Coffee County AlArchives Church Records.....Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Records, Elba, ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Nancy Poquette npoq@hotmail.com December 3, 2007, 3:46 pm Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Records, Elba, Coffee County, Alabama, December, 1828 to 1847 Volume I Written on flyleaf page: Lowndes County, David Donaldson Day Book Page 1: Bethany Church Book We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, having emigrated into the state of Alabama ____ County of Dale; do unanimously agree to be constituted into a church styled the Bethany Baptist Church of Christ, on the following articles of faith: 1st We believe in one only true and living God, and that there are three personalities in him; the father, son and Holy Ghost; and that these three are one. 2nd We believe the Scriptures of the old and new testament to be the word of God, and the only rule for faith [__] practice. [There may have been a fragment of a word or a complete word in the brackets. The photocopy did not reveal it.] 3rd We believe in the doctrine of eternal and particular election. 4th We believe the doctrine of original sin. 5th We believe in man’s inability to recover himself from the fallen state he is in by nature by his own free will ability. 6th We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God only by the imputed righteousness of [____] [too faint to read from photocopy.] 7th We believe God’s elect shall be called [________] and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 8th We believe that the saints shall persevere in [_____] and never finally fall away. 9th We believe that baptism and the Lord’s supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ and that true believers are only subject of those ordinances and the true mark of baptism [______]. 10th We believe in the resurrection of the dead and general judgment. 11th We believe that the punishment of the wicked be everlasting ________________. Page 2: 12th We believe that a minister has the right to administer in those ordinances but such as are regularly called and come under the imposition of [______] the Presbytery. Subscribed to 17th December, 1828. Archer Carter Matthew Burt Herron? Wise Archibald Rials John McCain Kesiah Rowe Zelpha? Nelson Rebecca Wise We do certify that by the request of the brethren and sister above named that we constituted them into a church called the Bethany Baptist Church of Christ on December 17th, 1828. Presbytery George Brown, Willamon? Hill Page 3: Saturday, December 28th, 1828. The church met in conference, received by [________]. Test Elizabeth Rials. Saturday, Jan. 26th. Rec’d by experience, Sister Fanny. The church in conference, Feb. 4th, 1829. Whereas a complaint was laid in against Brother John McCain for neglecting attending our conference, we appointed brother Herron? Wise to cite him to our next conference. The church in conference April 25th [_____]. 1st Took up the case of brother John McCain for the charge laid against him for neglecting conference and also for habit of making use of improper language, his refusing to give satisfaction. We excommunicate him. 2nd Agreed to call a presbytery to ordain a deacon. 3rd Agreed to commune at our next August meeting. 4th Appointed brother Archer Carter our clerk. The church in conference Sept. 26th, 1827. Received by letter, Sisters Beady Owen and Rebecca ?Cauly. The church in conference Feb. 26th, 1831. Received by letter, brother Joshua Dickson. The church in conference March 24th, 1831 Rec’d sister Elizabeth Donaldson by letter. The church in conference April 25th, 1831 Rec’d by voucher, brother David Donaldson. Page 4: The church in conference, May 25th, 1831 Rec’d by experience and baptised the sisters Nancy Miller, Priscilla Donaldson, and Rebecca Bankston. The church in conference, June 24th, 1831 Rec’d by experience and baptised sister Elizabeth Donaldson. 2nd Liberated? Licensed? our beloved brother, David Donaldson to preach the ever blessed Gospel of Christ where God, in his divine providence may send him. The church in conference, July 22nd, 1831 Received by experience and baptised the sister and brother Elizabeth Boyse? and Elijah ?Cheser. The church in conference, August 7th, 1831 Rec’d by experience and baptised Brother John A. Owen. The church in conference August the 24th, 1831 Appointed brothers M. Burt, D. Donaldson, A. Carter as delegates to the associates. Saturday, 15th [___], 1831 Rec’d the sisters by experience, _____ _____ and Priscilla _____. Brother A. Carter and Sister Elizabeth _____applied for a letter of dismission. Granted. There being no clerk and no ___________ made? of our last conference, I ?hope? ____________________________________________. Page 5: Saturday, December 24, 1831 Met pursuant to adjournment. Proceeded to elect a clerk. Brother J. A. Owen was unanimous by chosen regular clerk, and opened a door for the reception of members. 1st Received by letter, Brother A. Carter. 2nd Received brother D. Donaldson by letter. 3rd Took up the references relative to the accusation laid in against Brother Dickson. He not being present, the case was referred till next conference. Brother Rials nominated to cite him to the next conference for trial. 4th Took up the reference of the petition of Brother J. A. Owen relative to a constitution of a church at the school house which was withdrawn. 5th Authorized Brother Rials to purchase vessels for the use of the church, which we promise to pay him for when delivered. 6th Agreed to wash feet at our commune meeting in April annually, then adjourned till the Saturday before the fourth Sunday in January. J. A. Owen, clerk. Saturday, January 24, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Took up the ___________________. Brother __________ he made ______- acknowledgments and _____________________________________________________ 2nd _______________________________ the fourth _____ April next. ___________ day before the fourth Sabbath ____________ J. A. Owen, CC. Page 6: March 24, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members either by experience or by letter. 2nd Inquired for the union of the church, and brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] came forward and acknowledged himself to have been guilty of excessive ?pation? and unchristian-like conduct, and after hearing his acknowledgements for the same, and seeing visible marks of repentance for his wrongs, the church forgave him and restored him to fellowship, but thought it most advisable to withhold his license, and let him remain silent until the brethren of the sister churches should become acquainted with the proceedings of this church on this case. 3rd Appointed Brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] to procure wine for our communion in April next, then adjourned till the Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in April next. J. A. Owen, clerk. Saturday, April 21, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Reconsidered the case of Brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] and set him at letter ?by to preach the Gospel. 2nd Resolved that all members of this church, particular the male members, shall attend our conferences, and in case of failing to do so, that they do rise at the next conference and give satisfaction to the church, and in case they shall not attend two meetings, that the church shall send some of the brethren to cite them to conference to be dealt with for neglect of duty. Then adjourning till Saturday before the 4th Lord’s day in May next. J. A. Owen, Clerk. Saturday, May the 22nd, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. 2nd The church ?joined in union. 3rd Agreed to call a Presbytery consisting of brethren W. Hill and T? W___ Page 7: to ordain our brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] to the administration of the Gospel, then adjourned till the Saturday before the 4th Lord’s day in June next. J. A. Owen, clerk. Saturday, June 23, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. 2nd Brother J. A. Owen petitioned for an order for a constitution, which was granted. 3rd Brother Owen called for letters of dismission for himself and his wife, sister ____. Owen also for the sisters Brannon and Rebecca Cauley and Sister Terman? Also for Brother Chesher, which was granted, and brother J. A. Owen ordered to write them letters. 4th Appointed the brethren Wall and Dozier and Burt as a Presbytery to constitute the above dismissed members in a church at the school house in Covington County and ordered Brother J. A. Owen to carry the ?letters of this church to Brother Wall and Dozier to meet at said school house in Covington County on the Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in July next. 5th Delegated the brethren ?Burt, Donalson [Donaldson], Carter and Rial to the next union meeting to convene at ?Beuleut Church in P___ County on Friday before the fifth Sabbath in July next, then adjourned till Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in July next. J. A. Owen, clerk. Page 8: July ______ Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members; 2nd Rec’d by experience-one. 3rd Rec’d by letter-one. 4th Made choice of D. Donaldson, clerk. ?Sept. __ Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d four. Oct. __ Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d by experience-two. One by letter. Nov. __ 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d none by experience. Restored one. 2nd Made choice of brother D. Donaldson, junior Deacon. April __ Met pursuant to adjournment. Opened a door to receive members. Received letter b [end of writing] Page 9: 1835, April 25 The church in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members; Rec’d by letter then viz, Brother Henry L? Cain? , Sister Amaly Coon nd Joseph W. Coon. May 23 The church in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d by letter one, viz, Brother James Coon 2nd Entered into a resolution to make a church fund, which was agreed on by a unanimous ___. 3rd On motion, made by one of the brethren and second in order to wash feet ___ ____ which passed. July 25 The church in conference 1st Rec’d and baptised brother Nathaniel Beck, Brother William Childer?, Sister Elizabeth Childer, Brother George Clark. Page 10: Brother Alexander Bodyford, Sister Brannan ?Talse? August the 23rd, 1825 Met in conference. 1st Opened a door to receive members. Received by letter Sister ?Mary Fairfield? September, Saturday 26, 1835 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany in conference 1st Opened a door for the reception of members rec’d by experience, Brother Thomas Clark and Sister Jane Beck. 2nd Proceeded to make arrangements for the association whereupon we appointed the brethren Burt, Carter and Coon, and in case of failure, Brother George Clark and contribute two dollars for the printing of our minutes. Saturday, October 24, 1835 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d by experience, Brother Daniel Sutly. Page 11: November Saturday the 21st, 1835 The church at Bethany met in conference 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience, Brother Pleasant Hemphill and Sister Susan Beck and Sister Elizer Clark and rec’d by letter Sister J? ?Siber? ?Secey? Saturday, January 24th, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Restored Brother Joshua Dickson to fellowship. Saturday, February the 26th, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. Brother Carter laid in a grievance against Brother Joshua Dickson for intoxication and using profane language and proceeded to appoint brethren Alexander N. Bodiford and George Clark to cite him to our next conference. Saturday, March the 28th, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. Took up the case of Brother Dickson and by his refusing to give satisfaction, we discommunicated him from the fellowship of the church. Page 12: Saturday, June the 25th, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter, Rubin Searcy and Lemuel Flaningham, and Nelly, his wife, and William Wasden. Saturday, September the __, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Proceeded to appoint [crossed out ‘to appoint’] to make arrangements for the association, whereupon we appointed the Brethren M. Burt, A. Carter, G. Clark, and in case of failure, H. Coon and contributed three dollars for the printing of the minutes. We ‘chused’ brother Nathaniel Beck as our deacon. October 22, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience, Mary Standby. 2nd Granted ___ Brother Carter a letter of dismission. October 23rd, 1836. Received by experience, Sister Nancy Standby, Sister Elizabeth Wasden and Sister Elizabeth Bodiford. Page 13: November Saturday the 26, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience our beloved sisters Lucindy Poor and Judah Clark. Saturday, December 24th, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter our beloved brother David Donolson [Donaldson] and our beloved sister Elizabeth Donolson [Donaldson] and Sufphona [Suphronia] Ray. January, Saturday the 21st, 1837. The church at Bethany met in conference. Appointed the brethren, Daniel Sutly? And William Childers to visit brother Pleasant Hemphill to know the reason of his not attending our conferences. Saturday, February 25th, 1837 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter, Brother Thomas King and brother Elias Sexton and Celia Sexton, his wife. 2nd Took up the case of brother Hemphill and by his refusing to come forward and give satisfaction, we discommunicated him from the fellowship of the church. Saturday, March 25th, 1837. The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience our beloved sisters Page 14: Rebecca Kelly, Sister Catherine [crossed out Catherine] _____ King and received by letter, Sister Elizabeth King. Saturday, May the 27th, 1837 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter our beloved sister Priscilla Donalson [Donaldson]. Saturday, June the 24th, 1837 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience, our beloved sister Nancy Martin. Saturday, August 26th, 1837 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany, met in conference. Made arrangements for our next association. Appointed the brethren: M. Burt, D. Donalson [Donaldson], A. Carter and A. Bodiford [in case of failure] delegates, and contribute three dollars for the printing of our minutes. Now finishes Brother Bodiford clerkship. Now commences Thomas King’s work in the clerk’s office in the year of our Lord, 1837, September 25. Thomas King, clerk. Page 15: Church met in conference Saturday, 23 September, 1837. After preaching, went into the business of the church. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d Sister Elizabeth Hall by experience. 2nd Went into the choice of a clerk, whereupon Brother Thomas King was appointed our regular clerk. 3rd An agrievance was laid in against brother Searcy for non-attendance at conference, whereupon it was agreed that the brethren M. Burt, D. Donalson [Donaldson], A. Carter should cite him to attend and give the church satisfaction. 4th The brethren and sisters A. Bodiford and wife, Thomas Clark and wife, and Judah Clark make application for letters of dismission, whereupon they were granted with the exception [This may have meant acceptance] of the brethren. Page 16: The Church of Christ met in conference on Saturday, the 28th of October 1837. Opened the door for the reception of members. Received Sister Elenor McDaniel. 2nd Granted the Brethren A. Bodiford, T. Clark, and G. Clark letters of dismission together. Sister Nancy Martin, dismissed. The Church of Christ met Saturday, the 25th of November 1837 and after preaching, went in to conference. Opened a door in the reception of members. David Donelson [Donaldson] offered himself and there was an objection issued against him by Brother Coons laying a grievance against him. 2nd Went into the call of Pastor for the year 1838 and called our beloved Brother M. Burt with a unanimous voice of the congregation, with both saint and sinner. The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany met on Saturday, the 23rd of December, 1837, and after public prayer? our beloved brother M. Burt being absent, the brethren Page 17: chose Brother A. Carter to set as moderator for the present day. 2nd Took up the case of Rubin Searcy and wife, and expelled them both from the church. 3rd Took up the case of David Donason [Donaldson] and laid it over for the next conference. 4th Took in consideration Brother and Sister Danison [Donaldson], and for their dist____, expelled them both from the church. 5th Took in consideration the case of Sister ?Poan? and expelled her from the church for adultor. 6th Application was made in a letter for Sister Kelly and it was granted. 7th Application was made for Sister Ray to have a letter of dismission and it was granted. 