Logan County KyArchives Church Records.....First Baptist Church Copyright Date 1958 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ky/kyfiles.html ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 June 12, 2011, 7:37 pm The History of the First Baptist Church of Russellville, KY (1818 - 1958) by Mrs. J. Wells Vick, Russellville, KY Lovingly dedicated to Miss Mary Nelle Lyme, Prof. William G. Welborn, Mr. A. C. Hodgen, and Rev. William Warder (gt. gt. uncle of the writer) Although the Russellville Baptist Church was organized on November 24th, 1818, Baptists were meeting in Russellville as a body but unorganized. According to Collins' History of Kentucky Vol. II page 487: "The first church and only one until 1812 was located where Bradley's livery stable stood in 1870 and was worshiped in by a Baptist congregation." Except for the foregoing words from Collins nothing is known about the early Baptists in Russellville prior to 1818. The first available record of an organized Baptist church in the town of Russellville was given in the old minute book of this church (1818 - 1841) and from which the early history of this church has been taken. The record of the organization of the church on Nov. 24, 1818 merely gives the names of the ten who were the first membership and who constituted the first organization; no record in the old minutes state as to where and what church the ten had received their letters of dismissal. The history of Union Church (Now New Union) says "In April, 1818 another colony of ten was dismissed to form the Baptist Church in Russellville." On November 24th 1818 "the following members of the church met at the Meeting House - To wit: Spencer Curd Thomas Grubbs William Kercheval Drury W. Poore John Poindexter Elizabeth Rollins Catherine Owens Mary kercheval Catherine Curd Betsy Poor having received letters of dismission for the purpose of being constituted into a Church State in the Town of Russellville met in said town on the 24th day of November 1818. And our Brothers Elder Leonard Page, Ambrose Bourne, Sugg Fort together with a number of Brethren from our Sister Churches called for the purpose of constituting them into a Church State on the following principles, to wit." (note: spelling and punctuating and capitalization are given like it is in the old records) "They professing the following articles of faith, Article 1 - We Believe in one only true and living God the father Son and Holy Ghost they are the three in one and the one in three. Article 2 We believe the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament to be the Word of God and the only rule of faith and practice. Article 3 - We believe in the Election by Grace given us in Jesus Christ when the world began and that God calls regenerates and sanctifies all that is made for Glory by his special Grace. Article 4- We believe that Sinners are Justified in the Sight of God only by the righteousness of Jesus Christ imparted to them. Article 5- We believe that God is able to save all mankind that come to him by and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Article 7- We believe in the final perseverence of the Saints in Grace and that they shall never finally fall away, and that God are the results of faith and follow after Justification. Article 8- We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ and the true Believing are the only proper Subjects and the proper mode of Baptism by Emersion. Article 10- We believe that no minister has a right to administer the OrdinancesBut such as have been regularly Baptized and legally ordained by a Presbytery.." Adjoirned. Logan Co. Ky. Deed Book "H" page 308-date, July 29, 1819. The trustees of the Russellville Baptist Church in a deed of agreement for the use of the House to the trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. "Agreement between William Kercheval Sr., Thomas Grubbs and Spencer Curd of thefirst part to james Wilson, Hiram A. Hinds and Alexander Downey of the second part for the use and occupancy of said Meeting House, on the second and fourth Sundays of each month and meetings more than one day." It is not absolutely certain where the location was, but tradition says the location today would be the North side of W. 5th St., where the old Leedom home stood and occupied by Page Brothers car lot (in 1958) Digest of minutes (1818-1841) The church met again on the 25th of Nov (same year) and after worship Clayton Rollings was received by experience for baptism. Sunday - December the 2nd Sunday received by experience were: Polly A. Curd, Lucy B. Curd, Betsy Curd, Polly Drake and Sally C. Drake. 2nd Sunday Jan. 1819 received by experience for baptism, Hannah Owens. At this session Spencer Curd was elected clerk; William Kercheval was elected deacon. Ann McDougle, Charles Grunderson, and Wilcox Tannehill and Nelly Tannehill were received by letters.. Also Polly Fuqua and Elizabeth Hulse were received by letters. Tuesday night January 26, 1819 Nancy Adams, Eliza Curd and Margaret Morehead were received by experience for baptism. (note by writer Margaret Morehead a little later became the wife of Elder William Warder) Feb. 21, 1819 - received by experience for baptism were Tilghman W. Belt and on the 9th John Owens, James Lutridge; by letter, Betsy Smith. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's Day in Feb. 1819, Elder Leonard Page was called by the church to be the pastor by a unanimous vote. Mrs. Polly L. Campbell, Christian Weller Jr., Mrs Lucy Morehead, William Owens, Armistead Morehead were received for baptism. Elizabeth owens and william Curd were received by letters. Letter for dismission was granted Polly Drake (this was the first lettergranted by this church, hereafter letters granted will not be given) Note by writer: it was on Tuesday night, the 26th of January that Tamer, the Negro woman and the property of Mrs. Campbell, was received for baptism - it was on the 2nd Sat. in Feb. that Mrs. Campbell was received for baptism, it could be that the servant Tamer led her mistress to Christ.) The above is the first record of this church of a Negro's being received into the Russellville Church. Hereafter their names will not be given, not as they are not important for later the African Baptist Church was established by this church and the Negroes who so desired were given letters of dismissal to join the said church; many remained who chose perhaps to be in the same fellowship with their former masters and good friends. Feb. 13, 1819 - received for baptism were: Mrs. Catherine Athinson, Mrs. Isabell Harrison, James McDougle and Richard Curd. Feb. 16, 1819 for baptism received were Thomas Borders, Alanson Hulse, William Harrison, Sr., and William J. Morton. Feb. 19, 1819 received by experience for baptism were Mrs. Betsy Slaughter, Wyatt Mitchell, Mrs. Sally Mitchell and Nicholas Beck. March 9, 1819 received by experience for baptism were Braaxton Small, William Belt, Betsy Rutherford and Milly Sanders; by letter Robert Rutherford. March 11, 1819 for baptism was Jonathan Payne; by letter, William Rutherford. On Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in March received by letter were Jack and Rachel Gray; Sister C. Curd by letter, and Rachel Gray. March 12, 1819 received for baptism Marshall Rollins - on Sat. night Prudence Right was received for baptism. Tues night received for baptism were Joseph Piper and Charles Courts. Saturday before 2nd Lord's Day in April 1819 Spencer Curd was elected deacon; by letter Adeline Curd was received. April 27, 1819 Thomas Sanders and Mrs. Polly Brown were received for baptism. May 4, 1819 Jesse Ely was received for baptism; on the 2nd Saturday in May 1819 a letter was granted Nelly Tannehill. June 8, 1819 Mrs. Fanny Caldwell was received for baptism. 