RECORDS AND NOTES OF OLD SHARON CHURCH Compiled by Robert and Ella Hughes, assisted by Alta Mae Douglas; Published by Vaarp, Inc.; Baton Rouge, 1983 Permission granted by Mrs. Ella Hughes. Copyrights retained by Mrs. Ella Hughes. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Jerry Nelson, Nov. 2001 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ SUBMITTERS NOTE: I have not tried to retain the same layout and/or page numbering as presented in Mrs. Huges book as there are several pages of graphics interspersed in the book which cannot be incorporated here. Most of the graphics have been re-typed by her and are included in this text, but there are a number of family photographs. JDN ---------------------------------------------------------------- PREFACE Sharon Church was organized in 1841, and the earlier members were some of our own direct ancestors. The church disbanded around 1917. The clerk's records were kept at that time in the home of Henry Hughes, and they have remained in the Hughes family all these years. Elvin Hughes, son of Henry Hughes, now has the first book in a bank vault for safe keeping. The second book, Book No. 2, containing membership rolls of the later years, was given to Elvin Hughes by a cousin, Fletcher Alford, when we were researching the family history. During the declining years of my husband, and the visits of our cousin Alta Mae Douglas, we decided to copy the minutes from the clerk's record books. Our intention was to preserve from decay the little information these notes and records contained, old as they were with age. We endeavored to copy these minutes word for word just as they were in the original, including spelling as they had it. We puzzled over the church referred to as "Booge" and now feel it was probably BEULAH, as this name was also spelled "Beuly" by some of the persons of that day, it being spelled the way each one pronounced the name. A magnifying glass was used to try to be exact. We are sure we copied every item in both books while they were in our possession. When we last tried to read them they had continued to fade -- and time will erase them completely. Today my husband, Robert, has been deceased almost two years, and cousin Alta Mae has lost her eyesight, so I feel I must hurry and print these records, in the hope that they may be helpful to others or at least an interesting memorial of the past. My time may be running out and I love being helpful if I can to anyone, so this is my offering to posterity. ELLA HUGHES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks are due many friends for their interest in the completion of this book. I am especially indebted to older relatives, some of whom have departed this life, who have assisted with their memories. To Miss Pearl Stevens and Ernie Edwards of Wilmer, Louisiana, who gave so much of their time and memory. To relatives and friends who inspired me to do this, especially my friend Irene Morris. To Mrs. Alma LeBlanc for her assistance in preparation, and my warmest thanks to Mrs. Camille Gardner Yates for so many beautiful memories. Also thanks to my brother-in-law, Elvin Hughes, for his generosity in lending the books, and for his memories. And to my many telephone friends for their assistance. INTRODUCTION Hughes settlement began when Henry Hughes settled there around 1817. His sons, George and Calvin Hughes, and Levi Bell, his step-son, were there around 1830. Various other families settled in the area. It was remembered that an inn was kept near the church between 1850 and 1900. George Hughes, great-uncles of Robert Huges, donated the land for the church in 1841. The first building is believed to have been constructed of logs, with handmade shutters for the windows. The later building, remembered by Cousin Ernie Edwards and others, was of wide planks of rough lumber, sitting on strong high blocks requiring several steps to get to the door. Sharon Church was never relocated, but with the changing of parish lines it was first listed as being in St. Tammany, then Washington, and finally in Tangipahoa Parish. St. Tammany was Mother Parish to Washington, and they were both Mother Parish to Tangipahoa, which was formed in 1869. Murphy J. Sylvest, my uncle, said that the Old Holmesville road out of Mississippi came right down the turnpike near this old church and proceeded southward to Madisonville, a trading post, where Francis Sylvest, our great-grandfather, and others went to exchange their farm products for food, clothing, and supplies to carry on the farm. In 1859, Mary Hughes, widow of George Hughes, gave the deed for four acres for the church and two acres for the cemetery. Around 1851, she and George had taken their family via covered wagon to Texas and had settled on the Neches River near what is now Orange, Texas. After having been there about a year, George became ill and died. Mary gathered up the children and, again via covered wagon, returned to her home on Chappalela Creek, where she lived out her life near the little Sharon Church. Only the old Hughes cemetery is there today to mark the spot. Sometime about 1886, church was discontinued at Sharon for a time. When they began again they copied the membership list into the newer church book, thus mixing the older names with much later members. Records continued until 1916. Meetings became infrequent and not well attended, so about 1917 a final session was called and they all agreed to disband. Minutes of that meeting have not been located. The Post Offices of Palestine and Aurora ceased to exist. Sibili endured for a time, but it had closed and the mail rerouted before 1930. Mt. Zion Church ceased to exist. Beulah continues to this day -- an impressive spot. The church sits on the crown of a hill beside a large old cemetery. In 1944, a new Southern Baptist Church was organized in Husser, and the Huges descendants of Sharon named it New Sharon. About twenty years later, some other descandants from Sharon organized another Baptist Church and called it Sharon. This church is located on Highway 16, about halfway between Amite and Franklinton, Louisiana. We visited the Hughes Cemetery a few years ago. It is in a remote part of central Tangipahoa Parish. We drove east about twelve miles from Amite on Highway 16, turned right (South) on a graveled road next to a red brick church. We proceeded south about three miles and paused to undo a wired gate on the right. We went across a rolling hillside for about another mile and into the edge of the tall pine timber. The cemetery is near the creek. The minutes of September 26, 1841 state that "Church was dismissed to go to the ford at Bro. G. Hughes [sp. Hews] place to attend to the ordinance of baptism." RECORDS OF SHARON CHURCH Records of Sharon Church, Parish of St. Tammany, Louisiana Constituted Saturday 10th September In the Year of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 1841 Located in the Hughes Settlement near Chappelas, nearest Post Office is Palastine. 1st On Saturday before the fourth Lords Day in September in the year of our Lord and Savour one thousand Eight Hundred and Forty one being the twenty fifth of the afforsaid Month for the purpose of constituting a Church in which our Beloved and worthy brothers, Howell Wall and William L. Sibley formed the Presbytery, on the Solemn Occasion. 2. Lines to This Praise suited to L. M. our Beloved Brother William L. Sibley, Appeared in Supplication; Brother Howell Wall Preached 3. from Mathew xvl ch. verse Thou art Peter And Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it -- at considerable length 4. Hymn 657 Millers Selection Brother Howell Wall 5. Intermission of 15 or 20 minutes and then convened to go in to the Constitution 6. Brother William L. Sibley was chosen Moderator on this solemn occasion 7. Articles of Faith on Constitution was read and unanimously agreed to and accepted which is as follows ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST CALLED SHARON Art. 1st We believe in one only True and Living God, and that there are Three That bear Record in Heaven -- the FATHER the WORD and the HOLY GHOST and these Three are one God- Art. 2 We believe the Scriptures of the old and New Testament are of DIVINE authority the only rules of FAITH AND PRACTICE Art. 3 We believe in the fall of man and that All Adam's posterity are Sinners by nature and that they have neither will nor power to deliver themselves from their condemned and sinful State by their ability which they possess by Nature. Art. 4 We believe in the Doctrine of Election by Grace, and that the Elect were chosen in CHRIST JESUS before this world began Art. 5 We believe that sinners are justified in the Sight of God only by the Righteousness of JESUS CHRIST imputed and we believe that the Elect shall in time be called Converted Regenerated and Sanctified by the HOLY GHOST and are Kept by the Power of GOD through Faith unto Eternal Salvation and cannot finally fall away but shall preserve through Grace to Glory. Art. 6 We believe that good works are the fruits of the faith of Gods Elect and after they are born of the Spirit of God and only justifies them in the sight of Angels and men. Art. 7 We believe that Baptism and the LORDS Supper are Ordinances of JESUS CHRIST Appointed in the church, and none but true believers are the subjects and that the only proper mode of Baptism is IMMERSION. Art. 8 We believe in the Sanctity of the first Day of the week or LORDS Day and that it ought to be observed and spent in the public or private worship of GOD and that on it we should Abstain from our wordly concerns except in cases of necessity and Mercy. Art. 9 We believe in the Resurection of the body both of the just and unjust but every one in his own order they that have done good unto the Resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the Resurrection of damnation and that GOD hath appointed a day in which he will JUDGE the World in Righteousness by Jesus Christ. Art. 10 We believe the joys of the Righteous will be eternal and the punishment of the wicked everlasting. The right hand of fellowship was extended in great order and solemnity of Heart felt brotherly and sisterly Love whose names are the undersigned which we constituted - those that are thus inclosed are from the sister churches by letter George Hews dismissed by letter 1845 H. Wall Administrator Mary Hews " Calvin Hews Excluded April 1843 " Amelia Hews (Beulah) Died 1846 John Millican Died 1843 Ann Millican Dismissed by letter Nov. 25, 1843 by H. Wall Mary Ann Millican " " " " " " Daniel Tyson (Mount Nebo) Louisa Jane Tyson Mount Nebo James Gaines Died 1846 Joshua Jackson Dismissed by letter March 23, 1843 John Bailey Colarissa Bailey [Clarissa Joiner Bailey, sister of Mary Joiner Hughes is pictured on p. 2] Catharine Baham Died 1843 Nancy Bell (Submitters note: There is a single faced page inserted here between pages 2 and 3 of the book which contains a photo identified as; "CLARISSA JOINER BAILEY, (Mrs. John Bailey), Sister of Mary Joiner Hughes, (Mrs. George Hughes)") Nancy Hughes Rix Thos Mapes Beulah Miller Mapes Martha Spears Dismissed by letter March 23, 1844 Mary Eastess Excluded Nov. 2, 1844 Thomas Sanders Excluded Jan. 10, 1844 Sarah Scarle January 21, 1842 dismissed by letter (Blk) Pontchey Henry Cooper Rec'd by Restoration Died Feby 1842 aged about 86 yrs. Administer Members Received since Constitution W.L.Sibley John Scarle Baptised Sept. 26th 21st Jany 1843 dismissed by letter W.L.S. Matilda Green Sept. 26th by letter Sept. 23, 1843 dismissed W.L.S. Jacob Core Oct. 24th W.L.S. John Core Jany 23, 1842 W.L.S. James Oliphant Feby 27, 1842 W.L.S. Patience Terry June 25, 1842 by letter from Boye Church Covington County Miss. dated 14th Feby 1842 dismissed by letter Nov. 25, 1843 W.L.S. Stephen Terry June 26th 1842 from Greenleaf County Miss. Not by letter admitted in by conference. Restorative. Restorative excluded Sept 23, 1843 W.L.S. Jane (Blk woman) August 28th 1842 having a written permission from her wordly owner, Cullen Sanders Dec. 24, 1842 went out by letter W.L.S. David T. Skinner August 28th 1842 24th Dec. 1842 gave a letter to Sister Jane dismissed by letter 26th May 1844 W.L.S. Abraham Terry August 28th 1842 Dismissed by letter 25th Nov. 1843 W.L.S. Daniel Gaines August 28th 1842 Dismissed by letter W.L.S. Mrs. Elizabeth Core August 28th 1842 W.L.S. Mrs. Nancy Rogers August 28th 1842 W.L.S. John Core Oct. 22, 1842 by letter of Certificate of Baptism by Bro. Sibly & Bro. Howell Wall dated 10th Oct. 1842 W.L.S. Margaret Maria Cooper Oct. 25, 1842. By letter or Certificate of Baptism by date Oct. 10th, 1842 W.L.S. Vernadoe Daniel Edwards by Baptism 3rd Nov. 1844 Dated Names By Baptism By Letter 1847 June 5 Isaac Muse Church of Palestine, Handcock Ann Muse County Miss. dated 6th March 1847 June 5 Benj. S. Lea from Beulah Church Parish of Semantha Lea Washington, La. 18th July 1846 June 5 Isaac Hennessy from Church of Christ at Antioch, Judy Hennessy Marion County St. of Miss dated 14th Nov. 1846 June 26 Maria Letter from the Church of Christ colored woman at Antioch, Marion County Miss. of Eliz Hainneter 17th Jan. 1846 1841 Sept. 25 Daniel Tyson Letter from Mount Nebo 1841 Sept. 25 Louisa Jane Tyson Letter from Mount Nebo John Bailey Letter from Beulah Clarisa Bailey Letter from Beulah Nancy Bell Letter from Beulah Nancy Hughes Letter from Beulah Thomas Mapes Letter from Beulah Thomas Mapes Letter from Beulah Miller Mapes Letter from Beulah Pontchey Letter from Beulah 1841 Oct. 24 Jacob Core By Baptism 1842 Jany 23 John Core By Baptism 1842 Feby 24 James Oliphant By Baptism 1842 Aug 28 Daniel Gaines By Baptism 1842 Aug 28 Elizabeth Core By Baptism 1842 Aug 28 Nancy Rogers By Baptism 1842 Oct 22 John Core By Baptism 1844 Nov. 3 Daniel Edwards By Baptism 1841 Sept 25 Rix Letter from Beulah 1847 June 27 James Thomas Lea By Baptism 1848 Jan 23 Maryann Lester By Baptism 1848 Feb. 25 (16) Reuben Yarbor by letter from Laurence County Miss 24, Oct. 1846 1848 Mar. 25 Nancy Cox By letter Corporation by Laws of Sharon Church 1st Be it resolved by Sharon Church, that if any person or persons, are found guilty of buying selling or using any intoxicating liquors on any day of Public Worship, shall be fined Fifty Dollars. Art 2nd That if any person or persons shall raise riots, quarrels, use profane Language, or be guilty of any kind of disorderly Conduct such as drawing weapons or fireing Pistols or guns on any day of public worship Shall be fined not less than Twenty five dollars, nor more than Fifty Art 3rd Be it further resolved, That if any person or persons, shall be found guilty of Horse swapping, or trading within the Corporation limits on any day of publich worship, Shall be fined in Sum of Ten dollars. Art 4th Be it further resolved, That if any person or persons, are found guilty of running a Horse, card playing, or gambling, in any way or proposing the same to others within the Corporation limits on any day of public Worship, Shall be fined Fifty Dollars. Art 5th Be it further resolved, That if any person shall be found guilty of setting up writings upon the Church House or near the same on an indecent or vulgar nature, Shall be fined Ten dollars Art 6th Be it further resolved, That if any person or persons, shall be found guilty of braking the doors or windows of the Church House, or removing Seats or planks, or doing injury to the same Shall be fined, Ten dollars, and be liable to damages to the extent of injury done. Art 7th Be it further resolved, That if Any person, is found guilty of throwing timber or other Obstructions in the Church House yard or any of the roads leading to the same inside the Corporation lines Shall be fined Five dollars. Art 8th Be it further resolved That if any person or persons, who shall be drunk, or behave disorderly, or disturb the peace of the Church, or Congregation in any manner, not designated in the above articles shall be fined Ten dollars Art 9th Be it further resolved, That any person, who may bring or retain a Stallion within the Corporation lines, on any day of public Worship, and shall refuse to move him after being notified, shall pay a fine of Ten Dollars Art 10th Be it further resolved, That any person or persons, who shall wantonly tear down the by laws of this church, upon due Conviction thereof, shall pay a fine of Ten dollars. Art 11th Be if further resolved, That it shall be the duty of the Trustees of Sharon Church, to enforce any of the above laws when necessary, and to prosecute all offences before any Court of Competent jurisdiction, and pay over fines collected by them, to the Treasurer, for the use of said church Whereas we deam it all important that Order Should be kept in the House of the Lord therefore we the BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST AT SHARON Adopt the Rules following for the governed of the Same Art. 1 All and every member composing said church be received on a confession of their Faith or letter from other Churches or on Certificate from some known Regular Baptist Minister and having been Baptised by Summers Art. 2 There shall be a moderator Clerk who shall be chosen by the Suffrage of the church. Art. 3 There shall be kept a regular conference once a month unless providentially prevented at which the moderator shall preside and on all motions moved and Seconded each member present shall have Equal previlege to speak freely in the discussion of the subject which motion shall not be over ruled but may be with drawn by the mover and all questions shall be decided by the yeas and nays being taken in which decision the majority shall govern and no member shall have the previlege to speak more than twice on the same subject without first having obtained liberty Art. 4 In all cases where a member shall have absented his seat more than two month the church shall inquire into the cause and in all such cases reasonable excuses shall be taken as satisfaction. In all cases where maile members are absent. Art. 5 All subjects shall be investigated in open conference provided, nevertheless in some case it may be most expedient to decide by a committee which committee shall be appointed by the church and the report of said committee shall be decisive. Art. 6 Should any greveance take place between two members of this church the person agreived shall in the first place go to the offender and labour in a brotherly manner for a reconcilation between themselves and not noise the matter abroad if reconcilliation is attained well if not the gospel points are the next steps to be taken and any member offending against this 6th article shall be considered worthy of censure and shall be repraimanded rebuked or excused as the case may require Art. 7 As there will be some expense necessary to support the gospel it behoves each member to bear his part of said expense according to his ability therefore there shall be a treasurer appointed by the church to receive all moneys paid into his hands for the above purpose and he shall keep a regular account of the same to be exhibeted to the church when called for Art. 8 As it respects offences of public notoriety it shall be the duty of members of this church so offending to come forward and make a public acknowledgement of the same as soon as may be after the transaction Art. 9 There is nothing contained in these articles which shall be so construed as to prohibit an amendment to the same or any part hereof on the whole when it appears necessary or to add other when the well being of the Church requires same Art. 10 It shall be the duty of the moderator to keep order and see that these rules or Articles of decorum are strictly attended to and in no case to bave the privelege of voting unless there should be an equal number on each side in which case he shall give the casting vote nevertheless it shall be his previlege to advise or adminish on either side where he may think it expedient. Art. 11 This Church shall commune once every three months. Sept 25, 1841 The Church being in order proceeded to choosing their officers and deligates to the association conference. Brother George Hews was unanimously chosen deacon and one for clerk deligated brothers George Hews, Calvin Hews and J. B. Spears were chosen delligates to attend the association the two last named brothers were a tie Brother moderator thought it most expedient for the to serve at this present time and his casting vote determined brother Calvin Hews the Alternate 1st Four dollars were forwarded by the hands of our delligates to the association for our beloved brother Howell Wall then advised the brothers and sisters of the means and measures necessary to be adopted that may give credit and standing of good report in the cause of the Blessed Redeemer. Looked to A Blessing and were dismist. Sept 26th On Lords Day Divine Worship and ost the ordination of our esteemed Brother Hews for Deacon the presbytery was formed as the preceding day by our beloved brothers Howell Wall and William L. Sibley, for the Services of the 2nd day-lines suited for the occasion were sung 3rd brother Howell Wall read and talked as he called it the III chapt of Timothy of the qualification of Bishops and Deacons and commanded there from at considerable length 1841 A.D. Sept. 26th 4 On Examination of the Brother who gave (G. Hews) Satisfactory answers to the question proposed our beloved brother H. Wall were joined by brother W. L. Sibley who appeared in supplication and to the laying on of hands many were the silent tears on this solemn scene [to one side of above was written "G Hews ordained Deacon Sept 26 A.D. Presbytean H. Wall. W. L. Sibley] 5. Hymn 622 Millers selection 6. Our beloved brother William L. Sibley preached from Genesis II and III and they heard the voice and the Lord God said unto Adam where art thou. 7. Brother Howell Wall exhortation thus saith the Lord This is a true saying. 8. The Door was opened two members came proven and on their relation were accepted and received the right hand of fellowship was extended to the brothers sister whose names is John Scarle and Matilda Green the invitation was still extended there did not appear to be any more but still there's room ["Relation of Scarle & M. Green" is written in margin.] 9. United in prayer with brother Howell Prayer by Brother Wm L. Sibley there seemed great rejoicing and unity of spirit in the bonds of Peace. 10. Brother Howell Wall gave us some good and wholesome lessons concerning our Pastors and those that are in distressed situations the sick and the afflicted and I Hope it will go home and touch the tender cords of Love Charity and Duty. Church was dismissed to go to the ford at Bro. G. Hews place to attend to the ordinance of baptism. 11. Prayer by our worthy Brother Howell Wall 12th Baptism by our beloved brother William L. Sibley was administered to the two candidates mentioned aforesaid John Scarle-Matilda Green the right hand of fellowship given at the Water side welcoming them to all the priveleges Baptist Church of Christ at Sharon 13 Hymn Alass and Did My Saviour Bleed in a parting farewell with sisters and brothers neighbors and freinds numbers seemed to participate with love and rejoicing 14 Our much esteemed and beloved brother William L. Sibley was chosen for our pastor untill December untill further arrangement 15 The meeting in course is the fourth Saturday and Lords Day in each month looked for blessing and were dismissed in good order 1841 Oct. 23 Our worthy Pastor true to appointed time and in a short exhortation and advice for us to come clothed in our proper minds in the spirit and that God seeks such to worship him as worship him in spirit and in truth 2d Sung a Hymn -- and appeared in suplication 3d Preached from II chapt 1 verse of Paul's letter to the ephesians and you hath he quickened who were dead in tresspasses and sins and read to the 18 verse of that chapt first proving that man is head by the law and that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believe. 1841 Oct. 23 4th On motion for conference but there appearing nothing or perhaps through the ignorance or infancy of the church not yet understanding the necessary business to be done but we are in our letters yet and I hope and trust the Lord will shew us our duty spiritual and temporal 5th Looked to a blessing and were dismissed Oct. 24 1st On Lords day brothers Wm. L. Sibley in Prayer and preached from 2nd Not of a corruptible but an incorruptible seed that liveth and abideth forever 3d Our beloved pastor opened the door for the reception of members and gave the invitation who will go with us; and in the person of Jacob Core who observed with great boldness I will and on his relation was joyfully received and the right of fellowship was given. Hymn 452 Millers selection the meeting dismissed to the water Hymn suited for the occasion. Hinder me not after a short and able prayer Baptism was administered by our worthy pastor Wm. L. Sibley to the candidate Jacob Core who received the right hand of fellowship to all the privileges of Gods House, sung a farewell Hymn when I can read my title clear -- am on my journey home looked for a blessing and were dismissed with a refreshing season Nov. 19 H. Wall 1st appointment My dear friends once more rejoice in God that we have been allowed the privelege of meeting together for the purpose of worshiping God and I hope in a right and acceptable manner. 2d Hymn 619 Millers selection 3d Brother Howell Wall in prayer Preached from XX chapt 19th and 20th verses of that read the chapter and observed of you have no more you have heard a great sermon 4th The door was opened lines to L. Md. none appeared the opportunity was closed. Looked to a blessing and were dismissed. Nov. 27th We have met here to Worship God and he seeks such to worship him that worship in spirit and in truth. 2d Lines suited to L. M. our beloved brother 3d Prayer Appeared in supplication in a general prayer for All whom it is our duty to pray for and that the Lord would shew and guide our President and statesmen into their proper dutys to the declaration glory of God and the peace and hapiness of all sermon Preached from II chap Timothy 15 verse study to shew thyself approved unto god a workman that needeth not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. 3. the door opened for the reception of members none appeared. Conference Opened conference moved and seconded for moderator brother William L. Sibley was chosen Nov. 27, 1841 Moved and seconded one for treasurer went conference into Ballot brother George Hews chosen for treasurer 3. Moved and Seconded for the choice of our pastor for next year 1842 A. D. brother William L. Sibley was unanimously chosen desiring to have untill the morrow to give an answer with was freely granted and the day far advanced. Looked to a blessing and were dismissed. Nov. 28th On Lords day brother W. L. Sibley Preached from Genesis XXIV chapt. 49 verse and now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master tell me and if not tell me that I may turn to the right hand or the left. 2d Our worthy and beloved brother W. L. Sibley desired the brothers and sisters and all present wish accordingly done then addressed the congregation a few words wish he thought proper on the occasion said he thought it no more than right the whole congregation to have a voice in the choice of a pastor in their neighbor therefore those that wished to have him serve would make it known by rising to their feet wish was unanimous and cheerfully done. 3d The door was opened, James Oliphant came forward but some difficulty appeared the case was refered to next conference 1841 Dec. 25 Sat. Christmas day our brothers Wm. L. Sibley from cause or causes unknown came not the congregation after remaining until about 1 o'clock P.M. entered the meeting house, when at the suggestion of the congregation the deacon called upon our Black brother Ponche and a Hymn and made an appropriate prayer in supplication to the throne of the Almighty God. Then took his text from St. Peter 3rd Chapter and 18th verse from memory after commenting on the same at some length and exhorting sinners prayer and a Hymn sang. Looked to the lord for a blessing and were dismissed congregation small. Serious and attentive and apparently edified by the discourse of Bro. Ponche. 