Randolph County GaArchives Church Records.....Cuthbert 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, 1:05 pm CUTHBERT BAPTIST CHURCH (Part 1 of 2) "In the beginning God -- " these first four words of our Bible, written by Moses announce the first revelation of God, following which His plan of redemption was revealed. Far down the ages of time, the "Columbus Association of Baptist Churches in Georgia was organized in 1829, including four hundred and fifty four members." Its bounds were: 1st. district, Harris County; 2nd. district, Talbot County; 3rd. district, Muscogee County; 4th. district, Randolph, Lee and Marion Counties. Reverend A. Smith was the only minister in this body. (From Ga. Baptists History -- by J. H. Campbell.) "Travis Everett founded the first churches in Randolph County." (From the Christian Index, 1881.) From the "Acts of the General Assembly of Georgia, December 27, 1831, we read: "An Act to authorize the appointment of Trustees for the Baptist Church in the town of Cuthbert, Randolph County with certain powers." This church was constituted by John G. Gilbert, who moved from Hancock County about 1830 to Randolph County, and was the first pastor. He was a fine preacher, gifted in exhortation, with a warm heart and a magnetic manner. He was a fine singer and a good physician. He did a great deal of charitable practice and died in 1842, when about seventy years of age. He was truly a good man, whose labors in this section were greatly blessed. Rev. Peter Eldridge was the second pastor and was succeeded by James S. Lunsford: Then Rev. Stephen Parker, a Primitive Baptist preacher: Then Rev. Thomas Muse: then Wm. L. Crawford. The first church building was erected in 1831. It was built of hewn logs and was 16' x 20' and located at the forks of the road two miles west of Cuthbert on Eufaula road. In this house the early settlers gathered and worshipped God. It was known as Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In a biographical sketch by one of the pioneers, David Holleman, we read that "When the news came of the burning of Roanoke in Stewart County by the Creek Indians in July 1836, the congregations was assembled at Mt. Zion Church near Cuthbert." In this church in 1837, Rev. Thomas Muse met with Reverends Joshua Mercer, Jas. S. Lunsford, Jesse M. Davis and other ministers to organize the first Missionary Society formed in the Bethel Association. At this time, Bethel Association was not a member of the Georgia Baptist Convention and a majority of the members were opposed to missionary work. The first messengers to Bethel Association from Mt. Zion Church are recorded in the minutes of the Association as follows: Stephen Lundy and Allen Moye (1837), J. S. Lunsford and J. Osteen (1839), Wm. B. Burton and J. B. Smith, Sam'l. B. Walton and Thos. Muse (1842) and for succeeding years the pastor, Thos. Muse with Wm. Burton (1844), Wm. Jackson (1845), Solomon Graves (1846) Joab Hobbs (1848-9) and 1850) were the messengers from this church. The minutes of the Church Conferences and all records of these early years are lost. In the year 1839, the church was moved into Cuthbert and located on the lot now known as "Rosedale Cemetery", long known as the "Baptist" or "Eastern" cemetery. On this lot a frame building 30'x40', with glass windows was erected and the church remained there until 1852. Then a new lot containing four acres was bought and a commodious frame building was constructed, located in the center of the lot, between College and Church Streets, where the Baptist Church is now situated. The total cost of the new church was about $5000.00. Rev. Thos. Muse supervised the building of this church. During the early years the membership of the church was composed of white and negro members, who were slaves in the community. These slaves were received and recognized in full fellowship. In regular conference September 1868 Bro. John Gaulden, colored, was given license to preach the gospel. In regular conference October 4th, 1868, Bro. Wm. Wells, colored, was given license to preach. In 1867 land was donated by Sister H. C. Thornton, for the purpose of building thereon a separate church for the large colored membership and a building committee from negro members appointed, consisting of the following: Bros. Joseph Wilburn, Jesse Harris and Edward Graves, on May 12th 1867. The minutes of March 13th, 1869 record that "The late large colored membership having voluntarily and without seeking our consent, or