2nd Sat. in June received for baptism Betty morehead; by letter Elizabeth Dalton; also in June Matilda Morehead was received for baptism. June 18, 1819 received for baptism were Mrs. Polly Patton and Mrs. Polly Norton. Mrs Sally Curd and Mrs. Proctor were received for baptism on Aug. 20, 1819. Isham L. Watkins and Henry Norton were received into membership, the former by letter and the latter by baptism. On the 2nd Saturday in September 1819 a petitionary letter to Red River Association was presented and approved bearers were William Kercheval, Spencer Curd and William J. Morton. Elvira Morehead was received by experience for baptism; George R. Herndon (?) and Hester Hannah were received by letter. William Bell and George Brown were received by experience for baptism on the 2nd Saturday in dec. 1819; On the 2nd Saturday in February 1820 Agnes Kercheval was received by letter. On the 2nd Saturday in Match 1820 Robert and Nancy Witt were received by letter; by experience Mrs. Hester Edwards and John Morton. William Morton was chosen to be deacon. "Moses Lyra, a free man of color, who was once a member of the Baptist church in Virginia, but had backslidden came forward and making full satisfaction to the church of his repentance toward God was received as a member of this church." Samuel Adams and Mastin Adams were received for baptism on April 21, 1820. On April 22, Edward Ely was received for baptism. Jane McIntyre was received for baptism may 3, 1820. Robert Rutherford, licentiate for the ministry; it was resolved that he be granted a license to exercise his gift wither by exhortation or doctrine. Benjamin and Margaret Edwards were received by letter on the 2nd Saturday in October 1820; on the 3rd Sat. William Butler was received for baptism; in Oct. William Haydon was received for baptism/ On the 5th Saturday Mrs. nancy Ragan was received by experience for baptism. 1st Monday in Nov. Huthcings Stanley was received for baptism. Received for baptism on the 4th Sat. Oct. 1820 were Mre. Polly Parish and Mrs. Rutherford; on Oct. 27th by experience for baptism were Samuel Haden and Ann Whitsett; on the following Monday Sally Whitsitt was received for baptism. On January 4, 1821, Elder William Warder was called to preach on the 4th Staurday and Sunday each month with Elder Page's meetings to run as heretofore. On Feb. 2, 1821 it was resolved that Bro. William Warder be requested to become a member and to reside with us and that he take pastoral care of us as a church. Mary Smith was received by letter. Rev. Warder replied that as duties at Bowling Green and Glasgow prevented the named date, but he could come the 4th Saturday in each month and some spare time. Polly Trump was received by letter on 4th Saturday in April 1821. Elder William Warder was received by letter; Clarisy McCormick by experience for baptism. Arabella Hulse was received by letter on 4th Saturday in July 1821; Jesse March by letter the 4th Sat. in Sept. On the 4th Saturday in December 1821 Elder John Smith, a minister of the Gospel was received by letter. A mommittee [sic] was appointed to inquire into the state and condition of the poor belonging to the church and if any be found in needy circumstances to present their case to the church. A subscription for the minister was $282 dollars for the year. Polly Curd was received for baptism on the 2nd Saturday in Sept. 1822. On the 2nd Saturday in April 1823 Robert Rutherford was ordained as a minister, the sermon was delivered by Elder Leonard Page. Betsy and Polly Smith were received by letter on the 2nd Saturday in July 1823. Among the rules for the government of this church: "In all matters of dealing with a member, the 18th chapter of Matthew should be strictly observed." Another article was, "No slave shall be received by experience unless a letter from the master or mistress expressive of their willingness for them to join the church." This was on the 2nd Saturday in Feb. 1824. Elizabeth Bagley was received by experience for baptism on Feb. 16, 1824; received by experience and baptism were William Danks, Elwood Rogers, Mrs. Webb, these with several colored people were baptized by Elder Isaac Hodgen on Feb. 23, 1824. Received for baptism on the 2nd Saturday in April 1824 were Mrs. Wineford Watkins, Rebecca Brethitt, Elizabeth Harwood, Cecilia McIntere and Polly Karn. It is noted that the articles of faith and rules of government were usually read at the regular meetings. many disputes were settled in the church instead of taking them to the courts. If a brother was accused of anything a committee was sent to him and if he failed to appear before the church, his absence was taken as guilt and he was dismissed from the church. Often times the brother or sister would make acknowledgment to the church later on, then they were forgiven and restored to full fellowship in the church. At a meeting held at Bro. Perkins, the doors of the church were opened and those received by experience for baptism were: Nancy Milliken, Judy Perkins, Nelly Ann Blakey, Rebecca Perkins and Sally Page; an added note stated that Sally Page joined at Union. Margaret Puntenoy was received by letter in July 1824; Thomas Johnson, by letter in December; in November John and Tapha Owens by letter. A resolution for consideration was proposed that any white male member absenting himself two meetings in succession shal make his excuse to the church at the next meeting; it was also resolved that the Church of God should keep a strict watch over its members. Prudence Ely was received by letter in November. The Red River Association of which Russellville was one met Nov. 4, 1824 with 24 churches which met at Union Meeting House. Elder William Warder was moderator and Elder Sugg Fort was the clerk. The church met the 2nd Sunday in April at 9 A. M. to make prayer and supplication that Bro Warder would be restored to health. John D. Bourne was received by letter in June 1825; in October Elizabeth Porter was received by experience for baptism and Martin Warden. Edwin Carlisle was received by experience in March 1826; in June received by letters were Benjamin F. Edwards and Eliza Edwards and Eliza Fall; in August George Breathitt was received by experience for baptism. Note by writer: A number of references has been made relative to the building of a church and at the December meeting 1826 a report was made that William Owens had settled with Edward Belt for the building of the cupola of the church. Sarah Long was admitted by letter at the March 1827 meeting. Note by writer: at this same meeting and no names being called by this writer, one charge was exhibited before the church, a certain lady was with throwing muddy water on another lady whom she claimed had been in the habit on the foot way before her door. This was satisfactorily settled. At least one land dispute was settled by this church. At the November meeting in 1827 - Eleanor Breathitt was received by experience for baptism. The church agreed to give Bro. Martin Warden license to preach. It was at the February meeting 1828 that Spencer Curd made a resolution (this is proposed it) that the church petition Bethel Association to become a member of that body; which resolution was to be voted upon at the next regular meeting; at the April meeting the preachers in Bethel Association were invited to hold the next yearly meeting in "this church." At the July meeting (the 12th) a letter from Elder William Warder was read and which asked the church to get a supply, but would still hold his membership here, "if saw fit to get another preacher he should not be considered" Elder John S. Wilson was asked to preach until Elder Warder returned, or was absent. It was reported at the October meeting that the church had been accepted by Bethel Association. At the November meeting in 1828 Martin Warden was ordained as a minister and those invite