Gordon County GaArchives Church Records.....Liberty Baptist Church minutes ************************************************ 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: Kenneth Jarrett http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00016.html#0003868 January 26, 2006, 10:50 am This is an abbreviated history of the church in III parts. Part I is extracted from a condensed written record of books A and B of the minutes of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, Gordon County, Georgia. It covers the period from the date the church was founded, July 21, 1858, to August 10, 1907, a period of 49 years. This part concludes with a written memorial to the memory of John A. Horton, who was a constituent member when the church was founded. No other such memorial appears in the records. Part II covers the period, August 11, 1907 to June 6, 1977. This part is supplemented beyond existing records. For example, the item entitled “Foot- Washing” might be better told if church records for the period considered were available. A list of the church membership in 1911 is included, a list of pastors known to have served the church, a list of known deacons, and comments on church buildings. Many records of this period, notably, 1922-1936, and others have been lost or destroyed. Part III, with some narration, is a list of identifiable graves in the cemetery. July 21, 1858 We the undersigned members met at Jarrett’s school house and forming ourselves into a committee on presbytery when the following members presented letters from sisters churches, Viz: Brethren Sisters W.B. Jarrett Mary Jarrett W.W. Jarrett Hannah Blalock B. Chastain S. Jarrett P.M. Jarrett Lucinda Horton J.M. Smith Evaline Batson D. Blalock Frances Smith Jasper Batson Rutha Chastain F.S. Jarrett Sarah A. Smith The letters being read and the members duly examined on doctrine and discipline were constituted into a gospel church upon the following Articles of Faith, and Rules Of Decorum, known and distinguished by the name of Liberty. W.T. Flemming )   A. Chastain )Presbytery   ARTICLES OF FAITH 1. We believe in the only one true and living God, the father, word and Holy Spirit. 2. We believe that the scriptures comprising the old and new testament are the word of God and the only rule of faith and practice. 3. We believe in the doctrine of election through santification of the spirit and belief in the truth. 4. We believe in the doctrine of original sin. 5. We believe in man’s incapacity by his own free will and ability to recover himself from the fallen state in which he is by nature. 6. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God by the imputed righteousness of Christ only. 7. We believe the Saints shall persevere in Grace and never fall away. 8. We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances instituted by Jesus Christ and that believers are the only subjects and that immersion is the apostolic mode. 9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and general judgment, and that the felicity of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. 10. 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 impositions of the hands of a presbytery. 11. We believe that none but regularly baptized members have a right to commune at the Lord’s Supper. RULES OF DECORUM 1. The church shall have a moderator and clerk chosen by the members present. 2. The church shall meet in conference once in each month. 3. Each conference shall be opened by singing and prayer. 4. It shall be the privilege of each member to speak on any subject provided they rise and address the moderator. 5. No member shall be interrupted while speaking unless they depart from the subject under consideration. 6. No member shall speak more than twice on the same subject without leave of the church. 7. The moderator shall have the privilege of speech as any other member provided the chair is filled. 8. No male member shall leave in time of conference without  lief of the moderator.  9. It shall be the duty of each male member to attend in conference or give a satisfactory reason for their absence. 10. The church shall keep a regular record of the proceedings of the church and read them before the church adjourns. 11. The appellation of brother shall be used in our address to each other while in conference. 12. Any move made and seconded shall be taken under consideration of the church before another is proposed unless withdrawn by him who made it. 13. All questions before the church shall be decided by a majority of the members present. Only in case of fellowship which shall be unanimous. 14. It shall be the duty of the church to commemorate the Lord’s Supper twice in each year, in May and October. 15. Amendments to the rules may be made at any time when two thirds of the members present deem it necessary. CHURCH COVENANT We trust that we have by divine grace been brought to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ and by the influence of his spirit to give ourselves to him so we do now solemnly covenant with each other (as God shall enable us) to walk together in brotherly love; that we will exercise christian care and watchfulness over each other and faithfully warn, rebuke and admonish our brethren as the case may require; that we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together not omit the great duty of prayer, both for ourselves and others; that we will participate in each others joys and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each others burdens and sorrows; that divine aid to enable us to walk circumspectly and watchfully in the world, denying ungodliness and every worldly lust; that we may strive together for the support of the faithful and evangelical ministry among us and spread the gospel abroad; that we will through life admist evil report, and good report, seek to live to the glory of God who hath both called us out of darkness in to this marvelous light. After organizing, the church met in conference. Elected David R. Blalock Clerk for the remainder of this year. Named the church Liberty. Agreed to join the Middle Cherokee Association. Elected John M. Smith, Ben Chastain and Wm. B. Jarrett as delegates to the Association. Elected Wm. T. Flemming pastor for the remainder of this year, 1858.   W.T. Fleming, Moderator D.R. Blalock, C.C.  August 28, 1858. Met in conference after services by Bro. Buchannon. Received by experience Sister Fannie Blalock. Found the church in peace. W.B. Jarrett, J.M. Smith and B. Chastain were appointed to select a burial ground for the church. Read and adopted the associational letter. H.F. Buchannon, Moderator D.R. Blalock, Clerk December 5, 1858. On Sabbath the church calls on the congregation to help elect a supply. W.T. Flemming was the choice. W.T. Flemming, Moderator D.R. Blalock, Clerk January 1, 1859. Met in conference. Adopted report of committee selecting a burial ground on B. Chastain’s land. W.T. Flemming, Moderator D.R. Blalock, Clerk The foregoing four items are representative of entries made in the minutes at each conference, during the ensuing 49 years. Hereafter extracts from the minutes will be identified by date, briefly stated and the name of the moderator and clerk will be omitted. March 15, 1859. Employed F.S. Jarrett to make a table for the church. Not included in the church minutes is the following, derived from other sources. Land for the church, school, and burial ground. By deed dated April 16, 1859, William B. Jarrett, conveyed to Benjamin Chastain, David R. Blalock and John M Smith, Trustees, a tract of land, one acre more or less, “for said Liberty Baptist Church and for the use of the neighborhood at large for a schoolhouse and for religious purposes.” The tract is part of land lot No. 217, 24th District, Second Section, Gordon County, Ga. By deed dated April 16, 1859, Benjamin Chastain conveyed to W.B. Jarrett, David R. Blalock and John M. Smith, Trustees, a tract of land consisting of one acre, more or less to be used as a public burying ground. The tract is part of land lot No. 215,  24th District, 2nd Section, Gordon County, Georgia. Deed was recorded July 21, 1859, in deed book No. 452, page 466.  October 15, 1859. Elected W.T. Fleming. Supply for the ensuing year. June 30, 1860. Brother Jarrett states that sister Batson has circulated false reports on Sister Nancy Jarrett. August 4, 1860. Excluded Sister Bacon from fellowship. 