brother John Carlisle came forward and request that he should come under the watch care of the church until received by letter, which letter was in the State of Georgia.  Assented to by the church.

September 30th, 1820,  met and after worship, proceeded to the choice of a precher by vote and Brother John P. Martin was elected,  also that he should be notified by Brother. Also, William Stamps and Thomas B. Slater appointed to write the Association letter the 5th of November 1820 at Fair River.  Done by the order of Conference.

March 3rd, 1821

 The church being met and after a lecture delivered by Brother Fulgham, Conference was opened.

1st    Brother Micajah Fulgham and Sister Rachel Fulgham were received by letter.

2nd    Brother William Martin came forward and made an humble acknowledgement for hard wards and whishes he had made relative to his daughter and her  husband and was  acquitted by the church.

March 31st, 1821

The church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened.

1st    Received a petition from our Sister church at Poplar Springs praying  for helps to be appointed to attend at their next meeting in course. The church acceded  to the petition and appointed the Brethren Fulgham, Sparks, and Martin to attend them.

June 2nd, 1821

The church met,  after a sermon delivered by Brother Stephens and B. Nall, Conference was opened.

1st    Adam Brinson came forward by letter and was unanimously received in full fellowship with us.

June 31, 1821

The church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened, none came forward by experience nor by letter. Brother Charles Slater came forward and made satisfactory acknowledgement for putting in a shooting match and was acquitted. A query put in by Brother Sparks and seconded by Brother Parkman, “whether it be lawful for a brother to set up property to be shot for or not”,  and the answer, not lawful. The church called on Brother Martin by a unanimous voice to go in and out before them for one year,  also, made choice of Brother Stamps and Brother Sparks as their delegates to the next Association; that Brother Nall prepare the Association letter.  Done in Conference, signed by order of the church.

                                   Wm. Nall, C.T.C  

Saturday, July 4th, 1821

The church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened,  none came forward.

                                          Wm. Nall, Clk

Saturday before the 5th Lord’s Day in September 1821, Met according to appointment. After sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened. Came forward Sister Ray was received unanimously.

 2nd.  Be it known that this day forward  that the stated meetings at Bethany Church is altered from the first to  the third Lord’s day and Saturday before it.

                                          A. Brinson, Clk.

Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in December, 1821 Met according to appointment.  After a sermon delivered by Brother P. Martin, Conference was opened. Brother Charles Slater came forward and made an acknowledgement for his wife’s conduct; and Brother Charles was to wait until the next Conference.

This done by order of the Church

                                          Adam Brinson, Clk.

January 19th, 1822

The Church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Nall, Conference was opened.Brother Brinson reported that he had cited Brother Carlisle, according to appointment and he failed to appear and the business was laid over. Brother Brinson and Brother Russell and wife applied for letters of dismission, was granted.

February 16th, 1822

The Church met and after a sermon by Brother Martin, Conference was opened. Took up the business of Brother Carlisle and the Church was unanimously of the opinion that it was unlegal (illegal) to receive any tansient member and therefore declared that he was no more under the watch care.

March 16th, 1822

The Church met and after a sermon by Brother George W. King, Conference was opened.  No business.

April 20th 1822

The Church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Nall, Conference was opened. 

No Business.

May 18th 1822

After a sermon by Brother Nall and Brother G. King, Conference was opened.  Brother Nelson and wife came forward and was received by letter.

2nd.  Brother Bartlay Brown and wife applied for letter of dismission, which was granted.

3rd.  Brother David Langford came forward by experience and was unanimously received with us.

4th.  Brother Nelson made a choice for the Church’s Clerk.

5th.  Susannah Strayhan applied for a letter of dismission, which was granted.

Signed by order of the Church.           

Levi Nelson, Clk

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 20th July, 1822

The Church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin and Brother Nall, Conference opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Brother Richard Sparks came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

2nd.  Sister Virnitta Langford came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

3rd.  Brother James Bishop came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

4th.  Brother Bazel Smith came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

5th.  Brother Dempsey White came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

6th.  Brother William Coleman came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

7th.  Sister Elizabeth Steen came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

8th.  Sister Elizabeth Slater came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

9th.  Brother William Nobles came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

10th.  Sister Sarah White came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

11th.  Brother Elias Steen came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

12th.  Brother Levi Nobles came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

13th.  Sister Jane Nobles came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

14th.  Brother Jesse Simmons came forward and gave a relation of the dealings of the Lord in his backsliden state; laid over till night meeting.

