Clay County Georgia - History - Midway Baptist Church ********************************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ********************************************************************************************** This file contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Ed Gordon Sep 2002 From "History of Bethel Association Including Centennial Meeting", by Alexander Lee Miller MidWay Baptist Church This church is situated north of Ft. Gaines in Clay County Georgia It joined the Bethel Association in 1884, at its session held with Bethel Church in Randolph County. The present total membership is about 107. Brother W. J. Patterson was reported as its first pastor and J. E. Methvin, was the first Clerk. Brethren W. E. Gay and R. G. Gay were its first messengers to the Bethel Association. Its membership in 1884 was 46. Its pastors in their state of order were: Rev. W. H. Patterson from 1884 to 1890, baptizing 43 members into the church. He was followed by Bro. J. S. Knowles from 1891 for several years. The length of time is not indicated by the Minutes. Baptisms reported during that time were 16. Then came Bro. J. I. D. Miller in 1897. No report of baptisms. He was followed by Rev. W. A. Mabry, baptisms 5. Then Bro. A. E. Keese became pastor there in 1901 to 1907 14 baptisms reported. Bro. C. White served as pastor in 1908. No report for 1909. In 1910 Bro. J. W. Watson was pastor. No report in 1913. He was followed by Rev. H. O. Fowler. Then came Brother H. N. Massey for 1915, 1916 and 1917. Baptisms reported 6. Bro. J. R. Griffith became pastor in 1918 and served through 1921, baptizing 6. No report for 1932 ( I think it should have been 1922 but just typing it as it is from book). Brother H. H. Shirley became pastor in 1923 and served through 1924, baptizing 12. Bro. Broome began his pastorate in 1925 and served for five years, followed by Bro. J. W. Farmer in 1930 and 1931. Baptisms reported 11. The Clerks have been as follows: Bro. J. E. Methvin was first clerk and served through the year 1884. He was followed by Bro. R. G. Gay from 1885 to 1891. Then came Bro. T. J. Methvin who served for ten years until 1902. Then Bro. W. E. Gay became clerk for 2 years, 1902 to 1904. Bro. M.A. Lokey became clerk in 1904 and has served continuously since that date nearly twenty years.