Paulding/Polk County Georgia Church Van Wert Baptist Church (Minutes 1840 - 1868) pt 1 (1840-1849) File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Cassandra Robertson Newby Sandinewby@aol.com Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/paulding.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Transcriber’s note: This handwritten book was discovered tucked behind the wainscoting of a house located on West Elm Street, Rockmart or Cedartown, Georgia, when the house was being razed. I have not been able to determine the age of the home or the original owner. The house was destroyed between 1955 and 1958. The property was last owned and torn down by the Seaboard Railroad. The finder turned it over to Homer Morgan who in turn gave it to Hugh Watts Randall. Mr. Randall is a descendant of the Morgans who were prominent in the church and a prominent local historian. My name is Cassandra Robertson Newby and I am a descendant of the William Jefferson Thomas I mentioned in the church book. A copy of the original book is in the library at Rome, Georgia; I copied the copy and made the transcription to honor him, even though he strayed somewhat from the straight and narrow Baptist past. THE CHURCH BOOK OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT VAN WERT, PAULDING COUNTY, GEORGIA JUNE 20,1840 The Baptist Church at Van Wert was the forerunner of the First Baptist Church at Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia. It later became a Methodist church, and then was abandoned for decades. Van Wert, Paulding County, Georgia, June 20,1840 Members from various parts of the Baptist denomination being settled in this place and its vicinity, and being desirous of being constituted into a Church, have agreed among ourselves that Humphrey Posey, John Holmes and J. W. Lewis be a presbytery to examine into our standing and fitness to be thus constituted and have agreed to the constitution hereunto annexed. Humphrey Posey John Holmes John W. Lewis The above presbytery having examined unto the state and standing of the persons whose names are hereunto annexed, have this day constituted them into a Church under the name of the Baptist Church at Van Wert. Joseph Morgan, A Deacon Hannah Morgan Benjamin F. Morgan Churchill Mason ( A Deacon) Elizabeth Mason Elisha Garrett Nancy Garrett Joseph D. Morgan William M. Morgan John Harrison Katharine Junior Winney Gibson Rhody Harrison The members accepted Joseph Morgan and Churchill Mason Deacons, and they gave their consent to serve. They also set apart the 3rd Sunday in each month, and Saturday before, as their stated time of meeting, until it may be thought fit to alter the time. The body was then pronounced as the Baptist Church at Van Wert and a door was opened for the reception of members, when Elisha Gibson was received by Experience. John Holmes, Moderator John W. Lewis, Clerk Articles of Faith or Constitution for the regular Baptist Church, constituted at Van Wert, this 20th Day of June, 1840. 1st. We believe in one True and Living God, and that there is a Trinity of persons in this Godhead, The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and yet there are not three gods but one God. 2nd. We believe the scripture of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God and only rule of faith and practice. 3rd. We believe in the Doctrine of Original Sin and Universal Depravity of the human family, and of man's inability to recover himself from the fallen state which he is in by his own free will and ability. 4th. We believe in the everlasting love of the God to his people. 5th. We believe that sinners are justifiable in the sight of God by the Righteousness of Christ imparted unto them. 6th. We believe that true believers in Christ will persevere to the end of their lives and none of them will be finally lost. 7th. We believe that good works are the fruit of faith and follow after justifications. 8th. We believe that there will be resurrection of the dead, and a general judgment, and that the happiness of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be Eternal. 9th. We believe that the visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful persons who have gained Christian fellowship with each other and have given themselves to the Lord and one another and have agreed to keep up a godly discipline agreeable to the rules laid down in the Gospel. 10th. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Great Head of the Church and only lawgiver and that the government is with the Body and is the privilege of each individual and the discipline of the Church is intended for the reclaiming of those members who may be disorderly either in faith or practice and must be faithfully kept up for the Glory of God and the harmony of the Church. 11th. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are binding ordinances and are to be continued until his second coming, and immersion only is Baptism and that true believers are the only subjects. 12th We believe that no minister has a right to administer the ordinances of the Lord's House, only such as has been legally set apart to the work of the Gospel ministry. Amanda Burke William Willoughby Sarah Willoughby Joseph F. Heaton William H. Burton (Dismissed by Letter) Burton Crabb ( A Deacon, Dismissed) Rachel Crabb George W. Morgan (A Deacon, Dismissed) Nancy Morgan Benjamin Morgan Francis E. Burk Frances Burton or Barton Whites, Number of Members: 58 Blacks, Number of Members 2 60 Dismissed by Letters: 10 Received by Letters: 6 Received by Experience: 2 RULES OF DECORUM 1st. The Pastoral supply shall be Moderator unless circumstances make it necessary to appoint another. 2nd. The first business of the Moderator shall be to invite visiting brethren to seats. 3rd. Open a door for the reception of members. 4th. (inserted) Excuses for absence. It shall be the duty of each free male member to attend the monthly conferences, and if any fail to do so, he shall render his reason at the next conference thereafter. For the second failure, he shall be admonished by the Moderator, and for the third, he shall be called for by the Church. 5th. Inquire for acknowledgments. 6th. Attend to references. 7th. Attend to matters of dealing. 8th. Attend to anything which may interest the conference. 9th. It shall also be the duty of all the members to attend Communion and partake at the Lord's Supper; any individual member neglecting either shall render his or her reason to one of the Deacons, previous to the next Communion. 10th. All cases in conference shall be decided by a majority of the members present, except such as are binding on fellowship, then the unanimous voice is required, and all cases thus decided shall be final and conclusive. 11th. The Moderator may vote in case of a tie, but not otherwise. 12th. Every motion made and seconded shall be attended to by the Moderator, except withdrawn by the member who made it. 13th. Every member, before he speaks to any point in debate, shall first rise from his seat and address the Moderator. 14th. No member shall speak more than three times to the same subject without leave from the Church. 15th. No member shall absent himself from the conference without leave from the Moderator. 16th. The Moderator may speak to any point in debate by calling some Brother to fill the chair. 17th. We agree to bear our proportionate part in all expenses necessary for the support of the Church and our Pastor, according to what we have. 18th. If any member violate any of these rules, he or she shall be reproved by the Moderator, and refusing to come to order, shall be dealt with by the Church. 19th. These rules may be altered or amended when it shall appear they are deficient according to the Scriptures. 20th. Resolved, that these rules together with the Constitution of the Church be read quarterly at our Communion Meeting. 21st. The Church agrees to meet and commence public exercise on Saturday (or Conference Day) at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, whether there be a preacher in attendance or not. Joseph Morgan, a Deacon Dismissed by Letter Hannah Morgan Dead Benjamin F. Morgan Churchill Mason, a Deacon Dismissed by Letter Elizabeth Mason Elisha Garrett Dismissed by Letter Nancy Garrett Dismissed by Letter Joseph D. Morgan William M. Morgan Dismissed by Letter John Harrison Rhoda Harrison Katharine Junior Excluded Winney Gibson Dismissed by Letter Eliza Gibson Dismissed by Letter Oliver C. Jones Dismissed by Letter Mary Jones Dismissed by Letter Benjamin Lansing Dead Mary Lansing Dead Henry J. Hogue Dismissed by Letter Gabrilla Hogue Dismissed by Letter Charles Garmon Dismissed by Letter Mary Garmon Dismissed by Letter Mary A. Mason Dismissed by Letter Elizabeth Ezzard Dismissed by Letter Mary Walton Jacob Scott Dead Jincy Scott Dismissed by Letter Elizabeth Lethers Dismissed Rhoda Wright Dismissed Marian McCard Dead Allen Johnson Dismissed Jane A. Wingfield Dismissed Sintha Morris Dismissed by Letter Mary C. Morris Dismissed by Letter John Lansing Dead Lucinda Roach Dismissed E. D. Chisolm Leroy McWhorter Dismissed Mary McWhorter Dismissed James D. Deupree Dead Lucinda Dickerson Dismissed Elender Camp Dismissed John R. Heaton Maryann Heaton Joseph Thames Dismissed by Letter Bethany Thames Dismissed by Letter Thomas Weatherly Ordered May, 1847 by the Church Fereby Crabb Dismissed by Letter Joseph Morgan's Bill Dismissed by Letter and Bacchus Dismissed by Letter B. F. Morgan Letters Let t Margaret Morgan Dismissed by Letter Ritta Lansing Dismissed Elizabeth Weatherly Dismissed Catharine Childers Dismissed John Brooks Dismissed by Letter Jane Brooks Dismissed by Letter Martha Ann Morgan Harriett Pruitt Dismissed by Letter Beby M. Tredaway Dismissed Margaret Oins Dismissed by Letter Monimia Davis Dismissed by Letter Alexander Evans Dismissed by Letter Johnson McWhorter Dismissed Manerva Morgan Mary Willingham Dismissed by Letter Moses Williams Excluded Charity Carter Dismissed Mary Hall Dismissed Edmund J. Spratling Dismissed Jamima Davis Dismissed Martha Weatherly Dismissed Maston Kirby Dismissed by Letter Nancy Ann Harrison Dismissed Frances Peake Dismissed by Letter Manerva Thomas Dismissed James M. Childers Hannah Dickerson Dismissed Isaac Roach Excluded Caroline Flanegan William Phlippin (Flippin) Excluded Delila Cason Dismissed Jefferson Thomas Dead Rhoda Kirby Dismissed by Letter Mathew Telford Excluded Mary Williams Dismissed Tyloman D. Pruitt Dismissed by Letter