15th.  Brother William Bishop and wife came forward by letter and was received into fellowship with us.

16th.  The Church chose their deligates (delegates) to the Association, William Stamps and William Martin, Chle Slater in case of failure, also William Nall to write  the letter to represent the Association to be sent by the deligates.

Signed by order of Church    

             Levi Nelson.

August 17th 1822

 Met in Conference, a door opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Elias Mullens came forward and was received on confession of faith.

2nd.  Parthena Parkman came forward and was received on a confession of faith.

3rd.  James Bigs came forward and was received on a confession of faith.

4th.  Wylie Cargal came forward and was received by a confession of faith.

5th.  Read the Association letter which was received, also that our next Conference in course that we will make a choice of  another Clark/(Clerk) to act in  Brother Nelson’s place and was -  dismissed in order.

Saturday the 14th September, 1822

The Church met and after a sermons by Brethren Martin and Nall, Conference opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Brother Jesse Coleman came forward and was received by experience in full fellowship.

2nd.  Brother Ralph Simmons came forward by experience and was received unanimously in full   fellowship.

3rd.  Rhody White came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship.

4th.  Brother Levi Nobles nominated as Church Clerk.

Saturday the 19th October, 1822

The Church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Sister Martha Golman came forward by letter and was received.

2nd.  Sister Mary Galmon came forward by experience and was received unanimously in full   fellowship with us

3rd.  Sister Sally Mullens came forward by experience and was unanimously received with us.

4th.  Brother George Briant and Sister Frances Briant came forward by experience and was unanimously received with us.

5th.  Sister Nancy Briant came forward by letter and was unanimously received with us.

6th.  Sister Jane Norman came forward by experience and was unanimously received with us.

7th.  Brother James Mullens came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

8th.  Temperance Mullens came forward by experience and was unanimously received in full   fellowship with us.

9th.  Sister Sarah Fairchile was received by letter.

Saturday 16th November, 1822

The church met after a sermon by Brother Martin, Conference opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Brother Silas Mathis came forward and was unanimously received by letter.

2nd.  A move made for the washing of feet and laid over till the next   Conference.

3rd.  Sister Penny, a black woman, belonging to Brother James Baggett was received by experience.

Saturday 14th December, 1822

 Church met, after a sermon, Conference opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Sister Prudy Wise was received by experience.

2nd.  Sister Milly Wise applied for a letter of dismission, which was granted her.

Saturday the 18th of January, 1823

Church met and after a sermon by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Sister Levicy Simmons came in and was unanimously received by letter.

2nd.  Sister Mary Carlisle came in and was received by experience in full fellowship with us.

3rd.  Sister Lily Baggett came forward by experience and was unanimously received with us.

4th.  Brother James Mullens came forward and gave the Church satisfaction for drinking too much and  making use of improper language.

5th.  The subject of washing of feet was taken up and agreed to comply with the ordinance annually.

Saturday 15th February, 1823

The church met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members. None came forward.

No business done. Saturday as above, same date. Brother Joseph Ford applied for a letter of dismission, which was granted.

2nd.  Brother Fryday, a black brother, applied for a letter of dismission, granted.

3rd.  Sister Martin applied for a letter of dismission, granted.  Signed by order of the Church.

Saturday 15th of March 1823

 The Church met,  after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin Nall.

 1st.  Brother William Martin laid in a report against James Mullens for the sin of drunkness and swearing, move and seconded to take up the above report.

 2nd.  The Church declared James Mullens no more a member which would be with us.

 Signed by order of the Church.                 

 Wm. Nall, C. T.

Saturday 15th,

same day as above written, the attention of the Church called into Conference, Sister Frances Tyrone came forward by experience and was unanimously received.

Saturday 17th of April, 1823.

 After a sermon delivered by Brother Martin,  Conference opened for the reception of members. Brother James Carlisle

came forward by experience and was unanimously received. Signed by order of Conference.           

