Unknown County GaArchives Church Records.....Georgia Baptists Georgia Association Copyright Date 1874
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GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.

FORMATION AND EARLY HISTORY.

  With respect to the precise date of the constitution, there is some doubt, as
the records of the early proceedings of this infant body were not preserved.
There are no documents from which either the date or place of its formation can
be fixed with certainty. It is most probable it took place at the Kiokee church.
This was the mother church, and it would seem reasonable to suppose that the
union was formed there. Indeed, Mr. Benedict, in his History of the Baptists,
seems to admit it, and the testimony of Rev. Mr. Cartledge, then a licentiate in
the church, goes to the same point, though the Rev. Mr. Sherwood, in his
"Gazetteer of Georgia," places it at Fishing creek church, but without any
testimony now in his possession.

  It is generally agreed that it was constituted in 1784. It is evident it was a
regularly constituted body in 1785, because the Rev. Mr. Mercer and Rev. Mr.
Smith were received by the Charleston Association in November of that same year
as messengers from the Georgia, then but recently formed. Admitting, however,
that it was constituted in 1784, then the constituent members would have been
only Kiokee, Fishing creek, Upton's creek, (now Greenwood,) Red's creek, (now
Aberleen,) and Little Briar creek; but if it be placed in 1785, then must be
added the churches at Phillips' mill and Whatley's mill, constituted in that year.

  The principal ministers belonging at that time to these churches were Abraham
Marshall, Sanders Walker, Peter Smith, Silas Mercer, Loveless Savidge, William
Franklin, and perhaps Alexander Scott. Mr. Scott soon after the war settled in
South Carolina, and closed, (if he ever had any,) his connection with this body.

  The Association, for some time after its constitution, held its sessions
semi-annually in May and October; but of the body itself, or of the churches,
which at that time increased with great rapidity, only a partial history can be
given.

  In May, 1786, the body sat at Fishing creek, but of the proceedings of that
session there is no record, except the letter from the church to the
Association, inviting the session of the body to be held with that church at
that time. From this letter it appears that the Rev. Jeremiah Walker was then
the clerk of the church and one of the messengers of the Association. Mr. Walker
had then but recently emigrated from Virginia and settled on Broad river, in
Elbert county, and as there was no church nearer, he united with this church,
but was soon dismissed, with others, to form another church, which was
constituted in this same year and called Hebron.

  In October, 1787, the body assembled at Greenwood, as appears from a letter of
correspondence from the church at Phillips' mill, but of the proceedings of that
meeting there is no account.

  In October, 1788, the session was held at Clark's station. Of this meeting we
have the first printed minutes, and it would seem that there ought to be minutes
of all the subsequent meetings, as the churches were requested to send their
contributions for this purpose; but, alas! but one solitary copy can be found
until the session in 1795.

  By the minutes of this meeting it appears that Abraham Marshall presided as
moderator and Jeremiah Walker served as clerk. The number of churches
represented at the meeting was thirty-one. Besides those mentioned before, there
were at this time the following churches, viz: Horne's creek, South Carolina;
Briar creek, Burke county; Stephens' creek, South Carolina; Vann's creek, Long
creek of Ogeechee, Providence, Hebron, Walker's bridge, Buffalo, South Carolina;
Ebenezer, Lower Rocky river, South Carolina; Upper Rocky river, South Carolina;
Rocky creek, Dove's creek, Clark's station, Hutton's Fork, (now Sardis,)
Millstone, Williams' creek, Tugalo, African, Soap creek, Cloud's creek, Falling
creek and Indian creek. The additional ministers were Hezekiah Walker, James
Mathews, Charles Bussey, Dozier Thornton, John White, Thomas Gilbert, Jeptha
Tilling, John Newton, Jeremiah Walker,  John McLeroy, Nathaniel Hall, Mat hew
Talbot, and John Cleveland, besides about a dozen licentiates. The Rev.
Alexander Scott and Jacob Gibson, from South Carolina, attended this meeting as
visitors and were cordially admitted as assistants in counsel. Several queries
of moment were received and answered at this meeting, which will appear under
the head of queries answered.