to the Presbytery were Elder William Tatum, Elders Robert Rutherford , Leonard Page, Reuben Ross, Isaiah Boone, J. S. Wilson and William C. Warfield. The church observed that day as one of fasting and prayer; the sermon was preached by Elder William Warder. Fanny Mathias was received by letter at the December 1828 meeting. Elder Warder had returned and resumed his post as pastor; Elder Wilson took an affectionate leave and was invited to visit as often as convenient. At a prayer meeting in April 1829 by experience for baptism were received William Mason, Polly Mason, his wife, and Sally Wilson. At the May meeting Mrs. Wagner was received by experience for baptism, and Joseph Smith by letter; at the July meeting Mrs. Elizabeth Breathitt by experience for baptism; at the August meeting Mary Jones was received by letter. At the November meeting 1830 Robert T. Anderson and Sister Patsy Anderson were received by letter from the Columbia Church in Adair Co. At the March meeting plans were made for the ordination of Robert T. Anderson to the ministry; at the April meeting John and Rebecca Stringer and Agnes perkins were admitted by letter. At the July meeting 1830 Spencer Curd moved that a committee of three be appointed to inquire into the situation of the debts due for the building of "This meeting house" and to report at the next meeting. At the August meeting the report was thusly: to James H. Nourse $93 for scantlings; Charles Marsback $73 for plank; Solomon Myers $135 for hauling scantlings; T. S. Slaughter $240 for 41,000 brick; H. Goin $106 for 17740 for brick; $109 to Amos Edwards for brick; nails $57; Gray and Williams for running gavel end $29; Thomas Grubbs for brick work $416; Thomas Tatum for shingles $105; C. Duval $21 for plank; C. Breathitt $10 for locks; H. W. Moors $67 for plank; R. Perry $195 for plastering; C. R. Witt $30 for putting in glass; Jonathan Payne $1222 for carpenter's work. At the September meeting the committee reported that they had raised enough money by subscriptions to pay all debts owed by the Baptists on the Union Meeting House as owned jointly by the Baptists and the Cumberland Presbyterians. This church was on what is known as Fifth Street and three blocks west of 5th St. and owned in 1933 by Mr. Dunn. James Stringer was received by letter in April 1831; in June Bro. Hiram and sister Maria Weathers were received by letter. On July 8, 1831 the Baptists had paid their full part of the debt, the remainder of the debt was owed by the Presbyterians. Thomas S. Slaughter declared in writing he would look to the Presbyterians for their part of the debt on the Union Meeting House. On October 1831 Rev. Walter Warder, brother to Elder William Warder, was present to hold worship service as a visitor. Rev. Walter Warder was the pastor of the church at Mayslick. On Feb. 1832, Bro. James M. Pendleton was received by letter and having been licensed by the church at Bethel to preach, was invited to exercise his gifts among us. Elizabeth Curd was received by experience for baptism at the March meeting in 1832; in July Samuel H. and Polly Curd were received by letter; in September Eliza Owens received by experience. Benony Dawson was received by experience and baptism at the November 1832 meeting; at the December meeting Elvira B. Smith was received; at the December on Thursday night the 20th by experience for baptism were Emily Hall, Manervy Imes, Mrs. Sibley, James W, Owens, William Morton, John Norton, George Norton, William Curd, John Curd, Nimrod Long, James Alderson and Jane Adcock; on December 25 by experience for baptism were Samuel Poindexter, Elijah Cash and William Grubbs; on December 30th James Blakey, Nancy Blakey, John Stringer, and Martha Amos by experience; Monday December 31st William Whitaker, John Carr, Mrs. Jane Cook, Elijah Norton, Sally Curd, Mary Clifford, Mary Grubbs, Nancy Graham were all received; on Jan. 1st 1833 by experience for baptism were Elvira McCurdy, Prudence Brown, Margaret Frazer, Mary E. Harwood, Decker Acock, Joseph Fuqua, Cardwell Brethitt Hr., William Owens Jr.; January 12th by experience for baptism were Sally wills and Eli Graham; February 6th by experience were Sterling Willis, Thomas Graham and Lucinda York; Feb. 6th Caleb Dawson by experience and Lucy Ames by letter. March 9, 1833 the trustees elected to receive a deed to a lot or parcel of ground for a burying ground for the use of this Baptist Church; on the March meeting a deed was received from John Brethitt for one acre of land for the use of the church as a burying ground by the trustees. This deed is of record in Logan Co. Ky. Deed Book "R" page 407 as followers; March 18, 1833 John Breathitt of the first part to William J. Morton, Samuel Poindexter, William Bivins, George H. Brown and Thomas Grubbs trustees of the Baptist Church of the second part for $25 - one acre of ground as conveyed by said Breathitt to the trustees of said Baptist Church in Russellville to use as a burying ground and intersecting with that land of Elizabeth Russell and that of Mrs. Polly Curd. At the March meeting 1833 Mrs. Penelope Pope was received by experience; at the July meeting Nancy Dodd was received by letter; at the August meeting 1834 Elizabeth Hammond and mary E. Harwood were received by letter. At the April 1836 meeting worship was by Rev. James Lamb. Note by writer: Rev. Lamb had married Martha Jane Warder, a niece to Elder William Warder. Drucilla Stringer was received by letter in June 1836. It was in July 1836 that Elder William Warder passed away; he was thrown from a gig in 1830 and his ankle was so crushed that he had to preach while sitting in a chair the remaining six years of his life on earth. He lies buried in the old burying ground just outside the city limits at Russellville; by his side lies his wife the former Margaret Morehead, sister to Gov. Charles Morehead. Elder Warder's biography will be given later in this history. The Russellville Church ordered a marker be placed at his grave, which is still readable. On October 10, 1836 the church met "for the purpose of choosing a pastor to supply the place of our beloved Bro. Warder. The choice of the church was decidedly in favor of Elder Thomas Chilton. At the November meeting preaching was by Rev. James Lamb. By letter Mrs. Elizabeth Parker was received. At the April 1837 meeting, Elder Thomas Chilton met and took charge of the church in Russellville; it was at the July meeting that Elder Chilton's letter stating that he declined the further care of the church as their pastor; Elder Philip Warden was chosen to supply. Note by writer this has been overlooked relative to Elder William Warder: at the meeting for business on the Saturday before the Lord's Day in July 1836 that prayer by Elder Warder was made after reading and singing; he also was moderator with Thomas Grubbs as clerk. It is stated in the obituary of William Warder that Col. Thomas Grubbs made the funeral oration. Rev. Warder must have died sort of suddenly, as it was later in the month that he died. It was in September that the church ordered that a head and foot stone be placed at his grave. January 1838 meeting Elder Robert T. Anderson was called and "Elder Philip Warden to attend is once a month." At the August meeting 1838 was a report of the committee to revise the church roll - a report of 163 members (this included both white and colored - names of the colored have not been listed by the writer.) Mrs. Rachel Cooper was received by experience at the May 1839 meeting; John Norton and Thomas Grubbs were elected deacons at the December meeting. At the February 1840 meeting Elder S. M. Webb was called as pastor and who accepted at $150 per annum and church board him and his horse. William Crenshaw was received by letter at the August 1840 meeting. It was resolved that a man