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A Compendious History

OF THE

Mercer Baptist Association

1874—1914

   
 

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PREFACE.

 

To THE MERcER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE:

At the last session of our body, October 18, 1914, the following resolu-
tion, offered by Brother Wiley Blewett Groover, was adopted, to-wit:
“That the executive committee be instructed to employ a suitable party to
write the history of this association and afterwards a file of the minutes be
hue to Sam F. Colgate, Orange, N. J., for safe keeping with other Baptist

istory.”

Pursuant to that action of the association, we The nieantidlve Commit-
tee, engaged Dr. Robert H. Harris, now of Columbus, Ga., but formerly,
for many years and at different times, identified with us, to perform the
indicated work. By reason of his experience and in view of opportunities
enjoyed by him for personal observation, we considered him well qualified
for the task. And now that the history has been written, we wish to say
that we approve it; the entire scheme of the narrative, its plan and its
method of execution.

We have endeavored to assist Dr. Harris to the extent of securing, for
insertion in the volume, biographical sketches, as many as possible, of mod-
erators, a sketch of, each, the first clerk of the body and one of our most
effective association missionaries and a historical sketch of each of the
first two of our churches organized in Brooks county. In that work, we
have received and gratefully appreciate the valuable aid of Rev. W. T.
Gaulden, the assistant moderator of the association.

In this history, as far as practicable, is set forth for the reader some
of the doctrines of our faith, which cannot be too often restated and
stressed, to-wit: ‘The virgin birth of Christ, His divinity, the sinner’s lost
estate, total depravity, the office of faith in the process of human redemp-
tion, the agency of the Holy Spirit in the regeneration of the soul, the
new birth, the symbolic character of baptism, setting forth the death, burial,
and resurrection of Christ, as well as the sinner’s death to sin, burial in
water, and resurrection to a new life, the foreordination and election of
the saved, their final preservation in grace, and that the Scriptures of
the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, the only rule of faith
and practice.

The committee has provided the means to pay Dr. Harris and print the
book without expense to the association.

The Executive Committee:

J. G. MoCatt, Chm., --
W. M. Haggis,

J. A. WYNNE,

R. L. Groover, Sec.,
D. H. Purvis,

A. Morrison,

J. J. PABRAMORE

(3)
History of the Mercer Baptist Association

 

~

CHAPTER I.

For many years previous to 1873, a number of Baptist churches
in southern Georgia, situated near the boundary line, had belonged
to The Florida Association. Several of those churches were in
Thomas county. Other Baptist churches, located in Brooks,
Lowndes, Berrien, Clinch.and Echols counties, of Georgia, and in
Hamilton, Madison, Suwanee and LaFayette counties, of Florida,
were members component of The Mercer Association, sustaining
organic relations to The Baptist Convention of The State of Geor-
gia. The churches composing The (old) Mercer, in 1873, were,
Corinth, Okapilco, Philadelphia and Quitman, in Brooks county,
Bethlehem, Corinth, New Bethel, Redland and Valdosta, in
Lowndes, Milltown, in Berrien, Stockton, in Clinch, and Mace-
donia, Sardis and Statenville, in Echols, all of Georgia; while
Florida claimed Bellville, New Hope, New Prospect and Union in
Hamilton county, Fayetteville, Hatch Bend, Midway and Sand
Hill, in LaFayette, Macedonia, in Madison, and Rosemary, in Su-
wanee. Twenty-four churches. At the session of 1873, in Novem-
ber, Hickory Head, in Brooks county, Pleasant Hill, in Colquitt,
Beaver Dam, in Berrien, and Beulah, in Clinch, were admitted.
The name, Howard Grove (location not given), also appears in the
minutes of that session; thus, seemingly, making the entire num-
ber of component churches, twenty-nine. But, at the same session,
the following-named were dismissed, by letter, to take part in the
organization of another association, to-wit: Macedonia (which
one not specified), Hatch Bend, Midway, New Hope, Union, New
Prospect, Fayetteville, Sand Hill and Howard Grove; thus leaving
the actual number, twenty, only.

That session of the association was held with Redland church,
and the following-named representatives were chosen as its offi-
cers: Eld. R. W. Phillips, Moderator, Eld. D. F. Ward, Ass’t.
Mod’r., Eld. E. B. Carroll, Clerk, and Bro. (afterward Elder),
Jno. G. Norton, Ass’t. Clerk. The name of the Treasurer, as shown
by his report, was Bro. Mitchell Jones. Bro. J. G. McCall was
Chairman of the Finance Committee. Other prominent brethren
2 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

taking active part in the meeting were: Elders C. D. Campbell
(former moderator), C. S. Gaulden (also a former moderator),
H. M. Friar, W. H. Bryant, R. S. Harvey, J. D. Evans, T. W.
Powell and J. J. Overstreet, with Brethren (not ministers) James
Hilliard, R. J. Denmark, A. W. Groover, R. A. Peeples (afterwards
a minister), and several more; to be heard from later.

That session may be regarded as preparatory to the events re-
corded in this history, and in that relation its minutes show the
following facts:

“Under the head of new business, Bro. J. G. McCall introduced
preamble and resolutions expressive of a desire to form a union
of The Mercer Association with the churches lately withdrawn
from The Florida Association.”

“In accordance with the resolutions above mentioned, a com-
mittee of ten was appointed, to meet the aforesaid churches, at
-Boston, and confer with them as to this union. The moderator
was added to this committee, making it consist of eleven members:
Elders C. S. Gaulden, C. D. Campbell, E. B. Carroll, R. S. Harvey,
H. M. Friar, T. W. Powell, W. H. Bryant and (the moderator)
R. W. Phillips, with Brothers (not ministers) Jno. G. McCall,
Jno. G. Norton and Jno. F. Scruggs.”

This historian regrets that Judge McCall’s resolutions, in full,
are not recorded, as they constituted the first definite step toward
the organization of The Mercer Association in what for distinctive-
ness may be called its mature form. They might also have given
us the names of “the churches lately withdrawn from The Florida
Association,” and, thus, have shown positively what is here merely
suggested, that the withdrawers were mainly Thomas county
churches.

As preliminary to and for the perfecting of that contemplated
organization, a convention was held and its purpose accomplished,
as shown by the following literally quoted record:

“Boston, Ga., Feb. 6, 1874.

“In the convention assembled, this day, for the purpose of per-.
fecting a union of certain churches lately withdrawn from The
Mercer and Florida Associations, Bro. John G. Dekle was chosen
President, and F. M. Groover, Secretary.

“A committee appointed to »ffer business for the convention
reported as follows:
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 3

“Resolved, That the delegates representing the churches having
withdrawn from The Florida and delegates from the churches of
The Mercer Associations constitute a new association, upon the
twelve Articles of Faith of the old Florida, with the name of The
Mercer Baptist Association;

“Resolved, That the churches of The Mercer Association not
here represented, also those withdrawn from The Florida, be con-
sidered members of this new association, unless they give notice
to the contrary, and that they be affectionately invited to send
their letters and delegates to the next meeting of the association ;.

“Resolved, That we adopt the Constitution and Decorum of The
(old) Florida Association, with the exception of the second article,
which shall read as follows—‘This association shall be composed.
of two delegates from each church, with the addition of one dele-
gate for every twenty-five members, of every church having over
fifty’ ;

“Resolved, That the first meeting of this association be held on
Friday before the first Sabbath in October and with the Valdosta
church. R. A. Puepies, Chairman.”

“On motion, the Convention adjourned, sine die, and The Mer-
cer Baptist Association was permanently organized by electing
Bro. J. G. rae saa, and F. M. Sia Clerk.

ee Mitchell J ones, J. G. MeCall, ©. D. Campbell, 's. A.
Smith and F. M. Groover were elected Executive Committee, and
Bro. Mitchell Jones was es Treasurer.

On motion, adjourned ‘6 meet with Valdosta tak Friday,

October 2, 1874.
Prayer by Elder W. B. Bennett.
. J. G. Duxie, Moderator.

F. M. Groover, Olerk.”

At that session, Elder A. ©. Stephenson preached the Intro-
ductory Sermon—although no record of that fact appears in the
minutes.

At this point, it seems appropriate to give a brief biographical
sketch of Deacon Jno. G. Dekle, the first moderator of the full-
4 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOciaTION.

fledged new Mercer, and of Deacon F. M. Groover, the first clerk,
as furnished, respectively, by Hon. J. M. Dekle, of Thomasville, a
son of the former, and Hon. John G. McCall, the present moderator
of the association.

Hon. JoHn G. DBKLE.

John G. Dekle was born in Bullock County, Georgia, July 26,
1803, and died in Thomas County, Georgia, June 28, 1888.

‘When a small boy, his father moved to Alabama and settled
near Abbeville, in that State, was educated in the schools as ex-
isted in those times; his father died when he was about sixteen
years of age, and the grave responsibility devolved upon him to
assist his widowed mother in rearing and educating six little
brothers and sisters, and the success attained was an abiding joy
in all his after life.

Possessed with good common sense and indomitable will, which
was manifested in the days of his youth, was also striking charac-
teristic of his subsequent life.

He joined the Missionary Baptist Church, when sixteen years
of age, was baptized by Brother Hawthorne, the father of the late
Rev. J. B. Hawthorne, so well known among Southern Baptists, to
whom he always referred as Jerry Hawthorne, when speaking of
him. He was elected to the office of deacon, when eighteen years
of age, and remained in active service of same throughout his life.

By occupation, a farmer and lived on same. He was at one
time sheriff of his county, tax collector and judge of the inferior
court.

His home was always known as the preachers’ home and the
needy always found in him a generous response to all their de-
mands for assistance.

He was the first honored moderator of the Mercer Baptist As-
sociation, at its organization in 1874, in the city of Boston, Ga.

JoHN M. DEKLE.

Dmacon F. M. Groover.

Francis Marion Groover was born April 25, 1846. His father,
James Groover, settled, early in life, near Grooverville, where he
was reared and was educated in the rural schools of his community.
He was married, June 24, 1868, to Miss Laura Josephine Groover,
daughter of Mallie and Sarah Ann Groover. These two young
people were Baptists and members of Liberty church. =
 

Hon. John G. Dekle
History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 5

Mr. Groover was a farmer and merchant, spent his life in and
around old Grooverville. He and his wife were the parents of one
child, Ann Elizabeth. She and her mother now reside in the city
of Boston. Francis Marion died January 29, 1900.

Early in his church membership, he was ordained deacon and
filled the office of clerk of his church up to the date of his death.
At the organization of The Mercer Baptist Association, he was
elected clerk. J. G. McCat.

It now seems meet to give, here, a list of the ministers holding
membership in the constituent churches:

Elders, C. 8. Gaulden, C. D. Campbell, W. B. Bennett, J. M.
Rushin, T. W. Powell, W. H. Bryant, J. D. Evans, W. H. Scruggs,
E. B. Carroll, A. C. Stephenson, A. M. Manning, H. M. Friar and
R. 8. Harvey.

“Licentiates,” T. A. White, J. G. Norton and G. M. T. Wilson.

It is, likewise, in place to name the constituent churches of the
newly organized association, as well as to give their respective
locations, by counties:

Thomas County, Ga., Big Creek, Friendship, Macedonia (later
and to date known. as Boston church), New Hope, Summer Hill,
Thomasville; Colquitt County, Ga., New Hope; Brooks County,
Ga., Corinth, Hickory Head, Liberty (or Grooverville), Okapilco,
Quitman, Philadelphia; Berrien County, Ga., Milltown; Lowndes
County, Ga., Bethlehem, Corinth, Macedonia, New Bethel, Red-
land, Valdosta; Clinch County, Ga., Stockton; Echols County, Ga.,
Statenville, Sardis; Madison County, Fla., Concord, Macedonia,
Madison, Pine Grove; Jefferson County, Fla., Olive; Hamilton
County, Fla., Bellville.

Among the brethren not ministers, prominent and influential
in those churches, and whose names have not already been men-
tioned in this record, were Brethren Sugar Forest, P. B. Massey,
B. F. Moseley, R. I. Denmark, 8. P. Mays, S. A. Smith, W. D.
Mitchell, R. V. Forrester, R. B. Mardre, J. M. Patterson, E. T.
Davis, W. H. Ousley, J. W. Wilson, W. H. Culpepper, A. J. Roun
tree, and numerous others. In those days, there was much of spir-
ituality and consecration in the pew, as well as of piety and zeal
in the pulpit.

_ As probably not one of our people has in possession a copy of
the minutes of the Boston meeting, in February, 1874, when The
(new) Mercer was organized and at: which meeting the “articles
6 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

of faith” and present constitution were adopted, the former will
here be given in full, and the latter promised for a future page.

ARTICLES OF FAITH.

1. We believe in one only true and living God and that there are three
persons in the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are The
Word of God and the only Rule of Faith and Practice.

38. We believe in the Doctrine of Election.

4. We believe in the Doctrine of Original Sin.

5. We believe in man’s impotency, of his own free will and ability, to
recover himself from the state he is in, by nature.

6. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God, only by
the imputed righteousness of Christ.

7. We believe that God’s elect shall be called, renewed and sanctified
by The Holy Spirit.

8. We believe that the saints shall persevere in grace and never finally
fall away. .

9. We believe that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of
Jesus, imposed upon His churches, that nothing is Baptism except immer-
sion, that believers are the only subjects of this ordinance and that none
but baptized believers are entitled to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

10. We believe in the Resurrection of the dead and the General Judg-
ment.

11. We believe that the punishment of the wicked will be everlasting
and that the joy of the righteous will be eternal.

12. We believe that no minister has a right to administer the ordi-
nances, only such as are called and come under the hands of the presbytery.

Those are the “articles of faith” of The Florida Association, and
the religious basis, so to speak, upon which The (new and present)
Mercer Association took position (and stands today).

According to the resolutions of Judge Peeples, in the Boston
“convention,” and which were apparently passed, although the
record does not explicitly so declare, the constitution of The (old)
Florida was also adopted, without modification, except as to the
second section. But according to the minutes of The Mercer which
record the proceedings of the session held with Friendship church,
in the second year after organization, and in which minutes the
constitution actually adopted was for the first time published, very
little of the original instrument was retained.

It seems proper that something should now be said, with refer-
ence to that matter of the constitution, concerning especially the
second section of the Florida instrument, particularly specified in
Judge Peeples’ resolutions, and more especially, the third article
not mentioned in the resolutions, at all. :
History of Mercer BaprisT ASSOCIATION. q

The articles of faith have never been and never will be changed.
They are fundamental, in the full spiritual sense, and, therefore,
unchangeable. But the case is different as regards the constitution.
That instrument is indeed, fundamental, also, but so, in legal
parlance, only, and mainly in a temporal sense. That is, such a
document can be and ought to be so changed as to make its terms
conform to changed conditions and environments as they may
occur. This principle is illustrated in the case of the two articles
of The Florida’s constitution, above referred to, and less strikingly
in the case of the other articles of that instrument. The first case
will now be considered, quoting those two sections, in full:

“Article 2. This body shall be composed of delegates elected
by white members of churches connected with it ; each church being
entitled to two and one additional for every twenty-five members
over fifty. Said delegates shall be white, male members of churches
controlled by white members.

Article 3. Churches composed of colored members may be rep-
resented in this body by colored messengers elected by them, in the
same ratio as prescribed for whites, in Article 2; whose duty it
shall be to report the condition and state of their churches. These

‘messengers shall not have the right to vote, but may speak, by
request or permission of this body.”

A radical change in conditions, in Florida and South Georgia,
after the close of ‘The War Between The States,” demanded an
alteration of that second section of The Florida’s constitution, and
compelled the absolute repeal of the third. To explain: “Before
the war,” when that second article was framed, as well as “during
the war,” Negroes were received into membership. with Whites, in
the same churches. There was no difference, in that respect, made
between masters and slaves. That fact is almost incomprehensible
by the young people of the present generation in The South, the
Negro of today would scout such an assertion and there are mul-
titudes of people, of all ages and complexions, resident in the
higher latitudes of our country, who disbelieve the statement,
utterly. Nevertheless, the truth remains true, howsoever much
discredited and scoffed at. As a consequence of the religious im-
partiality shown between slaves and owners, it came to pass
that in some churches, especially in the country, where, on the
large plantations, the Blacks outnumbered the Whites, ten or
twenty or often even more, to one, the Negroes could and some-
times did, become more numerous in church membership than the
8 Hisrory oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Whites. Hence, the necessity for the rule prescribed in section 2, of
The Florida’s constitution; Baptist churches being, then as now,
pure democracies. Even the purest democracy must have suffrage
qualifications. The question of “social equality” cut no figure in
the issue, at all. No Southern White ever thought of such a possi-
bility and probably not one Negro in a hundred thousand ever
dreamed of such a condition. After the war was ended, the Ne-
groes retained their membership in churches with the Whites, for
a little while, but “missionaries” from The North soon induced
them to withdraw from the Whites and “set up housekeeping for
themselves.” Thus, the Blacks became, on their own part, the first
“seoregationists”! and, thus, for the first time, came into existence,
in this country, the general distinction between “white” and “col-
ored” churches. But even then, The (old) Florida kept open the
privilege of membership by “colored” churches, in its associational
fraternity. Witness the third section of its constitution. Since,
however, the numerical disproportion in church membership be-
tween Whites and Blacks continued (and even in a more marked
degree than at first because so many Whites had died in the war
struggle), the apparent necessity for the exclusive feature of that
article had become imperative. Superior intelligence could take
no chances of being brought into subjection to inferior ignorance.
The like was being flagrantly and disgustingly practiced in politi-
cal government; such a calamity could not be risked in churches
and associations. But the Negroes acting upon the “segregation”
idea—to which our Whites offered no opposition, but, on the con-
trary, granted them letters of dismission, when asked for, certify-
ing that “the bearers were in good standing and full fellowship”
—withdrew, apart, entirely! Therefore, The (new) Mercer, at the
time and in the act of its organization, as shown by the minutes
of its Friendship session, in 1875, utterly discarded the third sec-
tion of The Florida’s constitution and substituted a new article for
the second section as will be seen on examination of that instru-
ment, published in the following chapter.

Yet, after all the occurrences in this connection, described
above, and notwithstanding the obvious desire and purpose, on
the part of the Negroes to segregate themselves completely, efforts
continued to be made, from time to time, for years, by some of
our best men, notably Judge Jno. G. McCall and Dr. A. M. Man-
ning, to be helpful to them, in their churches and associations: but
to many of us, those noble efforts appear to have been practically
fruitless. ;
 

 

 

 

Liberty Church

The figures standing in front are those of Miss Minnie T. and Paul,
grandchildren of Mrs. Ann Groover and Dr. J.1. Groover,
owner of the Grooverville Homestead.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 9

In further reference to the benevolent spirit of our people, in
relation to the Negroes, it may be remarked that the retention of
the word “white” in the second article of the constitution adopted
by The (new) Mercer, is significant. The Negroes were never
driven out of our churches. But after all the wholesale “secession”
of our “colored” members, some remained in our fellowship, and
the doors of The Mercer Association were never harshly closed
against any orderly Baptist church. This writer has been pastor
of two churches—one of them in recent years—each of which con-
tained a Negro member and both of which belonged to a Georgia
Baptist association! If some of our kind friends who have so
harshly misjudged us of The South knew more about us, they might
be more charitable in their expressions.

The writer here appends a historical sketch of Liberty church,
compendious and brief, as prepared by Hon. Jno. G. McCall; fol-
lowed by one of Okapileo church, written by Elder W. T. Gaulden.

Liperty CHURCH.

This church was organized August 19, 1843, by Rev. R. J.
Mays, Rev. Jesse Goodman and Rev. Thomas Lang, constituting
the Presbytery, and with the following members: EH. P. Smith,
R. T. Stanaland, James T. Baker, Nancy Hagan, Sarah Ann
Groover, Mary Smith, Amanda Denmark and Sarah Whitfield.

These constituent members were of the best material and com-
manded the confidence and respect of the entire community.
Among these good people, male and female, Sister Hagan was,
perhaps, the most prominent. She was the clerk of the church,
and served until some suitable brother could be selected her succes-
sor. This good woman, though with becoming modesty and strong
mind, was active in all the departments of church work. She was
the mother of Sarah Ann Groover, who was in her after life known
as “Aunt Ann.”

Mrs. Ann Hagan Groover was identified with the large Groover
family, and was the mother of Solomon Groover, Mrs. F. M.
Groover, the widow of F. M. Groover, who was the first clerk of
the association, and Mrs. Captain T. J. Livingston—children by
her first husband, Malachia Groover—and the mother of Fuller
Groover, son of her second husband, James Groover.

Mrs. Hagan was a woman of unusual mentality and force of
character. In the early history of foreign missions in this country,
she espoused the cause of foreign missions, and with a clear and
10 History of Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION,

correct knowledge of the Saviour’s injunction on this subject, she
led the fight, maintaining the duty of Baptists to send the gospel
to the nations beyond; and in maintenance of the cause, she pre-
pared a poem, beautiful in diction and strong in argument, and
read the same to her brethren and by the aid of God’s Spirit
carried conviction to the minds of those who heard her, and vir-
tually settled the controversy.

This large Groover family, who settled in and around Groover-
ville, were Joshua, Josiah, Malachia and James Groover, who were
most substantial citizens and living near each other, had their
own postoffice, known as Grooverville.

Of this Groover family, Dr. James I. Groover, son of James
Groover, with his wife, a daughter of Josiah Groover, now living
at old- Grosverville, retired from the practice of his profession, is
now the connecting link between the past and present Groover
generations. Too much cannot be said in favor of these Groovers.
They stood manfully for the right in all the demands of a high type
of citizenship and were, with few exceptions, strong Baptist.

This church maintained that it was the duty of all Christian
people to obey the Saviour’s injunctions from: the mount of His
ascension, when He said: “Go, ye, therefore, and make disciples
of all nations,” and the membership of this church became then,
as it is now, progressive Baptists along the lines of Christian mis-
sions, Christian education, and the support of pastors.

The former pastors of old Liberty, as now known, were the
Rev. R. J. Mays, an eloquent pulpit orator, a splendid business
man, not only rich in faith but rich in this world’s goods, owning
approximately one hundred negroes, for whom he provided gener-
ously their religious instruction.

In 1845, the Rev. B. S. Fuller succeeded to the pastorate of
Liberty church, and for whom James Groover and Ann Groover
named their only son—Fuller. Rev. J. B. Lacey was then elected.
In 1855, W. J. Blewett succeeded in this pastorate; a man of
marked piety and pulpit force, for whom A. W. Groover named his
youngest son—Blewett. Rev. James McBride was then called to
the care of this church, and Rev. C. D. Campbell succeeded him.
Then, in 1872, Rev. J. M. Rushin, at the request of this church,
was ordained to the ministry and elected the pastor of this church
continuing his pastorate twenty-seven years, without a break.
Upon his retirement, Rev. D. H. Parker was elected pastor, who
continued to minister to this church fourteen years. These Baators
*JO7] BAeUD uapinedy pue younyo eol!de1O

 

 

 

 
History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 11

were men of marked ability, sound in the faith, missionary in
spirit and doctrine,- the advocates of Christian education and
proper church discipline. J. G. McCatt.

Tae OKapPitco Baprisr CHurcH.

The Okapilco Baptist Church was constituted at Okapilco,
Brooks County, Ga., February 24, 1861. It is nine and one-half
miles northwest of Quitman. Owing to its surroundings, it is the
most beautiful location in the county. It takes its name from the
Okapilco creek, two miles away, and is an Indian name, meaning
“Black Water.” Doubtless, it was the second Missionary Baptist
church organized in the county. Liberty, located in the Groover-
ville neighborhood, was the first.

Thirteen Baptists entered into the organization of this church,
namely: Elder Charles Scriven Gaulden, from Lumpkin, Ga.;
A. B. Campbell, Thomaston; Wm. Newton, Bethel; John Delk,
Jane Delk and Nancy Herring, and J. W. Delk, Jr., from Summer
Hill; Jacob and Susan Duckworth, Liberty; Levi and Chloe Phil-
lips, Bethesda; and two Negro slaves, Elijah Wade and Mary
Wade, from Hephzibah church.

Mrs. Susan Duckworth, who lives two miles west of Morven,
Ga., is the only one of the charter members now living.

Elder C. 8. Gaulden was elected as the first pastor, John Delk,
as deacon, and John W. Delk, Jr., clerk.

C. S. Gaulden, A. B. Campbell, Wm. Norton, and John Delk
were appointed to prepare the church decorum. A. B. Campbell
was called to ordination, and was granted a letter of dismission,
December 5, 1862, to unite with the church at Griffin, Ga., where
he was ordained a Baptist minister, and he immediately returned
and preached his first sermon after ordination at Corinth Baptist
church, twelve miles east of Okapilco, and where C. 8. Gaulden,
assisted by A. B. Campbell, had constituted a Baptist church.
Elder A. B. Campbell was then teaching a school at Okapilco
Academy, one and a half miles west of Okapilco. This church and
community at this time took great interest in this school, and for
a long time Okapileo Academy was a very flourishing school,
taught by teachers of great ability. Among them were: O. W.
Stevens and daughter, Miss Hattie Stevens, V. E. Lucas and A. J.
Sparks. Their methods differed from those of the modern graded
schools, and for primary grades were not as good, but the results
appear to have been better for the more advanced grades.
12 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

At the suggestion of Elder C. S. Gaulden, Friday before the
fourth Sunday was set apart for fasting and prayer. From the
records the church seems to have been in a constant state of re-
vival, as “The Lord added constantly and regularly to the church
such as (it appeared) were being saved,” and numbers came in by
letter, for months and years after the organization. Among those
who were received into the church early were: Mrs. C. S. Gaulden,
the wife of Elder C. S. Gaulden, ‘and their daughter, Charlie M.
Gaulden; Miss Gaddie Delk, afterwards the wife of J. J. Hodges,
Miss Mary Jane Gray, Mrs. Walker, and a Negro slave woman;
all of whom were baptized by Pastor C. S. Gaulden, on September
15, 1863. Then, by experience or letter, Mrs. A. J. Jones, D. Le-
Sueur Gaulden, Mr. Wells, Mrs. Lina (F. L.) Jones, Miss Emma
Sinquefield, afterward Mrs. Lastinger, and husband, then P. G.
Sinquefield and wife, J. W. Whitlock, G. R. Dukes, O. W. Stevens
and wife and four daughters from old Sunbury church, Liberty
county, Dr. G. B. Williams, the Slappys, Duprees, David E. Chap-
man, from Jones’ Creek, Liberty county, C. B. Dekle, Mr. and Mrs.
Isaiah Ward, Miss Powell, Mary Brice, wife of Timothy Brice,
A. J. Sparks, the Popes, O’Quinn, and Mrs. Anne E. Robinson,
afterwards Mrs. W. J. Groover (in 1872).

Those who served as pastors in the order named (though some
of them served more than once) were: C. S. Gaulden, Dr. Jesse
H. Campbell, T. W. Lanier -in 1865, E. B. Carroll, T. A. White,
Moses Ward, A. C. Stephenson in 1880, 8S. E. Blitch, W. H. Bryant,
W. B. Bennett, J. P. McCann, M. D. Pope, J. M. Odom, W. J.
Odom, I. F. Duncan, R. O. Martin, C. A. Cox, W. T. Gaulden.

The religious interest of the Negro slaves was carefully and
continuously looked after and provided for. At times during the
war, they outnumbered, perhaps, the White membership. They
were received upon and enjoyed the same terms of Christian fel-
lowship as the White membership. They received, often at the
same time, the same baptism, partook of the Lord’s Supper, gave
and received the right hand of fellowship, as did the White mem-
bership. Besides all this, certain hours were set apart on Sunday,
and special services were held for them. They voted upon ques-
tions of fellowship. At the regular times of worship, they were
assigned, of course, certain seats in the rear of the meeting house.
They were taught in the Sunday school, in the church building,
the same as Whites, and this continued some time after the war
—after emanicpation. Among the teachers who taught them were
the pastor’s daughter, and a large number of Negro men were
History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 13

taught the Bible, every Sunday afternoon, by Miss Hattie Stevens,
who-was a teacher in the Okapilco Academy, and one who stands
foremost among our women in spirituality, intelligence and influ-
ence. The records show that the Negroes were disciplined just
the same as the Whites. Also, Negro preachers were employed and
paid to preach to the Negroes. They were ordained to the Gospel
ministry. They were received by letter from the African Baptist
church at Savannah, in full fellowship.

This relation continued until June, 1870, when, at their own
request, the Negro members were granted letters of dismission, to
constitute a Baptist church of their own. But long after they had
withdrawn, C. S. Gaulden had a regular appointment, Sunday
afternoons, for the Negroes, in the Okapilco Baptist church meet-
ing house, and for a while large congregations of Negroes attended.

Later, C. S. Gaulden gave to the Negro Beulah Hill Baptist
church one acre of land, on the public road, near Clark’s Creek,
a beautiful and desirable site, upon which to build a meeting house.
Since that time his sons have given them additional land, all free
of charge.

At times, especially in the early history of the church, a Sun-
day school was maintained, kept up mostly by the efforts of Mrs.
C. 8. Gaulden, while her husband was away preaching the gospel,
in Brooks or the surrounding counties.

Okapilco church has always maintained and administered faith-
fully New Testament church discipline. To W. J. Groover, per-
haps, more than to any other is due this faithful administration.
His wife has the distinction of being a member longer than any
other, and she deserves to be especially remembered for her faith-
fulness to the church and her indispensable and efficient services
to the church.

The church agreed to comply with the request of the Mercer
Baptist Association to plant a certain portion of their cotton for
the association work, in 1873.

The church has had many memorable revivals. As so many
members have gone out from her to form other churches or to
unite with other churches, she is often called the “Mother of
Churches.” W. T. GauLpen.

2
14 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER II.

Havine perfected its organization, the new association entered
upon a course of distinguished usefulness, that it has steadily main-
tained during forty eventful years; sometimes in adversity, re-
peatedly encountering difficulties, but always in confidence, trust-
ing in God. Some of the features of its career, in connection with
associated incidents, are to be recorded in the narrative of the
following pages; but before the direct opening of that story, it is
well to offer, for inspection, its original constitution. Such a pre-
sentation might seem to be unnecessary, in view of the fact that the
instrument has been.so often printed in the association minutes,
year after year, and because of the further fact that such changes
as have been made in it have been rather in phraseology and forms
of expression than in substance, so that the possession of any copy
of the minutes would, presumably, insure to the holder convenient
access to that document; but that seeming is off-set by the lamen-
table truth that few people own even one copy of the minutes.
Therefore, the presentation is given. '

CONSTITUTION.

1. This association shall be known by the name of The Mercer Bap-
tist Association. s

2. The association shall be composed of white male members, chosen
by the respective churches in its union upon the following basis: Two
messengers from each church, with the addition of one messenger for every
twenty-five members of every church having over fifty.

3. In the letters sent by the churches at each session of the associa-
tion shall be expressed their respective number of members in full fellow-
ship, those baptized, received by letter, restored, dismissed, excommunicated
and dead, since the last session.

4. Believing it to be proper on account of the diversity of opinion among
men, as to the import of Scripture doctrines contained in The Old and New
Testaments, to declare our belief and understanding thereof, we therefore
append our belief, in twelve articles, and present them, with our minutes,
to the Baptist denomination.

5. The association, when convened, shall be governed by a regular and
proper decorum. A moderator and a clerk shall be chosen by the votes
of the members present, who shall hold their office till next session and
until successors are elected. ‘The moderator shall preside at the meetings
of the association and the clerk shall record the proceedings thereof and
prepare them for the press,

6. The association thus organized shall have no power to “lord it over
God’s heritage,” nor infringe upon the internal rights of any church,
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 15

% Newly constituted churches may be admitted into this union, upon
application by letter and messengers; and if, upon examination, found to
be orthodox, shall be received by the association and the right hand of
fellowship extended to the messengers, by the moderator.

8. The association sball furnish the churches with minutes of its pro-
ceedings, in proportion to the funds sent up by the churches for that pur-
pose,

9. The minutes of this association shall be publicly and distinctly read
(and corrected if necessary), and then signed by the moderator and clerk
before adjournment.

10. Any amendment or alteration of this constitution may be made by
the votes of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting of
the association (of which notice shall be given in the minutes), and the
concurrence of two-thirds of the members present at the next association
meeting shall make the desired alteration. All other matters in this asso-
ciation shall be decided by a majority of, votes.

11. The association shall have power—

First: To provide for the general union of the churches;

Second: To give the churches advice, in matters of difficulty;

Third: To inquire into the cause of any church failing to be repre-
sented at the meetings of the association ;

Fourth: To withdraw all connection from any church, or churches,
in this union, who shall violate the rules of this association, or shall de-
viate from the orthodox principles of The Revealed Word of God;

Fifth: ‘To appropriate the moneys contributed to the association fund
by the churches, to any purposes they may think best for the interest of
The Church of Christ;

Sixth: To adjourn to any future time and place they may deem most
convenient for the churches in the union.

Adopted by the convention that formed the association, at Boston,
Thomas County, Ga., February 6, 1874. :
Joun G. Dextze, Moderator.
F. M. Groover, Clerk.

That is a literal reproduction, from the association minutes,
of the constitution upon which The (new) Mercer was organized ;
with no variation except in the correction of only a few palpable
(and possibly typographical) errors materially affecting the sense.
This writer does not, in any quotation given in these pages, assume
the pedagogic attitude of a revising critic.

The constitution is quoted here, in full, not only for the pur-
pose already indicated and because future reference must be made
to it, but with the further object of showing to our people of a
later day “of what sort of stuff” the fathers in our association
were made. Note the care with which was guarded the independ-
ency of the churches; the rigidity of the rule demanding strict
orthodoxy, on the part of every church; the insistence on a clear
expression of fundamental doctrines of faith, on the part of each
chureh aspiring to membership in the body; the unequivocal pro-
16 History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

vision for the enforcement of wholesome discipline; the unmistak-
able purpose to exact absolute fidelity in the conduct of all mone-
tary affairs. Oh, the strong. virile men of that day! And, yet,
while so stalwart, at the same time so gentle and tender in their
considerateness of those whose conduct in most important respects
had shown them to be anything but attractive!

The churches which had come out of The (old) Florida had
left behind them such grand men as Fuller and Ardis and Mays
and Columbus Smith, men of power in the pulpit and the field;
but they had retained Gaulden and Bennett (both of whom at
about that time had removed from Quitman’ to Thomasville),
Rushin, Stephenson and Manning, all mighty, yea invincible, in The
Cause df The Master, and had found, joining with them from The
(old) Mercer, those dauntless champions of The Gospel, Campbell,
Carroll, Phillips, Scruggs, Powell and others like them, elders,
and, as “licentiates,” Peeples, Christian lawyer and upright judge,
as well as “a preacher of righteousness,” and T. A. White, soon
to be ordained an elder and destined—how about predestined? or
even predestinated?—to become one of our most efficient propa-
gandists of The Truth. Then, what knightly “defenders of the
faith” there were among the non-ministerial brethren! McCall,
scholarly and strong, Dekle, the Groovers, Alex. Smith, Mitchell,
Mardre, Davis, the Denmarks, Hilliard, soon to be “called up
higher,” Mitchell Jones, Forest, Jno. Scruggs, Forrester, Rountree,
Culpepper, Moseley and others of the same timber. The churches
generally and the strongest men in The Mercer have always been,
as they still are, sturdy and consistent advocates, maintainers and
defenders of New Testament orthodoxy. “Alien immersion,” “open
communion” and the promiscuous admission into our pulpits of the
Scripturally irregular and unfit were not tolerated in those earlier
days. Latitudinarianism of every kind has ever been, even down
to the present day, almost unanimously disapproved by our people.
For years previous to the organization of The Mercer, Elder D. G.
Daniel, finally removed from Thomasville to the Georgia coast,
Elder Robert Fleming, in 1875 removed from Thomas county to
Texas, and Dr. Jesse H. Campbell, in the seventies removed from
Thomasville to Columbus, had been great leaders in advocacy of
the principles of orthodoxy; while Dr. Joseph S. Baker (Judge
Bennett’s step-father), removed to Quitman near the time of the
organization, was “a man among men” in all Bible doctrine. The

influence of those grand old apostles of The Truth am
churches had been most salutary. ong the
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION, 17

It may have been observed by the reader that the subject of
“Missions” is not mentioned in The Mercer’s constitution, adopted
at Boston. Perhaps there may have been what the constituent
organizers considered a good reason for that omission. The region
of country embracing a considerable section of the territory in-
cluded within the boundaries of The (old) Mercer had long been
dominated by anti-missionary influence. Numbers of our churches
in the association may have been known to be tainted with anti-
mission sentimehts. Possibly some of our stroag men were affected.
The larger proportion of our church members unquestionably be-
lieved in missions and meant to—as they did—put their belief into
practice. But their leaders probably supposed that it would be
wiser not to push that question conspicuously to the fore, in the
beginning. Therefore, doubtless, their reticence. Nevertheless,
they did not fail to work. And therein is afforded us a striking
example of saying little and doing much. Saying nothing, in fact,
in the way of profession and promise, but doing great things, from
year to year, in practice—as will appear, from time to time, in
the record given in these pages. The constitution is still silent
upon the subject of Missions; but few associations, if any, have
done more, according to ability, for the furtherance of that noble
cause. The deed is the -test.

As a beginning, in preparation for the great things accom-
plished, witness the action of the association upon the report of
Elder J. M. Rushin, chairman of the committee on Missions, at its
first session after organization. Extracts, only, are given:

“Our Lord Jesus Christ is our great teacher and exemplar. His
mission to this world was to seek and save that which was lost.
This He does through the instrumentality of His people. He prom-
ises to be with them in this great work of saving the lost sons of
men and to accompany The Word preached by His Holy Spirit,
making it the power of God unto salvation? The great work of
preaching The Gospel is committed to us. Shall we be recreant
to the trust and be content in doing nothing? Shall we be so
selfish as to manifest an unwillingness that this ‘Glorious Gospel
of the Blessed God,’ which is able to ‘make wise unto salvation,’
should be ‘preached ‘to every creature’? Let us ‘come up to the
ne of the Lord! to the oe of the Lord eee the eee n

“We wate eeepauttntly ieee that the wait within our own
bounds be prosecuted with renewed grace and activity;
18 History of MERCER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

that the churches of this organization . . . contribute ‘as The’
Lord has prospered them.” . . . Also, that there be contribu-
tions sent up ( ‘to the executive committee’ ) during the year, to
the support of Foreign Missions.”

The following named brethren were on the committee with the
chairman: R. I. Denmark, John G. Norton, David Herndon and
S. P. Mays—and there was no dissenting, minority report.

At the same session, Dr. C. D. Campbell, chairman of the
Executive Committee, with the concurrence of the other members,
Mitchell Jones, J. G. McCall, S. Alex. Smith and F. M. Groover,
used this language, in his report: “In China, in Italy, and every-
where else, the field is presenting itself, ready for the sickles of
the reapers.”

At that session, besides the sum of $368.50, sent in for Asso-
ciational Missions, various sums were reported by the Finance
Committee, contributed to Foreign Missions, Indian Missions,
Home Missions, ete., aggregating $564.00.

There is no record of any opposition to either of those reports;
and, as further proof that the association was a thoroughly mis-
sionary body, from its inception, the minutes show the names of a
full delegation to The State Convention (an organization founded
on the idea of Missions, so to speak), at the very first meeting
after its constitution. The list of those names was as follows:
Elders, C. S. Gaulden, W. B. Bennett, R. W. Phillips, C. D. Camp-
bell, J. M. Rushin, E. B. Carroll and, Brethren, R. I. Denmark,
R. B. Mardre, E. T. Davis, B. F. Moseley, A. W. Groover, J. G.
McCall, 8S. P. Mays, W. H. Ousley and C. R. Denmark.

That meeting of the association was held with the Valdosta
church, beginning, Friday, October 2, 1874, and really extending
through Sunday, though the formal adjournment took place, Sat-
urday afternoon. Elder W. B. Bennett was elected Moderator,
and Elder E. B. Carroll, Clerk, while Bro. Mitchell Jones was
recognized as Treasurer, under the rule. Dr. Carroll, by special
appointment, preached the Introductory Sermon. (He had not,
however, received his “doctor’s degree” at that time.)

At that session, Beaver Dam church, of Berrien county, Beulah,
of Clinch, and Pleasant Hill, of Colquitt, were admitted, by letter,
into membership in the associations.

Early in the session, an incident occurred the report of which
is here quoted from the minutes as illustrative of what has al-
cea Mes said of the attitude of the association toward “colored”
churches.
History or Murcer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 19

“After some discussion, growing out of an application of Elder
E. Forrest, from a colored association, to a seat in the body, the
following resolution was introduced and adopted:

“Resolved, That this association tender a seat to messengers
from colored associations, with the right to speak, by special per-
mission of this body.”

Now, it must not be understood, nor inferred from what ap-
pears in these pages, that this historian means to show forth The
Mercer Association as offering affiliation with Negro churches, nor
that the writer favors such an attitude. Nothing of the kind is
true. The Negroes seceded. They drew the line. That line is
uncrossable, and always will be. The position of the association,
in this respect, was emphasized, at the session of 1876, when, after
an impassioned appeal by Judge Peeples, in behalf of “messengers”
from The Macedonia Association, “colored,” a special committee,
with Elder N. A. Bailey, as chairman, was appointed to consider
and report upon the case, bringing in a pronouncement which was
unanimously adopted, by the body, as follows:

“Resolved, That we receive the brethren, Eli Holland and Rob-
ert Troup, as correspondents from The Macedonia Association ;
with the proviso that we do not accord to them the same privileges,
on the floor, as to delegates from white associations, but invite them
to visit us to receive instruction, and we will cheerfully aid them
in their deliberations, by appointing correspondents to their asso-
ciation.” ci

The only purpose of the historian, in this entire connection, is
to present a fair, truthful record, and thus deprive cavilers of any
excuse for unjustly criticizing our association, or the churches of
The South, in general.

At the Valdosta session, the association took high ground upon
the Temperance question, as shown by the hearty adoption of the
report of Elder R. W. Phillips, chairman of the committee on that
subject. The following extract from that report is quoted: “The
practice indulged in by some of our members, of buying and selling
ardent spirits, is very demoralizing to the cause of religion and
productive of great evil in the land. We, therefore, recommend
that . . . the churches enforce, hereafter, more promptly, that
discipline which is necessary to suppress all habits or practices
that lead to intemperance.”
20 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

In those days, doubtless influenced by public ¢ sentiment,
churches, generally, were much more tolerant of “drinking,” on
the part of members, than they are now. The offense was far too
often regarded as trifling and venial. In speaking of one in a
condition of intoxication, it was quite too common for people to
say, “Ye-e-s, he’s a little merry,” or, at the strongest, “He’s sort
o’ tight.” The spirit shown in Elder Phillips’ suggestion and in
the action of the association on his report has extended and
strengthened until, now, the language applied to such cases is
more likely to be this, “Yes, the fool is drunk as a hog.” What
a reflection upon the hog! The:spirit of tolerance has been super-
seded by the spirit of prohibition and the churches are growing
more and more disposed to apply measures for the eradication of
the evil of drink. It is gloriously true that The Mercer has never -
been, in the past, and is not, today, behind in this heaven-inspired
movement.

In addition to the possibly observed silence of the constitution
upon the two subjects just commented on, it may have also been
noticed by the reader, that there is no reference to Sunday-schools,
in that instrument. But that does not mean an utter want of
interest, on the part of the churches, in those invaluable adjuncts
to their efficiency; as witness the following extract from the
admirable report of Judge McCall, chairman of the Sunday-school
Committee. :

“The age in which we live has opened up this field, for culture
and harvest. The duties of the hour and day are upon us, and
the question to which we, as a denomination, should address our:
selves, is, Have our churches, all, a Sunday-school? If not, let the
association raise the funds to purchase a cheap library and send
a Sunday-school missionary and direct his labors to that church.
Your committee desire to be understood as regarding every church
without a Sunday-school.in dereliction of duty.”

That was a very profitable session, in several respects, and was
the forerunner of many more such. Among the many other good
things enjoyed was the Missionary Sermon, as the writer takes
the liberty of calling it, by Judge Bennett, on Sunday morning,
‘and the discourse, on Sunday night, by Dr. Robert W. Fuller. who
‘was present, as a visitor. : ,

There were in attendance, as correspondents, Elders J. G.
"Taylor, from The Smyrna, J. N. Reid, from The Suwanee and
H. E. Cassidy and J. G. Norris, from The Middle Association,
 

Hon. Wm. B. Bennett
History or Mercer Barrisr ASSOCIATION. 21

The author here presents, as written by Rev. W. T. Gaulden,
a short biographical sketch of Elder W. B. Bennett, the moderator
of the association during the autumn session of 1874 and at eight
more meetings almost consecutively.

Hon. W. B. Banvert.

Elder William B. Bennett was born in Liberty County, Georgia,
in 1827. Graduated at Mercer University in 1848. Married Miss
Martha J. Campbell, daughter of Elder Jesse H. Campbell, in
1849. Taught school at Lumpkin, Stewart County, Ga., for two
years. Among his pupils were (afterward) Judges Marshall and
Richard Clark. While teaching school there, he read law under
C. S. Gaulden, and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He practiced

‘law in Thomasville for a short while, then at Troupville, Lowndes
County, Ga.

Just before “The War Between the States,” in traveling, he
had to spend a rainy day in Albany, Ga:, and it was on that day
that he became a Christian, while reading a book called “The Phil-
osophy of the Plan of Salvation, by an English Layman.” Soon
after, in 1857, he united with the Troupville Baptist church, and
was baptized by Elder Wm. Goldwire. He removed to Quitman,
Ga., where he continued the practice of law, until he enlisted as a
volunteer Confederate soldier. Later, being discharged on account
of disabilities, he returned to Quitman. He served as Solicitor
General of the Southern Circuit, which then embraced the terri-
tory between Thomas and Pulaski counties, for six years. Imme-
diately after the war, he was elected and served two terms in the
Georgia Legislature (when, during the reconstruction days, it was
invaded and disbanded by the Republican party).

Upon his uniting with the church, and ever afterwards, he was
an active Christian. More than any other, he was largely instru-
mental in the selection of a site and the erection thereon of the
first meeting house of the First Baptist church in Quitman.

Having been ordained, in 1874, a Baptist minister, he accepted
the call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in Thomas-
ville, in 1875, where he remained three years; and during this time
was a professor in Young’s Female College.

In 1878 he returned to Quitman, where he resumed the prac-
tice of law; served as County School Commissioner; later being
appointed Judge of the County Court of Brooks county; then as
Judge of the City Court of Quitman. In both judicial positions
together, he served twenty-four years.
22 History or Mercer Baprisr ASSOcIATION.

He was pastor in Bainbridge and of several country churches
in Brooks county. ; :

He married his second wife, Miss Lizzie Spence, of Camilla, in
1887. He died May 3, 1908.

His children, by the first marriage, that survived him, were
four sons and two daughters, namely: Judge Joseph W. Bennett,
of Brunswick, Hon. Stanley S. Bennett, Quitman, Hon. Samuel 8S.
Bennett, Albany, Hon. Mat. Bennett, of Camilla, Mrs. Hattie Mc-
Donald and Miss Lee Bennett; and by the second marriage, Miss
Lizzie T., Hilliard, W. B., and Helen Bennett, of Quitman.

Born in Liberty county, reared amidst the wealth and culture
and refinement of that community (where more distinguished men
were born than from a like area in any other part of the world),
having great natural endowments and making a wise use of his
environments, it is no wonder that Judge Bennett, in maturer life,
was worthy to walk side by side with the most prominent men that
became illustrious in the professional, scientific and religious
world, from Liberty county. He was a man of great intellect, with
a mathematical and analytical mind. He was a successful lawyer.
It was in criminal cases, whether in the defense or the prosecution,
that his abilities were seen in their greatest brilliancy. Sometimes
with all the bar pitted against him, while Solicitor General, every
defendant would be convicted. His great powers of wit and humor,
pathos and ridicule, as well as logic, made him a most masterful
pleader at the bar. When driven to the necessity, he would liter-
ally laugh his case out of court, and clear his client. He had a
passion for humor, and few could tell a tale as well as he. He
was a delightful conversationalist.

He was truly honest and truthful, and outspoken almost to
bluntness. In all the public offices he held, and in all relations in
life, he was faithful to the trust committed to him, and he admin-
istered conscientiously and impartially exact justice to all, and
never used his official position to oppress the weak.

Judge Bennett was very tall, being six feet three and one-half
inches high, and in the first half of his life very slender; but later
he weighed over two hundred pounds, and was of commanding
personality.

: In theology, he was sound and adhered to a strict construc-
tion of the Scriptures. While he was a decided Baptist, he differed
8o courteously from others that he made friends with all Christians.
It is hardly too much to say that at the time of his death he was
among the most distinguished and beloved men in all South
Georgia. W. T. Gavuupen, ©
History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 23

By the fall of 1874, the number of churches in the association
had increased to thirty-two. Their names have been given. The
following-named additional ministers were also reported to the
Valdosta session: Elders Joseph S. Baker, C. Howell, J. D. Ar-
rington and G. M. T. Wilson (then recently promoted), with
“Licentiates” E. M. Blake and J. W. Kendrick. By the next ses-
sion, several more churches had been added to the lists, whose
names will be given a little further on in this record.

The session of 1875, third in course, counting the time of organ-
ization as the first, opened October ist, with Friendship church,
in Thomas county. The Introductory Sermon was preached by
Elder George R. Moore, a visiting brother from Atlanta, but for-
merly of The Florida Association. Elders W. B. Bennett and
E. B. Carroll were re-elected, respectively, Moderator and Clerk,
while Bro. Mitchell Jones was, under the rule, recognized as Treas-
urer.

The following named churches were received into fellowship:
Ochlawilla, then of Madison county, Fla., but later removed to
Brooks county, Ga., Salem, of Thomas, and Ousley, of Lowndes.
Also, presumably, New Ochlocknee, of Thomas county, as the name
appears, for the first time, in the statistical table of that session.

Elders J. N. Reid, of The Suwanee, W. W. Bostick, of The
Florida, and R. D. Mallary, of The Bowen, were present, as cor-
respondents. Elders Geo. R. Moore and P. A. Lawson, with Bro.
Robert Ely, of Albany, Ga., were received, as visitors.

Elders Reid and Mallary preached, Saturday, morning and
afternoon, respectively, of the session.

A strong report, as presented by Chairman J. G. McCall, of
the committee on Missions, endorsing Foreign Missions and com-
mending the work of Elder J. D. Evans on the association field,
included this especially noteworthy sentence: “The Mercer Bap-
tist Association is a missionary body and must prove competent
to the task which God has called us to perform, at home and
abroad.”

That report was considered in connection with the able report
of the Executive Committee, through its chairman, Elder C. D.
Campbell, approving the work of Elders J. D. Evans and A. C.
Stephenson, and containing this striking paragraph: “Your com-
mittee desire to call the attention of the brethren to the manifest
improvement there has been among the churches in regard to the
supply of the destitute with the ‘Glad Tidings.’ They are doing
more at this time than ever before. Even this year, in spite of the
24 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

disastrous drouth and the general depression of finance, the con-
tributions are larger than heretofore. This is as it ought to be;
and the battle-cry of the churches ought always to be, Forward!”

All this indicates a healthful missionary spirit. That spirit is
vital to the growth and development of churches and this writer
feels in duty bound to lay before the reader of this narrative every
-manifestation of it shown in the records of the association.

From the report of the committee on Sunday-schools, Judge
R. A. Peeples, chairman, we gather some figures that are far from
encouraging, to-wit:

“From an examination of the letters, we find a total member-
ship of 2,066, representing 31 churches” (there were really 32),
“11 Sunday-schools, 11 superintendents, 37 teachers and 553 schol.
ars; from which it will appear that 20 of the 31” (really 21 of the
32) “churches are without Sunday-schools.”

In view of that condition, a Sunday-school Institute was pro-
posed in that report, after the adoption of which, the following-
named brethren were appointed by the association, as a committee
to arrange for that institute meeting: R. A. Peeples, J. G. Nor-
ton, J. M. Rushin, R. I. Denmark and W. H. Scruggs.

It is difficult to understand the condition described above, un-
less we suppose it to have been an effect of ‘“Anti-missionary” in-
fluence.

As has already been remarked, that influence was very great
in the country occupied by The Mercer Association. The members
and adherents of the “Anti-missionary,” or so-called “Primitive”
denomination, many of them excellent people, among whom were
some of the very best in the land, were utterly opposed to Sunday-
schools, and it is easy to infer that numbers of their relatives and
friends in the regular Baptist churches were more or less affected
by their views on that question. Relationships, in various degrees,
between people of the two denominations were often closely and
intricately interwoven; but, strange to say, while the feelings of
our people toward the Anti-missionaries were friendly and even
cordial, theirs toward our people were different. To illustrate the
latter part of this observation, two incidents will here be narrated.

On one occasion, at a “general meeting” of the Anti-missionaries,
one of their best and most prominent ministers (who, if the im-
pression of the writer from information received be correct, was
present for the purpose of announcing his decision, on conviction,
to unite with the Missionary-Baptists), was sitting in or near
a ee Se a

History of Mercer Barrisr ASSOCIATION. 25

the pulpit with a number of other preachers, when suddenly one
of them arose and without provocation exclaimed, “I smell a wolf!”
Then turning upon the “renegade,” as he doubtless considered the
intended withdrawer, he “turned loose the vials of his wrath” in a
style that astonished the congregation.

The “renegade,” who it seems was disappointed in his desire to
withdraw from his former associates with kindly feelings on all
sides, said nothing, but, later, went away and joined the detested
“Missionaries” ; nearly the entire church of which he was a mem-
ber and the pastor going with him, in a body.

On another occasion, and in a different community, at a “gen-
eral meeting,” a prominent minister was present, who for awhile
had affiliated with the “Missionaries,” but seeking restoration to
the fellowship of his co-religionists was sitting in the pulpit among
the preachers, when one of them rose up, laid his hand upon the
offender’s head, rumpled the gray hairs with his fingers and then
raising his cupped palm to his nose, gave a disgusted sniff, and
sneeringly said, “You smell like a goat! You’ve come back amongst
the sheep, but you’ve been mixed up with the goats so long that
you smell] like ’em!”’ -

Our people appear to have sought to arouse a more charitable
and fraternal spirit on the part of the Antis, but without success.
At the first meeting, after organization, of The (new) Mercer, the
following was passed :

“Resolved, That this association offer correspondence to The
Beulah Baptist Association and that we recommend our churches
to offer correspondence to the churches of that association, at their
annual meetings.”

The Beulah was a so-called “Primitive” body.

“To carry out the spirit and aim of that resolution,” say the
minutes of that session, The Mercer “appointed a committee of
five brethren, viz.: J. M. Rushin, C. 8. Gaulden, S. Alex. Smith,
R. B. Mardre and P. B. Massey.” The committee accomplished
nothing. At the next session, to-wit, with Friendship church, the
committee was continued, and Elders A. M. Manning and C. D.
Campbell were added to it. But at the third session following the
original appointment, the minutes record the following: “Bro.
Rushin, from the committee to The Beulah Association, reports
that the committee met with said association and according to
instructions offered correspondence; which was rejected. Report
received and committee discharged.”
26 History or Mercer Baprist ASSOcIATION.

No responsiveness of fraternal sentiment could be aroused. But
our people still felt kindly toward the Antis and it is likely that
in the Sunday-school matter mentioned, as well as in some other
respects, some of the churches may have been influenced by the so-
called “Primitives.” 7

But, whether that be true or not, it appears that the missionary
spirit, distinctively speaking, among our churches was not alto-
gether stifled; for, at the Friendship session, in addition to the
encouraging reports on Missions, already referred to, the giving
of $100.00 to the Atoka (Indian) Mission, by twenty brethren on
the spot and the pledging of over $100.00 to Foreign Missions
showed that the true spirit of Christliness was living in the associa-
tion, and growing. That fact was further evidenced by the report
of Elder W. N. Chaudoin (who had been making a round among
some of the churches), that a few of them had contributed to “Do-
mestic” Missions (probably meaning what we now call Home Mis-
sions), $107.15—including a personal gift of Dr. Manning, of
$10.00. It is the impression of the writer that the Home Board
while located in Marion, Ala., was called “The Domestic Board.”
History or Mercer BaAprist ASSOCIATION, 27

CHAPTER III.

THE subject of Education is not mentioned in the constitution;
but that fact did not mean that our people were not interested in
the question, as related to the proper training of their children.
Few of the members of any of our churches, at that time, had en-
joyed the benefit of college training and most of them, at first,
did not realize its importance. Perhaps the old antinomian idea
dominated their minds, that it was not necessary for men to do
anything in the way of preparation for The Lord’s work, but that
The Lord could and would use preachers and people in the carry-
ing out of His purposes, regardless of ignorance and lack of train-
ing. Perhaps some of them had, in common with many out-spoken
antinomian Anti-missionaries, mistaken the language of Jehovah
God to Israel, in warning against idolatry, in the 81st Psalm,
“Open wide thy mouth and I will fill it,” and the words of Jesus
to His disciples, in Matthew, 10: 19, as to how they should act,
when on their special mission they “should be brought before gov-
ernors and kings,” “Take no thought how or what ye shall speak,
for it shall be given you, in that same hour, what ye shall say,”
to be meant for instructions to preachers and other speakers, con-
cerning the preparation of their discourses. This writer once heard
an “uneducated” Missionary Baptist minister say, of himself, that
when he “felt called to preach,” he settled the question of his igno-
rance as a hindrance, upon that very idea. Said he, “I thought
that all I’d have to do would be to get up in the pulpit an’ there’d
be a sort of a spiritual funnel on top o’ my head, with The Spirit
reaching down, through, into my mouth, an’ then The Lord would
pour the words that He’d want me to speak into the hopper 0’
the funnel an’ they’d run down through the spout into my mouth
an’ I’d let em fly. Well, I got up in that pulpit and sure enough the
funnel was there. But the wrong end of it was up!” (The words
quoted here were, substantially, that old preacher’s own, although
many of them were pronounced differently from what is indicated
by their present spelling.) That man stopped trying to preach
until his wife had taught him to read and he had learned, after a
fashion, to write. Then, afterward, he delivered that celebrated
sermon on The Good Cow and The Bad Cow, published by Elder
Robert Fleming, in his book entitled “The Georgia Pulpit”; be-
28 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

sides many others as good. That illiterate preacher did not “live
within the bounds” of The Mercer Association, but possibly some
people who did “live within those bounds” felt, in those early days
of its history, somewhat as he did. And, therefore, the justifica-
tion of the clerk’s comment on the resolution offered at the Val-
dosta session acknowledging “obligation” to aid “several young
men desiring to preach The Gospel but greatly embarrassed for
want of sufficient education,” that it “was adopted by a very weak
vote.”