  One thing, however, occurred on this occasion, which deserves a passing
notice. Mr. James Hutchinson, a Methodist preacher, appeared at this session and
requested an opportunity to relate his experience and faith in Christ, with a
view to his becoming a member of the church at that place. This privilege was
granted him, and his relation being satisfactory, he was received into
membership. But although he gave up the Methodist discipline and doctrines, and
embraced fully those of the Baptist denomination, he did not feel at liberty to
give up his baptism, having been immersed, upon a profession of his faith, by
the Rev. Mr. Humphries, a regular minister of the Methodist connection. This was
made a question for the Association, then sitting, and to the body there
appeared so much of gospel order in it, that Mr. Hutchinson was admitted by the
consent of the body upon his baptism thus received. But in the end it terminated
unfortunately. Many were not well pleased with such a course, and therefore it
led on to strife and confusion. However, as he was an eloquent man, and truly
fervent in spirit, many were conciliated by his zeal and perseverance, and
strong hopes were entertained that much good would be effected through his
instrumentality.

  Not long after this, Mr. Hutchinson made a visit to his relations in Loudoun
county, in Virginia, and commenced preaching in the woods. The people erected a
commodious arbor and stand, and here he continued his ministrations with great
success for the space of twelve months. He received and baptized about one
hundred persons as the fruit of his labors, and they were formed into a church.
But here ended the joy; for no sooner did they apply for admission into the
Association, than the validity of their minister's baptism was called in
question, which, of course, involved a question as to the validity of the
baptism of the whole church. It became a subject of deep interest in the
Association; a majority prevailed against it, and consequently the church was
rejected. At this particular crisis Mr. Hutchinson submitted to a re-immersion,
and his people, with two or three exceptions, followed his example. Thus
terminated a most fierce and distressing controversy. So much for admitting &
poedo-Baptist administration of the ordinance of baptism!

  Soon after this Mr. Hutchinson returned to Georgia, loaded with goods. He
entered into merchandise, and in him was fulfilled the declaration of Paul to
Timothy, "But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition;
for the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows." He plunged into worldly cares, lost his zeal for God, fell into
transgression and was excluded from the church. And although he afterwards
professed repentance, and was in some degree restored, he never regained his
former standing and usefulness. He struggled through a few miserable years in
worldly pursuits, and died at last, under a cloud of darkness and deep distress.

  In May, 1789, the Association assembled with the church on Long creek of
Ogeechee. And regular annual sessions were held at Whatley's mill, Botsford's
meeting-house, Powel's creek, Red's creek, Phillips' mill and Island creek, up
to the year 1791; but of the proceedings of these meetings there are no records
to be found. This is the more to be regretted, as some very important and truly
interesting occurrences took place during this period. Besides the prosperity
and rich increase enjoyed by the body, there was a season of sore trial—a season
of distressing controversy and division. And it is now to be regretted that no
record of these transactions has been left as a beacon to those who live in
after times, to warn them of similar errors and similar troubles. As it is,
however, we can only give a few sketches from memory.

  We have already seen that the Rev. Jeremiah Walker had emigrated from Virginia
and become a member of this Association. Mr. Walker had been a famous champion
for the truth in Virginia. He had vindicated the doctrine of free and sovereign
grace against the Arminian notions of free will and self-righteousness. He was
bold and resolute in the defense of religious liberty against the intolerant
measures of the established clergy. For this he was shamefully treated and
imprisoned. But he endured all for Christ's sake, not counting even his own life
dear unto him, and came off in the end more than a conquerer through Him of
whose cause he was the fearless and uncompromising advocate. But strange to
tell! after all this, this man yielded to temptation, and by transgression fell,
shamefully fell, from his steadfastness, and sunk into disgrace!

  Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he left Virginia, and sought refuge among
strangers, in a strange land; but shame and conviction followed him, and after a
short time he returned to his aggrieved and offended brethren, made an humble
confession, and besought them to forgive and restore him to their fellowship.
His plea was heard and he was restored. Thus reinstated, he returned to Georgia,
sought and obtained a union and fellowship with the brethren here, and from his
self-loathing and deep humility, his burning zeal and powerful talents, he
acquired again a considerable estimation among the churches. But now he adopted
the Arminian scheme of doctrine, and began to build up the things he had in his
better days attempted to destroy, thereby making himself, in the estimate of the
Apostle Paul, a transgressor.