member be excluded from church for immoral conduct such as attending balls. At the September meeting a committee was appointed to Visit Nashville for the purpose of obtaining a minister to supply the pulpit; another committee was appointed to visit the General Association at Elizabethtown to obtain a minister. At the November 1840 meeting Elder Samuel Baker of Shelbyville Ky. was called to the church at a salary of $600 for his whole time. At the March 1841 meeting Isabel Lewis and Narcissa Fowler were admitted into the church by letter from Mill Creek Baptist Church in Nelson Co. Ky. A series of meetings in October 1841 was held by Elders Vaughn, Pendleton and Colgan. On Oct. 22 Frances Warden and William January were admitted by experience for baptism and also Miss Kelly; Oct. 23rd, William Grinter by experience for baptism; Oct. 25th by baptism Mrs. Susan Beale and Leven Harwood and n Sunday A. M. miss Hester Evans and Jacob Hilderbrand by experience for baptism. Susan Poindexter, Elixa Ragan, Mary January and Daniel Hulse were admitted by experience for baptism on Oct. 27th; Oct. 28th Artemisa Chapman and on Friday night Benjamin Crenshaw; on Saturday Miss Leaner McLellard and Daniel Ragan; Oct. 31st Henry Roberts, Mrs. Lucy Roberts, Helen Slack, Martha Grubbs, Susan Grubbs, Miss Coghill, George Harding, George Danks, William Dawson and Robert Whitescarver were admitted by experience for baptism. On Nov. 1st Miss Crushaw, Milton Gibbs and John D. Dawson by experience for baptism; Nov 3rd Dudley Cask, Sarah Cask, Ferdinand Ragan and George Whitescarver by experience for baptism; Nov. 4th Jesse Poindexter, Prudence Poindexter, Miss Amanda Dawson by experience for baptism; Nov. 5th Miss Sumpter by experience having been baptized by the Reformers after her conversion. Mrs Ann Nantx by experience for baptism; Saturday Nov. 6th Mr. Wilson Ryan, Mrs. Ryan and Elizabeth Sumpter and Robert Slack by experience for baptism also that night Atwell Frazier; Nov. 7th John P. French, William Blanchard, James P. Stockdale, Augustine Whitaker and Robert January Jr. by experience for baptism; Sunday Nov. 7th Mrs Grinter, Brother Grinter's lady, were received by experience for baptism; Sunday night Miss Ann C. Brooks, Mary Ann Rogers and Jesse Angel by experience for baptism; Nov. 8th Mortimer Owens, Thomas Jeffers; Nov. 9th Mrs. Ann Eliza Thompson by experience for baptism. "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" was sung while the parting hand was given to our brethern Vaughn, Pendleton and Colgan It was Elder Colgan who baptized the candidates for baptism during this series of meetings. Brother Baker finally accepted the call on Nov. 1841; received by experience for baptism were Edward W. Anderson, Jr., John First and james Warren/ That night William Dawson (son of Stephen N. Dawson) was also received and Miss Matilda Goren. A sermon by the new pastor, Rev. Samuel Baker, was delivered; J. C. Gray was received by experience for baptism; Elder baker and wife Elizabeth Baker joined the church by letter from Lebanon Church in Todd Co. Ky. A note at the conclusion of the minute book (1818 - 1841) states, "The undersigned being appointed to write the history of the church read all this volume and has put slips of paper through it as a partial index. Signed by C. P. Shields Bethel College. The writer had much curiosity relative to these slips containing notations and the reference pages until this was found which explained the mysterious notes scattered throughout this volume. A list of the membership appears in the back of this volume, that of both white and colored containing 56 whites and 79 colored. The names tally with those which have been given all along as this history has been written. The colored names have not been given; they appear with the name of the master or mistress by the name. Every name has been given of those who joined eith by Experience for baptism or letter and all names appear in the index; therefore no separate list will be given; the names of those who were dismissed by letter are not given neither those who were expelled from the fellowship of the church. The minutes of this church from December 26th 1841 to February 1870 are missing. This period has not been entirely lost as Mr. Randolph Caldwell was appointed by the church "to prepare such parts of the old church records as 'tis important to preserve, make report which was received and ordered to be recorded - viz. Your committee appointed to revise the list of members and to sketch the History of the Church Book beg leave to offer the following report" Viz: "A Historical Sketch of the Russellville Baptist Church including its constitution, Articles of Faith, Rules of Order, Order of Business, Successive Pastors, Deacons, Clerks, Treasurers, Licentiates, and Ordinations from the 24th November 1818 to February 1870 together with a Historical Account of the Church from November 1857 to date (Feb. 27, 1870) which consist of Plan of Benevolence, Sunday School Summary of Facts, Present Officers, and corrected Roll of Members." The date of this appointment was February 26, 1870 and was taken from the (1870 - 1891) minute Book. At this date Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Coghill were given a certificate for full membership upon request of Wilson Ryan. Wilson Ryan was a deacon in the church. Randolph H. Caldwell was clerk of the church when the 1870 - 1891 period began. The church thanked Randolph Caldwell "for this record book". A committee of the pastor and Clerk was appointed to prepare the records which are given below on Feb. 26, 1870. The Pastors As the earlier pastors have been given in the records of the minutes, the subsequent ones will be given. Samuel Baker serven [sic] from December 1841 for five years. E. D. Burns from May 1847 - one year for three-fourths of his time. William Sym from Oct. 1848, all of his time - served two years. J. M. Pendleton June 1850 - served two years. Leonard Fletcher served from Sept. 1853 for three-fourths of his time for about five years. W.W. gardner served from Nov. 1857 for all his time - served twelve years and five months. Successive Deacons 1 - William Kercheval -- ordained Jan. 1819 2- Spencer Curd -- ordained May 1819 3- William J. Morton -- ordained April 1820 4- George H. Brown -- ordained Aug. 1826 5- B. F. Edwards ordained Aug. 1826 6- Thomas Grubbs -- ordained Dec. 1839 (was still serving in 1870) 7- Nimrod Long ordained July 1843 - serving in 1870 8- Wilson Ryan -- ordained July 1843 - serving in 1870 9- E. N. Dicken ordained Jan. 1866 serving in 1870 10- H. C. Brister ordained Jan. 1866 serving in 1870 Successive Clerks 1- Spencer Curd elected Jan. 1819 - served 7 years 2- Thomas Grubbs elected May 1825 served 14 years 3-John L. Norton elected Dec. 1839 served 4 years 4- George W. Norton elected Sept. 1843 - served 24 years 5- Randolph H. Caldwell elected Sept. 1867 still serving in 1870 Successive Treasurers 1- Spencer Curd -- elected Jan. 1820 served 14 years 2- William Owens elected Jan. 1834 served part of a year 3- George W. Norton elected Sept. 1834 served 4 years 4- Nimrod Long elected Sept. 1838 - 32 years to date (1870) Preachers licensed. 1- Robert Rutherford -- licensed Sept. 1820 2- William J. Morton -- licensed July 1820 3- Martin Warden -- licensed Sept. 1820 4- Robert Caldwell (colored) - licensed June 1853 5- George Whitaker (colored) licensed June 1853 6- Presley Ewing licensed April 1845 7- Thomas R. Irvin licensed May 1859 8- F. M. Welborn - licensed May 1860 9- Frank W. Stone -- licensed May 1865 10- Prof. E. N. Dicken licensed Oct. 1866 11- Thomas S. Gardner licensed Feb. 23, 1867 12- George W. Clark -- licensed June 1868 Preachers Ordained 1- Robert Rutherford ordained -- April 1820 2- Robert Anderson ordained April 1830 3. George Whitaker (colored) Jan. 1855 - ordained 4-Robert Caldwell (colored) ordained - Jan. 1855 5- William T. Wood ordained Nov. 1863 6- Edward N. Dicken ordained March 1868 7- John S. Gattin -- ordained May 1869 Statistics from Nov. 1857 to Feb. 1870 1- In November 1857 the actual number of members was: whites 75 - Black 115 - total 190 2- From Nov. 1857 to Feb 1870 received for baptism 218; by letter 118; and by restoration - 6 Total gain - 342 3- During same time dismissed by letter 135 whites, and 76 blacks, excluded 35, deceased 34; total 391. 