But such brethren, if there were such, did not continue in that
“state of mind”; for we find the association, at the very next
session after organization, giving earnest attention to ardent ap-
peals in behalf of Mercer University, by Elder C. D. Campbell of
the body, and Bro. Robert Ely of Albany, later Attorney General,
of Georgia. From that session, on, from time to time, the sub-
ject of Education came up in the association, notably in connec-
tion with some appeal in behalf of Mercer University; and the
truth is that there was much interest manifested on the part of
our people in preparing their sons and daughters for college and
on the part of young brethren, here and there, aspiring to the min-
istry, although no regular placein the session programme was pro-
vided for the appointment of a committee on Education, until the
next meeting with Friendship church, in 1885, exactly ten years
from the session with the same church now being reviewed.

In connection with the subject of Education, as discussed at
the Friendship session, of 1875, it should be noted that Prof. For-
rester, principal of Quitman Academy, “tendered free tuition to
Baptist ministers preparing for the great work of preaching The
Gospel”; a tender which was accepted by a unanimous vote and
for which the noble-hearted principal was extended the hearty
thanks of the body.

At the Valdosta session, attention was called to our denomina-
tional papers; Judge McCall speaking in behalf of The Tennessee
Baptist and The Florida Baptist, and Brethren Denmark (which
one not specified in the minutes, R. I. and C. R. both being pres-
ent) and Forrester representing The Christian Index.

_ From that time, on, at nearly all the sessions, some of our reli-
gious papers have always received commendation on the part of
brethren in the association.

The session with Friendship church was formally adjourned aa

on Saturday afternoon; but the meeting was practically continued
over until Sunday morning, October 30, when the Missionary Ser-
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 29

mon was preached by Elder W. N. Chaudoin, a visitor, Elder C. D.
Campbell, the regular appointee, giving way.

Before the close of the fourth session, which was the second
annual or anniversary meeting, held with the church at Hickory
Head, in Brooks county, the association had found itself. That
- is, it had defined itself to be what its leading spirits had known
it to be, inchoately, and had purposed, from its inception, that it
should be; a body organized for the advancement of The Cause of
Christ and the extension of The Lord’s Kingdom on earth. It had
made clear its position on the question of Missions, on the Educa-
tion question, the Temperance question, the Sunday-school ques-
tion, the question of Fraternizing with Anti-missionary Baptist
churches, the Negro church question, etc. So clear that any intelli-
gent person who really desired to know it could understand it.

It has been the purpose of the writer in presenting such explicit-
ness of detail, to show that position unmistakably to the reader
of the present day. Fixed in Faith, Firm in Fidelity, Dauntless in
Doctrine, Trenchant in Truth, Planted in Principle, yet Truly
Tender and Generously Gentle toward others and Carefully Con-
siderate in all things.

The session of 1876 was opened, September 29, with Hickory
Head church, and the Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder
James McBryde, a new-comer to the church in Valdosta.

Elders W. B. Bennett and E. B. Carroll were reélected Modera-
tor and Clerk, respectively, by ballot.

During the counting of the votes, by the tellers, apart, the
congregation, at the suggestion of Bro. W. D. Rountree, engaged
in special prayer in behalf of the yellow-fever sufferers of Savannah
and Brunswick, in which cities that fell disease, the saffron scourge,
was at that time raging, in epidemic form.

Midway and New Prospect churches, of Madison County, Fla.,
and Fellowship church, of Berrien County, Ga., were received into
membership in the association, at that session.

The names of the ministers added to the roll at that meeting,
were: Elders James McBryde, of Valdosta, formerly and later,
of Quitman, N. A. Bailey, of Quitman, S. E. Blitch, of Boston,
and T. A. White, of Quitman; the last-named ordained to the
eldership at some time in that associational year, but late in the
calendar year 1875.

It seems that the former treasurer, Bro. Mitchell Jones, was
not present, and Bro. A. J. Rountree was appointed to the vacant
position. Before adjournment, he was unanimously reélected.

3
30 History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION,

Elders J. N. Reid, W. W. Bostick and E. E. Barclay, of Flor-
ida, and C. M. Irvin, State Agent for Missions, of Georgia, were
welcomed as correspondents, or visitors.

In the spirit of kindliness toward the Negroes, already re-
peatedly manifested, the following-named choice brethren were
appointed correspondents to The Macedonia (colored) Associa-
tion: R.A. Peeples, James McBryde, N. A. Bailey, E. B. Carroll
and A. L. Smith—the last an excellent Valdosta dentist, a few
years afterward removed to Texas.

The name of New Hope church, Colquitt county, was stricken
from the roll because the organization had disbanded; thus leav-
ing thirty-seven churches on the roster.

At that session, it was provided, on motion of Elder Rushin,
that the Executive Committee should consist of six members; three
from each of the two districts into which the churches of the ASso-
ciation had been divided. That arrangement was maintained for
years, afterward.

In the able report of Elder N. A. Bailey, chairman of the com-
mittee on Missions, occur the following noteworthy passages: “No
one is too poor to contribute. Cannot the poorest of Christ’s chil-
dren give at least one dollar for the glorious cause? While the poor-
est can give their dollar, are there not others who could equally
well afford to give their tens, twenties, fifties and hundreds? Were
each one to come up to the full measure of his and her obligation,
there would be no lack of means for carrying on the great work
of evangelizing the nations. Instead of having so few missionaries in
our own destitution and in foreign lands, the banner of God would
be displayed in all lands. . . . What should we do? First,
Let the people be informed as to their duty. This may be done
by the pastors preaching on the subject, and, in their discourses,
furnishing the information. Secondly, By the people furnishing
themselves with religious journals and periodicals. The Bible is
the great text-book of the student; but The Bible does not furnish
us with the progress of the work as it is now developing. We need
something else to give this kind of knowledge and it is the duty of
every Christian to possess it.”

- Resolution third (as offered), “That the sisters be re-
quested to organize, in each church, a ‘Woman’s Mission to
Woman’ Society.”

To which was added a suggestion of Elder C. M. Irwin, that
“each church appoint a Mission Committee, of two, four or more
brethren and sisters.”
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 31

Here, for the first time, “the sisters” come into public recogni-
tion, in our association, as a live force in church operations. Al-
ways gentle, tender and unostentatiously helpful, many of them
had been an inspiration to their pastors, as their sex had minis-
tered to The Lord Jesus and as, in New Testament times, “of noble
women not a few” had “helped” the Apostle Paul and his col-
leagues; but our people generally had been slow to perceive what
a mighty power, latent by repression, the women were and as
they have, in later years, actually and abundantly proved them-
selves to be in the furtherance of The Gospel Cause. What mar-
velous results in missionary enterprise have been achieved by our
women since their formal recognition, as co-workers, by The South-
ern Baptist Convention, at its Augusta session, in 1885!

Elder C. M. Irwin, “State Agent for Missions,” offered other
suggestions of value in helping missionary endeavor.

The report of the Committee on Sunday-schools, by its chair-
man, Judge Peeples, showed that the committee appointed, at the
last session, to stimulate interest among the churches in that de-
partment of religious work had not been idle. Listen to that
report: “Your committee reported, last year, 11 Sunday-schools,
11 superintendents, 37 teachers, 553 scholars. . . . Your present
committee report 25 schools, 25 superintendents, 1,081 scholars;
61 united to the church from the Sunday-school. Contributed, by
the Sunday-schools, for Missions, $118.50. We have held and ad-
dressed twenty Sunday-school meetings; organized and assisted in
organizing eleven Sunday-schools. The chairman of your commit-
tee has traveled 658 miles, in prosecution of the work. . . . We
have held three institutes—Valdosta, Boston and Madison—all
of which were largely attended.”

By the report of the Executive Committee, it was shown that
three associational missionaries had been engaged for part of their
time, during a portion of the year, viz.: Elders T. W. Powell,
W. H. Scruggs and A. C. Stephenson; all of whom had given good
accounts of themselves .

Two Missionary Sermons were preached, on Sunday morning,
after formal adjournment Saturday afternoon ; one at “the stand”
—a large brush arbor—by Elder N. A. Bailey, and the other in
the meeting-house, by Elder J. M. Rushin. Both congregations
were very large and attentive—as was to. have been expected with
those two brethren in the pulpits.

Hickory Head church is located in a delightful community,
filled up, mainly, by intelligent men who own and operate large
32 History or Mercer BaAprist ASSOCIATION.

plantations and people distinguished for culture, refinement and
hospitality. Among those citizens are such Baptists as John G.
Stanley, R. L. Groover, Blewett Groover, J. W. Haddock, ©. A.
Davis, Asa May, the Burkes, the McMullens and others of like
standing; whose wives and families are alike a blessing to them-
selves and the world.

The church has always been characterized by enterprise and
liberality in support of every worthy cause presented to it. Dr.
M. B Wharton, while joint owner and editor of The Christian
Indes, once said its name, Hickory Head, was indicative of a “good
place to get up clubs.” (Elder Carroll, the pastor, had just sent
him a long “club” list of names of new subscribers.) This writer
would suggest that it is a good place, too, for other and different
kinds of “clubs”; An agricultural club, of which it can boast an
excellent one; more than one: informal social club, and an invis-
ible, intangible, but nevertheless potential, moral “club,” with
which to protect itself from the corrupting influence of the de-
praved, the vicious and the vile. Oh, for more such “clubs”! and
more such people to handle them!

Other churches, besides Hickory Head, were centers of elevated
social influence and high moral uplifting power, in those earlier
years. Such were Redland, Philadelphia, Concord, Okapilco,
Corinth (Brooks), Liberty, Bellville, Summer Hill, Friendship,
New Hope (Thomas), and Ochlocknee (later, New Ochlocknee).
And there were, doubtless, others still, outside of the towns and
villages—and ’tis of the country churches that the writer is now
speaking—which should be included in this class, were it possible
for the historian to ascertain the facts in their cases. There are
some worthy churches, too, that having come into the association
later in its history cannot be included in the original group. But,
unlike the case of Hickory Head, the larger proportion of leading
spirits in those communities, years ago, either removed to the
towns, or died, or emigrated to distant sections of our country.
Numbers of excellent people, however, are still left in them all,
who rank with the best, in town or country; but not nearly the
proportion common in those palmy days.

The association met, in its fifth actual, but third annual, ses-
sion, with Quitman church, Tuesday, October 9, 1877. Elder John
L. Underwood, of Camilla, preached the Introductory Sermon.
Elders W. B. Bennett and E. B. Carroll were reélected Moderator
and Clerk, respectively, by acclamation.
History or Mercer Baprisr Association, 33

The following-named churches were received into membership:
Bethlehém, of Lowndes, Mt. Zion, of Thomas, Buck Creek, of Col-
quitt, and Evergreen, of Brooks.

Elders J. L. Underwood, from The Bowen Association, and
J. N. Reid, and G. T. Lightner, with a Bro. Kimbrough, from The
Florida, were welcomed as correspondents.

Dr. Robert Fuller was present, in the interest of Mercer Uni-
versity, and “addressed the body,” so the minutes say, “in his usual
interesting style.”

Dr. Fuller is said to have been in his day an orator of rare
and thrilling power. In illustration of this fact, as well as in more
striking illustration of direct and immediate answer to prayer,
this incident is offered. Once very wealthy, Dr. Fuller had been
reduced to abject poverty, by the Federal confiscation of his sea-
island property, “during the war.” A pulmonary consumptive,
he could not perform the office of pastor, but received a meager
support in service as a soliciting agent for various objects. While
traveling in the intérest of Mercer University, he was once caught
and imprisoned in a Baltimore hotel, by a terrific snow-storm.
Too poor to own an overcoat, he dared not venture out, in the
“blizzard.” Yet, expenses were going on and he was dependent
upon the percentage allowed him by the board of trustees, on
precarious contributions, for support. What could he do? Retir-
ing to his room, he took his case to The Lord. Kneeling down, he
asked The Lord for an overcoat. Just that. Nothing more. Noth-
ing less. He arose from his knees, went downstairs, passed through
the office, opened the street door and plunged out into the storm.
Next door was a clothing house. He did not know that; but The
Lord did. As he was passing the glass front, a gentleman inside
beckoned to him and opened a door. Dr. Fuller entered. The
gentleman asked, “Is not this Dr. Fuller?” “Yes,” was the reply.
Then, said the gentleman, “I heard you preach, once, at,” some
place he named. “Your sermon helped me more than I can tell.”
(Was, perhaps, the means of his salvation.) “I have long desired
to show my appreciation of it, in some way. I see you appear to
have been caught away from home without your overcoat. I am
the proprietor of this establishment. Come back here and allow
me to present to you the finest overcoat in this store!”

The writer offers no apology for narrating that incident. A
valued part of the essential history of The Mercer Baptist Associa-
tion consists in the privilege enjoyed of entertaining and being
strengthened by the presence of such a man as Robert Fuller.
34 History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

At the Quitman session, The Foreign Mission Journal was, for
the first time, brought to the attention of our people; a-number
of copies being distributed by Bro. Irwin.

Dr. Irwin, as at Hickory Head, urged the utilization of all our
forces and Dr. Manning, as chairman of the Committee on Mis-
sions, used these words in his report: “Let each church appoint
two or more brethren and sisters—a Mission Committee, etc.”

The ultra-conservative brother might have said: “Surely, ‘The
Sisters’ have arrived!” And he would have been correct.

At that session, the Executive Committee reported having em-
ployed Elders A. C. Stephenson and 8S. E. Blitch, each, for half his
time, at a stated salary, as association missionaries, during the
year then closing, and Elder T. A. White, from June, to serve
Olive church, “which, on account of deaths and removals, had be-
come missionary ground”—all, with perfectly satisfactory results.

The session was adjourned, after noon of the second day; the
Missionary Sermon having been preached by Elder James Mc-
Bryde, at 11 o’clock, a.m.

Here is now presented a biographical sketch of Elder A. C.
Stephenson, one of the first association missionaries of The Mercer,
as prepared by Hon. J. G. McCall.

Evprer Asa C. STEPHENSON.

Elder Asa C. Stephenson was born March 25, 1835, in Ander-
son District, S. C. .He is of Irish descent on both sides of the
family, and his father was born in America. His mother was the
daughter of James Burress, a noted Baptist minister in his day.

At the age of twelve years, this boy removed with the family
to the country, near Carnesville, Franklin County, Ga. This young
man was very devoted to his grandmother, a strong-minded woman,
deeply pious, and a decided Bible student, whose name was Mrs.
Peggie Johnson (George) Stephenson. She, doubtless, more than
any other, shaped the character of Asa. Be it said to her. credit,
that such was her familiarity with the teachings of the Bible and
the correctness of her interpretation of it, that among her brethren
of the ministry, as well as of her own church membership, she was
regarded as an appellate court, and her opinions were of last
resort. Bible knowledge makes a useful member of society. It
may be said of this good woman, as of Abel: “Though dead, she
yet speaketh.” God had a special service for her, even in great
age, for she died at the age of 93.
 

Rev. A. C. Stephenson
History or Mercer Barrisr ASSOCIATION. 35

It was through the effect of the funeral services of this good
woman that Asa C. Stephenson was led by the Blessed Spirit to
give his heart to God, under the sermon of Elder John G. York. A
short while afterwards, in 1851, on the fourth Sunday in July, at
the age of 17, young Stephenson, with thirty-six others, was bap-
tized (immersed) into the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost. He arose to a new life, and coming up out of the
water, he exhorted his friends to accept The Christ. So impressed
was the Double Branch Missionary Baptist church with this young
man’s “call” to the ministry, that a conference was called and a
resolution passed authorizing Brother Stephenson to exercise his
gifts, when he was but 17 years old. Thus, he joined the church,
was baptized, and licensed to preach—all on the same day, the
second Sunday in July. On Friday before the second Sunday in
July, 1853, he was ordained as a Baptist minister and called to the
pastorate of this, the Double Branch Baptist church. He con-
tinued in this pastorate until his removal from the state.

Although his educational advantages were limited, he was
quite disposed to study, in which he was greatly helped by Prof.
Pulliam, under whom he pursued successfully among other studies
mathematics up to and including trigonometry. As a consequence,
he became a useful surveyor in after life, and a most acceptable
teacher in country schools, in connection with his preaching; but
in 1871 he gave up teaching to devote his whole time to the
ministry.

In 1856 he married Miss Mary E. Walker. This devoted hus-
band and wife were blessed with seven children, namely: George
Walton Stephenson, Mrs. Sarah C. (Charles) Subers, Mrs. Laura
E. (Joe T.) Sherrod, Cyrus J. Stephenson, Mrs. Mary V. (A. L.)
Kennedy, and Asa Lawrence Stephenson; all living.

Shortly after his marriage, he removed to DeKalb County, Ala.,
where he lived until the commencement of the War Between the
States, when he returned to Franklin County, Ga. Later, he
enlisted as a soldier of the Georgia “State Troops,’ was elected
Captain of Co. “A,” Fourth Regiment, Georgia Militia, Phillips
Brigade. On the night of July 20, 1864, after participating in the
battle of Peachtree Creek, near Atlanta, that day, he was stricken
with typhoid fever, which left him at the close of November, so.
disabled he could not return to the army. During his military
service, when not engaged in battle, where he was always among
the bravest, he was preaching to his comrades in arms and bap-
tizing those professing faith in Christ.
36 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

On account of the health of his wife, in 1867, he removed to
South Georgia, and settled in Thomas county. Soon he accepted
the pastorate of Big Creek church, Thomas county. Finding it
divided in opinion upon some matter, he soon brought harmony
and coéperation among the membership. He remained pastor of
this church for many years, and the Lord blessed the labors of
the church and pastor, and a notable work was done; as during
one year he baptized into that church one hundred members, and
in all 450 members. It was in 1871 that Pastor Stephenson set-
tled on Big Creek, about two miles north of that church and near
the present town of Merrillville, in the woods, where he built him
a home and cleared a small farm, where now, he and his devoted
wife, since his children have all married and left them, live all
alone.

Elder Stephenson served The Mercer Baptist Association, as
missionary, for many years. This branch of his useful life has
been narrated in another part of this book. He has been promi-
nent in the organization of many churches, to-wit: Salem, Little
Ochlochonee, Big Ochlochonee, Mt. Carmel, Fredonia, Enon, Hope-
well, Murphy’s Chapel, now called Oak Grove, and the First Bap-
‘tist church of Moultrie.

At the organization of The Mercer Baptist Association, in
1874, he took a prominent part and preached the Introductory
Sermon.

His devotion to The Mercer Association is a source of,solid
comfort to the churches of our association, and only a sense of
duty justified his leaving this body.

Under his own vine and fig tree, with his ever faithful wife,
with his children to love and live for, he is spending the evening
of a well-ordered life, calmly awaiting the Master’s invitation:
“It is enough, come up higher.” J. G. McCat.

The writer would be glad to devote this entire chapter, or
more, to a collection of biographical notes concerning those who
were foremost in the work of our denomination in those earliest
days of our association’s history, beginning with those wide-awake
brethren who were most active in preparing for and consummating
its organization, including those who cooperated in starting it
upon its useful career and continuing on to embrace the faithful
ones who have aided, each new group, their predecessors, in mak-
ing for it such an enviable record. He would leave no one un-
noticed; but, to his great sorrow, he has found it impossible to
History or Mercer Barprisr ASSOCIATION, 37

Secure, concerning the entire number, the information essential
to his purpose. He has obtained somewhat full sketches of all the
moderators, some salient facts in the life of the first clerk of the
body and a few points in the history of one of our principal asso-
ciation missionaries, with portraits. But in many other cases,
the facts procurable have been very few and in most instances, no
personal data, at all have been found within his reach. Of the
propriety of publishing such notices, in the cases of the moderators,
the historian has felt no hesitancy; but as to the advisability of
an attempt in that direction with reference to the others, there
has been some question in his mind. He has felt somewhat dubious
lest the friends of those concerning whom it may be observed that
little has been said, or nothing, or whose names, even, may be dis-
covered to be unmentioned, may imagine, when they come to read
the narrative, that undue partiality has been shown. Neverthe-
less, the narrator has felt constrained to take the risk, as no his-
tory, of the peculiar kind that this must be, can present an appear-
ance of anything like completeness, without abundant personal
notices of the character mentioned. Therefore a group of such
sketches, confessedly (but unavoidably) imperfect, will be pre-
sented in this chapter. And, then, afterward, elsewhere, will be
found, from time to time, similar groups, besides occasional de-
tached sketches—as many of both as it shall have been possible
for the writer to prepare. Of course, the name and life-history
of every member of every church in the association could not be
given, even if the writer knew them all. A book of a thousand
pages would hardly answer for such a purpose as that, and no
one would read it, were it written. So the reader is affectionately
invited to unite with the author in lament over the omission of
notice of any of the former’s friends in this volume, and also to
mourn with him over his necessary silence concerning the wives
of those friends of whom it has not been his privilege to learn
anything.

Among those prominent in Baptist affairs, in our section, be-
fore the formation of The (new) Mercer Association, was Elder
William H. Goldwire, of. Lowndes County, Georgia; one of the
ablest men of his day—or any other day, for that matter—and a
power in the land.

The Polhills, James and Augustus, of Hamilton County, Flor-
ida, were good men and true, in their day; the former, a licientiate
minister and the latter, while not a politician, chosen by the people
of his district to represent them in the State Senate. The wives
38 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

of those brethren, both still living, at ages above eighty years, are
“elect ladies,” beyond a doubt.

Elders R. W. Phillips, H. M. Friar, J. N. Reid, T. W. Powell,
D. T. Ward and J. G. Norton were, all, active and useful preachers,
concerning whom, together with Elders R. 8. Harvey, J. D. Evans,
W. H. Bryant and the Overstreets, equally worthy, the writer
regrets that he is not able to say more than appears, from time
to time, in these pages, in connection with general records.

Elder C. D. Campbell, for years, pastor of the Quitman church,
from which he was called to the First church of Athens, Georgia,
and from thence, ultimately, to Cleburne, Texas, where he finally
died, was a man of unusual gifts and a pulpit orator of power.
He was a son of Dr. Jesse H. Campbell, already mentioned in
this narrative, and was, himself, honored with the degree of D.D.

Elder W. H. Scruggs, in those days, quite a young preacher,
enjoyed the benefit of a course of training at The Southern Bap-
tist Theological Seminary, then located in Greenville, 8. C., and
early began taking an active part in denominational work. After
for some years serving country churches and for a short time labor-
ing as association missionary, he became pastor at Valdosta, and
was finally called to Waycross; where he did a great work and
achieved magnificent results. He is, now, pastor emeritus of the
Tabernacle church, later organized by him, and an honored citi-
zen of the town. His gentle wife is remembered by the author, as
one well-mated with that excellent man.

Elder E. B. Carroll was a student in Mercer University, when
the un-“civil war” opened, and left college, as a mere lad, to be-
come a Confederate soldier, in the Twenty-ninth Georgia Regi-
ment; where he remained till the end of the struggle, as an officer,
in his original company, of which he became the captain, serving
with distinction. After the close of hostilities, he returned to his
home and in a short time became a school teacher, adopting a pro-
fession in which he excelled; ultimately taking charge and keeping
it for years of the first-class academic school at Hickory Head.
While engaged in teaching he was “called” to the ministry, and
in the course of his useful life served many churches, as pastor;
among them, Hickory Head, Quitman, Camilla, Albany, Vineville,
Macon, and the First church, Carrollton, Georgia. In the last-
named pastorate; he died, beloved and lamented by all who knew
him. His body lies beneath a splendid marble monument, erected
by his old church and many of his former pupils, in the church and
community cemetery at Hickory Head. He was clerk of The Mer-
History or MERCER BaprisT ASSOCIATION, 39

cer Association for eleven years and was further honored with the
degree of D.D., conferred some years before his death. His wife,
one of the noblest of women, is now an active member of the First
church, Tampa, Fla.

Elder A. B. Campbell was a strong man, of exceeding efficiency,
as a preacher, as a pastor and as an association and convention
worker.. He was a son of Dr. Jesse H. Campbell and a brother
of Charles D., with whom he was graduated, at Mercer Univer-
sity, in 1860. He served in the Confederate army, for awhile, as
a soldier and as a chaplain. The war ended, he served, in turn,
as pastor, in Thomasville, Cuthbert, at the First church, Columbus,
at the First church, Americus—two pastorates—and elsewhere.
He was often honored by his brethren and carried the title of D.D.
for years before his death. He died in partial retirement, only a
year or two ago. His lovely wife, one of the finest characters ever
known by the writer, survives him and all their children gone.

Among the brethren, active in church and association work,
who were not elders and who have not been specially mentioned
already, may be named those very useful men, W. H. Brown, of
New Hope (Fla.) church, A. G. Friar, of Milltown, A. J. Carter,
of Statenville, J. T. Corbett, of Corinth, Isaiah Ward and Deacon
Sinquefield, of Okapilco; all in The (old) Mercer—with others,
to be mentioned, later. 5

In the meantime, and as their names come to hand, a few men
will be given special notice, because the writer has been favored
with special information concerning them.

Deacon 8S. Alex. Smith, a leading merchant and capitalist, of
Thomasville, was a man of great influence and usefulness, in both
church and association.

Hon. Peter E. Love, likewise a deacon in the Thomasville
church, was distinguished in church and state, alike, for the noble
part he always acted in public affairs. He was an eminent lawyer,
very successful at the bar. He was, for years, Solicitor General
of The Southern Judicial Circuit of Georgia, and for many more
years on the bench, as Judge of The Superior Court of that cir-
cuit, until elected to a seat in The United States Congress. He
was in congress, when Georgia seceded from The American Union.
He was the Georgia member of the historic “Committee of Thirty-
three” (one congressman from each state then composing The
Union), appointed to devise, if possible, some plan by which ‘the
impending war might be averted. That committee having failed
to achieve the desired purpose, secession became inevitable, and
40 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

when his State withdrew, Judge Love resigned his seat in con-
gress and, like the true patriot that he was, cast his lot with The
Southern Confederacy. He survived the close of the war less than
two years.

Deacon Peter McGlashan, of Thomasville, was a live church
worker, the superintendent of his Sunday-school and prominent
in affairs, religious and secular. He entered the Confederate army
as a first lieutenant in the Fiftieth Georgia Regiment, but ulti-
mately, by successive promotions, he became colonel and was
breveted a brigadier general, just at the close of the war. After
the close of hostilities, he resumed business in Thomasville, served,
for a short time, as mayor of the town, and ultimately removed
to Savannah; in which city he held his residence, for many years,
until] his death, by drowning, near Isle of Hope.

Deacon W. D. Mitchell, of Thomasville, was a graduate of The
University of Georgia and of its Law School. The civil war com-
ing on before he had fully entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession, he raised a military company and mustered it into the
service of The Southern Confederacy. He eventually became the
colonel of his regiment, the Twenty-ninth Georgia, after, while
lieutenant colonel, having been desperately wounded in the battle
of Chickamauga. At the battle of Nashville, in December, 1864,
he was captured, with a remnant of his regiment, and spent the
remainder of the war period in a Federal prison. After the close
of the war, he resumed the practice of his profession, in Thomas-
ville, was finally appointed Judge of The County Court and was
the incumbent in that office, at the time of his sudden death, from
paralysis. In the meantime, he had been exceedingly useful in his
church and Sunday-school. His wife, a lovely woman, has only
recently rejoined him, above.

Deacon E. T. Davis was a native of Washington County, Geor-
gia, and a student at Mercer University, when the war of “The
Sixties” came on; perhaps while on a visit to his sister, in Thomas-
ville, joined Captain L. C. Bryan’s company, “The Dixie Boys,”
which ultimately became Co. A, of the Fifty-seventh Georgia regi-
ment; was appointed a sergeant in that company; was later elected
its second lieutenant; and finally became captain of Co. B., in the
same regiment. At the close of active hostilities, he settled in
Thomasville, was admitted to the bar there and became useful as
a lawyer—and a planter as well—but especially as a church mem-
ber; remaining faithful and true up to the time of his death. His
excellent wife still survives, to bless their children.
History or Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION. 41

Deacon Joshua Carroll, in those earlier days of New Hope
(Thomas) church, was an unusually efficient man in church serv-
ice. He was a planter, up to the time of removal from the New
Hope neighborhood to Thomasville, many years “after the war,”
and died in the fellowship of our church in that town, lamented
by all, And what a glorious good woman is the wife, who still
blesses the earth with her presence on it!

Deacon R. B. Mardre was a large cotton planter, resident near
the Florida line, a member of New Hope (Thomas) church and
very active, zealous and efficient in church and association work.
He removed from his plantation to Thomasville, a good-many years
before his death, became the efficient clerk of our church there and
served most acceptably as a magistrate during the remainder of
his life. His wife, a most excellent woman, is still living.

Bro. Jas. Millen, of New Hope (Thomas) church, was a quiet,
unassuming man, but “a man, for a’ that.” He was successful in
life, as a planter and a power for good, in his church and his com-
munity. And his wife was “a help meet” for him, indeed.

Deacon W. J. Wilson, of Boston church, was a busy railroad
supervisor, but he always found time to serve his Lord, in every
good work. He was one of the best of men; as his wife was one of
the best of women.

Deacon W. H. Culpepper, of Summer Hill, in those days a very
young man, was already an active church worker and interested
in associational affairs. He was “a, plain farmer,” but during the
many years of his life in Georgia, as he still is in his distant
Florida home, above the average of men in intelligence and in-
fluence.

Capt. J, P. Turner, an ex-Confederate cavalry troop com-
mander, also of Summer Hill, was likewise active in church in-
terests; but being a physician of extensive practice, most of his
time was devoted to the duties of his profession. He was also
largely concerned in farming operations.

Bro. Philip B. Massey, in those days a young farmer at the
beginning of his successful career as such, was conscientiously
devoted to the welfare of The Master’s Kingdom, as he continued
to be until his death. ;

Deacon J. J. Mash, of New Ochlocknee, attained to consider-
able wealth as a planter and country merchant. He erected an
elegant brick residence and a large store-building near-by of the
same material, at a distance of some twelve miles south of Thomas-
ville, and there, in that charming home, he and his estimable wife,
42 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

a house-keeper almost without an equal anywhere, dispensed the
most generous hospitality. They have been known to entertain
half the messengers of The Florida Association at its session with
their church. He was killed, in the eighties, by a rattlesnake.

Deacon W. M. Jones, of Boston church, a gallant Confederate
soldier, who had lost a leg in battle, came home to be equally as
true “a soldier of the Cross.” He is, now, and has been for years,
the efficient Judge of The Court of Ordinary, in Thomas county.
His wife was a beautiful girl and has ever been a lovely woman.

Deacon J. B. Hine, of New Ochlocknee, was a simple farmer,
and a man of humble means, in a material way, but rich in faith,
fidelity and good works. And if theré ever were, as there are,
saints on earth, his wife belongs to the number.

Deacon John T. Harvin, of the same church, was different from
Deacon Hine, in fhe fact that he was an extensive property owner,
but like him in the simple faith and devotion to The Lord’s serv-
ice which characterized him. His sweet wife preceded him to the
Home of the Blest.

Deacon W. R. Gwaltney, likewise of New Ochlocknee, was a
faithful, consecrated man of God, and above reproach in his busy
life. His wife, also, like her mother, is an excellent woman.

Deacon Robert T. Myddleton, of Valdosta, was a business man
of prominence, bright, of pleasing address and popular. He was
devoted to his church and for years manifested a lively interest in
his association. His wife survives, an honor to her city.

Deacon W. A. Sims, now of Ousley church, originally of Red-
land, is a most valuable man; a successful farmer, a first-class citi-
zen, a good church and association worker in his quiet, unassum-
ing way and one to be depended on in all the relations of life. And,
oh, what a sweet home that dear wife.of his makes for him!

Deacon A. W. Groover was one of the seventeen members who
entered into the constitution of Hickory Head church, in the year
1872. He had been a deacon in Liberty church, from which he
brought his letter of dismission, was so recognized in the newly
constituted organization and so continued to serve until his la-
mented death. He was always active in church work of all kinds
and was a liberal contributor to every religious object, as well
as to numerous benevolent purposes outside. He was superin-
tendent of his Sunday-school for thirty consecutive years and dur-
ing all that long period was never absent, nor even late, except for
providential cause. He was truly a great and good man and a
leader among men in his generation. He was the father of Breth-
History or Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION. 43

ren R. L. and Blewett Groover; the former of whom is the present
secretary of the executive committee of our association and super-
intendent of the Hickory Head Sunday-school.

Bro. R. I. Denmark was also one of the constituent members
of Hickory Head church. He was elected clerk, at the organiza-
tion, and was continued in that position for eighteen years, up to
1890. A son of Deacon Thomas I. Denmark, he was like every
one of the name, strictly correct in every particular.

Deacon Thomas I. Denmark, “Uncle Tommie,” as he was uni-
versally called, from 1875 an officer of Hickory Head church, was
a man of great strength of character and of absolute loyalty to his
Lord, his church and his pastor. What more to his credit, on
the religious side of his life could be said, that would add to his
honor? Yet a little incident which occurred illustrative of his
unselfish faithfulness and his instant and unquestioning yielding
to spiritual impressions may in its narration give another touch
of the brush that paints the beautiful. Therefore, the writer with-
out further preface and with pleasure records that incident. On
a dark, cold, gloomy day, in winter, his pastor, Elder E. B. Car-
roll, was in the depths. Wife so depleted in health that she could
not afford nourishment for their little starving infant—actually
famishing from lack of assimilable food. A good cow in the lot,
but nothing: to feed her on. No pasturage in field or forest; so,
the animal, unfed, could not furnish milk for the sustenance of
the child. The father secluded himself in a small back room and
prayed. What for? For what was most reasonable. He did
not ask God to cause his sick wife, then and there, miraculously to
supply nutriment for the baby. He did not pray that the infant
might thrive without nourishment. He did not entreat The Lord to
cause the cow to give milk without provender. He prayed for
“eow-feed”! Then he arose from his knees, confident, and re-
turned to the room in which his wife lay. His house was situated
at some little distance from the “public road.” He was hardly
seated, when he heard a “Hallo!” at the gate. On opening the
front door, he saw Deacon T. I. Denmark seated in his buggy, out
there in the road. Before an invitation to alight could be ex-
tended, the deacon said: “Brother Carroll, as I was driving
along out yonder, a minute or two ago, the thought struck me
that maybe you have nothing to feed your cow on; so, I’ve just
turned in to say I have plenty of peas and hay and ruta-bagas and
cotton-seed and other stuff. Now, if you need anything of the
kind, I’ll send you over a two-horse wagon-load!”’
44 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Was that an answer to prayer? Or was it all a mere acci-
dent? A fortuitous concurrence of thoughts?

Reasonable intelligence will not be perplexed as to a proper
reply to those questions.

That was, if possible, an even more striking case of direct
and immediate answer to prayer than was that of Dr. Fuller and
the overcoat.

And it was also a striking illustration of character on the part
of both the good deacon and his pastor.

“Uncle Tommie” was the father of Brethren R. I., C. R. and
E. P. 8. Denmark, all of Hickory Head church, as shown elsewhere
in these pages, and of Hon. B. A. Denmark, for years a prominent
member of the First Baptist church of Savannah, and-at the time
of his death, years ago, a distinguished lawyer and leading banker
of that city.

Brother Oliver W. Stevens was a native of Liberty County,
Ga., born near Midway church, in March, 1812. While he was
very young, his parents removed to the then flourishing seaport
of Sunbury, in the same country; where a few years later, he was
“converted” under the ministry of Elder Josiah Law and joined
the Baptist church in that place. He was educated partly in the
excellent schools of Sunbury, and partly at The North. Embrac-
ing the profession of teaching, he returned home after graduation
and taught for many years in his own county. In 1852, he-ac-
cepted the presidency of The Masonic Female College in Lumpkin,
Ga.; but failing health compelled him to resign that position,
after two years of efficient service. Returning to his native county,
he resumed his profession, after some years devoted to recupera-
tion, and continued in that occupation until the beginning of the
“civil war.” In 1862, he removed his family to Brooks county,
where he taught until called to serve in the Confederate army. At
the close of the war, he was given charge of the Quitman Academy ;
in which position he continued to within a few years of his death,
in November, 1882. He always held responsible places in the
churches of his membership; ever exemplifying the character of
the true Christian. In addition to being a model church-member,
he was also a model member of the Masonic order.

Bro. Clayton R. Denmark, a son of Bro, T. I. Denmark, was
born in Brooks county, in 1840. He served through the war of
“The Sixties,” in the Twenty-sixth Georgia Regiment, having been
severely wounded in the battle of Hatcher’s Run. He was con-
verted in the army, joining the Baptists, in Virginia, and after-
History ofr Mercer Baptist ASsociaTION. 45

ward removed his membership to Hickory Head church; with
which he remained in most active and useful fellowship until his
death, December 10, 1886. He was an efficient deacon and vig-
orous Sunday-school ‘worker. In the opinion of many people
capable of judging, he was one among the foremost men ever
reared in Brooks county.

Deacon Lawrence F. Lawson united with Corinth (Brooks
Co.) church, under the ministry of Elder C. S. Gaulden. He is
a good man and true, having ever been a faithful and efficient
member of his church, firm in his convictions and immovable in
principle. And that is a charming home of his, made so by his
amiable wife.

Deacon Charles Anderson Davis was born in Jones County,
Ga., January 21, 1824, but was carried by his parents to Harris
county on their removal thither in his childhood; where he re-
mained until grown. He then, being unusually gifted in that
direction, embarked upon a most successful career as a “singing-
school” teacher; soon making his way, in the exercise of that pro-
fession, into South Georgia, where he ultimately settled down
in Brooks county. He was a deacon in Hickory Head church, hav-
ing taken part in its organization, and remained in its fellowship,
honored and beloved, until his death, in 1884.

Bro. Samuel Stevens was a native of Cheshire, Conn.; whence,
at the age of twenty-five years, he removed to Edgefield; 8. C. He
was married in early life, joining the Baptists soon afterward,
and, at the end of the war, in 1865, removed to Quitman, where
he and his family joined the church of his denomination. He was
for many years clerk of Quitman church and an influential mem-
ber. His well-balanced mind, his consistent though unostentatious
piety and his large liberality rendered him exceedingly efficient
in his labors for the glory of God and the welfare of his brethren.
One child, a daughter, Mrs. A. J. Rountree, alone of his entire
family of five survives him. And a most excellent woman she is.

Deacon James M. Patterson was born May 20, 1840, in Macon
County, Ga. While a soldier in the Confederate army, in Virginia,
he was converted under the preaching of Chaplain Asa M. Mar-
shall; was -wounded soon afterward, at Spottsylvania, and while
on furlough was baptized into the fellowship of Corinth church,
Brooks county, near which was his then new home, by Elder C. 8.
Gaulden. Returning to the army after his recovery, he served
until the close of the war; having in the meantime, witnessed the
battle between the “Merrimac” and the “Monitor.” The war

4
46 History of Mercur Baptist ASSOCIATION.

ended, he settled down to work in Brooks county, where he has
acquired large possessions. He has always been a liberal con-
tributor to all departments of the organized work of our denomi-
nation; he is a regular attendant upon all the meetings of his
church; he has been exceedingly efficient as a deacon, in the various
Baptist churches to which he has belonged, Corinth, Philadelphia,
Pauline and in the little town of Morven (in which village he now
resides) ; and his big-hearted hospitality is known far and wide
by the many who have enjoyed the kindly offices of himself and
his excéllent wife, recently gone home to God.

Dr. Jesse Thomas Davis came to the Quitman church from the
“Antis,” upon his own “statement”; and ever afterward proved
himself correct in every way. He was truthful, honest, never com-
promising with error, in any form, standing always firmly for
the right; yet withal, modest and retiring in manner. He was for
a long time, the efficient agent at the A. & G. (later the S. F.
& W., the Plant System, now the A. C. L.) R. R. depot, in Quit-
man, and for awhile, was mayor of the town. His son, Bro. J.
Russell Davis, for years cashier of the Citizen’s Bank and the
present mayor of Quitman, is an efficient worker in our church
in that town.

Bro. George W. Pike was a deacon in Corinth (Brooks) church,
a pronounced Baptist and stood for all that was right in church
and state. He was a brave Confederate soldier “during the war”
and a tower of strength as a citizen in his community afterward
throughout his life.

Deacon J. W. Haddock, of Hickory Head, and later of Quit-
man church, was a gallant Confederate soldier, and since the war
has been for many years a noble soldier of The Lord, very active
in both church and Sunday-school work. One does not find his
equal, at every turn of the road. And many turns must be passed
before finding the superior of his wife.

Bro. L. F. Haddock, as long as he was associated with the
Quitman church, was upright and honorable and led a worthy,
Christian life. After that manner he deported himself up to his
lamented decease.

Bro. James Hilliard was a man of sound judgment, intensely
practical, very hospitable, loved his church, stood firm for all of
_its doctrines and was in all respects, a very strong character. To
him, and those who labored with him to that end, is largely due
the high standard of excellence maintained by his (Quitman)
church, during his life.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSocIaTION. AT

Deacon S. Pope Mays was the worthy son of a noble father
and a most lovable and efficient worker in Concord church, as
long as he lived. He was very useful in the constancy he mani-
fested in support of his various pastors and wrought with unsur-
passed zeal in the service of The Master.

All that has been said of S. P. Mays, may be truthfully said
of Bro. John B. Mays, now an active deacon in the beloved church
of which his father and his brothers were, like himself, honored
members. His lovely daughters, too, are a blessing to that church.

Associated, in the mind of the author, with each other are
three men. Two of the three are brothers; the third is not related
to the other two, so far as the writer knows.

That third man is Deacon John G. Stanley, of Hickory Head
church, one of the strongest men in his section and one who, by
pure force of character, would be a prominent figure and a leader
in any section. He is a large planter and general business man, who
has made a success of life, on all lines. And as he has done in his
church and in the world outside, so has his splendid wife made
a glorious success of their joint domestic life.

Of the two brothers, one is Deacon R. L. Groover, repeatedly
mentioned elsewhere, in these pages. He, also, is an extensive cot-
ton planter who does not neglect the “raising” of plantation sup-
plies, at home. He has grown wealthy in the pursuits of secular
business; but he is even richer in his religious sphere. His ex-
cellent wife is a superior woman, who would grace any social
circle, in any city, as admirably as she does the happy circle of
the inter-community of Quitman and Hickory Head.

Brother Blewett Groover, brother of R. I., and the youngest son
of their noble father, A. W., deceased, is a man in every way
worthy of his relationships. He, also, like R. L., is a member of
Hickory Head church, as has been mentioned hereinbefore, and
he is by no means the least important member of that influential
body. He, too, has prospered, as a planter; and in his lovely wife,
he, too, has a companion who would be an ornament to society,
anywhere.

As long as those three men and others like them, just as good
and true, stand together for The Mercer, the association cannot
be disintegrated, but must continue to exert an influence for
good, in the world.
48 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER IV.

Ar the Hickory Head session, the time for association meet-
ings was changed from Friday, to Tuesday, the second in the
month. The same rule was observed at the Quitman meeting ; where
adjournment was taken to the second Tuesday, in October, 1878.

It may be observed that the writer uses the word “adjourned”
in speaking of the closing of sessions. In this connection, there
has sometimes come about confusion in the minds of association
clerks and moderators. The latter have been known to announce
“the association adjourned, sine die” (without day); as if the
“organization” ceased to exist between sessions. And, upon
examination, it will be seen that pracitcally all clerk’s record, of
an “opening,” that “the association was then organized.” Now,
as a matter of fact, the association is not “organized” at its annual
opening. Its organization, its organizing, occurred at the time of
and consisted in its formation. Thenceforth, it is proper to say
of the annual convention, or assembling, that the session, or meet-
ing, was organized; not the association. The association is com-
posed of churches, not of individual “persons”; constitutions to
the contrary notwithstanding. “Messengers,” not “delegates,”
from the churches compose the “body” (or “persons” in conven-
tion—i. ¢., the coming together), at a session. As the “meeting”
in annual “session” is “organized” at. its opening, so it is ad-
journed, sine die, at its final closing, on its last day; but the
association continues in existence and the moderator remains its
presiding officer, locum tenens (or, rather, in loco tenens), until
the next “session” is formally “organized.” The churches com-
posing the association are represented by their messengers com-
posing the session-convention; but those messengers have no
authority “delegated” to them and all that they do, or say, in
convention, is subject to review by their respective churches, for
approval or disapproval.

With the foregoing explanatory remarks in remembrance, there
need be no misunderstanding of terms, as used by the writer, in
relation_to the conditions therein indicated.

On the 8th day of October, 1878, the messengers of the asso-
ciation were convened with Liberty church, at the point called
Grooverville, and Elder W. D. Atkinson, of the Piedmont Asso-
History oF Mercor Baptist ASSOCIATION. 49

ciation, who was present as a representative of The State Mis-
sion Board, preached the Introductory Sermon.

Judge Bennett, the moderator, being absent, Elder A. M. Man-
ning was requested to preside during the organization of the ses-
sion. As the result of the election of officers, Dr. Manning was
chosen Moderator, and Elder E. B. Carroll was reélected Clerk.

The following-named churches were received into membership:
Mount Pleasant, of Lowndes, Mt. Carmel, of Brooks, Good Hope,
of Lowndes, and Hopewell, of Colquitt; thus raising the total
number up to thirty-nine.

Elders J. W. Childs, E. E. Barclay and W. H. Scruggs, of The
Florida Association, W. H. Hoggard, from The Bowen, and
Brethren Anderson and Jasper Battle (given name of former not
recorded), from The Macedonia (colored), were received as cor-
respondents. Later, Dr. A. J. Battle, President of Mercer Uni-
versity, Prof. A. T. Asbury, President of Monroe Female College,
Elder T. C. Boykin, State Sunday-school Evangelist, and Bro.
Walter Gwin, of Tallahassee, Fla., were welcomed.

The following-named new preachers were listed (some of them
on letter reports from their churches) on the muster-roll of the
association: Elders J. Oscar Harris, Madison, Fla., W. F. Bev-
erly, Thomasville, R. A. Peeples, Valdosta (ordained from licen-
tiate, since last session), and M. D. Pope, Quitman; with Licen-
tiates, Ed H. Bryan, Moultrie, and Jas. M. Tinsley, John Tinsley,
Moses Ward and Robt. L. Williams, all with postoflice address,
Quitman.

The region round about Quitman must have been a good
preacher incubator, in those days.

Elder William T. Gaulden, the present assistant moderator
of the association, came into special notice in the body for the
first time, at that session. He had been a messenger from Thomas-
ville, as a mere lad, at the Friendship session, three years before,
but had acted as little more than a silent spectator (except voting)
throughout the meeting; but on the present occasion, he is called
on to lead the body in prayer, he appears on the floor, offering
resolutions, in the character of a speaker, and in other useful
capacities. Since then he has been almost continuously active in
associational work; having served as clerk at four sessions and as
assistant moderator at three. Beginning as a private church
member, he was after a while promoted to the diaconate, in which
capacity he was exceedingly efficient, and finally convinced that
The Lord had laid His hand upon him, his brethren set him apart
50 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION,

to the sacred ministry of The Word. As a preacher and a pastor,
he has wrought well in various charges; some of them among the
best in the association. He is a straight-out Bible Baptist, ortho-
dox to the core and missionary through and through. He is not
only a regular messenger to the association meetings, but he has
been a frequent representative to The State Convention; in which
he has made his influence felt. His membership has been for years,
in Quitman church.

During the Grooverville meeting, a great deal of “financial
aid” was extended to various churches; among them, our church in
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, in response to an appeal from
Bro. Walter Gwin.

The Missionary Sermon, by Dr. A. J. Battle, was preached on
Wednesday morning; a discourse characteristic of the elegant and
polished gentleman who delivered it.

It is noticeable that up to that session—as well as often after-
ward—the Introductory and Missionary Sermons were usually
preached by visitors! In this respect of honoring their guests,
the ministers of The Mercer have in general evinced the absence of
all selfish jealousy among them, by acting upon the Pauline in-
junction to be found “in honor preferring one another.”

The reports of Brethren 8. E. Blitch and A. C. Stephenson, as-
sociation missionaries, were quite encouraging. Notwithstanding
the great difficulty encountered in carrying on their work, a large
measure of success was crowning their efforts, as a quotation or
two from their reports at the Quitman and Grooverville sessions
will show.

At the former meeting, Bro. Blitch said in his report: “Miles
traveled, 1,476; sermons preached, 54; baptized, 12; Sunday-
schools organized, 2; churches constituted, 2; labored half my
time” (as employed) “for the last nine months; preached at two
stations where there had never been a Missionary Baptist before
and some persons of mature age had never heard one preach!”

At Grooverville, he reported: “Miles traveled, 1,939; sermons
preached, 92; baptized, 13; the region in which I have labored
is destitute indeed; yet The Gospel is surely gaining ground.”

Those reports, as well as those of Bro. Stephenson, are con-
densed, without indicating the places of omission.

At Quitman, Bro. Stephenson reported: “Traveled 1,400
miles; preached 80 sermons; baptized 38; 5 awaiting baptism; or-
ganized two Sunday-schools; assisted in the constitution of two
History or Murcer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 51

churches; collected for Missions, $23.65! (Italics, the writer’s.)
Contributions for missions, on missionary ground!

But to proceed with that report: “I’ve had to make such sac-
rifices as those who labor not in our destitution are strangers to;
neither can I describe them; Hard-shell Baptists and Pedobap-
tists are yielding to The Truth as it is in Jesus and are uniting
with us. There is a territory here, varying from twenty-five to
forty miles in breadth and fifty miles in length, in which there
is not a single Baptist church, and, indeed, no other sort, except a
Hard-shell church.”

An Anti-missionary church in the midst of missionary destitu-
tion! And yet those good people denounce us for invading desti-
tute regions, in foreign lands, with The Gospel! Any spiritually
destitute region, is a foreign region! Those who are unsaved, in
the enlightened city of Quitman as well as those in the benighted
jungles of Africa, are “aliens from the commonwealth of (the spir-
itual) Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. .. .
Having no hope and without God, in the world.” If such are not
foreigners, pray what are they?

But to continue the report: “The anxiety of this people to
receive The Gospel is unsurpassed by any I have ever seen.”

At Grooverville, his report said: “Miles traveled, 1,300;
preached 83 sermons; baptized 33 converts; assisted in the ordina-
tion of one minister and one deacon; also assisted in the constitu-
tion of one church.”

Both of those brethren, in their written reports, and especially
in the oral statements accompanying thosé reports, hinted at the
hardships that pioneer missionaries have to undergo. Some of the
very best portions of the territory now embraced within the limits
of The Mercer Association were, in those earlier days of its his-
tory, utterly undeveloped in almost every way. And the inhabi-
tants of those regions, brave and strong, in later years transmit-
ting their courage and strength, physical, mental and moral, to the
noble men and women, their descendants, who now constitute a
large proportion of the population occupying those tracts today,
were likewise, undeveloped.

The writer has no personal knowledge of conditions in those
regions during the period alluded to and therefore he will not
attempt to depict them. But he does know something of condi-
tions elsewhere, in those times, and he has had some personal ex-
periences in churchless sections, not then nor ever since within the
bounds of The Mercer Association, which prove that one is not
52 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

obliged to cross oceans and traverse deserts and penetrate jungles
to encounter hardships and undergo privations. And from his own
personal observation, leaving his individual experience out of the
count, he is ready to testify as to the marvelous metamorphosis
wrought by the power of The Gospel, in lands not nearly so remote
as Asia and Africa, nor even the western wilds of North America.

Let him paint two pictures.

Picture One: A shackling, dilapidated rail fence, straggling
around a dirty, weed-grown yard. Through a broken-down, flimsy
gate, as well as in many places through gaps in the fence, “razor-
back” hogs enter at will and root up the earth about the single-
puncheon step of a rude log house, that in staggering fashion man-
ages to hold itself together and support a “sway-back,” “clap-
board” roof. At the “gable-end” of one of the two principal rooms,
a “stick-and-dirt” chimney sprawls crookedly upward, leaning
perilously away from the gable at the top. At the front door is
to be seen a rude “water-shelf,” supporting a soggy wooden bucket,
a rusty tin “wash-pan’ ’and a “gourd o’ soap,” of the “saft,”’ home-
made kind; while a soiled, limp, homespun towel hangs forlornly
from a nail driven into a log above. In “the main room,” a rough
puncheon floor. In the combination “cookin-an’-eatin’ room,” a
dirt floor—which means the naked ground. In the “fyer-place,”
with its native dirt “haath,” a “dinner-pot,” a sheet-iron “biler,”
a “spider,” a “skillet,” a “frying-pan” and a soot-begrimed coffee-
pot. Near the middle of the room, a rough pine table, partly cov-
ered by a worn and greasy “oil-cloth,” a “hide-bottom” “chur” at
each end and a puncheon bench on each side. “Dinner is ready.”
Lank hogs and mangy yellow dogs are vociferously clamoring for
admittance—and sometimes gaining it. Long-legged chickens
ditto. A big pan of half-cooked “collard-greens,” with a small
“chunk” of super-fat bacon perched up on top of the leathery mass.
Another big pan of dun-colored cow-peas. Dun in color, but not
half-“done” in cooking. They rattle like shot, when poured from
the iron spoon upon your cracked, blue-edged plate. Still another
big pan, containing corn-bread, in a single round loaf, three inches
thick and raw in the middle. The sooty coffee-pot full of a pale-
colored liquid, “three grains to the gallon’”—as the writer once
heard a brother describe it. There you are! “Help yerself!”

Between pictures. A pioneer missionary “carries on” a meet-
ing in a log school-house, or under a brush-arbor, near by. The
Holy Spirit is present in power. The proprietor of the abode de-
scribed, his wife and his children (old enough to “believe’’), are all
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 53

saved; together with many other people in the community. A
church is constituted. A comfortable meeting-house is erected.
A good man preaches there, on Saturday and Sunday, once a
month. .

Picture Two: Years have passed. Ah, what a change! A neat
paling, with a latched gate, incloses the white-sanded, well-swept
yard; no longer up-rooted by “razor-back” hogs. No rusty tin
basin on a dirty water-shelf outside the door, but a clean white
bowl and pitcher on a well-equipped wash-stand, inside; a porce-
lain soap-dish upon it and immaculate towels hanging on its
“arms.” A bureau with beveled mirror and toilet articles, “in a
place where the light strikes the glass right.” A metal bed-stead
supporting a white, “dimity’-covered bed. A cabinet organ, or
piano, in one corner. Upholstered chairs and sofa. The house, a
neat frame building of several rooms, painted white outside, with
green window-blinds. Inside, the “company-room” tastefully
papered. The smoothly-floored and ceiled dining-room “partioned
off” from the clean cook-room with its shining stove-range. An
oaken dining-table, covered with a snowy, linen cloth. Comfortable
chairs arranged about it. “Dinner is ready!” Well-browned fried
chicken, in a clean dish, on the table, instead of squawking live
chickens galloping around wnder the table. Well-cooked vegetables
of divers kinds. Wholesome bread of water-ground meal, flaky
biscuits of ever-so-many Xes flour. Steaming coffee, rich and dark,
in a shining urn; yellow cream in a cute little pitcher; golden
butter and rich milk, galore. And then, such a dessert! of pies
and custards and home-made preserves!

Two pictures. What has made the difference between them?

The Religion of Jesus Christ!

And that is not by many hundreds, the only such contrast.

Then, in that one only, of its many glorious features, let The
World answer the question: Is Missionary Effort Worth While?

In those earlier years of the association’s history, and at cer-
tain seasons in the years before its organization, Elders C. 8S.
Gaulden and J. M. Rushin frequently went out into what was then
called the “back-woods country,” as volunteer missionaries, “at
their own charges” and without compensation or the remotest
expectation thereof. Bro. Rushin usually accompanied Elder
Stephenson, the two working together most harmoniously and
meekly sharing the hardships that fell to their lot. Some of their
experiences were strikingly unique and if told, as this historian
has heard them narrated, might serve to “point a moral,” as well
54 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

as to “adorn a tale”; but the writer refrains from their narra-
tion out of consideration for the preference of the dear old
brethren.

Capt. Gaulden (who, by-the-by, had won his title in the Semi-
nole war) usually went out alone, traversing the northern portion
of Brooks county, with adjacent territory in Berrien and Lowndes;
and the: good thus accomplished by him, is incalculable. Bro.
Rushin, while far above the average as a preacher, was a remark-
ably sweet singer, whose wonderful voice, with a message of love
from God, reached and moved many a heart that might not have
been aroused in any other way. Heaven, only, can reveal the glor-
ious results of the volunteer work of those two gifted men; and
even there, eons will roll by before all the blessed consequences
will have been discovered.

At the Grooverville meeting, the Negro correspondents from
The Macedonia (“colored”) Association, made for their associa-
tion, an offering (through The Mercer), for Foreign Missions!
What a glorious example for the emulation of thousands of pro-
fessed Christians who are not Negroes!

It is noteworthy that in Elder Bailey’s report, as chairman of
the committee on Missions, he calls attention to the work of all
our mission boards—apparently for the first time that some of
them had received special and emphatic notice. And the associa-
tion, by “unanimous” vote, in adopting that report, endorsed what
he said; as his co-committeemen had approved the words and the
sentiments of the report before it was submitted to the body.

Elder Bailey was a man of great power. He was character-
ized by a remarkably clear, logical mind, the processes of which
were both comprehensive and incisive; his perceptive faculty en-
abled him to readily apprehend the conditions and needs of a
situation; his self-command was admirable; his vocabulary was
adequate for any occasion; and his fluency of expression, together
with other qualities, rendered him peculiarly effective with an
audience.

A place has been reserved here, until the last moment, for a
biographical sketch of

Dr. A. M. Mannina,

who presided as moderator, during the 1878 session of the asso-
ciation—but reserved in vain. The historian has been disap-
pointed. Repeated efforts to obtain definite information upon es-
sential points in the life of Dr. Manning have brought no results.
History of Mercer Barprist ASSOCIATION, 55

More than one letter has been written, with that object in view,
to his nearest of kin, with no reply received. And now the time
has come when the reserved space must be filled. The last chap-
ter of this book is ended. The volume is closed. Nothing but
“Finis” remains now to be written. The author sadly turns the
pages backward to the blank space reserved and in heaviness of
spirit must poorly do what deserves to be done so well. Sie sit.

This historian has never heard, except in the vaguest way,
aught of the private life of Dr. Manning. The writer’s knowledge
and information concerning that grand, good man are confined
almost exclusively to his public life. Numbers of facts in that
relation appear in these pages. Only one more item remains to
be added—a list of the churches served by the doctor during his
life, as furnished the author by Elder J. M. Rushin. Those
churches were: Olive, Quincy, Indian Spring, Lake Ellen, Centre-
ville, Ebenezer, Lamont, Tallahassee, Concordia, Monticello and
Oak Grove, in Florida; Summer Hill, New Hope, Friendship, Pine
Hill and New Ochlocknee, in Georgia.