  This change of sentiment was probably the result of a defiled conscience,
together with mortified pride; motives, too, derived from the same corrupt
source, might have induced him to bring the whole force of" his mighty genius
and the power of the weightiest arguments he could produce, to bear upon his
newly adopted and beloved system of doctrines. He was soon joined by several
others. These were Mathew Talbot, Nathaniel Hall, of South Carolina, and David
Tinsley. Mr. Tinsley was his ablest ally. He had been the fellow laborer and
joint sufferer of Mr. Walker in Virginia. They were confined for some time in
the same prison. And Mr. Tinsley used to say that he received his first Arminian
notions from Mr. Walker whilst thus shut up in prison. This occurred in the
following way: As they were shut out from the world, incarcerated within the
gloomy walls of a prison for the truth's sake, they frequently gave vigor to
their minds, and wore the time away by taking different sides upon controverted
points in theology. Mr. Walker used to take the Arminian side against his friend
Tinsley, and most generally foiled him upon his own ground; at least he was
successful in making "the worse appear the better reason," to the no small
injury of his brother; for Mr. Tinsley was induced to adopt the system. This
should be a warning to those who would sport with sacred things, or play with
feigned arguments; like edged tools in the hands of children, they are always
likely to do more evil than good. Mr. Tinsley was a man of fine parts, amiable
manners and exalted piety. Mr. Hall and Mr. Talbot, though of humbler gifts, in
point of piety, would suffer nothing from a comparison with him.

  With such aids, it is not at all to be wondered at that Mr. Walker, for a
time, spoiled the peace and disturbed the harmonious action of the Association.
These men were labored with long and affectionately by several of the ablest
ministers in the connection, but to no purpose. They continued to propagate
their Arminian doctrines. This was the more distressing, because it occurred
simultaneously with the ingress of Methodist ministers into the State, who had
already opened their artillery upon the principal ministers in the Association.
Thus they were assailed by a strong opposition without, and annoyed by a
powerful faction within.

   The question, as to the propriety of continuing the union under such
circumstances, was agitated in the Association; and after due deliberation, it
was determined, that there was no propriety in associational intercourse, where
there was no union; and as they could not maintain fellowship with those who
were endeavoring to propagate the erroneous doctrines above mentioned, the
churches were, by a large majority, advised to call these ministers to account,
for the propagation of error, and for sowing the seeds of discord among
brethren. They were dealt with accordingly, by the respective churches to which
they belonged, and excluded. Few of the private brethren in this State adhered
to them, except a minority of the church at Hebron, to which Mr. Walker belonged
and of which he was the pastor. These also were excluded. The next step was to
gather these excommunicated persons together, with such others as could be
induced to unite with them, into little par. ties, which they called churches,
six or seven in number, including the two entire churches on Rocky river, South
Carolina, which went off with Mr. Hall, their pastor. Of these materials an
associate connection was formed, which seemed to prosper for a time but it soon
proved to be of mushroom growth. Mr. Walker, in a very short time, was called to
his account, which event had the effect greatly to dispirit his followers; and
the body which he had formed, passed away as though it had not been. The
remaining ministers and brethren, for the most part, made their recantations,
and were restored to fellowship by their respective churches. Thus broke up a
fearful and portentous dissension, which, like the dark cloud that passes off
without rain, produced not such amount of mischief, as was at first apprehended.

  The Association convened in October, 1792, at Fishing creek. Abraham Marshall
was chosen moderator, and Peter Smith, clerk. It appears from the minutes of
that meeting, that the number of associate churches had increased to fifty-six.
Hence there was an increase of twenty-seven churches in four years. The names of
these churches are as follows: Shoulder-bone, Buck-eye creek; Callahan's mill,
South Carolina; Scull shoals, Head of Briar creek, McBean, Buckhead, Bark camp,
First Williamson's swamp, Second Williamson's swamp, Cag creek, White ponds,
Fort Creek, Little Ogeechee; Shockley's ferry, South Carolina; Bonnell's creek,
Upper Little Ogeechee, Ohoopy creek, Averett's bridge, Little Ogeechee; Buck
creek, Watery Fork of Buffalo, Fulsome's creek, Sandy hill, Ogeechee, Northfort
creek, Beaverdam creek, and Fort of Tugalo. And of ministers, there appears also
to have been the following increase: Isaac Busson, Thomas Daniel, Samuel
Cartledge, George Franklin, Thomas Mercer, Benjamin Davis, John Thomas, Jesse
Mercer, Timothy Carrington, Lewis Shelton, John Harvey, Benjamin Thomson,
William Cone, George Tilman, John Henderson, John Stanford, and Edmund Byne.

