Georgia: Baldwin County: GENEALOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM MINUTES OF THE SESSION, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA 1826-1900 Volume 9 Number 1 page 13 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Central Georgia Genealogical Society http://www.cggs.org/ ==================================================================== GENEALOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM MINUTES OF THE SESSION, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA 1826-1900 Contributed by: Mr. James W. Turnipseed, Jr, 311 Sparta Street, Warner Robins, GA 31088 to CGGS Volume 9 Number 1 page 13 1867 3 Mar 1867 The Moderator brought to the notice of the Session the case of Mr. George Ringland and Mrs. Susan Ringland who continue to absent themselves from the public service of the church, notwithstanding his remonstrances with them. It was moved and passed that a committee consisting of Mr. Stubbs and Mr. Nisbet be appointed to call on them and their reasons fully remonstrate further with them and report to the next meeting of the Session. The Moderator called the attention of the Session to the fact that several members of the church had violated the rule of the church in attending themselves and allowing their children to go to the late circus performance in this place and requested the members of Session to see and expostulate with those who have thus erred. The case of Mr. And Mrs. Ringland was not prosecuted any further, they having returned again to their regular attendance upon the services of the church. 6 Jun 1867 Mrs. Mary Lane dismissed to Presby. Church, Greensboro, GA 29 Jun 1867 Mrs. Nancy Moore dismissed to Presby. Church, Atlanta 14 Jul 1867 Rev. Wm Flinn given leave of absence from 4 to 6 weeks (health reasons) 13 Oct 1867 (Rev. Flinn present) The cases of Miller Greive Jr and Joseph T.Lane were brought to the notice of the Session by the Moderator. Charge drunkenness. The parties were required to meet the Session on the following Thurs, 17th Prox. Report, Oct 1867. Total revised roll, 75, less 2 deaths and 2 dismissals, leaving total of 71. 31 Oct 1867 Session met at the call of the Pastor. Present Rev. Wm Flinn, Mod, and Elders W. McKinley and T.T. Windsor. Opened with prayer. Miller Greive, Jr, appeared before the Session in compliance with a request from them, that they might confer with him in reference to certain alledged acts of immorality and disorderly conduct. He acknowledged the facts of having been repeatedly drunk, but urged many considerations in palliation of the offenses, after much discussion Session adjourned to meet again on Monday afternoon. Closed with prayer. T.T. Windsor, Clk 4 Nov 1867 No meeting. No elder present, only Rev. Wm Flinn and Mr. Greive, Jr. being present 11 Nov 1867 Session met. Present Rev. Wm Flinn, Mod, and Elders B.P. Stubbs and T.T. Windsor. Opened with prayer. Mr. Greive, Jr appeared before Session and conference to his affair resumed in view of his statements it was proposed to him on part of Session that if he would voluntarily make a public acknowledgement of his profession, contrition for it and a determination to forsake it, this should be considered as relieving the church of the scandal of his drunkenness and restore him to the confidence of his brethren and to his good standing in the church. He requ4ested time to deliberate on this proposition which was granted and on motion Session adjourned to meet again at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Closed with prayer. T.T. W., Clk 12 Nov 1867 Session met. (McKinley also present) The case of M. Greive, Jr was again taken up. It was moved by W. McKinley, that the brother be kindly admonished in private by the Session and that no further action be taken in his case, which motion was seconded. The Moderator moved as a substitute that the question as to what is right to do in such a case be referred to Presbytery or to the Professor in the Theological Seminary at Columbus, the latter was adopted. Session adjourned. Closed with prayer. T.T. Windsor, Clk 24 Dec 1867 Dr. J.L. Harris dismissed to Presy. Ch, Macon, GA 1868 22 Mar 1868 Elders McKinley and Windsor to prepare narrative report for Presbytery. T.T. Windsor appointed a delegate to the next meeting. 