 Levi Noble, C. Clk.

Saturday 14th of June, 1823

 The Church met, after a sermon delivered by Brother Nall and Brother Martin, Conference opened for the reception of members.

 1st.  Brother James Simmons came forward by experience and was unanimously received.

Friday the 18th July, 1823

 After two sermons delivered, 1st by Brother Thigpen  2nd By Brother Robertson, Conference opened for the reception of members.

 1st.  Brother James Mullens restored.

 2nd    Sister Charlotte Mullens was received by experience.
 

Saturday the 19th, 1823

 After 4 sermons delivered, 1st Brother Morris, 2nd Brother Brakefield, 3rd Brother Kind, 4th Brother Collins, then Conference was opened for the reception of  members.

 1st.  Brother William Mullens was received by experience

 2nd.  Brother Reuben White was received by experience.

 3rd.  Sister Fanny, a black woman, belonging to Brother Parkman was received by experience.

 4th.  Sister Arie, a black woman, belonging to E. Mitchel was received by experience

 5th.  Sister Perina Bishop was received.

Saturday 16th August 1823

 The Church was met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin,  Conference was opened for the reception of members.

 1st.  Sister Margaret Mullens came forward and was received by experience

 2nd.  A report by Brother Richard Sparks against Brother Silas Mathis for drunkness. Brother William Sparks appointed to cite him to the Church.

Sunday the 17th September, 1823

 After Brother Eleazar Nelson was received by experience, then there was preaching.

September 20th, 1823

After a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members.

 1st.  Sister Elvira Simmons was received by experience.

 2nd.  Brother Silas Mathis came forward in answer to a charge against him for intoxication and gave satisfaction to the Church.

 3rd.  Brother William Bishop came forward to the Church and acknowledged that he had drank too much and gave the Church satisfaction.

Saturday 19th, October, 1823.

 Brother Nall and Brother Martin preached, then Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.  Sister Susannah Goleman was received by letter.

2nd.  Brother James Mullens came forward and acknowledged to the Church that he had been drunk and made satisfactory acknowledgement for the same.

November Term, 1823

 1st.  Brother Martin Preached, Conference was opened for the reception of members.

 2nd.  Brother David Langford laid before the Church a report concerning his taking down his gun to shoot Mr. Simmons and was unanimously forgiven.

This list of names had no title, apparently a membership roll.