1842 January 22, Saturday Brother Wm. L. Sibley Ministering and 830 Hymn from Millers selection "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing" Prayer to the throne of Grace Preaching from Acts 2nd Chap 38th & 39 verse for the promise is unto you and your children & - which was commented upon, as also the promise made by God unto Abraham - leading the discourse-and tracing events down to the nativity of our Lord and blessed Savior Jesus Christ exhorting all both saint and sinner to walk in faith and duty etc and etc. Hymn from page 126 Millers Selection "There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emanuel's veins" Doors opened and JOHN CORE presented himself told his experience, was accepted - and is to be Baptised tomorrow Lords day after preaching. Having nothing for conference - looked to the Lord for a Blessing and were dismissed until tomorrow to meet at 11:00 o'clock A.M. 1842 23rd Jan. Sunday Opened the service of the day by supplication to the Throne of Grace by brother Paunche Hymn, When I can read my titles Clear etc & etc. Preaching by brother Paunche, from 7th Chapter of Matthew 13th and 14th verse Broad is the Road, wide is the gate that leads to Destruction etc etc and etc. Hymn 51 Millers Selection, C. M. As on the Cross our Saviour Hung etc etc. Exhortation by Brother Sibley. Page 714 Hymn Millers Selection L. M. Daughters of Zion etc etc. doors opened, for members joining the Church or by letter restoration etc & etc. Unfinished business as regards James Oliphant's admission - left from 28th Nov. 1841. On motion of Brother MAPES to take the same into consideration seconded by brother George HUGHES resolved that said JAMES OLIPHANT be admitted into membership within this church provided that he renounce his Doctrine of the two Seeds - as promulgated by Parkers writings etc etc Carried Uninamously - [Unanimously] JAMES OLIPHANT said he did not entertain any faith in the Doctrine of the two Seeds and when he mentioned it, at a previous meeting, it was without thought which Doctrine as promulgated ? by Parker, he renounce - Question by brother Hogins to said JAMES OLIPHANT Do you believe the Devil is a Self existing being? Answer No. I know not his particular nature. The right hand of fellowship was given to brother JAMES OLIPHANT by all the brethren and sisters present and his immersion postponed until next meeting in course - next month Collection made for support of church and to provide supplies for Communion etc & etc. - Received $5.621/2. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed to the Water side for performing the rites of baptism on brother John Core. Prayer by brother Sibley Hymn - commencing, In all my Lords appointed ways my Journey I'll pursue. Brother JOHN CORE - was immersed - in the Chappapelas deep stream - by brother Sibley - saying these words - By the command of my Lord and Master brother I baptise you In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost - AMEN and walking up out of the water brother SYBLEY repeated these words "And Straitway they both came out of the water-." Repaired to the meeting house and whilst singing a farewell song - gave the right hand of fellowship to brother JOHN CORE Welcoming him to all the priviledges and immunities of the Church as a Brother. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed BROTHER SYBLEY announced - that in March - the ordanance of the Lords Supper will be observed. Saturday 26 Feby 1842 Divine Service commenced, by an exhortation to seriousness by brother Wm. L. Sibley. Hymn 372 C.M. Millers Selection "Didst thou Dear Jesus Suffer Shame" etc & etc Prayer to the Throne of Grace etc & etc by brother Sibley preaching from 17th Chapter of John, "These words Spake Jesus and lifted up his eyes to Heaven etc & etc Commented on at some length - and fervor to a very small audience Hymn "Am I a soldier of the Cross" Doors opened for the reception of converts or members by letter or otherwise - none presented Conference - Nothing (said by the Deacon) said to be 1842. In order for conference. Looked to the Lord for a Blessing and were dismissed. Sunday 27th Feby 1842 Brother W. L. Sibley - opened Service by Exhorting the congregation to seriousness etc etc. Sang a Hymn 605 Millers Selection L M. "Young people all attention give" etc & etc Prayer to the throne of grace Preaching from Chapt. 10th & 16 verse "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold" etc and etc. from which brother SIBLEY made a lengthy and pathetic discourse shewing the great mercy and favor of God not only to the Jew but also to the Jentile etc. Dismissed to the water side with 10 minutes relaxation. In order to perform the sacred rite of Baptism of JAMES OLIPHANT - agreably to notice of last meeting in January. Sang a Hymn at the water side - commencing these words Suited to C.M. "How great and Solemn is the work" etc - Prayer to the throne of Grace spoken with much fervor. After which brother JAMES OLIPHANT was immersed by brother W. L. SYBLEY. Saying these words. By the command of my Lord and master, brother I Baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. AMEN. then coming up out of the water - repeated those words "And straightway they came out of the water and etc Then repaired to the Church - when Brother Sibley Exhorted for some minutes Sinners to repentance etc. When the right hand of fellowship was given to brother OLIPHANT - then Looked to the Lord for a Blessing and was dismissed. March Saturday 25th 1842 Brother Wm. L. Sybley Ministering The Clerk now officiating, was absent this day but brother Wm. L. Sybly preached to a small audience, of about a dozen persons- No conference. March Sunday 26th 1842 Brother Wm. L. Sibley Ministering Service opened by a Hymn. An exhortation to draw the serious thoughts and wanderings of the mind from trivial to celestial things, exhorting the congregation to mental prayer to the all seeing - of him who can read the hearts of mortals, to pour out his grace and losen the tongue of the brother - to enable him rightly to divide the word of truth. Confessing humbly his inability to do so - unless inspired from on high to perform the task he believes himself called to perform. Preaching from 3rd chap 3rd verse of Paul's epistle in the Hebrews "For this man was counted worthy of more Glory than Moses" etc etc - after preaching a considerable time. Dismissed the congregation for 10 minutes to assemble again, those who choose - Black Brother Ponche preach - with this observation made to the congregation before the recess - that any part of the congregation who disliked to return to hear the Black Brother PONCHE preach, might without incurring hard thoughts dispense with the same. After a lapse of 10 minutes the congregation assembled again and but one or two were observed to be missing and it is due to truth & candor, to state, that it was believed those were absent from some other cause than a repugnance to hear the words of the Gospel delivered from the mouth of the Black Brother Ponche. After singing a Hymn, Bro Ponche took his text from 3rd Chap of John 14th 15th verse "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the Wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up etc etc. He preached for about one hour, very satisfactorily and in the discourse exhorted Sinners to repentence, church members to be firm in the faith and not to violate the Sabbath by unnecessary labor - going to market visiting grog shops etc his earnestness and humble exhortation it is believed started many to attend particularly to the thread of his discourse - which as delivd by brother Ponche requires minute attention owing to his Imperfect delivery - in broken english language - and sometimes misapplying words too high for his classification this remark is not recorded in the Spirit of Criticism but the more to record that it is believed that this humble instrument has caused the wonder of the Self wise and proves fully that "God is no respector of persons" Brother Wm. L. Sybly after exhorting for some minutes to live in Brotherly love etc looked to the Lord for a Blessing and were Dismissed at about 3 o'clock P.M. Congregation about 60 persons among whom several black. The congregation were to meditate upon the propriety of addressing a petition to the Baptist association for a letter of dismissal- to transfer its present annual report of the Church to some association - holding its session nearer this settlement, which will be decided upon, at a conference to be held by Delegates of Sister Churches with delegates from this church, which conference will be held at a future period to be decided upon at the next meeting in April next - And members of this church at the next meeting will come with their minds prepared to discuss the propriety of the change when its advantages will be made known. Saturday 24th April 1842 Brother William L. Sybly Administering The Clerk now officiating pro tem was not at meeting this day. Brother Sybly preached to a small congregation of about 8 or 10 persons. No Conference - Sunday 25th April 1842 Brother William L. Sybly Administering Conference. Took into consideration the propriety of sending two deligates to a meeting to be held at Enon meeting house, to be held Saturday before 1st Lords day in July next - when it was resolved to send two deligates to that meeting, in pursuance of which GEORGE HUGHES and THOMAS MAPES were elected to attend said meeting to be held at Enon 1st Saturday before Lords day in July next, the object of which is to deliberate and discuss the propriety of petitioning the association. For a letter of dismissal from attending their annual meetings in future and to allow this church to send their report in future to the primitive Baptists association that may be found expedient for this Church to send to which may be selected by the meeting to be held at Enon. In conference it was resolved that Black Brother Ponche no longer be admitted to preach in this church and strongly recommended him to be judicious in his way of imparting the word amongst assemblies, unless having previously obtained permission for any appointment he make amongst his own color, from the Master or Mistress of the premises, where he may be about to preach. This resolution is adopted in consequence of the prejudices of Society, against a black slave preaching to a white congregation, it is supposed that this latitude given to one of this class however worthy will be presumed upon by his Black Brethren, and impart to the slave a boldness and effrontery, not admissible, in the present State of Society. Nor compatible with the feelings of many of the Congregation. The service commenced by a serious exhortation from brother SIBLEY to the congregation to call in the wanderings of the mind from off the wordly things, and to concentrate all their thoughts on that being who they met to worship "who is a Spirit" and to seek the worship of those who do it in spirit and in truth. A Hymn suited to C M "My God my portion and my love. A prayer offered up to the Throne of Grace - spoken with much fervor and feeling by Brother Sybly, who again exhorted the congregation to seriousness, then read a portion of the 2nd Chapter of the gospel according to Saint Luke and took as a text the 33rd verse of said Chapter - in words following "And he shall rein over the House of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." After preaching for a considerable time with zeal and fevor dismissed the congregation for the space of 10 minutes to return again for the partaking of the Holy Rememberance "The Lords Supper." Returned to the meeting House again at the expiration of the 10 minutes recess when a Hymn was sung suited to C M "Children of the Heavenly King" etc & etc. During which the doors were opened, inviting any who felt moved to join the Church. No person presenting, the doors were closed, and a Hymn sung suited to C M commencing in these words "Setting around our fathers Board, we rouse our tuneful Breath." Brother Sybly made an extempore prayer, praying for a blessing on that portion of Bread partaken of by the Brothers and Sisters as also of the wine, which when duly broken, was handed around by the deacon, as also in its turn the wine. Brother Sybly during the Breaking of the Bread as also in pouring out the wine, explained much of the Sufferings of our Lord and Savior - and the cause of his having so suffered viz to take upon him the burden of the sins of men and etc. Meeting closed by a Hymn and prayer by Br. Mapes after which Brother Sybly announced, that next month he shall not attend the meeting of this church in course owing to a call at Pearl river - to ordain a Deacon etc and etc. But that he will come to the meeting in course in June and perhaps attended by Brothers Mews and Mullen. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. Congregation Serious and attentive - all about 50 persons and about 12 Blacks. 1842 Saturday 25th June Brother Wm. L. Sybley Administering Preaching by Brothers Shipley and Sybley the latters text from the 9th Chap of the Acts and the 11th Verse "And the Lord said unto him arise, and go into the Street, which is called Straight etc" The acting Clerk being absent, no particulars noted. The congregation small. No Conference. Received by letter into fellowship PATIENCE TERRY. letter dated 14th February 1842 State of Mississippi, Covington County. Boye Church. Sunday 26th June Brother Wm L. Sybley, Administering Service commenced by a Hymn, After which a prayer to the Throne of Grace by Brother Shipley Preaching by Brother Shipley from 2nd Chap of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians, and the 14th verse "For he is our Peace, who hath made both One, and hath broken down the middle wall of Partition between us." After preaching for some time and concluding. The congregation were dismissed for 20 minutes, at the expiration of which, Service again recommenced by Singing a Hymn, when Brother Sybley took his text from the Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy 2nd Chap and 15th verse. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Brother Sybley labored lengthily to divide the "word of truth" and with much energy, plainly and warmly warned sinners to seek the Lord and not to oppose the workings of the spirit within them, but to come foreward at the prompting of the inward monitor, and put on the livery of the blessed redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ and concluded by a Hymn suited to Common Metre. "Grace 'tis a charming sound etc and etc. Doors of the Church opened by Brother Shipley with a suitable call to all who felt desirous to join from the movings of the spirit. Also to receive any by letter who might be present etc and etc. None presenting the opportunity was closed. By a prayer to the Throne of Grace, in Thanksgiving Opened a Conference Moved by Brother Peter Bankston, that the case of Stephen Terry be taken under consideration - Seconded by Brother George Hughes Stephen Terry stated that he belonged to Bouye Church Covington County, Mississippi; that he was expelled from said church not knowing what to do he had thought of applying to be admitted into some Methodist Church but his feelings again forbade him -- not knowing what to do he came to this Church to ask admittance. Question by Brother Sibley Do you feel that God has pardoned you for your sins, Since you left Bouye ChurAnswer yes I do. Moved by Brother George Hughes that STEPHEN TERRY be admitted as a member of this church. Seconded by Brother Oliphant -- when it was put to the Church -- in the following words, "All who are in favor of receiving Stephen Terry into this Church will signify it by saying I - and upon many saying I - it was put to the Church "Any who are not in favor of receiving Stephen Terry as a member of this Church will signify it by saying no" As no objection was made on this appeal, the right hand of fellowship was given to Stephen Terry by all members both male and female - admitting him a member of this Church in full fellowship, and admitting him to all the immunities of said church etc & etc. On the third Lords day a temperance meeting will be held at Bulah Meeting House when a discourse will be spoken, before preaching commence on 24th July. On the 3rd Lords day in August a protracted meeting will be held at Bulah of 3 days continuance or more. Looked to the Lord for Blessing and were dismissed. Sharon Church 1842 23rd July Saturday Brother W. L. Sybley Administering Service commenced with a Hymn, in praise etc etc. Prayer to the Throne of Grace and Mercy etc etc. Brother Sybley took his text from Memory in these words "I have loved thee with an everlasting Love, therefore with Loving kindness have I called drawn thee" etc etc. after preaching for some time concluded by giving a short intermission to the congregation. Brother Shipley took his text in the following words "I would that Men pray every where" etc etc. After a lengthened preaching Brother Allen closed the Meeting by a prayer to the Throne of Grace etc. Hymn and then looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. No conference. Chappapelas Parish of St. Tammany State of Louisiana Friday 8th July 1842 To The Convention Mount Enon St Helenea Parish Louisiana Beloved Brethren, This will be handed to you, by our beloved brethren, George Hughes and Thomas Mapes who were chosen as deligates from the Church in full conference held for the purpose on Lords Day the 25th April last, They now repair to your place of meeting, as duly authorized by this church, as per extract of the minutes on record hereunto announced: "Resolved that Thomas Mapes and George Hughes (Deacon) being duly elected, do journey on to represent this church, at the convention to be held on the first Saturday in July 1842 at Mt Enon, to assist in the deliberation etc at that meeting of the convention" s/John Scarle, Acting Church Clerk 1842 24th July Sunday Brother Wm. L. Sybley Admin etc. Service commenced by singing a Hymn etc etc. Prayer by Brother Allen Prayer by Brother Shipley Prayer by Brother Sibley Brother Shipley preached from Luke 16th Chap and 31st Verse "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead." etc Dismissed the congregation for 15 minutes. Brother Sybley preached from 24th Chapter of Acts, 25th verse. And as he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered to thy way for this time" etc etc. Brother Allen exhorted etc. Doors opened by Brother Sybley, when Mrs. ELIZABETH CORE and Mrs. NANCY ROBERS gave in their experiences, and were received into the Church, and are to be Baptised next meeting in August. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. Congregation numerous and attentive. NOTICES The funeral services of the deceased Brother HENRY COOPER and his spouse, to be preached 4th Lords day in October next Brother Howell Walls will preach here in Sharon Church on Wednesday the 17th day of August next [Footnote] * Brother Mews text was from the 5th Chapter of John 25th Verse, "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the Dead shall hear the Voice of the son of God: And they that hear shall live." Saturday 27th August 1842 see * in the 32nd page, the verse inserted was not the text but followed this text. Wednesday 1842 Aug. 17th Brother Howell Wall, Administering Service commenced by singing a Hymn. Prayer to the Throne of Grace etc etc. Bro. Walls took a text from memory -- God and a Mediator between God and Man, In the Man, In the man God, Christ Jesus, Our beloved Lord and Saviour. After setting forth many of the attributes of God, spoke of mans fall and the necessity of a mediator and great and unspeakable Mercy and Grace of God in sending his only son, to bear mans Iniquities and Suffer in his blessed Martyrdom for all men. Appealed strongly and feelingly to sinners to embrace the promised life. Spoke of in the Revelations etc Sand a Hymn to the praise of God etc Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. Congregation small about 30 persons. Aug Saturday 27th 1842 Brother Sybley Administering Assisted by Brothers Mews & Shipley Opened service by a Hymn to the praise of God and a prayer to the Throne of Grace etc etc. Brother Mews took his text from (*see foot of page 31) 5 chapt John 26th verse in these words. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the son to have life to himself preached with much fervor -- Brother Sybley preached "Extempore" holding up the Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as the only mediator between fallen man and God prayer by Brother Sybley. Brother Shipley also preached with fervor and zeal. Hymn sang and doors opened for those that believed to come forward and fulfill their duty, when Daniel Gaines Junr and Abraham Terry came forward. Related their experience where it was demanded if any one had any questions to put it them by any of the brethren. Upon no answer being given, it was asked by Bro Sybley "all that are in favor of admitting the brother will answer by saying I Upon saying I it was said If any are against receiving the brother signify it by saying no - No person saying no - he was admitted into the Church, a brother and member entitling him to all the Immunities thereof. the same was done to the 2nd candidate with the like result and David Gaines and Abraham Terry were admitted to be Baptised tomorrow Lords day conference opened but no business offering It was moved by Brother Mapes that the conference be dismissed - seconded by Brother Scarle - Looked to the Lord for a Blessing and were dismissed. Congregation about 50 persons. Sunday Aug. 28th 1842 W. L. Sybley. Administering, Accompanied by Brother Mews and Bro. Shipley Service commenced by singing a Hymn in praise etc etc. Prayer to the Throne of Grace & Mercy, by Bro. Shipley. After which conference was opened, when it was moved, and seconded, that two Brethren should be sent as delegates of this Church, to the Mississippi Association at Bluff Creek East Feliciana, holding their session there on the Sunday before the first Lords day in October next, when upon ballot for delegates, the following result was obtained. For Jacob Core 5 votes, for Thos Mapes 6 votes, for Jackson Spears 7 votes, for George Hughes 12 votes whereupon Bro. George Hughes and Bro. Joshua Jackson Spears were duly elected, and Brother Thomas Mapes the alternate. Resolved that they attend the forenamed association. Brother George Hughes moved that the sum of Two Dollars be sent to the said association, to defray the expense of Minutes of said association, seconded by Bro. Thos. Mapes which was unanimously agreed to. Moved and seconded, that the conference rise and be dismissed - which being agreed to, The whole congregation were allowed a recess of 10 minutes. The congregation having again assembled together in the meeting House - a Hymn was sung in praise of our Maker. Brother Mews took his text from the 2nd Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. 5th Chapter and 17th verse. "therefore if any Man be in Christ, he is a new creature; Old things are passed away; Behold, all things are become new." After preaching for a length of time, he exhorted with feeling and fevour, and concluded. A Hymn being sung. Brother Sybley spoke of the origin of Baptism from the records contained in the Holy Bible, commencing with John the Baptist, who was contemporary with our Blessed Lord and Saviour, arguing thereby, that the ordinance was instituted by God, that John preached repentence and did Baptise into repentence; and that the Blessed Lord and Saviour before he commenced preaching went to John to be baptised -- but he (John) shrank back from the task, (as indeed well he might knowing his Lord and Master) and said "I have need to be baptised of thee, and comest thou to me?" "and Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." "then he suffered him." Brother Sybley labored to prove that the Scriptures abound with instances of Baptism by immersion. Commencing with the practice of John in Baptising the Blessed Lord, and of the apostles afterwards -- particularly spoke of the immersion of the Eunoch by PHILIP and of the prison keeper or jailor and his house by Silas and Paul. Arguing that as it was the practice in those times by the disciples of Christ who being taught, by the Lord Christ Jesus (whose disciples they were) it becomes us to follow in imitation to Baptise believers by Immersion, and in no other way or form. Brother Sybley opened the Door of the Church, by a suitable exhortation to believers to come forward and discharge their duty, when the Brethren, Sisters beheld with Joy Two came forward to relate what the Lord had done for their Souls to wit: DAVID T. SKINNER Jane (a black woman) the worldly property of Cullen Sanders (with her worldly masters written permission) these two upon a relation of their experience. Brother Sybley asked the Members of the Church if they had any questions to put to them, as no one had any, Brother Sybly said (this was after the relation of D. T. Skinner) Can any man forbid water, that this man should not be baptised, having received the Holy Ghost as well as we. All that are in favor of receiving the candidate into fellowship of the church will signify it by saying I. When many had answered I, he said "If any are or whoever may be against receiving the candidate into the fellowship of this church will signify it by saying No." No one objecting the right hand of recognition was given, welcoming them to the now approaching right of fellowship after their Baptism. The church members were all dismissed to the water side, to be present at the Baptism, of the several admitted candidates, to receive that sacred ordinance. Members of and from other churches were invited to attend, as also, all the congregation who chose. Brother Mews prayed at the side of the water at some length, and the several candidates one by one were led to the edge of the water and handed over to Bro. Sibley who led them one by one into the deep part of the stream and plunged them deep in the water completely covering each over with that element before the immersion saying aloud these words "By the command of my Lord and Master, Brother* I Baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen." (*If a female, the word sister was used) after which the New Brother or sister walking out of the water Brother Sibley repeated the following words "And Straitway they both came out of the Water." Repaired to the meeting house and whilst singing a farewell song gave the right hand of fellowship to the new brethren and sisters who were: Brothers David T. Skinner Abraham Terry Daniel Gaines Sisters Mrs. Elizabeth Core Mrs. Nancy Rogers Jane (Black) Cullen Sanders Servant A short conference took place When it was motioned and seconded that the clerk be and is hereby ordered to prepare a letter and petition to forward by the delegates of this church to the Mississippi Association. The petition to pray for permission to secede from the Mississippi association: in order that this church may in future report to a new association about to be formed. Its name etc etc not yet known until the decision is made at Bulah at her next meeting. Colonel Edwards paid the Treasurer 50 cents. Brother Tyson paid the treasurer 100 cents. Resolved by the members of this church that the clerk is hereby ordered to prepare a letter of license for Brother David T. Skinner - authorizing him to exhort to prayer to read and comment on the Holy Scriptures, as contained in the Holy Bible etc. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. Congregation unusually large of whites at least 100 about 20 blacks. Very orderly and indeed it was a refreshing meeting. Sharon Regular Baptist Church Parish of Washington State of Louisiana We the Baptist Church of Christ, holding the Doctrine of Particular Election, Effectual calling, Believers in Baptism, and a final perseverence of the Saints, do hereby authorize by License, our beloved Brother David T. Skinner, to Exhort, pray to Read, and comment on Scripture, as written in the Holy Bible. Done by order of the Church at full meeting. Signed/ John Scarle, Church Clerk Signed/ Wm L. Sibley, Moderator August 28th 1842 24th September 1842 The Regular Baptist Church of Christ, Called Sharon in the Parish of Washington State of Louisiana To The Mississippi Baptist Association. Holding its present Annual Meeting, with Bluff Creek Church, Louisiana Greetings, Dearly Beloved Brethren. We Rejoice to have it atain in our power to send to you, our beloved Brethren George Hughes and Joshua Jackson Spears as Deligates from this Church. It has pleased God to Bless the work commenced by this infant Church, and many have been called to be buried with Christ in Baptism, since you last met, a Statement of, is herewith enclosed, of the number now composing this church. May the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God with the follows: of the holy Ghost be with you now and to the end, is the prayer of this Church. Done in Conference, John Scarle, Church Clerk Alternate Brother Thomas Mapes : William L. Sibley Moderator. Statement of number of members composing the church of Sharon in the Parish of Washington in Louisiana. Constituted the 25 day of September 1841 Baptised - 10 - Whites Baptised 1 Black Restored 2 - Whites Restored from other churches 24 Whites by letter Ec. 1 Black " " Total 38 Dead 1 37 Total Regular Meeting the 4th Lords day in each month nearest Post Office Palastine Regular Minister Brother William L. Sibley. The Regular Baptist Church of Christ Called Sharon, In the Parish of Washington Louisiana To The Mississippi Baptist Association, holding its present annual meeting with Bloff Creek Church in Louisiana Greeting, Dearly beloved brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ In association being now about forming by the Neighbouring Churches, bears our association, under the auspices of a convention of Baptist members of the different churches round this neighbourhood. We cannot yet inform you where it will be located, or the name it may assume, as that will be decided upon at a Bulah Regular Baptist Church, at their now approaching meeting. We therefore pray you for a letter of Dismissal, as it is the intention of this Church, In case it is Granted, to attend in the future, its annual meetings by its Delegates, owing to the greater nearness of its intended location. Done in full conference by the Church. s/ John Scarle, Church Clerk William S. Sibley Moderator Saturday 24th day of September 1842 Brother William S. Sybley Administering Service commenced by singing a Hymn. Prayer to the Throne of Grace and Mercy. Preached from 3rd Chapter of John 14 verse previously reading from the 13th to the 24th verse of said Chapter. The words of the Text commenced in these words "And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." After preaching a length of time - he concluded and opened the Doors of the church during which time a Hymn was sung, no one presenting - Conference was opened and a collection was made, when the following sums were paid to the clerk in the absence of the Treasurer who was sick. Thos. Mapes 25õ Jacob Core 25õ John Melligan 25õ Stephen Terry 25õ John Bailey 25õ unknown 12´õ Moved by Brother Thomas Mapes that the conference be dismissed -- seconded by Brother John Scarle, upon which looked to the Lord for Blessing and were dismissed. Congregation small, supposed to be owing to the continual previous rains, that had got the water course high. Sunday 25th day of Sept. 1842 Brother William E. Sibley Administering. Brother David T. Skinner. Opened Service by singing a Hymn, and by prayer to the Throne of the Almighty God, through our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Brother then read the 3rd Chapter of John through, commenting thereon at some length, afterwards and exhorting sinners to seek the Lord, while it is yet time, his text was taken from the 7th Chapt. 24 and 25th verse Pauls Epistle to the Romans. When a Hymn was sung. And Brother Sybley rose, and briefly informed the congregation, that he should not attempt to erase anything they had heard Brother Skinner say, but referred the congregation to the Holy Bible, and to read and see if those things were not as Brother Skinner had said. Brother Sybley then took his text from memory "I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with a loving kindness have I drawn thee." etc. Having commented at large, on the subject of the infinite love of God to Man, and explained much of the goodness and attributes of the Almighty and good God. He concluded by singing a Hymn and opening the Door, for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, to come forward and discharge the duty by a confession of their experience, and putting on the livery of our beloved Redeemer, by being buried with our Lord Jesus Christ in Baptism--by immersion in water. None presenting themselves the opportunity was closed for this day. The Church's letter being read as prepared by the clerk to accompany the deligates from this Church to the Mississippi Baptist Association, and it being aforemoved, as also a petition accompanying the same praying for a letter of dismissal in future attending their annual meetings, for reasons specified in said petition mentioned. Also a statement of the Church's situtation. Number of members 80 after the approval of all the said documents, brother Thomas Mapes moved that the Church be dismissed, seconded by brother John Scarle, which being unanimously carried in the affirmative. Brother Sybley looked to the Lord for a Blessing and the congregation were dismissed. Congregation numerous and orderly. Saturday 22nd Oct. 1842 William L. Sibly Administering assisted by Brother Howell Wall. Commenced Divine Service by singing a Hymn suited to common metre, Miller's selection "That glorious day is drawing nigh" etc etc. Prayer offered up to the Throne of Grace etc mercy by Bro. William L. Sibley Pauls Epistle to the Ephesians. Brother Howell Wall took his text from 2nd chapter and 19th verse "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Brother Wall laboured to prove that by grace all nations are to have the gospel preached to them, and futile and wicked are the efforts of men to apply in the abstract that part of the word, which is spoken of in the Testament - relating to the first sending of the apostles to the lost sheep of Isah, as the favored of all nations - to the eternal exclusion of the rest, and without regard to the dying of our Saviour before his glorious decensiion, commanding the apostles to go into all the world preaching the gospel to all nations, baptising believers in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and applying this first command as permanent, when our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ "Abolished in his flesh the enniaty, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of tweain one new man, so making peace" Brother Wall mentioned that passage in scripture relating to Peter going to the house of Cornelius by command of God etc etc. Brother Wall spoke much at length on the wickedness of men - who would at this day and time wish to set up the Wall of partition which has been broken down by the Grace and a mercy of God to all nations. Thereby infering the divisions it will make amongst Christians and people at this our day etc etc. and concluded. Brother William L. Sibly then rose, not with intent of preaching a sermon--as it was late, but made many judicious remarks refering the congregation to the word of God, to see of those things were as represented by Brother Wall to be and opened the doors of the Church, whilst singing a hymn suited to L M. "Jesus and shall it ever be" etc etc. and exhorted any one who choose to come forward and fulfill their duty by a confession of faith and blessing in the Blessed Redeemer etc etc. None presenting the opportunity was for the present closed. Conference was then opened. When Brother Mapes moved that another Deacon for this church be elected, to assist the present brother deacon George Hughes. When upon collecting the votes 16 were counted for Brother Millican, a Majority of the whole, he was declared by the Moderator Brother Wm. L. Sibly as duly elected, and the Rite of ordination to be conferred upon the Brother tomorrow Lords Day. Moved by Brother Mapes, that two delegates and an alternate by elected, and that the moderator name the candidates. Seconded by Brother George Hughes. The moderator then put the following question to the Church, all who are in favor of this mode of proceeding will signify it by saying I. When many assenting thereto, the following question was put, all who are against the foregoing named mode of proceeding will signify it by saying No. When no one objecting thereto the Moderator named Brother George Hughes and Brother Thomas Mapes as delegates and Bro. John Millican as the Alternate to attend the Beulah Meeting of Delegates, to assist in the forming of the constitution of a new Baptist association. Upon Inquiry if any more business was ready for transacting, upon none offering, Brother Tho. Mapes moved that the conference by authorized to close. Seconded by Brother Geo. Hughes. When it was put to question--of all in favor of said motion to say I. Many answered in the affirmative the same question was put if any were against it to say No. When no one saying no the conference rose, Brother Howell Wall again opened the Doors for any believers to come forward on any by letter, or restoration, when none coming forward--during the singing of a Hymn. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. It should have been noted previous to Brother Wall opening the Doors of the Church for the admission of believers coming forward etc - brother Wall made a febrant prayer to God of some length, in which all must have felt Humble and thankful who joined with willing hearts and mentally lifted up their souls to him in prayer. A collection was made when the following sums were received. Brothers Geo. Hughes 50õ Thos Mapes 50õ John Scarle 25õ John Bailey 25õ D. Tyson 25õ I. J. Spears 25õ Jno Milligan 12´õ Jas. Oliphant 12´õ Sister Sarah Scarle 25õ $2.50 Sunday 23rd Oct. 1842 Wm. L. Sybley Administering Assisted by Brother Howell Wall. Service commenced by a Hymn sang suited to L M. Millers selection "Fair Zion's King we suppliant Bow" etc. Questions of faith put to Brother John Millican all of which he assented to. Brother John Millican kneeled down between Brothers Howell Wall and William L. Sibley the former on Brother Millican's right and the latter on his left. Laying each a hand on the top of his Head, and brother Sibley offered up a fervent prayer to the Throne of Grace etc etc. When Brother Wall charged the Brother Deacon, Informing him most particularly of his duties in his newly appointed office of Deacon on concluding the congregation were dismissed for 10 minutes on its expiring the congregation again assembled into the Church as many as could, and a Hymn from page 648 of Miller's Selection "How firm a foundation" etc etc. Brother Wall informed the congregation that he by appointment had come to preach the funeral service of the deceased brother Henry Cooper, that the deceased was converted about 45 yrs ago near Natchez, Adams Co. St. of Miss. that he then felt a strong and pleasing pleasure in serving his gracious Lord and master. Some time after he moved from that part of the Country and by degrees he forsook the paths amongst scenes where the word of God was little preached and little attended to until he again heard it at this place when he felt again rekindled in his breast that devotional feeling and was restored in the bosom of this church and bro. Wall said that he died in full hope of a joyful resurection. Bro. Wall took his text from the 12th Chapt. of Ecclesiasties 6th and 7th verse "Are ever the silver cords be broken" etc etc. After preaching exerting and laboring for a length of time to remind all of that last scene of death and to seek the Lord whilst he may be found and it is yet day - Concluded. Bro. Wall mentioned Consort of Bro. Henry Cooper who it pleases the Lord to remove a short time previous to Bro. Coopers decease. That he Bro. Wall had a conversation with her a few days before her death when she appeared to have a full faith in the Blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ and she mentioned as the cause for not having joined the Church etc. but that she had a lively hope and reposed for salvation on the merrits of the Lord Jesus Christ etc. The ordinance of the Holy Sacrament was now commenced. Brothers Wall and Sybly breaking bread and preying for a blessing on the same and pouring out the wine doing the same. When it was handed round to all the Brethern and sisters of this church as also to all visiting brethern and sisters from other churches. After which sang a Hymn from Millers Selection. When Bro. Wall expatiated on the sufferings and death of our blessed saviour Jesus Christ and exhorted for a considerable space. Bro Sibley then rose and spoke of the faith we ought to have in God, of the good resulting from prayer etc. Sang a Hymn page 441 from Millers Selection. Opened the doors of the Church for the admission of believers, whilst singing "In all my trials and my" etc. None presenting for baptism brother John Core came forward presenting a certificate of Baptism. When the question was put of all who are in favor of admitting the said John Core to fellowship of the church will signify it by saying I, when many assenting thereto. The question was put to Any who are not in favor of receiving the said John Core in full fellowship and of this church will signify it by saying No. as no person was heard to say No the said Brother was extended the right hand of fellowship by all the members, welcoming him to all the priviledges of immensities of this church etc etc. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. Congregation numerous say about 150 persons. 24th October 1842 The regular Baptist Church of Christ, called Sharon, in the Parish of Washington Louisiana to The regular Baptist association, Holding its meeting with Bulah Church, La. Greeting Dearly beloved Brethern, We with this letter send our beloved brethern Geo. Hughes and Thomas Mapes or Alternate John Millican as delegates from this church who we pray you to give full credence to, and admit, as on our part, to a seat in your deliberations, they will hand over the sum of four dollars - for minutes, etc. We send you a statement of this Church, which has been shown but awards, since its installation, which but a little over one year. May pure and unalloyed brotherly love unite each one in your respective duties and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God be with you all now and forever, is the prayer of this Church. Done in full conference John Scarle, Church Clerk William L. Sibley, Moderator Sharon Church Statement Constituted September 25, 1841 with 24 Whites 1 Black since 13 Whites 2 Black 40 total 1 died 39 total Regular meeting day the 4th Lords day in each month nearest post office Palestine Regular Minister Wm. L. Sibley 1843 Saturday Brother William S. Sibley Attended to January previous appointment. The service of the 21st day was commenced by Bro. Shipler. Took his text from John 19th, 5th verse; And Pilate said behold the man. Bro. William Sibley followed in a short exhortation; No business conference except to grant Bro. Scarles and his wife a letter. The service of the day was closed by William L. Sibley. SUNDAY: The service of the day was Commenced by Bro. Shipler; Took his text from John 18th, and 38th verse; And Pilate saith unto him "What is Truth?" And when he said this, he went again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in Him no fault at all. Bro. William Sibley, took his text from Paul to the Galatians, 3rd, and the 13th verse; Christ hath redeemd us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree; After which the meeting was dismissed. APRIL: Conference: After preaching the church went into conference, doors of the reception of members were opened; None presented themselves, after which took up the request of Bro. CALVIN HUGHES who last conference requested to be excluded from this church and on due consideration it was moved and seconded that Bro. CALVIN HUGHES request be granted him. He is therefore excluded from this church (our body) and May the God of all Grace have Mercy upon him is or prayer for Christ Sake. 1843 Saturday Bro. William L. Sibley Administering, 23rd commenced divine Services after having September sung a hymn suited to the occasion C.M. from Millers Selections; After which a text was taken from the sacred volume of inspiration as follows viz; Pauls first epistle to the Corinthians, 15th Chapt; 22nd verse, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive".....After divine service, went into conference. After the usual experiences of the morning the church came into conference. It was then moved and seconded that Bro. STEPHEN TERRY be excluded from the church, which resolution was adopted and carried by a majority. Moved and seconded that Bro. THOMAS SANDERS be cited to appear at next conference to answer certain complaints alledged against him. Be it cited that Br. GEORGE HUGHES and Bro. JOSHUA I. SPEARS be appointed as a committee to cite Bro. SAUNDERS to attend next conference. It was moved and seconded that Bro. HUGHES and Bro. CORE, be appointed as delegates, and Bro. BAILEY be appointed in the event of failure. Moved that the sum of two dollars be sent by the delegates. Moved and seconded that the documint last read be submitted to the delegates for ammendment if necessary. Moved and seconded that the chuch grant Sister GREEN a letter, which was accordingly carried and acted upon. Moved and seconded that the foregoing minutes be duly received. 1843 Sunday Bro. William L. Sibley administering, 24th commenced divine services, and after having September sung a hymn, Millers Selections, suited to the occasion: After which a text was taken from the sacred volume of divine inspiration, as follows: viz: 15th Chapt; of John, and 13th verse; "Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his own life for a friend." The congregation then looked to the Lord for a blessing and were accordingly dismissed. 1843 Sunday The Baptist Church of Christ at SHARON, 24th Eastern Louisiana Association to........... September after divine Services by Bro. FOIL's preaching the church went into conference, the door open for the reception of members, and STEPHEN TERRY offers recantation but not satisfactory, therefore was unamaniously rejected. The case of Bro. THOMAS SANDERS was taken, the Bro. present and stated that the report in regard to his fighting is true, that he was struck and did not feel like running and therefore had to fight; the church therefore received the acknowledgement and restored him to fellowship of the church. BRO. I. CORE requested a letter of dismission for SISTER PATIENCE TERRY & BRO. ABRAHAM TERRY. They having moved away it was granted to them both. Also Sister MARY & NANCY MILLIGAN requested a letter of dismission for the purpose of uniting Mt. HOPE CHURCH, it being much nearer, said letter was granted. SISTER PARMELIA HUGHES requested a letter of dismission but there being some objections this matter was laid over until next conference. It was moved and seconded that this church call a Bro. WILLIAM VARNADOE to supplie them next year, and unamaniously carried; and that BROS. GREEN, HUGHES, & CORE be a committee to wait on Bro. VARNADOE and make this call known, there being no further business before the conference it was dismissed. 1844 Bro. Shipler preached a short sermon then January Bro. MacFARLAND preached from revelation, 10th a long sermon; then went into conference. Bro. SIBLEY Moderator; reference called for the first and all was to grant a letter to SISTER HUGHES, PARMELIA HUGHES. March Bro. H. MCFARLAND preached from Luke 7th 23 Ch. 22 verse, after which church went into 1844 conference and THOMAS SANDERS was excluded .......Bro. JACKSON SPEARS was granted a letter of dismission, Bro. OLIPHANT was appointed to wait on SISTER COOPER and cite her to the church; SISTER SPEARS was granted a letter of dismission; Bro. GEORGE HUGHES clerk, protem. March The church called Bro. I. D. MCFARLAND to 24 become their supply; and by unamanious vote 1844 of all the house, and they also called on the bretheren of the church for his ordination. Sunday Bro. FOIL preached, then went into conference, May 26 Bro. Laird S. SKINNER was granted a letter of 1844 dismissal. September Bro. FOIL preached then went into conference, 22 Bro. GEORGE HUGHES and JAKE CORE was voted 1844 delegates, to the Mt. OLIVE CHURCH, Association to be held with MT. OLIVE CHURCH Nov. 2nd & 3rd; BRO. VARNADO and BRO. SIBLEY preached then went into conference. SISTER ESTES was excluded from this church, under charges of immoral conduk; the doors was open for members MR. DANIEL EDWARDS was received by baptism. Officers of Sharon Church Constituted Sept. 25, 1841 _____________________________________________________________ Date Appointed Grades & etc. Names 1841 - Sept. 26th Preacher Wm. L. Sibley 1841 - " 27th " " " " 1842 - " 25th " " " " 1841 - 26th Sept. Deacon George Hughes 1842 - 23 Octr Deacon John Millican 1841 - Sept. 26th Clerk Daniel Tyson 1841 - Dec. 25th Clerk-protem John Scarle 1842 - Nov. 26th Clerk John Scarle 1841 - Nov. 27th Treasurer George Hughes 1841 - Sept. 26th Moderator William L. Sibley _______________________________________________________________ Time Appointed for Observations, etc. How Dismissed etc. The Supply until Dec. 184 Elected by the church & appr. by the cong. " " for the year 1842 " " " " " " " for the year 1843 " " " whole " Deacons not followed up. 1st Dec. 1841 Resigned on acct. of removal Bro. Tyson being employed near Covington was of necessity obliged to resign. Pro Tempore Served pro tem until Nov. 1842 During his residence here was duly and unamaniously elected by the church 21st Jan. 1843. Took a letter on acct. of changing his residence to Silver Dry Creek. Friday BRO. Green by appointment preached this day Octr. and took his text from the 22nd Corinthians 1846 and 5th verse..... "and he was made sin & c........." After preaching for a length of time expounding and commenting, very intelligently to an audience of about 80 to 100 persons...opened the doors of the church for members for all who might be warned by their inward feelings to come forward and discharge their duty... none offered.... Conference was held after a recess of 15 minutes; Bro. Green was unamaniously chosen moderator; Moved and seconded that BRO. MAPES be debutised to repair to the East La. Association, to be held at ENON meeting house, BOGUE CHITTO, Parish of Washington; and that $2.00 be desbursed for minutes to the said meeting; and that a letter of State of the Church be sent, by said Bro. DANIEL EDWARDS. Moved and seconded by Bro. MAPES that Sister WELCH have a letter of dismissal, which was granted; Moved and seconded that this conference adjourn; Sang a hymn & prayer and were dismissed. BRO. MUSE by appointment preached this day; took his text from Genesis the 3rd, 4th and 15th and after preaching went into conference and the church apointed the first Saturday May to arange the affairs of the church, and on Sunday Bro. Muse still preached...... Moved and seconded that Bro Meuse be the supply for this church; carried unamaniously and accepted by Bro. MEUSE. Saturday 5th BRO. ISSAC MEUSE administering, text June Hebrews 7th Chapt; 12th verse; and labored to this that as Christ had the appointment of his high priest after the order of Melchesedec, the law was fulfilled made honorable, and new order of things had become established to wit the Doctrines of Christ; after a long discourse sang a hymn and prayer by Bro. ENNIS. This service began with hymns sang and prayer by Bro. BEMJ. LEA. The congregation was small and very orderly, opened the door of the church for the admission of all who chose to come forward; received by letter** ...Conference; moved and seconded that a clerk be elected; which was done by ballot; upon counting the votes there were 4 for BENJAMIN LEA: 6 for JOHN SCARLE..When the moderator Bro. Meuse declared JOHN SCARLE duly elected; Moved by Bro. Oliphant seconded by Bro. MAPES, that a Deacon be chosen, which was duly done, by ballot as follows: 8 votes for Bro. LEA, 3 votes for Bro. ENNIS. When the Moderator Bro. MEUSE declared BRO LEA duly elected: Moved by Bro. Oliphant that the regular meeting of this church being the 4th Sabbath and Saturday before, in each Month; seconded by Bro. MAPES, and adopted by general consent. Moved by Bro. Lea, and seconded by BRO MAPES, that the Moderator appoint a member as Treasurer, which by common consent was agreed upon; Wherefore BRO. MEUSE, the Moderator appointed BRO. ENNIS, TREASURER. Moved by Bro. ENNIS & seconded by Bro. Lea, that the ordination of a Deacon be appointed for the regular meeting in July, next adopted. Moved by Bro. LEA, seconded by Bro. Oliphant that two members be sent to BEULAH CHURCH the 3rd Lords Day in the month, and invite the preaching bretheren there to attend this meeting in July, for the purpose of assisting at the consecrating of deacons, adopted by common consent; whereupon BRO. LEA AND BRO ENNIS, were appointed delegates, to request BRO. CRAWFORD, SIBLY & WALLS, and others if found, to attend the July meeting for the purpose of assisting at the ordination of deacons, for the church. Moved by Bro. LEA seconded by Bro. MAPES, that the conference by dismissed; adopted; when a hymn was sung, and a feeling of thanksgiving for a blessing, by BRO. MUSE, and were dismissed. Sunday June BRO. ISAAC MEUSE, administering, commence 6th the worship of the almighty God by singing 1847 a Hymn from MERCERS COLLECTION: prayer by BRO. BENJAMIN LEA: when BRO MEUSE proclaimed the text to be 2nd epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, commencing in these words, "But my Spirit shall not always strive with them" etc & etc.... BRO. MEUSE labored about an hour in the cause of Christ and strove with a mild but energetic spirit to invite all to the love of GOD, and to their union & love to each other, recommending prayer to the throne of Grace, for strength and grace & etc..... concluded, sang a hymn, then looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed; the congregation were about eighty and very orderly. PREVIOUS CONFERENCE: (*believe these should have been listed here above) (**) The following were admitted by letter and received into the body of this church and with all the priviledges when the right hand of fellowship was given to the now received members, AS FOLLOWS: ISAAC HENNESSY, & his wife by letter 14th NOV. 1846, from the church of Christ at ANTIOCK, in MARION