Diannah Pruitt Dismissed by Letter Susan A. Scott Dismissed James B. Carter Excluded James Hall Excluded Mary Burgess Dismissed by Letter Moses McWhorter Dismissed Sarah Johnson Dismissed Jane Wilson Dismissed Amanda Dupree Dead Dorothy A. Flippin Dismissed Hampton Junior Dismissed Sarah Heaton Excommunicated Thomas W. Burton, a Deacon Dismissed by Letter Martha F. Burton Dismissed by Letter Cancy Felton Excluded Levi H. Carter Dismissed Gabrielle Carter Dismissed Jane Fortinberry Dismissed Cornelius Fortinberry Dismissed Absalom Fortinberry Dismissed Frederick McGuire Excommunicated B. F. Key Dismissed by Letter Margaret E. Key Dismissed by Letter William Crabb Dismissed Martha Farmer Martha Jane Franklin Dismissed William B. Moore Sion Evans Dismissed by Letter John Holmes, Minister Dismissed by Letter Sarah Holmes, Sr. Dismissed by Letter Mary, a black belonging to R. McGregor Caroline Mason Dismissed by Letter James Scott Dismissed Thomas Crabb Dismissed Burrell Leverett Dismissed John Ezzard Dismissed William D. Crabb Dismissed John Wynne Dismissed Mary Kingsberry Dismissed Charles McGuire Excluded Clementine Crabb Dismissed William T. York Burton F. Crabb Dismissed John C. Crabb Elizabeth A. Roach Elizabeth J. Harrison Susannah Weatherly James Roach Excluded Thornton Burk, Minister Dismissed by Letter Melinda Burk Dismissed The Baptist Church at Van Wert Church Book bought by W. M. Morgan. Paid $1.50. Bought for the use of the Church at Van Wert this 27th Day of June, 1841. B. F. Morgan, Clerk W. H. Harney Transcriber's note: This page is very dark and hard to read. CRN John T. ----- G. W. Morgan 50 L. C. Pankey 25 J. Heaton 50 J. C. Crabb 25 F. Crabb 25 N. N. Edge 25 July 18, 1840 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members. Received none. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then called for other business and took into consideration the choosing of a preacher and agreed that our next meeting be the time that we go into a call and try to get our preacher and clerk for this church at the same time. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk August 15, 1840 The Baptist Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Posey, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Inquired for fellowship an( found peace. Then went into the choice of a preacher and invited in the call of Brother John Holmes to be our next supply for the remainder of this year and nominated Brother Joseph Morgan clerk for the Church. And we further agree that we offer our membership to the Tallahatchee Association and we have nominated our Brethren Joseph Morgan and John Harrison as Delegates to the Association and Elisha Garrett in case of failure. The letters to the Association received and adopted. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk September 19,1840 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and found none. Called for fellowship and found peace. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk October 11, 1840 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members. None. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Called for reference and found none. Called for business. The Church agree that Brethren Mason and Harrison see Brother Garrett and inquire after the report that is out against him, and request him to come to next meeting and make known to the Church the true state of the case. Brethren Mason, Harrison and Morgan a committee and that Levy Simpson and J. C. York be requested to act with them as a part of that committee to select a place to build a meeting house. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk November 15 1840 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members. Entered none. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Called for reference and Brother Garrett came forward and made satisfaction to the Church. December 19,1840 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members and entered 0. C. Jones and Mary, his wife, into fellowship with us by Letters. Called for reference. None. Called for business of the Church. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk The Year of 1841 January 1841 No conference. February 20, 1841 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Called for reference. None. Called for the report of the committee and they report nothing done. The Church took into consideration the gift of Brother 0. C. Jones and liberated him to exercise in some suitable way, according to his own impressions in the bounds of this Church. Brother Elijah Gibson applied for a Letter of Dismission for himself and wife and it was granted. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk March 20,1841 The Baptist Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members. None. Called for references. None. The Church requested Brother Clerk to purchase a book for the use of the Church and paid for so doing. The Church agrees to release Brother Joseph Morgan from the clerkship and appoint Brother B. F. Morgan in his place. The Church agrees to try to be prepared to contribute something at our next meeting for the support of the Gospel and also for Church purposes. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk April 17, 1841 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Brother B. Lansing and Mary Lansing, his wife. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Called for reference. None. The Church appoints the Clerk to prepare a letter for the subscription for the support of the Gospel and Brother Mason is to hold that subscription. The Church agrees to commune at our next meeting. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk May 15, 1841 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Brother Henry J. Hogue and Sister Gabrielle Hogue. Inquired for the business of the Church and found all in peace. Called for reference. None. Then inquired for miscellaneous business and found none. John Holmes, Moderator O. C. Jones, Clerk Pro Tem June 19, 1841 Met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members and received Brother and Sister Gorman by Letter. Inquired for the business of the Church and found all in peace. Whereas Brother Lansing bore a private letter, Brother Mason to write back to the pastor of Locust Grove Church to know if he was ordained deacon. Called for references. None. Then inquired for miscellaneous business and found none. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk July 17, 1841 The Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Experience Maryanne Mason. Called for reference. None. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then went into the choice of delegates to represent us in the Association and Brother 0. C. Jones and Joseph Morgan was chosen. Brother Mason in case of failure. And 0. C. Jones to write the Association letter and that we send one dollar for minutes. We also authorize delegates to act for this Church in the Association as regards certain surplus found and that we so say in our letter to that body. On motion, conference adjourned. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk August 13, 1841 We the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Inquired for fellowship and found all well. Called for reference and the Association letter was read and received. Then called for miscellaneous business and a contribution was made up for unity. The Church agrees that the Clerk and Moderator names shall be inserted at the bottom of every letter. And the Rules of Decorum was read and received and also directed recorded in the Church Book. Conference dismissed. This 13th day of August, 1841. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk August 14, 1841 We the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members but received none. Called for absentees, when several brethren made satisfaction for failing to attend. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk Note in margin: Total for 1841 22 September 17, 1841 We the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference. 1. Opened a door for the reception of members. None. 2. Called for reference. 3. Inquired for fellowship, found all in peace. 4. Called for the business of the Church when Brother and Sister 0. C. Jones and Mary, his wife, applied for Letters of Dismission by the Moderator which was granted, and is dismissed from us as a Licensed Preacher. Done in conference this 17th day of September 1841. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk October 16,1841 We the Baptist Church at Van Wert met in conference. 1. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. 2. Called for reference. None. 3. Then called for the business of the Church. None. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk November 20,1841 We the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference. 1. Invited visiting brethren to a seat with us. 2. Opened a door for the reception of members. None. 3. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Called for reference. None. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk December 17,1841 We the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. 1. Invited visiting members to seats. 2. Opened the door for reception of members. None. 3. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. 4. Called for reference. None. 5. Then called for the business of the Church when Brother J. D. Morgan applied for Letters of Dismission for Brother and Sister Garrett which was granted. Done in conference. B. Lansing, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk The Year of 1842 January 15,1842 We the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. 1. Invited visiting members to seats with us. 2. Opened a door for the reception. None. 3. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. 4. Called for reference. None. 5. Then called for the business of the Church, when the Church agreed to keeping a correspondence with other sister Churches in this County when it is convenient. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk February 14, 1842 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Called for reference. None. Called for acknowledgments when Brother B. F. Morgan came forward and charged himself with immoral conduct, for that he had gotten into an affray. Acknowledged that he had done wrong and his acknowledgment was such that the Church forgave him and returned him in fellowship. Then heard the report of Brethren Lansing and Mason concerning the case of Bacchus, and through them and Bacchus received satisfaction and received him into fellowship and knew him as a member. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk Pro Tem March 19,1842 We the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. 1. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. 2. Called for reference and found none. 3. Called for the business of the Church and took up the case of Brother Will Morgan and J. Morgan, when they came forward and made satisfaction. Done in conference this 19th March. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk April 16,1842 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Called for reference. None. Then called for the business of the Church when Brethren Lansing and Mason was appointed to see Brother Bacchus concerning his misconduct. Done in conference this 16th April 1842. Benjamin Lansing, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk May 16,1842 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members, received none. Called for reference. None. Called for the business of the Church. None. Then inquired for fellowship and found peace. Found nothing necessary to attend to, whereupon the conference was dismissed. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk June 18, 1842 The Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to a seat with us. Then opened a door for the reception of members. Received Sister Elizabeth Ezzard by Letter. Then called for references. None. Then called for the business of the Church when the Rules and Decorum was read. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk July 16,1842 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members. None. Then inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then called for the business of the Church and went in to the choice of delegates to represent us in the Association when Brethren H. J. Hogue and Benjamin Lansing was appointed, and B. F. Morgan in case of failure, and the Church agrees to apply for a Letter of Dismission. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk August 20,1842 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Then inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then called for reference. None. Then called for the business of the Church, when the Association letter which was called for, read and received. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk September 17, 1842 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then called for references. None. Then called for the business of the Church. When the Church elects Brethren Joseph Morgan and John Harrision, and H. J. Hogue in case of failure, as delegates to the Coosy (Coosa) Association. Done in conference. Joseph Morgan, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk October 15,1842 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then opened a door for the reception of new members. Received none. Then inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then called for references. None. Then called for the business of the Church when Brother Lansing was appointed to hold the money made up for minutes. When the Church agreed to send Brethren Mason and Lansing to see Brother Garrett to cite him to the next conference to answer for long absence. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk November, 1842 No conference. December 17,1842 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Then inquired for fellowship and found peace. Then called for reference and took up the case of Brother Garrett, which was continued. Then called for the business of the Church. None. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk 19 The Year of 1843 January,1843 No conference. February 18, 1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received Sister Polly Walton by Letter. Then called for the peace of the Church and found all well. Then called for references. None. Then called for the business of the Church. None. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator Churchill Mason, Clerk Pro Tem March 17,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Then called for the peace of the Church and found all well. Then. called for references. None. Then called for the business of the Church when Brethren Morgan and Mason and Lansing was delegated to meet at Cedartown for the purpose of forming a new Association, on Saturday before the 4th Sunday in May. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk April 15,1843 We the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. When the business of the Church was called for, the case of Brother Garrett was took up for his long absence, which was continued on the report of the committee. The Church appoints the same. Brethren Joseph Morgan and C. Mason, B. Lansing to (word missing in the original?) at the same place and on the 20th of April. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk May 20,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Letter Brother Jacob Scott and his wife, Jincey, also Sister Elizabeth Lethers. Then inquired for the peace of the Church. When Brother H. J. Hogue brought a charge against Sister Junior for saying that he, Brother and Sister Hogue, was going over the country telling falsehoods about her. When the case was continued till the next conference. Then called for the business of the Church, when the delegates reported there was nothing done. The Church agrees to hold evening conference at Brother Scott's spring, then the Church appoints Brethren Mason, Morgan and Scott to settle the case between Brother and Sister Hogue and Sister Junior. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk June 24,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Letter Sister Roda Right (sic). Then called for the business of the Church, when the committee reported that the aggrieved party was satisfied. The miscellaneous business was called for, when a subscription was presented for the support of the Gospel. Done in conference. B. Lansing, Moderator Joseph Morgan, Clerk Pro Tem July 22, 1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Letter Mariann McCard (?) and Brother Allen Johnson. Then called for miscellaneous business, when the Church agreed to join the Coosy (Coosa) Association. Done in Conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk August 26,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert. Met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then called for miscellaneous business, when the Church appointed the Clerk to write the Association letter. Done in Conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk September 23,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in Conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Sister Jane A. Wingfield and Sister Cinthia Morris and Sister Mary C. Morris. Then called for reference, when the Association letter was calledfor, read, and received. Then delegates was appointed to the Association as follows: Brethren C. Mason and J. D. Morgan, and J. Scott, in case of failure. Then called for the business of the Church, when there was one dollar made up for minutes. Then there was a committee appointed as follows, Brother Joseph Morgan and C. Mason, Jacob Scott to see Brother Lansing to inquire into his gift to say whether he can preach or not. Done in conference the 23rd of September. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk October 21,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats with us. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Brother John Lansing and Sister Lucinda Roach. Then called for miscellaneous business. Then Sister Nancy Garrett called for a Letter of Dismission for herself and husband, which was granted. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk November 25,1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk December 21, 1843 The Church of Christ at Van Wert. Met in conference. Invited visiting brethren into seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Letter Brethren E. D. Chisolm and Leroy McWhorter and Sister Mary McWhorter. Then called for miscellaneous business, when the choice of a pastor was made, and chose Brother McWhorter for the present year. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk The Year of 1844 January 27, 1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in Conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then called for the business of the Church when we agreed to alter to the 3rd Sunday, and Saturday before, in each month. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk February 17, 1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Done in conference. Joseph Morgan, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk March 16,1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator April 20,1844 The Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter James D. Dupree. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk May 15,1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brothers to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Letter Lucinda Dickerson and Eleanor Camp (NOTE: Allen Johnson and Jane A. W. ----names also listed, then crossed out). Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk June 16, 1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter John R. Heaton and Maryann Heaton, his wife. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk July 20,1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Joseph Thames and Bethany Thames. Then called for matters of dealing, when the Church appointed the following committee Brethren Mason, Lansing and Hogue, to wait on Brother Chisolm to cite him to attend our next conference. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk August 17, 1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Experience Thomas Weatherly and by Letter Sister Ferreby Crabb Called for reference when Brother E. D. Chisolm rose and made satisfaction. Then went in to the choice of delegates to go to the Association. Chose Brethren Joseph Morgan and McWhorter and C. Mason alternate in case of failure. Made up one dollar for minutes. James Dupree, Clerk Pro Tem September 13,1844 The Church at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter T. D. Pruitt and Diannah Pruitt and Susan Adaline Scott as a member of the Primitive Baptist, Polly Burgess as a member of the United Baptist faith, an order that was announced in Caintucky (sic), and James B. Carter and James Hall by Experience, Rytta Lansing, Elizabeth Weatherly and Catharine Childers, John Brookes and Jane Brookes, Martha Ann Morgan and Harriett Pruitt and Beby Mahaly Tredaway and Margaret Oins and Elexander Evins, and Johnson McWhorter and Manervia Morgan and Mary Willingham, Moses Williams and Charity Carter and Mary Hall, Edmund J. Spratling, Jemima Davis and Marthia Weatherly and Mast Kirby and Nancy Ann Harrison and Frances Peak and Manervia Thomas and James M. Childers and Hannah Dickerson and Isaac Roach and Caroline Flanegan and William Phlippin and Mary Williams and Delyann Cason and Jefferson Thomas and Rhody Kirby and Matthew Telford. Done in conference. Reverend Thornton Burk, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk Is Resolved that Brethren Mason, Morgan and the Clerk prepare the Association letter after this meeting. Resolved that the door of the Church should be opened at every session during the meeting. Thornton Burk, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk October 16,1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Called for miscellaneous business when Brethren and Sisters applied for Letters of Dismission, Joseph Thames and Bethany, his wife, and Maston Kirby and Rhody, his wife, and John Brooks and Jane, his wife, and Mary Burgess and Ferreby Crabb and Frances Peake, which was granted. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk November 16,1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Experience Sarah Heaton. Then called for the business of the Church, when Sister Sinthea Morris applied for Letters of Dismission for herself and Mary C. Morris, which was granted. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk December 12,1844 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Called for matters of dealing, when a charge was brought against Brother Moses Williams. On motion, resolve that we rescind former act of this Church in granting letters to Moses Williams and wife. A charge being preferred by the Church against said Williams of absconding without paying his debts, and being fully substantiated, he was unanimously excluded from the fellowship of the Church. Then called for miscellaneous business, when Brother Joseph Morgan applied for a Letter of Dismission for Sister Elizabeth Ezzell, which was granted. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk The Year of 1845 January 18,1845 The Church of Christ met in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk February 15, 1845 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Called for acknowledgment. When Brethren Hogue and Spratling offered acknowledgments for buying lottery tickets, which was received. Also Brother Roach came forward and offered acknowledgment for getting mad and using bad language and buying a lottery ticket, which was received. Also Brother Thomas came forward and offered acknowledgment for getting drunk, which was received. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk March 15,1845 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. Called for acknowledgments. When Brother J. D. Morgan came forward and offered an acknowledgment for selling lime on the Sabbath, which was cordially received. The Church agrees there should be a committee to attend to all matters of dealings to hear the charges against delinquent members, for which purpose she appoints the following: Brethren Joseph Morgan, Churchill Mason, Jacob Scott, James D. Dupree, H. J. Hogue. Done in conference the 15th day of March. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk April 18, 1845 The Baptist Church at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Brother C. Felton and Brother Levi H. Carter and Gabrillah Carter and Sister Jane Fortinberry and Cornelius Fortinberry and Absalom Fortinberry. Called for acknowledgments, when Brother Hall came forward and acknowledged that he had gotten into a difficulty by getting angry, which was received. Then called for miscellaneous business, when the Church agrees to appoint the time to hold the conference meeting at the next conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk May 17,1845 The Baptist Church at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Called for acknowledgments, when Brother William M Morgan came forward and offered acknowledgment for getting drunk which was cordially received. Also Brother Jefferson Thomas came forward and offered acknowledgment for getting drunk, which was received. Also a charge was brought by Brother Hogue. Charges Brother Isaac Roach with drunkenness and gambling and appoints Brethren McWhorter and Hogue to request him to attend the next conference and answer the charge. Then called for miscellaneous business. Brother Tylman D. Pruitt applied for Letters of Dismission for himself and wife and daughter which we granted. The camp meeting is to commence Thursday evening before the third Sabbath in October. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk June 1845 The Baptist Church of Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. Called for reference. When the case of Brother Roach was took up and laid over till the next meeting, in consequence of Brother Hogue and Roach being absent. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk July 19, 1845 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then called for acknowledgments. When Brother E. D. Chisolm came forward and offered an acknowledgment for getting angry and shaking his fist in Isaac Roach's face. Was received. Also Brother Spratling came forward and offered an acknowledgment for getting angry which was received. Then called for reference. When the charge against Brother Roach was taken up and after a full investigation, the Church excluded him. Then called for miscellaneous business, when Brother Joseph Morgan applied for a Letter of Dismission for Sister Margaret Oines which was granted; also for himself which was granted as a regular Deacon; also of Sister Margaret Morgan, his wife, also for David A. Evins, also for Bacchus and Bill, which was granted, also Brother Will Morgan applied for a Letter of Dismission which was granted. Also Sister Mary Willingham, which was granted. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk August 16, 1845 The Church of Christ met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then called for miscellaneous business, when delgates was appointed to go to the Association, Brethren Mason and McWhorter and B. F. Morgan in case of failure, and the Clerk to prepare the letter. Also the Church agrees to reconsider the act of the camp meeting and have none the present year. And also the Church agrees to pay one dollar for minutes. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Church Clerk September 20,1845 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then opened a door for the reception of members and received by Letter Hampton Junior and Dorothy Ann Flippin and receive by Experience Moses McWhorter, Amanda Dupree and Jane Wilson, Sara Johnson. Then called for acknowledgments when Brother E. Felton came forward and offered an acknowledgment for getting into a difficulty and fighting, which was received. Then called for miscellaneous business when B. F. Morgan applied for a Letter of Dismission for Sister Dickerson and Brother E. J. Spratling, which was granted. Done in conference. John Holmes, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk October 18, 1845 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then called for miscellaneous business. When the Church went into the choice of a minister to the assistance of Brother McWhorter, when the Church unanimously called Brother Rice, and the Clerk to notify him to attend the next conference. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator Benjamin F. Morgan, Clerk November 15,1845 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then called for matters of dealings when Brother C Mason brought a charge against Sister Catherine Junior for living in adultery, and after being investigated, the Church excluded her from this Body. Then called for miscellaneous business, when Sister Jane A. Wingfield applied for a Letter of Dismission which was granted. Done in conference. Minor Winn, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk The Year of 1846 January 17,1846 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting members to seats. Then inquired for fellowship and found all in peace Then called for reference. When Brother Parker Rice agreed to serve the Church in coming year. Then called for miscellaneous business. When the Church agreed to repair the meeting house and Brother Crabb to do the work and the Church to pay him. Done in conference. Parker Rice, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk February 21, 1846 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. Called for reference and took up the case of repairing the meeting house. When the Church appointed a committee to see the Methodist brethren to know on what terms they could use the house. The committee is Brethren Mason, Burton, Lansing, Morgan and Weatherly Then inquired for matters of Gospel dealing, when a charge was brought against Brother Telford with leaving the neighborhood clandestinely, with debts unsettled, and for contempt of the Church privileges in not applying for a Letter, and then excluded Matthew Telford. Then called for miscellaneous business and appointed Brethren B. F. Morgan and E. D. Chisolm to cite Brother Felton to attend our next conference and answer to certain evil reports in circulation against him. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Jane Wilson. Done in conference. Leroy McWhorter, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk March 21,1846 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. And opened a door for the reception of members and received by letter Brother T. W. Burton, as a Deacon and to serve the Church as such, Martha F. Burton. Then called for references, when the case of Brother Felton was taken up, and charged him with drunkenness and falsehood and malicious mischief and excluded him. Then called for absentees, when Brother B. F. Morgan was appointed to cite Brother Flippin to attend the next conference and answer for his long absence. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Delila Ann Felton. The Church agrees that all the male members will meet at Brother Scott's at their next meeting to examine into the propriety of constituting a Church there. Done in conference. Parker Rice, Moderator B. F. Morgan, Clerk April 18, 1846 The Church of Christ at Van Wert met in conference. Invited visiting brethren to seats. Called for references. When the case of Brother Flippin was taken up and postponed until our next meeting. Appointed B. F. Morgan to cite Brother Flippin to attend our next meeting. Discharged the committee appointed to visit the Arm at Scott's Spring from any further duty. On motion, read the minutes of the Arm of the Church at Scott's Spring in conference Ist Saturday instant. Received a petition from sundry members of this Church for Letters to constitute at Scott's Spring. Were granted. The names of the members follow: Jacob Scott, Jane Scott, Elizabeth Leathers, Susan A. Scott, Levi H. Carter, Gabrielle Carter, Allen Johnson, Manerva Thomas, Ann Davitte, James M. Childers, Catharine Childers, Hannah Dickerson and Sarah Cason. The present clerk having expressed a desire to give up his office into the hands of another, the Church unanimously returned him thanks for past services and appointed Brother T. W. Burton to fill his vacancy. Appointed Brethren Mason, Hogue, Burton, S. Wilson and E. Thompson a committee to look out a site for a church, prepare a plan and report what it will probably cost, and where it can be built and that this committee be empowered to add two other persons, not members of any religious society. Appointed weekly prayer meetings at 4 o'clock p.m. every Sabbath. B. F. Morgan, Clerk Saturday, May 16,1846 After divine service by Brother Reeves and others, the Church met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Took up the case of Brother Flippin, postponed from last meeting; whereupon, it being made manifest to the Church that her call was treated with indifference, if not contempt, he was unanimously excluded from our Body. The Meeting House Committee, being called upon, reported progress, and were continued in their office and required to report at next conference. The committee are instructed to insert in the face of their subscriptions that the contemplated meeting house, though the property of the Missionary Baptist Church at Van Wert, shall be open and free at all times for the exercises of all other denominations of the County, generally recognized as Orthodox, when not occupied by said Church. Directed the Deacons to circulate two subscriptions, one in favor of Brother McWhorter, our Pastor, the other in favor of Brother Rice, his assistant. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, June 20,1846 The Church met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Took up the Meeting House reference. The committee was called on to report progress, which report was sufficiently encouraging to authorize the Church to direct the committee to proceed according to the best of their judgment in locating and building said House. The same committee was continued, and Brethren Benjamin Lansing and John Harrison added to it. Also the same committee appointed to make application to the Inferior Court for church incorporation and the church members in said committee to give their names as trustees for the Church. Appointed a camp meeting to be held at the old ground, commencing Wednesday evening before the third Sabbath in October next, and directed the Clerk to have it published in the Index requesting ministerial aid. Resolved, that in the death of our beloved Brother Reverend Minor Winn, we deeply sympathize with our sister church Antioch, who by this dispensation is left without a Pastor. Also to the bereaved family of our deceased Brother, we want to offer our heartfelt sympathies and pray our common Lord to supply the wants of the bereaved church and family, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to them in token of our regard and sympathy. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, July 18, 1846 Church met in conference. Brother McWhorter, Moderator. Resolved to make application to the Tallapoosa Association for membership in that Body. Appointed Brethren C. Mason and T. W. Burton delegates, and Leroy McWhorter in case of failure. Ordered the Clerk to prepare a letter for the delegates by next meeting. Ordered that the Deacons circulate subscription among the members for the support of our minister last year and report next meeting. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, August 15,1846 Church met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. After hearing the report of the Deacons relative to the last year subscription for our minister, agreed to postpone the case until next meeting. Heard and adopted the letter to the Association. Agreed to send $2 for minutes. Dismissed the former committee on building a Meeting House and appointed in their stead a committee of three, consisting of E. D. Chisolm, T. W. Burton and James M. Ware to make arrangements as soon as practicable for building and report at next meeting. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, September 19,1846 Our ministers being absent, after a short time spent in prayer, the Church met in conference. Brother Mason, Moderator. Called for acknowledgments, when Brother E. D. Chisolm mentioned that he had been engaged in. an unpleasant encounter, whereupon it was agreed to postpone the case until next meeting and that the committee appointed for such business prepare it for the action of the Church. Added T. W. Burton to the committee to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Brother Joseph Morgan. Took up references. Postponed the first reference until Brother McWhorter can be present. The Meeting House committee report the house let out to Brother Crabb of Floyd for $379 to be completed by the Ist of April next. Approved the action of the committee as reported, but ordered that they see Brother Crabb as soon as convenient and endeavor to rescind the contract. Appointed the Ist Friday in next month to do the public work at the camp ground. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Eleanor Camp. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, October 17,1846 At the campground. Met in conference and postponed all business until next meeting. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, November 14,1846 After divine service, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Took up references. The committee on Brother Chisolm's case report satisfaction from him, which the Church receives as satisfactory to her. With regard to the reference relating to Brother McWhorter, agreed that the male members of the Church meet at this place on the Ist Saturday in next month to attend to the business referred to. The Meeting House committee reports that Brother Crabb's arrangements were such that he could not conveniently rescind the contract. T. W. Burton prefers a charge against the Brethren James Hall and J. B. Carter for leaving the County clandestinely in debt, which is established upon the testimony of Brethren Hogue and Chisolm. After motion, they are unanimously excluded. Received from the hands of Brother Johnson the letter granted in April last to a number of members for the purpose of constituting at Scott's Spring, they having declined, for the present at least, the attempt. Resolved that in the death of our beloved Brother Scott on the 11 October last, and Sister Lansing on the 4th instant, we feel that it is an affliction dispensation of Providence which calls upon us to humble ourselves before the Lord and we further sincerely sympathize and condole with the bereaved families and relations, and order that the Clerk forward to the Index a notice of their death. Elected Brother P. M. Rice our supply for another year, who declined an answer until next meeting. Agreed to hold our next monthly meeting on the 2nd Sabbath in December. Granted Letters of Dismission to the following members, viz. C. Fortenberry, A. Fortenberry, Leroy McWhorter, Mary McWhorter, Moses A. McWhorter, Johnson McWhorter, Sarah Johnson, Levi H. Carter and wife Gabrielle Carter, all about to move from the neighborhood. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, December 12, 1846 No minister being present, after singing and prayer, met in conference. Brother Mason, Moderator. On motion, dispensed with reading the Constitution and Decorum of the Church. Agreed to meet on the 3rd Sabbath and to ascertain by that time if possible from Brother Rice whether we may expect his services another year. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Jane Fortenberry. T. W. Burton, Clerk The Year of 1847 January,1847 No meeting. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, February 20, 1847 Met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Brother Rice agrees to serve us this year, for which service we obligate ourselves to pay him 50 dollars on or before the close of the year. The Clerk having withheld Brother Levi H. Carter's letter from a report against him of intoxication, the Church sustains him in doing so. The Clerk prefers a charge of intoxication against Brother Levi H. Carter which the Church receives for investigation and which is established by testimony present. Appointed Brethren Mason, Hogue and Burton to write to Brother Carter. The Church rescinds the contract with Brother Crabb for building a Meeting House and discharges the committee appointed to superintend building purposes. Resolved that we pay for the lots bid off for a Meeting House site and take a deed for the same. Agreed to circulate a subscription to raise the 50 dollars for our Pastor. T.W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, March 20,1847 Church met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Received by Experience of Grace Brother F. McGuire and by Letter Brother B. F. Key and wife, Sister Margaret E. Key, and Brother William Crabb. Adopted the letter prepared by the committee for Brother Levi H. Carter and directed it to be forwarded. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Wingfield. Church members paid into the Treasury for necessary expenses $1.00. Agreed to change the order of a few articles in the Decorum. Invited Brother Burton to the exercise of any public gift he may feel to possess, within the bounds of the Church. Sister Flippin applied for a Letter of Dismission, the grant of which was deferred for the present, owing to an objection of Brother Junior. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, April 17,1847 Church met in conference. Brother Rice Moderator. Heard from Brother Junior in the case of Sister Flippin's letter, and appointed Brethren Hogue and B. Crabb to aid in settling the difficulty and report next meeting. Whereas a difficulty exists between Brethren Benjamin Lansing and John Harrison, and they do not wish to make it a matter of dealing in the Church, but desire us to call on sister Churches for help to take the case fully into their hands, to be settled to the satisfaction of the parties at variance, whose satisfaction by this means shall be satisfactory to the Church. Resolved therefore, that the Church Antioch, Villa Rica, Cave Spring, Mt. Zion and Moriah be called on for those helps, to meet on Friday before our next meeting. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Lucinda Roach. T. W. Burton, Clerk Friday May 14,1847 The Church met according to adjournment, and after preaching, met in conference. Brother Roberts, Moderator. Brethren Morgan, Crabb and Peek from Antioch, Brethren Roberts and Bone from Moriah and Brother Crow from Mt. Zion attended as delegates from the Churches to settle the difficulty between Brethren B. Lansing and J. Harrison and agreed to enter upon the business. The brethren at variance pledging their Christian honor to abide the decision. The committee took up the case, received the testimony publicly, retired and made up their decision as follows: "We the Committee from the testimony before us believe Brother Harrison should acknowledge the possibility of saying Brother Lansing had sworn false, even though he may not recollect it, and if he did, he did wrong and ought not to have said it, and in future he will be more careful. We the Committee do not believe that Brother Lansing deserves to be charged with false swearing. James Roberts William L. Crow B. Crabb J. Morgan W. Peek P. M. Bone Saturday, May 15,1847 Church met according to adjournment. Brother J. Morgan, Moderator. Received by Letter Sister Martha Farmer. Received by Experience Sister Martha Jane Franklin. Took up the case of Brother L. H. Carter charged with intoxication last February and read a letter from him on the subject. Unanimously forgave him the offence acknowledged in his answer and granted him a Letter of Dismission. Took up the case of Sister Flippin's application for a letter. The committee reported the difficulty on Brother Junior's mind removed, and granted her a Letter of Dismission. Took up the case of Brethren Lansing and Harrison. On motion read the minutes of yesterday and received the report of the committee on this case as made yesterday. Brother Lansing having acceded to the decision of the committee, Brother Harrison was called on to answer in the case, who expressed himself unable to abide the decision. Whereupon the parties were requested to retire in company with Brethren Morgan, Crabb, Crow, Ford and Burton and endeavor to settled the difficulty. Adopted the following preamble and resolution: Whereas Thomas Weatherly formerly of our body, but now a member of the AntiMissionary Church at this place, has, by his own late act in joining said Church, placed himself beyond the reach of our discipline; Resolved that we no longer hold ourselves responsible for his Christian deportment and dispose of his case simply by erasing his name from our list of members. Upon reconsideration it was agreed to postpone the case of Brethren Lansing and Harrison until next meeting. T. W. Burton, Clerk Item omitted in the minutes of Friday last: we return our thanks to the committee for their labors of love with us today. Adjourned until tomorrow. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, June 19, 1847 After preaching, the Church met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator Received by Experience Brother William B. Moore. Brother Holmes took the chair. Took up the reference with regard to the difficulty between Brethren Lansing and Harrision, and read the minutes of the last meeting in reference to it. On motion, Brother Harrison was called on to give his final answer upon which he stated that he was still unable to abide the decision of the committee. On motion, resolved to reconsider the minutes of the last meeting so as to consider the committee as reporting merely that they were unable to reconcile the parties. T. W. Burton, Clerk Monday Morning, June 28,1847 At a called meeting of the Church, Brother Rice, Moderator, we received into our fellowship by Experience and Baptism Brother Sion Evans. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, July 17, 1847 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Received by Letter Brother John Holmes, an ordained Minister of the Gospel. Approved the act of the called meeting of the church on 28th June last. The Brethren B. Lansing and J. Harrison appeared before the Church and agreed publicly to settle and drop all their difficulties brought before the committee in May last, upon the terms proposed by the committee in their decision, as reported at that time, and which reads as follows, viz: "We the Committee, from the testimony before us, believe Brother Harrison should acknowledge the possibility of saying Brother Lansing had sworn false, though he may not recollect it, and if he did, he said wrong, and ought not to have said it and in future, he will be more careful." B "We the Committee do not believe that Brother Lansing deserves to be charged with false swearing." Appointed Brethren Holmes, Mason and Burton delegates to the General Meeting. Saturday, August 14, 1847 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Received by Letter Sister Sarah Holmes. Heard the letter to the General Meeting, adopted it. Appointed Brethren Holmes, Burton and Mason delegates to the Association. Unanimously agreed that our delegates vote for the Association to become a constituent member of the Convention. Agreed to send $2.50 for minutes. T. W. Burton, Clerk Sunday, August 29,1847 At a called conference, received by Experience Sister Mary, a coloured woman belonging to R. McGregor. August 30,1847 Received by Experience, Sister Caroline Mason, John Ezzard and Burrell Everett. August 31, 1847 Received by Experience James Scott, Thomas Crabb, John Wynne and Mary Kingsberry. September 1, 1847 Received by Experience William Crabb and Charles McGuire. NOTES IN MARGIN: Total Members Whites Blacks 56 2 Total 58 Friday, September 3,1847 At a called conference, granted Letters of Dismission to Brethren John Wynne and William Crabb. T. W. Burton, Clerk Minutes of the General Meeting of the 4th District of the Tallapoosa Association, convened with Van Wert Church, 27th August 1847 Appointed Reverend Thomas J. Hanes Moderator. T. W. Burton, Clerk. Read letters from Antioch and Van Wert Churches. Received Brother Crow from Mt. Zion as a delegate from that Church, without a letter. Appointed the next General Meeting for this District with Mt. Zion Church. Appointed Brethren Mason, Crow and Crabb a preaching committee. Resolved that the Churches of this District select a suitable place for a camp ground at which they may hold annual meetings. Appointed Brethren Morgan and Crabb of Antioch, Mason and Burton of Van Wert, Crow and Isbell of Mt. Zion and J. B. Adair and P. Bone of Moriah a committee to attend to this business. Saturday, September 18, 1847 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Received by Letter Sister Clementine Crabb. Received by Experience Brethren William Thomas York and Burton Francis Crabb. Brethren B. Lansing and John Harrison voluntarily presented themselves before the Church and declared that all their former difficulties were fully settled and cast behind them, to be brought up no more and, if possible, remembered not. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Brother Burrell Everett. Conference at night. Received by Experience, Brother John Crabb, Sisters Elizabeth A. Roach, Elizabeth J. Harrison and Susannah Weatherby. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, October 16,1847 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Brother Hogue preferred a charge of fornication against Sister Sarah Neighbors and ordered the committee to notify her of the same and answer to the charge at our next monthly meeting. Resolved that we prayerfully consider our duty in choice of a minister for the ensuing year, and make our call at the November conference. Appointed Friday next to work on the Meeting House. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, November 20,1847 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Took up that reference in regard to Sister Neighbors and appointed T. W. Burton, Joseph Morgan, Sisters Mason and Hogue, a committee to wait on her and report at next meeting. Brother Crabb of Antioch requested to act with the committee. Brother Burton charged Brother Frederick McGuire with wantonly and lawlessly aiding and abetting in pulling down a house and destroying the furniture thereof, in the vicinity of Villa Rica. Also with card playing. Brother P. M. Rice, witness. Continued the case until next meeting. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Rhoda Wright. Upon the request of T. W. Burton, a committee was appointed, composed of Brethren Mason, Dupree and J. D. Morgan to furnish him a recommendation to the American Sunday School Union. Appointed next Thursday 25th instant a day of Thanksgiving to God for his mercies, temporal and spiritual, and resolved that we use our influence on that day to bring up to the House of God our friends, children and servants. Called Brother P. M Rice unanimously to the call of the Church another year, who accepted the call. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, December 17,1847 After divine service met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Took up the reference with regard to Sister Neighbors, heard and accepted the report of the committee and dismissed them. Resolved that we feel it our duty as a Church to treat all such cases as Sister Neighbors promptly, and exclude the offender. The fellowship of the Church in the case of Sister Neighbors was then called for, and she excluded. Postponed the case of Brother F. McGuire until next meeting on account of the absence of Brother Rice, witness. T. W. Burton, Clerk The Year of 1848 Saturday, January 15, 1848 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Received by Letter Brother James Roach. Took up the case of Brother F. McGuire, postponed from last meeting. Heard Brother Rice's testimony in the case, which amounted to satisfactory evidence of his guilt, whereupon the said member was unanimously excluded from our Body. Granted a Letter of Dismission to Sister Nancy Ann Long, also one to Brother John Ezzard. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, February 19, 1848 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Received by Letter the following brethren and sisters: Thornton Burk, an ordained Minister, his wife Malinda and daughter, Amanda Burk. Also Brother William Willoughby and wife, Sarah. Appointed Brother John Lansing singing clerk or chorister for the Church. Appointed the following brethren a standing committee on preaching: C. Mason, H. Hogue and Joseph D. Morgan. Appointed Brother Harrison a member of the committee on dealing, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Brother Jacob Scott. Requested Brother Burk to preach one Sabbath in the month for us during the present year, which he agreed to do. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, March 18, 1848 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Holmes, Moderator. Appointed Brethren James Scott and B. F. Key to notify Brother Childers to attend next conference and answer for his long absence. Adjourned. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, April 15,1848 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Burk, Moderator. Took up the reference with regard to Brother Childers and heard from the committee appointed to see him, and from their report, agreed to wait with him longer. Discharged the committee from further service. Granted Sister Franklin a Letter of Dismission. At the suggestion of Brother Holmes, took up the subject of a domestic mission in our County, and appointed Brethren Burk, Holmes, Rice and Mason a committee to offer suggestions on the subject to the Church at an adjourned meeting tomorrow, 8:30 a.m. Sunday Morning, April 16,1848 Met in conference according to adjournment. Brother Burk, Moderator. Heard the following report from the committee on missionary operations, to wit: To The Van Wert Baptist Church Dear Brethren, Your committee appointed by you to take into consideration your duty as a Body in Domestic Missionary Operations, and to suggest to you a plan of action by which the work may be immediately commenced, with the best promise of success, beg leave to report: That from the limited time allowed them for the consideration of the subject, they with some diffidence offer the following suggestions for your consideration. Every church is a community of God's stewards and are under obligation, individually and collectively, to use the talents committed to their care. So as in the greatest possible degree to advance His course and glorify His name, and further that when a Church or individual has made a declaration of principles involving a certain course of action, it is not only an omission of acknowledged duty to neglect carrying out those principles, but it has the appearance of inconsistency, which should never blemish the Christian character. Inasmuch therefore as your Body is recognized as one of Missionary order, and has of late, through the Association of which you are a member, become one of the great sisterhood of churches throughout our state distinguished for their activity in missionary operations, we believe it your imperative duty to sustain the character thus acquired, and carry out the principles involved, and that however desirable it may be to have the counsel and aid of sister churches in this work, it is by no means indispensably necessary to postpone action until they can be consulted. And accordingly we recommend immediate operations, according to your ability for the work, upon principles acknowledged by the Association, remembering that "the fields are already white unto harvest." We would suggest as to a plan of action that, if practicable, you employ one or two acceptable ministers to operate in the destitute neighborhoods of your Association during the months of May, June and July, to be paid as you may bargain with them, for the time of actual service. That you appoint an executive committee to negotiate this matter, whose duty it shall further be, to inform the Sister Churches of your Association of your activities, and solicit their cooperation and contributions, with an assurance that this measure has not been undertaken from a dictatorial spirit, but from the force of circumstances Providentially thrown around us. The whole management of the business to be thrown into the hands of the Churches who may cooperate with you; and in order to effect this object, we would recommend a circular from your Body to the Sister Churches of the Association to write with you in counsel and action by delegation, at Villa Rica on Friday before the 4th Sabbath in July next, and further that the Ministers of the Association be requested in a special manner to lay this subject before the Churches and exhort them to action. All of which is respectfully submitted. April 16, 1848 T. W. Burton P. M. Rice J. Holmes C. Mason T. Burk, The Committee The above allusion to Brother Holmes is somewhat erroneous. Circumstances existing at the time induced us to consider his services engaged, but they proved not to be and accordingly he has not entered the service. This entry made without church authority, May 28, 1848. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, May 20,1848 After preaching by Brother Hendricks, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. The Missionary Executive Committee made a report of their past proceedings as follows: To the Van Wert Baptist Church. Your committee appointed to make arrangements to send out one or more Domestic Missionaries in our bounds submit the following report of their proceedings. Immediately after our appointment, we held a conference and ascertained that we could procure the services of Brother T. Burk, and we accordingly entered into the following engagement with him, viz. He is to serve during the next three months as much as he may be able, in the most destitute sections, being confined chiefly to our own Association, and make reports to the Church monthly, with the privilege of closing his labors at any time he may think his individual circumstances or the prospects before him require it. For which service we have promised on your behalf to compensate him reasonably for his services at the close of the three months provided our sister Churches of the Association will enable us to do so. We promise nothing positively more than we shall be able to make up by voluntary contributions in our own Body, but pledge ourselves to use our influence with the Churches to lend their aid, and to this end we have addressed a circular to them, requesting help and their cooperation with us in Council at Villa Rica on Friday before the fourth Sabbath in July next. All of which is respectfully submitted. Which was received and adopted, April 19, 1848. J. Heaton, B. F. Morgan, C. Mason, J. Lansing, Committee Also read Brother Burk's report of his first missionary tour under our appointment and approved of it, reading as follows: May, 1, 1848 Dear Brethren, I left home the 23rd of April returned 30th. Rode 97 miles. Preached 6 times, visited 22 families. Visited 2 schools. Received $6.50. Found the Churches mostly cold. All the churches I visited with, other Brethren join with one accord with our views, relative to a domestic mission and promise to meet with us at Villa Rica. May the blessings of God attend our feeble effort and may I share richly in the prayers of the Church. I leave tomorrow for the convention. Yours in Christ, Thornton Burk Granted Letters of Dismission to Brother Allen Johnson and Sister Minerva Davis (formerly Thomas). We record with feelings of regret and humiliation before the Lord the death of our beloved Sister Amanda Dupree on the 11th March last and would sympathize with her afflicted and bereaved husband and relatives. Adjourned. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, June 17,1848 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Rice, Moderator. Read Brother Burke's report of missionary labor, dated 25th May and approved of it, which reads as follows:: May 23,1848, Dear Brethren of the Committee, I left home on the 2nd May and returned on the 22nd. The first meeting I was at was at Villa Rica. We had quite a pleasant meeting. The next was our convention, of which I can say it was truly interesting and constructive, with much harmony and good feeling. When that closed, I started on my mission and can say to you that my labors have not been in vain in the Lord. Truly I think our Churches are waking up, and the prospects good almost everywhere. Since I left home, I have rode about 188 miles. Visited 25 families. preached, or tried, 11 times. Visited 2 schools. Baptised 1. Received $1.50. Let me share an interest in your prayers. Thornton Burk Resolved that Brother Burk be requested to make out a written report of all his services unreported in writing and present to us at our next meeting. Appointed Brethren Burton and Mason delegates to the Missionary meeting at Villa Rica in July next. Took up subscriptions to the amount of $10 for the support of our missionary, to be paid in by next meeting. Resolved to call a Presbytery consisting of Brethren Reeves and Barry and our Moderator together with the ministers of our Church to inquire into the gift and qualification of our clerk with a view to his ordination in the ministry. Appointed Brethren Burton, Harrison and B. F. Morgan delegates to our general meeting. Adjourned to Friday before the 3rd Sabbath in next month. T. W. Burton, Clerk Friday, July 14,1848 After divine service, sat in conference. Brother Burk, Moderator. Directed the Clerk to prepare a condensed report of our misssionary's labors and present it tomorrow. Appointed Brother Reeves to preach tomorrow on ministerial ordination, after which the candidate for ordination will be examined by the Presbytery and, if approved, set apart for the work on Sunday morning, the Church and Presbytery observing the occasion with fasting and prayer. Appointed Brother H. J. Hogue an alternate delegate to the missionary meeting at Villa Rica next week. Adjourned till morrow. Saturday, July 15,1848 After preaching, as