Quitman County GaArchives Church Records.....Shellman Baptist Church ************************************************ 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: Donna Eldridge DonnaEldrid@aol.com June 25, 2004, 3:31 pm HISTORY OF SHELLMAN BAPTIST CHURCH (Part 1 of 2) Foreword This article was written in compliance with a request from Bethel Association in the ninety ninth annual session at Ft. Gaines October 28, 1931. It is lovingly dedicated to those faithful souls who, contemplating the magnificent worth of a church as a necessary principle to the life of a community, provided for its spiritual needs by the organization and establishment of this church. The data for the beginning of this sketch was obtained from the original minutes recorded by the clerks of the church in is incipiency and preserved by the late Mrs. J. B. Payne. "The heabens declare the blory of god and the firmament soweth His handiwork." ORGANIZATION By previous request four regular ordained Baptist ministers--namely: W. S. Rodgers, R. A. J. Powell, J. G. Corley and C. H. Knighton met in Shellman, Georgia and assembled themselves into a Presbytery with W. S. Rodgers as chairman and R. A.J. Powell as secretary for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. Whereupon the following men and women presented letters from other Baptist Churches to compose a membership of this new church CHARTER MEMBERS J. J. Powell, J. B. Payne, W. S. Arrington, G. W. Schramm, Mrs. C. W. Martin, Mrs. J. B. Payne, Mrs. W. S. Arrington, Mrs. G. L. Clark, Mrs. G. W. Schramm This little band of earnest consecrated workers began work immediately in September 1888. Through courtesy extended by the Methodists, who were holding services in the first story of the Masonic Lodge building, the offer was accepted by the Baptists to use it temporarily as their house of worship also. FIRST PASTOR W. S. Rodgers 1888--1899 Found in the church minutes as recorded by the clerk J. H. Shelly that in December 1888 W. S. Rodgers of Cuthbert, Georgia was called by Shellman Church to preach one Sunday each month. Rev. Rodgers was a capable and constructive leader imparting information and inspiration in a wise and considerate manner to this newly organized band of workers. Incident to the establishment of the church, committees were appointed to promote the denominational activities, some of which were, a committee to represent the church at the annual Bethel Association, a committee of women to receive Foreign Mission subscriptions, a committee to solicit subscriptions toward the pastor's salary, etc. As the church grew in number it also advanced in a more wisely constructive management of affairs. SUNDAY SCHOOL ORGANIZED May 18, 1889 The membership of the church increased rapidly and in six months the church in conference voted to organize a Sunday School. Mr. J. L. Guinn was elected as Superintendent but served only a short time. He was succeeded by J. B. Payne who served in this capacity for eight years. Mr. Payne was one of the most able and influential men in the community and contributed liberally toward the growth of this church. It was due in large measure to his leadership and perseverance with the help of his devoted wife that this church made rapid strides of progress and was maintained through the early years of its existence as an institution of Christian endeavor. DEACONS ORDAINED June 16, 1889 The first deacons of this church were H. G. Powell and J. B. Payne. An ordination service is a holy and solemn occasion. It reminds the writer of old Testament records where the great prophets laid their hands upon God's chosen leaders and pronounced His blessing upon them. A presbytery of ministers to conduct this service was W. S. Rodgers, Ed Keese, R.A.J. Powell and C. H. Knighton. FIRST CHURCH ERECTED 1889 This same year the church in conference undertook the erection of a church edifice. A building committee was appointed composed of C. W. Martin, Chairman, H. G. Powell, W. S. Arrington, G. W. Schramm and J. B. Payne. They were instrumental in purchasing a lot in the south east portion of town, acclaimed at that time to be the most desirable residential section. An attractive and commodious wooden church was erected at a cost of $1600.00. The Methodists had organized a church in 1880, about eight years previous to the Baptists, consequently they were much stronger in number and financial standing. At this time they were planning