COUNTY, State of MISS. BENJAMIN LEA & his wife SEMANTHA LEA, as per letter from BEULAH, church of Christ in Washington Parish, La; dated 18th, JULY 1846. ISAAC MEUSE, a ordained minister, his wife ANNA MEUSE, as per letter for each from church of Christ at PALESTINE, HANCOCK CO. MISS; dated 6th March 1847 Sunday June BRO. ISAAC MEUSE, administering, commence 6th the worship of the almighty God by singing 1847 a Hymn from MERCERS COLLECTION: prayer by BRO. BENJAMIN LEA; when BRO MEUSE proclaimed the text to be 2nd epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, commencing in these words, "But my Spirit shall not always strive with them" etc & etc .... BRO. MEUSE labored about an hour in the cause of Christ and strove with a mild but energetic spirit to invite all to the love of GOD, and to their union & love to each other, recommending prayer to the throne of Grace, for strength and grace & etc..... concluded, sang a hymn, then looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed; the congregation were about eighty and very orderly. Saturday 24th June 1847; Bro. ISAAC MUSE, administering Service commenced by singing a hymn in praise of God; Exortation and prayer by Bro. BENJAMIN L LEA: Text 8th chap of Pauls epistle to the Romans and 33rd verse "Who shall lay away anything to the charge of Gods elect it is God that Justifieth &c &c ...preached above an hour &c concluded; sang a hymn & opened the door of the church &c when JAMES THOMAS LEA came forward, and related his experience &c when the Question was put (after some previous questions having been asked him by the bretheren) who should forbid that this bro. should be admitted (he having a hope that his sins are forgiven him) to the bosom of the church by Immersion? All who are in favor of his admission into the church will signify by answering I, when many answering I ... All who are against his being admitted into the church will signify by saying 'NO'; no one objecting thereto Bro. James Thomas Lea, was admitted into this church to enjoy fellowship and all the priviledges and immunities thereof. The right hand of fellowship was given him, by all the members, both male and female, and joy abounded in the happy occasion; Bro. JAMES THOMAS LEA is to be baptised tomorrow on the Sabbath. The church after a short Intermission, assembled in conference. Moved by Bro. Benj. L. LEA, seconded by Bro. JAMES OLIPHANT, that the church clerk do write a letter of invitation to absent members, residing afar from the church advising them of our regular meetings, and lovingly inviting them to be present, at the meetings to aid with their counsel in the deliberations, on affairs of the church &c which was assented to, whereupon the following letter was prepared by Bro. John Scarle, C. clerk. Beloved Brother, The Church of Christ at Sharon, of which you are a beloved member; Has through the blessing of God, received a traveling order, since May last .. her days of meeting are the fourth Sabbath and day before in each month. As it was known that your residence was at a distance from the church, and perhaps not aware that we are blessed with a supply, In the person of our beloved Bro. Isaac MUSE, who is now a resident amongst us. It was resolved in conference that you should be notified. We feel the want of your aiding our deliberations concerning that, which, it is the priviledge and duty of us all to attend to, the reorganization of the church &c &c, Done in conference Saturday the 26th June 1847. JOHN SCARLE, CHURCH CLERK: Sent letters to Dan'l GAINES: DAN'L TYSON: LOUISA J. TYSON: JOHN BAILEY: PONTCKEY .. Sang a hymn of praise.. and looked to the Lord for a blessing, and were dismissed. Preaching for tomorrow at 12 O'clock A.M. congregation small, but 14 in number, 6 men, 2 women, 6 children. Sunday, 27th, JUNE: 1847 BRO. ISAAC MUSE, administering, service commenced by BRO. BENJ. L. LEA Exorting to services of and singleness of purpose, in coming to the house of the Lord.. to wit to worship the true and the living God., creator of all things; Sang a hymn; prayer by Bro. Benj. L. LEA: BRO. MUSE took his text from Pauls letters to the Ephisians. "You hath he quickened who were in tespass and in sins," explained in a very clear and lucid manner the construction to be put on those words, and particularly explained the sin of Omission; to be that of not fulfilling our duty if moved by conscience and stifling the same &c; resisting the impulse &c &c sang a hymn, and opened the doors of the church when, MARIA A FEMALE SLAVE *SERVANT of Mrs. ELIZABETH HAUSSEGER, came forward by a letter from the church of christ at ANTIOCK, MARION CO. MISS. dated 17th Jan 1846. Her worldly owner gave her permission to present herself; when she was duly admitted and the right hand of fellowship was given her by all the church members when the congregation were dismissed to the water side for the baptism of JAMES THOMAS LEA. At the water side, CHAPPAPELLA STREAM; BRO. MUSE made a feeling and appropriate prayer, nothing conceding; concerning the mode of baptism by immersion.. then went down into the water with BRO JAMES THOMAS LEA, saying previously to him being buried with Christ, the blessed redeemer in the flood, "in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost..brother I baptise thee, Amen" and he led him straightway out...of the water..when the congregation were dismissed.. Our next meeting, will be in course, the 4th Sunday in July, and day before. A funeral Sermon to be preached at Mr. JOHN LESTERS 3rd Sunday in next month, JULY. Congregation orderly, members about 45 persons. Saturday, July 24th, 1847 Bro ISAAC MUSE, administering Commenced divine service by singing a hymn. Prayer to God, by BRO. ISAAC HENNESSY: BRO. MUSE, took as a text the 28th Chapt. of St. Matthew 19th & 20th verse. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost &c" and Lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world." preached and expounded for about one hour & concluded - sang a hymn and opened the door of the church, but no one coming forward, gave an intermission until conference. Conference; The committee of BROS. HENNESY AND LEA, to continue, and attend Beulah meeting, for the purpose of inviting Bretheren Preacher to attend in September the consecrating of Bro. LEA as Deacon, of the church: Moved by Bro. Oliphant seconded by Bro. HENNESY; that Delegates be appointed to repair to the association to represent this church; assented to. Whereupon BRO MUSE and BRO LEA, were appointed, and BRO. CORE, the alternate, to proceed to the Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association, on the Saturday before Second Lords day, in October next, 1847, at Mount Zion Church, PIKE COUNTY MISS. Moved by BRO. BENJ. LEA, and seconded by BRO. HENNESY, that the Clerk of the Church prepare a letter, for the delegates to present to the Eastern Baptist Association, which letter is to be read to this meeting in Sept. next, 1847 and in said letter to make mention of a mistake made in report of 1846, to said association; in reporting the number of members of this church- all of which was assented to. Moved by BRO. MAPES, seconded by Bro. Benj. LEA, that letters of Dismissal be granted to DANIEL TYSON, LOUISA JANE TYSON, AND BRO. DANIEL GAINES* their residences being too great a distance from this church to attend regularly- which being assented to, were granted - and handed to Bro. MUSE for delivery. Moved by Bro. MAPES, seconded by BRO. BENJ. LEA, that a Subscription be made at the Sept. meeting for the purpose of sending the amount collected to the Eastern La. Baptist Assn. for the purpose of paying for the minutes of the association, assented to. Moved by Bro. OLIPHANT, seconded by Bro. LEA, that the Deacon of MOUNT NEBO, be invited to attend this church's meeting in Sept. next 1847, to assist at the consecrating of a Deacon of this church, at that time. Assented to. Whereupon BRO. THOMAS MAPES, was appointed to wait upon the Deacon of MOUNT NEBO, for the said purpose. Moved by Bro. MAPES, seconded by BRO. LEA, that the conference and congregation be dismissed for the day. Assented to. Sang hymn - then looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed. Congregation small- but 10 men; good order prevailed; 4 women & Children. Sunday 25th July 1847 BRO. ISAAC MUSE, administering, commencing divine service by singing a hymn; prayer by Bro. BENJ. LEA, Text Jerimiah, 31st Chapt. 3rd verse - "I have loved thee with an everlasting Love, therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee", BRO. MUSE preached for a length of time, and concluded before he at first intended, owing to the inclemency of weather of heavy rain and loud peals of thunder, & vivid flashes of lightening. Announced that there will be no meeting in August next, regular meeting will be in Sept; next the 4th Lords day, and day previous- Congregation about 35 men 35 women and children 20 black persons Total 90 Good order and attention prevailed during meeting. Saturday, September, 25th 1847: Service commenced by Hymn sang and prayer. Brother Files preached from these words. "For God so loved the world &c" when after preaching a length of time and exhorting with zeal and anxiety concluded when Bro. MUSE also expounded much of the same and concluded--whilst singing a hymn opened the doors of the church, to believers of Christ Jesus and all who felt it their duty to come forward- or by letter from other churches none came forward- Conference- Moved by Bro. BENJ. L. LEA that the Clerk read the prepared letter for the assn., sec. by bro OLIPHANT, When the letter was read approved & ordered to be delivered to the delegates, ISAAC MUSE & BENJ. L. LEA moved and seconded that a collection of money be inside to send to the assn., for the purpose of defraying the expense, for printing minutes &c. when the following was received. DANIEL EDWARDS 50 cents, BENJ. L. LEA 50 cents; ISAAC HENNESY 45 cents; BRO. JOHN BAILEY 25 cents, CALVIN HUGHES 50 cents, WILLIAM BROWN SENR. 50 cents, Total $2.70 disposed for us for cash account page 73. Sang a hymn and a prayer of thanks to God & were dismissed. Sunday 25th Sept; 1847; Opened service to God by Hymn & prayer to the throne of grace. BRO. FOILS took a text the 2nd Chapt of 1st Epistle to Timothy & 16th verse- Great is the Mystery of Godliness & spoke a long time with zeal- when the discourse was concluded by Bro. ISAAC MUSE, Sang a hymn & opened the doors of the church- when no one presenting - were dismissed; for 15 minutes- to come together again to partake of the Lords Supper. Assembled again- When Bro Muse prayed for a blessing on the Bread & wine- and all members of this church and members visiting, were invited to partake- BRO MUSE explained the cause of the Omissions to invite others - made clear to the understanding of those who by self examination ought to partake, and much other matter relative to the death and sufferings of the Great Lord & Master Jesus Christ, the Son of God- which made impressions, it is hoped upon the assembly- for their good. Looked to the lord for a blessing and were dismissed. State of La. parish of Washington; September 25, 1847 To the Eastern Baptist Church Assn. holding their 6th Anniversary with the MOUNT ZION CHURCH, PIKE CO. MISS. Dearly Beloved Bretheren: With hearts full of gratitude to God We with this letter send our Beloved Bretheren ISAAC MUSE, AND BENJ. L. LEA or an alternate our Beloved Brother, JACOB CORE as delegates from, and to represent this church, who we pray you give full credence to, and admit to a seat in your councils, on the part of this church- They will hand to you the sum of Dollars to assist in defraying the expense of the minutes, Our church for some time has been without the supply of a minister, and the record of the church irregularly attended to, which last cause led to error in our last report of members of 1846. It should have been 19 white, and 1 Black member. Annexed is a statement of this church at the present day. We cannot refrain from mentioning that it has pleased God, during the present year to revive our hopes. We have now had they supply of a minister since May last; The church has resumed a travelling order, Members by letter have been added to its members. Tears of joy have again been shed, as one (now a member) came forward to relate his experience, and asked to be Buried with Christ, in Baptism by immersion, The bud of "Sharon" we trust in the Lord, will continue fragrant. The church in thankfulness, again rear its head, in pious humility, and the hearts of its members are alive to the mercies poured out this year. May pure and unalloyed Brotherly love unite you as one, In your respective duties And may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the Love of God, and the fellowship of the holy ghost be with you, and remain with you all now, and forever, Is the prayer of this church. Ordered, read, and approved in conference-- JOHN SCARLE, CHURCH CLERK NOTE TO LETTER TO THE ASSOCIATION: 25th SEPT. 1847 Preaching 4th Sabbath & day before each month. Supply ISAAC MUSE - nearest post office Sibili. 1846 whites 19 1 Black left by letter 3 16 1 Rec'd by letter 6 1 by letter By Baptism 1 Total 23 2 Blacks 27th & 28th of Nov., being absent from home- the clerk only notes that on Saturday & Sunday Divine Service was performed on these days- BRO. MUSE attending &c. In Oct. no meeting. Insert here; Mary Ann Lester gave her experience, to be immersed in January. DEC. 27th & 28 of this month. Divine Service commenced by Hymn & prayer- Preaching by Bro. Muse. Conference on Saturday moved and seconded that Bro. MUSE be the Supply for 1848. Unamaniously carried-- Moved and seconded that the thanks of the church be made to BRO. SCARLE for attending as clerk & moved & seconded that collection be made next meeting for the support of the Supply. January 1848 Service commenced by hymn & prayer. 22nd Saturday Text 16th chap. St Luke--last verse. Preaching at length by BRO. MUSE. Conference collection for Bro. Muse as follows; Calvin Hughes...........10.50 Thomas Saunders......... 4.00 Daniel Edwards.......... 4.00 Benjamin Lea............ 3.00 Cullen Sanders.......... 2.00 Isaac Hennesy........... 2.00 Nancy Bell.............. .50 James Thomas Lea........ 2.00 John Scarle............. 3.00 31.00 All the above acknowledged and paid to Bro. Isaac Muse- moved and seconded to be dismissed until tomorrow at 11 A.M. Sunday January 23, 1848; Bro. MUSE opened divine service by hymn and a prayer; Text 16th chap. St. Mark, and he said unto them, go ye unto all the world & preach the gospel to every nation, Bap. in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy ghost- when concluded, repaired to the water side and immersed MARY ANN LESTER- and admitting her to all the priviledges of the church- prayer at the waterside on this occasion, and solemnity and order prevailed congregation numerous. Wednesday 16th February 1848; The Sharon Church met, and after Sermon Bro. T. M. BOND opened the doors of the church for all who were moved to come forward and join the church, also for restoration, by letter or otherwise, when Bro. RUBEN YARBOR (YARBROUGH) came and presented a letter and was admitted--After which a conference was held, and proceeded to the election of Deacon, as assistant Deacon, with Bro. LEA, already elected when BRO. ISAAC HENNESY was unamaniously, elected--and BRO. BOND and Bro. ISAAC MUSE, being present was solemnly ordained--to wit-- the New Deacons, BRO. BENJ. L. LEA AND ISAAC HENNESY, by the laying on of hands and prayer by bro BONDS having previously given them the charge &c, explained their duty &c as is necessary to do--BRO DANIEL EDWARDS, was chosen protem, Clerk on the occasion as the regular clerk was absent-- Closed the meeting with solemn prayer, and singing of hymns, a preaching in the evening at BRO. MUSES'S house to which all were invited. Saturday 26th February 1848; BRO ISAAC MUSE administering; Divine service commenced by singing a hymn and prayer to God--After preaching a conference was held-- In consequence of the absence of BRO. THOMAS MAPES, at several successive conference passed, it was moved and seconded That a committee of two bretheren be appointed to visit Bro. Mapes, and inquire the cause of if any, of his absence & report the result at next conference meeting in March, Bro. Tho. LEA & RUBEN YARBOR, Committee..... In consequence of its being noised abroad--and of the reproach of this church of BRO. JAMES OLIPHANT, having fiddling & dancing at his house not long since--It was moved and seconded that a committee of two bretheren, visit Bro. Oliphant, and inquire of him personally, if the rumor of such proceedings are true--and what the said Bro. Oli. may propose or do in the case and report to this the result at next meeting in March--BRO BENJ. L. LEA & BRO ISAAC HENNESY, committee. It was further resolved and agreed that this church commune every three months commencing on the 4th Sunday in next March- and hereafter--moved & seconded to be dismissed, sang a Hymn, then looked to the Lord for a Blessing & was dismissed--meeting tomorrow at 11 A.M. Sunday 27th February 1848 Divine Service; Bro Muse Administering; Opened Divine Service by Singing a hymn--Prayer by Bro. Benj. L. LEA: Text; 5th Chap. Ephesians 32nd verse--"This is a Great mystery but I speak of Christ and the church" &c- preached a considerable time and concluded--Sang a hymn page 508 Millers selection, during which opened the doors of the church for believers--restoration &c; none offered; Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed-- Notice-- meeting next sabbath at NEBO CHURCH, Prayer meeting at this church every second Sun. in each month. Saturday, March 1848; Bro. Isaac Muse, administrating; divine services commenced by singing a Hymn #117 of Millers Selection-- "Mourning sinners now, etc. etc.--Prayer by Bro. Meuse. Text 3rd Chapt. Jonah-- 2nd verse, "Arise and go into Ninevah that great city and preach etc, etc; --when concluded, opened the door of the church for any and all who might wish to enter, either by relating their experience, Restoration, etc, etc; whilst singing a Hymn page 397, of Millers selections, "And can my soul aspire so high, etc etc"--NANCY COX, presented a letter from the Church of Christ at SOCIETY HILL, Lawrence County, State of Miss; dated 24th Octr. 1846. The opportunity for mourners or otherwise was prolonged, during singing, another hymn of MILLERS SELECTIONS, page 597--no more presenting themselves the opportunity closed for the day-- the right hand of fellowship was given SISTER COX, and all the priviledges of the church. The church went into conference--Bro THOMAS MAPES who had been waited upon by a committee, for the purpose of enquiring if his previous non-attendance was occasioned by anything the church, unwaringly by its members might have done, so as to hurt his feelings, etc, etc; was himself present--who openly declared, That his absence was in no wise other than that business he was obliged to attend to had prevented him from being at church conferences; the times alluded to by the committee. The committee who upon Bro. MAPES had made no official report, as they were detained at home, by sickness in their families. BRO. MAPES, ingenious, frank avowal of the cause of his absence--was very satisfactory to the church---The case of BRO. JAMES OLIPHANT in reference from last conference--the committee having made no report; moved by BRO. ISAAC ENNIS, seconded by JOHN SCARLE, that this conference adjourn until tomorrow at 11 o'clock A.M. BRO. MAPES, enquired if the case of BRO OLIPHANT could not now be discussed, examined etc. etc.--The moderator explained that no report had been made--and a move to adjourn had been seconded-- the church could now debate openly upon the propriety of examining the case now--or leaving it until tomorrow--when more members it was hoped would be present. The main motive for laying it over together with having no report from the committee, who waited upon BRO. OLIPHANT. BRO. MAPES, acquiesed--in adjourning until tomorrow at 11 O'clock. Bro. moderator then asked for all in favor of adjourning until tomorrow to signify it by saying I; when all present said I--and if any who were not in favor of the motion to signify the same by saying no, all being silent, the motion to adjourn was confirmed. Commenced to sing hymn #513 page of Millers selections. Looked to the Lord for a blessing and were dismissed until tomorrow, Lords Day. Contribution made for the help of the ministry, to wit; namely-- BRO. OLIPHANT $1.00 BENJ. YARBOR 1.00 H. J. SANDERS 1.00 THOMAS SANDERS 5.50 Total 8.50 Paid over to BRO. ISAAC MUSE-- as rec'd by himself. 25th March 1848. Sunday, 26th March 1848 BRO. ISAAC MUSE, Administering, BRO. BENJAMIN J. LEA Exhorted previous to singing a hymn, "Firm the Earth the Gospel stands, etc. etc." a fervent and earnest prayer to the throne of Grace, by BRO BENJAMIN L. LEA; dismissed to hold a conference, agreed for adjournment yesterday. Moved by BRO. BENJAMIN L. LEA, seconded by BRO. ISAAC HENNESY, that the case of Bro. OLIPHANT be laid over until next months day of conference, April 22nd, 1848 -- being agreed to unamaniously--was postponed. BRO. JOHN SCARLE having tendered his resignation as clerk; moved by BRO. BENJAMIN L. LEA, seconded by Bro. HENNESY; that Bro. SCARLES's resignation be accepted, agreed to unamaniously. Was accepted, When the congregation rose and an enterval of ten minutes was given to the congregation before preaching; after which, BRO. MUSE gave as Text the 7th Chapter of Pauls Epistle to the Corinthians--"for the priesthood being changed etc. After preaching for a length of time--concluded--sang a hymn 386 of Millers Selections--Then communion of the Lords Supper was now at hand. Bro. MUSE asked a blessing on the bread and the wine--and the deacons gave to all to partake of during which, BRO MUSE related the sufferings of the blessed Saviour, Apointed the church to the bread and wine as typical of Christs Body and Blood, though not his body and blood in reality. Bid them to partake of them in Remembrance of him who died and suffered the death of the cross to redeem mankind etc etc, A hymn was then sang from page 513, Millers Selection during which those who wished to offer their hands as token to join in prayer, were requested to come forward- Many did so; Indeed it appeared as if all came forward - when BRO. MUSE made a fervent and feeling prayer, to God, which when concluded, prayed for a blessing on the congregation and dismissed. This day appeared a moving and a melting meeting--the good order, silence --and earnest manner of the preacher - certainly commended attention- and it is hoped, has done good, which hereafter may appear - comments are not the duty assigned the writer- who if they were he would think this day will not soon be forgotten by some for their eternal good, and he trusts to the Glory of God. BRO. FOIL preached Acts 20 & 28, after preaching, conference The bretheren report BRO. OLIPHANT, and he made a satisfaction to the church. The case of MARGARET COOPER was brought before the church and she was excluded for her immoral conduct- BR. EDWARDS was chosen churches clerk, a committee was appointed to inform him of the matter, himself being absent. BRO. MUSE & BRO FOIL preached on the Sabbath, Bro. MUSE moderator, protem. Mark, 5th chap. 14th verse, - after Bro. MUSE, BRO. FOIL preached Romans 16 & 14 "for you are not under the law but under Grace." May 27th, BRO MUSE Preached from Exodias 3-2 "Behold the bush burned and the bush were not consumed." After meeting the church went into conference, BRO. B. L. LEA, was appointed clerk, protem --There was a letter presented to the church from Mt. HOPE and was received; contained eight members, their names hereafter inserted; Bro. MUSE, MOD. BRO B.L. LEA clerk, protem. List of members; Bro. CULLEN SANDERS, and acting deacon, received in toto from the church of MOUNT HOPE. May 27, 1848 1848, May, 27th CULLEN SANDERS " " " SABRY SANDERS " " " JANE ROBERSON " " " SARAH BENNET " " " PRISCILLA ANN MILLICAN " " " GEORGE MIXON " " " CLARISSA MIXON " " " DANIEL GAINES (GANES) 1848 MAY, 27th On the Sabbath BRO. MULLINS preached from 2nd Kings 5th and 3rd verse; "and she said unto her mistress, would God that my Lord were with the prophets that is in Samaria", and the eighth verse of the same chapter "Let Him come now to us and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel" A collection was taken up for the support of the church. The Brothers contributed after the order of the names; Bro. Core 20 cents Bro. Hennis 20 " Bro. B. L. Lea 20 " Bro. I. T. Lea 10 " total amount recd 95 cents By the treasurer, being 20 cents, in the full of the treasurer one dollar and fifteen cents. 1848 May total amount in the hands of the treasurer, being $1.15 paid one bottle of wine .30 leaving a balance of .85 paid one bottle of wine .30 paid 3rd " " " .25 balance on hand in treas. .30 June 24th Bro. MUSE from Matthew 16th Chapter & 15th verse--"and I say also unto the that thou art Peter--and upon thnis rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." The church went into conference, no business before it; adjourned. June 25th Bro. MUSE preached from SALMS, 103, Chapter, and 21, and 22nd verse; "Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts ye ministers of his that do him pleasure. Bless the Lord all His words in all places of His dominion--Bless the Lord oh my Soul." The meeting adjourned with solemnity. July 26th Prayer by Bro. ISAAC MUSE--BRO. BOND preached from 2nd Epistle of Paul to the Corinthinans 3rd chapter, and ninth verse. For if the ministration of condemnation be strong much more doth the administration of rightousness exist in Glory. The church went into conference, Bro. MUSE in the chair Motion to appoint delegates to the association; on counting the ballots, Bro. MUSE, DAN'L EDWARDS & BRO. HENNESY were chosen. On motion BRO. MEUSE was permitted to attend other churches. It was further ordered that meeting should be every Thursday before the regular time; All so moved that money should be made upon that day to pay the expenses of the association. July 24th First discourse by BRO. MUSE, from Ephesians, 2nd Chapt; and part of the 5th verse; By Grace you are saved... On the action by BRO. BOND: Text; from Luke the 14th chapter and 10th verse, "but man dieth and wasteth away yea man giveth up the ghost and where is he...." Aug. 24th Bro. MUSE preached from Isiah the 1st chapter and 1st verse Text; "and in that day seven women shall take hold of one man saying we shall eat our own bread and wear our own apparel only let us be called by the name to take away our reproach. The church went into conference; BRO. DUNN presiding, There being no business only to take up the subscription, to be forwarded to the association, The members contributed as follows: BRO. MUSE ................25 cents BRO. HUESS ...............50 " BRO. SANDERS .............25 " BRO. CORE ................70 " BRO. BENJAMIN LEA ........50 " BRO. JAMES LEA ...........25 " BRO. EDWARDS .............1.00 $3.45 The meeting was dismissed by prayer - By BRO. BENJAMIN LEA; with solemnity and good order. October the 21st - 1848 Prayer by Bro. BENJAMIN LEA - BRO. MUSE preached from the 3rd chapter and 16th verse PALL to the Corinthinans; "Nevertheless when it shall turn to the land the veil shall be taken away." By BRO. BOND, John 3rd Chapter and 7th verse, "Marvel not that I say unto thee--ye must be born again." Oct. 22 by BRO. BOND "and the doors of the church were opened and one member was received, and baptised, to wit; BRO. JESSE SANDERS, and the right hand of fellowship was extended to him and the meeting was dismissed with solemnity. Nov. 24th 1848 By BRO. ISAAC MUSE from Isiah 3rd chapter and 8th verse "and an highway shall be called the way of holiness the unclean shall not pass over it but it shall be for those the wayfaring men-- Though fools shall not enter therein". Nov. 25th By BRO. MUSE - Solomns songs - 1st chapter and 8 and 9th verses. "If thou knowest not & thou fairest amongst women go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flocks; and feed thy kids beside the shepherds tents. I have compared thee and my love to a company of horses in paradise, chariots." Dec. 23rd 1848 BRO. BELTON preached from Hebrews, the 11th chapter and 6th verse, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is rewarded of them that diligently seek him; after meeting the church went into conference. A contribution was taken up--for the purpose of support of the Gospel, 7 dollars was paid in; BRO. HENNIS $2.00 BRO. B. L. LEA 2.00 " CORE 3.00 BRO. MUSE asked for letters for himself and wife and was granted by the church. Bro. BELTON MODERATOR B. L. LEA, apt. clerk The Baptist Church of Christ; SHARON, To the Eastern La. Baptist Association: holding its meeting with Bluff Creek church; parish of feliciana, State of Louisiana. Report as follows, to wit: Aug. 24th 1848--Delegates: BRO. DAN'L EDWARDS, ISAAC MUSE-- Alternate, ISAAC HENNESY. WHITES............. 