Bethel Baptist Church Records, Rapides Parish Louisiana
Submitted by Pamela Strother Downs
Transcribed to text file by Lynda Weldon
Date: May 9, 2007

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Saturday Feb. 23, 1889.
Church met for service.  Preaching by pastor.  Priviledges of the church 
extended.  None offered.  Went into conference.  Minutes of last meeting 
read and approved with the correction of one mistake.  On motion of 
Brother John Strother the Rules of Decorum were read.  Brother Strother 
stated to the church that Brother Aaron Doyl had been partaker in the ball
room and wished the church to forgive him, which wish was granted.  The case
of Brother G. and Sister Carolyn McCloud was then taken up; and it was 
resolved that they be notified to appear at our next regular meeting.  On
motion of Brother Strother the church resolved to come prepared to commune 
and wash feet at our next regular meeting.  Adjourned until tomorrow.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk.

Sunday 24.
Church met pursuant to adjournment.  Services and preaching by pastor.  
Priviledges of the church were extended.  Leonita Dyer, Nancy Draddy, 
Ruthy McDaniel and Clara Costilo were received by experience as candidates
for baptism.  There being no further business adjourned in order.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Saturday April 23, 1889.
Church met.  Had services and preaching by pastor.  Priviledges of the 
church was extended.  None offered.  Minutes of the last meeting were read and 
approved.  By request of the church a letter from Brother and Sister McCloud
was read before the church.  The church resolved that as the Brother was dead,
and as the sister had not come to the renewal of the covenant, she should be
granted further time.  Sister Leonia Dyer then a candidate for baptism, was 
by her request and due acknowledgements, made by Brother Joseph Willis 
forgiven by the church for participating in the ball room.  By request of 
Sister Ruthy McDaniel, on motion, her baptism was postponed.  Sister Dora Dyer 
was excluded for participating in the ball room.  A motion prevailed to
postpone the communion and washing of feet, as the church was not prepared.
Adjourned until tomorrow.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Sunday 24.
Church met pursuant to adjournment. The pastor administered baptism to Sister
Leonia (Dyer) Rolinz and Nancy Draddy.  The sisters were received into full
fellowship of the church.  Had services by Elds. W. D. Godwin, L. M. Nichols 
and A. D. Mayo.  The priviledges of the church were extended.  Mrs. (Dew) 
Synthia Burton was received by experience as a candidate for baptism.  There
being no further business adjourned.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Saturday May 25, 1889.
Church met.  Had preaching by D. M. Belvin and A. D. Mayo. Priviledges of 
the church were extended.  Non offered.  Went into conference.  Minist of 
the last meeting were read and approved with the correction of one mistake.
On motion of Brother John Strother, resolved that as Sister Carolyn McCloud
had long been requesting a letter of dismission, and was now present, that 
the letter be granted.  On motion of Brother John Strother, resolved that 
the church license Brother David M. Belvin to exercise his talent in 
preaching the gospel.  Adjourned until tomorrow.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk