Unknown County GaArchives Church Records.....Georgia Baptists Convention Copyright Date 1874
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BAPTIST CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF GEOEGIA.

  The suggestion for the formation of this body appeared in the minutes of the
Sarepta Association, of October, 1820. The resolution was drawn by Rev. A.
Sherwood, and presented by Charles J. Jenkins, father of ex-Governor Jenkins:
"Resolved, that we suggest for our consideration, and respectfully that of
sister associations in this State, the propriety of organizing a general meeting
of correspondence." The original resolution was: "Resolved, that we suggest to
sister associations in this State," etc. The Ocmulgee, being earliest in session
the next year, approved the object of the suggestion, and appointed messengers
to meet such as might be sent by other associations. The Georgia, which met in
October, also appointed messengers, named Powelton as the place of the first
meeting, and June succeeding, 1822, as the time. The Sarepta, however, at her
very next session, resolved that she saw no need for any such meeting!

  1. In June, 1822, messengers from the Georgia and Ocmulgee met and agreed on a
constitution, in which the body was styled "The General Association," and to be
composed of delegates from such associations as chose to unite.

ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION.

  1. This body is constituted upon those principles of christian faith exhibited
in scripture, generally acknowledged and received in the Baptist denomination.

  2. The constituents of this body are the Baptist associations in the State of
Georgia, or as many of them as may think proper to accede to the terms of this
Convention; and also two delegates from such auxiliary societies as contribute
annually to our funds, whose constitutions may be approved.

  3. It shall he known and distinguished by the name of "The Baptist Convention
for the State of Georgia," and shall form the organ of general communication for
the denomination throughout the State.

  4. Each association may send not less than five, and not-more than eight
delegates, to represent them in this body; and all delegates shall hold their
appointments until others are elected to succeed them.

  5. The officers of this union shall he a moderator, a clerk and assistant
clerk, and a treasurer, who shall be appointed by ballot at each annual meeting,
and shall form a committee of the body during the recess of the meeting; but
this committee may be increased as occasion may require; and have authority to
fill any vacancies which may happen, and also that of the treasurer.

  6. The moderator shall perform the same duties that devolve on moderators in
the several associations, and in addition to this, shall be authorized to call
meetings of the committee in the interval of annual meetings, should he deem it
expedient.

  7. The clerk shall enter in a book, all the trasactions of this body. The
assistant clerk shall take charge of all distant communications, to or from this
body, and shall write all the letters which it may require.

  8. The treasure shall take charge of all the moneys, specialties, and property
of all kinds, belonging to the body—give sufficient security for the amount in
his hands—report the state of the funds from time to time, as the Convention may
direct— and hand over to his successor in office all its moneys, property, etc.

  9. Questions of difficulty may be referred from any of the individual
associations, to the deliberation and advice of this body.

  10.. The acts and proceedings of this body shall be submitted, from time to
time, to its constituents for inspection; and none of its decisions shall be
binding on the associations or auxiliaries.

  11. The following are the specific objects of this body, viz: 1. To unite the
influence and pious intelligence of Georgia Baptists, and thereby to facilitate
their union and co-operation.2. To form and encourage plans for the revival of
experimentaland practical religion in the State and elsewhere. 3. To aid in
giving effect to the useful plans of the several associations. 4. To afford an
opportunity to those who may conscientiously think it their duty to form a fund
for the education of pious young men, who may be called by the Spirit and their
churches to the Christian ministry. 5. To correspond with bodies of other
religious denominations, on topics of general interest to the Redeemer's
kingdom, and to promote pious and useful education in the Baptist denomination.

  12. It shall have power to form rules, make arrangements, and appoint
committees for the accomplishment of any and all the above projects: Provided,
none of these rules and arrangements shall be inconsistent with the scriptures
and the known principles of the associations.

  13. Two-thirds of the whole number of delegates shall form a quorum, and a
majority shall decide a question.

  14. When its funds will justify it, this body may send delegates to the
General Convention of our denomination in the United States.

  15. The above constitution shall be liable to amendment or alteration, by
two-thirds of the delegates present: Provided, the change may have been proposed
by a member of the convention at the preceding meeting.

  2. In 1823 the session was again in Powelton. The Sarepta sent corresponding
messengers. Several subjects of importance engaged the attention of the body:
practical religion, weekly meetings, Sabbath schools, observance of the Sabbath,
etc. Rev. W. T. Brantly, Sr., and A. Sherwood preached on the Sabbath.

