Bethlehem Baptist Church of Whelen Springs, Clark Co., Arkansas ************************************************************************ Much thanks to Rebecca Scott-Pharr rebeccascott@mail.com for supplying this information! 19 Oct 1997 USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. ************************************************************************ This is out of a book published by the church, celebrating their 100th aniversary. It includes most of the members for the past 100 years. Serving the Lord for 127 Years" On July 31, 1851, a group of people, of the Baptist faith, found themselves in this area not far from the site of the present church building, without a Baptist church, close enough for them to attend. This group of people decided to form the Bethlehem Baptist Church. They accepted the faith of the Red River Baptist Association at the same time. The pastor Elder A. Harris, William Daniels and James McCollock formed the presbytery to organize the Church. After drawing up the Constitution, Articles of Faith, and Rules of Decorum these people began having services. Church services were held one weekend a month on Saturday and Sunday. The pastors were elected yearly. In 1853, the first two years' records were accidentally destroyed by fire. Fortunately someone had a copy of the charter members names and the constitution, Articles of Faith, and Rules of Decorum. The list of charter members included several servants probably slaves. In those days, the blacks didn't have churches of their own. They attended with their masters and sat in a certain section of the church, sometimes a balcony or a back row. In January 1855 services were held for a time in the late C.C. McKinney's home. In April 1855 services moved back in the old church house. In December 1855 they decided to build a new church. The church, probably a log building, was to be 20' X 26' and have 2 doors. There were no references as such to the Civil War but during the time it was going on there were several instances where the records for two or three months at a time were missing and at one point there was a break of nearly two years, June 1863 to February 1865. I also noticed that the servants or probably slaves were excluded about the same time. The community around the church must have been called Beech Creek because there were times (even to this day) when the church itself was called by that name. In September 1871 Bethlehem selected the first pastor to stay until he or the church was dissatisfied. In October 1885 a group of members left to organize Holly Grove Church. Some of them were Harriet Bunch, D.S. Bunch, J.W. White, Mrs. Mary White, J.B. Kiser, H.W. West, T.B. Brown, Mary A. Kenon, A.A. Brown, S.D. Beggs, Henry Beggs, Maggie Pender, Mahala Brewett and Matt McClelland. In August of 1888 the members began raising money to build a new building. A committee was formed to draft the plans and raise the required money to build a church 32' X 44' one story high, with three doors, two transoms and nine windows. In January 1889 the first Sunday School was organized. In September 1889 the money was finally raised. The first mention of Whelen Springs occurs in the minutes with a reference to the Whelen Lumber Company, deducting 25% off items purchased fro. that company for the church. Sometime between 1889 and February 1890 the church was completed with benches and stoves and ready to use at a total cost of $668.10. The painting of the building was finished in 1906. This is the church building that stands today with some modernization. In September 1893 some members of Bethlehem Church were given letters of dismissing to form a church at Whelen Springs. They were Lenora Williams, Eliza Williams, E.C. Sullivan, Mat Sullivan, Martha Smith, W.A. Jenkins, Fannie Jenkins, Alice Stone, E.A. Jenkins, Maggiw Williams, G.W. Williams and wife, F.W. Stroud and wife, Thomas Horne, Wesley Thornton, L.G. Nixon and Mary Horne. In November 1900 services began being held two weekends a month. In July 1902 the church withdrew support of the Red River Association. In November 1905 the church agreed to cooperate with the association again. In March 1907 the Sunday School presented the church with an organ. In April 1914 a new church covenant was submitted. It is the one used by most Baptist Churches. In September 1914 the first Baptist Young Peoples Union