Baptist
Ministers and Deacons Meet
"The Baptist Ministers and Deacons Will Meet," Franklin
County Register [Carnesville] 3 Jan 1888.
THE BAPTIST
MINISTERS AND DEACONS WILL MEET.
PROGRAMME OF EXERCISES.
To be held with Red Hollow church, Martin,
Ga., January 27, 28, and 29, 1888.
Friday 11 a. m. Introductory sermon by Rev. H. F. Stovall.
2, p. m. Object of Ministers and Deacons meeting, by Rev. W.
M. Rampley and B. J. Cleveland.
QUERIES TO BE DISCUSSED AND SPEAKERS.
Query No 1. Should one church member sue
another at law? Rev. T. J. Stonecypher and W. S. White.
Query No 2. What is the duty of churches toward drunken
members? Rev. W. J. Purcell and T. A. Stovall.
Query No 3. Were the apostolic churches missionary in faith
and practice? Rev. P. F. Crawford and T. A. McFarland.
Query No 4. What are the duties of Deacons? Rev. T. G.
Underwood.
Query No 5. Do the scriptures furnish authority for Sunday
school work? Rev. W. M. Rampley and M. E. Porter.
Query No 6. How can a church best develop the usefulness of
her laity? Rev. W. W. Stowe and James Porter.
Query No. 7. Is it the duty of all church members to give of
their substance to the support of the gospel? If so what should be done with
those who refuse to contribute? Rev. P. F. Crawford and G. F. Fuller.
It is hoped that the speakers appointed will prepare
themselves and carry out the programme and that the churches see that the
meeting is well attended, and let us pray and labor that it may be both
interesting and beneficial. Those who attend will be amply provided for.
COMMITTIE OF ARRANGEMENT.
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Double Branch
Church
Rev. H. P. Osborne, "History of Double Branch Church,"
Lavonia Times and Gauge 26 June 1914.
HISTORY OF DOUBLE BRANCH CHURCH
The organization of
the Double Branch Church, occured in the year 1801, in Franklin County Georgia.
The first building was made of round logs, and located between two small
branches, near their junction and thus the name was suggested and appropriated
Double Branch Church. The site of the first build- was not on the same
ground where the present location is, but was Southwest of this. The old
original building had but one door for entering, no door shelter and the floor
was the dirt. Split logs were used for seats. The men and women sat
separate in the church. The boards were not nailed on the roof, but held
down by poles and weights to keep them in place. The work done in building
this church was a free will offering by the people no charges and no pay
received by anyone. Thus it was, with the begining of old Double Branch
Church over one hundred years ago.
The first pastor was Samuel Hymer, the second Lott Bramlet,
and probably the third was Rev. Dozier Thorton and the fourth John A. Davis of
Habersham County (now Stephens).
The chairman of the organization committee, was Benjaman
Childs, and the original or pioneer members were as follows;
Benjaman Childs and wife (Deacon),
Thomas Whitlow and wife (Deacon),
James Turman and wife,
Samuel Sewell and wife,
John Watson and wife,
Bill Irons and wife,
Neal Donahoo and wife,
John Saundree and wife,
Chesley Cauthon and wife,
Bill Aaron and wife,
James Schull and wife,
John Comming and wife,
Rev. Dozier Thorton and wife,
Rev. Lott Bramlet and wife,
James Attaway and wife,
Rev. Freeman Attaway and wife,
Joseph Couch and wife,
Benjaman Starrett and wife,
John P. Gaines and wife,
Josiah Vaughan.
According to the best information in hand,
these old people made up the first principal membership with Benj. Childs and
Thos. Whitlow as Deacons. Many regular attendants walked from eight to ten
miles, among whom were the Sartins, the Brays, the Criders, the Doves and the
Burnetts.
Compiled and Submitted by
Rev. H. P. Osborne,
Canon, Ga.
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History of Tugaloo
Baptist
Association
A. O. Randall, "Abbreviated History of Tugalo Association:
Written in 10 Year Periods," Lavonia Times and
Gauge 15 Sept 1916.
ABBREVIATED HISTORY OF TUGALO ASSOCIATION
WRITTEN IN 10 YEAR PERIODS.
(By A. O. Randall, in Lavonia Baptist)
The purpose of writing a history of the
Tugalo Baptist Association at this time is to inform our Baptist people of the
progress of Christianity in the Association during its existence of the past
century. For this reason and for lack of space I have presented only a
table of facts, taken from the record of the meeting of the association every
decade. I anticipate a worthy and interesting undertaking for someone to
put into book form a condensed history of all the meetings of the Association.
