Freestone County, Texas Communities Researched by Paula Snider Web Editor: Eric Bonner Wood [These are articles about the Baptist church at the Post Oak community and the church's associaton 1892-1893, 1895] =========================================================================== Post Oak Meeting Freestone County In conformity to a call of the different precinct meetings for the ratifications of the St. Louis plat---the citizens of Precinct 15, Ward 2, Freestone County met on the 9th of April. A motion of the house prevailed to organize a Jeffersonian Democratic reform club by electing E.B. Beall, Chairman and L.O. Lard, Secretary. The house being in order, all but one present came forward and enrolled their names. 1. On motion the platform was endorsed by all present but one. Post Oak Meeting (Cont.) 2. Resolved that we support no man for state or National office who does not endorse said platform. Also, elected W.D. Kmow, L.O. Lard, and D.T. Thomas as delegates to the county convention should be called. There being no other business it was resolved that there be a copy of the proceedings furnished The Fairfield Recorder and The Mexia Herald-Echo for publication. The House endorsed, J.S. Hogg for Governor, the vote being unanimous. The House then adjourned to meet at Dewey Prairie school house on Thursday night the 14th of April, 1892. Done by order of the club. L.O. Lard, Secretary April 9, 1892 =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - May 20, 1892 edition Sunday School Essay By W.O. Cain Read before the Post Oak Church, Sunday, April 4, 1892 Friends, fellow students and instructors: A Sunday school is an organization or institution for instructing in the scriptures and was organized by Robert Rakes, of London of modern date and for the purpose of bringing together a class of children who wander aimlessly around the streets with nothing to employ their minds. This great and good man was truly a benefactor of his race. The minds of the young must have something, to feed upon either good or bad with similar impressions. Like the tendrils of the vine must have something to lean upon for support, though it be a decaying stump or tree that falls by the road side, yet it will cling to the dirty thing though it wallows in the mire. The first impressions are most lasting and if wrongly impressed may hug a delusive phantom through all coming years. There is nothing so forcibly strikes me by way of comparison with a Sunday School as the sowing of seeds or the passage of scripture: "What so ever, ye sow that shall ye also reap." There are many and various seed to be and are sown each everyone coming forth after its own kind and likeness. Sow oats, corn, barley, rye, reap them. As with seeds which George Washington sowed in the garden, writing his own name, they sprang forth in beauty and grace and elegance in the selfname way and manner in which he had planted them. Sow temporarily, reap temporarily. It is not only how we both sow and cultivate in like manner, what will the harvest be? And so, it is down through the annuals and changing scenes of time and life, down to the nineteenth century, the present day, we are sowing and reaping everyday in thought and deed. Youth, young man and all, what are you sowing today, for good or evil, you shall reap accordingly. How careful then ought we to live With such religious fear When we must give so strict account For our behavior here. The world is sowing today, cheating, swindling, stealing and murdering. What will the ending be? Years ago, a father slew a fellow man. Was it the sparking glass of intoxicant or the demonable heritage of a father that sent that fiendish gleam to the eye of his son and caused him to reach forth with murderous and glittering dagger and sheathe it in the heart of his best friend? Yesterday a guiltless youth, today, a guilty criminal. There is a demonish quietude regions over that soul as deep as the midnight gloom, which can never be broken save by opening tomb. Sow to the flesh, reap corruption, Where we cheat and defraud and lay plans to execute for profit gain and pleasure, in years to come, where we hoped to wander through fields of luxuriant frustration, in green pastures beside the linped waters of the purling brook, over shadowed by the deep dark foil age of the willow, fringed with verdant mossy banks and pebbly bed, while ever and anon the sweet songs of birds mingle with the unvarying tone of the rippling rill, and the softly sighing breeze swaying the downy catkins to and fro, as they sported gleefully and in glad profusion there and kissed by departing hours, but instead. the fields are devastated, the pastures dry and parched, the brook yawning chasm, its foliage smote by the hand of blight. "The birds had ceased their songs of love, awed by the threatening hour" Sowing