1.    William Stamps

2.    Joseph Parkman,           excom.

3.    Maston Parkman,          dismissed

4.    Edmund Low, dead

5.    Norvel Robertson, Jr.,   dis.

6.    Joel Bullock

7.    James Mikell

8.    William Sturling,            dismissed

9.    Hynrick Hooker

10.   John S. Sheperd,         dismissed

11.   Briton Bridges,            dismissed

12.   John J. Mikell

13.   Willis Briant,               dead

14.   Stephen Herring,         dismissed

15.   Mathew Stephens,      dismissed

16.   John Cole

17.   Isaac Polk

18.   Simeon Ross,             dismissed

19.   Simon Polk

20.   Wm. H. Mikell,          dead

21.   Wuiney Bullock,         dismissed

22.   William R. Leggett,     Excom.

23.   Malache Ross

24.   Henry Miller 

25.   Alexander McKensie,     dismissed

26.   Davy Hooker               (colored)

27.   Ben Bridges                 (colored)

28.   Penny Baggett,            (colored) Dead July 18

29    Ainy Mikell                  (colored)

30    Amy Mikell, Jr.           (Colored)

31.   Frances Stamps

32.   Parhena McFail

33.   Elizur Carnon,               dismissed

34.   Nancy Mikell

35.   Elizabeth Walker,         dead

36.   Mirnada Hooker

37.   Rachael Stephen

38.   Lydia Bridges,              Excom. Restored, Deceased

39.   Jane Hooker

40.   Fanny Harvy

41.   Sintha Philips,              dismissed

42.   Minerva Walker

43.   Penelope Ann Buckly

44.   Mary Mikell

45.   Sarah Polk,                  died May, 1853

46.   Elizabeth Burkitt

47.   Sintilla Polk,                dismissed and restored

48.   Elizabeth White

49.   Martha Smith,             dead

50.   Arcadis Bass

51.   Sarah Hargrove,         dismissed

52.   Mary Miller

53.   Albany MoHensie,      dismissed

54.   Frances Tyrone,         dismissed

55.   Sela Baggett,              dismissed

56.   Savisa Garner

57.   Rachel Taylor,            dead

58.   Elizabeth Ann Selftina, dis

59.   Ann Peacock

60.   Sharlot Mikell          (colored)

61.   Elizur Mikell            (colored)

62.   Sarah Looper           (colored)

63.   Julian Polk

64.   Emily Harby

65.   Ioanna Bullock

66.   Fanny White             (colored)

67.   Cena Parkman         (colored)

68.   Katharine Warner,       dismissed

69.   Marietta harvy,            dismissed

70.   Sister Berry,                dismissed

71.   Elizabeth Hartzog

72.   Mary Mikell, sr

73.   Aseneth Polk

74.   Sarian legate,              dismissed

75.   Borothy Clard,           dismissed

76.   Society Stephens,       dismissed

77.   Sophronia Tilson

78.   Matilda Simmons,       dismissed

79.   Mary Carter

80.   Elizur Hartzog

81.   Beckey Hooker,       (colored), excom.

82.   Sidia Sturling,             dismissed

83.   Martha Tyrone

84.   John Hooker,             dismissed

85.   Franklin Polk

86.   Darel Sanford,            dismissed

87.   Samuel Bullock,          excom.

88.   C. M. J. Stringer

89.   Leroy Harvy,             dismissed

90.   Loyd Polk

91.   Noel Buckly

92.   Adam Tyrone,            Excom.

93.   Elisha Clark,              dismissed

94.   John Dias,                 dismissed

95.   Travis Polk,               excom.

96.   Richard Berry

97.   James Atwood,          dismissed

98.   James F. Hartzog

99.   B. Eleassur Titson

100.  Jefferson Ross,         dismissed

101.  James Whitt,            dismissed

102.  Joseph Bullock,        excom.

103.  Moses White,        colored

104.  John Burket

105.  John Simmons,         excom.

106.  Jacob McPhail,        dismissed

107.  Jesse Carter

108.  Jackson Burket

109.  Muntervill Berry,       colored, dis.

110.  Alfred Garner,          Excom.

111.  James Oatis,          colored, excom.

112.  John H. Oatis

113.  Polk, by letter

114.  Rewbem Smith,        restored, Excom.

115.  Leabron Bass

116.  Esau Ball

117.  C. C. Lee

118.  Andrew Land,            by letter

119.  John T. Lunginore

120.  William C. Harvy,       dead

121.  James Milton

122.  Irvin Magee

123.  Simeon Bullock

124.  George Burket

125.  James A. Ross,          by letter, May, 1853

126.  Wm. Newson,           by experience

126.  Delia Tyrone,          Colored, excom.

127.  Elizabeth Warner,       colored

128.  Mary Ann Wylie

129.  Cahny Parkman,          colored by letter, Sep. 1853, dis.

130.  Jane Laird

131.  Elizabeth Buckley

132.  Elizabeth Stuckey

133.  Hariet Ross,            colored, excom, restored

134.  Mary Stringer,           dismissed

135.  Penny Stringer,        colored, excom. Restored

136.  Lintilla Polk

137.  Lamar Stringer

138.  Nancy Magee

139.  Grace Magee,          colored

140.  Susanna Wylie

141.  Patience Bass

142.  Lucinda Sutton,         dismissed

143.  Ann P. Lunginore

144.  Feluiann Cole

145.  Surlina Looper

146.  Jane Parkman

147.  Edith Hathorn

148.  Eliger Bridges

149.  Allis Hedgepeth

150.  Elizabeth Ross

151.  Nancy Bullock

152.  Mary Burkett, 1853

153.  Mary Oatis

154.  Ginsey Ann Ross,        by letter

155.  Mary Newson,            by experience August 1853

December 19th, 1823

 Brother Martin preached, then Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.   Brother Wylie Cargal applied for a letter of dismission which was granted him.\

2nd.   Brother Jesse Simmons was restored

3rd.   Brother William Martin applied for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, Nancy Martin\

4th.   Brother James Mullens applied for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, through Brother William Martin, which was granted.

