TENNESSEE STATE RECORDS - CHURCH ASSOCIATION RECORDS - Hiwassee Baptist Association Minutes, 1865 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Edna Clack Woodchippy@aol.com ==================================================================== "The spelling and puncuation in these Minutes are not necessarily what one would expect today. These Minutes were transcribed as closely as possible to the original." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Minutes of the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of the Hiwassee Baptists Association held at the Shiloh Meeting House, Roane County, Tennessee, Friday before the fourth Saturday in September, 1865, and following days. Kingston: J.C. Owings & Co, Printer Note: Hand written on the front by W.R. Clack - "The convention of Baptist met with the Church at Concord October 1865 for the purpose of a union of the Missionary & Primitive order of Baptists" This will help explain the two sets of Minutes for 1865. The above title was on the front cover, but this was on the first page: "Minutes of the forty-second Annual Meeting of the Hiwassee Baptist Association, held at Shiloh Meeting-House, Roane County, Tennessee" 42nd? 43rd? The following table exhibits the condition of Eight Churches, reported by letter to the Meeting. Churches, Delegates, and Total Membership. Mountain Fork - Levi seber 16 Fellowship - R. Brady, J.R. Hollmon, Wm. Baker, M. Brady, M. Clack, James Johnson 46 Mount Pleasant - W.S. Greer 31 Concord - Elder J.B. McCallon, J. Hickey, I. Walker, T. Odam, J. Harmon, E. Odam, J. Clower 139 Hinds Valley - Elder A. Newport, J.R. Hinds, J.F.M. Newport, C. Hickey 33 Zion - C. Breeding, W. Jolly, G. Wade, S. Breeding 53 Pisgah - Wm. Warm, M.E. Jones, A. Grimm, J.P. Owens, T. Egman, W. Tillery (no number) Shiloah - Elder M.H. Sellers, A.D. Morrison, E.S. Bailey, D. Jolly, R.D. Haggard 158 By request of Elder M.H. Sellers, Elder Levi Seber preached the introductory sermon, from Luke the 24th chapter and 46 and 47 verses, and said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his home, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." 1st. The Association then organized, by choosing M.H. Sellers, Moderator and James Johnson Clerk. 2d. Called for corresponding letters from our sister associations. No letter or delegates from Sequatchie. We being desirous to keep up correspondence with her, appoint Brother James Hickey to write to them Elders J.B. McCallon, G.G. Parker and Brethren W.S. Greer and James Johnson to bear the same to them, when convened at _____ commencing on Friday before the 2d Saturday in August, 1866. Likewise, no news from Powel's Valley; Brother E.S. Bailey to write to them, Elders Levi Seber, Asa Newport bear the same to them when convened at ______ commencing Friday before the 3d Saturday in August 1866. 3d. Appointed Brethren W.S. Greer, A. Newport, J.B. McCallon, Levi Seber, M.C. Clack, together with the Moderator and Clerk to arrange the unfinished business of this session, and report to-morrow morning. 4. Appointed Brethren E.S. Bailey and S. Breeding to receive the church contribution, and report to-morrow morning. 5th. Certain churches having declared an unfellowship, for us, to wit: Cave Creek, Poplar Spring, Little Emery, Smyrna, Paint Rock, Pleasant Hill, Hickory Creek and Beach Fork, who withdrew in a disorderly manner, declaring that they did not wish any union with us, we, therefore, according to our constitutional rights, drop them from our union. Then adjourned till half past 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Prayer by the Moderator. Saturday, met persuant to adjournment. Prayer by the Moderator. 1st. Called for the report of the Committee of Arrangement, Read, approved and committee discharged. 2nd. Called the roll and erased the names of absentees. 3rd. Appointed Brother James Johnson our Clerk and treasurer, for the present year. 4th. Read the rules of decorum. 5th. Called for the report of Committee on Finance, Report present contributions $15.45; in hands of Treasurer, $7.75, making in all $23.20. 6th. Appointed our next annual meeting at Pisgah, Meigs county, Tenn., Friday before the 4th Saturday in September, 1866; Elder G.G. Parker is to preach the introductory sermon, and Elder A.D. Morrison be his alternate. 