  3. The meeting for 1824 was at Eatonton, in April. The Sunbury Association,
having approved the constitution, became a member of the Union. Letters from
distinguished brethren in various parts of the United States, in answer to the
correspondence of the clerk, touching a uniform system of doctrine and
discipline, were read. All the associations in the State were invited to take up
the subject; but the scheme was abandoned, after an ineffectual effort.

  4. The session of 1825 was also at Eatonton. The Yellow River Association,
having been formed the preceding year, appointed five corresponding messengers,
of whom only Rev. Joel Colley attended. Rev. Jesse Mercer read an exposition of
the twelfth chapter of Revelation, and an essay on the permanent officers in a
church, was read by Rev. Henry J. Ripley, now professor in Newton Theolgical
Institution. The dissertation read last year by Rev. A. Sherwood, and his
introductory sermon of this session, with Mr. Mercer's exposition, were ordered
to be printed. The agents had brought in $67, and after Mr. Mercer's mission
sermon on the Sabbath, $218 were collected. Rev. William B. Johnson of South
Carolina was present and preached at this session. John M. Gray was appointed
general agent.

  5. Augusta entertained the body in 1826. By an amendment of the constitution,
auxiliary societies were allowed to send delegates. The Hephzibah auxiliary sent
J. Key and J. H. T. Kilpatrick. The Georgia and Ocmulgee Associations
transferred their funds to this body, that it might conduct the business of
missions, etc., amounting to $857,07 1/2 from the former, and $107 from the
latter. "Rules for interpreting scripture," and an "Essay on a call to the
ministry," by W. T. Brantly and I. L. Brookes, were read and ordered to be
printed in the Columbian Star. J. Toole, and indigent young minister, who had
been studying under Mr. Brantly in Augusta, was adopted by the Convention, and
money appropriated for his support. He afterwards prosecuted his studies with
Rev. James Shannon, who succeeded to the pastoral care of the Augusta church
upon the removal of Rev. Dr. Brantly to Philadelphia.

  6. The sixth session was at Washinton, in April, 1827. The Flint River
auxiliary was admitted as a constituent: John Reeves and Benjamin Willson,
messengers. Fifty dollars were appropriated for theological works for indigent
ministers, and J. Toole and Thomas Walsh (lately a Methodist) were beneficiaries.

  7. In May, 1828, the body convened at Monticello. New auxiliary societies were
represented—the Sarepta by Jeremiah Reeves and Thomas Walsh, and the Yellow
River by B. H. Willson and J. Travis. The name of the body was changed to
"Convention." An essay on the talents mentioned by Matthew, was read by Rev. Mr.
Kilpatrick, and ordered to be printed in the Star. The Eatonton church proposed
to furnish instruction by its pastor, Rev. A. Sherwood, to all young ministers
who desired to improve their minds, and also board—provided the Convention would
supply as much as the church's present contribution. One young brother was
examined and sent to Eatonton, and the next year two others were sent to the
same place. "Rules to regulate the reception of beneficiaries" were adopted at
this session.

  8. The eighth anniversary was held at Milledgeville, in March, 1829. Rev. B.
M. Sanders' exposition of Matthew, eleventh chapter and twelfth verse, was read
and directed to be printed, and Rev. Mr. Mercer's "prerequisites to ordination,"
to be published in the minutes. Mr. JOSIAH PENFIELD (late of Savannah) had
bequeathed to the Convention $2,500 as the basis of a permanent fund for the
purposes of theological education, to be paid on condition that a like sum
should be raised by the body for the same object. Our people had not been
accustomed to pay large sums, and it was considered a happy circumstance that
notes were promptly given by responsible persons to the amount of $2,500, the
sum required to be made up. This may be considered an epoch in our history in
Georgia, for an impulse was then given to the cause of ministerial improvement,
which has already resulted in incalculable good, and which it is believed will
be felt for ages yet to come. Already has this small beginning been augmented to
near §200,000. In Savannah, where he lived, and labored, and died, the name of
PENFIELD will be long held in sacred remembrance; and among the Baptists of this
State he will ever be regarded as a benefactor of God's people.

  Pike county auxiliary society was received at this session.