8th and last request from the church, that David Donison [Donaldson] should give up his license to preach. January the 13th, 1838 The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after preaching by the beloved Brother M. Burt, went into business Page 18: and reconsidered the business that was done in conference on Saturday, the 23rd of November, 1837, and granted the brothers and sisters new trials. Called help from sister churches. Appointed A. Rials and A. Carter, with M. Burt as delegates to go after assistant brethren. A grievance laid against Brother A. Carter for misconduct in conference towards our moderator and changing the church of ?melsh? actions. January the 27th, 1838. We, the Baptist Church of Christ met on Saturday, the 27th, and after preaching by Elder D. Wood, went into conference and chose a committee to try the case between Brother Burt and Brother Carter and they all agreed that Carter excommunicated himself by laying down his letter and saying that he was no more of our brethren. 2nd Burt and Wasden applied for themselves and companions, letters of dismission and was granted them, with Sister Sutley, G. Coon. Page 19: 3rd Brother Beck threw up his deaconship, and _______ we should choose another and 4th Brother A. Rials dismiss self from us by saying that he was no more of us. 5th Took in consideration Brother Donison’s [Donaldson’s] case and got in confusion and ?broke up when dismissed. February the 24th, 1838. The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after prayers was made by Brother Childers. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received Brother A. Carter again in fellowship and granted him license to preach the Gospel. 3rd Took in consideration the excommunicated brethren and sisters and ? expelled? them until a Godley? sorrow takes place with them. 4th Appointed a ?Friday __ ?before _____ our penance for prayer and fasting for the choice of a deacon. Met in conference on Saturday, the 24th, 1838. [No month given.] After preaching by Elder Wood, chose him for our moderator for the present day and presided? [probably meant proceeded] to business. Page 20: 2nd The committee appointed to go after David Donison’s [Donaldson’s] license, relates that he will not give them up. 3rd An agrievance laid in against Brother Wise by Aurelia Carter for false evidence. Appointed Brother King and with Brother Flaningham, to cite Brother Wise to our next conference. 4th Went into the choice of a deacon and unanimously chose Thomas King, on which the chose Brother Archer Carter to go after the Reverend Doisin. 5th On which the __ chose David Wood and L? Doizen to find the ordination of Brother Thomas King for deacon. 6th An application made by Sister Ray per a letter of dismission and which it was granted her. Thomas King, clerk, M. Burt, Moderator. Page 21: April the 22nd, 1835 Met in conference and after preaching by Elder Wood, called him for moderator on the present day. 2nd Took up the case of Brother Wise and laid it over. 3rd Altered our next meeting to the 3rd Sabbath and the Saturday before Brother ?Cane? agreed that he would go after Brother Dosier for help to ordain a D[eacon]. 4th [erasure] Agreed amongst the brethren that the Brother Clark should write an ?call for the church. May the 19th We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference after preaching by Elder Wood. 1st Took up the case of Brother Wise and laid it over. 2nd Excommunicated ___ Archa Carter for ‘senchren’ [censuring?] the church and misconduct. 3rd Resolved that the church commune the 4th Lord’s day in June next. On Saturday, July the 14, We the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and preaching by Elder Wood. Went in business and read the rule and rec’d it unanimously a rule for the church to be governed by. Thomas King, clerk. See page 20 [which is our page 34, the bold print page numbers]. Page 22: July 4th, 1838 2nd An agrievance laid against Daniel Sutley for testifying Arch Carter in a false evidence. 3rd Appointed Brother Sexton and Brother William Cane to cite him to our next conference for trial. 4th Resolve that Brother Thomas King be ordained for deacon by David Wood and Matthew Burt as Presbytery on Saturday before 2nd Lord’s day in August. 5th Resolve that we commune in August. August the 11th, 1838 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference on Saturday before the 2nd Lord’s day in August. 2nd Brother David Dolison [Donaldson] applied for a restoration and after his acknowledgments, was restored into full fellowship and to his license to preach the Gospel. 3rd Application for Sister Elizabeth Dolesan [Donaldson] and after her confession of her faults, she was restored to fellowship. 4th Application was made by Brother M. Burt for Sister Hareson’s restoration and was restored to fellowship. Page 23: August 11, 1838 5th Took up the case of Brother Suttley and laid it over till next meeting. 6th Brother Thomas King came under the ?handle of the Presbytery for Deacon. The Presbytery ____ David Wood and Matthew Burt. 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany, met in conference on Saturday, 10 of September, 1838, and after preaching, took up the case of Brother Suttley and throwed it out. 2nd Went in to the business of the association. Appointed brethren delegates D. Dolesan [Donaldson], W. _____, T. King, L. Flaningham. 3rd Contributions $2.50cts. October the 13th, 1838 We the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and after preaching by brethren David Wood and Matthew Burt, opened a door for the reception of members and rec’d Sister Safronia Ray [daughter of David and Elizabeth Donaldson] by letter. Thomas King, church’s clerk. Page 24: November the 10th, 1838 1st The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after the preaching by Elder M. Burt, went into business and 2nd David Donison [Donaldson] laid in allegation against Lemuel [?Samuel?] Flaningham ___ and said that he had told lies and ave 3rd laid it over until next Church meeting. 4th Appointed Elias Sexton and Thos. King to cite Laningham to the next meeting. December the 18th, 1838 1st The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and took the case of David Donison [Donaldson] and Laningham and throwed it out. 2nd A. Rials offered himself and was refused. January the 12th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after preaching, opened the door for the reception of members. 2nd Inquired for the union and Brother Henry L. Coon give satisfaction. 3rd Application made for Lamuel Flaningham and wife for a letter of dismission and was granted. Page 25: March the 3rd day, 1839 Received by baptism, Brother John Standly, Sister Woods, Jon King, the first Saturday in March. 1st March the 9th, 1839 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Brother Joshua Dickson by restoration. 2nd Received Elder Allen Driskey, Sister ?Francley? Driskel, his wife, by letter. 3rd By experience and baptism, Sister Winey? Tanan. Thomas King, Clerk. 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference. A move made by Brother Driskey for church treasure, and throwed in one dollar, $1.00. 1st April the 14th, 1839 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and after preaching by brethren Driskell and Burt, opened the door for the reception of members and received by experience, Susan ?Menney and Brother Alfred Standley and Jan Holley. 3rd An appliction made Seley? ?Plat for a restoration to the church and made her confession for being excommunicated, and said that non-membership was at Monton [?mountain?] area on which the church 4th appointed Brother M. Burt to write her new letter of dismission on which we took her? ?own? wach? cane? Thomas King, clerk. Page 26: April the 13 [or 18th], 1839 5th Received Brother Standley Hall by baptism and Sister Miley Standley by baptism. May the 11th We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and an application was made by brother john Stnadley for a letter of dismission forDavid Dalleson [Donaldson] and wife, and it was granted. 2nd Appointed a moderator to write the ___ letter by request of the brother Clark. 3rd Received Joseph Hutchion? by experience and was baptised. Received Sister Nancy Hutchian?, his wife, by letter. June the 8th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference. The door was opened for the reception of members and Arch Carter presented himself and was refused. 2nd A move was made for ?Camber to prepare seats and a pulpit, on which Thos. King was to write a subscription for the same. 3rd An application made; Sister Tanan; a letter of dismission, Page 27: and was granted. 4th and said to communion the ensuing day and wash the feet on Saturday before the 2nd Lord’s day in July. We, the Baptist Church in conference. [No date given.] 2nd Appointed Brother Allen Driskell together with William Wasden and Thomas King and in case of failure, Joseph Hutchian? To go to the Council meeting in Piquie? [Pike?] County. August the 16th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference. 2nd A door was opened for the reception of members and received Brother ? Milton? Williams and Sister Ann King. September the 7th, 1839 After preaching by our beloved moderator from the charge given unto the eminent apostle Peter, ‘feed my sheep.’ 2nd Read the letter that was prepared by our Brother M. Burt to send to the council meeting. October the 11th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after preaching went in to the business of the church, and the letter from the council meeting was presented by Elder Driskill. Thos. King, clerk. Page 28: 2nd Read the letter and unanimous adopted the proceeding by the council. 3rd Appointed to go to the Association, beloved Brother Elder Allen Driskill, Edmon Russell and Josiah Hutcheson and in case of failure, Henry Coon. 4th Agreed on the contribution for the association and determined that it should be $2. and 50 cents. 5th Went in to the choice of a moderator and chose Elder Matthew Burt for our moderator until next association. 6th Received Jackson Wise by experience and was baptized by Elder Driskill. November the 9, 1839 Went in to conference, and nothing done. December the 7th, 1839 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany, convened together after preaching by Elders Wood and M. Burt 1st An application was made for a letter of dismission for Brother William Coon and was granted by the church. Thos. King, clerk. Page 29: 2nd A request was made for another deacon by Thos. King and was granted, that there should be another chose and ordained next meeting. 3rd An allegation laid in against Brother Suttley by Brother Sexton. 4th Appointed Brethren ?Biehle and Wasden to cite Brother Suttley to our next meeting for a trial for his talk. 5th The same said brethren to cite Brother Childers to give an account for his non-attendance at church meetings. January the 11th, 1840 We, the Baptist Church of Christ went into conference and made choice of deacon and chose Brother Elias Sexton and appointed next meeting for his ordination. 2nd Took up the case of Brother Suttley and laid it over until meeting as he was absent. M. Burt moderator. Thos. King, clerk. 1840. Page 30: March the 7th, 1840 The church convened together and after preaching by Elder Wood, M. Burt 1st and the reference of the ordination of the deacon was laid over until the next conference. 2nd Took up the case of Brother Suttley and settled it by his pleading ignorance. 3rd Restored Brother Rubin Searcy and his wife, Serabler? Searcy. Agreed to commune on the day foling [?following?] and wash feet. May the 11th, 1840 1st After preaching, church set in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d none. 2nd Ordained Brother Sexton deacon. May the 9th After preaching, church set in conference and was all in peace. 1st June the 13, After preaching by the beloved moderator, M. Burt, church sit in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Sister Rhoda Claxton. Matthew Burt, moderator, Thomas King, clerk. Page 31: July the 11 Met in conference and after preaching went in to the business of the church. 1st Appointed brother Wasden treasurer of the church to hold the funds. 2nd Received Sister Nancy Anderson under the ?wuthercane? of the church until it known whether she receives letter or not. 3rd An allegation laid against Sister Hollan. 4th and appointed Brethren John Standley and Nathaniel Beck to cite her to church meeting. 5th On the ensuing day, a reconciliation was made between Brothers Driskill and Sister ?Youlton? [Foulton?] August the 8th After preaching by Elder Wood, church went into conference. An interruption came in the church between Brother Suttley and Brother Childers and laid over until next conference. Brother Dickson made confession of drunkeness and on confession, received the brother in fellowship. Page 32: September the 12, 1840 1st After preaching church went into conference and settled the distress between the brethren D. Suttley and Childer. 2nd Received Sister Nancy King by letter and received ?Arrency King by experience. 3rd Appointed brethren as delegates: A. Driskill, E. Russell, J. Hutcheson and in case of failure, J. Wasden. Contribution 3 dollars and50 cents. 4th Received Nancy Williams by baptism and ?Kesiah Prescott, and was baptized. December the 12 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, went into conference 1st Adopted the rule of washing feet only twice a year, March and ?Nove? 2nd Called Brother Burt to our moderator seat. Agreed to commune on the Sabbath following, and did so. January the 9th, 1841 1st Church opened the door for the reception of members and received Prescilley Brannan by letter. 2nd Restored David Dollison [Donaldson] to fellowship. Thomas King. Clerk Page 33: 3rd An allegation laid against Brother Childers for not attending meeting, and appointed brethren to cite him to the next conference. February the 13 1st We, the church of, met in conference after preaching and opened the door for the 2nd reception of members and received Sister Talon? by letter. 3rd Received Brother Dolison [Donaldson] under the watchers [?] of the [?] church and grounds [?] March the 13, 1841 The church went into conference and granted Brother Standley and wife a recommendation to the court, and being no business, came to adjournment. April the 1st 1st We, the Baptist of Christ, met in conference and after preaching by the moderator, opened the door of the church for the reception of members, and 2nd Received Brother Edwin White by experience. 3rd Received Sister White by experience. 4th Received Sister Mary Morgan and Margret Morgan by letter. 5th Then received Brother and Sister Charles Ward and Mary Ward ____ determined. 6th In conference. That any brother missing conference shall make excuse for so doing. Page 34: We, the Baptist Church at Bethany resolve that we have made? to be governed by: It shall be the duty of the moderator to open conference by prayer or praise or both if he shall see proper. Then call for references. Then the clerk shall rise from his seat and ___ at them. If any, the moderator shall have power to suppress all disorder and any brother refusing to ?hear him shall be excommunicated or dealt with as the brethren shall see proper. 2nd Resolve that but one brother shall speak at the same time and not more than twice to the same matter without a second [?] and leave of the moderator. 3rd Resolve that our sisters have their voice in the reception or excommunication of any brother or sister. 4th Resolve that any brother missing 2 church meetings shall be cited to the 3rd to give their reason for so doing and if they shall refuse then to attend, shall be dealt with as seems proper to the brethren. 5th Resolve that we have no evidence except Gospel evidence, neither [?] listen to them. Resolved that any brother missing meeting shall make their excuse or not be admitted in conference. Page 35: We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference April the 10th, 1841 6th A rule determined in conference that any brother missing conference shall make their excuse at the next meeting or not be admitted in to conference. May the 8th Met in conference and after preaching, 1st opened the door for the reception of members and received Sister Jada ? Cook? [?Cork?] 2nd Request made by Brother L. Coon 3rd for letters of dismission ___ and was granted 4th Received Brother George by letter. Received Brother William Myley? By restoration and Sister Emeline? by Baptism. June the 12 We, the Baptist Church Christ met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Brother Driskell called for letters of dismission for him and wife and was granted and dismissed by letters. M. Burt, Moderator, Thos. King, Clerk. Page 36: July the 10, 1841 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and opened 1st the door for the reception of members. Received Brother Zebediah Taylor. 2nd Agreed to correspond with churches Smyrna and Mount Pleasant. August the 7 Met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received [left blank, meaning none, presumably.] 