7th. Hinds Valley asks for a union meeting, commencing on Friday before the 2d Saturday in Nov., 1865, and Elder J.B. McCallon, A.D. Morrison, G.G. Parker and M.H. Sellers, be requested to attend the same. 8th. Ordered 300 copies of our minutes printed, James Johnson to superintend the printing, and their distribution, and allow him five dollars for his services. 9th. We agree to adjourn, to meet at Concord Meeting House, Meigs county, Tenn., Friday before the 2d Saturday in October, 1866, to meet the Missionary Baptists in persuance of our agreement, made by certain members of our churches and of that people, presented by Elder J.B. McCallon. 10th. Called for corresponding letters to sister associations, read, approved and ordered to be signed by the Moderator and Clerk. 11th. Minutes read, approved and ordered to be signed by the Moderator and Clerk. James Johnson, Clerk M.H. Sellers, Moderator APPENDIX Proceedings of a convention of Baptists, convened at Concord Church, Meigs county, Tennessee, Friday before the 2d Saturday, in October, 1865, and following days. The delegates composing the Hiwassee Missionary Association, met at the time and place above Specified. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder A. John from 2d Timothy, 4th chapter, 1st clause of the 2d verse; Preach the word; after which the respective delegates proceeded to organize in convention; M.H. Sellers was chosen Moderator, and R.T. Howard Clerk and James Johnson, assistant Clerk. On motion, Elders Z. Rose and Martin Sharp, were invited and came forward and took seats with us during the session. On motion, the proposed terms for union of these two associations was read by Elder J.B. McCallon. The convention then proceeded to appoint a committee of eight, consisting of Elders Z. Rose, James Carson, A. John, Asa Newport, William Whaley, A.D. Morrison; Brethren William Wann, M.E. Jones, together with the Moderator and Clerks, to inspect, revise, amend and arrange the terms of union, so as to meet as far as possible, the design of this meeting, and report to-morrow morning. Then adjourned until Saturday morning, 9 o'clock. Prayer by Elder James Carson. Saturday morning, October 14th met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by the Moderator. 1st. Called for reading of the minutes of previous day; was read, received, roll called, the names of absentees stricken off. 2d. On motion, Called for report of committee to arrange terms of union, which was read and unanimously adopted, and is as follows, viz: HIWASSEE ASSOCIATION Whereas, a division occurred in the above named Association in the year 1836, upon the propriety of forming a connection with the Baptist State Convention and other associated societies, claiming for thier object ministerial support, one division being subsequently known as the old or Primitive, and the other as the Missionary Hiwassee Baptists Associations: and whereas, the Missionary brethren from experience and observation, found that those organizations were not productive of good upon general principals, and did not meet the intended object, and as such, have severed their connections with them; and whereas, it is the sense of this body that the Church of Christ is the only divinely authoried medium for the spread of Gospel truth; and farther, that it is the sense of this body, that ministerial support is clearly taught and a well defined scriptural truth; and whereas, every true friend of Zion should deeply deplore any division in the Baptist family and fervently desire the restoration of peace and union in this once happy body. Therefore, Be it resolved, 1. That the original constitution of said Association be the basis of such union, and that the above named bodies reciprocally recognize the ministerial and church acts of each other, giving to brethren on both sides the right hand of fellowship, and that ministerial support is not only the right but the duty of our churches, but the method of accomplishing the same legitimately belongs to The church as a sovereignty under Christ, the only lawgiver in Zion, and where there are contiguous churches, that they unite in one body, and when members have been excluded by either body for disorderly conduct and received by the other, they should be dropt and required to make satisfaction to the excluding body, according to the rules of the Gospel. Resolved, 2. That a copy of the proceedings of this