to build a church for themselves, having used the Masonic Lodge all these years. However, they contributed liberally to the Baptist building program. One highly esteemed Methodist member, Capt. H. A. Crittenden voluntarily made an offer to pay one eighth of the cost of the Baptist church. This he readily did with pleasure and much to the gratification of his sister denomination. In addition to the charter members are other family names that compose this early history: Allen, Anthony, Arnold, Arrington, Arthur, Atwell, Baker, Banks, Baldwin, Bennet, Black, Bynum, Cheney, Clark, Claud, Cobb, Crouch, Cox, Crenshaw, Culbertson, Cumbie, Curry, Dannelly, Davis, Dawson, Dean, Dozier, Duncan, Edwards, Ellis, Exom, Farrar, Ferguson, Fields, Fletcher, George, Goff, Gonekee, Grimes, Grier, Guinn, Hall, Hart, Hays, Heath, Howell, Harrell, Huggins, Jay, Jenkins, Johnson, Jolley, Jones, Kenmore, Knighton, Lanier, Lamb, Latimer, Leary, Lester, Lewis, Lunsford, Manry, Martin, Miller, Morris, Mullins, Murphy, Newkirk, Odum, Oliver, Orr, Osteen, Pace, Page, Payne, Perkins, Phelps, Pipkin, Powell, Plowden, Prothro, Ramsey, Reese, Riley, Shelly, Sheffield, Sheppard, Short, Singleton, Smith, Spence, Stanldy, Stewart, Walker, Ward, Ware, Warren, Watson, Watts,Weathers, Weaver, Wells, West, Whaley, White, Williams, Worthy, Wooten. REV. B. W. DAVIS 1889-1890 Rev. W. B. Davis was elected pastor of this church October 20, 1889 with a salary of $200.00. Rev. Davis served this church well but remained here only a short time because of his call to greater achievements. He had an excellent family of sons and daughters all of whom have risen to places of prominence in the realms of music, literature, and science. REV. R. B. TAYLOR, 1890--1895 Rev. R. B. Taylor was elected pastor of this church October 11, 1890 and served five years. He was re-elected the second year for additional time with an increase in salary. Bro. Taylor's family was composed of his wife, three sons and two daughters -- Rodney, William, Clarence, Clifford and Ruth. Bro. Taylor affiliated himself closely with all church activities thus becoming endeared to its members. With I. A. Martin as church clerk a committee composed of J. B. Payne, W. T. Jay and B. P. Crenshaw was appointed to draft a decorum for the church. MISSIONARY SOCIETY ORGANIZED 1890 Under the direction of Mrs. M. S. Watts as president and Mrs. C. W. Martin, Secty.-Treas. the Woman's Auxiliary Society was organized in 1890, just eight years after the first Woman's Missionary Society was organized in the State. Donations were subscribed to Home and Foreign Missions and to Mercer Endowment Fund. This little band had conviction that gave them courage to press on and it has been a potent factor in the life of the church throughout the years. Bethel Association Entertained October 1894. This same year T. E. Dean was elected as a deacon. REV. Z. T. WEAVER, 1895--1901 Church Clerks -- John W. Watts, C. P. Payne Deacons -- H. G. Powell, J. B. Payne, T. E. Dean Sunday School Superintendents -- J. B. Payne, W. T. Jay Rev. Z. T. Weaver was called October 10, 1895 to serve Shellman Church two Sundays per month at a salary of $400.00 per year. Bro. Weaver was one of the foremost pastors in the list of good men who have served this church. He possessed the highest ideals and sanest principles. It was due in large measure to his purposeful leadership, his force of character and pleasing personality that brought to bear a feeling of utmost confidence and serene harmony among all denomations. His courageous wife was immediately recognized as possessing rare executive ability. Endowed with an amiable disposition, she rendered unusual service to the church and social life of Shellman. There were two sons, Willie Frank and Jake, who were favorites among the young people. SUNBEAM ORGANIZED 1896 Under the faithful and consecrated leadership of Mrs. Weaver the Sunbeam Band was organized in 1896. The writer recalls the many difficulties encountered in trying to preside at these little meetings and to play the old church organ at an age so inexperienced when Mrs. Weaver shifted the responsibility to her young shoulders. On December 26, 1897, W. T. Jay was elected Superintendent and served for six years in this capacity, with Phelps Dean, Sect'y. In May, 1901 Mr. Chas. Lanier then called the song-bird of the Bethel Association, was employed to conduct the music during the protracted meeting. It is