was organized in the Church. In July 1919 the church bought their first hymn books. There is a break in the minutes from September 1923 to March 1927. A piano must have been acquired during that period because a pianist was elected for lie first time in August 1929. In October 1937 the first reference to a Homecoming and dinner on the ground is made. February 1, 1942 the church voted to install electric lights in the church. They evidently didn't do it right then because there was continuing references to the purchase of oil and lamp globes for quite some time. The minutes jump from September 1949 to October 1961. During this time Bethlehem Baptist Church celebrated its one-hundredth year anniversary in 1951. Also during this time, a group of people left the church to organize East Whelen Church. Some of these people were Bro. and Mrs. Perry and Family, Ray Beals and Family and Harvey Coon and Family. In February 1963, a new floor was put in the church. During the early 1960's, the building was remodeled, putting in two front windows where the two front doors were and installing a vestibule in the center of the front with double doors there. In January 1969 two ground classrooms were completed, one on each side of the pulpit. In January 1971 a new room was built in loft, later was divided into three Sunday School Rooms and now there was two. In February 1972, a room was built on back of the church for dining area and a bathroom installed. In July 1974 a kitchen and two Sunday School rooms were built on the back of church. In June 1974 the first church bus was purchased. In March 1975 a mobile home was purchased for a parsonage this was enlarged by building a room on to it in February 1977. Bethlehem Baptist Church now stands as a monument to the entire community which was built through love and prayer. From the very first this church has supported missionaries, orphans' homes, people in need and ministers of all ages. To the best of my ability I have compiled the data for this church history from the minutes of Bethlehem Baptist Church from its organization to the present time, September 1978. There are some years of minutes missing that I have been unable to locate. On the following pages you will find a list of people who have been members at Bethlehem Baptist Church with approximate dates of arrival and departure. There will be some names that I have missed and some names that are listed twice as some ladies' maiden names may be listed as well as their married names. Any corrections will be welcomed to this list or on any information in the church history. List of Members CM - beside a name means Charter Member. Dates are - first date joined church second date dismissed from church A Andy, a servant CM 1851 - 1854 Adams, Mary C. 1872 Minnie 1969 J. Walter 1872 Alexader, Lille 1904 Acers, Ellen (Elda) 1919 Bandeaux, Austin 1968 David 1964 - 1976 Dennis 1968 Don 1964 - 1972 Douglas 1961 Judy 1968 Bagwell, Evie ? - 1927 Barfield, Ella Faye 1970 - 1973 Tommy 1970 - 1973 Oca (Brown) ? Barringer, Nellie ? - 1909 Bass, William 1858 - 1866 Beals, Ida 1938 Linda 1950's Myrtle 1950's Ray 1950 Bear, Ada 1917 - 1947 Cora 1892 - 1894 Ed 1900 - 1974 Elias 1870 - ? Elizabeth 1870 -1876 Emeline 1870 - ? Ezra - ? Mrs. Frances Jane 1851-1855 CM Ida 1889 Inez 1929 - 1943 J.B. 1888 - 1894 John ? - 1894 Mary 1869 Bear, Mary Jane 1875 Myrtle 1922 - ? Nancy 1888 - ? Oca 1900 - ? Sarah E. 1875 Sresa ? William 1851 - 1855 CM William 1879 - ? Bearded, Mrs. Catharine 1869 Q.S. 1869 - 1890 Beck, Douglas 1969 - ? Linda 1969 - 1977 Sherry 1976 Tammy 1976 Beggs, Henry ? - 1855 S.D. ? - 1855 Belamy, James 1890 - ? Nancy 1889 - ? Sallie 1889 - ? Tempy 1890 - ? Bell, J.N. (Newton) 1900 - ? Annie 1937 - 1950 Fannie ? Birdwell, Robert 1929 - ? Black, Mrs. James ? - 1944 Rev. Jerry 1967 - 1968 Susan 1967 - 1968 Blake, Earl 1917 - ? Ellen 1917 - ? Blount, Grover C. 1977 - ? Mag (Brown) 1909 - 1948 Verlene 1977 - ? Bourland, D.C. 1869 - 1883 E.J. 1851 - 1859 CM G.L. 1851 CM Bourland, Harriet 1858-1861 James P. 1871 - 1882 M.A. 1871- 1882 Mary 1851 - 1859 CM Mattie J. 1869 - 1874 Permelia ? - 1885 Box, David 1857 - 1860 Elihue M. 1859 - 1877 Joseph 1859 - 1869 Martha 1866 - ? Mary E. 1866 - 1867 Robert 1857 - ? Sarah Jane 1866 - 1867 Sarah E. 1866 - 1867 Stephen 1851 - 1868 CM Temperance 1857 - ? Boydston 1975 - ? Brag, Ada ? - 1922 Brannin, Charley 1917 - 1919 