Clay County AlArchives Church Records.....The First 50 years of Sardis Baptist Church Copyright Date 2022
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Linda Ayres http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00031.html#0007674 November 12, 2022, 10:41 pm

Township 23, Section 28, Range 8
Clay County, Alabama

The church was originally called Rechab Baptist Church. When it was organized is
unknown. 

In 1849 The Rechab church of Talladega County, presented a letter by her 
delegates asking admission into the Liberty (East) Association. The church was 
received to the Liberty (East) Baptist Assocation.  
Stated in the Liberty Baptist Assocation minutes: "The Rechab Baptist Church is 
now known by the name Sardis".

In 1855, Rechab Baptist Church was dismissed by letter from the Liberty (East) 
Assocation to the formation of the Carey Baptist Assocation. 

Oct 7, 1858, Letter written to the South Western Baptist: 
.............."On my return I preached two days at Mt Ararat church, near 
Goldville. I there enjoyed the company of Elders Wood, Beckham and Joiner. In 
company with the two last named I went to "Rechab Church" and preached at night, 
spending the night with Elder Wood. You may find churches of the same name 
almost anywhere, but where can you find but one church named Rechab? It is a 
singular in name and quite singular in one of its disciplinary rules. It has a 
rule that if one of its members drinks ardent spirits as a beverage, and the 
proof is made out, ho forfeits his membership without further trial. I was told 
by Elder Wood, the pastor, I believe that they have no difficulty with drunken 
Baptists. Doubtless, this is a great relief to them. Tho territory of the church 
is small, yet they have a respectably large membership. They have named their 
church after Rechab the father of the Rechabites, who charged his descendants 
"To drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons, nor your daughters forever." Jer. 
35th. I found them to be a religious people. They belong to the Cary 
Association. May they ever detest the Destroyer! In company with my friend, 
Elder Beckham, I left Elder Wood's and the good Rechabites and preached at bro. 
Ray's, near Goldville. I also preached at County Line, near Dudleyville on my 
way.".......................H.E.T.

In 1858 the church had 28 members and was still called Rechab Baptist Church.  

In 1862 Rev. John P. Shaffer was licensed to preach by Rechab Baptist Church in 
Talladega County. 

In the mid-1870 a new one room church was erected. 

By 1880 the Church was known as Sardis Baptist Church. 

In July-1887 Rev. A.S. Brannan was ordained at Sardis Baptist Church. 

May-1905 Lineville Headlight:
Our new house of worship is to be dedicated to the Lord on Sunday June 25, 1905
The following is a program of the service. 9 a. m. Sunday School. 10 a.m. Sunday 
School talks by Rev, W.B. Matthews and Rev W.M. Worthey. At 10:45 Short song 
service. 11 a.m. Dedication sermon, by Rev F.J. Ingram. The song services will 
be conducted by T. E. Runyan and W.L. Lowe. Everybody invited. A special 
invitation to former pastors of the church.  Pastor

Early Pastors:
John Wood
E.R. Wood
W.T. Davis
A.J. Moore
J.R. Conger 
Alex Allen 
C.T. Culpepper
F.J. Ingram 

Early Church Clerks:
J.W. Hooton, for many years.
L.B. Gibson 

Early Superintendents:
L.B. Gibson
W.L. Lowe

Early surnames of members:

Blanks
Burns
Carr
Fuller
Gibson 
Hastings
Hooton
Jones
Mattox 
McCord 
Ray


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