convention be directed to each church composing the above named Association and that they respectfully be requested to delegate to a convention to meet at Bethel Church, Rhea county, Tennessee, Friday before the 3d Saturday in May next, and at the same time send in their letters, the approval or disapproval, for the purpose of forming one association, delegating the same power to said convention, the right of fixing the time and place of the next regular annual meeting. Resolved, 3. That we advise the brethren composing the above named associations, more intimately to associate with one another in their religious meetings, and cultivate that brotherly love, and christian affection, which is so well calculated to endear brethren to one another; that the time may speedily come when we may be perfectly joined together in one mind and one Judgment, for which object, let every true christian pray. Committee - Z. Rose, James Carson, A. John, Asa Newport, M. E. Jones, William Wann, William Whaley, A.D. Morrison. After the adoption of the above, the committee discharged. On motion, agree to have these proceedings appended to the minutes of each association. A voluntary collection was immediately taken for that purpose, amounting to $14.60; which was divided between the two Clerks. R.T. Howard clerk of M. association, $8.75; James Johnson, Clerk of P. association, $5.85. On motion, The arrangement of preaching was given into the hands of the church of Concord, with a committee; after which the brethren sang a song, giving to one another the hand of fellowship. The most affecting sympathy and feeling prevailed. The whole body then adjourned "sine die." M.H. Sellers, Moderator R.T. Howard, Clerk 1865 (Front cover missing) Minutes First Day's Session Friday Morning, Sept. 22d. - The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder J.P. Kefauver, from 2d. Timothy, 3 chap., 16th and 17th verses; also, 4th chap. from 1st to 3d verse. After a few minutes of respite, the Association was called together by the former Moderator; letters were then received and read from 8 churches, and the following accounts taken: See preceding page for table. After reading the letters, the Association was organized by the choice of J.P. Moon, Moderator, and R.T. Howard, Clerk. 1st. Called for letters from newly constituted churches: None. 2d. Called for letters of correspondence; a letter was presented from Sweetwater United Baptist Association, by the hands of her delegates, Elder Z. Rose, T.A. Higdon, W.H. Newman and S.H. Cate; which was received, and the delegates, being invited, came forward and took seats with us during the session. A letter was also received from Sweetwater Missionary Association, by the hand of their delegate, J.P. Kefauver, who was also invited, came forward and took seat during the session. 3d. On motion of John Howard, Brother T. Knight from Salem church, was invited, came forward and took a seat during the session. 4th. On motion of James Carson, agree to correspond with the following Associations, viz: Sweetwater United Baptist Association, to commence on Friday before the 3d Saturday in September, 1866, at Smyrna Church, Polk county, Tenn., and appoint as our delegates to that body, Elders James Carson, R.T. Howard, A.L. King, Wm Whaley, ______ King, write the letter (NOTE: the ______ before the name King was in the Minutes-EC) To Sweetwater Missionary Association, to commence on Thursday before the 2d Saturday in September, 1866, at Eastanolley (sic) Church, McMinn county, Tenn., and appoint as our delegates, Jas. Carson, A. John, ____ Carson, write the letter (NOTE: The _____ before the name Carson was in the Minutes-EC) To Ocoee Association, to commence on ____ in September 1866, at _____; appoint as our delegates to that body, J.P. Moon, A.L. Stults, W.H. Selvidge, ______ Stults, write the letter. (NOTE: the ______ above were in the Minutes-EC) The Moderator appointed the following Committees of arrangements, S. Burnett, Wm. Whaley, J.B. Thomas, James Carson, A. John, together with the corresponding delegates, the Moderator and Clerk. On Finance: A.J. Shelton, W.H. Selvidge On preaching: one delegate from each church represented here together with Yellow Creek Church and their Pastor; Ministers excepted. On motion, adjourned till Saturday morning, 8 o'clock. Prayer by Elder Wm. Whaley. SECOND DAY'S SESSION Saturday Morning, Sept. 23d. - Met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Elder Z. Rose 1st. Extended the invitation to brethren in the ministry. 