Franklin County GaArchives Church Records.....Grove Level Church Minutes and Membership Roll July 1837-May 1844 Copyright Date 1844 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jacqueline King http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00016.html#0003809 August 21, 2005, 6:59 am Grove Level Baptist Church Grove Level, Banks County, Georgia Minutes and Membership Roll 1802-1902 and 1902-1942 As microfilmed by the Genealogical Society, Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Department of Archives and History, State of Georgia, Homer, Georgia 22 August 1964 Part 4 Records of Grove Level Baptist Church (July 1837-May 1844) The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s Day in July 1837. 1-Conference was opened by singing and admonition. 2-Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3-Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 4-Opened a door for the reception of members. 5-Agreed to keep up correspondence with the Union meeting. Harbin and E. Thornton to go. 6-On motion the report of the helps sent to Blacks Creek church was read together with the Memorial and Protest of the church at Blacks Creek all of which was ordered by the church to be recorded. Protest We, the minority of the church at Blacks Creek feel ourselves oppressed by the majority of this church do respectfully enter our protest against their sayings and actings. 1-Because we think they have not acted in the Spirit of the Gospel in contending for a government to prohibit any of her members contributing to any of the benevolent Institutions of the day, and will not so much as consent to remain with us and allow each one of us (“of us” stricken through) to do as he may think proper in these things. 2-Because they have denied us the common privileges of free people even in the exercise of opinions and have virtually excluded us the right of church membership and that without any church dealings. 3-Because together with the use of the meeting house they have taken from us all the church papers and the Church Book not by act of the church in any order for there has been no such thing before the church, but it is done. 4-Because in all these things we believe the Spirit of the Gospel Republican, and Justice has been violated and God’s Holy Sanctuary has been polluted. The foregoing protest in substance on Saturday before the 2nd Lord’s day in April we Beg leave to read before the church in order if possible to bring about a union once more among us. But the Majority would not hear us. Where upon we the Minority resolved if possible to obtain the advice of sister churches. Memorial We the undersigned members of the Church of Christ at Blacks Creek do most deeply regret the distance of the causes which so unhappily have involved the deepest interest and perhaps destiny of our church and denomination. While we are made to mourn over these causes we feel it our bounden duty as the afflicted and oppressed Minority of that Church after saying that to the best of our power we used every exertion to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace we were virtually driven out of the meeting house by an unjust exercise of discipline in the unfeeling hands of an oppressing Majority of our church. Feeling as we do and desiring always in the Lord to be a blessing to our fellow beings, It becomes our duty to state that the course we have adopted not of choice but of necessity to an enlightened and generous community. We do most cheerfully appeal, before whom and for the information of our brethren who reside at a distance we willingly state these grounds, which led the Majority to such unjust and unprecedented acts in denying is the use of the house of publick worship by no other right than that they are the Majority depriving us from a seat in conference, seizing and holding from us the papers of the church and church book, closing the pulpit against all Baptist Ministers of the Gospel who favor the cause of benevolence. All these things have they done without ever preferring a charge against us or any one of us the Minority in a legal or tangible form. In this sweeping unjust and unjust way declare us hereticks and with malicious words prating against us (3rd Epistle John and 10th Verse) saying we shall not in worshipping God do as we please with our own contrary to the discipline of the church and Republican principles for what Because 1-We religiously feel it’s our duty to oppose intemperance and needless use of ardent spirits and charitably allow any one to do as they please relative to joining temperance or any other benevolent society and not to suffer opinions in these things to break christian fellowship. 2-We religiously feel and believe it to be our duty both to support and aid in spreading the Gospel as far as we ourselves are able. 3-We do believe all are at liberty to join or not to join any of the benevolent institutions of the day for the spread of the Gospel, publishing the Scriptures in heathen tongues, disseminating religious and useful knowledge, teaching children to regard the scriptures and the Lord’s day. 4-We believe all are at liberty to act in these things according to their own conscience. Proceedings of the helps The Baptist church of Christ met in conference at Blacks Creek meeting house in the being in the Minority of that church and deeply afflicted have called for helps, Viz: Nails Creek Brethren William Poole and Mangum, Grove Level Harbin, Brooks, E. Thornton , R. Thornton, and Webb, Oconee J. Borders, Christler and Hardy, Cabin Creek Isaac Borders, to assist us in what course to pursue. R. Thornton, Mod. W. R. Wellborn, Clk. 1-Conference was opened by reading a part of 6th Chapter of Gallations 4 first verses, made some remarks and prayer by the Moderator. 