4- The actual white membership at present (Feb. 27, 1870) in 140 -- 56 males and 84 females; giving a net gain of 65 white members since Nov. 1857. 5- During the last 12 years the church has enjoyed eleven revivals - the first six conducted by the pastor and members alone; and the others (five) with the aid of visiting ministers - notwithstanding the total gain has been 342, yet the total loss has been 391, growing out of the facts that a large number of the baptisms and dismissions were students in Bethel College from abroad and many valuable members have removed to other points, besides Exclusions, deaths and 109 Blacks and Whites dropped. 6- From November 1857 the Pastors' Visiting Books show 1600 sermons preached and 6,000 pastoral visits making an average of 135 sermons and 500 visits annually, besides laboring in nineteen revivals in neighboring churches Plan of Benevolence as adopted Dec. 1866 1st- Collection for Beneficiary Fund of Bethel College for indigent young ministers - 2nd Sabbath Jan. 2nd Collection, Home and Domestic Missions 2nd Sabbath April 3rd- Collection Foreign Missions 2nd Sabbath July 4th- Collection Domestic Missions 2nd Sabbath October 5th Monthly Concert of Prayer for Missions - 1st Sabbath night each month Sunday School Was organized about 1825 and has been kept up with interest until now - it now numbers 165 teachers and scholars under the efficient Superintendency of Prof. N. K. Davis of Bethel College, many of its pupils have from time to time become converted and become useful members of the church. Summary of Facts 1- The church adopted monthly communion in Feb. 1842 and has continued the practice to date; with a collection for the Poor at the close of the service. 2- The present Meeting house was projected in Feb. 1842 and dedicated by Rev. Samuel Baker July 20th 1844. 3- The Church joined the Old Red River Association in Sept. 1819; and when the Bethel Association was organized at Mt. Gilead Church Oct. 25th 1825, She deferred uniting with that body 'till September 1828. 4th- The church has been blest with active and efficient deacons; and hence the pastor's salary has always been promptly collected and paid. 5th- The discipline of the church has ever been strict and watchful, extending to dancing and other vain amusements as well as immorality. 6th- The church has been sound in faith and practice and has enjoyed uninterupted [sic] peace and prosperity. 7th- In May 1860 the Church resolved that its letters of dismission should be valid for six months only and a regular form was adopted and printed. 8th- During the year 1865 besides the pastor's salary, church expenses the members contributed to the various benevolent objects presented about eleven hundred dollars. 9th- The Russellville African American Baptist Church was constituted by Elder W. W. Gardner of members dismissed from the white church. 10th- In October 1868 the unanimous thanks of the church were voted Deacon N. Long for the beautiful and costly pulpit and baptistry abd other valuable improvements made in the interior of the church edifice and generously donated by him. 11th- On the 3rd day of July 1870 Rev. W. W. Gardner after having served the church as pastor upwards of 12 years, tendered his resignation on or before the 1st day of April following in order that he devote his entire services to the instruction of young preachers in Bethel College preparatory to the ministry, whereupon the church by resolutions of record in old church book and published in the Western Recorder, unanimously expressed its unabated confidence and esteem; and appointed a committee to look out for a suitable man to become its pastor. Present Officers Rev. W. W.Gardner, Pastor Thomas Grubbs, Wilson Ryan, Nimrod Long and H. C. Brister, Deacons Randolph H. Caldwell, Clerk N. Long, treasurer Will of William E. Curd in Will Book "G" - page 298 Logan Co. Kentucky. "I wish one hundred dollars paid as a subscription in aid of the building a new Baptist church which is about to be erected in Russellville, and of the balance, if any, of my estate, I wish fifty dollars paid over to Rev. Samuel Baker, our pastor and the balance if any to my mother to dispose of as she pleases." Date: Feb. 21, 1842. Note by writer: William E. Curd was the son of Spencer Curd and his wife, Polly Smith Curd, all three lie buried in the Old Baptist Cemetery in Russellville, now on the site of the Rockwell Manufacturing Plant (in 1958) The following was taken from Spencer's History of Kentucky Baptists. This shows that Presley Underwood Ewing was a member of the Russellville Baptist Church during the interim that but few records are available. Most of the history from 1841 until 1870 is not known. This old book is referred to in the Minute Book (1870 - 1891), it has been lost. Mr. Randolph H. Caldwell in his recorded history in 1870 and which had been given in this history on preceeding pages, gives the names of all officers prior to 1870 from its beginning in 1818; but membership between 1841 and 1870 is missing; but a few of the members during this period has been gleaned from other sources. Presley Underwood Ewing was born in Russellville Sept. 1, 1822; he graduated at Center College Law School in 1842, He having made a profession of religion and united with the Baptist Church, resolved to abandon law and devote his time and life to the Christian ministry. He was a member of the church in Russellville, as was his brother Henry Quincy Ewing. He was a patron of Bethel College, the account of which is given in the history of this institution. Both these Ewing brothers were sons of Judge Ephraim Ewing and grand sons of Gen. Robert Ewing, and officer in the Revolutionary War. Judge Ewing was a friend of [unreadable] and one of the most liberal benefactors of Bethel College though a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Logan Co. Ky. Deed Book "28" page 457. Date: Dec. 7, 1847. George W. Norton of the 1st part deeded to Thomas Grubbs, Nimrod Long, Wilson Ryan and G. W. Norton, trustees of the Russellville Baptist Church of the 2nd part $1110. $500 was a bequest by Norton to assist in buying a parsonage. It was March 1, 1844 that this church was incorporated under the name of the " Russellville United Baptist Church" The trustees were: Thomas Grubbs, Nimrod Long, George Brown, George W. Norton, and Wilson Ryan; these were empowered to purchase, control and hold for said church, property not exceeding ten acres, for a site for church edifice, parsonage and cemetery. May 10, 1844, the trustees of the church received a deed from George W. Ewing to a lot or parcel of ground at the corner of Main and College Streets (College St. is now 6th St.) on which is the present 1st Baptist Church. List of members in 1870, as given in the minute book. Thomas Grubbs Thomas C. Clark Wilson Ryan Thomas Evans Nimrod Long W. F. Settle H. C. Brister John F. Jeffries S. T. Wagoner Jo' B. C. Dunn James M. Clark W. A. Brashear C. B. Hall Rev. A. B. Cabiness Rev. James B. Evans F. B. Moodie Rev. E. N. Dicken Ed L. Blakemore W. W. Gardner, Rev. J. Howard Davis Noah K. David Will H. Cooke A. P. Woolridge Jonathan Luce F. A. Wintuska James Waters Licentiates Thomas W. Gardner Buford T. Wood W. A. Forbes David W. Caldwell B. F. Page Benj. F. Whitaker G. W. Clark W. H. Whitaker