HAYWOOD COUNTY, TN - CHURCH RECORDS - The Curlin Family and The Brown's Creek Baptist Church, 1836-1879 File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jim Curlin curlin@crosslink.net ************************************************************************ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ THE CURLIN FAMILY AND THE BROWNS CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH HAYWOOD COUNTY, TENNESSEE 1836-1879 Samuel Brown, a pioneer landowner from North Carolina, settled in Haywood County, Tennessee, in 1826. Soon after his arrival he gave land and provided logs to build the first Browns Creek Primitive Baptist Church. His own farm laborers built the first church. Approximately three years later the church burned. A second church was built and consecrated by 1835, and it served the congregation until 1926. In 1870 the name of the church was changed to "Woodland Church" to avoid confusion with other churches that had taken similar names. During the period 1836 into the 1880s the Curlin Family worshipped in this church. The Minutes of the Browns Creek Baptist Church from March 1835 to June 1881 have survived and provide mute testimony to the spiritual life of the Curlins in Madison and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, during that period. The Minutes of the church trace John Curlin and Dolley Perkins Curlin and their family within Browns Creek Baptist Church, from John's admission to the Church by "experience" in August 1836, to the ordination of James Valentine Curlin (Son of William Hugh Curlin and Caroline Miles) as a Baptist minister in 1879. For John Curlin and his sons, Jackson J.J. and John Valentine, religion was a rocky road to travel. Each had a taste for "ardent spirits," which led to disciplinary action by the congregation on several occasions. John was appropriately remorseful of his sin, confessed and was "cordially forgiven" in May 1840 and 1841. In May 1846, John was investigated and found guilty of drinking and the church declared "non- fellowship" against him and declared him "no longer under our watch or care". He was apparently re-admitted to the church because charges for "indulging too freely" were brought and he was found guilty in March 1847. There is no reference to John Curlin in the church minutes after April 1847. He died in 1858 in Madison County but no record of his death is found in the minutes of the Browns Creek Baptist Church. In April 1846, the church adopted a resolution that appears intended to deal with the specific problem of Jackson J.J. and John Valentine Curlin selling liquor as groceries in a store that they owned. The resolution was enforced against them the following month and they were excluded from the church. However, both confessed and were restored to the fellowship of the church in June 1846. Jackson J.J. and his wife, Chasey A. Edmonson Curlin applied for a letter declaring them in good standing with the church for admission to another parish (dismission) in January 1850. It is believed that they moved from Madison County, Tennessee, to Shelby County, Tennessee, at that time, however they were readmitted to Browns Creek Baptist Church in August 1851. The circumstances surrounding their move and re-admittance are unknown. In October 1851, Jackson J.J. and his wife reapplied for dismission and it was granted. John Valentine Curlin and his first wife Amanda Beaty Curlin left Madison County, Tennessee sometime in the 1850s and settled in Lauderdale County, Tennessee. Their son, Thomas Green Curlin and his wife, Mary Jane West were members of the church. William Hugh Curlin and his wife Caroline Miles Curlin remained in Madison County, Tennessee and raised their eight children in the locale. William Hugh was a loyal and respected member of the congregation, and except for a lapse of attendance, for which he was excused, his record in the church was unblemished. William Hugh's sons, Isaac Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Valentine Curlin were active members of the church. Isaac Washington Curlin was called on many times to render valuable service to the congregation during the 1870s and was a much-respected member. William Hugh's son, George Day Curlin, withdrew his membership under protest in December 1874 for reasons that were not explained. William Hugh's son, James Valentine Curlin was ordained a Baptist minister in November 1879. James Valentine was frequently entrusted as moderator pro tem of the church conference and preached there on several occasions. There is a mystery regarding George Ann Taylor. She is known to have lived with John Curlin's family, and after his death in William Hugh Curlin's house. John Curlin left her personal property and money. George Ann was admitted to the church in September 1840. She was "excluded" from membership in March 1853 "for becoming the mother of a child with out having bin married". Her relationship to the Curlin family is not known. Browns Creek Baptist Church admitted black or "coloured" members to the church fellowship. Most were slaves of the white members. They were respectfully referred to as "brother" and "sister". In the minutes black members were referenced as "person of colour," "coloured," but never as "Negro". But there were clearly lines across which color could not cross, as in this petition for a black brother to preach: "Our Brother Charles of colour requested permission to preach the Gospel, the Church defered the matter to our next meeting. "The Church considers that under the present laws of the state it would not be prudent to authorize a coloured man to preach and do therefore say to Brother Charles we wish him to use his gifts as heretofore in prayer and exhort his fellow servants to live Godly and Christianly. The church minutes stop after May 1860 and continue once more in October 1870. This decade spans the years just before and during the Civil War and the Reconstruction. The church made plans to host the Hatchie Association meeting between August and September 1879 and the Curlin Family was deeply involved in the preparations. The meeting had to be postponed until the second week of November 1879 because of a yellow fever epidemic in Memphis. William Hugh Curlin's son James Valentine Curlin was ordained during at the Hatchie Association's November 1879 meeting at Browns Creek Baptist Church. Minutes of the Browns Creek Baptist Church, Tennessee March 1835-June 1881 Pub. No. 862 Commenced in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty five List of Male Members John V. Curlin [John Valentine Curlin, son of John Curlin] (Dismissed) William Curlin [William Hugh Curlin, son of John Curlin] John Curlin [father of Jackson J.J., John Valentine, and William Hugh Curlin] (Excluded) Jackson Curlin [Jackson J.J. Curlin, son of John Curlin] (Dismissed) Washington Curlin [Issac Washington Curlin, son of William Hugh Curlin] Franklin Curlin [Benjamin Franklin Curlin, son of William Hugh Curlin] Thomas G. Curlin [Thomas Green Curlin, son of John Valentine Curlin] George Day Curlin [son of William Hugh Curlin] James Curlin [James Valentine Curlin, son of William Hugh] List of Female Members Dolly Curlin [Dolly Perkins Curlin, wife of John Curlin] (Dead) Caroline Curlin [Caroline Miles Curlin, wife of William Hugh Curlin] Mary Curlin [Mary Jane West Curlin, wife of Thomas Green Curlin] George Anne Taylor [lived with John Curlin and later with William Hugh Curlin] (Excluded) Charlotte Edmonson [Mother of Chasey Ann Edmonson, wife of Jackson J.J. Curlin] Chasey Ann Edmonson [Wife of Jackson J.J. Curlin] Minutes: 6 June 1836-- "Received by experience John Curlin Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in 1836-- "Opened a door for the reception of members and Brethren Joel Watkins and Jackson Curlin and Sisters Fanny Watkins, Matilda Jones, Weatherly (?), Susan Clow and Nancy Rose by experience. 2 June 1837- "Appointed Thomas W. Batchelor, John Curlin and Joel Akins a committee to ascertain the best form of an [addition] to our meeting house also the probable cost. Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in September 1837-- "Took up the reference of the July meeting on the addition to our house and appointed Brethren John Curlin and Jordan Sawyer trustees ...to attend to receiving subscriptions and build. May 1838-- "...meeting continues and a door being opened for reception of new members, the following persons (viz.) Elizabeth Cow, John V. Curlin, John A. Dewitt, Harriet Nicholson, who upon a declaration of the faith in Jesus Christ and a compliance with ordinance of baptism was received into full fellowship. Tuesday after the 3rd Lord's Day in June 1838-- "a door was opened for the reception of members came forward William Curlin and Elizabeth Webster and was received and baptised forthwith....the baptism tomorrow 10 o'clock at or near Mr. John Brown's and the black sister Mary Stokely and William Curlin was immersed. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's day in September 1838-- "and delegated Brethern Daniel Guthrey, Thomas Etheridge and Jordan Sawyer and in case of failure Brothers John Curlin and Joseph Stokely and by them send $2 to the fund. Friday before the 3rd Sabbath in November 1838-- John Curlin, William Curlin and John V. Curlin reported present at meeting of the Church. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's day in July 1839 "delegates to attend the convention to be held at Spring (not readable) Gibson County on friday before the 1st Lord's day in August Brethren Thomas W. Batchellor and Jackson Curlin. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's day February 1840-- "And whereas Brother Thomas Etheridge as removed his fellowship out of our church, and we agree to appoint Brother John Curlin to fill the place of Brother Etheridge in said Committee (Standing Committee to Audite and Settle Annually the Account of Brother D. J. Guthrie Treasurer of this Church) Saturday before the 1st Lords day in May in 1840-- "Brother John Curlin confessed his fault in being overtaken by intoxication and was cordially forgiven. Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in June 1840-- "Committee of finance failed to report and continued until next conference. Brothers John Curlin, and D. Nicholson, Joseph Stokley get apprised to cite the above brethren (members of the Committee) to render their excuse for non attendance. ",,,Brethren John Curlin, D. Nicholson to see Brother Tune and solicit a contribution to a subscription for the addition of meeting house and that Brethren Jackson Curlin and Jos. Stokley and Brother Willis Jones on the same (also members of the committee), and report next Conference. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's day in July 1840-- "Brethren Nicholson and Curlin reported in the case of Brother Tune and was discharged, Brethren Stokey and Jackson Curlin reported the case of Brother Willis Jones and discharged." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in June 1840-- "Brethren Curlin and D. Nicholson, Joseph Stokely to cite the absent Brethren to render their excuse for non-attendance at this and former conferences. Brethren John Curlin, David Nicholson to see Brother Tune and solicit a compliance to a subscription for the addition to the meeting house and that Brethren Jackson Curlin and Jos. Stokely see Brother Willis Jones on the same, and report next conference." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in September 1840-- "A door was opened for the reception of members, came forward George Ann Taylor and Mary Rose and was received. [Note: George Ann Taylor lived in the house with John Curlin and after John's death, with William Hugh.] Saturday before the 1st Lords day in October 1840-- "On Sunday Charles the slave of Mr. J. Cobb applied for liberty to excise his guilt in prayer and exhortation and brethern Curlin and Batchellor was appointed to see Mr. Cobb as to said Charle's deportment and report to our next meeting." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in May 1841-- "Brother John Curlin confessed his fault in being overtaken by intoxication and was cordially forgiven." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in September 1841-- "Delegated to the convention, John Curlin, Jackson Curlin and William Barbee." Saturday before the 1st Sunday in October 1841-- "On Sunday Charles the slave of Mrs. T. Cobb applied for liberty to excise his ? in prayer and exhortation and Brethren Curlin and Batchellor was appointed to see Mrs. Cobb as to said Charles' deportment and report to our next meeting." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in April 1842-- "Ordered that Brother John Curlin cite Brothers Burkett Brown and Samuel Forest to appear at our next conference for intoxication...and that Brother Curlin cite Brother Goodwin (Corban? p. 54)" Saturday before the 1st Sunday in July 1842-- "The reference of Brother Brown was taken up for drunkeness and was laid over to our next meeting--The refernce of Brother Samuel Forest, for the same, laid over to our next meeting and that Brethern Thomas W. Batchellor and Jackson Curlin cite them and report the same." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in August 1842- "...Members to attend the association ...?...church on Saturday before the 4th Lords day in the present month, Viz.--? Barbee, Samuel Brown, James C. Jones Jackson Curlin in case of failure and by them send two dollars to the association fund." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in April 1843-- "Brethern Curlin Nicholson and Guthrie cite Brother Joseph Howel for drunkeness and rport to ncxt conference. Brethern Curlin, Nicolson and Guthrie cite Arthur Howel for maltreatment of his step mother and report next conference. Brethern Copeland and J. J. Curlin cite Samuel Forest Jr. for drunkeness and report next conference." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in May 1843-- "Brethern Wright Nicholson, Samuel Brown and John Curlin a committee to see Sister Rebecca Forest and Sister Jane Howel concerning an allegation which Sister Forest has perferd against said Sister Howel, of speaking in several instances unguarded and untrue and make report next conference." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in May 1843-- "According to former order the committee consisting of Brethern Wright Nicholson, John Curlin, Samuel Brown, William Barbee and D. J. Guthrie do under a report in the case of Sisters Forest and Howel in the following Words: The committee find upon investigation of the difficulty existing between Sister Rebecca Forest and Sister Jane Howel of speaking untrue in several instances, but further from our view of the circumstances connected with the several instances aforesaid, that said speaking could nor did not oprate in the injury of any person or persons and was not spoke with that intend. We therefore further report that we do not consider the offences of so speaking of such magnitude as would amount to a censure." Saturday before the 1st Lords day in August, 1843-- "A door was opened for the reception of members, came forward Charlotte Edmonson and was received." [Mother of Chasy A. Edmunson, wife of J.J.J. Curlin] Saturday before the 1st Lords day in September, 1843-- "On Sunday opened a door for the reception of members, when...Chasey Ann Edmonson...was received." [The "Chasy A." that married J.J.J. Curlin] Thursday before the 1st Sunday in February, 1844-- "Brother Curlin Sr.