The Tugalo Baptist Association at the time of its
organization and for some considerable time thereafter, embraced a number of
adjoining counties east and west of the Tugalo river, thereby acquiring its
title we presume. It is interesting to know that during the early
existence of the Association, it covered a large strip of territory even in
Georgia, ranging through the counties of Habersham, Rabun, Franklin and Elbert,
all of which were large counties at that time; but as the churches grew and
accumulated, the territory diminished.
The Association was organized at Poplar Springs Church,
Franklin county, Georgia, on the 12th of September 1818. The introductory
sermon was delivered by Rev. Isom Goss. Rev. George Vandiver was elected
Moderator, and Burrell Whitehead, Clerk. The Association adopted a set of
principles, rules of decorum, and a constitution. There were only thirteen
churches to become members of the Association at its organization. Of
these churches there was a total membership of only 671. For many years
the contributions mentioned in the records are very small, and it is not
designated for what they were intended. The contributions mentioned in the
first record amount to $43.50.
At the end of the first decade the Association met with
Hunters Creek Church, Franklin county, Ga., on Sept. 15th, 1827. Rev. M.
Winn, delivered the introductory sermon. Rev. Francis Callaway was elected
Moderator, and Thomas Dawson, Clerk. The biggest thing this association
did was to recommend and encourage the churches to hold Sunday Schools on the
Sabbath day. This was done in answer to a query from some of the churches.
At this time there [were] twenty-three churches in the association making an
increase of ten churches in ten years. The total membership of the
churches was 1040, making an increased of 369. The contributions given in
the record were $30.47, making a decreased of $13.03 to the amount ten years
previous.
The twentieth anniversary of the Tugalo Baptist Association
was observed at Conneross Church, Pickens District, S. C., Sept 15th, 1837.
The introductory sermon was delivered by Rev. M. W. Vandiver. Rev.
Littleton Meeks was elected Moderator and H. F. Chandler Clerk. This
Association ordered that a record book be procured and that the clerk copy all
the minutes of the Association in it. We are glad that Mr. Chandler was a
good penman as the minutes are still clearly legible and written in beautiful
style. The minutes of this Association show a membership of twenty-six
churches, making an increase of only three churches in a decade. The
church membership was 1277, making an increase of 237. The contribution
for minutes was $32.86, and for charity purposes $23.81¼¢.
Beaverdam church, Pickens District, S. C., entertained the
thirtieth anniversary of the Association on Sept. 17th, 1847. Rev. A. W.
McGuffin delivered the introductory sermon. Rev. A. W. McGuffin was
elected Moderator, and H. F. Chandler Clerk. There was a
membership of only twenty churches at this time, making a decrease of six
churches. Membership of churches was only 971, making a decrease of 306.
It is understood, of course, that when churches left the Association they joined
other Associations.
At the end of the fourth decade the Association assembled
with Shoal Creek Church, Hart county, Ga., on Sept. 18th, 1857. The
introductory sermon was preached by Rev. J. H. Aderhold. Rev. H. M. Barton
was elected Moderator, and H. F. Chandler Clerk. At this meeting there was
an effort on the part of some of the churches for the Association to become a
member of the Georgia Baptist Convention, but the effort was futile. An
effort which seemed to have been effective was made to increase the religious
zeal among the people and to get the missionary spirit aroused. There were
thirty-two churches in the Association at this time, making an increase of
twelve in a decade. There were 1119 members. There was $38.09
contributed to the minutes and $28.80 to Domestic Missions.
The Association met with Eastanollee Church, Franklin county,
Ga., on Sept. 13th, 1867, in its fiftieth anniversary. The introductory
sermon was preached by Rev. Asa C. Stephenson. Rev. H. M. Barton was
elected Moderator, and A. W. Brawner Clerk. The state of religion in the
churches at this time seems to have been gratifying to the Association, but an
appeal was made to raise the standard of piety to a more elevated position.
There were still thirty-two churches in the Association, but an increased
membership of 2777. The total contributions given were $24.06.
On Oct 19th, 1877, Reed Creek Church, Hart county, Ga., had
the honor of entertaining the Association in its sixtieth annual session.
The introductory sermon was delivered by Rev. J. J. Wilson. Rev. T. G.