express consent, withdrawn in mass from us and gone into a separate organization of their own, and our church having recognized the fact of the separation and disclaiming all responsibility for the said colored organization, our church is now composed exclusively of white persons." The revised roll of the church showing twenty eight male members and one-hundred and one female members, a total of one hundred and twenty nine. A. B. Campbell, Moderator." In the Christian Index of 1881, we find an article written by "Uncle Tommy" Muse, saying in reference to the history of this church--and quoting only a part as follows: "This church has always had much to contend with. It appears as though Satan has done his best upon this church. He has for many years troubled her with the anti-missionary subject and has kept some of his most successful and powerful batteries playing upon her. The retail liquor traffic has always troubled this church. She has had to exlude a great many, who were engaged in the sale of liquor. In former years she has a great deal of trouble with her members for drinking too much, and for the amusement of dancing and wordly pleasures. Amidst all her trials the Lord has upheld His church and given her much prosperity." As we write the history of this Church in 1932, the accumulated years that have intervened have been marked by the continuing assaults of Satan, showing the absence of the love of Jesus, and the sins of humanity, causing discord and dissention at various times, but the fellowship of Saints and the spirit of Grace have prevailed and the church stands as a bulwark of faith in God, and a beacon light to welcome sinners into the family of our Heavenly Father. Though largely anti-missionary in the early years of her experience, under the wise leadership of Uncle Tommy Muse, her pastor for many years, and other pastors, the church was won to accept the true missionary spirit of the Gospel and during successive years, has enjoyed a good record and excellent name as a truly Missionary Baptist Church, supporting all the causes of our denominational work, and the interests of God's Kingdom on earth by liberal and joyous gifts from year to year. On the Seventy Five Million Campaign our church subscribed $23,560.00 It was in 1839 that the name of Thomas Muse was first recorded in the minutes of Bethel Association as a delegate from the Macedonia Church in Early County -- of him it was written "He does not seem to be a preacher, though he may have been such." "Uncle Tommy" was ordained into the ministry by the Rehoboth Church in Randolph County in 1840, which church he served as his first pastorate, 1840 to 1844, and he returned to this church for a second pastorate, in 1874." Among the early ministry of Georgia, few men have served God and our section with such untiring and unselfish loyalty or greater faith. At his home near Cuthbert, Dr. Campbell, W. L. Crawford and B. Graves met in 1851 and plans were made and resolutions drawn to be submitted to a convention called to meet in Lumpkin in August preceding the next Association, which met at Benevolence the 1st. of November 1851, recommending the erection of an educational institution for the education of females. Out of this movement, due to the zeal and ability of Uncle Tommy Muse, Bethel Female College was erected in Cuthbert and was for many years a noted denominational center for Southwest Georgia. MINISTERS ORDAINED The minutes record that the following ministers have been ordained by this church. 1. Bro. W. S. Burton was ordained in 1842. He was then seventy years old, a zealous and good minister until his death in 1846. 2. Bro. J. H. Luther was ordained in 1852. He was a Professor teaching in Bethel Female College and later removed to Texas. 3. Bro. S. E. Brooks was ordained March 11th., 1860. The Presbytery being composed as follows: Thomas Muse, Chairman, H. C. Hornady, Secretary, and C. D. Mallory and J. F. Dagg. Ordination sermon was preached by Bro. Hornady, and Bro. Brooks was regularly ordained to the ministry. 4. Bro. Henry Lockholin Crumbly was received by experience and baptism December 16th., 1875. Baptized by Jas. B. Cheves, Pastor. Application for license to preach was made by him in regular conference June 5th. 1881, which was granted August 7th., and a letter of commendation and encouragement given to him. At regular conference April 6th. 1884, and upon request made by the New Hope Baptist Church and upon motion made by Bro. Jas. C. Martin duly adopted, the church proceeded to the ordination of Bro. Crumbly. The Presbytery consisted of Reverends Wm. H. Cooper, Wm. H. McIntosh, and Roy T. Goodrum. In the accustomed manner of examination, prayer and laying on of hands, Bro. Crumbly was ordained to the ministry by this church and the hands of recognizion given to him by the Presbytery. 