  In October, 1800, the Association met at Sardis, Wilkes county; Rev. Mr.
Heflin delivered the introductory sermon, from 2 Corinthians, iv. 5, "For we
preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for
Jesus' sake." Rev. Sanders Walker presided as moderator, and Rev. Jesse Mercer
acted as clerk. The church newly constituted at Poplar spring, Columbia county,
was received at this meeting, and the Cloud's creek church was dismissed to join
the Sarepta Association. At the request of the Sarepta brethren, the time of the
annual meeting was changed to the Saturday preceding the second Lord's Day in
October of each year.

  At this session the following interesting resolution was adopted, viz: "That
as a spirit of itinerancy has inflamed the minds of several ministers, who are
desirous to enter into some resolutions, suitable to carry into effect a design
of traveling and preaching the gospel, a meeting be, and is hereby appointed, at
Powel's creek, on Friday before the first Sunday in May next, for that purpose;
that the same day be observed as a day of fasting and solemn prayer to Almighty
God, for prosperity on the design, and for a dispensation of every new covenant
mercy in Christ Jesus."

  It must be highly gratifying to that part of those old brethren yet living,
who entered into this resolution, to look back and see how the blessing of the
Lord has followed upon these labors of love and faith. It is true they may have
sown in tears, but they have reaped in joy a copious harvest.

  The meeting of the body in October, 1801, was held with the church at
Williams' creek, Warren county. Two new churches were received at this session,
Ncwhope, Jackson county, and Big creek, Oglethorpe county. A proposition was
received from the Philadelphia Association, to form "a general conference, to be
composed of one or more members from each Association in the United States." But
the body, from prudential considerations, forebore to express an opinion upon
the subject at that time. The churches on Horn's creek and Stephen's creek,
South Carolina, took letters of dismission, to join the Bethel Association, it
being more convenient to them.

  A letter was addressed to the body this year from the meeting at Powelton,
held in May preceding, "which called the attention of the Association to the
propriety and expediency of forming a missionary society in this State, for the
purpose of sending the gospel amongst the Indians bordering on our frontiers,
which was unanimously and cordially approbated." The ministers of those times
had too much of the spirit of the apostles in them, to be afraid of missions. It
is presumed that a resolution of this sort at the present, would be styled in
some places by way of derision, a new measure—man's work—a woolgathering
business! Let those who call themselves "old side folks," consider this. The
meeting adjourned to meet again at Salem, Oglethorpe county, on the 9th of
October, 1802.

  At the Salem Association, Rev. Mr. Marshall delivered the introductory
discourse, from Isaiah lxii. 6, 7; "I have set watchmen upon thy walls, 0
Jerusalem," etc. Rev. Mr. Marshall was chosen moderator, and Jesse Mercer, clerk.

  At the meeting of the Powelton conference the foregoing May, upon the subject
of an Indian mission, "it was proposed that a general committee of the Georgia
Baptists should be formed, consisting of three members from each Association in
the State, the leading object of which should be, to meet and confer with other
Christian societies, in order to remove differences, and if possible, bring
about a more general and close union among real Christians on the principles of
eternal truth." This being approved, the Rev. Messrs. Marshall, Walker and
Mercer, were appointed to meet that committee at Powelton, on Saturday before
the first Sabbath in May next ensuing. This looks very much like a Convention,
and if the good sense and piety of those times had permitted, no doubt it would
have been opposed as such.

  In looking over the returns made by the several churches, we conclude there
must have been a considerable revival during the last associational year. Seven
hundred and thirty-two were returned as the whole number baptized, of which the
African church in Augusta reported two hundred and twenty-Big creek, Oglethorpe,
eighty-eight; County-line, Wilkes, twenty-three; Salem, Oglethorpe, twenty-six;
Whatley's mill, Greene, (now Bethesda) forty-nine; Freeman's creek, Clark,
fifty-six; Lower Beaverdam, Greene, twenty-eight; Philip's mill, Wilkes,
thirty-eight; Powel's creek, Hancock, twenty-nine; Rocky Spring, Lincoln,
thirty-one; Sardis, Wilkes, thirty-three; besides respectable numbers from
several other churches.

  The meeting of the body in 1803 was held with the church at Whatley's mill,
Greene county. The introductory discourse was delivered by Jesse Mercer, from
Solomon's Songs iv. 15, " A fountain of gardens." The same officers who acted
the year before were retained.