appointed sat in conference. Brother Burk, Moderator. Read and adopted Brother Burk's condensed report and ordered it sent up to the Missionary Meeting. Read and adopted the Church letter to the Missionary Meeting, also one to the General Meeting. Read and adopted the following resolution: Resolved, unanimously, that in the death of our beloved Brother James D. Dupree on the 13th instant, we feel a chasm has thus been made in our Body, by the hand of the Lord, which calls for our deep humiliation before him who rules as seemeth good to him. Elected Brethren Burk and Burton and in case of failure Brother Holmes, delegates to our Association. Agreed to send $2 for minutes, also $2 to the Convention through our Association for minutes of that Body next year. T. W. Burton. Clerk After the above proceedings, Elders Thornton Burk, James Reeves and Walton Barry, invited as a Presbytery to examine Brother Burton, took their seats as such, with the candidate before them. Brother Burk Chairman, Brother Barry, Clerk. The examination being held and terminating satisfactorily, set apart 10 o'clock a.m. tomorrow for the completion of the service. Sunday Morning, July 16,1848 Met according to adjournment. Brother Reeves offered the ordination prayers. Brother Burk gave the charge and presented the Bible. Right hand of fellowship by the Presbytery and Church. W. Barry, Clerk Pro Tem COPY OF CREDENTIALS This is to certify that the Baptist Church of Christ at Van Wert, Paulding County, Georgia having invited us to sit with her in the character of a Presbytery to examine into the call and qualifications of Brother Thomas W. Burton to the Gospel Ministry, we have accordingly examined him and deeming him worthy of the office have, with the advice and consent of said Church, set him apart as a Gospel minister in the full exercise of all the functions pertaining to the office. July 16, 1848 Walton Barry, Minister of the Gospel James Reeves, Minister of the Gospel Thornton Burk, Minister of the Gospel Saturday, August 19, 1849 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Burk, Moderator. Read and adopted the letter to the Association. Appointed Brethren Crabb, Hogue and J. Heaton a building committee, whose acts as such shall be binding on us. T. W. Burton, Clerk Wednesday night, September 6,1848 At a called conference, received by Experience Brother William H. Burton. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, September 16,1848 After preaching, met in conference. Brother Burk, Moderator. Having no business to transact, adjourned. T. W. Burton, Clerk Saturday, October 14, 1848 After preaching, met in conference. Church agreed to direct the committee to advertise and let out the finishing of the meeting house, also about hauling of the lumber. Agreed to publish the death of Brother Benjamin Lansing a Deacon of the Church. Also agreed to publish the building of said house on Saturday the 28th Instant. Burton Crabb, Clerk Pro Tem November 18, 1848 Van Wert Baptist Church in conference. T. Burk, Moderator. Took up the case of finishing the meeting house and agreed for Joseph D. Morgan to hire a man to work and the Church agrees to pay the hire. Brother Holmes applied for a Letter of Dismission for himself and his wife, which was granted. Brother Charles McGuire applied for a letter but it was withheld, and Brother C. Mason was directed to write to him and inform him the reason. Also agreed to make choice of a pastoral supply on next conference for 1849. Burton Crabb, Clerk Pro Tem Saturday, December 16,1848 After divine service, met in conference. Brother Burk, Moderator. Granted Letters of Dismission to Brother T. W. Burton, wife and son, W. H. Burton. Also one for Brother Sion Evans. Unanimously called Brother Burk as our ministerial supply for the ensuing year, who accepted the call. Brother E. D. Chisolm appointed to write letters for Brother Burton and family. Appointed Brethren Burton, Chisolm and Mason a committee to draft a resolution expressive of the feelings of the Church on parting with her Pastor, Brother Rice, and make their report tomorrow. The committee charged with drafting a resolution of the feelings of Van Wert Church on parting with her Pastor, Elder P. M. Rice, beg leave to submit the following for the action of the Church. Resolved that the relationship which has existed between Elder P. M. Rice and this Church and Congregation for the last three years has been of the most happy and agreeable character, and we feel called upon at the close of this connection to return our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Author of every good and perfect gift for the blessings which we trust have resulted to this Church and people through his instrumentality. At his own request and from the force of other controlling circumstances, we reluctantly part with our beloved brother. May the same Hand which has thus far sustained him and blessed his labors continue to him its Divine favor. And wherever his lot may be cast, may he be the humble but efficient instrument of winning many souls to Christ and building up the Church of the Living God. December 17, 1848 E. D. Chisolm, C. Mason, T. W. Burton, Committee December 17,1848 Unanimously adopted the above resolution and ordered that it be spread upon our minutes and that a copy of the same be handed to Brother Rice. Thornton Burk, Moderator T. W. Burton, Clerk The Year of 1849 January 20, 1849 Received by letter Brother Burton and Sister Rachel Crabb, his wife, also Brother John Wood. Also granted Letters to Brother and Sister Hogue. T. Burk, Moderator Burton Crabb, Clerk Pro Tem N.B. Received Brother B. Crabb as Deacon in full fellowship. Elected Brother Joseph D. Morgan as one of the building committee of our meeting house in place of Brother Hogue. Saturday, February 17, 1849 After Divine services, Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received by letter Brother G. W. Morgan as a Deacon in order, also Sister Nancy Morgan his wife, also Brother Benjamin Morgan, his son. T. Burk, Moderator Burton Crabb, Clerk Pro Tem March 17,1849 Van Wert Church. after preaching by T. Burk, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members. None came forward. The Church went into the choice of a Clerk and chose Burton Crabb to serve them, which he agreed to do. Adjourned. T. Burk, Moderator Burton Crabb, Clerk April 14, 1849 Van Wert Church in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Experience Frances E. Burk. Burk, Moderator Crabb, Clerk May 19,1849 Van Wert Church in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by Letter Sister Frances Barton. Granted Letters of Dismission to Brother B. F. Key and wife. T. Burk, Moderator B. Crabb, Clerk June 16, 1849 Van Wert Church. after preaching by T. Burk, went into conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. T. Burk called for a Letter for Sister Davitte, which was granted. Appointed T. Burk and B. Crabb to attend a general meeting at Moriah Church on the fifth Sabbath in July. Agreed to dispense with the last clause of the 9th article of the Decorum, and also to add to the 5th Article (for improper conduct.) T. Burk, Moderator B. Crabb, Clerk July 14, 1849 After preaching by T. Burk, the Church went in to conference. 1st, invited visiting members to seats. 2nd. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. T. Burk, Moderator B. Crabb, Clerk TOTAL NUMBER TO JULY 18 IS 57. August 18, 1849 Van Wert Church in conference, preaching by T. Burk. Opened a door for the reception of members. None received. Elected delegates to the Association, which was T. Burk and B. Crabb and C. Mason, in case of failure. Agreed to send $2 for minutes, and one dollar for minutes of the Convention, $1.15 cents for foreign mission. Ordered the Clerk to write to Brother Charles McGuire requesting him to come to our next meeting to answer some unfavourable reports. The Letter prepared by the Clerk was read and adopted. Adjourned. T. Burk, Moderator B. Crabb Clerk October 20, 1849 Van Wert Church in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received none. Approved of the subject of selecting a place for establishing a camp meeting and appointed Joseph D. Morgan, Burton Crabb, Churchill Mason and Benjamin F. Morgan a committee to counsel with a committee from the various Churches of this County and others on the propriety of such a meeting and also to select a place for the above object. Done in conference and approved. T. Burke, Moderator B. Crabb, Clerk November 15,1849 Van Wert Baptist Church. The delegates from the following churches (viz) Van Wert/C. Mason, B. F. Morgan, J. D. Morgan, B. Crabb; Antioch/J. Morgan; Shilow/J. M. Harris, William B. Jones; Cedartown/J. M. Wood, William P. Wood. 2. Called Brother J. M. Wood to the Chair and J. M Harris, Clerk. 3. By motion, resolved that we recommend a county camp meeting to be established at the most convenient and suitable place. 4. After some deliberation, appointed a committee of five to examine the suitablest location, and report at Antioch on the Friday before the 2nd Sabbath in April, 1850. The committee consists of Brethren B. Crabb, William P. Wood, B. F. Morgan, Joseph Morgan, William B. Jones, three of which shall form a quorum. Jesse M. Wood, Moderator J. M. Harris, Clerk November 19,1849 Van Wert Baptist Church in conference. 1. Invited visiting Brethren to seats. 2. Opened a door for the reception of members, received by Letter Sister Sarah P. Mears. 3. Called for matters of dealing. None. 4. Called for miscellaneous business and appointed Brethren John Heaton, J. D. Morgan and John Harrison a committee to see Brother Burk and know of him, his mind in regard to attend us the next year. Joseph Morgan, Moderator Pro Tem B. Crabb, Church Clerk December 15,1849 Van Wert Baptist Church in conference. 1. Opened a door for the reception of members. None received. 2. Sister Jincy Scott called for Letters of Dismission for herself, James Scott, Susan Scott and Elizabeth Lethers, which was all granted. Also granted Letters to Brother T. Burk, Malinda, his wife, and Amanda and Frances E. Burk, their daughters. 4. Went into the choice of a pastor for the year 1850 and unanimously chose P. M. Rice. The congregation present consented fully to the choice. T. Burk and C. Mason to bear the request. T. Burk, Moderator Burton Crabb, Clerk ======================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for FREE access. ==============