Concerning Elder Manning’s life, apart from his ministry, only
a.few words can be even attempted. His father, as the writer has
heard, was a “Primitive” Baptist preacher, one of the strongest
in that denomination. How it came about the author is not in-
formed, but the son turned out to be as strongly missionary in his
sentiments as the father could have been anti-missionary. As to
when he joined our people the writer has never heard. He may or
may not have taken a literary college course; but he certainly did
hold a medical diploma; by authority of which he proved himself
to be a very superior physician.

In addition to those two professions, he was an extensive cot-
ton planter; and from the combined proceeds of his medical prac-
tice and his rich Leon County, Fila., plantation, he became quite
wealthy. Men in this country do not usually grow “overly” affiu-
ent from the proceeds of preaching.

Dr. Manning dispensed his wealth liberally in the service of
The Lord, contributing generously to missions, to the building of
meeting-houses and to the cause of religious education. Besides
all that, he was, as Elder Rushin recently remarked to the writer,
“always on the side of good morals and for the uplift of fallen
humanity.”

And that reminds the author of an incident. Thirty-one years
ago, while a certain man whom we will call X was a teacher
and a country-church preacher, Bro. H., one of his patrons and a
56 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

near neighbor, sent for him one evening to “come over and meet
Dr. Manning” (his former pastor). In the course of conversation,
the doctor told of a country church he was serving, not far away,
that had been seriously damaged by the setting up near-by of a
“doggery,” as country-store liquor-shops were called. Several of
the leading members, including the clerk, he said, had become reg-
ular drunkards and “matters were in a bad way.” Turning his
gentle blue eyes upon X, the doctor asked, ‘What shall I do?” It
seemed that he had done all he could think of to stop his drinking
members from their debauchery, but in vain. X replied substan-
tially, “Let us pray God to stop the liquor-seller!” The Lord had
said, “If any two of you agree, touching any one thing, it shall
be done.” There were three of his servants there. Those three
knelt in Bro. H.’s parlor. Dr. Manning led the prayer; the burden
of which was that God would break down that liquor business.
The liquor man, W, owned a water-mill, in one compartment of
which he kept his “doggery.” A short time after that united
prayer was made there came a great “freshet” in the creek. W’s
mill-dam was broken and the mill with its appurtenances swept
away. W was a ruined man and, “to cap the climax,” at the next
term of the Superior Court in that county there were, according
to the writer’s recollection, forty-three “true bills” found by the
grand jury against W, for violations of the state liquor laws! So
far as the author now remembers, W never was able to resume his
business in that region again.

Do you suppose that prayer had anything to do with that
“break-down? ?

Dr. Manning was “for the uplift of fallen humanity.” The
downfall of the pernicious evil-doer is sometimes essential to the
“aplift” of those ruined by the Satanic devices of the wicked se-
ducer.

The association held its meeting of the next year, 1879, with
our church in Boston; the Introductory Sermon being preached by
Elder T. A. White, a member of the body, and the session being
organized by the election of Elder W. B. Bennett, as Moderator,
and Elder E. B. Carroll, as Clerk.

The new preachers listed since the last meeting were: Elder
E. Z. F. Golden, of Thomasville, and Licentiate J. E. Powell, of
Quitman.

Dr. M. B. Wharton was recognized as a correspondent from
The Hephzibah Association and Elders W. N. Chaudoin and W. B.
Hare were welcomed as visitors “from Georgia and Alabama,” re-
History or Mercer Barprisr ASSOCIATION. 57

spectively. Later, Elder J. L. Underwood, of Camilla, came in as
a Visitor, and Elders Battle and Ledbetter (colored) as correspond-
ents from The Macedonia Association.

Dr. Wharton spoke, to the great pleasure of the body, in the
interest of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and also
preached the Missionary Sermon, the second day of the session.

The Executive committee reported four association missionaries
employed, for a portion of their time, during the preceding asso-
ciational year, just closed: Elders Stephenson and Blitch, as be-
fore, J. H. Spann, a new man, and N. A. Bailey. The last-named
appears to have been distinctively entitled an “evangelist.”

This paragraph appears in the report of the committee on Mis-
sions, Dr. A. M. Manning, chairman:

“Let every one of us give as The Lord has prospered’ us. Is
it not true that the more we give to The Lord, the more He gives
us, that we may have to give? We commend the example of our
sisters in the formation of Ladies’ Missionary Societies, thereby
working and giving to extend The Redeemer’s Kingdom.”

“Every one of us!” Is not that what Paul said in the sixteenth
of First Corinthians? Elder Manning must have believed in what
Paul suggested. Or, is not that rather an injunction? What a
pity that more professed Christians do not believe in Paul—and in
his sayings and injunctions!

“Ladies’ Missionary Societies!” The women were organizing.
then, and “working,” it seems. What a pity that more men do
not follow the glorious example of the women!

Bro. A. J. Rountree was treasurer of the association from the
session with Friendship church, through the meeting at Hickory
Head. At Quitman, we find Bro. J. M. Rushin reporting as treas-
urer. The executive committee appears to have performed the
treasurer’s duties, during the next year; reporting at the Groover-
ville session. Bro. W. W. Groover must have been made treasurer
then, for we find him rendering in his report, as such, at Boston.
Thenceforward, he was treasurer continuously, for nine years, up
to and including the meeting at Evergreen, in 1888.

At Boston, the session extended, for the first time, into the third
day, and from appearances, there’ was never a dragging moment
in it. Many matters of great interest were considered and there
must have been a good deal of “speaking”; some of it at least,
“linked-sweetness, long drawn out”; for we find Bro. A. Ww.
Groover, toward the close of the afternoon, on the second day,
58 History or Mercer BaAprist ASSOCIATION.

moving “to limit all speeches, for the remainder of the session, to
ten minutes and no one allowed to speak more than once on
any subject, without (express) permission of the body.”

In the morning of the third day, the association missionaries
made their reports; all accepted as satisfactory.

Elder Bailey, as chairman of the committee on Sunday-schools,
gave out the following, incorporated in his report: ‘Harmoniz-
ing Christ’s commission to the church, as recorded in Matthew 18:
19, 20, and Mark 16: 15, 16, we find not only authority, but the
most binding obligation, to preach and teach The Gospel. That
preaching is the grand means of salvation, all agree; and that
such teaching of The Gospel as is done in the Sabbath-schools is
commanded in the great commission none can successfully deny.
That this kind of teaching is the most effective method of reaching
the children has long since been demonstrated. Nor is this work
done by the Sabbath-school as a separate institution, but as the
church, itself, organized for teaching The Way of Life.”

Elder E. B. Carroll reported the organization of a “Sunday- ©
school Convention,” of which he was President, at Hickory Head,
early in the year; which had met with the Valdosta church, in-
cluding the fifth Sunday in June, and had appointed another meet-
ing, to include a Sunday in June, of the following year.

After disposing of the usual routine business, the session was
adjourned, with a resolution for the association to meet again, with
the Valdosta church, on the last Tuesday in October, 1880.

Notwithstanding the above-recorded resolution, and for doubt-
less, some good reason not mentioned in the minutes, the Valdosta
session was opened on the 12th day of October, 1880—which could
not have been “the last Tuesday.” The Introductory Sermon was
preached by Elder W. N. Chaudoin and the organization of the
session was postponed until after noon.

On re-assembling and in the absence of Moderator Bennett,
Elder C. S. Gaulden was called to the chair. In the election of
officers, which followed the reading of the church letters, the
acting chairman was chosen Moderator, and Elder E. B. Carroll
was reélected Clerk.

Elder E. W. Overstreet was seated as a correspondent from
The Smyrna Association, Elder E. Holland, from The Macedonia
(“colored”), and Dr. E. J. Palmer, from The Bethel. Later, Elder
Robert H. Harris was welcomed, as a correspondent, from The
Bowen, and Elder W. B. Bennett and Bro. J. G. McCall, of The
Mercer, were received as visitors!
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 59

The last preceding word is emphasized to show the consistency,
in this case, of the association, in its proper regard for regularity.
Many associations, possibly any of them (including The Mercer,
on one other occasion), would, either by vote or by simple an-
nouncement of the chair, have “recognized Brethren Bennett and
McCall as messengers”—which they would have had no right to do.
For some good reason (perhaps a conflict of court-week somewhere
with the announced “last Tuesday in October” convention of the
association, since they were both lawyers and probably had im-
portant “cases” in that court), those brethren had not been chosen
as messengers from their church, a component member of the asso-
ciation. In the meantime, before the meeting, it is possible that
the mistake of selecting “the last Tuesday” for the opening, may
have been discovered and the date thrown back (by the associa-
tion existing, but not in session), through correspondence of the
Executive committee with the component churches—but not until
the full quota of messengers from Quitman church had been ap-
pointed. Yet, although no messengers, the brethren named, in
their righteous zeal, never dreaming of feeling “slighted,” attended
the session, anyhow, and were received in the only correct way pos-
sible. Now, to the main point. A church is a sovereign body,
and no association and no moderator of an association has any
authority to do (officially) for a component church what it has
not done for itself. The Mercer Association could not select mes-
sengers for Quitman church; which is what the recognition, as
such, of the brethren named would have amounted to.

The foregoing surmises of the writer may be only partially,
or even not at all, correct, in suggesting the reasons for the fact
stated as to the capacity in which the brethren named were seated ;
but the principle in that connection stated and elucidated is Bap-
tistic and correct in toto.

Little Ochlocknee and Moultrie churches were received into
membership at the Valdosta session of 1880; and the application
of the church at Nankin was denied, because “the petitionary
letter was unaccompanied by our Baptist Articles of Faith.”

The fact that Nankin church sent no “articles of faith” (doubt-
less by inadvertence) did not prevent the messengers from being
invited to seats; an invitation which they in a truly fraternal spirit
accepted.

It is refreshing to note the absence of sensitiveness among the

good brethren of that day.
60 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Bro. York Connor, another correspondent from The Macedonia
(“colored”), reported himself the second day and was duly seated.

A query from Corinth (Lowndes) church was presented in
these words: “Is a church in gospel order that has no written
by-laws and accepts The New Testament as its rule of action and
enforces discipline alone according to its teachings?”

The query “was briefly discussed and answered affirmatively.”

In that decision, the association did not abrogate its right to
require churches in its membership, or seeking admission thereto,
to subscribe to its “Articles of Faith”—which, as has been ex-
plained in the first chapter of this narrative, are but a compen-
dious statement of the fundamental principles upon which Baptist
churches stand.

The committee on Temperance, Elder N. A. Bailey, chairman,
submitted two resolutions, which are here given in full:

“Resolved, That it is the solemn conviction of this association
that no church should allow its members to visit drinking sa-
loons and by their example give countenance to the sin of intem-.
perance ;

“Resolved, That any church which retains in its fellowship
members who commit the sin of drunkenness ought to be cut off
from the fellowship of her sister churches.”

The report, including those resolutions, was, after approbative
remarks by several brethren, adopted.

That matter is brought out here to show growth of sentiment,
if not in regard to “Temperance” itself, at least in reference to
the position the association had a right to assume on the subject
of the proper attitude of the churches in that particular. At the
previous session an amendment to the constitution had been of-
ered touching that same question, in the discussion of which such
a diversity of sentiment had developed that the matter had been
“indefinitely tabled,” as a compromise.

At the new present session, it transpired that the question could
be freely discussed and agreeably settled upon precisely the same
idea that was so strenuously opposed on the former occasion. The
lapse of one year showed certainly a great change in the views of
a number of excellent brethren.

The committee on Sunday-schools, through its chairman, Bro.
W. H. Ousley, reported “With much pleasure, the large increase,
both in schools and scholars, during the last year.” And further
History oF Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION, 61

on the report said: “One cause, we believe, of this great increase
is to be found in our Sunday-school Convention. . . .. One other
cause is the untiring efforts of our sisters, who are taking an active
part in this grand and glorious work.”

There it is! “The sisters” again. What shall we not find them
into next? Aren’t “the women great meddlers”? Well, there is a
verse of Scripture vaguely echoing in the writer’s mind, which
speaks approvingly of someone exceedingly well-prepared “inter-
meddling” in a very laudable way, with a very desirable thing:
Proy. 18: 1. With that example before them and in that spirit,
let “the sisters” meddle.

Bro. I. N. Davis, chairman of the committee on Missions, de-
clared in his report: “We are truly glad to say there has been
considerable improvement on this subject within the last few
years, especially with those churches which have adopted a regular
system in giving.”

(The italics are the writer’s.)

Regular, systematic giving would quickly solve the entire ques-
tion of church financiering.

In his report as a missionary of the association, Elder A. C.
Stephenson said: “I have traveled 1,500 miles; preached 96 ser-
mons; baptized 32 converts; constituted two churches—one at
Moultrie, of 10 members, the other at Little Ochlocknee, of 38
members.”

(Both of those churches had come into the association at the,
then, present session. One of them, Moultrie, is now, and has
been for many years, one of our strongest and in every way best
churches in South Georgia. The other was a country church, but
it has never failed to measure up to a standard equal to that
reached by any other church of its opportunities and environments
in the land.)

Bro. Stephenson said, further: “From various points of our
destitution, the cry comes, ‘Send us a preacher!’ And in the con-
cluding paragraph of his report, he expressed “Thanks to Revs.
T. A, White and C. S. Gaulden, for their very valuable assistance
in a portion of the field of destitution.” Adding that “also to
Rev. E. H. Bryan,” it was “due to state that he had assisted very
much,” etc. :

Volunteers, White and Gaulden, without compensation; a
special collection, during the session, for Bryan ,was cheerfully
taken up.

5
62 History oF Mrrcur Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Elder Blitch reported: “Miles traveled ,609; sermons preached,
82; exhortations, 15; prayer-meetings, 11; assisted in constituting
two churches; organized two Sunday-schools; baptized, 1; and
one awaiting baptism.”

Bro. W. W. Groover, treasurer of the association, offered the
following resolution:

“Resolved, That the treasurer be required to give bond in the
sum of $500.00, each year.”

It seems that Bro. Groover had business ideas about things
and that he believed in conducting The Lord’s affairs in a busi-
nesslike way.

At that session Elder Chaudoin called attention to the Chris-
tian Index “Portrait Gallery ;” a really valuable collection of some
hundreds.of likenesses of Georgia Baptist ministers (including
several prominent “laymen”), presented in a well-engraved, ellip-
tical group. Not many of those groups are to be seen now-a-days;
but there are, perhaps, numbers of people of the present genera-
tion who would be glad to own copies.

In the association minutes of that meeting, there is no record
of any Missionary Sermon having been preached. Whether there
was and the fact was inadvertently overlooked by the clerk, or
was not, will now, probably never be known.
 

Rev. C. S. Gaulden
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 63

CHAPTER V.

THE reader will find here following, a biographical sketch of
Elder C. S. Gaulden, moderator at the session of 1880, as prepared
by his son, Dr. 8S. S. Gaulden, of Quitman, Ga.

Rev. CHARLES SCREVEN GAULDEN.

Planter, soldier, lawyer, preacher, a man of God, built in heroic
mold, a devout and earnest Christian, a learned theologian, a
great preacher, and an eminently successful soul-winner. While.
he despised religious cant and abominated ritualistic formalism,
at the same time he was free from narrow sectarianism, and loved
all who loved the Lord, and extended to them Christian fellowship.

He believed that early Christianity was very simple, very un-
ostentatious and utterly unworldly and in its interpretation he
took the New Testament as his sole rule of faith and practice.
He believed fully in the Baptist position, as to faith and church
ordinances, and planted himself firmly there, and was a tower of
strength, and a shining light to the Baptist. denomination through-
out all South Georgia.

Tall and of commanding presence, and of imposing dignity,
without the least taint of personal vanity or self-seeking, he un-
consciously inspired the respect and confidence of everyone with ~
whom he came in contact. During the last thirty years of his
life he was physically far from being robust, and it was only by
taking unusual care of himself that he was enabled to conserve
his energies and preserve his health in-order to perform his work.
Endowed with an imperious will and a violent temper, yet under
God he gained self-mastery, and submitted to Him and humbled
himself under His mighty hand, and was obedient to His Word.

Possessed with a lofty courage that knew no fear, he ever
defended what he thought was right, and was always the valiant
champion of the poor and oppressed, and in their defense faced
and quelled howling mobs, without a thought of danger to him-
self. He was a man of affairs, and so well balanced was he that
he was equally at home in the business world and the forum of the
law, as in the pulpit. As a business man, he was sagacious and
far-seeing, and a master of its minute details. Asa farmer, he was
64 distory oF MercuR Baptist ASSOCIATION.

far in advance of his time. His plantation was the resort of
farmers who sought new and correct methods of management and
intensive and diversified agriculture. His plantation might have
been called an experiment station, where an accurate account was
kept of everything, including the various methods of preparation
of the soil, the cultivation and yield of the various crops, as they
came to fruition; while blooded stock, consisting of hogs, cattle
and fleet-footed horses and colts roamed his green pastures. It
has been said that his farm was an empire within itself, marvel-
ously prosperous, self-supporting and self-sustaining in every re-
spect. His hospitality was unbounded and free, and the stranger
within his gates was ever a welcome guest, the rich and the poor
being treated with equal courtesy. Never was this hospitality
misplaced or abused. So marked a characteristic was this of his
being, that during the last years of the Civil War, he, as its mod-
erator, invited and entertained as his personal guests the visitors
as well as the messengers to The Mercer Association. When his
residence was full to overflowing, cottages built for the purpose
received them. On Saturday and Sunday of every meeting day at
old Okapileco church it was his habit and chief delight, after serv-
ices, to invite all of the congregation who could accept, to go to
his home, near-by, to dinner with him, and there among his friends
and brethren to talk to them of the things of the kingdom.

He was a stern disciplinarian, exacting prompt and implicit
obedience; but also a wise and fondly devoted father to his chil-
dren. He invited and sought their confidence and entered fully
into their joys and sorrows, their ambitions and hopes, and com-
pelled his boys to labor with their own hands, and taught them
to work about the house, in the garden and in the fields. He in-
sisted upon the education of his children, in the best schools obtain-
able, and finally graduated all his sons from Mercer University.
He loved his home and was proud of his family, and was never so
happy as when, work being done and surrounded with his children,
he read aloud or had one of his sons to read for the entertainment
of all, such of the daily or religious papers or other literature as
he would select.

The family altar was raised, night and morning, in his home,
and all were required to attend, with hymn-book and Bible, each
in his or her turn reading a verse until the chapter was finished.
Then all joined in singing the hymn, after which he led in prayer.

Dedicating his children to God, he had the pleasure of baptiz-
ing all of them. He also governed his slaves with the same dis-
History or Mercer Baptist AssociaTIon. 65

cipline as his children. He trained them to work and preached to
them and taught them the way of life. As the result of this train-
ing, even after the war, no sheriff ever was known to have occasion
to visit the Gaulden plantation, during his life. He looked upon
it as one of his life’s duties to preach to Negroes as well as white
people, and he preached to them when opportunity offered itself.
Many of them did he baptize, and who were always proud of hav-
ing had this rite administered by him.

Born and reared on Georgia soil, under which his body now
sleeps, he was one of her most devoted sons, and did much to
elevate her in the moral, religious and intellectual scale. He was
of Scotch-Irish ancestry, descended from families who had first
settled in Virginia, but later migrated to South Carolina, where
his father, Rev. Jonathan Gaulden, was born and reared, and who
brought the name to Georgia, settling in Liberty county, in the
latter part of the eighteenth century. Here he reared his family,
and here our subject was born, the 5th of May, 1812. His mother
was a Miss Paisley, of Savannah, Ga., of Scotch-Irish stock, and
of remarkable intellectual power. Charles Screven Gaulden was
the second in age of seven sons. His boyhood was spent in the
pursuits incident to plantation life of those days. Part of the
year he went to school, at famous old Midway, and the other part,
at work on the farm. It was here that he acquired, under famous
New England teachers, his academic training, which was com-
pleted at the University of Georgia, which he left, at the head of
his class, a few months before graduating. His conversion oc-
eurred when he was twelve years old, as the result of camp-meet-
ing services at old Taylor’s Creek Camp-Ground, near his father’s
home, in Liberty county, and where his father had a cottage. The
serious impressions of the meeting never left him, but continued
with him until some time subsequent, when at night, in prayer,
the words, “He doeth all things well,” came to him and brought
submission, comfort, joy and peace to his soul. He awoke his
parents, to tell them of the rejoicing in his own heart, which was
reéchoed in the family circle; which continued all night. The
impression to preach was strong upon him and continued until at
college, where with many prayers of repentance he wandered from
the path of duty and Christian consecration.

At 18 years of age, in 1830, he settled for his father the present
Gaulden plantation, at Okapilco (now Brooks, but at that time
Lowndes county) ; where his father joined him in 1833 with the
rest of the family. Sometime subsequent to this, he offered his
66 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

services in behalf of his state, with others of Thomas and Lowndes
counties, and as a captain gallantly and fearlessly led the advance
in the battle of Brushy Creek in the war against the Seminole
Indians; where he captured some and aided in putting the others
to flight. In this battle, he received a wound from a rifle ball, in
his right cheek, which came very near proving fatal and which he
carried in him through life.

Shortly after leaving college, he chose law as his profession,
and as friend and pupil of the famous Judge Law of Savannah,
he in due course of time was admitted to the bar. Selecting Lump-
kin, Stewart County, Ga., as a Suitable point, he began there his
career as a lawyer; which for twenty years was one of uninter-
rupted success. His residence at Lumpkin was at a time when
that town was one of the most flourishing in the state, and the
local bar, of which he was the admitted leader, was not surpassed
by any in the state. The points which gave him preéminence
were an indomitable will, tireless energy, courage and perfect in-
tegrity in his business and private life. His reputation as a fear-
less advocate, combined with his high moral character, excellent
judgment, and proficiency in his profession, made him one of the
most successful lawyers of his time. The fact that from the prac-
tice of his profession he amassed a fortune of $200,000 in about
fifteen years being evidence, per se.

Politically, he was a Whig, and represented Stewart county one
term in the Legislature; where he went for the special purpose
of aiding in the establishment of the Supreme Court of the State,
which was done largely by his influence and labor, as the southern
portion of the State, or wire-grass section, followed his leadership.
The Supreme Court probably would not have been established
when it was but for his personal efforts and active influence. Po-
litical office, however, had no charm for him. Several times he
could have received the nomination of his party for congress; but
he refused and never again stood for office. He, however, did serve
as a delegrate from Books county, in the secession convention of
the state. He greatly desired that Georgia should remain in the
Union; for he foresaw clearly the disaster that would inevitably
follow secession ; but voted with the majority, as he never acted
for mere effect, but to accomplish some good end. He told a mem-
ber of his family that he went with the majority of the convention,
as to refuse to do so would do no good and be merely a piece of
political cant. It was one of the saddest days of his life and
at night he wandered in solitude under the old elms of the capitol
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOciATION, 67

grounds at Milledgeville, where, while tears of sorrow flowed fast,
he poured out his heart in prayer to God for his country, friends
and family. So sure was he of the ultimate results of secession
and the resultant war, in the abolition of slavery, that he felt that
he would be dishonest to sell his slaves that would possess no value.
Having gained eminence at the bar and made himself financially
independent, a strange departure was made in his life, or so it
seemed to the world. But gold could not allure nor ambition
tempt; in fact, nothing could swerve him from the path of duty
as he conceived it.

The early conviction that seized him at the time of his con-
version that God had called him into his ministry again became
the predominant conviction of his soul. Acting upon it, he re-
nounced that which the world most prizes and covets, and, in
1859, he gave up the practice of law and moved from Lumpkin to
his plantation at Okapilco in then the new county, Brooks, which
as a boy of eighteen he had settled, and from that time to the day
of his death gave of his time and means to the propagation of the
Gospel of Christ. His methods were those of the true missionary.
Being a regularly ordained minister of the Missionary Baptist
church, he would begin a series of meetings in the school-house of
a country community, and such was the power of his preaching
and the influence of his Christian example that a baptism of The
Holy Spirit would follow and conversions would result, and a
church would be built with means largely of his own furnishing.
When he went to Brooks county, there was but one Missionary
Baptist church in it; at Grooverville. He built the one at Oka-
pilco and helped organize and build the one at Quitman, Ga.; of
which he was the first pastor. His services were always gratuitous,
using what was given to him for the cause of missions. During
the war he organized (the old) Mercer Baptist Association, and
for many years was its moderator.

As a public speaker, he was didactic in style, though when
stirred profoundly could rise to flights of oratory, which capti-
vated his audience and convinced them of the truths that he was
uttering. A profound theologian and devoted Christian, he ex-
pounded the truths of the Bible with no uncertain sound, but as
one that knew; and thus with his wealth, his social position and
unselfish and useful life, he did much to advance the kingdom of
his Master.

He was married, in Lumpkin, in 1844, to Charlotte L. LeSueur,
a lady of French Huguenot stock, who bore him seven children,
68 History oF Mercer Barrisr ASSOCIATION.

viz.: Charlie M., wife of John Tillman, hardware merchant then
residing in Quitman, Ga.; John B., Albert J. and Cornelia L., who
died in infancy; D. LeSueur, lawyer, Titusville, Fla.; William T.,
Baptist minister, and Samuel 8., physician, both of Quitman, Ga.

Rev. C. S. Gaulden died, at Quitman, Ga., October 8, 1884, of
pneumonia, contracted while on a visit to one of his plantations
on the Etowah river, a few weeks previously. Around his dying
bed gathered his children and wife, who heard from his lips his
last utterances full of Christian hope and triumph over the last
enemy, Death.

Thus did a great man live and die, caring nothing for worldly
fame or the plaudits of men, leaving the sweet influence of a
Christian life as a precious memory and inspiration to his family
and numerous friends. His wife, a woman noted for her loveli-
ness of person and character and unbounded kindness and hos-
pitality, survived him but a few years, departing this life August
1, 1889. SamMuet 8. GauLpen.

Now, without apology, the writer will offer another collection
of brief biographical notes. Surely the reader of the present fa-
vored generation would not deny this writer space for brief per.
sonal chronicles of as many as possible of those who wrought in
the earlier days of our association’s history? The memory of
those days is redolent of fragrance delicate as the perfume of
lavender from the opened cedar chest in which have been stored
for preservation the cherished draperies of loved ones gone in the
dimming years of long ago.

Most of those whose names have been already given and will
be given in the next group presented have passed from earth. They
should not be forgotten. And they will not be, insofar as this
historian is able to prevent.

Here and there, one remains, or a thin group may be seen, of
those who through half a century and more have stood for The
Truth in this beloved country and of those who during the forty
years of our association’s existence have sought to honor God and
His Christ in its operations.

Some of us who came into the work years after those who had
so nobly inaugurated it and so efficiently had set the various parts
of the machinery in wondrous harmony a-going would call upon
those who have followed, later still, to join with us in placing
crowns of honor upon the brave, devoted heads of those faithful
ones, living or dead.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 69

Many of them, most of them, nearly all of them, were faithful
soldiers in the army of “The Lost Cause,” as that terrible political
cataclysm of “The Sixties” has been mis-named. They were equally
faithful soldiers in the army of another “cause” that can never
be “lost”’—The Cause of Our Blessed Redeemer and King.

The names of a few who came a little later upon the stage of
action than most of those mentioned, will appear in the group,
only because the later actors were partly co-temporary with the
earlier, ere the great majority of them took their departure from
earth.

Bro. W. H. (commonly called “Pat’”) Ousley, after whom were
named the railroad station and the church in the village where
he resided, was a man of force and influence for good. A son of
his, Clarence, has been a prominent newspaper man in Texas,
for years past.

Bro. W. R. Perry, of Bellville, was a man of prominence in
his community and a strong factor for good in his church.

‘Practically the same may be said of Bro. A. Everett, of the
same church.

Bro. Remer Young, of Valdosta, was a large cotton planter and
“a man of affairs”; but he was not found wanting in attention to
religious concerns.

Bro. J. B. Jones, of the same church, did not allow his exten-
sive business to conflict with his duty to his Lord.

Bro. J. C. Jones, in like manner, was faithful in his church rela-
tions, although largely interested in temporal concerns in Valdosta
and the county of his residence.

Bro. John Tillman, of Quitman, was a deacon in his church,
an exemplar of probity in his community and a model of integrity
in the large business conducted by him in his town. He left col-
lege at Mercer to enter the Confederate army and served bravely
and faithfully, to the end of “The War Between The States.”
After the close of that struggle, he located in Quitman, where
he was always regarded as an- honorable, Christian gentleman.
He was for years superintendent of his Sunday-school and the
high standing that the Quitman Baptist church has ever main-
tained was largely due to his influence in the community. . One
of the most important secular positions held by him, was that of
chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Too much could
not easily be said of that noble-hearted man. He was married to
Miss Charlie, the only daughter of Elder Chas. 8S. Gaulden, and
theirs was an ideally happy home life.
70 History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION.

Bro. D. W. Murphy, of Big Creek, was a plain farmer, of good
name, and a useful member of his church; and there were others
like him, of his name and blood, in northeastern Thomas and Col-
quitt counties.

Bro. Dan Groover, of Liberty church, was and is one of whom

.it may be truthfully said, “none knew him (and none knows him)
but to love him.” A nobler-hearted Christian gentleman never
lived.

Bro. Charles D. Groover, also of Liberty, was a plain-spoken
but excellent man ; impulsive, enthusiastic, zealous in church work
and thoroughly dependable.

Bro. O. H- Carroll, of Milltown, was like his brothers, Dr.
E. B. and Deacon G. W. H. (now of Albany), a man “good and
true” in those earlier days—and, if still living, the writer doubts
not, is still the same.

Bro. Asa Newsome ,of New Bethel, was a member on whom his
church could rely and his neighbors “count with certainty.”

Bro. John W. Wilson, of Big Creek, was respected in his com-
munity as a man and a citizen and honored in his church as a
true and faithful member.

Dr. E. R. Young, of Friendship, was honored and beloved as
a citizen, as a physician and as a useful member of the church to
which he was devoted. He was for years superintendent of his
Sunday-school.

Hon. J. S. Montgomery, when first appearing upon the scene,
a boy member so to speak of Friendship church, but afterward,
a useful deacon in Barnett’s Creek church of The Bowen Asso-
ciation, and now a prominent deacon of the First church, Thomas-
ville, while always active and efficient in his church relations, has
also been quite prominent in civil life, having served with credit
as Mayor of Thomasville and Judge of the Court of Ordinary, of
Thomas county, besides filling other offices. He is blessed in a
wife in every way worthy of him.

Bro. Henry O’Neal, of Salem church, was another of those
solid, sturdy farmer-folk of whom there were so many in those
earlier days, who could always be depended on in their, religious
concerns. ;

Bro. C. A. Davis, of Hickory Head, one of the younger genera-
tion and one of the connecting links between the old and the new,
was of the same stripe of others in that glorious church who have
been named, as he is today, faithful and true. He is a worthy
son of a worthy father, and absolutely correct in all the relations
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 7

of life. He is well mated with a wife who makes his life abun-
dantly worth living.

Deacon Jeff Davis, now of Quitman, but formerly of Hickory
Head, where in that faithful company of kindred spirits he was
trained for the efficiency with which he has so ably wrought in
the church of his present membership as one of the very best, is
like his brother, C. A., an honor to the memory of his noble father.
He is blessed, moreover, in a wife who has few equals and no
superiors, anywhere.

Bro. Asa May, also of Hickory Head, holds an enviable record
for fidelity and constancy in all his relations with his church and
his association.

Dr. S. S. Gaulden, of Quitman, while too young to have been
numbered with the original band who organized The Mercer (new)
Association, came into church relations with it early enough to
be of great service, whenever in former years his professional
duties permitted his attendance on its sessions, And he used to
make them permit. He has always enjoyed a good practice,
greatly to his profit, and he used to be quoted as saying he “trusted
to his practice to make money for The Lord, and then trusted in
The Lord for a living.” He has represented his county in the
Legislature and has held other important civil positions. Not
enough people appreciate him at his true worth. He and his hand-
some wife are devoted to each other.

Deacon Dan T. Forest, of Friendship church, was a worthy
son of his noble old father, Deacon Sugar Forest, and right effi-
ciently did he fill the honorable station to which his brethren had
called him.

Deacon William Knapp, of the same church, was a faithful
member and officer and a good and exemplary citizen, whose chil-
dren have a right to feel proud of their father.

Deacon J. F. Lilly, likewise of Friendship (the name of the
church being popularly changed later to Metcalfe when its loca-
tion was removed to the village so designated, built up near its
former site), was devoted to his church and was superintendent of
its, Sunday-school when he met his tragic death.

Dr. J. T. Culpepper, now a leading banker, of Thomasville,
old enough to be numbered among “the connecting links,” began
his civil life as a successful practitioner of medicine and surgery,
in Boston, Ga., and his religious life as a member of the Baptist
church in that town. He has always been true to his convictions
and with them, to his church and to his pastor. His wife, a
72 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

daughter of the lamented Dr. J. R. Reid, beautiful in soul, as in
body, is well suited to her noble husband.

The Blalocks and the Arringtons, now almost or quite exclu-
sively (in their church relations), of “the gentler sex,” are de-
scendants of those who were a power for good at Hickory Head,
in their day. The men of those names in former days, were in all
respects, worthy of the splendid women, their descendants, of
today.

John and Ashton Thomas, brethren beloved, also the Knapps,
David, Will and Joe, equally esteemed, of Friendship now Met-
calfe church, while not to be classed in age with the older organi-
zers and promoters of The (new) Mercer, have served, and with
the exception of Ashton, are serving their “day and generation”
well. Ashton, but recently, went home to God, and a nobler fellow
never left his noble community.

Brethren Ray Bridges and McGhee, of Beaver Dam; the Wards,
of Evergreen; Bradford, of Beulah; Overstreet, of Bethlehem;
Mosely, Willis, Painter and Corbett, of Corinth (Lowndes) ;
Townsend, Brown and Hassell, of Concord; Fender Chitty and
Touchstone, of Macedonia (Lowndes) ; Wardlaw and Thomas, of
Madison; Beattie, of New Bethel; McTyre, of Thomasville; Mon-
crief and Lewis, of Olive; Worthington, of Bellville; M. Wilson,
Pierce and Browne, of Big Creek; Joe Norton and E. K. Smith,
of Boston; Croft and Strickland, of Pleasant Hill; the Shivers,
of Philadelphia; Wallace, of Liberty; Norton, of Milltown; John
Morrow, Jones, Groover and Jordan, of Okapilco; Warren, of Pine
Grove; Willis Quarterman, of Friendship; Brinson, Hardee and
Knight, of Redland; Guthrie, of Statenville; Herndon, McTerrill,
DeLoach, Lineberger and Corbett, of Sardis; Friar and Williams,
of Macedonia (Madison) ; Ben Allen, W. A. Thomas and Dr. A. L.
Smith, of Valdosta; J. M. and Evart Groover, of Ochlawilla; Sim-
mons, Johnson, Sherrod and P. C. Davis, of Salem; L. F. Haddock
and W. G. Bentley, of Quitman; were worthy, each one, of such
notice as it is impossible for the writer to give in this small vol-
ume. They brought nothing but blessings to the communities in
which they, respectively, lived.

The names given in the preceding pages, singly or in groups,
are (practically all) of brethren who were prominent in their
respective churches before and at the time of organization of The
(new) Mercer Association and of a few who came into activity
shortly afterward. Many more might be given of excellent breth-
ren who became prominent later, as well as of others still who are
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 13

conspicuously efficient in their churches and in the association
today; but such a procedure would not leave room within the
limits allotted to it for the narrative proper. Therefore, with the
exception of the remaining moderators, sketches of whom have
been expressly. stipulated for, not many others can be specially
mentioned in the pages to follow, only in connection with peculiar
conditions which necessarily bring them conspicuously to the front.
And, after all, some who ought to be mentioned will, probably, be
unintentionally overlooked.

The session of 1881 was held with the Thomasville church, and
the Introductory Sermon was preached by Rev. J. Albert Smith,
of Bainbridge, who had been for fourteen years, a Presbyterian
minister, of superior rank, but who had then recently come to the
Baptists, on conviction of the correctness of their position in Bible
doctrine. And through whose influence, do you suppose?

After the noon recess, the body, still presided over by Elder
C. 8S. Gaulden, the moderator in continuation from the last ses-
sion, re-organized itself by the election of Elder W. B. Bennett,
Moderator (EWer. Gaulden having declined to permit the use of
his name), and the reélection of Elder E. B. Carroll, Clerk. The
electors had been named in the reading of the letters of the com-
ponent churches.

Nankin and Enon churches were received into membership upon
presentation of orthodox “articles of faith.”

The following-named brethren accepted tendered seats: Dr.
S. Landrum, Agent of Mercer University, Elder W. N. Chaudoin,
Florida Editor of The Christian Index, as visitors, and as corre-
spondents, Elders,A. M. Manning and A. C. McCants, from The
Florida Association, A. Bond, from The Suwanee, J. Albert Smith,
from The Bowen, and Jasper Battle, from The Macedonia (“col-
ored”). The next day, Elders J. L. Underwood, from the Bethel,
Robert H. Harris and W. H. Hoggard, from The Bowen, and
Deacon D. K. Butler, from The Bethel, were received as addi-
tional correspondents.

The reader may have observed that correspondents from the
Negro association, Macedonia, have been appearing regularly at
every session. The Mercer brethren were glad to see that, and
regularly appointed return correspondents from among their prom-
inent men. Although the writer has never heard such a thing
mentioned, there might have been something suggestive in the
name of that association and thus in a Pauline spirit, the brethren
may have been prompted to (go) “over and help” (the “colored”
74, History oF MERcER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

brethren). How much good came of it all, however, has never
been made manifest to many of us,

The number of new preachers’ names reported on the minis-
ters’ roll at the Thomasville meeting was six: Elder E. H. Bryan,
of Moultrie (ordained from a “licentiate” since the last report),
and Licentiates, O. H. Carroll, of Ousley, J. W. Daniels and J. B.
Forster, of Boston,—Burroughs, of Valdosta, and John T. Far-
nell, of Quitman. The total number on the roll, however, was only
twenty-seven, as against twenty-nine, at the Grooverville session ;
Brethren J. Oscar Harris, R. W. Phillips, T. W. Powell A. M.
Manning, J. G. Norton and James M. Tinsley having removed
beyond the bounds of the association.

The number of churches reported was thirty-nine.

Elder T. A. White was announced by the committee on Preach-
ing, for what this writer has been calling the Missionary Sermon
(according to its position in the order of exercises), at 11 4.m.,
the second day of the session. A resolution was passed at that ses-
sion, however, naming the discourse customary for that hour the
“Missionary Sermon” and providing that brethren. be selected to
preach both it and the Introductory Sermon, a'¢ each session, for
the next one following. Elder White having been called away by
a telegram, Elder W. N. Chaudoin, a visitor again, was appointed
to take his place.

Dr. Landrum preached Tuesday night and delivered an ad-
mirable address on the subject of “Christian Education,” the next
day at 10 a.m.

Wednesday morning, Elder Stephenson, association mission-
ary, reported as follows: ‘Traveled, 1,590 miles; preached 57 ser-
mons; baptized 12 converts; assisted in the constitution of one
church ; ordained four deacons; collected $33.25 for missions.” In
addition, he “made a very interesting verbal report and declined
to act further, as a missionary.”

Elder W. A. Pardee, association missionary, reported: “Miles
traveled, 659; sermons preached, 59; baptized, 9; Sunday-school
addresses, 3; prayer-meetings, 22.”

Elder E. H. Bryan, association missionary, reported: ‘“Trav-
eled, 519 miles; tried to preach 40 sermons; delivered four Sun-
day-school addresses; aided in organizing three Sunday-schools;
assisted in constituting one church; in the ordination of one dea-
con; baptized one convert.” :

The report of the committee on Missions was not encourag
ing; but taken in connection with other reports, on that subject,
History or Mercer Baptist AssocraTion. 15

at previous and following sessions, suggests the idea of a kind of
ebb and flow of missionary sentiment among our people. Possibly
such is the experience of all evangelistic denominations. How de-
lightful ’twould be to have fiood-tide all the time!

The committee on Sunday-schools reported “with pleasure that
most of the churches have schools,” and suggested “the propriety
of continuing The Sunday-school Convention and mass meetings,
believing that those meetings stimulate and instruct Sunday-school
workers.”

At the close of the session, adjournment was voted to “Thurs-
day before the third Sunday in October,” 1882; and for the first
time in its history the association appointed the preachers of the
Introductory and (for the first time so named) “Missionary” Ser-
mons, a year in advance. Elder T. A. White was the appointee
for the former; Elder W. B. Bennett, for the latter.
16 History oF MErRcER BaprTist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER VI.

Tu reader may now pardon a diversion.

In the days before the formation of The Mercer Association,
“singing schools,” as they were called, were common, all over the
country. Usually, in the summer, “between seasons,” that is,
beginning after “crops were laid by” and lasting until “cotton-
picking” and “corn-breaking” began, men known as “singing-mas-
ters,” went about organizing “classes,” of from thirty or forty to
sixty or more people, and “giving” them a certain number of
“lessons,” at a fixed price, either per capita, or “in the lump.”
The lessons were taught and the resultant singing practiced, gen-
erally, in country “meeting-houses,” selected at certain central
points, on some particular day in every week, until the whole
course was completed. By judicious management, one teacher
could have two or three classes in progress at the same time, and
as the number of lessons was not large, two or three “sets” of
classes could be taught in succession, during the same summer.
Thus, although the price of tuition was small, a teacher with two or
three large classes “on hand” at a time, and with three or four sets
of classes graduated during a season, could make the business quite
profitable; especially when (as was usually the case), he added
the commission received on song-books sold to pupils and others.
Some of the teachers conducted night schools, at varying points,
generally villages, throughout the greater portion of the year; thus
making the business a regular profession, instead of a temporary,
money-raising expedient, “at odd times.”

The book used was known as “The Sacred Harp,” printed in
“shaped notes,” 4. ¢., using only four notes, “fa,” “sol,” “la,” and
“me,” all differing in shape, instead of seven all alike in shape;
and the music often produced by those “piney-woods” classes,
under the training of such men as B. F. White, or C. A. Davis, or
even teachers of less renown, was wonderful.

The four “parts” in “The Sacred Harp,” were the “base” (as
spelt in that book), or “bass” (which at the start, was often to
be spelled right in the first of those two words) ; the “tenor,” now
generally called the “air,” sung by both sexes; “the “counter,”
corresponding to the “alto” of other systems, sung by men only;
and the “treble,” similar to the “tenor” of other compositions, but
sung by female voices, exclusively.
History or Mprcer Baprist Association. V7

There was no instrument used in the classes—except that now
and then, some teacher (such as George F. Root or his brother,
neither of whom, by-the-by, used “shaped” notes) “led” with flute
or violin.

But what instrument is equal te the human voice?

(Usually) on some day in the last week of the term in which
two or three classes finished the course, there was a gathering of
all the people concerned, at some central point, for an “all-day
sing”—as the occasion was called—and then there was “music
in the air.” Or on the closing day of a “season,” all the classes
under one teacher, of the entire summer, would be assembled, to
spend the day in singing; with “dinner on the grounds.” Rosy-
cheeked, bright-eyed country girls, healthy-featured, sturdy, rustic
youths, with oftentimes, fathers and mothers of both, or young
husbands and wives together, all joining in the singing, the very
atmosphere pulsated with melodious harmonies of song, until Na-
ture’s wild minstrels stopped to listen. The brown thrush left the
top-most, swaying maple bough, from which he was accustomed
to pour forth his full-throated, gushing, liquid melody, to crouch
upon a twig of the nigh crab-apple tree, and the blithesome mock-
ing-bird ceased to trill his rollicking rhapsodies and daintily
tripped along the “eomb” of the roof from beneath which surged
out the enrapturing sounds of human song. The house was usually
located near some perennial spring. There was “game” in the
forest, in those days. The black fox-squirrel ran down to the
lowest limb of the giant pine, close by, and there sat erect, his
knowing head cocked saucily awry and his plumy tail curving
rapturously upward and out upon the breeze; the wild-turkey, the
shyest of all the denizens of the woods, stood, as if carved out of
darkest bronze, iridescent in the sunlight, among the bushes that
bordered the “spring-branch,” in ecstacy that banished fear; the
red deer advanced to the nearest point of the myrtle thicket and
there stood with bated breath, his large, luminous eyes gazing out
spell-bound and his velvety ears thrown forward toward the
charmed spot whence the melodious tide was sweeping and flood-
ing the forest.

At about the time of The (new) Mercer’s organization, having
begun only a few years before, reed organs were coming into some-
what common use. The advent of the Rev. L. B. Fish, a Baptist
minister of Nashville, Tennessee, into our section, with his portable
organ, gave a powerful impetus to the cause of music, in Sunday-
schools and churches. He was gifted with a voice of marvelous

6
18 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

sweetness, flexibility and power; he played with great skill and
his songs enthralled and thrilled all who heard him. Bro. J. M.
Rushin, a vocalist of rare talent, who had often led classes with
exceptional ability and sung solos with charming expression, be-
fore the advent of the instrument, was early in utilizing the organ
as a helper. He acquired great skill as a performer while as a
soloist, playing his own accompaniments, as did Fish, he was a
close rival of the famous Tennessean. Others began to follow the
example of Rushin and in a few years, after the impetus given
by our visitor and our own gifted home-brother, there were to be
found organists (though not the equal of either of those two as
singers), in many country churches, while all the denominations,
as a rule, but one, in practically every village and town, owned an
organ and maintained a choir.

With the general introduction of cabinet organs throughout
the country came new song-books, different from “The Sacred
Harp” in the fact that in most of them the “characters” were
Italian, or so-called “round” notes, while in all of them, whether
the notes were “round” or “square”—i. e., “shaped,” as otherwise
called—the music was written with instrumental accompaniments.
The singing-schools were kept up as before, only there were more
of them, practically all using one or the other of the various new
kinds of books, and each teacher was attended by a particular
organist, either accompanying him in his rounds, or selected in
each of the communities in which the different classes were
organized.

“Singing-Conventions” also came largely into fashion and con-
sisted in the assembling together, at stated times and places, of
singing people, pupils, teachers and “leaders,” from a number of
schools, for concerts of one or two or, occasionally, more days.
On those occasions regular programmes were observed, according
to which each teacher or leader present took a “turn”—or more,
if the session was long enough—as musical director of the entire
aggregation, each supported by an organist of his own choice,
while great throngs of eager hearers listened with rapt attention.
Most of the singers knew nothing of Mendelssohn, had never heard
of Beethoven nor Mozart, were strangers to even the term “classical
music”; but they could sing! Attendant throngs of people, to
whom the names of Handel and Haydn were as strange as those
of Zeno the Eleatic and Pythagoras, were charmed. And angels,
concerning whose classic taste and cultured sense there could be
no question, might sometimes have been fancied hovering above,
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 79

poised on snowy wihgs in the vibrant volumes of thrilling song,
rolling up like streams of symphonic incense to heaven.

“Well,” at this point someone may ask, ‘what has all that to
do with the history of The Mercer Association?”

The answer is ready. It is a part of that history. The con-
gregations that filled our meeting-houses for church services were
composed largely of singing people, trained in those country and
village singing-schools; and everyone knows how conducive to the
best results good singing is, in worship. The word “filled” just
used, is not a merely conventional expression. The congregations
in those days, were almost invariably, large. The people had an
incentive; they had been taught to sing; and in that feature of
the worship each one could take a part. Then when the “pro-
tracted meetings” came on they were “revivals” indeed. There
were almost no “traveling evangelists,” in the sense of “profes-
sional revivalists,” in those days, each accompanied by “his own
professional singer”; but pastors did the preaching in their own
meetings, or for brother pastors elsewhere, as likewise, the asso-
ciation missionaries did, at their own “stations,” or helped each
other; and the-people sang. The hearts of Christians rejoiced,
sinners were saved, the churches grew and were strengthened, the
association was developed and God was glorified. There was not
much heard about “what a talented man” such and such a preacher
was, or of “what a gifted vocalist” was “conducting the revival
music” (although such was often true, then as now), but the talk
was of “the sweet,” or “the glorious,” or “the terrible,” “mes-
sages God was sending to the people,” and of how “mightily The
Holy Spirit was moving the hearts of men.” Much less said about
men and much more said about God.

Such meetings do sometimes occur in these latter days, but
they are not nearly so common now, as then; and that some pro-
fessional revivalists do “stir up” cities, towns and rural commu-
nities, there is no question. But there is a difference. And as to
the lasting quality of results, there is a greater difference.

The “eighth annual” session of the association, as so desig-
nated by the clerk, was really the ninth, even to count it an anni-
versary meeting, as in his system of numbering, was obviously
meant by that officer, and not to include the convention at which
organization was effected. It was held with Hickory Head church,
beginning on Thursday, 4.M., October 12, 1882.

In the (presumed) absence of the regular appointee (Elder
T. A. White), Elder J. M. Rushin preached the Introductory

Sermon.
80 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

After the noon recess, the body was formally organized for
the session, by the reélection of Elders W. B. Bennett and E. B.
Carroll, as respectively, Moderator and Clerk.

Fredonia, of Thomas, Concord, of Florida, and Beulah, of
Clinch, the first and last “new” churches, were received into asso-
ciational fellowship.

The Rev. Dr. E. W. Warren, of Macon, and Dr. A. J. Battle,
President of Mercer University, were recognized and welcomed
as visitors.

In the meantime, the regular order was suspended and the
constitutional change, voted for at the last session, providing for
an assistant moderator and an assistant clerk, was voted upon
the second time and thus constitutionally effected. In the elec-
tion immediately following, Elder J. M. Rushin was chosen As-
sistant Moderator, and Judge J. G. McCall, Assistant Clerk.

At that session, a committee consisting of Brethren McCall,
Rushin, Golden, Stephenson and Bryant, was appointed to mature
a plan, if possible, for the work of colportage in the territory
embraced within our associational] boundaries. During the after-
noon session of Saturday, that committee reported a plan which
was adopted by the association.

The same afternoon, Elder W. B. Bennett was, by resolution
of Elder R. A. Peeples, declared a missionary of the association,
in view of certain work done by him.

Friday morning, Bro. A. A. Andrews, of The New Sunbury
Association, was welcomed and seated, as a correspondent.

At 11 a.m. the Missionary Sermon, pronounced in the record
“a most excellent” discourse, was preached by the regular ap-
pointee, Elder W. B. Bennett.

’ Certain churches desiring letters of dismission “in order to
form another association,’ the following resolution was passed,
to wit, “That Statenville, Sardis, Stockton, Macedonia (which
one not stated), Bethlehem, Good Hope and any other churches
desirous of leaving us” (for the purpose mentioned) “be and are
hereby dismissed from us.”

Elder Stephenson (still associational missionary) reported:
“Traveled, 1,300 miles; preached 77 sermons; baptized 14 converts;
assisted in the constitution of one church; in the ordination of
two ministers and two deacons; collected for missions, $41.85.”
He said further: “Our entire destitution in this field is in work-
ing order, except one point. When your missionary first entered
this field, Colquitt county did not have a Missionary Baptist
History of Mercer Baptist ASSociaTION. 81

church in her bounds; now, she has eight churches, all working
for “The Master. Five of these, with one in Brooks and four in
Thomas, show the work of your missionaries.”

Elder Pardee, association missionary, reported: “Sermons
preached, 74; prayer-meetings, 43; Sunday-school addresses, 3;
baptized, 10; miles traveled, 1,065. There is a destitution begin-
ning at the Withlacoochee (river) and running north forty miles,
with an average width, east and west, of fourteen miles, in which
there is not a Missionary Baptist church and in which no mission-
ary of our faith and order has labored. From (that region) comes
the cry for help.”

In the report of the committee on Missions, Dr. E. Z. F. Golden,
chairman, occur these passages: “The devoted and brave of all
denominations, are hearing, with peculiar interest, the command
of our Lord, ‘Go ye into all the world and preach The Gospel to
every creature,’ and the fruit of the handful of corn in the earth,
on top of the mountain, is beginning to shake like Lebanon, in
all lands. The results are grand. To these results, Baptists have
been, if not foremost, among the largest contributors. The thought
of modern missions originated with the Baptists and as the great
army of Truth advances steadily against the enemies of darkness,
they are, and ever have been, among the vanguard. Divine favor
seems to have rested upon our efforts. By no means the most
wealthy, or the most learned and influential of the evangelical
denominations, American Baptists have had more converts in
foreign fields than all others on this continent, combined.”

Elder William Reynolds was appointed to preach the Intro
ductory Sermon, at the next session, and Elder E, B. Carroll, the
Missionary Sermon.

At the 1882 session, Hon. R. G. Mitchell, of Thomasville, ap-
peared for the first time, as a representative of his church, and his
genial presence was gladly welcomed by his brethren. Judge
Mitchell has been all his life a conspicuous figure in South Georgia.
A gallant soldier in the war of “The Sixities,” he served with dis-
tinction in the Southern army; as a non-commissioned officer, a
lieutenant of the line, and a brigade staff officer. Since the war,
he has occupied a number of high positions in civil life. As a
representative of his county, in the State Legislature; as a Sen-
ator from his district; as President of the Senate; as Solicitor
General, for years, of The Southern Judicial Circuit; and as Pre-
siding Judge of the circuit, for two successive terms, he has been
82 History OF MERCER Baptist ASSOCIATION.

everywhere found able, faithful and true. And his devoted wife
has been to him a bright, guiding star, all through his eventful life.

In the minutes of the Hickory Head session, of that year, ap-
peared for the first time, a complete record of all the moderators
and clerks of the association, to date; the names of meeting places
and preachers of introductory sermons. Such a record has been
published in completeness, every year since.

The names of the following ministers appeared at that session,
as new-comers into churches of the association: ‘Elders T. Alder-
man, Thomasville, A. Bond, Quitman, J. W. Carlin, Quitman, and
William Reynolds, Thomasville.

The ninth annual session of the association was held with Quit-
man church, opening October 18, 1883.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder A. C. Steph-
enson, the alternate, in the (presumed) absence of Elder William
Reynolds, the principal.

After the noon recess, the meeting was organized by the re-
election of all the former officers, to wit: Elders W. B. Bennett
and J. M. Rushin, Moderator and Assistant Moderator, respect-
ively; Elder E. B. Carroll and Deacon J. G. McCall, respectively,
Clerk and Assistant Clerk.

Cairo church was received into fellowship, by letter, from The
Bethel. Association. :

The following-named brethren were received as correspondents:
Elder J. L. Underwood, from The Bethel, Deacon R. R. Terrell,
from The Bowen, and Brethren W. H. Gary, W. E. Morris and
E, W. Overstreet, from The Smyrna. Later, Brethren O. W. Sulli-
van and David Walker were recognized as correspondents from
The Florida. There are no titles given by the writer, to some of
those brethren, because he finds none in the association minutes.

In addition to the correspondents, quite a number of visitors
were officially welcomed: Dr. J. H. DeVotie, Corresponding Sec-
retary and Treasurer State Mission Board, Dr. A. B. Campbell,

~Chairman Centennial Committee and Agent of Mercer University,

Drs. E. W. Warren, M. B. Wharton and E. Z. F. Golden (former
pastor at Thomasville), Elder A. C. Ward, of Atlanta, and Deacon
D. K. Butler, of Camilla.

The Mercer Association seems to have become a very popular
institution.

Another new church, Bethany, of Lowndes, was received into
fellowship, on the second day of the meeting.
History or Mercer Baprist Association. 83

At that session, a record of The (old) Mercer was given, as to
times and places of meetings, and the names of the respective mod-
erators, clerks and preachers of introductory sermons, from 1868,
to the first session of The (new) Mercer, after organization, in
1874. Those data will be presented here, because they are not to
be found in any later copy than that of the next annual session
of our association minutes: From 1863, to 1873. Places in an-
nual succession, New Bethel, Okapilco, Quitman, Redland, Bell-
ville, New Bethel, Quitman, Statenville, Valdosta, Milltown, Red-
land; Moderators : W. W. Odom ’63, C. 8. Gaulden, from ’64 to ’71,
inclusive, C. D. Campbell, ’72, R. WwW. Phillips, °73; Clerks: J ohn
Delk, °63, Rk. W. Phillips, ’64 and 65, O. C. Pope, °66, 67 and ’68,
J. H. Carroll, 69 and ’70, W. B. Bennett, 71, M. Jones, 72, E. B.
Carroll, 73; Preachers of Introductory Sermons: C. Howell, ’63,
R. W. Phillips, ’64, J. H. Campbell, ’65, O. C. Pope, ’66 and ’67,
Jas. McBryde, ’68, C. Howell, ’69, Jas. McBryde, ’70, H. M. Friar,
71, C. S. Gaulden, ’72, J. G. Taylor, 73.

At that session, the names of Revs. Jas. E. Powell and Moses
Ward, then recently ordained, were added to the list of elders, and
Elder Thos. E. Tiller, the new pastor at Thomasville, appeared
for the first time, in the body.

In reference to Bro. J. E. Powell, the committee on Ministerial
Education had the following to say: “This association has for the
past two years, rendered material aid to Bro. Jas. E. Powell. He
is, in our judgment, an excellent young man. . . . It is known
that we have no tuition to pay for him; for that important aid,
we are indebted to the University (Mercer). Board has been. re-
duced, in view of the benefit of such young men. . . . Your
committee beg further to say that we have had more applications
asking for aid from such worthy young men than we could re-
spond to, for lack of funds.”

Bro. Powell turned out to be a first-class man, a good preacher
and an excellent teacher, soon becoming the able principal of the
Arabi High School. But, in the prime of life and in the midst of
his promising usefulness, he was cut down by the scythe of Death.
Alas! and alas! Nevertheless, we would not repine. Our God
makes no mistakes.

In his report as chairman of the committee on Temperance,
Elder R. A. Peeples, proved himself a prophet (and time showed a
safe one) of “Prohibition” in Georgia. Notice this sentence:
“Your committee is satisfied that the entire abolition of this curse
(liquor) to religion and civilization is but a question of time.”
84 History of Murcer Baptisy ASsociaTion.

The dear brother did not live to see it, but the “accomplished fact”
for which such an earnest desire was expressed in his report was
realized, at least, in law, not a very great many years after his
lamented death. i

Elder Stephenson reported: ‘Traveled 600 miles; preached
30 sermons; baptized nine; assisted in ordaining one minister and
one deacon; delivered five Sunday-school addresses; collected for
missions, $28.95.”

That was for one-fourth of his time.

In conclusion he said: “In submitting this, my last report, I
beg leave to retire from the field.”

Elder Pardee reported: “Sermons preached, 49; prayer-meet-
ings, 21; baptized, 11; miles traveled, 528; one church constituted,
with 21 members.”

Elder R. A. Peebles was thanked, by the body, for volunteer,
uncompensated services, as a missionary. ,

The number of ministers reported in the churches of the asso-
ciation was of Elders, twenty-three; of Licentiates, five. Some for-
merly on the list had removed to other sections and one of the most
valued, Elder Carswell Howell, of Militown, was reported dead.

The total number of component churches reported was forty
—notwithstanding the withdrawal of several, at a former session,
to join in the organization of another association.