  9. The Convention in 1830 was held at Bethesda church, Greene, county. New
auxiliaries joined—McDonough and Rocky creek; in Laurens. The labors of several
missionaries, employed a portion of the previous year, amounted to more than two
years' service of one man. Many valuable theological works had been distributed
among our indigent ministers, whose libraries had been thereby greatly improved.
From year to year there was a slow, but perceptible and profitable, improvement
in our ministry. Several essays and sermons, all bearing on this important
subject, were ordered to be printed for gratuitous circulation. Thus that mighty
engine, the press, was doing its work to aid in rousing the energies of our
people in favor of this object. And all this was necessary: for during several
preceding years, the Convention, was compelled to bear up against most
formidable opposition, in the objections of many influential ministers and
laymen. Dissatisfaction and disaffection were increasing and spreading to the
remotest parts of the State; and were shown more violently by some who had
formerly been its professed friends, than by any others. This opposition was
fast tending to a crisis.

  10. Buck-head church in Burke county received and entertained the body in
1831. Several new auxiliaries joined: Lagrange, Jasper and Putnam county
societies. The following important resolution was passed with great unanimity,
viz: "Resolved, that as soon as the funds will justify it, this convention will
establish, in some central part of the State a classical and theological school"
to be connected with manual labor, and those preparing for the ministry only to
be admitted. This resolution was not suffered to die without being carried into
effect—for though a site was not purchased until the following year, yet it was
only because the committee to whom this matter was confided could not find an
eligible location. Rev. A. Sherwood, with his characteristic decision and
energy, agreed to raise by subscription $1,500 for the purchase of lands, etc.
This engagement was faithfully fulfilled and the amount raised.

  While education, particularly the education of the ministry, was thus engaging
much of the attention of the Baptists in this State, the cause of missions was
by no means overlooked. On the contrary, the streams of benevolence in this
respect were widening and deepening every year, and these wore pouring forth the
blessings of the gospel to the remotest parts of the earth.

  It was announced that the Ocmulgee Association had withdrawn from the
Convention; also, that the Convention had been incorporated by the Legislature.

  11. Powelton, Hancock county, was the seat of the session in 1832. Auxiliary
societies were admitted from Morgan and Gwinnett counties, and from the
Cbattahoochee and Tugalo Associations. Brethren Campbell, Lumpkin and Kilpatrick
preached on the Sabbath. Mr. Lumpkin's sermon, on ministerial education, was
ordered to be printed. Beneficiaries were reported as being under instruction at
Athens, Crawfordville, Gainsville, Ruckersville, and under Rev. Mr. Sherwood
near Eatonton—eight in all. This was a season of mourning and distress on
account of the recent death of Rev. Jabez P. Marshall. The plan of a manual
labor school, to be called "Mercer Institute" was adopted, and the site, (now
calledPenfield, in honor of the late Josiah Penfield of Savannah, Georgia,)
seven miles north of Greensboro in Greene county, was selected.

  12. The session for 1833 was at McDonough in Henry county. The attendance was
very numerous, and the deepest interest manifested by all in the proceedings of
the Convention. Rev. A. Sherwood's introductory discourse was ordered to be
printed, as also, Mr. Mercer's dissertation on "Resemblances and differences
between associational and church authority." While strong opposition had shown
itself in various parts of the State, still it was evident that the body was
rapidly growing in public confidence and favor. At the close of the session, Mr.
Sherwood, who had served as clerk for ten years, resigned.

  13. In 1834, the body met at Indian creek church, Morgan county. New
auxiliaries were received from Athens, and Talbot, and Walton counties. Jesse
Mercer, N. W. Hodges of S. C., and James Shannon, preached on the Sabbath. Mr.
Mercer's discourse on ministerial education was ordered to be printed.
Recommended the organization of a Baptist Sunday-school Union for the State. The
Manual Labor School at Penfield was reported to be in a prosperous condition,
having about eighty pupils—five of whom were looking forward to the gospel
ministry. A gracious revival had been experienced during the year, when some
thirty of the pupils were baptized. The "Mercer Institute," from its
commencement, had been under Rev. Billington M. Sanders as principal, than whom
a more laborious and indefatigable instructor perhaps never lived. He continued
in this position seven years.