2d. Minutes of previous day read, corrected, roll called and the names of absentees stricken off. 3d. On motion of John Howard, James Carson was appointed Treasurer fo the next associational year. 4th. On motion, called for the report of the Committee of Arrangment; which was read, received and the Committee discharged. Item 1. Called on Elder R.T. Howard for a report of his labors as Missionary for the past year; which was read, received and ordered to be spread on these Minutes, and is as follows: To the Hiwassee Association: - Your Missionary would beg leave to submit the following report: I have traveled 828 miles; labored 205 days; preached 221 sermons; witnessed 392 professions; baptized 98 persons; ordained 3 deacons. Received from churches and other sources $58.79. All of which is respectfully submitted, R.T. Howard 5th. A committee consisting of Elders Z. Rose and J.P. Kefauver, was appointed to settle with the Missionary and allow him $2 per day for his services; who retired and came in with the following report: Yet due R.T. Howard, Missionary $351.21. Z. Rose, J.P. Kefauver, Committee 6th. A collection was immediately taken from the delegates and congregation, amounting to $12.75; also a collection was taken up on Sabbath, amounting to $22.80; Total $35.55; all of which was paid over to the Missionary, leaving due our Missionary $315.66. 7th. On motion of the Clerk, Elder G.G. Parker from Primitive Baptist Association was invited, came forward, and took a seat with us. 8th. Adjourned for preaching. AFTERNOON SESSION Called on the Treasurer for last year's report; who reported $18.50, which is now in the hands of the Clerk. 9th. Called on the Committee on Finance to report which was received and the committee discharged. Your Committee on Finance now report $17, contribution from the churches. W.H. Selwidge, A.J. Shelton, Committee 10th. On motion of Elder A.J. Pritchett, agree to appoint Elder R.T. Howard as Missionary to travel in the destitution of this Association and that he, in connection with the deacons of the respective churches, be appointed agents for the collection of funds for Missionary support, and that he be required to report to our next session the result of his labors, &c. 11th. Cedar Fork Church petitions the next Association, which was granted, and we agree to hold our next session of this body at Cedar Fork Church, Roane, county, Tenn., to commence on Friday before the 4th Saturday in Sept., 1866. Elders A.L. Stults to preach the introductory sermon and in case of failure, John Howard, his alternate. 12th. On motion, agree to have 500 copies of these Minutes printed and that the Clerk superintend the printing and distribution of the same, and that the call on the Treasurer for the moneys in his hands to defray expenses, and that the Clerk be allowed $15 for his services. 13th. A proposition for union with Hiwassee Primitive and Hiwassee Missionary Baptists Associations was introduced, and , on motion, appointed a delegation, consisting of James Carson, A. John, S. Burnett, R.T. Howard, A. King, Wm. Whaley, A.J. Shelton, W.H. Selwidge, J.P. Moon, A.J. Pritchett, to meet the Hiwassee Primitive Association in convention at Concord Church on Friday before the 2d Saturday in October next to consult and arrant a plane for the sinsummation of a union with the two associations. 14th. Called for the report of the Treasurer for the present year, who reported in his hands $17, as the churches contributions. 15th. Query from Union church, Roane county, Tenn. Was the rebellion of 1861 wicked in its nature, sinful in its effects; if so, should members of the church, who were in favor of said rebellion and advocated the cause of the same, be dealt with as other offending members? Answer_ In answer to the query from Union Church we reply: 1st. That to answer such queries, involves a discussion of the various exciting questions that gave rise to and perpetuated this horrid war; that it rekindles the spirit of rebellion now already crushed, and tends to perpetuate rather than heal divisions. 2d. That the church of God is an ecclesiastical organization, recognizing Christ as her only lawgiver, and his word as her only rule of action, by which word alone, all her matters must be determined. 