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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Bethel, May 23, 1891
The Bethel Baptist Church met for business.  After devotional exercises
the priviledges of the church were extended.  None offered.  Went into
conference.  The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted.  On
motion delegates were appointed to attend the Council meeting.  A. Doyl
volunteered and Brother J. Rodriguez was appointed to accompany him.  On
motion took a collection for Brother Mayo, which amounted to $7.75.  On
motion letters of dismission were granted to Brother Huey Alexander,
Sister Drucilla Alexander and M. E. Strother.  On motion Brothers, J. H.
Strother and M. Peterson were appointed to write Articles of Faith.
Adjourned in order.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Sunday, May 24, 1891.
Church met to previous appointment.  After devotional exercises the 
priviledges of the church were extended.  One offered by letter and was
received.  Took up a collection for Brother Mayo amounting to $3.00.  
Adjourned in order.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Bethel, June 27, 1891.
The church met for business after devotional exercises.  On motion Brother
M. Peterson was appointed moderator.  After a few remarkes the moderator
announced the church ready for business.  The minutes of the last meeting
were read and adopted.  The delegates who attended the Council Meeting made 
a favorable report and announced that it was resolved by the meeting that the
delegates from each church on their return home present the claims for a 
collection for the building of a monument for Brother Willis (Joseph).  By
acknowledgements of Brother Alexander Willis and his refusal to do better he
was excluded.  On motion of Brother John Strother resolved that we come 
prepared to commune and wash feet at our next regular meeting.  On motion
took up a collection for furnishing the church house, amounting to $6.40 in 
pledges. Brother John Strother remarked about a Sunday school . After some
discussion resolved to meet tomorrow morning and organize.  On motion 
adjourned in order.
M. Peterson, Moderator pro.tem.
J. H. Strother, Clerk.

See July on next page.

Sunday June 28, 1891.
Church met persuant to adjournment.  After ready a portion of Scripture by 
Brother Peterson had prayer by C. Thompson.  The value of the Sunday school 
was then discussed by Bros. M. Peterson, John Strother, James Ware and John 
Ware, after which went into organization.  The names of the scholars were
enrolled.  Elected Brother John Strother Superintendent and J. H. STrother,
Secretary and teacher for the boys and Osborn Willis assistant.  Sister Anna
Wills teacher for girls and Miss Ida Perkins assistant.  No further business 
adjourned in order.
M. Peterson, Moderator pro.tem.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Bethel August 22, 1891.
Church met to previous appointment.  After devotional exercises the 
priviledges of the church were extended.  Brother Bryant Dyer offered for
restoration and on (Continued on next page)