J. G. Doyle Jo' B. Whitaker L. Bennett Will F. Owens William S. Dawson Oscar Perry John D. Dawson Frank Clark L. A. Harper William Settle W. M. Clark W. Scott Miller Randolph H. Caldwell Thomas Randall Samuel Poindexter Nathan Hill Thomas Dale James G. Meadows Daniel H. Moseley M. R. Saterfield B. C. Coghill Lucinda B. Norton Marion Brashear Mary Higgins females Alice Clark Judith Grubbs Mary Clark Sophia Wolfe Emma Dale Clarissa Morton Josie Dale Susan C. Whitaker Roxie Hudson Mary A. Long Amanda Moseley Eliza Settle Fannie Wagoner Emily Donavan Belle Wagoner Luan L. Caldwell Ellen Wagoner Mary Ann Alderson Love A. Bowden Matilda Whitaker Mary A. Saterfield Penelope L. Whitaker Jane Brister Susan C. Owens Alice Archer Hariet A. Gardner L. M. Dicken Alice Curry Rebecca Jeffries Elizabeth T. Wagoner Anne Jeffries Elizabeth Dale Cornelia Mart Salie C. Hooper Jennie Dance Julia C. Saterfield Sophronia Harrison Susan F. Stallcup (?) Elle McClean Mary Casey Hettie Sinclair Grace Lovalle Sallie Alderson Annie Briggs E. M. Clark Mary C. Ryan Bettie Edwards Belle Caldwell Cecilia Harrison Sarah Evans Kate Kay Eliza Evans Annie Kay Julia Kay Sarah Clark Sallie Clark Rebecca L. Brashear Ella H. Davis Elizabeth A. Settle Mattie Mart Emma Mart Mary L. Payne Nannie Saterfield Nannie Wood Marion Hall M. E. Cabiness Nancy West Mary Norton Jane Woodson Mattie Clark Susan Penick Debroah Clark Clara Evans Nancy Price Sarah F. Mosby Martha Payne M. H. Meadows S. J. Meadows Henrietta Meadows M. E. Lawrence Katie Kay Mary A. Coghill Digest of Minutes resumed, taken from the Minute Book (1870-1891) March 17, 1870 Mary Norton was granted a letter to join a Baptist Church in Louisville. A colored man Bro. Nick Orr and wife Vina, were restored to the church being among those dropped by limitation and were granted letters to join the Colored Baptist Church, Russellville. A committee was appointed to suggest a pastor, reported in favor of calling Dr. A. W. Chambliss of Maysville, Ky.; he was called on March 31, 1870 ro succeed Dr. W. W. gardner for the remainder of the year starting April 1st - salary $1000; at the March 26th meeting the call revised to be an indefinite time and salary at $1200 per annum - payable quarterly. Dr Gardner was called to remain until the new pastor arrived. W. Beckwith Morton was received by letter from Auburn on April 30, 1870. On April 17th 1870 Bro. A. W. Chambliss, his wife Sister Rebecca Chambliss and daughter Rebecca Chambliss were received into the membership from Maysville Baptist Church. At the April regular meeting Emily R. Roberts was received - her letter never used and which was granted July 23, 1853. George F. Bagby and wife Mary Bagby were received into membership from Flemingsburg, Ky. on Sept. 13, 1870; on Sept. 20th Charles Chambliss was received by experience and baptism; Elizabeth Ray by letter from Aberdeen, Miss; Sept. 24th Mrs. Thomas Dale, Miss Ella Cabiness and Walter Peck were received by experience for baptism; Sept. 25th Miss Sallie Evans was received upon profession of faith and baptism; Sept. 27th James B. Briggs for baptism upon profession of faith; Sept 30th Thomas W. Tobey and wife Hattie Tobey were received by letter from Paducah; Oct. 1st Carter H. Harrison was received by experience for baptism; Oct. 9th P. N. Bradley, Mrs. Donnelly and Asa Cabiness were received by experience for baptism; that night George Settle upon proffession [sic] of faith. Charles M. Furman and wife Fannie G. Furman, Mrs Mary Wilson upon certificate from the 1st Cumberland Presbyterian Church - they were baptized; Nov. 3, 1870; Nov. 6, 1870 Mrs Alice Jordan was received by experience for baptism; Dec. 22, Miss Adele Chambliss by letter; July 1, 1871 D. W. Poor, Mary A. Poor and Florence Poor were received by letter from Baltimore, Md; April 22, William Pearson and wife nancy and sons John and Edmund by letter from Bethany in Warren Co; May 7th Ellen Aingell was received by letter from Pleasant Grove; and A. T. Davis by baptism; July 14th Sophia Cornet by letter from Estill Co; Oct 12 Minnie Vaught and Lizzie McGinty were received by experience for baptism and on Nov. 18th Nancy White by letter from Marietta, Ga; Oct. 26th Henry D. McCloud by letter from Jefferson, Texas; Nov. 23rd Iverson Brandham, William Estes and Tommy Bond by letter from Brownsville, Tenn; Dec. 24th William Mercer by letter from Mt. Pleasant, Logan Co. Ky, Miss Dia Woolfork, Miss Emma Swain, Freddie Bagby and Julian Hall were received by experience for baptism; Dec. 26th Temple Bowling, Willie Ray, Miss Malinda Simons, Lucy Harrison, Willie Daves and Miss TIb- [sic] Hendricks were received by experience for baptism; Dec. 28th Malcolm Long, Alexander Clark, James Clark, Mrs Fannie Clark, Miss Mollie Shackleford were received by experience for baptism; Dec. 30th Mary Ann Casey, Miss Elizabeth Pierson, Richard Wagoner, Gus Brown, Ed Clark, Rolla Clark John Payne and Madison Alderson were received by experience for baptism; J. S. Jenkins was received by letter. Miss India Woodson, Miss Maggie Ray, Miss Annie Brister and Slaughter Jeffries were received by experience for baptism Dec. 31st; on Jan. 3, 1872 by experience for baptism were James M. Dale, Warden Dunn; on Jan. 4th John Long and wife Sally; Jan. 5th Mrs. Warden Dunn, Mrs Matilda Swain, Miss Luan Swain and Miss Emma Clark; Jan. 6th George Bowling, Leslie Dogg, Mr. W. W. Elliott, Mrs. Hancock and Miss Emma Dale. Thomas Randall, not having used his church letter, was recognized as a member of this church; received by experience for baptism were Mrs. Mary Bailey, Byron Price, Henry Enders, Richard Holland, James M. Bowling Jr., Joseph Clay and Henry Grubbs on Jan. 7th; Jan 13th W. A. peay was received by letter from Beaver Dam Church; W. B. Lyon by experience for baptism; John J. Mart on statement; on Feb. 8th J. W. Patton was introduced by W. W. Gardner and was received under the watch care of the church. It was ordered on Jan. 25th that Rev. A. W. Chambliss, Rev. W. W. Gardner and Bro. N. K. Davis assist the clerk in preparing for publication manuel [sic] for use of the church as ordered Feb. 26th, 1870; a report was made at the next meeting which fell on Feb. 29th and N. K. Davis and Randolph H. Caldwell were appointed as a committee to have same published in convenient form for the use of this church. March 7th 1872 Bro. licentiate John J. Shepherd was received into this membership from Green idge Baptist, Logan Co. Ky.; G. G. Dent by letter from Pleasant Grove Lawrence Co. Ark. The report of the committee in charge of the publication of the church manual was made and which showed 1200 copies were printed; enough sold to cover the cost and remeinder [sic] in the hands of the treasurer for gratuitous distribution; Mrs. Mattie Whitaker was received for baptism from the C. P. Church at Memphis, Tenn. on June 20th. By letter on July 27 1872 received by letter from Bethlehem Church, Logan Co. was B. J. Dunn. Bro. Benjamin F. Page, a recent graduate of Bethel College, was set apart by this church to the Gospel ministry on Jan. 23rd. Note by the writer, Bro Page was a grandson of Elder Leonard page. Dr. Samuel Baker was called as pastor of this church; he was from Brooklyn, N. Y, at a salary of $1200 and $200 to be allowed for his removal here. Oct. 23rd Hardy Barton was received by letter from Louisville; William Haynes by letter from Daviess Co. The new pastor, Dr. Samuel baker was received by letter and his wife, Sister Sarah A. Baker and their daughters, Calra M. and Lucy R. Baker on Jan. 23rd 1873. Henry arnett and son Clinton Arnett and his wife Sister M. E. Arnett and daughters Lula Arnett were received by letters from Caverna (?) Ky. on Feb. 20th 1873; Lizzie Gardner by letter from Hopkinsville; Mary E. Norris by letter from Sulphur Well in Simpson Co. Lizzie Gardner by