23 Blacks 2 By baptism ........ 1 Died 1 By letter ......... 11 Remains as 1 35 per report 1849 Excluded .......... 1 Total Whites 34 Died .............. 1 33 Remain 33 on the 22nd Sept; 1849--as per report made to the association by Delegates; BENJAMIN LEA, ISAAC HENNESY, JESSE SANDERS. Nearest Post Office, SIBILI, Wash. Parish. Supply none. 1851 - Brought down whites ; Blacks 1. By Baptism 33 1 _____ Sept, 1851 34 1849 Conference of Sunday 25th February, Bro. BELTON apted moderator--BRO. SCARLE appointed clerk-protem; Read a letter presented by BRO. BELTON from ANTIOIC Church-- dated 10 Nov. 1846, signed by David RAY, SEC. WM. GILHAM moderator, this letter was dictated in the usual form of a church letter the church represented to be a missionary Baptist church. Moved and 2nd that BRO. BELTON be appointed to fill the vacancy in the church, and be its supply for 1849, to preach each 4th Lords day, each month. The question being put the congregation, for all in its favor to signify it by rising from their seats-- Congregation and the bretheren and the Sisters rose to their feet and Bro. BELTON was accepted. When Bro. Belton appointed the 4th Sunday in March for service, being moved and seconded the congregation be dismissed. SUNDAY 25th; BRO. BELTON took his text from the 29th Chapter and 30th verse of the book of Romans. AUGUST 25th Discourse by BRO. BENJAMIN L. LEA from Proverbs, 27th Chapter and 20th verse, "Hell and destruction are never full so the eyes of man are never satisfied". BRO. HENNESY Moderator; the church went into conference and BRO. HENNESY & JESSE SANDERS were chosen delegates to the Association; and BRO. BENJAMIN L. LEA, the alternate; after which a subscription was taken up for the Association; Brother subscribed: ............ 25 cents (SUFENFEFED)? Bro. BENJAMIN L. LEA ........... 50 " " JAMES LEA ........... 20 " Sister GEORGE HUGHES ........... 25 " Bro. JESSE SANDERS ............. 25 " Bro. HENNESY ................... 50 " Bro. EDWARDS ................... 50 " SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd, 1849 Sermon by Bro PENNINGTON, Luke the 32nd Chapter, 32nd verse "Fear not little flock for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sermon by Bro. Lea 6th Chapter and 3rd verse of Nehmiah, "And I sent messengers unto them saying I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down why should the work cease." After which the church went into conference BRO. PENNINGTON in the chair. A letter to the Association and it was read and approved. SATURDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 1850 Divine service commenced by BRO. JESSE CRAWFORD, agreeably officiating and by previous appointment. Sang a hymn, prayer to God- Sang a hymn, BRO. CRAWFORD after having recapitulated various and important everyday duties, and constant duties of the followers of Christ--to wit: "To love the Lord with all thy heart, mind and strength, and thy neighbor as thy-self, etc. etc." gave as a text the 6th Chapter of Pauls letter to the Corinthians, and 22nd verse. After a lengthy sermon which was attentively listened to by all present--concluded and went to prayer-Sang a hymn- opened the doors of the church for the admission of any who felt a desire through duty, to join the church; during which a hymn was sung and before coming to the last verse, MRS. ELIZA EDWARDS came forward and related her personal experience, which being approved of and there being no objection made her admission--The right hand of fellowship was given by all the brothers and sisters--her immersion was put off until tomorrow. The last verse of the hymn was now sung, and no one presenting, the opportunity for the day was closed. Fifteen minutes intermission was given, and on returning, this to the meeting house, church conference was held; BRO. JESSE CRAWFORD, moderator--BRO. BENJAMIN LEA moved, that the clerk prepare that annual for the church to the association, & produce same tomorrow for its reading--approved by the church, seconded by BRO. GEORGE MIXON: ascented to, BRO. BENJAMIN LEA moved Bro. ENNIS seconded that a supply be balloted on for the church, for a preacher for the year of 1851--ascented to. Upon balloting--the unamanious vote was for BRO. JESSE CRAWFORD-- which after being approved by all the congregation, BRO. CRAWFORD rose and said, "that he had five churches under his care, and had 33 churches to visit, in the Dist. of the association; And other pastoral duties in the circuit as circumstances might present-- Those duties filled his time--He was apprehensive, should he accept, and accept the care of this church, his special duties aforesaid might prevent his properly attending, therefore for the present he must decline giving his consent thereto until further consideration. BRO. JACOB CORE and BRO. GEORGE MIXON were duly elected delegates for this church to the Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association, in October next, and BRO. BENJAMIN LEA alternate. BRO. EDWARDS moved, BRO. ENNIS, seconded, that the conference be dismissed, which being ascented to was accordingly dismissed. Preaching to commence tomorrow at 11 A.M. A collection was made to hand to the association; viz; JOHN SCARLE.............20 cents DANIEL EDWARDS.......$1.00 ISAAC HENNESY...........40 JAMES LEA...............50 GEORGE MIXON............15 MARY ANN LESTER.........25 CLARISSA BAILEY.........25 JACOB CORE..............50 JOHN FISHER.............20 BENJAMIN LEA............50 ______ $4.00 Conference at SHARON Sunday 20th April, 1851 Moved and seconded that Bro. Benjamin LEA be moderator, BRO. SCARLE be appointed clerk, protem for and during the conference, carried; unanimously adopted. Moved and seconded that the church meet again the third Sabbath day in May--next, and Saturday before--approved. Moved and seconded that the clerk prepare and write a letter to BROTHER A. PENNINGTON, to be present with us at our next meeting in May, and respectfully solicit his attendance, and direct the letter to him at DENNIS MILLS, LA by mail. Adjourned. BRO. BENJAMIN LEA, during about two hours exhorted with zeal and vehemenance and feeling--the congregation consisting of about 50 women and children, and about 30 men. JOHN SCARLE, clk, protem Wash. Parish; La 25th April 1851 The Church of Sharon To The Rev. A. Pennington Dearly Beloved Brother: A meeting of the members of the church on Lords day the 20th of this month, it was resolved that on the 18th May next, being the third Sunday in that month, and the Saturday before, this church should meet and that some one should bread the bread of life to them, viz, the word of God. Their thoughts naturally dwelt upon you, and the clerk on the part of the conference was ordered to write to you, respectfully and request your attendance on the occasion. Dear Brother, this I do most cheerfully and readily, and I impart to you that not only themselves of the church proper --but the congregation at large, would feel gratified and pleased, that you could make it a point, if you posssibly can, to attend this their intended meeting. In wending your way thither, it is almost superfluous to say, that all doors are open to receive and entertain you. The humble dwelling of the writer of this is right upon the public Covington Road, about one mile and three quarters from the meeting house, is five miles down the road from Mr. Nicholas Edwards, and three and a half from his Fathers, MR. DANIEL EDWARDS, upon the public Covington Road. Should you deem fit to favor him with a call you are welcome, and if so, you will meet with his accustomed hospitality. by order of the church-- BENJAMIN LEA, Moderator JOHN SCARLE, CLERK, PROTEM CHURCH OF SHARON MAY 18th 1851 BROTHER LEA preached from Pauls first epistle to the Corinthians, 5th Chapter; 19th verse--After which the church went into conference. Brother Lea in the chair; On motion BRO. BENJAMIN LEA was chosen moderator only when an ordained minister was not present. May 19th 1851 SABBATH BRO. BENJAMIN LEA preached--from Matthew 10th chapter, 26th verse. SATURDAY, JUNE, 15th 1851 Conference BRO. DANIEL EDWARDS tendered his resignation of office as clerk, which was accepted. BRO. EDWARDS moved that Bro. John SCARLE be appointed clerk. Seconded by BRO. OLIPHANT--and unanimously carried. Moved and seconded that the conference be dismissed. Bro. Lea preached-- from the 4th Chapter, 81st verse Hagai, congregation about 16 men women and children. Meeting again tomorrow--next meeting to be the 5th Sunday and day before in the month of June. JUNE 28TH, 1851 SATURDAY Conference = Nothing material done; clerk not present. SUNDAY, 29th JUNE 1851 Preaching by Bro. PENNINGTON ----------------------------- Preaching by BRO. LEA " by BRO. PENNINGTON Opened doors of the church--no one presented ---------------------------- JULY, 26th SATURDAY Conference--moved and seconded that a committee be appointed to wait upon BRO. RHEUBEN YARBOR--to enquire into the cause of his absence from conference and church meetings--etc, etc, seconded and adopted. Committee BROS. BENJAMIN B. LEA & HENNESY. Preaching by Bro. Pennington ----------------------------- JULY 27th, 1851 Preaching by Bro. Pennington " " " Lea JULY 27--doors of church opened and received by conversion-- "SPARKS" who was duly baptised in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. ************* SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27th - 1851 Conference Received the report of the committee--to see BRO. REUBEN YARBOR-- Bro. YARBOR showed that he was sorry for past conduct and wished to remain in the church--and it was granted, moved and seconded that Bro. Benjamin Lea & Jacob Core be the Delegates to the Eastern La. Association; and Bro. G. Mixon, alternate. ------------------ NOV. 22nd 1851 After preaching by D. CHANY and A. PENNINGTON, the church went into conference. References was called for, the committee discharged. A second comm. was appointed to see BRO. MAPES. BRO. BENJAMIN L. LEA, & BRO. G. MIXON was appointed as this committee. A petition was presented from ENON CHURCH to have Bro. B. L. LEA ordained, which was received and committee appointed to visit Bretheren I. CRAWFORD, and C. MAGEE, and invite them to attend at our next meeting as a possibility for the purpose above mentioned, done by order of conference, agreeable to the date above. A. PENNINGTON Mod. B. L. LEA...Clk. protem ----------------------- March 27th 1852 Preaching by Bro. B. L. LEA---from Luke 8, Chapter and 4th verse; conference; references was called for and the committee Bro. B. L. LEA, reported that himself and Bro. GEORGE MIXON had seen BRO. THOMAS MAPES, and talked with him about absenting himself from conference and church and that BRO. MAPES said that he would come and exclude himself from the church, or that he thought he would do so, but told no cause why. B. L. LEA Moderator JAMES T. LEA, clerk THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SHARON: In the Parish of WASHINGTON, LA: To The Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association; holding its annual meeting with the AMITE CHURCH, LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA. Beloved Bretheren, the Lord Jesus Christ-- We send this by our beloved bretheren BENJAMIN LEA AND JACOB CORE, GEORGE MIXON, Alternate who we pray you receive as delegates from this Church, and allow them a seat in counsel, and Deliberations; in your present annual meeting. We have but one addition to our church since last Association term. An account is herewith of the State of the church etc. We pray God that Blessings may attend your meeting, Done in conference Saturday 27th September 1851. BENJAMIN LEA Moderator JOHN SCARLE Church Clerk Time of meeting 4th Sabbath & day before each month. Number of members ................ 21 White ............................ 33 By baptism .................... 1 ____ BLACKS .. 1 34 Nearest Post Office SIBILI Parish of WASHINGTON, LA. Supply ........... A. PENNINGTON SATURDAY - April 24th 1852 Preaching by Bro. BENJAMIN L. LEA: From Luke the 6th Chapter, 25th and 24th verses. The church went into conference and the case of Bro. T. MAPES was laid over. THE CHURCH OF SHARON.....SATURDAY JUNE 26th, 1852 Bro. B. L. LEA, preached, after preaching the church went into conference; References called for and the clerk being absent the case of BRO. THOMAS MAPES was brought up and he was excluded in consequence of violation, and absence. JAMES T. LEA clerk SATURDAY, JULY 24th, 1852 The church set in conference - References were called for - the church appointed Bro. B. L. LEA as a committee to see BRO. JOHN CORE, And enquire into the cause of his non attendance and invite him to attend with us at our SEPTEMBER MEETING: the church also appointed delegates to attend the Association. And the clerk to write the letter. Sept. 26th 1852 The church set in conference - References were called for - the letter to the association was read and approved. As follows, the visit to JOHN CORE is not returned yet. The Baptist Church of Christ at Sharon Saturday Dec. 25, 1852 Preaching by Brother Lea The church set in conference, references were called for Brother Isaac Hennesy made his report to the Church of requesting an ordained minister to attend with us in the year 53 in which he failed. Which report was received and the committee discharged. Brother B. L. Lea was called by the church to supply Sharon for the year 53. Moved and seconded that a committee be appointed to visit Brother Cullen Sanders to cite him to attend this church with regard to a charge against him for Drunkenness. Moved and seconded that Brother Jacob Core and Bro. Oliphant be appointed a committee to see brother John Core with regard to his total absence from this Church, it is also a request for all reports to be returned at our next conference on the fourth Lords day and day before in January -53 s/J. T. Lea, Church Clk The Church of Sharon Brethren through the tender mercies of our heavenly Father we are spared to see the return of our annual meeting and although we have nothing to communicate to you of interest as to our growth in spiritual matters yet our trust still abides in him who alone in this age of spiritual devotion can restore the joys of his salvation by permitting the ever shining showers of his grace to fall upon us we have the labours of our beloved Brother Benj. L. Lea who is Licensed by this Church who we hope God will make the means of doing much good in this section of the Country for we are destitute of the labours of an ordained minister done by order of conference this 24 July 1852 A. Pennington Mod. James T. Lea Clk Name of Delegates Contribution Benjamin L. Lea D. Edwards $1.00 Isaac Henesy J. T. Lea 1.00 Elisha Parks Alt. B. L. Lea 1.00 Isaac Henesy .50 J. Core .50 Mary Hughes .25 Jesse Sanders .20 George Mixon .50 Elisha Parks .50 $5.50 Saturday Jan. 23 1853 Preaching by Brother B. L. Lea after which the Church assembled in conference received the report of Brother George Mixon as one of the Committee to visit Broth. Cullin Sanders and Broth. Mixon discharged the case of Broth. Sanders, laid over until February the 27-53: moved and seconded for dismission. s/ James T. Lea Clk Saturday March the 26 - 53 This day the Church met in conference the case of brother Cullin Sanders was laid over until the Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in April the committee who were appointed to visit Brother John Core made their report the contents of which was they obtained no satisfaction from the brother only he was in bad health and had a bad chance to come, it being a considerable distance no other charge only absence from Church, the case is therefore laid over until further information. s/ J. T. Lea, Clk Saturday April the 23-53 This day the church set in conference there was a committee appointed to visit Brother Rhuben Yarborough and cite him to trial by our next meeting on the 4th Saturday before the 4th Sunday in May for his bad conduct and absence from Church the case of bro. Cullin Sanders was again laid over until May the 21- 53 Saturday May the 21st-53 The Church set in conference the report of brother Yarborough was laid over on account of the committee not attending and failing to make a full report the same committee was continued and requested to visit him before the June meeting, committee E. Parks & J. T. Lea the case of brother Cullin Sanders still laid over until the June meeting the Saturday before the fourth Lords day in June 1853. s/ James T. Lea, Clk June the 25-1853 Preaching by brother B. L. Lea after preaching the members convened in conference and the business of the day consisted of a charge against Old Brother Cullin Sanders for Drunkenness and swearing and also for expressing himself not to be of the baptist faith and order to the committee when visited, he was therefore with pain dismissed from our body: the committe to Brother Sanders were Brother G. Mixon and Brother Jess Sanders second also a charge against Brother Rheuben Yarborough for drinking swearing and gambling the committee who visited him were J. T. Lea and E. Parks they brought in their report this day and it was received and Brother Yarborough was dismissed from our body with pain to the members and also for a long absence from our Church. He had been visited a third time and admonished to return to the Church and sustain his membership and he would not. s/James T. Lea, Church Clerk Saturday Sept the 24-1853: Preaching by Brother B. L. Lea after which the church convened in conference elected and appointed Delegates to the association who were Jacob Core, E. Parks and J. T. Lea in case of failure. the clk was requested to prepare a letter to be read on Sunday the 25 Sept. 1853 the contribution was made up as follows B. L. Lea $1.00 J. T. Lea 1.00 D. Edwards 1.00 J. Core 1.00 Isaac Hennesy .50 E. Parks .50 M. Hughes .25 W. Brown .25 James Oliphant .50 After which the Church granted Brother B. L. Lea and Sister Samantha Lea their letters in fellowship with this church it is ordered by conference that the delegates be a committee to endeavor to obtain a supply for the insuing year done by order of conference on this the 24 day of Sept. A.D. 1853 s/James T. Lea, Clk The Baptist Church of Sharon Saturday October the 22 A.D. 1853 Preaching by Brother Benj. L. Lea after which the Church convened in conference --Brother A. Pennington was called by this church for a supply for the year of our Lord 1854 by a unanimous vote of all the members present. The clerk is requested to send brother Pennington a letter informing him of the call of the Church as soon as possible After which Brother Elisha Parks was granted a letter to be prepared by the clerk whenever called for providing he does not settle in reach of this Church Done by order of conference this the 22 day of Oct. A.D. 1853. s/James T. Lea, Clk. Saturday 1st July 1854 Preaching by Brother Jesse Crawford after which the privilege of the Church was extended and one dear Sister was received in good faith after which the Church convened in conference. Chused their delegates to go to the association this being all the meeting that has been at this Church this year and no expectation of another this side of the association, resolved that mention be made in our letter to the association of the distitution of our Church. Our Delegates to the association are Brother James T. Lea and Brother Elisha Parks, Brother Isaac Henesy and Brother Jacob Core as Alternates. On Sunday the priviledges of the Church was extended and there was another Dear Sister came forward and made a manifestation of her faith, invitation for mourners was heard out and there was many came forward with warm and wishful desires after which we assembled at the water and after a warm and feeling exortation delivered by Brother Crawford the ordinance of baptism was attended to after which the congregation was dismissed. s/J. T. Lea, Clk Saturday September the 9-1854 Preaching by Brother Gabriel Mullins after which the Church assembled in conference the letter to the Eastern Louisiana Association was read as follows and approved. Saturday September 9, 1854 Preaching by Brother G. Mullins after which the Church convened in conference the letter to the association was read and approved. s/Daniel Edwards, Clerk pro tem September the 9, 1854 The Baptist Church of Christ at Sharon in the Parish of Washington, La., to the Eastern Louisiana Baptist association held with the Kedron Church Livingston Parish, La., commencing on Saturday before the second Lords day in Oct. 1854 Greeting Dearly beloved Brethern, we rejoice to have it again in our power to send to you our beloved brethern E. Parks and Jas. T. Lea as delegates from this Church to set with you and take a part in your deliberations. Brehtren we have been destitute of the service of any minister this year one meeting appointed and by Brother Jesse Crawford the 1st & 2 days of July in the close of which he Baptised two we have used every exertion in our power and we are yet destitute. May the grace of God and the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ rest and remain with you in your association is our prair. Thus done by orders of conference this the 1st day of July-1854 Jesse Crawford, Moderator J. T. Lea, Church Clk. Names of delegates J. T. Lea E. Parks Alternates Isaac Hennesy Jacob Core The State of our Church is as follows. There has been two Baptised this year none restored, none Received by letter, dismissed by letter 2 excluded none, dead none our number of members consists of twenty eight. We send you a contribution of $4.25, we want twenty copies of your minutes. Saturday April the 14, 1855 The church at Sharon convened preaching by Brother Jesse Crawford a long and serious sermon with an attentive congregation after which the church held conference: the report of Brother Hennesy was received and the committee discharged. Brother Hennesy and Brother E. Parks being appointed a committee to see brother Calvin Magee and inform him the church had called him for a supply for the year -55. The Church called Brother Crawford to supply them for the ballance of the year and he is to answer their call on the next day, moved and seconded for a dismission meet on the Sabbath at the hour of 11 o'clock. s/Jesse Crawford, Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clk. Saturday May the 19-1855 Preaching by Brother Jesse Crawford with the Church at Sharon on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with a serious and attentive congregation each day. On Sunday the 20 day of May there was a Black sister came forward and made her love manifest for God and his people and was Baptised on Monday, the 21st day of May 1855 s/James T. Lea, Clk. Saturday June the 16-1855 Preaching by Elder Jesse Crawford with the Church at Sharon to a well ordered congregation no Conference. Meeting to commence on Sunday at the hour of 11 o'clock to a large and attentive congregation in the close of which there was three dear young sisters came forward and told that God had been precious to their souls manys a tear was shed meeting continued on Monday the 18 on which days Baptism will be administered. Monday June the 18 a feeling and lengthy Sermon was preached to an attentive congregation after; and in the close of which a farewell hymn was sung and the Church and congregation joined their hands and we hope their hearts with Brother Crawford in prair after which the door of the Church was opened and another Dear Sister came forward and told that the Lord had been good to her and she felt a hope that God for Christ sake had pardoned her sins then retired to the water and after a feeling exortation at the water side the four sisters were buried with Christ by Baptism. Saturday August the 4 1855 Preaching with the Church at Sharon by Brother Isaac Crawford after which the Church held a conference by a move and second. Deligates were appointed to attend the association Brother James T. Lea and brother Isaac Hennesy were appointed to attend the association; the Church requires 30 minutes of copies of the association moved and seconded at the next meeting the Church make up their contribution to send to the association moved and seconded that the clerk prepare the letter for the association by next meeting to be had and adopted or rejected. s/Jesse Crawford, Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clerk The Church at Sharon August 5, 1855 Sunday August the 5-1855 Brother B. L. Lea and Brother Crawford preached to a Large and well ordered congregation in the close of which there was ten dear sisters came forward and told that God had been good to them and put Christ on by public profesion a feeling exortation was delivered after which the ordinance of baptism was attended to. s/Jesse Crawford, Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clerk September the 15-1855 Preaching by brother William Allen after which the church held a conference. a collection was made for a contribution to send to the association there being $5.00 received and one member received by letter the church was dismissed this being the meeting appointed for the reading and adopting of the letter to the association the Clerk being absent and not having presented the letter it was postponed until the Sabbeth Sunday Sept. the 16, 1855. The letter was read and adopted and the Church conveined and was dismissed this the 16 day of Sept. A.D. 1855. s/W. B. Allen Mod. s/James T. Lea, Clk Sharon Church August 4, 1855 To the Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association Holding Cession with the Mount Pisga Church W. Parish, La. Commencing on Saturday before the second lords day in Oct. 1855 Greeting: Dearly Beloved Brethern, we rejoice to have it again in our power to send to you our best thru Isaac Hennesy and James T. Lea a deligate from this church whom we deem worthy to sit with you and take a part in your deliberations: We are happy to say to you that our Church has prospered a little this year since the 14 of April. Brother Crawford has laboured with us and since that time he has baptised seven members with us. We desire and interest in your praise for the prosperity of our church. Respectfully thus done by order of conference this the 4 day of August A.D. 1855 s/J. Crawford, Mod. s/James T. Lea, Clk. Names of delegates Isaac Hennesy J. T. Lea Statisticks Received by baptism 7, restored none, received by letter none: dismissed by letter