Dr. DeVotie spoke in the interest of State Missions; Dr. Whar-
ton appeared for Home Missions and The Christian Index; and
Drs. Campbell and Warren were heard with great interest in be-
half of Mercer University.

Elder Thos. E. Tiller was appointed to preach the Introductory
Sermon at the next session, with Elder E. B. Carroll, as alternate;
and Elder T. A. White was announced for the Missionary Sermon.

The tenth annual session of the association was held with Lib-
erty church, Grooverville, beginning, October 16, 1884. In the
absence of the principal, Elder T. E. Tiller (who came in later),
his alternate, Elder E. B. Carroll, preached the Introductory
Sermon.

After the noon recess, organization of the session was effected
by the election of Elder J. M. Rushin, Moderator, with Elder W. B.
Bennett, Assistant, and Elder E. B. Carroll, Clerk, with Hon.
J. G. McCall, Assistant—the latter pair reélected.

At this point, the regular narrative will -be suspended for the
insertion of a biographical sketch of Elder J. M. Rushin, for many
years the beloved moderator of the association. The sketch has
been prepared by Hon. Jno. G. McCall.
 

Rev. J. M. Rushin
History or Meacer Barrist Association. 85

Rev. J. M. RusHin.

James McCann Rushin was born July 15, 1838, and reared in
Thomas County, Georgia, having spent his life substantially among
the same people.

His educational advantages were restricted to the rural schools
of his county; but being endowed with an acquiring mind, he has
accumulated a large store of useful information, and as a result
he has been a teacher of the people and to his credit on useful lines.

On October 20, 1858, he was married to Miss Julia A. Groover,
daughter of Josiah and Nancy Groover, who were among the most
substantial people of the county, living on their own farm near
Grooverville. Although childless, they have raised five children,
given to them by their friends as foster parents. These children
hold Mr. Rushin and his wife in the highest esteem and deservedly.

Mrs. Rushin has, during their long and useful lives, given lier
husband her loyal support and he cheerfully declares that whatever
of success he has achieved in life his devoted wife has been an
inspiration to him and is entitled to equal credit with himself. She
has obeyed the injunction of her Bible: “Let Your Women Keep
Silence in the Churches.” She has never clamored for the rostrum
or the ballot, but has exerted herself to make a splendid “Home-
keeper.” Her scriptural example is worthy of note, especially in
this day and time.

John Rushin and Mary Jane McCann Rushin were the parents
of the subject of this sketch: these parents were good people but
were not permitted by Providence to raise their son, the life of
the son was the death of the mother. This infant was then given
to his maternal grandparents, Joshua and Sophia McCann, for
whom Mr. Rushin has always entertained the highest regard, for
their devotion to him and pious example.

Mr. Rushin, during early manhood, being of a musical turn
of mind, was fond of his violin and became an important factor
in the ball-room and at dancing parties and all the while known
as “Fidlin’ Jim.”

In 1868, while attending a Baptist meeting, our violinist pro-
fessed faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized into the fellowship
of Liberty church, at that time near Grooverville, since having
been moved to Grooverville. He then gave up the association of
his young friends and the call of the ball-room and devoted himself
to the service of his church.
86 Hisrory oF MERCER BApTisT ASSOCIATION.

In 1872, our young Baptist was ordained a Minister of the
Gospel, at the request of his church. He surrendered the de-
mands of the dancing party for the call of the pulpit. His regen-
eration was followed by a decided conversion and his solemn call
of God to the Baptist ministry—that high and exalted service
became his lifework. He was then called to the pastorate of the
Liberty church, which had at this time been removed and located
at Grooverville; and for twenty-seven years he -was the active
pastor of this church, enjoying the confidence of his members.

His pulpit ministrations were a decided success. He has been
during his long life pastor of various churches: at Boston, seven-
teen years; Hickory Head, ten years; and at different times pastor
of the following churches: Valdosta, Summerhill, New Hope, Dun-
canville and Cairo. These were important and responsible charges
which our preacher discharged with success and in the spirit of
humility. For the past ten years, he has retired from the pastorate
by reason of a nervous collapse, though occasionally he is called
on to supply the pulpits of his neighboring brother pastors.. Dur-
ing the days of his active service, his associates in the ministry were
such men as the Rev. E. B. Carroll, D.D., Rev. T. A. White, Rev.
C. D. Campbell, D.D., Rev. James McBride, Rev. C. 8. Gaulden
and Judge W B. Bennett; all eminent and useful ministers of the
gospel.

Bro. Rushin has been a Free and Accepted Mason, for the past
fifty years, and in that mystic order has been raised to the 32d
degree; he is now and has been for many years, Grand Treasurer
of Georgia. He is also Past Deputy Grand Master—having de-
clined_in his modesty the Grandmastership of his State.

_ The subject of this biographical sketch, in the stormy days of
the ’60s heard and responded to the patriotic call of our beloved
Southland and was by his comrades elected Second Lieutenant,
Co. I., Twenty-sixth Regiment, Georgia Volunteers. He remained
with this command and in the field one year. Upon the reorgani-
zation of this regiment, and preferring the cavalry arm of the
mnilitary service, he joined the cavalry and was a soldier of his
country at the time Gen. R. E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox.
Mr. Rushin took part in a number of battles—Trevilian, White-
house, Charles City Courthouse. He rendered signal service in the
capture of twenty-seven hundred head of beef cattle on James
River, from the Northern army, and delivered them safely to Gen.
Corley, who was Commissary General of the army of Northern
Virginia. Our hero was a useful soldier, at times, on the field dur-
History or Mercer Barrist ASsociaTION, 87

ing battle, he was transferred to the Ordnance Department, which
required bravery and was attended with great danger, having to
supply ammunition to the soldiers while engaged in battle.

Among the responsible positions held by him, he was the Mod-
erator of our Association for nineteen years. This position he
filled with becoming dignity and efficiency, and to the entire satis.
faction of his brethren.

The Rev. J. M. Rushin has been impressed in favor of Missions,
Home and Foreign, teaching the membership of his churches the
Word of God on this subject, and they have met and discharged
this great duty of Christian service. His valuable services as a
missionary have been told by the historian in another chapter in
this book and do not need to be recapitulated here. Our brother
is now spending the evening of his life in his own home, in the city
of Boston, Georgia, surrounded by his numerous friends, in peace
and plenty; that peace which God alone can vouchsafe to His chil-
dren, heirs of the Kingdom and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

J. G. McCatu.
88 History of Maacer Baptist ASSOclaTION.

CHAPTER VII.

Art the tenth session of the association, Big Ochlocknee church
was received as a member component.

Brethren E. W. Overstreet and B. F. Coalson were received as
correspondents from The Smyrna Association, and Elder Jasper
Battle, from the Macedonia (“colored”).

Brethren T. A. White, from Evergreen, and J. B. Forster, from
Boston, were seated as visitors. The body did not assume the
right to recognize them as “messengers,” which they made no
claims to be, although they were members of churches component
of the association. Their cases were similar to those of Brethren
Bennett and McCall, recorded in a chapter previous to this.

In the absence (expected) of the regular appointee (Elder
White), Elder Bennett was announced for the Missionary Sermon
at 11 a.m. the second day.

On the third day, Bro. Paul Willis, of Monticello, Fla., was
welcomed as a correspondent from his church—i. e., presumedly.
And if the presumption is correct, the un-informed reader may
feel surprise at the fact. A correspondent from a church, to an
association? Yes. And this is why. An association is only a
band, confederate, of independent churches, each of which retains
its inherent right to receive a correspondent from any other reg-
ular Baptist church; and therefore the aggregation or temporary
confederacy of such churches, not having by the articles of con-
federation ‘or constitution upon which they are united surren-
dered that right, they may if they see fit exercise it together.

The committee on Education having reported Bro. Jas. E.
Powell as having “concluded his course of study, at Mercer Uni-
versity,” the association by vote, “assumed ‘the regular support of
one young man, preparing for the ministry, at Mercer University,
leaving it to the committee on Education to designate the young
man.”

Dr. J. W. Ford, the successor of Elder J. W. Carlin as pastor
of our Quitman church, being chairman of the committee on Mis-
sions, made a very brief but very apt report, an extract from which
here follows: “Your committee would report a gratifying increase
in our missionary contributions during the year. While the
amount may not fill the full measure of our duty, yet a gain of
Hisrory oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 89

33 per cent speaks of rapid approach to our privilege in this re-
spect. The greater consecration that has led to larger giving
seems to have characterized our brethren, both in the state and
nation, and God has honored our service with larger spiritual
‘blessings. Nearly 30 per cent more have been baptized into the
churches of our association this year than last.”

The Executive committee, Elder J. M. Rushin, chairman, said
in reference to association missionary Pardee, “We felt, as in-
dicated in our last report, that there was less need of real mis-
sionary work, but that much good might be done by helping weak
churches to pay pastors,” etc.; hence the shortening of the term
of Elder P.’s engagement for missionary work pure and simple.

The death of Elder C. S. Gaulden, spoken of by the committee
on Deceased Ministers as “the oldest and in seme respects the
most prominent minister” in the association, was commented on
most tenderly and feelingly by a number of speakers; and the
removal, by death, of four deacons, Brethren C. A. Davis, of Hick-
ory Head, D. W. Rountree, of. Quitman, and John T. Harvin and
Henry C. Ramsey, of New Ochlocknee, as reported to the body,
brought sorrow to the hearts of all present.

Elder Pardee, association missionary, reported: “Sunday-
schools organized, 2; sermons preached, 36; prayer meetings, 22;
baptized, 2; deacons ordained, 2; miles traveled, 596.”

Elder Pardee also spoke in his report, of women’s missionary
societies, in these words: “We heartily commend to all churches
these agencies as a mighty power for good, and would urge the
sisters to form these Woman’s Missionary Societies in all the
churches.”

After adjournment, the Executive committee made the follow-
ing appointments: “To preach the next Introductory Sermon, T.
E. Tiller, alternate, J. M. Rushin; Missionary Sermon, J. W. Ford,
alternate, E. B. Carroll.”

The association met in its eleventh annual session, with
Friendship church, Oct. 15th, 1885.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder T. E. Tiller.

After the noon recess, the following-named brethren were
elected officers: Elders J. M. Rushin (reélected), Moderator; J.
W. Ford, Assistant; J. E. Powell, Clerk; W. A. Pardee, Assistant.

Dr. A. M. Manning was received as a correspondent from The
Florida Association; Bro. Isaac Alderman, from The Bowen;
and Bro. L. F. Haddock, from The Rehoboth.
90 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Dr. G. R. McCall was recognized as agent for Mercer Univer-
sity and the Mission Boards and Elder Harvey Hatcher as Travel-
ing Editor of The Christian Index. Both were heard from during
the session, in speeches and a sermon, each.

In the report of the committee on Missions are to be found
some noteworthy sentences, here presented: “If the first disciples,
with their limited numbers, could preach to the then known world,
what ought the numerous disciples of today to accomplish? If
they, on foot, on horseback and slow-sailing craft, could spread
The Gospel through Europe, Asia and Africa, what. can we do,
with the railroad, the steamship, the telegraph, and with almost
every land on earth open to.The Gospel? We answer, Use the
same energy and zeal, and before the close of another century,
His Kingdom will have come and His Will be done in all the
earth.” . . . (Included) an extract from the report of the commit-
tee on Missions to The State Convention, as incorporated in the
association committee’s report: “A review of the missionary oper-
ations of the past convention year at home and abroad, calls for
devout gratitude to God, for the blessings that have attended. the
efforts put forth for the enlargement of The Redeemer’s Kingdom.

We thank God that the Boards with which this Convention
is connected are making aggressive movements upon the kingdom
of darkness.”

If that committee of the association took the correct view of
the situation, then, how should we view it, in these later years
with our conveniences, appliances and advantages multiplied
many times greater than theirs?

The convention committee’s report incorporated in the asso-
ciation committee’s as stated, called attention to the work of Dr.
J. H. Campbell among the factory people of Columbus, in these
words: “The first duty and the crowning glory of our faith—
preaching The Gospel to the poor;” and to Dr. G. R. McCall’s
special work, in these: “We would emphasize the importance of
theological institutes for colored ministers and deacons, as con-
ducted by Bro. G. R. McCall, second in our estimation, to no work
in which Southern Baptists can be engaged.”

A great pity it is that the self-sacrificing efforts of those two
devoted brethren had not been more appreciated by those to whom
those efforts were being respectively directed and consequent re-
sults been correspondingly more fruitful. ;

Elder Pardee, association missionary, reported: “Sermons
ee 38; miles traveled, 482; prayer meetings held, 19; bap-
tized, 1.
History or Mercer Baprisr Association, 91

That session of the association went practically on into the
fourth day, although formal adjournment was voted in the after-
noon of the third, the Missionary Sermon being delivered by Dr.
Ford, on the following morning, of Sunday—the opening having
occurred on Thursday.

How many messengers would be present on the fourth day of
a session in these times, when some begin leaving for home, after
noon recess, on the second day? _

The announcement of fixed appointments for the session of
1886, were: Elder E. B. Carroll, to preach the Introductory Ser-
mon, Dr. J. W. Ford, alternate; Elder T. A. White to preach the
Missionary Sermon, Elder J. M. Rushin, alternate.

The Mercer opened its twelfth annual session in Valdosta,
Oct. 14th, 1886.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder A. A.
Andrews, a correspondent from The New Sunbury Association.

After the noon recess, the meeting was organized by the re-
election of Elder J. M. Rushin, Moderator, and the election of
Elders W. B. Bennett, Assistant Moderator and W. A. Pardee,
Clerk, with Bro. R. T. Myddleton, Assistant Clerk.

Elam—a former Anti-missionary church—and Ochlocknee were
received into membership; Elder J. R. Battle, the pastor of Elam,
and a former Anti, who had been converted to missionary views,
being, in that immediate connection, by formal vote of the body
recognized as an ordained minister of The Gospel.

As correspondents, Elder H. M. Friar, from The Florida, Elder
A. A. Andrews, from The New Sunbury, and Brethren W. E.
Morris and E. W. Overstreet, from The Smyrna Association, were
invited to seats; while Dr. C. M. Irwin, State Missionary Evan-
gelist, and Elder J. B. Arrington were received as visitors. The
second day, Dr. J. C. Ryals, of Mercer University, was welcomed
as a visitor, and Rey. A. J. Carswell, from The Smyrna, and
Brethren J. J. Jelks and Daniel Croomlee, from The Florida, as
correspondents.

In the report of the committee on Missions, Elder T. A. White,.
chairman, Elder Rushin was heartily endorsed as “evangelist of
the association, having done great good in stimulating the
churches to an increase in contributions to missions.”

The association, in adopting a resolution offered by Bro, J. G.
McCall, pledged itself “to support a ministerial student in Mercer

University.”
92 HIstTory OF MERCER BaPTisT ASSOCIATION.

Elder Thos. E. Tiller, chairman of a specia] committee, sub-
mitted the following:

“Your committee is impressed with the value of Mercer Uni-
versity to our denomination. There is no school in the world so
important to Georgia Baptists. We therefore recommend:

First, Mercer University to Baptists, as the place to educate
their sons. Young men should, of their own accord, seek its
educational advantages for themselves;

Second, That the churches should look up young men and in-
duce them to go to Mercer. Especially should those whom God
has called to preach be trained for their responsible work;

Third, That the churches support in Mercer, ministerial stu-
dents who are unable to pay their own expenses;

Fourth, That contributions for the permanent endowment of
Mercer be made by the churches from year to year.”

The report of Bro. J. M. Rushin, who, in addition to his “regu-
lar work” as pastor, served as “associational evangelist,” for four
months, showed a wonderful record. He said: “Besides my regu-
lar work, I preached 63 sermons and traveled 1,387 miles during
four months of my appointment. . . . I am persuaded that

i a man employed in the field, for his whole time, would
result i in great good.”

The report of the committee on matters necrological, Elder
William Reynolds, chairman, said of Deacon S. Forest:

“ . . As a deacon, he was faithful to his trust; as a
Christian, zealous, ever contending for the faith once delivered to
the saints and passed away im the triumph of a living faith, and
a glorious hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave.”

The Missionary Sermon was preached at 11 a.m. Sunday, by
Elder T. A. White, at the Baptist church. Elder J. R. Battle oc-
cupied the same pulpit, at night. AJl the evangelieal pulpits in
the town were filled by association appointees, morning and night.

The fixed appointments for the next session were assigned as
follows: Introductory Sermon, Elder J. G. Norton, Alternate,
Elder J. M. Rushin; Missionary Sermon, Elder W. H. Scruggs,
Alternate, Elder W. A. Bryant.

Once again came the pleasant experience to the association
of a session with the Quitman church. That meeting was opened
History of Mercer Baprist Association, 93

Oct. 13th, 1887, and the Introductory Sermon was preached by
Elder J. M. Rushin.

After the noon recess, the body was organized for business by
the reélection of Elder J. M. Rushin, as Moderator, Elder T. A.
White, Assistant, Elder W. A. Pardee, as Clerk, and Deacon F. M.
Groover, Assistant.

‘i The new church, Murphy’s Chapel, was received into member-

ship.
The Rev. Drs. C. M. Irwin, representing the State Mission
Board, and W. A. McIntosh, Secretary of the Home Mission
Board, were welcomed to seats. Also Bro. J. H. Roe, from The
Florida Association, was recognized as a correspondent, and
Elders J. C. Brewton, A. A. Andrews and R. T. Asbury were re-
ceived as visitors; the last-named-being President of Monroe
Female College. On the last day of the session, Dr. A. J. Battle,
President of Mercer University, and Bro. J. J. Williams were
greeted as visitors.

In response to an appeal written by Elder J. S. Murrow, a mis-
sionary in the then “Indian Territory,” a contribution of $61.00
was made to help in the completion of a church building for the
Indians in A-to-ka.

Elder Thos. E. Tiller, chairman of the committee on Missions,
in his report, uttered the following declaration, which was en-
dorsed by vote of the body: ‘The obligations ‘to go and to give’
are as binding on Christians of the last quarter of the nineteenth
century as they have been on any preceding age.”

Yea, verily. And they are as binding on us of the twentieth
century as they were upon the disciples of the first century!

A resolution offered by Elder C. A. Turner, the successor, as
pastor of the Quitman church, of Dr. J. W. Ford (the latter called
to the pastorate in LaGrange), was adopted, the same reiterating
the expression of the association, at a former session, endorsing
“the plan of The Georgia Baptist Convention, for raising funds
for missions.”

Elder W. B. Bennett, chairman of the Executive committee, in
his report, “took pleasure in stating that the treasurer, Bro. W. W.
Groover, has been able to pay, promptly, at the end of each quar-
ter, the salaries of the (association) missionaries as they became
due.”

Bro. A. W. Groover, chairman of the committee on Sunday-
schools, among other good words said, uttered this noteworthy ex-
pression: “The letters from the churches show improvement in

7
94 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

some of them; but the large majority of the country churches are
neglecting this part of church work. To the extent of this negli-
gence, they are the losers. They have not that influence over the
young that they should and would exert if this means were faith-
fully used. Where the Sunday-school work is carried on, the
church’s prosperity is apparent.”

Hon. J. G. McCall, chairman and treasurer of the committee
on Ministerial Education, said: ‘“We have assumed the tuition
bill (of young brother Paul Pace) and his course and conduct have
proved satisfactory to the committee.”

The Missionary Sermon of the session, was preached by Elder
W. H. Bryant, on Friday morning; after which a goodly pecuniary
offering was made for missions.

The fixed appointments for the next session, were of Elder
W. B. Bennett, for the Introductory Sermon, Elder W. A. Pardee,
alternate; Elder C. A. Turner, for the Missionary Sermon, Elder
J. M. Rushin, alternate.

Dr. A. J. Battle was given a good hearing for Mercer Univer-
sity, and Prof. R. T. Asbury made a pleasing impression in favor
of his school, The Monroe Female College, at Forsyth.

The adjournment of the session was announced on a vote of the
association to re-convene with Evergreen church, on Wednesday
before the third Sunday in October, 1888.

On the 17th of October, 1888, The Mercer Association met, in
its fourteenth annual session, with Evergreen church, in Brooks
county.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder W. B. Ben-
nett; after which a recess was taken, to 2 o’clock, p.m. ,

On re-assembling, after dinner, all the incumbent officers were
reélected.

The following-named brethren were welcomed as correspond-
ents: KE. W. Overstreet, from The Mell Association, E. S. Hatcher,
from The Mallary, A. M. Manning, from The Florida, Jasper
Battle, from The Macedonia (“colored”), and W. H. McIntosh,
representing the State Mission Board. Bro. W. F. Reeves, of
The St. Mary’s River Association, was received as a visitor, and
the day following, Elder Robert H. Harris, of Columbus.

Calvary church, of Berrien county, was received into the fel-
lowship of the association.

Dr. McIntosh, in behalf of Dr. J. H. DeVotie, Corresponding
Secretary of the State Mission Board, read a letter from him to
the association, asking it to “try” and raise $1,600.00 for mis-
History or Mercer Barrist ASsociaTION, 95

sions during the ensuing year; in reply to which, Elder T. A. White
offered a resolution that was unanimously adopted, as follows:

“Resolved, That this association make an honest effort to raise
the $1,600.00 asked for by our State Board, and that all pastors
of churches in this association, be appointed a committee to appor-
tion to their respective churches, the amounts they will be re-
quested to raise.”

In response to a speech made by Bro. J. G. McCall, the sum
of $166.00 was subscribed on the floor, and partly paid, for the
assistance of our young student brother at Mercer, Paul Pace.

At 11 a.m., the Missionary Sermon was preached by Elder
J. M. Rushin; at the close of which a collection amounting to over
$40.00 was taken for Missions.

The treasurer of the association, Bro. W. W. Groover, after
reading his annual report, declined because of feeble health to
accept reélection to the office, as tendered him. Thereupon, Judge
McCall offered the following resolution, which was unanimously
adopted: “That the thanks of the association are due and are
hereby tendered to our retiring treasurer, W. W. Groover, for
his fidelity, promptness and correctness in every official act as
treasurer.”

In the election for treasurer which followed, Bro. F. M. Groover
was chosen.

In the necrological report, some remarkable coincidences ap-
peared. The three deacons who had died during the associational
year, were all, nearly of the same age, between 83 and 86 years.
The eldest, Deacon John Fitzgerald, was 853; had been a Bap-
tist 60 years; a deacon 18 years; and had been “instrumental in
constituting the church of which he was a member, at the time
of his death.” (But Elder J. M. Odom, chairman of the commit-
tee making the report, did not name the church). Deacon John
G. Dekle, aged 84, was a member of New Hope (Thomas county) ;
had been a member of the executive committee of the old Florida
Association, for years; in which position, both his influence and
his means had been freely used in the interest of missions; and he
was the first moderator (as already shown) of the new Mercer
Association. Deacon 8S. Alex. Smith, of the Thomasville church,
was 83, and during the time of his church membership, had con-
tributed liberally of his ample means, in aid of The Cause of The

Redeemer.
96 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

(In the above, the writer has used only one paragraph for
brevity’s sake, and has condensed and paraphrased some of Bro.
Odom’s language for convenience in incorporating some expres-
sions of his own.)

In reference to the “discussion of the mission report,’ the
clerk of the association uses these strong, but well-merited words:
“Bro. J. G. McCall made one of the most impressive and instruct-
ive speeches on missions, ever delivered before this association.”

Apparently, the first communication ever addressed by a
“Woman’s Missionary Society” to the association, was presented
at that session. The. writer feels that it deserves to be quoted
in full:

“New OCHLOCKNEEB CHURCH, THOMAS Co., Ga., Sept., ’88.

“The Woman’s Missionary Society, of New Ochlocknee Church,
to Mercer Baptist Association, with the church at Evergreen,
sends Christian greeting. ;

“Our society was organized, February ist, of the present year.
We elected for officers, Miss Lizzie Hart, President, Miss Emma
Hall, Vice-President, Miss Annie McQueen, Secretary, and Mrs.
Robert Raines, Treasurer. We number, at present, twenty mem-
bers and eighteen honorary members; have contributed for Home
Missions, $70.00; have collected, for repairing our church, $47.65;
making a total of $116.65 collected since our organization. We
desire the prayers of the brethren, in our works.

“Miss Lizziz Hart, President.

“Miss ANNIE McQuEsEN, Secretary.”

Those women, most of them girls, “desired” to be identified
with “the brethren” in advancing The Cause of The Master—in
their labors and their “prayers.”’ And do you observe that the
last word, and the main word, in their communication is plural?
“Works.” In the opinion of the writer, that spelling is not an
accident. Nor was it due to ignorance in composition. Most of
those ladies, if not all of them, were known to a man now sitting
in the writer’s chair. He had, at one time, been their pastor and
he knows that they were not un-schooled illiterates. They meant
what they said. Their idea was to engage in many kinds of
religious work—all the “works” in which “the brethren” were
engaged—and perhaps—no doubt—more kinds. And in doing
that, they wished to share with “the brethren” in “prayers,” as
well as in labors,
History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 97

The committee on Missions, through the chairman, Elder R. T.
Goodrum, used these words in the closing paragraph of the re-
port presented: ‘“We are encouraged to learn that both in our
own and foreign lands, there is a strong desire to hear The Gos-
pel. This fact should stimulate us.to greater efforts and cause
more liberal contributions. ‘The fields are white unto the har-
vest.’ ”

This sentence must be given from the report on Mercer Uni-
versity, Bro. J. G. McDonald, chairman: “The parent who fails
to give his child the best education in his power must be regarded
as deficient in duty, and we urge upon our people the necessity
for giving their sons the advantages of a higher education.”

The committee on Nominations, announced, to preach the In-
troductory Sermon at the next session, Elder R. T. Goodrum;
Alternate, Elder W. A. Pardee; the Missionary Sermon, Elder
P. G. Elsom (the new pastor at Quitman) ; Alternate, Elder J. R.
Battle.

Including visitors, there were said to be thirty-two preachers
present at the session; a fact (if a fact) that means much, in view
of the closing sentence in the minutes of the meeting: “One of
the most delightful and harmonious sessions of Mercer Association
was closed.”

Just think of a “harmonious” session with that many Baptist
preachers present!

And, now, what could be a more “delightful and harmonious”
diversion at this point, than a description of a “dinner on the
grounds,” to which reference has been, and may be, made from time
to time, in these pages?

A temporary table, four or five feet wide, four feet high and
two hundred, or three hundred, or more, feet in length, “according
to the crowd” expected, is constructed of rough planks, laid on
“scantling” posts driven into the earth and fastened together by
twos, at their tops, with cross pieces. The table is erected in as
well-shaded a place as possible, near the house in which, or the
“brush-arbor” under which, the all-day meeting is being held and
is “laid-off” straight or in the shape of an L, or in three sides of
a parrallelogram, according to preference. When constructed in
the last-named form, the inside of the figure is reserved for the
boxes and baskets in which the food has been brought from home
and for those who “serve.” Immediately after the close of the
forenoon exercises, men carry those boxes, baskets, trunks, etc.,
containing the food, out to the table, where the ladies spread on
98 History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

tablecloths, and with the assistance of some of the defter ones
among the men, display the viands—carving and slicing, wherever
necessary. Roast beef, boiled beef, beef-loaf, Brunswick stew,
beef-steak; roast pork, pork chops, spare-ribs, back-bone and sau-
sage (the last three articles if in season); roast mutton, mutton-
chops; often each of those kinds of meats barbecued; “seethed”
kid, cold boiled ham, broiled ham and broiled other meats; roast
turkey; fat hens, roasted, baked and pot-stewed with dumplings;
other chickens “smothered” or encrusted under rich pastry in two
kinds of pie; others still, fried and broiled; corn-bread of water-
ground meal, in pones, in oven-loaves and in muffins of two styles;
baking-powder biscuits, “shortened” biscuits, beaten-biscuits,
“rolled” biscuits; light rolls, home-made light-bread; sliced toma-
toes, “cole slaw,” sliced boiled beets, potatoes, sweet and Irish,
served in several styles; and other vegetables (all those according
to season) ; pickles and other relishes of various kinds; hot coffee,
buttermilk; “layer” cake of divers kinds, all of “the best’; jelly-
cake, chocolate cake, lemon-cheese cake, pound cake—which is the
best—peach pie, both the crust kind and the “pot” kind; apple
pie, dried and green ; black-berry pie; “huckle-berry” pie—we know
nothing about “whortle” berries in this country; potato custard,
lemon custard, syrup custard; preserved and canned peaches and
pears, fig preserves, watermelon-rind preserves; fresh fruits and
melons of various kinds, if in season—and still other viands under
all the heads above, not mentioned here!

There! The table is “spread.”

Now, either the local pastor or someone requested to act calls
aloud, “Everybody draw nigh! and take place at the table!” Then
with a knife-handle, he raps upon the board. “Everybody be
quiet,” he commands. “Brother So-and-so, will return thanks, or
will ask a blessing,” whichever form of expression is preferred by
the annunciator; and as apt as not, “Bro. So-and-so” responds ex-
actly opposite to the request.

Then the final call is sounded, “Everybody help yourself!” An
exhortation that has never been known to be disregarded.

Now the feast begins, and it is continued until all at the table
are satisfied.

There is the picture! And thousands could testify that it is
not overdrawn nor unduly colored.

The reader may observe that in the following pages, extracts
from reports of committees, resolutions, etc., will be less numerous
and less copious than in the foregoing pages. The reason for that
History or Mercer Baprisr ASsociaTION, 99

difference is thus to be stated, as follows: In the beginning, the
association was small and its out-reach of limited scope. It was
necessary for the historian to record practically everything said,
as well as done, in those earliest days, as prognoses of what was to
come. Then, later, for a number of years, a similar record, though
not so extended, was necessary to show how those prognoses were
materializing. As the association grew larger and the scope of its
purpose expanded, its character and its principles were more fully
and clearly understood, and the reader of this narrative needs to
see fewer and less fully quoted extracts from its records, by which
to estimate the measure of its progress. Therefore, the presenta-
“tion of such extracts, as it has become less necessary, has become
less and less frequent and voluminous, down to the point now
reached. From this point onward, literal quotations from the re-
corded minutes will be as a rule (with oceasional exceptions),
infrequent and brief.

Another reason for the course pursued by the writer and the
determination on his part indicated is contained in the fact that
a reproduction of all, or even of very many of the truly important
transactions occurring at the various sessions, would swell the
number of these pages far beyond the limit prescribed by the
association through its committee on publication.

As everything concerning the course and object of this narra-
tive ought now to be well understood, the thread of the story will
here be resumed, not often to be (even apparently) severed again.

The fifteenth anniversary session of the association-opened with
its convention in the meeting-house of Big Creek church, October
16, 1889 ; the Introductory Sermon being preached by Elder W. A.
Pardee.

The session was organized by the election of Elder T, A. White
as Moderator, and Elder J. R. Battle, Assistant; with Elder W. A.
Pardee, as Clerk, and Bro. J. W. Haddock, Assistant.

The following-named brethren were received as visitors: Dr.
G. R. McCall, representing Mercer University; Dr. W. H. Mec-
Intosh, representing all of our mission boards; Elders W. H. Hog-
gard, and G. W. L. Adams, with Bro. B. R. Wingate, from The
Bowen Association; Elder W. J. Williams, the new pastor at
Thomasville; Bro. J. C. McMichael, of The Christian Index; and
Elder A. P. Ashurst, of Quitman.

The following new names, some of them of old ministers (i. ¢.,
ministers known before) are found on the list reported at that
session: Elders, A. P. Ashurst, Quitman; W. H. Dent, Val-
100 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

dosta; Mitchell Hancock, Hempstead; G. T. Hurst, Cairo; James
F. James, Cairo; Martin Knight, Ousley; J. P. McCann, Adel;
J. M. Odom, Morven; Garrett Parker, Cairo; E. F. Richter, Cairo;
W. P. Richardson, Cairo; John Taylor, Cairo; W. J. Williams,
Thomasville. Licentiates, Luther Lawson, Mercer Student; Paul
Pace, Mercer Student; Cator Massey, McDonald.

Cairo now appears to have become the preacher incubator.

Those had not all come into the association’s territory during
the then closing associational year, but their names are now given
by this writer, for the first time, in list form, since his last men-
tion of additions to the roster.

In the meantime, since this scribe’s last record, the following-
named had left our “bounds,” for residence elsewhere: Elders,
W. F. Beverly, 8. E. Blitch, E. B. Carroll, J. W. Ford, J. W. Car-
lin, C. A. ee M. D. Pope, W. H. Scruggs, James McBryde,
J. EB. Powell, E. Z. F. Golden, Thos. E. Tiller, Percy G. Elsom;
Licentiates, J. we ‘Daniels, J. T. Farrell, J. J. Williams, T. B.
White.

Ochlawilla church was received into membership at that ses-
sion, from The Florida Association. (That seems to have been a
return, after a former withdrawal, not noted.)

Bro. John G. McCall reported the gratifying progress our min-
isterial students, Brethren Paul Pace and Luther Lawson, were
making at Mercer, and $25.50 was raised on the spot for their
assistance.

Dr. G. R. McCall made a strong plea for Mercer University,
upon the following grounds:

“First, Because Mercer is the property of Georgia Baptists,
and if Baptists do not take care of their property, no one else will;

“Second, Because the advantages and facilities (for) obtain-
ing an education at Mercer, are equal to (those of) any other
institution in the State.”

He also urged the association to erect a cottage on the college
grounds, for the housing of students from its churches; in response
to which suggestion, $78.85 was contributed.

At 11 a.m. the second day, Elder J. R. Battle preached the Mis-
sionary Sermon, and an offering of $36.24 was made, for missions,
at the conclusion of the discourse.

Think of it. An ex-“Hardshell” preaching a missionary ser-
mon!

And through whose immediate instrumentality do you think,
was he brought into our denomination?
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 101

The appointment of a messenger to The Southern Baptist Con-
vention, has now become a part of the regular programme and we
find Bro. J. G. McCall appointed again, as at the previous session.

Bro. F. M. Groover, elected treasurer, at the 1888 session, vice
Bro. W. W. Groover, who had declined reélection, was again
chosen for the same position at the session of 1889, by a unani-
mous vote.

Elder W. W. Bryant, association missionary, reported his work
at Sparks and Mogul. At the former place, a meeting-house was
in process of erection, and he reported fourteen additions to church
membership—presumably at Sparks, though no name was given:
by letter, nine; by restoration, one; by baptism, four.

The Finance committee reported receipts for the year, in cash
and vouchers for sums paid out by the churches, $1,511.37; of
which $850.52, in cash, received at the meeting was turned over
on his receipt, to the treasurer. :

The historian cheerfully gives place, here, to a biographical
sketch of Elder T. A. White, chosen moderator, at that meeting;
the same having been written by Hon. J. G. McCall.

Rev. T. A. WHITE.

Thomas Alexander White, a native of Newton County, Geor-
gia, was born May 18, 1848, where he spent his early boyhood on
the plantation of his father. His father was of a mechanical turn
of mind and in addition to supervising his farm, he worked in
wood and iron. His parents were Carolinians, North and South,
respectively.

The subject of this sketch was partially educated in the rural
schools of his county. He also attended college at Oxford, but
leaving college in 1864, he joined the Confederate army and be-
fore completing his education. He became a sharp-shooter and was
engaged in many skirmishes, when at Fisher’s Hill, in the line
of duty, on March 24, 1865, was captured and imprisoned at Point
Lookout, until the surrender. When released from his imprison-
ment, he returned to his native county, but too late to reénter
college, as he thought, and complete his education.

In 1866, young White professed the Christian religion, was
baptized by Rev. Stephen Mayfield, into the membership of Salem
church, then in Newton, but now Rockdale county. On the 20th
of December, of the same year, he was married to Miss Annie 8.
White, and although of the same name were not related. They
have no children.
102 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

This Christian woman has made him a boon companion, has
stood with unfaltering devotion to the cause of Christ and in sup-
port of her husband in all of these years of their earthly pilgrim-
age. This sketch would be incomplete without saying of Mrs.
White that she has been useful in the missionary efforts of the
Baptist women in Southern Georgia. She is a successful organ-
izer and has encouraged and put on foot many mission societies
among her sisterhood. In her prominence among the churches
she has never lost sight of that crowning virtue—modesty—to be
found in the highest type of Southern womanhood. She has al-
‘ways spurned the pulpit, in the presence of promiscuous assem-
blies, and has never ignored the apostolic injunction, “Let your
women keep silence in the churches.” Mrs. White was the daugh-
ter of Capt. James White, a Confederate soldier; he was active in
the removal of the Indians from Georgia; and withal a useful and
prominent citizen. She was educated in the high school at Con-
yers, Georgia.

Thomas Alexander White, in 1868, at the age of nineteen, was
elected and ordained a deacon, in his mother church, Salem. This
fact in strong terms tells us of the character and standing of this
Christian young man. Deacon White, with his young wife, in
1875, was prompted to remove from old Newton, came south and
stopped in Brooks county. Having been impressed by the Holy
Spirit to preach the Gospel of Christ and his brethren quick to
discover his gifts, called for his ordination to the Gospel ministry,
and having summoned the following Presbytery: Dr. Joseph 8.
Baker, Dr. C. D. Campbell and Rev. W. B. Bennett, who by due
formality and in a solemn manner ordained him to the Gospel
ministry. Since that solemn occasion, this minister of the Gospel
has been discharging his pastoral duties, having ministered to
fourteen churches in the Mercer Association—to the church at
Friendship, he was pastor twenty-seven years, to Evergreen church,
where he is still pastor, for twenty-one years. During these years
of ministerial service, he has not lost sight of the colored people,
but would preach to them when opportunity presented. On one
occasion, a colored brother expressed his approval of the sermon,
when another of somewhat an inquiring mind asked his ebony
brother why he liked the white man’s “preach,” he readily re-
plied, “’Case him preach so much like a nigger”; because Brother
White, in common with the Baptists of the South, has never lost
sight of the colored population.
History or Mercer Baptist Association. 103

This sketch of the life and labors of Mr. White would be incom-
plete without a notice of his successor at Evergreen. This com-
munity is ten miles northwest of Quitman, the lands are quite
productive, well adapted to cotton, corn, sugar cane, sweet pota-
toes, peanuts, oats and rye and are today occupied by a class
of good and progressive citizens. In this community our young
minister began preaching to the people, in a common school-
house. The people of this community were living on small farms,
cultivated by the fathers and sons of the community. They were
social in their nature and quite neighborly in practice. When in
the spring of the year nature began clothing herself in living
green, the dog-wood and yellow jessamine were blooming, these
farmers, by common consent, would assist..each other in rolling
their logs and burning the trash. The men would roll the logs
on each others’ farms, by course, with a supply of whiskey on hand
to give zest to the occasion. The mothers and daughters would
show their approval of the combined industry of the husbands and
sons and imitate their example by stringing up a quilt and com-
plete the quilting that day; when, after supper, the young folks,
with a professional fiddler, in a suitable room, or the yard, would
spend the hours in social dancing. Such was life in that commu-
nity and had been, long beyond the memory of man to the contrary.

Our young minister with a sharp insight into the then state
of morals at Evergreen, began the Hurculean task of reforming
these people. He saw what could be done by a firm reliance on
Providence and a faithful presentation of the Word to these
people, in sympathy and love. Very soon, this Ajax Telamon of
the Gospel began making inroads upon the loose practices of the
neighborhood, when one by one the people, old and young, came
out on the Lord’s side and there grew up a nucleus of converts
who began to realize what was being done for them and what
could be done by the young preacher with their codperation; and
now under the benediction of heaven, this community has become
completely revolutionized. A Baptist church has been consti-
tuted, a successful Sunday-school organized and a_ beautiful
church building erected, a cemetery laid out and enclosed, where
Christian burial may be accorded to the people, adorned with beau-
tiful gravestones, marking the resting place of their pious dead.
This is Christian civilization. Christian education has been well
provided for, in the erection of suitable buildings and the employ-
ment of efficient Christian teachers.
104 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Evergreen is, today, a sacred spot, with all its happy associa-
tions and environments. The families prominent in this good
work, who manfully came to the assistance of the young preacher,
in sympathy and service, were the Wards, the Carters and Sinque-
fields and others too numerous to mention, though equally deserv-
ing. Much of this useful information was learned from R. L.
Stansell, Esq., who was himself baptized into the membership
of this church.

The writer cannot forbear recording an incident in the life
and service of Pastor White: On one occasion, while conducting
a protracted service for the church at Bainbridge, he had an-
announced his text and begun expounding it to his hearers, when a
certain woman who was a skeptic and would not so much as go to
church, but whose house was situated just across the street from
the church and the windows oppositee, so that the preacher could
be seen and heard. Sitting at a window, she heard the text. Its an-
nouncement arrested her attention. She remained a few moments
and continued to remain, unconsciously listening to the sermon,
at the conclusion of which she retired from the window. The
arrow of truth had flown, the Spirit was at work, the woman could
not sleep that night and before the next evening’s service began,
she had given her heart to Christ as a trophy of His grace. The
following evening, the door of the church was open to receive
candidates for baptism. She had come to church and came for-
ward, repeated the story of her experience the night before and
followed the injunction of her Master and Saviour by being bap-
tized into the likeness of His death, burial and resurrection. The
revolution wrought by the subject in the character and conduct
of the people of Evergreen, the regeneration, conversion and bap-
tism of the woman at Bainbridge tell us in unmistakable terms of
God’s call to Pastor White, info His exalted service in preaching
the Gospel, in saving souls and glorifying His Son.

Among the many persons baptized by our preacher, were the
Rev. Moses Ward, the Rev. J. P. McCann and the Rev. F. L. Ward;
who are useful ministers of the Gospel of Christ.

J. G. McCatt,
History oF MERCER Baprist ASSOCIATION. 105

CHAPTER VIII.

THE session of 1890 was held with Boston church, opening on
the 15th day of October; The Introductory Sermon being preached
by Elder T. A. White.

After the noon recess, the usual election of officers was held,
resulting in the choice of the following: Bro. J. G. McCall, Mod-
erator; Elder W. J. Williams, Assistant; Elder W. A. Pardee,
Clerk; Bro. W. T. Gaulden, Assistant.

The following new names of ministers appeared on the list at
that session: Elders J. D. Carlton, Chastain, P. H. Murray, new
pastor in Valdosta, B. D. Ragsdale, new pastor in Quitman, J. A.
Sellers, Obe; Licentiates: J. B. Alligood, H. J. McClary.

Pending the counting of the votes cast in the election of
officers, Elder H. Hatcher, present as a visitor, spoke by permis-
sion, for the first time the association had ever been addressed in
that behalf, in the interest of our Orphans’ Home; the result being
an offering of $20.25 for the benefit of that then newly-provided
institution.

Calvary church, Berrien county, was granted a letter of dis-
mission.

Dr. G. R. McCall, representing The State Mission Board, Elder
H. Hatcher, representing The Christian Index and The American
Baptist Publication Society, Elder A. M. Manning, correspondent
from The Florida Association, and Bro. M. R. Little, visitor from
The Bowen, accepted seats in the body. Also Elder Jasper Battle
and Bro. Joseph Mitchell, from The Macedonia (“colored”) Asso-
ciation.

The Missionary Sermon was preached in the morning of the
second day, by Elder W. J. Williams, of Thomasville; resulting
in an offering for missions of $19.89. That sum was, on motion,
contributed to the Foreign Board.

Bro. F. M. Groover was reélected Treasurer. His report
showed for the year, Dr., $1,469.33; Cr., ditto, including cash to
balance, $301.34.

The Finance committee handed in a tabulated statement, cov-
ering the year, as reported to the session: Vouchers $793.49, Cash
$857.55; Total $1,651.04. The cash for which he receipted, was
turned over to the treasurer, making with the addition of the
106 History or Mercer Baptist Association.

$301.34, cash on hand, from closing year, $1,158.89, as a starter for
the opening year.

At that session, the death of Bro. W. W. Groover, former
treasurer, was reported, and for the first time in the history of
the association, a page in the minutes was ordered “left for in-
scription in memory of the dead.”

The seventeenth annual meeting of the association was held
with Hickory Head church, beginning, p.m. Oct. 14th, 1891. Rain
prevented a morning session, so there was no Introductory
Sermon. Z

The result of the election, by ballot, showed no name having
a majority for Moderator. Elder B. D. Ragsdale was found to
have been elected Assistant Moderator, Bro. W. B. Roddenbery,
Clerk, and Bro. W: F. Gaulden, Assistant Clerk.

Another ballot ordered for Moderator, resulted in the reélec-
tion of Bro. Jno. G. McCall.

Lakeview church, Berrien Co., Ga., and Hopeful church, Jeffer--
son Co., Fla., were received into, membership.

Elders H. P. Brewer, of New Sunbury Association, W. L.
Curry and Joshua Martin, of The Bowen, and E. B. Carroll, of
The Mallary, were received as correspondents. Dr. G. R. McCall
appeared for The State Mission Board, Elder Carroll, in the inter-
est of Mercer University, and Bro. J. ©. McMichael, representing
his paper, The Christian Indea.

In the morning of the second day, two Missionary Sermons
were preached: one in the church building by the regular ap-
pointee, Elder Murray, and the other, by Dr. G. R.. McCall, in the
school-house near-by. Collections aggregating $43.17, were taken
at the conclusion of the discourses.

At that meeting, the death of Elder R. A. Peeples, of Valdosta,
was reported. One of the very best men in our connection had
passed away. Alas! and again, alas! A volume might be filled
’ with truthful words creditable to the memory of Judge Peeples.
Alas! and alas!

During the afternoon session, of that day, much business was
transacted, a part of it being the reception of Adel church, Ber-
rien county, into the fellowship of the association.

In the meantime, Dr. John G. Gibson, the newly appointed
Secretary of The State Mission Board, vice, Dr. J. H. DeVotie,
then recently deceased, had arrived and the body heard him in
both a speech and a sermon, with great pleasure.
A
oo

Hit
ea

 

Hon. J. G. McCall, L.L.D.
History of Mercer Baptist Association, 107

Bro. F. M. Groover was unanimously reélected Treasurer of
the association, after the hearing of his report and that of the
Finance committee.-

The treasurer’s report showed receipts during the associa-
tional year then closing, of $1,493.15, and expenditures aggregat-
ing an amount that left a balance of $583.43 in his hands. The
Finance committee’s report showed vouchers representing paid
out $1,140.84 and cash sent up to the meeting, $841.81; aggregat-
ing $1, 982.65. To cash was turned over to the treasurer; start-
ing him off with $1,425.24 cash in hand for the opening year.

Even a blind man can see that the association was making
solid progress.

With the greatest pleasure, and as a fitting close to this
chapter, space is here given for a biographical sketch of Hon.
J. G. McCall, now twice in succession, moderator and destined to
be so three times more immediately, besides yet again in later
years. This sketch has been prepared by Elder W. T. Gaulden.

Hon. Jno. G. McCati, LL.D.

John Goldwire McCall was born in Screven County, Ga., Janu--
ary 18, 1836. He is of Scotch ancestry, his great-grandfather on
his paternal side, having emigrated from Scotland to America in
the early colonial days, settling, it is probable, in the South. His
grandfather, Rev. Wm. S. McCall, was a preacher of the Mission-
ary Baptist church, and was a planter of note, carrying on his
agricultural labor with the help of slaves. He spent the latter
days of his-long and useful life in Screven county. His wife was
Mary Pierce. They reared eight children: George, Moses, Charles,
Joshua, John, James, Francis 8. and Laura.

A few years after his marriage, Francis S. McCall removed
from Screven county, the place of his birth, to Telfair county,
where he engaged in agriculture. In 1845, having sold his planta-
tion, he removed to then Lowndes, now Brooks county, and located
nine miles south of Quitman. At that time all south Georgia
was but sparsely populated, and wild deer, bear, wild-turkeys and
other game were plentiful. He settled in the woods, cleared a
space for his dwelling which he erected from timbers first hewed
ten inches square, and then split with a whip-saw that was
operated by two slaves, one standing on top of the timber, and the
other below. Cotton and products for sale had to be taken to
Tallahassee and St. Marks in wagons, and on the return, bring
household supplies. :
108 Hisrory oF MEeRcER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

In these plantation days, almost everything needed was made
at home, and the blacksmith made most of the agricultural imple-
ments. In this active, independent way, Francis 8. McCall lived
for years on the land that he had cleared, until he died in 1876.

Francis S8. McCall married Ann Dodson. She was born in
Beaufort, S. C., where her father, an extensive and wealthy planter,
lived. She died in 1901, aged eighty-five years. Thirteen children
were born into this home, and lived to be grown as follows: John
Goldwire (the subject of this sketch), James a ena Jane,.
Wilson C., Mary, Elvira, Clementine, Joshua R., Richard M.,
Thomas B., Harry J., and Ada.

John Goldwire McCall received good educational advantages;
was graduated from Union University, Murfreesboro, Tenn., in
1858. Three weeks later, he was made professor of ‘Greek and
Hebrew in that institution, and was successfully filling that chair
when the War Between the States was declared. Immediately
offering his services, he was commissioned first lieutenant of
Company K. Fiftieth Regiment, Ga. Volunteer Infantry, and with
his regiment, joined The Army of Northern Virginia, having
charge of his Company until he was wounded. Immediately after
the engagement at Sharpsburg, he was given charge of a section
of artillery and of three companies of infantry to guard a bridge
across Antietam Creek, and while on duty, though warned of the
danger by Dennis Daily, one of his soldiers (who still lives in
-Brooks County), he was wounded by a minnie ball passing
through his face. During his convalescence at the hospital, he
was elected Ordinary of Brooks County, Ga.

Being thus disabled for further service in the army, Captain
McCall returned to Brooks County to accept the position to which
he had been chosen, and for four years, filled the office most ac-
ceptably. While thus employed, he studied law and was admitted
to the bar and has practised law in Quitman ever since with the ex-
ception of four years when he was Judge of the City Court.

Captain McCall has been very influential in public affairs,
the people having great confidence in his ability, judgment and
discretion. He has served as Judge of Probate in Brooks County,
and as Mayor of Quitman, in both df which positions he man-
ifested great efficiency and courageous ability. He has been Vice-
president of the State Agricultural Society, and a life member of
it. Six times he has been made Moderator of The Mercer Baptist
Association, and is now filling that high office, having also been
twice elected Vice President of The Georgia Baptist Convention.
History or Mercer Baptisr ASSOCIATION. 109

Believing in education, he has not only graduated his own
five children, but has contributed thousands to Baptist schools
and colleges, and has served on their boards of trustees. For a
long time he has been a member of the board of trustees of Mercer
University, and much of that time, President of the Board; in
which capacity he is now serving, and which just now, is a pecu-
liarly important position. Union University conferred upon him
a oe of A.M. and, in 1894, Mercer University, the degree of

Dr. J. G. McCall, being fond of books, has accumulated a large
library, and one of his fancies is to own every kind of translation
of The Scriptures in English, published. He owns some very rare
books, and his library is very valuable. He became a Christian,
early in life, uniting with the Concord Missionary Baptist church,
Madison County, Florida. Upon his return from the Civil War,
he united by letter with the Quitman Baptist church, and began
teaching the Bible class in this church in 1863; which he has
taught continuously ever since, rarely missing a Sunday. Besides
this, he has conducted and taught other Sunday-schools near Quit-
man. While his teaching is mostly adapted to advanced students,
three generations, at the same time, have been members of his
classes. Many have gone out from this class better equipped to
become teachers and preachers, or efficient Christian workers. Dr.
McCall is a dogmatic Baptist. Taking the Scriptures alone, as
the rule of faith and practice, he believes in and adheres to the
New Testament doctrines concerning The Gospel and the church.
While differing courteously from others, his faithful and fearless
“advocacy of Baptist faith and. order is a living illustration that
where this is done, Baptist churches flourish and multiply. He
has been superintendent of the Sunday-school at different times,
and during some of the most successful periods of its history.

The work of Dr. McCal] in the Bible class and Sunday-school,
is but a smal] part of his services to the church. The minutes of
the conferences show that no name occurs so often as his, in shap-
ing and determining what is right and best to do, and in filling
positions of trust requiring great wisdom, tact and sound judg-
ment. He served as clerk of the church for a long time. As one
of the leading and most successful business men of Quitman, he
has, perhaps, been the largest contributor to all objects sanctioned
and promoted by the church, and he has also contributed liberally
to other denominations in the town. He has given until he loves it,

8
110 Hisrory or Mercer Baptist ASsociaTION.

His work and generosity have not been confined to Quitman
and the Quitman Baptist church, but, he has contributed freely to
help build every Baptist meeting. house, far and near, that he had
an opportunity to help. Every Baptist minister, however humble,
receives his hospitality, and he gives his pastors his support and
codperation. He supports The Gospel not only at home, but
always has a witness through his gifts, in our home and foreign
fields.

He was commissioned by the Georgia Baptist Convention, with
Dr. H. H. Tucker, to go as a messenger to the Northern Baptist
Anniversary, accompanied by his devoted wife.

Dr. McCall married in 1867, Miss Rosa Elizabeth Bobo, who
was born in Glennville, Ala., a daughter of Dr. Virgil and Sarah
Hanson (Black) Bobo. She was a sister to Hon. Edward J. Black,
and of G. R. Black, members of Congress.

Dr. McCall is the father of six children, five of whom are living.
They are: Mrs. Rosa Lee (J. O.) Lewis, Mrs. Rachie Black (C. F.)
Cater, Miss Nonnie McCall, Mrs. Edna Florida (A. L.) Tidwell,
and John Francis McCall, now the Superintendent of the public
schools of Brooks County.

Dr. McCall has been an earnest advocate of temperance, being
strictly temperate himself, having never used tobacco in any form,
and through all his long life has fought intemperance, especially
the use and sale of whiskey, and the liquor traffic.

Dr. McCall has not only been a life-long Democrat, but has
always stood for civic righteousness. W. T. GauLpEn.

The historian would add a line here. Judge McCall’s generos-
ity, while not paraded, is well known. Not reckless and indis-
criminate, but well-judged and liberal. The publication of this
volume is due to that generosity; he having, without solicitation,
volunteered to pay all of the publisher’s charges.

The history of The Mercer Association in its earlier days, and
of its component churches before its organization is closely con-
nected, is in many respects intimately interwoven, and is to some
extent identical, with the domestic and community life of the
three periods designated by the terms, respectively, “before the
war,” “during the war” and “after the war.” It is hardly neces-
sary to remind the reader that the word “war,” in those terms,
means “The War Between The States,” so often mis-called “the
civil war.”

Those times are past and the memory of them is swiftly pass-
ing, as the few remaining survivors of them are rapidly departing
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 111

from earth. Therefore, it seems to this historian well to crystal-
ize upon the printed page some of the homely recollections of those
days, ere the last of us who were contemporary with their events
and customs shall have departed for aye.

A few pages, then, will be devoted to such a record; but before
that narration begins, let there be explanation given of the terms
used herein and elsewhere in this book, to designate those particu-
lar periods.

“Before the war” may mean either any particular time, or the.
whole of the time, anterior to 1861, accordingly as used.

“During the war” does not necessarily mean continuing
throughout the entire period of the war. The term is sometimes
used to designate a certain point of time while the war was in
progress; as, in speaking of some particular incident, one might
say, “That happened during the war.” Associated conditions will
show which is meant.

“After the war” usually means the period embracing the first
few years following the close of active hostilities.

There is another expression, “Since the war,” that is meant
to cover the whole period from 1865 to the present day.

The churches of which The Mercer Association was (and is
now) composed were nearly all “country” churches. There were
no cities “within our bounds” in the days “before the war;” the
largest towns, Thomasville, Quitman and Valdosta, being then
mere country villages. Indeed, two of those three, Valdosta and
Quitman, were non-existent until the construction of the Atlantic
and Guif Railroad (now a link in “The A. C. L. System”) from
Savannah to Thomasville, at the close of the ’50 to ’60 decade.
“Old Troupsville’ (that spelling is correct), situated “in the
fork,” (i. e, at the junction), of the Withlacoochee and Little
River, was the county site of Lowndes, ere the carving out of it of
Brooks county and before either Valdosta or Quitman was
dreamed of. There was no Moultrie then except in bare name,
nor Boston, nor Cairo. The county sites of Berrien, Clinch and
Echols were embryonic, Madison and Monticello, Fla., were prin-
cipally woods and fields and even Tallahassee, Florida’s capital,
was a hamlet. ;

With the exception of a few merchants in Thomasville (leav-
ing the little Florida towns out of this count), and at scattering
country places, such as Tallokas, Morven (Sharp’s Store),
Grooverville with perhaps one shop, and Duncanville (Mash’s
Store), the people were practically all agriculturists. Some, near
112 History of Mprcer BAPTisT ASSOCIATION.

the line, in Georgia and Florida and for twelve to fifteen miles
above in Thomas and Lowndes counties (numbers of the latter
afterwards included in Brooks), with a larger proportion in
Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson and Leon counties, Florida, were
“large planters,” cultivating many hundreds of acres, e each, in
cotton and “running” -many scores of plows driven by happy
slaves; but most of them were “small farmers,” “tending” only a
few acres each, either alone or assisted by their half-grown or
older (unmarried) sons—with now and then a man owning two
or three Negroes, or a family of them, to aid in carrying on the
farm work.

The reader was probably surprised on seeing the adjective
“happy” prefixed to the word “slaves” in the preceding paragraph?
Well, people of this generation cannot understand that; but, with
comparatively few exceptions, the Negro slaves “before the war,”
were the happiest creatures on earth. Never having known “free-
dom,” they did not repine for it. They were not troubled by a
single care; their masters, as a rule, being humane men, who
looked after all their physical wants, and Christian men (with
numbers not themselves Christians), who made provision for their
spiritual needs as well. They sang all day, in the fields, or in the
woods, while driving the plow, or wielding the hoe, or swinging
the axe; and as the various “squads” were “coming in” from the
plantation, after sunset, the towering clouds in the west piled up
in multiform masses of gorgeous coloring, gold and crimson,
saffron and purple, magenta and blue, their wild, thrilling songs
and choruses, their strange responsive chantings, their bugle-like
ululations, filled the world around with music rare, that in swell-
ing floods rolled out to the echoing hills and surged upward into
the reverberant arch of the vasty dome. Then, after supper, when
-the inspiring sounds of the banjo and the “phones” could be heard
in the “quarter” (the name for the rows of Negro houses facing
each other, across a “street”), and the children romped noisily in
the glare of blazing “pine-knots” heaped upon the “light-stands”
(earth-covered platforms on posts ranged down the middle of the
street) that adjective, sounding so strangely to the ear of the pres-
ent generation, is the only one that will fit conditions.

But since the subject has projected itself into the mind of the
writer something more must be written about the Negro.