29 Mar 1868 Mrs. Emma G. Pratt dismissed to 1st Pres. Ch, Savannah 3 Apr 1868 Approved. Fredinand Jacobs, Moderator of Presbytery 9 May 1868 Examined following baptized children: Miss Sallie Bell McKinley, Julia McKinley and Wm McKinley. The names of Joseph Lane and Miller Greive, Jr were, on account of persistent absence from church ordinances and for the sin of drunkenness stricken from the roll of this church. A letter of dismission from the Pr. Church, Mobile, AL was deposited with this church by Col. D.C. Houston, an elder, and his membership by this church has been recognized. 1869 Jan 1869 Mrs. E.J. Carnes, suspended some years since, reinstated and a letter of dismission granted to her to connect herself with whatever church within whose bounds she may locate. 26 Feb 1869 Resolution adopted by congregation upon granting request of Rev Flinn to dissolve pastoral relations. "...That we hereby formally take leave of him, and tender to his and his only child our affectionate, heartfelt, united good wishes and warmest prayers for the kindest blessings of the great Head of the Church to be with them forever: adding too, our hope that this change of fields may only make him more happy and useful than ever, as a preacher of righteousness." Signed: W. McKinley, B.P. Stubbs, T.T. Windsor, Iverson L. Harris, Geor. D. Case, R.W. Orme Sr, Wm. H. Hall Apr 1868 to Apr 1869 Annual Report above total membership 67. 10 Apr 1869 "Approved as far as written, Milledgeville. T.D. Witt Burkhead, Mod." 14 Jun 1869 James H. Nichols dismissed to Narcoochee Church, White Co, GA 1 Aug 1869 Miss Mary White examined for membership. Joseph W. Jones dismissed to church in Butler, GA 2 Nov 1869 Mrs. Orme and Miss Sallie Flinn dismissed to Thalia St. Pr. Ch, N.O. 22 Nov 1869 Thomas T. Windsor appointed as delegate to attend the meeting of the Symod of GA and FL at Tallahassie, FL 1870 5 Feb 1870 Joseph Bowles examined received on 6 Feb and baptized. 16 Apr 1870 Annual Report showed total of 63 members. Approved in Presbytery at Lexington, GA, Thos. P. Cleveland, Moderator. 3 Jun 1870 Mrs. Helen Lamar and Miss Lizzie White received as members after examination 6 Aug 1870 Mrs. Mary G. Trippe received from Independent Ch. Savannah, on Prof. Of Faith, Mrs. Isabella Hendrix and Mr. Robt A. Trippe. 13 Aug 1870 Rev. C.W. Lane baptized 7 children (G-grand children of Mrs. Hall) 1871 12 Mar 1871 Mr. E. Pritchard received after examination 9 Apr 1871 T.T. Windsor appointed to Presbytery at Eatonton. 14 Apr 1871 Annual Report - 68 total membership. Approved. Joseph R. Wilson, Mod. 7 Jul 1871 Eliza H. Price dismissed to Presby. Ch, Macon 16 Aug 1871 Miss Kate McAdoo came before the Session with a view of connecting herself with this church and after a very satisfactory examination she was received by the Session. Closed with prayer. T.T. Windsor, Clk 5 Oct 1871 Miss Addie Cromwell dismissed to 2nd Pres Ch. Atlanta 7 Nov 1871 Joseph Bowles dismissed to 1st Presby. Ch., Savannah 1872 2 Jan 1872 Miss Annie Orme rec'd by letter from Pres. Ch, Staunton, VA and Mrs. H.H. Kenan from the 42nd St, Pres Church, NY City 2 Apr 1872 Session book approved as far as written. Augusta. C.W. Lane, Mod. Membership total 66. 5 May 1872 Mr. Wm Fisher and his wife, Mrs. Julia Fisher, received from Presby. Ch. At Brunswick 9 Jun 1872 Pastor granted leave of absence for Jul and August. 15 Dec 1872 Ruling Elders elected: Dr. Saml. G. White, Dr. Wm H Hall, Col R.L. Hunter, Mr. F. Skinner. Deacons elected: Jno. A. Orme, Lewis H. Harris 29 Dec 1872 Installation and ordination of elders and deacons at afternoon service 1873 5 Jan 1873 Rev. K.H. Bradshaw requested to act as moderator. "...after some kind and affectionate advice from him as to the nature of our duties being now without a minister, the following plan for our future action was unanimously agreed upon and adopted. That our Church be kept open on each Sabbath for morning service to be conducted by one of the elders and Col. McKinley take the initiative (being the Senior Elder) which he consented to do, and that a weekly night prayer meeting at the different houses of our members be held on Tuesday night of each week which also was agreed to." 2 Feb 1873 Rev. G.T. Goetchius was present. Opened with prayer