none, excluded none; dead none; number 35 We send you a contribution $5.00; and want 25 copies of your minutes. Sharon Church Nov. 17, 1855 Saturday, Nov. the 17, 1855 A meeting began and held by A. Pennington and Sabbath Brother Isaac Crawford attended meeting continued on Monday in the close of which Andrew Holton came forward and gave in his experiance, was received and is to be baptised on Saturday before the second lords day in Dec. 7th 1855. s/J. T. Lea, Church Clk Friday Dec. the 7-1855 Jesse Crawford preached to a well ordered congregation at Sharon Church in the close of which many came forward and gave their hands in testimony of joining in praise after which the Church conveigned in conference called their supply. The unanimous call was for Jesse Crawford made a collection on compensation for thier supply during the present season collected and paid in the sum of $20.50 s/Jacob Core paid 3 $5.00 yet to be paid in one S no potion Friday December the 8-1856 preaching by Jesse Crawford at Sharon Church in the close of which there were two dear young sisters came forward and united with the Church and told what great things the Lord had done for them to be baptised on the second sabbath or day before in March -56 Meeting continued on Saturday and Sunday by Brother B. L. Lea and was a warm and affectionate congregation on both days with waiting eyes and prayerful attention. Saturday March the 8-1856 The Reverand Jesse Crawford moderator, it was moved and seconded that the Second Lords day in May be a day of communion with Sharon Church to partake of the Lords's Supper. Moved and Seconded that the rules of decorium be read publicly on that day and at the Friday meeting in April there be a Church fund made up to the treasurer. Sunday March the 9 Baptised three young sisters with a feeling and attentive Congregation, also received by letter one old sister from Pisga s/Jesse Crawford Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clk. Saturday May 10th, 1856 Sharon Church preaching by the Rev. Jesse Crawford on Sunday the 11 May a feeling and lengthy sermon was delivered by Broth. Crawford after which the privileges of the Church was extended and five dear young converts were recd. on confession of their faith and that humble hope beyond the grave. Sharon Church Friday June the 6, 1856 Service was opened by Brother Isaac Hennesy with singing and prair after which a lengthy sermon was delived by the Reverand Jesse Crawford at the close the privileges of the Church was extended, Received John W. Parker into fellowship baptism and T. R. Hobgood and Rachael Hobgood his wife by letter then retire to the water and administer baptism to brother Parker and 5 young sisters that were received in May no conference s/J. T. Lea, C. clerk Sharon Church August the 9-1856 Meeting at Sharon Church a disappointment no minister on Saturday the church members convened in conference chose Brother Isaac Hennesy, Mod. after which the Art. of faith and rules of decorum were read the church then elected their delegates who were Bro. Jacob Core & Bro. John W. Parker, Brother E. Parks alternate. A collection and contribution as follows: Daniel Edwards $1.00 James Hennesy $ .25 Calvin Hughes .50 John W. Parker .50 Jacob Core 1.00 Isaac Hennesy .50 Jesse Sanders .50 Andrew Holton .50 James Oliphant .25 James T. Lea .50 E. Parks .50 2.25 3.75 3.75 6.00 Resolved that we spend $3.00 for Association purposes and $3.00 for Missionary purposes. s/Isaac Hennesy Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clk Sharon Church Saturday Oct. 11, 1856 The association convened with the Sharon Church Introductory sermon preached by Wm. B. Allen service was delivered on Monday also in the close Brother Crawford extended the privalege of the Church and our Sister Adeline Webb presented a letter from Shill Creek Church was received and the right hand of fellowship was extended. Saturday Dec. the 15, 1856 Preaching by Brother Isaac Crawford in the close of which the Church convened in conference. Called Brother Jesse Crawford for a supply for 1857 and to receive an answer from him Saturday before the second Sunday in Jan 57 following, made up a contribution for the past years service as follows: Isaac Hennesy $3.00 J. Hennesy .50 A. Holton 3.00 Jacob Core 3.00 D. Edwards 4.00 J. T. Lea 3.00 E. Parks 1.50 Francis Lea .50 Mary Holton 1.00 Levi Bell 1.00 Mary Hughes 1.00 Robert Hobgood 1.00 Nancy Bell .50 26.50 Sunday Dec. the 17, 1856 Baptised Brother Robert Givens who was received the meeting before. Sharon Church W. Parish, La. May the 9, 1857 An interesting sermon was preached by brother Jesse Crawford in the close of which there were two young men came forward gave in their experience of grace, and was received as members of Sharon Church and the Right hand of fellowship extend to them both who were Samuel Givins John Holton A charge was then brought before the church of Brother Oliphant allowing frolicking in his house, case was looked into and the brother examined the crime was all laid on his children, they being over grown and had possession of the place the brother was exempted from the charge and forgiven for the transgression. Sharon Church, Wash. Parish, La. August the 8, 1857 Preaching by Jesse Crawford. after which the church set in conference refferences called for these being none Delegates were chosen to attend the association. The contribution made up $3.00 and $ for the missionary fund. Sept the 5, 1857 The members of Sharon Church convened in Conference after prair by Brother Hennesy the Church called a Supply for 1858 the unanimous vote was for Brother Benj. L. Lea after which were dismissed. Dec. the 12, 1857 Preaching at Sharon by brother B. L. Lea after which the Church convened and made up their contribution to their Supply J. Crawford for the paist year contribution as follows: Jacob Core $2.50 Eliza Edwards 2.50 Elisha Parks 1.00 John Holton .50 James Hennesy 1.00 Samuel Givens .50 A. Holton 2.00 Isaac Hennesy 2.00 Robert Givens .50 $12.50 Jan. the 9, 1858 Preaching at Sharon by Brother B. L. Lea after which the church convened in conference and brother Isaac Hennesy made a confession to the church for a transgression and was forgiven. s/B. L. Lea, Mod s/J. T. Lea, Clk May the 9, 1858 A social and interesting meeting at Sharon Church held by Brother B. L. Lea in the close of the meeting the church doors were opened for the reception of members one candidate presented himself and was received Booth C. L. Peak who is to be Baptised on Saturday before the second Sabbath in June error on Sunday the 13 day of June s/B. L. Lea, Mod. s/James L. Lea, Clk June the 12-1858 A social and lovely warm meeting at the Sharon Church; on the Sabbath on dear Sister presented her self and was received the wife of Brother C. L. Peak who was Baptised the same evening after the reception of his companion to either with Sister Frances Core who gave in at a meeting near Brother Cores house where there is no Church she was received and was baptised in Sharon Church Received on the 12 and Baptised on the 13. s/B. L. Lea, Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clk August the 7, 1858 Preaching at Sharon by brother B. L. Lea in the close of which Isaac Hennesy came forward gave in to the Church and was received. The Church then convened in conference, elected delegates to the association James T. Lea and E. Parks are the delegates elect, John Parker and A. Holton alternates agreed to send $3.50 to the association and as much as we could to the missionary fund. 2d Brother Jacob Core called for a letter for himself his companion and his Daughter Frances for the purpose of Organizing a Church nearer him. 3d The Church next took into consideration what to do with the Church in consequence of the Land being entered on which the Church Stood and refused having been made to give the Church a title to any land on which it stood, a vote was cast whether to move the church or not, the vote for moving gained by a considerable majority. A proposition having been made by J. T. Lea to give as much land as they wanted and a title to the same if was needed 10 acres where there was a house all ready built at good water and well situated on Tchefuncta near a bridge which is near James Welches and James Lea's the vote for that house was a considerable majority. 4th Next made a collection to send to the association eight dollars was subscribed Collection for the association Jacob Core $1.00 D. Edwards 1.00 Isaac Hennesy 1.00 H. Holton 1.00 James Lea 1.00 John Parker .50 Hoobgood, T. R. .50 Wm. Brown .50 Samuel Givens .50 Robert Givens .50 Francis Lea .50 moved and seconded for a dismissal Sept. the 28, 1858 Preaching at Sharon by Brother B. L. Lea at Sharon after which the Church convened in conference. A move was made to reconsider the act that was passed in the conference the meeting before with regard to moving the church. Sister Mary Hughes consenting to give land to the church for it to remain where it was, After a reconsideration the conclusion was to remain at the old stand the clerk having forgotten the letter it is to be read and adopted on the morrow. Sister Mary Hughes returned her letter which was taken from the church some years ago for her husband Brother George Hughes and her self and stated it had been mislaid a part of the time and that she did not know that it made any difference whether it was returned or not. Moved and seconded for a dismissal and were dismissed. s/James T. Lea, Clk s/B. L. Lea, Mod. Saturday Nov. the 12 A meeting began and held at Sharon Church by Brother B. L. Lea after meeting the priveliege of the Church was extended Sister Elize Sanders, presented a letter from Mount Nebo which was received and the right hand of fellowship extended no conference, were then dismissed s/B. L. Lea, Mod. s/J. T. Lea, Clk on Monday the 14 Baptism was administered to a young Brother, James Vining who had given his experience to the Church at that meeting. In Sept. the 12, 1858 was received not being prepared was not baptized untill this day one meeting being disappointed in consequence of the Association. s/J. T. Lea, Clk Dec. the 12, 1858 Preaching at Sharon by the Brethern Vining and B. L. Lea on the Sabbath after which the Church convened in conference in consequence of being disappointed on Saturday by the rain, concluded to call a conference on Sunday for the purpose of calling a minister and also paid over their compensation to Brother Lea for his Ministerial Services with Sharon Church the past year 1858 paid over twenty dollars 50/100. Six dollars not paid the balance paid of business. Laid over till next conference. s/J. T. Lea, Clk Saturday January 29, 1859 Meeting at Sharon failing to have the aid of their minister collected what members they could and Sister Mary Hughes proposed for them to go down to her house and she would pass the deed of land to the Church which is as follows, to wit: State of Louisiana, Parish of St. Tamany, January the 29 1859 Know all men by these presents that I Mary Hughes of the State and Parish aforesaid have this day granted to Sharon Church four acres of land in the Parish of Washington situated on the east side of the Chapapela Creek just below the mouth of a branch known as Black Branch, in the north east quarter of Section No. 5, in Township No. 4 South of Range No. 9 East Said land is to contain the house where it now stands and the watering place on the branch to have and to hold to the said Church forever. And this shall be a full quanty against all claims liens mortgages or incumbrances whatever: Whereunto I have this day signed my name officially together with John W. Parker and Andrew Holton as witnesses. Witness: her s/John W. Parker Mary X Hughes s/Andrew Holton mark Saturday February the 18, 1859 Meeting at Sharon Church preaching by the Brethern H. Jenkins and B. L. Lea After which the Church convened in conference appointed next meeting for the choice of an assistant deacon: Concluded to start a subscription to make up money for the repair of the church house. s/J. T. Lea, clk Saturday March 12, 1859 Sharon Church Preaching by Brother B. L. Lea after service the Church convened in conference the Clerk being absent brother John W. Parker was appointed Clk protem on motion of Brother Isaac Hennesy elected an assistant Deacon Brother James T. Lea being the choice then appointed the Brethern Isaac Hennesy, Jesse Sanders, Andrew Holton & John W. Parker a committee to invite Ordained Ministers to ordain the Deacon as soon as possible. Next appointed the Brethern Andrew Holton, Isaac Hennesy, Jesse Sanders, John W. Parker, J. T. Lea & J. R. Givens a committee to examine the Church House and see what repairs is necessary to be made and make their report at our next meeting. J. T. Lee, C. Clerk April 1, 1859 Preaching by Bro. B. L. Lea; The church then commenced in conference; Report was made of the house; and Report was received and committee discharged, the work was then cried off to the last and lowest bidder by T. L. Lea and ANDREW HOLTON, became the purchaser at the price of $110.00 dollars then dismissed and posted for house. T. L. Lea, Clerk Saturday July 9, 1859 Meeting at Sharon Church, preaching by Bro. B. L. LEA, the church then convened in conference a small amount of money was made up for a church fund to defray expenses of the church, after which there was a general confusion of the bretheren with regard to disorder, by conduct, general satisfaction was restored and appeared to be a warm feeling and excitement of Brotherly love then considered what to do about the repair of the Church house, the funds not being made sufficient to pay the expense, the matter then put before the church and was voted down to begin anew after which the bretheren and sisters joined in a comment of praise then dismissed, to return home. James T. Lea, Clerk B. L. Lea, Moderator Saturday August 6, 1859 The church at Sharon met, preaching by the bretheren J. T. POUNDS, and B. L. LEA. after which convened in conference. Elected delegates to attend the Assn, J. T. LEA, and A. HOLTON, were chosen, appointed next meeting to make up a contribution, a resolution offered by B. A. POUNDS, for the church to send up to the Assn. a request and what they are willing to pay for a traveling minister the next year; appointed the next day to ordain J. T. LEA, as a deacon for this church an able sermon delivered by BRO. POUNDS, after which the ordination was attended to. Sun. Aug. 7, 1859 J. T. LEA: Clerk --------------- Aug. 6, 1859 The resolution offered by Brother POUNDS, for a traveling minister was subscribed to be the Bretheren to wit: James T. Lea ..........3.00 James Hennessy Jr. ....1.00 Elisher Parks 1.00 A. Holton 1.00 J. W. Parker 1.00 Martin V. Hughes 1.00 Isaac Hennessey Sr. 1.00 Oct. 8th, 1859, this resolution was approved. Oct. 8, 1859 Sharon Church convened in conference after preaching by B. L. LEA, appointed bro. JESSE SANDERS a delegate in the room of Bro. J. T. LEA, on account of his not being able to go. ISAAC HENNESSEY JR. Alternate, then held a consultation with regard to a resolution offered to the church, by Bro. J. T. POUNDS, with regard to petitioning the assn. to send out a traveling missionary to preach the whole year; after consulting the matter, concluded to drop it and the above resolution was appealed. James T. Lea, Clk B. L. Lea, Moderator Sat. 25th, 1860 Sharon Church, W. P. LEWIS Administering; Service; by Bro. B. L. LEA; after which the priviledge of the church was extended, no person presenting themselves the meeting was closed, being but few of the members present, conference was put off until next meeting. James T. Lea, Clk B. L. Lea, Moderator April 22, 1860 Sharon Church, La. Service was administered by Bro. B. L. LEA. Conference but in the close of the service which was a sermon in Rememberance of the death of Wm. Fenflason his widow and A. J. COX, came forward and offered their experience of grace which was received and the right hand of fellowship extended to them. James T. Lea, Clerk Sunday May 27th - 1860 Preaching at Sharon by Bro. B. L. LEA, after service the ordinance of Baptism was administered to Sister Findleson and A. J. Cox. June 22, 1860 Sharon Church, Wash. Parish The congregation assembled having no minister present the church went into conference, On motion Bro. T. L. Lea, was appointed moderator. Bro. Lea wishing to resign his clerkship, the church went on to elect a clerk, John W. Parker was elected, two members refusing to vote. A letter was called for for Daniel Gaines, by Bro. Hennessey, tho being out of order having not attended our conference, the letter was not granted. Bro. T. L. Lea was appointed to cite the Bro. to attend our conference. Charges: Bro. C. Peak, charged with getting drunk and swearing. Bro. T. L. Lea, Isaac Hennesey appointed to cite him to attend conf. our next, to answer the charge. Bro. John Holton, charged with swearing; Bro. John Parker and Isaac Hennesy appt. to cite him to attend conf. (Report recd. and committee discharged.) Bro. Samuel Givens charged with quarreling; The Bro. being present stated the case said he was sorry, is dismissed & the Brother forgiven. On motion of the clerk the conference was dismissed; sang a hymn prayer by Bro. Isaac Hennesy, Sr. The congregation was dismissed. J. T. Lea Moderator John W. Parker, clerk June 24, 1860 Sharon Church, Washington Parish, La. The congregation assembled at an early hour; Sister Mary Ann Lester wishing a letter of dismission, conference was called, The letter granted and clk. ordered to write the same. After which, Bro. B. L. Lea preached to a very attentive congregation, at the close of which John B. Baham came forward and offered his experience of grace, to the church, which was received and the right hand of fellowship extended to the Brother. He not being prepared to be baptised it was postponed. B. L. Lea Mod. J. W. Parker church clerk July 20, 1860 Preaching by Benj. L. Lea; after which the church convened in conf., the clerk read the rules of Decorum; Bro. Chapman Peaks case was called; Bro. Peak being present stated that the charges against him was a correct one. He by making proper acknowledgement was excused. Case of Bro. John Holton, comm. stated that they cited the Bro. & he refused to come to the church. The case was taken up and the Bro. excluded. Bro. D. Gaines, called for a letter of dismission from this church, stated the cause of his long absence, was that he lived so far from the church. The letter was granted, Bro. Andrew Holton and wife, Bro. J. R. Givens and wife, and Sister Martha Parkins all called for and received letters. 22nd July; Sunday July 22nd A.D. 1860 Brother Lea met with us early, we had a very interesting prayer meeting, in which several members of the male members offered prayer to the throne of grace; after which, Bro. Lea, preached, after which the doors of the church was opened for the reception of members. LINSEY BAHAM, the wife of J. B. BAHAM, joined by experience; THOMAS SANDERS came forward to be restored to his former membership, he was received and the right hand of fellowship extended to him; the cong. then assembled at the water where John B. Baham and Linsey Baham, were baptised; the cong. were then dismissed. Sat. 16th Preaching by Bro. Benj. L. Lea: after which the church convened in conference. Bro. Samuel Givens received a letter of dismission. Then went into choice of delegates, John W. Parker Sr., T. L. Lea were chosen Jesse Sanders alternate paid up to send to the Assn, Isaac Hennesy $ .50 Jackson Cox .50 Jesse Sanders .50 E. Parks .50 J. T. Lea .50 A. Holton .50 J. Hennesy .50 J. W. Parker .50 _____ 5.00 Oct. 28th 1860 Preaching by Bro. B. L. Lea, after which the church went into conference; Brother J. L. Lea came forward and told that he had a quarrel on the Sabbath day at preaching; he was forgiven; The church then chose their Supply for the year; Bro. B. L. Lea was unamaniously chosen. J. Y. Lea and J. W. Parker were appointed a committee to visit Sister MARY ANN LESTER, and ask cause of her putting her letter which she had received from this church into one of a different order. Conf. adj. Oct. 27 - 1860 Made up for B. L. Lea Contributors as follows: J. T. Lea 5.00 Isaac Hennesy Sr. 2.00 Jesse Sanders 2.00 Thomas Sanders 1.50 C. L. Peake 2.00 J. W. Parks 2.00 _____ 16.50 Nov. 24, 1860 Preaching by Bro. B. L. Lea; after which the church went into conf. Report of the comm. received which were appted, to visit Sister MARY ANN LESTER, and comm. discg. There being no further business the cong. were dismissed. Prayer by Bro. B. L. Lea. Jan. 1861 Preaching by Bro. B. L. LEA. Letters were granted to JAMES T. LEA, MARGARET LEA, SARAH HENNESY, ANNA HENNESY, A. CLARISA HENNESY, as they were going to move. A List of the Members Belonging - 1860 Received by Baptism 1- Daniel Edwards 2- Jacob Core Dis. by Letter 3- Elizabeth Core Dis. by Letter 4- James Oliphant Dead 5- James T. Lea Dis. by letter 6- Mary Ann Lester Dis. by letter 7- Jesse Sanders 8- Eliza Edwards 9- Wm Brown Syn. 10- Elisha Parks 11- Sintha Hennesy 12- Margaret Ann Lea Dis. by letter 13- Emily Lea black girl 14- Sabry Sanders 15- Jane Core Dis. by letter 16- Mary Hughs 17- Ann Hughes, black girl 18- Sophia black woman 19- Mary Hughes Syn. 20- Andrew Holton Dis. by letter 21- Clarissa Hennesy Dis. by letter 22- Vianna Parks 23- Martha Holton Dis. by letter 24- Ann Hennesy Dis. by letter 25- Anon Hughs 26- Lucinda Hughs 27- Luzina Hughs 28- Frances Edwards 29- John W. Parker 30- Robert Givins Dis. by letter Recd by Letter 1- John Bailey from Beuly 2- Clarisa " " " 3- Nancy Bell 4- Nancy Hughes Dead 5- Isaac Hennesy from Antioch 6- Judy Hennesy 7- Mariah Black girl 8- Nancy Cox Society Hill 9- Gaby Sanders Mt. Hope 10- Sarah Bennett 11- Priscilla Ann Millican Dismissed by letter 12- Clarisa Mixon 13- Daniel Ganes dis. by letter 14- Mary Ann Lea from Beuly 15- Mary Holton Pisgah Dis. by letter 16- T. R. Hobgood 17- Rachael Hobgood 18- James Hennesy Dis. by letter 1860 19- Sarah Hennesy 20- Adaline Webb from S. Creek 21- Mary Hughes Syn. 22- Eliza Sanders from Nebo January 1861 Members belonging to Sharon Church Daniel Edwards 1 Eliza Edwards 1 Jesse Sanders 2 Eliza Sanders 2 Elisha Parks 3 Vienna Parks 3 John W. Parker 4 Mary Parker 4 Chapman Peak 5 Elizabeth Peak (crossed out) 5 Isaac Hennesy 6 Judy Hennesy 6 William Brown 7 Cynthia Givens 7 J. B. Baham 8 Linsey Baham 8 T. N. Hapgood 9 Rachael Hapgood 9 John Bailey 10 Clarissa Bailey 10 Wm. Brown (crossed out) Sarah Lemon 11 H. I. Cox 11 Mary M. Hughes 12 Isaac Hennesy (crossed out) 12 Aner Hughes 13 Thomas Sanders 13 Lucinda Hughes 14 Henry Bell 14 Luzina Parks 15 Frances Morgan 16 Recd by letter 1 Catherine Fendlason 17 Nazareth Peak 18 Adaline Webb 19 Nancy Bell 20 Nancy Cox 21 Mary Ann Lea 22 Mary Hughes 23 Henry Bell 1856- Clarissa Mixon 24 Ann black girl 25 belonging to Mary Hughes May Preaching by Bro. W. Z. JENKINS, no conf. nothing to note. A.D. 1861 June Preaching by Bro. Jenkins, after which the church went into conf. Br. H. Z. JENKINS, was unamaniously chosen to preach to the church remainder of this year; Bro. B. L. Lea having failed to supply the church after being called; there being no further business conf dismissed; Sabbath preaching commenced at the appointed hour; preached at some length to an attentive congregation; after which Bro. Jenkins came down from the stand, and entered into a covenant of prayer. July 15 Preaching by Bro. W. J. JENKINS, to a small cong., after which the church went into conf. The deleg. to the Assn, at RILLS CREEK were chosen; there being no further business the cong. were dis, till tomorrow at eleven o'clock; Sabbath the Brother preached to an attentive cong; after which conf. was organized; there being present but five members yesterday the vote for delegates was taken again and the same result; Bro. ELISHER PARKS Alternate; cong. dismissed. Saturday Aug. 24th A.D. 1861 Preaching by Bro. D. Z. JENKINS to a small cong. the day being very hot; no conf. Sunday after preaching the church went into conf. the clerk read the letter to the assn which was received, This church petitions BEULAH CHURCH to have Bro. JENKINS ordained, John W. Parker, & John W. Baham, appointed messengers to bear the petition, to Beulah Church, at their meeting day in Sept; contribution taken, which resulted as follows: See page 202 A.D. 1862 Bro. A. D. LEA called to supply the church this year. January, preaching on the Sabbath; no conf; nothing to note. March, May Preaching on the Sabbath, no conf. A.D. 1863 MARCH 22 Bro. H. Z. Jenkins called for service; after service of the day the church came into conf. moved and seconded to move the church to the bridge on Chefunctia the vote was taken and the church moved, Sister May Lea called for her letter it was granted her. H. Z. Jenkins Moderator April 25, 1863 The church met and after the services of the day came into conference; moved and seconded to elect a clerk in Bro. John CORKERNs place; vote was taken, C. L. PEAK was elected clerk. April 26 Bro. H. Z. JENKINS opened the meeting; Bro. B. L. Lea closed, no conf. May 23, 1863 Bro. H. Z. JENKINS preached on Sat June 27, 28th Bro. H. Z. JENKINS opened the meeting on Sunday; Bro. B. L. Lea closed, no conf. 1863 July 25th H. Z. JENKINS Mod. Sat after the services of the day the church came into conf. A move to elect delegates; was elected, C. L. PEAK, & E. PARKS and J. SANDERS, alternate; moved and sec. to members to see those who did not fill their seats; C. L. Peak, and Parks, moved and sec. that those who have taken their letters out of the church Should be called back to the church, appointed to go and see them C. L. PEAK, THEMESIS E. PARKS, moved and sec. that they should be meetings on days the 4th Sat. and Sun. in Oct. Sunday 26th July 1863 After preaching the doors were opened and we rec none by letter, Bro Samuel GIVENS. Sept 12 1863 Bro H Z JENKINS preached, no conf. after the service of the day, the letter to the assn was read and recd. The appt of the annual meeting was called in, contributions were made up for the assn; Andrew Holton 1.00 Isaac Hennesy 1.00 C. S. Peak 1.00, Elisher Parks 1.00 Total $4.00. July 23rd, 1865; Sharon church came into conf, at the close of the meeting; The letter was read to the assn; and rec, Assn held in Spring Creek church. moved and sec. there should be a meeting of days held with this church commencing Sat. the 4th Lords day in Oct. Oct. 21, 1865 Annual meeting commenced with the Sharon church, Sat, before the 4th Lords day in Oct. After the services of the day, the ch came into conf. It was moved and sec. Bro. HAPGOOD should be called to the ch for disorderly. Moved and sec. there should be a comm sent to see bro. Hapgood; appted the following bros. C. L. PEAK, ROBT GIVENS and SAMUEL GIVENS: The privledge of the ch was extd Bro Henry BELL was recd in full fellowship. [Note inserted] Recd in Sharon ch 1863, Bro. SAMUEL GIVENS by letter. A.D. 1864 recd, in Sharon ch March, 18th, Sister COURTNEY by experience; Recd by petition Bro. HENRY H. BELL, in Sharon ch. July 10, 1864 Oct. 22, 1865; Sunday Bro. H. Z. JENKINS MOD. C. L. PEAK. Clk; after preaching the priv. of the ch was extended, which was recd by letter, SISTER MARTHA PERKINS. March 17th 1867 Preaching by bro B. L. LEA: after serv. the ch, came into conf; moved and sec. that bro B. L. LEA be appted Mod. Letters were called for Bro SAMUEL GIVENS and wife Sec. bro JUDSON CORE. third Bro. Robt Givens and wife, 4th Sister NANCY CORE, 5th bro. C. L. PEAK and wife, 6th SISTER MARTHA PERKINS, letters of dismissal granted to those members above mentioned. This done by order of conf. this 17th day of March, A.D. 1867 B. L. LEA MOD. C. L. PEAK clk. Sharon Church June 15, 1869 After divine service the ch door was oped and Bro. B. B. HUGHES presented a letter from BEULAH ch; and was recd; SISTER GEORGIANA HUGHES and SISTER AMELIA HUGHES, was recd by exp. and was baptised; by BRO. C. F. CRAWFORD. 