(?) cite Brother Nicholson summons to our next ? conference to render satisfaction for disorder and intoxication. Brother Curlin be requested to see and advise with Brother Franklin Brown (for rash conduct with his Brother Burkett Brown, ..." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in September, 1845-- "Delegated to the association to be held in Bolivar, Hardman County on the 4th Saturday, John Curlin, Joseph Stokely (in case of failure James Nicholson) and send them one dollar to the association fund and that the clerk write a letter to the same and state in said letter the number of male and female and black members each distinctly relegated to attend the convention at Spring Hill, Gibson County, James C. Jones, Sidney S. Loyd, J.J. Curlin..." Thursday before the 2nd Sunday in February, 1846-- "..motioned and agreed that Brethren John Curlin and Joseph Stokely be a committee to see Brother Franklin Brown on charges of drunkeness and report to the next meeting." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in April 1846-- "Whereas it is reported that Brethren J.J. Curlin and Erasmus Rose has been guilty of drinking ardent spirits to excess, we do therefore appoint Brethren Simon Copeland, Samuel Brown and David Nicholson a committee to see them and report their interview and also cite them before the Conference on Thursday before the 2nd Lords day in May next. "Resolved that this Church, will hereafter, discountenance any Member who indulges in the vending or trafficking of ardent spirits as a grocery keeper under any pretense whatever. [Note: Was this resolution specifically intended to deal with the problem of J.J. and John V. Curlin, who are charged with "vending ardent spirits as groceries" cited subsequently?] Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath in May 1846-- "This reference of Bro. J.J. Curlin was called up. Bro. Curlin being present rose and denied every charge, whereupon a committee was appointed consisting of Brethren D. J. Guthery, Joseph Stokely and Marmaduke Harston, to make such effort as would enable them to arrive at the truth or untruth of such a charge and report on the ensuing Saturday that the Church might be able to sustain herself or give him [Curlin] an honorable acquittal. And said Curlin refered said committee to Misters Samuel Dunaway, Thomas Lackey, members of the C. Presbyterian order, Mr. John Lackey of no profession and on their statements would risk his charge or acquittal. "The committee as above did proceed to the investigation of the above charge by going personally to Misters Dunaway, Thomas Lackey and John Lackey and did receive from them, and each of them a statement establishing the above charges beyond doubt of his [Curlin] having drank ardent spirits to excess. "Motioned and agreed that the resolution [See above resolution Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in April 1846 re: vending ardent spirits] passed at our last conference viz. Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in April be enforced against J.J. Curlin and John V. Curlin for persisting in vending ardent spirits as grocery keepers and do therefore consider them no longer under the watch and care of this Church. 2nd Sabbath in May 1846-- "The reference of Brother John Curlin was taken up and investigated and the testimony of three Brethren fixed the guilt of the charge clear and indisputable the Church therefore unanimously declare nonfellowship against him and consider him no longer under our watch or care. [Note: John Curlin must have been subsequently re-admitted to the Church, because a year later he cited for a similar offense] 2nd Lords day in June 1846-- "A door was opened for reception of members when John V. Curlin and J.J. Curlin came forward by confession and wished to be restored to the fellowship of the Church. The confession was received and they both was restored to full fellowship. 4th Sunday in March 1847-- "Whereas it is reported that Brother John Curlin has been guilty of indulging too freely of ardent spirits, moved and agreed that said Brother Curlin is cited by the deacons to attend our next conference and give an explanation as to the truth or untruth of said report." 2nd Sunday in April 1847-- The reference to our last conference, as for Brother John Curlin continued to our next meeting. 