Mrs. Charley 1917 - 1919 Liza 1917 - 1919 Rushie 1917 - ? Bratton, William 1871 - 1878 Brewer, Jesse 1901 - 1902 Brown, A.A. ? - 1885 Adeline ? - 1873 Brandon 1978 - ? Clarence 1929 Mrs. Clarence 1929 - ? Clarice 1910 - 1913 Daisy 1896 - ? Elmer 1907 - 1908 Mrs. Elmer 1918 - ? Etney J. (Langley) 1874 Everett ? - 1904 J.B 1859 - ? J.M. 1890 - ? Rev. J.M. 1927 - ? John 1890 - ? Josephine 1890 - ? J.T. 1896 - ? Karon 1977 - ? Lucinda 1857 - ? Mary 1890 - 1931 Mary A. (Hall) 1879 ? Mrs. Mary Ann 1860 ? Mary E. 1927 - 1931 Minnie 1910 - ? Paul 1929 - ? Phillip 1977 - ? Quinnie 1922 - 1.937 T.B. ? - 1855 Thomas 1895 - ? Tom 1892 Will 1910 - ? William 1857 - ? Browning, Ciroline 1857 - 1860 CM J.0. 1851 - 1860 CM J.V. 1859 - 1860 Bunch, Arnold 1917 - ? Carl 1927 - 1935 Celia 1871 - 1906 D.S, 1871 - 1885 Harriet 1871 - 1885 Jesse 1859 - ? Julia 1859 - ? J.H. ? - 1885 Mrs. J.H. ? 1885 Kinnisa ? - 1863 Leonard 1929 Leward 1929 - 1935 Lewis 1871 - 1936 Margret 1866 - ? Martha 1883 Mary 1883 - 1887 Mollie 1887 - 1943 Mortain 1859 - 1.860 Newton 1866 - 1870 Perry 1869 - 1875 Roy 1934 - 1935 T.E. ? - 1938 Vera (Measles) .1.910 - ? Willie 1910 - ? W.L, 1883 - ? Burnett., J.C 1900 - 1902 Tunnie 1900 - 1902 Burnley, Marie (Stone) ? 1938 Burris, A.M. 1915 - ? Chury A. 1895 ? Coy 1929 - ? Dolphas 1915 ? Eddie 1889 - ? Mary 1888 - 1891 Otmus 1895 - ? Mrs. Otmus ? Peoria 1896 - ? Tammie 1917 - ? T.B. 1895 - 1919 Mrs. T.B. 1901 - ? Veluta 1906 - ? Zelma 1918 - ? Call, Nannie (Nix) ? - 1934 Calley, Norman 1917 - ? Campbell, Alton 1962 - ? Carlisle, Kay 1975 - ? Harvey 1975 Lee 1976 - ? Tammy 1976 - ? Carr, Estelle 1935 - ? Floy 1935 Mrs. Carr 1935 ? Carter, B.J. 1858 - 1860 Francis J. 1851 - 1855 CM Rebecca 1851. - 1860 CM Susanah R. 1857 - 1866 William J. 1851 - 1860 CM W.J. 1858 - 1860 W.L. 1858 - 1859 Cates, Amanda 1859 - 1860 A.D. 1851 - 1853 CM Bart 1851 - ? CM B.F. 1851 - 1860 CM C.A. 1851 - ? CM Dock 1895 - ? Ezry, Sr. 1851 - ? Ezra 1871 - 1909 Mrs. Ezra ? - 1909 Mrs. I.A. ? I.A. ? Iley (Roe) 1900 - ? John 1851 - ? CM Mary 1855 - 1859 M.F. 1859 - ? M.J.(or G.), Miss 1859 ? Mollie 1888 Nancy 1869 - ? Rosa 1888 - ? Sarah B. 1879 - 1887 T.J. 1851 - ? CM W.E. 1851 - ? CM William 1869 - ? W.W. 1851 - ? CM Charles, a servant 1851 - 1854 CM Chrisman, Caddie 1908 - 1916 William 1909 - ? Clary, a servant 1851 - 1856 Cockrell, Amy (Summers) ? - 1918 Cogbill, Becky (Creech) 1953 - ? Charles 1969 Javonna 1977 - ? Cook, Zenobia S. (Smith) 1869 1879 Coon, Cletie 1938 - ? Cloyce 1950's Conrad 1950's Don 1950's Harvey 1950's Mrs. Harvey 1950's Joyce 1949 Myrtle 1950 Steve 1971 - 1973 Wanda 1971 - 1973 Zachariah 1899 - ? Cooper, Cynthia 1874 - ? David 1874 - ? Donna 1977 - ? Jimmy 1977 - ? John W. .1874 - ? Cooper, Kizzey Jane ? - 1879 Lynn 1977 ? Sammy 1977 ? William 1874 1.903 Coplin, Carrie 1919 ? W.M. 1919 - ? Cox, Carol 1976 - ? James 1976 - ? Craig, Becky 1969 - ? Creech, Mrs. Ruth (Acuff) 1948 ? Luther 1948 - ? Crews, Doyle 1963 - ? James 1970 - ? Jerry 1963 - ? Katie 1963 - ? Linda, 1963 - ? Cross, A.T. 1922,- ? Randy 1974 - 1975 Lynn (Harper) 1974 - 1975 Curry, Jimmy 1971 - 1973 Judy 1971 - 1973 Curtis, Louiza 1857 - 1857 Daniell, Judy (Malcomb) 1963 - ? Roger 1972 ? Daughtery, 1969 1974 Vera (Hughes) (Frisby) 1963 - Davies, Susie (Measles) 1904 - ? Tom 1895 - 1908 William ? - 1939 Deaton, Joyce 1963 - 1964 Wyndel 1963 - 1964 Dennington, Anna 1870 - ? John 1869 - ? Marion 1869 - 1872 Dickerson, Alice (Malcolm) 1968 C.C, 1920 - 1929 Maggie 1920 - ? Paul 1920 Robert 1920 - 1938 Susie (Bear)(Cardner)1889 Dillard, David 1976 - 1977 L.H. "Skip" 1976 - ? Mrs. Lola 1976 - ? Dowd, Jeff 1903 - 1915 Dozier, Abigail 1859 - ? Arky 1866 - 1867 C.M. 1859 - 1861 Eliza 1888 - ? Fannie 1888 - Henry 1888 - ? James 1859 - 1860 Jane 1859 - ? Laurence 1907 Malinda ? M.B. ? - 1916 Dozier, Mollie 1889 - 1894 Oscar 1907 - ? Sam 1892- 1894 Willis 188- - 1885 Duncan, Charles Roland 1962 - ? Francis. 1964 - ? Jimmy 1962 - ? John 1962 - 1963 Nancy 1972 - ? Randy 1970 - ? Sonya (Carter) 1977 - ? Thelma 1962 - ? Eads, J.M. 1859 - 1860 Josiah 1859 - ? Thomas H. 1859 - 1860 Eakin, Bertha (Harper) 1915 ? Coy 1936 - 1968 Deltine 1943 - ? Delton 1917 - ? Dovie ? Edsel ? Edwin ? - 1943 Elva 1929 - ? Ewel ? - 1949 Floyd 1914 - ? Harrel ? Hazel (Harper) 1917 1929 Henry 1918 - ? Hersel 1927 - 1934 James D. 1942 ? Mrs. J.D. ? Jeannette 1929 ? Lola 1931 - ? Lucy ? - 1943 Marqite 1931 - 1944 Mrs. Marshall 1917 - ? Marshall 1917 - ? Mattie ? Marzella 1939 - ? Pearl 1929 - 1934 Sid 1911 - 1944 Mrs. Sid ? - 1944 Susie 1919 - ? Syble 1938 - ? Mrs. W.A. 1918 - 1949 Will 1917 - ? Easley, Hannah 1858 1879 H. 1858 - 1889 J. 1859 - 1860 Kizial J. 1869 9 Martha 1874 - ? Stephen. 