1869 Sunday Aug 8th; Sharon Church, La; After divine serv. the ch went into conf C. F. Crawford acting as mod. and clk; on motion the ch went into choice of delegates to the Assn. Bro Jes Sanders and Bro H. Bell was chosed deleg. and Bro B. B. Hughes, alt. 2nd; On motion the ch sends for fifteen copies and sends five dollars for assn. purposes; 3rd; on motion the ch went into the choice of clerk and bro. Byron B. Hughes was chosen. 4th Bt request of Bro. C. F. CRAWFORD to prepare letter for the assn. 5th, On motion the conf. closed. done by order of the ch in conf. C. F. CRAWFORD, mod & cl 1869, Oct 16th Sunday; Sharon ch TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LA: Services commenced at four o'clock, preaching by Bro. C. F. CRAWFORD; after which the ch went into conf, C. F. Crawford, Mod. 1st; On motion a letter to the assn. was read and recd. 2nd; On motion the ch went into of a choice of a supply for next year; Bro. C. F. Crawford was chosen; 3rd; On motion conf. closed. done by order of the ch in conf; C. F. Crawford Mod & B. B. Hughes clk. (Submitters note: Between pages 90 and 91, there is a single faced page which contains a photograph and the following text: "BYRON B. HUGHES & WIFE, Great-Uncle of Ruby Hughes Edwards, He was a Confederate soldier in Civil War Received a pension the rest of his life") State of La; Parish of Washington; We the Baptist church at Beulah holding the doctrines of election, predestination final perseverance of the saints through grace to glory beleaves in Baptism by immersion do hereby certify that our beloved brother B. B. HUGHES one in full fellowship with us will be dismissed from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, this done By The order of the Church in conference--- This the 19th day of May 1866. H. Z. JENKINS MOD. JAMES McDANIEL CLK. TANGIPAHOA PARISH LA. OCT. 10, 1869 The church at Sharon to the Eastern Baptist assn. when convened with the HEBRON CHURCH, LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA.; send christian salutations, dear bro, through the kind mercies of GOD, we are permitted once more to greet you with a letter and delegates; we have chosen our bros, H. H. BELL; & JESSE SANDERS, B. B. HUGHS, alt; who we deem worthy to bear this our letter and sit with you in counsil, and aid you in the business of the assn; Dear bretheren we have been a sheep without a shepherd; until this year; BRO. C. F. CRAWFORD has preached to us here during this year; We have some assessions to our record as stastics will show; bretheren pray for us that we may bless his means of grace to the salvation of sinners in this part of his moral vineyard and His people may be edified and His name Gloryfied And may the great head of the church be with you, and aid you by His Grace and guide you by His spirit; We send you $ - dollars to defray expenses, and we want 15 copies of minutes. Stastics Baptised 3 recd, by let 2 excluded none 0 restored 0 dis, by let, 9 dead 4 ---------------------- whites 30 Blacks 1 Total number remaining at present 31. done by order of ch in conf, C. F. CRAWFORD Mod. B. B. HUGHES Clk. Time of meeting Sec. Sunday; nearest p.o. Amite City, La. 1872 Preaching by bro C. F. CRAWFORD on 3rd Sun., and day before in AUG: and after preaching was over the ch went into conf; and bro. ELITA PARKS was excluded from the ch. and then a comm was appointed to visit bro Sanders for non attendence; the comm was composed of bro. B. B. HUGHES and JAMES HENNESEY; and the ch then resolved not to have anything to do with consolidation of the associations. The ch then elected their delegates to the assn. Bro. J. SANDERS and J HENNESEY; H. H. BELL, alt; ch send $2.15 wants 18 copies of min. C. F. CRAWFORD & B. B. HUGHES 1869 Sunday, November; SHARON CHURCH; Tangipahoa Parish, La. After church, (preaching by Bro. C. F. CRAWFORD) the priviledge of the ch, was extended and recd. by exp. Bro. JAMES HENNESEY, to be baptised next day. Monday 15th; Monday Preaching at the reg. hour by Bro. Crawford, and Recd. by letter SISTER MARGAINA HUGHES. B. B. HUGHES ch clk. Sunday Feb. 15th 1870 After preaching by Bro. C. F. Crawford the ch went into conf. Bro. C. F. Crawford mod. 1st; received petition from bro REUBEN YARORGH, praying to be restored to fellowship with this church again. 2nd; by motion the church restored him to full membership again in the church and then granted him a letter of dismission. 1870 May 8th Sharon Church Tangipahoa Parish, La. After service, preaching by Bro. C. F. Crawford, the ch doors were open for reception of members none offered the ch went into conf; and the following resolution was offered from Beulah Church, by her commity P. H. REAVES, & JAMES M. SHILLINGS after some consultation the church agreed to adopt the resolution and to petition a letter of dismission from our Assn. to assist in the organization of a new Assn. RESOLUTION Resolve that in consequence of the wide limits of territory now embraced by the EASTERN LOUISIANA ASSN. that we deem it expedient for the common good to form a new assn, between the PEARL and TANGIPAHOA RIVERS, and that this church do now authorize its delegates at the next meeting of the Assn to bear a petition from this ch. asking for a letter of dismission from that body. On motion a committee of two bretheren be appted. to confer with the NEBO CHURCH and SHARON CHURCH, and respectfully ask their cooperation in the above enterprise. Appointed bretheren J. M SHILLING and J. H. REAVES, COMMITTEE: done by order of the ch in conf. on the day and date above C. F. Crawford Mod. B. B. Hughes clk. FRIDAY July 19, 1872 After preaching by Bro. J. CEIL the ch went into conference and recd SISTER FRANCIS WAINWRIGHT by experience. B. B. Hughes, clk. FEB. 9th 1873 After preaching by Bro. H. Z. JENKINS the church recd. by letter BR. GIDEON S. BOND. B. B. Hughes clk We the Baptist church of Christ at BEULAH holding the doctrine of election, predestination Baptism of Believers by Emmersion the final Perseverance of the saints through grace to glory, do hereby certify that our beloved Brother and Sister D. A. HOGAN & his wife ELIZABETH ANN HOGAN, are in full fellowship with us and will be dismist from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, this done by order of the Church in conference Nov. the 20th, 1880. C. F. CRAWFORD Mod. JAMES McDANIEL Clerk protem. Tangipahoa Parish, La. We the Baptist church at Mt. Nebo holding the doctrine of election and predestination and the final Perseverance of the saints through grace to glory, and believers in Baptism by Immersion do certify that Bro. SIMEON SYLVEST & WIFE is in full fellowship with us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, done by The Church in conference this Sept 10th 1881. SIMEON SYLVEST, MOD. G. B. SPRING, CH. CLERK Tangipahoa Parish, La. We the Baptist church at Mt. Nebo holding the doctrine of election and predestination and the final Perseverance of the saints through grace to glory, and believers in Baptism by Immersion do certify that Bro. FRANCIS SYLVEST & WIFE is in fellowship with us and will be dismisst from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, done by The Church in conference this Sept 10th 1881. SIMEON SYLVEST, MOD. G. B. SPRING, CH. CLERK Tangipahoa Parish, La. We the Baptist church at Mt. Nebo holding the doctrine of election and predestination and the final Perseverance of the saints through grace to glory, and believers in Baptism by Immersion do certify that Sister MARY A. SYLVEST is in full fellowship with us and will be dismissed from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, this done by order of the Church in conference this September 10th 1881. SIMEON SYLVEST, MOD. G. B. SPRING, CH. CLERK (Submitters note: Between pages 96 and 97 there is a double faced page; one with a picture of "FRANCIS SYLVEST, Father of Simeon and Alex Sylvest;" the other a picture of "MARTHA SYLVEST, [Mrs. Francis Sylvest]") State of La; Parish of East Baton Rouge; The BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH, to any other Baptist Church This is to certify that Bro. RUFUS BREEDEN is a member of this church in full fellowship and gospell Standing will be dismissed from this church when found joined to any other church of like faith and order, done in church conference this first day of January 1882 I. W. JEAN MOD. PROTEM C. CORNELIOUS, CH. CLERK Jan. 31, 1886 After preaching by Elder Wm. Shilling the ch went into conf. On motion a comm. of 3 bretheren were appt. to assist the clerk in putting the ch. book in proper order and M. V. B. Hughes and R. K. Breden and G. S. Bond were appointed on said committee. Wm SHILLING Mod. B. B. HUGHES Clerk May 29 1886 Sharon Church - Tangi, La: After preaching by the pastor, W. H. Shilling, church doors was open and J. E. Givens, was received, by letter from Bethany. Church went into conf. Minutes of last conf. read and app, the committee previously appointed to put the Church Book in order, made their report, which was received by striking out the names of the sisters for non attendence, The ch. established a charge against the following named bretheren to wit: JESSE SANDERS, THOMAS SANDERS, JAMES HENNESEY, HOWELL WAINWRIGHT, SILAS BEAVERS and H. C. MIXON for non-att. On motion a comm. of 3 were app. to notify the above named Bros. & cite them to our next conf. to answer to said charges. Comm composed of M.V.B. HUGHES, D. A. HOGAN, and G. S. BOND to assist the clerk, there being other charges against the following named sisters for dancing--ELIZA D. STEVENS, MARIAH STEVENS & MAGGIE EDWARDS. On motion a comm. of 2 were app. to notify the Sisters to come forward and answer the said charges, Comm. M. V. B. HUGHES, and FRANCIS SYLVEST. On motion the request of B. B. HUGHES was granted and he released from the clerk's office. On motion the election of clerk was postponed until our next meeting. Bro. M. V. B. HUGHES was appointed clerk pro tem--there being no other business conf. adjourned in order. W. H. SHILLING Mod. B. B. HUGHES Clerk FEBRUARY, 12 A.D. 1886 The Baptist church of Christ at BETHANY holding the doctrines of election, Baptism of Believers by Immersion and final Perseverance of the Saints through grace to Glory do agree to desolve BETHANY CHURCH. We therefore certify that our beloved Sister ELIZABETH PEAK is in full fellowship with us and is dismissed from us with a letter of desolution to join to another church of the same faith and order, this done by order of the Church in conference, November the 14th 1885 W. F. ELLIOTT MOD, PROTEM WM. S. GIVENS CLK PROTEM Sharon Church, Tangipahoa Parish, La. Jesse Sanders ... Amite ... absent ... 2 or 3 years Thomas Sanders ... Tangipahoa ... absent ... 2 or 3 years James Hennesy ... Peace Grove ... absent ... 1 year Clarissa Mixon ... absent for 5 or 6 years Vienna Parks ... absent for 10 or 12 years Howell Wainwright ... Amite ... absent for abt. 3 yrs. Frances Wainwright ... Amite ... absent 2 or 3 years Silas Beavers (Magnolia) " " " " " Lincy Baham [or Tincy] ... " " " " " Eliza D. Stevens " abt 3 years Nancy Stevens " " 2 or 3 years Mariah Stevens " " " " " " Mozella Rohner " " " " " " H. C. Mixon ............. " " " " " " Mrs. Mixon " " " " " " _________________________________________________________________ 1st ... We the undersigned Committee prefer charges against all the above members for non attendance. 2nd and separate charges against Eliza D. Stevens, Mariah Stevens and Maggie Edwards, for dancing and Silas Beavers for fighting. M. V. B. Hughes B. B. Hughes G. S. Bond R. K. Breeden We your committee beg leave to report that we have examined the church Book and put it in the best order we can, May 2nd 1886 M. V. B. Hughes B. B. Hughes G. S. Bond R. K. Breeden M. V. B. Hughes 11111111......8 G. S. Bond 1111..........4 H. H. Bell 111...........3 Eugene Givens 1111111.......7 Simeon Sylvest 11111111111111..14 Byron Hughes 11111111111.....11 [was this voting?] Sharon Church Aug. 28th, 1886 After preaching by the pastor W. H. Shilling, the ch. went into conf., the minutes of last conf. read & adopted. The committee that was appointed to notify the Bretheren for non attendance were called on for their report, which was received, and committee discharged. Bro. JESSE SANDERS, came forward said he was guilty of the charge, wished to be forgiven by the church which was granted; Bro. THOMAS SANDERS, failed to come, but sent a reasonable excuse which was taken, and he was excused. Bro. JAMES HENNESY failed to appear, his case was laid over until next meeting. Bro. HOWELL WAINWRIGHT made the statement for him -- which was taken, and he was excused. Bro. SILAS BEAVERS, and H. C. MIXON did not appear and their cases was laid over until next meeting. The committee appointed to see the sisters for dancing made their report, and were discharged. Sister DRUSCILLA EDWARDS, and MAGGIE EDWARDS was restored to fellowship in the church, and Sister MARIAH STEVENS case was laid over. A motion, the election for clerk was laid over untill next conf. On motion the church held an election for delegates to the Assn: and M.V.B. HUGHES, B. B. HUGHES and SIMEON SYLVEST, were chosen delegates--and H. H. BELL, G. S. BOND and J. E. GIVENS alternates. On motion, the Church sends four dollars to the association and asks for 35 copies of minutes. On motion of the ch. letters of dismission were granted to DRUCILLA EDWARDS, LINSEY BAHAM, NANCY STEVENS, MOZELLA RHONER, JANE LOWERY, and HOWELL WAINWRIGHT and wife, FRANCES WAINWRIGHT. Sunday Aug. 29th Wm Shilling 1111111111111111111 -- 19 F. W. Eady 1 -- 1 Sunday Aug. 29th The letter to the assn. was read and adopted. On motion the church made choice of a supply for next year and Bro. W. H. SHILLING was called to supply the church, also a collection was taken up by the church for the benefit of our Bro. C. F. CRAWFORD and the sum of Eleven dollars and fifteen cents was made up. And sent by Bro. W. H. SHILLING direct to him. W. H. SHILLING Moderator M. V. B. HUGHES Clerk Sharon Church, Tangipahoa Parish, La; Oct 30, 1886 After preaching by the pastor, Elder W. H. Schilling, the church went into conference. The minutes of the past conference was read and approved. On motion the references were taken up ... and Bro. James Hennesy case called up and he being present made a statement that gave satisfaction to the church and he was pardoned. On motion, Bro. Silas Beavers & H. C. Mixon case called up and they failed to appear ..... which was laid over until next conference. On motion the case of Sister Mariah Stevens was next taken up and she was excluded. The following named Bretheren and Sisters called for letters of dismission which was granted. D. A. Hogan and wife, Mary M. Hughes, Amanda Hughes and Amantha Hughes. On motion conference adjourned until Monday. Monday Nov. 1st, the church went into conference, and a letter of dismission was granted Sister Vienna Parks. Omitted from Sat. conference, the election of clerk was again postponed until another conference. Monday Bro. Schilling asked the church to release him from the call to supply them, and the church made no call, but appointed M. V. B. Hughes to try and find someone to preach for us and then make the call. On motion conference adjourned. W. H. Schilling Moderator M.V.B. Hughes Clerk protem Sharon Church; March 5th 1887 After preaching by Bro. T. C. Corkern the church went into conference. The minutes of last conference were read and approved. On motion the reference were taken up and the case of Silas M. Beavers was considered, and he was restored to fellowship -- and a letter of dismission was granted him. On motion, Bro. H. C. Mixon was called; he being present to answer the charge of non attendance. After hearing his statement he was acquitted and a letter of dismission was granted him and his wife Clarissa Mixon. Also a letter of dismission was granted to W. J. Hogan, on motion of the church an election was held for church clerk and M. V. B. Hughes elected. On motion conference adjourned. T. C. Corkern Moderator M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, September 10th 1887 After preaching by Elder D. A. Booth the church went into conference and the minutes of last meeting conference was read and adopted. On motion the church held an election for delegates to the association; and B. B. Hughes, Simeon Sylvest, and J. E. Givens were elected delegates--and A. L. Statham, James Hennesy, and G. L. Bond, alternates. On motion, the church sends three dollars to the association and requests 30 copies of minutes. On motion, the letter to the association was read and adopted. It was moved and seconded that the church hold an election for the purpose of choosing a supply for next year, and Bro. T. C. Corkern was chosen and a committee of two, Bro. B. B. Hughes and J. E. Givens were appointed to see him and notify him of the call. On motion conference was adjourned. D. A. Booth Moderator M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, October 23rd, 1887 Elder J. M. Fortinberry preached a lengthy sermon to a large congregation on 1st Sun. and extended the priviledge of the church, and Bro. Isaac Cox and wife Josephine Cox came by letter -- and service closed for the day. Monday 24th Bro. W. Duncan preached a sermon first and then Bro. J. N. Fortinberry preached a long sermon. Bro. D. A. Booth made a few remarks and meeting closed in good order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, February 26, 1888 Sunday, Elder J. N. Fortinberry preached his first sermon of the year, and took charge of the church for the present year. Bro. Corkern could not come to fill the call; and Bro. J. N. Fortinberry was called to supply the church, and for the purpose of having regular preaching this year the time was changed from the fourth Sunday to the first Sunday for the present year. And meeting closed in order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk State of Louisiana Parish of Tangipahoa Sept, 10th 1887 SHARON BAPTIST CHURCH to the MAGHEE CREEK baptist assn: when in session at HAYS CREEK CHURCH, WASHINGTON PARISH, La. on Sat, before Second Lords day in October next, SENDETH GREETING. Dear Brother through the kind mercies of GOD we are permitted to meet you once more, by letter and delegates, We have chosen, Bretheren B. B. HUGHES and SIMEON SYLVEST, and J. E. GIVENS, Delegates and A. G. STATHAM, JAMES HENNESY and G. S. BOND, Alternates; who we deem worthy to bear this our letter and sit with you in counsel and aid you in the business of the Association. Dear Bretheren we have nothing to write, we are at peace, but on the decline, we have had no preaching this year, but four sermons; no additions, to our members the past year, we wish the prayers of the association, and may the great Head of the church be with you and aid you in your deliberations, is our prayer. We send you three dollars (3) for Associational purposes, and want thirty (30) copies of your minutes. Recd baptism none Time of meeting 4th Sunday recd letter none Post Office Peace Grove La. restored none Conference on this the Excluded 1 10 day of Sept, 1887 dis. by letter 11 dead 1 Total ----------- D. A. BOOTHE MODERATOR 38 M.V.B. HUGHES, CLERK (Submitters note: There is a single faced page inserted between pages 104 and 105 bearing a photograph, labelled "AUGUSTUS STATHAM & WIFE GEORGIA ANN, Georgia Ann Hughes Statham, Daughter of George Hughes & Mary Joiner Hughes") February, 12th A.D. 1886 The Baptist church of Christ at BETHANY holding the doctrines of election, Baptism of Believers by Immersion and final Perseverance of the Saints through grace to Glory do agree to disolve BETHANY CHURCH. We therefore certify that our beloved Brother, ISAAC COX, and Sister JOSEPHINE COX his wife, is in full fellowship with us and is dismissed from us with a letter of dissolution, to join to another church of the same faith and order, this done by order of the Church in conference, November the 14th 1885 W. F. ELLIOTT MOD, PROTEM WM. S. GIVENS CLK PROTEM Sharon Church, March 31st, & Sun. Apr, 1888 Saturday and Sunday preaching by the Elder J. N. Fortinberry to a small congregation and meeting closed in order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sunday--Sharon Church June 3rd, 1888 The Preacher failed to come Saturday and we had no preaching--but came Sunday and preached to a small congregation and meeting closed in order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk May 5th & 6th, 1888 Saturday preaching by pastor and congregation small. Sunday very good attendance, no business and the meeting closed in order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church June 30th & July 1st 1888 Saturday the pastor came according to appointment preached to small congregation. Sunday congregation large--long sermon by the pastor J. N. Fortinberry after which the church went into conference, for the purpose of setting upon a day or time for an annual meeting; at this place and the fifth Sunday and the day before, in Sept. next was the time chosen. And on motion of the church, the moderator to appoint a committee of three bretheren to invite ministering Bretheren to meet with us. M.V.B. Hughes, B. B. Hughes, and G. S. Bond were appointed on said committee. And by motion of the church the moderator was added to the committee. There being no further business, conference adjourned. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk J.N. Fortinberry Moderator Sharon Church; July 1st 1888 After preaching by the pastor the church went into conference. There being no minutes, it was moved and seconded that the fifth Sunday and day before in September be the time for a meeting of days at this church. On motion the church appointed a committee of three Bretheren to invite Ministering Bretheren. On motion the moderator was added to the committee. Committee M.V.B. Hughes, B. B. Hughes, G. S. Bond, and Elder J. N. Fortinberrry [Unsigned] STATE OF LOUISIANA Parish of Tangipahoa October the 1st 1888 Sharon Baptist Church to the Magee Creek Baptist Assn, when in session, at TERRYS CREEK church PIKE COUNTY, MISS. on Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in Octr. next, Sendeth Greeting. Dear Brethern through the kind mercies of God, we are permitted to meet you once more, by letter and delegates, we have chosen our Bretheren B. B. HUGHES, G. S. BOND, and A. L. STATHAM, Delegates and M. V. B. HUGHES and J. E. GIVENS, and H. H. BELL Alternates, who we deem worthy to bear this our letter, and sit with you in council, and aid you in the business of the association. Dear Bretheren we have nothing to write, our annual meeting has just closed and we have no additions to our numbers, except two by letter. We have had preaching this year by Bro. J. N. FORTENBERRY, who has supplied the church this year. Bretheren pray for us, and may the great head of the church be with you, and aid you in your deliberations is our prayer, we send you three (3) dollars for associational purposes, and want twenty (25) five copies of your minutes. Stastics Recd by baptism none Time of meeting 4th Sunday " " letter 2 Post Office, Peace Grove, La Restored none done by the church in Exluded none conference on the 8th day Dismissed by letter none of Octr. A.D. 1888 Dead none ____ Total 39 J. N. Fortenberry Mod. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk We the Baptist church of Christ at BETHANY holding the doctrines of election, Baptism of Believers in Christ by Immersion and final Perseverance of the saints through grace to Glory do hereby certify that our beloved Brother C. F. PEAK is a member with us in full fellowship and is hereby dismissed from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, this done by order of the Church in conference this the 2nd day of September, A.D. 1883 W. W. SIMMONS MOD. JAMES R. GIVENS, CLK. Sharon Church; Sept. 29th, 1888 After preaching by Bro. Wm. Shilling the church went into conference the minutes of the last conference was read and approved; the committee made their report and were discharged. It was moved and seconded that the church elect Delegates to the Association. B. B. Hughes, G. S. Bond, A. L. Statham, Delegates; and H. H. Bell, J. E. Givens, and M.V.B. Hughes alternates. On motion the church sends three dollars and wants 25 copies of minutes and the clerk have letter ready by last day of meeting, Mon. Oct. 1st. On motion the letter to the association was read and adopted. On motion the church made a call for a Supply, for next year and Elder J. N. Fortinberry was called. Conference adj in order. J. N. Fortinberry Mod. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church; April 7th, 1889 Sunday, preaching by the pastor Elder J. N. Fortinberry and meeting closed in order, no conference. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church; May 1st -- 5th 1889 Saturday and Sunday preaching by the pastor--Elder J. N. Fortinberry, the church doors were opened on Sunday & Bro. C. L. PEAK came in by letter from Bethany, no conference. Closed in order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, June 1st, 1889 Saturday and Sunday--preaching by Elder J. N. Fortinberry, both days. Attentative congregation. No conference. Meeting closed in order. M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, July 6th, 1889 After preaching by the pastor, the church went into conference, and the fifth Sunday and day before in September, was chosen for the time for an annual meeting, at this place. And a committee of three Bretheren were appointed to invite ministering Bretheren to our annual meeting, and M.V.B. Hughes, B. B. Hughes, G. S. Bond, and the Moderator Bro. J. N. Fortinberry, were appointed on said committee. And on motion of the church an election was held for delegates to the Association; and Bro. J. E. Givens, Simeon Sylvest and A. L. Statham were elected Delegates, and G. W. Cox, B. B. Hughes, and G. S. Bond, Alternates, and on motion the church sends three dollars, and asks for thirty copies of minutes, and that the clerk prepare a letter for the Association by our annual meeting. There being no further business, conference adjourned. J. N. Fortinberry Moderator M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, October 4th 1890 After preaching by the pastor the church went into conference. The minutes of the last conference were read and adopted, the committee on preaching made their report and was discharged. Adjourned until last day of meeting. Oct. 6th After preaching by Bro. W. H. Shilling the church went into conference; the letter to Association was read and adopted. On motion the church made choice of a Supply for next year, and Bro. J. N. Fortinberry was chosen; there being no further business, conference adjourned. J. N. Fortinberry Moderator M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Sharon Church, Oct. 3, 1891 After preaching by the pastor the church went into conference, minutes of last conference read and approved, the letter to Assn was read and approved. On motion they held an election for a Supply for next year and Bro. J. N. Fortinberry was chosen. On motion conference adjourned. J. N. Fortinberry Moderator M.V.B. Hughes Clerk Washington Parish, La; March, 1889 We the church of Christ at ENON, holding the doctrine of election, predestination, effectual calling, Baptism by Immersion and Final perseverance of Saints do certify that Bro. C. P. CORKERN is a member in full fellowship with us and is dismissed from us when joined to another church in conference. C. T. CORKERN, MOD. A. J. JOHNSON, CLERK SHARON CHURCH, OCT, 1ST 1889 We the undersigned church committee on the Obituaries send the following....Obituary MARY HUGHES....was the daughter of NATHAN JOINER, she was born in the State of Miss. Was married to GEORGE HUGHES....1830 Baptised by Elder HOWELL WALL IN 1841... was one of the first members that went into the Constitution of SHARON CHURCH on the 25th day of SEPTEMBER, 1841, and remained a faithful member of said church until the day of her death, February 24th, 1889. State of Louisiana Parish of Tangipahoa Sharon Baptist church to the MAGHEE CREEK Baptist Association, when in session at Spring Creek church, in State and Parish aforesaid, on Saturday before the second Lords Day in October 1891, Sendeth Christian Salutation; Dear Bretheren, God in his kindness has permitted us again to meet with you by letter and delegate, we have chosen, Bretheren B. B. HUGHES, G. S. BOND, and C. T. CORKERN, delegates, and JAMES HENNESY Alternate, who we think, are worthy to bear the letter and set with you in counsel and aid you in the business of the Assn. Dear brother we have nothing of interest to write, we are in a luke warm condition, we have preaching by our pastor J. N. FORTENBERRY, our annual meeting has just closed we wish the prayers of the Association, and may God, be with you, and aid you in your deliberations, is our prayer. We send you (3) three dollars for associational purposes and want thirty (30) copies of your minutes. Rec. by baptism.... Time of meeting first Sunday " " letter and Sat. before in each month Dis. by letter... Nearest post office, Restored Peace Grove, La. Excluded Done in conf. on this the .... Dead October 1891 Total.............41 [The following were loose notes, folded and seemingly had been carried in pockets.] Sharon Church, Saturday Oct. 29th 1892 This day was set apart for an annual meeting or meeting of days, at the church, preaching on Saturday, by Elder J. N. Fortinberry, and Elder T. C. Corkern, good congregation. On Sunday, Elder Williams from Sunny Hill, and F. W. Eady, came in and had a good meeting, and very large congregation. And on Monday a good meeting, and Bro. Corkern left for home. Bro. Williams and Bro. Eady held on until Wednesday, and left for home, and Bro. Fortinberry continued the meeting until Sunday, during which time there were fifteen added to the church, 3 by letter and 12 by experience, to be Baptised next meeting, the following is a list of their names. 