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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Jan. 21, 1898
John Strother read the Scriptures and led in prayer.  He was chosen
Moderator pro tem.  Minutes of the former meeting were read and approved.
The reference relative to Sisters Strother and Buxton was postponed 
until the next meeting.  The confession of Mrs. Pashtile Doyl was 
received and accepted.  The rules of Decorum were read.  A charge was
made against James Ware Jr., for participating in the ball room.  The
matter was lain over until the next meeting.
John Strother, Mod. Pro tem
Willie Strother, Clerk

Jan. 22, '98
J. O. and G. N. Strother conducted devotional services and preached.
John Strother, Mod. 
W. Strother, Clerk

Feb. 26, '98.
Pastor A. D. Mayo preached.  Miss Ellen Willis was received on a profession
of faith for baptism.  Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.  The
case of Sisters Strother and Buxton was taken up for consideration.  Sister
Buxton confessed that she was sorry.  Sister Strother denied the charge.  
The case was continued to the next meeting.  The charge against James Ware 
Jr. was taken up for consideration and postponed until next meeting.  G. 
N. Strother offered a resolution that the church deal with members for 
participating in plays in the same way as they deal with those participating
in the ball room.  The resolution was adopted.  A second resolution 
presented: Be it resolved that we deman that members at varience with each 
other come to the church and speak.  The resolution was adopted.  A motion 
that these resolutions be added to the Rules of Decorum, and that they be 
read quarterly, prevailed.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
Willie Strother, Clerk

Sunday Feb. 27.
The pastor conducted services.  John Willis was received on a profession of
faith for baptism.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
Willie Strother, Clerk

March, 27, '98.
The pastor conducted devotional services.  Minutes of the previous meeting
were read and approved.  James Ware Jr. Asked pardon for the offense of which
he was charged and it was granted.  The case of Sisters Strother and Buxton
was laid over to the next meeting.  Brother Dew Buxton was excluded for using
profane language.
A. D. Mayo, Mod.
Willie Strother, Clerk

Sunday 28, '98.
The pastor baptized John and Ellen Willis.  The pastor and Rev. J. O. 
Strother preached.  Madella Draddy, Ella Ware, Sarah Willis, Martha Willis 
and Finesse Cloud were received on a profession of faith for baptism.  The 
hand of Christian (continued on next page)