by T.T. Windsor. Mrs. M.L. Uhink received from Presby. Ch, Greenville, AL 3 Mar 1873 Rev. G.T. Goetchius, Mod. Mrs. Julia A. Goetchius received from the Albany Pres. Church 16 Mar 1873 Session met in the Church after morning service. Present: Rev. G.T. Goetchius, Mod, R.L. Hunter, S.G. White, F. Skinner, Wm. H. Hall, and T.T. Windsor. The Moderator called the attention of Session to the fact of the death of our old and beloved Elder D.C. Houston, and a motion was made that a committee consisting of Rev. G.T. Goetchius, S.G. White, and Wm H. Hall be appointed to prepare a suitable memorial for publication of his life and death which was seconded and passed. The case of Mrs. Mary Read was brought to the notice of the Session. She having presented her letter previously to the Session, and no action having been taken thereon, it was now moved and seconded that she be received as a member of this church and enrolled as such, which was passed. 30 Mar 1873 Session met. Present: Rev. G.T. Goetchius, R.L. Hunter, S.G. White, F. Skinner, T.T. Windsor. Opened with prayer, Absent: W. McKinley and Wm H. Hall. The committee on the memorial in reference to Col. D.C. Houston reported progress. The narrative on the state of religion was then read and received as follows: We find we have very much to be thankful for. We have not been altogether without presence of the Spirit of God in our midst and whilst there has been no powerful outward manifestation, so as to be felt by many, and seen by all, yet the silent operations of that power has been too plain to be mistaken by us. We have witnessed it in the general outward walk and conversation of the membership and the attendance upon the stated means of grace, we have seen it in the fact two of the baptized children of this church, coming forward and dedicating themselves to the Lord in the bloom of their youth and the general good feeling pervading all the membership of the Church, in their readiness in cooperating in every effort for the temporal as well as the spiritual well being of the congregation, and above all do we regard it as the guidance of the good Spirit of our God, in the readiness and willingness with which four of our beloved members have, when called upon so to do, come forward and filled the position of elders in this our beloved Zion, and two others of our younger members taking the positions of Deacons, thus giving a vitality and power to this Church, in the strength of its Session, and the completeness of its organization which it has not enjoyed for a great many years past. We have also passed another epoch in our history as a church in the withdrawal of our beloved friend and Minister, Rev. C.W. Lane, many of us standing almost appalled not knowing where to look for a successor, and in the interim, our Session determining to keep open the Church and conduct the regular exercises, which in one short month were brought to a close. And cannot we see again the same good Spirit, bringing one to us as our Pastor upon whom the mantle of beloved brother Lane shall not unworthily fall, in all this have we not cause for unbounded thankfulness and graditude to the Great Head of the Church, and can we not raise our Ebenezer to Him and say "Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." Thanks be unto His Adorable name. Can we then as a Church, awake to a redoubled seal and diligence in our Master's Cause and putting on the whole armour of God, determine in his strength to do our whole duty as his followers, and in constant prayer and supplication to Him look with certainty for a blessing, a rich blessing from Him, even the might outpouring of his Spirit, and the fulfillment of that promise, "If I will not open the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room to receive it." All of which is respectfully submitted. Thomas T. Windsor, Chmn.; Wm. H. Hall; S.G. White; T.T. Windsor, Clk. Milledgeville, March 29, 1873 No further business. Closed with prayer. 2 Apr 1873 The following resolution was presented and passed. Resolved: That our delegate present to Presbytery the call of this church for the pastoral service of Rev. Geo. T. Goetchius and also a request for his early installation into that office. The statistical report was then read and approved. Total members last report 66, 6 added on certificate, 2 added on examination, 1 death, total communicants 72. 