In the years “before the war,” when the “flint corn” of that
day was not so readily rnined by weevils as are the softer-grained
varieties of today, it was customary, on many plantations, to pile
History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 113

the ears in the “lot” in front of the “crib” (or barn) until the
last load had been “hauled in” from the fields. Then, on a “set
night,” there was “a big corn-shuckin’.” The “hands” from the
neighboring plantations would, by invitation, “gather in” after
“feedin’-up” had been “ ’tended to” at home and all other “chores”
were done (although that last-quoted word had never been heard
in The South in those days), and to the rousing music of resound-
ing ‘“corn-songs,” the ears of corn were stripped of their inclosing
“shucks” (or husks), and thrown through a “gable,” opened for
the purpose, until all were housed. At a proper interval supper
was served, on improvised tables near-by; of sweet potatoes, bar-
becued beef, corn-bread, pork, in various forms, back-bone, “spare-
rib,” “hog-jowl,” “haug-haid,” home-made light-bread, great slabs
of “ginger-cake” and hot coffee by the bucketful.

But what bas all that to do with the history of The Mercer
Association ?

It is a part of it.

Many of those Negroes were members of churches that after-
wards went into the organization of The (new) Mercer, as they
were already members of The (old) Mercer and the Florida. In
fact, most of the Negroes, in those days, were church members and
a large majority of those members were Baptists. And why Bap-
tists? An intelligent though uneducated Negro was once asked
the question, “Why are so many Negroes Baptists?” “Wal, sah,”
replied he, “hits kase dey.ain’t got larnin’ nuff ter splain. erway
babtizzum outen de Bible.”

Further, on the subject of the Negro, let some words be added.
In this day of estrangement and lack of sympathy and confidence
between Whites and Blacks, it does not seem possible that there
ever could have existed such perfect relations of confidence be-
tween the races as actually did subsist before the war and during
more than three years of the struggle. In those portions of South
Georgia and Northern Florida (as well as in Mississippi, Louis-
iana and South Carolina) where the Negroes outnumbered the
Whites twenty or thirty or even fifty to one, white youths left
their mothers and sisters, and older men their wives and daugh-
ters, in their plantation homes and went off to war, being absent
for months and years, even when they returned at all, with abso-
lute confidence of their women’s safety. And that confidence was
not misplaced. This writer was a youth well up in the ’teens
when the war began, amply old enough to observe conditions, and
up to that time he had never heard of a “Negro outrage!”—except
114 History of Mercer Baprist ASsoclaTION.

in Southhampton, Va., and later as suggested by such a savage
beast as John Ossawattomie Brown, of Harper’s Ferry infamy.
That fiendish monster, who incited Negroes to arson and the
murder of white men, women and children! Yet who has been
canonized at The North and a dirge with its shouting chorus in
his honor has been adopted as “The Battle Hymn of The Repub-
lic!” And not until the arming of the slaves and their enlistment
as soldiers, under the direction of that United States president
in whose honor have been poured forth, for fifty years, largely
even in The South, such nauseating floods of maudlin gush, were
the lives and safety of helpless Southern women and children im-
periled at the hands of the Blacks; even while those Blacks were
being assured by abolition emissaries that the war was being
waged on the part of the Federal armies for Negro emancipation.
But now, alas! and for half a century past, how embittered against
us have been and are the descendants of those who, though slaves,
in our childhood and youth we trusted and loved!

Some of the pleasures of the Negroes have been described, and
there were more, but not to be mentioned now.

There were also many pleasures enjoyed by white people. It
is now in order to describe some of them.

Not many “small farmers” in South Georgia ever “entertained”
at “corn-shuckings.” But they frequently “luxuriated” in “log-
rollings.” Not the political kind. That sort (of which there were
not as many in the old days as there are now) were confined al-
most exclusively to the towns and cities. But literal log-rollings
on the farm, where the trees in the “new-ground” that had been
cut down and “cut-up” into sticks of convenient length for han-
dling, or in the cases of trees on “older Jand” that had decayed
and fallen, after “deadening” or “ax-girdling,” were by the joined
forces of neighbors, going from one farm to another throughout
the “settlement,” cleared away. That custom prevailed even for
years “after the war.” Thirty or forty men could by “toting,”
rolling and piling in “heaps” for burning, clear off more land in
a day, by combined effort, than could one man alone or even two
or three “belonging” on a farm in a week; if at all.

Those occasions were enlivened with jollity and fun and the
amount of work done with those accompaniments, in a few hours,
was astonishing.

At noon, “all hands” left off for dinner; being summoned “to
the house” by the “blowing of a horn.” There, a substantial meal
was enjoyed by the men; “waited on” by the ladies—of whom
History or Mercer Baprist ASssociaTIoNn. 115

more will be said directly. If there were Negroes in the “gang-o’-
rollers,” as there frequently were (slave owners bringing their
servants with them), they were served in the kitchen or under a
“shelter,” with precisely the same kind of fare enjoyed in the “big
house” by the Whites—and in equal profusion.

After dinner, “the gang” returned to work, and so nicely had
the calculation been made that nearly always the last log was
moved and the last heap piled, by early dusk.

Then, back to the house went the Whites, for supper; the Ne-
groes, if any, being “looked after” as at dinner, and then sent home
- with “wallets full o’ grub,” for their wives and “pickaninnies”
(little ones) in their cabins.

After supper, the white people made the evening “long” or
“short,” according to their “notion.” If the former, the time was
spent in amusements of various kinds, participated in by both
sexes; “blind man’s buff,” “thimble,” etc., by the young people, or
songs and lively conversation by those of all ages. The lascivious
dances so prevalent in this day would not have been tolerated at
any house in the whole country.

But how had the women spent the day?

While the men were in the fields, their wives, daughters, sis-
ters and sweethearts had “passed the time” in “quilting.”

Now, quilting is a process difficult to explain. Perhaps impos-
sible adequately to describe. But the attempt must be made.

A “frame,” composed of four light but strong strips of tough
wood with their ends fastened together, forming a rectangular
figure a foot longer than wide, was suspended by. “plow-line” ropes
extending from the corners to rings with “shanks” screwed into
the ceiling overhead, in the “big-room” or “parlor” of the resi-
dence. “Tacked” to the “quiltin’-frame” was a piece of strong
cloth, usually “homespun,” stretched tight from end to end and
from side to side. On the tightly stretched cloth was placed a
thick layer of cotton “bats,” carded by hand, frequently by the
girls present as “company,” but oftener already prepared in ad-
vance. Upon the layer of “batting” was placed a covering of the
size of the frame, composed of a larger or smaller number of pieces
of cloth, calico or gingham, or muslin, or silk, or all combined,
neatly sewed together in various patterns, frequently elaborate,
intricate and often beautiful, with the “seamy side down.” The
cover having been neatly “tacked” (with thread) to the under
piece all around, as many ladies as could seat themselves in chairs,
drawn up close together about the frame, needle in hand, went to
116 History or Mercer Baprist ASsocliATION.

work and busied themselves stitching the whole fabric together;
passing the needle through it, perpendicularly down and up and
back again, running the lines of sewing im divers patterns,
“squares,” or “diamonds,” or “circles, or “shell work,” proceed-
ing from the edges toward the center.

The finished product was often a “thing of beauty,” if not “a
joy forever.” Indeed, it was not unseldom the latter, in promise,
at least; for numbers of those exquisitely wrought fabrics are in
existence, as valuable heirlooms, today.

The writer begs his lady -readers to pardon any blunders he
may have made in the misuse of technical terms in the foregoing
description. He does not pretend to be an expert in the matter of
“quilting,” either in performance or in description.

The historian also begs leave to remark, parenthetically, that
he does not mean to intimate that there is no quilting done in
the present day. There is, doubtless, some. But. he is writing
about the old-time article. ‘

Frequently, more than one quilt of the commoner kinds were
finished in a day, either by having more than one frame “up”
or by working in “reliefs.”

While at work, those around the quilt kept up a lively conversa-
tion, more or less elucidative and illuminative; the ladies rolling
the structure under from the two sides, in some inexplicable way
to be understood only by the astute feminine mind, the end pieces
of the frame having been removed so as more conveniently to work
toward the center as the enterprise progressed.

In the meantime, those not engaged with. the needle “carded
bats,” or assisted in the cooking, or looked after the babies (of
whom there was always an ample supply on hand), or watched
the two and three-year-olds to keep them from falling in the well
or from breaking their necks trying to climb the “martin-pole.”

As to dinner and supper, the reader is assured that the ladies
did not allow themselves to suffer, even though they did not seat
themselves at the table among the hungry, rushing men.

But the “martin-pole” has been mentioned, and doubtless more
than one reader is being consumed with curiosity as to what that
was—and is, for there are many of them to be found in the yards
of country homes, today. It was, and is, simply a peeled sapling,
of twenty-five or thirty feet in length, with several cross pieces,
about four feet long, nailed upon it two or three feet apart near
the end designed for the top and having attached to each end
of each cross-stick a large empty gourd, suspended by a cord or
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 117

wire run through the neck, with a round hole cut in the side of

the gourd, for a door by which the swallow known as the “box-

martin,” may enter for nest building. The country people used to

provide those summer homes for the migratory martins, because

— Si usefulness of those little birds in driving away chicken-
awks

But while speaking of the social employments and enjoyments
of those early times, there were others—one of which will now be
described. That was the “sugar boiling.” Yes, sugar boiling; for
many people in those days “made” their own sugar at home. And
good sugar, too. Mr. Blackshear, given name not remembered but
the ancestor of the prominent people of that surname now resi-
dent in Thomas county, is said to have discovered, or invented, a
process of refining sugar, from observation of a singular phenome-
non. One rainy day, a hen found her way into the open door of his
“sugar-house,” where the barrels of soft, mushy sugar were set
up on end, with loosened staves, to let the “molasses” drop from
the crystallized contents into receptacles underneath. The
chicken, with wet red clay on her feet, walked upon the crust of
dried sugar at the top in one of those open barrels. A little later
Mr. Blackshear observed that the sugar next the clay left in the
tracks of the fowl was of a lighter color than that composing the
rest of the mass—in a manner bleached, as it were. The hint, to
him, was sufficient. He immediately invented an appliance by
means of which clean, red clay was utilized for refining sugar, in
some degree, in a manner similar to that by which bone-black is
used for the same and more thorough purpose, today.

But most people contented themselves with simply letting the
molasses drip until the sugar was comparatively dry, lighter at
the top of the mass, darker at the bottom.

The fun, however, and the social enjoyment were found about
the mill where the “grinding” or crushing of the cane was going
on, and around the kettle or kettles in which the cane-juice was
being “boiled down.”

There were no steam processes in those days, by which the cane
could be crushed as now between steel cylinders and the water
from the juice evaporated in large shallow pans with “gated” com-
partments such as are used today. The sugar-mill, of which there
was one on nearly every farm of any pretension, consisted of two
wooden (black-gum) rollers, with a frame of heavy timbers, one of
the cylinders having a “neck” extending through and above the
top cross-timber of the frame and “tenon”-cut, so as to fit into an
118 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

opening “mortised” out into the “lever.” The last-named article
was made, usually, of the limb of a tree crooked somewhat in the
shape of a half-bent fore-finger, with the “tenon” of the cylinder
fitted into a “mortise-box” cut nearer the larger end of the lever;
the smaller and longer end bent to within three feet of the ground
and having attached to it a “single-tree,” with hooks at the extrem-
ities to which were fastened the traces by which the mule puHed the
lever around, walking in a circle and thus turning the “rollers”
which crushed the cane. The “journals” at the lower ends of the
cylinders turned in sockets cut into the broad “bed-piece,” or
bottom cross-piece of the frame. The surface of that heavy bed-
piece was slightly hollowed out at the center, to collect the juice
pouring down between the cylinders, while a groove cut from the

~ shallow bow! to the front edge of the bed-piece conveyed the liquid
,into a barrel set beneath, on end to catch it. The canes stripped
of their “fodder” weré “fed” into the narrow space between the
revolving rollers, from the front, by hand. The juice strained into
the receiving barrel or tub was dipped out with buckets and con-
veyed to the kettles, set in their rough furnaces of rock, or brick,
or clay. :

But of all the noises ever evoked by any kind of machinery, .
the sounds tortured out of that kind of sugar-mill were the most
excruciating. In spite of all the “tallowing” daily and semi-daily
given them, those wooden cogs biting and gnawing together, those
wooden journals revolving in wooden collars and sockets above and
below, grunted and growled and wailed and howled and shrieked
and screamed until the listener, in agony, was frantic to emigrate
—to the uttermost parts of the earth! One could hear the thing,
on a clear, cold morning, a mile!

The juice was strained of the coarser “trash” through folds of
bagging stretched across the opening of the receiving vessel, and
while boiling, was constantly skimmed by one standing near the
kettles for that purpose until reduced to the proper consistency
for syrup or sugar, according to the wish of the expert manip-
ulator.

The “skimmings” were emptied into barrels standing near-by
and the settlings, self-clarifying, were converted, within twenty-
four hours, into a kind of beer, much relished by many people.

Those “sugar-boilings” were favorite “gathering places” for
neighbors, who were continually exchanging about from farm to
farm during the “making season,” where they spent the time chat-
ting, laughing, drinking juice or beer (seldom both), and “lick-
ing sugar-foam” from splits of cane-peeling.
Hisrory oF Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 119

The beer drunk on those occasions was in its effects very un-
like the re-boiled and doubly fermented stuff of this day, called
“buck,” with which so many deluded people debauch and bestial-
ize themselves.

Oftentimes, at those sugar-boilings, as well as on other occa-
sions, the young people would amuse themselves “pulling candy”
—that is, by taking syrup boiled down to the proper consistency
up by the handful when cool enough, a boy and a girl paired
together, pulling it out into strands and exchanging back and
forth until it was converted into candy of a beautiful golden or
even cream-color.

In such healthful labors and recreations as those described in
this chapter, the ancestors and ancestresses of most of those who
read these pages were from time to time engaged, in the days of
long ago. And numbers of them were your predecessors in the
churches of The Mercer Association.

To show how your forbears “lived and moved and had their
being,” in their secular sphere, is the writer’s reason for painting
the homely pictures herein presented. ,
120 History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER IX.

THe association met in its eighteenth session with Cairo
church, October 12, 1892; the Introductory Sermon being preached
by Elder J. M. Rushin.

After the noon recess, the session was organized by the re-
election of Bro. J. G. McCall, as Moderator, Elder T. A. White,
Assistant, Bro. W. T. Gaulden, Clerk, and Bro. W. B. Roddenbery,
Assistant. Bro. Roddenbery showed the sweet spirit characteristic
of the man, by gracefully accepting the change in the order of
precedence, as between him and Bro. Gaulden, from the position
of clerk, in the seventeenth session, to that of assistant in the
eighteenth. No little, mean spirit of jealousy in him.

Elder J. T. Reeves was received as a correspondent from The
Mell Association, Elder W. L. Thompson, from the Southwestern,
Bro. D. K. Butler, from The Mallary, Dr. G. A. Nunnally, Presi-~*
dent of Mercer University, and Dr. G. R. McCall, representing
Dr. J. G. Gibson, Secretary of the State Mission Board.

Union church, Brooks county, Lake Park, Lowndes and Mag-
nolia Springs, Thomas, were received into membership. :

A letter of dismission was granted to Mt. Zion church, Col-
quitt, upon which to join The Mell Association.

Since the last mention, by this historian, of the coming of
“new ministers” into the association, Elder B. D. Ragsdale had
succeeded Elder W. F. Kone (apparently a non-resident and a

“temporary “supply”) in the pastorate at Quitman, and after two
years had been himself succeeded by Elder John F. Eden; Elder
W. B. Blewett had come in (postoffice, Cairo) ; Elder R. S. Clifton,
Tallokas postoffice; Elder J. F. Duncan, Boston; and Elder D. H.
Parker had succeeded Elder W. J. Williams in the Thomasville
pastorate. ans

Bro. F. M. Groover was unanimously reélected Treasurer, as
over and over again,.he had been at several preceding sessions.

An appeal, by Elder T. A. White, in behalf of Adel, Lake Park,
Lakeview and Magnolia Springs churches, was responded to with
a special contribution of $133.50.

Dr. G. R. McCall preached a missionary sermon, if not the
Missionary Sermon, at the evening service, the second day, the
collection following which amounted to $21.53—equally divided
between The Home and The Foreign Boards.
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOciATION+ 121

The Treasurer’s report, approved by the Auditing committee,
showed receipts to the session, of $1,915.41, expenditures on
proper vouchers, $1,242.77; leaving cash on hand, to balance,
$672.64.

The Finance committee reported, from church letters; Vouch-
ers, $692.74; cash sent up to association meeting, $1,015.82. A
total of $1,708.56. The cash was turned over to the treasurer ;
making $1,015.82 plus $672.64, or $1,688.46, on hand with which
to start the new associational year.

The session of 1893 was opened October 10, at 2.30 p.m., with
our church in Valdosta. Bro. J. G. McCall was reélected Mod-
erator and Elder T. A. White chosen again as Assistant; Elder
W. A. Pardee was elected Clerk and Bro. Jos. 8. Norton, Assistant
Clerk.

The Introductory Sermon was scheduled for the night service
and in the providential absence of the regular appointee, Elder
D. H. Parker, Dr. J. G. Gibson, Secretary of The State Mission
Board, present as a visitor, was invited to preach it. Accepting
that invitation, he delivered one of his-characteristic, strong dis-
courses at 7.30 P.M.

There was no business transacted after the sermon.

The next morning, Shiloh church, Brooks county, Dixie,
Thomas, and Delmar, Lowndes, were received into membership;
the last, conditionally, or under some understanding similar to
“watch-care,” as it seems from what transpired afterward.

' In addition to Dr. Gibson, Elder J. B. Brown, of The Mace-
donia (“colored”), was welcomed as a correspondent.

The Missionary Sermon was preached at 11 a.m. the second
day, by Elder John F. Eden; the offering following it emoun ng
to $26.62.

The committee on Deceased Ministers and Deacons reported
the death of four deacons: Brethren W. D. Mitchell, of Thomas-
ville, W. J. Wilson, of Boston, L. F. Haddock, of Quitman, and
S. L. Evans, of Big Creek—all good men and true, concerning
whose lives and characters appropriate and touching remarks were.
made by several brethren.

Elder J. M. Rushin offered the following resolution, which was
adopted: “Resolved, That this association would respectfully
recommend our sisters, in every church, to form mission societies
and, at the next session of this ‘association, to send delegates from
their respective societies, to form an associational organization to
further the work of propagating The Gospel in al] lands.”
122 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

The Finance committee reported, sent up to the meeting by
the churches, cash, $806.11; vouchers, $852.93; total, $1,659.04.

The Treasurer (who, by-the-by, was unanimously reélected),
reported receipts (including starting fund), $1,935.41; expendi-
tures, $1,512.39. Cash on hand, to balance, $423.02.

The twentieth annual session opened October 16, 1894, with
Liberty church, at Grooverville; The Introductory Sermon being
preached at 11 a.m., by Elder T. A. White.

Instead of collecting the letters from the churches and appoint-
ing two or three brethren to read them before the assemblage, as
had been customary, a “committee on Credentials” was appointed
to receive the letters from the messengers before adjournment for
dinner, and from those letters, prepare a list of messengers during
the noon recess, fo report to the body on re-assembling.

At 2.30 p.m., the body was called to order by the over-holding
moderator, Hon. J. G. McCall, and after reading out the names
listed by the committee, as of the brethren. composing the body,
the election of officers was held, by ballot. As a result, Brethren
J. G. McCall, T. A. White and W. A. Pardee were reélected Mod-
erator, Assistant Moderator and Clerk in the order named, and
Bro. Briggs Arrington was elected Assistant Clerk.

On motion, it was directed that, in future openings, the clerk
receive the letters from the churches and from them, as naming
their messengers, enroll the membership of the body, for each such
occasion; thus dispensing with the credentials committee, as such.

Delmar church, informally recognized at the previous session,
was formally received into membership.

Dr. J. D. Chapman, representing Mercer University, Elder
H. Hatcher, Agent of The American Baptist Publication Society,
Elder L. J. Crutcher, of Texas, and Bro. W. W. Webb, of the
Mell Association, were received as visitors.

Elder J. F. Eden read extracts from an article in an Anti-
missionary paper, misrepresenting the Baptists, moved the ap-
pointment of a committee to investigate the matter and suggest
action on the part of the body. Someone (name not given), moved
to “lay the matter on the table,” upon the idea (as presumed by
the writer), that the attitude of “dignified silence’ would be most
becoming in the case. After some discussion, the motion to table
was put and lost. Then, Elder Eden’s motion was put and car-
ried; followed by the appointment of the following-named breth-
ren, as the proposed committee: Elders J. F. Eden, J. M. Rushin,
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 123

T. A. White and J. F. Reeves, with Bro. J. J. Williams, of Dixie
church.

That committee, later reported as follows:

““Wuergas, One of the editors of The Pilgrim’s Banner, a paper
published at Valdosta, by the Anti-missionaries, in an editorial
under date of September 1, 1894, signed ‘H,’ has willfully, grossly
and maliciously misrepresented the doctrines, teachings and prac-
tices of the Missionary Baptists, and

“WHEREAS, We feel that we cannot, in justice to the cause of
truth, pass it by, in silence, therefore, be it

“Resolved, First, That we reaffirm our belief in and allegiance
to the doctrines of the Missionary Baptists, as set forth in the
Old and New Testament Scriptures, an epitome of which is pub-
lished in the minutes of our association; second, That we advise
our preachers to defend the faith thus attacked, in their respective
churches, as they have opportunity; third, That we advise the
churches of our association to refuse to accept their baptisms,
until they shall publicly retract, as they have given notoriety to
this slander; fourth, That we take this method of refuting the
slander and denouncing the slanderer.”

Signed by every member of the committee and adopted by the
association.

A letter of dismission was granted to Magnolia Springs church,
upon which to join The Bowen Association.

For the second time in the history of the association, a blank
page was ordered set apart in the minutes for the record of names
of brethren reported dead by the committee on Necrology; and
the following names were so inscribed. “Rev. John C. Taylor, for
fifty-odd years, a faithful minister, who assisted in the constitu-
tion of thirty-three churches and baptized more than twelve hun-
dred converts; Fuller McDougald, aged twenty-seven years and
one month, a deacon faithful to his trust and beloved by his church
and community; James Scarborough, age eighty-two years, a dea-
con who ‘used his office well’ and was a faithful brother and
helper to his pastor.”

Two Missionary Sermons were preached, at 11 a.m. the second
day: One by Elder D. H. Parker, in the Baptist meeting-house ;
the other, by Elder H. Hatcher—the record does not say where.

Bro. F. M. Groover was reélected Treasurer.

At that session, Bro. B. W. Stone, the present efficient clerk
124 History oF MERCER Bartist ASSOCIATION.

of the association, a messenger from the Thomasville church, ap-
peared for the first time upon the floor of the association, in
presenting his able report, as chairman of the committee on Sun-
day-schools.

At the solicitation of Bro. W. W. Webb, a collection was taken
in aid of Tifton church.

The Finance committee reported a total sent up by the
churches to the association meeting, of $2,005.61; of which the
cash, amounting to $882.86, was turned over to the Treasurer.

The Treasurer’s report showed receipts during the year,
$1,340.88; expenditures, $780.16. The cash to balance, $560.72,
added to the $882.86 turned over by the Finance committee,
started him out upon the new year with $1,442.58 in hand.

Two blind men could now see growth!

Bro. M. L. Cook, of Boston, became prominent for the first
time, at that session, in being elected to a position on the Execu-
tive committee.

At this point, it may be well to give a list of names of other
brethren, mostly not already mentioned, who had become promi-
nent in various ways in their churches since the organization of
the association, up to 1894: :

Beaver Dam: T. J. Brantly, T. M. Ray, W. K. Giddens,
W. H. Baskins, J. B. Baskins.

Bethlehem: M. M. Overstreet, I. I. Overstreet, W. S. Bessen-
ger, Matt Penny.

Beliville: James Spivey.

Big Creek: J. N. Kelly, F. M. Brown, J. E. Dyke, W. R.
Smith, A. J. Owen. :

Buck Creek: A. Baker, J. I. Baker, Joseph Rollins, Elias
Asbell.

Boston: M. L. Cook, J. C. Lewis, E. C. Milligan, 8. G. Cul-
pepper, J. S. Norton, H. M. Coachman, T. T. Stephens, Howard
Smith, J. W. Howell.

Corinth (Lowndes): S. B. Smith, Wm. W. Willis, A. C.
Carter, L. B. Zeigler, A. J. Touchstone, P. Tomlinson, G. W. Stone,
Benj. Lineberger, R. J. Bevill, S. E. Swilley.

Corinth (Brooks): Willis H. Alvis, R. Scruggs, L. F. Lawson,
G. W. Pike, J. D. Odom, Thos. W. Scruggs, W. E. Hatchett,
Charles Hatchett, Wm. Pace, 8S. W. Swain, Lawrence Smith.

Evergreen: P. G. Sinquefield, Henry Ward, N. R. Spengler,
Jesse Stone, T. C. Hancock, J. D. Taylor, W. H. Culpepper, Moses
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 125

Ward (now a Dreher Robert Massey, Sebastian Dekle, P. T.
McKinnon, G. B. Crane, Dan Highsmith, B. F. Turner.

Fellowship: ‘a D. Calhoun, L. J. Overstreet, Jos. Wilson,
Crawford Lang, E. L. Fletcher, Jas. Harris, James Scruggs, Jake
Duren, John Adkins; A. D. Varn, D. H. Mathis.

Friendship: L. W. Carter, J. B. Thomas, F. A. Monroe, W. H.
Wright, D. T. Forest, H. F. Parteman, J. F. Sellers.

Good Hope: W. M. Force, J. W. Sickson, W. A. Fender, E.
Pipkin, Aaron Tyler, Hiram Monk, L. J. Herring, Hawkins Fen-
der, Noah Tyler.

Hopewell: Jesse Mullis, S. R. Wood, James Scarboro, Moses
Norman, M. Hancock, William McMullen, James Tillman, Davis
Kent, B. P. Howell, C. J. Roffield, R. BE. Watkins, J. M. Isom,
Jerry Reynolds.

Hickory Head: W. P. Burke, Jas. E. Jessup, F. C. Groover,
Isaac Jessup, A. W. McMullen, R. L. Groover, J. G. Stanley, J. R.
Davis, J. W. McMullen, Pope Smith, 8. H. Pollard, Briggs Arring-
ton, M. L. Stanley.

Liberty: Wm. Wallace, T. J. Beasley, S. M. Groover, J. A.
Stanaland, B. F. Williams, B. H. Groover, D. A. Beasley.

Little Ochlocknee: J. W. Busby, R. R. Chastain, John 8.
Griffin, R. S. Clifton (latter a preacher), W. A. Hurst, T. I. Ire-
land, W. N. Seigler, 8. L. Fielding, L. R. Rehberg, P. T. Dixon,
T. E. Dixon, M. Rehberg.

Macedonia (Echols): J. L. Fender, R. L. Fender, M. M.
Howell, Henry Hendricks.

Macedonia (Lowndes): J. W. Touchstone, F. M. Newbern,
G. W. Mobley.

Milltown: Jas. H. Carroll, W. B. Norton, R. B. Chisholm,
D. Sauls, J. S. Lewis, W. J. Howell.

Mount Carmel: M. R. Holloway, J. W. Holloway, G. B. Wil-
liams, W. W. Burgess, Marion Herring, H. J. Herring, John Hern-
don, A. G. Holt.

Moultrie: J. A. Tyson, Guilford Kent, J. S. Bryce, Thos.
Murphy, Wm. Milligan, M. D. Allen, S. G. Gregory.

Mount Zion: Wm. Key, M. E. Nessmith, J. B. Norman, D. C.
Willis.

New Bethel: J. W. Beattie, W. J. Harrell, M. Pope, R. J.
LeVar, J. E. Giddens, E. L. Todd (latter a ’preacher), T. J.
Beattie, Webster Bradford, W. A. Bridges.

New Hope: John C. Neel, L. Mardre, J. P. McCollum, J. M.
Dekle, W. J. Groover.

9
126 History oF Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION,

New Ochlocknee: Henry Ramsey, Frank Thomas, R. R.
Mitchell, Henry Mitchell, T. P. Applewhite, D. A. Dixon, Wm.
Castleberry, L. Bowman, Milton Castleberry, T. B. Andrews, W. 8.
Griffin, Jim Hall. 7

Okapilco: W. C. Pressley, J. J. S. Watkins.

Ousley: O. H. Carroll, Clarence Ousley, E. D. Carroll, Mar-
tin Knight, W. J. Willis, E. J. Padrick, M. M. Willis.

Olive: T. B. Hardy, ‘John Rickett, W. E. Platt, H. Landrum,
B. T. Barnes, J. A. Landrum, T. V. Hardee, J. H. Shuman, D. E.
Barnes, Thompson Cox, W. R. Milton.

Philadelphia: H. M. Horne, H. W. Patrick, Hamp Shiver,
Berry Williams, J. M. Shearrer, D. J. Spell, Dixon Smith, J. D.
Branch, Dennis Daly.

Quitman: W. G. Bentley, D. L. Gaulden, S. M. Griffin, James
Hill, F. G. Spain, J. C. McDonald, K. H. Williams, F. L. Jones,
Green Robinson, A. J. Sparks, A. P. Ashurst, W. D. Hardee, A
Parkhurst.

Redland: John F. Scruggs, M. A. Adams, J. R. Bass, C. W.
Lewis, H. Knight, W. T. Brinson, Robert Hart, Jesse J. Scruggs,
Charlton Knight, A. E. Stephens, Joseph Land.

Salem: P. C. Davis, Jas. Sherrod, Jno. I. Hancock, M. W.
Simmons, O. C. McDearman, J. P. McGraw, T. A. Redding, R. J.
Lasseter, W. J. Mills, E. H. Raiford, A. Nesbitt.

Statenville: Joseph Coalson, W. T. Green.

Stockston: Benj. W. Norton, Dr. J. R. Norton, Charles Touch-

‘stone, John Touchstone, L. W. Chaudoin, J. C. Humphreys.

Summer Hill: J. M. Massey, J. A. Spear, Joshua Mims, J. B.
Adams.

Thomasville: J. L. Hall, W. F. Hubert, G. W. H. Carroll, Dr.
N. G. Tullis, W. B. Hambleton, N. E. Turner, F. C. Fallis, J.D.
Stringer, Fuller McDougald, R. N. Applewhite, J. W. Cochran,
F. J. Winn.

Valdosta: T. M. Kellar, James Wilkes, W. L. Thomas, T. M.
Ray, F. R. Moody, W. N. Harrell, N. E. Frye, Thomas Crawford,
Dr. Burton, W. J. Fender, J. B. Varn.

Enon: J. A. Humphries, W. B. Smith, Charles Gandy, J. T.
pe T. C. Smith, J. J. Parramore, W. A. Rushin, H. T.
Rogers, M. D. Redfearn, G. W. Kennedy.

Nankin: W. D. Gunn, John T. Farnell.

Fredonia: John 8. Griffin, 8. L. Fielding, M. A. Wilson (now
a preacher), E. M. a W.E. eee H. W. Miller, John J.
Turner, R. N. Duren, A. D. Fleetwood, C. D. Duren.
History or Mprcer BAprist ASSOCIATION. 127

New Pleasant Hill: Jacob Croft, J. B. Arrington, W. T. Bur-
gess, J. H. Scarboro, James Humphrey, Arthur Webb, J. J. Scott,
W. S. Worsham, R. L. Pressley, D. M. Pressley, R. 8. Clifton, W.
A. Webb.

Bethany: J. E. Wilson, L. M. Stanfield, W. R. Patton, A. Unice,
John A. Herrington, J. D. Patton, J. W. Rouse.

Beulah: J. A. Bentley, L. A. Knowles, T. J. Hardee, J. E.
Scott, George Hopper, Wm. Barrs, W. T. Wilhelm, R. L. Collins.

Cairo: J. M. Parker, Dr. S. A. Rodenbery, Jos. E. Poulk, Gar-
rett Parker (minister), G. W. Clark, W. L. Perkins, W. B. Roden-
bery, John Shuman.

Concord: 8. Pope Mays, W. S. Collins, Ricks Denson, Thos.
Stephens, J. W. Hawkins, W. H. Butler, Wm. Browning, W. J.
Jarvis, L. Townsend, John B. Mays. :

Big Ochlocknee: J. O. Culpepper, John Carlton, Davis Murphy,
J. HE. Adams, M. M. Taylor, Lee Adams, W. M. Aldridge, A. G.
Jones, W. W. Dekle.

Elam: John King, Philip McKinnon, J. R. Meadows, Aaron
Newsom, J. W. Weeks, Wm. Miller, H. F. Philips, Hardee John-
son, Carroll Hawkins, K. H. Edwards.

Benevolence: E. A. Stevens, W. D. Hardee, J. J. Arnold,
George Cothern, W. N. Lineberger, C. W. Lewis, L. M. Covington,
C. W. Arnold, Allen Cribb.

Ochlocknee: Dr. R. W. Baston, J. B. Alligood (now a
preacher), J. J. Jenkins, R. G. Jackson (now a preacher).

Murphy’s Chapel: T. K. Ross, Eli Murphy, P. T. Russ, J. L.
Harvey, W. E. McArthur.

Calvary: D. A. Walker, B. T. Allen.

Ochlawilla: G. Owens, P. Smith, J. H. Strickland, J. M. Pat-
terson.

Lakeview: F. W. Key, D. B. Lott, J. E. Allen, C. F. Allen.

Lake Park: J. P. Prescott, T. R. Stephens, J. H. Lineberger.

Magnolia Springs: Jesse C. Cooper, Walter West, M. W.
Douglas, M. M. Kinchen (latter a preacher), J. J. Cannon.

Union: J. P. Smith, J. E. Jessup, Thos. Smith, J. A. Wilson,
S. H. Pollard, A. L. Dutton.

Adel: J. T. Wilkes, Z. W. Burt.

Hahira: W. H. McKinnon, W. W. Hail.

Dixie: J. O. Culpepper, A. O. Beall. W. G. Kent, J. J. Williams.

Delmar: D. B. Moore. ,

Shiloh: T. E. Wiggins, Wm. Pace, T. J. Connolly.
128 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

The reader may observe that, in several cases, the same name
appears associated with more than one church. That is because
the person bearing that name was, at different times, a member
of each of the churches in connection with which his name ap-
pears, and was equally active in each.

Should surprise be felt because some expected names of prom-
inent men do not appear in the foregoing list, let the reader so
affected be reminded that those names almost certainly appear,
elsewhere, in this history, in equally, if not more prominent con-

nections.
; And let the same or another surprised reader be further re-
minded that the names given in that list belong only to the period
between 1879 and 1895. There is a previous list somewhat im-
perfectly covering the preceding five years, and there will be an-
other, of the same character, covering the last period of the asgo-
ciation’s history from 1895 to 1914.

Besides those lists, in their very nature necessarily somewhat
cursory, the reader may remember that there are still others of a
more elaborate character, embracing the names of all those about
whom fuller and more definite information has been procurable.
But, let the historian add, in this paragraph, that there is not one
of those of the class herein mentioned about whom more could not
have been said and would have gladly been written, but for the
writer’s properly prescribed limitations as to space.

One more matter. It may be that in some cases, those better
acquainted than the writer, with the persons referred to, will find
the names spelled wrong. That fact, if found to be a fact, may be
justly attributed to the other fact that the spelling is usually
given as found in the record. In some instances, the name of
(obviously) the same person has been found spelled differently in
different places—in a few cases, as many as two or three different
ways. In such cases as those, the writer has simply chosen the
mode he thought most likely to be correct. ,

And yet one other consideration. To the casual reader, or to
even one more thorough in observation, it may appear from. the
differing numbers of names of those given, in this chapter, as of
those prominent or active in church work, that the largest groups
indicate the “livest” churches. That is not always the case. Some
of the churches named were in the association only a year or two;
hence, the apparent paucity of active members, as the connection
of their churches with the association was not long enough for
any special manifestation of activity. Others, even of those
History or Mercer Baptist ASsocraTion. 129

churches identified with the association, from its organization,
have the names of numbers of their most zealous members credited
to them, in other lists.

The regular course of the narrative will now be resumed.

The twenty-first annual session of the association was held
with our church in Moultrie, opening at 10 o’clock, a.m., October
16th, 1895.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder J. M. Rushin.

The Credentials committee plan was again adopted, and after
announcement of the names of brethren composing that commit-
tee, a recess was taken to 2.30 p.m.

Both the clerk and the assistant clerk being absent, Bro. D. F.
Arthur, of Moultrie, was chosen for temporary secretary.

An election of officers, by ballot, was then entered into, and
while the “tellers” were counting the votes, Elder D. H. Parker
presented to the association a gavel made of cherry wood grown
on the Mt. Vermon estate. He was very careful to explain that
the tree from which the wood came was not the sapling grown up
that little George Washington had cut down with his historic
little hatchet, over a hundred years before. Judge McCall, the
moderator, accepted the gift for the association, in a few felicitous
remarks; after which, on motion of Elder Rushin, a sum of money
was raised sufficient to pay for a properly engraved silver mount-
ing for the gavel, and Brother McCall was requested by a vote of
the body, to attend to the matter, against the next meeting of the
association.

The election resulted in the choice of Elder J. M. Rushin, as
Moderator, Elder T. A. White, Assistant Moderator, Bro. D. F.
Arthur, Clerk, and Bro. Jeff. Davis, Assistant Clerk.

Bro. J. G. McCall, chairman of the committee on Ministerial
Education, reported two young brethren as worthy of assistance
in their courses at Mercer University, but that the committee had
no funds on hand to that end. The sum of $150.00. (really $157.40)
on hand the year before, had been sent by a special order of the
association to Mercer, for “ministerial education” in general, as
there had been no students from the association in college at that
time. In response to Judge McCall’s suggestion, “a collection was
taken” and $118.50 raised, on the spot, for the benefit of young
Brethren Ward and Odom.

Bro. M. E. Nesmith was received as a correspondent from The
Mell Association.
1380 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

The Missionary Sermon was preached by Elder T. A. White,
at 11 a.m. the second day, and the offering following the discourse
amounted to $24.83.

Bro. F. M. Groover, reélected Treasurer, reported $1,545.52
received during the associational year, and expended $1,051.74;
leaving on hand, cash to balance $493.78.

The Finance committee reported $1,572.26 in cash and vouchers
sent up by the churches. The cash amounting to $813.97, was
turned over, as customary, to the treasurer; thus starting him on
the new year with $1,307.75.

Elder John R. Battle was reported to the session as having
passed away in the preceding February, and a page was ordered
set apart in the printed minutes, with a suitable inscription to
his memory.

The twenty-second session of the association was opened with
the Thomasville church, at 10.30 a.m., October 14, 1896.

Owing to the fact that many messengers, to come by rail, would
not reach the city until 2 P.mM., organization for business was de-
ferred until after that hour.

In the meantime, Dr. F. W. Tyler, of Moultrie, was requested
to preach, at 11 4.M.; and thus the morning hour was occupied.

On re-assembling, at 2.45 p.m., the session was organized by
the election of officers; which resulted in the choice of Elder J. M.
Rushin, Moderator, Elder T. A. White, Assistant Moderator, Bro.
D. F..Arthur, Clerk (all reélected), and Rev. F. L. Ward, Assist-
ant Clerk.

The historian here in modesty quotes from the minutes of the
session: “Pending the canvass of the votes, Bro. John G. McCall
was recognized by the moderator and in his most felicitous style,
Captain McCall made report of having performed the duty as-
signed him, at the last meeting of the association, at Moultrie, in
the matter of having suitable ornamentation and inscriptions
placed upon the gavel which had been presented to the associa-
tion, last year, by Rev. D. H. Parker, some account of which
presentation and of Captain McCall’s appointment as committee
of one, to have the gavel properly inscribed and ornamented will
be found (in minutes of last year). At the close of his remarks,
Captain McCall presented the gavel to the moderator, as the
property of the association, and on accepting it, the moderator
appointed Dr. R. H. Harris to respond, on behalf of the associa-
tion; which he did in his own . . . manner, bringing out the
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 1381

interesting fact that it was from a Baptist church, in Virginia,
that Thomas Jefferson obtained his idea of ‘independence,’ and
which he so ably put forth in the immortal ‘Declaration.’ ”

Dr. F. W. Tyler, of Moultrie, formally recognized as a visitor,
and Elders A. M. Manning, of The Florida, D. H. Parker, of The
Bowen, and Dr. E: Z. F. Golden, of The Bethel, were welcomed as
correspondents.

At this point, perhaps a word of explanation may be timely.
_ It has doubtless been observed by the reader, that, from time to
time, the writer has used these expressions: A. and B. were recog-
nized as “visitors ;” C. and D. were welcomed as “correspondents.”
And the question has possibly occurred to some as to what is the
difference between the two terms, as used. In reply to that ques-
tion, it may be remarked that the difference de facto, is practically
nil, But the difference in the terms means much. As a matier
of fact, both classes represented by those terms are, personally,
treated precisely alike; but any brother who “happens in,’ may
be recognized as a “visitor,” whereas a “correspondent” must have
been officially appointed as such, by his association or church. The
former is a visitor, and that is the end of the matter. The latter
is an official representative, and it is customary for an association
receiving a correspondent to appoint a return correspondent (or
more than one) to the organization officially represented. But
the appointment is purely upon the volunteer idea, made thus:

Moderator, ‘‘Who will be a correspondent to X Association?”
A answers, “I will.”

Or several others may respond.

In either case, the body tacitly agrees and the clerk makes a
note, in the minutes accordingly.

That may be done, immediately, on recognition of the an-
nounced correspondent, or it may be deferred until the proper
“head” is reached in the “order of business,” formally so arranged
by many or most associations.

But one thing must not be forgotten. No association can prop-
erly recognize a visitor, as a correspondent from another organiza-
tion, unless he has been appointed as such, by that organization.
The auto-democracy (to coin a word) of Baptist organizations
must never be overlooked.

The historian asks pardon for quoting again, from the min-
utes; but he sees no other way to get before the reader some facts
that, in justice to himself, ought to be published. He had, just
182 History or Murcnur Baprist ASSOCIATION.

the preceding winter, been called to the Thomasville pastorate
and knew nothing whatever about the proceedings of the associa-
tion at its last former session. At that time he was a pastor in
Alabama. So, when the gavel incident occurred, at the opening of
the session, it was all “news” to him; his appointment to respond
to the presentation speech of Judge McCall was a complete sur-
prise, and his remarks, in reply, were absolutely impromptu. In
like manner, he was ignorant of his appointment (presumably by
the Executive committee) to preach the Introductory Sermon,
until the afternoon of the opening day. The unusual occurrence,
too, of the Introductory Sermon being preached by the pastor of
the church with which the meeting was being held would seem to
require some explanation. Due modesty prohibits the writer from
saying, himself, some things not only proper, but really necessary
to be said, to give the reader an understanding of the situation.
The newspaper comments as to the attendance, the attention, the
impression and the effect, will, of course, be omitted.

From the minutes: “As the Introductory Sermon had not been
preached at 11 o’clock, . . . some question arose as to when
it should be preached . . . and Dr. Harris thought it con-
trary to all precedent for the pastor of the home church (the word
‘home’ doubtless meant for ‘entertaining’) to preach (that) ser-
mon. But the association decided that precedent or not, he must
preach it, at 7 o’clock, P.m., and to Guay its wishes in the
matter, a rising vote was taken.”

Accordingly the sermon was preached '. that pastor, at the
hour indicated; but, notwithstanding all the kind expressions
with regard to it, every one of them most thoroughly and grate-
fully appreciated, the writer believes the body made a mistake (of
propriety) in that case—as with that precedent, it has done since,
in other cases,

The next morning, Elders H. R. Bernard, representing Mercer
University, R. H. Smith, our Orphans’ Home, Jas, F. Edens, The
Christian Index, J. G. Gibson, Corresponding Secretary State Mis-
sion Board, and E. Z. F. Golden, representing Bethel College, were
recognized in those several capacities, and Brethren B. A. Alder-
man, of The Bowen Association, and M. F. Tucker, of The Tucker,
were welcomed as visitors.

An appeal, by Elder R. H. Smith, in behalf of the Orphans’
Home, resulted in a contribution of $107. 30.

The Missionary Sermon was preached by Dr. J. G. Gibson and
produced a very fine impression.
History or Mercer Baptist ‘ASSOCIATION. 133

The committee on Necrology reported the lamented death of
Association Evangelist L. J. Crutcher; an extraordinarily good
man.

Bro. F. M. Groover, reélected Treasurer, made his annual re-
port as follows (in summary), Dr., $1,409.04; Cr., $779.51; Cash
to balance $629.53.

The Finance committee reported cash sent up to the meeting,
$930.15, which was duly turned over to the treasurer.

_ At that session, although held in the “lecture room,” the apart-
ment now commonly called by churches, the “annex” (even when
built synchronously with the other parts of the structure), oe-
curred the first annual meeting of Women’s Missionary and Aid
Societies, from churches in the association which maintained such
organizations—although all were not represented.

Mrs. L. H. Jerger, of Thomasville church, was elected Presi-
dent, and Mrs. John F. Parker, of the same church, Secretary.
The Valdosta church was represented by Mesdames R. A. Peeples,
Alice Tomlinson, O. K. Jones, Griffin and Miss Staten; Miss
Rachel McCall represented Quitman; Miss Minnie McKinnon,
Dixie; and besides those already named, Mesdames W. D.
Mitchell, B. W. Stone, E. L. Brown and others appeared for
Thomasville. There were, doubtless, still other representatives
from societies of other churches, but the minutes do not disclose
their names, and the writer cannot recall them after all the years
that have passed, even if he knew them then.

Mrs. Tomlinson reported the societies of her church in Val-
dosta (only one church there, then) in a flourishing condition,
doing good work in benevolence and missions, besides having con-
tributed to repairs and furnishing, in the church building, and
having a balance in their treasuries aggregating $1,000.00.

Miss Mary Groover, representing her society of 23 members,
in the Grooverville (or Liberty) church, reported it as clothing
and otherwise caring for a girl in the Orphans’ Home; besides
“doing regular mission work.”

The joint society of the Thomasville church (only one church
there, then) reported a membership of 43, engaged during the
(then) past year and for some time before, ‘principally in church
furnishing and various benevolences.

Mrs. John F. Parker, as Leader of The Young People’s Mission-
ary Society, in Thomasville church, reported a valuable box sent
to a frontier missionary and other good work done—leaving a
small treasury balance in hand.

 
- 134 History oF MERcER BaAprist ASSOCIATION,

That, although the first, was by no means the last such meet-
ing of the women’s societies, synchronously with the assembling
of association messengers. They have, for years in succession,
been as regular as the association meetings. More recently the
tendency has been, for reasons that need not be dwelt upon, to
have the two meetings occur on different dates.

Some comparative figures were given at that Thomasville ses-
sion, in which the reader may feel some interest. So, the his-
torian presents them here.

Total number of churches represented by letter or per-

sonal messengers, in 1895 .........c cee cee nee eees 52
Total membership in churches, 1895................0., 3,923
Total number of churches represented by letter or per-

sonal messengers, in 1896............eeeeeeees Sh 51
Total membership of churches, 1896................06; 4,062
Number of church members gained in 1895..... Smears 350
Number of church members lost in 1895...-.........4.. 348
Received into churches by baptism, in 1895........... 160
Number of church members gained in 1896............ 545
Number of church members lost in 1896............... 344
Received into churches by baptism in 1896............ 262
Churches reporting Sunday-schools in 1895............ 29
Number of teachers in Sunday-schools in 1895......... 158
Number of Sunday-school pupils in 1895.............. 1,264
Churches reporting Sunday-schools in-1896............ 26
Number of teachers in Sunday-schools in 1896...... ane 177
Number of Sunday-school pupils in 1896.............. 1,503
Total contributions for missions in 1895....... ew saeredae $ 967 75
Total contributions exclusive of pastors’ salaries in 1895. 1,592 56
Total contributions for missions in 1896............... 1,275 71

Total contributions exclusive of pastors’ salaries in 1896. 2,127 71

Thus it may be seen that, in 1895, there was a net gain of
only two in church membership in the entire association; while,
in 1896, although a whole church membership was “lost” (by
dismission of the church to join another association) the net
on 201, and the number of baptisms exceeded that in 1895

y 202.

In Sunday-schools, the number of churches short, in 1896, was

three, but there was a net gain of 19 teachers and 259 pupils.
History or Murcer Baprisr Association. 135

In contributions for missions, there was an advance of $307.96 ;
and for all purposes (exclusive of pastors’ salaries) of $1,534.65.

There was, it appeared, a corresponding advance in compen-
sation for ministerial services; but, as there were no reports on
that score, for 1895, the writer has no basis for a comparison.

The foregoing comparative statement has been made not so
much for the sake of the actual figures given, although that pre-
sentation is valuable, but to illustrate the curious phenomenon
of ebb and flow, in religious concerns, to which attention was
called several chapters ago.

New-comer preachers reported on the list for the 1896 session
—some of them listed for 1895, although they had not really ar-
rived by the meeting of that year, as well as perhaps, one or two,
before—were Elders R. 8. Clifton, Tallokas, Ga., W. F. Cox, Stan-
ton, Ga., Robert H. Harris, Thomasville, Ga., J. C. Lee; Lake Park,
Ga., B. R. Wingate, Pelham, Ga., and Licentiates, W. A. Jones,
Moultrie, Ga., and Frank L. Ward, Dixie, Ga.
186 History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER X.,

Tue next session was held with Hahira church, in Lowndes
county, opening on the morning of October 13th, 1897.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder T. A. White,
and then a recess was taken until 2 o’clock, p.m.

The officers elected were Elder J. M. Rushin, Moderator, Elder
W. B. Bennett, Assistant Moderator, Elder George M. Moore,
Clerk, and Bro. O. A. Beall, Assistant Clerk.

West Side church, Valdosta, and Hempstead church, Colquitt
county, were received into fellowship.

The following-named visitors were welcomed: Elder W. E.

- Morris, from The Mell Association, Bro. J. W. Pearson, of The
Hamilton, Fla., Elder J. J. Hyman, of The Houston, representing
Houston High School, Elder H. R. Bernard, representing Mercer
University, Dr. J. G. Gibson, State Board Secretary, and Bro.
J. E. Chiles, for The Christian Index. The next day Bro. C. J.
Cartledge was received as a visitor from The Southwestern Asso-
ciation, and Bro. Cobb E. Forrest (colored) from The Thomas. -
ville (Negro) Association.

Two Missionary Sermons were preached, the second morning:
One by Elder W. H. Cooper,’ the regular appointee, in the Meth-
odist meeting-house; the other by Elder Geo. M. Moore, vice Elder
Robert H. Harris, a special appointee, accidentally left by his
train, in Valdosta. Offerings for missions were made at both
places, but the amounts were not reported by the clerk.

The association used the Methodist meeting-house, kindly ten-
dered for its purposes, because larger than that of the Baptists;
so the Woman’s meeting was held in the Baptist house of wor-
ship. Miss Minnie McKinnon, of Dixie church, was elected Presi-
dent and Miss Rachel McCall of Quitman, Secretary.

Valdota, Grooverville, Dixie, Thomasville, Metcalfe and Quit-
man were represented, as well as Hahira.

The Valdosta church society was represented by Mesdames
R. A. Peeples, R. T. Myddleton, O. K. Jones, Martin, and Miss
Staten. They made an encouraging report of their society’s work,
during the associational year; $59.50 for missions distinctively,
abroad, and $1,000.00 for local purposes.

 
History or Mercer Baprist ASSociaTION. 137

The Grooverville society reported $43.85 for missions.

Miss Minnie McKinnon reported for the Dixie society, con-
tributions for the Orphans’ Home, including an offering from the
children’s Sunbeam Society, and a goodly sum for Home and For-
eign Missions, distinctively.

The Thomasville society reported: Number of members, 44;
offering, $100.60; Children’s band, “Bright Jewels,” number of
members, 32; offering, $32.64; a valuable box to The Orphans’
Home and another for a missionary in the Indian Territory.
(There was no Oklahoma then.)

Mrs. J. F. Lilly represented the Meals society and reported
work done on various lines.

Miss Nonnie McCall, representative ot the Quitman church
“Working Band,” reported offerings for home work and larger,
for missions abroad.

To return to the men’s meeting.

On motion of Judge McCall, it was provided that “the clerk
and the treasurer be authorized and instructed to prepare blank
letters from churches to the association and distribute the same
with minutes.”

Three churches, Boston, Quitman and Adel, invited the 1898
session. The body accepted Adel’s invitation.

The death of Elder W. A. Pardee, was reported by the proper
committee, and a page of the minutes was ordered inscribed with
a suitable testimonial to his memory.

Elder T. A. White, appointed at a former session, for that

purpose, reported the placing of a marble slab and vase on a
brick foundation, over the grave of Elder L. J. Crutcher, at a
cost of $35.25 contributed as follows: By Bowen Association,
$13.15; by Mercer Association, $22.10.

Elder Robert H. Harris, Chairman of the committee on Min-
isterial Education, reported received by committee $127.13; paid
out, $170.95. (There is no error in that statement.)

Bro. F. M. Groover, reélected Treasurer, reported as follows:
Debtor, $1,642.96; Credit, $1,036.37; Cash to balance, $606.59.

The Finance ‘committee reported cash sent up to session,
$1,004.35; turned over to treasurer; starting him out on the new
associational year with $1,610.94 “to the good”,

Surely a deaf man can now see growth!

The association met in its twenty-fourth session, October 19,
1898, with our church in Adel—a church that was only a few
188 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

years before, a mission station, at a place where, a little while
anterior to that was nothing.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder C. W. Minor;
after which, recess was taken until 2 p.m.

The choice of officers resulted in the reélection of the follow-
ing: Elders J. M. Rushin, Moderator, T. A. White, Assistant,
Geo. M. Moore, Clerk, with the election of Elder W. J. Sullivan,
as Assistant.

The following-named brethren responded as visitors: From
The Mell, E. W. Overstreet, H. T. Dowling, W. E. Morris, W. P.
Nunez and J. T. Goodman; from The Rehoboth, J. M. Walker.

These responded as correspondents: From The Houston, J. J.
Hyman and J.:E. Powell; from The Stone Mountain, F. C. Buch-
anan; from The Thomasville (colored), E. Forrest.

“The Woman’s Missionary Union,” as it was now called, con-
vened in the Presbyterian meeting-house and chose Mrs. O. K.
Jones, of Valdosta, as President, and Miss Minnie McKinnon, of
Dixie, as Secretary.

Liberty (or Grooverville) society, represented by Miss Ophelia
Groover, reported $21.05 for missions, and $11.47 for The Orphans’
Home. Besides that, the society has kept up the full maintenance
of a girl in the home, adopted, years ago!

Mrs. Hewitt reported work in Adel as dormant, but promised
to “wake up things,” for the ensuing year.

Mrs. J. G. Tomlinson, of Valdosta, reported $47.00 from her
church, for missions, and valuable boxes for Mercer students and
the orphans.

-Mrs. W. H. McKinnon, of Hahira, made interesting remarks.

Miss Minnie McKinnon, of Dixie, reported activity but lack
of organization in her field.

In the men’s meeting, Bro. F. M. Groover was unanimously re-
elected Treasurer.

Elder T, A. White, chairman of committee on Ministerial Ed-
ucation, read his report, and on its showing, appealed for an
offering in aid of ministerial students. In response to the appeal,
-pledges from the churches were given, amounting to $128.50.

Elder Robert H. Harris, the regular appointee, being absent
on account of sickness, Elder T. A. White preached the Mission-

ary Sermon. At its close, an offering of $30.00 was made for
Missions.
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 139

The Treasurer reported: Dr., $1,751.89; Cr., $1,041.72; cash
to balance, $710.17.

The Finance committee reported: Cash sent up, $749.08;
turned over to the Treasurer.

On the 11th day of October, 1899, the association met, in its
twenty-fifth annual session, with the Quitman Baptist church.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder J. M. Waller,
new pastor of Moultrie; after which, a recess was taken until
2 P.M.

The clerk and assistant clerk, both being absent, Elder L. A.
Cooper, of Quitman, was elected Clerk, pro tem.

The session was organized for business by the reélection of
Elder J. M. Rushin, as Moderator, and the election of Elder
W. B. Bennett, Assistant Moderator, Elder L. A. Cooper, Clerk,
and Bro. William Simms, Assistant Clerk.

Pauline church and New Bethel were received into member-
ship at that session.

Bro. Lawson E. Brown, of Houston Association and Houston
High School, was received as a correspondent.

Brethren Jas. F. Edens, of The Christian Index, A. B. Bald-
win, of The Baptist Mirror, H. D. Musgrove, of The Southwestern
Association , and W. E. Zedeker, of The Bowen Association, were
welcomed as correspondents.

Twice during that session of the association, the body did the
same un-Baptistic thing—i. e., voted to “recognize” a brother “as
a messenger” who had not been appointed as such, by his church;
in each case on a motion by a (different) brother well up on Bap-
tist principles and customs. And, now, the historian hastens to
add that the mistakes mentioned have not been referred to in any-
thing like a censorious spirit, but as affording him an opportunity
to emphasize a principle already announced and. to explode false
conceptions. But let him preface what is to follow by a square-
out disclaimer of any desire to pose or any purpose to act as a self-
appointed censor of his brethren.

First, then, as to the principle. The independency of a Bap-
tist church is absolute. Its authority (under The New Testament
Scriptures of course), is supreme. An association (in our use
of the term) is its creature—i. e., the creature of a number of
Baptist churches united under a temporary confederate (not fed-
eral) agreement; in which not one of the sovereign principles of
a Baptist church is surrendered, nor suspended, and the union is
140 History or Mercer BAprisr ASSOCIATION.

one which may be dissolved at any time. One of those inalienable
principles consists in the exclusive right to appoint its own rep-
resentatives. No other church, no number of other churches, not
even the entire body of an association, in session, including its
own messengers, can do for a Baptist church (in the way of rep-
resentation, again of course), what it has not done for itself.
Therefore, if it has not appointed a man, even the best man in it
and one whom it might most desire to have represent it, as a
messenger, or a representative under any other name, no associa-
tion can properly “recognize” such a man as such. And the church
itself cannot “delegate” such authority to its own messengers. In
all such cases of “recognition,” the creature, whether so meant or
not, assumes to itself authority to act for, or even in spite of, its
creator; or to put it in other words, of the independent com-
ponents of its composite creator.

Secondly, as to-the false conception. It has been said and in
a certain sense, truthfully said, that a Baptist church, being a
sovereign body, can do anything it pleases to do. But that saying
must be taken to mean anything that is right, in itself, or that
is consistent with the principles of a Baptist church. One of those
principles is expressed in the declaration that a Baptist church
cannot delegate authority. The same may be said of a Baptist
association. It is true that such a body can do anything it pleases
—but only on right lines, in accordance with Baptist principles.
It is a false conception of principle to maintain that either an
association or a church can-properly do what is in contravention
of any of the fundamental tenets of the denomination. In other
words, the notion that a given thing or action, is “all right,”
simply because a church, or an association may agree to it, is a
false conception.

