"History of Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church, 1812-1830", Washington, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana Contributed by Bonnie Dier Transcribed by Kay Rhett Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Edie McKinney Talley, Oct. 1998 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ TITLE: HISTORY OF HALF MOOON BLUFF BAPTIST CHURCH 1812-1830 1812 MAY YOU ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE TO SERVE GOD MORE FAITHFULLY AS YOU READ THE RESULTS OF OUR RESEARCH ON HALF-MOON BLUFF BAPTIST CHURCH FRANKLINTON, LOUISIANA 1812 - 1830 Zuma Fendlason Magee Co-author Dixie Sylvest Moss 1978 ************************************************************************ Page 1 cOMMENTS COMMENTS Through the years many articles have been written by many people concerning the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church. It is said to be the first Baptist church in the State of Louisiana. Few records exist. For proper historical perspective, it should be remembered that the site of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church had been a part of the United States of America less than two years, thanks to General Philemon Thomas and his little band of twenty men who had overthrown the Spanish Fort at Baton Rouge in 1810. This had been followed by six months as an independent nation. Their political efforts to become9 first, a part of the United States, and second, a part of Louisiana had required zeal and diplomacy. It was in 1812 that Louisiana had achieved statehood and that the first Baptist church on the Bogue Chitto River was constituted. The nation, itself, was in its 36th year of Independence9 though the Treaty of Paris that ended the fighting was signed Sept. 3, 1?83. Already the differences with England were bringing the fighting in our nation's Second War with England to New Orleans, Louisiana. The nation's men were again on the march, this time passing near Louisiana1s infant Baptist church. Some of its members left to fight. See list in appendix. The reader will note discrepancies in the facts regarding the Half-Moon Bluff church as presented by responsible people. Their stories are here presented just as they gave them using the meager facts that each had available. It is due to the late Rev. E. C. Ware that microfilm copies of Mississippi's Pearl River Baptist Association, have been made available. These include: Organization, Preamble, Articles of Faith, Gospel Order, Rules of Decorum, Powers of the Association, also a Digest of Church Letters for the years 1820 - 1829 (with only 1826 and 1827 missing). These letters gave names of churches, Pastors, Delegates, number enrolled, financial condition, and sometimes the places of meetings. This and other pertinent historical records are included in this work. We know that this is not perfect. Please pray that the search for truth be ever an active part of living. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. Our thanks go to Mr. Herschel Pettus, Alexandria, La. and to Dr. A. W. Robbins, Mr. Daunton Gibbs and Mrs. Vicki Pichon Knight, all of Franklinton, La., for their valuable assistance. ****************************************************************************** Page 2 1812 Abstracts from Minutes of the Mississippi Baptist Association HALF MOON BLUFF BAPTIST CHURCH DELEGATES TO MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (From the Minutes of the Association.) 1812 Joseph Lewis Joseph Erwin 1813 Nathan Morris (only) 1814 Nathan Morris Joseph Lewis Lofton Fairchilds 1815 Nathan Morris Wm M'Gehee (Magee) 1816 Nathan Morris* J. Erwin 1817 N. Morris Zadock Barrow 1818 N. Morris J. Ricks 1819 N. Morris J. Bankston 1820 N. Morris J. Bankston "Nathan Morris preached the introductory sermon and was elected moderator. The Minutes of the Mississisppi Baptist Association for 1811 stated that "a petition from a number of brethren on Bogue Chitto, praying to be constituted into a church was received. Brethren T. Mercer (Thomas) and D. Cooper (David) were appointed to visit them, and, if they deem it expedient, to constitute them into a church." Thomas Mercer was the Moderator and David Cooper was clerk. ****************************************************************************** Page 3 1820 Abstracts from the Minutes of the Pearl River Baptist Association HALF MOON BLUFF BAPTIST CHURCH DELEGATES TO PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (From the Minutes of the Association) 1820 Nathan Morris* William Magee 1821 Names of delegates w3re not included in the Minutes. 1822 Nathan Morris Jacob Bankston 1823 Nathan Morris Laurance Dillon 1824 Nathan Morris Joseph Irwin 1825 Nathan Morris (absent) William Magee (2 members had died: 18 members) 1826 (Lacking) 1827 (Lacking) 1828 Joseph Erwin Richard Albritton 1829 ------nce Dillon (Given names were partly omitted in the process of microfilming.) 1830 "Received and read a letter from Half Moon Bluff, showing that she had dissolved, which was considered legally done, and her name erased from our minutes; but her records may be found in the hands of the clerk of New Zion Church." *Nathan Morris was appointed to preach next year's introductory sermon in the October meeting of the Pearl River Association. ****************************************************************************** Pages 4 - 9 Pearl River Baptist Association Minutes, Churches, Resolutions MINUTES OF THE PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Constituted at Fair River Church, Laurence County, State of Mississippi on the sixth day of November, 1820 MINUTES & c. Saturday, 4th November, 1820 Agreeably to sundry Resolutions of the Mississippi Baptist Association to be constituted at Fair River Church, the Delegates from the churches met at the said church in pursuance to the appointment of the said resolutions, when the following churches were represented, viz, Churches Delegates: Total Contributed For the Ordained ministers Fellowship to pay for Association in caps Licensed minutes Fund ministers followed by (Lic.) Half Moon Bluff NATHAN MORRIS 24 1.00 3.00 Bougehitto WILLIAM COOPER 40 1.25 3.75 David Cleveland Mount Nebo Johannan Ricks 28 1.00 2.00 John Tate Antioch WILLIAM WHITEHEAD 38 1.00 3.00 JAMES THIGPEN Pearl River GEORGE W. KING 28 2.00 3.00 William D. Hathorn Union Joseph Lewis 22 1.50 3.00 James Chamberlain Fair River Shadrach King(Lic) 61 3.00 5.50 Jesse Maxwell Silver Creek Willis Simmons 21 1.00 .50 New Chapel ABSOLOM HARPER 41 1.00 2.75 Moses Bridges JOHN P. MARTIN Poplar Spring Noah Springer 48 2.121/2 1.00 Dillings Creek Dougle Graham 27 1.50 2.00 John Barnes Baileychitto WILLIAM COOK 10 .75 .75 Silver Creek John Nall (Lic.) 23 2.00 3.00 East of Pearl R. David Hubert Bulah DAVID COOK *abs. 10 .50 .50 John Sutton Friendship Charles Walker 30 1.371/2 Reuben Williams SweetWater ASA CHADICK *abs 15 1.00 1.00 Branch Thomas Carter Talleyhala JAMES POWELL 47 2.00 2.00 Jesse Scrivner (Lic.) Providence NORVEL ROBERTSON 25 2.00 1.00 James C. Steele Penticost Briton Bridges 18 1.25 1.00 Thomas Watts African Ben, belonging to 30 .121/2 .371/2 Sellers Bob, belonging to McGraw Bethany William Sparks 22 2.00 1.00 William Stamps Ebenezer Jacob Carter 21 1.50 .75 Esau Bass Bahala James Bailey (Lic) 19 .50 .50 Bailey Loven 1st. Brother James Thigpen, accordingly to appointment, preached the introductory sermon, from 1st. Peter, II. 5. "Ye also as lively stones are built up a spritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 2nd. Proceeded to business, and nominated brother Norvell Robertson, Moderator pro. tem. And brethren Shadrach King, and Davis Collins, Clerks pro. tem. 3rd. Read the letters from the churches, and enrolled the names of their delegates. Adjourned until Monday at half past nine o'clock, A.M. By appointment of Fair River Church, on the Lord's day, the brethren, Ezra Courtney, Samuel Marsh, and Davis Collins, preached to a large, serious, and solemn congregation. Many of the hearts of God's people rejoiced to hear the wonderful displays of Divine Grace opened, and enforced, while some sinners let fall the penitential tear, and others appeared seriously solemn. Divine service was closed by brother John Smith, in a very pathetic exhortation, and prayer by brother George W. King. MONDAY, 6th November, 1820 Met agreeably to adjournment. Brother Robertson prayed. 4th. The brethren, Ezra Courtney, John Smith, and Samuel Marsh, messengers from the Mississippi Baptist Association, and the brethren Daniel M'Call and John Burch, messengers from the Union Association, together with the ministering brethren present, not delegated, were invited to seats with us, to aid in the transaction of business. 5th. Enquired into the fellowship, and union of the churches, and a difficulty arising relative to the orderly stand of the Bahala Church, the delegates of said church were set aside until after the Constitution. 6th. The committee appointed by the Pearl River Baptist Convention, to draught a plan of a Constitution, reported the same, which being deliberately read, and some alterations made, the question was taken on adopting the report of the committee, as amended, which was carried unanimously in the affirmative. 7th. Brethren Robertson, the Moderator pro. tem. Then gave the delegates the right-hand of fellowship, and pronounced them "The Pearl River Association, united in love to God and to one another." And brother John Smith offered up the dedicatory prayer. 8th. Chose brother William Cooper, Moderator, and brother Shadrach King, Clerk. 9th. Took up the case of the Bahala Church, and the objection against said church appearing to be in consequence of their holding brother James Bailey in fellowship, who (report said) had two wives living, and the subject being thoroughly investigated, the Association pronounced the "first marriage" not consumated, and therefore illegal, and the "second marriage" valid; and the Bahala Church was received by an unanimous vote. 10th. Brother George W. King having prepared the CIRCULAR LETTER accordingly to the appointment of the Pearl River Baptist Convention, presented it, which was read, and unanimously adopted. 11th. Received a letter of correspondence from the Union Association, together with a present of sixteen copies of their . . . . . . Fair River, Boguechitto and New Chapel, had experienced in different degrees, the outpouring of the Spirit. This evinces to us the pleasing fact, that our "Covenant God" has not yet forgotten to be gracious. We likewise hear of the most gracious visitations of the churches in New York, Vir. . . . . Mississippi, brother Nathan Morris . . . . brother Shadrach King, to the Union Associations. Brother Davis Collins prayed, and the Association adjourned until to- morrow at half past nine o'clock, A.M. Tuesday, 7th November 1820. Met in pursuance to adjournment. Brother Nathan Morris prayed. 13th. Resolved, that this Association, feeling a wish to disseminate the true doctrines of the Gospel in their purity, request our Reverend and beloved brother, Davis Collins, to favor us with a copy of the sermon which he delivered to us on the Lord's day last, and that brother William Whitehead superintend the printing of 500 copies of it; and that he appropriate the money of the subscription raised for that purpose, towards the printing of the same, and that he distribute them to the subscribers proportionate to the sum that each subscribes, so that the ultimate distribution may be from the subscribers, in order to give it a speedy, and extensive circulation; and if there be more subscribed than will pay for the printing of the 500 copies, that brother Whitehead shall pay such overplus to brother Collins, as a compensation for his trouble. 14th. Read and received the corresponding letters to sister Associations, and appointed the brethren as our messengers to bear them, viz: Brothren Norvel Robertson and John P Martin, to the Bigby, Brethren Nathan Morris and James Thigpen to the Union, and Brethren David Collins and George W. King, to the Mississippi Associations. 15th. Resolved, that we confer with the Mississippi and the Union Associations, on the subject of Missions, agreeably to the request of the Mississippi Association, and that we appoint the Brethren, George W. King, Nathan Morris, William Whitehead, David Cleveland, and Shadrach King to be our committee of conference, to meet the committee of sister Associations, at the Zion Hill Church, Amite County, on Friday before the first Sabbath in May next. 16th. Appointed brother David Cleveland Treasurer. 17th. Ordered, That Twenty dollars be paid out of the Association Fund towards completing the payment of printing the Minutes of the Pearl River Baptist Convention. 18th. The sinners let fall the penitential tear, and others appeared seriously solemn. Divine service was closed, by brother John Smith, in a very pathetic exhortation, and prayer by brother George W. King. 19th. Appointed our next Association to be at Ebenezer Church, on Holloday's Creek, Laurence County, to commence on Saturday before the first Sabbath in September next. 20th. Appointed brother Norvel Robertson to write the Circular letter for the next Association. 21st. Appointed brother Norvel Robertson to preach the introductory sermon, and in case of failure, brother Nathan Morris. 22nd. Appointed brother Shadrach King to superintend the printing and distributing of 300 copies of these Minutes, with the Constitution annexed. Brother George W. King prayed, and brother William Cooper adjourned the Association with an Apostolic benediction. Signed by the order of the Association. William Cooper, Moderator Shadrach King, Clerk. ****************************************************************************** Pages 10 - 14 Circular Letter CIRCULAR LETTER The Pearl River Baptist Association, constituted at Fair River Church, to the Churches They Represent, Sendeth Greetings. Dear Brethren, Although letters of this kind have been numerous, yet, we think it our duty to stir up your minds by way of remembrance. With the most heart-felt gratification, with the most pleasing sensations of soul, and the most grateful feelings, we hear of the prosperity of Zion in some of our infant churches. The churches at Poplar Spring, Friendship, Ebenezer, Bahaal, Fair River, Boguechitto and New Chapel, have experienced in different degrees, the outpouring of the Spirit. This evinces us to the pleasing fact, that our "Covenant God" has not yet forgotten to be gracious. We likewise hear of the most gracious visitations of the churches in New York, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee, which, together with the operations now going forward for the evangelizing the whole world, cause our drooping heads to be raised, and our lanquishing spirits to revive. We are ready to hail the propitious era, foretold by the ancient prophets, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. If we then be attentive to the voice of God in his Providences, we shall open the ear to instruction, and be solicitous to set in order the things that wanting. Family religion is too much neglected: the Sabbath is too frequently profaned: and the Lord's Supper is but partially observed. Of these we would speak more particularly: - and, 1st. Of family religion, which consists in family government, family prayer, and family instruction. We often pray for the destruction of sin in the world, and the promotion of holiness; but how little do we do to destroy the one, and to promote the other in our families? In rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, in the days of Zerubbabel, every man was required to build over against his own house - so, the way to promote religion in the world is, for everyone to begin at his own family. Alas! That some who claim the brotherhood do not keep up family prayer! How many neglect family instruction for the want of religion! And how many omit it from principle, to avoid making their children formalist, Pharisees and hypocrites!! Why do we teach them morals? May they not trust in morals as well as religious instruction? Why let them hear experiences? Why let them read the Bible? Why preach to them? May they not by these means learn the language of Zion, and get the form of religion without the power? If this principle be true, the Church of Rome is correct in contending that "ignorance is the mother of devotion," and we will not only keep our children in ignorance, but learn them to be vicious, that the power of God may be more illustriously displayed in their conversion. How proposterous! If we should neglect the instruction of our children because it is wrong, then St. Paul made a great mistake in directing parents to bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," and Timothy's grandmother did extremely wrong in bringing him up "in the knowledge of God, from his infancy". It is true, that God can only change the heart, and bring those discordant passions of the human mind into subjection and order; but in this great work, has he not always employed means? Religious instruction is a powerful aid to the ministry of the gospel, which all will acknowledge is an appointed means; and who knoweth which shall prosper, this or that? In the Eastern States, the Baptists have had, and still have a Chatechism,(sic) which they teach their children, and they are sound predestinarians, at the same time. Altho' predestination is much despised by some, and boasted of by others, it is rarely, very rarely believed in the world; while Armenianism and Anitmonianism are perfectly spread abroad. To expect the end, without the means, is Antimonian delusion; and has not this been the source of the neglect of the instruction of our youth? 2nd. The profanation of the Sabbath is likewise much to be lamented. Although our voice cannot reach the deaf world, surely the people of God will hear us when we repeat the solemn command, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." We are aware, that many good men in the Southern States, have doubted the moral obligation of this precept under the Christian dispensation. But, why have they doubted it? Is it not included in the ten commandments? And are not all the ten commandments obligatory on the Christian as a rule of conduct, though not as a covenant of life. It is conceded that this precept partakes of the nature of those positive laws, which injoin things that would not have been duties had they not been commanded; and therefore, it may be styled "moral positive" in respect to the day, or portion of time to be observed, which might, therefore, be altered from the seventh to the first day of the week. But, that a part of our time should be wholly devoted to piety and religion, is according to the reason and the fitness of things; and derives its authority not only from the will of the Legislator, but from the moral sense of man, is therefore moral natural, and has not, and cannot be altered. 3rd. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper is but partially attended in the infant churches of our connexion. Remember that this is a strengthening ordinance, enforced by the command of a dying Savior: "This do in remembrance of me," and "as oft as ye do this ye do shew forth my death until I come." Can any Christian, or Christian church disregard this Godlike command falling in such plaintive strains from the lips of a dying Redeemer? Dear Brethern, having a short and imperfect manner, called your attention to some of your duties, we would now speak a word of encouragement to you. Though the blast of envious backbiters how, through the billows of temptation roll together in impetous surges, and the sea of trial opens its mouth to ingulph you; yet the little bark, on which the everlasting love of God is placed, shall safely outride the storm, and ultimately gain the port, where storms and hurricanes, billows and tempest, shall hurt no more. He that shall come, will come, and he will not tarry. The last vial is pouring forth to make way for the final destruction of the Beast; and the Angel, having the everlasting Gospel, is flying through the midst of heaven, proclaiming the good news of Grace. "The bloody portal of war is again shut," and portends some propitious event to the Church of Christ, and we should raise our heads and say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." Awake, Christian soldiers - put on the whole armour of faith, and sleep not on the verge of time. The night is far spent - the day is at hand; let us put off the works of darkness, and put on the whole armour of light. Shall we slumber until that day comes upon us unawares? God forbid. Let us then be zealous, dear brethren, in the good cause of our God. The time is short: it remaineth that they who have wives, be as though they possessed not. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true; whatsoever things are honest; whatsoever things are just; whatsoever things are pure; whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue; and if there by any praise - think on these things." William Cooper, Moderator Shadrach King, Clerk ****************************************************************************** Pages 15-20 Constitution of the Pearl River Baptist Association CONSTITUTION Articles of Faith, Rules, & c. of the Pear River Baptist Association PREAMBLE We, the Churches of Jesus Christ, who have been regularly baptized upon a profession of our faith, are convinced of the necessity of a combination of churches, and of maintaining correspondence, for the preserving a federal union amongst all the churches of the same faith and order - We, therefore, do agree, to unite and form ourselves into an Association, upon the following principles, namely: ARTICLES OF FAITH 1. We believe in one only true and living God; and that there are a Trinity of persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and the same in essence, equal in power and glory. 2. We believe the Scriptures, of the Old and New Testament, were given by inspiration of God; are of Divine Authority; and the only rule of faith and practice. 3. We believe in the fall of Adam; in the imputation of his sin to all his posterity; in the total depravity of Human Nature; and Man's inability to restore himself to the favor of God. 4. We believe in the everlasting love of God to his people; in the eternal unconditional election of a definite number of the Human Family, to grace and glory. 5. We believe that sinners are only justified in the sight of God, by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ; which is unto all and upon all them that believe. 6. We believe, all those who were chosen in Christ, before the foundation of the world, are, in time, effectually called, regenerated, converted, and sanctified; and are kept, by the power of God, through faith unto salvation. 7. We believe there is one Mediator between God and Man, the man Christ Jesus, who by the satisfaction which he made to law and justice, "in becoming an offering for sin," hath, by his most precious blood, redeemed the elect, from under the curse of the law, that they might be hooly and without blame, before him in love. 8. We believe good works are the fruits of faith, and follow after justification; are evidences of a gracious state; and that it is the duty of all believers, to perform them from a principle of love. 9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and a general judgment; and that the happiness of the righteous, and the punishment of the wicked, will be eternal. ON GOSPEL ORDER 1. We believe that the visible Church of Jesus Christ, is a congregation of faithful persons who have given themselves up to the Lord, and to one another, and have covenanted, to keep up a Godly discipline, agreeably to the rules of the gospel. 2. We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church; the only law- giver, that the government is with the body, "the Church," and is equally the right and privilege of each member thereof. 3. We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are gospel ordinances, appointed by Jesus Christ, and are to be continued in the church until his second coming. 4. We believe Baptism, by immersion, is the only scriptural mode, and that believers are the only proper subjects. 5. We believe that none but regular baptized church members, have a right to partake of the Lord's Supper. 6. We believe it to be the duty and privilege, of all believers, to make a public profession of their faith - to submit to baptism by immersion, and to give themselves members of the visible church. 7. We believe it to be the duty of every regular organized church, to expel from her communion, all disorderly members, who are immoral in their lives - or that hold doctrines contrary to the scriptures. RULES OF DECORUM Adopted by the Pearl River Baptist Association 1. Those delegates who are regularly chosen by the churches in our Union, shall compose the Association. 2. The delegates so chosen shall produce letters from the respective churches, certifying their appointment, together with their number in fellowship, those baptized, received by letter, restored, dismissed, excommunicated, and dead, since our last Association. 3. The delegates thus chosen and convened shall be denominated the Pearl River Baptist Association. 4. This Association shall have a Moderator and a Clerk, who shall be chosen by a majority of the members present. 5. If new churches desire to be admitted into the Union, they shall petition by letter and delegates. -If, on examination, found orthodox and orderly, shall be received by the Association, and manifested by the Moderator, giving their delegates the right hand of fellowship. 6. No church in the union, shall have a right to more than two delegates, until she shall exceed one hundred members. Then she shall have a right to an additional delegate for every fifty. 7. Every query sent to the Association by any church in the union, shall be read, and put to vote by the Moderator, whether it shall be debated, and if there shall be a majority for it, it shall be taken up and investigated: Provided always, that those be first considered, which affect the union of the churches. 8. Every motion made and seconded, shall be taken up by the Association, except it be withdrawn by the person who made it. 9. Only one person shall speak at once, who shall rise from his seat and address the Moderator. 10. The person thus speaking, shall not be interrupted except he depart from the subject, break the rules of decorum, or cast reflections on a brother; in which case he shall be immediately called to order by the Moderator. 11. No person shall speak more than twice to the same subject without leave of the Moderator. 12. No brother shall finally depart from the conference without leave of the Association. 13. The Moderator shall have the liberty of speaking to any question that may be debated, (provided the chair be previously filled;) and to have the privilege of voting, only when the Association is equally divided. 14. The names of the delegates shall be enrolled by the Clerk, and called over as often as the Association may deem expedient. 15. We think it absolutely necessary to have an Association Fund, for defraying the expences of the same - for the raising and supporting of which, we think it the duty of each church in the union to contribute such sums as they may deem proper and send by the hands of their delegates to the Association; and the money thus contributed by the churches, shall be deposited in the hands of a Treasurer, by the Association appointed; who shall be accountable to the Association for all monies by him received, and paid out according to the direction of the same. 16. The Minutes of the Association shall be read, (and corrected if necessary), and signed by the Moderator and Clerk, before the Association rises. THE POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 1. It shall be the business of this Association, to provide for the general union of the churches. 2. To keep up a friendly correspondence, (when convenient), with those Associations of the same faith and order. 3. This Association shall have no power, to Lord it over God's heritage, nor infringe upon any of the internal rights of the churches. 4. It shall be the duty of this Association to give the churches thedvice in their power in difficult matters - to enquire into any difficulties which may exist between sister churches and remove them if possible. 5. To admit any of the brethren in the ministry as assistants, but not to give them the privilege of voting. 6. This Association shall have the power to withdraw from any church in the union, who may be unsound in principle, or immoral in practice, until reclaimed. 7. To appoint any person or persons, by and with their consent, to transact any business, which the Association may deem necessary. 8. The Association shall have power to adjourn to any time or place they may think most proper. 9. The Association shall be opened, and closed with prayer. ****************************************************************************** Pages 21 - 23 1821 Abstracts from Minutes of the Pearl River Baptist Association Minutes of Pearl River Baptist Association 1821 (Abstracts) The Pearl River Association met with Ebenezer Church in Lawrence County, Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 1, 1821. Brother Norvell Robertson preached the introductory sermon from Psa. CX. 4. "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." After singing and prayer, letters from the churches were read and elegates enrolled: moderator, Davis Collins, and clerk, Shadrack King, were chosen. Plans were made for continuation of business on Monday. The Lord's Day was given to public exercise of solemn devotion. Three sermons were delivered to a "Large, serious and solemn congregation" by the brethren, Lawrence Scarborough, Shadrach King, and Geo. W. King. On Monday, Sept. 3, 1821 the delegates met "agreeably to adjournment"; read the Rules of Decorum, and heard the report of the committee of revision and arrangement which was unanimously received. An Address, together with the "Seventh Annual Report, of Board of Managers of the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination of the United States, for Foreign Missions, and other important objects, relative to the Redeemer's Kingdom." Deaths of Rev. Wm. Cooper, late Moderator of this body, and the Rev. Micajah Fulgium, late an emigrant from the State of Georgia were reported. "Both were full of years and good works . . . ." It was agreed "to recommend to the churches the observance of the first day of January next, as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer to Almighty God for a revival of his holy religion, and the diffusion of Gospel light throughout the world." Messengers from Pearl River Association were appointed; Geo. W. king and Thos. Willingham to the Mississippi Association; Absalom Harper and Shadrach King to the Union Association; and Davis Collins and John P. Martin to the Bigby Association. These were to take with them a copy of the Circular Letter written by the Rev. Norvell Robertson and approved by the delegates that had been sent from the churches who were members of the Pearl River Association. (It will be noted that all business was attended to by the ordained ministers; all communications were written by the ordained ministers; all representation to other Associations was by ministers who were chosen by the Moderator, a minister, who had been "Chosen". The method of choosing is not stated in the Minutes. Many more years would pass before the layman would be trusted to execute any of the business of the Association.) It was resolved that "we consider it expedient to have our Associations to be Communion seasons." The Association of 1822 was set to be at New Chapel Church in Pike County, Mississippi on Saturday before the second Lord's day in September next; brother Shadrach King would write the 1822 Circular Letter; and brother Nathan Morris would preach the introductory sermon for the next Association, in case of failure, brother Davis Collins. The Circular Letter by the Rev. Norvell Robertson was on THE NATURE OF GOD'S WORKS. The author states that "There are many things which are in the power of all to perform, and which all are bound to perform by these moral ties that bind mankind together as one general family, and "which are good and profitable in their tendency; because thereby peace, harmony, order, and a good understanding are cultivated in governments; neighborhoods and families,". . . . In order that a sinner may be placed in a situation to perform good work, a change must be effected. . . Man must be made a new creature. "this is the work of God. - It is wrought by a power equal to that which created the world." . . . I Peter 1:23 "Being born again. . . by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever." God had created the world by the power of his Word. The man under the law asks, "What shall I do that I may be worthy?" The new creature asks, "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits? He now performs his services from motives of Obedience, flowing from love to God and man." Delegates to the Pearl River Association in 1821 were not listed in the Minutes. However, Nathan Morris was present and in 1822 would again be listed as a delegate from Half Moon Bluff. It seems evident that a delegate from Half Moon Bluff in 1821 was Nathan Morris. ****************************************************************************** Pages 24 - 27 Half Moon Bluff and Mt. Nebo Abstracts HALF MOON BLUFF AND MOUNT NEBO. SISTER BAPTIST CHURCHS (Abstracts) The lack of the original Church Minutes from the Half Moon Baptist Church has led to research in the Minutes of the Mount Nebo Church that was constituted on January 31, 1813, about a year or less after Half Moon Bluff. It is to Mr. Marion J. B. Pierson of Amite, Louisiana, now deceased, that we are endebted for this "EXCERPTS FROM THE RECORDS OF MT. NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH, TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LOUISIANA." When constituted, both churches were in St. Tammany Parish. In 1819, Washington Parish was formed from a part of St. Tammany and both churches were in Washington Parish. In 1869 the western portion of Washington Parish was used to help create Tangipahoa Parish. Mt. Nebo has been in Tangipahoa Parish since 1869. The following extracts that have to do with the Half Moon Bluff Church or with its known members have been taken from Mr. Pierson's EXCERPTS: - 25th June 1914 (Page 6) There was a Presbytery composed of the following three Brethren, Preachers Howell Wall, William Berry and Nathan Morris that met at Bro. Jas. Hugh's on the west side of Tanigpahoa (River) on June 25th, 1814 according to appointment, together with members from this church (Mt. Nebo). Brother Morris delivered a Sermon from the Songs of Solomon, 4th Chapter & 12th Verse, "A garden shut up is my sister my spouse: a spring shut up, a fountain sealed." (It was discuessed whther to constitute this group into a third Baptist Church in Louisiana.) Jacob Ott spoke as follows: that he felt considerably impressed with the idea of being separated from the body to which he belonged, and considered that if the rest of the members which were to compose the constitution were willing to become a Branch of said Church he was willing not to be constituted to which sentiment several of the male members concurred and the case being put to vote whether they should become a body or a Branch it was carried in favor of the latter and so they were considered a Branch of the Church at Mt. Nebo. 25th August 1815 (Page 9) Met in Conference and after singing and prayer enetered on business agreeable to Gospel order having as helps Brothers Johannon Ricks, Zadok Barrow and Nathan Morris from Half Moon Bluff Church: and also Jacob Cobb, Wm. Bell and Joseph Rabun from Jerusalem Church (Amite County, Miss.) 21st September 1816 (Page 11) Met in Conference and after the duties of the day find themselves in fellowship and on due examination proceeded to business choosing Brother Nathan Morris, Moderator. . . . Requested Brother Howell Wall to attend them as a supply, they being destitute of a pastor. Appointed a schoolhouse near Sister Jemima Smith's the place of worship. 6th of November 1819 (Page 16) . . . The Epistle received from the Half Moon Bluff Church deferred. 6th March 1820 (Page 17) Chose Bro. Johnannon Ricks Deacon. (He was a member of Half Moon Bluff in 1815.) His ordination as Deacon was on Nov. 2, 1820. 2nd June 1821 (Page 18) Received John Tunnage by experiences and he was baptized by Bro. Nathan Morris. 30th June 1821 (Page 18) Joell Ott and Sarah Muzzy were received by experiences and baptized by Bro. Nathan Morris. 4th August 1821 (Page 19) Seven were received by experience: - Polly Durbin, _______ Durch (Burch?), Hezekiah Robertson, Susanna Robertson, Anna Bankston, John T. Dyson, and Wm. T. Linson. They were baptised by Bro. Nathan Morris. Apointed Brethren Eli Haden, Johannon Ricks, John Tait, Joseph Cutrer and Peter Bankston as Commissioners to superintend the building of a meeting house. 2nd February 1822 (Page 20) Chose Brother Jacob Bankston, Moderator. (He was delegate from Half Moon Bluff to Mississippi Baptist Association in 1819; also delegate from Half Moon Bluff to Pearl River Association on Sept. 7-9, 1822; listed as ordained minister in list of delegates in 1822.) 4th May 1822 (Page 21) Brother Morris appointed to make arrangments with Mr. Peter Bankston with respect to work on the Meeting House. 6th July 1822 (Page 22). . . The Deed of Gift wrote by WM. Dyson for an acre of land with Mount Nebo in the center read: the Church resolving that there be a bond written in the stead of the deed of gift. Brother Nathan Morris and Brother J. T. Dyson appointed to write the Bond. 14th January 1831 (Page 57) Sister Mary Bankston presented a letter of Dismission for herself from Half Moon Bluff Church: she was received. . Conferences were conducted in a pious manner. Minutes show that ordained ministers were excluded as were lay members, often for reasons not stated. Sometimes members disagreed with each other and if they could not be persuaded to be friends again might be excluded. Some reasons stated included: - Absenting one's self from his seat Frollicking and dancing Teaching Singing School on the Sabbath for pay Theft Marrying when the lawful mate is living Intoxication Profane language It is interesting to note that when an excluded member asked forgiveness in a penitent spirit, the church was quick to restore that one to fellowship. ****************************************************************************** Page 28 Digest of Church Letters PEARL RIVER ASSOCIATION 1822 Ordained Ministers in Capitals - Licensed Ministers followed by (L) B - Baptized Rec. - Rec'd by Let. Dis. - Dismissed by Letter E - Excommunicated R - Restored D - Deceased TM - Total Memb. C - Contributions Churches and Counties Delegates B Rec. Dis. E R D TM C Half Moon Bluff NATHAN MORRIS Washington Par., LA JACOB BANKSTON 1 1 - 2 1 2 23 3.00 Boguechitto, Pike John Warren Joel Denman 1 2 3 1 - 1 38 4.00 Mt. Nebo, Reuben Beavers (L) Green Par., LA John J. Bankston 9 3 - 4 - 2 53 2.75 Antioch, Marion JAMES THIGPEN Alfred G. Moore 1 5 2 - - 1 38 5.00 Pearl River GEO. W KING Lawrence Hsrman Runnels 1 4 3 - - 2 28 4.00 Union, Pike Jehu O'Quin Daniel McKinsey 6 4 4 2 3 - 43 5.00 Fair River SHADRACH KING Lawrence JOEL HARVEY 7 - 6 1 2 - 66 6.25 Silver Creek Loften Fairchilds Pike John Beesley 7 4 1 1 - - 37 1.50 New Chapel ABSALOM HARPER Pike Wm. M'Cullough 5 3 3 2 - - 46 4.00 Poplar Spring Abel Stringer Lawrence Josiah Stringer 6 3 3 - - 2 51 4.00 Dilling's Creek John Barnes Marion Wm. Ward 1 2 - - - - 30 .371/2 Baileychitto WILLIAM COOK Pike Henry Bond - - - - 1 - 11 2.00 Silver Creek, E.P.R. Wylie White Lawrence Levi Tidwell 25 3 3 1 - 1 48 4.00 Bulah, (Not represented) (No letter) Friendship Joel Meritt Pike Daniel Davis 1 2 10 - - 4 24 3.00 SweetWater ASA CHADICK Perry Anthony Pitts (L) 3 4 - - - - 26 3.621/2 Tallahala Jesse Scrivner(L)* Perry John Moffett* 2 - 7 - - 1 18 4.00 Providence Norvell Robertson Marion Stephen Lee 2 1 1 - - 1 34 3.00 Pentecost Reuben Watts Covington John Graham 2 9 1 - - 1 34 3.00 African, Pike Black brother, Ben - - 1 2 - - 26 Bethany William Stamps Lawrence William Martin 9 5 6 - - - 42 4.00 Ebenezer JOHN P. MARTIN Lawrence DAVIS COLLINS 3 10 - - 1 - 40 4.00 Bahala James Bailey(L) Lawrence Bailey Levin 3 2 - - - - 28 3.00 Mount Moriah JOHN B. HART Lawrence Granberry Blunt 1 5 3 - - - 17 2.25 *absent ****************************************************************************** Pages 29 & 30 1822 Abstracts of Pearl River Baptist Association Minutes- Pike County, Miss. 1822 (Abstracts) PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION New Chapel Church, Pike County, Mississippi Sat., Sept. 7, 1822 - Mon., Sept. 9, 1822 Brother Nathan Morris, delegate from Half Moon Bluff Church, preached the introductory sermon from I Cor. 6: 20, "Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and spirit, which are God's." The Association received an Address from "The Board of Managers of the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United State for Foreign Missions, &c. which communicated the pleasing intelligence of the many openings in Providence for the spread of the Gospel, and the success attending their labor. To manifest our friendly views respecting the objects of the said Board, brother George W. King is appointed our stated Corresponding Secretary with them, until further arrangements are made." On the Sabbath the New Chapel Church appointed the brethren Mercer, Marsh, and Collins to preach in order of their names. The Congregation was large and attentive. "So interesting were the subjects of discussion, such were the energy, convictive arguments, and zeal of the ministers, and such was the effect that appeared in the congregation, that, we hope good was done. To God along be the praise." On Monday morning, the Articles of Faith, Rules of Decorum, and Gospel order of this Association were read. The Association body "took into consideration the petition from the African Church, and, after due deliberation it was Resolved, That the brethren S. King, David Cleveland, and A. Harper be appointed to a committee to visit the said church, inquire into all the bearings which a late law of this state has on them in depriving them of their religious privileges, and to give them such advice as their circumstances may require. And, Resolved unanimously, That the brethren Davis Collins, Shadrach King, George W. King and Harmon Runnels, be appointed a committee to memorialize the Legislature of this State (Mississippi) in behalf of this Association, for the repeal of so much of the said law as deprives our African churches of their religious privileges; and that the said committee wait on the legislature for the repeal of so much of said law as affects our African churches." The Bulah Church had not sent representatives for two sessions and brethren Collins, Martin and Thigpen were appointed to inquire the reason why and report to the Association in 1823. The Churches were requested to state in their letters to the next Association their regular times of holding church meetings. ****************************************************************************** Pages 31 & 32 1823 Digest of Church Letters PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 1823 Ordained ministers in caps., licensed preachers (L) - * denotes absence, and - is affixed to churches not represented. B - Baptized Rec - Rec'd by Letter Dis - Dismissed by Letter Ex - Excommunicated Res - Restored Dec - Deceased TF - Total Fellowship C - Contributions CHURCHES AND COUNTIES DELEGATES B Rec Dis Ex Res Dec TF Con Half Moon Bluff NATHAN MORRIS 1 - 7 1 1 21 3.00 Wash. Par., Lou Laurance Dillon Boguechitto SHADRACH COKER* 2 2 1 4 - 1 36 5.18 Pike James D. Williams Mount Nebo ------------- - - - - - - 53 Green Par., Lou ------------- Antioch JAMES THIGPEN 5 1 1 - - 2 40 5.00 Marion Alfred G. Moore Pearl River William Mullen 9 2 - 1 - 1 39 4.00 Lawrence Wylie White Union D. W. Wiltshire 1 2 11 - 1 - 42 2.00 Pike Ralph Stovall Fair River SHADRACH KING 16 3 4 3 - 2 76 5.75 Lawrence JOEL HARVY Silver Creek Richard Forrist 2 1 3 1 - - 29 3.00 Pike John Beesley New Chapel ABSALOM HARPER 1 1 5 2 1 - 41 3.25 Pike Moses Bridges* Poplar Springs James Warner 3 1 6 1 - - 46 4.00 Lawrence Josiah Stringer Dillings Creek Jacob Smith 4 - - - - 1 32 4.00 Marion Dillard Fatheree Baileychitto Walter Jacob* - 11 1.50 Pike Henry Bond Silver Creek William Nall 4 4 2 - 1 1 51 3.00 Lawrence William Eakins Bulah -------------- Lawrence -------------- Friendship Zachariah Reeves 1 - - - - - 25 3.18 Pike Samuel Cobstead Sweet Water ASA CHADICK 6 5 2 - 1 1 51 3.00 Perry Mathew Grantham Talahala Jesse Scrivener(L) - 1 8 - - 1 37 3.00 Perry John Moffett Providence NORVEL ROBERTSON 1 5 2 1 - 1 36 3.50 Marion James C. Steele African -------------- 2 - 1 2 2 - 26 Pike -------------- Penticost Thomas Watts 4 2 - 1 - 1 30 1.50 Bainbridge Briton Bridges Bethany Levi Noble 24 5 4 1 1 1 60 6.00 Lawrence James Baggett Ebenezer JOHN P. MARTIN 4 3 2 1 - - 44 5.00 Lawrence DAVIS COLLINS Bahala JAMES BAILEY 9 10 2 3 - 1 39 4.00 Lawrence Christian Furr* Mount Moriah Granberry Blunt* 2 2 5 - - 1 15 1.87 Lawrence Hebron William Morris(L) 11 13 2 1 - - 76 5.00 Lawrence Adam Brinson Chickesawha JAMES POWEL - - - - - - 45 5.00 Green John Futch Balem FRANCIS WALKER* - - - - - - 70 4.00 Wayne James Murray Zion HENRY CHAMBERS - - - - - - 22 2.00 Wayne Antioch James Burn - - - - - - 27 1.50 Covington Isham Hodges Copiah Simeon Mercer - - - - - - 22 3.00 Copiah John Smith* New Zion Joseph Lewis - - - - - - 33 4.00 Marion Joseph Lewis, Jr. Mount Zion Joshua Sandefur - - - - - - 11 1.50 Copiah Lott Smith* (The number of the Mount Nebo Church, is put down as it was last year.) RECAPITULATION Baptized...............122 Dismissed by letter.....69 Excommunicated...23 Received by letter..... 63 Restored................ 7 Deceased.........15 Total in Fellowship...............1481 Contribution....$100.75 On counting the money there are $109.75 but the above amount is taken at the Association. Printing, etc.....$60 (??) ****************************************************************************** Pages 33 & 34 1823 Abstracts of Pearl River Baptist Association Minutes- Marion County, Miss. 1823 PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Convened at the Meeting House of Providence Church, Marion Co., Miss. Sept. 13-16, 1823 (Abstracts) (Because Half Moon Bluff Church was only listed with its delegates among the other churches of the Association and because the decisions of the Association body did affect the little church on the bend of Bogue Chitto River in Louisiana, selected items from the Minutes are mentioned here.) Brother David Cooper, who with Thomas Mercer constituted the Half Moon Bluff Church under the direction of the Mississippi Baptist Association in 1812, preached on Monday morning, Sept. 15 from Gal. Vi. 14. "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." The Association recommended the appointment of Union meetings on every fifth Sabbath in the year; and that four of these meeting be held on each side of Pearl River, to be arranged by the ministering brethren among themselves. Recommended to the Churches the religious observance of the Fourth of July; ...at their respective meeting houses... and spend the day in thanksgiving, prayer and praise for the blessings of civil and religious liberty. The tribute of respect was offered to the memory of Rev. Messrs William Whitehead, John B. Hart and Anthony Pitts; three "Watchmen, Sound in Doctrine, Tenderhearted, Zealous and Laborous." The Circular Letter was on the subject of the Discipline of the Gospel. There were numerous scriptural references to further explain its five points: 1. A true and orderly gospel church 2. Of church officers 3. On receiving members into the church 4. Of the duties incumbent on church members 5. Of church censures It was signed by order of the Association. Davis Collins, Moderator Shadrach King, Clerk ****************************************************************************** Pages 35 & 36 1824 Digest of Church Letters PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 1824 Ordained ministers in caps., licensed preachers (L) - * denotes absence, and - is affixed to churches not represented. B - Baptized Rec - Rec'd by Letter Dis - Dismissed by Letter Ex - Excommunicated Res - Restored Dec - Deceased TF - Total Fellowship C - Contributions Ch - Church Meet Lord's Day CHURCHES AND COUNTIES DELEGATES B Rec Dis Ex Res Dec TF Con Ch Antioch JAMES THIGPEN 6 2 7 1 - - 42 6.25 3rd Marion Alfred G. Moore Antioch John Bound 3 5 - - - - 35 2.00 4th Covington Spencer R. Bankston African, Bob 8 1 2 - - - 32 1 3rd Bogue Chitto SHADRACK COKER - 1 5 2 2 1 26 4.50 1st Pike John Warren Bailey Chitto ---------------- - - - - - - -- ---- 2nd Pike ---------------- Bula ---------------- - - - - - - -- ---- Lawrence ---------------- Bethany George Granberry 3 8 11 1 1 1 67 6 3rd Lawrence Wm Mullins Bahala JAMES BAILEY 3 4 21 - - - 25 2 2nd Lawrence William Smith Bethsida Thomas Tilman 1 - - - - - 16 2 Lawrence Chickesawha JAMES POWELL 1 1 - 1 - 2 46 4 4th Green Samuel Newton(L) Copiah ABSALOM HARPER 4 10 - - - - 35 2.50 3rd Copiah Elijah Suliven Dillon Creek John Applewhite 7 2 2 1 - - 38 5 1st Marion Joel Easterlen Ebenezer JOHN P. MARTIN 3 - 4 - - 1 42 5 1st Lawrence Geo. Burket Fair River JOEL HARVEY 6 ? 11 5 - 1 68 5 4th Lawrence Samuel Cook Friendship Zachariah Reeves 1 2 1 1 - - 25 5 3rd Pike Saml Cubstead Half Moon NATHAN MORRIS - - - - - 1 20 ? 2nd Bluff Joseph Irwin Wash. Par., La. Hebron William Morris(L) 8 14 17 1 1 1 80? 5 1st Lawrence Will B. McCall Mount Nebo ---------------- - - - - - - -- - 1st Green Parish, La ------------- Mount Moriah Wiley Wroten 10 2 4 1 - - 22 2.62 1st Lawrence Gray Jordan Mount Zion Reuben Vaughn 11 7 - 1 - - 29 ? 1st Copiah Thos. Mathews* New Chapel Drury Hodge 4 - 5 - - - 40 3.75 2nd Pike Hockerty Brister New Zion ?? Bullock 5 7 - 2 - - 44 5.70 1st Marion Willis Magee Pearl River Harmon Runnels - 5 5 1 - 2 36 5 2nd Lawrence Wiley White Pentecost Britton Bridgers 1 2 2 - 1 - 33 2.56 2nd Bainbridge Joshua B. Lowe Providence NORV ROBERTSON 1 4 7 - - - 34 3 1st Marion G. Granberry Silver Creek Ignatious Durden - 1 3 1 - - 28 2 3rd Pike John Beasley* Silver Creek Nathan Sanders - - 13? 3 - - 35 2.62 2nd Lawrence Thomas Carlisle Sweetwater Henry Easterlen 6 5 9 - - 1 38 3.75 3rd Perry James Cowart Salem FRANCIS WALKER* - - 12 1 - 1 40 3 3rd Wayne John Evans Society Hill DAVIS COLLINS - - - - - - 17 3 John Stephens Talahala Jesse Scrivner(L) 9 2 5 - - - 44 4 2nd Perry John Moffet Union Solomon Causey 1 3 9 - - - 26 4 4th Pike James Carr Zion Henry Chambers - 5 - - - - 27 2 1st Wayne Jacob Collins* Hephziban Abel Stringer 10 4 14 - - - 15 5 4th Lawrence Josiah Stringer RECAPITULATION Baptised...............101 Dismissed by letter.....159 Excommunicated...23 Received by letter.....100 Restored................ 5 Deceased.........12 Total in Fellowship...........1052 ---and three churches not represented Contributions....$111.01 1/4 Bethlehem $1.00 Price for printing, folding, stitching: $40 ****************************************************************************** Pages 37 & 38 1824 Abstracts of Pearl River Baptist Association- Marion County, Miss. 1824 PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Convened at the Meeting House of ANTIOCH CHURCH, Marion County, Mississippi, September 11-14, 1824 (Abstracts) Because of the death of Brother Shadrach King who had been appointed to preach the introductory sermon, it was delivered by Brother Norvell Robertson. His text was from Solomon's Songs 8:8 - "We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: What shall we do for our sister in the day which she will be spoken for?" Received an address from the Board of Managers of General Convention of the Baptist denomination in the United States for Foreign Missions, & c. which was read and ordered to be transferred to the Mississippi State Convention. On motion made, the constitution of the State Convention was read: and on the question taken, for this Association to become a member of said Convention, it was decided in the affirmative by a large majority: ... Thus, the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church of Washington Parish, Louisiana became a part of the Mississippi State Baptist Convention in the year 1824. Appointed brethren Thigpen and Harvey to visit Mount Nebo, and labor to set them in order, and report to the next association - and brethren N. Morris and S. Coaker visit Baileychitto, and report in like manner. (The Mt. Nebo church had failed to send delegates or letter to the association in 1823 or 1824.) It was recommended that the churches continue to the first day of January as a day of fasting and prayer to Almighty God; also that the fourth of July be observed as a religious holiday of thanksgiving, prayer and praises for the blessings of civil and religious liberty. Because of the inconvenience in the failure of having our Circular Letter written as directed, we adopt the plan of having two letters written; one by Brother Norvell Robertson to write on the union of churches; the other to be written by Brother Thigpen on New Testament sacrifices, and the manner of offering them up. Collected from the churches one hundred twelve dollars one and one fourth cents ($112.011/4). The Circular letter was a plea for better financial support of those who give their time, their strength and much of their family life to take the gospel to the many neighborhoods without churches; "that you may finish your course in righteousness, and give up your accounts with pleasure to the judge of the quick and dead, and meet the approbation of the judge, who will say to the faithful, enter into the joy of thy Lord." ****************************************************************************** Pages 39 & 40 1825 Digest of Church Letters PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION - 1825 Ordained Ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed Preachers' in Italics. An asterick (*) denotes absence. And a dash (-) is fixed to churches not represented. B - Baptized Rec - Rec'd by Letter Dis - Dismissed by Letter Ex - Excommunicated Res - Restored Dec - Deceased Tot -Total in Fellowship Con - Contributions Time - Time of Meet. Lord's Day CHURCHES NAMES OF B Rec Dis Ex Res Dec Tot Con Time AND COUNTIES DELEGATES Antioch JAMES THIGPEN* 10 5 1 - - 45 3 3rd Marion A. G. Moore Antioch Isham Hoges 1 4 7 1 - - 30 2 4th Covington John C. Thomas African ------------- - - - - - - -- - 1st Bogue Chitto S. Coaker 3 1 2 2 - 1 22 3.56 1st Pike John Taylor Bailey Chitto ------------- - - - - - - -- ---- 2nd Bula D. Cook 4 6 - - - 1 14 1.50 Lawrence Bethany William Stamps 1 5 5 - - - 68 5 3rd Lawrence James Bagget Bethsida J. Walker 3 2 3 - - - 18 1 Lawrence Chickesawha JAMES POWEL 4 2 1 - 1 - 22 4 4th Green S. Newton Dillon's Creek William Ward 16 3 5 - - 1 50 5 1st Marion John Applewhite Ebenezer J. P. MARTIN 2 2 6 - - - 39 5 1st Covington I. BRAKEFIELD Fair River JOEL HARVEY 1 2 2 - - 1 68 3 4th Lawrence Richard Ross Friendship Joel Merret 3 1 3 1 - - 24 3 2nd Pike Major Gatling Half Moon Bluff N. MORRIS* - - - - - 2 18 3 2nd Wash. Par. La William Magee Hebron William Morris 6 10 6 2 1 1 38 5 1st Lawrence Wm. B. McCall Hepsiba A. Stringer 8 5 1 2 - - 52 5 4th Lawrence Mount Nebo ------------ - - - - - - -- - -- Green Par., La. Mount Moriah G. Blount 6 2 1 1 1 - 30 2.38 1st Lawrence S. Chandler New Chapel Wm McCulluck 1 3 4 - - 2 38 3 2nd Pike J. M. McCulluck New Zion Wm Fortenberry 1 - 5 2 - 1 37 4 1st Marion H. Ryal Pearl River H. Runnels - 1 3 - - 3 31 5 3rd Lawrence Wm. Akin Pentecost J. B. Lowe 5 1 2 2 - - 35 3 2nd Covington B. Briges Providence N. ROBERTSON - 2 1 1 - 1 33 2.50 1st Marion J. C. Steel Silver Creek James Craft - 1 - 1 - 1 26 1.50 3rd Pike Richard Forrest Silver Creek Jessee Armstrong 3 - 12 2 - - 24 1.371/2 2nd Lawrence Wm. Nall Sweet Water A. SHADDACK 2 - 2 1 - - 37 3 3rd Perry J. Tucker Salem J. Evans - - 11 - - - 37 3 3rd Wayne H. Walker Society Hill D. COLLINS 1 5 - - - 1 24 3 J. Stephens Talahala Jessee Scrivner 1 1 1 - - - 46 4 2nd Perry Giles Sumeral Union James Carr - 2 2 2 - 1 33 4 4th Pike D. W. Welcher Zion ------------- - - - - - - -- - -- Wayne Bethlehem D. Roberts* 8 4 - - 2 - 23 2 -- Pike Wm. McDaniel Bouye FRANCIS WALKER - - - - - - 31 3 -- Covington E. Nichols Copiah John Sutton - 4 11 1 - - 27 1.50 4th Copiah Wyatt Hall 90 69 105 22 5 7 1103 95.47 Price for printing, folding, and stitching these Minutes $50. ****************************************************************************** Pages 41 & 42 1825 Abstrracts of Pearl River Baptist Association Minutes- Lawrence County, Miss. 1825 PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Convened at the Meeting House of HEBRON CHURCH, Lawrence County, Mississippi, September 10-13, 1825 (Abstracts) N. Morris was again a delegate from Half Moon Bluff but failed to attend. William Magee was present to represent Half Moon Bluff. At this time, May 1978, it seems that Nathan Morris last represented Half Moon Bluff at the Association in 1824. There is a gap because of missing records for 1826 and 1827. May 4, 1822 is the date of the last mention of Nathan Morris in the EXCERPTS. Minutes of Mount Nebo Church by Mr. Marion J. B. Pierson. Again in 1825 the Mount Nebo Church failed to send a letter or delegates to the Association. Again the question of Masonic Lodge membership; this time by Ebenezer Church. "Do the Baptist Church permit their members to join the Masonic Lodge; or if members of that Lodge, to continue with them when they join the Church? Answer: - This Association does not presume to decide the merits or demerits of Masonry; but recommends a strict observance of the Gospel discipline among the Churches." From Silver Creek-4th, from Hepsiba - the same. Is the washing of feet a Gospel ordinance? If so, when, and at what time? Answer. The washing of feet is not considered by this Association a Gospel ordinance; but a Christian duty, of the social and private kind. From Half Moon Bluff, - It is consistent with Gospel order for a church to act in the reception or exclusion of a member - or in the administration of any of the ordinances of the Gospel, without an ordained minister at her head? Answer. There are certain duties and privileges belonging to the Church-Such as receiving members to fellowship, and excluding disorderly members from fellowship; but the administration of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, belong exclusively to ordained ministers. From Half Moon Bluff - What shall be done with a preacher of our order, who entered security for the forthcoming of a murderer, said murderer absending, and said preacher making over his property ot others, to elude the force of Justice? Answer. The Association deems it inexpedient to specify particularly the sanctions of civil law; but earnestly advises the performance of Justice towards all men, and humble piety among the saints. From Ebenezer. What are the various duties of a Deacon, in the Church of God? Answer. The duties of a Deacon in a Church, respects both the temporal and the spiritual concerns. He shall be sound in the faith, and vigilant in the maintenance of Gospel doctrines and ordinances. He should be ready to speak a word in season to mourners, and to comfort the fearful. It is his duty also, to superintend the pecuniary wants of the Church; to procure the necessary support of the minister; to know and report the needs of the poor of the Church; and in general, to relieve the pastor from the care of the temporal convenience of the whole body. Reaffirmed observation of January first, Christmas and July Fourth by the Churches in their Meeting Houses. Signed by order of the Assocaiton: David Collins, Moderator A. G. Moore, Clerk ****************************************************************************** Pages 43 & 44 1828 Digest of Church Letters PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION - 1828 Ordained Ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed Preachers' by Lic. absence. And a dash (-) is fixed to churches not represented. B - Baptized Rec - Rec'd by Letter Dis - Dismissed by Letter Ex - Excommunicated Res - Restored D - Dead Tot -Total in Fellowship No. - No. of copies of minutes Con - Contributions CHURCHES NAMES OF B Rec Dis Ex Res D Tot No. Con AND COUNTIES DELEGATES Antioch JAMES THIGPEN 1 - 9 - 1 - 41 20 5.00 Marion Jessee Crawford (Lic) Antioch Isham Hodges(Lic) - 2 3 - - - 23 12 1.50 Jones Bogue Chitto John Warren 1 - 4 1 1 - 39 10 2.00 Pike Thomas Gulledge Bethany George Granberry 2 4 13 - - - 58 40 5.00 Lawrence Wm. Stamps Bethsaida -------------- 2 8 -- 1 - - 27 -- ---- Copiah Bethel Wm. N. West 5 1 3 2 - - 23 12 2.00 Covington Matthew Thames Bowie FRANCIS WALKER 2 8 2 1 - 1 56 35 3.50 Covington WM. MORRIS Bethlehem D. Roberts*(Lic) 1 - 3 2 - - 23 12 2.00 Pike William Spencer Beulah Josiah Larel? - - - 1 - - 8 10 1.3? Larence Chichasawhay JAMES POWELL 2 - 13 - - - 31 25 5.00 Green John Bishop Copiah James Thomas 6 4 16 - - - 35 15 1.7? Copiah John Goings Dillon's Creek ISAAC BRAKEFIELD - - 5 - - 1 34 25 3.00 Marion Ebenezer JOHN P. MARTIN 3 2 6 - - - 41 30 5.00 Covington George Burkit Fair River JOEL HARVEY - 1 10 - - - 49 30 4.00 Lawrence Richard Ross Friendship SHADRACH COAKER 6 4 - 1 1 - 35 20 4.1? Pike Z. Reeves Gallilee Joel Randall(Lic) 3 7 - - 2 - 17 8 1.2? Copiah Hiram Randall Greenleaf John Dodrill 3 1 3 - - 1 25 12 1.5? Green Samuel Herring Half Moon Bluff Joseph Erwin 2 4 2 - 3 - 21 18 2.00 Wash. Par. La Richard Albritton Hebron Wright Mitchell 3 8 12 3 - - 82 45 5.00 Lawrence Charles Slater Hephzibah Daniel Langston 1 5 4 1 1 1 49 30 4.00 Lawrence Josiah Stringer Mount Nebo --------------- 27 4 2 2 1 - 63 -- --- Wash. Par. La. Mount Moriah Asa Speight -- - 3 - 1 1 26 16 2.00 Lawrence Samuel Chandler New Chapel Wm. M'Cullough 3 2 4 1 - - 30 26 3.00 Pike Wylie Routen New Zion Richard Bulloch 3 3 2 1 - - 36 20 4.00 Marion Pearl River JOHN NEWLAND - 1 1 - - - 18 16 3.00 Lawrence H. Runnels Pentecost ------------ - - 4 - - - 17 Covington Providence N. ROBERTSON 7 2 3 - - - 56 35 3.00 Marion L. Granberry Red Creek George Dickey - - - 1 - - 19 12 2.00 Perry A. Sumrall Silver Creek W. Simmons 27 9 2 - - - 60 35 5.00 Pike Benj. Morgan Silver Creek Jesse Armstrong - - - 1 1 - 21 18 2.00 Lawrence N. Saunders Cedar Creek* SAM'L NEWTON* 5 1 4 - 1 - 32 15 3.00 Jackson J. MORRIS Sweetwater ------------- - 1 - 1 - 1 22 14 3.5? Perry Strong River JAS. COURTNEY - 8 - 2 - - 20 20 2.00 Simpson Moses Bridgers Salem Hezekiah Walker - - 1 1 - - 38 15 3.00 Wayne Society Hill DAVIS COLLINS 2 5 - 1 - 1 28 18 3.00 Lawrence James Warner Talahaly Gates Sumrall(Lic)1 1 6 - - - 33 30 3.00 Perry John Moffit(Lic) Union Wm. Thornhill 12 2 2 1 - - 46 35 5.00 Pike H. Youngblood Zion D. Hendrick 2 3 5 3 - - 6 15 2.0? Wayne ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 132 101 147 27 13 7 1303 749 107.?? ****************************************************************************** Pages 45 & 46 1829 Digest of Church Letters PEARL RIVER ASSOCATION - 1829 (This chart was readable only as follows.) B - Baptized Rec - Rec'd by Letter Dis - Dismissed Ex - Excommunicated Res - Restored Dead Tot - Total of fellowship No - No. of Copies Con - Contributions DELEGATES B Rec Dis Ex Res Dead Tot No. Con Thomas Davis 5 2 5 1 48 30 $5.00 Isham Hodges 5 1 17 8 1.00 Nathan McGraw 37 10 2.00 Wyllie White 5 4 1 44 30 5.00 W Hones 1 1 20 8 1.00 -esbech Rogers 1 3 21 18 2.00 -idges 6 5 13 1 53 35 3.50 --McDonald 18 24 2.50 ---- ----- 1 2 1 8 6 .75 --hn Bishop 1 3 1 29 25 3.50 -illiam Brown 2 34 10 1.00 George Davis 2 7 1 1 2 35 20 2.50 --- Sumrall 14 12 2.25 George Burkitt 1 5 3 44 30 5.00 --e Maxwell 1 1 49 35 3.25 Thomas Reeves 11 4 2 1 1 46 40 6.621/2 ---Harrell 10 20 2.00 ch'd Murphey 1 3 3 1 1 17 10 1.00 --n Crawley 3 3 1 21 12 1.50 --nce Dillon 1 3 3 1 21 18 2.00 -- Myers 5 4 14 1 1 1 76 45 5.00 --iam Toller 3 1 4 1 46 25 4.00 --se Lee 4 1 9 3 29 20 3.50 ? 