Minutes of the Bogue Chitto Baptist Association, 1881. Washington Parish, Louisiana Submitted by Don W. Johnson Prepared by Carolyn Brumfield Henderson November 1, 1999 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ MINUTES OF THE BOGUE CHITTO BAPTIST ASSOCIATION FIRST DAY - Morning Session Lincoln County, Miss., Oct. 1st, 1881 Bogue Chitto Association convened this day with Mt. Pleasant Church. Prompt to appointment, Eld. I. Allmand preached the Introductory Sermon at 11 o'clock. Text: Matthew, 6:33, Subject, "Kingdom of Heaven." After short intermission, the delegates assembled in the house and sang Hymn of Praise. Prayer by Eld. W. H. Bailey. Moderator declared the Association ready for business. Appointed Bros. Lesley Parker and J. G. Legget, Reading Clerks: Bros. D. C. Walker and S. O. Simmons, a committee on Finance. Letters from the churches were read by the Clerks - statistics recorded. Elected officers for the ensuing year: Bro. W. D. Coney and Richard Strickland were appointed tellers; C. F. Crawford was elected Moderator; S. C. Walker, Treasurer; B. S. Turnipseed, Clerk. Rules of Decorum were read by the Clerk. Brethren Frank Fortenberry, James McDaniel, M. S. wilson and the Deacons of Mt. Pleasant Church were appointed a committee on Religious Exercises during this meeting. Visiting ministers were invited to seat with us. Received correspondence from Fair River Association - Messengers, Elders W. H. Bailey, J. M. Ritchie, J. J. Phillips, T. J. Hutson, E. P. Douglass. Pearl River Association - Messengers, Elders B. A. Crawford, J. L. Chandler, H. H. Cole, W. L. Borman. West Pearl Association - Pearl River Messenger, Eld. B. A. Crawford. Mississippi Association - by motion, the Messengers present, who were without a letter, were received. The hand of fellowship was extended to all the Messengers by the Moderator. Correspondence arranged: To Mississippi Association - D. C. Walker and B. S. Turnipseed, Messengers - S. C. Walker to write. Fair River Association - Eld. R. J. Boone and S. C. Walker, Messengers - Eld. Boone to write the letter of correspondence. West Pearl Association - Eld. T. C. Schilling and C. F. Crawford, Messengers - Eld. Schilling to write. Pearl River Association - R. J. Boone and S. C. Walker, Messengers - W. C. Price, to write. Granted letters of dismission to the following churches: Zion Hill, Mt. Nebo, Line Creek, Terry's Creek, McComb City, Spring Creek, Beulah, Sharon. The vote on Petitions for meeting of the Association next year, resulted in favor of Silver Creek Church, Pike county. Appointed the following committees: Abstracts - Eld. E. M. Schilling and B. S. Turnipseed. Obits - T. C. Schilling and R. J. Boone. Missions - I. Allmand, B. A. Crawford and W. H. Bailey. Religious Publications - W. D. Lewis and John Vining. On motion, Eld. T. C. Schilling was appointed to preach the Introductory Sermon, at our next meeting; Eld. E. M. Schilling, alternate. On motion, Eld. I. Allamnd was appointed to prepare the next Circular Letter. Granted leave of absence to Eld. M. S. Shirck. The committee on Religious Exercises presented the following report, which was read and adopted: Your committee on Religious Exercises beg leave to report: Eld. R. J. Boone to introduce sevices Sabbath morning at half-past 10 o'clock; Eld. M. S. Shirck to preach - intermission, twenty-five minutes - Eld. E. P. Douglass to preach and close; Eld. Hutson to preach at the stand Monday at half-past 10 o'clock. W. F. Fortenberry, James Harrington, M. S. Wilson, J. E. J. Hart, Committee On motion, I. Allmand, R. J. Boone and S. C. Schilling were appointed on General Education. Adjourned till Monday, 9 o'clock. After singing, prayer by J. L. Chandler. SABBATH EXERCISES Eld. M. S. Shirck preached at 11 o'clock, from Matthew, 5:16. Theme: "Christian Fidelity." Collection after sermon for mission, cash and subscription, $61.25. After intermission, Eld. E. P. Douglass preached from Galatians 4: 4-5. Theme: "Plan of Salvation." SECOND DAY - Morning Session. Monday October 3d, 1881 Met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Eld. J. M. Ritchie. Called the roll. Read and adopted the following reports, viz: Sabbath-schools, Temperance, Abstracts, Religious Publications, Obits, Finance, Missions, Missionary Board and their Missionary, General Education. Eld. T. J. Walne spoke in the interest of the Baptist Record. In accordance with the spirit of the report on Missions, and the addresses delivered by brethren in behalf of missions, as collection was taken up by Eld. B. A. Crawford, for foreign missions, amounting to $23.70. Also, the delegates from the churches promised to try to raise the amounts mentioned below during this year, for missions: Tangipahoa...........................