1st Appointed brethren to visit Mount Pleasant Church with correspondence, E. Russell, G. Clark, N. Beck. 2nd Appointed M. Burt to write the letter to Mount Pleasant Church. 3rd Appointed the same delegation to visit Smyrna Church on their next quarterly meeting. 4th Appointed T. King to write the correspondence letter. Rec’d the ?minutes? and came to ?dismission? September the 11th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Appointed delegates to the association. Brethren E. Russell, E. Sexton and G. Clark. Contributed 3 dollars and M. Burt to write the letter. Page 37: 3rd An allegation laid against Brother ?Childers? and expelled him from our body. October the 9th 1st Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received one. [Smudge] and received from our sister churches Mount Pleasant, Enon and Smyrna churches correspondence, letters and messengers. [This whole paragraph xxxed out. 2nd Agreed that our yearly meeting should commence on Friday before the Lord’s day in September. 3rd Received and read correspondence, letters and messengers from our sister churches Mount Pleasant with a letter and messengers. A. Wasden?, H. Thomas, ___ Thomas L. Hutchinson?, M. W. ? Helms,. 4th Enon __ letters and messengers. D. Donaldson, H. ?Yopens? [?Topens?] 5th Smyrna__ letters and mesengers. A. Driskill, J. Hutchian?, C. S. Buford? 6th An application made by Amy Wood for a letter of dismission and 7th Appointed brethren J. Wasden, E. Sexton and Thomas King to visit David Wood and… Page 38: …if we see proper, to grant the sister a letter to dismiss, and if not, she was to have no letter and the committee on excommunication granted the sister no letter. November the 13th 1st Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Brother Collins and Sister Collins, Andrew Collins and Ruth Collins. 2nd Agreed to have a standing committee to arrange preaching and all ? depeal? cases. Alfred Standley, Nathaniel Beck. 3rd Sister Morgan applied for letters of dismission for herself and Sister Owens and was granted. Brother Milton Williams called for letters for himself and wife, and was granted. 4th Resolved that the Articles of Faith be read quarterly. December the 11th day, 1841 Church met in conference and after preaching opened the door for the reception Page 39: …of members and rec’d…Jan 25 2nd Took up the case of Sister Wood and laid it over until next conference. 3rd Nominated Elias Sexton and Thomas King to visit David Wood. 4th Three letters of dismission called for and was granted. 5th Church went into the choice of our Moderator and called M. Burt and Ed? Driskill as joint supplies. January the 8th day, 1842 1st Church met in conference and took up the case of Mistress Wood and laid it over until the next conference. January the 12th, 1842 Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Took up the case of Sister Wood and excommunicated her, and so adjourned until next conference. M. Burt, Mod., Thomas king, C. L. K. Page 40: March the 12th, 1842 1st Church met in conference and opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Received a letter from our sister church Shilo by the hand of Brother Carter. Read it and laid it over. April the 9th 1st Church met in conference and after preaching by the moderator, 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and rec’d none. 3rd Called for acknowledgments. 4th Called for references and took up the case of Archer Carter and dismissed it. 5th An allegation laid against Brother Allen Driskill by Sister Claxton accusing him of being not the man he professes himself to be, and appointed brethren W. Wasden, E. Russell and A. Collins to bear the letter to our sister church, Smyrna. May the 7th Church met according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to sit with us. Page 41: 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and rec’d none. Called for acknowledgments. [The next paragraph was written, then crossed out with an X]. Called for reference and was now an allegation laid against Daniel Sutley and __ laid out the case and excommunicated him. An allegation laid in by Edmund Russell against Daniel Sutley and we took up the case and excommunicated him, by his making abrupt language and saying he would be no more of us. This allegation was for telling of lies and he denied it, and it was proved against him and this man, Daniel Sutley raised a slanderous report about Sister Russell and told it. June the 11th, 1842 Church met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received Called for references and was none. Called for acknowledgements. There was a letter handed in by the hand of Sister Driskill and the committee sent out on it Page 42: and the committee throwed it out and would not have nothing to do with it. June the 11th day, 1842 1st The church met according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to a seat. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for acknowledgments. 4th Called for references and was none. 5th Sister Claxton called for a letter and it was granted her. 6th Church agreed to do away new standing committee and appoint one when wanted. August the 13th 1st Church met according to adjournment. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for acknowledgments. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Appointed brethren G. Clark, E. Russell, and in case of failure, Brother John Standley. 5th Contribution $2.00. Sister ?Campbell called for a letter and was granted. Page 43: August the 13th 6th Agreed to correspond with Mount Pleasant Church. Appointed brethren Collins, Whit, Taylor, Russell, Sexton, Bolton, Burt to write the letter. 7th Rec’d Brother __ Milton Williams, Sister Nancy Williams, his wife. Appointed Brother M. Burt to write our association letter. September the 10th Church met according to adjournment. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for correspondences and received a letter and messengers from our sister Smyrna church, by the hands of her messenger, J. A. Musgrave, J. Hutchinson, S. Buford, L. Coon. Also one from the Pleasant by the hands of her messengers, _______, M. W. ___ which was cordial. Received by giving them the right hand of fellowship. On other business, an action came to a close [this line was then crossed out] being applied to for a letter of dismission by Sister Nancy Sutley, which was granted and the clerk ordered to write it and give to her, and matter came to a close. Thos. King, Clerk. M. Burt, Mod. Page 44: January the 7th, 1843 Church met in conference and called for acknowledgments. Called for references and was none. Agreed that Brother and Sisters Taylor’s memberships should be retained in Bethany until they called for letter of dismission. Moved and seconded order that ?no should come to dismis ?heaval. March the 12th, 1843 Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. An application made for a letter of dismission for Brother White and Sister White and it was granted. Also for Sisters Nancy King and it, and the clerk ordered to write. April the 9th Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren to a seat. Called for acknowledgments. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. An allegation laid against Joshua Dickson for getting drunk and using improper language and excluded him from our body. Page 45: A move for dismission of, and was dismissed in order. May the 13th, 1843 Church met in conference and appointed Brother A. Collins for our moderator for the present day. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Church agreed to send a committee to visit Sisters Hemphill and Sister Sutley to know their reason for holding their letters. A move made for a committee to go of demand of Carter’s license to preach, to wit A. Collins, G. Clark, J. Standley. A move made J. Standley and J. King to visit M. Williams and cite him to our next conference. June the 10th Church in conference 1st and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references and 3rd Took up the case of sister Sutley and settled Page 46: June the 10th, 1843 Took up the case of Sister Hemphill and settled it. [This sentence was then crossed out.] 4th Took up the case of Archer Carter as demanding the licenses to preach, and he refused to give them up. 5th Took up the case of Brother Williams and settled it satisfactorily. 6th Took up the case of Sister Hemphill and by her acknowledgments and the acknowledgments of the Smyrna brethren, we settled the case. July the 8th 1st The church met in conference and according to adjournment and 2nd Invited visiting brethren to seat with us. 3rd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. 4th Brother A. Collins and Sister Ruthey Collins called for a letter of dismission and was granted and the clerk ordered to write these. 5th Appointed Brothers Clark and Brother Russell as a delegation to the general meeting. Thomas King, CCLK. Page 47: August the 12th, 1843 Church met in conference and 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for reference and was none. 3rd Brother David Daleson [Donaldson] came forward and made acknowledgements and was received by the church. 4th Chose brethren to go to the association. E. Russell, G. Clark, and John Standley, and in case of failure, Elias Sexton, and 5th Clerk ordered to write the letter. A move made then that the minutes be read, and come to a close. February the 6th, 1844 The church met in conference and after preaching by C. Curey, called Brother Curey as our supply for the present year. Received brother Cred Collins and his wife, Lidia Collins by letter and come to a dismission. Thos. King, CLK March 9 Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren to sit with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for reference and there was none. Moved and second in order that we come to a dismission. C. Curry, Mod. T. King, CLK July the 13th Church met in conference and after preaching by Brother M. Helames [Helms], went into business and opened the door for the reception of members and received Called for references and ___ Brother John Standley called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted. By the request of brothers sisters, we went into the choice of a deacon which terminated in the choice of Brother E. White and agreed that he be a deacon on Saturday before the second Sunday in August, and that Helms, Dozier and Curry [smudge] called as Presbytery. Moved that __ [smudge] correspond with Smyrna church on the 4th of July by letter and messengers A. Collins, Taylor, Cr’d Collins, E. Russell Page 49: Brother ___ to write the letter on matter. Came to a close. T. King, CLK. M. W. Helms, Mod. August 10th Met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and there was none. Sister E. King called for a letter of dismission and was granted. Delegates go to the Association and chose C. Collins, A. Standley, E. White and in case of failure, Z. Taylor. T. King to write the letter to the Asso. Brother Sexton called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, and was granted. Church agreed to communion and wash feet the ensuing day. Move and second in order that we came to a close. Page 50: September the 7th, 1844 According [unfinished sentence.] Church met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references and took up our association business, and read the letter and received it, and made the contribution, $2.00. The time of our communion until November. 3rd Moved and second in order that we came to dismission. Dismiss by letter Marget Bandes, this the 16th day of September, 1844. Thos. King. Church met in conference on this, the 9th day of November. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and 3rd Called for references and there was none. 4th Called for general business. 5th Being applied to for letters of dismission by the following sisters: Nancy Standley, Ann King, Geen [?Jean] King, Nancy King. Was granted and the clerk authorized to write letter and gave them. 6th Called for correspondence. None. Our brethren is requested to consider themselves at… Page 51: 3rd The ordination of our deacon _____ E. White being called for. 4th Brethren Joel ?Pate, J? S? ?Albritton? was chosen as the presbytery to lay hands on him, which they did do by the request of the church. 5th On motion, came to a close. Thomas King, CLK, Cary? Curry, Mod. September the 7th, 1844 The church met in conference and called her minister for the ensuing year, which is terminated in the choice of Moses Helems. Appointed Thomas King to write a letter to him and Creed Collins to born it. Jane Sinclair called for a letter by Thomas King and it was granted and the clerk was ordered to write it. Appointed Williams, J. Basilier? And George Clark to cite Milton Williams to our next conference and know his reason for not attending. Thomas King, CLK. Page 52: Along the left margin in several pages is written: Alexander Prescott was borned February 16, 1854. January the 11th, 1845 Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Brother Breand? and Brother Hellams, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and there was one, and laid it over, the parties not being present. Moved and second in order that for adjournment, and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, Moses Hellems, Mod. February the 8th, 1845 Church met in conference and after preaching by Brother Breant, sent into business of the church. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and rec’d none. Called for references and took up the case of Brother Williams and laid it over until next meeting. Brother Collins called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, G. Breant, Mod. Page 53: March the 8th day, 1845 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and… Called for references and took up the case of Brother Williams and resolved that we ?bear with infirmities of Brother Williams and hold him in fellowship. Moved and second in order that we came to a dismission. Thos. King, CLK, G. Breant, Mod. April the 12 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats …Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. An allegation laid against Milton Williams which terminated in his excommunication. Moved and second in order that we adjourn. Thomas King, CL, G. Briant, Mod. Page 54: June the 9th, 1845 Church met in conference. Invited the visiting brethren to seats with us. 1st Called for references and was none. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Took up the business of the council meeting and appointed the G. Clark, T. King and A. Stanley, E. Russell to go to the general meeting. 4th By the request of M. W. Helams, release him from the moderator’s seat. By promise to attend us and preach to us as often as possible. 5th Called C. Briant to the moderator’s seat for the present year. G. Briant, Mod. July the 12th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Giales [Giles] Briant, a minister of the Gospel, by letter. Church again to commune and wash feet on the ensuing day. Page 55: August the 9th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Went into the nomination of delegates to the association and chose G. Briant, G. Clark, and T. King and in case of failure, E. White. Agreed that the contribution be $2.00. T. King to write the letter to the association, and also a letter to ?petition the association for a letter of dismission for convenience. NB-Dear Brethren, what I have done here is done but indifferent, but all particular matters is hinted at, so there? can be understood, so I shall come to a close. T. King, CLK, G. Briant, Mod. September the 12th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Sister Sorrow Miller by experience and baptize put on the ensuing day. T. King, CLK, G. Briant, Mod. Page 56: September 12th, 1845 and received Archa Carter by restoration by his coming forward and making satisfaction for his former conduct and saying that he done what he did through ambition. Received Joshua Dickson by restoration. Both into fellowship. I, Thomas King, resign the deacon’s office and the brethren for my gratification, agreed to look out another to serve in my place. Read and received the letters to the association. [All the above on page 56 crossed out] September the 13th 2nd Received Archa Carter by restoration by his coming forward and making full satisfaction and saying that he put up them ?diminishments? about M. Burt through ambition. 3rd Received J. Dickson by restoration by his giving satisfaction. 4th Church agreed to look out another deacon to fill the place of Thomas King through his request Page 57: And for his satisfaction, it was his wish to resign his deacon’s office. 5th Read and received the letters to the association. 