And now, before finally leaving off consideration of the mis-
takes referred to, the writer asks indulgence for a few lines more.
Let. us see to what such might lead. An association has just as
much right to “recognize” A, as a deacon or clerk of B church,
when he has not been so recognized by his own church, as it has
to “recognize” him, as a messenger from his church when he has
not been so appointed. :

The Missionary Sermon was preached by Dr. S. Y. Jameson,
Corresponding Secretary of The State Board of Missions; the
regular appointee, Elder Robert H. Harris, being kept away from
the session by reason of sickness in his family, and his alternate,
Elder J. M. Rushin, giving way to Dr. Jameson.
History oF MERcER Baptist ASSOCIATION. 141

The collection following amounted to $33.75.

Another correspondent was recognized at the same time when
Dr. Jameson was received, to wit, Bro. J. C. Bryan, from a “col-
ored” association; name not given in the minutes of the session.

The committee on Deceased Ministers and Deacons, reported
the death, during the then past associational year, of Elders W. H.
Cooper, of Quitman, and BE. H. Bryan, of Moultrie, and Deacons
John Tillman, of Quitman, and Joshua Carroll, of Thomasville.

After tender remarks by various brethren, a page in the min-
utes of the session was ordered left blank, only inscribed to the
memory of each of them.

The session of The Woman’s Missionary Union was held
through the kindness of The Methodists in their meeting-house.
Mrs. A. J. Rountree, of Quitman, was chosen President, and Mrs.
Jno. F. Parker, of Thomasville, Secretary. Mrs. J. G. McCall and
Mrs. A. W. Green, both of Quitman, conducted the opening devo-
tional exercises.

Quitman made a most encouraging report through the society
secretary, Mrs. Green.

Liberty church society reported through Miss Laura Beasley..

The society of Evergreen church reported through Mrs. W. H.
Young.

Mrs. O. K. Jones reported for the Valdosta society.

Mrs. Jno. F. Parker made the report for the society of Thomas-
ville church.

Miss Hattie Stevens, of the Quitman society, read a communi-
cation from the President-General, Mrs. C. A. Stakely, of Mont-
gomery, Ala.

Mrs. J. M. Rushin, of Boston, and Miss Laura Beasley, of
Grooverville, were elected Associate Vice-Presidents of the Union
for the ensuing year.

The writer regrets the absence of further particulars in the
record of the proceedings from which he has gathered the details
mentioned.

A return to the men’s meeting is now in order.

The new association missionary, Elder W. F. Thompson, re-
ported: “Miles traveled, 1,327; visits, 333; prayer in homes, 169;
Bible lectures, 27; Sunday-school lectures, 4; sermons preached,
84; baptisms, 16; books and tracts distributed,” a large number.

Bro. F. M. Groover, reélected Treasurer, reported: Dr.,
$1,558.24; Cr., $926.36; cash to balance, $631.88.

10
142 History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

The Finance committee’s report was not published in the
minutes.

The committee on Ministerial Education reported paid out for
students at Arabi (Houston High School), $82.85. -

The Executive committee reported paid to the association mis-
sionary, $100.00.

The session of 1900 was the twenty-sixth anniversary meeting
of the association and was convened with Boston church, on the
17th day of October.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder A. OC.
Stephenson; at the close of which, a committee on Credentials
was appointed and then, a recess taken until 2 P.M.

On re-assembling, after the noon recess, it was found that both
the clerk and the assistant clerk were absent; whereupon, Bro.
D. F. Arthur, of Moultrie, was elected Clerk, pro tem.

The choosing of officers for the year resulted in the reélection
of Elders J. M. Rushin and T, A. White, ag.respectively, Modera-
tor and Assistant, with the designation of Bro. D. F. Arthur, for
Clerk, and of Bro. W. T. Gaulden, as Assistant.

Upon application, our churches in Barney and Pavo were re-
ceived each one, into membership in the association.

Partly the first day and partly later, the following-named
brethren were received as correspondents: Bro. S. R. Blanton,
from The Tucker Association, and Elder J. R. Blewett, from The
Bowen; as visitors, Elders J. H. Tappan, W. F. Wagner and
B. J. W. Graham, Field Editor of The Christian Index, Dr. 8. Y.
Jameson, Corresponding Secretary State Mission Board, President
P. D. Pollock, of Mercer University, and Bro. S. L. Bowen.

Elder A. M. Bennett, new pastor in Moultrie, was appointed
chairman of the committee on Education, vice Elder Robert H.
Harris, called to a chair-in the faculty of The Southern Female
(or Cox) College, College Park, Atlanta.

The following-named churches were granted letters of dismis-
sion with a view of joining other associations: Benevolence, Con-
cord and Corinth (Lowndes), for The Hamilton (Fla); Oak
Grove, for The Tucker.

Dr. S. S. Gaulden, speaking “to” his report, as chairman of
the committee on Ministerial Education, aroused such a degree
of responsive enthusiasm that a spontaneous offering for that
cause was made, amounting to $264.00; which, added to $50.00
already in hand, sent up by the churches for that purpose, made
History of Mercer BaAprist ASSOCIATION. 143

a a of $314.90—$14.90 more than the $300.00 he had said were
needed.

What could not blind men and deaf men see, now?

During the night session, of the second day, Dr. Pollock, Pres-
ident of Mercer, delivered a masterly address, which, on motion
of Bro. Z. H. Clark, of Moultrie, prompted a rising vote of thanks
by the great audience.

The “Baptist Young People’s Union” received at that session,
for the first time, the formal approval of the association.

On the third day of the session, Elder Chas. G. Dilworth, the
young pastor at Tifton, was welcomed as a visitor.

The Necrological report announced the death of Elder J. T.
Stanley, of Hahira, a most lovable young man; of Deacon F. M.
Groover, treasurer, for years, and the first clerk of the associa-
tion; of Dr. R. W. Baston, the mainstay of Ochlocknee church;
of Deacon Mitchell J ones, the first treasurer of The (new) Mercer
and a tower of strength, in his day; and of Deacon Isaac Jessup,
of whom all who knew him spoke in the highest terms.

Young as a brother, but an elder in rank, Bro. W. F. Thomp-
son, our association missionary, presented an admirably tabulated
report; from which some extracts are here given. “Assisted in
organizing church at Pavo; had Big Creek to extend an arm to
Cooledge and there organized, receiving 8 by letter; attended a
Union Meeting at Ousley, and one at Beulah; have given away
200 books and 10,000 pages of tracts. Have given to this mission-
ary work, 153 days; have traveled 1,961 miles; made 336 visits;
prayers in homes, 123; Bible lectures, 11; Sunday-school lectures,
4; sermons preached, 99.”

Elder T. A. White preached the Missionary Sermon on the
morning of the second day, and Elder W. E. Zedeker, the Cairo
pastor, preached at the same hour, in the Methodist meeting-house.

The missionary offering at the two places amounted to $33.66.

At that session, the association pledged itself in the strongest
terms, to the advocacy of state-prohibition, on the liquor ques-
tion. In those days, many laughed at such an idea. They have
been having occasion, for some years past, now, to “laugh on the
other side of their mouths.’”’ And there is a reason for a good deal
of that kind of laughing; for a good many states are, today, mus-
tered in the Maine-Kansas-Georgia column. (19th of March,
1915.)

At that session, it was provided that there should be regularly
appointed a “standing committee” on The State of Religion,
among the churches.
144 Hisrory of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

The Finance committee reported, sent up in cash, $1,189.33. To
quote from the report, “The vouchers sent up, in addition to cash,
amounted to $9,122.45. Of this amount, $5,296.68 appear to be
pastors’ salaries; leaving for all other purposes, during the year,
collected and disbursed, $5,001.78.”

What about those blind and deaf men? Perhaps a cripple or
two might now be added, to see growth!

Bro. Jeff. Davis had been elected Treasurer, vice Bro. F. M.
Groover, deceased, and he reported as follows: Aggregate received,
for year 1899-1900: Cash, $798.62; Paid out, $334.73; Cash in bank
to balance, $463.69. ,

The death of Bro. Groover, the treasurer incumbent, early that
inter-date associational year, of course interrupted the usual re-
ceipts and disbursements by that officer.

Brother Davis was unanimously reélected Treasurer for the
year 1900-1901.

The meeting of the W. M. U. was held in the Methodist house
of worship, after noon, the second day.

Mrs. O. C. Hall, “Associational Vice-President,” being detained
at her home in Thomasville by sickness, Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, of
Moultrie, presided.

Mrs. John F. Parker, of Thomasville, was chosen for Secretary.

The exercises were opened with prayer, by Mrs. J. G. McCall,
of Quitman.

Mrs. T. B. Barrow, President of the Boston W. M. S., gave
messengers and visitors a most cordial welcome; to whose address
Mrs. McKenzie responded, in behalf of the guests.

Miss Gussie Norton, secretary, made an, excellent report for
her society of Liberty church.

Mrs. Jeff. Davis of Quitman church, gave a bright account of
her society.

Mrs. Mamie Croft reported a newly organized society, in
Hempstead church.

Mrs. Annie M. Souter made a good report for her society, in
Evergreen church.

Mrs. McKenzie made a good showing for Moultrie.

Summer Hill was well represented in Mrs. Catherine Massey.

The Thomasville W. M. S. and Children’s Mission Band were
represented by Mrs. E. E. Oglesby, Mrs. M. J. Ansley, and Mrs.
John F, Parker.

Mrs. Tomlinson sent a most encouraging letter from her
society in Valdosta.
History of Mercer Barrist ASSociaTIoN. 145

Mrs. F. Arnold, of Lake Park, and Mrs. C. A. Davis, of Hickory
Head, spoke hopefully of beginning society work in their re-
spective churches.

A paper on “The Coming Century” was read by Miss Rachel
McCall, of Quitman, greatly to the pleasure and edification of all
present. :

A short “History of the Origin and Object of The Georgia
W. M. U.” was read by Mrs. Parker.

Miss India Whipple, of Boston, and Miss Ela Tillman, of
Quitman, each, read a paper on “The Importance of Woman’s
Work for Christ.”

Mrs. J. M. Rushin and Miss Laura Beasley having declined the
positions of Ist and 2nd Vice Presidents (associational), of the
General Union, to which they were elected at the last session,
Mrs. O. C. Hall, of Thomasville, was, at the Boston session, an-
nounced as chosen Vice-President by the State Central Committee.
That meant of the association “district.”

The historian has mentioned “Union Meetings,” but recently
for the first time alluded to in the association minutes. To most
Baptists in this country that term is sufficiently familiar to need
no explanation. But some may glance at these pages who are not
Baptists or who, if Baptists, may not reside in this section. For
their information let the term be explained.

“Union Meeting,” in the present sense, does not mean a meet-
ing participated in by all denominations. It means the same as
does the term, “General Meeting,” used in other sections by Bap-
tists, and, to some extent, in this section by the so-called “Primi-
tive Baptists ;” and the kind of “gathering’ ’it designates came to
be in the way now to be set forth.

Most of the churches in our associations were formerly, as they
still are, country churches, that “held services” only “once a
month.” There are, as a rule, four “fifth Sundays” in a year, and
for those Sundays no preaching arrangements could be made
under the once-a-‘month custom of the country and village
churehes. To provide for those “odd” Sundays, an arrangement
was made in some associations (as in ours, for a while) for meet-
ings called “Sunday-school Conventions,” participated in by repre-
sentatives from a number of churches within convenient reach of
some church centrally situated, and appointed according to some
rule agreeable to all concerned. Later (and in some cases from
the first), those gatherings were called “Ministers’ and Deacons’
146 History oF Murcer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

Meetings ;” at which such church officials assembled to discuss re-
ligious doctrines and denominational tenets. Later still they
came to be called, in North and Middle Georgia, “General Meet-
ings;” in South Georgia, “Union Meetings,” because engaged in
by representatives from numbers of different churches “united”
for a common purpose. “Ministers and Deacons” were, as they
still are, ex officio, “members” of those assemblies. After a time,
the custom came into vogue of “electing messengers” from among
private members of churches, in the same manner and upon the
same basis as observed in selecting messengers to association
meetings—except that preachers and deacons do not have to be
elected. The meetings, as a rule, “open” on “Friday before the
Fifth Sunday” and close with the morning preaching service on
Sunday. They may, however, not begin until Saturday and com-
mencing on either Friday or Saturday may be extended through
Sunday afternoon. The writer has known them to be continued
so as to include a night service on Sunday. There is no fixed rule
for those matters.

Those occasions are always delightful, and are generally very
helpful. There are always two services a day, morning and night;
the principal part of each day is devoted to discussion of ques-
tions, sometimes called “queries,” or of subjects, doctrinal or other-
wise; the programme is sometimes published in advance, or at
other times improvised the first morning; there is nearly always
good singing; and, “last but not least,” there is always “dinner
on the grounds.”

The reader is already informed as to what that last item
means.

A proper utilization of those occasions results in the produc-
tion or the preservation of homogeneity, among the churches, in
doctrine and practice; a condition not always as fully appreciated
as it ought to be. Theré is in some sections of our country, North
and South, too much laxity of principle (denominationally speak-
ing of course, and having in this case no reference whatever to
moral principle) among Baptists. A spirit of latitudinarianism
entirely too broad has been introduced into Georgia, by the im-
portation of “liberal-minded” preachers (and excellent men, let
the writer say with emphasis) from regions where true Baptist
orthodoxy is at a discount. “Alien immersion” and “open com-
munion,” as the terms are used, the latter quite inaptly, are be-
coming much too frequently tolerated by so-considered “Baptist
leaders.” But the churches in The Mercer Association have so far
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 147

escaped those taints; largely because of the interchange of
thought and sentiment among our ministers and Bible-posted
private members in those union meetings.

But while this matter of doctrinal laxity is incidentally before
a let a few words more be said in relation to the subject, gener-
ally.

As already substantially remarked in these pages, the state-
ment is inaccurate which declares that.a Baptist church, being a
sovereign body, has a right to do anything it pleases. The inser-
tion of the adjective, “proper,” between “any” and “thing” in that.
compound word would make the saying true. It is also true that:
a Baptist church can do anything it chooses to do; but it does not:
follow that the thing done is always right. In reference to “alien:
immersion” and “inter-church” “communion,” some of the de-
fenders of those errors have declared that “Dr. Broadus has said’
every church must decide for itself upon such questions;” or
words to that effect. Well, this writer does not know that Dr.
Broadus ever said any such thing. But, granting for the argu-
ment that he did say just that, Dr. Broadus, great and good man
as he was and dearly beloved by this historian, was never ap-
pointed by the great Baptist denomination an ecclesiastical dic-
tator, dogmatically to prescribe what and what not its churches
should or should not believe or practise. If he uttered that decla-
ration (of which this writer is not by any means sure) he could
have expressed only his personal opinion, in an utterance that is
of no more binding force upon a Baptist church than one from you
would be. If Baptist churches have been wrong upon such points
as those, through all these past ages, some great and good man
like Broadus, or Boyce, or Tucker, or Mell, ought to go out among
them or send forth a printed appeal to them all, offering proof of
the error and urging them as a simple brother, without the as-
sumption of any authority whatsoever, to come together in gen-
eral convention and agree to dissolve. If wrong in the doctrines
and practices which distinguish them they have no raison d’etre,
no excuse for distinctive existence.

Our church at Cairo had the honor realized of entertaining the
association during its twenty-seventh anniversary session.

Elder Carl W. Minor, the regular appointee, preached the
Introductory Sermon; after which, although “in a town,” the
entire congregation, messengers, visitors and promiscuous attend-
ants, received a cordial invitation to “dinner on the grounds.”
148 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

On re-assembling in the house, at 2 o’clock, p.m., the ballot
rule was “suspended” by “unanimous consent,” as “Baptists had
a right” to do, in such cases, and Elders J. M. Rushin and T. A.
White were reélected by acclamation, respectively, Moderator and
Assistant Moderator; while Bro. D. F. Arthur was reélected Clerk.
In the same manner, Elder W. T. Gaulden was chosen Assistant
Clerk.

Rock Hill, a newly constituted church, in Colquitt, and Cherry
Creek, of Lowndes, with a letter from The Meéll Association, were
received into fellowship.

The following-named visitors were welcomed: Elder Jas. B.
Taylor, representing The Orphans’ Home, Rev. J. B. K. Smith, of
The Piedmont Association, Elder J. A. Harris, representing The
Christian Index, Elder W. G. Sellers, of The Bowen Associa-
tion, and Elder H. ©. Strong, recently of New Mexico; while
Elder M. M. Kinchen, of The Bowen, was received as a corre-
spondent.

Bro. Jeff. Davis, reélected Treasurer, reported: Dr., $1,853.99 ;
Cr., $1,387.54; cash in bank to balance, $466.45.

After submission of his report on The Orphans’ Home, by
Elder T. A. White, committee chairman, a contribution of $32.82
was made to that institution.

Elder D. H. Parker, the regular appointee, preached the Mis-
sionary Sermon, on the morning of the second day; at the con-
clusion of which, a collection for missions was taken, amounting
to $16.23.

In the afternoon, of the second day, Cooledge church was re-
ceived into membership.

The Necrological report showed no mortality among ministers
and deacons, during the then closing associational year.

Elder W. F. Thompson, association missionary, reported as
follows: “Days of labor, 310; miles traveled, 3,558; visits, 711;
prayers in homes, 276; Bible lessons, 282; Sunday-school lectures,
29; Bible Institute lessons, 29; sermons preached, 173; four mis-
sion stations established, with a separate brother engaged to preach
at each, once a month. Amount of cash raised on the field, $63.75;
West Side, Valdosta, absorbed by the First church.”

Bro. R. L. Groover, chairman of the Finance committee re-
ported, cash sent up to session, $1,411.55; other sums expended by
the churches during the year (including $7,419.21, in salaries of
pastors), $16,533.35.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 149

The cash was turned over to Treasurer Davis, starting him off
with $1,878.00 in hand for the new associational year.

The historian calls special attention to growth in the finan-
cial department of the association’s work, no more. It is now,
and from this point onward, so obvious as to require no special
pointing out.

In his report as chairman of the recently provided committee
“on the State of Religion,” Bro. W. T. Gaulden used these strik-
ing words: “The state of religion of a church is determined by
the Christian activities of the individual members. A Christian
should do business for God. Let his business be God’s business
and God’s business, his business.”

At the suggestion of Elder Rushin, the ministers in attendance
met at 8 o’clock a.m., on Friday, October 18th, and organized them-
selves into a “Ministers’ Federation.” The time and place for the
next meeting was agreed upon, as follows: At Thomasville, on
Tuesday after the second Sunday in January, 1902. Elder J. M.
Rushin was elected President and Elder D. H. Parker, Secretary.
Elders Logan, the new pastor at Thomasville, and T. A. White
were appointed to arrange a programme for the occasion, and an
invitation was extended to every minister within the bounds of
the association to attend the meeting.

In the “comparative statement” published at that session, a
few contrasts between 1900 and 1901 appeared, that the historian
feels are entitled to special notice herein: Numbers of preachers
in the two years, respectively, 31 and 41; church members, 4,248
and 4,692; contributions to all objects, $10,411.78 and $17,946.70 ;
Sunday- schools, 22 and 36; teachers, 122 and 218; pupils, 1,421
and 2,348; average attendance, 960 and 1,385.

A complete list of ministers will now be presented: J. B. Alli-
good, Ochlocknee; W. B. Bennett, Quitman; A. M. Bennett (new
pastor), Moultrie ; S. L. Bowen, Moultrie; J. J. Butler, Boston ;
H. C. Cain, Boston; N. G. Christopher, Moultrie; R. 8. Clifton,
Tallokas; J. F. Culpepper, Adel; J. W. Davis, Pavo; W. H. Dent,
Mars; I. F. Duncan, Boston; J. D. Evans, Ousley ; R.8. Harvey,
Stockton ; W. B. High, Lake Park; George T. Hurst, Cairo; J. W.
Kirton, Adel; Martin Knight, Ousley ; J. H. Logan ‘(new pastor),
Thomasville; J. P. McCann, Boston; C. W. Minor, Valdosta;
D. H. Parker, Boston; E. F. Richter, Cairo; A. C. Stephenson,
Thomasville; H. C. Strong, Milltown; J. H. Tappan, Barwick;
A. J. Taylor, Moultrie; W. F. Thompson, Valdosta; G. B,
Thrasher, Moultrie; Noah Tyler, Milltown; W. F. Wagner, Quit-
150 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

man; W. L. Walker (new pastor), Quitman; Moses Ward, Bos-
ton; T. A. White, Thomasville; J. A. Wood, Moultrie; W. E.
Zedeker, Cairo.

Those were all elders, and in addition to them were the follow-
ing-named licentiates: R. G. Jackson, Ochlocknee; O. P. H.
Juhan, Adel; W. A. Jones, Cooledge; A. F. Sellers, Naylor; J. 8.
Ward, Senr., Ochlocknee; J. C. Wilkinson, Quitman.

The W. M. U. of the association held its convention in the
Presbyterian house of worship, on Thursday afternoon, the 17th;
and was well attended.

The new President for the district, Mrs. O. C. Hall, of Thomas-
ville, being providentally absent, Mrs. Jeff. Davis, of Quitman,
was chosen to preside, and Mrs. J. L. Jessup, of Valdosta church,
filled the chair of the Secretary.

Miss Daisy Neel reported for the Boston society; Miss Hattie
Mauldin, for the Cairo; Miss Mattie Outlaw, for Lake Park; Mrs.
C. A. Cochran, for Thomasville; Miss Pattie Mash, for Thomas-
ville Willing Workers; Mrs. J. F. Parker, for Thomasville Bright
Jewels; Miss Nonnie McCall, for Quitman W. M. §S., and also
The Sunbeams; Mrs. W. W. Ashburn, for Moultrie W. M. 8., and
also for the Y. L. S.; while Mrs. C. A. Coehran, of Thomasville,
read a paper for each of the two societies of Evergreen and Sum-
mer Hill.

An address of welcome from the Cairo W. M. U. was delivered
by Mrs. J. E. Poulk, the President, and was appropriately re-
sponded to by Miss Nonnie McCall, of Quitman, by request of the
presiding officer.

Miss Lucy Kicklighter, State Organizer, reported societies or-
ganized at Adel, Barney, Cooledge and Lake Park; besides socie-
ties redrganized at Hempstead and Summer Hill.

Helpful letters were read by former Secretary, Mrs. Jno. F.
Parker, from District Superintendent, Mrs. W. B. Fitzgerald, and
Miss M. E. Wright, State President. |

Mrs. Ashburn gave a thrilling talk on Foreign Missions and
read two letters from Mr. J. C. Owen, one of our North China mis-
sionaries.

A called meeting was held on Friday, at which a resolution was
passed urging pastors to coéperate with the societies in their
churches and to exercise general supervision over them.

Does that look like “usurpation” on the part of the ladies?
History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 151

An executive committee was appointed as follows: Mrs. W.
W. Ashburn, Chairman, and Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, Moultrie; Mrs.
J. H. Griffin and Mrs. T. G. Crawford, Valdosta; Mrs. Jno. T.
Parker, Secretary and Treasurer, and Mrs. C. A. Cochran, Thomas-
ville; Mrs. M. A. Roddenbery, Cairo; Mrs. J. R. Jenkins, Cool-
edge; Mrs. A. W. Green and Miss Hattie Stevens, Quitman.
152 History of Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER XI.

Tu next session of the association, the twenty-eight annual,
opened October 14th, 1902, with Moultrie church.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder W. F. Wag-
ner; at the conclusion of which, messengers and visitors were
assigned, by the committee on Hospitality, to their various places
of sojourn and the body took a recess until 2 o’clock, p.m.

While some belated letters were being examined by the com-
mittee on Credentials, Eld. A. M. Bennett, the pastor of Moultrie
church, delivered a very appropriate address of welcome, to which,
by appointment of the chair, Eld. D. H. Parker made a very happy
response in behalf of the association.

The rules being suspended, all the officers were reélected (ex
cept that Elder A. C. Stephenson was chosen Assistant Moderator)
by acclamation.

Two new churches, the one at Barwick and the other at King-
wood, were received into membership.

Elders C. N. Donaldson, new pastor of Thomasville, and N. G.
Christopher, of Whigham, with Bro. M. D. Norman, of Obe, were
welcomed as visitors.

Bro. Z. T. Weaver, from The Tucker Association, and Bro. J.
D. Calhoun, from The Mell, were received as correspondents.

On motion of Eld. D. H. Parker, a committee of fifteen was
appointed to visit Norman Institute, at Obe, a few miles away in
Colquitt county.

That was the beginning. The completion will be seen further
on in this volume. -

The next day, Bro. J. B. Norman, the founder of Norman Insti-
tute, was introduced as an envoy from The Mell Association, and
as such, in behalf of that organization, although as was well under-
stood, he was the soul and body of the whole matter, made a
formal tender of one-third interest in Norman Institute, to The
Mercer Association.

That was one step beyond the beginning. The culmination will
be seen in due time.

The Missionary Sermon was preached at 11 a.m., the second
day of the session, by Elder T. A. White; and at its close a collec-
tion was “taken up”, amounting to $31.04.
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 153

It appears that before the 1902 session (the records do not show
how long) the association had, possibly through private channels,
by those who had kept their personality concealed, been support-
ing two missionaries in the Foreign field, and now, the churches
through their messengers, were asked to raise a sum sufficient to ,
maintain a third missionary in that field! The amount, $700.00,
was pledged immediately!

Remarks about seeing growth, etc., would seem to be in order,
at this point, but the writer decided several pages ago, to omit
such observations for the then future—which includes now and
hereafter. :

Elder W. F. Thompson’s report as association missionary,
showed: “Days of labor, 288; miles traveled, 3,545; visits, 653;
prayers in homes, 317; Bible lessons, 249; Sunday-schoo] lectures,
24; Bible institute lessons, 34; sermons, 129.

Bro. Z. H. Clark, in his report as chairman of the committee
on Orphans’ Home, called attention to the fact that the report of
the Finance committee would show an item of $570.31, given by
the various churches to The Home.

Always intelligently business-like, Bro. Clark also suggested,
explicitly, the practical living needs of The Home and how to
meet them.

The Baptist Young People’s Union, at that time along in its
beginnings and very little known of, experimentally, by the
churches generally in the association, was discussed according to
a programme arranged by Bro. Jno. E. Howell, as follows:

1. What the Baptist Young People’s Union is—Bro. J. D. Mc-
Kenzie.

2. The attitude of the local church toward The Union—Elder
A. M. Bennett.

3. How to organize a Union—Bro. Z. T. Weaver (a visitor).

4, Result of The Young People’s movement—lIllustrated in
“Junior” class-work, by Bro. Howell.

Bro. Jeff. Davis, reélected Treasurer, reported: Dr., $2,189.99 ;
Cr., $1,888.34; cash in bank to balance, $301.65.

The Finance committee reported: Cash sent up, $1,471.18;
vouchers, $17,745.05. Total for all purposes during the year, $19,-
114.02.

Dr. 8. 8S. Gaulden, chairman of the committee on Ministerial
Education, made an earnest appeal for aid in the education of our
young ministerial students, asking for at least, $250.00. The
response was $353.00!
154 History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

It is unquestionably true that Sam Gaulden “had a way with
him”.

_ The committee on Necrology reported the death of Deacon W.
A. Bridges, of Cherry Creek church, and a page of the minutes
was ordered inscribed to his memory.

The ministers listed during the year were: Elders L. R. Chris-
tie, new pastor at Valdosta; C. N. Donaldson, new pastor at
Thomasville; and W. A. Mason, new pastor at Quitman.

Ten brethren were nominated as Mercer Association Trustees,
for Norman Institute; but “the time was not yet” for them to
assume the active duties of office.

The W. M. U. held two morning and two afternoon sessions, in
the Methodist meeting-house kindly tendered for their use.

Mrs. W. W. Ashburn, of Moultrie, presided and Mrs. J. L.
Jessup, of Valdosta, was Secretary.

The messengers enrolled were: Mrs. Rogers and Miss Neel,
Boston; Mrs. W. W. Redding and Miss Ruth Adams, Big Och-
locknee; Mrs. Davis, Big Creek; Mrs. 3..&. Poulk, Cairo; Mrs, J.
R. Jenkins, Doerun; Misses Rena and Jessie Groover, Miss Lily
Livingston and Miss Sally McKinnon, Grooverville; Miss Nannie
Croft, Hempstead; Miss Prunella Jones, Hahira; Mrs. Ashburn,
. Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, Mrs. J. R. Hall and Mrs. A. J. Taylor, Moul-
trie; Mrs. Jeff. Davis, Mrs. Laura Speight and Mrs. W. A. Mason,
Quitman; Mrs. E. E. Oglesby and Mrs. O. C. Hall, Thomasville;
Mrs. J. L. Jessup and Miss Effie Myddleton, Valdosta.

There were present as visitors: Miss Cole, Mell Association;
Mrs. Peebles, Bowen Association; Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. R. O. Mar-
tin, Valdosta; Mrs. C. M. Robinson, Mrs. J. F. Parker and Miss
Amanda Neel, Thomasville; Miss Harrell, Beaver Dam church;
Miss Hattie Mauldin, Cairo; Miss Lola Giddens and Miss Virdie
Harrell, Milltown.

Letters from Dr. R. J. Willingham, Cor. Sec. Foreign Mission
Board, and Dr. S. Y. Jameson, Cor. Sec. State Mission Board,
were read by Mrs. Shellie Humphries, of Moultrie; one from Dr.
F. C. McConnell, Asst. Cor. Sec. Home Mission Board, by Miss
Plowden, of Moultrie; from Miss Buhlmaier, Immigrant Mission-
ary, Baltimore, Miss Mary Taylor, Cuba, Miss Lottie Moon, Tung
Chow, China, Miss Ida L. Nelson, Brazil, and Rev. J. C. Owens,
Tung Chow, by Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, of Moultrie; from Miss Annie
J. Kennon, Wu Chow, China, handed in by Mrs. O. C. Hall, of
Thomasville.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 155

For convenience of working, the territory of the association
was divided into four districts, to each of which were allotted a
chairman and secretary as follows:

Valdosta District: Chairman, Mrs. O. K. Jones, and Secre-
tary, Miss J. L. Jessup.

Quitman District: Chairman, Mrs. W. A. Mason, and Secre-
tary, Miss Nonnie McCall.

Thomasville District: Chairman, Mrs. O. C. Hall, and Secre-
tary, Mrs. Jno. F. Parker.

Moultrie District: Chairman, Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, and Secre-
tary, Miss Plowden.

The meeting closed with a “chain of prayers” for Dr. Ayres,
Miss Perry, Miss Kennon and Brethren McDaniel and Owen; (the
writer presumes) spontaneously offered for those missionaries, one
after another, as those good sisters felt the impulse.

The association met for its twenty-ninth annual session, with
the Valdosta church, October 13, 1903.

In the absence of both clerk and assistant clerk, Elder L. A.
Cooper was requested by the moderator to act as clerk, pro tem.,
for organization.

The rules were suspended and the officers chosen by acclama-
tion: Elder J. M. Rushin (reélected), Moderator; Deacon Jno.
G. McCall, Assistant Moderator; (now) Elder William T. Gaul-
den, Clerk; Elder L. A. Cooper, Assistant Clerk. And (later in
the session) Bro. Jeff. Davis (reélected) Treasurer.

Elder W. A. Mason, the regular appointee to preach the Intro-
ductory Sermon, being absent, that honor was accorded to Elder
A. C, Stephenson.

After the noon recess, the body re-assembled in the meeting-
house and proceeded to business.

Brethren Caleb A. Ridley, new pastor of Quitman, M. D. Pope,
N. G. Christopher, J. D. Evans, Wiley Pipkins and W. E. Morris
were recognized as correspondents from their respective associa-
tions; Elder J. R. Gunn, as a representative of Monroe Female
College; Elder A. J. Beck, as General Manager of our Orphans’
Home; Dr. 8. Y. Jameson, as Corresponding Secretary of the State
Mission Board; and Bro. J. M. Shearer, as a visitor from Phila-
delphia church.

Elder J. K. Jenkins, of Valdosta, a new association mission-
ary, read his report early, as follows: “Number of days worked,
230; miles traveled, 1,903; sermons, 87; addresses, 24; Sunday-
156 History oF Murcer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

schools organized, 3; baptisms, 4; religious visits, 167; homes
visited, 482; prayers in public and in families, 503; pages of re-
a papers distributed, 15,462; pages of tracts distributed,
5,263.”

In response to a speech by Elder J. R. Gunn, in behalf of Mon-
roe Female College, the following-named pledges were made: Adel
church, $100.00; Good Hope church, $10.00; and Valdosta church,
$1,500.00! Both of the former were but recently wild woods mis-
sion stations! “Behold! What hath God wrought!”

Elder A. W. Bealer, new pastor at Thomasville, read a tele-
gram announcing the death of Dr. E. B. Carroll, at Carrollton.
Bro. A. W. Groover, one of Bro. Carroll’s old deacons at Hickory
Head, led the body in a tender, touching prayer; after which a
telegram of condolence and sympathy was wired to the bereaved
widow.

The association pledged $356.00 for ministerial education.

The Missionary Sermon was preached by Elder A. M. Bennett;
the offering following which amounting to $27.12.

The Treasurer’s report showed: Dr., $2,409.53; Cr., $1,817.73;
cash to balance, $589.80. ,

After the very able report by Elder A. J. Taylor, chairman of
the committee on Missions, Dr. S. Y. Jameson, Corresponding Sec-
retary of The State Board, made one of his characteristic strong
and lucid speeches.

Elder A. J. Beck, Manager of the Orphans’ Home, addressed
the body, after which a “collection was taken up”, amounting to
$27.12; but let the reader be informed that the sum mentioned
does not near represent what the association had done for The
Orphans’ Home, that year, as witness the following figures from
the report of the Finance committee: “Cash sent up to the asso-
ciation (for Orphans’ Home), $140.66; amount previously for-
warded (by churches), $879.04; making a total of $1,019.70. Com-
pare with the total for the year before, really liberal, $582.98.”

The Necrological committee reported the death of three dea-
cons: H. T. Rogers and B. P. Crenshaw of Moultrie, and Dr. J. R.
Burton, of Valdosta. After tributes from Brethren E. P. 8S. Den-
mark and J. G. Norton, a page in the minutes was ordered left for
inscriptions in their memory. :

The Finance committee reported: “Cash sent to associa--
tion, $1,202,31; Amount previously forwarded, $25,294.85 (which
of course means for all purposes). Total, $26,336.26. Total the
preceding year, $19,816.22. Increase in one year, $6,460.04! And
none of that is for church buildings.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 157

Have you not somewhere read some remarks about growth?
But the writer is (almost) pledged to himself, to (almost) silence
on that point.

Elder D. H. Parker, in his report as chairman of the committee
on Sunday-schools, said: “There have been 150 baptisms from
among the Sunday-school pupils.” The more remarkable because,
in the same report, he said: “There are about two dozen churches
(in the association) that have no schools!”

The following-named “new” preachers belong to the list for
that year, 1903: Elders L. R. Christie (new pastor at Valdosta),
W. T. Gaulden (recently-ordained), Quitman; W. A. Hall (Whig-
man P. O. outside of the association’s territory); B. F. Elliott,
Adel; J. K. Jenkins, Valdosta; A. L. Little, Moultrie; R. O. Mar-
tin, Moultrie; J. M. Odom, Hempstead; W. J. Odom, Hempstead ;
E. L. Patrick, Autreyville; Caleb A. Ridley (new pastor at) Quit-
man; G. B. Thrasher, Obe, now called Norman Park. In addition
to them, the following-named Licentiates: Hugh Clifton, Obe;
F. M. Carbin, Obe; D. J. Ray, Moultrie; M. A. Wilson, Thomas-
ville.

Obe itself was not situated within the “bounds” of The Mercer
Association and the historian is at a loss to understand how breth-
ren resident there could be included in the foregoing list, unless
upon the idea that they being (if they were) in some way con-
nected with Norman Institute, were considered in The Mercer,
because of that association’s presumed ownership of an interest
(not, however, at that time a fact) ; or, what is more likely, that
their homes really were within The Mercer’s territory, but they
gave for address, the name of their temporary sojourning place.

At that session, Dr. 8. S. Gaulden offered some resolutions
looking to the appointment of a single missionary evangelist, at
a stated salary, for his whole time, for the entire associational
field. The resolutions were unanimously adopted ; but the records
give no account of the employment of such an evangelist, at that
session. i

The “Woman’s Meeting” was held, during two days, Wednes-
day and Thursday, October 14th and 15th, in the Methodist house
of worship; preceded by a special prayer service in the same place,
Wednesday, the 13th, at 4 p.m. That service was conducted by
Mrs. M. E. Wilson and was actively participated in by Mrs. R. A.
Peeples, of Valdosta, and Mrs. W. W. Ashburn, of Moultrie.

‘Mrs. J. N. Griffin, of Valdosta, was chosen President and Mrs.
Dana G. Griffin, of the same city, Secretary.
11
158 History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION.

The following names were enrolled as those of the messengers:
Big Ochlocknee, Miss Ruth Adams; Beaver Dam, Mrs. J. B. Bas-
kins; Boston, Mrs. J. T. Rogers; Cairo, Mrs. J. E. Poulk; Good
Hope, Miss Pearl Finley; Hahira, Miss Prunella Jones, Mrs. W. R.
Baskins; Hickory Head, Mrs. J. L. McMullen; Liberty, Miss
Ophelia Groover; Milltown, Mrs. H. C. Strong; Moultrie, Mrs. J.
F. Spivey, Miss Maggie Simmons, Mrs. A. N. Davis, Mrs. W. W.
Ashburn; New Bethel, Miss Freddie Harrell; Thomasville, Mrs.
E. E. Oglesby, Mrs. M. J. Ansley, Mrs. C. M. Robinson, Mrs. O. C.
Hall, Miss Annie Montgomery, Mrs. John Montgomery; Quitman,
Mrs. Jeff. Davis, Mrs. J. G. McCall, Mrs. A. Wilkinson, Miss
Nonnie McCall, Miss Hattie Stevens; Union, Miss Sallie Milton;
Valdosta, Mrs. R. A. Peeples, Sr., Mrs. T. G. Crawford, Mrs. John
Lane, Mrs. B. H. Roberts.

-The following-named visitors, from various distances, were in
attendance: Miss Cora Massey, Barwick; Mrs. W. A. Simms,
Ousley ; Miss Ada Knight, Ray’s Mill; Miss Ruth Morrow, Barney ;
Mrs. J. J. Parramore, Mrs. J. C. Taylor, Mrs. Emma Groover, Miss
Ora Neel, Miss Retta Neel, Boston; Mrs. J. J. Bradford, Hahira;
Mrs. Della Pope, Miss Florence Bridges, Valdosta; Miss Mattie
Outlaw, Miss Outlaw, Mrs. J. B. Howell, Lake Park.

Reports of an encouraging character were received from prac-
tically all the societies in the churches of the association that had
them, and from each of the four district presidents (or chairmen).

 

The time having arrived for the thirtieth annual session of the
association, it was opened with our church in Thomasville,
October 11, 1904.

Elder C. A. Ridley, the regular appointee, having removed to
Florida, his alternate, Elder A. J. Taylor, preached the Introduc-
tory Sermon; after which, a recess was taken until 2 o’clock p.m.

The following named newly constituted churches were received
into fellowship: Morrison, Brooks county; Calvary, Colquitt;
Pine Park, then Thomas, now Grady; Cecil, Berrien; Murphy,
Colquitt.

On motion of Elder L. R. Christie, the new pastor of Valdosta
church, the body proceeded to elect officers by ballot, with the fol-
lowing result: Elder J. M. Rushin (reélected) Moderator; Hon.
J. G. McCall, Assistant Moderator; Elder W. T. Gaulden, Clerk;
Bro. W. C. Willis, Assistant Clerk,

Hon. 8S. A. Roddenbery, Mayor of Thomasville, in behalf of the
Baptist church and of the city, and Rev. H. K. Head, the Meth- .
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 159

odist pastor, in behalf of his own denomination and others of the
community not Baptists, delivered addresses of welcome.

At the request of Moderator Rushin and in a very graceful
oe Elder L. R. Christie responded in behalf of the associa-
ion.

Bro. A. C. Carter, of Corinth church, Lowndes, was received as
a correspondent, while, as visitors, were welcomed Elder W. L.
‘Curry, of The Tucker Association ; Dr. S. Y. Jameson, Correspond-
ing Secretary and Treasurer of the State Mission Board; Elder
B. M. Pack, representing The Christian Index; Elder R. W. Eu-
banks, Missionary Evangelist of The Mercer; Elder N. G. Chris-
topher, of The Bowen; Bro. M. T. Davis, of The Tucker; Bro. W.
D. Upshaw, in the interest of Monroe Female College, and E'der
A. M. Bennett, representing The Foreign Mission Board of The
Southern Baptist Convention. Elder D. H. Parker, of the body,
was recognized as representing the interests of our Orphans’ Home.
Later, Dr. B. D. Ragsdale, Bible Teacher in Mercer University,
and Bro. W. J. Ballew, of The Hightown Association, were ac-
corded seats as visitors.

Dr. L. R. Christie, chairman of the committee on Missions, pre-
sented a very fine report, and then at his request Elder D. H.
Parker, pastor at Grooverville, made the gratifying announcement
that Miss Rena Groover, of his church, had offered herself for the
Foreign Field, being then at The Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary, in Louisville, Ky., in training for that department of
work.

At 11 a.m., the second day, Dr. Christie, according to appoint-
ment, the year before, preached the Missionary Sermon; a dis-
course of such power that its publication “in leaflet form’, to the
number of five thousand copies, was ordered on motion of Judge
S. A. Roddenbery. The motion further provided that the clerk
should after having the leaflets prepared send as many copies to
each church in the association as that church reports members.
Judge Roddenbery and Judge McCall then volunteered to pay the
entire cost of the publication ordered.

Hon. J. G. McCall offered some very strong resolutions exposing
the unfairness of “The Southeastern Passenger Association,” in
allowing the customary “reduced rates” to a picnic excursion
party and refusing the same courtesy to messengers and visitors to
the association meeting, to the same point and from the same ter-
ritory, over the same road.

\
160 History or Mercer BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

This chronicler is not informed as to whether or not the com-
plaint and undisguised censure expressed in those resolutions ever
amounted to anything. Probably not. But they were certainly
just and merited.

A resolution offered by Elder A. M. Bennett was passed laying
off the associational territory into four “Union Meeting Districts.”

Later, a resolution offered by Elder T. A. White was passed,
defining those four districts, thus: “The First District, Thomas
county; The Second District, Brooks county; The Third District,
Lowndes county; The Fourth District, Colquitt county”. The
resolution further provided that the churches of the association
not embraced in either one of those counties should belong to the
district nearest or most convenient to them.

After a sermon by Elder B. D. Ragsdale, in the evening of the
second day, the moderator and Elder Parker made some state-
ments concerning Miss Rena Groover, her impressions of duty and
the preparation she was endeavoring to make for efficient service
in the Foreign Mission Field. At the conclusion of their remarks,
the body, by a unanimous, enthusiastic, rising vote, adopted Miss
Groover as the child of the association and its representative
abroad. A collection was taken, or rather an offering made on
the spot, of $353.10 as the nucleus of what was to be known as
“The Rena Groover Fund”. Brethren W. D. Upshaw and Z. H.
Clark held, or trod the floor while that wave was flowing. Young
working girls were among the contributors and rejoiced in the
privilege and honor.

It is the understanding of the writer that the fund of which
the above-named sum was the beginning, was materially aug-
mented later.

And now, something else. This historian has seen the list of
those contributors’ names. He knows all of them but three. That
was in the year 1904. Over ten years ago. And not one of those
who made an offering on that occasion has died, unless among the
three mentioned as unknown to the scribe.

As soon as the floor was vacated, Elder A. M. Bennett advanced
and, by permission, asked all who felt impressed to go to The For-
eign Field to stand.

One young minister and two young ladies promptly arose.

Then Elder Bealer, pastor of the Thomasville church, presented
to the audience a Chinaman, Jo Bok, just recently baptized into
that church, who was impressed to return to his native land and
preach The Gospel to his own people.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 161

Elder R. W. Eubanks, Missionary Evangelist; under the Dr.
Gaulden resolution of the 1903 session, reported: “Days labored,
87; miles traveled, 703; visits, 94; sermons, 113; addresses, 23;
baptized, 13; baptized by others, 22; received by letter, 49; re-
stored, 2; churches constituted, 2; Sunday-schools organized, 2;
collected for missions, $18.45.”

By joint resolution of Elder T. A. White and Bro. J. G. McCall,
the association ordered the treasurer to pay each of two aged min-
isters, members of component churches, $5.00 per month, and to a
third old minister the sum of $25.00 for the year.

The clerk was instructed to drop the names of Mount Carmel
and Shiloh churches from the roll. The name of the former, how-
ever, had not been on the roll since 1899—as it had been dissolved
before.

A nucleus of what was called “The Norman Institute Fund”
(object not stated in the minutes), was formed at that session,
amounting to $195.00.

Dr. S. S. Gaulden, chairman of the committee on Ministerial
Education, submitted his report and after discussion by himself
and Brethren Ragsdale, Parker and Upshaw, and the raising of
$520.00 to aid ministerial students, the report was adopted.

The reader is reminded of a remark made about Sam, some
pages ago. And this reminder is no reflection upon the other
brethren, who on the then present occasion, nobly aided him in
eliciting a larger offering for that noble cause.

The Treasurer’s report showed: Dr., $2,021.30; Cr., $1,618.01;
cash to balance, $408.29.

The report of the Finance committee showed: Cash sent up
by the churches with their letters, $1,857.27; amount paid out by
the churches and represented by vouchers, $36,350.20—which let
the reader contrast with previous year, $26,090.97.

In the “comparative statement” the amount for 1904, exclusive
of the cash sent up to the session, is given at $36,450.00. That
represents what was paid out by the churches, without passing
through association channels. And now, it seems, to this chron-
icler, that the cash sent up $1,857.27, although turned over by the
committee to the treasurer, ought to be included in the “Total”—
i. e., added to the $36,450.00.

The Necrological report made known to the body the death of
two preachers: One, Bro. W. J. Odom, recently ordained an elder
and after having been aided by the association in obtaining an
education, as far as it went, was just entering upon an apparently
162 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

most promising career; the other, an old man, of eighty-four years,
Bro. William Best, an elder of scores of years, faithful and true.

That year, 1903-1904, and during part of the next, the associa-
tion reached the high- -water mark, in its history, in the number of
its component churches—sixty- two.

But at the 1905 session, the tide, in that respect, began to fall;
and the ebb has continued at irregular intervals, ever since. Of:
that, particular account will be given, in due season, and the writer
anticipates that narration with a sorrowful heart.

The largest number of ministers listed at any session was re-
ported in the preceding year—fifty-three. At the 1904 session there
were forty-nine only, on the roster; notwithstanding the addition
of Elders J. D. Carlton, Cooledge; J. R. Eubanks, Moultrie; R. W.
Eubanks, Quitman; W. E. Murphy, Quitman; J. M. Odom, Hemp-
stead, with Licentiates: J. W. H. Woodall, Adel; Bro. R. G.
Jackson, Ochlocknee (who had been promoted by ordination to the
eldership after the 1903 session.)

It seems that Bro. Jeff. Davis declined reélection as treasurer
at that session, and the minutes show that Bro. W. C. Willis, of
Valdosta, the assistant clerk, was chosen in his stead.

The meeting of the W. M. U. was held in the Presbyterian house
of worship; the former officers, Mrs. J. N. Griffin and Mrs. Dana
G. Griffin, both of Valdosta, re-élected President and Secretary,
respectively.

Norp.—The “president” of the session is really the “district
vice-president.”

That institution has grown so, and its transactions have be-
come so numerous that reports of its sessions’ proceedings must,
henceforward, like those of the association in being necessarily
confined to a comparatively few items, omit much of real impor-
tance.

Adel was represented by a written report; Miss Fannie Har-
rell represented Beaver Dam society; Boston was represented by
Mrs. J. T. Rogers and Miss Rhetta Neel; Beulah, by Miss Maude
White; Cairo, by Mrs. T. L. Rushin and Mrs. J. B. Poulk; Cherry
Creek, by Mrs. J. M. Basking; Dixie, Report; Elam, Miss Nannie
Stansell ; Fredonia, Miss Florence E. Griffin and Mrs. Mattie
Baker ; Hempstead, Report ; Hickory Head, Mrs. R. E. Burke; Lib-
erty, Miss Lillie Livingston; Lake Park, Mrs. Ewell Brown ; Mill-
town, Report; Morrison, Mrs. A. Morrison, Miss Fannie O'Neal,
Miss Jessie Hiers; Moultrie, Mrs. G. W. Milligan, Mrs. A. M. Ben-
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 163

nett, Mrs. H. L. Harrell, Mrs. W. W. Ashburn; New Bethel, Miss
Virdie Harrell ; Ochlocknee, Miss Allie Montgomery; Pauline, Mrs.
Henry Hart; Quitman, Mrs. A. E. Bowman, Miss Hattie Stevens;
Thomasville, Mrs. C. A. Cochran, Mrs. J. F. Parker, Mrs. 8S. G.
McLendon, Mrs. A. W. Bealer; Valdosta, Mrs. O. K. Jones, Mrs.
R. T. Myddleton.

Visitors were enrolled as follows: Moultrie, Mrs. Mattie Coyle
and Mrs. J. D. McKenzie; Valdosta, Mrs. C. O. Marlin, Mrs. L. F.
Shaw, Miss Kate Staten, Miss Delia Staten and Miss Emma Grif-
fin; Thomasville, Miss Zettrue Gaddy, Miss Essie Dixon and Miss.
Maude Gaddy; Boston, Miss Fannie Livingston; Quitman, Miss.
Nonnie McCall; Milltown, Miss Knight.

Interesting papers were read by Miss Lena Clark, W. M. U.
Missionary, and Mrs. W. W. Ashburn of Moultrie. og

The association session of 1905 was held with our church in
Adel, and was opened at 10 o’clock 4.m., October 10th.

At 11 o’clock the Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder
W. T. Gaulden; at the conclusion of which a recess was taken
until 2 p.m.

On re-assembling, after dinner, the list of messengers’ names
was read out and the election of officers followed immediately.
The rules being suspended, Elder J. M. Rushin and Elder W. T.
Gaulden were reélected, by acclamation, as respectively, Modera-
tor and Clerk. In the same way Elder L. E. Barton was chosen
Assistant Moderator and Bro. J. M. Massey Assistant Clerk.
Later on Bro. J. J. Parramore was elected Treasurer, vice Bro.
W. C. Willis; who, it is understood by the writer, declined office
further, doubtless because of the purposed withdrawal of his
church at that session.

Elder L. E. Barton, the new pastor at Quitman, was intro-
duced to the body which had chosen him as assistant moderator
without ever having known him!

Dr. 8. Y. Jameson was recognized as Corresponding Secretary
and Treasurer of the State Mission Board; Elder B. M. Pack as
Field Editor of The Christian Index; Elder A. L. Blizard as a
visitor from The Mell Association; and Bro. E. G. Hall as Presi-
dent of Norman Institute.

Morven church was received into membership; Bro. Isaac being
its representative.

At 7.30 p.m. Elder L. E. Barton preached by special appoint-
ment, and after his discourse Dr. Jameson delivered an address

on Missions.
164 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

On recommendation of the Executive committee, the body
ordered the sum of $810.00 appropriated to associational missions.

The constitution of two new churches, at Morven and at Du-
pont, respectively, was reported by Evangelist R. W. Eubanks.
Also three Sunday-schools: Morven, Olive and Cecil. His report
in regular form was presented as follows: “Days of labor, 277;
Churehes supplied, 16;- Other stations, 4; Sermons, 236; Ad-
dresses, 75; Prayer-meetings, etc., 181; Baptized, 17; Received
by letter, 10; Restored, 7; Miles traveled, 4,447; Tracts distrib-
uted, 4,692; Baptized by others (in meetings where the evangelist
helped pastors), 19; New meeting-houses commenced, 3; Meeting-
house completed, ‘1; Collected for missions (general), $448.23;
Money raised for other objects, $162.00.”

At 11 a.m. the second day, the Missionary Sermon was
preached, by Elder G. B. Thrasher; the amount of the collection
following, as shown in report of Finance committee, being $40.57.

Misses Mary and Sallie T. Parrish were presented to the body
as canvassing for money to pay for the building of a Baptist meet-
ing-house at Lois, in Berrien county. They were greeted with en-
thusiasm, and the sum of $184.17 was cheerfully subscribed.

-Treasurer W,. C. Willis reported Dr. $2,599.86; Cr. $2,130.25—
Cash to balance, $469.61.

Dr. 8. S. Gaulden reported for committee on Ministerial Edu-
cation, declined to serve longer as chairman, and recommended
that the committee be discontinued; with the suggestion that the
work it had been doing be turned over to the Executive com-
mittee. On motion of Elder T. A. White, Dr. Gaulden’s sugges-
tions. were acceded to.

A stated sum of $5.00 each, per month, was voted to four dis-
abled old ministers and the amount of $25.00 to the aged widow
of another one, deceased.

Elder A. J. Taylor, chairman of the committee on The State
of Religion, used in his report these encouraging words: “In many
of our town churches baptisms have been frequent. . . . Our
country pastor has not had to wait for a ‘big meeting,’ before he
could go down into the baptismal waters with those who are being
saved. This has come about not from the work of visiting preach-
ers, but without any special service, only the untiring efforts and
consecrated zeal of pastor and people.”

The committee on Necrology reported the death of Elder Ray-
mond Harvey, Stockton church, Deacon G. W. Pike, Corinth
church, Deacon John F. Scruggs, of Redland church, and Deacon |
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 165

George W. Swift, of Metcalfe church; the first-named at the age
of 83, the third in his 95th year!

The Finance committee reported $1,515.51 sent up to the ses-
sion ; $44,269.11 paid out during the year by the churches. Of the
cash $1,389.08 was turned over to the treasurer, W. C. Willis, and
$126.43 to the newly-elected treasurer, J. J. Parramore. The re-
tiring treasurer, of course, passed the sum paid him on to the new
treasurer.

The following-named churches were dismissed by letter, to
unite with others east of Little River and the Withlacoochee, in
forming a new association, to be called The Valdosta; Adel, Beaver
Dam, Bethany, Cherry Creek, Good Hope, Hahira, Macedonia,
Milltown, New Bethel, Stockton and Valdosta.

The names of Elders E. Hemming, Moultrie, Matthew Page,
Cairo, W. H. Smith and W. M. Tidd were added to the depleted
ministerial list, at the 1905 session; also, the name of Licentiate
R. G. Lewis, Cairo.

The W. M. U. meeting was held in the Methodist meeting-house,
with the officers of the previous year reélected, to wit: Mrs. J. N.
Griffin, President, and Mrs. Dana G. Griffin, Secretary.

The following was the representation: Adel, Mrs. Baskins and
Mrs. Elliott; Beaver Dam, Mrs. L. J. Knight; Boston, Mrs. J. T.
Rogers and Mrs. J. J. Parramore; Beulah, ; Cairo,
Report in writing; Cherry Creek, ; Dixie, Miss
Frankie Royal; Elam, ——; Fredonia, Report; Hemp-
stead, Report; Hickory Head, Mrs. C. A. Davis; Liberty,
; Lake Park, Mrs. James T. Corbett; Milltown, Report;
Morrison, Misses Ada M. Scruggs, Janie Wade and Edna Riley;
Moultrie, Mrs. Z. H. Clark and Mrs. J. D. McKenzie; New Bethel,
; Ochlocknee, ; Pauline, Report; Quit-
man, Mesdames R. W. Eubanks, J. T. Massey, C. H. McRae, A. E.
Bowman and Miss Nonnie McCall; Thomasville, Report; Val-
dosta, Mesdames R. B. Myddleton and A. A. Parrish.

There was only one visitor enrolled: Mrs. W. H. McKinnon of
Hahira.

Interesting papers were read as follows: “Our Country for
Christ”—Miss Nonnie McCall,—Requested by vote for publication
in “The Mission Messenger;” “The Negro Problem”—Mrs. Z. H.
Clark; “Home for Old Ladies”—Mrs. Jno. F. Parker; “Margaret
Home”—Mrs. A. A. Parrish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
166 History OF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

The withdrawal of that group of eleven churches in a body,
was a serious loss to The Mercer. There is no doubt that they
thought they were doing right and pursuing the best course for
themselves, as, whether correct or not, will not be denied; but
some of those churches, if not all of them, as well as many of
their people, men and women, were among our very best and the
privation was felt keenly. The proverb, “There is that scattereth
and yet increaseth,” could not have been meant for that case. We
had numbers of churches, as good as any that had withdrawn, still
remaining to us, west of the two rivers,—not to slight the little
band east of the Withlacoochee that was to us as Ruth to Naomi;
but there was no rejoicing in the camp of the bereaved Mercer,
over the departure of those who were gone.

And alas! that was but the beginning of sorrows—in this partic-
ular. For, ere long, another group of churches beloved, carrying
with them some of the few remaining members of “The Old
Guard,” left the camp. And before one could steady one’s self to
calmly contemplate the desolation wrought, still another group,
composed of a number of our younger churches, but some of them
among our very strongest and numbers of them containing mem-
bers upon whom we had learned to look with assured reliance,
“folded their tents like the Arab, and (not) silently (but out-
spokenly) (marched, not) stole away.”

But “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof ;” meaning evil
ii the sense of calamity, and not sinful wrong. That first loss was
an intimation realized by perhaps not one of those that were to
follow, and the second, though not so meant, seemed to some of us,
the moving precursor of the inevitable third.

’ Let them, however, await their time in the order of events, for
consideration.

Suffice it to say, for the present, that The Mercer survived!
And, though sadly weakened in some respects, there is still virility
and constancy and devoted purpose, among the churches that com-
pose the faithful body, “true blue” to the last. #

Else, why this history? Why the loyal devotion of insistence
that has clamored for its penning? Why, as was in the ultimate
essential to its realization, the unselfish generosity of him who
has said, “Let it be written?”
History oF MERCER Baprisr ASSOCIATION. 167

CHAPTER XII.

Our church in Quitman enjoyed the honor of entertaining the
association in its thirty-second annual session, Oct. 16th-18th, in-
clusive, 1906.

On motion of Hon. J. G. McCall, the rules were suspended and
the clerk was instructed to cast the vote of the body for Elder
J. M. Rushin, as Moderator.

In the same manner, Elder Carl W. Minor, the new pastor at
Moultrie, was elected Assistant Moderator.

Elder W. T. Gaulden was in like manner chosen as Clerk.

The election of Assistant Clerk was deferred for a time, and
meanwhile, Bro. H. H. Parrish was requested to act, pro tem.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder D. H.
Parker ; after which the noon recess was taken.

On re-assembling, after noon, China Grove church and Reedy
Creek church, both of Colquitt county, were received into fellow-
ship.