1861. January, February and March, no conference. 1862. January, 1862 through April 1863 no conferences. Note: these were the Civil War years. January 23, 1864. Agreed to meet in conference each 4th Saturday each month. April 23, 1864. Ordained Brother I.J. Woolsy to the ministry. September 23, 1865. During a week of protracted services received by experience: R.J. Parker, Jas.W. Blakenship, Norman Adams, Hugh Taylor, Wm. C. Adams, C.F. Horton, R.P. Blalock, Christopher C. Waters, T.R. Todd, Martha E. Smith, Malinda Adams, Missouri Blankenship, Frances Adams, Mary E. Jarrett, California Adams,Rhoda Brooks, Tarisa Waters. By enrollment, Mary Brooks and Judah Dodd. May 24, 1866. Read Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum. Aug 25, 1866. Called roll of membership. (Not recorded) September 9, 1866. Received by experience: S.M. Blalock, Nancy A. Horton, Malinda J. Horton, Burgess Scoggins, Cynthia Brooks, Joshua Horton, John A. Chastain, Josephine M. Holmes, Elizabeth M. Holmes, Elijah Peay, J.W. Erwin, Elizabeth J. Erwin, George W. Horton, Caroline Horton, Ana Julia Phillips, Mary Adcox. By restoration, Catherine M. Hewitt. By letter Mary Holmes, and Emily Scoggins. January 27, 1867. Licensed Brethren J.N. Parker and J.H. Carter to preach. July 26, 1867. Bro. J.N. Parker brings a charge against Brother E. Adams--failure to comply with arbitration decision in matter complained of April 27, 1867. January 25, 1868. Preferred charges against Bro. E. Adams for dancing and excluded him from fellowship.   February 22, 1868. Took up the case of Bro. D.R. Blalock for slandering his wife and excluded him for same.  May 25, 1868. Bro. Fleming (pastor) refuses to “Lay Hand On” Br. N.W. Blalock, (Seeking to be ordained for the ministry) June 16, 1869. Bro. Hugh Taylor excluded for long absence. June 22, 1870. Received a letter from Bro. J.A. Chastain, declaring himself unfit for membership in the church and requesting that his name be removed from the church book. Excluded him. July 27, 1872. Preferred charge against Bro. Zilmon Adams for taking that which was not his and walking disorderly and excluded him for same. He was restored to membership Sept 12, 1891. September 27, 1872. Query by Bro. J.M. Smith: “How long should a church retain a member in fellowship and said member guilty of nonattendance?” After several speeches it was answered thus: “The Scriptures not specifying the length of time, we do not, but advise where a church knows a member guilty of nonattendance for several meetings, that the church send a committee to inquire the cause and if no scriptural reason be assigned for non attendance that he be excluded.” June 19, 1873. Rev. Wm.T. Fleming (first pastor) departed this life. May 21, 1874. Church agrees to engage in Feet-washing. November 21, 1874. Preferred charges against A.J. Sanders for larceny and excluded him for same. February 29, 1875. On motion agreed to “liberate Bro. I. E. Wofford.” Note:(There is no record available indicating that he was ordained as a minister). He did however, conduct “divine services” on occasion and often assisted in protracted meetings. He was most faithful in church attendance and often called upon by the pastor “to lead us in prayer.” Invariably he began a prayer by quoting from Psalms 8:1 “O Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth who has set thy glory above. The heavens.” Then skipping to Psalm 19.1 “The heavens declare the glory of God;   And the firmament showeth his handiwork...”   Descendants of his and his two sons, John and Tatum Wofford, still attend Liberty Church. August 21, 1875. Bro L. Morgan excluded from membership for holding a letter and slurring the church. Also, elected J.M. Smith, J.W. Erwin and J.A Horton, I.E. Wofford and F.S. Jarrett, Trustees of church property. April 22, 1876. Preferred charges against James Shelnutt for hickory whipping John Gibson. Excluded him June 24, 1876. August 26, 1876. F.M. McElroy excluded for adultery. September 23, 1876. Samantha Wofford excluded for fornication. March 23, 1878. Appointed I.E. Wofford, F.S. Jarrett and J.W. Ashworth to investigate a report that Bro and Sister J.C. Phillips were having parties in their home. April 27, 1878, Sister Phillips vindicated herself. Bro. Phillips was excluded. (He was restored Jan 24, 1880.)Also, changed 9th Rule of Decorum to read, “From three meetings absence they shall come on the 4th and render excuse.” Later agreed to erase 9th Rule. Later restored it. Mary Stubblefield excluded for fornication. November 23, 1878. J.A. Horton and W.L. Williams ordained as Deacons. September 24, 1881. Excluded Bro. Akin on charge of profanity. (Restored him May 24, 1882). November 27, 1881. Sister Emeline Phillips excluded for fornication. August 22, 1882. Excluded Sister Mitchell for departing from the faith. FROM BOOK B “The first 24 pages having been destroyed and many other minutes mutilated the following is a copy of all that is left.” September 22, 1883. Met in conference. Found all in peace. October 27, 1883. Read Church Covenant and Rules of Decorum. January 26, 1884. Brother Joshua Horton and Bro. F.S. Jarrett are accused of drunkenness. Both denied the charge.     July 26, 1884. Brother Joshua Horton exonerated. Bro F.S. Jarrett, excluded. Note. F.S. Jarrett died March 27, 1885. There is no record of his being restored to fellowship during the ensuing 7 months from date of exclusion. Please see entry following date of October 24, 1885, below. February 2, 1885. Brought complaint against Bro. F.M. Horton for fiddling and going to parties. Received his acknowledgment March 21, 1885 and restored him to fellowship. October 24, 1885. This being communion season, agreed to hold services at the home of Sister F.S. Jarrett, and to speak in memory of Brother F.S. Jarrett, who for a long time was a member of this body. Supposition: That Bro. Jarrett never made any acknowledgment incident to his exclusion from membership some 7 months prior to his death and that there was no independent move by the church to restore him to fellowship. Further, that his wife, Mrs. F.S. Jarrett, was sorely grieved over the circumstances found some solace when some member of the church came to her home and spoke in memory of her husband. September 25, 1886. Minutes for the following 11 months lost. April 21, 1888. Invited Pleasant Hill, Damascus and Hopewell Churches to communion and feet-washing next meeting. May 25, 1889. E. Orr ordained as deacon. October 26, 1889. Excluded M.E. Wofford on a charge of adultery. April 26, 1890. Bro. Bud Furgeson excluded for selling whiskey and giving a party at his home. He was restored to fellowship October 8, 1892. September 27, 1890. Agreed to change meeting day to 2nd Sabbath. January 7, 1893. Collected $3.50 for window lights. October 7, 1893. Appointed P.M. Byrd, J.A. Horton and J.R. Chastain as Trustees for the church and school house property. September 8, 1894. The church says they are not in favor of making Feet- Washing a bar to fellowship. January 11, 1896. Agreed to send no more committees to see members guilty of intoxication and to exclude any member for the  2nd offense of drunkenness without citation. Note. Many instances of intoxication came to notice during the 1890’s. The agreement  was rarely enforced. Committees continued to be appointed. Not all are reported here. June 3, 1896. Agreed that nothing but religious worship should be carried on in our church. M.E. Wofford was to receive $4.00 per year to act as sexton, same to be paid quarterly. September 8, 1897. Liberty Church joined Gordon County Association at Fairmount. September 10, 1897. M.E. Wofford, having been restored to fellowship Aug. 8, 1897, was elected Church Clerk. May 13, 1889. Appointed a committee of 5 members to consider some building business. November 10, 1900. Appointed J.R. Chastain and W.A. Woody as a licentiate of this body to write license M.E. Wofford. The church further agrees to recognize him as brother in the ministry and asks him to feel himself at home anywhere he cast his lot. June 14, 1903. Opened the doors of the church for the reception of members. Received by letter Sister Stella McAfee. A poignant entry here. She had lost her first born son Millard, age 18 ½ months, a bare two months before. Her second son, the writer, was born 5 months and 9 days later, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1903. Her third and last child, a son, Aubrey McAfee was born July 24, 1910. He died January 17, 1974. Stella died November 30, 1943, age 59. 