5. At regular conference held September 29., 1907, Bro. J. Fred Eden, Jr., was duly ordained and set apart to the ministry of the gospel by this church. The following ministers formed the Presbytery: Reverends John S. Knowles, H. L. Crumbly, A. B. Hawks and our pastor, John F. Eden; observing the usual manner of the ordination services and the hand of recognition was given by the presbytery. 6. In regular conference held July 1st. 1923, upon motion duly made and carried, this church granted to Bro. R. S. Harris license to preach and letter of commendation was given to him. From the membership of this church, two consecrated young ladies have gone as Missionaries to China. 1. Miss Floy White, the second daughter of our Pastor, Rev. I. A. White, felt called to offer herself to the cause of Foreign Missions. She was duly recommended by this church to the Foreign Board, was accepted and after the years of preparation and study at the Seminary, she returned to Cuthbert. In a beautiful consecration service held in this church, she was dedicated to her mission labors in China. Soon after her arrival, she was married to Rev. W. W. Adams, also a Missionary in China and together they have labored many years and won many souls for Jesus in North China, Shantung Province, living at Lai- Yang. At the present time, they are in the homeland on furlough at Birmingham, Alabama. 2. Miss Annie M. Sandlin was received by letter from the Damascus Church (Randolph) November 8th., 1896. She was engaged successfully in teaching in our County. She was recommended by the church to the Foreign Mission Board, June 2nd. 1907, after her statement to the church in conference that for sometime she had felt the call and urge to go to China and teach. She entered the Seminary in Louisville in the fall of 1907 and our Sunday School paid $15.00 per month on her expenses. In a beautiful consecration service held in the church in the summer of 1910, she was dedicated to the Kingdom's work in China and soon was on the way. She was located in South China in P'ui Kong Girls' School at Ying-Tak near Canton. In a report to the Southern Baptist Convention, by A. R. Gallimore, 1922, commending her work most beautifully, he says in part, "For the past twelve years she has put her life into this school, and it has ever been as a city set upon a hill." In all of the turmoil, uncertainty and danger of unstable government, the hostility of idolatry, she remains at her post, God's messenger to the lost, and the poorest of the needy. The love and prayers of our church have gone up to God's throne of grace in behalf of our Missionaries in China. CONVENTIONS HELD IN THE CHURCH The fifth annual session of the Columbus Association was held in Mt. Zion Church (in the log house) in Randolph County in 1833. There were forty three churches represented with a membership of 1806, including eleven ministers. Rev. J. Ross was Moderator and A. Smith was Clerk. At this session it was decided to form another Association and the following churches took letters for that purpose: Randolph County: Mt. Zion, Mt. Sinai, Pataula, Bethlehem and Antioch. Stewart County: Antioch, Richland, Fellowship and Mt. Paran. Sumter County: Shiloh, Providence, Bethesda, Bethel and Spring Creek Early County: Smyrna and Liberty Hill. These churches were organized into an Association called "Bethel" at a meeting in the Richland Church in Stewart County on the Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in November 1833. The annual session of the Bethel Association was held in Mt. Zion Church beginning October 31st. 1845 and continuing five days through November the 4th, and also in 1855 and 1860. The Georgia Baptist Convention was held in the Cuthbert Baptist Church and entertained by it, and the citizens of Cuthbert in May 1869. Annual sessions of Bethel Association were held in this church in October 1880, October 1891, and October 1925. In addition to these, many assemblies of Ministers and Laymen's work, Women's Missionary Society, Sunday School Workers and B.Y.P.U. meetings have been welcomed into our fellowship for planning the work of our denomination, in meetings held