  The churches at Double Branches, Lincoln county, and Bethel, Hancock county,
recently constituted, applied for membership and were received. The ministers
present from other bodies this year were the Rev. Joel Willis, from Hephzibah,
and Rev. John Cleveland, from the Sarepta Association; letters and minutes were
received from the Charleston and Bethel, but no messengers. Also a letter on the
subject of revivals, originally addressed to the churches of the Koanoke
Association, Virginia, detailing an account of a most gracious work amongst
those churches. An address, too, was read from the General Committee of the
Missionary Conference at Powelton, and the Association concurring in its leading
objects, a delegation consisting of Revs. Marshall, Walker and Mercer was again
appointed to meet that committee. The last Saturday of April ensuing was
appointed as a day of fasting and prayer for this committee—" that it be guarded
from errors on the one hand, and directed to objects the most proper and useful
on the other." General meetings were appointed at various places; and it was
agreed that "if orderly ministers of other denominations should attend any, they
should be treated with respect, provided they make themselves known. The number
baptized this year was six hundred and eighty-nine; the whole number in
connection was three thousand three hundred and forty-five. There were fourteen
ordained ministers and seven licentiates. The minutes of this session appear not
to have been printed until early in the year 1804, to which the clerk appended
the following article: "Doubtlessly there is a glorious revival of the religion
of Jesus. The wicked of every description have been despoiled of their boasted
coat of mail; even deists, who stood in the front of the battle, have had their
right arm broken, their hope disappointed, and their prognostications
metamorphosed into falsehoods. As the fruit of this work, there have been added
to the churches of the Georgia Association more than fourteen hundred. To those
of Sarepta, more than one thousand, a year ago; we doubt not but that number has
greatly increased by this time. To those of Bethel more than two thousand. There
is, and continues, a great work in some of the churches of Hephzibah and
Savannah, and is kindling in others. More than one hundred have been added to
one church of the Charleston Association. We are authorized to say, that in six
Associations in Kentucky there are at least ten thousand young converts. To all
which we add, that the accounts from different and distant parts, verbally
received, state that the Lord is doing excellent things in the earth. 0 most
mighty Jesus, ride prosperously because of truth, meekness and righteousness;
and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. THY KINGDOM COME! COME! COME!"

  The session of the Association in October, 1813, was held with the church on
Fishing creek, "Wilkes county. Mr. Rhodes being absent in consequence of
indisposition, Rev. Mr. Mercer delivered the introductory sermon, from Genesis
xxiv. 56, "Send me away, that I may go to my master." Mr. Marshall and Mr.
Mercer were continued as moderator and clerk of the body.

  The cloud of war still hanging over the land, on motion, a committee
consisting of the clerk, Lumpkin, Rabun and Brown, was appointed to draw up an
article expressive of the sense of the Association on the subject. The article
reads as follows:

  "The article to be drawn up, expressive of our sense of the political state of
our nation, was presented, and after being read several times, was adopted
without dissent. It stands thus:

  'That however unusual it may be for us, as a religious body, to intermeddle
with the political concerns of our country, yet, at this momentous crisis, when
our vital interests are jeopardized, to remain silent would indicate a criminal
indifference. WE, therefore, in this public and solemn manner, take the liberty
of saying that we have long viewed with emotions of indignation and horror the
many lawless aggressions committed on the persons, rights and property of the
people of these United States, by the corrupt, arbitrary and  despotic
government of Great Britain and its emissaries. And as it has been found
necessary to resist such wanton  and cruel outrages by opposing force to force:
Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Association that the war so
waged against Great Britain is just, NECESSARY AND INDISPENSABLE—and, as we
consider everything dear to us and to our country involved in its issue, we
solemnly pledge ourselves to the government of our choice, that we will by all
the means in our power aid in its prosecution, until it shall be brought to an
honorable termination. And we also exhort and admonish particularly the churches
belonging to our connection, and brethren and friends in general, to take into
consideration the command of our Lord by his apostle, 'To be subject to the
powers ordained of God over us,' and to be jointly united in the common cause of
liberty and independence—to be examples to all within their reach, by a
peaceable and quiet endurance of the privations and  afflictions of the present
war; by a promptness to defend their violated rights when called on to personal
service; and by a cheerfulness in meeting the accumulated, though indispensable
expenses thereof; in all things showing themselves the real friends of liberty
and religion, by bringing all their energies to bear on the measures  of the
government, thereby the more speedily (under God,) to bring about a happy
termination of these calamities by the restoration of an honorable and lasting
peace. .And for that purpose we farther exhort them to let their united
supplications ascend to the Lord of Hosts, that he would graciously preside over
the councils of our nation, be our sun and shield, and cover our armies and
navies in the day of battle.' "

  The next session of the body was held at Powelton, Hancock county, October
8th, 1814, and the three days succeeding. Rev. Mr. Mathews, who had been
appointed to open the services, being absent, the Rev. Mr. Davis supplied his
place. The officers of the last year were continued.