1904-1907. During this period the church was mostly at peace and the usual services were conducted and routine church matters were attended to. It was agreed to “Reseat the Church” during the summer of 1906. Protracted meeting was held during the month of each August and during this period new members were added to the church by baptism and by letter. TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN A. HORTON In the silent shades of the evening of July 4th, 1906 the Death Angel hovered around the bedside of our beloved brother, John A. Horton, and claimed his spirit For the eternal home-a house not made with hands. He Was confined to his bed for a short while, but during His illness was never heard to murmur or complain and Bore his suffering with great fortitude.   He was nearly 73 years of age and had lived a consistent Member of the Liberty Baptist Church about 45 years,  being one of the consistent members in its organization. He served the church faithfully as a deacon for a number Of years and was always in his seat on conference days unless providentially prevented. He leaves a number of relatives and six children to mourn his loss. We would say to them, weep not for our loss is his eternal gain. Let us emulate his examples and so live that we will be with him in The Sweet By and By. The above memorial was read and approved and ordered printed in the Calhoun times. T.S. Blalock M.E. Wofford Committee A.T. Wofford PART II A new record book was started under date of September 7, 1907. The first entries, undated, repeat the Church Covenant as previously adopted when the church was founded with the addition of the word “Amen.” Articles Of Faith are repeated as previously adopted. Uner Rules of Decorum, the first 14 items are repeated and to them the following was added. If numbered the additions would be: 15. The church may be called in special conference for the transaction of business that may demand the attention of the church before a regular conference will assemble. Ample notice of such conference must be given. 16. Since the scriptures teach that the people of God are special and peculiar people, we believe that the members of this church should not indulge in worldly practices that in no wise glorify God and frequently do great harm. “Such we exteem” (probably should be This we eschew) swearing, card playing, dancing and drinking intoxicating liquors as beverages. Any member known to be guilty of these shall be disciplined for their own good, for the good of the church, and for the glory of God. Rom. 13:12-14; I Cor. 10.31. 17. The purpose of the church discipline (is) to restore the erring, to preserve the peace and fellowship of the church and to  promote the glory of God. Expulsion from the church should be a last resort after other measures have failed to restore, except  in cases of gross and scandalous immorality, when expulsion from the church is the only course authorized by the Word of God. Rom 14.1, 15.1; Gal 6.1;II Tim 4.21; I Cor 5.11. 18. Charges may be preferred against a member only in regular conference under the call of peace and fellowship of the church, and may be prefered by any member who is himself in good standing with the church. 19. It is the duty of every member to strive to preserve the unity of the church and to promote the peace and welfare of the church in every way he can; to speak kindly of all other members and to act in the spirit of love. Any member who by word or deed causes divisions and strife in the church shall be subject to the discipline of the church. Rom 12:9-16, 14:19-21;I Cor 13;John 13:34-35; Eph 4.32;Rom 16:17; Gal 5.10. 20. This church shall cooperate with other churches of the same faith and order and associations in promoting the kingdom of God. At the same time preserving (its) independence. 1908. During this year the church appointed Bro. Joshua Horton as a Trustee; held protracted meeting in August, adding 15 members by baptism. C.B. Blalock and wife, Arva Blalock were received by letter. February 13, 1909. On motion approved, required the clerk of the church to record the minutes in ink. This has not been strictly followed. Many of the minutes covering the period, 1921-1956 were entered in a series of poor grade school tablets with hard lead pencils. They are hardly readable, badly kept in every way and unless they are recorded in more permanent from they will self destruct in a few more years. May 8, 1909. M.E. Wofford, J.R. Chastain and P.M. Byrd, names as Trustees. August 15, 1910. Added 12 members by baptism: C.F. Horton. C.C. Brookshire, Robert Williamson Seritt, Otis Holmes, Earnest Holmes, Charlie Grisham, Silas Holtzclaw, Janie Kell, Mary Putnam, Lena Blalock, Emma Neal. September 10, 1910. The following members desiring to constitute a church at Ranger, Ga, requested letters of dismission which were granted:     MALES FEMALES W.A. Woody Georgiana Ashworth W.W. Putnam Ruth Horton M.E. Wofford Viana Putnam B.B. Adams Caroline Horton J.B. Ashworth Julia Hill H.M. Ashworth Malinda Chapman R.H. Thompson Amanda Woody W.S. Hill Callie Horton A.L. Horton Lillie I. Horton E.B (maybe B.B.)Ashworth Bessie Horton C.C. Ashworth Stella Horton Robert Williamson Emma Putnam Pearle Putnam Mary Joe Chapman Nanny Horton Comment: This exodus depleted the mother church of some of its most active and sustaining members. Others would follow later to a church building about 1 mile away. Ranger got some emphasis by reason of the L&N Railroad, completed through the valley in 1905. The village never flourished very much beyond the activities of the railroad station and a general store that housed the post office. The railroad station has long since been removed. In retrospect one wonders if the religous life of the two communities might not have been better served if the membership and combined resources had remained in support of the mother church. January 7, 1911. Pastor J.A. Kinnamon was dropped from being implicated in a crime of murder. LIST OF CHURCH MEMBERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 10, 1911 The Church minutes contain two list of members. One is dated October 12, 1907, the other, September 10, 1911. The 1911 list is presented here. It includes the names of many members appearing in the 1907 list and is representative, by family name, of the founders of the church, many of the members listed being their descendants.     MALES J.R. Chastain A.T. Wofford James Kell P.M. Byrd J. Horton T.P. Padgett not legible J.H. Wofford C.B.Blalock W.F. Williamson M.B. Orr Jas. Ballard H.V. Geen S.J. Young M.T. Reece W.W. Jarrett J.W. Shirley W.A. Jordan J.M. Wofford H.F. McAfee F.M. Patterson W.A. Padgett William Price G.W. Jarrett George Orr C.E. Horton Riley Orr Samuel Padgett J.N.Jarrett John Young L.F. Shirley W.A. Shirley William Shirley Alonzo Stuart Chesley Stone Hugh Green Jr. Joe Black Otis McAfee J.S. Jarrett Levi Smith Robert Shirley W.R. Shirley J.A. Kell Jr. Grady Serrit Otis Holmes Earnest Holmes Charles Gresham Silas Holtzclaw D.L. Taylor Robert Williamson B.M. Shirley Glen Kay Thomas Shirley L.S. Green ___ Serritt R.T. Blalock R.Orr L.A. Holmes J.W. Chastain Clyde Patterson Arthur Godfrey P.M. Byrd Jr. D.W. Flower Henry Woody W.J. Thornbrough Claude Horton Edgar Horton Clay Scisson Virgil Scisson Lee McAfee Thos. Shirley J.L. Nichols Samuel Bindler J.S.Swanson A.P. Martyn R.F. Watts Rev J.A. Smith R.M. McAfee Alfred Puckett Delmer Crider Dewey Burton Sylvester Burton Clifford Harris H.T. Brannon Richard Anderson A.E. McAfee Walter Blalock Joe Burton Lucious Holsemback J Mack Patterson Charlie J Hopper C.J. Hopper Robert Moreland Emmett Taylor James Shirley Henry Shirley Lonzo Hughier Rembert Martin Clarence Skipman Floyd Chastain Homer Johnson Grady Crider Frank Shope Fred Horton Howell Orr Fulton McAfee Columbus Shirley Lee Shirley Ira Williams Charles Williams Alvin Shirley Lee Moss Freeman Fowler L.B. Shirley J.B. Shirley C.V. Adams Lawrence Greenway Comer Arnold J.C. Hopper Vance Holmes Pendley Holmes Rambert Chastain Howard Price Port McAfee Boyd Swanson Blaine Shope Walter Shirley Leon Wofford William Oliver Andy Oliver Herbert McAfee Olen McAfee Homer McAfee J.R. McAfee Ernest McAfee Homer Vance Paul Padgett Garland Padgett Merlen