Bertie  COUNTY  NC  Churches Conaritsa
Baptist History written in 1930

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Mmaker52@aol.com Claudia Williams

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This is a copy of a hand typed history of Conaritsa Baptist Church by John P. Slade in 1930.  I will transcribe as written.

Received from:

N.C. Baptist Historical Collection
Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Wake Forest University
Winston Salem N.C. 27109-777
HISTORY OF CONARITSA BAPTIST CHURCH

The Conaritsa Baptist Church was constituted in the year
1789.  It is located in the County of Bertie, four miles
south of Aulander on the State Highway leading from
Aulander to Windsor.

The Clerk has a record of all proceedings from July 20ty,
1851 to the present time.  In the year 1851 there was a
total membership of 257 consisting of 62 white male
members, 140 white female members, 19 colored male
members and 36 colored female members.  Rev. Harvey J.
White xx was pastor and George Williford was clerk.

In June, 1852 Wiley Dunning became pastor and served
until December, 1852, being succeeded by Rev. Thomas
Hoggard who remained pastor until 1854.  He was succeeded
by Rev. Everett Hancock who served the church until Oct.
1855.  At this time the Rev. Stephen Bazemore and Edward
Pierce served the church jointly as pastors until the
year 1858. Rev. Thomas Hoggard was then elected pastor
and A.J. Dunning, church clerk.  Brother Hoggard remained
pastor for seventeen years, being succeeded by Elder
Jeremiah Bunch in January 1875.  Brother Bunch served
until 1887.  He was followed by Elder T. T. Speight of
Republican  who served until Dec. 1910, a period of 23
years.  During the time  Dr. Speight was pastor 323
members were added by baptism.  In January, 1900, Brother
A. J. Dunning was succeeded by Brother John P. Slade as
church clerk.  Brother Slade is still clerk having served
in this capacity for 31 years.  Upon the retirement of
Dr. Speight as pastor in 1910, the church secured the
services of Professor J. E. Hoyle, Principal of Aulander
High School, who served as pastor until September 1912.
Rev. R. L. Gay of Aulander then served as pastor until
the June meeting of 1913.  He was followed by Rev. M.P.
Davis who remained with us until March 1918.  At that
time we were fortunate in securing the services of Rev.
James Long, a most wonderful pastor who remained with us
until Oct. 1920.  Rev. F. B. Raymond succeeded Brother
Long and served as pastor until December 1921.  Then Rev.
J. F. Cale of Roxobel served until December 1923.  We
then secured the services of Rev. E.W. Mason of Edenton
who remained with us until October, 1925 when Rev. J.L.
Powers, present incumbent, became out pastor.  Brother
Powers is making us a wonderful pastor, 93 members having
been added by baptism since he began his ministry with
us.  Not only have blessings come to us through his
ministry but through church organizations in a most
effective way.

When the writer was a mere lad, the building consisted of
only one room.  In the year 1889, some repair work was
done making ready for the Centenial Service.  In the year
1900, the church was rebuilt with an addition of two new
rooms.  During the past five years we have made further
improvements having now an auditorium and six class
rooms.  The house is built of wood and has many memorial
windows.  We have a seating capacity of about 800 and the
value of our church property is $8000.00.  Our present
membership is 433.

There is no greater name in our community than Conaritsa.
Time takes its toll and the vicissitudes of life pass
like shadows before us but being true to our faith we
press onward.  And not only for past blessings are we
thankful but for future joys we are hopeful for great are
the wonders and the power of God.

This is the 18th Day of Oct. 1930 (Handwritten)                John P. Slade, Church Clerk