Underwood was elected Moderator and A. W. Brawner, Clerk. The report on
state of religion was that the churches were cold and languid. For the
first time in the history of the Association a committee was appointed to report
on Sunday Schools. There were very few Sunday Schools in the Association,
and none to report. The Association voted to set apart space in the
minutes for Sunday School reports, and the churches were urged to hold Sunday
Schools and to report on same. The committee on Domestic Missions reported
that they were surprised to find that there had been no mission work done in the
Association at all and that no contribution had been made to the cause.
There were thirty-one churches in the Association at this time and a membership
of 2663. Contributions amounted to $33.50.
The Association convened with New Bethel Church, Franklin
county, Ga., on Sept. 15th, 1887, to observe its seventieth anniversary.
The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. Jesse Brown. Rev. T. G.
Underwood was elected Moderator and T. A. McFarland Clerk. More committees
reported in this minute than in any previous one. The report on missions
was that the churches were beginning to realize their great responsibility for
sending the gospel to heathen nations. The report on Sunday Schools was
that more of the churches were giving heed to the command to "Go Teach."
There was a report on Temperance, a history of Broad River Church, Liberty Hill
Church and Pleasant Hill Church. There were twenty-six churches in the
association, with 3039 members. The Finance Committee reported on
missions, minutes, ministerial education and pastor's salary. The total
amount was $1506.42. You have noticed a better showing of finance in this
report.
The eightieth annual session of the Tugalo Baptist
Association was held with Broad River Church, Franklin county, Ga., Sept 14th,
1897. The introductory sermon was delivered by Rev. C. T. Burgess.
Rev. C. T. Burgess was elected Moderator, and G. F. Fuller, Clerk. The
committee on education advised the Baptists to endeavor to secure teachers of
their faith in primary schools. They further suggested that John Gibson
Institute, now Gibson Mercer, was the proper school for college preparation.
For higher education, Mercer University was recommended to the boys and Shorter
College for the girls. Greater interest was reported in the church in
building up Sunday Schools. There were also reports on religious
literature, temperance and pastor's support. The minutes of the Tugalo
Baptist Sunday School Convention in 1897 were inserted in the association
minutes. There were thirty churches in the Association, and a membership
3991. Contributions were $2,983.06. Church property valued at
$6,975.
The ninetieth anniversary was celebrated with the New
Carnesville Church, Carnesville, Franklin county, Ga., on Sept. 10, 1907.
Introductory sermon was delivered by Rev. W. J. Purcell. Rev. W. J.
Purcell was elected Moderator and C. L. Mize Clerk. Reports was as
follows: Pastoral support, deceased ministers and deacons, orphans home,
missions, nominations, temperance, education, state of religion, B. Y. P. U.,
Religious Literature, Womans Work, Finance and Treasurer. We note the B.
Y. P. U. report. It states only two active unions in the association.
There were thirty-four churches in the association, and a membership of 5233.
Contributions amounting to $6,436.68. Church property valued at
$33,045.00.
The one hundredth annual session will be held next year,
1917, so I am making record of the ninety-eighth annual session held at New Hope
Baptist Church, Stephens county, Ga., Sept. 14th, 1915. The introductory
sermon was preached by Dr. F. C. McConnell, of Atlanta, Ga. Rev. W. J.
Purcell was elected Moderator, and D. S. Wommack Clerk. Committees
reported on Sunday Schools, Woman's Work, Religious Literature, Education
Laymen, Deceased Ministers and Deacons, State of Religion, and Christian
Liberality. There were thirty-nine churches in the Association, with a
total membership of 6422. Contributions amounted to $8,712.27.
Inserted in the minutes of the association are the minutes of the Sunday School
Convention and of the Womans Missionary Union. There were thirty six
Sunday Schools to report, with an enrollment of 3109. Contributions
amounted to $804.69. The Woman's Missionary Union has come to be a great
arm of the church and especially in contributing. There were twenty-one
unions to report, with a membership of 475. Contributions amounted to
$743.88.
In getting up a resume, we are made to note, with regret, the
fact that for approximately seventy years the reports were about the same.
In the report of 1887 we notice an increased zeal in Missions, Education,
Temperance and other enterprising activities; and from this date forward the
work of the churches seemed to increase with double energy. The minute of
1857 showed a failure of an effort of the Association to become a member of the
Georgia Baptist Convention. We are pleased to to note here that that
effort succeeded two years later in 1859. No one can fail to be pleased
with the present harmony and working spirit of the churches, and every genuine
Baptist will hail with delight the crowning efforts of the Tugalo Baptist
Association in its one hundredth anniversary, which is to be held at Poplar
Springs Church, the place of its organization, in 1917.