Powell Paul Dutton S.A. Anderson Will Holcomb Arnold Wofford Bursey Shirley Causby Shirley Total Males listed 144. FEMALES M.E. Chastain M.M. Wofford S.E. Jarrett Adeline Horton Elis Blakenship Mahala Byrd Polina Martyn Maria Orr  L.J. Wofford Carrie Young I.L. Hopper Mamie Byrd Nancy Ballard Missouri Blankenship Nappa Horton T.E. Adams  K.A. Shirley M.M. Chastain Millie Wilson Eva Jarrett Ethel Godfrey Celia Serritt Vesta Smith M.G. Kell Martha Kell M.J. Shirley Clara Shirley Flonnie Neal Lola Shirley M.C. Martyn Pluma Byrd Ida Craig Victoria Jones Joanna Moody Anna McAfee Evie Holmes Sallie Watkins Elizzie Chastain Fannie S. Kay Dora Smith Margarette Green Emma Nichols Annie McAfee Angie Shirley Rachel Shirley Addie Shope Lela Martin _____ Adams Kizzie Brooks M.L. Padgett Eva Giddens Nancy Dutton Nora Tillotson Althea Price Huldaa Shirley Ada McAfee Lavanda Long Carlee Burton Emma Parker Lela Young N.R. Williamson Ellis Williamson Amanda Kelley Mary Young A.H. McElreath Lelia Kiker M.J. Yother Mattie Byrd Nancy Bearden Stella McAfee Amanda Taylor Ella Byrd Lena Blaylock Louise Smith Ethel Stone Emma Neal Janie Kell Mary Gentry Josie Phillips O.C. Kell Sarah Cochran Mindie Fowler Jennie Fowler Mary Stone Carrie Holtzclaw Lula Padgett Mattie Byrd Lona Shirley M.L. Gilbert Savannah Green Sela Thornbrough Ora Neal Jane Gilbert Dennie Scisson Amanda Swanson Josie Kay Alice Tillotson Katie McAfee Clara M.Chastain Alice Gilbert Henrietta McAfee Grace Anderson Allar Brannon Stella Blalock Ellen Jones Viola Jordon Mary Phillips Ella Jones Maggie F.Shirley Mary B. Horton Hattie R.McAfee Pearl M.Chastain May Orr Anna M.Hays Doshia Hays Eula Nichols May V. Price Mary B. Horton Ruby L. Horton Annie R.Horton Eva T. McAfee Annie M. Horton Mary Joe Chapman Floy Brannon Virginia Cornett Alice Craig Donie Craig Vera Martin Mae Burton Pearl Burton Lillie Wofford Zora Jarrett Lucill Orr Mabel Neal Virginia Scisson Lessie Long Geneva Thompson Thelma Jarrett Annie Hardy Odelle McAfee Vivian Horton Thelma Horton Beaulah Pack Mary Jane Pack Anna Yother Ruby Crider Lucille Price Vince Holmes Beatrice Holmes Bessie Long Gladys Adams ____Gilbert Gordie Woodward Earlee Holmes Eva Mae Green Gladys Nichols Artie Shope Alma Shope Mattie Joe Padgett Frances Padgett Margarette Price Myrtle Talley I.V. Scisson Jewell Blalock Lois Shirley Maggie Orr Ila Homer Rae Chastain Marie Dutton Pauline McAfee Mazell Taylor Mrs. Henry Neal Marrell Wofford Gertrude Wofford Stella Burton Ruby Thacker Roxie Hardy Retta McAfee Parlee Hales Theo McAfee Total females listed 184. Total membership males and females 328.     August 10, 1911. A 20 inch steel alloy church bell arrived from the Bell company in Hillboro, Ohio, on 30 days free trial. Cost of bell and all charges, $9.47, of which $7.12 was on hand. Roy Green and T.C. Neal were appointed to look after the lamps during protracted meeting the following week. August 18, 1913. Protracted meeting. Continued through the 24th. Twenty four new members received by baptism. Five by letter. 1914-1916. Records not available. May 12, 1917. On motion, Church agreed to use grape juice instead of wine at this time. (Apparently at communion services.) May 19, 1918. M.B. Orr and C.E. Horton elected deacons. August 7, 1920. “Taken collection for incidentals. 87 cents was received.” September 9, 1920. Pastor’s salary for year listed as $125.00. December 11, 1920. On motion, church agreed for Bro C.B. Blalock to use water out of the church well as long as it is agreeable to the church. (He had a small one room store near and in rear of the church located on his own property). March 2, 1921. Collection for expenses and insurance bought in $1.30. May 13, 1933. Appointed our deacons to buy a well rope and have the well cleaned. Gap in records. May 14, 1933 to March 3, 1936. March 3, 1936. Met in Conference. Found the church not in peace. Preferred charges against Sister Alice Paul Rogers for “Bastronage” and withdrew fellowship from same. August 8, 1936. Deacons of church listed as J.W. Swanson, Chairman, A.T. Wofford, J.W. Chastain, R.L. Shirley, J.L. Greenway, Andrew Neal, and Howard Price.   Efforts to ferret out the names of deacons and the dates of their tenure from the minutes proved less productive than compiling a like list of the pastors who have served the church  from its founding. Other deacons known to have served include C.E. Horton, Riley Chastain, Charlie Price, Elbert Nesbitt, Edgar Watkins, J.A. Horton, W.L. Williamson, Arnold Wofford, E. Orr, M.B. Orr, Billy Cronon, L.D. Shirley and Boyd Swanson. March 13, 1943. Enrolled Honor Roll. Names of our boys who have 3 to April, 1956. May 12, 1956. Moved and seconded to fill up well on church grounds. May 10, 1956. New heating system installed. May 9, 1958. Turned cemetery money over to Bro. O.W. McAfee. July 11, 1959. Brother O.W. McAfee authorized to use money for cemetery as he sees fit. January 9, 1960. Voted to gravel church yard. Cost $88.19. April 4, 1960. Appointed Bro. O.W. McAfee to see after the cemetery. Also noted the deaths of Mrs. J.S. Swanson and Mrs. M.B. (Orr) Erwin. January 12 ,1962. Voted to paint church building. Cost $625. May 9, 1963. Moved to put shelter over front entrance door. O.W. McAfee, L.D. Shirley, J.L. Greenway, Boyd Swanson and Blaine Shope appointed as committee for same. December 13, 1964. Church agreed to license Bro. James Padgett to preach.   January 12, 1965. Took up a collection. Received $40.15 for cemetery. September 11, 1965. Elected Mrs. Joyce Swanson Cronon as church pianist, Mrs. Mae Price Greenway as assistant pianist. Voluntary delegates to the Association were confirmed to be, Boyd Swanson, O.W. McAfee, J.L. Greenway, Mrs. Mae Greenway.   April 10, 1966. Moved that trees in cemetery be cut and that those named to cut them be responsible for monuments and cleaning away of brush and wood. September 10, 1966. Bro. Edgar Horton elected church choirster. July 8, 1967. Cost of erecting outdoor tables reported at $225, and paid. Church belfry to be fixed by Boyd Swanson. December 7, 1968. Named a committee, Boyd Swanson, Edgar Horton, Charlie Price, J.L. Greenway, and Fulton McAfee, to purchase new benches, paint the church and carpet the aisles. 1969. The following represents, generally church actions in conference during the year; meetings being held monthly: After preaching by pastor church met in conference. 1. Invited visitors to seats. 2. Called for peace and fellowship. Found all in peace. 3. Opened the doors of the church for reception of members. Received none, or if any received by baptism or by letter their names were listed. 4. Reference (unfinished business or new business) Took necessary action. 5. Conference adjourned. May 9, 1970. Moved, seconded and adopted motion to pay for liquid plastic to be applied to the benches (pews), and to use $25.00 from Aubrey McAfee as payment for same. March 13, 1971. Church Treasurer reports a balance on hand of $757.05. August 7, 1971. Held one week of revival with services by Bro. Larry Hibbert, as evangelist. No additions to membership. June 11, 1972. Moved and seconded to have preaching 4 Sundays per month. Carried. 1974. Please see entry for year 1969, preceding.   Church minutes covering the period from February 12, 1974 to date June 1977, are not readily available. CHURCH PASTORS Pastors or ministers, sometimes referred to in the church  minutes as “Supply” known to have served the church from its founding in 1858 to 1977. 