in this church during the current years. In 1897-98, a new brick building was erected and now used as our house of worship, a total cost of which Ws $8896.00. The Building Committee consisted of W. Z. T. Bridges, Terrell Moody, Jas. W. Stanford, Jno. D. Gunn and E. Z. F. Golden, Pastor. The new building was completed in the Spring of 1898, and ready for occupancy in June. The removal from the old church building was marked by appropriate services in the church June 5th, 1898 and the last sermon was preached by Bro. John Martin, the oldest continuing pastor in our Association. His text was from the Prophet Micah, 2nd. chapter, 10th. verse, "Arise ye, and depart, for this is not your rest." On the following Sunday June 12th., the opening services were held in our new church, our Pastor, E. Z. F. Golden preaching at 11 A.M. and Bro. H. L. Crumbley preaching at 8 P.M. The new church building was fully paid for and was dedicated with grateful and appropriate services December 16th. 1900. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. S. C. Dean of Americus, Georgia. In 1928 the present Sunday School annex, a two story brick building, with class rooms and elementary departments was director of music in the college and organist in the church $20,172.00. The church had long felt the need for a home for our preacher and during the ministry of Bro. E. Z. F. Golden the church bought from Mr. D. M. Jacobs the "Robt. F. Simpson dwelling" on January 6th. 1895 for the sum of $1700.00, which is the home of our present pastor, the property of the church. A most interesting example of the Holy Spirit's power is strikingly proven in the building of the new church in 1898. Bethel Female College had been erected in 1852 and was widely known -- the spiritual child of the mind and heart of Uncle Tommy Muse who was pastor of our church. Many had received an education at this institution. In 1859 or 60, Prof. Charles F. Blandner, of Philadelphia was director of music in the college and organist in the church. A revival was in progress and Uncle Tommy was preaching the gospel with fervor and under the spirit's power. An invitation for confession and membership was extended. The heart of the organist was touched and he arose and united with the church. Shorty thereafter a love letter was written by him to a young girl, his sister Helena, residing in Philadelphia, quoting Uncle Tommy's text, telling the story of his conversion, giving a synopsis of the sermon and telling her how happy he had been since giving himself to Jesus. He requested her to read the chapter in the Bible from which the text was taken, with the hope expressed that she too might find the same joy. The sister tells that she read the letter and the chapter again and again. She was joyfully converted and presented herself to a Baptist church in Philadelphia, was received and baptized, but was never permitted to see or hear Uncle Tommy Muse. In 1861, the Civil war began, and Prof. Blandner enlisted and served in the Confederate army. He was granted a letter of dismission from this church August 26th, 1866. In the summer of 1897, Miss Helena Blandner visited Cuthbert as the guest of Mrs. Fannie C. Allison. She too was a music teacher and organist, and her brother had long before died. Her visit to Cuthbet was prompted by a long cherished desire to place in the church which her brother had joined, a splendid pipe organ to honor his memory. She found the church building inadequate, entirely too small and the membership financially unable to incur the cost of erecting a suitable new building. She conferred with the pastor and the friend whom she was visiting and through them, with the church. Then out of a heart of gratitude to God, of love for the memory of a devoted brother, she practically doubled the total sum subscribed by the local membership for building a new church. She gave $4002.00 cash for the building fund, and after completion, she placed therein the pipe organ, of wondrous richness in tone and melody. Inscribed on the bronze plate, are these words, "In memory of Charles F. Blandner, of Philadelphia, by his sister, Helena F. Blandner." CUTHBERT BAPTIST CHURCH (Part 2 of 2) PASTORS OF THE CHURCH John G. Gilvert, Peter Eldridge, Stephen Parker (Primitive Baptist), Thomas Muse (1843 to 1852), Wm. L. Crawford, Jesse L. Lunsford, A. T. Holmes (1852), E. W. Warren (1855), John F. Dagg, S. E. Brooks, B. L. Ross, Thomas Muse, John L. Underwood (1867), Frank M. Daniel (1869), Abner