$10.00 Mt. Hermon....................all they can Shady Grove.............................5.00 Silver Creek............................25.00 Smyrna...................................10.00 Bogue Chitto...........................50.00 Mt. Pleasant..............................5.00 Mt. Zion...........................all they can Moak's Creek........................." Magnolia................................." Balachitto................................" Appointed the following Missionary Board for ensuing year: T. C. Schilling, S. O. Simmons, L. P. Parker, G. D. Lewis, G. H. Varnado. The letter of correspondence from Mississippi Association was received. Committee appointed last year to visit Magnolia Church, made their report, and were discharged. Appointments for the Year. The same committees of last year were re-appointed to visit Magnolia Church. Bro. J. G. Legget was added to said committee. Committee on Temperance - R. J. Boone, T. C. Schilling, J. R. Farish, I. Allmand, J. H. Crawford. Sabbath-schools - B. W. Bullock, D. C. Walker, S. M. Simmons, B. S. Turnipseed. Adopted the following resolutions: Resolutions, 1st. That in accordance with the third rule of our Decorum, we request the churches to send up in their letters, an account of their financial work during each Associational year, such as the amount contributed for missions, both Home and Foreign, and paid the pastor, etc., and that same appear in our next minutes. Resolved, 2d. That we invite Bro. Walne, Secretary of our State Board to visit and preach to our churches on the subject of missions. Resolution, 3d. That the thanks of this Association be extended to the brethren, sisters and friends of this vicinity for their kindness to us during our stay amongst. them. Resolution 4th. That the clerk be required to have printed and distributed the necessary amount of minutes, and to call on the Treasurer for money to defray expense of same. Resolved, 5th. That the Clerk be allowed to call on the Treasurer for twenty dollars for his services. On motion, resolved, to send twelve copies of our minutes to Zion Hill Church. Read and adopted letters of correspondence to the following Associations: Fair River, Pearl River, West Pearl, Mississippi. On motion, opened correspondence with Magee's Creek Association: The following brethren volunteered as Messengers, viz: S. G. Legget, I. Allmand, D. C. Walker, R. J. Boone, E. M. Schilling, T. C. Schilling, C. F. Crawford, S. O Simmons. Eld. T. C. Schilling was appointed to write the letter of Correspondence. Read and adopted the Circular Letter. Read and adopted Letter of Correspondence to Magee's Creek Association. Approved the minutes. Sang hymn. Prayer by Eld. T. J. Walne. Adjourned to meet with Silver Creek Church, Pike county, Miss., Saturday before the first Sabbath in Oct. 1882. ELD. C. F. CRAWFORD, Moderator B. S. Turnipseed, Clerk. REPORTS Report of Committee to Magnolia Church. Your committee appointed to visit Magnolia Church during the past year beg leave to report as follows: That so far as they can ascertain we cannot accomplish any good in regard to the particular case had in view by the Association. We will say that it is a fact that Magnolia Church did receive a member into her fellowship not regularly in accordance with Baptist usage. The pastor of the church informed Bro. B. A. Crawford that they would write up an explanation of the whole matter to the Association. Respectfully submitted. B. A. Crawford B. S. Turnipseed, Committee Report on Sunday-Schools We, your committee on Sabbath-schools, beg leave to report: That the Sabbath-school interest is not as prosperous as we would like to see it. Some of our churches report Sabbath-schools still working, others report none. There is not that interest taken in Sabbath-schools that ought to be, when we consider the incalculable good that would be accomplished by a well organized and well conducted Sabbath-school. A variety of causes exist which retard the co-operation of the brethren in the great work which we hope to see removed and when the churches shall be awakened to this important work. Hoping that this interest will soon be awakened, and that our brethren will become interested in the proper training of their children, we would, therefore, recommend that the Association continue its committee in this work. Respectfully submitted, B. S. Turnipseed, Chairman. Report on Temperance. Your committee beg leave to report: That all the churches but two have been preached to on Temperance, and that we are gratified to be able to report an increasing interest in our movement. Indeed, the churches now know that they have met, face to face, as an enemy, the "matchless evil;" they have seen that ardent spirits are the robbers of God and the destroyer of souls. We think our churches are fully advised that the Brewers' and Distillers' Associations are marshaling all their forces out against the churches. Fanatics, as they call us, their advocates are among us pleading the cause of intemperance - giving away their intoxicating liquors to gain position. We verily believe that $75,000 is spent annually in the boundary of our Association for whiskies, thereby weakening our financial abilities to that extent. We fear that some of our members sometimes drink too much, this we know is wrong, for in our judgement drinking as a beverage is positively forbidden by God's word. Your committee would advise that Temperance be preached regularly and thereby post our people on the movement. We are sure that prohibition is the only safety, these two ideas are clearly sustained by the Bible. We recommend the continuation of the Temperance committee. Respectfully