letter from Hopkinsville; A. C. Williams by letter from Harmony Church in Tenn; M. E. Perkins by letter Fork Mill's Church, Cumberland Co. Va. March 9th Thomas J. Morrow by letter from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Logan Co. March 20th Julia C. Ashby by letter from Mt. Tabor Church in Barren Co. Ky. Three new deacons were elected Thomas Evans, Thomas C. Clark and Leslie Wagoner on June 1873 at the regular meeting. At the July conference the funds of the "box" were directed to be equally divided between Foreign and Domestic Missions and the Indian Dept. On Oct. 23, 1873 letters were granted N. K. Davis and wife Ella H. Davis and son Willie to join the church at Charlottsville, [sic] Va. (very seldom the writer gives those dismissed by letter and never those excluded) On Dec. 25th 1873 a meeting held with "closed doors" only the mebers of this church being allowed to be present; a member had been selling intoxicating liquors and one had attended dances. Licentiate Bro. D. C. McGregor was received into membership from Cross Creek Baptist Church Stewart Co. Tenn - Jan 22, 1874. B. F. Kidd and wife Sally Kidd were received by letter from New Union Church in this counry [sic]; and on March 19th 1874 J. J. Stamps by letter from the baptist Church at Murray, Ky. Licentiate Richard E Johns was received into this membership from Pleasant Grove in this county. R. E. Johns and J. J. Stamp were ordained to the Christian ministry on June 14th and on Sept. 14th Elder J. J. Stamps was granted a letter of admission to join the Baptist Church at Peewee Valley in Ky. Sept. 24th C. D. Whitman by letter from Mulberry Church Lincoln Co. Tenn; P. A. Pointer and wife Sallie A. by letter from Owensboro. Nov. 15th on profession of faith Miss Bettie Evans, H. H. Abernathy, John Key and William M. Garneth; Nov 22nd Groves Gibson and W. M. W. Sanderson by faith for baptism, Dec. 10th Will Penick. David W. Caldwell was elected assistant clerk on Dec. 10th 1874. An exhortation was made in behalf of the importance of the prompt observance of the envelope plan for raising the Pastor's salary on Jan. 1875 meeting. John H. Gray and wife and F. W. Golay by letter from Owensboro on March 25th 1875. N. Long presented for the consideration of the church the necessity of repairs to the church edifice and building a parsonage; this was on April 22, 1875. At the May 2, 1875 meeting a committee was authorized to have made such repairs in the interior of the church building and to solicit funds from the membership to defray the cost of ground added to the church lot and parsonage and if the amount raised sufficient should warrant same to proceed at once to secure additional ground and erect thereon said parsonage according to their best judgment. This was on May 2, 1875. The "Centennial Board" had petitioned that Dr. Baker assist in the State Canvass - was granted a three month leave of absence on July 8, 1875. On Aug. 19th the church voted to give funds to the Centennial Fund. Sophia Wolfe was received by letter from Hopkinsville on Jan. 29th 1876; Feb. 13th William O. Haynes was received by letter from Owensboro; Rev. J. H. Burnett and wife Laura received from Auburn; by experience for baptism, Miss Maggie O'Connell also Miss Elvira Woodson and Henry Rath; on Feb. 27th G. Harry Bailey by faith for baptism; M. P. Abernathy by letter from Mt. Washington; March 9th George Read by letter from new Hope in Simpson Co. March 12, Miss Clarissa Casey by faith for baptism; april 16th Misses Mattie Long, Addie Wagoner, Malinda Ashby and Constance Furman by faith for baptism. June meeting 1876 Franklin Bicknell for baptism; Sept meeting 1876 T. E. Tanner by letter from Zion Church, Henderson, Ky. John A Pierson was licensed to preach at this same meeting. Oct. meeting J. T. Roll was received by letter. Nannie Evans was received by letter from the New Union Church on June 21, 1877; June 28th Mrs. Henry Rath came by experience for baptism; Aug. 5th Maggie O. Norwood by letter from Oak Grove Church. Miss Lucy Harrison, Sec. of the "Lydian Circle" from the order of said society that an organ be purchased by this society; at the Sept. 26th meeting 1877, N. Long made an application that the old organ be presented to Bethel College Chapel and the melodian [sic] to the Hall of Reuben Ross Society. Annie E. Burgher was received on Nov meeting by letter from Baptist Church at Edgar Creek 9this church is now Walnut Grove) Jane Leedom was received by letter from the church at Elizabethtown; Bro. and Sister G. A. Johnson by letter from Trenton, Ky. March 7, 1778 Lee Morgan, W. T. Caplinger, John Evans, George B. Netherton, Miss L. Benton, Miss Laura Mosby and Miss Rebecca Leatherfield were received by faith and baptism; Josie Carrall by letter; June meeting Lee Norwood and wife M. F. Norwood by letter from Oak Grove, Tenn. Aug. 1st G. F. Bagby and wife Mary L. by letter from Trenton; Fred H. Theodore and Harry A. and Virginia Bagby, children of rev. G. F. Bagby. April meeting 1879 - James W. Carlin was received by letter from Smith Mills, Ky. Nov 23rd Presley Saterfield by letter; March 1879 Mrs C. H. White received by experience for baptism; July 1, 1879 Spencer C. Long and wife Cornelia and Daughter Mary G. by letter from the Broadway Church in Louisville; Oct. 14th 1880 W. S. Ryland and wife received by letter from 1st Baptist Church, Lexington; Nov. 18th 1880 Rev. Dr. W. W. Gardner and Bro and Sister James H. Fuqua and daughters from Glasgow; Jennie Leedom by letter from Elizabethtown; Misses Queenie and Luby Fuqua by letters from Glasgow; Mrs Sada Lyon and Henry Moseley by faith and baptism; Dec. 9th 1880 Mrs Dia Long by letter from Paducah; Dec. meeting 1880 The pastor was notified that the aged and venerable brother Col. Thomas Grubbs had died at St. Louis on Dec. 23rd 1880 at 6 o'clock. A committee was appointed to draw up resolutions explanatory of the important historical connection of Bro. Grubbs with this church from its organization in 1818 contientially [sic] (should have been consecutively) but according to his it must also have been concientially [sic] as well. George Settle was received by letter from Glasgow in Feb. 1881; in April 1881 Mrs Roland Clark was received by faith for baptism; Oct. 1881 Margaret Piser by letter from Elkton, Marion Myers by letter from Mt. Sterling; Nov. 1, 1881 Mrs. Georgia A. B. Morrow, Mrs. Emma Hill, Mr. John First, C. B. Piper and Ed Jordon by faith and baptism. Nov. 20th 1881 Roscoe Lewis by faith for baptism and also Lena Clark, Maggie Brister and Bessie Long; Dec. 4, 1881 Carrie Downer by letter from Pembroke; March 1882 by letter received Miss Ross from Louisville; Mary J. Wood from Louisville; Mary E. Trimble and two daughters Sue M. and Grace W. Trimble from the church at Princeton, Ky. (note by writer: Mrs. Mary E. Trimble was the grandmother of Miss Mary Nelle Lyne) R. E. Benford was received by letter from Brownsville, Tenn. church in Nov. 1882. Rev. Salin, a converted Jew, was invited to hold a meeting beginning the 11st week in January 1883. Feb. 4th 1883 these persons were baptized Mrs. Sallie Caldwell, Misses Annie Briggs, Lucy Brister, Keenie Saterfield, D. e. Ramsey, Hal Walters, Anderson Casey, Nimrod Briggs, W. B. Ramsey, and Phil. L. Ramsey; Feb. 7th Jerome Boen by letter from Tiger's Glen Church; June 24th Lucy baker from Bethel Church in Christian Co. Ky. by letter, Sept. 1883 L. A. Childress a letter from Union Church in Crittenden Co. Ky. Sept. 18th Fannie A. Smith by letter from Union Co. Ky. Nov. 1884 William W. Frazier received into the membership by letter from Allensville, Ku. [sic] Nov. 23rd received upon profession of faith for baptism were Misses Amanda Lawson, Grace Harrison, Mary Brister, Nettie Long, Belle Ramsey, _____ Frazier, Nannie C. Walter, and Bettie Evans, also Will