and reaping; experience I have none. I am told there is one in that celestial city sitting on the mediatored throne making intercessions for us, and the deeds we have done. May He guard, guide and direct us in all his paths of right, and-may we carve it on our memory with a sculptor’s hand casting out all impurity of heart, remembering that "Whosoever we sow that we also reap." =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - October 7, 1892 edition Meeting of Church Delegates The meeting of delegates from the various Baptist churches of the county to discuss the formation of a County Association, met with the Baptist church here on the 5th inst. It was called to order by Rev. J.M.P. Morrow, pastor of the Fairfield church. An opening hymn was sung and prayer was had by Rev. C. C. Lee. The selection of a moderator being next in order, on motion, Rev. C.C. Lee was elected moderator, and L.D. Lillard made secretary. On motion, the roll of churches in this county was called and the following answered, present being represented as follows: Antioch, J.W. Richardson; Brewer, J.T. Chumney and J.C. David; Cotton Gin, Dr. J.R. Johnson; Caney, H.L. Bloxom; Dewy Prairie, O.W. Burleson; Fairfield, W.T. Watson, L.D. Lillard and E. J. Brown; Hicks Springs, W.R. Hollowaway; New Hope, Rev. C.C. Lee; New Providence, W.S. Jolly and T.H. Beaver; Pleasant Grove, G. N. Henderson, and J.B. Wooldridge; Post Oak Grove, W.W. Riley; Round Prairie, J.B. Casey; Wortham, C.C. Stubbs; Woodland, E.G. Sessions and Dr. C.J. Wooldridge. Liberty No.1, and No.2, Plum Creek, Rock Springs and Ward Prairie were unrepresented. After an informal discussion of the subject of a county association by many, so as to get the views of the body, it was the sense of the meeting to take no definite action at present but should the Limestone churches apply for letters of dismission, in order to form a county association, let them do so: and let the Prairie Grove Association retain its name until it's annual meeting in 1893, which probably will be held in some place in this county. Then if the surroundings and the existing conditions subject the changing of the name of the association it can be done. Dr. J.R. Johnson, of Cotton Gin offered a resolution to that effect, and it was unanimously adopted. No further business appearing after prayer, the meeting closed in peace and harmony. C.C. Lee, Moderator L.D. Lillard, Secretary =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - October 7, 1892 edition Notice Baptist The next meeting of the Prairie Grove Baptist Association will be held with Prairie Grove Church, in Limestone County, beginning next Friday, October 14. It is a meeting of special importance to the Baptist churches of this County, and every church should be sure to be represented. Any church delegate who may find that he cannot attend should promptly notify his alternate. =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - November 25, 1892 edition At the residence of the bride's father, Daniel Grant, on Wednesday November 16, 1892, by Rev. E. J. Brown, Mr. John Ward and Miss Fannie L. Grant both of this county. The bride and groom in the above are well known in this vicinity and on Ward Prairie where they now reside. The groom is an energetic and stirring farmer, raised in this county. He informs us that he will move back next month to his mother's place north of town and go to house keeping and run the farm again next year. The Recorder with many others wishes friend John and his bride a long happy and prosperous wedded life. =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - Jan 27, 1893 edition The first Board Meeting of the Prairie Grove Baptist Association for this year, will convene today and tomorrow with the Cotton Gin Baptist Church. =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - February 17, 1893 edition Cotton Gin Board Meeting Cotton Gin, Texas, January 28, 1893 Pursuant to appointment at the last meeting of the Prairie Grove Association the executive board met today at 11 A.M. with the Cotton Gin Baptist Church. The board was called to order and on motions Dr. J. R. Johnson was elected moderator pro tem, to serve until the next regular meeting of the association to be held in October next. On motion Bro. L. D. Lillard was likewise elected temporary clerk, and Bro. J. B. Wooldridge was elected temporary treasurer. Bro. Lillard being absent, W.D. Williamson was requested to act as clerk at this meeting. On motion the executive board adjourned until 2 P.M. Evening Session The moderator called the board to order at 3 p.m. On motion the roll of churches in Freestone County was called and the following answered present, and represented as follows: Antioch, L.T. Crawford; Cotton Gin, J.W. Loader; Caney, H.L. Bloxom; Dewey Prairie, O.W. Burleson; Fairfield, Rev E.J. Brown; Hicks Springs, W.R. Holloway; Liberty, J.G. Draper; New Providence, Rev. A.B. Tedder; Pleasant Grove, J.B. Wooldredge, Ward Prairie, Rev. E.J. Brown; Wortham, F .M. Steward. The following named churches sent in cash as follows, subject to the order of the executive board; Cotton Gin, $1.25, Dewey Prairie $2.35, Hicks Springs, $1.50, Pleasant - Grove $1.50, Wortham $1.50, Antioch church sent up $.25, for Buckner's Orphans Home, and $1.50 more for it as an individual contribution total receipts at the meeting $12.85. On motion brethren E.J. Brown, L.D. Lillard and J.B. Wooldridge were appointed a committee on programs for the next meeting of the Workers Institute. The following resolution offered by Rev. C.C. Lee was adopted: "Resolve that we-as the executive board of the association are in favor of putting a missionary in the field for at least half if not his whole time and in the view of the fact that we are at present without the necessary funds to pay a missionary, that we will each one lay this subject before our churches, and urge all our pastors to do the same, and to take collections and subscriptions for missions work, and report the same at our next meeting." On motion Ward Prairie Church was selected as the place for holding the next Board meeting, on Friday before the third Sunday in April next. No further business appearing the board on motion adjourned. J.R. Johnson, Moderator W.D. Williamson, Clerk =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - April 14, 1893 edition Meeting of the Workers Institute and the Executive Board of the Prairie Grove Assoication to be held with Ward Prairie Baptist Church three miles north of Fairfield. On Friday before the fifth Sunday in April 1893 program; Devotional exercised lead by Rev. D.A. Gaddy. Introductory sermon at 11 A.M. by Rev. J.W. Wood. Adjournment to 2 P.M. Discussions leading speaker to have twenty minutes; other speakers limited to ten minutes. "What is the best way to develop the strength ot the Church?" lead by Rev. D.A. Gaddy. "What is wrong for a member to habitually stay away from church?" lead by Rev. A.B. Tedder. "What should be done with a member who rarely ever attends church?" lead by Rev. W.D. Williamson. "Can and should every member contribute to church support?" lead by J. W. Richardson. 8 P.M. Sermon by Rev. A.B. Tedder. Second day. 9 A.M. "What is the best way (torn paper) interest in the missionary (torn paper)" by Rev. D.A. Gaddy. 10 A.M. Meeting of the executive board. 11 A.M. Sermon "What is Scriptual Baptism?" Rev. C.C. Lee. Dismissed until 2 P.M. 2 P.M. Work of Executive board concluded. Question box quickies in the evening. Sunday 11 A .M. Sermon: Text Matthew 28; 19-20 Rev. D.A. Gaddy. =========================================================================== The Fairfield Recorder newspaper - May 19, 1893 Another Executive Board Meeting held at Ward Prairie Baptist Church, Friday April 28, 1893. Churches represented: Antioch, J.W. Richardson; Brewer Prairie, Z.B. Harris; Cotton Gin, J .H. Hanner; Caney, S.W Byson; Dewey Rrairie, O.W. Burleson; Fairfield, L.D. Lillard; Hicks Spring, W.R. Holloway; New Providence, T.H Beaver; Post Oak, J. E. Lindsey; Pleasant Grove, R.Y. York; Round Prairie, J.B. Casey; Ward Prairie, J.S. Seale; Rock Springs, John Day, Jr. The following Churches were absent, Woodland, Plum Creek and Sandy Creek. =========================================================================== Copied from The Fairfield Recorder August 25, 1893 The Baptist people of the Post Oak Grove neighborhood are preparing to erect a new and larger church house and will use the present building for school purposes. The Baptist are being liberally aided my other denominations. =========================================================================== =========================================================================== March 15, 1895 BOARD MEETING Program for the board meeting of the Freestone County Association. To be held with the Ward Prairie Baptist Church, Friday before the fifth Sunday in March, 1895. Introductory sermon at 11 o'clock A.M. with devotional exercise. 1st subject: Are the ten commandments binding on church members? J.A Chavers to lead. 2nd How can we enlist all church members in Mission work? G.W. White to lead. Preaching at night convenes at 9A.M. Saturday. Devotional exercises. 2nd The best method of developing the churches spiritually. C.C. Lee to lead. The business of the Board at 10 A. M. Preaching at 11 o'clock A.M. The business continued at 2 P.M. 4th By what means can we best occupy the country of the Lord? A.B. Tedder to lead. Preaching at night. Sunday 10 o'clock Sunday School Mass Meeting. Preaching at 11 o'clock. E.J. Browne, I.H. Willingham Committee ===========================================================================