submitted, B. A. CRAWFORD, Chairman Report on Religious Publications. Your committee on Religious Publications would report: That in their judgment it is a matter of great importance that our people read good religious literature. A reading people will be an informed poeple. As a religious journal, we take pleasure in recommending "The Baptist Record;" We consider it one of the best papers among us. We would also commend "Kind Words," and the publications of the American Baptist Publication Society, for Sabbath-schools. Respectfully submitted, G. D. LEWIS, Chairman JNO. U. VINING. Abstracts. Your committee on Abstracts beg leave to report as follows: Shady Grove - Has nothing cheering to report. Eld. W. H. Bailey is their pastor. Silver Creek - At peace; contributes liberally to missions, and other benevolent objects. Elder J. R. Farish is pastor. Beulah - Has exercised discipline; is now at peace - increased zeal is now manifest. Eld. C. F. Crawford is pastor. Spring Creek - Reports a revival - an interesting Sunday-school; pastor W. H. Schilling. Tangipahoa - Reports peace and a revival; have lost some of its best members by death; Eld. I. Allmand, pastor. Moak's Creek - Reports peace, and feels hopeful; Eld. B. A. Crawford, pastor. Mt. Herman - Reports a prosperous Sunday-school and Bible class; Eld. W. J. Fortenberry, pastor. Mt. Nebo - Reports a Sunday-school, and is gradually increasing in numbers; Eld. C. F. Crawford, pastor. Mt. Pleasant - Reports nothing special; Eld. B. A. Crawford, pastor. Zion Hill - Reports an unprosperous condition; Eld. W. J. Foretnberry, pastor. Bogue Chitto - In lukewarm condition; have a Sunday-School; Eld. B. A. Crawford, pastor. Line Creek - Rejoiceth in the Spirit; Eld. G. N. Bankston, pastor. McComb City - Reports nothing special; Eld. W. H. Tucker, pastor. Terry's Creek - Reports some accessions; Eld. W. H. Schilling, pastor. Mt. Zion - Report some accessions, and an increase of the missionary spirit; Eld. E. M. Schilling, pastor. Sharon - Has nothing cheering to report - have a small Sunday-school; Eld. C. F. Crawford, pastor. Smyrna - Reports nothing special; Eld. R. J. Boone, pastor. Magnolia - Reports a prospering condition - have a flourishing Sunday-school and prayer meeting, and strong missionary spirit; Eld. M. S. Shirck, pastor. Respectfully submitted E. M. SCHILLING, B. S. TURNIPSEED, Committee. Report on Obits. Your committee on Obits would report, that during the past year, the Lord has removed several brethren and sisters from among us, prominent among whom are those whose obituaries are prepared and sent to us by their churches which are hereto attached. Also, Sisters A. E. Willard, Courtney Williams and Margaret H. McLelland, of Moak's Creek Church, Deacon Benjamin Holmes, of Tangipahoa Church. Sister Willard presented her family Bible to the Church previous to her death - truly a consecrated Christian act. The bereaved have our sympathy, and we pray God to bless and comfort them. Respectfully submitted, T. C. Schilling, Chairman. In accordance with a resolution of Bogue Chitto Church, Pike County, Miss., in Conference on the first Sabbath in September, 1881, the undersigned committee was appointed to write an obituary of Jeremiah Walker, deceased, and to be presented to the Bogue Chitto Association when convened with the Mt. Pleasant Church, Lincoln County, Miss., on Saturday before the first Sabbath in October, 1881. Your committee submit the following: Jeremiah Walker Departed this life at his home in Pike county, Miss., January 23d, 1881, aged seventy-two years, four months and twelve days. This truely good man was born in Hickman county, Tenn., Sept. 11th, 1808. His father moved to Pike county, Miss., June, 1814. In his twenty-seventh year he married Louisiana Williams, with whom he lived the remainder of his life, living happily together upwards of forty-five years. He leaves her and seven children to mourn his loss, all of whom are members of the Baptist church, and citizens highly esteemed by all who know them. In his death, the Church has sustained a great loss, but we are fully pursuaded that our loss is his eternal gain. In 1837, he joined the Bogue Chitto Church, and in July the next year, he was ordained Deacon of the church, an office he used well upwards of thirty-two years. He was intelligent, and faithful in the discharge of the duties involved upon him as Justice of the Peace and as a good citizen. He loved God's word and made it the man of his council, laying aside all mere human opinions in matters of religion; was strong in the faith, a thorough Baptist. The Master's call found him ready. His departure was immediate, having been afflicted with heart disease for a length of time - the summons came not unexpected. He expired by the fire-side immediately after attempting to mend up the fire. In a moment he was transferred from earth to heaven, was absent from the body and present with the Lord. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord - the weary are at rest. Respectfully submitted, FELDON DUNAWAY, PEARLY DUNAWAY, JOHN MAY, Committee. John Simmons Deacon of Balochitto Baptist church, died at the residence of his son-in-law, E. C. Andrews, in Pike county, Miss., on the 27th of June, 1881. Bro. Simmons was born in Barnwell District, S. C., September, 1803, moved to Pike county, with his parents, when quite young, resided near the first settlement until his death. He united with the Silver Creek Baptist Church in 1835, withdrew to go into the constitution of the Mt. zion Church, in July, 1838, and was, at the same time, elected Clerk. He served many years as Clerk, and resigned on account of being hard of hearing. Several years after, removed his member-ship back to Silver Creek Church; shortly after, was elected Deacon and ordained by said church -- withdrew his letter to help constitute the Balochitto church, October 12, 1873, and was, at the same time, elected Deacon, and served faithfully. "Uncle John, " as he was familiarly called by every one, was truly a good man, a consistent Christian, a kind husband and loving father. He has gone to that land of rest, leaving a widow and several children, relatives and many friends to lament his death. May God's choicest blessings rest upon them. Done by order of the Church. Respectfully submitted, D. M. Pound, E. M. Shilling, V. C. Coney, Committee. S. O. Magee Died at his residence in Pike county, Miss., April 27th, 1881, after a long and severe illness, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Bro. Magee was born in Pike county, Miss., in November, 1816. He professed to have obtained a hope in Christ as his Savior, during a sermon preached at Silver Creek Baptist Church, by that "Good man of god," Elder Jesse Crawford. In june, 1839, united with said church, and Bapitzed into her fellowship; at the August meeting, 1842, was elected Deacon, and ordained March, 1843, and served the church until he drew out his letter to go into the constitution of the Balochitto Church, in October 12th, 1873; he was elected Deacon at the same time, and served faithfully, until prevented by sickness. His seat in church was never vacant. Bro. Magee was twice married. Two children by his first marriage and his widow with a great number of friends mourn his death; but he has gone to that "land of rest." Our Bro. Magee died in the "full assurance of faith." It was our pleasure to listen to him on many occasions, speak of his bright hope beyond the grave. Farewell, our brother, may the good Lord bless and save his family. Done by order of the church. Respectfully submitted, D. M. Pound, E. M. Shilling, W. C. Coney, V. C. Coney, Committee. Treasurer's Report. S. C. Walker, Treasurer, In acc't with Bogue Chitto Baptist Association; 1881. Dr. Amount on hand from last report............................................................$109.25 Collected on Monday from Association.................................................. 11.25 Total.............................. 120.50 Disbursed as follows: Paid for printing minutes...........................................1.....40.00 " postage.................................................................2.. . ...4.20 " Clerk....................................................................3. . ...20.00 " B. A. Crawford......................................................4.....16.25 " C. T. Crawford.....................................................5.....10.00 " R. J. Boone...........................................................6.....11.25 " W. H. Schilling......................................................7..... 7.50 " S. C. Walker.........................................................8..... 8.50 ______ Total..............................................117.70 _____ Bal.on hand..........................................2.80 Respectfully submitted, S. C. WALKER, Treasurer Finance Report. Your committee on Finance beg leave to report that they have examined the Treasurer's vouchers, etc., and find them correct, they therefore submit the following statement: Received from the churches for Associational purposes....................... $78.07 Over from last year, as above..................................................................2.80 ______ Total Associational Fund..............................................$80.85 Received from the churches for Home Missions.......................................52.35 " " " Foreign "..............................................19.90 " " Collection on Sabbath, Home Miss.............................51.30 ______ Total Mission fund..................................................$123.55 Respectfully submitted, D. C. WALKER, Chairman Report on Mission. We your committee would report as follows: There is a growing interest in this department of Christian labor - eleven of our churches have responded to the call of duty. $102 40 was received by our Board. Their report shows a balance on hand of forty cents. For Home Missions $52, and for Foreign Missions $19 90 has been received, and at this meeting $51 30 in cash, and $10 in pledges was collected on yesterday - the largest in many years. This improvement is gratifying, yet this important work demands much more attention on the part of the churches. We urge them to contribute for both domestic and foreign missions, and thus aid in the grand work of glorifying God in the salvation of souls. We recommend the continuance of our pres-------- (booklet pages stop here)