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Lavonia Baptist
Church
"A Short History of Our Church," Lavonia Times and
Gauge 28 Jan 1916.
A Short History of Our Church
Lavonia Baptist Church was constituted about
the year 1886, with about twenty members. Among the living charter members
are T. A. Stovall and wife, and G. W. Weldon.
They first met in the old school house, now the residence of
W. C. Adams. Rev. Linton W. Stephens was the first pastor. The
second pastor was Rev. D. D. Holland. Under him the present house of
worship was built in 1888. The next pastor was Rev. J. H. McMullan who
completed and paid the debt hanging over the church building. Under him
the church first began to grow. Other pastors who have labored
successfully are: Revs. A. E. Keese, P. F. Crawford, B. W. Collier, L. T.
Weldon, J. C. Boone, and Chas T. Brown. Under Bro. Brown's pastorate the
church was well organized with its several departments and went from one Sunday
a month to two Sundays and built a two thousand dollar pastorium. The
present pastor is Rev. R. W. Eubanks, reared just down the Savannah river in
Columbia county, educated at Mercer University and the Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary. His indefatigable energy and consecration, with the
help of his good wife, bid fair to greatly develop the church and cause her to
do her full duty. There are 230 members on the roll with services every
first and third Sundays. Also a superb Sunday School under Walter N.
Harrison, with W. M. U., B. Y. P. U., and Sunbeam Societies.
Mrs. Lucy Whiteside was the first organist and faithfully
served in that capacity for over twenty years--she should have a medal for her
valuable services.
Dr. T. B. Bonner has taught the Bible Class known at Class
No. 1, for twenty-six years and was presented with a gold medal for his untiring
devotion six years ago.
Thos. A. Stovall, wife and twelve children were at one time
all members, and his family were called the Second Baptist Church. They
have stood faithfully by the church at all times.
A. D. S. Chandler was one of the consecrated charter members
who helped greatly during his life time.
Albin J. Maret was, during his life time, a quiet worker ever
ready with hand, heart and purse.
C. W. Vickery during his life was depended on largely to
guide the financial part of the church, and was anxious to build a new church
building before he died.
To mention all who have stood four square for this noble
church would make this article too long.
By a Member.
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New
Methodist Church in Carnesville
“Methodist Church at Carnesville about Completed,” Lavonia Times and
Gauge 9 Aug 1912.
Methodist Church at Carnesville About
Completed
Work has been going on recently toward the completion
of Carnesville’s new Methodist church. This church is built of brick and was
started more than a year ago. The original idea of completing it several months
ago failed as is often the case with churches. They cost more than the estimate
and consequently the members have to take a little time to take another
foothold.
When completed there will not be a prettier little
church in this country than this church. It is well built and conveniently
arranged. The windows and doors have already been placed and also the inside
work is about completed. Carnesville Methodists feel proud of this structure and
they have a right to feel proud. It will stand as a monument to Carnesville’s
progressiveness for many years.
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Old Carnesville Church
“Services Changed,” Carnesville Advance 5 Oct 1900.
Services
Changed.
The hour for divine service on Saturday at Old
Carnesville Church has been changed from the afternoon to 11 o’clck a. m. Next
Saturday and Sunday are the regular services on course. A full attendance of the
members at both services is especially urged by the pastor. A warm welcome to
the general public is always extended. The subject for Saturday’s discourse will
be “The Power of the Risen Christ.” Subject for Sunday morning discourse, “The
Clank of the Chain.”
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Tugalo Association
“Tugalo Association,” Franklin County Register [Carnesville] 21
Sept 1878.
TUGALO
ASSOCIATION.
The meeting of the Tugalo Association which convened
with Double Branch Church in this county last week proved to be as pleasant a
meeting as that body perhaps eer experienced. The weather was as pleasant as
could be asked for, and nothing seemed to hinder an enjoyable time all during
the meeting. The business of the Association was transacted on Friday and
Saturday. We understand that all the business was transacted with that harmony
and brotherly love which ought to be characteristic with all christians. Rev. H.