The following-named brethren were received as visitors: Elder
J. R. Jester, representing The State Board; Elder N. G. Chris-
topher, from The Bowen Association; Elder L. R. Christie, from
The Valdosta; Elder A. L. Blizard, from The Mell; Elder A. M.
Bennett, representing Norman Institute; Elder L. W. Parrott,
representing The Christian Index; and Elder George F. Clark,
Moderator of The Mell Association.

The address of welcome was delivered by Hon. 8. S. Bennett,
in his happiest vein, and was responded to by Bro. John E. Howell,
in his inimitable style.

Bro. Z. H. Clark, chairman of the Executive committee, re-
ported the employment of two missionary evangelists (to operate
upon the lines suggested in Dr. S. S. Gaulden’s resolutions, passed
two or three sessions before): Elder B. M. Pack; for his whole
time, and Elder A. J. Taylor, for half his time, during the then
past portion of the calendar year, since Christmas. ;

In that part of the Executive committee’s report concerning
“ministerial education” and read by Elder L. E. Barton, occurred
these words: “While we have no fellowship with the belief that
colleges and theological seminaries make preachers, and although
we disapprove of educational tests which would seem to limit the
168 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION,

sovereign power of The Spirit in calling whom He would, yet we.
desire to say that the young man of today who enters this high
calling without educational equipment will very, probably be a
laggard in the race, and moreover, his entrance upon ministerial
duties will very probably result in no good to The Kingdom.

Surely if God wants a man to preach, He wants him to make the
very best possible preparation for the great work.”

The amount reecived for the aid of ministerial students, was
reported as, $244.53.

Elder B. M. Pack reported: “Days of service, 216; Churches
supplied, 18; Other stations, 11; Sermons, 161; Addresses, 21;
Prayer-meetings, 53; Religious visits, 339; Professions in meet-
ings, with Elder Taylor and pastors, 64; "Miles traveled, 1,805;
Tracts distributed, 5,000; Churches constituted, 2; Collected for
missions, $22.40; Baptized, 2.”

Elder A. J - Taylor reported: “Days of labor, 124; Church sup-
plied, 1; Other stations, 4; Meetings held, 10; Sermons, 109;
Prayer-meetings, 93; Addresses, 18; Baptisms, 14; Received by
letter, 12; Restored, 3; Number of professions, 79; Sunday-
schools, 3; Religious visits, 843; Miles traveled, 1,140; Bibles dis--
tributed, 6. 2

On motion of Elder W. T. Gaulden, Elder A, W. Bealer was
elected Assistant Clerk.

Bro. J. J. Parramore was reélected Treasurer; and this
chronicler will observe, once for all, that the same brother has
been reélected at every session since, being the acceptable treas-
urer, today.

His report at the 1906 session was as follows: Receipts,
$2,575.21; Disbursements, $2,336.37; Amount on hand, $238.84.

At that session, for the first time, the subject of Missions was
treated under three heads, State, Home and Foreign, as reported
by three distinct committees, the chairmen of which were: Bro.
J. S. Montgomery, on State Missions; Elder L. E. Barton, on
Home Missions; and Elder D. H. Parker, on Foreign Missions,

The subject of Associational Missions (not defined), was
treated under various heads, by the Executive and other commit-
tees, the missionaries themselves and others.

During the discussion of Bro. R. L. Groover’s report, as chair. .
man of the committee on The State of Religion, Dr, H. R. Bernard
was recognized as the representative of the Educational Commis-
sion and of Mercer University, and “spoke to the report.”
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSocraTION. 169

At 11 a.m. the second day, the Missionary Sermon was preached
by Elder L. E. Barton; and at its conclusion an offering was made
to the Rena Groover fund—Miss Groover being then Mrs. Shep-
herd, one of our missionaries in Brazil—amounting to $556.83.

On that day, in the afternoon, Concord (Fla.) church was
again (after having been “out” for some years) received into the
fellowship of the asosciation.

Early in the session, the following-named churches were dis-
missed to join the Valdosta Association: Fellowship, Cecil, Lake
Park and Redland. :

The Finance committee reported: Cash sent up to session,.
$1,296.40; Previously sent, as per vouchers, $6,078.71; Total for
all purposes, outside of cash sent up, $42,086.34.

That was a falling off from the year before, but of only
$2,183.40; not nearly so much as might have been expected, con-
sidering the loss of eleven churches and noting that those received
at the then present session, had no part in that -report.

The report of the committee on Necrology mentioned the names
of quite a number of brethren and sisters; but among the former,
there were no ministers nor deacons named. :

Monthly assistance was again voted to three aged and infirm
ministers.

Elder M. 8. Stevens, pastor of our church at Perry, Fla., was
introduced and accorded the privilege of the floor. As then future
events proved, that introduction was the opening to other matters
of interest to the association.

The names of Brethren R. L. Coon, of Hempstead, and W. C.
Wiggins, of Buck Creek, licentiates, were added to the roster of
ministers.

There were (now) only twenty-seven elders registered in the
association, and several of them were not pastors. Only four
licentiates were numbered, including the two mentioned in the
preceding paragraph.

The meeting of the W. M. U. was held in the Presbyterian
house of worship; Miss Hattie L. Stevens, of Quitman, District
Vice-President, being chosen to preside and Miss Nonnie McCall
elected Secretary, with Mrs. McCall Quarterman, Assistant Secre-

_tary—both of the same city.

An address of welcome was beautifully delivered by Mrs. L. E.
Barton, of Quitman, and was gracefully responded to by Mrs. J.
L. Finn, of Thomasville.
170 History oF Mercer BaprisT ASSOCIATION.

The following-named societies were represented by messengers,
who reported for them, respectively : Boston, Mesdames Rogers and
Ward, with Misses Daisy Neel, Mamie Owens and Helen Step-
hens; Cairo, Mesdames Mauldin and Cannon; Dixie, Miss Frankie
Royal; Hickory Head, Mesdames C. A. Davis and Hallie Blalock;
Lake Park, Mrs. Ewell Brown; Moultrie, Mesdames J. D. McKen-
sie and H. L. Harrell; Philadelphia, Miss Annie Shiver; Quitman,
Mesdames A. J. Rountree, L. E. Barton and J. B. Rountree;
Thomasville, Mesdames O. C. Hall, M. A. Ansley, C. M. Robinson
and Laura Speight.

The Executive committee was chosen as follows: Mrs. J. D.
McKenzie, of Moultrie; Mrs. A. W. Bealer, of Thomasville; Mrs.
J. O. Lewis, of Quitman, and Mrs. T. L. Rushin, of Cairo. ,

Papers were presented by the following-named ladies, on the
subjects respectively given: Mrs. J. T. Rogers, Boston, on “The
Frontier ;” Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, Moultrie, on “Papal Fields;”
Mrs. J. O. Lewis, Quitman, on “Africa and Japan;” Mrs, John F.
Parker, Thomasville, on “China.”

The paper of Mrs. Parker was, by unanimous vote, requested
for publication in “The Mission Messenger.”

On motion of Mrs. O. C. Hall, seconded by Mrs. J. L. Finn, a
collection was taken for the benefit of “The Margaret Home.” The
offering amounted to $17.00.

Some reader has possibly wondered why more has not been said
in these pages about “union meetings.”

Well, there are reasons why.

First: This writer, not having been identified with the associa-
tion throughout its entire history, cannot speak from personal
observation of much that might be of interest, in connection there-
with, but has been compelled to depend for the information given
by him, upon records and his recollection of what he has heard
brethren say, long before he’d ever dreamed of being called on to
write this narrative. In exploring the minutes, with their thou-
sands of pages of multifarious details, and in ransacking the
records, with their vast accumulations of uncorrelated and fre-
quently incongruous matter, he has found almost nothing about
union meetings. It is not the business of an association clerk to
note, in his minutes, anything but the proceedings of the associa-
tion meeting during which he serves as secretary.

Second: No minutes of a union meeting are ever published.
Such records are usually kept, during a session—and then thrown
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 171

away. Carefully read by the clerk, at the close of each day past,
or at the opening of each day, after the first, and then, sometimes
just before final. adjournment; but never preserved in print.

For the reasons given, not much has been learned by this
chronicler, concerning those occasions, individually. But he has
attended enough of such meetings to learn some things and he
has been told enough about some that he has not attended, to
inform him about some other things.

The writer has spoken of the beneficial effects of such meetings
upon our churches, in securing uniformity of sentiment, as to
doctrine, polity and practice. He has repeatedly witnessed the
avidity, the eagerness, the rapt attention with which multitudes,
not merely of Baptists, but of people of other denominations, re-
ceive the true teachings of The Bible, upon all those points. He
knows a man very near-by who, on more than one occasion, at a
union meeting, after having had assigned to him the part to speak
on “The Old Theology,” has been kept standing literally, for hours!
at a time; the audience clamoring for him to “go on!” notwith-
standing his attempts again and again made, to resume his seat.
That man, has more than once, at union meetings, spoken as ap-
pointed on as “hard and dry” a subject as “Election and Predesti-
nation,” for an hour, or more, at a time, on a steaming hot day, to
an audience that filled the pews and the aisles and the vestibule
and the pulpit platform, and stood in lines ranged along the walls,
and sat in buggies drawn up to the windows outside, numbers of
little children in arms in the house, too, while not a person moved .
toward withdrawal, not an eyelid drooped in drowsiness, not a
little child uttered an exclamation and not a baby whimpered!

The people want information. They are eager for it. They
receive it at union meetings and therefore, such meetings are of
inestimable benefit to The Cause of Truth.

There is much talk and twaddle in these days, in many quar-
ters, about “church unity,” meaning obliteration of denomina-
tional lines, and “church federation,” which seems to mean, as
clamored for, that each advocate of it proposes to have that
beautiful and charming condition attained by the very simple and
admirable process of bringing all who entertain views different
from his to abandon their own tenets and embrace those that he
holds. Where the Baptists come together in union meetings and
discuss Scripture teachings and mooted questions, there is har-
mony of sentiment, homogeneity of doctrine, and all such ad
captandum stuff as “church federation” and “charitable conces-
172 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

sion” are thrown to the winds. We cannot “federate” on an
error-undermined platform and none can afford to make conces-
sions of principle. We must accept, defend and maintain what
God has given and as He has given it. Therefore, we say to all
men, of every creed: We desire unity; “Unity of spirit in the
bonds of peace;” and we are willing, yea, eager, to. unite with all
men, upon the plain teachings of The Bible—without paraphrase
or commentary. The Trinity; The Divinity of Christ; The Im-
maculate Conception; The Atonement by “Obedience of The Sa-
viour, even unto Death;” The Crucifixion, Burial and Resurrec-
tion of The Redeemer; The Efficacy of His Saving Grace; Man’s
Total Depravity ; The Sinner’s Utterly Hopeless Condition Within
Himself; Complete Salvation in Christ, “by Grace, through
Faith ;” That, according to the Foreknowledge, Election and Pre-
destination of Almighty God; The Eternal Preservation of The
Saved; All of the foregoing taught in The Holy Scriptures; All
of Which are Divinely Inspired; Baptism a Type of the Burial
and Resurrection of The Lord; Also the “Burial of The Believer
to Sin and his Resurrection unto Newness of Life,” in Righteous-
ness which is of Christ; The Lord’s Supper to show, in the broken
bread and the poured wine, the mangled Body and spilled Blood
of Jesus, not to show our “Christian Love and Fellowship for One
Another;” The Second Ordinance not to be observed by any ex-
cept those who have received the administration of The First and
neither ordainance to be administered by any person except a man
duly qualified under The New Testament rule, nor to any except
upon a personal profession of faith on the part of the recipient.
And, in addition to all that, we endeavor to set forth The New
Testament rules for the constitution and organization of a Church
of Jesus Christ, its polity and its practices.

That is the way in which we talk and preach and teach in our
union meetings. And it tells!

But, in those meetings we are not confined to abstractly theo-
logical questions. We discuss practical questions of all kinds;
moral, educational and domestic. Moral questions include every-
thing appertaining to civic righteousness: temperance, honesty,
purity of life. Educational questions embrace both intellectual
and moral training and culture, from the kindergarten to the uni-
versity. Domestic questions relate to everything connected with
home life.

On this last point, it is wonderful how much instruction’ and
what marvelous enlightenment are given from, sometimes, the
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 173

least expected sources. For instance: In one of our union meet-
ings, one of the questions on the regular programme was an in-
quiry as to the best method of training children. The appointed
leader confessed his ignorance and sat down. Instantly, one of
our most prominent, influential and in general best informed
brethren took the floor and for an hour or more held the audience
speli-bound. That was the persuasive Bro. R. The moment in
which he sat down was the same moment in which another of our
most prominent, most influential and best informed brethren
sprang to his feet. That was the convincing Bro. W. Another
hour and more slid by while that brother like his predecessor
“orated” and illustrated and elucidated and expostulated and
everything but prevaricated, before an audience held in rapt atten-
tion. They both knew all about “how to raise children,” and they
proved it. Neither one of them, though married for years, had a
single child to his name! :

And of some dozens of other men in that house, each of whom
could boast of from seven or eight to twelve or fifteen sons and
daughters, not one ventured to express an opinion! They were
equally as confident as the first two;—but in their case that they
knew nothing about it.

It is to be hoped that the enthralled listeners went home fully
informed on a subject that had been a growing and multiplying
puzzlement to them ever since a year or two after married life
with them began.

That is the way the question looks to the average father, or
mother, of a house full of youngsters, in esse, if not in sunt.—A
complete, intricate, seventeen-ply puzzlement!

Possibly the reader may have by this time learned something
about union meetings; that is, if he has not forgotten what the
scrivener was talking about. So, let the thread of the narrative

be resumed.

The Mercer Association met, in its thirty-third annual session,
with Boston Baptist church, at 10-0’clock, a.m., October 22, 1907.

The election of. officers was held by ballot, on motion offered
by Elder C. W. Minor; an additional motion, by Bro. John E.
Howell, being also carried, that the first ballot be for moderator,
and “that the man receiving the highest number of votes for mode-
rator, be declared the choice of the body for that office, and that
the one receiving the next highest number, be the assistant.”

12
174 History oF MERCER Baptist ASSOCIATION.

While the tellers were counting the votes cast in that first
ballot, the moderator called attention to the presence in the house
of Dr. A. B. Campbell, in former years a pastor in the associgtion..
The brethren rose in a body to greet him.

Dr. Campbell acknowledged the courtesy in a brief but felici-
tous little speech.

As the result of the first ballot, Elder J. M. Rushin was chdsen
Moderator, and Judge John G. McCall, Assistant Moderator.

While the tellers were counting the votes, on the second ballot
for clerk, the moderator called attention to the presence of an-
other former pastor of churches in the association, who had been
gone for years, but was now returned as pastor of Cairo church;
the entire audience rising en masse, to greet him; Elder Robert
H. Harris.

In addition to Elder Harris, the following-named “new” minis-
ters were listed for the year 1907: Elders C. J. Eason, Morven; J.
J. Simmons, Barney; M. A. Wilson, Fredonia; W. C. Wiggins,
promoted by ordination; and W. M. Sentell, Macon; the last a
student at Mercer.

As the result of the second ballot (in which the former clerk,
Elder W. T. Gaulden declined to allow his name used), Elder A.
W. Bealer, was declared Clerk, and Bro. Jno. E. Howell, Assistant
Clerk.

At 11 o’clock, Elder Minor preached the Introductory Sermon;
after which, the regular business was proceeded with.

Merrillville church, Thomas county, was received into member-
ship.

A resolution of sympathy for and expressive of confidence in
Elder W. B. Bennett, of Quitman, at that time in very precarious
health, was passed unanimously by a rising vote, and duly trans-
mitted to its subject.

Elders A. B. Campbell, from The Friendship Association, W.
A. Mason, of Kentucky, and E. T. Moore, representing The Chris-
tian Index, were recognized as visitors.

The Executive committee reported the employment of Elder
W. A. Hall, for all his time, and Elder A. J. Taylor, for half his
time, during the past associational year, as field evangelists; the
reports of which brethren may be found on another page. _

Elder A. M. Bennett, representing Norman Institute, and
Elder N. G. Christopher, of The Bowen Association, were recog-
nized as visitors. Later, Elder J. C. Owen, and his wife, fur-
loughed missionaries from China, were given cordial greeting.

t
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 175

Bro. John E. Howell, from an examination of the lettérs sent
up to the session, by the churches, gave the following information:
Contributions for State and Association missions, during the year,
$2,183.81; For Home missions, $1,992.99; For Foreign missions,
$5,405.71.

It appears that although the association had lost largely in
the withdrawal of churches, it had not lost in generosity and
liberality.

By resolution offered by Hon. J. G. McCall, the association
accepted the tender by Hon. J. B. Norman, nominally through
The Mell Association; of an important interest in Norman Insti-
tute; that splendid preparatory school at Norman Park—formerly
called Obe.

That is a magnificent property, worth, with its two extensive
brick dormitories, its great brick structure fitted up with class
rooms, laboratories and second-story auditorium and chapel, its
cottages for ministerial students with families, for the president
and some other teachers, its well-enclosed, beautiful grounds, and
the buildings equipped with all the most modern conveniences,
including heating apparatus and plunge and shower baths, to-
gether with a number of brick business houses in Moultrie, away
beyond $100,000.00!

And who is J. B. Norman? A plain, uneducated Colquitt
county farmer, and stock man, with a head packed full of brains,
who has grown rich by honest attention to honest business, and
carrying in his bosom a heart throbbing with the noblest kind of
generous impulses.

And how do you suppose he, born and reared among the “Hard-
shells” ever came to be a Missionary Baptist? Whose influence,
although the two were not thrown into personal contact with
each other, induced him to change? and thus, brought the gift of
that magnificent property to our denomination. Ah! ask him.
And don’t you know that one, who unaware of any such influence
and never having dreamed of any course of conduct unconsciously
pursued on his part, revolutionizing the views of such a man,
rejoiced and thanked God, when less than two years ago, “old
Wheeler” told him all about it? Yes, J. B. is his name; but “old
Wheeler” is what they call him in Colquitt. And just to think!
There was a distance of a whole county and fractions of two
others, between the two men, while all that revolutionizing was
going on! God bless “old Wheeler” Norman!

(Since the foregoing words were put in type, the noble old
man has passed away from earth.)
176 Hisrory of MEerRcER Baprist ASSOCIATION.

The Missionary Sermon was preached at 11 a.m., the second
day, by Elder A. W. Bealer. The house being filled and still
others wanting seats, Elder A. M. Bennett was sent to preach to
the “overflow,” at the Methodist meeting-house.

The collection for missions following the Missionary Sermon
amounted to $38.88.

Dr. A. B. Campbell, by special request, addressed the body, on
the subject of “Ministerial Support.”

Elder J. R. Jester spoke on the subject of “Denominational
Education ;” following the announcement of a pledge by the asso-
ciation of an effort to raise $10,000.00 toward increasing the en-
dowment of Mercer University.

At that point, Bro. J. Crosby and Elder G. W. Carroll, from
The Valdosta Association, with Elder G. F. Clark and Bro. V. F.
Norman, of The Mell, were recognized as visitors; the first-named
speaking on the line of Elder Jester’s remarks.

The committee on Necrology reported the decease of the fol-
lowing named brethren: Bro. Berry J. Lewis, of Norman Park, a
licentiate ; Elder A. M. Manning, of Florida; Deacon J. M. Parker,
of Cairo; only the last one of whom was, at the time of his death,
a member of a church in The Mercer Association.

The Finance committee reported: Total cash and statements
in church letters, $33,480.17; Cash included, $1,029 47.

The Treasurer’s report showed: Receipts, $5,677.54; Disburse-
ments, $5,475.77.—Cash on hand, $201.77.

The reason why that report looks so small in comparison with
showings made at former sessions is that, in the present case, no
church expenses, of any kind, pastors’ salaries, repairs, improve-
ments, etc., appear. The account rendered is confined strictly to
the matters of missions, ministerial education, help for the or-
phanage, etc. :

The Executive committee’s report included an agregate state-
ment for all the association missionaries: Thus: “Days of labor,
708; Sermons, 523; Addresses, 229; Religious visits, 1,763; Pro-
tracted meetings, 33; Baptisms, 142; Received by letter, 117; By
restoration 9; Collections $507.36; Sale of Bibles and other re-
ligious books, $400.00. A notable institute of days at Cairo.”

* The “Woman’s Meeting” was held in the Methodist meeting-
house. Miss Hattie L. Stevens, district Vice-President, presided ;
Miss Nonnie McCall was Secretary and Mrs. McCall Quarterman
was Assistant Secretary.

An address of welcome was delivered by Mrs. E. R. Cochran
and the response was spoken by Mrs. W. W. Ashburn, of Moultrie.
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 177

The list of “delegates” included: Boston, Mesdames James
Jones and E. P. Ward; Evergreen, Mrs. W. H. Ward; Hickory
Head, Mesdames Wm. Haddock, Hallie Blalock and Miss Linda
Burke; Liberty, Miss Jessie Groover and Mrs. Dan Groover;
Moultrie, Mesdames M. B. Killen and A. 8. Speight; Ousley, Miss
Simms; Quitman, Mesdames E. T. Dukes, Annie Bowman, McCall
Quarterman and Misses Hattie L. Stevens and Nonnie McCall;
Thomasville, Mesdames T. A. White, O. C. Hall, Laura. Speight,
C. M. Robinson, Jno. F. Parker, J. D. Stringer, A. W. Bealer, J. F.
Lamb, C. C. Cocroft, and Misses Amanda Neel and Fannie Living-
ston; Merrillville, Mrs. N. E. Turner; Cairo, Mrs. J. L. Mauldin.

Mrs. J. C. Owen, returned missionary from China, addressed
the meeting, to the great pleasure and profit of all present. Ata
later hour, her husband also addressed the assemblage in a most in-
teresting manner.

Mrs. Jno. F. Parker read a very instructive paper on the sub-
ject of “Missions in China.”

The thirty-fourth annual meeting of the association was held
with Moultrie church, opening, at 10 a.m., October 20th, 1908.

Elder J. M. Rushin was reélected Moderator, Elder L. E. Bar-
ton was chosen Assistant Moderator, Elder A. W. Bealer and Bro.
John E. Howell were reélected respectively, Clerk and Assistant
Clerk.

Bro. Thad Adams, of the Moultrie church, delivered an address
of welcome and Elder Robert H. Harris, as requested by the chair,
responded for the association.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder A. J. Taylor;
after which, the noon recess was taken.

On re-assembling, at 2 P.M., business was opened, by the recep-
tion of the newly constituted church, Magnolia, in Brooks county,
into association fellowship.

The following-named brethren were recognized as visitors:
Bro. W. A. Duren, Elder W. M. Davis and Bro. T. L. Duren, from
The Tucker Association; Elder B. M. Pack, from The Bowen;
Brethren C. Thomas Grier and E. W. Overstreet, from The Mell;
Dr. J. D. Chapman, new pastor of Valdosta, and Elder G. W. Car-
roll, from The Valdosta Association ; and Elder E. T. Moore, rep-
resenting The Christian Index. |

At the night service, Mrs. Mamie Harris Burts, of Columbus,
then temporary resident in Cairo, by Special request, sang a beau-
tiful solo, to the great delight of the immense congregation.
178 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Mrs. Burts is the only daughter of Elder Robert H. Harris,
and is a trained vocalist of rare talent, whose lovely voice of mar-
velous sweetness and equally wonderful range and compass, is
seldom equalled.

In connection with the report of Elder Robert H. Harris, on
Education, Prof. O. A. Thaxton, President of Norman Institute,
made some very interesting statements, among which, was this:
“There were 13: ministerial students attending the school, 10 of
whom, during the then present year, had held 645 services, result-
ing in 232 baptisms and a total of 300 additions to the churches
they were supplying, while keeping up their studies in their
classes.”

The following-named young brethren, ministerial students, at
Norman, were presented before the body: G. W. Stubbs, Metz
Joyner, J. W. Roberts, A. L. Young, L. T. Thompson, W. L.
Spears, J. V.-Chapman, W. 8S. Boynton, H. C. Hodges and P. T.
Taylor.

Short but interesting talks were made by Brethren Roberts,
Joyner and Chapman, of that group.

In the same connection, Hon. J. B. Norman, the father-founder
of the school, addressed the body.

Don’t you know the man through whose unconscious influence
that noble benefactor had been led to become a “Missionary Bap-
tist,” would have felt a righteous pride swelling his bosom, had
he known at that time, what “old Wheeler” told him years after-
ward?

A resolution introduced by Bro. Z. H. Clark, in unqualified con-
demnation of “mob law,” was unanimously adopted.

The Missionary Sermon was preached by Elder T. A. White;
following which a collection was taken for missions, of $23.06.

Bro. Z. H. Clark offered resolutions approbatory of what was
called “The Layman’s Movement,” for the first time then and by
him brought to the attention of the body. The resolutions were
heartily adopted.

Elder M. A. Wilson called attention to the disbandment of
the church, at Murphy.

The committee on Necrology reported the decease of Elders
W. B. Bennett and J. W. Davis and Deacons Isham W. Hawkins,
John R. Meadows, Allen W. Groover and E. Redfern.

After appropriate remarks, by various brethren, a page of the
minutes was ordered set apart and inscribed to their memory.

Treasurer Parramore reported : Receipts, $5,814.74; Disburse-
ments, $5,632.96.—Cash on hand, $181.78.
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 179

The Finance committee’s report showed: Cash sent up to ses-
sion, $920.88; paid out by churches (inclusive of pastor’s salaries),
$35,323.62.

The “comparative statement” including items not given in
either of the above reports, showed for the year, for all purposes,
$36,358.79.

The meeting of the W. M. U. fourteenth annual session, was held
in the “annex” or adjacent S. S. room, of the Baptist church
building.

Miss Hattie L. Stevens, presided, and Miss Nonnie McCall
was continued as Secretary.

The enrollment of messengers showed: Boston, Mesdames J.
T. Rogers, J. J. Parramore, George Owens, and E. P. Ward, with
Misses Lillian Linvingston and Gussie Norton; Cairo, Mesdames
M. H. Burts and J. F. Stone; Friendship, Mrs. W. W. Felken ; Lib-
erty, Miss Jessie Groover; Merrillville, Mrs. J. M. Turner; Moul-
trie, Mesdames J. D. McKenzie, W. H. Harrell and W. A. Howell;
Quitman, Misses Hattie L. Stevens, Mamie Stevens, Mamie De-
Witt and Nonnie McCall; Thomasville, Mesdames T. A. White,
Laura Speight and Jno. F. Parker.

A paper was read by Mrs. Z. I. Fitzpatrick, of Thomasville, on
“Mormonism ;”—Asked for publication in The Mission Messenger.

To quote from the minutes, “Business was suspended and the
congregation was favored with a most beautiful sacred solo, by
Mrs. Burts, of Cairo.”

Following that, a letter was read from Miss Grace Clifford,
one of our missionaries to the Indians; also a letter from Mrs.
Ida L. Nelms, a missionary in Brazil; likewise one from Dr. R. J.
Willingham, our Foreign Board Secretary.

Mrs. John Gibson, of Quitman, read a paper on “Our Frontier
Missions.”

Mrs. M. H. Burts, of Cairo, addressed the union on “The Mar-
garet Home.”

A paper on “The Responsibility of Mothers” was then read by
Mrs. W. C. McKenzie, of Moultrie.

Mrs. H. H. Tift, of Tifton, a visitor, spoke of “The Training
School,” in Louisville, Ky.

Dr. J. D. Chapman, of Valdosta, spoke, by invitation, on
“World-wide Missions.”

Mrs. T. A. White, of Thomasville, was reélected chairman of
the Executive committee. _

The body accepted and later enjoyed a delightful reception
tendered through Mrs. Park Harper, by the Missionary Society,

of Moultrie.
180 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER XIII.

Tue thirty-fifth annual session of the association was held
with Cairo church, opening October 19th, 1909.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder D. H.
Parker; after which the body was organized for the session by the
election of officers.

All the officers of the previous year were reélected, by ballot:
Elder J. M. Rushin, Moderator; Hon. J. G. McCall, Assistant
Moderator; Elder A. W. Bealer, Clerk; Bro. J. E. Howell, Assist-
ant Clerk.

Elder Arch. C. Cree was formally greeted as the new pastor at
Moultrie, and Elder J. A. Wynne received like recognition as the
new pastor at Quitman.

Each in turn, spoke briefly, expressing appreciation of the
welcome accorded.

- An address of welcome to the association was delivered by
Hon. M. L. Ledford, of the Cairo church; which was responded to
by Bro. Z. H. Clark, of Moultrie.

Visitors were recognized as follows: Elder S. 8. Mathis, from
The Valdosta Association; Bro. W. D. Upshaw, from The Stone
Mountain; Elders C. W. Minor, M. M. Kinchen and N. G. Chris-
topher, from The Bowen ; Bro. 8. W. Sheffield, from The Marion
(Fla.) ; Bro. I. 8. Hughes, from The Ebenezer; Bro. P. T. Taylor,
from The Mell; Elder E. T. Moore, from The Rehoboth; and Elder

G. W. Carroll, ‘representing The Christian Index.

, There being little business ready for immediate attention, at
the opening hour, in the evening, 7 o’clock, the body by vote, asked
for a sermon from Dr. J. A. Wynne; and he responded in the
delivery of a characteristic discourse of great power.

The Missionary Sermon was preached at the morning hour, the
second day, by the appointee of the previous session, Elder C. W.
Minor, since removed from the Moultrie pastorate, to the pastor-
ate at Bainbridge, in The Bowen Association, and now pastor at
Madison, Ga.

The collection following the sermon amounted to $40.24.

The following resolution was offered by Elder D. H. Parker,
and passed without a dissenting vote: “Resolved, that we, as a
body, are in favor of such legislation by congress as will prevent
the shipment of intoxicating liquors into such states as by act of
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 181

their legislatures, have prohibited the sale, or as the sovereign
people of any section, have by their ballots, declared in favor of
local option.”

Bro. W. W. Dekle called for letters of dismission for the fol-
lowing-named churches desiring to organize (with others) a new
association: Big Ochlocknee, Little Ochlocknee, New Ochlocknee,
Ochlocknee, Cooledge, Enon, Fredonia, Big Creek, Pine Park,
Merrillville and Friendship; all in Thomas county.

With heartfelt sorrow, those letters were granted.

A letter was also granted by request of Bro. J. H. Shuman, to
Olive church, Fla., on which to join The Florida Association.

The following resolution, relating to the action of the group
of churches above-named, was offered by Bro. John E. Howell and
passed: “Be it resolved that any church in the association which
may desire to withdraw for this purpose after this meeting, is
authorized to do so;” the resolution further providing for no
formality beyond notifying the Executive committee of The Mer-
cer, of the action taken.

After hearing and acting upon the report on Education, at the
evening hour, Elder Robert H. Harris, chairman of the committee
and pastor of the church, moved a suspension of routine business to
hear a sermon by Dr. Arch C. Cree. The motion prevailed, and the
brother indicated preached with fine effect.

Bro. Z. H. Clark, on Thursday morning, in his usual clear-
headed, business-like way, made the following report provided for
at the previous session:

Digest of Church Finances:

1908, State Missions ........ $1,691.65 1909, $1,414.05
1908, Home Missions ....... 1,649.19 1909, 2,058.45
1908, Foreign Missions ..... 2,736.94 1909, 3,336.37

$6,077.78 $6,803 . 87

The grand total for all purposes for 1908, was, $36,358.79 ;
For 1909, $38,117.87.

The wonderfully gratifying report on Woman’s Work was read
by Dr. Arch. C. Cree, showing that the W. M. U. of The Mercer
Association had given about $3,560.00 to missions, and through
their Aid Societies, to other objects, $1,940.00; making an aggre-
gate of $5,500.00 for the year then closing. cs

At the suggestion of Elder Robert H. Harris, all the men in
the audience stood and gave “the Chatauque salute” to the ladies
of The Union, all of whom were present in the auditorium.
182 Hisrory or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

A resolution offered by Bro. A. 8. Averett was adopted as fol-
lows: “Resolved that we, as a body, condemn all newspapers ad-
vertising whisky and that we urge our membership to exclude
them from their homes, so that they may be kept away from our
own boys and those of others.”

From the “liquor” resolutions passed at that session it will be
seen that The Mercer Association was years in advance of anyone
else anywhere, in advocacy of certain qualities of legislation, more
recently exhibited in enactments passed and promising to be
- passed.

The Finance committee report showed: Cash sent up to the
session, $1,658.04; Otherwise contributed and expended by the
churches, $36,455.79.—Total, $38,117.83.

The Treasurer’s report: Receipts, $5,241.89; Disbursements,
$5,076.79.— Balance on hand, $165.10.

The committee on “Deceased Ministers and Deacons”, as
formerly called, on Necrology as for brevity’s sake and conven-
ience it has been named by this scribe, but now beginning to be
called by the association, on “Memorials”, reported the death of
Deacon P. C. Davis, of Salem church, and a page in the minutes
was ordered inscribed to his memory.

The names of “new” ministers listed for the year, were: Elders
S. G. Burgess, Rock Hill, then beginning to be called, Funston;
G. W. Carroll, Ochlocknee; Arch. C. Cree, Moultrie; George
Walker, Rock Hill; and J. A. Wynne, Quitman.

The Woman’s meeting, presided over by Miss Hattie Stevens,
with Miss Nonnie McCall, Secretary, was held by courtesy of the
Board of County Commissioners, in the Court House, that build-
ing being situated nearer the Baptist meeting-house than were any
of the church buildings—all of which were generously tendered.

The names of the messengers as enrolled were: Boston, Mrs.
J. T. Rogers and Misses Gussie Norton and Agnes Owens; Cairo,
Mesdames W. H. Robinson, Mamie H. Burts, J. L. Mauldin, Maxie
Poulk and A. B. Cooke; Fredonia, Mrs. J. A. Minter ; Hickory
Head, Mesdames C. H. ‘Ramsey and J. W. Haddock; Moultrie,
Mesdames W. W. Ashburn, Jno. R. Hall and Miss Maggie Blan-
ton; Pine Park, Misses Ethel Stringer, Della Barwick and Josie
Ragan ; Pavo, "Mrs. J. E. O’Neal; Quitman, Mesdames J. A.
Wynne, A. L. Bowman and Misses Hattie L. and Mamie Stevens;
Thomasville, Mesdames T. A. White, O. C. Hall and C. M. Robin-
son; Ochlocknee, Mrs. M. H. Carroll and Miss Olivia Lindsey;
and "Metealfe, Mesdames J. C. Thomas and Eliza Cay.
History or Mprcer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 183

«A paper was read by Mrs. T. A. White, of Thomasville, on
“Associational Organization and Equipment.”

A paper on “World-wide Evangelization”, By Mrs. J. C. Owen,
missionary to China, was read by the secretary; Mrs. W. W. Ash-
ce of Moultrie, reading an additional paper on the same sub-
ject.

To quote from the minutes: “In consequence of the
part taken by Dr. R. H. Harrisin . . . the W.M. U.
it was moved that he be invited to address the session . . .
Dr. H. . . . with words of cheer and encouragement,” etc.

A letter of gratitude was sent to Miss Villa Rast (of Liberty),
who had expressed a desire to go to the foreign field.

A paper on “Reports and Remittances” was read by Mrs.
Mamie Harris Burts, of Cairo.

Letters from Miss Fannie Heck, and Drs. R. J. Willingham,
B. D. Gray and J. M. Frost were read by the secretary.

_ The parting scene at the close of the association’s session was
deeply affecting. Elder A. C. Stephenson, the oldest minister and
the oldest man in the body, who had been intimately connected
with the association from its beginning, stood forth and in tremu-
lous tones spoke a few words of farewell. He said: “I am going
into the new association because my church is going. I do not
want to withdraw from The old Mercer that I have known and
loved so long. I love that association still and I expect to meet
with it whenever I am able, as long as I live.” At that point,
Elder Robert H. Harris, the pastor of Cairo church, called Elder
T. A. White to Elder Stephenson’s side. Two members of “the
Old Guard” (now reduced to only three of the ministers who were
in the constitution of The Mercer and one deacon), stood there in
front of the pulpit. The masses of people packed in that beautiful
auditorium were still as death. It was a tense moment. Elder
Harris called out, “You other members of ‘The Old Guard’ come
here!” at the same time beckoning to Moderator J. M. Rushin as
he stood on the pulpit platform and to Assistant Moderator Jno.
G. McCall as he stood there in the spell-bound throng. They came
and stood in line with the two others. There were the remnants
of that faithful band of devoted men who had brought The Mercer
through many trials and vicissitudes up to the then present hour.
They were the only members of that original band present on that
occasion and nearly all who were living, anywhere. Pastor Harris
now called to Elder D. H. Parker. “Oh, no,” said Parker, “I
don’t belong there.” “Come on,” said Harris; and there stood the
184 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

remnant of “The Old Guard” in line, with Parker and Harris
flanking them on each side. Then the signal was given, the song
was started, “God be with you ’till we meet again,” and the giv-
ing of “the parting hand” began. First to exchange loving clasps
were The Old Guard and the flankers. There were grips of broth-
ers and loving embraces and tears and broken ejaculations, men
and women were sobbing all over the house and trembling voices
again and again almost lost the song. All the older members of
the churches in the association, so many of whom were going out
with their churches that day, became lined up across the front
before the pulpit;—men, women and children all came up and
moved along the line and intermingled back and forth, clasping
hands and singing, or trying to sing, and smiling and weeping—
ah! ‘twas a scene the recollection of which makes the heart throb
even today, after five eventful years and more have passed away.

The old Mercer was divided and heart strings were snapped!
Other souls besides old Brother Stephenson’s felt woe that day.
But let all continue to trust, as many then tried to hope, that
*twas according to the will of God.

The Mercer Association met‘in its thirty-sixth annual session,
with Rock Hill, now called Funston church, October 18th, 1910.

Elder Robert H. Harris nominated Elder J. M. Rushin for re-
election as Moderator for the twentieth time; which would have
made sixteen terms in succession, in addition to four successive
terms, from 1884 to 1887, inclusive. Bro. Rushin, positively de-
clining to allow his name used, Elder Harris was elected on nomi-
nation of Dr. Arch. C. Cree; on motion of Elder L. T. Mays, Elder
Rushin was then elected Moderator Hmeritus. Elder D. H.
Parker was elected Assistant Moderator, Bro. John E. Howell, of
Moultrie, was elected Clerk, and Bro. R. S. Roddenbery, of the
same city, Assistant Clerk.

Bro, C. E. Whitfield, of Funston church, delivered the address
of welcome, and by request of the Chair, Hon. J. G. McCall re
sponded.

The Introductory Sermon was preached by Dr. Arch. C. Cree.

After the noon recess, visitors were recognized as follows:
Elder A. C. Stephenson, of The (new) Campbell Association (of
Thomas county); Dr. T. P. Bell, of The Christian Index; and
Elder G. B. Thrasher (association not specified).

The following-named new pastors were greeted and introduced
by the moderator: Dr. L. T. Mays, of Thomasville; Elder J. W.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 185

Collins, of Corinth; and Elder F. M. Blalock, of Boston. Elders
J. L, Claxton and M. D. Greene were also greeted as new-comers
into the association. .

Three new churches, Sunset, Schley, and Berlin were received
into the fellowship of the association.

Mr. J. B. Richards, of the State “Anti-Saloon League”, being
present, the moderator called up the report of the committee on
Temperance—thus affording that gentleman an opportunity to ad-
dress the body.

The order was passed, as usual at every session, appropriating
the customary sums to indigent ministers among our contingents.

Having no ministerial students now under our care, the sum
of $194.16 accumulated of contributions made, to that object, was
ordered to be “paid in equal amounts to Mercer University and
Norman Institute.”

At 11 a.m., the second day, the Missionary Sermon was
preached by Elder Robert H. Harris, the regular appointee.

A full and exceedingly gratifying report by Hon. J. B. Norman,
chairman of the Board of Trustees of Norman Institute, gave a
very clear statement of conditions in that admirable school, with
its appurtenances.

The report of Prof. O. A. Thaxton was attached and some ex-
tracts from it are here presented: “Enrolled during the year, 263
students, of whom 141 were males and 122 were females. Of that
number, 191 were boarders. The grade of work high, and results
satisfactory. Deportment good.”

Treasurer Parramore reported: $6,305.88; Disbursements,
$6,064.95.—Balance on hand, $240.93.

The Finance committee’s report showed: Cash sent up to the
session, $450.28.

The “Comparative Statement” discovered a falling off since
the year before, of contributions for all purposes of $3,475.83. That
sum represented the loss, financial, sustained in the withdrawal
of 16 churches. The table showed: Offerings for all objects in
1909, $35,117.83 ; In 1910, $31,642.00.

The committee on Memorials reported the death of Deacon
John ©. Neel, of Boston church; and a page of the minutes was
ordered inscribed to his memory.

In addition to those already mentioned, the new ministers re-
ported at that session were: Elders 8S. G. Burgess, of Funston ;
J. H. Gibbs, of Berlin; O. C. McDearman, of Ochlawilla—and
186 History of Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

Licentiates: E. Dent, Corinth; N. C. Greene, Sunset; J. F. Hickey,
Bush Creek; Walter Hurt, Calvary; T. M. Pierce, Calvary.

The meeting of the W. M. U. was presided over by Mrs. T. A.
White, Superintendent, and Miss Nonnie McCall was the Secre-
tary.

The messengers enrolled were: Barwick, Mrs. D. S. Chapman;
Boston, Mrs. J. T. Rogers; Cairo, Mrs. W. H. Robinson; Funston,
Mesdames M. E. Boher, Smith and Newton, with Misses Ora and
Sallie Chambliss; Hickory Head, Mrs. Hallie Blalock; Moultrie,
Mesdames A. A. Harper, John R. Hall, A. C. Cree, and J. G.
Finch; Ousley, Mrs. W. A. Sims; Philadelphia, Miss McCracken;
Quitman, Misses Hattie L. Stevens, Mamie Stevens and Nonnie
McCall; Thomasville, Mrs. T, A. White.

A paper on “Georgia Work” was read by Mrs. W. H. Robinson.

“Importance of Mission Periodicals”, was discussed by Mrs.
T. A. White, and Miss Nonnie McCall.

“Young Women’s Work”, was presented by Mrs. T. A. White
and Mrs. A. C. Cree.

“Mother’s Hour”, as planned by Mrs. A. A, Harper, of Moul-
trie and first held ten years before, was adopted as a permanent
feature and was conducted by Mrs. Z. H. Clark.

On the 10th day of October, 1911, the association met with the
church in Thomasville, and the following-named officers were
chosen: Elders Robert H. Harris and D. H. Parker were reélected ,
respectively Moderator and Assistant; Bro. John E. Howell was
reélected Clerk, with Bro. B. W. Stone, of Thomasville, chosen
Assistant.

Deacon John M. Dekle, of Thomasville, a son of Deacon John
G. Dekle, of New Hope, the first moderator of the association, de-
livered the address of welcome, which was responded to by Dr.
Arch. C. Cree, of Moultrie. The addresses respectively were de-
scribed as “a most fitting response to a most feeling welcome.”

The alternate appointee, in the absence of his principal, was
allowed to offer the honor of preaching the Introductory Sermon
to Dr. J. A. Wynne, of Quitman. Dr. Wynne accepted and
preached the sermon at the usual morning hour; delivering a
discourse of great power.

Dr. J. J. Bennett, Cor. Sec. and Treasr. of the State Board of
Missions, Elder A. M. Bennett, representing Norman Institute,
Elder B. W. Collier, of The Tucker Association, Elder W. F.
Moore, of the Middle Florida, and Elders A. C. Stephenson, T. A.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 187

White, G. W. Carroll and M. A. Wilson, of The Campbell, were
welcomed as visitors.

When the hour arrived for the Missionary Sermon, Elder
Robert H. Harris, the re-appointee, from the last session, at which
he had discharged the same duty, called the assistant moderator
to the chair and from the floor, asked leave of the body to offer his
hour to Dr. Arch. C. Cree, chairman of the committee on Foreign
Misisons for his report and an address. The leave was granted,
and Dr. Cree acted accordingly ; reading a fine report and making
a magnificent speech.

In the absence of the chairman of the proper committee, Bro.
R. H. Terrell, of Albany, by invitation, addressed the body on “The
Layman’s Movement.”

In response to an appeal by Bro. C. M. Robinson, chairman of
the committee on our “Orphans’ Home, a very liberal subscription
was made of various kinds of supplies and Bro. Robinson was ap-
pointed to collect and forward the articles.”

The usual aid was voted to indigent ministers.

Treasurer J. J. Parramore reported: Receipts, $4,390.93; Dis-
bursements, $4,230.54—-Balance on hand, $160.39.

The Finance committee reported: Personally sent, $33,047.31;
Cash sent up to session, $543.75—Total, $33,591.06.

The “Comparative Statement” showed an improvement over
1910 of $1,949.00, by this exhibit: 1910, $31,642.00; 1911, $33,-
591.00. :

The ministerial list showed these additions: Elder R. G.
Lewis, Thomasville; Elder H. H. Parrish, Dixie; Elder J. W.
Roberts, Barney; Elder A. C. Shuler, Boston; Elder W. M. Tidd,
Concord, Fla.

Another sad blow fell upon the association when the following-
named churches called for letters of dismission, with a view to
organizing a new association, to be called “The Colquitt County”:
Berlin, Buck Creek, Calvary, China Grove, Funston, Hempstead,
Moultrie, Mount Olive, Schley, and Sunset. In further provision
for the same object, the Executive committee was authorized to
issue letters to any other churches that might apply.

None of those churches were in the original organization, there-
fore, none of “The Old Guard” was to go out from us with them,
and consequently the heart-wringing experience of two years be-
fore, in Cairo, were not repeated. But those of us who were left
felt very small, now that so many of our co-workers were gone, and
each “heart knew its own bitterness.”
188 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

Only twenty-one churches were now left, out of sixty-two in
1905! Six short years ago. And several of the twenty-one were
among the very weakest—some being practically moribund, if not
actually dead, in all but name!

But our God was not dead. Nor moribund. Nor paralyzed by
the stroke that had fallen upon us.

Yet we could not but grieve over what was to us, a calamity,
unqualified. Not to mention the preachers, some of whom might,
some day, by calls to pastorates, be numbered with us again, it
made the heart sick to think of losing—literally losing—such men
as Z. H. Clark, John R. Hall, John E. Howell, J. D. and J. H. Me-
Kenzie, O. A. Beall, R. S. Roddenbery, O. A. Thaxton, G. W.
Spivey, and others similar! Alas! Alas! But some of us may
have said: “The will of God be done.”

The W. M. U. met and transacted business, by courtesy of the
authorities, in the Presbyterian house of worship.

Miss Hattie L. Stevens, of Quitman, presided, and Miss Nonnie
McCall, of the same city, filled the place of Secretary.

“The enrollment of messengers showed: Barwick, Mrs. D. A.
Golden ; Boston, Mesdames J. T. Rogers, J. C. Neel, A.8. Averett,
and J. J. Parramore; Beulah, Mrs. W. R. Wimberly; Cairo, Mes-
dames L. G. Merritt, M. H. Burts, L. C. Elliott, L. C. Graham,
and J. L. Mauldin; Hickory Head, Mesdames, Clayton Ramsey
and Hallie Blalock; Moultrie, Mesdames, C. L. Stevenson, J. D.
McKenzie, J. R. Hall, G. W. Spivey, and Miss Effie Spivey, Y.
W. A.; Pauline, Miss Viola McAllister and Miss Tonk Hart; Quit-
man, Mesdames, J. B. Rountree,.E. T. Dukes, J. A. Wynne, J. W.
Haddock, Chas F. Cater, with Misses Hattie and Mamie Stevens,
Nonnie McCall, and Mattie eG Y. W. A.; Thomasville, Mes-
dames O. C. Hall, T. A. White, C. A . Cochran, L. T. Mays, B. F.
Herring, Z. I. Fitzpatrick, and John Lamb; Thomasville Y. W. A.,
Misses Helen Bruce and Una Kelly; Thomasville Sunbeams, Misses
Annie Ruth Mays, Sara Burts, and Master William Jerger.

The address of the superintendent and the report of Mrs. T. A.
White, among other good things in which they agreed, each
stressed this point, to quote from Miss Stevens: “An increase in
the number of societies and in contributions ; many societies more
than meeting apportionments.”

Mrs. Charles F. Cater, of Quitman, read a paper on “Responsi-
bility and Opportunity of The W. M. U.”

Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, of Moultrie, read a paper on “Mission
Literature, a Means of Information.”
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 189

Mrs. J. B. Rountree, of Quitman, read a paper on “Missions in
the Homeland.”

__ Little Miss Sara Burts, granddaughter of Elder Robert H.
Harris, and daughter of Mrs. Mamie H. Burts, gave a beautiful
recitation, which charmed the entire audience.

Mrs. J. C. Lewis, of Quitman, was chosen to represent the Dis-
trict W. M. U. at the State Convention in Rome, at the November
session.

By special request, Mrs. Mamie Harris Burts, of Columbus,
temporarily of Cairo and Thomasville, sang ‘a solo which the min-
utes says “was most thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.”

Mrs. Burts also read a paper on “Our Baptist Institutions.”

Mrs. Z. I. Fitzpatrick, of Thomasville, led in a very interest-
ing discussion upon the purposes of the different boards of the
Southern Baptist Convention. ;

Misses Hattie Stevens and Nonnie McCall having resigned the
offices, respectively, of superintendent and secretary, Mrs. T. A.
White and Mrs. John Lamb, both of Thomasville, were unani-
mously elected, respectively, in the order named, to those positions.

The financial showing made by the union was very creditable,
indeed, and the ladies had a right to feel proud of it.

Without solicitation on the part of the subject, Elder William
T. Gaulden, of Quitman, Ga., has volunteered to write a bio-
graphical sketch of this historian; an offer most gratefully appre-
ciated. The subject only wishes he were really worthy of the kind
expressions used. The sketch appears as follows:

Rev. Rogert H. Harris, D.D.

Rev. Robert Hamilton Harris comes from good stock. His
father, Dr. Bennet Harris, was formerly a leading physician of
Augusta, Georgia; and his grandfather, Benjamin Harris, was, as
a mere lad, a partisan soldier with Marion and the Horrys, in the
closing years of The War of The Revolution. His mother was Miss
Rebekah Ann Baldy, a South Carolinian of the Scotch-Irish family
of Hamilton and a lineal descendant of Gilbert Hambledon (as the
name was originally spelled) ; who was himself, a close friend of
William Wallace and a clan chieftain who fought to establish
Robert Bruce upon the throne of Scotland.

Robert Harris was born at his father’s country-place, “Holly
Spring,” in Jefferson County, Georgia, April 19, 1842. His father
died while he was an infant, two years of age. His mother was

13
190 History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

re-married, a few years later, to Rev. Robert Fleming, a prominent
Baptist minister of Newnan, Georgia; who, a few years after-
ward, removed to Thomasville; and under his supervision the child
was brought up into youth.

The boy left school, a junior, at Mercer University, in his
nineteenth year, to shoulder a rifle, for The South, at the beginning
of the “Civil War,” and served through to the end; attaining, long
before its close, the command of an infantry company.

In the fall of the year in which the war ended, he “read law”
under his father-in-law, Hon. Peter E. Love, a prominent lawyer,
Superior Court Judge and Congressman, to whose daughter, Miss
Mary Martha, he had not long before been married, and practised
successfully in that profession, in Thomasville, for several years;
having in the meantime, been elected County Court Solicitor of
Thomas county, then Mayor for two or three terms, of the City
of Thomasville, and finally having served for two or three years
as attorney for the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad—as the line from
Savannah to Bainbridge and Albany was then called.

In 1873, having given up the practice of law, he took a small
school, in the country. In 1874, he taught at Ochlocknee, in
Thomas county. In 1875, he was induced to resume law practice
in Thomasville; but the next winter, on the urgent insistence of
the chairman -of the Board of Trustees, Dr. S. A. Roddenbery,
father of (the later) congressman, Anderson Roddenbery, who was
a student under Dr. Harris, he accepted the principalship of the
Academy in Cairo, Georgia; where he remained six years. In the
meantime he had been ordained to the Baptist ministry, in Sep-
tember, 1878, and for three years before leaving Cairo was serving
as bishop of "Bainbridge and pastor of several country churches—
besides continuing at teaching.

During 1882 and 1883, he served as principal of the Calvary
High School, continuing to preach until (in the winter of 1883) he
was called to the First church of LaGrange, Georgia; which he
served two years, till called to the First church of Columbus, Geor-
gia; which he served eight years. In addition to the pastorates
named, he has served the First church in Troy, Alabama; ditto,
in Thomasville, Georgia ; likewise in College Park, Atlanta (where,
during his charge, the elegant brick and stone church building now
used was completed) ; and in various other towns. Among those
places, was Cairo, Georgia; where, in the second year of his pas-
torate, he led his church to erect one of the most beautiful brick
structures to be seen anywhere.
History or Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION. 191

While in LaGrange, he filled an important chair in The South-
ern Female College. At College Park, he was again a leading
member of the faculty of the same school, now being known and
having been known for a number of years, as Cox College.

Twenty months before his return to Columbus (where, he was
pastor of Girard church for over a year until he resigned recently
on account of impaired health), he, by persuasion of the Execu-
tive committee, resigned the pastorate at Cairo and accepted the
appointment of “apostolic messenger” to the churches of The
Mercer Baptist Association. In that work he was eminently suc-
cessful; having elicited, in the strongest terms, expressions of
approval on the part of the committee, of the association, and of
The State Board Secretary.

Dr. Harris has been honored with the degrees of A.M. and-
D.D., by Mercer University. In addition to the civil and military
offices already named, he has also held and likewise declined sev-
eral others. He was moderator of The Bowen Association five
years; of The Columbus Association, several years; and of The
Mercer Association, four years :—of each, until he removed to an-
other field, or positively declined to serve (as in The Columbus).
He has also been Vice-President of The Georgia Baptist Conven-
tion. He has been Master of Masonic and Odd Fellows’ and other
lodges; besides having been Chaplain of various orders, as well as’
of the United Confederate Veterans of the South Georgia Brigade,
and Chaplain General of the Georgia State Division, U. C. V.
While in College Park, he was Chaplain of the Georgia Legisla-
ture, two terms.

He has been a widower fourteen years; and of a family of seven
sons and one daughter only two sons and the daughter survive.
The elder son, James Hamilton Harris, unmarried, is in the tim-
ber business, in Texas. The daughter, Mrs. Mamie Harris Burts,
a fine church-worker and a very superior soprano vocalist, resides
in Columbus. The younger son, Amos Love Harris, married, is in
the real estate business, in Tampa, Fla., and Asheville, N. C.

Dr. Harris, as a man, physically, is of commanding personality ;
stands erect, six feet one and one-half inch tall, and weighs two
hundred pounds. He possesses a remarkably good physique and
constitution and is blessed with a voice of great flexibility and
power. He has a keen sense of the humorous, a poet’s heart and
loves music; composing both words and tune, though he seldom
yields to that passion.
192 History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

So conversant is he with many things and-so blessed with a
wonderful memory and great power of expression that he is a most
delightful conversationalist. He is an example of how the South-
ern gentleman illustrated the loftiest patriotism in war—serving
as a volunteer Confederate soldier through four years, in times
and places demanding the utmost endurance and bravery of the
highest order.

As a teacher, he was beloved by his pupils, awakening and
training the minds of youths and maidens who afterward de-
veloped into noble manhood and loveliest womanhood, a blessing
to the world in private and in public life. Preachers, teachers,
presidents of colleges, lawyers, judges and congressmen, have been
his pupils. It is no wonder, then, that being thus endowed and
equipped and putting as he has his whole manhood into his labors
and life as a Baptist minister and pastor, he should have been
eminently efficient and successful in all the pastorates he has held.

His sermons, Pauline in soundness of doctrine, are of such
purity of diction that they deserve to be placed among the classics.

Dr. Harris has conducted many great revivals, in his various
churches; doing his own preaching and often leading in the sing-
ing. In several country churches he has baptized from 40 to 50 and
up to nearly 100 in a meeting; in a “brush-arbor” meeting, in a
strong anti-missionary community, he held a ten days’ meeting
with largely over 100 conversions; he baptized 103 in a meeting
in LaGrange; in Troy, Ala., nearly 100; in Thomasville and in
Cairo, several scores; in his last meeting with The First church
of Columbus he received 170 accessions, 150 of them by baptism!
In meetings conducted for other pastors he had in former years
marvelous success: in Macon -First church, Dr. E. W. Warren,
pastor, two meetings, in the first of which, many Mercer students
were baptized; in The First church, Savannah, Dr. J. E. L.
Holmes, pastor, said to have been the most remarkable meeting
ever held in the city up to that time, very many baptisms; in The
First church, Waycross, Elder W. H. Scruggs, pastor, a vast num-
ber of baptisms and such an addition to the strength of the church
as to result in the erection of an elegant new building in a more
eligible situation; in Clayton Street church, Montgomery, Elder
W. D. Gay, pastor, over 80 baptisms; and in numerous other
-places, with large additions. One result of that Montgomery meet-
ing is unparalleled—five young men, four of whom were converted
in that meeting, were “called to preach” during those services!
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 193

He has constituted four churches “in the woods” that took a
high stand from the beginning, and has also started movements
such as missionary enterprises, at various points in the country
and in the city of Columbus, that have resulted in the establish-
ment of strong and influential churches.

He has promoted the building of five church edifices; two of
them exceedingly handsome, of brick and stone. He has accom-
plished the building of two fine pipe-organs; one in LaGrange,
Ga., the other in Troy, Ala.

He inaugurated the first “Young People’s” work ever under-
taken in the city of Columbus;—before the B. Y. P. U., or the
Y. W. A., or the Baracas, or the Philatheas were ever dreamed of.

W. T. GAuLDEN.
194 History oF Mprcer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER XIV.

Do you know what “fox-fire” is?

Possibly some of you do. Probably most of you do not.

For those who do not know, a few lines of explanation may
be in order.

In summer, or in autumn, there is frequently seen, at night,
in damp places, gleaming from the moist pulp of decomposed wood
when trodden upon, or shining from sodden vegetable mould when
disturbed, a pale light. The greasy-feeling substance from which
emanates that light will adhere to a shoe-sole, shining there—and
may thus be conveyed to some distance, portions of it besmearing
the prints left by the shoe-sole on the soft ground and giving out
a pale, phosphorescent glow.

That is “fox-fire.”

“But why’? and “what of it”? you ask.

Those who claim to know say that light is really the gleam of
phosphorus.

Some ignorant person, or many, may have heard that term
used, as applied to that substance, and misunderstood the word
to be “false fire.” Idem sonans. Moreover, that is a very apt
definitive. The substance emits light, somewhat like fire, but it
is cold. False fire. The pronunciation of the ignorant after
awhile probably elided the “1”, and thus the term because “fause
fire.” From that, ’twas an easy step to “fox-fire.”