5th.   Brother David Langford applied for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, by Brother Nelson, which was granted.

6th.   Brother William Nobles applied through, Brother Levi Nobles for a letter of dismission, which was granted.

                              Levi Noble, C. Clerk

January Term, 1824

 After a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members. None received
 Silas Mathis was charged with running away with his neighbor’s daughter and was excommunicated for the same.

 Sister Jane Norman applied, through Brother William Sparks, for a letter of dismission, which was granted.

February Term, 1824

Brother Martin preached. Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.   Brother George Granberry and his wife, Martha Granberry was received by letter.

2nd.   Sister Anna Stucky was received by letter.

3rd.   Brother James Bishop informed the Church that he was very much imposed on and at length flew in a passion and pulled off his coat to fight and the Church forgave him for the same.

                                                Levi Nobles, Clk

March Conference 1824

Brother Martin preached, then Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.   Sister Lucinda Leonards was received by letter.

2nd.   Brother Richard Sparks applied for a letter of dismission, which was granted.

April 17th, 1824

Brother Martin preached from the 6th chapter of Romans, verse, then Conference convened for the reception of members.

1st.   Brother Jesse Stanly was received by letter.

2nd.  An application made and complied with by Silver Creek church for help  to assist them in a difficulty relative to the marriage of a black sister. Brother William Sparks, Brother Granberry, Brother Stamps, Brother Baggett, Brother Mullens and Brother Charles Slater, in     case of failure are nominated   to assist in such difficulty.

3rd.   Brother Jesse Simmons came forward and acknowledged to the Church that he had drunk too much spirits. The Church forgave him for same.

4th.   Brother James Bishop came to the Church and acknowledged that he had drank too much cider    and was forgiven by the Church for same.

                                    Levi Nobles, C. Clk.

May 15th, 1824

The Church convened. 

Brother Stevens preached from Isaih, the 28th chapter and 10th verse.  Brother Martin followed from these words (is there not a cause), then Conference opened for the reception of members.

1st.   Sister Margaret Allen was received by experience.

2nd.   Brother Thomas Martin and Sister Elizabeth, his wife, was received.

June the 20th 1824

The Church met, Brother Martin preached from the 13th verse and part of the 14th verse of the 1st. chapter of Paul to the Ephesians.

Conference was opened for the reception of members. None received.

                              L. Noble, C. Clk

Saturday the 17th July 1824,

The Church convened, Brother Brakefield preached. Then Conference was opened.

1st.   The Church proceeded to electing their deligates/(delegates) to the Association. Brother George Granberry and Brother William Mullens were elected.  Brother Baggott, in case of failure.

2nd.   The Church wishes 35 copies of the minutes of the next Association and petitions for the next Association to be held at Bethany.

3rd.   The Conference requests the members of this Church to meet on our next Conference day at 10 o’clock, in order to hold a council on the subject of our Baptist Convention of this state.

                                    L. Noble, C. Clk.

August 14, 1824

The Church met at ten o’clock.

 1st.   Conference opened for the purpose of holding council on the subject of the convention, agreed on by the Church that our present deligates act as they in  their wisdom think best in respect of the convention.

2nd.   Brother Martin preached, then Conference opened for the reception of members. None received. Moved and carried that the Church adopt a rule to Commune before the church dismissed.

                                    L. Noble, C. Clk.

Brother Dempsey White acknowledge to the Church that he had, through the abuse of another and striking him, returned the blow, and made use of profane language. The Church forgave him on his acknowledgement.

Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in September 1824. 

Met in Conference and after a sermon by Brother Martin, a door for the reception of members was opened.  None came forward.

2nd.   Took up the query laid in at last Conference relative to the duty or office of a deacon’s wife in the house of God, and answered that from an examination of  the Scriptures, we are of the opinion, that there is not an office in the House of God assigned to a deacon’s wife by the Scriptures.