4th Sunday in April 1847-- Reference to Brother Curlin taken and reported by Brother W. Nicholson who had an interview, said Curlin denied the charge, and it was laid over to the next meeting. Saturday before the 1st Lords day in April, 1849-- "...also Brother T. Christie see Brother William Curlin for the same [i.e., "omitting attending church meetings]." Saturday before the 1st Sunday in May, 1849-- "The reference to Brother William Curlin taken up, Brother Curlin rendered excuse satisfactory for his non-attendance." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in July, 1849-- "The committee that was appointed to see Brother McDaniel, viz. Christie and Curlin, reported that they attended to the duty assigned them and conversed with him for non attendance and received no satisfaction of a Christian character, therefore a move was made and seconded that said Brother Mc Daniel be excluded from the fellowship of this church for insubordination to and contempt of this church, and was unanimously carried, and therefore this church considers him no longer under its watch and care." Saturday before the 1st Sunday in January 1850-- "Brother J.J. Curlin applied for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted them. Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in August 1851-- "...during the meeting a door was opened for the reception of members when Sister Claranda and J. Luther Wallis and Francis Rix came forward by letter, and J.J. Curlin and wife was received also. Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in October 1851-- "Brother J.J.J. Curlin applied for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted. Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in June 1852-- "Delegated to attend the association at Macon Fayette County on Friday before the 4th Sabbath in July next, Brethren W. Nicholson, Joseph Stokely, A. G. Baity and J. V. Curlin in case of failure...." March (unknown) 1853-- "Excluded Georgie Ann Tailor from the fellowship of the church for becoming the mother of a child with out having bin married." Satuday before the 2nd Lords day in June 1853-- "...Elected Brothern A. G. Beaty, E. K. Midgett, J. A. M. Batchelor and J. V. Curlin delegates [to the association]..." "2nd. Brother J. V. Curlin suggested that the conference take in consideration the necessity of further repair on our church...Moved and seconded that the arrangment for repair be laid over until July conference..." "3rd. Moved and seconded and adopted that Brother J. V. Curlin report his receipts on this church for repair done by himself, reported $3.00 on settlement with him, laid over to the next conferece, the clerk to act as treasurer for this special case." Saturday before the 2nd Lord day in June 1859-- 3rd. Appointed the following brethren delegates to the next meeting of the Big Hatchie association: W. Sieholm, John H. Jones and J. V. Curlin..." Saturday before the 2nd Lords day in July 1859-- "Released Brother J. V. Curlin as delegate to the association and appointed Brother S. J. Christie." Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in April 1860-- "Brother J. V. Curlin reported himself as having purchased (lipling?) license contrary to a standing resolution of [this] Church. After some discussion was defered to our next meeting the resolution bearing on that question being absent." Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in May 1860-- "Brother Curlin being absent upon which agreed to defer this until our next meeting,..." Saturday before the second Lords day in October 1870-- "Brother Christie moved for an appropriation to paint the meeting house..., and Brother I.W. Curlin was appointed to collect for that purpose." July 8th, 1871-- "Brethern Freeman and I.W. Curlin volunteered to attend the association." September 9th, 1871-- "On motion of Brother I.W. Curlin, it was voted that the church buy 1 doz. copies of the Southern Psalmist. Brother Curlin appointed to collect." June 8th, 1872-- "Brother I.W. Curlin informed the conference that there was still $2.60 due Brother Thomas Walker for last years convention expenses." October 12th, 1872-- "It wa moved and carried that the moderator appoint 5 delegates to the Convention. The following wer appointed: I.W. Curlin, H.P. Hudson, J.V. Curlin, Thomas Waller, J. B. Rice." "On motion it was voted that the moderator appoint a brother to sell the three church benchs some time ago taken away for school purposes, the money to be used in payment of arrears to Brother Thomas. Brother I.W. Curlin was appointed." November 9th, 1872-- "Brother William Curlin was appointed to inform ????and ascertain whether he will accept and what day will suit him for the ?" Date unknown, 1873-- "Brother Day made a few remarks, recommending that we have our own agent to be called for missionary purposes. On motion, Brother I.W. Curlin was elected." June 21st, 1873-- "Brethren I.W. Curlin and J.B. Rice were, on motion appointed to secure the service of a sexton on such terms as may seem fit to them." July 26th 1873-- "Borther Curlin reported that he had engaged a sexton for the remainder of the year for $4.10." "Brethern H.P. Hudson, J.V. Curlin, and