3d. That to introduce and debate questions in the Church of Christ which involves political discussions, is without precept or example in the New Testament, and is contrary alike to the letter and spirit of the Gospel. 4th. Therefore, we advise that the churches make no difference between brethren, for mere opinion's sake in politics; but that all offending brethren be treated alike as such, in the spirit of Christian love and forbearance, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 16th. Called for reading of corresponding letters; a letter was read to Sweetwater United, one to Sweetwater Missionary, one to Ocoee Associations, all of which were received and ordered to be signed by the Moderator and Clerk. After reading and correcting the Minutes, a motion was made, to receive them; the brethren sang the parting hymn, the most sympathetic feeling seemed to pervade the whole delegation; after an appropriate prayer by Brother S. Burnett, adjourned to the time and place before specified. J.P. Moon, Moderator; R.T. Howard, Clerk The Meeting continue with deep interest for ten days; several professions, twelve added to the Church by Baptism. On Friday night, the stand was filled by Elders T.A. Higdon and S.H. Cate; on Saturday, by W.H. Newman and Wm. Whaley; on Saturday night, by G.G. Parker and W.H. Selwidge; on Sabbath by Z. Rose and J.P. Kefauver; all in the order of their names, who preached to large and well ordered congregations, with seeming good effect. APPENDIX Churches, Ordained Ministers, Licentiates, Post Offices Bethel (Not being organized, they are partly omitted) Cedar Fork W.H. Selwidge Friendship J.P. Moon, A.L. Stults J. Smith, J.H. Moon Harrison Mt. Vernon Sewee Union Star Wm. Whaley, A.J. Whittock Washington R.T. Howard, J. Howard A.J. Pritchett Washington Yellow Creek A. John, James Carson Washington Salem Thomas Knight Washington "Kingston, November 25, 1865. Received of R.T. Howard, Clerk, $25 for printing 500 copies of these Minutes. J.C. Owings, Printer" PROCEEDINGS Of a Convention of Baptists convened at Concord Meeting House, Meigs County, Tennessee, on Friday before the second Saturday in October, 1865, and following days: The delegates composing the Hiwassee Primitive Baptist Association and the delegates from Hiwassee Missionary Association, met at the time and place above specified. NOTE: Here they included the Minutes from the meeting as recorded in the previous 1865 Minutes, above. -EC REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DECEASED MINISTERS We, your Committee on deceased Ministers, would make the following report: We find that during the last associational year it has pleased the Great Ruler of human events to remove from our midst, and from their fields of labor, our highly esteemed and much approved Brethren, Elders D.W. Horner and E.W. Cantrolle, the former having died in the full triumphs of a living faith, at his residence in Rhea County, Tennesse, seven miles east of Washington, on the 15th day of August 1865. We are sorry that we have no means by which to give a short biographical history of the life and character of these two distinguished and much beloved laborers in the vinyard of the Lord. Sufficient at present to say, that Brethren Horner and Cantrolle were faithful, untiring, and zealous Ministers of the New Testament, always laboring for the unity of the spirit endeavoring to enforce the truths of the Gospel upon the minds and conscience of all, and especially those whom they esteemed their brethren - but they have ended their career on earth. In this dispensation of Divine Providence, some churches have lost faithful pastors; this association, some of its prominent membership - those wives and children, affectionate husbands and fathers, Yellow Creek and Mt. Vernon churches, two faithful and devoted members, and the country, prominent and beloved citizens. But while we sympathize with them in their bereavements, we meekly bow in obedience to the will of God, and remember that our loss is their gain. For their bereaved wives and little children, our prayers shall be to Almighty God, to save, protect, and sustain them all, and bring them safely to the embraces of those whose loss they now mourn. All of which is respectfully submitted. R.T. Howard, J.W. Taliafara, Committee.