B. Campbell (1871), James B. Cheves (1875), John W. P. Fackler (1877), Frank Johnson, supply (1880), Wm. H. Cooper (1881-6), W. S. Rogers (1886), Edwd. V. Baldy (1890), E.Z.F. Golden (1894), G. R. Bisby, supply (1898), W. L. Culbertson (1900), Isaac A. White (1903), John F. Eden (1906), Geo. V. Tilley (1909), B. S. Railey (1913), Chas. C. Davison (1916), Wm. M. Sentell (1918), J. H. Coin (1920), D. W. Bosdell (1924), Chas. R. Hutchins (1928), A. B. Metcalf, supply (1929), M. L. Lawson (1929). CLERKS OF THE CHURCH Wm. H. Burton (1848), Wm. H. Bell (1851), E. B. Lightfoot (1853), Marcellus Douglass (1855), G. M. Patterson (1856), John W. Janes (1859), R. D. Mallory (1861), J. P. Freeman (1864), R. A. Clayton (1865), Jno. r. Shaw (1866- 7), R. E. Jackson (1868), A. E. McGarity (1869), James W. Stanford (1871), Jas. C. Martin (1873), F. M. Allison (1877), J. W. Stanford (1877), L. A. Duggan (1886), Thos. F. Moody (1890), J. B. Smith (1907), L. A. Duggan (1914), Jas. B. Stanford (1917), Jas. W. Stanford (1919), E. Clyde Teel (1921), Joe B. Williford (1925), Jas. B. Stanford (1927), J. Willis Ivey (1927), Jno. M. Gunn (1929), Jno. D. Gunn (1931), The following have served as Deacons for the Church: J. T. Sanderlin, John H. Calloway, B. F. Warner, Wm. H. Long, B. C. Mitchell, T. M. Calloway, Robt. S. Jackson, S. T. Jenkins, Dr. S. G. Robertson, Dr. E. J. Palmer, A. F. Black, Dr. J. T. Cleveland, Terrell Moody, Jas. C. Martin, Vincent T. Sanford, Wellborn F. Clark, Dr. W. P. Shelley, B. W. Ellis, L. A. Duggan, J. Thomas Land, N. T. Spivey, W. Z. T. Bridges, E. W. Childs, Jas. W. Stanford, Thos. F. Moody, C. Taylor, W. C. Cook, W. P. Faris, Jno. D. Gunn, Richard D. Gay, Chas. A. Lanier, Ira B. Martin, W. Burr Stanford, Chas. B. King, Ed Stevens, A. P. Hatcher, W. O. Taylor, R. L. Arthur, W. H. Bridges, Z. T. Nichols, E. C. Teel, J. E. Ware, J. T. Land, H. S. Page, R. G. Hall, C. S. Martin, W. J. Boyett, F. R. Hatchell, S. G. McLeod, J. W. Ivey, Jno. M. Gunn, Carl Swann. MEMBERSHIP NOW ENROLLED OCTOBER 1932 Males 148 Females 234 Total 382 Through the years of its history, many ministers of the Baptist denomination have held membership with this church. Their presence with us and their fellowship as servants of God have been a blessing. Rev. T. L. Houck was received by letter September 1879. He was blind; as opportunity presented, he was engaged in colportage and evangelistic work in the Association. He died September 18th., 1882. He was a true and faithful minister whose life was spent in glorifying his Saviour and seeking the salvation of sinners. Rev. John T. Clark, L. L. D. graduated at Mercer University in July 1853, admitted to the bar 1854, ordained in 1858 and called to the Second Baptist Church of Atlanta. On account of a throat he gave up the ministry in 1860 and returned to his law practice. He was appointed Judge of the Pataula Circuit in 1863. He was active as a member of the State Senate 1878-79. In 1882, reelected Judge of the Superior Courts in Pataula Circuit, serving in this position until his death. It was largely through his active efforts that Mercer University was moved from Penfield to Macon, Georgia. For many years he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Mercer University and also on the Board of the Bethel Female College. "He was a broad, accurate and profound scholar. He was a man, true and noble. He possessed both the passive and active graces of christianity, actively blended in his character. The spirit of Paul and the thoughtful, gentle spirit of John seemed united in him. Nothwithstanding his extraordinary abilities and superior advantages, he was in his feelings and actions, simply a brother among brothers, redeemed sinner among the redeemed of the Lord. He was killed by the train at Smithville, Georgia, July 25th., 1889. On Sunday, the day before his death, he preached two sermons in our church with an unction of the Spirit seldom realized and with great ability." He was generous in his support of his church, always to be depended upon for any duty assigned, or any service that he might render. Prominent among the laymen of the church during her early history, we find recorded in the minutes, the names of John T. Sanderlin, Thos. M. Calloway, Wm. H. Long, Marcellus Douglass and Robt. S. Jackson, who were worthy, deserving mention for their fidelity and devotion to the church. In succeeding years, the records show that Terrell Moody, A. F. Black, Jas. C. Martin, Wellborn