Georgia: Baldwin County: GENEALOGICAL GLEANINGS FROM MINUTES OF THE SESSION, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA 1826-1900 Volume 10 Number 1 ==================================================================== 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 THE 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 Volume 10 Number 1 2 Oct 1889 Ruling Elder W.E. Reynolds and his wife Mrs. L. A. Reynolds presented their letters from the Pr. Church, Greensboro, GA and were received into the membership of this church, also Ruling Elder Andrew Craig and his wife Mrs. Elizabeth Craig, Misses Lizzie Craig and Marian Craig, Mr. William Steedman, and Mrs. Wilhelmina Steedman from the Pr. Church, Edgefield, SC they also received into the membership of this church, also Mr. And Mrs. A.F.S. Briscoe from Fulton Ave. Pr. Ch, Baltimore, MD. Notice was brought to the Session of the death of Gen. D.H. Hill, a Ruling Elder of this Church and on motion the Pastor was appointed to prepare suitable resolutions regarding the same. 11 Oct 1889 Resolutions adopted by the Session relative to the death of Gen. D.H. Hill, late Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of this place. (Editors’ Note: The resolution revealed no genealogical information, except to say that “…his immediate association with us as a Church, extended only through the brief sace of a few year…copies of these resolutions be furnished the family of the departed, the Southern Presbyterian, and the city papers and that a leaf be left in our book of records sacred to his memory. D. McQueen, Moderator. Sacred to the Memory of Gen. D.H. Hill, a Ruling Elder in this Church born in York County, S. Carolina Jul 1821, died in Charlotte, NC Oct 1889.”) 19 Oct 1889 Mr.Geo.C. Smith was received by letter from Second Pr. Church, Charleston, SC 20 Oct 1889 Memorandum for future reference: Geo. C. Smith, Lewis H. Hall, Weems Nisbet – Elected by the Congregation to act as Deacons of this church. Also same, W.G. Hawkins elected elder by vote. 23 Nov 1889 A letter of dismission was given to Prof. D.H. Hill also his wife, Mrs. Pauline Hill, and daughter Pauline Hill, a baptised child of this church, to connect themselves with Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, NC 3 Nov 1889 (Out of sequence) W.G. Hawkins, Elder Elect and W.E. Reynolds, Elder by Certificate (Geo. C. Smith, Lewis H. Hall and Weems Nisbet, Deaconal) appeared before the congregation accepting the office to which they were elected and the Session ordained them by the laying on of the hands of the Session and the congregation coming forward and welcoming by giving the right hand of fellowship to each officer elect. 1890 31 Mar 1890 Mrs. Thos. H. Dessaussure and Mrs. Jane J. Miller were both received by letter from 2nd Presbyterian Church, Charleston, SC and their names enrolled as members upon a written statement from the Rector of the Episcopal Church at Camden, SC of which communion Mr. D. was recently a member and his name enrolled as a member of this church, also Miss Stella Bigby from Washington, GA church. Prof. Reynolds presents the following: (Editors’ Note: There followed a page and a half of tribute to Pastor, Rev. Donald McQueen. There was no significant genealogy or historical information, except possibly “…There is no special religious instruction of the Coloured people, they preferring churches apart from the whites and instruction by their own race…The Pastor’s salary is paid for 1889…Respectfully submitted W.E. Reynolds, Moved, seconded and adopted and ordered to be placed upon record. Closed to meet on Wednesday afternoon next April 2nd with Benediction. T.T. Windsor, Clk.”) 2 Apr 1890 Statistical Report was approved, showing 5 Elders, 5 Deacons, 3 Infant Baptisms, 1 Added on Examination, 14 Added by Certificate, about 80 S. School Scholars, and Teacher, with a total of 153 Communicants. 25 May 1890 Mr. Sam’l W. Davidson was recd by letter from the custanea Pr. Church Stanley Creek, NC 18 Sep 1890 Narrative report to Presbytery shows 2 members received since last meeting of Presbytery, one on profession and one by certificate, 3 infant baptisms. 19 Dec 1890 Mr. F. M. Gobert was received into the membership of this Church from the Methodist Church in this City. A letter of dismission was given to Hampton Steward. 1891 4 Jan 1891 The following members applied for dismission: Mrs. M. E. Taylor, Mr. Clyde Taylor, Miss Annie Berry to Presbyterian Church in Brunswick, GA and Mrs. Emma Hinton to Methodist Ch. In Macon, GA 16 Feb 1891 Permission was given to Miss Mary Andrews, organist, to engage the services of Miss Clara Hunter as our assistant, she to arrange with her for a division of pay allowed her. The request of L.J. Lamar to withdraw from the Diaconate was not considered further than to address him the following letter and urge his withdrawal of his letter: L.J. Lamar, Dear Sir and Brother: At the recent meeting of the Session of the Presbyterian Church your letter relative to the resignation of your office as Deacon was duly considered. I am authorized by the Session to call your attention to the following consideration. 