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, June 24, 1892.
Church met for business.  Religious exercises were conducted by D. M.
Belvin.  Priviledges of the church were extended, and Bro. John Ware offered 
for restoration and received.  The pastor being absent, Brother W. R.
Hargrove was appointed moderator pro.tem.  Was announced ready for business.  
Minutes of the last meeting read and approved.  The reference to Sister 
Olive Odom was retaken, the committee being absent.  On motion it was laid
over until next meeting.  A statement was made of the non fellowship of 
Brother J. G. Strother and Sister Olive Johnson.  On motion it was laid 
over until next meeting. Brother O. S. Willis stated trouble between 
himself and Brother Dan L. Willis, acknowledged sorrow and asked for 
pardon.  On motion a charge was preferred against the other brethren.  
On motion it was laid over until our next meeting.  On motion the church
resolved to take action between Sisters Elizabeth Ware and Elizabeth Willis.
On motion was laid over until our next conference.  On motion resolved that
Brothers James Ware, Joseph Willis and Aaron Doyl be appointed as a committee
to attempt to settle between Brothers O. S. Willis and D. L. Willis, and
family.  On motion Brother John Strother was added to the committee.  On 
motion the committee's duty was extended to the attention to Brother John
G. Strother and Sister Olive Johnson, and Sisters Elizabeth Ware and 
Rebecca Willis.  No further business, conference adjourned.
W. R. Hargrove, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk

Sunday June 25,
Church met for business.  After devotional exercises were conducted by 
L. M. Nichols and A. D. Mayo held a grand covenant of prayer.  Three offered
by experience for baptism, Brother Wm. McDaniel, Sisters Ida Perkins and 
Dixie Hagan.  On motion all were received.  The congregation then repaired
to the water side where baptism was administered to Sister Francis Ashworth.
Returned to the house where the sister was received into full fellowship.  
The church then called for a contribution for Brother Mayo and received $13.70.
No further business coming up, adjourned in order.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
J. H. Strother, Clerk. 

Bethel July 22, 1892.
Church met for business.  Devotional exercises conducted by D. L. Hamilton.
After partaking of a bounteful repast, again had services in the afternoon.
The priviledges of the church were extended.  Brother Harvey Odom offered  for
restoration and on motion was received.  Adjourned in order.
J. H. Strother, Clerk.

Bethel, July 23, 1892.
Church met for business.  Brother Wm. McDaniel was baptized.  Returned to the 
house and the brother was received into full fellowship of the church.  After 
devotional exercises the priviledgs of the church were extended.  Martha Doyl 
and Mascenia West offered and were received under the watch care of the church.
Was announced in conference.  Minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted.
Brother F. Perkins stated the sorrow and request for pardon of Sister Olive 
Odom for the charge rendered against her by the church.  On motion the sister
was pardoned and the committee discharged.  The case of non fellowship between
Brother J. G. Strother and Sister Olive Johnson, Sisters Elizabeth Willis, 
and Brothers D. L. Willis and Osborn Willis were all declared settled, the 
participants sorry, (Continued on next page)