M. Barton was elected Moderator, and Dr. A. W. Brawner, clerk. The hospitality
of the citizens in the neighborhood of Double Branch Church which they displayed
during the Association can not be excelled in the world. Long may the Double
Branch Church, and the Baptist Tugalo Association prosper.
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Four articles
concerning Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Battle at Zion Hill
“Blood on the Moon: Battle at Zion Hill,” Franklin
County Register [Carnesville] 27 Sept 1888.
BLOOD ON THE
MOON.
The Battle at Zion Hill.
There is a colored Baptist church on the
Jarretts Bridge road nearly a mile from Carnesville, called Zion Hill. The
members and others, held a festival there on Thursday night. Among other things
that were done, was by a popular vote, to bestow a cake on the prettiest girl.
Of the four candidates, Georgia Neal received the highest vote and the cake was
awarded to her. Some of the supporters of the unsuccessful candidates thought
the cake ought to be cut and divided between the candidates, but Georgia
demurred. They quarreled over the cake awhile, but soon a bigger question arose.
The proceeds of the festival were to be disposed of and the man who held the
funds proposed to hold on for the present. Brother Bill Walker declared in favor
of having the money or having blood, and so fight began and raged long and
furiously. It was a fight mainly with rocks and sticks, the combatants being a
little apart and throwing from under cover. The trees around the church bear
evidence of the battle, and a passer at a late hour in the night found the rocks
flying pretty thick and had to use due caution
and circumspection in avoiding them. No serious damage was done; Georgia kept
the cake and the treasurer held the money, and quiet reins once more at Zion
Hill.
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Simpson and McGee
“Charley Simpson: Champion Cotton “Raiser” of Franklin
County,” Franklin County Register [Carnesville] 13 Dec 1888.
CHARLEY SIMPSON
CHAMPION COTTON “RAISER” OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Charles Simpson, the colored blacksmith
who has worked at Mr. A. Rileys for several years, takes the lead as a cotton
planter. He cultivated two acres this year and has sold four good bales and
probably more, but the secret of his wonderful crop was explained on Sunday. A
colored man living on Mr. J. W. Morgads place had about 300 pounds of seed
cotton stolen on Saturday night, and on Sunday it was traced to Simpsons house.
To keep down suspicion he had his cotton ginned, part at Mr. Cannons and part at
Mr. Browns gins. His two acres made about a bale or probably a little more, and
the presumption is that the ballance was stolen from his neighbors. Charley has
skipped the country and the places that knew him recently will know him no more.
He was a good blacksmith, was industrious and sustained a good character. He was
heavily in debt and his property was covered with mortgages. We understand that
Charley was recently ordained as a deacon of Zion Hill church, was a shining
light among the colored people. This is the second shock that Zion Hill has
sustained since its establishment a few months ago. Brother McGee the founder
and former pastor, is no longer seen in our midst. His stentorian
voice is no longer heard warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come,
nor in fierce denunciation of Pedo-Baptist practices. A true bill is pending
against him for stealing a chicken from Dr. Kejchersil, and he steps lightly in
the vicinity of Carnesville, if he steps at all.
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Parson Knox
“Parson Knox: And Deacon Harris Oft with the Festival
Money,” Franklin County Register [Carnesville] 13 Dec 1888.
PARSON KNOX
And Deacon Harris oft With the Festival Money.
After the fall of Parson McGee the
founder of Zion Hill church, Governor Knox was chosen as pastor and in the
meantime Harris Chandler was made Treasurer and Deacon. Considerable funds were
raised by festivals and subscriptions, which it seems was held jointly by pastor
and deacon. A few weeks ago an effort was made to get the money out of their
hands by force of arms and a crowd fight at the church was the result, but the
parson and deacon held the money. A few days ago Parson Knox and Deacon Harris
skipped to the west carrying the church funds with them. Now the worshippers at
Zion Hill mourn the loss of one pastor who skipped from prosecution for stealing
a chicken, a Deacon who skipped from prosecution for stealing cotton and parson
and a deacon who skipped with the Treasury.
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Zion Hill—Norris Correction
Franklin County Register [Carnesville] 19 Dec
1888, Local News section.
Rev. G. W. Norris, the present pastor of
Zion Hill church, informs us that Charley Simpson was not a deacon of that
church, nor even a member. We make this correction at the instance of Parson
Norris, who is quite right in thinking that the dereliction of the members is a
sufficient burden for the church to carry. Parson Norris stands well in this
community and we hope that under his ministrations, the troubles at Zion Hill
will come to an end.
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