6th Moved and second in order that we came to a close and done according. G. Briant, Mod, T. King, CLK November the 8th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Took up the business of the association and chose messengers G. Briant, G. Clark, and E. Russell and in case of failure, T. King, and to make a contribution 1 dollar and 50 cents. Edwin White called for a letter of dismission for self and wife, and was granted them. T. King, CLK, Geals Briant, Mod. Page 58: January the 12th, 1846 Church met in conference 1st and opened the door for the reception of members and received… 2nd Called for references and was none. Moved in order that we come to a close. February the 7th 1st Church met in conference according to adjournment and 2nd opened the door for the reception of members and received one letter, Elizabeth King by letter. 3rd Called for references and took up the case of calling a deacon and laid it over until a convenient time. 5th and came to a close in order. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. March the 7th 1st Church met according to adjournment. 2nd Invited visiting brethren to seats. 3rd Opened the door for the reception of members and received… 4th Called for references and took up the case of choosing a deacon and laid it over until next meeting. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 59: April the 11th day Church met according to adjournment and chose Z. Taylor for clerk, protem. Opened the door for the reception of members and received ? Gelfrad Burt and Jacob Strickland. Called for references and took up the business of choosing a deacon and chose Brother George Clark. Archa Carter called for a letter of dismission and was granted. Appointed the brother Clark to write a letter to Brothers Dozier and Lang to come to our next meeting for the purpose of ordaining a deacon. Also Brother Hellems. The church agreed to choose another deacon next meeting. Moved and second in order that we come to a close. G. Bryan, Mod., T. King, CLK. May the 9th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received… Page 60: May the 9th, 1846 Called for references and took on the case of a choice of a deacon and chose Zebedee Taylor. Chose and sent for a presbytery, Dozier and ? Pate and Hellems. T. King to write them letters, and come to a close in order. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. June the 13th Church met in conference according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened the door to the reception of members and received…Called for references. In case M. W. Hellems don’t come on the ensuing day that T. King write a letter to M. W. Hellems and ?bring it to him. 12 church letters called for and was granted. William J. Wasdin and his wife, Elizabeth; Nathaniel Beck and his wife; Edmund Russell and his wife; Elizabeth Childers, Jane Brannon, Page 61: June the 13, 1846 …Elizabeth Hall, Patsy Brannon, Zelfa? Bant?, Lucindy Haneson. Thomas King to write the letters. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. G. Bryan, Mod, T. King, CLK. July the 11th 1st Church met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received no. 2nd Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for general business. None of importance presents itself. 5th Inquired if the church is in the same mind as when they chose Brothers Clark and Taylor to the office of deacon. The answer is yes. Brethren G. Clark and Z. Taylor come under the hands of the presbytery. M. W. Helams and G. Bryan moved in order presbytery. M. W. Hellems, G. Bryan. Page 63: Moved and second in order that the church adjourn and came to a close. G. Bryan Mod, Thomas King, CLK. August the 8th, 1846 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for general business and took up the business of David Doldison [Donaldson] for getting drunk and fighting and making use of rough language and appointing G. Clark and T. King to go and talk with him and cite him to the next conference. Also, Brother J. Dickson for getting drunk and making use of rough language. Z. Taylor to talk with him and cite him to the next conference. Took up the business of the association and appointed brethren to go to the association: G. Bryan, George Clark and T. King. T. King to write the letter. Agreed to m__ up a ____ _____and agreed to commune and Page 64: August the 8th, 1846 …and wash feet in our next meeting. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. September the 12th Church met in conference according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received… Called for references. Took up the case of David Doldeson [Donaldson] and laid it over until next meeting. Took up the case of Brother Dickson and disposed of it by forgiving of him. Read and received the letter to the association. Moved and in order that we come to a close. December the 19th Church met in conference and agreed to alter our time of meeting from the 2nd to the 3rd Sunday in each month. G. Bryan, Mod, T. King, CLK. Page 65: December the 19th, 1847 Church met in conference and the door for the reception and received none. Called for reference and took up the case of David Doldesan [Donaldson] and dismissed it by his giving satisfaction. Sister Sarah Nelson and Sister Nancy Miller called for letters of dismission and was granted and came to a close in order. G. Bryan, Mod, January the 16th, 1847 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for general business. February the 20th, 1847 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received David Doldeson [Donaldson] and his wife, Elizabeth. Called for references and none. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 66: February the 26th, 1847 March the 20th Church met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Church agreed to commune on the ensuing day and wash feet. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. April 17th Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Moved and second in order that we come to a close. May the 15th The moderator and a few of the sisters met, and no conference was held. Thomas King, CLK. Page 67: Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received…Called for references and was none. Took up the case of J. Dickson and debated it and through his request, excluded him from the church. An allegation laid against David Doldeson [Donaldson] for drinking and wanting to fight and Brother David Doldeson [Donaldson-but probably meant to put another person’s name in here] sent to talk to him and cite him to our next meeting. And came to a close in order. T. King, CLK July the 14th Church met in conference according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received… Called for references and took up the case of David Doldeson [Donaldson]. Laid it over until next meeting. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. Page 68: Sept. the15 [or 18th] Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received…Called for references and was none. Took up general business and appointed the delegates to the association, to wit: G. Bryan, G. Clark, Thos. King and in case of failure, Z. Taylor. The clerk to write the letter. Thos. King. Page 69: September 1847 The church agreed to commune and wash feet in the ensuing day. October the 16th Met together and on the ensuing day preaching by G. Bryan and M. W. Hellems, but no conference. Thos. King, Clk. November the 20th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Thos. King December the 18th Church met in conference invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and by letter a black ____ belonging to Mr. Leray Taylor. Called for references and was none. Church ___ up money to pay for minutes and so closes the year of 1847. G. Bryan, Mod, Thomas King, CLK. Page 70: January the 15th, 1848 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Having no business, come to a close. Thomas King, Clk. February-no conference March-no conference April the 15th Church met in conference. Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received by letter, to wit: Nancy Stanley. Called for references and was none and come to a close. Thomas King, Clk. May the 26th Met at Bethany pursuant t adjournment and set in conference. Opened a door to receive members and received none. Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Called for references and was none. Received the above by the hand of Brother Doldeson [Donaldson]. Thomas King was not present. D. Doldeson [Donaldson] was clerk protem. Thomas King. Clk. Page 71: January the 11th, 1845 Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Brother Briand and Brother Helams, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Moved and that we come to a close an [the preceding words were then crossed out]. Called for references and there was one, and laid it over, the parties not being present. Moved and second in order that for adjournment and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, M. W. Hellems, Mod. February the 8th, 1845 Church met in conference and after preaching by Brother Briant, went into the business of the church. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and took up the case of Brother Williams and laid it over until next meeting. Brother Collins called for a letter of dismission and was granted and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, G. Briant, Mod. August the 19th, 1848: Called for references and was none. Agreed to call a conference on the 20th to arrange the business of the association and come to a close. Thos. King, CLK. Took up the business of the association and appointed brethren G. Bryan, Z. Taylor, and G. Clark and in case of failure, T. King to go to the association. The clerk to write the letter. December the 16th Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Took up the call of a minister and laid it over until next meeting in January. Page 73: December the 16th, 1848 Elder G. Bryan called for a letter of dismission and was granted. Resolved that we call our preacher our next meeting in January next. Thos. King, CLK. January the 20th, 1849 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brothers and sisters to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references. Took up the call of a moderator and dismissed the call. February the 14th No meeting, no conference March the 14th No meeting, no conference April the 21st No meeting, no conference May the 19th Church met in conference and invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Page 74: August 1849 Sister Priscilla Brannon called for a letter of dismission and was granted wrote and assigned by the clerk. Thomas King, Clk. Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Brother David Doldeson [Donaldson] Jun being presented for drinking and ?rioting and says he was in the habit of doing so, and being presented often to the church and being admonished, he continued in his drunkenness and ?rioting; for this cause, the church excluded him from her body and came to a close. Thomas King, Clk. July the 21st No conference. August the 18th Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Th. King. Page 75: August 18th, 1849 3rd Agreed to take up the Association business. Appointed delegates Z. Taylor, G. Clark, T. King and in case of failure, J. Stricklaw. T. King to write the letter. 4th William Wasden called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted. The clerk ordered to write the letter. 5th Sister Miller called for a letter of dismission and was granted. The clerk ordered to write which he did, and came to a close. Thomas King, Clk. September the 15th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none and came to a close in order. Thomas King, Clk. From September 1849 to March 1850, no conference. Page 76: March the 16th, 1850 Church met in conference. 1st Invited visiting brothers and sisters to seat with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Took up the business of association and appointed Brothers Z. Taylor, G. Clark, J. Strickland and in case of failure, Thomas King. T. King to write the letter. 5th and ?craved? the association in the letter. 6th Called Giles Bryant for our moderator and supply. Thomas King, Clk, Giles Bryant, Mod. April the 20th Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Moved and second in order and came to a close in order. Thomas King, CLK, Giles Bryan, Mod. Page 77: May 18th, 1850 After the sermon by brethren A. Driskill, M. W. Helms, the church met and conference was organized by 1st Smyrna visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception and received by letters William and Rachel Collinsworth? 3rd Called for references. None. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. None presented. No other business, our meeting came to a close. Giles Bryant, Thomas King, Clk. June 15th Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by A. Driskill and W. M. Helms, opened conference by singing. 1st Invited visiting brothers and sisters of the same faith and order to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. Page 78: 4th Called for general business and none presented. Come to a close in order. Thos. King, Clk, Giles Bryan, mod. July the 20th Church met according to adjournment and after sermon, J. S. Doldeson [Donaldson] and Bryan, the church went into conference. Invited visiting brothers and sisters to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received 2 by letters. Dismissed by letter, 2. Took up the business of the association and appointed messengers George Clark and William Collinsworth and Zebedee Taylor and in case of failure, Edwin White. Thomas King to write the letter and by a move, adjourned in order. Thos. King, CLK, Giles Bryan, Mod. August the 16th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Thomas King, CLK Page 79: Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and took up, read and received the letter to the association. Called for contribution. Agreed to make up 2 dollars. Moved and second that we come to a close and was dismissed in order. Thomas King, , Giles Bryan, Mod. October the 20- no conference [crossed out]. September the 15th-no conference October the 19th-no conference November the 17th-No conference December the 14th-no conference January the 15th-no conference February the 15th-no conference Thomas King. Page 80: March the 15th, 1851 Church met in conference and after preaching, by Elder Bryan, held conference, and on the ensuing day, the 16th, called to Elder Bryan for our supply and moderator of a reprisal? of 1 year. Thos. King, CLK, Giles Bryan, Mod. Saturday of April the 19th Elder Bryant met at Bethany and opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. May the 15th 1st Church met in conference. Invited visiting brethrens and sisters to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Took up the business of the association meeting and chose G. Clark, J. Strickland and Z. Taylor as delegates. Thos. King to write the letter. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. June the 21st-No conference. Thos. King. Page 81: July the 19th, 1851 Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Invited the visiting brethren to seats with us. Called for general business. Took up the business of the association and elected William Cottensworth, George Clark, and Thos. King. Thos. King to write the letter to the Association. Thos. King, CC, Giles Bryan, Mod. August the 16th After preaching by Elder Bryant, church met in conference and invited visiting brothers and sisters to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and read the letter for the Association and received it. Called for contribution and received one dollar and ten cents. Moved and second in order and that we come to a close and adjourned in order. Giles Bryan, Mod. Agreed that the church book be brought every three months and the Articles of Faith be read. Giles Bryan, Mod, Thos. King, CC Page 82: Sept. 13 The annual session of the Primitive Baptist Association called the Clay Bank Association, was held with Bethany Church from the 13th to the 15th inclusive, September the 20th, 1851. On account of the Association, no conference was held. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. October the 18th Church met in conference after preaching by Elders Driskill and Bryant. Went into the business of the conference. Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. The church agreed to commune and wash feet the ensuing day, and by move and second, adjourned in order. Thos. King, CC, Giles Bryan, Mod. A. ?. D___ __________________________ [too faint to read] Page 83: November the 15th, 1851 1st Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for general business and was none presented. 5th Moved and second that we adjourn in order. Thom. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. December After sermon by G. Bryant, church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members. Invited visiting brothers to seats. Being no business, a motion. Came to a close. T. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. January the 18th, 1852 Church met in conference and called our beloved brethren, G. Bryant as our supply and have his promise to attend us on conditions if the brothers will meet him on conference days. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. Page 84: February the 14th, 1852 After sermon by M. W. Helms, church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members. Invited visiting brothers to seats with us. Called for references and was none; for general business and was none. On move, came to a close. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. March the 20th After preaching by W. M Hellems, 1st church met in conference. Invited visiting brothers to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for general business and was none. 5th Being our communion season, agreed to lay it over until our next meeting, then come to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. April the 17th No conference on the account of having no business. Thos. King, CC. Page 85: May the 15th, 1852 Church met and after sermons by A. Driskill and G. Bryant, church went into the business of the church. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received Joshua Dickson by restoration. Called for references and was none. Took up the business of the general meeting and appointed G. Clark, W. M. Collersworth, E. White and in case of failure, J. Stanley to bear our epistle. Thos. to write the letter. Resolved that the church commune our next meeting, and came to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. June the 19th After sermon by W. M. Helms, church met in conference. Invited visiting brothers to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and the brother C Lainge? having not prepared a letter for the general meeting, agreed to bring it forward on the ensuing day. The church agreed to commune and wash feet… Page 86: June the 19th, 1852 …on the ensuing day and adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. July the 17th According to adjournment after sermon by G. Bryant, church met in conference and invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received John Stanley and Sofronia, his wife. Called for references and took up the business of the Association and chose our delegates G. Clark, M. W. Collonsworth, and J. Stanley, and in case of failure, Z. Taylor. Thos. King to write the letter. Church agreed on 3 dollars contribution for the Association. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. August 13th After sermons by C. Currey and Bryant, the church met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received Wm. Carpenter. Called for references and read and received the association letter. Made up the contribution $3.30cents. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. [From August 13th, was all crossed out] Page 87: August 13th, 1852 Church met in conference and after sermons by Cr. Currey and G. Bryant, went into conference and invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the floor of the church for the reception of members and received William Carpenter and his wife, ?Soverein? Carpenter and Aaron Rials. Called for reference and read and received the association letter. Made up the contribution 3 dollars and adjourned. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. September the 18th Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by the moderator went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none, and read the Articles of Faith and adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. October 16th Church met and after sermon by G. Bryant, went into conference and invited visiting members to seat. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. Church agreed to commune and wash feet and came to a close. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryant, Mod. Page 88: November the 20th, 1852 Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by G. Bryant. Went into conference and 1st invited visiting members to seats. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received John ?Rial and Patsy, his wife, and Jessey C. Taylor by experience and was baptized in the fellowship of the church. 3rd Called for reference and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and found none and on motion… 5th adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, Giles Bryant, Mod. December the 18th Church met according to agreement and after sermon by the moderator, opened conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and took up the business calling of our preacher and G. Bryant for our moderator for the year 1853 and adjourned in order. Thomas King, CC, Giles Bryant, Mod. Page 89: January __ 1853 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church and received Sister Nancy Miller by letter. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. A letter of dismission called for Sister Lucinda Hareson [Harrison] and was granted and the clerk ordered to write it and then adjourned until next meeting. C. Johnson, C, G. Bryan, Mod. February the 19th After sermon by G. Bryan the church met in conference and invited visiting member to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received Charles and Silvany ?Jansons the wife of Charles Janson by separate letters. Called for references and none. Called for miscellaneous business none. By an move and second in order, adjournment until next meeting. C. Janson, CC, by G. Bryan, Mod. March the 19th After sermon by G. Bryan, J. Tamlin, 1st church met in conference according to adjournment. Page 90: March the 19th, 1853 2nd Invited visiting members to seats. 3rd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received Sister ?Anali Holloway. 4th Called for references and was none. Moved in order 5th that the church commune and wash feet twice a year, March and September and have a ?Thursday? meeting and came to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. April the 16th After sermon by Elder G. Bryan, church met in according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received Nancy Miller by letter. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and was none and on motion adjourned. Charles Janson, CC. G. Bryan, Mod. Page 91: May the 14th, 1853 After sermon by A. Driskill the church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references, none. Called for general business and went to the [choice] of delegates to the general meeting which terminated in Aaron Rials, E. White and Charles Janson. The clerk to write the letter. On motion, adjourned. C. Janson, CC, A. Driskill, Mod. June the 18th After preaching by elders Bryan and Driskill, conference met according to adjournment. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received John Holley and ?Jesse ?Fain to ___ by letter. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Called for references and read and received the letter to the District meeting and received it. Page 92: June 18th, 1853 Received Sister Jane Freeman. Took up the business choosing the delegates for the Association. Clark, Stanley, Rials, in case of failure, Z. Taylor. Read the minutes and come to a close until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. Alabama, Coffee County, July the 15th, 1853 Agreeable to previous appointment the delegation of the 2nd district of the Clay Bank Association with the church at Bethany and the introductory sermon was delivered, Brother M. W. Helms from Paul’s 2nd letter to the Thessalonians and 2nd chapter. After 15 minutes recess the council was organized by singing and… 1st and prare [prayer] the churches [crossed out the word ‘churches.’] Invited the ministers and visiting brothers to seats. Called for and received the letters from the churches as follows: From New Hope, Coffee, by the hands of her messengers, M. W. Helms, James Garrett, John Doldson [Donaldson]; from Beaver Dam, G. Bryan, A. Driskill, James A. Cook; from Bethany, E. White, A. Rials, C. Janson. Page 93: July the 15th, 1853 3rd From Old Town, no letter, by the report of Brother ?Miley. Went into the choice of a moderator and clerk, which terminated in the choice Giles Bryan, Moderator and M. W. Helms, CLK. 4th Appointed a committee to arrange preaching during this meeting, consisting James Cook, and John Doldieson [Donaldson] with the delegation of this church: E. White, A. Rials, Charles Janson. The brethren withdrew and that arranged and report that the brethren Curry and Driskill occupy the stand in the forenoon, then suspend business to 9 o’clock tomorrow. Brother Dozier to preach this evening. Saturday 16th, 1853 1st Met pursuant to adjournment. Invited brethren to seats. 2nd Proceeded to appoint with the church at New Hope, the next general meeting of the 2nd District on Friday before the 1st Sabbath in August 1854. 3rd Brother A. B. Miley preach the introductory sermon. Bro. G. Bryan, his alternate. Page 94: July 16th, 1853 4th Called for correspondence from the 1st District and received by her messengers, C. Curry, Levy ?Stevens, E. ?Barnes by the Moderator giving them the right hand of fellowship. Returned correspondence as follows: A. Driskill, A. Rial and Bryan to write. 5th Appointed M. W. Helms to prepare the report of this meeting to the association. 6th Adjourned to the time and place appointed. G. Bryan, Mod. M. W. Helms, Clk. July 16th The church of Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references. None. 4th Called general business. None. G. Bryan, Mod., M. W. Helms, CLK, protem. August the 20th Church met according to adjournment. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Called for references and 3rd read the Associational letter and received it. 4th Made the contribution 3 dollars and 5th on motion came to a close until September next. G. Bryan, Mod, Thos. King, CC Page 95: After preaching by brethren G. Bryan and J. ? Wood, the church met according to adjournment. 1st Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received… 3rd Called for references. None. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and adjourned. G. Bryan, Mod. C. Johnson, CC protem. October the 15th, 1853 After preaching by the brethren A. Driskill and C. Curry, the church met according to adjournment. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received Nedham Foley, John Coon, by experience. 3rd Called for references. None. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. Moved and second that the church extend the hand of fellowship… Page 96: …after baptism. Move and second that we adjourn. G. Bryan, Mod, Charles Johnson, CLK protem. November the… Church met according to adjournment and after sermons by Driskill and Bryan, invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. William Collinsworth called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, and was granted. Sister Sarah Holloway called for a letter of dismission and was granted. The letters wrote and one received and adjourned until next conference. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 97: December the 17th, 1853 After preaching by Brother G. Bryan, the church met according to adjournment. 1st Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members. 3rd Called for references. None. 4th Called for general business and went into the choice of a supply for the year 1854, which terminated in the choice of Brother Giles Bryan. 5th On motion, adjourned. G. Bryan, Mod, Charles Johnson, CC, protem. January the 14th, 1854 After preaching by brother Giles Bryan, the church met according to adjournment. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received… 3rd Called for references and none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. Page 98: Brother Edwin White applied for a letter for himself and wife. Moved and second that we ?and it _____ adjourn till the next conference. G. Bryan, Mod., Charles Johnson, CCLK. Dismiss by letters received. February the 18th Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by Elder Driskill, church went into conference and invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and took p the call of our pastor for the present year and called Elder G. Bryant the second time. Moved and second that we adjourn in order. A. Driskill, Mod. Thos. King, CC. March the 19th, 1854 After sermon by Elder G. Bryan, the church met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members. 2nd Called for references and took up the case of the call of Brother Bryan and he agreed to attend us the present year, there being a unanimous wish of all the church Page 99: 3rd Agree to postpone the time of communion till the next regular meeting in order, and then adjourn. Giles Bryan, Mod, John Standley, CC protem. April the 15th Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by Elder Bryan, went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received… Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and was none. Moved and second in order that the church adjourn. G. Bryan, Mod, T. King, CC. May the 20th, 1854 The church met according to adjournment after sermon by brethren A. Driskill, G. Bryan, went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business Page 100: Moved and second in order that a letter of dismission for Elizabeth Barentine. Moved and second in order the church adjourned. G. Bryan, Mod, Charles Johnson, Clk protem. A letter for Sister Barentine written and received. [Could Sister Elizabeth Barentine have been Agnes “Elizabeth” (Donaldson) Bronton? Barentine variously spelled in this record as Bartin, Bonntin, etc. We never find her or her husband under the spelling Bronton.] June the 16th Church met and after sermon by Elder Milley, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Called for references and was none. J. Holloway, J. Teel, Z. Taylor, in case of failure, William Carpenter. Clark to write letter. Moved and second in order that we adjourn. A. B. Miley, Mod, T. King, CC July the 15th Church met and after sermon by Elder Bryan, went into conference. Page 101: Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Read and received the letter to the general meeting and adjourned until meeting in August. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. August the 19th After sermon, met according to adjournment. 1st Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Invited visiting members to seats with us. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Took the item of the Association and chose J. Holloway, G. Clark, J. Standley and in case of failure, Z. Taylor. Thos. King to write the letter. Agreed to make up the $3 for to pay for printing of the minutes, and adjourned until September. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 102: September the 16th 1st After preaching by Elder Bryan, church met in conference. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received… 3rd Invited visiting members to seats. 4th Called for references. Read the association letter and received it. 5th Made up the contribution $3. The church agreed to commune and 6th wash feet on the ensuing day. Moved and second that the church adjourn. G. Bryan, Mod., Thos. King, CC. October the 14th 1st Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by Elder Bryan, 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Invited visiting members to seats. 4th Called for references and was none. 5th Called for miscellaneous business. None presented and adjourned until next conference. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. Nov. the 18th 1st Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by G. Bryan, church met in conference. Page 103: 2nd Invited visiting members to seats with us. 3rd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 4th Called for references and was none. 5th Called for miscellaneous business 6th and took up the call of our minister for the year 1855 and elected Elder Bryan for our supply. 7th Sister Freeman called for a letter of dismission and was granted and the clerk ordered to write the letter. Moved and second that we again Sist. Jan Freeman’s letter and ?rec’d of them. G. Bryan, Mod., Thos. King, CC. December the 16th Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by the moderator, opened conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received Martha Sanderson by experience. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and none presented and adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC., G. Bryan, Mod. Page 104: 1854 Church met December the 17th. Baptized Sister Martha Sanderson. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received Brother Hardison Smith and sister Martha Smith, his wife, and Brother Levy Smith by letters. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. January the 19th, 1855 Church met according to adjournment and sermon by G. Bryan. Opened conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. By the request of Thomas King, the present clerk, appointed Brother Levy Smith church’s clerk and adjourned in order until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. February the 18th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references. Was none. 3rd Called for miscellaneous business and none presented. Levi P. Smith, CC, G. Brion, Mod. Page 105: March the 17th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and Sister Amanda Likeler by experience. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and was none presented. 