1859 - ? Easter, Della ? Edmonds, Laura ? Edwards, 1937 - 1937 Mrs. Jessie 1937 1940 Elia, Andrew 1900 - 1904 Barringer 1900 - ? John 1901 - 1902 Mae 1917 - 1930 Emery, Bro. ? - 1905 Mrs. ? - 1906 Emmett, 1901 - 1904 Mrs. Will 1903 -1904 Fade, Sister 1860 - ? Finter, Callie 1919 - ? Fannie 1919 - ? Ida 1919 - ? J.H. 1919 Mrs. J.H. 1919 - ? Susie 1919 - ? Flowers, Annie 1900 - 1900 Dave 1895 - 1900 Ed 1896 - 1900 Edmon C. 1959 - ? Julia ? - 1863 Martha 1896 - 1900 Floyd 1929 - ? Dennis 1964 - 1967 Elsie (Burris) ? - 1915 E.M. 1919 - ? Lorena 1927 - 1928 Margie 1929 - ? Forthman, Carl 1941 Mrs. Carl 1941 ? Carlene 1941 - ? Estelle 1928 - ? Irene 1928 - ? Jewell ? Fortner, Bertha Mae 1939 ? Leighton G. 1942 - Lillian 1927 Franklin, Andrew ? - 1940 Mrs. Andrew ? - 1940 Clara 1929 - 1934 Dianne 1973 - 1973 Eliza 1900 - 1905 G.A. 1900 - 1905 Jenia 1900 - 1905 Joyce 197O - 1973 Milton 1972 - 1973 Pat 1973 - 1973 Susie 1904 - ? Terry 1970 - l973 Verner 1904 Wilburn 1910 1934 Mrs. W.R. ? 1934 Freeman, Benny 1968 - ? Billy 1962 - ? Bobby 1976 - ? - Greg 19-178 -- ? Kathy (Thrasher) 1968 ? Freeman, Katie Sue 1962 - ? Paula 1976 -- ? Phillip 1973 - ? Sarah 1967 - ? Shirley (Schee) 1961 - 1972 Stacy 1976 Teresa 1970 - ? Frizzell 1900 - 1905 Ola 1901 - ? W.T. 1900 - 1904 Fulks, A.L. 1859 - ? Bouthemial C. 1851 - 1859 CM Miss M.J. 1866 - ? Susan H. 1851 - ? CM Tennessee 1871 - ? Gammill, Charley ? Herbert 1918 1919 Jane ? Marlie - ? Pink ? Gage, Albert 1900 ? Gallant, Alfred 1945 - 1951 M.A. 1937 - 1951 Mrs. M.A. 1937 - 1951 Ollie May 1937 - 1951 Garey, Bro. C. 1859 - 1860 Diaderna 1859 - 1860 Garnder, Bopie 1914 - ? Henry 1917 ? Etta 1892 - 1895 Gates, Isabel 1851 - 1855 J.D. 1851 - 1855 CM Gibbons, J.R. 1859 - ? Gibson, Alice 1975 - 1977 Bob 1970 - ? Brenda 1968 - 1976 Delbert 1968 - 1976 Donnie 1968 - 1978 Donald 1976 - ? Dorothy 1970 - ? Douglas 1968 - ? Frank 1970 - 1976 Jerry 1970 - 1976 Lewis 1968 - ? Marie 1964 - ? Mary Beth 1970 - 1976 Pauline 1974 - ? Roy Geme 1976 - ? W.T. 1974 - ? Giles, a servant 1859 - ? James Gills watch care of the church July 1904 Gill, Mr. Jesse 1920 - 1923 Mrs. Jesse 1920 - 1923 John 1910 - 1917 Mrs. 1910 1918 Gill, Lizzie 1904 - ? S.W. 1901 - 1902 Mrs. S.W. 1901 - 1902 Gipson Charles J. 1861 - ? Givens, Mrs. Wayne 1950's Bro. Wayne 1950's Gober, Gari 1971 ? Sherry 1971 ? Goodwine, C.A. ? Mrs. 1869 - 1870 Miss E.M. 1869 - 1870 Gore, Beckan 1874 - 1874 Elizabeth 1869 - 187:3 George 1869 - 1871 Sarah 1874 - ? Gray, Amanda ? Bro. James 1902 - ? Mrs. James 1902 - ? Jenie 1914 - ? Manobi ? Grover, Etta ? Gullet 1857 - 1866 Gunter, Perinelia 1-869 - 1870 Hagins, Banard 1963 - ? Betty (Gibson) 1965 - ? Doug 1975 - ? Gary 1975 - ? James 1963 - ? John 1975 - ? Mary 1970 - ? Nancy (Roach) 1977 - ? Nellie 1963 1964 Paula 1978 ? Ham, Sister 1900 ? W.L. 1900 ? Hammonds, Charlie 1888 - ? Dan 1896 - 1911 Sis. E.J. 1889 - 1902 Georgia 1-892 - 1902 Harmon 1900 - ? Rebecca 1890 - 1902 Hancock, Mrs. 1900 - 1901 Harmon, Sue 196 Ed 1962 - 1970 Bryan 1962 - ? Leonard 1962 - ? Harper, Abby 1900 - 1902 A.J. 1888 - 1925 Mrs. A.J. ? - 1-938 Alice 1888 - 1928 Annie 1900 - ? Asa 1869 - ? Belle ? - l828 Bettie 1940 Bobby Gene 1942 1950 Harper, Chalmer 1931 - 1946 Mrs. C. 1914 - ? Ses. Dr. 1918 - ? Emil 1931 Fannie 1927? Holiis 1910 1922 J.B. 1882 - ? J.C. 1895 - ? J.N. 1882 - 1928 J.N. 1900 - 1928 Jimmie Sue 1940 - 1950 John 1867 - 1875 Julia 1888 - ? Lewis 1917 - ? Liza Jane 1874 - 1879 Lizzie 1889 - ? Luther 1900 - 1901 Madera 1963 - ? Mae 1907 - ? Marlin 1943 - ? M.L. ? Mrs. M.L. ? Sis. Mary 1888 - ? Nadine 1945 - ? Nancy 1871 - ? N.J. ? - 1911 Mrs. N.J. 1882 - ? Ora 1907 - ? Pinnie 1900 ? Mrs. Sue 1927 - 1937 Susan T. 1892 - ? Theresa 1900 - 1937 Victoria 1919 - 1942 W.A. 1901 - 1902 W.B. 1900 - ? Willis 1896 - 1907 Mrs. Willis 1907 - ? W.P. 1888 - 1937 Harris, Alphonse 1869 - 1873 Carrie 1869 - ? Eddie 1896 - 1902 Emma 1889 - ? Mrs. J.A. 1888 - ? J.A. 1888 - ? J.E. 1895 - 1904 Mrs. J.E. 1895 - 1904 Lizzie 1892 - 1902 Trude 1896 - 1904 Harrison, Bob 1907 - ? Pearl 1907 - 1912 Henn, Mrs. C. I . ? - 1911 C.I. ? - 1911 Fred ? - 1911 Miss Genevia ? - 1911 Hensley 1931 - 1948 Charley 1931. - ? Hensley, Dove 1931 1948 Hazel 1931 - ? Myrtle 1931 - ? Herrington, Nancy 1903 - 1903 N.E.E. (Nelson) 1888 - ? Herron, Mrs. C.H. 1910 - ? C.H. 1910 - '? Fred 1911 - ? Jake 1890 - ? Lane ?.