  On account of the low state of religion, and the calamitous state of the
nation by reason of war, the second Thursday in December, the 18th of June, and
the 24th of August, next after the Association, were set apart as days of
humiliation and prayer. The ninth article of the minutes of this session,
breathes so excellent a spirit upon the subject of missions, we cannot withhold
it from the reader. It is as follows: "According to a suggestion in the letter
from the Whatley's mill church, brother Mercer presented and read the circular
and constitution of the 'SAVANNAH BABTIST SOCIETY FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS,' and
then moved for the approbation of the Association, which was given most
willingly and unanimously—whereupon it was thought proper to recommend the
subject for its evident importance, to the consideration of the churches. And
Friday before the first Sabbath in May next, was named as a day on which all who
were individually disposed, as well of other Associations as our own, might meet
at Powelton, in Hancock county, to form a society and digest a plan to aid in
the glorious effort to evangelize the poor heathen in idolatrous lands."

  The spirit of missions thus manifested has been increasing in this body ever
since, as we shall see as we pass on.

  In 1815, the Association met at Long creek, Warren county. The introductory
discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Mathews, from Romans xii. 2: "Be not
conformed to this world" etc. Rev. Mr. Marshall was appointed the moderator, and
Mr. Brown the clerk.

  We insert, verbatim, the seventh, tenth and fifteenth articles of the minutes
of this session, as indicative of the state of feeling which pervaded the body
on the subject of missions and other matters of general utility. The seventh
article reads as follows: "Received from the BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
FOR THE UNITED STATES, through its agent, Rev. Luther Rice, the report of the
board, accompanied by letters desiring the aid of this body in their laudable
exertions to spread the GOSPEL OF CHRIST among the heathen in idolatrous lands.
The Association unanimously agreed to co-operate in the grand design, and the
more effectually to do so, resolved itself into a body for missionary purposes;
and appointed the brethren Mercer, Thompson, Roberts, Rabun and Brown, a
committee to digest rules for its regulation; to send a circular address to the
churches in our connection relative to the subject; and to hold correspondence
with the corresponding secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions agreeably to
request."

  The Georgia Association was thus, in the year 1815, resolved into a missionary
society. How has it then happened, that no complaint was ever heard of her
proceedings in this respect, till she became connected with the General
Association, or, what is now styled the CONVENTION? The Association at that time
proposed to co-operate with the Board of Foreign Missions; the Convention is
only an enlargement of the plan of operations; other bodies, and other societies
entering into the plan, in order to prosecute more successfully the great design.

  The following article speaks well, not only for the Association, but for the
presbytery with which they were to act for the suppression of vice and
immorality: "Received a letter from the committee of the Hopewell Presbytery,
requesting the appointment of some of this body, to meet in a General
Association of the different denominations, to be assembled at Athens, Tuesday
before the Commencement in 1816, to combine their efforts to promote morality
and virtue, as well as religion. The brethren A. Marshall and E. Shackelford are
appointed a committee for that purpose."

  The articles that follow show a spirit of dependence upon the Author of all
good for his blessings

  " It is recommended that the 31st day of December next be kept by the churches
as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, In consideration of the low ebb of
vital religion. Let us, brethren, duly observe the day, by a prompt attendance
at our places of worship—in solemn assembly—to confess our sins, mourn over
afflicted Zion, and implore Almighty God to pour out his Spirit upon us."

  In October, 1818, the session was held with the church at Powelton, Hancock
county. Rev. Mr. Reeves preached the introductory sermon from Psalm xc. 16, 17:
"Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children: And
let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us."

  The spirit of missions was rapidly on the advance in the body at this time, as
will appear from the following extracts, taken from the minutes: "Received with
pleasure, two circular addresses from the secretary of the Baptist Board for
Foreign Missions in the United States. One containing a very flattering account
of the prosperity of the mission cause generally—the other detailing their views
respecting the establishment of a seminary for the education of candidates for
the ministiy. Our best wishes attend their laudable efforts."