5th Brother John Teal called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, and was granted. Brother Aaron Rials applied for a letter of dismission and was granted. Ordered the clerk to write the letters. Levi P. Smith, C, G. Brian, Mod. April the 14th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references and was none. 3rd Called miscellaneous business and was none presented. Levi P. Smith, CC, G. Brian, Mod. May the 19th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for general business and was none. Levi P. Smith, CC, G. Brian, Mod. Page 106: June 16, 1855 The Baptist Church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Called for references and was none. 3rd Called for miscellaneous business and took up the business of the general meeting and chose the brethren to bear the letter. L. P. Smith, G. Clark, J. Stanley and J. Holloway in case of failure. Levi P. Smith, CC, G. Brian, Mod. July the 14th, 1855 The Baptist Church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and read and received a letter to the general meeting. 4th Called for general business. Brother Nedham Foley came forward and made acknowledgments for reports against him and dismissed it by his giving satisfaction. Went into the choice of the delegates to the association and chose the brethren Thomas King, George Clark, John Standley, John Holloway, in case of failure. Levi P. Smith, clerk, ____ Miley, Mod. Page 107: Alabama, Coffee Co, August the 17th, 1855 The 2nd district of the Clay Bank Association convened with Bethany Church Friday before the 3rd Sabbath in August 1855 and after sermon by Brother A. Driskill, the meeting was organized by brother moderator, and in the absence of the former clerk, called on brother L. P. Smith to act as clerk protem. Then called for and received from five churches as follows: From Evergreen, Coffee, by the hands of her messengers, I. Curry, A. J. Wise; from Beaver Dam, A. Driskill, J. Cook, and G. Brian; from union, by the hands of her messengers Wright P. Jones, James A. Smith; from new Providence, Simeon Blewford, James McKinney, William Holley; from Bethany, Levi P. Smith, George Clark and John Stanley; received from the First District correspondence by the hand of C. Curry, L. Hutcherson, John Gravey. On motion, continued Brother G. Briant, Moderator and L. P; Smith, clerk, and 2nd on motion appointed as follows: brethren a committee? On _____ Page 108: W. P. Jones, L. R. Cook, C. Curry, Will Holly, to act in concert with the delegates of this church. 3rd Called for correspondence whereupon the 1st district presented by her delegates, C. Curry, L. Hutcherson, and John Grady [the last two names were then crossed out] who was cordially received, the moderator giving the messenger the right hand of fellowship. 4th The committee on preaching reports that D. Dozier preach the evening on Saturday, S? Long, C. Curry occupy the stand in the fore. Suspend business till tomorrow at ten o’clock. Brother Curry to preach this evening. August 18th Saturday the meeting organized pursuant to adjournment. 1st Called for petitionary letter, whereupon Bethel Church petition for admission into our district and was cordially received, the moderator giving her messenger the right hand of fellowship. 2nd Appointed the next district meeting with ?pew provider? to convene on Friday before the 4th Lord’s Day in August 1856. 3rd Called for the corresponding letter reported. Brother G. Brian to write. Page 109: August 18th, 1855 4th Appointed Brother G. Brian to prepare a report of this meeting and send the same up to the Association. 5th Appointed A. Driskill to preach the next introductory sermon. 6th The committee on preaching report the following brethren occupy the stand on the Sabbath in the order of their names: A. B. Miley, C. Curry in the forenoon; D. Dozier in the afternoon, L. P. Smith, CC. Protem, Giles Brian, Mod. August the 18th, 1855 The Baptist Church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd and opened it for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and read and received the letter to the association. Levi P. Smith, CC, G. Brian, Mod. September the 20th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. 1st invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the Page 110: reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and was none. Levi P. Smith, Cc, G. Brian, Mod. November the 17th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references. Was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. Brother Zebadee Taylor called for a letter of dismission also for himself and wife. Also Brother Charles Johnson called for a letter for himself and wife. Levi P. Smith, CC, Giles Bryan, Mod. December the 15th, 1855 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and the church agreed to go into the choice of a pastor for another year and chose G. Bryan. Levi P. Smith, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 111: January the 19th, 1856 The Baptist Church at Bethany met and was no conference. Levi P. Smith, G. Bryan, Mod. February 16th, 1856 The Baptist Church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and was none. Levi P. Smith, CC, A. Driskill, mod. March the 15th, 1856 Church met at Bethany and was no business and adjourned. Levi P. Smith, CC, C. Curry, Mod. April the 19th, 1855 No conference. May the 17th, 1855 The Baptist Church at Bethany met in conference and was no business. The church agreed to commune, wash feet on the in ___ day. L. P. Smith, Cc, G. Bryan, Mod. June 14th, 1856 The church met in conference. 1st Invited visiting 2nd Opened it for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called general business. Sister… Page 112: …Martha Sanderson applied for a letter of dismission, which was granted. L. P. Smith, C clk, G. Bryan, Mod. July 19th, 1856 The church met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for general business and went into the choice of delegates to the general meeting and chose the brethren G. Clark, J. Holloway, Thomas King, F. Smith in case of failure and petition for the Association next year. L. P. Smith, CClk, G. Bryan, Mod. August the 16th, 1856 The church met in conference. Went into the business of the church. Went into the choice of delegates to the association and chose L. P. Smith, George Clark, John Stanley, Jacob Strickland in case of failure. L. P. Smith, CC, G. Bryan, mod. Sunday the 17th Read and received a letter to the association. September the 20th No conference. October the 18th, 1857 [The date is clerk’s error] The church met in conference and was no business and adjourned. November the 15th, 1856 The church met in conference. Was no business, adjourned. December the 20th, 1856 The church met in conference. Went into the choice of a pastor to serve us the ensuing year and chose Brother Giles Bryan. Thos. King,CC, Giles Bryan, Mod. January-No conference. Page 113: February the 14th, 1857 Church met and after preaching by elders Blare and Bryan, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Invited visiting members to seats. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and a letter presented to the church from M. W. Helms and a charge against Nedham Folia for drunkenness, cursing, swearing, and offering to bet and making use of unbecoming language which terminated in his excommunication. He was expelled from the church. Thomas King, CC, protem, Giles Bryan, Mod. March the 17th, 1857 The Baptist church met in conference. Was no business, and adjourned. April the 18th, 1857 The church met in conference. The church agreed to commune and wash feet. Thomas King, CC, protem. Giles Bryan, Mod. May-No conference. June the 20th, 1857 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for miscellaneous business and went into the choice of delegates to the general meeting and chose the brethren George Clark, John Stanley, Thomas King, L. P. Smith to prepare a letter. Levi P. Smith, CC, George Blair, Mod. July the 20th, 1857 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received Brother George Blair, an ordained minister of the Gospel, and Sister Sarah Blair, his wife, by letter. 3rd Called for references and read and received a letter to the general meeting and for general business and went into the choice of delegates to the Association and chose L. P. Smith, George Clark, John Stanley, and John Holloway in case of failure. Carey Curry, Mod. Levi P. Smith, CC. August the 15th, 1857 The church at Bethany met in conference. Went into the business of the church. Read and received a letter to the association. Giles Brian, Mod, Levi P. Smith, CC. September the 19th, 1857-No conference. Page 115: November Church met according to adjournment and opened conference by singing and called Brother C. Currey to attend us next year. Appointed Thos. King to write a letter and it to C. Currey. Brother Levi Smith called for a letter and it was granted of him and Thos. King wrote it for him and he received the same. G. Clark, Mod, Levi P. Smith, CC. December the 19th After preaching by C. curry and G. Bryan, church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. Thos. King called for a letter of dismission and was granted for himself and wife. Brother Ferdinand Smith to write the letter for Thos. King and wife and on the refusal of Cary Curry to serve the church as their supply, the church agreed to call another minister our next meeting. Thos. King, CC, Cary Curry, Mod. January, 1858 Church met in conference and called Cary Curry for our moderator and he refused to serve us. Then we called A. Driskill… Page 116: …and all his time was filled up and he could not serve us. February-No conference March the 20th Church met and after preaching by Elders C. Curry and A. Driskill, went into conference and invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and received an answer from Elder A. Driskill. He could not attend us and we adjourned. Thos. King, CC, C. Curry, Mod. April-No conference May-No conference June the 19th Church met and after preaching by Elder C. Curry, opened conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for miscellaneous business and chose our delegates to the general meeting to wit: G. Clark, J. Holloway, and J. Stanley. T. King to write the letter and on motion came to a close. T. King, CC, C. Curry, Mod. Page 117: Saturday the 17th July, 1858 Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Elder Curry and Elder Bryan, opened conference. Invited visiting members to seat with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and read and received the letter to the general meeting. Chose our delegates to the association which terminated Thos. King, Jacob Strickland, and George Clark. Thos. King to write the letter and on motion, came to a close. October the 16th Church met and after preaching by Elder Bryan, met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Agreed to call our minister for the year 1859 on our next meeting and altered the time to Sabbath in November and Saturday afore and adjourned. G. Bryan, Mod, Thos. King, CC. Page 118: November __, 1858 Church [met] according to adjournment and after preaching by Elder Bryan, opened the door for the reception of members and none. Called for references and took up the call of our minister and called Elder G. Bryan for the ensuing year and came to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. December the 18th Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Elder Bryan, proceeded to business. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. A charge laid against John Coon for drinking and non-attendance of conference. Appointed a committee to cite Coon to our next conference. J. Holloway called for a letter of dismission for self and wife and was granted, wrote and delivered. G. Clark called for a letter of dismission for Jessey Taylor and was granted, wrote and received, and then come to a close until next conference. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. January the 15th [1859] Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and took up the case of John Coons and excluded him from the fellowship of the church. Page 119: January the 15th, 1859 By move, come to a close until next meeting. G. Bryan, Mod, Thos. CC. February-No conference March the 14th Church met and after preaching, Elder Bryan. Opened conference. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members. Received none. Called for references and was none. Church agreed to commune and wash feet on our next meeting and adjourned in order until next meeting. G. Bryan, Mod, Thos. King, CC. April the 16th Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Elder Bryan, went into conference. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and the church agreed to commune and wash feet on the ensuing day and adjourned until next meeting in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. May-No conference June-No conference Page 120: July the 16th, 1859 Church met and after preaching by Elder G. Bryan, went into business. 1st Invited visiting brothers to seats. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Agreed to choose our delegates to the district meeting, which terminated in the choice of George Clark, John Stanley, Jacob Strickland and in case of failure, Wm. Carpenter. 5th Then went into the choice of our delegates to the Association and the choice terminated in the same delegation, Clark, Strickland, Stanley, and in case of failure, Wm. Carpenter. G. Bryan, Mod, Thos. King, CC. August the 20th Church met pursuant to adjournment. Called for references and read the Association letter and received it and on motion, came to a close. Thos. King, CC, Levi Smith, Mod. Page 121: October 15th, 1859 Church met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references. Was none. 3rd Called for miscellaneous business and was none, and on motion, came to a close. L. P. Smith, protem, G. Bryan, Mod. November the 19th Church met in conference and went into the choice of a preacher for the next year, which terminated in Giles Bryan. Levi Smith, CC, George Clark, Mod. Protem. January the 14th, 1860 Church met and after sermon by Brother W. C. Simmons went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none, and adjourned in order. W. c. Simmons, Mod., Thos. King, CC February-No conference March-No conference April the 14th, 1860 Church met. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and none presented and adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC. G. Bryan, Mod. Page 122: May __, 1860 1st Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Elder G. Bryan, Church set in conference. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and was none 5th and so adjourned in order until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. June the 16th Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Elder G. Bryan, Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Agreed to choose our delegates to the general meeting, which terminated in the choice of Clark, Stanley, Strickland and J. Smith in case of failure. Thos. King, to write the letter. Wm. Carpenter called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, and was granted, wrote and delivered according to order of the church. Thos. King, C, G. Bryan, Mod. July the 14th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and read and received the letter to the general meeting. Chose the delegates to the Association which terminated in the choice of G. Clark, J. Strickland, T. King. Page 123: July the 14th, 1860 The clerk to write the letter to Asso. and come to a close in order until the next month. Thos. King, CC. G. Bryan, Mod. August the 18th 1st Church met according to adjournment. 2nd Invited visiting members to seats with us. 3rd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 4th Called for references 5th and read the Association letter and received it. 6th Called for miscellaneous business and was none, then came to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. September the 15th Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting member to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Hanah Prescott called for a letter of dismission and received it, and was wrote and delivered by G. Bryan. F. Smith, clerk protem. G. Bryan, Mod. October the 20th Church meet pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none and came to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 124: October 21st On the ensuing day the door was opened and received Charles Holloway by letter. G. Bryan, Mod. November the 14th Church met according to adjournment and after sermon by Elder Simmons, met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none and went into the choice of a minister for the ensuing year which terminated in the choice of Elder G. Bryan without a dissenting voice and adjourned in order until the next meeting. Thos. King, CC, Elder Simmons, Mod. January the 19th, 1861 Church met in conference and after sermon by Elder G. Bryan, ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.’ Church went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and was none presented and adjourned until the next time and place. Thos. King, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 125: February-No conference [which words were then crossed out.] March Church met and after preaching by Elder Bryan, church met and agreed to commune and wash feet on the ensuing day and did so and adjourned in order until next Meeting. F. Smith, CC, G. Bryan, Mod. April Church met pursuant to adjournment. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none and come to a close in order. F. Smith, CC G. Bryan, Mod. May the 18th , 1861 Church met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received Levi P. Smith and Rebecca E. Smith, his wife, by letter. 2nd Called for references and was none. 3rd Called for miscellaneous business and at the request of Thos. King, released him from the clerkship and appointed Brother Levi P. Smith, CC Page 126: June the 15th, 1861 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references and was none. 3rd Called for miscellaneous business and the church went into the choice of delegates to represent her in the district meeting and chose the brethren L. P. Smith, George Clark, John Stanley and in case of failure, Thomas King. Also went into the choice of delegates to represent her in the Association and chose the brethren L. P. Smith, John Stanley, George Clark, and in case of failure, Thos. King and on motion and second, adjourned. L. P. Smith, CC. July the 20th, 1861 Bethany Church met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Invited visiting members to seats with us. 3rd Called for references. Read and rec’d a letter to the district meeting. Also read and received a letter to the association. 4th The church agreed to make up two dollars for contribution. Giles Bryan, Mod, Levi P. Smith, CC. Page 127: Our delegation of the 2nd District of the Clay Bank Association convened Friday before the 3rd Sabbath in August, 1861. 1st Invited ministers and brethren to seats. 2nd Called for letters from Beaver Dam by the hands of her delegates, G. Brianan, H. Kimbro, R. B. Beard; from Union, T. J. Ganez, J. J. Chandler; from Bethany, L. P. Smith, G. Clark, John Stanley; from Pleasant Ridge, H. K. H. Horn, Edward Harris. 3rd Went into the choice of a moderator and chose Brother Giles Bryan. 4th Appointed a committee to arrange preaching during this meeting as follows: E. J. Dean, H. K. H. Horn, H. Kimbro, T. J. Ganez, H. Wise together with the delegation of this church. 5th Appointed the next district meeting with Union Church, Covington County, commencing on Friday before the 1st Sabbath in September 1862. 6th The committee on preaching withdrew and arranged Page 128: [may have missed the top line of the page for this photocopy] and report that Brother M. McLane to occupy the stand in the morning at half past ten o’clock, followed by W. C. Simmons, Levi P. Smith prepared the report. 7th Moved and seconded that we hear our minutes and be dismissed till half past 9 o’clock tomorrow. August the 17th The council met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Agreed to send correspondence to the 1st District and appointed brethren H. K. H. Horn and E. J. Dean to ?messengers and Bro. L. P. Smith to write the letter to 3rd District brethren. L. P. Smith, G. Clark, and G. Bryan. L. P. Smith to write the letter. 2nd Called for the report to the Association, which was read and received. 3rd moved and seconded that we adjourn till the next time and place appointed for the district meeting. Giles Bryan, Mod., Levi P. Smith, CLK. Page 129: September the 14th, 1861 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference 1st Invited visiting member to seats. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received Sister Matilda Smith by letter. 3rd The church agreed to commune and wash feet. G. Bryan, Mod., Levi P. Smith, Clk. October the 19th, 1861 The Baptist church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received Calvin I. Ivey and Sister Lusey Ivey, his wife, by letter. 3rd Called for references. Was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. Was none. G. Bryan, Mod., L. P. Smith, Clk November the 16th, 1861 The church at Bethany met in [conference. This word was left out.] 1st Called for references and was none. 2nd Called for miscellaneous business. The church appointed the brethren George Clark and L. P. Smith as it’s committee to visit Brother Charles Holloway to learn the cause of his absence from conference. The church went into the choice of a pastor to serve her the ensuing year and chose Brother Joshaway Davis and appointed George Clark and L. P. Smith to report the call to Brother Davis. H. Kimbro, Mod., L. P. Smith, Clk. Page 130: December 15th, 1861 The church met in conference. January the 18th, 1862 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references. Was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. Was none. J. Davis, Mod. L. P. Smith, Clk. February-No conference August the 16th, 1862 Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Invited visiting brother to seats. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and elected delegates to the general meeting as follows: G. Clark, J. Stanley, and in case of failure, T. King. Delegates to the Association: G. Clark, J. Stanley, in case of failure, J. Strickland. Conference called in order. Thos. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. Letter of the general meeting wrote, read and received. Letter of the Association wrote, read and received by the conference. Thos. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. Page 131: September the 20th, 1861 Church met and having no business, was no conference. Thos. King, CC. October-No conference November the 15th Church met and after sermon by Elder J. Davis, went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and took up the call of our minister for the ensuing year and called our beloved Brother Elder J. Davis and heard the minutes and came to adjournment in order. Thos. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. February the 14th, 1863 Church met and after sermon by J. Davis, sent into conference. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. None presented and so adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. Page 132: March the 14th, 1863 Church pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. Was none presented. Thos. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. April the ?15th [?or 18th] Church met and after sermon by Elders Driskill and J. Davis opened conference __ Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and none presented and came to a close in order until next meeting in order. T. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. On Saturday night after conference, the door of the church being opened, elders A. Driskill and J. Davis received 2 sisters to wit: ?Lucretia ?Jane and Mesura Pale. J. Davis Mod., T. King, CC. May the 16th Church and after sermon by Elder J. Davis, went into conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. None presented and adjourned until next meeting. Thos. King, CC. J. Davis, Mod. Page 133: [Date unreadable or cut off of top of photocopy.] Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seat and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references. None presented. Called for miscellaneous business and chose our delegates to the district meeting which terminated in the choice of: G. Clark, J. Strickland, J. Stanley, Thos. King to write the letter and the letter was wrote, read and received. Thos. King, CC, J. Davis, Mod. July the 17th Church according to adjournment. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for miscellaneous business and took up the Association business and elected our delegates to wit: G. Clark, J. Stanley, J. Strickland, Thos. King to write the letter, and came to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, Elder Simmons, Mod. August the 15th Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received to wit: ?Lucretia Jane __ and Martha Pate. Called for references and read the Association letter and received it. Made up the contribution, 3 dollars and was dismissed in order. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. Page 134: September __ 1863 Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous and none presented and come to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. October the 17th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business and took up the call of supply and called on our beloved brother, Elder Joshua Davis for our supply for the ensuing year. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. November the 14th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church and received [in the left column next to the word sister is the word [dismiss’] Sister Ebby Sanderson by letter and by letter, Sister Jan Hareson and Sister Susan ?Wisman by experience and baptized them on the ensuing day. Called for references. Was none. Called for miscellaneous business and none presented, and come to a close. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. [If there are words written below this, they were too faint to read from the photocopy.] Page 135: [If there was a date at the top, it was cut off the photocopy] The Baptist Church of Christ at [now once again the words were too faint to read] Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. None presented, and come to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. April the 23rd, 1864 Church met and after sermon by Elder J. Davis, opened conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references. Was none. Called for acknowledgments. Called for miscellaneous. None presented. Moved and second for a close until next meeting, Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. May the 20th Church met pursuant to adjournment. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous business. None presented and came to a close in order till next meeting. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. June the 25th, 1863[?] Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Page136: [Top line cut off by photocopy] appointed as Bethany Church _____ received of Jacob Strickland, ____ of John Stanley. Received of the church Sept. the 18th. Laid our for wine September the 187th, expenditure 65 June the 25th, 1863 Called for miscellaneous business and took up the business of the district meeting. Appointed G. Clark and J. Stanley and in case of failure, _. Smith as delegates to the district meeting. Clerk ordered to write the letter and closed in order. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. July the 23rd Church met pursuant to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received one, Martha C? __. Called for miscellaneous business… Page 137: July the 23rd 1864 …and took up the business of the Association and appointed our delegates to wit: Ferdinand Smith, John Stanley and in case of failure, Jacob Strickland. Ordered the clerk to write the Association letter and come to a close in order. Thos. King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. Church met pursuant to adjournment and sermon by Elder J. Davis. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and took up the reading of the Association at . Read and received it and came to a close. August the 27th, 1864 September the 24th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received 3: William Taylor, Elmina Clark and Marget Blair. Called for references and was none. Chose Brother Strickland and Clark . Miscellaneous business. Took up the call of our minister and called Elder J. Davis and come to a close. Joshua Davis, Mod. Thos. King, CC. Page 138: September the 24th Church met pursuant to adjournment and invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received William Taylor, Elmina Clark, Marget Blair, William Clark. Called for reference and was none. Chose Brother Strickland, Clerk. Called for miscellaneous business. Took up the call of our minister and called Elder J. Davis and come to a close. Thomas King, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. October 22nd, 1864 Church met pursuant to adjournment and sermon by Elder J. Davis. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received 2, Joshua Standley, Eliser Cartright. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous, None presented. Moved and second for a close until next meeting. Jacob Strickland, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. November 17th, 1864 Church met pursuant to adjournment and sermon by Elder J. Davis. Invited visiting members to seat. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for acknowledgments. Called for references and was none. Called for miscellaneous. None presented. Moved and second for a close until next meeting. Jacob Strickland, CC, Joshua Davis, Mod. The following pages are out of sequence, unfortunately. The transcriber pulled them from the order and failed to check their proper location in the volume before the microfilm was returned to the Samford University library. Mea culpa! Members of Bethany Church Haron Wise 1 Kesiah Rowe 2 Nancy _Sutley 3 Elizabeth Wise 4 Nathaniel Beck 5 William Childers 6 Jan ?Brandin 7 Henry Coon 8 Emily Coon 9 Joseph W. Coon 10 Daniel Sutley 11 Sarah Wilson 12 Susan Beck 13 Lamuel Flaningham 14 Ebby Flaningham 15 ?Vaney Standley 16 dismissed Sufphrona Doneson [Donaldson] received by letter 17 Elias Sexton 18 ?Celia Sexton 19 William J. Wasdin 20 Elizabeth Wasdin 21 Thomas King 22 Martha C. King 23 Priscilla Doneson [Donaldson] 24 Elizabeth King 25 Elizabeth Bonntin [this may be Agnes Elizabeth Donaldson]26 ____ Carter 27 Elizabeth Hall 28 Elizabeth Dallesant [Donaldson] 29 David Daldeson [Donaldson] 30 ____ Hareson 31 New page: Nancy Miller 33 Marry Hemphill 34 John Standley 35 Aney Wood 36 Jon King 37 Joshua Dickson 38 Elder Alan Driskey 39 ?Horeby Driskey 40 dismissed Winey Janan by letter 41 Susan Muncy 42 Alfred Standley 43 Dismissed Jan Holley b letter 44 Silley Plat [short for Priscilla?] death 45 Dead Standley Hall 46 Milley Standley 47 Josiah Hutcheon 48 Delaney Hutchion 49 Edmond Russell 50 _____[ blank here] Russell 51 Patsy Branam 52 Milton Williams 53 Ann King 54 Jackson Wise 55 Jezabelley Curey 56 Written on the line below, upside down: Discommunicated A. Carter, Plesant Hemphill, Leanor Taylor. New Page: Names of Brothers Names of Sisters George Clark 1 Kesiah 1 Zebedee Taylor 2 Priscilley Doneson [Donaldson] 2 Thos. King 3 Martha C. King 3 Jacob Strickland 4 Elizabeth Bonntin [may be Brontin] 4 William Collins 5 Jan Sexton 5 Wartten Desmust 6 Leona Taylor 6 Dismiss by letter Edmund White 7 Juda Clark dead 7 Dead Joshua Dickson 8 Rachal Collins 8 John Stanley 9 Martha dismissed 9 William ?Copeneta 10 Martha White dismissed 10 Dismiss by letter Aaron Rials 11 Safrona ?Standley 11 Dismiss by letter John B. Teel 12 Sovanah Carpenter 12 Jessey C. Taylor 13 Patsy Teel 13 Charles Janson 14 Silvaney Jansen 14 John Holleyway 15 Winney Holleyway 15 [Crossed out] Nathaniel Foley 16 Jane Ferdinand dismissed 16 John Coon 17 Nancy Miller 17 Ferdninand Smith 18 Martha Sanderson 18 Levy P. Smith 19 Martha Smith 19 Amanda Likely Still on same page: Names of Brothers Names of Sisters George Clark 1 Precilley Dolerson [Donaldson] 1 Zebedee Taylor 2 Martha C. King 2 Still on same page: Names of Brothers Names of Sisters Thomas King 3 Elizabeth Barntin [?Bronton?] 3 Jacob Strickland 4 Jan Sexton 4 Crossed out William Collins Leaner Taylor 5 John Sandley 5 Jan Sexton 6 William Carpenter 6 Saphrona Stanley 7 Dismissed by letter Jessa C. Taylor 7 Savanna Carpenter 8 Charles Johnson 8 Silvaney Johnson 9 John Hollaway 9 Sarah Hollaway 10 Excom. Nedum Foley 10 Winey Hollaway 11 Excom. John Coon 11 Nancy Miller Ferdinand Smith 12 Martha Sanderson 13 Levi P. Smith 13 Martha Smith 14 Amanda Likely 15 New page: Names of Brothers Names of Sisters Letter 1 Nathaniel Beck1 Kisah ?Pact 1 2 William J. Wasdin Elizabeth Childers 2 crossed out 3 Thos. King Jan Branham 3 letter 4 Alfred Stanley Sarah Wilson 4 letter 5 Edmund Russell Susann Beck 5 Excom 6 Milton Williams Nancy Stanley letter 6 Letter 7 Edwin White Nancy King letter 7 8 George Clark Vanley Williams 8 9 Zebedee Taylor Hanah Prescot 9 letter 10 Cread Collins Elizabeth Wasdin ______ 10 Excom. 11 David Doldeson [Donaldson] Martha C. King 11 Letter 12 Gials Poniault Pricela Doldeson [Donaldson] 12 By letter 13 Archa Carter Elizabeth Barentin [?Brontin?] 13 Excom. 