1858-1860 W.T. Flemming 1909 W.A. Woody 1860-1864 M.H. West 1910 C.A. Neal 1865-1867 W.T. Flemming 1911 J.A. Kimmons 1868 Martin Isbel 1911-1914 J.A. Smith 1868-1873 W.T. Flemming 1915 G.W. Thomison 1873-1875 William Stone 1916-1936 J.J. Pendley 1878-1880 H.S.B. Turner 1936 W.C. Rogers 1881-1884 William Stone Break in Records 1885-1886 H.S.B. Turner 1945 H.E. Davis 1886-1889 A.W. Patterson 1946-1948 L.C.Sluder 1890-1893 D.M. Turner 1949 E.F. Cobb 1894-1897 W.A. Woody 1951 Ralph M. Brown 1898-1901 W.A. Nix 1955-1958 W.C. Rogers 1901-1902 W.A. Woody 1958-1960 M. E. Ward 1902-1904 W.A. Nix 1961 Hollis Harmon 1905-1906 Jas. Kimmons 1962 F.A. Cochran 1906-1907 W.W. Putnam 1963-1964 F.L. Duval 1908 J.W. Austin 1965 Fay Bailey 1966-1977 Graden Strickland The foregoing list is subject to correction both as to names and dates. Example, J.J. Pendley became pastor in 1916 and it appears, though not certain from information available, that he served continuously until 1936. Undocumented, and from a source other than that of the church minutes is a reference that J.M. Barnett was serving as pastor in 1920, and J.A. McArthur in 1930. CHURCH BUILDINGS Available records are silent with respect to church buildings. It is said that the first was of logs. Whatever its structure it was replaced probably in the late 1800’s, by a structure built of sawed lumber. In this building a row of posts, partial support for the dressed tongue and groove ceiling, marched down the center aisle from front to rear. On each, at arm’s length height, was one or more kerosene burning lamps with a tin reflector. They supplemented light given off by like lamps placed along the church walls. Side and end walls were ceiled the same as the overhead. Heat was provided by a single stove. In summer, especially in August, during protracted meeting, the building was uncomfortably hot. Windows were raised to catch any slight breeze. Sweaty brows and faces were wiped with a handkerchief and some relief could be had by fanning oneself with  a song book or fan. There were four entrances and exit doors. Two at the end opposite the center aisle and one on each side opposite the pulpit. It was long a custom for men and women to enter the church through separate doors and be seated separately with the center aisle in between. From the pulpit, men on the right, women on the left. Also, it was custom for deacons and older men to enter through the side door on the right and occupy benches placed at right angles to those in the main body of the church. A similar arrangement accommodated older women, some wearing poke bonnets long ago, entering through the side door on the left. On both sides, those hard of hearing were nearer the preacher the better to hear his sermon. For some preachers who served the church nearness in order to hear was not a requirement. Warning sinners that if they were not redeemed they would suffer the consequences of hell fire and damnation, they could be heard all the way to “Cousin” Cicero Blalock’s syrup mill 200 yards away. Often from the male side came a resounding “Amen Brother” when one or more sanctioned what the preacher was saying. Where the men sat was called the Amen Corner. Sometimes an alto or soprano voice from the women’s side sounded an Amen, and on occasion, when moved by the Spirit, there was shouting. Currently the right angle placed seats are occupied by the church choir. Tenor and bass on the right; soprano and alto on the left, piano in between in the rear of the pulpit. The piano replaced an organ.   Until recently church services were held monthly. Preaching, prayer and conference on Saturday, Sermon on Sunday, always singing at some time during any service. Business matters, disciplinary and administrative matters were taken up on Saturday. Once each year in August protracted meeting was held generally for one week. Preaching morning and evening. The custom still prevails. Each service concludes with the pastor extending an invitation to the unredeemed to come forward, confess their sins, believe and be saved. If unprepared to do this they were invited to be seated on the mourners bench were they would receive some encouragement to mend their ways by members. Those who occupied the mourner’s bench sat sidewise, one arm extended along the back, forearm forming a rest for the forehead, eyes cast down or closed. Some would weep. This was a step toward church membership which would be completed by baptism once the  individual was accepted as a candidate. Baptism was, still is, by immersion near the church in the bend of a small creek where an outcropping of limestone has for centuries turned its course causing a rushing of water at flood time to scoop out a pool. Candidates for baptism, hand in hand, line up along the bank of the stream while the choir and others gathered there, without fail, sing the hymn, “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand...” The church building is located in a triangular between two roads. At the apex of the triangle the road west from Ranger, sometimes called lick creek road, bears slightly to the right. The fork on the left, called the red bone hills road, continues on through the hills by the village of Cash, and to Calhoun. From the apex at right angle, by the cemetery, a two mile stretch leads to State road 156,which, if one is going west also leads to Calhoun by way of Red Bud. Earlier white settlers came to the immediate area when the land belonged to the Cherokee Nation. New Echota, is only a few miles to the northwest. The Dodds came as early as 1820. The Byrds as early as 1824. One forebear of the Dodd’s is said to have spent his first night in what is now Gordon County in the home of Chief John Ross at Carters Quarter. The county was formed in 1838.   In earlier days a nearby spring with a drinking gourd hanging on a stub of a willow limb was a source of drinking water for those attending church. Later a well was dug near the church opposite the main entrance. A bucket, well rope and windless were installed. The well curbing was covered with a shingled roof. Clear memories about the spring linger. Not because of a drink of water to be had there but the stinging effect on bare legs of a stripped willow branch wielded liberally to a 3 year old who was led there by the hand because he cried aloud during preaching. The crying was undoubtedly an expression of childish rebellion in opposition to the heat and confinement by one who was too young to know why he was there. Two pastors of the church are recalled because of their mannerisms. One, Rev. Monroe Taylor, who started his sermon in a mild tone and progressed to a loud rendition generously sprinkled with “I Yes Ah’s” and “Oh Yes Ah’s.” The other, Rev. J.J. Pendley, who perhaps served the church as pastor longer than any other, beginning in 1916. He was a stocky robust man, red of  face, had two gold teeth in front, and spoke in a rasping guttural voice once into his sermon. He habitually wore a jacket in the heat of summer. Never a necktie, but always a turned down celluloid collar held in place in front by a protruding gold collar button which harmonized with his upper gold teeth. Perspiring profusely during protracted meeting services, one wondered if he did not look forward to baptismal services in the nearby cool flowing creek as a welcome means to rid himself of his jacket, remove the stiff celluloid collar and refresh himself in water. He was essentially a kindly man. He it was, however, whose comments on footwashing brought about a confrontation with another sincere and kindly man, Deacon C.E. Horton, mentioned elsewhere. The present church building replaced the older one from the ground up in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s. School children then, now grandmothers, living in the area, recall crossing the road from the school to the church at lunch time and there helped pull nails from timbers of the older structure and otherwise assisting separating reusable from unusable materials. The building retained its rectangular shape but was redesigned on the inside. A major change was the installation of a raised floor on a slant from front to rear. Likewise, a raised “stage” for the pulpit and piano. It extended across the building to include the two “Amen” sections. Posts in the center aisle were removed.   