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

  In May, 1799, the brethren met at Shoal creek, Franklin county, to confer
about forming a new Association, having already obtained letters of dismission
for several churches from the Georgia Association. In the fall, they met again
at Vans' creek, Elbert county, and formed the Sarepta Association, by adopting
the constitution and decorum of the Georgia, to whose next session they sent as
messengers William Davis and G. Smith. The minutes of the first session are not
preserved. The churches which were dismissed from the Georgia and joined in the
Sarepta, are Shoal creek, Vans' creek, Dove's creek, Hollow Spring, Cabin creek,
Nail's creek, Millstone and Trail creek. On 12th October, 1800, the body met at
Millstone, Oglethorpe county—Thomas Gilbert, moderator, and William Davis,
clerk. Five churches joined—fourteen churches in the Union—one hundred and
seventy baptized. Total, seven hundred and ninety-seven. In 1801, at Shoal
creek. In 1802, at Cabin creek—sermon by Dozier Thornton—eight new churches
joined. In 1803, at Cloud's creek—introductory by William Denman—eight new
churches joined this year also. The body now had in union thirty-three
churches—baptized three hundred and seventy-five. Total, two thousand eight
hundred and seventy-three—a great increase this in three years!

  In 1804, Falling creek church, in Elbert, entertains the body. D. Thornton and
William Davis, officers. Received a communication from General Committee of
Correspondence, in Pennsylvania, requesting religious statistics—appointed a
committee to furnish them. For several years the progress and increase of the
body was about the same as above. Nothing material occurs until 1812, when a
great revival was experienced, and twelve hundred and sixty-five were baptized.
Total, three thousand one hundred and fifty-seven. “So mightily grew the word of
the Lord and prevailed."

  In 1815 the Hopewell Presbytery requests its co-operation in attempting to
arrest prevailing vices. A committee is appointed to meet one from the
Presbytery. It is understood they did not agree touching the sanctity of the
Sabbath, and so nothing definite was settled as a plan to suppress vice.

  Falling creek was the seat of the session in 1816. Appointed the Sarepta
Mission Society to meet at Double Branches. This society was in active operation
some dozen years; missionaries went among the Cherokee Indians and preached the
gospel; some schools were sustained by it. Thomas Johnson, Littleton Meeks and
John Sandidge were among the preachers. Several churches were dismissed to form
the Tugalo Association.

  Several sessions pass off as usual, when, in 1820, a powerful excitement is
felt in the meeting at Vans' creek, under the ministry of M. Reeves, J. M. Gray
and J. Mercer; several had what is called "the jerks." Resolution passed:
"Resolved, That we suggest for our own consideration, and respectfully that of
sister associations in the State, the propriety of organizing a general meeting
of correspondence." This was drawn by Rev. A. Sherwood and handed in by C. J.
Jenkins. Here is the commencement of the State Convention, which has been an
instrument of so much good. The circular for this year was on "the religious
education of children," of which the Charleston Association expresses its
cordial approbation at its ensuing session.

  No material change occurs in the affairs of the union until about 1830, when
the importance of domestic missions begins to be felt by the body. Several
itinerants are henceforth engaged in spreading abroad the good tidings, and many
poor ministers have libraries purchased for them.

  In 1835, the session is at Falling creek, Elbert county. The body votes to
join the State Convention, after fifteen years' consideration. About $420 00 in
hand for benevolent objects. An executive committee manages the fiscal concerns.
In 1836, opens correspondence with the Central Association. Five or six churches
(with George Lumpkin and John Lacy, ministers,) enter their protest against
uniting with the Convention and corresponding with the Central Association.
These withdraw, and form what is called "The Oconee Association."

  For several years past, up to 1845, the affairs of the body have progressed
without any material variation. Domestic and foreign missions, Sabbath-schools,
temperance societies, all receive the hearty encouragement of the churches. Her
ministers appear to take pleasure in every good word and work.


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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