Marion County GaArchives News.....The Missionary Baptist Church December 28, 1907
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Carla Miles http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002476 February 24, 2005, 10:27 pm

The Marion County Patriot
The Marion County Patriot, No. 50
Friday, December 28, 1906
Page One

The Baptist Church

Its local history and the names of its pastors for several years

The Missionary Baptist Church is one of the greatest factors for good in our 
midst.  The members are an energetic, wide-awake body and during the past few 
years this membership has increased in numbers.

The church edifice, located in the central part of our little city, is a neat 
building, elegantly furnished, and on the same lot is the pastorium, which is 
at present being renovated, within and without.  The walls are being 
calcimined; interior woodwork freshened with paint, the outside painted and new 
fencing put up.

The records of the Church were destroyed a few months ago when Mr. J.O. Smith’s 
home was burned, so we cannot give an accurate, detailed history of the church.

Old brother Cawley, who was pastor of the church for so many years, left his 
imprint upon the hearts and characters of the flock, and to this day his name 
is loved and cherished in Buena Vista.  Rev. A.J. Moncrief, another godly man, 
served the church for a number of years.  Following him was Rev. J.D. Norris.  
Rev. N.R. Sanborn then had charge for three years.  He was a man of strong 
convictions, bright mind, a fine pastor and a loyal friend.

Rev. J. Howard Carpenter next filled the pulpit.  His splendid mental 
attainments together with his geniality and faithfulness to the Master’s cause, 
won for him scores of friends among all denominations.  Rev. R.B. Taylor has 
very efficiently served the church for the past six years and his congregation 
was reluctant to give him up.

Rev. Hugh Oliver, of South Carolina, son of the lamented Thad Oliver, whose 
name all Buena Vistians revere, has recently accepted the unanimous call to 
this church.  Rev. Oliver is a divine of note, being a fine preacher and a 
writer of distinction.  He comes back to his boyhood home, and a hearty welcome 
awaits him.  The following extract from a letter of J. Howard Carpenter will 
give some idea of the man:

Augusta, Ga., Dec. 17, 1906

Dear Brother Smith:

Yours received and I am truly glad to hear that you have called so fine a man 
as Hugh F. Oliver.  He is a magnificent fellow, pure gold, pure in heart and as 
sweet as a woman.  He is far ahead of the common herd, that are pushing 
themselves forward.  His scholarship is unquestioned, and probably no one in 
Georgia can surpass him in literary style.  It will be a treat for me to visit 
you now more than ever as I can hear Hugh preach and talk.

The Deacons of the church are:

Capt. J.A. Shephard, J.O. Smith, William Nutt, Dr. John Walton and Joe D. Story.

In passing we cannot refrain from mentioning the faithful service rendered the 
church in years passed by the sainted men, Mr. Jim Walton and Mr. E.M. Tharpe.  
Though they no longer pass in and out among us, their works live on for them.

Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. J.O. Smith for the faithful service he 
is rendering the Church.  He gives largely of his time, talent and means to the 
church and as Supt. of the Sunday school he is over at his post, and untiring 
in his efforts to build it up.

Prayer meeting is held every Thursday evening.  The B.Y.P.U. holds interesting 
meetings every Sunday afternoon and large appreciative crowds attend.  The 
Woman’s Missionary Society, which meets twice a month, is in a flourishing 
condition, new members being added almost every meeting.

May the coming of the new pastor prove a great inspiration to every branch of 
the church work, and a blessing to every individual.



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