Newer and more comfortable pews were handcrafted locally from nearby timbers by J.S. Swanson, assisted by others. Recent years have brought other improvements including electric lights, new “store bought” pews, automatic oil heat and carpeting in the aisles, central air conditioning and a drilled well, running water and toilet facilities inside the building. Church members continue to look after many repairs and additions on a “Do it yourself” basis. However, the introduction of modern plumbing and other amenities, such as carpeting and air conditioning requires outside skilled assistance at times. On Decoration Day, June 6, 1977, one church member remarked: “There is no end to it; the building needs repainting inside and out.” FEETWASHING Foot Washing was practiced by a minority of members over a period of many years. Those who participated did so on communion day (Lord’s Supper) which was held twice yearly in May and October. Differing views, held by the majority, ultimately led to distention in the church and the withdrawal of some “believers”  who then established a new church about 3 miles distant from Liberty. They named it New Hope Baptist Church. Liberty church minutes of May 23, 1874 states that “The church agrees to engage in foot washing.” Again, on September 8, 1894, there is this in the minutes: “The Church says that they are not in favor of making Feet-Washing a bar to membership.” In item 14 of its adopted Rules of Decorum, recognized a duty to commemorate The Lord’s Supper. Readers who are slightly familiar with the scriptures will recall that it was immediately following the feast of the Passover that Christ washed his Disciple’s feet. According to the Gospel of St. John, 13:4-5, ‘He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel and girded himself. After that he poureth the water into a bason, and began to wash the Disciple’s feet, and to wipe them with the towel werewith he was girded.” In verses 6 through 38, the rest of Chapter 13, St. John tells of conversations between Jesus and his disciples. In verses 13-15 there is this:   “13 Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye Say well; for so I am. 14. If I then, your Master and Lord have Washed your feet; ye also aught to Wash one another’s feet. 15. For I have given you an example, that You should do as I have done to you.” Whether Jesus meant the example for his disciples only is not pursued here. That some church members would want to perpetuate the example among themselves seems plausible since the example followed immediately after the Last Supper. Perhaps the most articulate exponent of foot washing in the church was Mr C.E. Horton. He was a member of a highly respected pioneer family. His grandfather Charles Horton, was a consituent of the church from its founding. He was also a Deacon. His father Joshua Horton, was a deacon, church trustee and faithful supporter of the church. Mr. C.E. Horton was also a deacon from 1908 until 1926, when his membership was terminated. Not for any violation of item 4 of the Rules of Decorum, which states that it shall be the privilege of each member to speak on any subject provided he rise and address the moderator. Not because he believed in foot washing. Apparently he rose to his feet during church services when it was not in conference, but during a sermon by the pastor, J.J. Pendley, who, in words not of record,  chose to say in effect that foot washing had no place in church worship. In words handed down, Mr. Horton is reported to have said: “Brother, don’t you think you have said enough on the subject?” Thus a controversy was raised between the pastor and a church member who was also a deacon. The church could not be in peace until it was resolved in conference. Mr. Horton was a friendly intelligent man, liked an respected by all who knew him. He considered the example of foot washing to be just that and not an ordinance rigidly required in public worship. Many of his children and grandchildren are members of Liberty Baptist church. They must cherish his memory as being one courageous enough to speak his convictions. In this matter which, if indeed, it was not a required form of worship, could harm on one.   WEDDINGS Weddings are no where mentioned in the church minutes. In this community, for more than 150 years, the custom has been for couples to be married at the home of the bride, or, by horse and buggy, later by automobile, go to the home of a Minister, or a Justice of the Peace where the consenting couples would be married. Such marriages are acceptable to the church. PART III From the church Minutes: January 1, 1859. Met in conference. Adopted report of committee selecting a burial ground on B. Chastain’s land. The cemetery is about 1 acre in size, located on a knoll some 200 yards north of the church. It is bounded by a now paved road on the west, with low wet ground beyond. On the south side is a bed of solid limestone along with black marble. Expansion is feasible only to the north and east. Present property owners of this land will not sell. The cemetery is almost filled. Burial space has been utilized in a random way. The first and oldest grave is that of P.M. (Pleasant Meredith) Jarrett, born March 8, 1830, died September 8, 1858, one month and 19 days after the church was founded. His grave is near the center surrounded by heavy slabs of limestone. Earliest born of those  buried in the cemetery is Mary Jarrett, born August 20, 1870, died October 26, 1887. There are no numbered plots, rows or graves. Graves of deceased members of the same immediate family are not always side by side. The listing of graves which follows will be alphabetical but only to the extent of the first letter of the family name. Thus no index is included. Not withstanding the problem of dwindling space the church generously shares the cemetery for the burial of deceased persons in no way associated with it. This is in keeping with the language of the deed which conveyed the land for use as a “public burial ground.” Ranger Baptist Church, one mile to the east has no cemetery. Many of its deceased members have been buried here. Maintenance of the cemetery devolves upon the present comparatively small male membership. Sometimes they receive small monetary assistance from descendants, no longer living in the area, who have relatives buried here.  Until comparatively recent times, when a death occurred in the community, neighbors went to the home of the deceased (If they were not already there “sitting up” with the sick) closed the eyes of the dead, bathed the body, anointed it with camphor, dressed it for burial and place it in a coffin, often locally made, by a neighbor. In the meantime, responding to the call of the church bell, neighbors dropped what they were doing, went to the cemetery with mattock, spade and shovel and dug the grave. They stayed to fill the grave after the coffin was lowered. Decoration Day is observed annually on the Ist Sunday in June. Flowers are placed on all graves in the morning. After this there is singing, prayer and a short sermon in the church by the pastor between 11:00 A.M. And Noon. At noontime dinner is spread on a long table across Lick Creek Road from the church under the shade of trees on the site of the old school house, long since removed. Singing by the church choir and by invited special groups continues after dinner. Enjoyable as newer hymns may be, the completely filled church ascends to its most reverent mood when all are asked to stand and join in singing the hymn, Amazing Grace. Three hundred sixty-six (366) graves have markers. Many are difficult to read. One hundred twenty-five (125) graves are unidentified except for a small rough stone at head and foot of the grave.   The list that follows was compiled June 6, 1977. It is as complete as might be expected considering all circumstances. It is subject to minor errors which is regrettable. Possibly a few unintended omissions. Concerned readers are asked to make any corrections with respect to names and dates that come within their knowledge. Finally to excuse any misspelling of family or christian names. LIBERTY CEMETERY Adams, Rev. James April 9, 1806 June 15, 1876 Adams, Nathaniel October 21, 1857 1928 Adams, Tibbie E. August 13, 1868 August 1, 1951 Adams, Mrs. C.W. 1772 1860 Adams, M.T. November, 1811 November 1861   Ashworth, Jasper A. March 20, 1816 Dec. 19, 1881 Ashworth, Margaret July 26, 1823 Jan. 24, 1898 Ashworth, M.A. Aug. 26, 1878 _____________ Ashworth, Bartow Jan. 13, 1862 Aug. 29, 1936 Ashworth, Georgia Ann Dec. 13, 1860 Aug. 22, 1916 Beaver, Elisa Aug. 24, 1914 Sept. 12, 1915 Blalock, Cicero B. Jan. 29, 1861 Sept. 28, 1950 Blalock, Arva Jarrett Oct. 31, 1867 Feb. 5, 1933 Blalock, Infant son July 7, 1906 July 7, 1906 Blalock, Emily Aug. 18, 1894 May 28, 1908 Blalock, Jessie Arlene July 5, 1960 July 7, 1960 Blalock, Katherine Darlene July 5, 1960 July 5, 1960 Blalock, David R. July 11, 1819 Aug. 29, 1882 Blalock, Hannah Dec. 28, 1815 Aug. 4, 1878 Blalock, Bryson Aug. 3, 1841 Oct. 7, 1863 Blalock, Sharon Rene Mar. 11, 1968 Oct. 18, 1968 Blankenship, Cora E. Oct. 12, 1884 Jan. 26, 1894 Blankenship, Infant Aug. 29, 1891 Aug. 29, 1891 Bowen, Pauline McAfee June 28, 1921 March 26, 1967 Bowen, Bernice B. Dec. 31, 1910 ______________ Bullard, Mrs. M.A. May 27, 1849 March 26, 1915 Bullard James May 15, 1848 ______________ Burton, Carlee McAfee