- 1902 Martha 1890 - ? Mrs. 1911 - ? Ruby (Burris) 1915 - 1928 Hickman, Adeline (McClelland) l869 - 1887 Bertliera 1888 - ? James, Jr. 1870 - 1878 Julia 1370 - 1878 Mary ? - 1883 Sis. Vene 1888 - 1919 Hicks, Augustine 1-901 - 1902 Hodges, Mrs. Jettie (Brown) 1918-1922 Mrs. John W. ? - 1947 Holloway, Lola ? - 1931 Horne, Eider Absalom 1867 - 1877 Alpha 1927 - 1970 Ardel 1929 - ? Sis. Belle 1900 - ? Bill 1900 - ? Bob 1909 - ? Bro. C.A. 1868 - 1877 Curry 1917 - ? Dan ? - 1891 Emma 1907 - 1911 Fannie 1931 - 1937 Hilliard ? - 1937 H. J. P. 1871 - 1872 Jesse 1895 - Lula ? Margaret ? Mary ? - 1929 Miles 1907 - 1917 Neil 1927 - 1939 Permelia 1867 - ? Perry ? Thomas 1-893 Tony 1978 Walter 1895 - 1902 W.L. 1900 - ? Mrs. W.L. 1900 - Horton, Jeff 1927 - ? Mrs. J.W. 1901 - 1943 J.W. 1901 -? Louise 1929 1935 Lucille 1928 Nora 1917 - ? Horton, Odessa (Bear) 1904 - ? Sidney 1927 - ? Howard, Will 1917 - ? Mrs. Will, 1917 - ? Howell, Peggy (Creech) 1948 ? Huffman, Nelly (Rose) 1881? Hughes, Bitha 1920 - ? Mrs. C.E. 1920 - ? Mr. C.E. 1920 - ? Rev. Eugene 1950's - ? Frankie 1976 - ? J.H. 1963 - 1969 Jimmy 1967 - ? Kenneth 1963 - 1973 Margie 1950's Roosevelt 1928 - ? Rosie 1976 - ? Tommasino 1963 - 1973 Ingle, Birtha 1920 - Hardie 1917 - ? Mr. Hardie 1-912 Stella 1931 - ? Mr. T.T. 1920 - 1922 Mrs. T.T. 1920 -1922 Ingram, Maude 1917 - 1919 Jackson, Becky 1950's Earnest 1931 - 1941 Elvie 1934 - 1939 Emma (Harper) 1905 - ? Frances 1944 - 1948 Gertrude 1945 - 1948 Hermon 1927 - 1928 Mr. Jamie 1950's Julius 1909 - ? Leo 1950's Lillie 1922 - ? Mrs. Mae (Dickerson) 1920 Remey 1938 - ? Jenkins, E.A. 1888 - 1893 Fannie ? - 1893 Kate 1888 - ? W.A. 1888 - 1893 Jennins, Terrell ? Johnson, 1888 1896 Dock 1895 1902 Dora 1896 1902 Elizabeth 1858 - 1860 Elizes 1890 - ? Hattie 1900 - 1902 Laura 1888 - 1894 Lewis 1859 - 1860 Nancy 1881 - ? W.G. 1860 - 1862 Jones, Mary E. C. ? - 1879 Ida Pearl 1935 - 1939 Rosie Lee ? - 1935 Emma 1917 - ? T.R. 1917 - 1940 Jourden, Joseph 1859 - ? Karr, Catarine 188- - ? Kathy 1910 - 1910 Florence 1888 - ? Louiza ? - 1860 Kenon, Mary A. ? - 1885 Kelly, Donna (Malcolm) 1968 1977 James 1976 - 1978 Keys, A.C. ? - 1946 Mrs. Andrew ? - 1909 Andrew 1892 - 1909 Bettie 1895 - 1914 Clark C. 1919 - ? Cora 1903 - 1924 Dell 1895 - ? Elspie 1910 - ? Ethel 1907 - 1910 Florence (Williams) 1883 1920 Garrett 1910 - 1928 J. D. 1859 - 1914 Mrs. J.H. ? - 1912 J ,H, 1895 - 1920 J.M. 1892- 1910 John 1963 - ? Lena 1917 - 1920 Leslie 1978 - ? Lillie 1963 - ? Lovela 1883 - ? M.A. ? Minnie 1896 - ? Mollie 1888 - ? R.F. 1900 - ? Stella 1907 - 1914 Warren 1917 - 192O W.T. 1889 - 1914 Kind, A.W. 1899 - 1901 Mrs. A.W. 1899 - 1901 Cora 1900 - ? Nelia 1900 - ? Kirbey, Alice 1905 - ? D.W. 1903 - 1907 Kirkling, L.B. 1904 - ? Kiser, 1885 - ? Lampkin, Della 1972 - ? Langle, George 1869 - 1881 Isa 1890 - 1904 Jolin 1889 - 1899 Maggie 1890 - 1904 Martha 1889 - ? Langle, Sarah (Hickman) 1370 - 1881 S.S. 1904 - ? Susie ? Thomas 1892 - ? Towlan 1885 - ? Leach, Rebecca 1881 Mrs. Joe 1874 - ? Joseph 1874 - 1881 Leavitt, Sherrill 1970 - ? Lester, Becky 1964 - 1972 Lindsay 1917 - 1918 Lovett, Myrtle (Keys) 1917 Lovie, H.A. 1919 - ? Mrs. H.A. 1919 - ? Malcolm, Allen 1963 - ? Dwight 1963 - ? Frances (Hughes) 1963 - 1976 Peggy 1968 - 1977 Wayne 1962 - 1976 Malinda, a servant 1851 - 1853 CM Malloch, Lucille (Measles) 1917 1951 Malone, Allen 1931 - ? Eugene 1931 - ? Lola 1931 - ? Marene, Mrs. Belle 1904 1904 Martin, James ? - 1897 Marsh, Don 1970 - ? Wanda (Hagins) 1963 ? Massey, Joseph 1896 - ? Mathis, Martha 1859 - 1860 T.J. 1859 - 1860 Measles, Annie 1900 - 1915 Charles 1907 - 1939 C.W. 1939 - 1951 Mrs. C.W. 1939 - ? Flora 1904 - ? Floyd 1907 - ? Gilbert 1922 - 1935 Gurtie (Bunch) 1907 - ? Jeff 1907 - ? J.M. 1900 - 1925 Lee 1917 Mag (Stone) 1907 - 1974 Maude 1903 - ? Marion June 1941 - 1944 Orvil 1929 - ? Bro. W.A. 1900 - 1915 Mrs. W.C. 1900 - ? Willene 1935 - 1939 Medlock, Etta (Stone) 1916 - ? Merkle, Etinice (Gardner) ? Milky, a servent -1851 - 1854 Minick, John, 1851. - ? C.M Lenna 1851 - ? C.M. Louisa. 