2-Invited Brethren and sisters of sister churches to seats with us to aid in any matter that may come before us. 3-Took up the business presumed to be before us and after a fair investigation of existing difficulties, The Brethren offer the following Advice Inasmuch as we the helps of sister churches think that a difference of opinion in relation to what is termed the benevolent institutions of the day should not be sufficient to break christian fellowship and inasmuch as the Majority will not allow liberality of sentiments in these things we think the Minority have not departed from original principles. We therefore think it’s advisable that they continue to meet here or somewhere else when they can and particularly try to cultivate friendly feelings towards the Majority and others. August 1837 1. Conference was opened by singing and admonition. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 4. Appointed a committee of three Viz. Brethren Uriah Kitchens and Johnson to request Br. Nathan Sanders to attend next conference to answer to an unfavorable report against his religious character. 5. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by experience Br. John Bush. 6. Agreed to open a door for the reception of members on to morrow at the water. 7. Dismissed by letter Br. John Bush. Met according to previous arrangements and opened a door for the reception of members received by experience Br. John W. Haynes. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Sept. 1837 1. Conference was opened by singing and admonition. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for and took up the reference relative to Br. Nathan Sanders be being present and from his acknowledgement agreed to get along with him. 4. Inquired for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 5. Appointed a committee of 3 Breth Viz. Brooks, Harbin and Rylee to have an interview with French Haggard relative to some insinuations by him implicating the character of the Pastor of this church and report to this church. 6. Appointed the following Breth Viz. Elder R. Thornton and Harbin and in case of failure Br. Brooks messengers to our next Association. 7. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by experience Br. James Perry and Sister Eleanor Perry. 8. Appointed the following correspondents to Kandler Creek Viz. Breth. Webb and Samuel Johnson. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Oct. 1837 1. Conference was opened by singing and admonition. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also matters of difficulties ripe for church interference. None. 4. Opened a door for the reception of members. 5. The letter to the Association called for read and received. Departed this life on the 9th October 1837 Prudence Peeples formerly Sister Cowen. 1838 The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Jan. 1838. 1. Conference was opened by admonition. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. 4. Opened a door for the reception of members. 5. Dismissed by letter Br. William Kitchens and Sister Kitchens, his wife. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Feb. 1838. 1. Conference was opened by singing and lecturing from 4th Chap. 1st Peter and prayer. The usual inquiries were made and so far as ascertained the church is in peace. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in March 1838. 1 Conference was opened by prayer. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with ut. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficult ripe for church interference. None. 4. Appointed correspondents as follows to Kandlers Creek Breth. E. Thornton and J. Brooks. 5. Opened a door for the reception of members. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in April 1838. 1. Opened conference in the usual way. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficult ripe for church interference. 4. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by letter Ginney, a colored sister. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in May 1838. 1. Conference was opened by lecture and prayer. 2. Inquired for reference and also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 3. Opened a door for the reception of members. 4. Dismissed by letter Br. George T. Bonds. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in June 1838. 1. Conference was opened by singing and lecture. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficult ripe for church interference. None. 4. Received correspondent as follows From Kandlers Creek Br. Barnes. 5. Appointed correspondents as follows to Kandlers Creek Breth. Hendrix and Brooks. 6. Received a request from our sister church at Beaverdam for our Eldership Br. E. Thornton to assist in the ordination of a Deacon. Said request granted. 7. Opened a door for the reception of members. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in July 1838. 1. Conference was opened by singing an prayer. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 4. Agreed to correspond with the Union Meeting as usual in the District. Breth. N. Harbin, E. Thornton, W. Webb and J. Brooks to attend. 5. Opened a door for the reception of members. The church met on Saturday before the Lord’s day in August 1838. 1. Entered into conference in the usual way. Br. Uriah Kitchens laid in a report against Br. Samuel Norwood for talking disrespectful of his sister and then denying it and then owning it. Appointed Breth. J. Johnson and S. Johnson to cite him to next conference. The church met on the 20th August 1838. 1. Conference was opened by singing and admonition. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for and took up the difficulty between Breth. Uriah Kitchens and Samuel Norwood. On motion the Breth at variance had an interview in presence of 2 members of the church. The Brethren reported the difficulty unsettled Whereupon Br. Samuel Norwood was excommunicated from the fellowship of the church. 