3rd.   Set apart our next Conference day as a day of humilation, fasting and   prayer to the Almight God to direct our minds agreeable to his Will in    the choice of a preacher and that the Conference meet at ten o’clock for the purpose of calling a preacher to attend them.

John P. Martin

Wylie White, C. Clk.

Moderator, Pro. Tem.

Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in October, 1824 

Met in Conference, after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st    Sister Mary Briggs was received by experience.

2nd.   The Church proceeded to the choice of a pastor.

3rd.   Brother I. P. Martin was unanimously chosen by the Church, but refused to give the Church an  answer, whether he would serve them or not, until the next Conference.

Signed by order of Conference.

                                          Levi Nobles, C. Clk.

Saturday, 20th November 1824

After a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members.  None received.

1st.  Brother I. P. Martin gave his consent to serve the Church as a pastor,  for twelve months.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk

Saturday, March 19th, 1825 

Conference met.

1st.   A door was opened for the reception of members. None received.

2nd.   Brother William Mullens and wife, Charlotte Mullens and Sister Ewin, also, Sister Steen have letters of dismission.

Signed by order of the Church

                                          Wm. Nell, C. T. 

Saturday, April 16th 1825 

Brother James Simmons sang and prayed, then Conference was opened for the reception of members. No applicants.

2nd.   Resolved that there be a subscription drawn for the use of the Church, to be paid quarterly, also one for the use of our pastor, to be paid   the first day of January next. Done in Conference and signed by order of the same.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

May Conference 1825 

After a sermon delivered by Brother Cateney, then Brother Martin sang and prayed.  Conference was opened for the reception of members.  No application.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

June Conference 1825

After a sermon delivered by Brother Cuteney, Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st    Brother Thomas Williams was received by letter. A letter was received and read from the Bethany Church, Conaker County, State of Alabama, touching on the character of Thomas Shelton, formerly a member of that Church, recommended the said Church for their proceedings and gave the letter to Brother Cateney to be read at Hebron Church.

                                          James Baggett, Clk. Pro-tem.

July Conference 1825 

1st    Brother Martin preached

2nd    Brother David Langford and his wife, Wernette was received by letter

3rd    Brother Thomas Selman was received by letter.

4th    The Church proceeded to elect their deligates/(delegates). Brother William Stamps and Brother James Baggett was elected, Brother   George Granberry in case of failure.

                            L. Noble, C. Clk.

August Conference 1825 

Brother Martin preached from Proverbs, the 12th. Chapter and 4th verse, then Conference opened for the reception of members.  No applicants.

2nd    Brother Ralph Simmons came forward and confessed to the Church that he had been guilty of  drunkness.

3rd    Moved and carried that his case be laid over until next Conference

4th    The Association letter was read and received

5th    Brother Williams dismissed by letter.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.
 

September Conference 1825 

Brother Martin preached, Conference was then opened for the reception of members.  No applicants.

2nd    The case of Brother Simmons was taken up and he was excluded.

Signed by order of the Church

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

October Conference, 1825 

After a sermon delivered by Brother Martin and a second by Brother Brakefield, a door was opened for the reception of members.  No applicants.

2nd    The case of Brother Ford was taken up.  He came forward and gave the Church satisfaction.

3rd.   Brother Briant, through Brother Nelson applied for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, which was granted.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

November Conference, 1823     (?-1825) 

Met in Conference on Saturday before the second Lord’s Day in November, and after a sermon by Brother Martin and Coatney, opened a door for the reception of members. Brother Wylie White was received by letter.

2nd.   Took under consideration, the case of Brother Ford, where upon it was resolved, unanimously, that the Church consider him   in disorder for his long  absence from the Conference and appointed Brother George Granberry and William Sparks, and in case of failure, William Stamps to cite him to our next  Conference.

3rd.   Ordered by the Church that Brother Stamp be authorized to purchase with money in the Church fund such articles as are lacking and are lacking and  necessary to furnish the Communion Table completely.

4th.   On application, it was ordered by the Church that letter of dismission be granted to Brother Jesse Stanley and Sister Susan Goleman and also, Thomas Martin and Sister Elizabeth Martin. On the Lord’s Day, i.e. the next day after preaching, the attention of the Conference was called. 