  14. The session of 1835 was at Shiloh church, Greene county. Introductory
sermon by Rev. J. H. Campbell. The Georgia Association was the only association
belonging to the Convention. It was made up mostly of auxiliary societies in
different parts of the State. This session the Central Association joined, being
represented by Thomas Cooper, James Evans, John E. Dawson, Jesse Travis, Lot
Hearn, J. H. Campbell and William Hearn. The following auxiliary societies also
joined: Twiggs county, Putnam county, Mercer University, Newton  county,
Mountain creek, in Harris county, Island Ford, in Gwinnett county. Letters were
received from the southwestern part of the State, "entreating that brother
Everett be continued as a missionary in that section of the country." Agreed to
endeavor to raise $3,000 during next year for foreign missions. Resolutions were
adopted in favor of the religious instruction of our colored population. A
package of tracts in Burmese was received from brother Simons, our missionary in
Burmah. Agreed that the constitution as amended, be printed in connection with
the minutes.

  15. The fifteenth meeting was at Talbotton in 1836. New auxiliaries: Sarepta,
Meriwether, Upson, Bibb, Coweta and Heard county, and Piney Grove Society. A
plan for a Southern Baptist college was presented in a report, and the names of
fifty persons, from among whom trustees should be selected by the executive
committee of the Convention. During the preceding year the body had pledged
itself to endeavor to raise $3,000 for foreign missions. But it was ascertained
at this session that she had more than redeemed her pledge—$5,712 17 having been
sent up for this object alone. It was resolved to attempt to raise $10,000 next
year, but owing to the reverse in the pecuniary affairs of the country, this
attempt was a failure in part.

  It may be proper to state that the "Southern Baptist College" was suggested at
Washington, Wilkes county, in the spring of 1835, and some $10,000 subscribed in
that county alone for the object. By this time over $35,000 had been subscribed,
and the Central Association had resolved to raise $20,000 for the endowment of a
theological professorship, etc. In the fall of 1836, a charter was obtained and
the trustees appointed. These trustees met at Athens, in August, 1837, and
though about $100,000 had been subscribed, strong objections were made to
Washington as the site. The project was abandoned with reference to that place,
and the executive committee were requested to endeavor to carry out the main
design, if practicable, at some other place. The Central Association soon held a
session at Madison, and recommended the raising up of "Mercer Institute" into a
college. The agents then went to work with the subscribers, to prevail upon them
to change the direction of their subscriptions in favor of Penfield. In this
they were generally successful. In December, 1837, the powers of the executive
committee of the Convention were so enlarged by the Legislature that they could
establish a college and confer degrees. In May, 1838, the Convention chose new
trustees and appointed the first meeting of that board to be on the 10th of July
ensuing. "MERCER UNIVERSITY" was the name given to the institution, in honor of
Rev. Jesse Mercer.

  16. The anniversary for 1837 was held at Ruckersville, in Elbert county. The
Hephzibah, Appalachee and Mountain Associations became component members, and
new auxiliary societies (Bethel and Monroe counties) were received. The interest
of this session was greatly enhanced by the ordination of Edward A. Stevens, of
the Sunbury church, as a missionary to the East. He had but recently finished
his theological course at Newton, Mass., and been accepted by the Board of
Foreign Missions, and was the first native Georgian who had been destined to
labor among the heathen of the Eastern world. The amount for foreign missions
received during the year was $6,215 20. Funds in the hands of treasurer for
education of ministers, building, etc., $21,562 60, besides lands and
improvements at Penfield and subscriptions for "Mercer University."

  17. The 17th session was held at Monroe, Walton county, in 1838. Washington
Mission Society was received. The college charter was approved and appended to
the minutes. Messengers were in attendance from South Carolina Baptist
Convention. A catechism for Sabbath-schools, prepared by teachers of the
Sunday-schools in Augusta, Ga., was favorably noticed.

The following; notice was taken of the American and Foreign Bible Society:

  The committee appointed to report a resolution with respect to the American
and Foreign Bible Society have had the subject under consideration, and feel
deeply impressed with the idea of the importance of the institution. An effort
to give the Bible, faithfully translated, to the world, is no common
undertaking, and should, in the view of the committee, draw forth the best
feelings and engage the most cordial co-operation of all Christians. Therefore,

  Resolved, That we have entire confidence in the board of managers of this
society; that we approve its objects, and that we request our brethren
generally, so far as they have opportunity, to contribute to its funds.

  Amount received for foreign missions and kindred objects, $5,334 83 1/2.