1 4 1 21 10 1.50 --uckaby Brister 2 28 20 2.871/2 Joel Bulloch 9 3 1 41 20 3.00 John Cooper 2 1 15 8 2.00 -- Granberry 1 8 40 1 24 24 1.50 -- Denmark 4 2 15 7 1.75 --ust 8 10 1.00 --- Wallace 4 1 3 2 59 35 5.00 --- Sanders 1 1 1 22 20 2.00 --- Lard 2 1 2 23 12 2.00 --llis Owens 1 2 9 1 14 15 1.50 --seworth 1 1 40 15 3.00 --nes Warner 1 1 24 10 2.50 John Richards 20 16 2.00 --hows 6 4 35 24 2.00 --s Thornhill 3 1 43 35 5.00 -- CHAMBERS 7 2 5 1 1 28 15 2.00 Aggregate 69 60 165 26 7 15 1192 783 107.50 ****************************************************************************** Page 49 1911 Minutes of Washington Parish Baptist Association- 18th Annual Session MINUTES OF THE EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION - Held At the Isabel Baptist Church - October 18 & 19, 1911 Second Day - Morning Session Re-assembled at 9:30 a.m. Song by choir. Praise and devotional exercise led by Rev. L. W. Sloan, Prayer by Bro. W. F. Elzey and Bro. Gaines. Received letter and delegates from Palestine church as follows: Morris Talley and Sterling Carter Committee on order of business made final report as follows: Praise and devotion, 9:30 to 10 a.m. Report on Finance from 10 to 10:15. Resolution for Centennial of first organized Baptist Church in Louisiana, 10:15 to 10:30. From 10:30 to 11:00, Pastoral Support. Temperance from 11 to 11:30. Sabath Schools, 11:30 to 12. Foreign Missions, 12 to 12:30. Dinner, 12:30 to 1:30. Report on Nominations, 1:30 to 2 p.m. Baptist Orphanage, 2 to 2:30. Woman's Work, 2:30 to 3 p.m. On motion of E. F. Corkern, the following resolution was read and adopted, to-wit: Resolved, That the Washington Parish Baptist Association will adopt the recommendations of the Baptist State Convention and the Louisiana Baptist Historical Society, by appointing an Associational Historian, also. Resolved, That this Association appoint a special centennial Committee of seven members to take in hand the matter of celebrating the centennial of the organization of Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church, and advise with the committee of the Louisiana Baptist Historical Society in securing the site of said old Church location, and the marking of the same. The following Centennial Committee was apppointed, to-wit: M.A. Thigpen, D.R. Johnson, W.M. Bateman, A.C. Williams, E. F. Corkern, J.N. Fortenberry and L.W. Sloan. Bro. W.F. Ellzey was appointed Historian. The following named members from each church were appointed to assist Bro. Ellzey viz: Angie, J.W. Ball; Bonner Creek, S.J. Glaze, Bethel, N. Sylvest; Ben's Ford, W. F. McGehee; Enon, E. F. Corkern; Franklinton, D. R. Johnson; Hay's Creek, E.T. Haley; Heckley, Hiram Smith; Isabel, G.H. Revere; Lee's Creek, Rev. C.N. Calahan; Mt. Hermon, W.F. Ellzey; Palestine, M.H. Talley; Richardson, L.G. Mitchell; Spring Hill, C.T. Corkern; Varnado, Rev. J.N. Fortenberry; Clifton, W.M. Bateman. WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MINUTES 1932 P. 20 Resolved, That the Moderator of this Association appoint a Committee to present a resolution to preserve and memorialize the grounds where The Half Moon Bluff Church stood. This resolution to be presented at the next meeting of the Executive Committee of the Association. ****************************************************************************** Page 49 1912 Era Leader - Local Item THE ERA LEADER, Franklinton, La. - October 10, 1912 Local Item "The regular services will be held at the Baptist Church on Sunday. The Lord's Supper will be celebrated at the morning service, also the election of Messengers to the Association. In connection with the Association, on the last day, the Centennial of Old Half Moon Bluff Church, the first Baptist church organized in Louisiana, will be celebrated on the site of the old house on the Ferd Magee place. All are invited. W.L. Sloan, Pastor" THE ERA LEADER, Franklinton, La. October 24, 1912 Second annual Parish Fair ****************************************************************************** Page 50 1912 Minutes of Washington Parish Baptist Association MINUTES OF THE WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION HELD AT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Five miles west of Franklinton, on east side of Bogue Chitto River, Washington Parish, Louisiana on October 23rd and 24th, 1912, and continued at HALF MOON BLUFF October 25th, 1912 Third day session at Half Moon Bluff CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY Program prepared by the Centennial Committee, Rev. W.L. Sloan, Chair. Song by Congregation . . . . . . . . . . . . "Amazing Grace" Scripture Reading by Moderator, C. T. Corkern, Matthew 3. Song by Congregation . . . . . . . . . . . . "I Love Thy Kingdom" Prayer by Rev. J.N. Fortinberry Address, "One Hundred Years Ago and Now" by Rev. E. O. Ware Song by Congregation . . . . . . . . . . . "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" Address, "What Baptists Believe and Church Polity." By Rev. C.T. Alexandria Song by Congregation Prayer Resolution of Thanks for Gavel We the messengers of the Washington Parish Baptist Association do hereby extend our sincere thanks to Rev. L.W. Sloan, Pastor of the Slidell and Franklinton churches, for this thoughtfulness in presenting to this body and the moderator a gavel made from a Red-oak tree grown on the spot of the location of the Half Moon Bluff Church, the first Baptist Church, organized in the state of Louisiana. This gavel is to be preserved as an emblem of historic value. - J.E. Brakefield ****************************************************************************** Page 51 1912 Digest of Church Letters - Washington Parish Baptist Association THE CHURCHES, NUMBERS OF MEMBERS AND THE MESSENGERS TO THE WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION IN OCTOBER 1912 CHURCH MEMBERS MESSENGERS First Baptist Church 200 Rev. J.E. Brakefield Bogalusa Johnie Brooks E.L. Middleton W.F. McGeehee Enon 162 E.F. Corkern O.A. Green Martin Jones N.V. Jones Bethel 44 J.D.Sylvest A.D. Fisher Franklinton 236 D.R. Johnson J.L. Bateman, Sr. M.A. Thigpen Mt. Herman 138 E.T. Hailey Chess James Angie 87 F.N.R. Adams Spring Hill 63 L.E. Jenkins W.L. Richardson W.A. Brooks Second Baptist Church 77 L.T. Richardson Bogalusa J.E. Applewhite (Formerly Richardson) Bonner Creek 58 J.D. Waskom S.J. Glaze Isabel 81 Rev. J.R. Shilling S.F. Galloway Varnado 44 Rev. J.N. Fortenberry Clifton ? W.N. Graves Dewitt Bateman Palestine 124 Represented by letter only New Bethany 72 B.B. Bond Hackley 56 Harvey Mitchell James Ratliff Lee's Creek (No information) 17 churches with 1,530 members plus Clifton and Lee's Creek ****************************************************************************** Page 52 1912 Era Leader - Baptist Session on Historic Site THE ERA LEADER, Franklinton, La, October 31, 1912 BAPTIST SESSION ON HISTORIC SITE "The Washington Parish Baptist Association held its nineteenth annual session Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Rev. C.T. Corkern was elected moderator, M.A. Thigpen, clerk, and E.L. Middleton, treasurer. The work of the meeting embraced reports and discussions on missions, education, orphanage and Sunday school. An interesting feature was the exercise held on the site of the First Protestant Church ever organized in the State of Louisiana, on Bogue Chitto River, which was a Baptist. The exact date of organization of this church is unknown, but records show its admission into membership of the old Mississippi Association to have been October 17, 1812. With a gavel made from an oak tree, standing on this historic site, the moderator called the meeting to order. Rev. E.O. Ware, corresponding secretary of the State Mission Board, spoke on "One Hundred Years Ago, or Then and Now." Rev. C.T. Alexander, of New Orleans, spoke on "What Baptists Believe and Their Church Policy." The songs and singing were in the form and style of the days before song books became in common use. A lunch was spread on rough tables, around which assembled a throng of people. A pipe-clay flooring is the only remaining relic, and now (1912) lies as a monument to the religious faith of the pioneer Baptist." ****************************************************************************** Page 53 1933 Minutes of Washington Parish Baptist Association WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MINUTES, 1933. P. 20 Report of Committee on Memorial of Half Moon Bluff Church We, your committee on the Memorial of Half Moon Bluff Church, beg to offer the following resolution: Be it resolved by the Washington Parish Baptist Association that a suitable marker be placed on the grounds where the original building stood, to commemorate the sacred history of the First Baptist church in the State; the cost of this marker not to exceed $25.00. Be it further resolved, etc: That the following Historical sketch be engraved on the marker: The Half Moon Bluff Church was organized October 12th, 1812, and the building was erected upon this plot. This was not only the First Baptist church in the State, but was the first of Evangelical Faith. In October 17th, 1812 Joseph Lewis and Joseph Erwin were sent as Messengers to the Mississippi Baptist Association, in which association this church remained until October 14th, 1820, when she together with a number of other church withdrew and constituted the Pearl River County Baptist Association. This Tablet is designed to mark the sacred spot on which stood this church, until it was dissolved in 1830. JOHN HENRY SMITH, Chair. DELOS R. JOHNSON A. TOM MITCHELL ****************************************************************************** Pages 54 & 55 1934 Minutes Washington Parish Baptist Association WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MINUTES, 1934, p. 3 Thursday Afternoon The Association reassembled at 1:30, after a season of delightful fellowship while the messengers and visitors partook of a splendid lunch served by the ladies in the basement of the church. Professor B.K. Knight led in a song service, and T.J. Delaughter led in a devotional service. Mrs. D.E. Magee read the report on Baptist Literature, which was adopted. The report on Our Schools was presented by S.C. Rushing, and adopted. The Association then adjourned to assemble at the site of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church which was organized in 1812, the first Baptist Church ever organized in Louisiana, about eight miles north-west of Franklinton. Here a beautiful and impressive memorial service, consisting of music by the Enon Band, an instructive historical address by J.H. Smith, closing with a few appropriate words by moderator O.P. Estes, and benediction by W.F. McGehee, was held. Friday Morning J.H. Smith read the report of the committee on the Memorial Marker, on the site of Half Moon Bluff Church, and same was adopted. WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MINUTES, 1934, p. 6 REPORT ON MEMORIAL MARKER We, your committee on the Memorial Marker, of Half Moon Bluff Church, beg leave to report that the marker has been placed and dedicated; therefore we beg that the report be accepted and the committee be discharged. J.H. Smith D.R. Johnson ****************************************************************************** Pages 56 - 59 1934 Rev. J. H. Smith Memorial Address Source: BAPTIST MESSAGE, Sept. 20, 1934 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN LOUISIANA "J.H. Smith Speaks On Founding Baptist Work in State HALF-MOON BAPTIST CHURCH WAS FIRST EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN LOUSIANA. Early Baptists Endured Great Hardship and Sacrifice to Establish New Testament Church. A session of the Washington Parish Association, meeting at Franklinton, Sept. 6-7, was held on the historic site of the old Half-Moon Baptist church, the mother church of Louisiana Baptists, established in 1812, with the assistance of a committee from the Mississippi Baptist Association. An appropriate program had been arranged for this memorial service and Rev. J.H. Smith, pastor of the Franklinton church, and who has rendered great service in gathering historic data on Half-Moon church, was asked to deliver the principal address. As the address has much interesting historical value, we re happy to pass it on to our readers:" (Address delivered by Rev. J.H. Smith). "We count it a high privilege to hold this hour's session of the Washington Parish Association on the site of the first Baptist church in the Louisiana territory. This parish is rich in soil, rich in people and rich in both sacred and profane history. Sometimes by looking backward we are made stronger and braver for the great tasks that are ours; we receive patience and courage and fearfulness and faith. We have read of the longing of our Hebrew fathers as they would cry out to the younger generation, "Look unto the rock from whence you were hewn and to the pit from whence you are digged." So this afternoon we want to look back to the days of our Baptist fathers to see from whence and how far we have come. In the early spring of 1780 the Curtices, the Jones, the Courtneys and the Stampleys left their South Carolina homes in search of a better country where they would have more liberty in raising their families and worshipping God. They traveled across the country to the Holstein river in the northeastern corner of Tennessee. Here they paused to grow some corn and to build boats by which they continued the journey and reached the Natchez county on the Mississippi. It was indeed a hazardous undertaking, due to the crudeness of the crafts, the exposure to weather and the frequent attacks by the Indians who inhabited the river front along the way. It was in the latter part of the year 1780 that the first Baptists landed their families and their little worldly possession at the mouth of Cole's Creek, 20 miles above Natchez, and organized the first Baptist church in the Mississippi country. It was from this little band of the Lord's that His work was carried on North, South, East and West. The first Baptist preacher to enter the Louisiana territory was the Rev. B.E. Chaney who moved from Cole's Creek community in Mississippi to East Feliciana parish as early as 1798. Mr. Chaney began preaching the gospel, according to his purpose and desire for coming to this state, but he was soon arrested and thrown into prison. He was later released on the promise he would not preach any more. He soon returned to the Mississippi country and was a faithful preacher until his death, many years later. It was about the beginning of the eighteenth century that one Ezra Courtney, came down from South Carolina into the Mississippi country. About the same time a number of other people came down from South Carolina, from the same part of the country as did Courtney, and settled about ten miles above what is now Baton Rouge. They had known Courtney before this and invited him to come over into Louisiana and preach to them. He accepted the invitation and preached many times at great danger to his own life and the lives of his friends. He was often attacked, but through the goodness of God, escaped jail and death. We have no records as to his having come over into this part of the state, but we are persuaded that he came into Washington parish and laid the foundation of the first Baptist church in the state, which was organized Oct. 12, 1812. This church was the first outright distinctive, denominational organiza- tion in the state, outside the Catholic faith. It was true that in 1803 there were 53 people in the city of New Orleans who got together and decided to have preaching by some preacher of the Protestant faith. They met one week later and voted on what church this minister should belong to. They did not have in mind to organize a church, but to establish a preaching station. The vote stood 45 for Episcopal, 7 for Presbyterian and one for a Methodist preacher. They named their group, "The Church of Christ." They applied to the bishop of New York for a minister and the request was granted. This new minister, a Mr. Chase, took charge of the whole matter and had the legislature to incorporate the organization as "Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church in the County of Orleans." It was not until May 2, 1805, that this organization was declared to be an Episcopal church by the following amend- ment to the original charter: "Rector, church wardens and vestrymen of Christ church in the county of Orleans in communion with the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States of America." This organization ran on until 1811, when Mr. Chase resigned and they had no more preaching until 1814, when they invited a Presbyterian minister to preach for them. In view of the foregoing facts, we submit that the first distinctive denomination organization in the state was old Half-Moon Bluff church. The Mississippi Baptist Association met with the New Hope Baptist church in Adams county, Mississippi, Oct. 19, 1811. It was at this session that a letter was received praying that the Mississippi Baptists come over to Bogue Chitto and constitute a church. Bro. T. Mercer and Bro. D. Cooper were appointed to visit them, and, if deemed wise, to organize a church. We have no record of their report as to their findings, but on Oct. 17, 1812, when the association met with Zion Hill Church in Amite county, Mississippi, we find where, "The church at Bogue Chitto, known by the name of