Application was made for a letter of dismission for Sister Parthena Nall, with was granted.

January, 1826, Saturday 14th 

The Church met, after singing and prayer by Brother Edmond Low, Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.   Brother Lewis Pierce and wife was received by letter.

Saturday the 18th of February, 1826 

After a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, Conference was opened for the reception of members.  None received.

2nd.   Moved and carried that the Church resolve a charge exhibited by Brother Jesse Simmons against Brother Dempsey White for his dog biting his child and  plain contradiction between them.

3rd.   Brother White extricated from the charge.

March, 1826 

Met in Conference on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in March, 1826, and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, a door was opened for the reception of members and received by letter, Brother John Smith and his Martha Smith. 2nd. Ordered by the Church that Brother Charles Slater and his wife, Sister Slater have letters of  dismission.

STATE OF ALABAMA, Washington County

August, year of Jesus Christ 1825,

We believe the Baptist Church of Christ Denominated (?) Hurricane holding a personal and unconstitutional election effectual calling and the final perseverance of the Saints in Grace, do certify that our dearly beloved Sister Mary White is in full faith and ordered dismissed from us.

Signed by order of the 66th Conference, Saturday before the second Lord’s Day in June. The sixth year of the Church’s Constitution.               

James Denson, Clk.

Note: One the back of the above letter of dismission is found the following which is the only minutes I can find for this April Conference. Viz:

This was received the Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in April.

Saturday the 20th, May 1826

The Church met and after a sermon by Brother Martin, a door was opened for the reception of members.  None came forward.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

The “note” was made by the late Kathryn Stamps Smith, June, 1826

Met in Conference on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in June, 1826

1st.   Brother John B. Carlisle received by letter.           

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

July, 1826 Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in July 1826, after a sermon delivered by Brother Coteney, Conference was opened for the reception of members.  None offered. Moved and carried that the Conference take up the request of the Association to answer them in our next letter, the use we wish our Association contributions applied to, remain in the Association fund for the use of the Association.

2nd.   The Church proceeded to the choice of their deligates.

3rd.   Brother Granberry and Brother Stamps was chosen and in case of failure, Brother Baggott.

August 1826 

Saturday the 19th of August, 1826

Conference met after a sermon by Brother Morris, and 2nd.  By Brother Martin, then Conference was opened for the reception of members.

1st.   Sister Margaret Fairchile was received by experience.

2nd.   Brother James A. Milican was received by experience.

3rd.   Brother James Bishop came forward and acknowledged to the Church that he had got in a passion and pulled of his coat to fight. For said charge the Church forgave him.

4th.   A charge exhibited against Brother Langford by Brother William Spakrs   for repeated quarreling and wrangling, and profane swearing. 

5th.   Brother George Granberry and Brother Wylie White is appointed to go and labor with him and cite him to attend our next   Conference.

6th.   A queary/(query) laid in by Brother Stamps and taken up: Should a member be dealt with according to the directions given in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Matthew, the 15th and 18th, for publick transgressions.

7th.   Laid over for an answer to tell next Conference. The Association letter received and read.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk.

Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in September, 1826 

Conference met and after a sermon delivered by Brother Martin, a door was opened by Brother Martin for the reception of members.  None made application

Brother Langford came forward and gave the Church satisfaction relative to a charge exhibited against him by Brother Sparks. Answered the queary laid in by Brother Stamps at the last Conference as follows “We do not think that the Scriptures embraces the nature of public transgression, but in such cases recommend Christian tenderness and faithfulness for the cause of God.

3rd.   A grievance laid in by Brother Granberry against Society Mill Church connected with Brother Sleck Stringer, signed by order of Church Conference.

                                          L. Noble, C. Clk

Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in October, 1826 

Conference met, and after a sermon delivered by Brother Costney, a door was opened for the reception of members.  None applied.

2nd.   The grievance exhibited against the Society Hill Church

      taken up and unanimously agreed that we consider the act of the Society  Hill Church in forgiving of Brother Alexander Stringer,

      in a case of fighting without his making any acknowledgement or coming to any knowledge of his error, to be inconsistent with the discipline    of the gospel.

Agreed that this Church consider herself aggrived with