4. Opened a door for the reception of members. 5. Appointed the following brethren to represent us in our next association Viz. R. Thornton and Jacob Brooks and N. Harbin in case of failure. 6. Appointed the following correspondents to Kandlers Creek Viz. Breth. J. Rylee and H. Sanders. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Nov. 1838. Inquired for reference. None also for difficulties ripe for church interference. Opened a door for the reception of members. At an extra conference held at Grove Level church on the 1st Lord’s day in Nov. 1838 1. Conference was opened by singing. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Moved and seconded that the letter received from our sister church the Academy be answered and that Breth. Brooks, Harbin and Sanders prepare our answer and present the same to this church for inspection. 4. Dismissed by letter Elder (?) R. Thornton, Sister Eliz Thornton, Francis Maldin and Ginney a colored Sister. 5. Opened a door for the reception of members. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Nov. 1838. Entered into conference and agreed to have on our minds the choice of a Preacher until the next meeting. Dismissed by letter Br. Mordecai Mauldin and Sister Keziah Mauldin also Samuel Johnson and his wife Sarah Johnson. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Dec. And entered into conference. Dismissed by letter Br. James Perry and his wife Eleanor and daughters Eleanor and Sarah Perry. Received by letter Sister Rebecca Cox. Breth Rylee and Haynes agreed to correspond with Kandlers Creek church. Took up the reference of last meeting respecting the choice of a preacher and the church unanimously chose Elder Littleton Meeks Pastor as far as his ability will enable him (struck through) permit him and he agrees to serve us. 1839 The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Jan. 1839. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for the reception of new members. Agreed to unite in spending a portion of the 1st Sabbath in each month in prayer for the spread of the Gospel over the world. Also in accordance with the request of the Sarepta Association we agreed to appoint Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March next as a day of fasting and prayer. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Feb. 1839. Conference was opened by singing. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for the reception of members. Dismissed by letter Sister Elizabeth Perry. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day on March 1839. 1. Conference was opened by singing and prayer. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 4. Opened a door for the reception of new members. 5. Appointed correspondents to Kandlers Creek as follows Brethren Sanders and Brooks. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in April 1839. 1. Conference was opened by singing. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for the reception of new members. Dismissed by letter Sisters Nancy Tapp and Mary Casey. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in May 1839. Conference was opened by singing. 1. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 2. Inquired for reference also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. 3. Opened a door for the reception of members. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in June 1839. Entered into conference. Br. Jacob Brooks informed the church that fellowship was broken between Sister Harbin and Sister Hendrix. The church appointed Breth. J. Rylee, H. Sanders, J. Brooks, W. Webb, Sister Brooks and Sister Webb to settle the difficulty & if they could not settle it to cite them to next meeting. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in July 1839. 1. Conference was opened by singing. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for and took up the reference of last conference relative to fellowship being broken between Sisters Harbin and Hendrix. The committee report said matter unsettled. Moved and seconded that the committee report the difficulty to the church Whereupon the committee reported Sister Hendrix guilty of ungospel speeches and making statements at one time which were proven and at another time denying them. Whereupon she was unanimously excommunicated from the church. 4. Appointed Breth. Webb and Sanders to cite Sister Neal to next conference to answer to a complaint laid in by Br. Haynes that is for circulating a report injurious to his religious character. 5. Opened a door for the reception of members. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in August 1839. The Pastor being absent Br. John Brooks acted as Mod. 1. Conference was opened by singing and prayer. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Called for and took up the reference of last conference relative to Sister Neal and Br. Haynes said matter referred to next conference in consequence of Gospel testimony that Sister Neal says she can produce. The church directs the clerk to write to the church where said witness’ membership is and request that church to send this church the testimony of said witness. 4. QUERY. Shall we as a church hold in our fellowship those that hath petitioned the Legislature to enact laws to deprive the people of the State of Georgia of their rights and privileges as a republican people Whose rights have been bought by the shedding of blood. Referred to next conference. 5. Opened a door for the reception of members. 6. Agreed to correspond with the Union Meeting of the Jackson District Breth. Webb, Harbin and in case of failure Br. Jacob Brooks to attend. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in Sept. 1839. The Moderator being absent Br. John Brooks was requested to act as Moderator. 1. Conference was opened by singing and prayer. 