  "Received a communication from the secretary of the Kentucky Mission Society,
inviting our co-operation in the establishment of a school in that State, for
the education of the youth of both sexes, belonging to such of the neighboring
Indian tribes, as may be disposed to avail themselves of the opportunity. The
subject was taken up and considered by the Association as a beautiful theory,
but very doubtful in practice. The moderator was instructed to communicate our
disapprobation of the plan proposed."

  "The mission board, having closed their proceedings for the year past, made
the following report, which was read and approved:

  The Georgia Association .Board, for foreign and domestic missions, to the
Association of which it is the board, report:

  That on their appointment they received $260 87 1/2, of which sum they
forwarded $143 00 to the treasurer of the general board, leaving a balance of
$117 87 1/2, which is now let out on interest, being under an impression that it
was best to economize, and begin with such sum as would enable the board to
increase their appropriations as circumstances might require and their funds
justify. Early in the spring they addressed letters to all the ministers of the
churches in your bounds, with a view "to stir up their pure minds by way of
remembrance to 'this grace;' " and the result is manifest in the good returns
made to this session from the churches. The work in which the general board is
engaged is confessedly great and of the first magnitude; especially as it
combines the domestic with the foreign mission. The evangelizing of our own
Indians is alone the broad work of ages. We invite the Association to inspect
the moral state of the heathen in our own country, and ask, that if they had
been taught to cheat, steal, lie and swear, by men called Christians, does it
not prove they can, and that it is a shame they have not been a long time ago
taught the fear of God, the sin and Saviour of man, and also to pray! If
everywhere on the face of the globe multitudes are perishing for lack of
knowledge, like a harvest waving with more than golden ripeness, may it not be
asked, with surprise, why we have been idle so long? We say then, in the words
of the report of the board of the Powelton Mission Society, "The obligations of
Christians to effectuate the great command are original and of the most binding
force. The enlistment is during the service. The missionary fervor then should
be vivid, firm and constant, and the efforts vigorous, prompt and perpetual."
Will you, as invited by the Saviour, lift up your eyes on the fields and behold
them white nigh unto harvest! And pray the Lord of the harvest to send more
laborers into his harvest. In this sentiment the board most cordially unite and
say, "Thy kingdom come! thy will be done! As in heaven, so on earth; for thine,
0 Lord, is the kingdom and power, and thine be the glory forever. Amen!"

  In 1820, the body had occasion to mourn the death of WILLIAM RABUN,
distinguished alike in church and State. The year following, a resolution was
passed to form a General Association, to be composed of such associations in the
State as should deem it proper to enter into such an organization. In 1822, in
connection with difficulties in Williams' creek church, Rev. Thomas Rhodes is
noticed as a disorderly man, and the part of that church which refused
connection with said Rhodes is declared the true Williams' creek church. In
1825-6, etc., the body was efficiently engaged in promoting missions among the
Indians at home and the heathen abroad, and education (theological) in assisting
to rear up the Columbian College, District of Columbia. In 1827-8, this body,
with others in the interior, enjoyed a season of great refreshing from the
presence of the Lord. Thousands were added to the churches. The cause of
benevolence grew in favor with the people, and their charities were greatly
enlarged. Sabbath-schools and Bible classes began to attract much attention and
were generally encouraged. Indeed, it may be remarked here, that efforts for
improving the world and the church have never met with such opposition in this
Association as in others in the State. The reason of this, it is believed, is
that the ministry has been more intelligent, if not more pious.

  At the session in 1832, letters were received from the Ocmulgee and Flint
River Associations, touching certain matters of difficulty existing between
those bodies and the Georgia Association. A letter was also received from four
seceding churches from the Flint River Association on the same subject. As the
nature of these difficulties is fully set forth in the history of the Georgia
and of the Central Association, already published, it is thought inexpedient to
go into detail here. The case of the Eatonton church in the Ocmulgee, and of the
Sharon and Teman churches in the Flint river, were the main matters. The
Ocmulgee dropped correspondence with the Georgia and has never renewed it. The
Flint also dropped for a few years, but renewed it soon after the division in
her own ranks, which resulted in the formation of the Primitive Towalaga.

  For a more particular account of this body, the reader is referred to
"Mercer's History."


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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