  18. In 1839 the body convened at Richland, Twiggs county. New constituents:
Columbus  and Rehoboth Associations. At the request of "Cave Spring Manual Labor
School," in Floyd county, a committee was appointed to confer with the trustees
on the interests of said school. The Mercer University was reported to be in
successful operation, with ninety-five students in the two departments. Upwards
of $5,000 were sent up to the session for the various objects of the Convention,
and the whole amount in the hands of the treasurer, about $28,000. Sixty-one
delegates, from various associations and societies, composed the body, with a
congregation of between three and four thousand in attendance.

  19. Rev. Asa Chandler delivered the introductory discourse to the nineteenth
anniversary, at Penfield, May 1st, 1840. Jesse Mercer was re-elected moderator,
J. E. Dawson clerk, and C. D. Mallary assistant clerk. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX,
(with printing press, dues, etc.,) was received as a donation from Rev. Jesse
Mercer. After considerable discussion, the offer was accepted "without a
dissenting-voice." and resolutions adopted expressive of the gratitude of the
Convention to the reverend donor for his generosity. The printing office and
house was worth some $2,000—some $3,000 due the concern—about $1,000, money
advanced for the office, he discounted in favor of the Convention—and furnished
the office with a new font of type worth $500. The usual objects claiming the
attention of the body are gaining ground in the estimation and charity of the
denomination.

  20. The delegates who formed the session of 1841 met at Thomaston, Upson
county. Introductory by Rev. Albert Williams. Rev. B. M. Sanders, moderator, in
place of Jesse Mercer, who had been called to his home on high during the
previous year. In his death, the Baptists have sustained perhaps the greatest
loss they had ever experienced in the State. Dr. Curtis, an Englishman, pastor
of the church in Macon, delivered the sermon on education, on Sabbath—a rare
production. No business of extraordinary interest transacted.

  21. The session at LaGrange, Troup county, in 1842, was very numerously
attended. Rev. J. H. Campbell introduced the meeting by a sermon from 2 Cor., v.
14: “For the love of Christ constraineth us." The Flint river and Western
Associations were received as constituent members. The trustees of Mercer
University held a session during the recess. Some differences which had existed
among them were adjusted, and peace once more reigned. B. M. Sanders was
moderator, W. H. Stokes clerk, V. R. Thornton assistant clerk. The interests of
"Hearn Manual Labor School" excited much attention. J. H. Campbell proposed a
plan for its relief, which was finally successful. The management of the female
school at Penfield excited some unpleasant discussion in this meeting.

  22. The Convention was at Madison in 1843. Introductory by S. G. Hillyer. B.
M. Sanders president, W. H. Stokes secretary, and V. R. Thornton assistant
secretary. The body was composed of delegates from thirteen associations and
three auxiliary societies. The Bethel Association joined here. Isaac McCoy,
(missionary to the Indians,) J. S. C. F. Prey, the Jew, and Rev. William B.
Johnson, were in attendance; also, J. G. Binney, late pastor of Savannah church,
and now under appointment as a missionary to Burmah. Eight domestic missionaries
have been sustained more or less of their time, and the same number of
beneficiaries are under instruction in Mercer University. The Convention became
auxiliary to the American Indian Mission Association, (much interest having been
excited therein by Rev. I. McCoy, their agent,) and appointed H. Posey and E.
Dyer to attend as messengers. In the adjournment, the parting hand was given to
brother Binney and his wife, whose faces were expected to be seen no more by the
members of this body—a most touching scene !

  23. The twenty-third anniversary was at Cave Spring, in Floyd county, in 1844.
Owing to the remoteness of the situation, the attendance was not as numerous as
usual, yet it was quite respectable. B. M. Sanders moderator, Thomas Stocks
clerk. Besides the ordinary transactions, (which show the body in a prosperous
condition,) arrangements were made to take possession of "Hearn Manual Labor
School," voluntarily offered to this body by its board of trustees. A most
valuable situation for a school is thus secured to the denomination, believed to
be worth twenty or twenty-five thousand dollars. "Hitherto the Lord hath Helped
us!"



Additional Comments:
From:

GEORGIA BAPTISTS: HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL
BY
J. H. CAMPBELL,
PERRY, GEORGIA.


MACON, GA.: J. W. BURKE & COMPANY. 1874.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
J. H. CAMPBELL,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.


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