2. Invited members of sister churches to seats with us. 3. Inquired for and took up reference as relative to Sister Neal and Br. Haynes. Said matter settled satisfactorily by the parties. 4. Inquired for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. 5. Called for and read the query of last conference and laid it over to next conference. Dismissed by letter Br.and Sister Harbin and Sister Neal. No meeting in October. GROVE LEVEL CHURCH was constituted on the 3rd Saturday in May 1802 by Moses Sanders, John Doss, William Denman and Thomas Maxwell. Whereas, The Baptist church of Christ at Grove Level has been sorely visited with the spirits of division in which she has not only suffered the loss of some whom she esteemed good brethren but also with them the church record, and being now left to start anew our record as a church, BE IT KNOWN that we consider ourselves to be a body constituted on ORIGINAL BAPTIST PRINCIPLES and governed by the SCRIPTURES in union with all the old Associations. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Nov. 1839. Br. Meeks, Mod. Took up the query from August conference and reconsidered the vote that brought it into the church and thereby throwed it out of the church. The church met on Saturday before the 3rs Sunday in December 1839. The difficulties relative to our division referred to next meeting and agreed to call on sister churches for helps (viz.) Kandler’s Creek, Line and Nails Creek. 1840 The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Jan. 1840. Br. W. R. Wellborn, Mod. Took up the conduct of Brethren Brooks and others in leaving the house in time of conference contrary to all former customs and usages and calling for other who thought as they did to follow him and so causing a division in the church. The church and helps present do not think such conduct Scriptural. Therefor we do not hold ourselves responsible for their future conduct as Baptists. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Feb. 1840 and entered into conference. Br. James David, Mod. Inquired for reference. None. Inquired for business in the usual order. None. We that are present agree to have our names enrolled into the new Book, Names of the Members of Grove Level church (Note: Some of the copy is very poor. This list seems to have been worked on over the years and comments made in different handwritings. Females have what appears to be their married surnames added at a later date. Some members had death dates written in. Those that have “Diss” next to them would appear to have been “Dismissed” and “Excld.” appears to be “Excluded”) Males James Rylee Harris Sanders John W. Haynes (Diss) Nathan Sanders William Kitchens (Excld) Uriah Kitchens (Diss) Thomas Ivie (Excld) Joseph Turner (Diss) Hugh Norville (Excld) Pleasant F. Burgess (Diss) John Prater (Diss) Horatio Gowers (Diss) Josiah Kitchens (Diss) Fleming Harris (Excld) George J. Forbous (Exlcd) Bennet Rylee William Curry (Excld) Thomas Holland (Diss) R. J. Holland (Diss) Jacob Brooks (Deceased) Jacob M. Brooks (Diss) Willis Webb (Diss) Moses Hendricks John Lacy (Diss) Samuel Headen (Diss) Armstead Hardy (Dismissed by L.) McNeese Hardy (Diss) Thomas Bush William Prater (Diss) William Perry (Diss) Alfred Hudgins (Diss) Minyard Sanders (Dead) Thomas S. Sisson (Diss) Thomas Prater (Excld) Samuel Orr (Diss) Epps Mauldin (Diss) Westley Wyley (Diss) Nacy Meeks Aaron Sanders (Dead) Richard Perry (Excld) Ellet Rucker Theodore Turk (Diss) Thomas F. Anderson Sr. Enoch Anderson John A. Ivie (Dead) James Little (Diss) John M. Turk (Diss) John L. Ivie (Dismissed by letter) Moses H. Sanders (Diss) Green L. Mcbee (Diss) John Mize (Diss) Alfred McBee (Diss) S. J. Sanders (Dead) Daniel Mize (Excld) William Henry (Excld) Sylvanus Couch (Excld) Harvey R. Anderson (Dead) Samuel T. Loggans (Diss) Francis Ballew Green W. Sanders (Diss) Wilson Jones (Diss) J. B. Slater (Excld) Jeptha Rucker (Diss) John Greenway (Excld, Restored, Excld) Zerura Kitchens Jefferson Davis (Diss) Samuel Norwood (Diss) Alfred J. Ritchy Franklin Owen (Diss) Amos Viles (Diss) James T. Kitchens (Diss) William Wyley (Diss) Hardy Strickland (Dismissed by Letter) Stephen Cowen (Dead) Mitchel Mize David Greenway (Excld) Thomas D. Thurlkeld (Dismissed by letter) John L. Meeks (Dead) William A. Ellison (Excld) John Hill Thomas J. Anderson Jr. Renny Chasteen (Diss) Samuel H. Walker (Excld) John W. Greenway (Excld) James Loggans (can’t read) John Toney (Dead) James K. Cowen (Dismissed by Letter January 1861 James Chasteen (Excld) William Savell (Dead) David Hill (Excld) Moses H. Sanders (Dead) John E. Harper (Dismissed) Johnson Bradley (Diss) Samuel Wilson (Diss Jan. 3 1860) A. C. Stevenson (Diss) H. (?) T. N. White (Diss) J. B. Chasteen (Diss) David Yeargin Perry M. Vaughn (Dead) Isaac Wood (Diss March 16 1861) Robert Jones 1859 J. N. Chandler (Diss by letter) T. C . Chandler (Letter) Oct. 1859 Lenard Smith (Diss by letter) April 1861 S. J. Simes (By letter, Dead 1863) June 15, 1861 John F. Smith (Diss by letter) April 1862 J. H. Aaron (Dismissed by letter) 1862 Thomas Carson (Dead 1862) (Remaining Males on faint copy) Hinson Brooks F. M. Burton Joseph Sims Augustus Harviy? Lafayette Meeks William Anderson (Elder?) H. J. Goss (Recd by letter 1865) J. W. Goss D. J. Sanders (received by 1865) Jason (?) King John Jincy or Lincy (very faint) M. H. Sanders (received by letter 1861) William B. Anderson (Dead) William King (Diss by letter) James Jones James H. Hollin (Letter) Oliver Meeks (letter) Neatie (?) G. Chastian (Diss-Letter) T. L. Tapp (Excld) G. T. Bond (Diss by letter) Thomas Forbus (D. L.) W. W. Moore (Excld) J. T. Norwood John A. Moore (Excld) E. D. Moore (letter) Reuben Brooks J. M. Bennett/Burnett G. B. Forbus M. M. N. Hardy (Diss by letter) Vinson (?) Brooks James H. Hollin (struck through) S. G. Jackson (Rec. By letter) William Baugh Females Elizabeth Casey (Diss) Letty Casey (Diss) Ann Jordan (Diss) Elizabeth Sanders (Dead) Elizabeth Ivie Polly Perry (Diss) Elizabeth Perry Nancy Rylee (Dead-“August 9" scratched through date, then “July 1867") Sally Johnson (Diss) Susannah Kitchens (Diss) Elizabeth Kitchens (Dead) Frances Sanders Elizabeth Bush (Dead) Jane Tapp (Dead) Nancy Norwood (Dead) Nancy Kitchens (Diss) Margaret Perry (Diss) Rebecca Cox Martha Hendrix (Diss) Susannah Turner (Diss) Anna Tapp (Died Oct. 1859) Mary Hendrix (Diss) Aley Rucker (Diss) Nancy McBee (Diss) Lurana Toney (Dead) Elizabeth M. Burgess (Diss) Anne Prater (Dismissed) Cintha House (Diss) Rebecca Kitchens (Excld) Delila Tapp Rebecca Perry (Excluded June 1860) Ruth Hambrick (Excld) Lucy Rucker (Dead 1861) Elizabeth Bryant (Diss) Mary Prater (Diss) Mary Harris (Diss) Nancy Ward (Diss) Leah Gowers (Diss) Milly Greenway (Diss) Nancy Forbous (Excld) Mary E Wellborn (Anderson) Martha Rylee (Dead October 29th 1851) Elizabeth Holland (Diss) Sarah Hendrix (Dec. 1864) Elizabeth Brooks (Diss Oct. 1859) Sarah Brooks (Dec.) Edy Henderson (Diss) Rebecca Rucker Martha Webb (Diss) Rachael Webb (Dismissed) Eliza Webb (Diss) Annie Lacy (Diss) Joanna Norwood Arsena L. Kelly (Diss) Sultany Bell Dotia Prater (Diss) Polly Headen (Dead) Lucy Hardy (Dec. 1864) Elizabeth Orr (Diss) Harriet B. Bush (Diss) Catherine Haynes (Diss) Dorcas Hendrix Emily C. Pruitt (Excld) Elizabeth Prater (Diss) Louisa A. Sisson (Diss) Elizabeth Rucker Annie Jordan (Diss) Dicey Orr (Diss) Mary Orr (Diss) Martha Wyley (Diss) Lucinda Whittemore (Excld) Melissa Sanders Rena Prater (Diss) Flora Sanders Louisa Wyley (Diss) Amanda Wyley (Diss) Lucy Greenway (Dead) Rodah Greenway (Diss) Elizabeth Orr (Diss) Caroline Sanders (Diss) Martha Curry Eliza Meeks Elizabeth Turk (Diss) Sarah Morgan (Dismissed by Letter) Nancy A. Rylee Joicey Anderson (Dismissed by letter, struck through) Rodah Anderson Nally or Nelly Caruth (Diss) Flora M. C. Sanders Rachael Brooks (Dead) Jane Prater (Diss) Catherine Prater (Diss) Elizabeth Prater (Diss) Ann Little (Diss) Nancy E. Turk (Dead) Mary E. Bush (Dead) Mary Ann Savell Elizabeth Jones (Diss) Sarah Savell (Diss) Nancy McBee (Diss) Rodah House (Excld) Georgia Ann Bradley (Diss) Elizabeth Norwood (Diss) Mourning Sanders (Diss) Martha Whitehead (Diss) Harriett Hendrix (Yeager) Elizabeth J. Meeks (Sanders) Martha J. Prater (Diss) Joicey E. Rylee Frances Smith (Dismissed by letter) Annie Meeks Julia Bush (Dismissed by letter Jan. 1861) Mary Mize Dianna Curry (Died Oct. 1859) Nancy Ballew (struck through) Martha Caruth (Diss) Nancy Curry Melissa Curry (Diss) Joicey Ivie (by letter) Nancy Hendrix (Ballew) Mary Loggans (by letter) Alsey Strickland (Dismissed by letter) Elizabeth Mize Mary Ratliff (Mize) Samantha D. Cowen Surbina McBee (Diss) Salina McBee (Diss) Mary McBee (Diss) Mary B.(?) Sanders (Letter) Mary E. Walker (Diss) Mary Ann Prater Narcissa Hendrix (Dismissed Oct. 3, 1859) Sarah Ann Jones (Diss) Nancy Greenway (Excld) Rebecca Greenway (Hopper) Sarah Greenway (Excld. Restored) Margaret Baugh (Diss) Amanda J. Rucker (Dismissed by letter) Jane Mize (Diss) Elizabeth A. Hill (Diss) Mary Ballard (Dismissed) Elizabeth Ritchy Keziah Owen (Diss) Nancy E. Strickland (Dismissed by letter) Nancy Smith Levanie W. Thurlkeld (Letter) Mary E. Brooks (Diss) Minerva C. Parsons (Diss) Elizabeth Loggans (Diss) Elizabeth C. Ellison (Excluded) Mary Hill Martha Loggans (Diss) Mary Davis (Diss) Jane S. Anderson Anna Chasteen (Dismissed by Letter) Olivia English (Diss) Nancy Wheeler Rebecca Loggans (Diss) Nancy Wood Lavina A. Wood Adalisa Brooks Mary C. Loggans (Diss) Harriet A. E. Bush Rodah A. Ivie (Excld) Nancy Mize (Dead) Nancy Rylee (Harbin?) Julia Ann Hill A. M. F. Loggans (Diss) Keziah F. Chasteen (Dismissed by letter) Mary J. Chasteen (Dismissed by letter) Mary Vaughn Jane Porter (Dismissed 1860) Lucinda Brooks (Letter) Nancy Bowen (Diss) Harriet Ann Harper (Dismissed by letter) Julia Cowen (Rily?) Tempy Wheeler (Diss) Harriet Jones (additional information too faint to read) Tabitha K. Or R. Chasteen (Dismissed by letter) Jane Cowen (Gillman?) Thurza Hendrix (Diss) Mary Wilson (Dismissed 3rd Jan. 1865) Ruthy Wilson (Dismissed 3rd Jan. 1865) Martha E. Jones Mary L. Jones Elmina Blackwell (Diss June 15th 1861) Martha Bolds or Bolas Rachael L. Richardson (Diss) Mary Stephenson (Diss) Elizabeth Wood (Diss March 16th 1861) Sarah Willbanks Virginia Vaughn (Diss) Mary Ann Vaughn (Diss) Palonia Vaughn (Diss) Mary Ballew (Dismissed by letter) Harriet Bell (Evans) Amanda Walker (Dead) Mary E. Teasler Nancy Jones Permelia Frances Curry Toney Elisabeth Smith (By letter Oct. 1859) E. A. Mosley (lettered June 1860) Amanda J. Hanes (by letter April 1861) Martha A. King (Dismissed by letter Sept. 1861) Frances King (Dismissed by letter Sept. 1861) Caroline King (Dismissed by letter Sept. 1861) Mellissa Har? (Dismissed by letter March 1862) (Next page particularly faint) Nancy Moore (Received by letter 186?) Jane Dunahoo (Received by letter 1863) First Name ? M. A. Rylee (August 1864) Margaret E. Rylee (August 1864) Teresa J. Sims (letter Sept. 1864) V? Chandler (by letter) Elizabeth Saveall (White) Nancy J. Anderson (Jones or Joiner?) Rody E. Cox (Bradley) Martha Thornton (Lettered) Milley C. Chasteen (by letter) Harriett Rucker (Lettered) Joicy Mintz (Dissmissed) Sarah Mintz (Letter) Margaret Thornton (letter) Elizabeth A. Harris (?) (Dismissed by letter “/65") Sarah E. Chastean (Diss by letter) Kerdelia (Cordelia) Mintz (Dismissed by letter) Fairy Cox (Bell or Bell----) Martha Mintz (Neal) Mary Cox (Bell) Sarah Rucker (Rogers) (Dismissed by letter) Virginia Walker (Chatman or Chastian)) Elizabeth Anderson (Dead) Sally Meeks (Lettered) Cynthia A. Harris (Dismissed by Letter) J. C. Tag_? T. F. Goss (Received by Letter, 1865. Dismissed by Letter) Eliza G. Sanders (Received by letter “/65") Margaret J. King (Dis. By letter) E. M. Chastian (Dis. By letter) Mahala Beaty(?) N or V King (Dismissed) C. C. Vaughn Susan ? Last name on page unreadable. Flora(?) Willbanks Jane Caruth Millie King (Diss) Sarah J. Chandler (Dismissed by letter) Amanda M. Carson Martha E. Motes Priscilla Sanders Susan E. Ford Louisa King (Dismissed by letter) Martha Tapp Milly Howard (Dismissed by letter) Joisa A. Anderson Arminda Hunt Lavina Anderson (Excld) Sarah E. Willson M. E. Forbus Jane Brooks Sary A. Andeson H. E. Or M. E. Chandler (Dismissed by letter) Martha J. M. _____ M. J. Jackson _____ Baugh Black Males Joseph (Diss) Peter (Diss) Peter (Diss) Hampton Jack George Dick (Diss) Hampton (Diss) Ben (Diss) Nelson (Diss) Demps (Diss) Charles Alfred (Diss) Davie (Dead) Ben Tom Steve (Excluded) Ann, servant Anderson Genny, (Sanders) Harriett (Mintz) Elizabeth “Do” Sarah Brison Jane “Do” (The above 6 names are on the “Black Male” page) Black Females Tabby (Dead) Winny (Dead) Caroline (Excld) Fillis (Diss) Minta (Diss) Mariah Chainy Ally (Diss) Esther Mary Julia (Dead) Annie (Dead) Hagar (Diss) Eliza (Diss) Sarah Ann Annis (Dead) Louisa Basheba Ester Harriett Lydia Martha Hester Sarah Nancy Rose (Diss) Rose Ginny Violet Dinah (Diss) Mary Minervia Jane Livia Fanny (Sept. 15 no year) Adeline (Formerly belonged to H. Sanders, March 1866) The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1840. Br. Meeks Moderator. Called for reference. None. Called for difficulties ripe for church interference None. Opened a door for the reception of new members. None. Appointed correspondents to Kandler’s Creek Brethren J. Rylee and H. Sanders. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1840. Br. Wellborn Moderator. Conference opened by singing and admonition. Enquired for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None, Opened a door for the reception of new members. None. We agree to think on the choice of Deacon til next meeting. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in May 1840. Conference opened by singing and prayer. Enquired for reference. None. And for other difficulties. None. Opened a door for the reception of new members and received by letter Hugh Norvell. Chose Brethren James Rylee and William Kitchens Deacons and appointed Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in July for their Ordination and agreed to petition Brethren William R. Wellborn and P. F. Burgess to assist Br. Meeks in their ordination. Agreed to correspond with the Union Meeting at Kandler’s Creek. Brethren William Kitchens and H. Sanders to go. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in June 1840. Enquired for reference. None. Enquired for difficulties ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for the reception of members and Received by letter Sister Nancy McBee. Agreed to correspond with Kandler’s Creek. Received a request from Nails Creek for help to assist in settling a difficulty among them. We agree to send Brethren William Kitchens, J. W. Haynes, J. Rylee, H. Sanders and Uriah Kitchens. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in July 1840. Inquired for reference. None. And matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for admission into the church. None. Agreeable to previous arrangements for the Ordination of Brethren James Rylee and William Kitchens to the Office of Deacon. The following Presbytery was formed, Reverend Littleton Meeks, Reverend Pleasant F. Burgess, Deacons William Poole, Thomas I. Bowen, John Chambers and J. H. David who proceeded to the work. 1. Examination by Brethren Meeks and Burgess. 2. Prayer by Brother Burgess The church met on Saturday August 1840. Opened a door. Enquired for reference. None, also for difficulties ripe for church interference. Moved and seconded that there be an article in our Decorum making it the duty of the Deacons to inquire after the character of strange Preachers who may visit us, and referred said matter to next meeting. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Sept. 1840. Opened a door for admission into the church. Took up unfavorable report against Brother Haynes and appointed Brethren William Kitchens and H. Sanders to cite him to next meeting. Took up reference of last meeting and make it the duty of our Deacons to inquire of strange Preachers whether they are in Gospel order before they are invited to preach. Agreed to correspond with the Association. Brethren Rylee and H. Sanders to go. Brethren Rylee and William Kitchens to correspond with Kandler’s Creek. The clerk to write to the Association. Dismissed by letter Joseph and Fillis, Blacks. Agreed to call Br. Burgess for our Pastor and apprise him of the same. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Oct. 1840. Br. Burgess complies with the request of last meeting. Conference opened by singing. Br. Burgess Moderator. Took up the reference of Br. Haynes and he gave satisfaction. Inquired for other matters ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door and Received by letter Sister Mary Prater, Elder Pleasant F. Burgee and his wife Sister Elizabeth M. Burgess. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Nov. 1840. Opened conference by singing and prayer. Called for reference. None. Also for difficulties ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for admission into the church. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Dec. 1840. Inquired for reference. None. Also for difficulties ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for admission into the church. Appointed Brethren Riley (sic) and H. Sanders to correspond with Kandler’s Creek. 1841 1841 January meeting disappointed. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Feb. 1841. Enquired for reference. None. Also for difficulties ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door and received by experience Ann Prater and John Prater. Appointed correspondents to Nails Creek Brethren William Kitchens, Uriah Kitchens and H. Sanders. To Kandler’s Creek Brethren Rylee, Josiah Kitchens and N. Sanders. Received bu experience Cinthia House and Mahaly Tapp. Dismissed by letter Br. P{eter and Minta, Blacks. Thursday, March 4th, received by experience Rebecca Kitchens. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1841. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door for admission into the church. Received by experience Delila Tapp and Hampton, a Black man. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1841. Called for reference. None. Also for matter of difficulty ripe for church interference. Br. Burgess laid in a charge against Br. Hugh Norvell for circulating a false report against himself unfavourable to his christian character for which he, Norvell, was unanimously excluded from the church. Opened a door and received by experience Mariah, a black sister. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in May 1841. Called for reference. None. Also for matters ripe for church interference. None. Opened a door and received by experience Horatio Gowers and Rebecca Perry. The church met on Saturday in June 1841. Opened a door and received by experience Jack, Chaney, Ally and Esther, Blacks. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Received a petition from Beaverdam Church requesting correspondence of their communion days. Their request granted. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in July 1841. Opened a door in the church and received by experience George, a black man, and Mary, a black woman. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Agreed to correspond with the Union Meeting and send Brethren James Rylee and Harris Sanders. Received by letter Flemmon Harris and Mary Harris. Saturday before the 3rs Sunday in August 1841. The church met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received Nancy Ward and Leah Gowers by letter. Enquired for the peace of the church and found all in peace. Approved of the letter to the Union Meeting. Received by letter Milly Greenway and by experience Dick, a black man. The church met on the 3rd Wednesday in Sept. 1841. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for the peace of the church and Br. Uriah Kitchens laid in a charge against Mary, a black sister, for stealing a hog and she was excluded. Agreed to correspond with the association and Delegated Brethren P. F. Burgess and Harris Sanders to go and Br. J. Rylee in case of failure. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Oct. 1841. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by experience Hampton, a black man, and Julia, a black woman. Called for reference. None. Also for peace of the church and found all in peace. Approved the letter to the Association. Number of member, 65. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in November 1841. Opened a door for admission into the church and received by experience Jackson Forbous and his wife Nancy Forbous. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Dec. 1841. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for reference. None. Called for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. The church unanimously calls Br. Burgess to serve us next year and he accepts the call. 1842 The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Jan. 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by experience Ann, a black girl. Called for reference. None. Also for the peace of the church. All in peace. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Feb. 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for reference. None. Also for matters ripe for church interference. None. Dismissed by letter Br. P. F. Burgess and his wife Elizabeth M. Burgess. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by experience Mary E. Wellborn and by letter Bennet Rylee and his wife Martha Rylee. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty. None. The church met on Saturday in April 1842. Opened a door for the reception of new members and received by experience Ben and Hagar, blacks belonging to the Widow Bush. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in May 1842. Opened a door for the reception of new members. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in June 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Chose delegates to the Union Meeting at Blacks Creek on Friday before the fifth Sunday in next month. Breth. J. Rylee and H. Sanders, J. Prater and W. Kitchens in case of failure. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in July 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by experience Nelson, a black man belonging to W. R. Wellborn. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in August 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members. None. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference and the church censured a black sister belonging to Br. Johnston for living in adultery and referred the matter to next meeting. The church met on Thursday before the 3rd Sunday in Sept. 1842. Opened a door for admission into the church and restored Mary, a black sister belonging to Thomas Bush, on her repentance for disorder. Took up the reference of last meeting with regards to Carolina, the black sister and excluded her for disorder. Br. Josiah Kitchens laid in a report against Br. Flemmons Harris for gambling and the church agreed to send for him. Brethren J. Rylee, J. Prater, W. Kitchens and H. Sanders to cite him to next meeting. Agreed to correspond with the Sarepta Association. Breth. J. Rylee and H. Sanders to go and in case of failure W. Kitchens. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Oct. 1842. Opened a door for the reception of members and restored a black man by the name of Demps by an acknowledgment through Br. Reuben Thornton who also vouched for his christian walk and we grant him a letter dismission. Took up reference of last meeting and continued it til next meeting. Approved of the letter prepared for the Association. No. Of Members 73 The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Nov. 1842 and entered into conference. Took up the reference of Br. F. Harris and referred it to next meeting. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in December 1842, and took up the reference of last meeting against Br. Flemmon Harris and excluded him for not obeying the church. Called for other difficulties. None. Dismissed by letter sister Milly Greenway. 1843 January 1843. No conference. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Feb. 1843. Opened a door and received by letter William Curry. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty. None. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1843. Br. Holland, Moderator. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Received a petition from Nails Creek church for helps to look into the propriety of restoring Br. W. R. Wellborn to the Ministry. We appointed J. Rylee, H. Sanders, William Kitchens, J. Prater, W. Kitchens and B. Rylee to attend at the request of Nails Creek church on Thursday before the 3rd Sunday in April. We have agreed to choose a preacher for the balance of this year. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1843. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for the fellowship of the church. All in peace. Received a petition from Nails Creek church for helps to attend at Nails Creek for the purpose of looking into the propriety of restoring Br. W. R. Wellborn to the Ministry. We appointed James Rylee, H. Sanders, W. Kitchens, U. Kitchens, J. Prater, J. Forbous and W. Curry. Chose Br. Thomas Holland for our Preacher the balance of this year. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in May 1843. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. The church took notice of a report against Br. J. W. Haynes for fighting and send Br. Gowers and H. Sanders to cite him to next meeting. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in June 1843. Opened a door for the reception of members. None. Called for reference. Took up the case of Br. Haynes and the church got along with him. Called for difficulties. None. Took into consideration the propriety of inviting Br. Wellborn to preach when he visits us and the church and congregation appear to be unanimously in favor of his being invited. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in July 1843. Opened a door for the reception of new members. Called for reference. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Agreed to correspond with the Union Meeting. J. Rylee and H. Sanders to go. The church met of Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in August 1843. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by letter Br. Thomas Holland. Called for matters of difficulty. None. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Sept. 1843. Opened a door. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Dismissed by letter Sister Ann Johnson. Chose Br. Thomas Holland and J. Rylee in case of failure H. Sanders to the Association. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Oct. 1843. Opened a door for the reception of members. Inquired for reference. Inquired for the peace of the church. All in peace. Adopted the letter to the Association. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in November 1843. Called for the peace of the church and found all in peace. December (1843) conference. Took up a report against Charles, a black brother, for stealing a hog. Br. W. Kitchens and J. Kitchens to cite him to next meeting. 1844 The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January 1844 and took up the reference of last meeting against Br. Charles and excluded him. Inquired for the peace of the church. Nothing came forward in order. Sister -- -----(line drawn on copy) Toney departed this life. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Feb. 1844. Opened a door. Called for reference. Called for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. The church went into the choice of a Preacher for this year and chose Br. John Suggs and agreed to write to him, by W. Kitchens. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1844. Opened a door for the reception of new members. None. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. All in peace. Br. Suggs agrees to serve us agreeably at our request. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1844. Br. Suggs was absent and Br. S. Vandiver took the Moderator’s seat. Opened a door for the reception of members. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference. None. Dismissed by letter Br. Uriah Kitchens and his wife Susannah Kitchens. The church met on Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in May 1844. Br. Suggs, Moderator. Opened a door for the reception of members. None. Called for reference. None. Also for matters of difficulty ripe for church interference and Brother Gowers reported a difficulty between himself and Br. J. W. Haynes. The church took up the case and appointed the following brethren a committee to investigate the matter and report to the next conference Viz. H. Sanders, J. Rylee, J. Kitchens, N. Sanders and B. Rylee. Br. Haynes stated to the church that he has got into a passion and struck Br. Gowers. The church resolved to submit the above matter to the committee. End of Section. My thanks to Judy Campbell for furnishing microfilm copies of the Grove Level Baptist Church records from the Georgia State Archives. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/franklin/churches/grovelev254gbb.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 51.4 Kb