1851 - ? CM Minton, Anna Mae (Measles) 1917 -1928 Betty Jean (Stone) 1941 - 1948 Hubert 1915 - 1917 J.M. 1918 - 1919 Mobley, E. 1929 - 1934 W.L. 1929 - 1934 Moore, Mrs. Arnold ? - 1944 Monk, J.S. 1859 1861 Susan 1856 1859 Bro. William 1856 - 1859 Moseley, ? - 1860 Linda ? - 1904 Malinda (Nixon) 1900 Morrow, Mattie 1904 - ? Myers, Cecil 1931 - 1935 McClure, Ada ? McDaniels, Grace 1920 - ? Ina 1920 ? J.M, 1922 ? W.E. 1922 ? McGinnis, Maud Lou 1904 - 1904 Osburn 1859 - 1860 McKinney, C.C. 1851 - 1853 McLeland, Matt 1885 - ? McMichaels, Sarah (Badeaux) (Fisher) 1968 - ? Neal, Augustine (Thomas) 1882 - ? Mary C. 1874 - 1875 Nancy 1869 - 1875 Mrs. N.C. 1866 - 1887 N.E. 1,858 - ? Sarah J.E. 1874 - 1875 Tempie 1883 - ? W.A. 1855 - Enlisted Civil War 1861 discharged 1862-died 1875 Co. A Private Regiment 12 Ark. Volunteer- 1875 Nelson, Addie 1895 - ? Callie 1895 - 1928 Effie 1904 - 1906 Frank ? - 1905 James 1895 - ? Sis. Mae 1888 - 1905 Sherman 1888 - 1905 Nixon, Fannie 1895 - ? L.G. ? - 1893 Annie 1918 - ? Coy 1939 - 1943 Della 1918 - 1934 Mr. Delso 1939 - 1940 Gertrude 1918 - ? J.M. 1917 - 1923 Mrs. J.M. 1917 - 1923) Mrs. Joe 1934 - ? Lucy 1917 - ? Nixon, Mable (Ross) 1907 Maude 1918 - ? Nadine 1939 - 1944 Susie 1910 - ? W.R. 1917 - ? Mrs. W.R. 1917 - ? O'Bryan, Lillie ? - 1907 O'Day, Gracie 1917 - 1917 J.M. 1908 - 1914 J.W. 1917 Owens 1906 - 1912 Effie ? - 1912 Perry, Bro. 1950's Mrs. 1950 's Phillips 1935 - ? Mrs. Charlie 1930 - 1936 Dale 1935 - ? Degar 1935 - ? Mrs. Edgar 1935 - ? Edgar 1914 - 1914 Marvin 1927 - 1930 Troy 1935 - ? Vassa (Burris) 1907 1914 Viola (Horne) 1927 1934 W.E. 1928 - 1930 Mrs. W.E. ? - 1930 Lucinda ? - 1866 Pierce, Jerry Lee ? - 1972 Lloyd 1949 - ? Mrs. Lucinda 1947 - ? Marvidine (Dickerson) 1943 Mary ? - 1913 Thelma 1943 - ? William Boyd ? - 1965 Pinder, Bro. E.M. 1885 - 1885 Maggie 1885 - ? Posey, Catharine 1892 - ? Emma 1892 - ? Margret 1866 - 1883 Martha ? - 1885 Mattie (Elia) 1896 1900 William 1869 - 1873 Powell, Cesnal ? - 1913 Darret 1917 - ? Darsett 1912 - ? Effie 1896 - 1899 Ellen 1910 - ? James 1900 - 1910 Leonard 1940 - ? Minnie 1910 ? Opal 1935 -? Oscar A. l910 -? Pearl 1906 ? S.E. 1888 ? Seth 1910 - 1913 Powell, William 1940 - ? Prater, Rebecca 1851 - 1851 CM Prewett, Matiala 1885 - ? Pugh, Ben ? - 1942 Mrs. Ben ? - 1942 Earl 1940 - l948 Purifoy, Alvin 1960 Ann 1962 - ? Bob 1962 - ? Edris 1-970 Larry 1962 - ? Orvill 1938 Ruby 1938 - ? Sharron 1960 - ? Puryom, Bro. 1942 Rains, H.G. 1901 - ? Randle, E.D. 1859 - Harriet 1859 Reed, Billy 1973 - ? Maggie 1973 - ? Paula 1976 - ? Remels, Nancy ? - 1917 Reynolds, Jake 1894 - ? Rice, James 1894 - ? Richardson, Bob 1907 - 1914 Ridling, W.C. 1839 - 1860 Riffe, David C. 1851 - 1860 Jacob 1851- - 1653 Susan 1851 - 1854 CM Roe, Addie 1910 - ? Bessie 1918 - ? Dorothy ? - 1922 Emie 1922 - ? Frank ? - 1922 Mrs. Frank ? - 1922 John 1917 - ? L.B. 1901 - 1917 Lothia (Steed) 1931 Timmie 1910 - ? Rogers, E.T. ? - 1913 Georgie 1901 - ? Ora 1901 - ? Titus 1901 - ? Mrs. Titus 1901 - 1908 Ross, Annie 1900 Martha (Willis) 1875 - ? Mary E. 1814 - ? Rebecca 1900 - 1946 Thomas 1900 - ? Mrs. W.N. 1875 - ? Roundtree, J.B. 1859 - ? Shelia 1863 - Russell ? - 1944 Sanders, Alvin 1943 - Susan 1866 - ? Sanders, Vera 1943 Samuels ? - 1919 Charley ? - 1919 Sauls, J.M. 1888 - 1890 Josephine ? - 1896 Schee, Ann (Badeaux) 1961 - 1977 Barbara 1961 - ? Debbie (Weatherford) 1975 - Georgia 1976 John 1946 - ? J.W, 1962 - ? Robert Allen 1963 - ? Robert 1968 - ? Shelia 1963 - ? Wayne 1968 - ? Scoggins, 1910 - 1913 Billie 1890 - 9 Delsie Ruth 1938 - 1940 Eineline 1895 - Evie 1927 - ? Henry 1927 - ? Mrs. Henry 1927 - ? Janice 1890 - 1942 John 1890 - ? J.T. ? - 1938 Marine 1941 - ? Minnie 1900 - ? Mollie 1890 - 1939 W.H. 1894 - 1910 Clara 1927 - 1940 - William 1927 - 1940 Scott, Billy Wayne 1945 ? Carl W. 1941 - 1946 Edith (Bear) 1905 - 1915 William 1943 - ? Shackleford, Mrs. Jason ? - 1938 Shankles, 1964 1967 Sims, Zack 1911 - 1911 Smith, Barbara 1966 - 1967 Caddie ? - 1918 Chester 1965 - 1967 Irvin 1907 - 1911 Isaac W. 1871 - 1882 J.B. 1859 - 1860 Julia A. 1869 - ? Laura 1857 - ? Margret 1851 - 1854 CM Martha 1858 - 1893 Mary Ann 1859 - ? Mary I. 1871 - 1882 Willis S. 1851 - 1860 CM Sparkman, D. 1892 - 1939 Iddah (Horne) 1883 - ? Lemmie 1888 - ? Nancy ? Susan W.. 1379 - 1379 Zack 1-888 - 1896 Z, 1858 - ? Sparks, Japies 1976 ? Margie 1949 Teresa (Badeaux) 1976 - ? Virgie 1968 - 1971 Sprinkles 1900 - 1903 Stafford 1851 - 1854 CM Stapp, J.M. 1858 - 1870 Aubrey 1931 - 1931 Mrs. Steed 1931 - 1934 Stephens, Betty 1888 - ? Steward, Nancy ? - 1892 Stiffier, 1968 -- 1970 Becky 1963 - ? Corrine (Malcolm) 1963 - ? David 1968 - '? Stone, Alice L. 1888 - 1893 Alton 1935 - ? Annie (Alexander) 1904 - 1934 Arta Pearl - 1943 Bessie (Gates) 1892 - ? Boyce 1943 - ? Cecil 1943- 1966 Clara 1917 - ? Clarence 1917 - ? Clay 1895 - ? Mrs. Clay ? 