F. Clark, B. W. Ellis, L. A. Duggan, Jas. W. Stanford, Thos. F. Moody and others, were loyally zealous in their devotion and were faithful in their labor in the Lord's business while they lived. Lawrence A. Duggan served as a deacon many years. He was Clerk of the church a long while and a faithful Sunday School teacher. He was elected Moderator of Bethel Association and served acceptably for four years. Noted for his wise and kindly fitness for this office, he was beloved by all who were messengers to the annual sessions. Jas. W. Stanford was for many years, active, loyal and liberal in his devotion to the church. He was Church Clerk, Superintendent of the Sunday School, teacher of men's Bible Class and Chairman of Board of Deacons. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethel Female College and also of Mercer University. He served in the association as a Sunday School Evangelist. As a Layman, he was ever willing to labor in Evangelistic work and frequently engaged in holding revival meetings in our churches. He was generous in his support financially to all phrases of denominational interests. For several years he contributed one half of the sum supporting Bro. S. Emmett Stephens in his missionary work in China and a part of the time, the other half was paid by this church. Bro. Stephens was located at T- Sing-Tau, Shantung Province, China. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL We find the only early mention of the Sunday School in the letter to the Index written by Uncle Tommy Muse in 1887, as members of the Historical Committee of Bethel Association. He writes "This church has kept up a regular Sunday School since 1852", in which year the church was removed to the present location. We find first mention of the school in the minutes of the church is October 29th. 1873. The school has functioned with varying success since its beginning. It has generously contributed to the several lines of denominational work, fostered by your State Convention and has observed fairly well the "rally days" each year. It has endeavored to teach the spirit of missions, and the many needs for missionary efforts by evangelism, throughout the world. We have gladly contributed to our hospital, and to the Georgia Baptist Orphans Home, for healing the sick and the care of four orphan children. Out of the classes taught, a large majority of the conversions and additions to our membership by baptism have come during the years. Teaching the word, sowing and reaping, under the power of the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of humanity. Most of those who have served as Superintendents, are also among those named in the list of our Deacons, and we name them as follows: C. N. Simpson, Jr., Thomas F. Moody, S. G. Hilyer, Jr., Thos. F. Jones, Jno. D. Gunn, Rev. Wm. H. Cooper, Jas. A. Allison, W. B. Stanford, Frank A. Hooper, W. J. Boyett, Dr. S. G. Robertson, Rev. E. V. Baldy, B. W. Ellis, John T. Clark, Wellborn F. Clark, L. A. Duggan, George W. Cheves, Dr. W. P. Shelley, Jas. W. Stanford, Vincent T. Stanford. Our present enrollment is over two hundred, average attendance one hundred and sixty, with all departments well graded; but lacking in teachers needed, and the needed support by love and cooperation from the adult membership of our church. The Sunday School supported a native Missionary in China in 1903, and 1904, and from time to time some of the adult classes have supported one to three Bible Women in different foreign fields during many years. W.M.U. Our women were first organized about 1885, for interest in missionary work through correspondence with Mrs. Staimback Wilson of Atlanta, who was connected with Foreign Mission Board. Mrs. Susan D. Dunn was President and Mrs. Laura F. Clark, Secretary. The Woman's Missionary Society was fully organized in 1888 by Mrs. Kiddoo, and Mrs. D. B. Fitzgerald, who was the appointed State worker for this section by the Georgia Baptist Convention, after which the Society became affiliated with the State organized work. Among the members of this first organization the following enrolled: Mrs. C. E. Allison, Mrs. Susan D. Gunn, Mrs. H. C. Thornton, Mrs. Laura F. Clark, Mrs. Louis E. Gay, Mrs. L. P. Taylor, Mrs. E. T. Davis, Mrs. S. G. Robertson, Miss Sebie Wooten, Mrs. Emma Duggan, Mrs. Terell Moody, Mrs. Susan Duggan, Mrs. Joe N. Stanford, Mrs. Sallie Stanford, and others. On July 15th. 1890 the name was changed to Woman's Missionary and Aid Society, embracing in its endeavors local aid to the needy