1st The office of deacon is perpetual and cannot be laid aside at pleasure and only under circumstances indicated in form of Government Section 4, Par 113, Act iii ..2d We believe that the relinquishment of the office to which God has called you through the voice of the people and of those vows solemnly assumed in covenant with Him would be detrimental to your spiritual life and progress. 3d We would urge you in the name of our common Master, the withdrawal of your resignation, assuring you of our abiding love for and continued interest in you personally, praying that the Sprit of all truth may guide you at every step. Signed: T.T. Windsor, Clk. Letters of dismission were granted to Mrs. Bessie Williams and her three sons. Peter, William, and Henry and her daughter Bessie to connect themselves with the Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA of which Rev. Dr. Barnett is pastor. 2 Mar 1891 Mr. P.W. Pooser was received by letter from the Second Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA and his name entered on the roll of this church. 29 Mar 1891 Letter of dismission given Mr. Jno. G. Shinholster to connect himself with the 1st Presbyterian Church, Macon, GA 1 Apr 1891 Mr. Neal McMillan was on examination received into the membership of the church. 5 Apr 1891 Miss Bell McMillan was on examination received into the membership of the church. 6 Apr 1891 Miss Rosa P. Childs was recd by letter from Sharon Pr. Church, Presbytery of Montgomery, VA and enrolled as a member of this church. A letter of dismission was granted to Mrs. Clarence Brown (nee Miss Cally Greive) to connect herself with the Presbyterian Church, Cuthbert, GA 14 Apr 1891 Narrative report to Presbytery showed 3 members added on Profession of Faith and 3 by letter. The Statistical Report showed 5 elders and 5 deacons, 3 infant baptisms and 2 adult baptisms, 105 Scholars in Sabbath School, with 11 teachers, and a total of 147 members. 31 May 1891 The following persons (all scholars in S. School) presented themselves before Session and on examination were received into the membership of this church: Joseph S. Sherwood (14), Lula W. Sherwood (12), Edward M. Harral (16), Dovie Harral (12), and Allice A. Smith (13). 23 Jun 1891 Mr. D. S. Carrington and L.L. Carrington were on examination received into the membership of the church. 22 Aug 1891 The following persons appeared before the Session and after examination were received into the membership of this church: Andrew A. Holland, Charles W. Winn, Edwin W. Winn and Andrew R. Miller. Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Brooks received by letter from Lebanon Pr. Church, Due West, SC and enrolled as members. 4 Oct 1891 Mr. A.J. Craig, Miss Rachael Craig and Miss Andrewina Craig appeared before the Session and after examination were received into membership of this church and their names enrolled upon the books of the church. 20 Oct 1891 Narrative report to Presbytery showed 14 additions by examination and 1 by letter. A Manse had been secured for the church. 14 Dec 1891 Letter of dismission from 2d Pr. Church, Augusta, GA to connect with this church Mr. And Mrs. F.M. Pooser. They were received and names enrolled. 29 Dec 1891 Rev. D. McQueen, pastor, notified the Session of the Church that he had accepted a call conditionally from the Pr. Church at Anniston, AL, and desiring the church to concur with him in request to Presbytery to dissolve the connection. Ordered also that the congregation be notified on next Sabbath morning of an election to be held for an additional elder and 2 deacons. 28 Dec 1891 The chairman of the Evangelistic Committee, W.E. Reynolds, presented a verbal report showing that a sufficient amount has been pledged to warrant the church in pledging themselves to the amount of Fifty dollars for Evangelistic work and Dr. I. L. Harris was requested to inform Rev. Mr. Britt, chairman of the Board, of the action of this church for $50.00 pledged. 