1917 Della 1922 ? Donald L. 1950's Mrs. Ella Belle 1937 1972 Eula 1924 - 1934 Evie ? Grover 1907 - 1915 Louiza 1943 - 1977 Margret 1883 - 1893 Marvin 1927 - ? Naisy 1907 - 1907 Nettie 1905 - ? Paul 1950's - 1970 Royce 1950's Sherry 1961 - ? W.W. 1890 - 1901 Stricklin A.C. 1859 - 1860 M.A. 1866 - ? Mrs.M.A. 1860 - 1860 Stroud, Fannie 1927 - ? George 1888 - 1893 H.C, 1882 - 1891 May 1910 - ? M.E. 1882- 1891 Missie 1839 - 1891 Sullivan, 1888 - 1893 Mat 1889 - 1893 Summers, Ellie ? - 1919 James ? 1919 J.H. ? - 1919 Bio. J.H. . ? - 1919 Johnie 1919 Tapp, Vida 1888 - ? Tate, 1882 - ? Taylor, Lela 1920 - ? Leslie 1918 - ? Thomas 1919 - 1935 Albert 1919 - ? Aylmer 1919 - 1928 Billie 1931 - 1937 Bobby 1936 - 1938 Howell 1919 - 1920 Bro. J.M. 1900 - 1900 Lena 1900 - 1900 Louline 1919 - 1938 Mary Sue 1935 - ? Sarah 1928- 1931 Susie 1919 - 1938 W.G. 1926 - 1941 Mrs. W.G. 1926- 1941 Zettie (Nelson) 1917 - ? Thompson, Berthal 1937 - ? Beullah 1910 - 1931 Bro. M.M. 1910 Ruthie Mae 1927 - 1931 Thornton, Emma ? - 1894 James 1892 - ? Katie 1871 - 1876 Wesley 1888 - 1905 Thrasher, Esther 1968 - 1973 Rev. Eugene 1968 - 1973 Jimmy 1968 - ? Nicky 1976 - ? Ronnie 1971 Shirlene 1971 - ? Thrognorton, Harry 1911 - 1911 Herbert 1911 - 1916 Sallie 1911 - 1911 John 1911 - 1911 Nellie (Horne) 1904 - ? Tippitt, 1975 - 1976 Cathy (Marable) 1975 - 1976 Tuberville 1900 - 1905 Della 1917 - 1917 Lou (Harper) 1904 - ? Rudy 1917 - 1917 Thomas Riley 1940 - 1952 Vaden, Jennie 1900 - ? Vire, Clyde 1964 - 1965 Janet 1964 - 1965 Wagner, Mary ? - 1904 Harriet 1859 - 1859 Walker, Sally (Purifoy) 1962 - ? Waller, Will 1919 - ? Walter, Luther 1900 - ? Ward, Pernie 1895 - 1899 Warren, Dora (Massey) 1896 - 1915 Weatherford 1975 - ? Webb, Bernice (Haskin) l928 - ? Beulah ? - 1941 Elkin 1936 - ? Gene 1969 - ? J.N. 1935 - 1940 Melba Ruth (Creech)(Badeaux) 1961 - ? Norma 1949 - 1949 Webster, Jim 1890 - ? Wells, Caroline 18')-I- - 1853 CM Francis 1927 - ? Bro. B.W. ? - 1946 George W. 1851 - 1853 CM Jane 1901 - 1902 Leonah, 1851 - 1859 CM Rosie Mae 1922 - ?, Mrs. 1920 - ? Mr. 1920 - ? West, H.W. 1885 Wheeler, Charles 1949 - ? F.H. 1950 - ? Mrs F.H. 1950 - ? Martha 1949 - ? White, Anita (Hughes) 1970 - 1977 A.N. 1859 - 1-860 Clinton 1917 - l918 Douglas 1970 - 1977 E.J., Sr. 1859"" 1859 E.J., Jr. 1859 - 1860 J.W. 1879 - 1885 Louisa 1859 - ? Mary 1879 - 1885 Mary J. 1882 - 1896 Whittock, Sis. M. 1871 - 1814 Bro. W. 1871 - 1873 Whitworth, Fawn 1976 - ? Mrs. G.W. ? - 1919 G.W, 1900 - 1919 J.W. 1976 - ? Mr. 1900 - 1912 Mrs. Whitworth received under watch care of Bunch 1900 Whorton, Claywell ? Ethel- 1911 - Wilder, Carl 1931. ? Irene 1935 - 1950 Mrs. Willie 1931 - ? Williams, A. 1851 - 1871, CM Becky Jo ? - 1948 Bennie 1889 - 1897 Eliza W. 1883 - l893 Esther 1943 - 1948 Florence (Horne) 1883 - 1391 G.W. 1900 - 1901 Bro. G.W. 1900 - 1901 Williams, Mrs. G.W. ? - 1904 G.W. 1883 - 1904 Hazel ? - 1939 J.F.F. 1859 - 1860 K.B.I,.A. 1859 - ? Larry 1969 - 1969 Sis. L.P. 1871 - 1893 Maggie 1889 - 1893 Martha Lou 1943 - ? Mary 1883 - 1890 Mary Catharine 1943 - 1947 Nora 1903 - 1911 Randolph 1859 - 1860 S.B. 1889 - 1897 Zollie 1885 - 1898 Williamson, Mrs. 1888 - 1889 Willis, Jesse H. 1888 - 1892 Wilson, 1901 - ? C.B. ? John 1911 - 1914 Mahala 1879 - ? Ruth 1914 - ? Sallie ? Sarali Ann 1851 - 1858 CM Susie 1900 - ? Willis 1851 - 1858 CM Windham, Athie 1927 - ? Ella Faye 1935 - 1945 James 1896 - ? Lela 1943 - ? Lena ? Lillian 1927 - ? P.A. 1943 -? Page 1896 - 1898 Sherry 1970 - 1970 William 1935 - ? Wingfield, E. Jane 1879 - 1888 Wood, Amanda A. 1867 - ? June 1961 - 1963 Malinda A. 1859 - 1860 Mary Ann 1859 - 1860 Rev. Robert 1961 - 1963 Miss E.J. 1859 - 1862 Bro. W.H. 1859 - 1860 Woodell, Narcissa ? - 1876 Nona (Nelson) 1917 - ? William 1917 - ? Woolsey ? - 1927 Mrs. Dan ? - 1927 Worley, 1936 - ? Mrs. 1936 - ? Wright, Annie 1895 - 1899 Green 1915 - ? John 1895 - ? Mrs. John 1895 - 1899 Tom 1895 - 1899 Mrs. Tom 1895 - 1899 Young Blanche (Brown) 1910 - 1915 Emma 1900 - 1900 BETHLEHEM CHURCH BOOK The following is the proceedings of Bethlehem Church when the same was constituted on the thirty-first day of