14 Joshua Dickson Elizabeth Hall 14 15 Jacob Strickland Nancy Miller 15 16 David Doldeson [Donaldson] Lucindy Hareson 16 Jan King letter 17 Jan Sexton 18 Melley Stanley 19 Jan Russell 20 Patsey Branham 21 Ann King letter 22 Precila Branham letter 23 Leanon Taylor 24 Martha White 25 Judiah Clark 26 Lidia Collens 27 Sister Lucy 28 Names of Sisters [cont.] Elizabeth King dead 29 [Blank] Miller 30 Zelpha Hunt 31 Elizabeth Daldeson [Donaldson] 32 Nancy Stanley 33 Charity Taylor 34 New Page: Rhoda unreadable Names of the Brothers Names of the Sisters Dis by let William J. Wasdin Kesiah Rae 1 Thos. King Nancy Williams 2 George Clark Hanah Prescot 3 Zebedee Taylor Elizabeth Wasdin by letter 4 Exc. David Doldeson, ju [Donaldson] Martha C. King 5 Dis.by letter Giles Bryan Pricila Doldesan [Donaldson] 6 Jacob Strickland Elizabeth Barentin 7 Dis by letter David Doldison, sen [Donaldson] Jan Sexton 8 Edwin White Pricila Branam dis by letter 9 Joshua Dickson Leanon Taylor 10 John Stanley Judiah Clark 11 Matilda Smith Lucy Withford dead 12 Mesura Pate Elizabeth King dead 13 blank Miller by letter 14 Elizabeth Doldeson [Donaldson] by letter 15 Nancy Stanley 16 Charity Taylor 17 M______ White? 18 Safrana Stanley 19 Notice A resolution entered into by Bethany church on March the 19th, 1853 and that is that the church commune and wash feet only twice a year and that we have 8 days meeting each time and that time be March and September. New Page: Rec’d John Standley 1 Creed Collins 1 Safronah Standley 2 Ledy Collins 2 E. King 3 ----------------- E. Sexton 4 Year 1848 S. Sexton 5 Nancy Stanley 1 ---------------------------- Charity Taylor 1 1844 Marget Bander? 1 Nancy Stanley 2 Ann King 3 Nancy King 4 Jane King 5 ---------------------------- 1849 Excom.David Doldeson [Donaldson] Dead-Elizabeth King Year 1854 and 1855 Year 1851 Dismissed by letter Dead-David Doldeson [Donaldson] Jane Freemon 1 Year 1863 Year 1860 Rec’d by baptism Dismissed Wm Carpenter and wife 2 Matilda Smith Mesura Pate New Page: Names of Church members Horan Wise 1 Jane King 35 Kesiah Rae 2 Joshua Dickson [crossed out] 36 Nancy Sutley 3 Allen Driskill 37 Elizabeth Wise 4 ?Fancy Driskill 38 Nathaniel Beck 5 Susan ?Marcy dead 39 Excom. William Childers 6 Alfred Standley 40 Elizabeth Childers 7 Jan Sexton 41 Jan Branam 8 Milley Standley 42 Henry L. Coon 9 Josiah Hutchion 43 Emiley Coon 10 Nancy Hutchion 44 Excom. Daniel Sutley 11 Edmund Russell 45 Sarah Nelson 12 Jan Russell 46 Susan Beck 13 Patsy Branam 47 Nancy Standley 14 Milton Wiliams Excom 48 Nancy King 15 Ann King 49 Nancy Williams 16 Jackson Wise 50 Hanah Prescot 17 Pricilly Branam 51 L ?Arency King 18 Leanor Taylor 52 By letter Suphrony Taylor 19 Charles Ward 53 By letter Elias Sexton 20 Mary Ward 54 By letter Celia Sexton 21 Edmund White 55 William J. Wasdin 22 Marthy White 56 Elizabeth Wasdin 23 Mary Morgan 57 Thomas King 24 Margret Morgan 58 Martha C. King 25 Rhodia Claxton 59 Pricila Dallison [Donaldson] 26 Judia Clark 60 By letter Elizabeth King 27 William Megley? [crossed out] 61 Elizabeth Barentin 28 Emalyne ?Megly [crossed out] 62 Elizabeth Hall 29 Zebedee Taylor 63 Lucindy Harison 30 [blank] Owens 65 Nancy Miller 31 Sister Lucy 66 Marry Hemphill 32 Andrew Collins 67 By letter John Standley 33 Ruthey Collins 68 Excom Amy Wood 34 William Miley 69 Emaline Miley 70 New Page: Baptised Elizabeth Hall For the year 1834 by baptism John Standley 1 Amey Wood 2 Jan King 3 Winey Janan 4 Susan Mirrey? 5 Alfred Standley 6 Dismissed Jan Holley by letter Sept. 8th, 65 Standley Hall 8 Milley Standley 9 Josiah Hutchion 10 Edmund Russell 11 [blank] Russell 12 Patsey Branam 13 Milton Williams 14 Ann King 15 Jackson Wise 16 Restoration year 1846 Arency King 1 2 Nancy William 2 ---------------------------------- Hanah Prescot 3 excommunicated one ---------------------------- J. Dickson Year 1841 ---------------------------------- Edmon White 1 Year 1852 Restored Martha White 2 Charles Ward 3 Mary Ward 4 Emelyine Miley 5 Zebedee Taylor 6 [blank] Owens 7 Lusey dead 8 New Page: Received by letter, Elenor McDonal for the year 1839, received by letter Elder Allen Driskey Farrely Driskey year 1840 Nancy Hutchion For the year 1846 Rhoda Claxton Nancy King Dismissed by letter Year 1841 Year 1848 Priscilla Branam Elder G. Bryan Liannor Taylor Mary Morgan Year 1852 baptized Marget Morgan Wm Carpenter and wife Savanah Judiah Clark Aaron Rials George Clark Year 1853 Andrew Collins John Teel Ruthey Collins Patsey Teel Milton Williams Jessey C Taylor Nancy Williams Received by letter year 1846 Year 1853 Charles Janson and wife Sarah Holleway John Holley Mary Holley Jane Freemon New Page: Excom. David Danison [Donaldson] restored 1 Elizabeth Danison [Donaldson] restored 2 Rhubin Tercey 3 Isibel Tercey 4 Lucindey Paane Restored 5 A. Carter 6 A. Rials 7 Elizabeth Rials 8 Arch Carter 2nd time For the year 1839 Excom. Year 1842 year 1841 Dismissed by letter William Childers Mary Morgan [blank] Owens year 1842 Milton Williams Ann Wood Nancy Williams Daniel Sutley William Miley Emilin Miley year 1843 Rhoda Clackson Joshua Dickson Polly Hemphill New Page: Dismissed Judah Clark Elizer Clark Elizabeth Bardiford Alexander H. Bardiford Thomas Clark George Clark Nancy Martin Rebeca Kelly Wm J. Wasdin [crossed out] E. Wasdin [crossed out] M. Burt Z. Burt G. Coon For the year 1839-dismissed by letter Lemuel Flaningham Nelly Flaningham David Dallisan [Donaldson] Elizabeth Dallesan [Donaldson] Nancy Janan Association 1840 William Coon Elenor McDaniel Year 1841 year 1841 Thomas J. Coon Dismissed by letter Emily Coon Allen Driskill Josiah Hutcheon and wife Nancy ?Farebeen Driskill Hanah Wise Jackson Wise Sarah Wise Charles Ward Mary Ward New Page: Dead Year 1845 Standley Hall Excom. William Coon Milton Williams Susan Murrey-1843 Year 1854, year 1855 year 1848 Baptized 1854 Elizabeth King Sister Sanderson Year 1850 year 1854 year 1855 Minutes of the church for the year 186_ Year 1864 Martha Cane New Page: Joshua Jackson 1840 Restored Surey and wife Year 1841 David Dollison [Donaldson] Year 1843 Received by letter William Myley Arrency King ?Wanancy Cittley Edwin White Martha White Year 1854 Edwin White and wife Sarah Holloway Elizabeth Barentine Received by letter year 1853 1854 Charles Janson and wife Sarah Holloway John Holloway Winey Holloway Jane Freeman Year 1854-Received by letter Ferdinand Smith Martha Smith Levy Smith Year 1854, 1855-Dismissed by letter Jane Freeman Year 1858-Dismissed by letter John Hollaway Winney Hollaway Jesse Taylor Joined since our Association 1836 By Baptism Lucindy Poor Judah Clark Elizabeth Bodiford Rebecca Kelly Martha King Nancy Martin Alexander Bodiford By letter David Donolson, Sr. [Donaldson] Elizabeth Donelson [Donaldson] Supphrona Ray Elias Sexton Celia Sexton Thomas King Elizabeth king Pricilla Donalson [Donaldson] Church treasury $ cts One dollar by Allen Driskill 1.00 10 cents by Joshua Dickson .10 to one quart of wine .50 to ?? year 1846 dismissed by letter-Sarah Nelson, Nancy Metter? Year 1852 John Stanley and wife Year 1854 Year 1855 Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Records, Elba, Coffee County, Alabama, Volume 2 fragment, 1873-1875 [The preceding 9 years were not included here, but they do exist.] April the 19th, 1873 The church at Bethany in conference, Brother John Hudson Mod Protem. 1st Called for visiting brothers of our faith one under? to seats [sit?] with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called references. None. Called for miscellaneous and it was moved and that we should hold at our [?] next meeting, that we should appoint a building committee for our church house. J[?] Su. Donaldson, CC. July the 19th, 1873 The church met in conference at Bethany. 1st Appointed John Cane moderator. 2nd Called for miscellaneous business and found none. 3rd Called for general business and appointed E. Holaway and J. S. Donaldson, John Cane to bear the corresponding letter to our next general meeting to be held at Beaver Dam commencing upon Friday before the 2nd Sunday in August. J. S. Donaldson, Church clerk. Oct. 17, 1873 The church met in conference at Bethany. A. Driskill, Moderator. 1st Invited visiting brethren of our order to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received two; Jacob Holloway and Rebecker Holloway by letter. 3rd Called for references. N [?for none]. Called for the Misc. items of business and closed. J. S. Donaldson, CC February 14th, 1874 The church met in conference. 1st Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business. Was none. Brother A. Driskill, Mod, J. S. Donaldson, CC. Coffee County, Ala, March 14, 1874 The church met in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for miscellaneous business and was none. Brother A. Driskill, Mod. J. S. Donaldson, CC. May 16th, 1874, Coffee County, Ala. The church in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats [sit] with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church. 3rd Called for general business. None. Brother A. Driskill, J. S. Donaldson, CC. June 20, 1874 The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany of the Primitive order, after divine service, went into conference. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received one by letter. 3rd Called for general business and found none. A. Driskill, Mod., J. S. Donaldson, CC. Oct. the 17th, 1874 The church went into conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received [?] 7 by baptism, 1 by letter, 1 restoration. 3rd Called for references. The committee reported and Brother J. D. Hudson answered that he would serve us one year, the Lord being his helper. 4th Called general business and found none. J. S. Donaldson, CC., J. D. Hudson, Mod. Coffee County, Ala. August 22, 1874 The church met in conference. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception members and received none. 3rd Called for general business and appointed a committee to visit J. D. Hudson on a call for a pastor of the church. J. S. Donaldson, CC., A. Driskill, Mod. Oct. 14, 1874 The Baptist church of Christ at Bethany of the Primitive faith and under, met and after divine service, went into conference. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Offered opportunity for the reception of members and received none. 3rd and called for general business and found none. Done by order? of the church in conference. J. D. Hudson, J. Holoway CC, Po. The Baptist Church of Christ. The church met in conference at Bethany and no business, May 15, 1875. J. S. Donaldson, CC. J. D. Hudson, Mod. The Church met in conference at Bethany after divine service. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened up a way for reception of members. Received one, Elizabeth Stanley. 3rd Called for general business, found none. June 13, 1875. J. S. Donaldson, CC., J. D. Hudson, Mod. The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany after divine service, met in conference. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Offered opportunity for reception of members and received Elizabeth Stanley by experience. On motion, the church went into the choice of delegates to the District meeting of the Clay Bank Association, which resulted in choice of W. J. Stanley, J. H. Holloway, J. M. Cane, L. Stanley, alternate. Coffee Co. Ala, June 19, 1875. J. S. Donaldson, CC, J. D. Hudson, Mod. The church in conference at Bethany 1st Invited visiting brethren of our order to seats with us. 2nd Opened up a way for reception of members and received one, G. W. C. Wise by experience. 3rd Called for reference. Called the items of business. July the 17th, 1875. J. S. Donaldson, CC, J. L. D. Hudson, Mod. The church in conference at Bethany. Then taken up the regular items and went to the choice of a pastor for the ensuing year, which choice rested on King. Went into the choice of delegates to the Clay bank Association, which choice was J. M. Cain, J. Holloway, L. Stanley. August 14, 1875, J. M. Cain, Mod Protem, J. S. Donaldson, CC. [At this point the year 1876 is missing and the pages began with the year 1877. A few pages later, 1876 shows up. Probably a few blank pages were skipped accidentally, between 1875 and 1876, and then he fell back and filled in the blank pages with 1877 business.] Oct. the 20, 1877 [?]. We, the Baptist Church of Christ of the primitive faith and order, at Bethany, in conference. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seat with us. 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members. 3rd Called for the report of committee and committee [?] discharges [?]. Called for our letter read and received the letter to the [?] section [? or letter?] 4th Called for general business and dismissed brother J. S. Donaldson by letter and Sister Donaldson and the [?] references and went to the ordination of Brother Holoway, Deacon, Brother W. J. Stanley, and Brother J. Holmes forming the Presbytery. Done by order of the church in conference. Brother W. J. Stanley, Mod. Protem, H. F. Sanders?, CC. Coffee County, Ala. November the 20th, 1875 The church in conference at Bethany 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened up a way for the reception of members and received H. F. Sanders by letter. 3rd Called for references. 4th Called for general business. Allen Driskill, Mod. Pro., Garrot Stanley, CC, Pro. February January the 2nd , 1876 The church in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened up a way for the reception of members. 3rd Called for references. 4th called general business and found none. H. King, Mod. Pro., J. S. Donaldson, CC Feb. 19, 1876 The church in conference at Bethany. 1st Called for invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Called for or open up a way for reception of members. 3rd Called for references. 4th Called general business. J. M. Cane, Mod. Pro., J. Holoway, CC, Pro. The church in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Open up a way for the reception of members. 3rd Called for reference. 4th Called for general business. This March the 28th, 1876, J. D. Hu____, Mod. Pro., J. S. Donaldson, CC. The church in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Open up a way for the reception of members. 3rd Called for references. 4th Called for general business, and it was moved and second that J. W. Han___ should exercise in the bounds of the church [bottom line of page, difficult to read, and just ends there.] New page: The church met in conference at Bethany after divine service. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened opportunity for the reception of members. Received none. 3rd Called for reference and found none. 4th Called for general business and took up the case of Jane Water and Lucrecia Water, and excommunicated them for living in adultery. Done by order of the church. Dec. 18, 1874. J. S. Donaldson, CC., J. D. Hudson, Mod. Coffee County, Ala. January 15, 1875 [? Out of chronological order.] After divine service the church met in conference. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened up the way for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for references and found none. 4th Called for general business and found none. J. S. Donaldson, CC, J. D. Hudson, Mod. The Church of the Primitive Baptist faith and order met in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened opportunity foe reception of members. 3rd Called for general business, when Sister Margaret Blair called for a letter of dismission. No other business. In conference this April 17, 187_ [? unable to read.] J. S. Donaldson, CC, J. D. Hudson, Mod. new page:…and it was granted. May the 19, 187_. J. D. Hudson, Mod., J. S. Donaldson, CC. The church met in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened up a way for reception of members. 3rd Called for references. 4th Called for general business. September 25th, 1875. J. S. Donaldson, CC Association. July the __, 1878? The church in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited brothers and sisters to seat with us. 2nd Opened up a way for reception of members. 3rd Called for general business. Went in to the choice of delegates to wit; J. M. Cane, W. J. Stanley, J. T? Holloway., 1876. J. S. Donaldson, CC, W. G. Clark, Mod. Protem. August the 19th, 1876 The church met in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. 2nd Opened up a way for reception of members and received Rebecca William?, Ellen Purcy by baptism. 3rd Called for general business. Aug. 19, 1876 The church met in conference at Bethany. 1st Invited visiting brothers and sisters of our faith and order to seats with us. 2nd Opened a way for reception of members. 3rd Called for references. 4th Called for general business. By motion, went into choice of pastor. W. J. Stanley, Mod. Pro., J. S. Donaldson, CC. Pro., Sept. 16, 1876. The church at Bethany met in conference Oct. 14, 1876. 1st Invited visiting brothers and sisters to seats with us. 2nd Opened the way for reception of members and received as follows by experience and baptism: N. P. Parker, Rody Powell, Saraw? Holoway. 3rd Called for references and taken up our letter to our association, read and received it. 4th Called for general business. 5th Called for miscellaneous business. [The remaining years are not transcribed here. The volume continues into the 1920s.] Additional Comments: Only a small fragment of volume II has been transcribed. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/coffee/churches/bethanyp110gbb.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 151.6 Kb