Half-Moon Bluff church," was organized Oct. 12, 1812, just five days before this association met. The name of the first messengers were: Jos. Lewis and Jos. Erwin. There are several families now living in Washington parish by these names, but so far we have failed to establish any connection between them and the above-named brethren. It is now our candid belief that Brethren Mercer and Cooper were among the ones who constituted or organized the first Baptist church in this state. As to who was the first pastor, we are not in a position to say that we know, but we believe the first pastor was Rev. Nathan Morris, as we find he was the only messenger at the next regular session of the association, which met with Bayou Pierre, Oct. 16, 1813. Mr. Morris is not called "Reverend", nor "Elder," but it only referred to as Nathan Morris, or Bro. Nathan Morris. These brethren were not given to titles, such as we apply them today. We find that Mr. Morris is listed to preach the introductory sermon and was afterward elected moderator, a duty which then only preachers were called upon to perform. We also find that every year after 1812, Mr. Morris was one of the representatives at the association from Half-Moon Bluff church, but when this church withdrew from the Mississippi Association and went into the organization of the Pearl River Baptist Association, Mr. Morris' name disappeared from the records of Mississippi Association, which to me is proof that he was pastor went with the church when she withdrew to go into the organization of Pearl River Association. At the meeting of the Mississippi Association in 1812 the association seemed to have divided into districts for the purpose of having rallies, such as we have. These meetings were called "union meetings." One such meeting was held with Half-Moon Bluff church on Friday before the fourth Sunday in December, 1812. In 1814 this church was represented at the association by Nathan Morris, Joseph Lewis and Lofton Fairchilds. It was at this session that she proved she was zealous in keeping her house clean, for she notified the association she had withdrawn fellowship from a preacher by the name of Robert Smith, the charge being un-Christian conduct. After hearing the evidence in the case, the association went on record as approving the action of the church. When the Mississippi Association met with the Sarepta church in Jefferson county, Oct. 14, 1815, the messengers from this old church were Nathan Morris and William McGhee. It was at this session that we find the following statement: "The Half Moon Bluff church made a request that this association would advise as to what would be their duty to do respecting Robert Smith, who makes a confession of his disorderly conduct, and shows marks of repentance sufficient to satisfy them as to the propriety of receiving him as a private member, but have doubts whether he should be restored to his public gift without the advice of the association. Whereupon it was agreed that the church had a right to restore him to fellowship and leave him to act, as it respects his public gift, as God and his own conscience might direct; and have appointed Brethren Thomas Mercer, Ezra Courtney and Lawrence Scarborough to act with them as helpers, on Friday before the fourth Sabbath in December next, to decide on the propriety of receiving said Smith." The council must have recommended that he be restored in full fellowship, as we find him later in the full work as a preacher in the association. We see from these records that on these grounds there have been some warm battles fought in a regular Baptist fashion. At the session in 1816, this church sent as messengers, Nathan Morris and J. Erwin. I presume this is the same name of Jos. Erwin who appeared as one of the first messengers in 1812. When the association met in 1817, we find that their business had grown to such extent that they lengthened the session from one to three days' meeting, this time form Oct. 18 to Oct. 21, 187, with Bogue Chitto church in Pike county. Half-Moon Bluff church was represented this year by Nathan Morris an Zadock Barrow. We find still another new name among the membership of Half-Moon Bluff church when the association met with New Providence church, Amite county, Oct. 17, 1818. This new name is one of the messengers to this session, the messengers being Nathan Morris and J. Ricks. The next session of the association met on Oct. 16, 1819. At this meeting Half-Moon Bluff church was represented by Nathan Morris and J. Bankston, another new name in the membership of this old church. Some of the same names still appear in our midst today. The last year Half-Moon Bluff church is represented at the Mississippi Baptist Association is when the association met again with the Zion Hill church in Amite county. At this meeting it was decided to form the Pearl River Baptist Association and the following churches withdrew from the Mississippi Association and constituted the Pearl River Association: Pearl River, Mt. Nebo, Half-Moon Bluff, Fair River, Dilling's Creek (in Pike county), Poplar Springs, Silver Creek (Pearl River county), New Chapel, Bogue Chitto (in Pike county), Antioch, Beulah, Baily Chitto, and Friendship. Thus ends the records of Half Moon Bluff church, as she reported to the Mississippi Association from 1812 to 1820, inclusive. From 1820 to 1828 we have no record of this church, as the minutes of the Pearl River Association could not be had, but on Oct. 12, 1828, we find that the association met with old Bethany church and that Half-Moon Bluff church was represented by Joseph Erwin and Richard Albritton. The report shows zeal for the lost and progress in general, as they had received two for baptism, four by letter, three by restoration and dismissed two, having a total membership of twenty-one. They also requested eighteen copies of the minutes and sent $2 for associational expenses, which is better than many of our churches do these days. The last report we have of Half-Moon Bluff church is the record of the Pearl River Association of 1830. The association reports a letter from this church to the effect that they had dissolved and that the records had been left with New Zion church, New Zion church, New Tylertown, Miss. A diligent search for said records failed to reveal them. Some years after this old church dissolved another church was constituted and a building was erected on the spot where Mrs. Dell Foil's house now stands, and this organization assumed the name of Half-Moon Bluff church. We have many old settlers now living who remember attending services at this church, but can give very little authentic information about it, as to date of organization and date it dissolved. Before this church dissolved, however, other churches began to spring up here and there in this parish. There are now 22 churches in the parish affiliated with Washington Parish Association and about 12 affiliated with the Landmark organization, all of which came from this church. We want to contrast these 122 years of Baptist history that have been fraught with many dangers and deprivation of all kinds. In this contrast we want to look at the work accomplished by those who were willing to pay the price that we might have what we have at the present time. On Oct. 12, 1812, there was only one Baptist church in the vast territory of 48,000 square miles-today within the same area there are 847 Baptist churches that are cooperating with the Louisiana Baptist Convention. On Oct. 12, 1828, there were some 19 churches in this great country, 14 of them, as far as we know, west of the Mississippi river. These churches had a membership of about 4,000. Today in this same country there are 167,551 Baptists. Then there were no Sunday schools, no training services, no women's work. Today we have 819 Sunday schools with an enrollment of 88,521, 1,480 B.Y.P.U.'s with an enrollment of 25,490 and 969 organizations under the direction of the W.M.U. of this state. One hundred twenty-two years ago there were 9,150 baptisms; then this old church gave $2.00 for the purposes outside the local community; last year her children gave to outside objects $254,787. On Oct. 12, 1812, the value of church property was almost nothing; now the value of all church property is $5,331,331. Then the preacher preached for nothing, while last year the Baptist pastors of this received in salaries $288,576. Then there were no associational organizations, today there are 37 such organizations. On Oct. 12, 1812, there were but few Baptist preachers in this site, today there are more than 500 ordained Baptist preachers. These figures include only the Baptists who are affiliated with the Louisiana Baptist State Convention and does not include that group of Baptists known as Primitive, Landmarks and Negro Baptists, all who can as well claim this as their mother church. The price they paid was in great sacrifice, for they "loved not their lives unto death." If we are to carry on as did our early Baptist fathers, we must surrender selfish ease for Christ's cause. Standing here on this sacred spot this afternoon, let us renew our pledge to God, that we will give our best for the ongoing of the kingdom until we, too, shall fall on our last long sleep as have our fathers." ****************************************************************************** Pages 60 & 61 1934 Era Leader - Bronze Tablet Dedication THE ERA LEADER, FRANKLINTON, LA. SEPT. 13, 1934 BRONZE TABLET DEDICATED TO THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN STATE OF LOUISIANA. Association Visits Spectacular Scene. Rev. J.H. Smith delivers Historical Address. Rev. Estes Dedicates Marker. "Deep in the heart of the forest where a trail was blazed to the bank of Bogue Chitto River from the highway just six miles north of Franklinton, the old historic site of Half Moon Bluff church was located, where the first Baptist church of the State of Louisiana stood more than a hundred years ago, and where a memorial service was held Thursday afternoon in the presence of more than 200 Baptists, and friends of Protestantism. A bronze marker resting in a marble slab was embedded in the earth over which the first church stood, and bears the following inscription: "Louisiana's First Baptist Church, Half Moon Bluff. Organized October 12, 1812. Affiliated with the Mississippi Association October 17, 1812. First Messengers, Joseph Erwin and Joseph Lewis. Rev. J.H. Smith gave a historical sketch of rare interest, tracing the activities of this parent church thru authentic records from the date of its founding in 1812 to the dissolving of the organization in 1830, with the exception of the years between 1820 and 1828. From these records, Brother Smith reports that even as far back as 1812 the association was divided into districts for more concentrated work, with church rallies held such as is practiced in the present day, only under the title of "Union Meeting". One such meeting is reported from Half Moon Bluff church in December of 1812. In these years we find the old church meeting in session with Bogue Chitto, Miss., New Providence, Zion Hill, Bethany, New Zion and Tylertown, before Half Moon was finally transferred to Pearl River Association. Many old settlers now living remember attending this old church from which organization have sprung the 22 churches now constituting the Washington Parish Baptist Association. This and much other interesting data was related by Rev. Smith, and then the solemn dedication by Rev. Estes and a prayer of consecration by Rev. McGehee, with special music by the Enon High School orchestra, concluded the sacred service which memorialized the establishment of Protestant denominational church affairs in Louisiana." ****************************************************************************** Pages 62 - 64 1934 Attendance at Marker Dedication LIST OF PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED MEMORIAL SERVICE AT HALF-MOON BLUFF BAPTIST CHURCH SITE SEPTEMBER 6, 1934 NAME 1. Mrs. J.E. Pierce 2. Mrs. A. Gayer 3. Mrs. M.T. Knight 4. Natalie Jenkins 5. Mrs. Dewitt Holmes 6. Harry Stagg 7. Mrs. Julia L. Smith 8. LaRula arnado 9. Mrs. F.E. Smith 10. Mrs. J.F. McLelland 11. Mrs. Rosa Passman 12. M. Dean Foil 13. Versie Talley 14. Mrs. C.E. Bilbo 15. E.B. Alford 16. J. M. Lewis 17. S.C. Rushing 18. Jacob Alford 19. Beulah Tisdale 20. Mrs. W.E. Grimsley 21. Mrs. J.P. Perrett 22. Mrs. B. W. Cutherds 23. Harold Taylor 24. Mrs. T.S. Stafford 25. Mrs. P.R. Leaster 26. Mrs. F.A. Varnado 27. Mrs. F.M. Magee 28. Mrs. Lucy A. Kemp 29. Mrs. Rena Ott Varnado 30. Percy A. Corkern 31. J.W. Newbrough 32. B. Williams 33. J.E. Pierce 34. Mrs. Ada Burkhalter 35. Rev. T.A. Sumrall 36. P.N. Givens 37. E.A. Burris 38. J.P. Parker 39. Elton Miller 40. Mrs. Walter A. Burris 41. G.J. Porter 42. W. F. Hutson 43. E.E. Sylvest 44. Robert E. Magee, Jr. 45. Mrs. R. Smith 46. Bessie Burkhalter 47. Mrs. J. Vol Brock 48. L.R. Alford 49. Gussie Jones 50. Mrs. W.A. Erwin 51. Trcy Magee 52. Mrs. Beulah Magee Bickham 53. Mrs. Wm. Edwards 54. Delos R. Johnson, Sr. 55. Melba Mae Parker 56. Mrs. Lois James 57. Harold Foil 58. F.A. Varnado 59. Mrs. Vanda Warren 60. Mrs. L.W. Alford 61. Mrs. H.L. Green 62. Mrs. T.D. Foil 63. Velma Magee 64. W.R. Robbins 65. Mrs. S.C. Rushing 66. C.M. Pierce 67. E.H. Goings 68. F.N. Sweeney 69. Thelam Tisdale 70. Mrs. J.P. Richardson 71. Mrs. L.H. Mitchell 72. Mrs. J.A. Foil 73. Mrs. Joe Taylor 74. Mrs. O.P. Estes 75. Mrs. Leroy Little 76. Mrs. N.D. Stringer 77. Mrs. Lelia V. Gann 78. Mrs. H.M. Bateman 79. Mrs. W.E. Magee 80. T.J. Delaughter 81. W.A. Erwin 82. M. Newbrough Griffith 83. B.P. Magee 84. Mrs. Lela Patterson 85. Mrs. G.W. Foil 86. Elton Magee 87. M.C. Poole 88. J.W. Burch 89. C.A. Miller 90. Mrs. R.L. Burris 91. Mary Lee Burris 92. W.E. Watkins 93. J. Vol Brock 94. Mrs. E.E. Sylvest 95. Floyd Mizell 96. Brunnie Smith 97. M.J. Schilling 98. Vernon Smith 99. Bessie Stafford 100. Mrs. J.C. Green 101. Mrs. Tate Magee 102. Mrs. Melissa Walker 103. Mrs. J.J. Delaughter 104. Miss Zoe Fendlason 105. Mrs. Willy Grey 106. Mrs. Ed Gill 107. J.D. Corkern 108. Collier L. Stubbs 109. Mrs. F.J. Kantz 110. G.C. Stout 111. John McIlwain 112. Mrs. L.H. Butler 113. Leon W. Sloan 114. Wiley Blades 115. Lois Downs 116. Albert Pope 117. John Henry Smith 118. H.E. Foil 119. F.M. Magee 120. C.C. Barefoot 121. Cecil Jones 122. Allyne Wilkes 123. Brock Magee 124. Eleanor Butler 125. A.W. Robbins 126. Willie Burch 127. Vernie Burch 128. Mrs. J.H. Yarborough 129. Mrs. R.A. Magee 130. Ouida Fendlason 131. Rev. Fred McLelland 132. Wm. Westmoreland 133. F.J. Katz 134. A.J. Green 135. J. Stanley Jones 136. H.A. Downs 137. W.F. McGehee 138. B.C. Elzey 139. Hubert Green 140. Frank Morgan 141. Charlie W. Knight 142. O.P. Estes 143. W.E. Magee 144. B.K. Knight 145. Jessie Myrl Knight 146. Mrs. C.J. Gayer 147. Pauline Wilkes 148. Joyce Bankston 149. Mrs. T.M. Sones 150. Mrs. F.P. Alford 151. Laura Alford 152. Mrs. B.B. Burris ****************************************************************************** Pages 65 & 66 1962 Memorial Service Program Memorial Service Half Moon Bluff Church November 15, 1952 PROGRAM Luther B. Hall, Presiding Gale Dunn, Song Leader Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Shall We Gather At the River" Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.C. Martin Greetings, Presentation of Special Guests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A.W. Robbins Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Faith of our Fathers" Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T.W. Gayer Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "We're Marching to Zion" Address. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J.D. Grey Prayer of Dedication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R.L. Lee [Transcriber's note: There are four pictures on page 66. Their captions are cited below. kr] These pictures were made in 1962 as the closing session of the Louisiana Baptist Convention commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church. 1. Picture of Dr. A.W. Robbins and son, Kent age 5 yrs., Franklington, La. (left) 2. Dr. T.W. Gayer 3. Dr. and Mrs. T.W. Gayer 4. Mrs. Zuma F. Magee and Mrs. A.W. Robbins ****************************************************************************** Pages 67 - 73 1962 Attendance at Memorial Service REGISTRATION FOR MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE HALF MOON BLUFF SITE NOVEMBER 15, 1962 NAME CHURCH ADDRESS Arlie O. Passman 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Otto Sharp Baptist Franklinton, La. Alvin A. Herrington 1st Baptist Bogalusa, La. Kent Robbins (Age 5) Franklinton, La. Mrs. Bessie Willoughby 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. R.A. Magee 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. E.Y. Breland 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Booth Istrouma Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Daunton Gibbs 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Casey Ensminger Central Baptist Wisner, La. F.M. Chapman Central Baptist Wisner, La. Rev. J.A. Dumas Central Baptist Wisner, La. Jean Simmons 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Janice Simmons 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Nell Stafford Stony Point Baptist Franklinton, La. Percy Thomas Pine Baptist Franklinton, La. Bill Sharp 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Howard Sharp 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Eunice F. Burris Methodist Franklinton, La. Mrs. F.L. Smith Hays Creek Baptist Franklinton, La. Miss Lexie Warner Baptist Tylertown, Miss. R. 6 Mrs. Angie Magee Baptist Tylertown, Miss. R.6 Percy A. Corkern Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Mrs. Percy A. Corkern Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Becky Corkern Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Loretta McDaniel Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Barbara Epps Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Ruby Merritt Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Shirley Merritt Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Cindy Greer Emmanuel Baptist New Orleans, La. Mrs. O.C. James Hays Creek Baptist Rt. 1 Franklinton, La. Mrs. Ruth Brumfield Hays Creek Baptist Rt. 1, Franklinton, La. Mrs. Bernice Glover 1st Baptist Jackson, La. Mrs. Donough Alford Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Iddo L. Alford Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mr. & Mrs. Walter Lowe Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Eulit Burch Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Belah Burch Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Fleet Walker Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Vernon Sanford Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. W.T. Haley Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. R.J. Sanderson Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Beth & Timothy Sanderson Bogue Chitto Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. MRs. Arlie O. Passman 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Rev. Tom Mitchell West Monroe West Monroe, La. D.E. Wainwright Edgewood, West Monroe West Monroe, La. Theodore W. Gayer Pineville Baptist Pineville, La. Mrs. T.W. Gayer Pineville Baptist Pineville, La. Mrs. W.V. Costello Pineville Baptist Pineville, La. Mrs. Mike A. Flaherty Jena Jena, La. Mike A. Flaherty Jena Jena, La. Alex Fazekas 1st Baptist Franklinton, La Ollie Mae Whittington 1st Baptist Bogalusa, La. Mr. & Mrs. E.A. Burch 1st Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. J.P. Parrett Memorial Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Dewitt Richardson Memorial Bogalusa, La. Rev. & Mrs. D.W. Nix Memorial Bogalusa, La. Mrs. D.P. Garrett 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Jesse H. Bankston Broadmour Baton Rouge, La. Mr. & Mrs. Lester Alford Bogue Chitto Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. W.C. Alford Bogue Chitto Mt. Hermon, La. Leon Bankston Clifton Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. L.H. Butler Clifton Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. L.H. Butler Clifton Baptist Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Artis S. Varnado 1st Baptist Jackson, La. Mr. & Mrs. Emery Smith 1st Baptist Bogalusa, La. Mrs. O.D. Catha 1st Baptist Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Willard M. Thomas 1st Baptist Bogalusa, La. Mrs. W.M. Edwards Westside Emmanuel Bogalusa, La. Mrs. E.E. Bateman Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Charles R. Bateman Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. A. Gigilione Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Enoch Bickham Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Lovie Tate Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Clare B. Magee 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. J.D. Scott DeRidder, La. J.D. Scott DeRidder, La. Mrs. Dora Maude Wilcombe 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Delos R. Johnson, Sr. 1st Baptist-Pres. Franklinton, La. Mrs. R. L. Jenkins Spring Hill Franklinton, La. Mrs. Hazel McDaniel Spring Hill Franklinton, La. Mrs. Marvin Crain 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Wilferd Bulloch 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Eric L. Fussell 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. J.E. Vernon Westside Emmanuel Bogalusa, La. Mrs. W.T. Rucker Westside Emmanuel Bogalusa, La. Mrs. J.A. Ott Mt. Hermon Mt. Hermon, La. N.L. Smith 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Ray Pettitt 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Lillie Mae Pettitt 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Ruby B. Welch 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Nurcelia M. Stringfield 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mr. & Mrs. G.A. Robertson Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Eunice Burkhalter Bethel Franklinton, La. Mrs. Joe Phares Bethel Franklinton, La. R.L. Bolton 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Gary G. Foil 1st Baptist Jennings, La. Leroy F. Elliott Calvary Jennings, La. A. Griffith Johnson 1st Baptist Franklinton, La Mrs. A.W. Burch, Jr. Mt. Pisgah Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Silas Schilling Mt. Pisgah Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Leon Knight 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. L.B. Hall (Pres. La.B.C) Farmerville Farmerville, La. Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Lee 1st Baptist Pineville, La. Rev. and Mrs. A.O. Jenkins Springhill, La. Mrs. Jerry Schmucker Shreveport, La. Jerry Schmucker Shreveport, La. Rev. V.L. Prewitt West Monroe, La. Wm. R. Dowden West Moroe, La. F. W. Tenal Lanier Baton Rouge, La. Ardis Smith Dounsville Dounsville, La. Robert R. Nettles Lanier Baton Rouge, La. Bertha Marie Smith Dounsville Dounsville, La. Mrs. T.J. Doss 1st Baptist Gueydan, La. Mrs. Willie A. Granham Ramah Maringouin, La. W.A. Graham Maringouin, La. Elmer J. Boswell Lake Charles, La. Mrs. Lester Smith College Dr. Pineville, La. Rev. Herman E. Wilkinson Walker, La. Rev. Filer J. Seal Highland Baptist West Monroe, La. Mrs. Filer J. Seal Highland Baptist West Monroe, La. Rev. & Mrs. George N. Hay Grand Isle, La. Judy Miller 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Judy Bullock 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Joyce Sharp 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Loretta Spears 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Brenda Kilgore 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Rev. Clarence E. Young 1st Baptist Winnsboro, La. Mrs. Eva Beal Fairfield Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Metz Tugwell 1st Baptist Mrs. B. Crovin Fairfield Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Rev. & Mrs. Arnall Richardson 1t Baptist Amite, La. Rebecca Richardson 1st Baptist Amite, La. R. Leon Gray 1st Baptist New Orleans, La. Julia Gray 1st Baptist New Orleans, La. J.G. Collins Mt. Hermon Mt. Hermon, La. Rev. A.C. Lawton Stone Miller, Jr. 1st Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. V.E. Kealhofer 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mr. & Mrs. I.N. Pounds 1st Baptist New Orleans, La. Mrs. Ellis Bateman Clifton Franklinton, La. John McGreger Spring Creek Spring Creek, La. Mr. & Mrs. T.C. Varnado Spring Creek Spring Creek, La. Tate M. Magee 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. D. & Mrs. D. Lewis White Temple Baptist Hattiesburg, Miss. Mrs. Louis L. Brumfield Hayes Creek Franklinton, La. Mrs. Arnold J. Brumfield Hayes Creek Franklinton, La. Miah Smith Bethel Franklinton, La. Hugh E. Foil Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Olen Harmon Spring Hill Franklinton, La. Rev. Olin O. Harmon Spring Hill Franklinton, La. Mrs. Victor L. Angelo 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Cecil Richerson Superior Ave. Bogalusa, La. Mrs. A.D. Womack Superior Ave. Bogalusa, La. Mrs. M.D. Bullock Superior Ave. Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Ollie Crain Superior Ave. Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Frank Roberts 1st Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Kent Roberts 1st Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Michael Roberts 1st Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Lela Erwin 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Sidney Smith 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. ? 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Tate Magee 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Rev. Charles Stevens Broadmoor-(Pastor) Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Elma Roye Downsville Baptist Downsville, La. Mrs. Bert E. Riddle, Jr. Lakeside Baptist Pineville, La. Rev. Bert. E. Riddle, Jr. Lakeside Baptist(Pastor) Pineville, La. Sarah Mchatty Esler Pineville, La. Mrs. H. D. Wilkinson Walker Walker, La. Mrs. J.C. Gould Calhoun, La. Mrs. Percy A. Saron Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. G.F. Farmer Kentwood Kentwood, La. Marilyn Booty 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Linda Gayle Travis 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Rita Barber 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Patricia Miller 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. L.K. Hartsfield Pine Ridge Church Rev. L.K. Hartsfield Pine Ridge Church Deborah Richardson 1st Baptist Amite, La. James F. Cole Alexandria, La. Rev. & Mrs. Sollie I. Smith Superior Ave. Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Doyle L. Bateman Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Ruby Shoemaker Enon Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. George McIlwain Enon Franklinton, La. Mrs. Lela Stafford Enon Franklinton, La. Mrs. Gussie Jones Enon Franklinton, La. Mrs. Evie Magee Enon Franklinton, La. Rev. A. Lawrence Clegg Ponchatoula 1st Ponchatoula, La. Rev. A.W. Robbins (Pastor) 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Oner N. Miller 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Oner N. Miller 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Wayne Robbins 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Dennis Robbins 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Dr. & Mrs. W. W. Simmons Hammond, La. Rev. & Mrs. Clyde Averett Enon Franklinton, La. Mrs. J.S. King, Jr. Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Cullie H. King Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. W.B. King Clifton Franklinton, La. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Norris Mt. Hermon Mt. Hermon, La. Rev. & Mrs. F.L. Pfeifer 1st Baptist Pineville, La. Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Magee 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Rev. & Mrs. Virgil E. Knight Pine, 1st Franklinton, La. Niel Bullock Clifton Franklinton, La. Mr. & Mrs. A.P. Ellzey 1st Ponchatoula, La. Mrs. W.B. Wells, Jr. Harper Road Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. J.M. Hart, Jr. Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. E.M. Henderson Harper Road Baton Rouge, La. Rev. & Mrs. Chas. E. Lamb Harper Road Baton Rouge, La. Rev. & Mrs. Alfred Schwab Ville Platte Ville Platte, La. Mr. & Mrs. John Magee Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. George Swetman Clifton Mt. Hermon, La. Mr. & Mrs. L.E. Morrison 1st Baptist Baton Rouge, La. Mike Aaron 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Earl D. Mercer Lake Charles, La. G.D. Bridbes Alexandria, La. E.J. O'Regan Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. E.J. O'Regan Baton Rouge, La. Chas. E. Blackmon Baton Rouge, La. Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Voda Horsebar Dr. Baptist Alexandria, La. W.L. Sewell Alexandria, La. Frank Stagg New Orleans, La. Haley Carter Methodist Franklinton, La. Ruth Richardson 1st Baptist Amite, La. David Richardson 1st Baptist Amite, La. Rev. & Mrs. R.L. Lambright Main St. Baptist Bogalusa, La. James N. Chattam Calvary Alexandria, La. Mrs. Irma W. James Franklinton, La. Mrs. Roby Graves Hays Creek Franklinton, La. Terry Graves Hays Creek Franklinton, La. Troy B. Magee Gulfport, Miss. Hubert Magee Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Fred Thomas Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. M.C. Irwin 1st Bogalusa, La. Bogalusa, La. Mercer C. Irwin (Pastor) 1st Bogalusa Bogalusa, La. H.E. Pigott Bethel Franklinton, La. Miss Joann E. Jordan 2nd Baptist Franklinton, La. Sally Jana Smith Hays Creek Franklinton, La. C.C. Martin L. Heights Winfield, La. Lennie Powell 1st Baptist Pineville, La. Rev. & Mrs. C. Ferris Jordan Slaughter Slaughter, La. J.D. Black, Sr. Slaughter Slaughter, La. Evelyn Henderson Elwood Forest Hill, La. Norman E. Hodges Parkview Alexandria, La. Betty H. Lane Morganza Morganza, La. Biff Land (5 1/2 yrs. Old) Morganza, La. Mrs. J.A. Penick Trinity Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Wm. Bailey Trinity Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Ethel Stevens Trinity Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. L.S. Crow Trinity Baton Rouge, La. Rev. Daniel Dufrene French Missionary Grand Isle, La. Mrs. Robert L. Belk Emmanuel Alexandria, La. Mrs. W.L. Childress University Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Geo. W. Smith First Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. Roy L. Saxon Kentwood Kentwood, La. J.C. Lewis Riverside New Orleans, La. Rev. & Mrs. Jack Wheeless Bethel Franklinton, La. Mr. & Mrs. H.C. Miller Horseshoe Dr. Alexandria, La. J.D. Grey (Pastor) 1st Baptist New Orleans, La. Mrs. James B. Brady Homewood Alexandria, La. H.D. Booth Homewood Alexandria, La. Mrs. H.D. Booth Homewood Alexandria, La. Ellis C. Magee 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Billy Wright Evergreen Porter B. Wright Evergreen Mrs. David Bullock 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Judy Bullock 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Russell Bullock 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Hugh Bullock 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. L.L. Scharfenster Grace Baptist New Orleans, La. Delos R. Johnson, Jr. 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Leah Ott Johnson 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. John Keller (Toby) Johnson Franklinton, La. Jeffrey Adrian Johnson Franklinton, La. Caroline Griffith Johnson Franklinton, La. W.L. Bennett New Orleans, La. Norman Livengood New Orleans, La. Wesley Bowman Alexandria, La. Mrs. A.W. Robbins 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Dr. & Mrs. D.E. Magee Sunny Hill Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. John A. Brumfield Hays Creek Franklinton, La. Mrs. N.J. Smith Hays Creek Franklinton, La. Mrs. Bob Alford Bogue Chitto Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. Thad Miller Bogue Chitto Mt. Hermon, La. Mrs. W.R. Foil 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. W.D. Daniel 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. H.E. Foil Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Ed Kliesch Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Dudley H. Bateman Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. Burlon Smith Clifton Franklinton, La. W.P. Pink Richardson Memorial Bogalusa, La. Dewitt Richardson Memorial Bogalusa, La. Steve Richardson Memorial Bogalusa, La. Dr. & Mrs. Wilmer Knight 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. P.E. Greenlaw 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. B.E. Bickham, Sr. 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Troy D. Magee 1st Baptist Long Beach, Miss. Mrs. Floyd Fisher Bethel Franklinton, La. Mrs. Loyd Mulina 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Lottie Fournet Westside Emmanuel Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Lula Gates Bogalusa, La. Mrs. Walter Smith Westside Emmanuel Bogalusa, La. Greg Magee Long Beach, Miss. Maurice E. Flowers, Jr. Hammond, La. James W. Brock Hammond, La. T.R. Foster, Sr. Hammond, La. Jon Dirk Magee Long Beach, Miss. Gretchen Magee Long Beach, Miss. Mr. & Mrs. Herman Durbin 1st Baptist Independence, La. Rev. & Mrs. Benj. F. Jordan, Jr. Holly Ridge Holly Ridge, La. John Paul Jordan Holly Ridge Holly Ridge, La. Rev. George L. Holley, Jr. Bedico Ponchatoula, La. Grady E. Welch Alexandria, La. Mrs. Claude Kirkpatrick Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. E. L. Autrey Slaughter Slaughter, La. Lowell C. Alexander Alexandria, La. Mrs. Lowell C. Alexander Alexandria, La. Mrs. J.B. Grey 1st Baptist New Orleans, La. Kenneth K. Corkern Bellaire Bossier City, La. Britton Kelley Brownsville West Monroe, La. Rev. & Mrs. Edward Smith Donahue Pineville, La. Mrs. N. Deene Campbell New Orleans, La. Mrs. D.F. Blades New Orleans, La. Paul E. Galloway Baton Rouge, La. Fred Dyess Dry Prong Dry Prong, La. C.E. Conrad Pineville, La. Mrs. C.E. Conrad Pineville, La. Mrs. E.P. Daigle Pineville, La. Ophelia L. Willis Kentwood, La. Mrs. Nina L. Knight 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Alice Bennett 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. Aline K. Smith 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. John Alden Smith 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Mrs. John Causey 1st Baptist Denham Spring, La. Rev. John K. Causey (Pastor) 1st Baptist Denham Spring, La. Mrs. Stanley R. Miller 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Jack V. Low Baton Rouge, La. R. Leon Gray 1st Baptist Amite, La. Julia Gray 1st Baptist Amite, La. Mrs. Imogene Brumfield Clifton Franklinton, La. C.C. Chance 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Rev. A.R. Major Victoria Baton Rouge, La. Fred Major Victoria Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. A.R. Major Victoria Baton Rouge, La. Elizabeth Major Victoria Baton Rouge, La. Mrs. W.J. Boyd, Sr. Victoria Baton Rouge, La. C.C. James Clifton Franklinton, La. Rodney Wood 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. David Corkern 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Martha Knight 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Richard Lumpkin Sunlight Franklinton, La. Wilton W. Pettit 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. Leon M. Knight 1st Baptist Franklinton, La. J.E. Ellzey Clifton Franklinton, La. Mrs. J.E. Ellzey Clifton Franklinton, La. ************************************************************************ Pages 74 - 76 1962 Sunday Adovate Articles From SUNDAY ADVOCATE, Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 11, 1962 Anniversary of 1st Baptist Church Slated FRANKLINTON - Baptist churches in Washington Parish Sunday will observe the sesquicentennial of the establishment of the first Baptist Church in Louisiana. The first Baptist church established in the state was Half Moon Bluff Church on the banks of Bogue Chitto River about four miles north of here. The property is now owned by heirs of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ferd M. Magee. Members of the initial church were settlers who moved southward from Mississippi into Louisiana prior to the establishment of the church. The original building was long ago removed, but the site is easily discernible by a clay foundation floor and chimney. Rev. Dr. T.W. Gayer of Alexandria, former president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention and native of Washington Parish, will be speaker at the sesquicentennial service at First Baptist Church here Sunday at 11 a.m. Following the close of the service, dinner on the ground will be served. A replica of the original building has been erected on the site and a special service will be held there Thursday at 3 p.m. when a delegation from the annual Louisiana Baptist Convention being held in Baton Rouge, will form a motorcade from Baton Rouge to Franklinton. Some 150 persons from the convention are expected to make the trip. From SUNDAY ADVOCATE, Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 11, 1962 25,000 BAPTISTS EXPECTED HERE FOR CONVENTION More than 25,000 Baptists from throughout Louisiana are expected to attend the conventions which begin Monday Afternoon at First Baptist Church here and close Thursday night in Memorial Stadium. First of the sessions is the Brotherhood convention Monday afternoon and evening when men of Baptist Brotherhoods all over Louisiana will meet to elect new officers and hear speakers on all phases of the work. Tuesday at 9 a.m. sesquincentennial convention will open at First church. Speakers are Paul Harvey, ABC commentator and broadcaster cum laude, who will speak at the Wednesday night session; Hershel Hobbs, Oklahoma City, president of the Southern Baptist convention, and Texas grocer, Howard Butt who will be the featured speaker at the closing evangelistic rally Thursday night in Memorial Stadium. Other highlights will be the premiere of the 30-minute color film on Louisiana Baptists at the first night session and the pilgrimage Thursday afternoon to the reconstructed church at Half Moon Bluff, first Baptist Church in Louisiana. List Speakers Among other Speakers are J. Norris Palmer, pastor of the host church; Luther Hall of Farmerville, convention president; H. Leo Eddleman, president of New Lee, pastor emeritus of Bellevue church; Memphis, Tenn., and Gray Allison, Ruston. Dr. Glenn E. Bryant, pastor of Emmanuel Church, Alexandria, will give the convention sermon. Officers will be elected at the second convention session, Tuesday afternoon. All convention committees and representatives of Louisiana Baptist institutions will make reports during the business sessions to be held throughout the three days. Adding to the color and excitement of the convention will be the men and women in period costumes, and the horse-drawn carriages which will transport dignitaries from hotels to the church. During the Thursday afternoon pilgrimmage to Half Moon Bluff, guides and escorts, dressed in authentic costumes, at the church will play old-time hymns on a pump organ and the congregation will sing the old-fashioned songs. Participating in the service will be A.W. Robbins, pastor of Franklinton First church; T.W. Gayer, president of the Louisiana Baptist Historical Society; J.D. Grey of New Orleans, and R.L. Lee, executive secretary of the LBC. ************************************************************************ Pages 77 - 79 1962 The Baptist Message Report From "THE BAPTIST MESSAGE", Alexandria, Louisiana, Thursday, November 22, 1962, Vol. 79, No. 46 BATON ROUGE (BM) - The colorful and exciting 115th annual session of the Louisiana Baptist Convention was concluded here last Thursday night with a call to rededication which was answered by several hundred persons. Howard E. Butt, lay preacher from Texas, made the appeal to "put Christ first in your lives" at the conclusion of an evangelistic rally at Memorial stadium which was attended by approximately 4000 persons. The rally followed a pilgrimage Thursday afternoon to the site of the first Baptist church in Louisiana. Some 700 persons were present for the memorial service at Half Moon Bluff near Franklinton. As the visitors approached the log replica of the original building they heard old "hymns of Zion" being played on an old pump organ. The log replica of the original church was situated over a bronze plaque placed at the site in 1934. The building was first erected at the State Fair in Shreveport by a group of Caddo laymen. It was later moved to Half Moon Bluff and re-erected by laymen from the Franklinton area. Speakers for the service included Luther B. Hall, president of the LBC; A.W. Robbins, pastor of the Franklinton First church; Mayor Haley Carter of Franklinton; T.W. Gayer, president of the Louisiana Baptist Historical Society; J.D. Grey, pastor of the New Orleans First church; and Robert L. Lee, executive secretary of the LBC. Grey