1892 24 Jan 1892 Session met after morning service, present: Rev. M.A. Britt, who was requested to act as Mod. W.E. Reynolds, W.H. Hall, A. Craig, W.G. Hawkins and T.T. Windsor. Mrs. McQueen was granted a letter of dismission to connect herself with her two children Donald and Lawrence with the 1st Presbyterian Church, Anniston, AL 15 Mar 1892 Rev. W. Palmer of Eatonton Church, Moderator. A letter of dismission was given to Miss Fanny Way (Nee) Mrs. Ferguson/Fingerson to connect herself with any Church of our order in New York City. 3 Apr 1892 Miss May E. Howard and Miss Corine Hendrix were on examination admitted to the church. Mrs. Wm. Greig was received by letter from the Church of Trenout Parish, Scotland. A letter of dismission was given to Mrs. T.H. Kenan to connect herself with the First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA 11 Apr 1892 Session met at the house of Dr. W. H. Hall. The clerk of Session presented the statistical reports which were read and approved. Dr. W.H. Hall presented the narrative as follows: (Editors’ Note – Abstracted in part). “Since our beloved Pastor…has been called away…we have been a flock with no under Shepperd. We..pray…that the Lord send us a Pastor…Our church is poor and from year to year it gradually grows poorer…Religious instruction of the Coloured people is not attempted, they preferring their own ministry…There is nothing due on the Pastor’s salary.” S/W.H. Hall, Committee. Mr. T. T. Windsor was instructed to write Rev. D. W. Brannen in regard to filling the pulpit for 6 mos. With reference to a call to the Pastorate. Also to call upon the Choir to know whether as a Choir they have volunteered their Service to the Catholic Church to assist them in their Easter Service on the following Sabbath. 15 Apr 1892 These minutes read and approved. Apr 15 ’92. W.T. Palmer, Moderator at Augusta 2nd Church. 30 May 1892 At house of Dr. W.H. Hall; Rev. D. W. Brannen, Moderator, Elders W.H. Hall, A. Craig & T.T. Windsor 13 Jun 1892 Rev. D.W. Brannen, Moderator: elders W.H. Hall, I.L. Harris, W.G. Hawkins, Wm. E. Reynolds, A. Craig and T.T. Windsor. Action taken to pay amounts pledged to support an Evangelist for Augusta Presbytery in monthly installments. Clerk of Session requested, it the consent of the congregation be obtained to send for 25 copies of the hymnal being used for the Church and 40 copies for the private use of members of the congregation. Prof. W.E. Reynolds was appointed to take charge of the Sabbath School during the absence of Supt. Geo. C. Smith 1 Aug 1892 Session met at the house of Prof W.E. Reynolds. Rev. D.W. Brannen, Moderator. Elders W.H. Hall, W.E. Reynolds, A. Craig & T.T. Windsor. Letters of dismission given to Mrs. Carrie Andrews (nee Miss Carrie Hall) to Presbyterian Church at Waycross, GA also to S.M. Davidson to 1st Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, NC. 5 Sep 1892 Adopted a plan to publish one issue of a church paper the first week in October in the interest of our Church. That said paper be an 8 column folio printed on white paper. The matter going into said paper shall be supervised by a committee consisting of the Pastor and two members of the Session, T.T. Windsor and I.L. Harris. The Rev. Mr. Brannen requested in behalf of the church to cooperate with the monthly meetings of the different churches in behalf of missions. T.T. Windsor appointed delegate to attend meeting of Presbytery and also a committee of one to prepare the narrative. 18 Sep 1892 A list was presented to the Session containing the names of a large majority of the Church, requesting the Session to give notice for a meeting to be called on the next Sabbath to place on the hands of the Rev. D.W. Brannen a call to the Pastorate of the Church. 25 Sep 1892 Narrative on the State of Religion was read by Mr. T.T. Windsor, passed, ordered to be engrossed and sent up to Presbyter. The meeting adjourned until 5 pm. At which time Prof. J.C. Woodward, an elder from Barnesville Church present a letter of dismission from said church, was received and enrolled on the books of the church. Narrative on the state of Religion. Since our last report to your body, we have had our pulpit filled by Re. T.A. Gibson of Methodist Church until 15th May w3hen Rev. D. W. Brennen was called as a stated supply and he has filled the Pulpit to the satisfaction of the church and congregation…but as we hope soon to have a Pastor called and installed…=The colored people are about forming a Church of their own and we are aiding them in that object. The Pastors salary is paid monthly. T.T. Windsor, Committee. COMPILER’S NOTE: The minutes of 30 May, 13 Jun, 1 Aug, 5 Sep, 18 Sep and 25 Sep 1892 have been copied from book one into the second book. 3 Oct 1892 Letter of dismission was given to Jack Hill (Col’d ) to aid in the organization of a new Colored Presbyterian Church. Wednesday night the 12th was the time appointed for ordination and installation of Rev. D.W. Brannen. 5 Dec 1892 Mrs. J.H. Chappel received by letter from Pr. Church, Rome, GA. Mr. Wm. Gregg received by letter from Church in Scotland. Mrs. Nina Handbrough dismissed by letter to join Methodist Church near Clarksville, TN. The name of Prof. J. C. Woodward will be brought before the congregation on next Sabbath, the 11th, for election as an elder in this church.