G. Beatty were on motion, elected delegates to Big Hatchie Association." January 10th, 1874-- "Brother I.W. Curlin having stated that he had not yet collected all that was due the sexton, contributions were made for that purpose." February 7th, 1874-- "The clerk was absent from this meeting. Brother J. ? Curlin apointed clerk pro tem reports no business transactions." March 7th, 1874-- "Brother I.W. Curlin reported a deficit of 60 cts. in the collection for pay of sexton." October 10th, 1874-- "Brother James Curlin stated that his brother, George D. Curlin desired that his name be dropped from the list of members, being convinced that he had been deceived as to his state. After some remarks it was, on motion, voted that we defer acts on his application until our next regular meeting, the pastor desiring time to communicate with him." "The following brethren is renominated and elected delegates to the Convention to mee in Milan on Friday before the 2nd Lord's day in November: T.H. Norvell and James V. Curlin, with J.B. Rice and H.P. Hudson as alternates." December 12, 1874-- "In the case of G.D. Curlin postponed from the October meeting, it was on motion, voted that we withdraw fellowship from him." January 13th, 1875-- "After a short prayer meeting conducted by J.V. Curlin conference was opened, Bother Curlin being elected moderator pro tem." Februrary 13th, 1875-- "Reference having been made by Brother James Curlin to the fact that Brother Posey Beattie was engaged in selling ardent spirits, it was moved and seconded that a committee of three be appointed to visit Brother Beattie, expostulate with him, and inform him of our disapprobation, said committee to report at our next meeting. After remarks by different brethren, the motion carried. Brethren J.B. Rice, J.J. Dickson, and William Curlin, being nominated, were elected said committee." March 13th, 1875-- "Brother Rice of the committee appointed to visit Brother Beaty, reported that they went together to see him, but did not find him, that he afterwards met him, and that Brother Beaty expressed his willingness to quit the sale of ardent spirits, if a majority of the church were opposed to it. Brethren Dickinson and Curlin also reported that they had seen him, and that he did not seem convinced that his course was wrong. Two of the committee stated that he had expressed to them his intention to attend this meeting. After remarks by the moderator, the following resolution was offered, and after further remarks, unanimously adopted to wit: Resolved, that we as a church disaprove of the sale of ardent spirits as a beverage believing it to be highly injurious, and opposed to the spirit of the Christian religion. On motion, it was voted that the same committee be required to see Brother Beaty again, inform him of the passage of the above resolution, and request his attendance at the next meeting." Date Missing, 1875-- "Brother Rice of the committee appointed to visit Brother Beaty reported that he had done so. Brother Beaty being present according to promise to Brother Rice, and being invited to speak, declined making an extended speech, but expresed doubt as to a majority of the church being opposed to his cause, and as to the propriety of so small a number acting and stated that he did not see that his course was wrong. Whereupon a discussion followed participated in by the Moderator, Brethren J.M. Batchelor, J.V. Curlin, T. Walker, and the clerk. After which, Brother Beaty asked until the next meeting to reflect on the subject. On motion, the request was granted." "Brother J.V. Curlin stated that $1.25 was due him for money advanced at the Convention." July 10th, 1875-- "Brother J.V. Curlin reported 25 cts. paid him for Brother Hudson." "It was, on motion, voted that we send delegates to the Big Hatchie Association to convene in La Grange on Friday before 4th Lord's Day in this month. Whereupon, the following brethren were elected, J.V. Curlin, J.H. Musgraves, J.B. Rice." "Before adjournment, brethren J.V. Curlin and I.W. Curlin donated the balances due them to the church." October 9th, 1875-- "It was, on motion, resolved that we elect delegates to the Convention to meet in Humboldt, and instruct said delegates to vote for unification, also, that we send $10 for the mission cause. T.H. Norvell and J.B. Rice were elected delegates, and J.V. Curlin and J.W. Batchelor alternates. J.V. Curlin was appointed to collect the $10." December 11th, 1875-- "Brother J.V. Curlin reported that he had sent Brother Hudson $3.10-- balance due Brother Hudson $2.55. He also reported $3.75 collected for missions." February 12th, 1876-- "Brother Curlin being absent, there was no report on the collections for missions and for Brother Hudson." March 11th, 1876-- "Brother J.V. Curlin reported 40 cts. for missions since last meeting and asked to be discharged from his agency. Which request was, on motion granted, with instructions to forward all he had collected to the proper places." June 10th, 1876-- "Brother