G. Evans, Joseph H. Fuqua, Jams H. Fuqua Jr., Thomas G. Borders, George H. McNemun, Nimrod Long, Jr., Henry L. Trimble, Perry D. Miller, John H. Ramsey, Robert Ramsey, Harry W. Hill, all by faith and baptism on Nov. 23rd 1884. J. Guthrie Coke and wife by letter from Allensville. April 10th Ella Morton received by letter from Lawrenceburg, Ky. June 12th Mamie Small by letter from Mt. Gilead at Allensville, Ky. Resolutions relative to the regret of the pastor Dr. Baker's resignation were submitted on Jan. meeting of 1885. F. M. Page and wife and Fisher Page were received by letters from Dripping Spring, Logan Co. Ky. Sept 14 1885 Lilly Clark was received through faith for baptism. Oct. 22 1885 Mrs. R. E. Binford received by faith and baptism also Miss Stella Hanna. Oct. 8, 1885 Rev. S. M. Province was called as pastor. Nov. 22, 1885 Rhea Page was received by faith for baptism. Nov. 26th N. B. Ashby was accepted for baptism; that evening P. M. Satterfield by letter. A. C. Hodgen was received upon a profession of faith and baptism on Dec. 13, 1885; Mary H. Hodgen received by letter from Danville, Ky. Dec 17th C. W. Swanson was approved for baptism and Phineas Cochrand by baptism. Dec. 31st Sallie and Mollie Frazier were received by letter from Allensville. Jan. 3rd 1885 Sylvia Latimer was received by letter from new Union; Deanie Wickliff, now Cumbit, from Auburn - date of letter was Oct. 1871 (note by writer, she held her letter 14 years. At the Jan. meeting 1886 A. C. Hodgen was elected assistant treasurer on requet of N. Long who resigned as Supt. of the Sunday School but retained as Superintendent Emeritus. George M. Bibb and wife were admitted by letter from Mt. Pleasant Church; their two daughters were received by baptism; Hester Rutherford and son Henry Rutherford were admitted by letter from muddy River Church on Sept. 2, 1886. From this date the names of those joining will be discarded. The clean hand and penmanship of Randolph Caldwell is not so good; he resorted to the use of an indelible pencil which caused the writing to spread and has become too difficult to read on account of being blurred. At the July meeting in 1887 a Mission Arm of this church was acepted [sic] as organized at Epley's Station in Logan Co. In Oct. 1888 letters were granted to thirty five men and women to unite with the church at Epley's Station, Rev. J. G. Bow with five others from this church assisted in the constitution. At the Spetember meeting in Sept. 1887 Bro Benjamin E. Warder and wife were received from the New Union Church (Mr Warder was a nephew of Rev. William Warder and a brother to the wife of Rev. James lamb.) In February the heirs of N. Long, dec'd donated one-fourth of the North half of the plot between Mrs. Thomas Evans' place and the grounds of Bethel College to be used as a parsonage. In February 1888 a committee was appointed to devise means to heat the water in the baptistry. The death of Bro. Randolph H. Caldwell was recorded Oct. 19, 1896. He had been clerk of the church twenty three years. The building committee was instructed to let the contract for the new church building (April 17, 1898) Additional ground was bought from John P. Long and deed was made in June 1899. The service of July 27th 1899 was the first held in the new church after worshiping elsewhere for more that [sic] a year. The church was dedicated on the fourth Sunday in April 1903. Dr. E. C. Dargan of the Southern Baptist Cemenary [sic] in Louisville preached the dedicatory sermon. June 30, 1917 the church raised funds to send Miss Mary Nelle Lyne, one of its own members as a missionary to Shanghai, China. Her biography will be given later in this history. On June 12, 1919 the church celebrated its one hundredth anniversary. Sermon was preached by Mr. A. C. Hodgen. No record is given in the minutes relative to this anniversary. This church was organized the 24th day of November 1818. The June date was found in the pamphlet written by Dr. Charles B. Jackson with the aid of Mrs. A. Edwin Rive who did the research or the greater portion of it. On June 15, 1927 the contract was let for the new educational building and on Nov. 27th that same year the first service was held in this new building. Mr. H. L. Kirkpatrick was Chairman of the Finance Committee; Mr. J. D. Lashbrook was Chairman of the Building Committee for this addition. Later pastors Rev. Jonathan G. Bow came to the pulpit in April 1888 and served two years. Rev. G. S. Kinnard cam in February 1890-1891 W. J. Williams came in March 1892. Rev. E. S. Alderman became pastor in September 1896. J. S. Check became pastor in July 1900 Dr. W. C. James came to the church May 1, 1906, remained two yrs. Rev. charles Anderson came January 1, 1908. Dr. W. Mosby Seay came in August 1912 Rev. Frank L. Hardy came in May 1917 Dr. W. W. Landrum came August 19, 1919; he resigned December 9. 1925; he was made Pastor Emeritus. He served six years as pastor. Dr. Charles B. Jackson came June 27, 1926 and remained until the spring of 1935. Dr. J. P. Scruggs came September 19, 1935, remained five years. Dr. E. L. Skiles came in July 1941. He resigned September 15, 1943 to go to Richmond, Va. Dr. W. Peyton Thurman came January 1, 1944 and remained until the fall of 1947 when he resigned to take charge as pastor of the 1st Baptist Church at Hopkinsville, Ky. Dr. Howard Olive was the next pastor, was here during 1948 and 1949. At present he is a missionary to the Philipines [sic] Islands. Rev. Rudy Bouland was pastor for about a year. Dr. Edward Galloway, a former missionary to China, came to the church in the spring of 1952; he remained five years, leaving in the spring of 1957 to become pastor at Oak Ridge, Tenn. Rev. John Wood, a native of Texas, came to the church the first Sunday in October 1957. During the interim between the period that the church was without a pastor after Rev. Bouland left several of the teachers in the Southern Baptist Seminary supplied, among whom were Dr. H. C. Goerner and Dr. V. L. Stanfield. Dr. Stanfield was interim pastor after Dr. Galloway left and before Rev. Wood came to the field. It was during Dr. Howard Olive's pastorate that the auditorium was enlarged and redecorated; during the remodeling period, the church services were held in the local high school Auditorium. It was during Dr. Galloway's pastorate that the brick building on Main Street and adjoining the church was bought for the use of the Sunday School; the new parsonage was erected on West Ninth Street just back of the old parsonage; a cottage far out on East Sixth Street was bought for the mission which had been assembling in rented property. The mission is doing wonderful work in its Sunday School with volunteer workers from the 1st Church. In the spring of 1958 a modern cottage was bought for the use of the Music and Educational Director. Rev. Russell Bennett is now (1958) the Music and Educational Director and also the Supply Pastor. For several years the church has been taking an offering in the fall and one in the spring for the building Fund; a modern Educational Building is anticipated in the near future. This new building will adjoin the church on Main Street. The present membership of the church is 1,080 91958) The Sunday School enrollment is 584 The Training Union enrollment is 160 The Sunday School Superintendent for 1958-1959 is Mr. Walter Leedom. The superintendent of the Mission is Mr. Robert Bentley and enrollment is 60. The Training Union director is Mr. Dan Knotts. [Transcriber's note: Biographies appended to this History will be filed with the Logan County USGenWeb Archives Biography Section.] Additional Comments: Volunteer transcription - copied from FHL Film #855039 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ky/logan/churches/firstbap302gbb.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/