recalled that Will D. Upshaw fondly remembered as "Ernest Willie" assisted in a protracted meeting during the pastorate of Bro. Weaver. Just venturing out on the sea of public ministry with all the fiery darts of enthusiasm and with the tender pathos of many years experience as a helpless invalid, this man made an indelible impression as a character worthy of emulation. REV. J. A. J. DUMAS, 1901--1902 Upon the resignation of Bro. Weaver the church called Rev. J. A. J. Dumas, then a student at Mercer. He accepted the pastorate for ten months at a salary of $33 1-3 per month. The church made contributions to Bethel College, Cuthbert, Georgia. Records show donations toward the educational expense of Mr. Sullivan, a ministerial student. REV. W. L. CULBERTSON, 1902-1909 Church Clerks -- I. A. Martin, 1092, 1903, 1904 Arthur Martin, 1905, 1906 R. T. Watson, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909 Deacons -- H. G. Powell, J. B. Payne, W. T. Jay, I. A. Martin. R. M. Bower received in his official capacity H. Arnold, as a deacon from Whigham Church, in 1905 Treasurers -- I. A. Martin, W. J. Oliver Sunday School Superintendents and Secretaries -- Supt. Sect'y W. T. Jay -- J. T. Martin, 1904-1905 R. M. Bower -- Arthur Martin, 1906 H. Arnold -- Lem Jay, 1907 J. B. Payne -- Lem Jay, 1908, 1909 Bro. Culbertson came highly recommended as a preacher of noteworthy achievements. He had to his credit the constitution of two churches in Alabama, and during his ministry the erection of five churches, two in Alabama at Hoke's Bluff and Coats Bend, and three in Georgia, namely: Sasser, Ellaville and Shellman. Mr. Culbertson's family was composed of his wife and three sons - Broadus, Aubrey and Otto, all of whom were loved by Shellman people. Mrs. Culbertson was a kind, gentle, unassuming little woman, faithful to the duties of her home and children and devoted to the high ideals of friendship and neighborliness. After the death of the children's mother, Mr. Culbertson was married to Miss Jessie Sanders of Edison. Soon after coming to serve the Shellman Church, a committee was appointed in conference to solicit funds for the purchase of a pastorium. The house and lot where the present church building stands, having been rented for many years by the pastors, was purchased from W. T. Jay. This was a progressive step for the church in owning a nice comfortable home for her pastors. In the year 1904 a strong sentiment prevailed among the members for the need of a larger and more modern church building. Incident to this prevailing spirit appropriate committees were appointed to devise ways and means for the erection of a new church. They encountered many difficulties and discouragements in their plans, but these facts are obtainable to undertake so great a feat with so little funds, a very unique occurrence transpired, originating in the loving heart of a little boy. This young lad had saved his gleanings from the sale of strawberries and peaches. Understanding the situation he readily donated $5.00 as the first subscription toward the new building. This inspiration spread over the congregation with a great wave of enthusiasm HISTORY OF SHELLMAN BAPTIST CHURCH (Part 2 of 2) NEW CHURCH On March 26, 1905 the building committee, C. W. Martin, W. R. Curry, J. N. Watts, I. A. Martin, W. T. Jay, C. M. Cheney, J. B. Payne had appropriated funds sufficient to begin work. It was August when plans satisfactory in every detail were submitted and the contract made with W. T. Jay to build the new church and move the pastorium at a cost of $7500.00. The old church property was sold at $600.00. To the pastor, the deacons, building committee and contractor much credit is due for the erection of the present brick church building valued at $15,000.00 fully equipped with beautiful pulpit furnishings, pews and a steam heating system. It was dedicated in November 1907. The Sunday School annex was not built until eight years later. The Sunday School and Woman's Missionary Society were active working forces during Bro. Culbertson's ministry. Upon his resignation, September 26, 1909, a vote of thanks was extended to Brother Culbertson and his wife for their faithful services during the seven years spent with the Shellman Church. REV. W. A. MASON, D. D. 1909-1911 Deacons -- J. B. Payne, W. T. Jay, I. A. Martin, H. Arnold, R. M. Bower, G. W. Schramm. Church Clerk -- R. T. Watson. S. S. Superintendent -- H. G. Powell. S. S. Secretary, O. J. Dean Church Treasurer -- I. A. Martin The church was exceedingly fortunate in securing a man so spiritual and pious as was the beloved "Father in Israel" Rev. W. A. Mason. He, with his excellent wife and three sons, W. A., Jr., Hubert and Paul came to this church in December 1909. Dr. and Mrs. Mason were highly intellectual people, he having written a number of booklets, vivid and startling presentations of things religious, social and political, designed to reach humanity in need of deeper religious experience. She was a wonderfully capable leader and teacher instituting and teaching a Woman's Bible Study Class, in addition to other religious work. One outstanding feature of his pastorate was the adoption of the duplex envelope system. Dr. Mason remained here only a short while discontinuing the ministry on account of ill health. The pulpit was supplied by visiting pastors for several months. REV. C. THOMAS GREER, 1912-1913 Deacons -- J. B. Payne, W. T. Jay, I. A. Martin, H. Arnold, R. M. Bower, G. W. Schramm. Treasurer -- I. A. Martin. Clerk -- O. Z. Dean. S. S. Superintendent -- J. R. Powell. S. S. Secretary -- H. C. Bower. Rev. C. Thomas Greer, wife and son moved here from Tifton on March 3, 1912 to serve this church two Sundays each month at a salary of $700.00. REV. JOHN GORDON BLACK, 1913-1917 Deacons -- J. B. Payne, W. T. Jay, I. A. Martin, H. Arnold, R. M. Bower, S. W. Schramm. S. S. Supt. -- C. P. Payne. S. S. Secretary -- O. Z. Dean. Treasurer -- I. A. Martin Clerks -- O. Z. Dean, W. H. Wells. In October 1913 the church called Rev. John Gordon Black of Carribelle, Florida to be their first "full time" pastor. Mr. Black was a very capable man, of constructive personality, fearless and faithful to his convictions. Mrs. Black was a magnetic and forceful leader contributing in a large measure to the church activities, to the D.A.R. of which she was a member and to other social life. There was only one child, a daughter, Margaret, who in early childhood made a definite decision to enter training in order to become a missionary. B. Y. P. U. ORGANIZED, 1914 Mr. Black fresh from a post graduate course, was full of enthusiasm for advancement in the work of the church, especially through the young people's organizations, so that early in 1914 both the Senior and Junior B. Y. P. U.'s were organized. An every member canvass with the envelope system of collecting funds solved many of the churche's financial problems. DECORUM REVISED, 1914 In September 1914 the Deacorum was revised, the most important change being that pastors are henceforth to be called for indefinite periods instead of from year to year as before. DEACONS ORDAINED, 1914 In December 1914 the following deacons were ordained: C. P. Payne, T. M. Martin and R. T. Watson these to serve with I. A. Martin, R. M. Bower and J. A. Riley already serving. ASSOCIATION ENTERTAINED, OCTOBER 1915 The Bethel Association was entertained by this church in 1915 serving dinner three days at the church and entertaining delegates in the homes for the remaining time. SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADED, 1916 In 1916 the Sunday School was graded and registered as A 1 retaining this standard for a number of years. C. P. Payne was Superintendent and O. Z. Dean, Sect'y. This same year the pastor's salary was raised from $1000.00 to $1200.00 per year. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNEX, 1917 The Sunday School had grown to such proportions that space was inadequate for assembling all the classes. The pastor and his wife graciously gave their home to be used for the primary classes each Sunday for more than a year. In January 1917 -- the Sunday School asked for more class rooms. Plans were drawn by the pastor and C. P. Payne with an additional building committee composed. These plans were promptly received and executed to build the present commodious and comfortable annex to the original church building providing assembly rooms and class rooms for Junior and Primary Departments. This work valued at $5000.00 was completed and paid for by August 1917. Through the four years of Mr. Black's service to this church there was evidence of growth in Kingdom work, and it was with deep regret on the part of his devoted congregation that he accepted a call to Cornelia, Georgia in December 1917. REV. JAMES PRESLEY CRAFT B. S. Mercer University, 1906, M. A. Harvard, University 1909; T. G. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1912, 1917, 1919. Church Clerk -- J. T. Martin. Treasurer -- I. A. Martin. Deacons -- I. A. Martin, J. A. Riley, R. T. Watson, T. M. Martin, M. C. Sheffield, C. P. Payne. S. S. Superintendent -- W. H. Wells S. S. Secretary and Treasurer -- C. W. Curry Rev. James Presley Craft was called to serve as pastor of the Shellman Baptist Church in November 1917. He assumed his duties on January 1, 1918. During the years intervening between his graduation at the Seminary and his acceptance of our call Bro. Craft served the First Baptist Church at Louisville, Georgia, and First Baptist Church of Swainsboro, Geogia. During his early ministry he was married to Miss Edith Golphin, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Golphin of Greenville, S. C. Mrs. Craft was a woman of rare beauty and personal charm, with qualities of mind and heart which fitted her for leadership. We are yet grateful to her for her active interest in planning and the remodelling of the pastor's home. The ministry of Bro. Craft was characterized by a marked growth in all branches of church endeavor. During the first few weeks of his pastorate our hundred copies of the Baptist Hymnal were purchased with book racks to hold the books when not in use. A little later a beautiful new communion service was purchased. DEACON ORDAINED, 1918 M. C. Sheffield was elected a deacon in February 1918 and ordained in March. During this same year the interior of the church was refurnished throughout, sanitary plumbing installed in the annex and the pastorium. The pastor's study was refurnished, a mantel and grate installed. A table and chair were purchased for the main auditorium also a rug for the rostrum. PASTORIUM REMODELLED 1919 A building committee with W. J. Oliver, chairman, Mrs. I. A. Martin, Mrs. H. R. Watson, Mrs. J. M. Curry and J. T. Martin was appointed to supervise remodelling the pastorium. The pastors home was remodelled throughout according to plans suggested by Mrs. Craft. A spacious living room and pastor's study were arranged across the front of the house with connecting French doors. Other changes adding greatly to the convenience of the home were made, a new roof built and the house newly painted throughout increasing it to the present value of $3500.00. Bro. Craft was diligent at all times in the work of developing the church spiritually. In every sermon he brought a clean gospel message inspiring his people to render happy service in kingdom work. He taught the Convention Manual to a large class, thereby increasing the interest and efficiency of workers and teachers. Bro. Craft preached to his people faithfully and earnestly during the 1918 revival. During the summer of the following year the church invited Dr. Solon B. Cousins who was then serving the First Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia to assist the pastor in leading us in a revival. Great interest was felt in each service. People of other denominations and a number of visitors from neighboring towns came to enjoy the blessings of this meeting. BOY SCOUTS ORGANIZED 1918 Bro. Craft felt a keen interest in the young people of Shellman. He organized the Boy Scouts and served faithfully as leader of this group. In addition to his beloved wife, the family included a handsome young son of about four years who bore the name of James Presley Craft, Jr. In the spring of 1919 a beautiful little girl was born, who was given the name of Edith. In August 1919 Bro. Craft resigned his pastorate to accept the Chair of Bible and Sociology at Shorter College. Later he served as President of Averett College in Virginia and from there he went to Hardin College in Missouri. He is now happy to be back in the pastorate at Rome, Georgia. REV. W. O. YOUNG, 1919-1924 Deacons; I. A. Martin, J. A. Riley, M. C. Sheffield, C. P. Payne, R. T. Watson, T. M. Martin. President W.M.S. Mrs. Stella Wells. Chichi Treasurer, I. A. Martin. Church Clerk, J. T. Martin S. S. Supt. C. P. Payne. S. S. Sect. and Treas. C. W. Curry Pianist, Mrs. J. M. Curry Rev. W. O. Young began his pastorate here in November 1919. He and Mrs. Young soon won the love and admiration of the entire community, by their, loving, tactful methods, they brought about and maintained a state of unity and harmony among the members of our church, and on all occasions manifested a gracious, Christ-like spirit. They were always eager and alert to be of service to