and other worthy causes. For sometime, Bethel Association refused to recognize any messengers from this Society or to include mention of their progress and work, other than as it was included in the general report from the church. In 1901, the Associational Minutes include the meeting of the delegates of women, and annually thereafter in their Associational meeting. The messengers from this church from year to year record the names of Mrs. Louis E. Gay, Mrs. Susan D. Gunn, Mrs. D. R. Like, Mrs. L. P. Taylor, Mrs. A. E. Keese, Mrs. L. A. Duggan, Mrs. Little Farnum, Mrs. Jno. D. Gunn, Mrs. I. A. White, Mrs. B. E. Ellis, Mrs. C. B. King, Mrs. T. F. Moody, Mrs. L. C. Clark, Mrs. J. H. Coin, Mrs. G. Y. Moore, Mrs. Z. H. Shelley, Mrs. Carl Swann, Mrs. Allison Sealey, and others. Each succeeding year the results of the prayers, study and labors of love for the plan and purpose of this society have meant great things for the church and work of the Kingdom of God in our community. Through the years, the Society has contributed joyously to all phases of our denominational work. At home, they have continually clothed one of the orphan children at Hapeville. They have contributed several years to the Margaret Fund Memorials and to the Mary P. Willingham school. In 1919, the Society gave to the "Church Building and Loan Fund", a memorial offering of five hundred dollars, which was named, "The Susan Douglass Gunn Memorial." By recurring weeks of prayer and mission study courses our W.M.U. for many years has proven its zeal by liberal gifts. They have far excelled the laymen in knowledge of our denominational program. The total contributions to our mission work from this church would show much more than half of the sum coming through the sacrificial prayers and liberal gifts from the women of our church. For several years, Mrs. Louis E. Gay supported a Foreign Missionary, Mrs. E. G. MacLean, wife of Dr. E. G. MacLean, at I'os in Ogbomoso, Africa, beyond the Lagos district. Known in later years as the Womans Missionary Union, this organization has ranked A.-1, and was awarded the banner for several years, for their splendid work. Number now enrolled fifty one. Under their leadership, our children have conducted the following auxiliaries: Y.W.A.'s Intermediate G.A.'s, Junior G.A.'s Intermediate R.A.'s and Sunbeams. The offices of the W.M.U. have been, Presidents, Mrs. R. F. Simpson, Ms. Susan D. Gunn, Mrs. L. A. Duggan, Mrs. C. B. King, Mrs. G. Y. Moore. Secretaries, Mrs. L. P. Taylor, Mrs. B. W. Ellis, Mrs. F. C. Allison, Mrs. L. E. Gay, Mrs. Clara Mashburn, Mrs. Jno. D. Gunn, Mrs. J. H. Swann. Treasurers, Mrs. J. W. Stanford, Mrs. J. L. Sanders, Mrs. L. C. Clark. YOUNG PEOPLES WORK By resolution offered at Conference on January 7th. 1891, by Dr. W. P. Shelley, the first Young People's Society was organized and Dr. J. W. Stanford was elected Leader of the young people. He resigned as Leader of this work January 1st. 1893, and was succeeded by Brother Thos. F. Moody, who resigned May 7th, 1893. He was succeeded by Jno. D. Gunn. Later the Society was divided, the younger children were known as "Royal Jewels" under the leadership of Mrs. Jno. D. Gunn for many years. Their first President was James O. Boone. The first B.Y.P.U. was organized in April 1900, Bro. Edgar Clark was elected President. He resigned May 20th., 1900 and was succeeded by Jno. D. Gunn. The early efforts of the B.Y.P.U. organization were intermittent, and discouraging, with periods of complete dormancy, but for several years, we record with growing gratitude that the young people of our church and Sunday School have conducted a splendid B.Y.P.U. with both senior and junior departments with every portion of the program well executed, developing the talent, and hearts of our young membership in christian fellowship and the joys of christian service. The present officers are: Senior B.Y.P.U. - Forest Peak, President; Ruby Ware, Vice President; Carolyn Ward, Secretary. Junior B.Y.P.U. - Mell Hatchell, President; Pauline Baldwin, Vice- President; Elizabeth Swann, Secretary. Intermediate N.Y.P.U. - Edward Surles, President; Francis Holst, Vice President; Billie Zuber, Secretary. President General Assembly, Miss Maude Moore. Number enrolled -- 94 Prepared and submitted by John. D. Gunn, October 1st, 1932. (pages 161-173) "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/randolph/churches/nbb39cuthbert.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/gafiles/ File size: 33.5 Kb