July 21, 1875 Feb. 16, 1926  Burton John S. Dec. 31, 1881 March 7, 1944 Burton, J.D. Feb. 3, 1914 Jan. 6, 1932 Burton, Jefferson Dewey Jan. 23, 1902 1976 Brable, Rachel C. Jan. 24, 1825 May 16, 1894 Bradley, Lucille C. Jan. 6 ____ July 25, 1953 Bradley, Herman May 2, 1882 Jan. 16, 1973 Brannon, William Aug. 10, 1900 Aug. 17, 1963 Brannon, Sallie E. Sept. 9, 1900 June 16, 1915 Brannon, Infant 1885 1887 Brannon, _______ 1865 _____________ Brannon, Dewey B. Jan. 22, 1926 Oct. 22, 1926 Brannon, A.G. Dec. 19, 1939 Feb. 3, 1940   Brown, J. Sept 16, 1945 March 1, 1962 Chapman, Ollie March 4, 1823 Jan. 10, 1881 Chapman, J.M. Feb. 23, 1825 Sept. 10, 1889 Chapman, Lou Emma 1889 ______________ Chapman, Esta Virginia April 20,1919 Jan. 8, 1932 Chapman, Charlie E. 1885 1953 Chapman, W.R. Marker merely states age 16 Chastain, Ruth March 13, 1828 Dec. 26, 1895 Chastain, J.R. Sept. 15, 1849 April 9, 1931 Chastain, Mary Lou July 29, 1852 Dec. 14, 1925 Chastain, Infant Son of Mr & Mrs J.R. Chastain April 25, 1895 Chastain, W. Sept. 24, 1872 Mar. 17, 1944 Chastain, Rosa Nov. 2, 1885 Sept.16, 1895 Chastain, Elizabeth March 23, 1887 ____________ Chastain, Billie Lee Aug. 13, 1910 Nov. 17, 1917 Chastain, Charlie Oct. 22, 1893 Dec. 13, 1893 Cochran, Sarah J. Dec. 13, 1862 Feb. 4, 1938 Childers, James David Feb. 14, 1884 May 12, 1958 Childers, Mary Elizabeth Jan. 9, 1888 June 24, 1951 Childers, J.D. 1926 1973 Childers, Infant _________ 1967 Coggins, Wayne Born and died October 8, 1952 Cornett, Calvin H. Sept. 10, 1897 Jan. 29, 1959 Cornett, Julia A. 1880 Aug. 2, 1963 Cornett, Nancy E. Nov. 17, 1849 Aug. 24, 1924  Cornett, C. Feb. 27, 1919 Jan. 23, 1923 Crider, Lucille Aug. 16, 1839 Nov. 26, 1923 Crider, S. June 18, 1839 Jan. 27, 1928 Crider, two infants of W.C. Crider. No names, no dates. Crider, Erwin Jan. 10, 1923 Jan. 14, 1923 Crider, Infant Jan. 20, 1924 Jan. 20, 1924 Cronan, H.J. March 29, 1894 April 8, 1953 Cronan, Martha C. 1891 1971 Croy, Verne Sept. 22, 1912 May 16, 1972 Croy, Eva Mae Apr. 16, 1920 ____________ Croy, Charlie Dec. 28, 1895 Feb. 27, 1896   Dodd, T.R. April 12, 1844 Dec. 10, 1919 Dodd, E.E. April 6, 1848 _____________ Dutton, Susie K. Aug. 22, 1896 Sept. 17, 1926 Dutton, ________ Feb. 22, 1845 Aug. 15, 1941 Dutton, Dewey R. 1912 1952 Dutton, Harry Aug. 20, 1936 Nov. 27, 1936 Dutton, Sherman G. May 9, 1898 March 4, 1907 Dutton, Amos C. ____ ___ Dutton, Georgia A. March 18, 1861 March 4, 1956 Evans, Henry H. Nov. 14, 1874 Aug 23. 1943 Evans, Mrs. Henry H. July 26, 1879 ____________ Farris (Faries)? Sue G. March 17, 1917 Jan. 17, 1975 Findley, W.T. Dec. 12, 1817 June 19, 1873 Fouts, Floyd 1918 1968 Fouts, Carter 1945 1946 Fouts, ______ 1941 1969 Gilbert, M.S. (Husband) ____________ _________ Gilbert, E.K. (Wife) ____________ _________ Gilbert, Frank September 1855 Feb. 19, 1937 Gilbert, Sarah K. 1851 Dec. 16, 1932 Gilbert, (Frank?) Jr.Sept. 6, 1921 Not copiers error July17, 1921 Godfrey, Arthur 1887 1926 Godfrey, Ethel 1889 1958 Godfrey, Martin Neal April 7, 1915 March 19, 1961  Greenway, J.W. March 5, 1869 Jan. 10, 1933 Greenway, Mary Dec. 12, 1870 May 2, 1931 (In the church minutes this family name is thus spelled in some places. In other entries it is spelled Greenaway) Hardin, Mildred May 7, 1813 Jan. 4, 1887 Hardy, Clifford Aug. 10, 1885 Aug. 10, 1918 Hardy, ________ March 12, 1866 Nov. 9, 1933 Hardy, M.C. March 4, 1866 May 5, 1944 Harris, Walter H. Feb. 17, 1854 July 25, 1876   Hendrix, Charlie R. Dec. 25, 1891 April 29, 1973 Hendrix, D.J. July 21, 1953 Born and died Hendrix, Harley 1932 1955 Hibberts, Homer 1833 1955 Hibberts, Martha M. 1888 1950 Hill, Charles Webb Oct. 15, 1875 March 18, 1939 Hill, Winfield Scott June 18, 1848 Nov. 30, 1920 Hill, Julia Sept. 8, 1841 November, 1922 Hill, David H. 1874 1918 Hill, Cora _______________ July 8, 1964 Hill, William Simpson May 29, 1907 May 25, 1937 Hightower, Infant Born and died July 16, 1940 Hightower, John David Born and died Jan. 29, 1936 Hightower, Vinson May 2, 1928 May 22, 1928 Hightower, Mazelle Nov. 11, 1922 Dec. 2, 1922 Holt, Kenneth H. July 29, 1929 Aug. 2, 1949 Horne, James Henry 1932 1938 Horner, Doris M. Feb. 25, 1933 June 4, 1964 Horner, James Sept. 29, 1958 Oct. 2, 1958 Holmes, Leonard A. Oct. 19, 1886 Aug 5. 1942 Holmes, Evie L. June 3, 1888 March 15, 1971 Holmes, Infant son Born and died May 18, 1926 Holmes, Evelyn June 28, 1927 July 6, 1927 Holmes, Larry Vance May 17, 1949 May 20, 1949 Hopgood, Addie Mae ________ ________ Hopgood, Infants of Mr. & Mrs. W.A. Hopgood: Clara A., Bonnie K.,   Frances and three others. No other names. No dates. Holtzclaw, Carrie Burton Apr.18, 1877 Aug. 3, 1946 Holtzclaw, Silas D. Oct. 25, 1878 March 5, 1967 Holtzclaw, Felton M. April 4, 1912 April 29, 1976 Hopper, E. Nov. 13, 1807 February, 1871 Hopper, ____ Dec. 7, 1897 April 22, 1970 Hopper, Clara M. Chastain July 28, 1901 Aug. 19, 1920   Horton, Charles 1837 Dec. 8, 1899 Horton, George W. March 30, 1838 Jan. 5, 1908 Horton, Susan June 4, 1841 Sept. 15, 1907 Horton, Darlene Oct. 24, 1838 Aug. 27, 1926 Horton, C.F. May 26, 1842 Nov. 8, 1908 Horton, Joshua April 1, 1847 Oct. 25, 1915 Horton, Adeline July 27, 1847 Dec. 20, 1922 Horton, Caroline Oct. 24, 1838 Aug. 2, 1926 Horton, Nancy Wife of Frank July 27,1847 Oct. 20, 1921 Horton, J. Alexander Dec. 25, 1860 Nov. 19, 1908 Horton, Mary O. June 5, 1862 April 14, 1933 Horton, Walter July 11, 1868 April 23, 1868 Horton, ______ Nov. 19, 1867 Oct. 14, 1926 Horton, J.H. April 13, 1874 March 23, 1914 Horton, William W. March 7, 1880 April 23, 1881 Horton, Arthur A. Feb. 7, 1882 Oct. 23, 1883 Horton, C.M. Dec. 11, 1885 Jan. 22, 1887 Horton, W. Furman Feb. 25, 1889 May 3, 1934 Horton, E. Dec. 7, 1807 April 22, 1890 Horton, Maude Feb. 1, 1891 _____________ Horton, J.A. April 3, 1893 May 18, 1919 Horton, Ina Dec. 20, 1902 April 10, 1976 Horton, Charlie Feb. 27, 1876 Jan. 18, 1949 Horton, Callie June 19, 1884 May 19, 1911 Hyatt, Samuel J. 1859 1947 Hyatt, J.C. June 2, 1924 Jan. 27, 1942 Hyatt, Maude Beatrice Feb. 6, 1893 Jan. 26, 1954 Jarrett, Mary Aug. 20, 1790 Oct. 26, 1877 Earliest born of those buried in the cemetery Jarrett, W.B. (William Buckner) Feb.17, 1779 Nov. 8, 1873 Jarrett, J.W. Feb. 23, 1827 Aug. 1, 1876 Jarrett, Sarah E. Nov. 30, 1828 Nov. 10, 1915 Jarrett, P.M. (Pleasant Meredith) March 8, 1830 Sept. 8, 1858 Oldest grave in cemetery Jarrett, F.S.(Flemming Scott)Nov. 30, 1833 March 27, 1885  Jarrett, Infant Jarrett, Sarah Ann July 17, 1839 May 17, 1903 Jarrett, Frances Aug. 2, 1849 April 16, 1915 Jarrett, J.S.(Jefferson Scott)Nov.19, 1857 Oct 14, 1926 Jarrett, W.W. (William Washington)May 27, 1869 June 8, 1925 Jarrett, John M. Dec 8, 1870 Sept 26, 1871 Jarrett, Eliza Dec. 25, 1826 March 20, 1904 Jarrett, J.H.(Than) June 26, 1884 Aug. 16, 1965 Jarrett, Eva Shirley Oct. 9, 1882 Feb. 11, 1972 Jarrett, G.W.(George Wiley)Mar. 24, 1877 Oct. 16, 1936 Jarrett, Thelma T. Dec. 7, 1904 Oct. 14, 1966 Jarrett, Zora Nov. 12, 1908 May 28, 1997 Jarrett, Jura Nov. 10, 1883 May 11, 1923 Jarrett, Infant of J.S. Jarrett Born and died September 5, 1879 Kay, Will T. Sept. 13, 1882 Aug. 7, 1906 Kell, Jas. S. Jan. 21, 1826 Feb. 17, 1917 Kell,_______ Dec. 4, 1822 May 31, 1900 Kell, Mrs. J.B. 1858 1934 Kell, Lucinda 1860 1936 Kirby, Samuel J. 1893 1975 Kirby, Paul A. 1897 1963 Kirby, Alma 1939 1940 Kirby, _____ 1922 1930 Kirby, Oliver Dec. 8, 1916 Oct. 16, 1972 Kirby James E. March 29, ____ Dec. 30, 1949 Lackey, Estelle L. Sept. 15, 1913 March 3, 1962 Lackey, Infant Born and died Jan. 24, 1935 Lewis, M.G. Nov. 30, 1911 June 30, 1960 Long, Ruby Nov. 14, 1910 Jan. 10, 1922 Long, Edith Dec. 2, 1937 July 25, 1938 Long, Boyd C. July 13, 1907 _____________ Long, Walter Tatum March 3, 1911 Dec. 8, 1975 Long, Emma April 16, 1928 Dec. 13, 1928 McAfee, Andrew H. April 21, 1851 Dec. 8, 1899 McAfee, Mary A. Blalock July 7, 1852 Sept. 11, 1903 McAfee, LaFayette W. Oct. 23, 1876 Jan. 26, 1899 McAfee, Harvey F. Aug. 7, 1878 April 17, 1938 McAfee, Loretta Townsend Oct. 24, 1878 Aug. 16, 1965 McAfee, Ernest Aug. 30, 1907 July 16, 1935 McAfee, Thomas H. Nov. 12, 1880 Dec. 13, 1957  McAfee, Stella Burton April 10, 1884 Nov. 30, 1943 McAfee, Millard Lamar July 9, 1901 April 15, 1903 McAfee, Etta M. April 18, 1885 Oct. 13, 1899 McAfee, Oscar J. April 10, 1881 Dec. 1, 1910 McAfee, Ada Green Jan. 13, 1885 March 17, 1913 McAfee, Marvin A. Sept. 17, 1910 Jan. 12, 1911 McAfee, Robert M. March 10, 1889 July 3, 1950 McAfee, Warren David