others. Not only the Baptist members loved them, but the other denominations also held them in great esteem, and a steward in the Methodist Church showed his love by presenting them with an automobile. Bro. Young won many grown men to the church during his pastorate here. He also secured the services of prominent visiting ministers to conduct the revivals, two of these being Dr. L. R. Christie and Dr. J. C. Wilkinson. Y.W.A. ORGANIZED 1920. Mrs. Young organized the first Y.W.A. in our church, and she and Mrs. J. A. White were its leaders for a number of years. In May 1921, H. C. Bower was elected Sunday School Sect. and Treasurer to succeed C. W. Curry, deceased, and held this office for many years. He later succeeded Mr. I. A. Martin as Treasurer of the church and served in this capacity for five years. Mr. I. A. Martin had faithfully manipulated the finances of the church as Treasurer for more than twenty five years. During Bro. Young's pastorate the 75,000,000 campaign was begun, the average payment by this church being approximately $2700.00 annually. The local expense averaged about $2200.00. The membership of our church was then 150. Brother Young in 1924 received and accepted a call to the First Baptist Church of Batesburg, South Carolina and on August 11, 1924 he and Mrs. Young were presented with a silver tea service by the members on their departure for Battesburg where he is still serving as pastor. The Deacons from 1925 to 1932 were F. M. Martin, H. C. Bower, R. T. Watson, C. P. Payne, and C. L. Wooten The Church Treasurer from 1925 to 1932 were H. C. Bower, Jno. W. Walker and Grady Thompson, and the church clerk was J. T. Martin. The Sunday School Superintendents were C. L. Wooten, W. H. Church and Len P. Jay. The Sunday School Secretary was O. J. Dean. In April 1925, Rev. J. C. Grimes of Colquitt with his wife and little daughter, Esther, came to our church, the pulpit having been vacant for six months, during which time it was filled by Dr. C. B. Williams of Mercer University. Brother Grimes has indeed proven himself to be a righteous and godly man. Serving five churches in the Association, he is known far and near as "leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty". 1st. Tim. 2:2 He takes time to find those in need and distress, ministering always to their physical comfort and then to their spiritual welfare. Whenever the name of Bro. Grimes is mentioned it voluntarily evokes this equihet from the lips of all who knew him. "He is indeed a good man." This characterization comes not only from his own people, but from other denominations and from the colored people of the town as well because he had rendered inestimable service to them. Mrs. Grimes is a faithful, energetic worker. She has served the church in varied capacities always eager and zealous for the advancement of kingdom work. Esther has literally "grown up" in our town and by her amiable, gentle nature has endeared herself to both the young and old people of the community. In the seven years of Bro. Grimes pastorate the church has enjoyed a period of gradual growth and many improvements. The interior of the church building has been refinished, a new heating system installed, modern electric light fixtures replacing the old ones. The yards have been beautiful -- a foundation planting of shrubbery having been place around the church by the ladies of the Missionary Society. The Sunday School under the leadership of C. L. Wooten, W. H. Church and L. P. Jay has been graded and organized to the most advanced plans -- special assembly rooms and organizations having been provided for the Cradle Roll, Beginners, Primaries, Juniors, and Intermediates with the necessary pianos, chairs, heaters, books, and other equipment. Many of these were made possible through the liberality of Mr. Jas. M. Wooten and Mr. W. R. Curry. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes have contributed largely of their time and services in this work -- he by building cabinets, tables, blackboards and other conveniences in the various departments and she by graciously extending the use of the rooms of the pastorium for the Intermediate Department when the church and Sunday School building became over crowded. The Adult Bible Class has been efficiently and effectively taught for a long period of time by Mrs. Claude Payne, succeed by Mrs. Lem Jay. Then the class had as its leader Mrs. White again who had served previously for several years and it was lovingly named the Mae White Bible Class. In 1930 the class elected Mrs. Grimes as teacher. It attained an A 1 Standard which it has kept to the present time. It was named in honor of the oldest and one of the most faithful members of the Sunday School as the Hester Curry Bible Class. In presenting her picture upon request of the class she at the age of ninety years inscribed this spontaneous note with her signature. "Only Heaven can reveal what this Sunday School has meant to me." Another class has been instituted within the past year. Under, the leadership of Mrs. Lem Jay this class of about eighteen young men organize themselves to be called the Harvey Church Bible Class in memory of the late W. H. Curry who devoted himself so earnestly as Superintendent of the Sunday School. One other feature of Sunday School advancement worthy of mention during Mr. Grimes pastorate is the Sunday School Library. A collection more than one hundred volumes was donated by interested members. Under the supervision of Miss Susie Mae Brown as librahian this has proven quite an asset to the Sunday School. BETHEL ASSOCIATION 1929 The Bethel Association was entertained by this church two successive days in 1929, being the third time to receive this honor during the history of the church. MINISTER ORDAINED 1930 Hugh Dozier dedicated himself to the ministry while a member of this church and after taking a theological course at Mercer University, receiving an A. B. Degree, he was ordained by this church in 1930. Rev. M. L. Lawson assisted Bro. Grimes in the ordination service. Rev. Hugh Dozier has now as his charge four churches -- Vilulah, Herod, Leary and Milford. DEACONS ORDAINED C. L. Wooten and H. C. Bower were elected Deacons of this church and ordained in 1927. It is a joy to witness the dedication of any life to kingdom service and especially so among our younger men. B.Y.P.U. reorganized in 1925, both the Senior and Junior Unions. The newly organized junior union with Harold Allen as President did splendid work with about thirty boys and girls who were interested in the Union and added greatly to the evening worship by singing in the choir. The Senior also did good work for a time, but on account of a large number of the members going away to college, it was temporarily disbanded. Later it was reorganized under the leadership of Mr. H. C. Bower and was a great asset to the life of the church. Then for a time only the Intermediate Union survived due to the fact that the number of young people was not sufficient in warrant more than one union. Now there are two unions -- Miss Fannie J. Faircloth is President of the Senior and Miss Erline Lanier is leader of the Junior. Those who have served as Presidents and leaders are: Mr. H. C. Bower, Mrs. C. L. Wooten, Mrs. J. D. Pipqin, Mrs. Sadie Lunsford, Rev. Hugh Dozier, Miss Kate Underwood, Miss Fannie J. Faircloth, Miss Erline Lanier, and Mrs. Grimes. The work of the laymen and deacons, under the chairmanship of Dr. F. M. Martin and the business administration of the church have been carried on smoothly with a wonderful spirit of cooperation, loyalty and generosity from the members. The church has been able to make splendid reports of progress at the Associational meetings from the orderly and efficient records kept by the church clerk, J. T. Martin and the Treasurers, H. C. Bower, J. W. Walker and Grady Thompson. During the past seven years the church as been blessed by having in its revival meetings many of the outstanding preachers of the state: Dr. J. E. Sammons of Macon, Dr. W. L. Pickard of Tifton, and Dr. F. S. Porter of Columbus, who have inspired our people with greater faith and zeal for the work of the master. Indeed the Lord has blessed this church under the leadership of this beloved and revered pastor. Prepared and written by: Mrs. C. P. Payne, Mrs. J. T. Martin, Mrs. H. R. Watson, Mrs. Lem Jay, Mrs. J. A. White, Mrs. J. M. Curry, Chm. (pages 242-255) "History of Bethel Association - Including Centennial Meeting" Centennial meeting held with Baptist church at Edison, Georgia, October 25, 26, 27, 1932 A. L. Miller, Edison, Ga., Moderator. W. H. Joyner, Coleman, Ga., Clerk Compiled and Edited by Alexander Lee Miller Moderator of Association 1909 -- 1934 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/quitman/churches/nbb49shellman.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/gafiles/ File size: 34.0 Kb