challenged the scores of youngsters in the audience to lead a movement to celebrate the bi-centennial of the church 50 years hence. Ladies from the Franklinton area were dressed in period costumes and served refreshments, including a mountain of old-fashioned tea cakes. Gayer, an ancestor of one of the founders of the church, said "We stand on holy ground. Here is where we started 150 years ago." "From that small beginning," he continued, "we have grown to 410,000 Baptists in Louisiana. We have a budget of nearly $3 million a year and we have around 1,300 churches." Gayer concluded, "God has been good to us and we're grateful for what He has done. May we always be true to the memory of those who established this first church." Grey said, "This is only the beginning of what we can accomplish. We ought to be doing better than we are doing now." "We are taking our hats off to the past. It is good to come here, but we must move up, move out, and move on. We must take our coats off to tomorrow." The old organ was furnished by Springfield church. It was played by Mrs. A.O. Passman of Franklinton. James Chatham of Alexandria led the music which began with "Shall We Gather At The River". Those who attended the service described it as "An unforgettable experience". The Convention opened Tuesday morning at the First church of Baton Rouge. Messengers were greeted by J. Norris Palmer, host pastor; Jimmy Davis, governor of Louisiana; and Jack Christian, mayor of Baton Rouge. Officers elected Tuesday afternoon included Luther B. Hall, president; Stanley Jordan, first vice-president; and Robert L. Lee, secretary. Hall stepped up to the presidency last year when H.A. Hunderup resigned the presidency after taking a pastorate out of the state. Other highlights of the Convention included the premier of a new 30 minute color movie about Louisiana Baptist work. The film was presented Tuesday night by Executive Secretary Lee. The Convention also adopted a $2,750,000 budget for 1963. Scores of persons were turned away from the First Church Wednesday night when ABC commentator Paul Harvey spoke on "Christian Education". In an earlier press conference Harvey said Louisiana was one of his favorite states and that he especially like Alexandria and Marksville which he visits often. He was met in Baton Rouge by W. George Bowdon, mayor of Alexandria and an old friend of the articulate commentator. Harvey mentioned the Louisiana Baptist Convention on his nationwide broadcast Wednesday. The Convention will meet in Lake Charles next year. Mercer Irwin of Bogalusa will deliver the Convention sermon. ************************************************************************ Pages 80 - 83 1977 Attendance at Ground-breaking for Church Replica LIST OF PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED GROUND BREAKING FOR HALF-MOON BLUFF BAPTIST CHURCH REPLICA MILE BRANCH SETTLEMENT WASHINGTON PARISH FAIRGROUNDS FRANKLINTON, LOUISIANA OCTOBER 16, 1977 NAME CHURCH 1. Dr. David Leon Womack Sunlight Baptist, Franklinton 2. Mrs. David Leon Womack Sunlight Baptist, Franklinton 3. Angela Womack Sunlight Baptist, Franklinton 4. Zuma F. Magee First Baptist, Franklinton 5. M. Mickey Gentry Superior Avenue Baptist, Bogalusa 6. Russell Valentine Sunlight Baptist, Franklinton 7. Denise Valentine Sunlight Baptist, Franklinton 8. Rachelle Valentine Sunlight Baptist, Franklinton 9. Dr. Macon Oswalt First Baptist, Hammond 10. Lucille Graves Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 11. Irma James Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 12. Myrna Graves Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 13. Raby Graves Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 14. Malcolm James Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 15. Dr. A.W. Robbins First Baptist, Franklinton 16. Irma Robbins First Baptist, Franklinton 17. Lillie Mae Ford First Baptist, Franklinton 18. Philip Bickham First Baptist, Franklinton 19. Jay Bailey First Baptist, Franklinton 20. Althea McCain First Baptist, Franklinton 21. J.D. McCain First Baptist, Franklinton 22. Lena B. Magee First Baptist, Franklinton 23. Ruth Alford Trinity Baptist, Franklinton 24. Ruby Foil First Baptist, Franklinton 25. Jewette M. Reese First Baptist, Franklinton 26. Alberta Pigott Sumrall First Baptist, Franklinton 27. Ola F. Martin Bogalusa, Louisiana 28. Dorothy G. Marquart St. Matthew Episcopal, Bogalusa 29. Lana Forrest First Baptist Church, Bogalusa 30. Rev. Earl Warren Thomas Baptist Church, Bogalusa 31. Mrs. Earl Warren Thomas Baptist Church, Bogalusa 32. Melissa Miller Monroe Street Baptist, Bogalusa 33. Jerry Miller Monroe Street Baptist, Bogalusa 34. Doyce Riley Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 35. Jewell T. Wray Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 36. Maude B. Simmons First Baptist Church, Franklinton 37. Kathryn G. Simmons First Baptist Church, Franklinton 38. Marie C. Hennessy First Baptist Church, Franklinton 39. Kathryn McGruder First Baptist Church, Franklinton 40. Lydia McGruder Amite, Louisiana 41. Ida Verger Folsom, Louisiana 42. Neal H. Bulloch Clifton, Louisiana 43. Rev. Gerald Wright Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 44. Rev. John L. Gilbert Natalbany Baptist Church, Hammond 45. Rev. Ross L. West Enon Baptist Church, Enon 46. Daunton Gibbs First Baptist Church, Franklinton 47. Meadie Knight First Baptist Church, Franklinton 48. Carole Knight Franklinton, Louisiana 49. Mary Fussell First Baptist Church, Franklinton 50. Kate Bankston First Baptist Church, Franklinton 51. Roy V. Bankston First Baptist Church, Franklinton 52. Brian E. Fussell First Baptist Church, Franklinton 53. Eric L. Fussell First Baptist Church, Franklinton 54. Fernie Foil Hillcrest Baptist, Franklinton 55. Bobby L. Miller Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 56. Fannie lee Foil Hillcrest Baptist, Franklinton 57. Sadie Sylvest Bateman First Baptist Church, Franklinton 58. Johnnie M. Stafford Hillcrest Baptist, Franklinton 59. Charles Stafford Hillcrest Baptist, Franklinton 60. V.E. Kealhofer First Baptist, Franklinton 61. Margaret Kealhofer First Baptist, Franklinton 62. Rev. Gerald Davis Monroe Street Baptist, Bogalusa 63. Marie Davis 64. Brenda Stogner 65. Peggy Stogner 66. Mrs. Larry Forrest First Baptist, Franklinton 67. Marlo Forrest First Baptist, Franklinton 68. Donnie Warren First Baptist, Franklinton 69. Carrie Green First Baptist, Franklinton 70. Darlene Warren First Baptist, Franklinton 71. Dr. T.C.W. Magee First Baptist, Franklinton 72. Mrs. Frank Green 73. Anna Green 74. Alice Green 75. Rose Mary Green 76. Nell Alford Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 77. Ken Alford Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 78. Brian Alford Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 79. Mrs. Bolden Coyle Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 80. Joe Burch Mt. Pisgah Baptist, Franklinton 81. Rev. Gibbie McMillan Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 82. Mrs. Gibbie McMillan Hays Creek Baptist, Franklinton 83. Charles Sumrall First Baptist, Franklinton 84. Nellie King Clifton, Louisiana 85. Lillian Bateman Clifton, Louisiana 86. Henry Creel Springhill Baptist, Franklinton 87. Mrs. Henry Creel Springhill Baptist, Franklinton 88. James E. Bailey, III First Baptist Church, Bogalusa 89. Rev. John Robson Hillcrest Baptist, Franklinton 90. Frank Deerey Hillcrest Baptist, Franklinton 91. Norman Koonce First Baptist Church, Bogalusa 92. Oscar Hoffmeyer, Jr. Associate Editor, Baptist Message Alexandria, Louisiana 93. Mrs. Bobby Lawson 94. Marty Lawson ************************************************************************ Pages 84 - 87 1977 Dr. A. W. Robbins' Address at Ground-Breaking HALF MOON BAPTIST CHURCH We are gathered here to break ground for the purpose of building a replica of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church, the first Baptist Church organized in what is now the State of Louisiana. According to the records it was organized on October 12, 1812. A request had been made in 1811 to the Mississippi Baptist Association for assistance in organizing a church from a small group of Baptists who were meeting and having services at or near the site of the half moon bluff on Bogue Chitto river. The association chose Brethren David Cooper and Thomas Mercer to help them get organized if they deemed it "expedient." For some reason unknown now they did not carry this out until the following year on October 12th. On October 17th Joseph Lewis and Joseph Erwin were seated as messengers and the Half Moon Bluff Church was admitted to the Mississippi Baptist Association. Rev. Ben Crawford or Rev. Joseph Lewis was probably the first pastor. Each of these men did serve as pastor though no records indicate who was the first pastor. Each of these men did serve as pastor in the early years. Rev. Nathan Morris was also pastor during the early years. They built a small log house on the bank of Bogue Chitto river in which to meet and have their services. The site is located on property owned by Mr. Tate M. Magee about three and one half miles north of Franklinton. The marker that was placed there is still in place and when one removes the leaves and growth evidence of the packed clay which served as the floor can still be seen. A description of this house has been described for us by the late Mr. N.S. McCain who saw it when a boy. Mr. Delos R. Johnson, Sr. Learned of his knowledge and on October 21, 1911 visited Mr. McCain and wrote down this description as Mr. McCain told it. He said: "I am now in my 92nd year and I well remember the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church, which was located at half moon bend of Bogue Chitto River about 6 1/2 miles north of Franklinton. When I was boy about ten years old I went to this place with Bill Simmons, father of the late R.L. Simmons. An old man by the name of Gibbons was occupying and using this old church building for a saddlery. I think Mr. Simmons went there to have his saddle repaired. The building at that time was old in appearance. It was made of hewn logs. It was probably 18 feet by 20 feet and I think it had one window in the rear. It had one door in the front and a fireplace I think." "The next time I remember being at the place was in 1861. I was a member of the Hardy Richardson Company organized for Confederate service and we camped at half moon bluff for about two weeks and were drilled for army service. At that time the house was destroyed but the house site was plainly to be seen. The house site was very near the bluff of the river and close to the woods." Another description was also given but now we believe it to be the description of the second building erected after the Civil War. This building was located nearly a mile east of the first site close to the present highway on property owned by Mr. L.H. Butler. Mr. W.N. Graves described it in this manner: "It was a log house. I suppose it was twenty-five by twenty-five feet in size. It had a dirt floor which slaves had beaten down. The ceiling was very low and it had three doors, one on the south and two on the sides. A chimney stood on the north end. The holes left between the logs were sealed up inside with split boards. The benches were made with logs, were flat on top, rounded underneath, and had no backs. They were made of hewed logs into which holes were bored with an auger to provide receptacles for the crude legs. They were called puncheon benches." While these descriptions differ somewhat in size and what was there, we do know that it was in keeping with what the early settlers had for their homes as well as other buildings. They simply used what was available to the best of their ability in providing a place for worship. These churches are direct descendents of this early church. When it dissolved some went north and organized the Hay's Creek Baptist Church. Others who lived south organized the Franklinton Baptist Church; while those across the river organized the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. As we break ground for the replica of Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church to be placed here at the Mile Branch Settlement, let us remember that we are the recipients of a great heritage from a people who brought their faith in God with them, preserved it and passed it on to their children and subsequent generations. It is then with grateful hearts that we erect this building so that present and future generations may see the early beginnings of places of worship which our forefathers used. Let us also use this means to rededicate and recommit ourselves to the great task of seeing that the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to be a vital part of our lives and the lives of everyone in this area and throughout the world. This building will be one reminder of all who visit the fair annually of that rich heritage. -A.W. Robbins (This brief paper was delivered at the Mile Branch Settlement site on the Washington Parish Fair Grounds on October 16, 1977 by Dr. A.W. Robbins, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Franklinton, La.) ************************************************************************ Page 88 Appendices APPENDICES Many people today are doing research on family lineage. I thought it a good idea to list a few of the families that are related to our "first missionaries" to this area, who were concerned enough to help in the orgainzation of a Baptist Church. The Mississippi Baptist Association minutes of 1812 show Joseph Lewis as a delegate from Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church for several years; note his son and grandson. Also William Magee (1762-1837), husband of Mary James (1771-1867), was a delegate to the Association during the years 1820 - 1830. Both families are listed next. (There were more grandchildren for William Magee than those listed, but those who died young or had no issue were purposely omitted to conserve space.) ************************************************************************ Page 89 Family of Rev. Joseph Benjamin Lewis, Sr. THE FAMILY OF REV. JOSEPH BENJAMIN LEWIS, SR. Born: Sept. 30, 1763, Pee Dee River Section, South Carolina Married: Elizabeth Magee, born Oct. 15, 1786 died Sept. 10, 1828 Died: March 20, 1856, Copiah County, Mississippi, buried in Pine Bluff Cemetery, Dantville, Miss. A Son: Joseph Benjamin Lewis, Jr. Born Sept. 6, 1797, Died Aug. 25, 1868, Lexie, Mississippi, Married - Aug. 10, 1820 to Sarah Morris, Born Mar. 20, 1799, Williamsburg Co., South Carolina Died July 25, 1868, Walthall County, Mississippi His Son: Joseph Benjamin Lewis III, Born: July 4, 1824 Died: June 16, 1906, Rapides Parish, Alexandria, La. Md.: Celia Pittman His Daughter: Martha Lewis McQueen Born: De. 21, 1827, Pike Co., Miss. Md.: Dr. ______ McQueen, b. Dec. 26, 1848, d. May 5, 1875 Died: July 26, 1894 at res. Of her son near Bayou Sara; bur. In family cemetery, Pike Co.; 1 son, 1 daughter ************************************************************************ Pages 90 - 92 Family of William Magee THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM MAGEE AND MARY JAMES (1762-1837) (1771-1867) 1. John Magee 1792-9-5-1877 md. Sarah Magee 1800-1889 2. Hezekiah Magee 1796-1870 md. Dicey Magee 1800-1889 3. Benjamin Magee 1798-1847 md. Terry Ginn 1801-1858 4. Jeremiah Magee 1801-1864 md. Linea Davis 1801-1861 5. Zachariah Magee 1802-1852 md. Elva Davis 1802-1879 6. Mary Polly Magee 1807-1860 md. Stephen Ellis 1796-1869 7. William Magee II 1813-1847 md. Harriet Bickham 1816-1876 8. Darcas Magee md. Edmond Andrews THE FAMILY OF JOHN AND SUSAN MAGEE (Child #1) 1. Jacob Magee 1818-1909 md. Mary Ann Daniel 1821-1901 2. Jane Magee 1821-1871 md. Levi H. Bankston 1816-1900 3. Elizabeth Magee 1824- md. Thomas Carroll Bickham 1818-1871 4. George Magee 1829-1877 md. Amanda C. Burris 1838- 5. Dorcas Magee 1831-1853 md. John Q. Brumfield 1825-1907 6. Fleet Mazgee 1835-1883 md. Lozane Wood 1836-1887 7. John Magee II 1827-1910 md. Margaret Ann Isles 1835-1906 8. William Magee III 1840-1918 md. Vanda Collins 1844-1876 9. Celia Magee 1842-1893 md. Sam J. Warren 1834-1907 10. Mary Polly Magee md. Hampton Burris THE FAMILY OF HEZEKIAH AND DICEY MAGEE (Child #2) 1. Pleasant Magee 1820-1888 md. Harriet Bickham 1825-1890 2. Nehemiah Magee 1822-1866 md. Celia Roberts 1833-1887 3. Marganey Magee 1824-1846 md. George Robert Bickham 1817-1849 4. David Magee 1825-1881 md. Elizabeth Ann Peak 1835-1912 5. Bethany Magee 1828-1887 md. George Dyson 1821-1897 6. Elbert Magee 1831- md. Louisa Brumfield 7. Hezekiah Magee II 1833-1881 md. Harriet Bickham 1842-1909 8. Louisa Magee md. Young Peter Bankston 9. Tabitha Magee 1835-1881 md. Leslie Bankston 10. Thomas M. Magee 1846-1874 md. Martha Pritchard 11. Sarah Frances Magee 1847- md. Jesse Waller THE FAMILY OF BENJAMIN AND TERRY GINN MAGEE (Child #3) 1. Arcada Magee 1822-1891 md. Nathaniel Graves 1824-1893 2. Zachariah Magee 1829 md. Mary King 3. Benjamin Magee III md. Angie McDonald 4. John Magee 1835-1895 md. Jane Andrews 5. Eliza s. Magee 1837- md. -- Regan 6. Dr. Huey G. Magee 1845-1901 md. Jennie King 1838-1915 THE FAMILY OF JEREMIAH AND LINEA DAVIS MAGEE (Child #4) 1. Eldridge Magee 1829-1891 md. Margaret Ann Roberts 1839-1929 2. Selena Magee 1824 md. Alfred Pete Richardson 1814 - 3. Zaborn Magee 1846-1918 md. Martha Mizell 1848- 4. Dr. Hosea Magee 1846-1912 md. Frances Ellen Flowers 1857-1933 THE FAMILY OF ZACHARIAH AND ELSA DAVIS MAGEE (Child #5) 1. Mary Elizabeth Magee 1833-1859 md. Benjamin T. Fisher 1839-1914 2. Zachariah Thomas Magee 1839-1904 md. Timmie Morris 1839- 3. Elva Ellen Magee 1842- md. Polk Morris, O. R. Barber THE FAMILY OF MARY POLLY MAGEE ELLIS AND STEPHEN ELLIS (Child #6) 1. Sarah Ellis 1836 md. James M. Burris 1826-1908 2. Ellen Ellis 1830-1922 md. Robert Babington 1820-1906 3. Gabriellen Ellis 1844-Sept. 1933 md. Hugh L. Bateman Nov. 12, 1835- Oct. 11, 1903 THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM MAGEE II AND HARRIET BICKHAM (Child #7) 1. Saphronie Magee md. Tom Brumfield 2. Flora Magee 1838-1924 md. W.A. Burris 1835-1902 THE FAMILY OF DORCAS MAGEE AND EDMOND ANDREWS (Child #8) 1. Mary Gabriellen Andrews md. Dr. William Luke Magee 2. Augustus Andrews ************************************************************************ Page 93 Half Moon Bluff La. Soldiers, War of 1812 HALF-MOON BLUFF NAMES IN "LOUISIANA SOLDIERS, WAR OF 1812" JOSEPH ERWIN Pvt. 8 Reg't (Meriam's) La. Militia JOSEPH LEWIS 1 Lieut. Capt. Beale's Co. Rifleman, La. Militia J. LEWIS (?) Pvt. 8 Reg't (Meriam's) La. Militia WILLIAM McGEE Pvt. 12 and 13 Consolidated Reg't La. Militia (Orig. under William Magee) ZADOCK BARROW Pvt. 12 and 13 Consolidated Reg't. La. Militia RICHARD ALBRITTON Pvt. 12 and 13 Consolidated Reg't La. Militia (Orig. filed under Albritton, Richard) ************************************************************************ Page 94 Jacob Bankston JACOB BANKSTON Jacob Bankston, son of Jacob Bankston (Sr.) and wife, Ellinore, was born ca 1760 in N.C., mar. ca 1800 in Ga., to Nancy Moore, born ca 1780 in Ga., dau. Of Joseph Moore. Jacob was brother of John Bankston. Both served as Rev. War soldiers in Ga. Jacob received bounty land grants. Issue: two daughters, Nancy and Lucinda. In 1806 Jacob Bankston made a land claim in Baton Rouge by settlement. Later he purchased land in the Washington Parish area. Jacob was listed as an ordained minister in 1822 when he was a delegate to the Pearl River Association from the Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church. (No available death date.) Some United States Census Records, Washington Parish, LA. 1820 Jacob Bankston, Head of Household - Age 45 and up Wife ------,----------------- " 45 and up 2 daughters ----,--------------- under 10 2 slaves 1830 Nancy Bankston, Head of Household, age 40-50 2 females age 15-20 1 slave 1840 Nancy Bankston, Head of Household, age 50-60 2 females, ages 15-20 1 slave 1850 243/243 Ben Mcgeehee 55 M Farmer b. N.C. Lucinda " 30 F Geo. John B. " 6 M La. Jacob " 4 M " Ben W. " 1 M " Nancy Bankston 70 F Geo. Jackson Clancey 19 M Laborer La. (Neither this family nor Lucinda's sister, Nancy are shown in the U.S. Census of Washington Parish-1860) ************************************************************************ Page 95 Richard Albritton & Zadock Barrow RICHARD ALBRITTON 1820 U.S. CENSUS OF WASHINGTON PARISH, LA. Albriten, Richard, Head of Household, age 16 under 26 Wife ---------------,-------------- " 16 " 26 4 small boys --------,-------------- under 10 2 small girls -------, ------------- " 10 1 slave 1831 TAX LIST OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI Allbritten, Richard (he is not on U.S. Census of Washington Parish, La. In 1830. The U.S. Census of Pike County, Mississippi was destroyed. The Tax List of 1831 is used in place of the census. Only the taxpayer is shown.) It was after the War of 1812 that Richard went to Mississippi. His land acquired in 1813 was in present day Livingston Parish. ZADOCK BARROW 1820 U.S. CENSUS OF WASHINGTON PARISH, LA. BARER, ZADUK, Head of Household, age 26 under 45 2 small boys ----------------- " under 10 1 boy ------------------------ " 10 under 16 2 girls ----------------------- " 10 under 16 (No wife is listed above. This is the last record of Zadock Barrow in Louisiana.) ************************************************************************ Page 96 Joseph Erwin JOSEPH ERWIN 1820 U.S. CENSUS OF WASHINGTON PARISH, LA. ERWINE, JOSEPH, Head of Household, age 26 under 45 3 males ------------------------- " under 10 1 " ---------------------------- " 10 under 16 same 1 " ---------------------------- " 16 under 18 boy 1 " ---------------------------- " 16 under 26 1 female ------------------------ " 26 under 45 1 " -------------------------- " under 10 1 " -------------------------- " 10 under 16 (Joseph Erwin is not on later censuses of Washington Parish, Louisiana.) ************************************************************************ Page 97 The Homestead Act was passed by Congress in 1820. Many had acquired land by English or by Spanish Grants long before that. For some plats the description is qauite clear. For some earlier claims the description is vague. JOSEPH ERWIN entered claims in 1806 for land on the Homochitto River in Mississippi. Another claim made in 1813 on the Bogue Chitto River near the 31st parallel at Walthall County. WM. MAGEE owned a large acreage in T. 1 S. - R. 10 E. also T. 1 S. - R. 11 E. Hayes Creek flowed across his land. ZEDOK BARROW acquired a section of land on the east side of the Bogue Chitto River in 1813. He had an earlier claim on the Homochitto River in Mississippi (1798). LOFTON FAIRCHILD first settled near the Pascagoula River. Later he lived in Mississippi close enough to attend Half Moon Bluff. JOCAB BANKSTON first settled in Baton Rouge Parish in 1806. His land description in Washington Parish is not clear. J. RICKS may have been John or possibly Johnnon. Identity is not clear. Johannon's name is clear as delegate from Mount Nebo in 1820. JOSEPH LEWIS (there was a Joseph D. Lewis who acquired land by occupancy on Cole's Creek in Mississippi in March, 1798 in the vicinity of Natchez. he acquired other land in 1806, the description for which is not clear.) The Lewis Family of Lewiston claims descent from the Joseph Lewis of Half Moon Bluff and earlier from South Carolina. Each generation seemed to have one or more named Joseph. ************************************************************************ ADDENDUM 1977 Bogalusa Sunday News - Addition to Mile Branch From SUNDAY NEWS, Bogalusa, LA., July 24, 1977 Page Fourteen "Addition to Mile Branch" "Logs are guaranteed for Half Moon replica" By Carole Knight with Daunton Gibbs FRANKLINTON - Sufficient lumber has been guaranteed to provide the logs for a replica of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church, to be built at Mile Branch Settlement on the Washington Parish Fairgrounds. Dr. T.C.W. Magee confirmed that he has offered to contribute whatever logs are needed for the structure. The Louisiana Baptist Convention recently announced a drive to raise $2,000 to construct the replica of Half Moon Bluff Church, which is credited with having been the first Baptist church in Louisiana. It would be placed in Mile Branch Settlement, a pioneer community which is being created on the Fairgrounds. The church would be the first structure in Mile Branch Settlement which would be wholly a replica. Other buildings either at the site or scheduled to be moved there are original pioneer buildings, although they have generally required considerable renovation and some new construction to restore roofs, floors, etc., which may have been replaced over the years. Dr. Magee said that while he will provide all the logs if necessary, he assumes there will be other parish residents who will want to contribute logs in their families' names for commemorative purposes. Earlier replica It will not be the first replica of the church. In 1952, on the 150th anniversary of the church's founding, the Shreveport Baptist Brotherhood constructed a replica for an exhibit during the 1962 state fair in Shreveport. Franklington contractor John Belcher then transported it to Washington Parish, where it was placed on the original site, near the Bogue Chitto River north of Franklinton. The site was then on the property of Ferd Magee (1874-1962), and with the Magee family's assistance the site was cleared. The clay floor was found to be in excellent condition, and in addition a marker was discovered on the floor. It wad been placed there in 1912 by the Louisiana Baptists on the centennial of the church. The replica, in a state of deterioration, still stands on the site, which is no longer on the river. The Bogue Chitto has changed its course since pioneer days. On Nov. 13, 1962, Louisiana Baptist made a pilgrimage to the replica, in a celebration spearheaded by the Rev. Dr. T.W. Gayer of Franklinton, president of the Louisiana Baptist Historical Society and former president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Like a log house The original church, built in 1812, was simply like a log house, indistinguishable in appearance from any other log house. The congregation broke up around 1830, but the church was reconstituted in 1866, and a new building was constructed about a mile east. But the church died out again in 1974, part of the congregation joining the Hays Creek Baptist Church and the others uniting with-appropriately enough considering the plans for the new replica-the Mile Branch Baptist Church. Franklinton historian, Daunton Gibbs, who provided the historical material for this article, notes that the Half Moon Bluff church was not only the first Baptist church in Louisiana, but also one of the first two Protestant churches in Louisiana. There had been an interdenominational Protestant organization in New Orleans prior to that time. Settlers came into Washington Parish area in 1799 but were driven out by Choctaw Indian raids, and settlers did not return until 1806. At that time what is now the Florida Parishes was ruled by the Spaniards, who prohibited Protestantism. Taking up Gibbs' narrative at the point where the Spaniards were overthrown in 1810: On Erwin headright "After a few weeks under the Republic of West Florida this area became a part of the Territory of Orleans under the United States. It would be reasonable to speculate that church activity began at the Half Moon Bluff site very shortly after the Spanish were overthrown. The congregation had two messengers at the Mississippi Baptist Association in October, 1811, asking that someone be sent to Half Moon Bluff on the Bogue Chitto River to constitute the church. The two messengers representing the congregation were Joseph Erwin, on whose land the church was located, and Joseph Lewis. It seems that Joseph Lewis at the time was from just east of Tylertown in the New Zion Community. "Sometime between the meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Association in October, 1811, and the meeting in October, 1812, two preachers, Rev. Thomas Mercer and Rev. Dr. David Cooper (Dr. Cooper was a medical doctor), were sent to constitute Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church. On October 12, 1812, Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church was admitted to the Mississippi Baptist Association. Two Preachers "The two preachers sent to constitute Half Moon Bluff Baptist well exemplified the great commission of the Baptist denomination even during those early days: preaching, teaching and healing. Rev. Thomas Mercer, along with Rev. Benjamin Davis, set out to carry the Gospel to the vicious Creek Indians in 1817 and were never heard of again. Rev. Dr. David Cooper came to Mississippi in 1802 from Georgia. To facilitate the cultivation of song services he composed a collection of excellent hymns. He was described as a man of learning, a vigorous advocate of ministerial education, active promoter of missions and combines this with his profession as a physician in the promotion of the Gospel. He died in 1830. "We have only one first-hand description of the original building at the Half Moon Bluff site, and this comes to us through the presence of mind of the late Sen. Delos R. Johnson, Sr. He had his uncle, the late Mr. N.S."Nick" McCain describe the building as best he could. This was in 1911 and Mr. McCain was 92 years old. McCain's description "I am now in my 92nd year and I well remember the Half Moon Baptist Church which was located at Half Moon bend of Bogue Chitto River about 6 1/2 miles north of Franklinton. When I was a boy about 10 years old I went to this place with Bill Simmons, father of the late R.L. Simmons. An old man by the name of Gibbons was occupying and using this old church building for a saddlery. I think Mr. Simmons went there to have his saddle repaired. "The building at that time was old in appearnace. It was made of hewn logs. It was probably 18 feet by 20 feet and I think it had one window in the rear. It had one door in front and a fireplace I think. "The next time I remember being at the place was in 1861. I was a member of Hardy Richardson's company organized for Confederate service, and we camped at the Half Moon Bluff for about two weeks and were drilled for army service. At that time the house was destroyed but the house site was plainly to be seen. The house site was very near the bluff of the river and close to the woods." Heavy losses (Gibbs said this mustering of approximately1 50 young men occurred in June, 1861. One man died of sunstroke on the spot. 68 were killed before the end of the war, and almost all were wounded or disabled.) "According to the appearance of the clay floor of the building, Mr. McCain was very near correct in the size. The building faced south and was about 100 feet east of the bluff. A rather long cut in the steep bluff led down to water's edge for water and baptisms. "Families living within four miles of the church during the period from 1811 through the early 1820's were as follows: James Gwin, John Magee, Joseph Erwin, William Magee, Benjamin Magee, Zadok Barrow, Richard Albritton, Gideon Yarborough, James Hays, William Hays and Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr. Most of these families are known to have been active in the church. John Magee and Benjamin Magee were sons of William Magee who lived at Hays Creek. Traveled long distance "A number of families living on the west side of Bogue Chitto River were active in the church. Among these were Jacob Bankston, Lofton Fairchild and Johannes Ricks. All of their families lived a considerable distance from the church. Lofton Fairchild lived just north of the state line. "Mt. Nebo Baptist church was constituted Jan. 31, 1813. It was located on the east fork of Big Creek in what is now Tanigpahoa Parish. It was about 13 miles southwest of Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church. By 1814, most of the families living on the west side of Bogue Chitto River began affiliating with that church. "Some of the ministers who preached at Half-Moon Bluff Baptist Church through the 1820's were as follows: Nathan Morris, Davis Collins, Charles Felder, Willie Magee, Jesse Crawford and Joseph Lewis, Sr. "It is interesting to note that all of these ministers were from Mississippi. All of them had only such education as their communities could offer, plus what they were able to Acquire themselves, which was considerable. Records of the Mississippi Baptist Association show that they were far from Illiterate. "Their pay from the churches was small. In order for them to provide a living for their large families, it was necessary for them to farm through the week. To serve their churches they made the long trips by horseback in all kinds of weather, over such trails and dirt roads as there were in those early days. All streams had to be forded since there were no bridges. There were cable ferries across Bogue Chitto River in Washington Parish at a number of locations. A ferry was located at the Capt. Abner Bickham's place north of Franklinton, another one just south of Franklinton, one at Enon, and one at Strawberry Bluff, which is the present day site of Isabel. There were a few places where the river could be forded during dry seasons. (There was a natural ford at Half Moon Bluff.) Few complaints "In addition to church days, it was necessary for the pastors, to make trips back to the churches for the many funerals. Despite the many hardships, they did not compain, except sometimes to state that their families were sometimes neglected. "There were always internal problems in the church to be solved. Chief among these was the problem of strong drink and dancing at the frolics in the community. Male members were required to be in their seats on conference days unless they had a good excuse. It was against the church rules for a member to allow any preacher not in fellowship with the church to stop at his home and preach. Members were tried and excluded from the fellowship of the church for any of the above reasons. They almost always came back to the church and asked for forgiveness. They were usually restored to fellowship. For more serious crimes such as adultery, theft, violence, etc., they were not restored in fellowship. "Sometimes disputes arose between members of the church. In such cases a committee was appointed to consult with each party and work out a solution. There were exclusions in connection with some of these disputes. Six days of prayer "While Half Moon Bluff Church was a member of the Mississippi Baptist Association, the Association appointed a committee to select six days a year to be set aside for fasting and prayer. The committee set aside the Fourth of July and Christmas Day. They allowed the churches to select the other four days. "During 1820, Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church was one of 14 churches that withdrew from the Mississippi Baptist Association to organize the Pearl River Baptist Association. No records have been found relating to the activities of the church during the 1820's. "It was during this period that Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church appears to have gone into a state of decline. The chief reason seems to have been that many of the original members had passed on, and others had moved away. The 1830 census of Washington Parish shows only 12 known male heads of families living on the east side of the Bogue Chitto River. Not all of these 12 families were Baptist. "In 1830, the church was dissolved and Rev. Joseph Lewis, Sr., who was by then at New Zion Baptist Church just north of the state line in present Walthall County, took the records to that church. The fate of the records is unknown. They were presumed lost in one of the several frequent fires. Mt. Pisgah organized Gibbs' history then shifts to the west side of the Bogue Chitto River, where the population growth ws occurring because of the existence of a road from Covington to Holmesville, a health resort in Pike County, Miss. At about that time-the exact date is unknown-the Mt. Pisgah Baptist church was organized, presumably with some of the former members of the Half Moon Bluff Church among its membership. The story of the Half Moon Bluff Church resumes nearly four decades later: "On July 7, 1866, a group of people living on the east side of the Bogue Chitto River assembled at Half Moon Bluff and reconstituted the church. Six of the group were members of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Nathaniel Graves, another member of the group, held membership in the New Zion Baptist Church, located just north of the state line in Walthall County. "The original Half Moon Bluff building had been gone from the site more than 30 years, when the church was reconstituted in 1866. (Gibbs notes that it is not known exactly when the church was destroyed, between the time that McCain recalls it being used as a saddlery around 1830, and the time the troops mustered ond half was underneath. The legs were crude hand-made sticks stuck into holes drilled into the underside of the bench. There were no backs to the benches. "The first Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church, like most other Baptist Churches in the area before the Civil War, accepted colored people into the membership of the church. After the church was reconstituted in 1866, the leaders told the colored people that since they were now free, it was time for them to pull out and organize their own church. Out of this came the organization of the Jerusalem Baptist Church, located on the south side of Louisiana Highway 38 between Clifton and Hays Creek. Every colored person withdrew their membership except one woman. She said that she had always been with the white folks and wanted to remain with them. She was a member of Hays Creek Baptist Church when she died many years afterwards. Site still used "The old original site of Half Moon Bluff continued to be used for baptisms, picnics, etc., until the early 1890's. "When Half Moon Baptist Church was reconstituted during July, 1866, it again became a member of the Pearl River Baptist Association. The West Pearl River Baptist Association was organized in 1871. Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church withdrew from the Pearl River Association to become amember of the West Pearl River Association. "During the early part of 1873 the Rev. William G. Stovall came to Franklinton from Ball town, located near the Pearl River northeast of the present site of Angie. Rev. Stovall organized a church and school on the north side of Mile Branch near the present Chester Green home. The church became known as the Mile Branch Baptist church. (By 1881 it was being called the Franklinton Baptist church, and it eventually became todays' First Baptist Church of Franklinton.) "On May 23, 1874, that part of Half Moon Bluff Church did not unite with the Mile Branch Church moved to Hays Creek. The name of the church was changed to Hays Creek Baptist Church." [Transcriber's note: There are four pictures in this article. The caption of each follows. KR] Picture 1: "When the site of the church was cleared in 1962, it was found that the clay floor was still recognizable, and there was a marker at the site, placed there in 1912 on the church's 100th anniversary." Picture 2: "This replica of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church was erected at the State Fair in Shreveport in 1962, then moved to the original site in Washington Parish in observance of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the church. The replica is still there but in deteriorated condition." Picture 3: J. Meadie Knight of Franklinton stands near the top of Half Moon Bluff, which overlooked the Bogue Chitto River in pioneer days. The river has since changed its course. The Half Moon Baptist Church's original building was located about 100 feet east of the spot where Knight is standing. Picture 4: Artist Lloyd Hawthorne's drawing for a 1962 edition of the Louisiana Baptist Message shows what Louisiana's first Baptist church probably looked like. The Half Moon Bluff Baptist church.located on the Bogue Chitto River north of Franklinton, looked like any log cabin from the outside. Frances Ellen Flowers 1857-1933 THE FAMILY OF ZACHARIAH AND ELSA DAVIS MAGEE (Child #5) 1. Mary Elizabeth Magee 1833-1859 md. Benjamin T. Fisher 1839-1914 2. Zachariah Thomas Magee 1839-1904 md. Timmie Morris 1839- 3. Elva Ellen Magee 1842- md. Polk Morris, O. R. Barber THE FAMILY OF MARY POLLY MAGEE ELLIS AND STEPHEN ELLIS (Child #6) 1. Sarah Ellis 1836 md. James M. Burris 1826-1908 2. Ellen Ellis 1830-1922 md. Robert Babington 1820-1906 3. Gabriellen Ellis 1844-Sept. 1933 md. Hugh L. Bateman Nov. 12, 1835- fter taking a pastorate out of the state. Other highlights of the Convention included th