Oct. 10, 1921 July 1, 1950 McAfee, Arthur Elmer June 18, 1881 April 19, 1932 McAfee, Annie Blalock June 5, 1887 Aug. 30, 1974 McAfee, Herbert B. March 13, 1906 Dec. 15, 1975 McAfee, Otis Washington March 3, 1893 May 18, 1967 McAfee, Robert Wayne Nov. 11, 1938 Nov. 13, 1939 McAfee, Harold L.R. March 5, 1937 March 6, 1937 McDowell, Joseph March 2, 1812 April 23, 1876 Martin, E. July 24, 1910 Sept. 15, 1918 Martin, Syble Feb. 8, 1906 May 28, 1907 Martin, Pauline ____________ April 8, 1928 Martin, Mary 1907 1917 Martin, W.P. Moreland, Robert L. 1901 1965 Moreland, Hoyt P. Born and died Aug. 23, 1921 Mulkey, M. Sept. 27, 1905 Sept. 20, 1964 Mulkey, Grady April 15, 1900 June 31, 1975 Mulkey, Clyde 19 years of age Aug. 29, 1947 Mulkey, Claude Dec. 2, 1934 Feb. 9, 1955 Mulkey, Deborah M. July 10, 1952 Nov. 6, 1960 Mulkey, ____ 19__ 1964 Mulkey, Herbert 1916 1964 Mulkey, Samuel J. Sept. 28, 1956 May 5, 1973 Mulkey, Ray W. Oct. 23, 1931 Jan. 7, 1967 Mulkey, Ruby Oct. 11, 1906 Oct. 20, 196_ Mulkey, Sue June 11, 1958 April 22, 1961 Mulkey, J.C. October _____ July 12, 1963 Mulkey, D.B. Neal, Rev. C.A. 1862 1941 Neal, Susan A. 1867 1936 Neal, Charles S. 1907 1932 Neal, Charlie ________ April 6, 1940 Neal, _______ Aug. 17, 1901 ________ Neal, Andrew Nov. 12, 1902 April 30, 1953    Nix, Carlton Avery Feb. 17, 1934 Feb. 23, 1950 Nix, Infant ____ ____ Norwood, Amelia Jan. 1, 1844 Dec. 3, 1917 Norwood, Harriett Aug. 8, 1854 Jan. 15, 1918 They were sisters but it is believed that Harriet was married and that technically she should be listed as Harriett Norwood Proctor. Oliver, Oliver Two infant sons of his Dec. 4, 1940 Dec. 5, 1940 Orr, Malcomb B. Feb. 17, 1868 Feb. 2, 1929 Orr, Marie Orr Erwin Nov. 23, 1871 May 11, 1860 Orr, Infant Sept. 20, 1912 ____ Orr, Arthur B. July 15, 1900 March 3, 1901 Orr, M. Sept. 12, 1840 Feb. 16, 1901 Orr, Mary Elder Aug. 25, 1842 Jan. 26, 1931 Orr, Infant Born to Mr & Mrs M.B. Orr. No dates. Pack, Henry C. Nov. 22, 1858 Dec. 25, 1969 Pack, Carter G. 1914 1976 Pack, _____ Feb. 14, 1945 Nov. 12, 1965 Pack, A.J. Feb. 1, 1858 Jan. 3, 1940 Pack, Arthur A. Feb. 1, 1859 Dec. 3, 1939 Pack, Elbert Carter Dec. 26, 1921 July 25, 1949 Padgett, T.P. May 11, 1850 Sept. 27, 1930 Padgett, Sarah F. June 20, 1850 July 1, 1928 Padgett, Terrell 1882 Nov. 22, 1952 Padgett, Wm. Alfred 1885 1962 Padgett, Lou Emma 1888 Jan. 28, 1972 Padgett, Paul W. 1918 1942 Padgett, Danny June 15, 1952 June 19, 1952 Son of James A. Padgett Patterson, J. Max June 6, 1899 June 30, 1939 Patterson, Savannah G. Sept. 18, 1899 June 1, 1922 Patterson, J.M. June 21, 1930 June 22, 1938 Pettette, Susan 1871 19__ Pettette, Elias 1872 1945 Pettette, Susie Sept. 10, 1893 Aug. 29, 1969 Pettette, Maude E. Nov. 7, 1910 Nov. 5, 1958   Phillips, Rodney S. July 29, 1963 March 13, 1964 Phillips, Infant Nov. 2, 1916 Feb. 7, 1916   Prather, Julia B. May 11, 1934 May 19, 1951 Prather, Eva Mae Jan. 22, 1929 March 23, 1951 Prather, Infant _________ __________ Ralston, Julia Ann Jan. 21, 1861 Aug. 6, 1942 Rogers, C. Rogers, George Silvers, L. 1888 1954 Silvers, Paul J. Jan. 3, 1944 May 7, 1962 Silvers, C.L. Sept. 8, 1918 Nov. 26, 1961 Silvers, George L. Aug. 20, 1883 Oct. 17, 1952 Shirley, William Andrew Feb. 27, 1858 March 17, 1937 Shirley, Mary Jane Nov. 28, 1863 June 4, 1939 Shirley, Jessie W. 1875 ____ Shirley, Eunice 1877 1945 Shirley, Lewis S. Mar. 18, 1883 March 19, 1973 Shirley, M. Hulda July 22, 1890 June 21, 1975 Shirley, Robert L. Oct. 28, 189_ _____________ Shirley, Kitty Wofford Oct. 9, 1895 Sept. 13, 1956 Infant children of Robert & Kitty Shirley, Roy. Others not named. No dates Shirley, Thomas Aug. 18, 1901 Jan. 22, 1919 Shirley, ______ Aug. 19, 1911 April 13, 1915 Shirley, Oliver A. 1913 1942 Shirley, Florence R. 1918 ____ Shirley, Cecil May 28, 1921 May 11, 1923 Shirley, Mary Jane July 24, 1940 Dec. 31, 1943 Shirley, A.C. Dec. 22, 1918 Jan. 13, 1919 Shope, James B. 1852 1937 Shope, Emily H. 1853 1938 Shope, James A. 1881 1947 Shope, Addie M. 1883 1938 Shope, George H. Oct. 23, 1889 Aug. 29, 1965 Shope, Frank Nov. 21, 1902 June 12, 1923 Smith, William Oct. 20, 1877 Nov. 25, 1883 Smith, W.M. May 22, 1837 April 5, 1916 Smith, Fatha A. May 30, 1842 May 3, 1918   Swanson, J. S. Dec. 12, 1877 April 9, 1961 Swanson, Amanda McAfee July 12, 1888 Oct. 31, 1924  Swanson, Mary J Chapman May 11, 1887 Dec. 15, 1959 Tillotson, W.A. Nov. 27, 1875 March 11, 1910 Tillotson, Anno June 22, 1875 Feb. 13, 1918 Tillotson, Jas. W. ___________ Jan. 4, 1911 Tillotson, Colima April 4, 1898 Nov. 4, 1962 Taylor, D.A. 1865 1942 Taylor, Amanda J. 1872 1942 Taylor, Warren G. March 19, 1921 May 22, 1972 Taylor, Ernest Oct. 25, 1909 Jan. 15, 1921 Taylor, Emmett March 3, 1899 Aug. 2, 1908 Tipton, Erwin G. March 18, 1940 ______ Tipton, Louise M. May 6, 1928 ______ Walker, Joseph G. May, 1854 Feb. 28, 1941 Walker, H.J. April 14, 1809 ____ Walker, C. Ben Feb. 25, 1912 Aug. 28, 1976 Walker, Diane March 2, 1943 April 7, 1943 Walraven, Clara Lewis born and died Sept. 8, 1974 Watkins, Sallie Green Dec. 22, 1887 Jan. 17, 1962 Williamson, William Father) Children: John, Katie, Lelia, Nettie Williamson, Lelia Mother) Hilliard. No dates. Wilson, J.H. June 22, 1913 Sept. 7, 1915 Wilson, Susie April 14, 1873 April 22, 1913 Waller, Darmalee July 27, 1890 June 16, 1921 Wofford, ______ 1819 1868 Wofford, Elizabeth June 4, 1831 June 1, 1897 Wofford, John H. Jan. 10, 1867 Sept 27, 1950 Wofford, Lula A. June 12, 1872 July 14, 1929 Wofford, A. Maybelle April 11, 1901 June 16, 1921 Woody, Rev. J.A. June 15, 18__ July 15, 1924 Woody, Armond L. Oct. 1, 1861 March 20, 1915 Woody, Elbert C. August 1873 April 22, 1963 Woody, Hattie E. Jan. 8, 1888 ______________   Woody, W.H. Nov. 27, 1898 Oct. 19, 1915 Woody, Annie Sept. 21, 1908 Oct. 26, 1919  Woody, Beulah April 19, 1902 June 10, 1908 Woody, A.J. ____ ____ CORRECTION: The list of church members as of September 10, 1911, appearing on pages 9, 10 and 11, copied from church minutes, is innaccurate. It appears that names of new members were added to the 1911 list without reference to date. Examples of names of persons appearing in the list who could not have been members in 1911 because they were not yet born are: Boyd Swanson, b. 1915; Port McAfee, b.1915; Lois Shirley, b. 1914; Stella Burton, b. 1918. There are others. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Special thanks are due to the following persons for assisting in listing the graves. Mr. Olen McAfee Mr. Homer McAfee Mrs. Estelle Holmes Watkins Mrs. Beatrice Holmes Richardson Mrs. Erlee Holmes Nesbitt Mrs. Ruth Horton Moss Mrs. Morrell Wofford Long Forewarned that many church records had been lost or destroyed there was a feeling that little continuity could be maintained in what has been presented. The church history would depend primarily upon the memory of a very few. However, many early records were re-recorded in brief and although no records are available for many of the intervening years, the reader may find some order in the chronological listing of church affairs from its founding in 1858 to June 6, 1977. For making existing records available special thanks go to Mr. Boyd Swanson, a church Deacon, and since February 12, 1956, the church Clerk. Speaking for the church membership, and especially for those who will receive copies of the North West Georgia Historical and Genealogical Society’s October Quarterly, it is appropriate to thank the Society and its staff for making this effort possible. This we do. Two members of the staff are singled out. Mrs. Jewel James Dyer, Editor of the Quarterly, and Mr. Watson B. Dyer, Managing Editor and immediate past president of the society. They deserve special thanks, which is rendered for their consideration and their efforts--work no less--in assembling this material in final  sequence, for printing, for photographic work and lay out and  more. Broadus McAfee June 30, 1977 December 11, 1943. Purchased new stove for church. Cost $47.50. Brother J.W. Long presented a deed for ½ acre of land as a free will offering to the church. This is undoubtedly the land on which the school building stood across Lick Creek road from the church, which land reverted to Mr. Long as the holder in fee of the parent tract when the building was abandoned and removed. Gap in records from 194 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/gordon/churches/libertyb269gbb.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 79.4 Kb