J.V. Curlin reported that he had entrusted the mission money to Brother J.H. Borum who promised to deliver it to Dr. Landrum." July 8th, 1876-- " On motion, it was resolved that we appoint delegates to the Association to meet at Stanton on Saturday before the 4th Lord's Day in July. Whereupon the following brethren were nominated and elected. T.H. Norvell, J.B. Rice, J.H. Musgrave, with H.P. Hudson, J.V. Curlin, and J.W. Batchelor as alternates." August 12th, 1876-- "Brother Day being absent again, there was no preaching. On motion, Brother J.V. Curlin was elected moderator pro tem." September 9th, 1876-- "On motion of Brother Rice, it was voted tht the church call out Brother J.V. Curllin and license him to exercise his gift. On motion, Brother Christie was appointed to notify Brother Curlin." November 11th, 1876-- "Brother Hudson stated that Brother Christie had not informed Brother Curlin of the action of the church in the September conference, whereupon Brother Dickinson was, on motion, appointed to discharge that duty." December 10th, 1876-- "The clerk read the certificate of license of Brother James V. Curlin, and no objecton being raised, handed the same to Brother Curlin." July 7th, 1877-- "Brother J.V. Curlin presented a request from Sister Elizabeth Brown for prayers of the church in her behalf and that she may once more be permitted to meet with us." August 11, 1877-- "Brother J.V. Curlin reported that Brother Rice had handed him as delegate to the Association, $6.00 of which he had paid $1.50 for minutes, the balance to Associaitonal fund." "On motion of Brother J.V. Curlin, it was resolved that we commence a protracted meeting on the following day." "Seven professed conversion, of which number the four following, to wit: Miss Mary Stockley, Miss ? Pender Miss Mary E. Pender, Mrs Mary Curlin, were added to the church being received in our usual manner on the 5th day of the meeting, and baptized on the following Lord's day." September 8, 1877-- "In the absence of our beloved pastor who was reported sick, Brother J.V. Curlin was elected moderator." October 13th, 1877-- "On motion of Brother William Curlin the time of Saturday meeting was changed from 3 PM to 11 AM." May 11th 1878-- "On motion, it was voted that a committee be appointed to ascertain the probable cost of ceiling and plastering our church room to report at our next conference. Brethren Rice, I.W. Curlin, and Hudson were elected said committee." July 13th, 1878-- "Preaching by Brethren Curlin and Day." "Brethren Norvell, Rice, and J.V. Curlin, with I.W. Curlin, J. Musgraves, and A.R. Stokely as alternates, were appointed delegates to the Big Hatchie Association." November 9th, 1878-- "The subject of ceiling and plastering our house of worship being taken up, it was, on motion, resolved that the committee of three be appointed to employ a workman to proceed to the extent of the amount subscribed, said committee, also, to make further effort to collect. Brethren I.W. Curlln, H.P. Hudson, and T.H. Norvell were appreciated." December 7th, 1878-- "Brother Curlin of the committee on housefinishing reported that the lumber had been ordered and was in Brownsville, the cost probably about $47." February 8th, 1879-- "Brother I.W. Curlin reported tht the workmen were ready, but that no work had yet been done on the church on account of weather." March 8th, 1879-- "Brother I.W. Curlin reported the work of ceiling in progress." April 5th, 1879-- "Report [on funds for church repair] received and committee continued. On motion, Brother I.W. Curlin was appointed to take up collection and subscriptions at once. $6.00 was collected." May 3rd, 1879-- "Brother Curlin reported that a plasterer had been employed to plaster the walls of the church for fifty dollars. One member of the committee being absent, the exact amount collected was not known; probably about $50." June 8th, 1879-- "The following committees were elected or appointed:...on reception and accomodation of delegates, J.L. Clark, I.W. Curlin, J.W. Batchelor, T. Waller, Jr., on water supply, T.H. Norvell, J.H. Musgraves, W. Curlin, on seats, J.B. Rice, A. Stokely, F. Curlin, to see our antimission any brethren with regard to the use of their house, J.J. Dickinson, W. Curlin." [Note: Repair of the Church and appointment of the above committees was in preparation of a meeting of the Association to be held at Woodlawn Church. The meeting was scheduled for August or September, however, a yellow fever epidemic in Memphis caused it to be postponed until the second weekend in November, 1879.] July 5th, 1879-- "Preaching by Brother J.V. Curlin, followed by remarks by Brother Day. November 1st, 1879-- "The moderator having mentioned the subject of Brother J.V. Curlin's ordination, it was on motion voted that he be ordained at the approaching session of the Association, if found sound in the faitho on examination by the presbytery. Elders G.W. Day, G.W. Griffin, and S.M. Provence were on motion elected to constitute the presbytry." [Note: Three pages with references to Curlins were unreadable. One page dealt only I.W. Curlin reporting on money in his custody for the mission fund, another referred to I.W. Curlin collecting money for church repair, the third contained more substance, dealing with an objection by I.W. Curlin's objection to a sexton for "falsified words". Neither the dates of the transactions nor the text are clear enough to transcribe in entirety.] Transcribed close to verbatim by: James W. Curlin Lottsburg, Virginia 22511 May 1997 MEMORIES OF BROWN'S CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH Dorothy Curlin Morris* These are my personal memories of the Brown's Creek Baptist Church, and the memories of what my father, Bob Taylor Curlin, told me about it. The building that I remember as a child was fairly new, built sometime in the 1920s. It was a one-room frame house with only one door and windows on the sides and back. There were two rows of hand made benches; benches had a plank, hand planed, for the seat, and another plank across the back. I remember them, as being very uncomfortable There was a wooden table down front and three pulpits, all hand made. The congregation at this time (late 1920s) was composed mostly of Forrests and their kin. The division that occurred in 1834 separated the two families that I knew best, the Forrests and Curlins; but my best friend and cousin, Raney Claire Forrest, attended here, so whenever she came to a meeting, I went too. The church was right next to our house. I remember they always had at least 3 preachers, and their sermons were always long. Raney and I always had strings in our pockets to make "crow's feet" or handkerchiefs to knot up dolls while the preachers were speaking. They spoke in the beginning of their sermons in a normal tone of voice, but as the sermons wore on it became a high-pitched sort of chant which some sort of irreverent folks called "getting on the sugar stick." Their meetings were all day affairs with "dinner on the grounds." Visitors were welcomed to preaching but not encouraged to stay for "foot-washing." Although there were many who "leaned" toward the Primitive Baptist beliefs, only a few ever actually joined the church or were baptized. As it was explained to me, their basic belief was that salvation was predestined for certain people and this particular congregation (I don't know if this is correct) believed that that people should not join the church unless it had been "revealed" to them that they were among the "elect." This led to the first split over missions, since the "Hardshells" thought it was useless to try to convert anyone. This same belief led to another division much later. The Forrests and Curlins had already split. Forrests had married Marcoms. They began to disagree, with Marcoms becoming somewhat more liberal. The old liners became known as the "Can't help its" and the Marcoms the "Can help its." They finally divided and built another Brown's Creek Church, which is used for a meeting place still, though all their members are dead. The old church that I remember has long since been demolished. By the time I came along, Curlins, Forrests and Marcoms had long since quit arguing over theology and were quite friendly. The only bone of contention between Curlins and Forrests was the cemetery. Which was owned jointly. The Woodland Church people buried their members there while the Forrests had their own cemetery. Woodland always wanted more of the ground, while Brown's Creek wanted parking space. Of course, when the last member died there was no more problem. Although they were considered quite narrow in their beliefs, no one ever had better neighbors than these people. They tended to the sick, they were strictly honest, hard working, and fiercely loyal to their kin. They were always ready to help their neighbors in times of trouble. They read and believed their Bibles as they interpreted what they read. My father had great respect for them though he was (not) one of their congregation. I have such good memories of the old Church--I played under those big old trees--it was always cool and shady there. Sometimes, after the building was abandoned, Daddy and I would walk over there and sit on the steps and think about the old times there. I guess I was partially responsible for the demise of the abandoned building. Late on afternoon several years after Mother and Daddy were laid to rest in the cemetery, I was visiting there alone. It was almost dark and I backed up my car in a whirl and hit the side of the old building. Birds bats, and pieces of wood flew everywhere, I left a pretty good-sized hole in the corner of the building. I didn't confess until four or five years later when some of the Forrest kin tore the remains down. Dorothy Curlin Morris July, 1997 * Dorthy Curlin Morris lives in the Zion Community near Browsville, Haywood County, Tennessee with her husband, Jimmy Joe Morris. The original was written in pencil by her hand and transcribed by James W. Curlin.