July A.D. 1951. To Wit- We the undersigned at the request of the Brethren and Sisters, whose names are hereunto annexed have this day examined into our faith and normal standing as members of the Baptist Church and have in our opinion found them Orthodox, and have constituted them in to a church in witness whereof we have set out hands. E. Haynes ) William Daniel ) presbyter James McCollock ) The following is our Constitution: We the undersigned being members of the Baptist Church and being remote from any church where we can have membership and believing it to be our duty to let our light shine to all around on earth and to advance His kingdom to the end of the world, do hereby to cast our lots together in a church capacity and do all we can for the peace of Zion. To affect this end we have called a Presbyter to examine our faith and standing and agree to adopt the faith of the Red River Regular Baptist Association of the State of Arkansas. As the Articles of our faith and practice and that our church shall be known by the name of Bethlehem Regular Baptist Church this the thirty-first of July 1851. CHURCH MEMBERS NAMES OF THOSE RECORDED WHO CONSTITUTED THE SAME: 1. Mrs. Mary Bourland 2. Miss Lenna Minick 3. Miss Louiza Minick 4. Mrs. Margret Smith 5. E.J. Bourland 6. A.S. Williams 7. John Minick 8. Stephen Box 9. Willis S. Smith 10. George W. Wells 11. R.A. Stafford 12. C.C. McKinney 13. Jacob Riffe 14. Bart Cates 15. Ezry Cates, Sr. 16. W.E. Cates 17. T.J. Cates 18. A.D. Cates 19. C.A. Cates 20. Willis Wilson 21. John Cates 22. B.F. Cates 23. W.W. Cates 24. Sean Wells 25. Caroline Wells 26. Malinda, a servant 27. Susan Riffe 28. Charles, a servant 29. Milky, a servant 30. Andy, a servant 31. Susan H. Fulks 32. Beuthemial Fulks 33. Sarah Ann Wilson 34. Rebecca Prater 35. William J. Carter 36. Mrs. Rebecca Carter 37. William Bear 38. Mrs. Frances J. Bear 39. Mrs. Carline Browning 40. J.D. Browning 41. Miss Frances J. Carter 42. Clary, a servant 43. J.S. Bourland 44. J.D. Gates 45. Isabel Gates ABSTRACT OF FAITH ARTICLE I We believe in one true and living God, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost. I John 4:7 - John 1:1,2,3 - I Timothy 3:16 ARTICLE II We believe that the scripture comprising the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice,. II Timothy 3:15-16 - II Peter 1:21 - Roman 9:4 ARTICLE III: We believe in the doctrine of Election according as God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be Holy and without blame before him in love, in whom ve also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation, in whom also after ye believed ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise. Ephesians 1:4, 13 - I Peter 1, 1 Thessalonians 2: 1,14 ARTICLE IV: We believe in the doctrine of the Original Sin by the fall of Adam. Genesis 3: 6-7 - Psalms 5:6 - Roman 5:12, 14 ARTICLE V: We believe in man's incapacity by his own freewill and ability to recover himself from the fallen state in which he is by nature. Isaiah 1:5-6 - John 6:44 Ephesians 2:1 ARTICLE VI: We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God by the imputed righteousness of Christ only. Jeremiah 23:6 -Romans 4:22-24 - I Corinthians 1:30 ARTICLE VII: We believe that the Saints shall be preserved in grace and never fall finally away. Psalms 89:25, 31 - Hebrew 8:10, 12 - John 10:28 ARTICLE VIII: We believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ and that tru Baptists are the only subjects of baptism and that by immersion is the Apostolic made. Mark 16:15-16 - I Corinthians 11:23, 26 - Acts 2:41-42 Romans 6: 3-4-5-6-7 - Matthew 28:19-20 ARTICLE IX We believe in the Resurrection of the dead and in general judgement and that the felicity of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. John 5:28-29 - I Corinthians 15:22,24 - Revelations 20:12-13-14-15 ARTICLE X: We believe that no minister has any right to administer the Ordinances of the Gospel but one who is regularly baptized, called, and comes under the imposition of hands of a Presbyter. Matthew 28:19-20 - I Timothy 3:14 -Titus 1:5 ARTICLE XI: We believe that none but regularly baptized members have a right to consume at the Lord's Table. Acts 2:41,47 -Acts 18:8, 11 - I Corinthians 11:23, 24. ARTICLE XII: : We believe that he Lord's Day should be observed as a day of rest and religious devotion. Exodus 20:8 - Acts 20:7 -Revelation 1:10