10 Infant Baptisms, 45 in Sabbath School. Funds collected: Sustentation $20.00, Foreign Missions $54.50, Education 00, Publication $56.50, Presbyterial $15.00, Congregational $1,140.00, Miscellaneous $249.25 4 Apr 1873 Approved by Presbytery in Session at Sparta, GA 4 Apr 1873. E.M. Green Moderator. ------In Memoriam----- ------Col. David C. Houston----- Col. D.C. Houston was born in Mecklenburg Co, NC 31 Oct 1795. He was married 24 Oct 1828. Soon after he moved to Alabama, where he lived many years an active and useful elder in the Presbyterian Church. He united with the Church at 16 years of age, and at the time of his death had been a ruling elder 44 years. Having lost all his family except two grandchildren he moved to Milledgeville, GA a short time since, to spend his last days with these children. He died in Milledgeville, GA, March 6 1873 at the age of 78 years. He loved his Master and felt a deep interest in the success of His Kingdom, as was seen in his walk in public and private. At one time possessing large means he was very liberal in contributing to the support of the gospel, his liberality embracing all the benevolent operations of the church. All of her interest his interest and he cheerfully responded to every call made upon him. In the days of slavery he was very careful and diligent in the religious instruction of his servants. His great desire was to see them servants of hi Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, and hence he was ever ready to give them such instruction as he was able, to lead them to the cross; and no doubt has many stars in his crown for his labors among his servants. He was a pillar in the church - a great man- yet as humble as he was great. Until his health failed, he was regular in his attendance upon prayer meetings as well as the Sabbath services. "He loved the gates of Zion more than the dwellings of Jacob" and was found around her alters offering his sacrifice. "The sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit." He read the Scriptures; yes, studied the word very closely, accepting the Bible as the word of God. He found pleasure in reading every part of it and in meditating on its great truths, both day and night. The promises and invitations were very dear to him. A few days before his death, he said to his pastor, "All I can do is to gather up the promises and invitations as my portion; they are my food." He was retiring in his disposition, but even when his health became too feeble to permit him to attend church, he retained a lively interest in the prosperity of Zion and mourned over her desolations. And we know not but that the abundant and forvent prayer of his advanced life, for God's saving grace to be bestowed upon the church made the days of his feebleness and infirmity more to abount in usefulness than ever the active period of his life. He loved and received with an intelligent faith all the doctrines of our church, but felt that all are brethren who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Bereaved of all his household, whom he deeply loved, he bore his losses with submission, saving, "It is the Lord, let him do as seemth good in hi sight." He was looking waiting, sometimes longing for the summons to depart and be with Christ for several years before his death. His faith up to the hour of his death was strong. He talked of heaven as a child would talk of home - no doubts, no fears. Like Abraham, he died 'in a good old age, an old man and full of years and gathered to his people." His dust is now mingled with kindred dust, waiting for the second coming of his Master. His death was quiet and beautiful - heaven was in full view. "Not a wave of trouble rolled across his peaceful breast." All was peace, his mind was staid on God, who kept him in perfect peace. In his death the church militant has lost a faithful soldier; but the church triumphant has received into her shining ranks a noble spirit. "The pains of death are past, Labor and sorrow cease, And life's long warfare closed at last, His soul is found in peace, Soldier of Christ well done, Praise be thy new employ, And while eternal ages run, Rest in thy Saviours Joy."