1 Joseph H. Alford 9 Florence F. Hogan 2 Charles W. Scarle 10 John W. Hughes 3 Sharman R. Scarle 11 George M. Hughes 4 Ider Y. Hughes 12 Angeline L. Lanier 5 Nellie Gill 13 I. M. Corkern 6 George R. Lea 14 Idella Corkern 7 William D. Cox 15 Mary R. Varnado 8 Cora L. Cox Sharon Church, Nov. 5th 1892 Church went into conference minutes of last conference read and approved, Next in order was to hear the report from the committee on preaching, Which report was received and committee discharged. There being no unfinished business on hand, the church went into an election for a pastor for the ensuing year. Which resulted in the choice of Bro. J. N. Fortinberry by unanimous vote. There being no other business conference adjourned in order. J. N. Fortinberry Moderator S. Sylvest, Clerk protem Sharon Church Dec. 3rd & 4th 1892 Saturday Dec. 3rd, preaching by the pastor Elder J. N. Fortinberry, the priviledge of the church was extended and E. A. Sylvest came in by experience. No conference Meeting closed for the day. Sun 4th, good meeting--and large congregation, went to the water side and witnessed the baptism of those that joined during annual meeting--one month previous--and E. A. Sylvest from the day before. Meeting closed in good order. M. V. B. Hughes Clerk G[Z]ona, La. May 1892 The church of Christ at ENON, holding the doctrine of election, predestination, effectual calling, Baptism by Immersion and Final perseverance of the Saints do certify that Bro. MONROE CORKERN & wife are members in fellowship with us and are dismissed from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order, This certificate is valid only 12 months. Done by order of the church in conference. C.T. CORKERN, MOD. A. J. JOHNSON, CLERK We the Baptist church of MT. PISGAH, Washington Parish, La. holding the doctrine of election, Final perseverance of Saints through Grace to Glory, do hereby certify that Sister MARY A. VARNADO is a member in full fellowship with us and is dismissed from us at her own request when joined to another church of the same faith and order, this done in conference this 24th day of Dec. 1887 Rev. J. N. FORTENBERRY MOD. EDWARD MILES, CHURCH CLERK (Submitters note: There are four pages of photocopies of the Church Roll and Record Book and a letter to the association dated Sept. 18, 1909. The information from the church rolls is typed in this book immediately following the graphic pages. The letter, not typed, names H. A. Hughes, J. H. Alford and Willie Mixon as delegates to the association meeting; it is signed by J. H. Alford and the Postoffice in 1909 is noted as Wilmer, Louisiana.) RECORD BOOK NO. 2 NAMES HOW & WHEN RECEIVED HOW & WHEN DISMISSED Alford, Mary (Hughes) Baptism Death - Jan. 7, 1911 Alford, Joseph H. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Oct. 4, 1898 Alford, Fletcher Baptism-Sept. 2, 1893 Alford, J. H. Letter-Oct. 20, 1908 Letter-Feb. 20, 1909 Alford, Lizzie " " " " " " Alford, Lexie " " " " " " Bond, G. S. Letter from Beulah Death Bond, Anna A. Certificate from Death David Chaney 1856 Bell, Henry H. Certificate during war Death Barron, Parmelia Baptism Letter-Aug. 25, 1916 Bell, Courtney Baptism-Oct. 1, 1891 Brumfield, Allie Letter-Aug. 4, 1894 Letter-Aug. 25, 1916 Bell, Lelia Letter-Oct. 18, 1908 Cox, G. W. Baptism 1883 Cox, Coreen Baptism 1883 Letter Cox, Isaac Letter-Oct. 23, 1887 Excluded-July 5, 1902 Restored Cox, Josephine Letter-Oct. 23, 1887 Letter-Sept. 10, 1911 Cox, William D. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Sept. 10, 1911 Cox, Cora L. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Corkern, Catherine L. Baptism-Oct. 1875 Corkern, C. T. Letter-Sept. 29, 1889 Death-May 7, 1903 Corkern, Felder Baptism-Aug. 30, 1891 Excluded-Nov 2, 1895 Corkern, I. M. Letter-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Mar. 10, 1906 Corkern, Idella Letter-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Mar. 10, 1906 Corkern, Silas Baptism-Aug. 31, 1895 Excluded-Mar 31, 1901 Corkern, Cora Baptism-July 2, 1898 Letter-Apr. 23, 1904 Cox, I. C. Baptism-Nov. 6, 1898 Excluded-Mar 31, 1900 Cox, Fines Experience-Sept. 1900 Death Cox, Emma Baptism-Jan. 20, 1907 Letter Creel, Margaret Baptism-Jan. 20, 1907 Letter Corkern, Della (Reeves) Baptism Cox, Alice (Corkern-Carrier) Bapt.-July 10, 1911 Death Cox, May Baptism-July 10, 1911 Letter Daniel, Jane Baptism - 1883 Letter-Dec. 9, 1905 Edwards, Catherine Baptism - 1881 Death - 1911 Edwards, N. P. Baptism-Oct. 1, 1889 Dismissed Eaton, C. C. Letter-Apr. 7, 1895 Letter-Mar. 3, 1899 Edwards, George Baptism-Sept. 4, 1897 Death Fendlason, Mary R. Letter-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Aug. 7, 1894 Givens, Mary Baptism Givens, J. E. Letter-May 29, 1886 Letter-Aug. 2, 1903 Grace, Mary Letter-Sept. 29, 1889 Death - Oct. 1904 Givens, Ada Baptism - 1883 Died-Jan. 9, 1895 Gill, Nellie Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Nov. 1896 Gill, Guy Ann Letter-April 2, 1893 Death-Jan. 7, 1903 Gill, Maggie Baptism-May 7, 1899 Excluded Givens, Kate Experience Givens, Robert Jr. Baptism-July 21, 1907 Death Hughes, B. B. Letter-Nov. 14, 1869 Excluded-July 5, 1902 Restored-Apr. 20, 1907 Death - 1910 Hennesey, James Baptism Death-Oct. 3, 1911 Hughes, Margania Letter-Nov. 14, 1869 Died-May 14, 1897 (wife of B. B.) Hughes, M. V. B. Baptism- Oct. 1875 Died-Mar. 29, 1897 (son of George Hughes) Hughes, Margaret Baptism- Oct. 1875 Death - 1916 Hogan, Eva Baptism - 1881 Letter-Feb 29, 1896 (Dtr. of M. V. B.) Hughes, Mary E. Baptism - 1881 Letter-Aug 24, 1916 (Dtr. of M. V. B.) Hughes, Ider Y. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Death - 1910 Hogan, Florence F. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Oct. 6, 1894 Hughes, John W. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Death (son of M. V. B.) Hughes, Geo. M. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Death-Dec. 12, 1904 (twin to John W.) Hughes, Sallie Letter-July 1, 1893 Death Hughes, Henry A. Baptism-Sept. 30, 1893 Dismissed Hughes, G. H. Baptism-Sept. 2, 1893 Died-Nov. 14, 1894 Holden, Leslie Baptism-Sept. 2, 1893 Excluded-Feb 20, 1909 Hughes, B. B. Jr. Baptism-Dec. 2, 1894 Excluded-July 2, 1898 Hughes, Maggie Baptism-Dec. 2, 1894 Death - 1910 (married Goss Zeno) Hughes, Alice Letter-May 5, 1895 Dismissed Hughes, Frances Mixon Experience-Sep 7, 1902 Death Hughes, Queenie (Shelton) Baptism-Jan. 20, 1907 Dismissed Hughes, Edna Shelton Baptism-July 10, 1911 Death Kuhn, Thomas Baptism-July 21, 1907 Death Lanier, Angeline L. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Dismissed Lea, George R. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Apr. 1, 1893 Morgan, Frances Baptism Letter-May 28, 1898 Mixon, Walter A. Experience-Sept 2, 1901 Excluded-Sep 5, 1903 Mixon, Willie Experience-Mar. 17, 1907 Dismissed Mixon, Mattie Experience-Mar. 17, 1907 Letter-Aug 25, 1916 Parker, Luzinia Baptism Death-Oct. 18, 1907 Peak, C. C. Letter-May 5, 1889 Death - 1908 Peak, Elizabeth Letter-May 5, 1889 Death - 1902 Ricks, Margaret Baptism - 1881 Letter-Sep 30, 1893 Statham, Georgiana Baptism Death Sanders, Jesse Died-Feb. 11, 1896 Sanders, Thomas Letter-Jun 2, 1894 Statham, A. L. Letter Death-Dec. 24, 1914 Stafford, Mary Baptism - 1879 Letter-Feb 10, 1906 Sylvest, Francis Letter - 1881 Died - 1896 Sylvest, Simeon Letter - 1881 Letter-Sept 6, 1902 Sylvest, Jane Letter - 1881 Letter-Sept 6, 1902 Sylvest, Leah (Wallace) Baptism - 1883 Letter-Sep 26, 1904 Sylvest, E. A. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Letter-Sep 26, 1904 Scarle, Sarah Letter - 1882 Died-June 21, 1898 Scarle, C. W. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Death - 1901 Scarle, Sherman R. Baptism-Dec. 4, 1892 Death Spring, Bart Baptism-Sept. 2, 1893 Excluded-Oct 3, 1896 Spring, Tully Baptism-Sept. 2, 1893 Death Scarle, Effie Letter-Mar. 3, 1900 Letter-Aug 25, 1916 Statham, J. H. Experience-Sep 2, 1901 Death - 1912 Scarle, Viola " " " " Letter-Dec. 9, 1905 Scarle, Beulah " " " " Letter-Dec. 9, 1905 Spinks, J. A. Letter - 1902 Death Spinks, Louise (Mixon) Experience-Sep 7, 1902 Letter-Aug 25, 1916 Spinks, Missouri Letter-Feb. 1, 1903 Dead Stevens, Ella Baptism-Mar. 17, 1907 Letter-Aug 25, 1916 Spinks, Thomas Baptism-July 21, 1907 Thompson, Mary Jane Baptism-June 7, 1903 Letter-Aug 17, 1907 Varnado, Maggie Baptism-Oct. 5, 1898 Letter-Dec. 1, 1899 Vernon, Preston Baptism-Mar. 3, 1900 Death Vernon, Florence Experience-Sep 7, 1902 Death (Submitters note: The next 3 pages are 1-photo of "Alex Sylvest, Brother of Simeon Sylvest", 2-photo of "Leah Sylvest, (Mrs. Alex Sylvest)" and 3-an exhibit of standard form blank church letters) FEBRUARY, 12th A.D. 1886 The Baptist church of Christ at BETHANY holding the doctrines of election, Baptism of Believers by Immersion and final Perseverance of the Saints through grace to Glory do agree to desolve BETHANY CHURCH. We therefore certify that our beloved Sister MARY GRACE is in full fellowship with us and is dismissed from us with a letter of desolution to join to another church of the same faith and order, this done by order of the Church in conference, November the 14th 1885 W. F. ELLIOTT MOD, PROTEM WM. S. GIVENS CLK PROTEM LOOSE NOTES OF VARIOUS DATES NEVER INSERTED OR COPIED Many of these notes were folded as if carried in pockets for some time; all were yellowed with age and faded. We carefully read them and rechecked with a magnifying glass. [Evidently Treasurer's Record. Pages torn and crumbled.] CASH 1842 To collection made this day $5.62´ 24th " Col. Edwards .50 " " Bro. Tyson 1. Septr. 24 Thos. Mapes 25õ Jacob Core 25 Jno. Millican 25 Steph. Terry 25 John Bailey 25 Unknown 12´ 1.37´ Geo. Hughes .25 Octr. 22 Geo. Hughes 50õ Thos. Mapes 50õ John Scarle 25 Jno. Millican 12´ James Oliphant 12´ Bailey 25 Dan'l Tyson 25/100 J. J. Spears 25/100 Sister Sarah Scarle 25/100 2.50 Scarle 25õ 11.25 A collection was made up for a church fund in the year 1848 May 27th Bro. Isaac Hennesy was the Treasurer. The Bretheren made up as follows: Bro. Core 20õ Sister Scarle 25õ " Hennesy 20õ " B. L. Lea 20õ " J. T. Lea 10õ ____ .95 Paid for one bottle wine -- .30 .30 " " " " " -- .30 .30 " " " " " -- .25 .25 ___ ___ 85 .95 .85 ___ .10 Elisha Sanders united with Sharon Church By Letter from Mt. Nebo ..............Nov. 12th 1855 _________________________________________________________________ Friday Apr. 11th ... 1856 There being an appointment previously made to make up a church fund in Sharon Church on Friday the 11th of April..1856 the church assembled and made up money as follows: $ Cents Isaac Hennesy......... .25 Elisha Parks ......... .25 James T. Lea ......... .25 ___ .75 Paid for one bottle of wine .20 ___ Amount remaining on hand .55 _________________________________________________________________ Sharon Church of the 1st day of May 1856 Received for Baptism May 1st (Samuel Givens.....Dismissed by letter 31 (John Holton.......Excluded 32 May 9th (Chapman L. Peak ............................ 33 June 12 (Elizabeth Peak ............................. 34 " " (Francis Core .....Dismissed by letter 35 Aug. 7 Isaac Hennesy......JR ....................... 36 Nov. 14 James Vining ..... Dismissed by letter 37 Francis D. Lea... " " " 38 Catherine Fendlason .. " " " 39 A. J. Cox ........ 40 John B. Baham .... 41 Catherine Baham ... 42 Margaret Peake .... 43 Received by letter .................... Henry H. Bell " " " ... May 4, 1864 ... Robert Givens and his wife ............................... Jane Givens June 25th 1865 May 11th 1856 By Baptism Ann Hennesy Anor Hughes Lucinda Hughes Frances Edwards Luzina Hughes _________________________________________________________________ Sharon Baptist Church .... Tangipahoa Parish Louisiana June 10th....1856 _________________________________________________________________ The majority of members present shall rule in all cases with the exception of receiving members and it shall be unamanious. [Undated and unsigned] _________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 3. There shall be kept a regular conference once a month unless providentially prevented, at which the moderator shall preside, and in all motions, moved and seconded, each member present shall have equal privaledge to speak freely in the discussion of the subject - which motion shall be overruled, but may be withdrawn by the mover, and in all questions shall be decided by the yeas and nays being taken, in which decision the majority shall govern. Except receiving members when it must be unamanious, and no more than twice, on the same subject without first having obtained liberty (to speak) _________________________________________________________________ [Two pages unsigned and undated - about 1889] Contributing for the Preacher B. B. Hughes pd... $5.00 Maggie Wricks " 1.00 Zeno Parker " 2.00 Mary Hughes " 1.00 H. H. Bell " 1.50 M. V. B. Hughes " 5.00 G. S. Bond " 5.00 G. W. Cox " 1.50 J. N. Cox " 1.50 J. E. Givens " 1.50 B. E. Givens " .50 D. Edwards " 1.50 Catherine Edwards " 1.00 A. L. Statham " 1.50 F. Sylvest " 3.00 Mary Graham " 2.50 W. Oliphant " .25 M. McDaniel " 1.00 J. W. Hughes " .50 S. Sylvest " 2.00 M.V. B. Hughes _________________________________________________________________ M. V. B. Hughes " $5.00 Catherine Edwards " 1.00 Geo. Grace " .25 Jesse Sanders " 1.00 W. H. Bell " 3.00 Adeline Bond " .50 D. A. Fendlason " 1.00 J. [or Y.] T. Parker " 1.00 D. Edwards " 1.00 G. S. Bond " 5.00 J. Hennesy " 2.00 N. T. Edwards " 2.50 C. T. Corkern " 3.00 J. O. Ricks " 2.50 B. B. Hughes " 5.00 R. H. Scarle " 1.00 Luzina Parker " 2.00 Mary Graham " 2.50 J. E. Givens " 1.00 A. L. Statham " 1.00 Mollie Stafford " 1.00 Francis Sylvest " 4.00 C. T. Corkern " 1.00 HUGHES CEMETERY AT OLD SHARON CHURCH ON CHAPPAPELA CREEK TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LOUISIANA Two Miles South of Highway 16 Twelve Miles East of Amite, Louisiana LIST AS OF 1970 Compiled By ELLA AND ROBERT HUGHES (Submitters note: The following page consists of a hand drawn layout of the cemetery.) First Row: Adarine R. Wife of Eugene Givens Born Apr. 19, 1867 Died Jan. 9, 1895 Infant of Lucindy Givens and wife Born 1884 Died Nov. 1, 1884 Forever in Jesus Arms Ada Daughter of B. B. & M. Hughes Born April 1867 Died Jan. 1910 Second Row: B. B. Hughes, Jr. Son of Byron Benton Hughes Feb. 19 - 1873 June 15 - 1932 George Son of B. B. & M. Hughes Born Jan. 29, 1871 (?) Died Nov. 1894 Daniel Son of B. B. & M. Hughes B Feb. 28 - 1876 D Aug. 17 - 1883 Margaret, wife of B. B. Hughes Born - March - 1848 Died - May 14, 1897 Byron B. Hughes Born - Apr. 16 - 1848 Died - March 18, 1910 [Many graves north of gate unmarked] Center Row: In Memory of Our Mother B - Feb. 17, 1837 D - Jan. 7, 1911 V. P. Parker J. W. Parker Mollie Parker J. H. Alford F. F. Alford Peace Parker Price John Watts Parker Jan. 30 - 1860 Mar. 20 - 1879 Jesse W. son of Y. P. and M. M. Parker born May 18 - 1901 died Feb. 18, 1902 Fourth Row: Anna Adaline Hughes wife of Gideon Bond b - 2-12-1833 d - 26-1918 [Two unmarked graves with planks near oak tree] G. S. Bond Masonic b - June 13 - 1836 Insignia d - Feb. 25 - 1914 Mary Joiner wife of George Hughes born May 26 - 1813 died Feb. 24, 1886 Too good for earth God called her home. Fifth Row: Sarah Sally Brown Scarles June 3 - 1818 June 21 - 1898 Wife of John Scarles [Many across here unmarked] Jefferson H. Statham b - Apr - 13 - 1872 d - Feb - 6 - 1912 Member of Wilmer Camp #427-WOW A. L. Statham Co. C 3 La. Can. CSA 1840-1914 [Last two markers - recently erected (1972)] Lucy Scarles Purvis June 7 - 1843 Oct 25 - 1880 Wife of James Purvis INDEX Name First Reference (A) Alford, Fletcher Record Book 2 Alford, Joseph H. 29 Oct. 1892 Alford, Lexie Record Book 2 Alford, Lizzie Record Book 2 Alford, Mary Hughes Record Book 2 Allen 23 July 1842 Allen, William B. 15 Sept. 1855 Ann List 1861 (B) Baham, Catharine 25 Sept. 1841 Baham, John B. 24 June 1860 Baham, Linsey 22 July 1860 Bailey, Clarissa 25 Sept. 1841 Bailey, John 25 Sept. 1841 Bankston, Peter 26 June 1842 Barron, Parmelia Record Book 2 Beavers, Silas 29 May 1886 Bell, Courtney Record Book 2 Bell, Henry List 1861 Bell, Lelia Record Book 2 Bell, Levi 15 Dec. 1856 Bell, Nancy 25 Sept. 1841 Belton, Bro. 23 Dec. 1848 Bennet, Sarah 27 May 1848 Bond, Adeline Loose Notes Bond, Anna A. Record Book 2 Bond, Gideon S. 9 Feb. 1873 Bond, T. M. 16 Feb. 1848 Booth, D. A. 10 Sept. 1887 Breeden, Rufus 1 Jan. 1882 Brown, William, Sr. 25 July 1847 Brumfield, Allie Record Book 2 (C) Ceil, J. 19 July 1872 Chany, D. 22 Nov. 1851 Cooper, Henry 25 Sept. 1841 Cooper, Margaret Maria 25 Sept. 1841 Cooper, Margaret 26 Mar. 1848 Core, Frances 12 June 1858 Core, Jacob 25 Sept. 1841 Core, Jane List 1860 Core, John 25 Sept. 1841 Core, Judson 17 Mar. 1867 Core, Nancy 17 Mar. 1867 Corkern, C. P. 1889 Corkern, C. T. Record Book 2 Corkern, Catherine L. Record Book 2 Corkern, Cora Record Book 2 Corkern, Della Reeves Record Book 2 Corkern, Felder Record Book 2 Corkern, I. M. 29 Oct. 1892 Corkern, Idella 29 Oct. 1892 Corkern, John 25 Apr. 1863 Corkern, Silas Record Book 2 Corkern, T. C. 5 Mar. 1887 Courtney 21 Oct. 1865 Cox, A. Jackson 22 Apr. 1860 Cox, Alice Record Book 2 Cox, Cora L. 29 Oct. 1892 Cox, Coreen Record Book 2 Cox, Emma Record Book 2 Cox, Fines Record Book 2 Cox, G. W. Record Book 2 Cox, H. I. List 1861 Cox, I. C. Record Book 2 Cox, Isaac 23 Oct. 1887 Cox, J. N. Loose Notes Cox, Josephine 23 Oct. 1887 Cox, May Record Book 2 Cox, Nancy 25 Sept. 1841 Cox, William D. 29 Oct. 1892 Crawford, C. F. 15 June 1869 Crawford, Jesse 5 June 1846 Creel, Margaret Record Book 2 (D) Daniel, Jane Record Book 2 Duncan, W. 24 Oct. 1887 Dunn 24 Aug. 1848 (E) Eady, F. W. 28 Aug. 1886 Eastess, Mary 25 Sept. 1841 Eaton, C. C. Record Book 2 Edwards, Catherine Record Book 2 Edwards, Colonel 28 Aug. 1842 Edwards, Daniel 25 Apr. 1851 Edwards, Druscilla 28 Aug. 1886 Edwards, Eliza 21 Sept. 1850 Edwards, Frances List 1860 Edwards, George Record Book 2 Edwards, Maggie 29 May 1886 Edwards, N. P. Record Book 2 Edwards, Nicholas 25 Apr. 1851 Edwards, Vernadoe Daniel 25 Sept. 1841 Ennis, Isaac 5 June 1846 Estes [see Eastess] (F) Fendlason, Catherine List 1861 Fendlason, D. A. Loose Notes Fendlason, Mary R. Record Book 2 Fendlason, Wm. 22 Apr. 1860 Fenflason [see Fendlason] Files [Foil?] 25 July 1847 Findleson [see Fenflason] Fisher, John 21 Sept. 1850 Foil 24 Sept. 1843 Fortinberry, J. N. 23 Oct. 1887 (G) Gaines, Daniel 25 Sept. 1841 Gaines, James 25 Sept. 1841 Gill, Guy Ann Record Book 2 Gill, Maggie Record Book 2 Gill, Nellie 29 Oct. 1892 Givens, Ada Record Book 2 Givens, Adarine R. Hughes Cemetery Givens, B. E. Loose Notes Givens, Cynthia List 1861 Givens, Eugene 2 May 1886 Givens, J. E. Record Book 2 Givens, J. R. 12 Mar. 1859 Givens, Jane Loose Notes Givens, Kate Record Book 2 Givens, Lucindy Hughes Cemetery Givens, Mary Record Book 2 Givens, Robert 17 Dec. 1856 Givens, Robert Jr. Record Book 2 Givens, Samuel 9 May 1857 Grace, Geo. Loose Notes Grace, Mary Record Book 2 Graham, Mary Loose Notes Green 24 Sept. 1843 Green, Matilda 25 Sept. 1841 (H) Hapgood [see Hobgood] Hausseger, Mrs. Elizabeth 27 June 1847 Hennessy, A. Clarisa Jan. 1861 Hennessy, Ann Loose Notes Hennessy, Anna Jan. 1861 Hennessy, Isaac 25 Sept. 1841 Hennessy, Isaac, Jr. 8 Oct. 1859 Hennessy, James 12 Dec. 1857 Hennessy, Judy 25 Sept. 1841 Hennessy, Sarah Jan. 1861 Hennessy, Sintha List 1860 Hennesy [see Hennessy] Hews, Amelia 25 Sept. 1841 Hews, Calvin 25 Sept. 1841 Hews, George 25 Sept. 1841 Hews, Mary 25 Sept. 1841 Hobgood, Rachael 6 June 1856 Hobgood, Robert 15 Dec. 1856 Hobgood, T. R. 6 June 1856 Hogan, D. A. 20 Nov. 1880 Hogan, Elizabeth Ann 20 Nov. 1880 Hogan, Eva Record Book 2 Hogan, Florence F. 29 Oct. 1892 Hogan, W. J. 5 Mar. 1887 Holden, Leslie Record Book 2 Holton, Andrew 17 Nov. 1855 Holton, John 9 May 1857 Holton, Martha List 1860 Holton, Mary 15 Dec. 1856 Huess, Bro. 24 Aug. 1848 Hughes, Ada Hughes Cemetery Hughes, Alice Record Book 2 Hughes, Amanda 30 Oct. 1886 Hughes, Amantha 30 Oct. 1886 Hughes, Amelia 15 June 1869 Hughes, Aner List 1861 Hughes, Ann List 1860 Hughes, B. B., Jr. Record Book 2 Hughes, Byron B. 15 June 1869 Hughes, Calvin 25 July 1847 Hughes, Daniel Hughes Cemetery Hughes, Edna Shelton Record Book 2 Hughes, Frances Mixon Record Book 2 Hughes, G. H. Record Book 2 Hughes, George 25 Sept. 1841 Hughes, George M. 29 Oct. 1892 Hughes, Georgiana 15 June 1869 Hughes, Henry A. Record Book 2 Hughes, Ider Y. 29 Oct. 1892 Hughes, John W. 29 Oct. 1892 Hughes, Lucinda List 1861 Hughes, Luzina Loose Notes Hughes, Maggie Record Book 2 Hughes, Margaina 15 Nov. 1869 Hughes, Margaret Record Book 2 Hughes, Martin V. B. 6 Aug. 1859 Hughes, Mary 24 July 1852 Hughes, Mary E. Record Book 2 Hughes, Mary M. List 1861 Hughes, Nancy 25 Sept. 1841 Hughes, Parmelia 24 Sept. 1843 Hughes, Queenie Shelton Record Book 2 Hughes, Sallie Record Book 2 Hughs, Anon List 1860 Hughs, Lucinda List 1860 Hughs, Luzina List 1860 (J) Jackson, Joshua 25 Sept. 1841 Jane 25 Sept. 1841 Jenkins, D. Z. 24 Aug. 1861 Jenkins, H. 18 Feb. 1859 Jenkins, W. J. 15 July 1861 Jenkins, W. Z. May 1861 Joiner, Mary Hughes Cemetery Joiner, Nathan 1 Oct. 1889 (K) Kuhn, Thomas Record Book 2 (L) Lanier, Angeline L. 29 Oct. 1892 Lea, A. D. 1862 Lea, Benj. S. 25 Sept. 1841 Lea, Emily List 1860 Lea, Francis 15 Dec. 1856 Lea, George R. 29 Oct. 1892 Lea, James Thomas 25 Sept. 1841 Lea, Margaret Ann Jan. 1861 Lea, May 22 Mar. 1863 Lea, Semantha 25 Sept. 1841 Lea, T. L. 22 June 1860 Lemon, Sarah List 1861 Lester, John 27 June 1847 Lester, Maryann 25 Sept. 1841 Lewis, W. P. 25 1860 Lowery, Jane 28 Aug. 1886 (M) McDaniel, M. Loose Notes MacFarland, H. 10 Jan. 1844 McFarland, I. D. 24 Mar. 1844 Magee, Calvin 22 Nov. 1851 Mapes, Miller 25 Sept. 1841 Mapes, Thomas 25 Sept. 1841 Maria 25 Sept. 1841 Melligan [see Millican] Meuse [see Muse] Mews [see Muse] Millican, Ann (Nancy) 25 Sept. 1841 Millican, John 25 Sept. 1841 Millican, Mary Ann 25 Sept. 1841 Millican, Priscilla Ann 27 May 1848 Mixon, Clarissa 27 May 1848 Mixon, George 27 May 1848 Mixon, H. C. 29 May 1886 Mixon, Maggie Record Book 2 Mixon, Walter A. Record Book 2 Mixon, Willie Record Book 2 Morgan, Frances List 1861 Mullins 27 May 1848 Mullins, Gabriel 9 Sept. 1854 Muse, Ann 25 Sept. 1841 Muse, Isaac 25 Sept. 1841 (O) Oliphant, James 25 Sept. 1841 Oliphant, W. Loose Notes (P) Parker, J. T. Loose Notes Parker, Jesse W. Hughes Cemetery Parker, John W. 6 June 1856 Parker, John Watts Hughes Cemetery Parker, Luzinia Record Book 2 Parker, Mary List 1861 Parker, Mollie Hughes Cemetery Parker, Y. P. Hughes Cemetery Parker, Zeno Loose Notes Parkins, Martha 20 July 1860 Parks, Elisha 24 July 1852 Parks, Luzina List 1861 Parks, Themesis E. 25 July 1863 Parks, Vianna List 1860 Paunche 25 Sept. 1841 Peak, Booth C. L. 9 May 1858 Peak, C. C. Record Book 2 Peak, C. L. 1 May 1889 Peak, Elizabeth List 1861 Peak, Elizabeth 12 Feb. 1886 Peak, Nazareth List 1861 Peake, Margaret Loose Notes Pennington, A. 22 Sept. 1849 Perkins, Martha 22 Oct. 1865 Ponche [see Paunche] Pontchey [see Paunche] Pounds, B. A. 6 Aug. 1859 Pounds, J. T. 6 Aug. 1859 Purvis, James Hughes Cemetery Purvis, Lucy Scarles Hughes Cemetery (R) Reaves, J. H. 8 May 1870 Reaves, P. H. 8 May 1870 Ricks, J. O. Loose Notes Ricks, Margaret Record Book 2 Rix 25 Sept. 1841 Rhoner, Mozella 28 Aug. 1886 Roberson, Jane 27 May 1848 Rogers, Nancy 25 Sept. 1841 R0100ohner [see Rhoner] (S) Sanders, Cullen 22 Jan. 1848 Sanders, Elisha Loose Notes Sanders, Elize 12 Nov. 1858 Sanders, H. J. 25 Mar. 1848 Sanders, Jesse 22 Oct. 1848 Sanders, Sabry 27 May 1848 Sanders, Thomas 25 Sept. 1841 Sanders, Thomas 22 July 1860 Saunders [see Sanders] Scarle, Beulah Record Book 2 Scarle, Charles W. 29 Oct. 1892 Scarle, Effie Record Book 2 Scarle, John 25 Sept. 1841 Scarle, R. H. Loose Notes Scarle, Sarah 25 Sept. 1841 Scarle, Sherman R. 29 Oct. 1892 Scarle, Viola Record Book 2 Shilling, Wm. H. 31 Jan. 1886 Shillings, James M. 8 May 1870 Shipley 25 June 1842 Sibley, William L. 25 Sept. 1841 Skinner, David T. 25 Sept. 1841 Skinner, Laird S. 26 May 1844 Sophia List 1860 Spears, J. B. 25 Sept. 1841 Spears, Joshua Jackson 23 Mar. 1844 Spears, Martha 25 Sept. 1841 Spinks, J. A. Record Book 2 Spinks, Louise Mixon Record Book 2 Spinks, Missouri Record Book 2 Spinks, Thomas Record Book 2 Spring, Bart Record Book 2 Spring, Tully Record Book 2 Stafford, Mary Record Book 2 Stafford, Mollie Loose Notes Statham, A. L. 10 Sept. 1887 Statham, Georgiana Record Book 2 Statham, J. H. Record Book 2 Stevens, Eliza D. 29 May 1886 Stevens, Ella Record Book 2 Stevens, Mariah 29 May 1886 Stevens, Nancy 2 May 1886 Sylvest, E. A. 3 Dec. 1892 Sylvest, Francis 10 Sept. 1881 Sylvest, Jane Record Book 2 Sylvest, Leah Wallace Record Book 2 Sylvest, Mary A. 10 Sept. 1881 Sylvest, Simeon 10 Sept. 1881 (T) Terry, Abraham 25 Sept. 1841 Terry, Patience 25 Sept. 1841 Terry, Stephen 25 Sept. 1841 Thompson, Mary Jane Record Book 2 Tyson, Daniel 25 Sept. 1841 Tyson, Louisa Jane 25 Sept. 1841 (V) Varnado, Maggie Record Book 2 Varnado, Mary R. 29 Oct. 1892 Varnadoe, William 24 Sept. 1843 Vernon, Florence Record Book 2 Vernon, Preston Record Book 2 Vining, James 14 Nov. 1858 (W) Wainwright, Francis 19 July 1872 Wainwright, Howell 29 May 1886 Wall, Howell 25 Sept. 1841 Webb, Adeline 11 Oct. 1856 Welch Oct. 1846 Welch, James 7 Aug. 1858 Williams, Elder 29 Oct. 1892 Wricks, Maggie Loose Notes (Y) Yarbor, Benj. 25 Mar. 1848 Yarbor, Reuben 25 Sept. 1841 Yarborough [see Yarbor] Yarbrough [see Yarbor]