Now for a story to illustrate a point. On a certain occasion,
at a union meeting, after Elder T. A. White had preached a
powerful sermon, chock-full of Paulistic doctrine, a brother of the
so-called “Primitive” sect, encountered him in the churchyard.

The “Primitive” brother stopped in front of White, looked
him squarely in the eye and asked: “Mr. White, do you believe
what you said in that pulpit awhile ago?”

“Certainly, I do,” replied White, “or I wouldn’t have said it.”

“Well,” returned the “Primitive,” “I b’lieve it, too. I don’t
mind hearin’ that sort o’ preachin’. But lemme tell you. I don’t
want Q a-comin’ an’ a slingin’ none o’ his fox-fire roun’ me.”

Q was a good “Missionary Baptist” brother who was “right
smartly tainted,” as the phrase went, with loose Arminianism.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 195

In our union meetings and in the association meetings as well,
our strongest men were and are ever on the alert to detect error
and equally prompt to defend The Truth. Woe to the “soft”
brother—that is the adjective used—who went wrong in doctrine
or “departed” from New Testament principles in practice! Or
who does the like now! This writer has more than once. seen
an offender in one of these particulars squirm and writhe while
undergoing vivisection by the hand of such a man as A. C. Stephen-
son, or T. A. White. And J. M. Rushin and D. H. Parker and
J. A. Wynne are equally expert in removing a “pelt.” Yet how
ready were they, and are they, to fly to the transgressor’s side
and entwine their arms of love around him, on the first manifes-
tation of a desire to “get right.”

Now let no one be misunderstood. Not one of those brethrem
mentioned, nor of others like them, dead or living today, would
ever have sought or would endeavor arbitrarily, now, to prevent
any man from any course in the respects indicated, that he might
conscientiously decide upon. But they held and hold, as do many
others like them, including the writer, that if a brother who is a
professed Baptist adopts views contrary to Baptist tenets, even
if, otherwise, the very best man among us, he ought to withdraw
and go where he belongs. We don’t want anybody “a slingin’ any
fox-fire around ws.”

Ah, those good old days, when in old country style messengers
and visitors went to.the union meetings or the association con-
vention in the good old country way, and were “taken care of” in
the good old country fashion! That was the term: “Taken care
of.” Nobody ever heard or thought of being “entertained,” in
the sense of housing and feeding, in those days. Yes, in some
places now, by some people now, and sometimes now, similar
experiences do occur; but, somehow, there is a difference. Let
us go back forty or. fifty years and see how it was then.

The association meeting was “on.” It was probably a session
of “The Old Florida,” when New Ochlocknee was the only Och-
locknee church and was called just Ochlocknee. There is prob-
ably only one man living today who attended that session as a
messenger. That man is Elder J. M. Rushin, of Boston. Major
Mash, in his big-hearted, generous way, was “entertaining”? no!
“taking care of” two or three dozens of guests. His wife, who
was just about the best if not absolutely the best “housekeeper”
in the old-fashioned sense of the word, in all the land, in any land,
was in her element. A houseful—literally fulli—of guests. She
196 History or Mercer Barris, ASSOCIATION.

and her daughters, then young girls, with plenty of willing ser-
vants, had and kept everything just exactly as it should be. The
lady guests were provided with every comfort in the several ample
bed-rooms on the lower floor; while their husbands and fathers
and brothers had provided for them mattress-pallets laid on the
floor in the large apartment upstairs, a dozen or more guests to
the room. ’T'was summery weather in the early Fall. Windows
and -doors of the large brick mansion were all wide open and all
the gentlemen were anticipating several hours of sweet rest, after
“talking themselves out” while stretched in long rows upon the
comfortable pallets. But the major’s “yard-boss” had neglected
one thing. The sugar-kettles at the mill, not far away, had been
left un-emptied of the rain-water that had been caught by them
and that night there was a gentle breeze blowing from them
toward the open upstairs windows. Mosquitoes came into those
sleeping-rooms in swarms—converting them into waking-rooms.
The next morning, the major came bustling upstairs rubbing his
hands together and saluting his guests: “Good morning! Good
morning! I hope you all had a good night’s rest ?”

“Never slept a wink,” said old Brother Elder Wiley Blewett.

“Why, what was the matter?” asked the major.

“Mosquitoes,” said the preacher.

“Why, Brother Blewett,” exclaimed the major; “I had no idea
that there was a single mosquito on this place.”

“Ain’t any single ones,” was the instant reply; “all married
and got large families!”

The major made sure that his guests were not annoyed in that
way, the following night.

And doubtless Elder Blewett felt amply compensated for his
loss of sleep by the opportunity thus afforded him to “paralyze”
the major.

There was plenty of dry humor and an abounding spirit of
fun among the brethren in those days—preachers and all, old and
young. And many funny things happened.

There was another old “major,” not a church member, nor a
professed Christian, but who never failed to’“take care of” all the
“delegates” his house would hold, whenever there was a religious
gathering of any kind near him. At meal-times, when his guests
had been seated around the table, he would call to some minister
among them, “Pass’n, say grace!” And then, as soon as “the bless-
ing had been asked,” he would exclaim, “Well, men, you see the
chance! Sail in an’ hep yourselves. I don’t ’lowance nobody at
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 197

‘my table.” He considered “helping plates” to food, limiting his
guests, or “allowancing” them—according to a phrase used in
those days. At what he considered “bed time,” he would point to
a big “Family Bible” on the center table of the “settin’ room”
where his guests had been assembled and say: “Now, men, if any
o’ you-all feel like read’n an’ prayin’, pitch in. I'll set out here,
wher I won’t bother you!”

The old gentleman had peculiar notions about religious mat-
ters, which the writer will not undertake to set forth here. Suffice
it to say it is a comfort to believe, upon the assurance of a min-
ister who was with him much during his last, long illness, that
he was brought into a proper spiritual condition, before the end,
and died in the hope of a parting Christian. Peace to his memory.

Much more might be said and many incidents narrated, to illus-
trate the humor, sometimes grim, the love of fun, often serious,
and to show forth the oddities, frequently striking—in two senses
of that word—which characterized so many of the excellent men
of those old days; of the pulpit and of the pew. Only most of
them had never heard of a “pew”! The seats in churches were just
“benches,” in those times.

But not everything was fun; Not by any means. There were
people, as there are now, who could not see a funny point, even
when it was explained to them. And that was discouraging to
the funny man. Except in some cases where the man saying the
funny things didn’t know he was funny. But there were cases,
as there are now, in which a man could discover a point without
sitting down on it, and yet who thought it a sin to say a humorous
thing and who considered a jocular remark a heinous crime!

Aside, however, from all that is said in the foregoing para-
graph and which the reader is at liberty to skip, if he can, the
writer wishes to observe that by far the most of the things said
during association and union meetings, on the floor as well as
from the chair and in the pulpit, were of the most serious and
often of the most solemn character. And many a time the speaker,
in discussions and in dissertations, delivered utterances worthy
of Boyce or Broadus, Tucker or Mell. Upon the piazzas or in the
parlors of country homes where guests were congregated after
“night meeting,” often were heard from plainly-clad men whose
horny hands bore testimony of daily contact with helves and
handles of farming implements, utterances of which Dagg and
Crawford would not have been ashamed. The country preacher,
the rural deacon, the rustic “layman,” was often the peer in Bible
198 History oF Mercer Baptist ASsociaTION.

lore and in the expression of Scripture teachings of the Seminary
graduate, just as the small-town pastor and the back-woods elder
of today can in true orthodoxy and fidelity to Bible principle, in
numerous instances, not only set a much-needed, example to some
polished city pulpit orator, but teach him to preach True Scrip-
ture Doctrine!

Now, let the writer be not misunderstood. Some of our grand-
est and best and purest men are in the city pulpits today,—men
whose orthodoxy and doctrinal probity are unquestioned and un-
questionable ;—but all of such men are not in city pulpits;— and
all who are in city pulpits are not such men. On the other hand,
not every village and country preacher is sound. Good men get
wrong, in some cases, anywhere. But to this writer, at least, it
appears that there is less of modern latitudinarianism and more
of ancient conservatism of true Bible principle in the country than
in the city. And to those piazza and “sitting-room” institutes, as
well as to country church union meetings, that apparent fact is
in his opinion largely if not principally due. Those frequent occa-
sions, now as well as in former times, when earnest, studious,
though often un-schooled men most seriously and solemnly discuss,
as in years agone they examined, the principles of our faith. The
faith which we believe to be that which was “once for all, delivered
unto the saints.”

Now, if any apology is needed for the foregoing apparent but
by no means real digression, let the reader consider it offered, as
the writer will consider it accepted; and then let the more prosaic
narrative be resumed.

The thirty-eighth session of the association was held with Pau-
line church, in Brooks county, beginning with October 15, 1912.

Elder Robert H. Harris was unanimously reélected Moderator;
and on motion of the last incumbent, Elder D. H. Parker, our
brother Elder W. T. Gaulden, was chosen as Assistant.

Elder B. H. Ragsdale, the new pastor of Cairo church, was
elected Clerk, with Deacon B. W. Stone, of Thomasville, as As-
sistant.

In the absence of both the regular appointee and his alternate,
Elder Julien S. Rodgers, of Atlanta, a visitor, was requested to
preach the Introductory Sermon; which he did to the great pleas-
ure of all present.

After the noon recess, the pastor of the church, Elder Norman
W. Cox, a Mercer student, delivered a very pleasing address of
History or Mercer BaAprist ASSOCIATION. 199

welcome; to which by request of the chair, Elder J. L. Claxton
happily responded.

Visitors were recognized as follows: Elder A. M. Marshall,
of The Central Association; Julien S. Rodgers, of The Atlanta;
C. E. H. McClellan, from Florida; and Norman W. Cox, of The
Rehoboth.

The report of the Apostolic Messenger of the association, Elder
Robert H. Harris, was presented in due order, and some attention
will at this point necessarily be called to it.

The reader will perceive the embarrassing position in which,
now as in some other cases, this chronicler finds himself. As a
true historian, he is in duty bound to present at least the most
salient features of the association’s record. In several of those
cases, the one before us among them, the writer has been neces-
sarily conspicuous, and the present narrative would be defective
should the fact of his prominence be passed over, unnoted. Yet,
if all is said that he could and would say of another, in similar
circumstances, he fears laying himself liable to a suspicion, at
least, of immodesty, if not rank vanity. In cases that have already
occurred in this narrative, the record has been marred and the
account obscured by the omission of expressions of a complimen-
tary character that this unworthy scribe did not “have the face”
to let goin. But to some extent, it has been, it is in the present
case and it will be in another yet to occur, as it seems, absolutely
necessary, in order to make known facts that ought to be pre-
sented, for him to take the risk of that unflattering suspicion.
In taking that risk, then, in order to give the necessary informa-
tion in the most direct way, the reader will, it is hoped, pardon
the quotation of somewhat liberal extracts from the report just
mentioned—as well as from the preliminary report of the Execu-
tive Committee of the association.

_ First, then, from the committee’s report: “About March 1st,
your committee thought it wise and proper to employ Dr. Robert
H. Harris as Apostolic Missionary of The Mercer Association.
That the wisdom of our choice had been fully justified, the mem-
bers of the several churches to which he has gone are agreed. We
feel that this great servant of our Master has done a marvelous
work. . . . We are sure he has made impressions upon the
hearts of men-and women that are lasting and that the influence
for good be has wielded will be felt through generations to come,”
200 History of -Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

etc. . . . Signed by every member of the committee: D. H.
Purvis, J. W. Haddock, R. L. Groover, J. A. Wynne, L. T. Mays,
J. J. Parramore.

Second, from the messenger’s report to the committee and by
the committee repeated to the association: “You will pardon me
for referring, etc. Such seems to be necessary to give the associa-
tion a proper understanding of my relation to it. You will remem-
ber that at your regular meeting in January, of this year, every
member but one, of the committee being present and other brethren
of many years’ experience in our field sitting with you, as invited
counselors, you, by a unanimous vote, requested me to give up
my pastorate and, under your auspices, assume special relations
to the association at large. The purpose of the . . . appoint-
ment . . . was to be the thorough ‘indoctrination’ of our
churches in fundamental Bible principles, thereby endeavoring to
re-awaken the missionary spirit, nearly or quite dormant in many
quarters, to re-vivify among our people, ‘the faith Baptistic once
delivered unto the saints,’ to reinforce our pastors, etc. Fred
The new duties . . . assumed were . . . more than merely
novel. They were unique. I was not an ‘associational missionary,’
in the ordinary meaning of the term. . . . The duties prescribed
were apostolical, in The New Testament sense, . . . so far as
I know, unparalleled in modern times. I have visited every church

Beove preaching to each one, repeatedly. . . . Attended and
labored in every union meeting. . . . Evangelistic meetings,
with several churches. . . . Quite a number of ‘professions
of faith’ . . . some without protracted services. . . . Vari-
ous churches have received additions. . . . Numbers of cash
offerings for missions. . . . Have had published, at my own
expense and gratuitously distributed many thousands of copies of
my sermons; which I am assured, etc . . . Have been made
also, the appointee of our State Board, etc.”

The above has been presented, not merely to give some idea of
the work done, within eight months, but to show the conditions
under which the “apostolic messenger” gave up one of the pleas-
antest pastorates in the association, in charge of one of its best
churches, to assume the arduous duties of a wide and diverse field.
Two of the men on the Executive committee, Drs. J. A. Wynne,
and L. T. Mays, were pastors of two of the leading churches of the
association, while the other three members of the committee were
equally infiuential, as “laymen.” The endorsement received, then,
was not a mere empty compliment from a handful of ciphers.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 201

On the morning of the second day, the Missionary Sermon was
preached by Elder A. C. Shuler, the new pastor of Boston and
Barwick churches; followed by an offering for missions, of $19.46.

Just before that, the sum of $330.00 was raised to make good
a deficit in the department of missions.

In the afternoon of that day, Bro. M. D. Norman, of Norman
Park, was recognized as a visitor from the Colquitt County Asso-
ciation, and Elder G. W. Carroll, of The Campbell, as a repre-
sentative of The Christian Index.

On motion of Elder W. T. Gaulden, the body by a unanimous
vote, requested Elder Robert H. Harris to prepare a Manual on
“The Lord’s Supper,” for use among the churches. A request with
which the appointee duly complied.

The reports of all the committees were excellent—some of them
yery fine. Elder W. F. Moore was chairman of the committee on
State Missions; Hon. J. G. McCall, of the committee on Home
Missions; Dr. J. A. Wynne, on Foreign Missions; Elder D. H.
Parker, on Education; Elder W. T. Gaulden, on Sunday-schools;
Elder A. C. Shuler, on Woman’s Work; Elder J. L. Claxton, on
two, Laynren’s Movement and The B. Y. P. U.; Bro. Henry Mash-
burn, on the Orphans’ Home; Bro. Jeff. Daxis, on Religious Lit-
erature; and Elder D. H. Parker, of a second one, on Temperance.

The report of the committee on Memorials, Bro. J. M. Patter-
son, chairman, mentioned several deaths but none specifically of
ministers and deacons.

The Finance committee reported cash sent up $218.62. Buta
complete table showing contributions from the churches along
during the year named: For State Missions, $1,066.36; Home Mis-
sions, $765.94; Foreign Missions, $2,118.69; Schools and Colleges,
$2,194.71; Orphans’ Home, $676.40; Ministerial Education, $67.97 ;
Ministerial Relief, $59.74; Other Objects, $28.00; Total, $6,978.01.

The Treasurer’s report showed: Received (aside from balance
last report, $160.59, and from the Fin. Com., $543.25), $4,349.00;
Paid out, $4,820.75—Balance, $231.89. The total column in that
report showed, $5,052.63 ; which explains that peculiar balance.

The churches had been reduced in number to twenty-four, most
of them financially weak and some doing extremely little; but the
association as a whole, lacked a good deal of being defunct.

The W. M. U. met in the academy building, near the church
meeting-house; Mrs. T. A. White, of Thomasville, in the chair; the
Secretary’s name not given in the record.
202 History ofr Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION.

The following-named messengers were enrolled: Barney, Mrs.
Mary Purvis; Hickory Head, Mesdames Lee McMullen, Frank
Christian, C. A. Davis and S. P. Harrell; Morrison, Mrs. J. G.
Scruggs; Ousley, Mrs. W. A. Sims; Pauline, Mesdames Collins and
Patterson; Quitman, Mesdames J. W. Haddock, Will Whipple, J.
A. Wynne, Chas. Cater and Miss Hattie Stevens; Thomasville, Mes-
dames T. A. White, O. C. Hall, C. A. Cocroft and Laura Speight.

Reports were received from societies for: Barwick, Mrs. Wiley
Yates; Boston, Mrs. J. J. Parramore; Barney, Mrs. Mary Purvis;
Hickory Head, Mrs. Frank Christian; Morrison, Mrs. Jno. G.
Scruggs; Ousley, Mrs. W. A. Sims; Pauline, Mrs. C. L. Patter-
son; Quitman, Miss Hattie Stevens; Thomasville, Mrs. Laura
Speight:

District Secretaries reported as follows: Boston, Mrs. J. J.
Parramore; Cairo, Mrs. T. A. White; Quitman, Mrs. J. W. Had-
dock; Thomasville, Mrs. O. C. Hall.

The following subjects were discussed: “W. M. U. Auxiliary
to Pastors,’ Mrs. Chas. Cater; “Systematic Giving,” by ladies
generally; “Tithing,” open discussion; “Place of Prayer,” Mrs.
©. A. Davis; “Why Apportion Societies?” open discussion ; “Mis-
sion Study Class to Inform and Enlighten,” Mrs. C. A. Cochran;
“Why Insist on Every Member Taking Literature?” Mrs. Lee Mc-
Mullen; “Our People Do Not Know Him—May They?” open dis-
cussion, by Y. W. A.; “Sunbeams Foundation for Work,” Mrs.
A. C. Shuler.

The Union voted to send Miss Nonnie McCall to the State Con-
vention, W. M. U., in Augusta. Mrs. Mamie H. Burts went to
that convention at her own expense.

Mrs. T. A. White, Superintendent, reported: “Organized W.
M. U.’s, 10; Royal Ambassadors (Bands), 2; Sunbeams (Bands),
4; Y. W. Avs, 2.

The W. M. Societies have raised $1,566.33; Y. W. A., $326.62;
Sunbeams, $117.65; Ambassadors, $11.60; Total, $2,022.20.”

At the opening of the Pauline session, it was noted that Elder
D. H. Parker, who had been assistant moderator at the last two
previous sessions, retired himself from distinction by nominating
Elder W. T. Gaulden, for that position:

The writer feels that more than a mere passing word should
be said about that man. He is in many respects a remarkable
man and there should be somewhere a record of the remarkable
work he has done. The historian laments the necessity for con-
fining that record to such narrow limits.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 2038

Exper D. H. Parker.

Daniel Hall Parker was born in Muscogee County, Georgia,
June 10, 1845; a son of Elder Cader A. Parker—who, with three
brothers and another son besides D. H., was a Baptist preacher
of “the old school,” as that sect is sometimes called.

When young Hall was about six years of age his parents re-
moved to Barbour County, Alabama, where the boy was afforded
training in the best country and village schools of the day; and
they were very superior.

The age of seventeen found the youth well prepared for college;
but the “civil war’ being then in progress, instead of entering
college, he enlisted as a private soldier in the Thirty-ninth Ala-
bama Regiment, under (then) Colonel (afterward General) H. D.
Clayton; with which command he remained until the end of the
struggle. He was slightly wounded in one of the battles near
Atlanta; but returned home at the close of the war a robust young
man in perfect health.

His father offered him a scholarship in Washington and Lee
University ; but he declined it in view of the financial stringency
of the times.

In February, 1866, he was married to Miss A. V. Pruett, of
Midway, Ala.; and if the couple survive one year more, they can
celebrate their “Golden Wedding.”

In the meantime, while a soldier-boy, in July, 1863, he had
been converted under the preaching of Capt. J. P. Nall, in camp,
at Shelbyville, Tenn.; and almost immediately after his baptism
(by his father while on furlough), he began to feel impressed to
preach The Gospel.

After his return home from the war his church offered him
ordination, which he declined with a view to waiting until he
should be financially able to preach “independently.” Therein,
as he long ago realized, he made a serious mistake. But he ac-
cepted the “liberty” tendered him by his church, and for years did
a great deal of “neighborhood” preaching without compensation.

In 1868, Bro. Parker removed to Texas and entered upon the
profession of school-teaching; but still preaching as opportunity
offered. Finally, in 1885, the church in which his membership
was vested, called him to its pastorate and then, in November of
that year, he consented to be ordained. Of that church (Glade
Springs) and others he continued pastor for seven years; in the
meantime continuing to teach; until, after twenty years of almost
204 History oF MERCER BaPTiIsT ASSOCIATION,

continuous pedagogic labor, he was elected President of the South
Georgia College, in Thomasville, Ga.

While occupying that position, he was called to the First Bap-
tist church in Thomasville ;—he having, to use his own language,
“learned the way of The Lord more perfectly in his young man-
hood” and early left the Anti-missionaries.

While pastor of the First church in Thomasville, he led in the
erection of the present beautiful house of worship belonging to
that body; a building exceedingly creditable to both church and
pastor. :

After finishing his work with that church, Bro. Parker ac-
cepted a joint call from Bainbridge and Cairo, giving to each
church half his time; and during his ‘three years of service he re-
lieved the Bainbridge church of an embarrassing debt.

In June, 1898, he was commissioned Chaplain of Ray’s Regi-
ment, in the Spanish-American war, and was stationed for eight
- months at Guantanamo, Cuba, near Santiago. There he rented

a house at his own expense and in addition to his regimental
duties preached regularly, through a negro interpreter, to those
Romanized Cubans. He secured from Dr. Tichenor, then Secretary
‘of our Home Board, the assistance of Bro. H. J. O'Halloran, at that
time in charge of Santiago. station, and held a meeting in which
he baptized twenty converts and constituted a church, which when
the division of the island work was agreed upon by the Northern
and Southern Mission Boards fell to the lot of the former.

Some months after his return from Cuba, Bro. Parker was

-called to Boston, Ga., for two Sundays, and Liberty and Ever-
green, one Sunday each. He remained ten years in the pastorate
of Boston church, and thirteen years with Liberty, or Grooverville.
He also served Dixie for a time, after Evergreen, and likewise
New Hope, for years. And in all those churches, it is noteworthy,
he was successful in securing liberal offerings for missions.

He served the Campbell Association acceptably, as evangelist,
for four years, until he came to give his whole time to Meigs and
the Second church, Thomasville, both of which he is now serving;
having led in the constitution of the latter, besides securing for
it a lot and leading in the erection thereon of a comfortable and
commodious building.

Elder Parker has either in whole or in part established
churches and helped to build houses of worship in Thomasville,
Barwick, Pavo, of Thomas County; Iron City, Eldorado and Pine
Forest, in Decatur; Colquitt, in Miller; Quincy and Grand Ridge,
History or Murcer Baprist ASsociaTION. 205

in Florida; and Guantanamo, in Cuba; besides being a pastor (at
the same time when those other works were being wrought) during
his entire ministry in Thomas county...

When he left the Antis, Bro. Parker acted on conviction. He
is “missionary” through and through; he is loyal to his denomi-
nation, its doctrines and practices; and he is an ardent supporter
of all departments of our organized work.

The historian was obliged to abandon the numbering of ses-
sions, as observed by the clerks, from 1885 to 1912. His enumera-
tion did not start off in agreement with that of our first clerk
(chosen after the organization of The (new) Mercer). But he had
managed to get into accord with that dear brother’s figures, up
to the eleventh session, 1885, by not counting the first, or organiz-
ing meeting, February 6, 1874, when nothing was done except
organize; assuming the October session of that year as the first,
and thence counting onward by anniversaries. But for some rea-
son unknown to this scribe, the new clerk of 1885, changed the
year of the Boston (organization) meeting, to 1873, in the “His-
torical Table,” leaving it wnchanged in the certificate note of the
moderator and clerk appended to the constitution. The next new
clerk, of 1886, for some undiscoverable reason, skipped a year
and numbered his minutes as of the thirteenth session. Thencefor-
ward, to the date 1912 in calendar order, the minutes have
all been numbered (historically) a year in advance of the
true figure. Of course that mistake in numbering has been made
by succeeding clerks, through inadvertency. But the inadvertency
could have been avoided and from that time forward, been unre-
peated, had either of those successive clerks only looked at the
date of organization printed in every copy of the minutes con-
taining the publication of the constitution, at all; up to the year
1909. That year, perhaps because of the conflict between certifi-
cate note and the “Historical Table,” the date of organization and
adoption of the constitution was changed to 1873—as it had ap-
peared since 1885 in the “Historical Table.” Thence, onward to
the last copy printed, that erroneous date is given, in every issue
of the minutes containing an exhibit of the constitution. The last
three clerks have very naturally overlooked the error. The pres-
ent writer, however, understanding that he had been engaged to
record a true history of the association, feels in duty bound to cor-
rect all errors that he may discover; notwithstanding the un-
pleasantness (in this case), and irksomeness of the task and the

14
4

206 History OF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

tiresomeness (to the reader) of the process. But enough said.
Proceeding then with that duty, this chronicler finds himself with
the minutes of 1912 in his hand, that copy claiming to record the
proceedings of the thirty-ninth annual session; which it can do
only by either accepting 1873, as the year of organization, or by
counting the eight months between February and October, 1874,
as a year—if the annual, or anniversary idea is to be carried out.
That would make the session of 1914, the forty-first, instead of the
fortieth; as so considered by the Boston brethren and others who
felt that they were celebrating the completion of the fourth dec-
ade, last October. But the next copy of the calendar year, 1913,
skips another year and claims to record the proceedings of the
forty-first session! If that is correct, the session of 1914 was the
forty-second! Continuing the. corrective process, let it be again
noted that the association record of 1886, by a new clerk, as al-
ready observed, retains the erroneous date of 1873, for the Boston.
(organization) session. The minutes of 1887, by another new
clerk, give no tabulated record of sessions; but those of 1888, by
the same clerk gave the organization date (at Boston) as 1873.
In 1889, that record (same clerk) is omitted again; but in 1890,
by still the same clerk, the 1873 date is given for organization. A
new clerk for 1891 retains that date. The minutes of 1892, by a
new clerk, omit that record. In 1893, a former clerk, reélected,
gives the organization date and place, Boston, 1873. All the
succeeding minutes up to the last, retain the place and date of
organization, as Boston, 1873 ;—evidently wrong, if the first are
right. Every legal and reasonable presumption favors the view
that the first minutes are right.

Going now, upon that presumption, October, 1874, witnessed
the first annual (meaning anniversary) session; letting the time
from organization, February 6, 1874, count for a year. By that
count, the really eight-months-old association, was a year old, in
October. That’s One. Then October, 1875, was Two. Now count
on: 1876, Three; 1877, Four; 1878, Five; and so on. Now, pro-
ceed by fives. If 1878 was Five, 1883 was Ten. Now by Tens.
If 1883 was Ten, 1893 was Twenty; 1903 was Thirty and Forty
came in 1913; not in 1914. But as a matter of fact, the associa-
tion was not a year old in October, 1874. As another matter of
fact, although organized in February, 1874, it did not begin its
active, operative life until October, of that year. That date, then,
as given in the first minutes of the (present) Mercer, is the date
to count from. Thus, the association was a year (of active life)
 

Rev. W. T. Gaulden
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 207

old, in October, 1875. *Twas five years old, then, in 1879; ten
years, in 1884; twenty years old in 1894; thirty years old in 1904 ;
forty years old in 1914. And the Boston brethren were right in
claiming the year 1913-14, ending last October, as the fortieth of
the association’s life.

Rev. Witiiam ‘T. GAuLDEn.

When Elder J. M. Rushin was “licensed” or ordained (which
not remembered), as a minister, the writer heard this remark,
“They have spoiled a good deacon, to make a poor preacher.” This
historian, not being at that time himself a church member, does
not know whether or not Bro. Rushin was ever a deacon; but
he does know that the remark was a mistake.

The same remark may have been made about Bro. W. T.
Gaulden, who was a deacon; but if so, it was in his case equally
erroneous.

“They” (meaning their churches, respectively) did not “make”
either of these brethren “a preacher.” God called them to the
pulpit and their brethren recognized the call.

The former is biographed, at some length, at an appropriate
place in this narfative; about the latter, only a few notes appear.
But, as on the removal of Moderator Harris, from the associa-
tion district to Columbus, Vice Moderator Gaulden became de
facto moderator ad interim, his portrait is entitled to a place in
the gallery of those officers. The only regret is that pictures of
the other two moderators, Elders White and Manning, do not
appear there, also. The writer asked for them, but they were not
given him. :

Bro. Gaulden has not only been exceedingly useful as “a
preacher of righteousness,” but he has been and is an exceptionally
valuable citizen in other departments of public life. As a school-
teacher, he wrought successfully, for a number of years. He man-
ifests a lively interest and exerts a salutary influence in civic
affairs. He is an up-to-date, scientific farmer, who demonstrates
his theories in rich, practical results. He is a prominent member
of and officer in the widely and favorably known agricultural so-
ciety of his county—-the county of Brooks, well known to occupy
a place in the very front rank, not only in Georgia, but in other
states as well, in everything appertaining to every department of
agriculture. And yet, with all the splendid attributes mentioned
here and elsewhere, strange to say, he has never been married. Let
us not say, “The End!”
208 History or Mercer Baprisr ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER XV.

Tue association met with Quitman church, October 14, 1913,
in its thirty-ninth annual session.

The officers of the last former session were unanimously re-
elected, by acclamation, as follows: Elders Robert H. Harris and
W. T. Gaulden, Moderator and Assistant Moderator, respectively ;
Elder B. D. Ragsdale, Clerk, and Bro. B. W. Stone, Assistant
Clerk.

Hon. J. M. McCall, of the Quitman church, delivered an address
of hearty welcome, to which Elder D. H. Parker, by request of the
chair, cordially responded. ,

At 11 a.m. the Introductory Sermon, a masterly discourse, was
preached by Elder B. D. Ragsdale.

After the noon recess, business was resumed, by the reception
of two new churches, the Thomasville Second, and Murphy.

The following-named brethren were received as visitors: Elders
G. W. Garner, of The Rehoboth Association ; R. O. Martin, of The
Colquitt County; A. T. Hart, of The Campbell ; B. G. Smith, State
Evangelist, and Prof. W. H. McDaniel, President of Norman In-
stitute. Later, Elder Z. J. Edge was welcomed as a representative
of Shorter College.

The next day, Murphy church, just the day before received,
was granted a letter of dismission, upon which to join The Col.
quitt County Association.

At 11 o’clock, 4.m., Wednesday, the Missionary Sermon was
preached in a most impressive manner, by Dr. J. A. Wynne, pas-
tor of the Quitman church.

That day ushered in the following-named new visitors: Elder
A. C. Pyle, of The Valdosta Association; Elder G. F. Clark, Mod-
erator of The Colquitt County; Bro. H. R. Wentworth, of The
Bowen; Bro. G. W. Andrews, State Sunday-school Secretary;
Elder J. G. Hunt, representing the State Mission Board; and Elder
Z. J. Edge, of Shorter.

For reasons that will be self-apparent, some extracts will be
given, from the report of Elder Robert H. Harris, Apostolic Mes-
senger to the churches, as follows: “I have visited all the churches -
in the association, some as many as two and three times, each. -
Union meetings have been held with Hickory Head, in March.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 209

with Barwick in June; with Morrison, in August. They were all
glorious meetings and the one with Barwick church being a joint
meeting of all the churches in The Mercer, and The Campbell
Associations, was declared by (possibly) all the messengers the
best they had ever attended. I have presided in the constitution
of a promising church at Murphy, in Colquitt county . . . se-
curing for it a fee-simple title'to a most eligible lot, with a good
meeting-house on it; besides . . . raising money for repairs
upon the building and for inside furnishings, pulpit, organ, etc.,
and in obtaining wire-fencing for the entire premises. :
have assisted in procuring and paying for a beautiful building
lot in behalf of the Second Baptist church, recently constituted
in Thomasville; and that church is now about to begin the erec-
tion of a handsome house of worship. . . . In connection with
my work, there have been organized two new Sunday-schools in
churches, and one at Lovett, where there is no church. I have
assisted in the purchase of an organ, song-books and lesson litera-
ture for the Lovett Sunday-school, besides arranging for a preach-
ing appointment, once a month, by one of our pastors. In con-
nection with my work, there have been organized one regular
prayer meeting, three Woman’s Missionary Societies, one Young
Woman’s Auxiliary and one Baptist Young People’s Union. I
have conducted the examination and ordination of Elder L. A.
Tuggle, pastor of the Second Baptist church in Thomasville, and
performed the same office, besides preaching the ordination sermon
in the case of four deacons, in the First church of Moultrie, and
of one deacon for Ochlawilla. I have conducted meetings of a
few days each, for . . . Ochlawilla, four days, a large number
of conversions and numerous additions; Concord, four days, a
number of public confessions, twelve baptisms and two under

watch-care; . . . One extra sermon at Ousley, three baptisms
Sn Some at Murphy. . . . Others elsewhere, full number
I could not remain to witness. . . . I have had published and

distributed, at my own expense, 18,000 copies of my sermons;
for which (among others) I have received the thanks of Board
Secretaries Willingham and Bennett, several missionaries, the
presidents of the Georgia and the Southern Baptist Conventions
and a number of pastors, college presidents, teachers and students.
. . . I must ask to be considered no further, in connection with
my present position, as I am to remove to Columbus, in two weeks,
from this date. . . . I include a line from Dr. J. J. Bennett,
Secretary and Treasurer of our State Mission Board: ‘You have
210 History or MerRceR Baprist ASSOCIATION.

done a great work, . . . for which you have my gratitude and
the gratitude of the entire Board. Whether or not, you continue
with us, at your new home, you shall have our profound gratitude
and appreciation for what you have meant to “the cause,” ’ ete.”

The writer has changed the phraseology of a few sentences in
his report, for brevity’s sake and for other sufficient reasons.

And now, if there be needed any apology for publishing the
unparagraphed selection of quotations given, let the reader con-
sider that apology made. He is at least not left to wonder why
the historian disappears so suddenly and so completely from this
narrative as an actor.

The Treasurer reported: To Balance (last session), $231.89;
Received from Financial Committee, $197.41; Received during
year, $4,161.80; Paid out, $4,320.61; By Balance, $270.49; Total,
$4,591.10.

That balance is to be accounted for in the same way as the last
former. Both are strictly correct.

The Finance committee reported: Cash sent up, $249.21.

The tabulated statement showed for State Missions, $1,687.85 ;
Home Missions, $750.85; Foreign Missions, $1,866.93 ; Schools and
Colleges, $614.35; Ministerial Education, $84.80; Ministerial Re
lief, $72.60; Orphans’ Home, $633.68; Other Objects, $25.00—
Total, $5,737.96.

Those figures do not include sums paid to help Sunday-schools
and churches in the purchase of organs, songs-books and other
equipments not reported through the regular channels.

The writer is thankful that he did not leave the association
by any means dead, nor apparently dying.

The W. M. U. held the nineteenth annual session of the or-
ganization in the Presbyterian house of worship; Mrs. Laura
Speight, Superintendent, presiding, and Mrs. C. C. Cocroft, Sec-
retary.

The address of. welcome was delivered by Mrs. John Gibson,
and was responded to by Mrs. J. J. Parramore. ‘

The messengers were enrolled as follows: Boston, Mesdames
A. 8. Averett, J. T. Rogers, T. B. Barrow, J. J. Parramore, James
Groover and Ed. Ward; Cairo, Mrs. L. G. Merritt and. Misses
Annie Lee Dekle, Marie Nicholson, Cammie McManeus, Lois
Walsh, Ruth Merritt and Gladys Poulk; Concord, Mrs. Ww. B.
,

History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 211

Mays; Dixie, Miss Frankie Royal; Hickory Head, Mesdames Rufus
Burke, C. A. Davis, Blewett Groover, Chas. Denmark, Lee Mc-
Mullen and J. W. Haddock; Morrison, Mrs. A. Morrison and Miss
Emma Lou Morrison ; Morven, Mesdames C. L. Patterson, Haleomb
and Meadows; Ousley, Mrs. W. A. Sims; Pauline, Miss Lavinia
Young ; Quitman, Mesdames Russell Davis, Jeff. Davis, J. O. Lewis,
John Gibson, Chas. Cater, Albert Tidwell, Will Whipple, J. B.
Rountree, L. 8. Price, Frank Underwood, Ada Wilkinson, E. T.
Dukes, Henry Knight, K. L. Williams and Misses Hattie Stevens,
Mamie Stevens, Mamie Hunter, Nonnie McCall and Mabel Price;
Thomasville, Mesdames Laura Speight, W. M. Harris, O. C. Hall,
George Beverly, Jancelsy and C. C. Cocroft.

There was a talk on “Missions” by Mrs. W. M. Harris, wife
of the Thomasville pastor.

The Superintendent reported Apportionment, $1,600.00; Con-
tributions, $2,074.90!

Been “meddling” again.

At the afternoon session, societies reported as follows: Boston,
Mrs. Parramore; Cairo, Y. W. A., Miss Ruth Merritt; Dixie, Miss
Frankie Royal; Hickory Head, Mrs. Chas. Denmark; Morven, Mrs.
C. G. Patterson; Morrison, Mrs. A. Morrison; Ousley, Mrs. W. A.
Sims; Pauline, Miss Lavinia Young; Quitman, Mrs. J. O. Lewis;
Thomasville, Y. W. A., Mrs. C. C. Cocroft.

Discussion on “Responsibility,” led by Mrs. W. M. Harris.

Discussion on “Y, W. A. Work,” led by Mrs. J. B. Rountree.

On “The Sunbeams,” by Mrs. Albert Tidwell.

On “Jubilate’—a talk by Mrs. Charles Cater.

Reported contributions, as follows: Home Missions, $314.39;
Foreign Missions, $566.37; State Missions, $399.53; Schools and
Colleges, $256.70; Orphans’ Homes, $126.94; Boxes, etc., $183.93 ;
and other items making an aggregate total of $1,907.61.

Oh, how “meddlesome” those women were!

We are now upon the eve of the closing year of this history’s
record, the fortieth of the association’s active existence, and it
would seem to be an appropriate time for a sort of biographical
“round up”; the offering, in a brief and mostly sentential way,
of some bits of information concerning the lives of persons about
whom the writer would be glad to pen pages were such a course
practical.

Then, let the attempt be made. But the reader must not ex-
pect a regular, systematic arrangement of names, in chronological
212 History of Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

order. They will be given rather as they come to hand, or occur
to mind; and it is likely, nay, inevitable, that the limited memory
of the chronicler will fail to recall some names that he would by
no means intentionally omit.

Numbers of the names in the following loosely clustered group
appear elsewhere in this history, some of them repeatedly; while
others may not be found anywhere in these pages except here;
just as, greatly to the regret of the author as hereinbefore stated,
the names of some of the best of our people are unintentionally
omitted altogether.

Elder J. P. McCann, of Ozell, is one of our best men and has
been very useful in his day. His wife is a noble woman, who has
uncomplainingly borne all the privations incident to the life of a
country pastor’s spouse.

Elder J. W. Davis was a plain, old-fashioned preacher, but he
served his Lord faithfully and his generation well. And his de-
voted old wife was surely one of The Lord’s own.

Elder I. F. Duncan has served many churches in the associa-
tion, and has wrought well with them. /

Capt. N. R. Spengler has been a good soldier of The Lord as
he was of his country in “The Sixties.” And his good wife has
been a real “partner” with him all the way through.

Bro. A. J. Powell, of Dixie, is a man among men and his happy
home, wherein abide his excellent wife, his lovely daughter and
his manly son, is a haven of rest for the weary preacher.

Bro. John C. Beverly, with such a mother as he had (the author
never knew his father) and such a wife as he has, could not be
otherwise than he is, first-class; but in himself, alone, he is an
exceptionally fine character and New Hope has reason to feel
proud of him.

Bro. J. J. Parramore, of Boston, treasurer of the association,
a magnificent specimen of physical manhood, is as symmetrical in
soul as he is in body. And his wife is an admirable match to him,
in every particular—only more so. :

Bro. Yancey Cochran, of New Hope, is one who as a homely
saying goes “will do to tie to.”

And, speaking of that name, Yancey is not the only one who
bears it. Let us group them: Old John W., of Thomasville, is
one easily to be located, for he speaks out and what he doesn’t know
about preaching isn’t worth finding out; Charley, his son, would
deserve a good lecturing if with such a wife as he has he were not
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 2138

a good man; and Will (Dr. W. B.), another son,—you lack a good
deal of finding his equal every day. Will, too, as well as his
father, is blest in union with an admirable wife.

There are some more Cochrans: Frank, of Thomasville, and
Calvin and George; worthy sons of their parents. There were
few better men than was old Berry, and dear old “Miss Kate,” as
everybody called Cal’s and George’s mother, was surely one of the
blessed. Eternity will not be long enough to make the writer
forget Mrs. Frank.

‘Old “Dock,” too, of Boston, must not be “skipped” by one who
remembers his full bass among the Rushin-led singers of years. ago.

Bro. Hardee Johnson, Bro. Farmer, Bro. Miller, two of them,
and Bro. Ives, of Elam. Likewise Bro. K. H. Edwards. And
though mentioned last, far from least in the writer’s affections
is Bro. Carroll 8. Hawkins, also of Elam, so recently and so trag-
ically bereft. The wives of all the others are also remembered by
the author with kindliest sentiments.

The mention of that church’s name reminds the writer to lay
a chaplet on the grave of the grand man, Elder John R. Battle,
who when convinced of error in his belief, had the noble manhood
to act on that conviction and cast in his lot with a people whom
his sect had despised, carrying—or bringing, for ’twas to us that
he came—bringing practically the entire membership of his
(Elam) church with him. He was honored by the entire Mercer
Association and a page in the minutes of the year of his death,
is inscribed to his memory.

Bro. W. H. Patrick, of Philadelphia, has always felt that he
had a place among his people, and his people have always cheer-
fully accorded that place to him.

Bro. J. L. Garrett, of Philadelphia, would be far from the least
missed of the members, were he to emigrate. He is certainly
blessed, too, in that gentle little wife of his.

And those Shivers: Ellis and J. H. and W. R.—are those the
right initials? If not, they are unmistakably the right men. And
the families of two of them, whose hospitality has been enjoyed by
one who occupies the writer’s chair—who can ever forget their
genial kindness? The other family, too, is doubtless equally ad-
mirable.

There is Deacon J. B. Rountree, too, of Quitman. No one,
observing his quiet, unostentatious behavior would dream of his
large liberality, in divers ways, among which has been, for years,
the giving of his hundreds! per annum, to the cause of Foreign
Missions!
214 History oF Mercer Baptist ASsociaTION,

Brethren Lawrence Smith and Dixon, brothers of each other,
after the flesh; what would Pauline do without them? The wife
of the former makes their elegant new home a haven of hospitality.

And Bro. Ches. Patterson; have he and bis lovely wife cast in
their lot with Morven? If so, Morven no doubt, is happy; but
what of Pauline?

Bro. Joe Reiser, too—although he insists on spelling his name
another—and a wrong—way. A hospitable home is his, made all
the more so because of the willing unselfishness of his wife and
children.

Bro. Ansel B. Cone, of Boston, was one of the mainstays of
that church. A brave soldier of “The Sixties,” he has been a true
soldier of Christ, through many decades since those dreadful days,
till The Great Commander called him, not long ago, from the
battle-field to The Camp of Peace, “at home.” But, oh, what a
blow was his death to that blessed woman, his devoted wife.

Bro. Jas. M. Jones, of Boston, a worthy son of his devoted
father, seems to be following in the paternal footsteps.

Deacon R. 8. Roddenbery, of Moultrie, staunch and steadfast,
is strengthened in his life by the companionship of a wife faithful
and true to the religious principles they have both espoused. °

Hon. S. A. Roddenbery, our brilliant young congressman, whom
Death snatched from us Jess than two years ago; what a power
he was in the great battle for civic righteousness! Not only
Thomasville church, but our whole country was bereaved when
he died. And none outside of his immediate family felt the shock
more than did one who had been his teacher and guide. The world
must have appeared very dark to that lovely wife of his when he
passed out of their happy home.

Another one of the name, too, Deacon Walter B. Roddenbery,
of Cairo, is a man of great force of character and a great power
for good in his church and his community. His old teacher can
never forget him. And this historian will ever remember, too,
the kindly cordial treatment ever accorded him by that gracious
woman, the deacon’s wife.

Elder M. D. Pope is ‘a plain country preacher,” but he has in
his day efficiently served many churches in Brooks and Colquitt
counties.

Deacon John M. Shuman, until recently of Cairo, one of the
best of men, has always been true to his church and his association.

Deacon John C. Neel, formerly of New Hope, but later and
at the time of his death of Boston, was a man of intelligence, piety
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION, 215

and zeal in his Lord’s service. His wife, a sister of Mrs. A. B.
Campbell, is one of Nature’s noble-women.

Bro. J. B. Adams was another man upon whom his church
and association could always rely.

Deacon John M. Dekle, ex-Mayor of Thomasville, originally of
New Hope, and a son of Deacon John G. Dekle, the first moderator
of this association, as a private member, as a deacon and as a
Sunday-school superintendent, has never been known to fail nor
to flinch in duty!

Elder Carl W. Minor, D.D., has been quite prominent and use-
ful in his generation; having served acceptably our churches in
Valdosta, Fitzgerald, Moultrie, Bainbridge and Madison, Ga.

Elder R. O. Martin, a man of ability and piety, has been very
constantly engaged in service among churches and in the mission-
ary field for a number of years. ;

Bro. E. C. Milligan, of Boston, as a Sunday-school superin-
tendent and a member of his church choir, has served and is still
serving his people well.

Bro. W. P. Burke is faithful and zealous in the performance
of all his church relations. Hickory Head appreciates him and his.

Bro. Rufus Burke, also of Hickory Head, never waits to be
urged to do a good thing, but is always ready and willing. In
that spirit he is shared with by his family.

Deacon O. A. Beall, starting out in business for himself and
for The Lord, in Dixie, years ago, removed to a wider field in
Moultrie, where he is more largely engaged in business for The
Lord and for himself.

Deacon Z. H. Clark, of Moultrie, is on fire in The Master’s
cause. A banker and a thorough business man, he manages to
find time for The Lord’s service and that without detriment to
his secular interests. His name is Zach. That initial letter ought
to stand for Zeal.

Bro. W. W. Rast, of Liberty church, is a very busy man, but
he does not neglect his Lord’s affairs:

Deacon John F. Parker, of Thomasville, is a very superior man.
As a teacher he made a fine record and as County Treasurer of
Thomas for many years, he has been unexcelled anywhere. In
religious service, he has ever been equally efficient. And that
bright woman, his wife, is in every way worthy of her admirable
husband.

Deacon B. W. Stone, of Thomasville, a successful planter, hor-
ticulturist and nut-grower, has also been, as he still is, a success-
216 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

ful church worker, as a Sunday-school superintendent, as a church
clerk and as clerk of the association. He, too, is blessed in being
mated with a very superior woman. The same is true of his
saintly first wife.

Bro. J. M. Massey, formerly of Thomasville, but originally of
Summer Hill, was while he lived a remarkably faithful and effi-
cient church worker. And he found in a devoted wife a companion
in every way worthy of him.

Bro. L. 8. Price, of Quitman, makes no display in church mat-
ters, but he can be relied on to do his part in everything.

Bro. T. A. Rozier, of Barney, is “the right man in the right
place” in church concerns, and his wife and children do a full
share with him in making their pleasant home a haven of rest for
a tired minister.

Bro. A. C. Forester, of Cairo, has been a faithful follower of
his Lord ever since early youth and is in some respects, in this par-
ticular, exceedingly like his father was in the years agone. His
wife, too, is very admirable in all her relations in life.

Deacon D. H. Purvis, of Barney, is very zealous and very effi-
cient in church and association duties; and his gentle wife co-
operates with him fully in generously offering the comforts of their
home to the preacher.

Bro. R. L. Forester, of Cairo, like most of his name and blood,
has a character above reproach as a true and upright man and
Christian. And his wife is in every way all that he could wish for.

Deacon H. G. Cannon, of Cairo, is like his father before him,
a consistent, faithful Christian. As a deacon, he is all that he
should be and when he was superintendent of his Sunday-school
there was none more efficient. And his wife, like her father, Elder
George Taylor, is in every way admirable.

Elder A. W. Bealer, for several years pastor in Thomasville,
is a man of unusual ability and remarkable versatility. He was
a marked success as a newspaper man before entering the min-
istry and since he assumed “the cloth” his success has been equally
great if not greater. He has recently accepted a call to Tabernacle
church, Valdosta.

Elder Caleb A. Ridley, for a short time pastor in Quitman, but
now of the Central church, Atlanta, is a man of great personal
magnetism and a preacher of uncommon power.

Hon. J. F. McCall, of Quitman, the only son of Hon. Jno. G.
McCall, is eminently worthy of the honored name he bears. Al-
though more like his sainted mother, in some respects, he is yet
enough like his distinguished father to prove the stock. He is a
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 217

eta of promise and Public School Commissioner of Brooks
county.

_ Hon. M. L, Ledford, of Cairo, is a lawyer of prominence, very
successful in his profession; has represented his (North Georgia)
district in the state senate and has filled other positions of dis-
tinction before and since immigrating into South Georgia. His
wife, a splendid woman, is a sister of Elder N. G. Christopher.

Elder L. E. Barton, now of Jackson Hill, Atlanta, but for sev-
eral years pastor in Quitman, is a gifted preacher, intellectual and
eloquent; a very able man. When Dr. Barton speaks people
listen.

Bro. J. E. Poulk, formerly, while living, a prosperous young
merchant in Cairo, was one of the noblest men this writer ever
knew. . His death was a disaster to his young family and a calamity
to his church and community. His widow, a very bright woman,
has brought up and is bringing up, successfully, their family of
very bright children.

Quitman has been blessed with excellent pastors; but has also
suffered severely in often quickly losing them. Besides those al-
ready mentioned elsewhere, some will be named here as they come
to mind. Elder C. A. Turner, a most lovable man; Elder W. L.
Walker, intellectual and strong; Dr. J. W. Ford, brilliant and
captivating; Dr. W. A. Mason, logical and clear; Dr. W. H.
Cooper, an all-around man of wonderful efficiency; Elders J. W.
Carlin and P. G. Elsom, bright and promising—the former of
whom later went as a missionary to China; K. W. Kawthon, much
above the average—who afterward went as a missionary to Ar-
gentina, S. A.; Elder James McBryde, of the long ago—loving,
gentle and tender as a woman; Col. D. B. Hamilton, a lawyer of
Rome as well as a preacher and a man who commanded the re-
spect and confidence of all.

Thomasville has also been favored with a number of superior
men as pastors. Besides those more fully spoken of elsewhere in
these pages, some will be named here: Elder W. H. Clark, a good
man and a returned missionary from Africa; Elder Rollin D. Mal-
lary, a very acceptable preacher, but a non-resident, and therefore,
not a pastor; Elder Thos. E. Tiller, a man of force and efficiency ;
Dr. E. Z. F. Golden, who wore well and did effective work; Elder
W. J. Williams, who accomplished much good; and some others
of whom this historian knows nothing and can ascertain little.

Dr. B. D. Ragsdale, the last pastor in Cairo (up to the close
of this history) is a strong man, who often preaches sermons of
218 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

great power. He is remarkably effective as a Bible teacher, having
for some time filled the chair of that department in Mercer Uni-
versity. He now occupies an important position in that institu-
tion. His wife, a very noble woman, is in various respects, a
model.

Dr. Joseph A. Wynne, who has succeeded Dr. Ragsdale in
Cairo, is one of the very ablest men in our denomination. His
discourses are always fine, often wonderful and sometimes phe-
nomenal. As Stephen A. Douglas was (politically) called “The
Little Giant of The West,” so Joseph A. Wynne might justly be
called (ecclesiastically) “The Little Giant of the South.” He is
exceedingly bright, sparkling, full of fun and a most genial com-
panion in ordinary social intercourse. But that is not all: A
more sympathetic, helpful friend in trouble is not to be found;
and as a religious counselor he has no superior. He has been
pastor of a number of our prominent churches: Among them,
Carrollton, Ga.; Clayton and Gadsden, Ala.; Marietta and Gaines-
ville, Ga., five and ten years, respectively ; McAlester and Ardmore,
Okla.; and the past five years in Quitman, Ga. He was born in
Cherokee County, Ala., but was reared in Georgia. He was mar-
ried in Carrollton, Ga., to a sister of Dr. Z. T. Cody, one of our
most brilliant preachers. Brilliant herself, Mrs. W. was very
attractive in her earlier years, numbering her friends by the tale
of her acquaintances; and now in her advanced life, she is most
esteemed by those who know her best. She is a great blessing to
her husband and their son, an only child, Paul; an expert ac-
countant now living in Quitman.

Elder L. T. Mays, Th.D., for a few years pastor of the First
church, Thomasville, is a Texan (as this writer understands), and
had filled several important charges before going to Thomasville.
He has been very successful as an evangelist, conducting revival
meetings in Texas, California, Oregon and elsewhere. He is now
United States consul at Charlottetown, Prince Edward’s Isle,
Canada. The hospitality of his admirable wife will never be for-
gotten by the writer, as her husband’s honored guest.

Dr. W. M. Harris, the present pastor of the First church,
Thomasville, is a native Georgian and has two brothers besides
himself in the Baptist ministry. In addition to being thus hon-
ored, he is distinguished in being a full brother of Mrs. Mary Harris
Armor, the great W. C. T. U. worker and lecturer. Dr. Harris is
a fine speaker, an excellent pastor and before being called to his
present charge had served Washington church, Georgia; Clayton
History of Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 219

Street, Montgomery, Ala.; the First Church, Galveston, Texas,
and the First church of Texarkana. He is blessed with a glorious
wife, who heartily codperates with him in his work.

With the exception of those mentioned already, the various
pastors in Valdosta and Moultrie are too imperfectly known by
this writer for him to attempt even the briefest description of
them; and very few of those who have served the country churches
and filled the smaller village pastorates are known of to him by
little more than name.

Elder J. M. Waller was somewhat well known by the author;
and that which was known was creditable. He was a good man
and a good preacher, whose labors in Moultrie, as in Colum-
bus (at First Avenue), and at Hephzibah, were productive of good
results.

The last pastor at Moultrie while that church was in The Mer-
cer Association, Elder Arch. C. Cree, Th.D., is a man of marked
personality—sui generis. Brilliant and captivating as a speaker,
charming as a social companion, skillful as an organizer, sagacious
in business conduct, he was very successful in his Moultrie pas-
torate and exceedingly popular—not only in his church but
throughout the community. He is now (recently appointed) Sec-
retary of The Georgia State Mission Board.

Capt. J. M. Shearer, of Philadelphia church, is one of its pil-
lars; and a strong pillar indeed, he is.

Bro. 8. 8. Bennett, of Quitman, is a brilliant and very success-
ful lawyer, who has been very efficient also as a church worker.
His wife, a magnificent woman, would grace a queen’s drawing-
room.

Bro. D. 8. Chapman, of Barwick, is one of the most active and
useful men.in the Jand in all his church relations and his sweet
home, presided over by his lovely wife, is a place to which the worn
preacher once entertained there longs to return.

Brethren C. N. and J. T. Thornbull, brothers, and Brethren
C. M. Rayburn, J. L. Massey, J. A. Barrow, Rushin and others,
of Barwick, are a joy to a tired preacher’s heart and a blessing
to their church and community; in all of which respects their
several wives are their worthy helpers.

Bro. A. Morrison, of Morrison church, is one of God’s noble-
men. He has only one superior in his entire community, and that
is his wife. And they have almost only one equal, and that is their
daughter. Their home is a delight and their church under the
joint conduct of themselves and others like them, is a blessing on
earth. ‘
220 History oF MreRcEeR Baprist ASSOCIATION.

Among those “others like them,” are Bro. John G. Scruggs and
his glorious wife. Equal to any in devotion to their church, their
home is a place often longed for by one who has enjoyed its gen-
erous hospitality.

Bro. H. D. Jordan, too, and his splendid wife must be counted
in with that company of “others.” What would that church do
without them ?—and others like them?

And must Bro. H. H. Graham be left out? Nay, verily. He
and the other young men “like him,” with still others among men
and women un-named, are of “the salt of the earth.”

Bro. George C. Hopper, of.Okapilco, is one of the very best
farmers in Brooks county and he attends to his business; but he
does not neglect The Lord’s business. He is always in his place,
at the Saturday meetings of his church. His religion is an every-
day concern. And his wife and daughters are like him. Among
them they make their home a charming place of resting for the
man of God wearied in battling with “The Powers of Darkness.”

Bro. H. J. Poulk, of Cairo, while not posing as a conspicuous
figure in his church, is one of the best men in it,.as his wife is
one of the best women; and, ah!—their home is one of the best
places anywhere! Just to think of it makes one taste things!

Bro. Thomas B. Barrow, of Boston, is one of the most useful
men in his church, as his wife is one of the best and most useful
women.

Deacon R. E. Lester, of Thomasville, is a pillar in the First
church, as he has been for many years, and his noble wife is
equally valuable to the church and the community.

Elder Moses Ward, in his quiet, inconspicuous way, has done
much service in his association; of Elder J. B. Alligood, the same
may be truthfully said; Elder H. B. Nesmith deserves much more
than the merely passing notice that can be given him here; and
the writer regrets exceedingly, the impossibility of saying all
that is meet to the credit of Elder R. J. Jackson. Elders M. A.
Wilson, William Reynolds and a dozen more of as good and true
men as ever unselfishly served The Lord in our association deserve

_ pages of encomium; but various conditions forbid extended notice.

Bro. C. M. Robinson, of Thomasville, whose heart is bigger
than he is—and that is saying much—may be better understood
by mention of the fact that he is the perennial chairman of the
association committee on The Orphans’ Home. And yet, after
all that, he is far from being the equal of his wife—except in heft.
History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 221

Bro. Chas. F. Cater, clerk of the First church of Quitman, fills
his place worthily and well, in state as well as in church. But
how could he fail, with such support? His wife, once Miss Rachel
McCall, a daughter of the Judge! And his boy, lovable little John
Mack! How could he fai]?

The Mauldins, of Cairo, J. L., C. E., and B. W., worthy sons
of a noble father and mother, though not the equals of their sis-
ters, it must be said, are far from the least in the noble band of
men and women who compose that noble church. And the wives
of those Mauldin boys!

There’s Dr. A. B. Cooke! Where will you find his superior?
You will not find his equal, at every turning. And what a bless-
ing that dear wife has been to him!—and to others. May God
bless them both.

When the writer thinks of Byron Alderman and Charley
Stringer, of Pine Park; of Jesse Stringer, of Thomasville; R. W.
Baston, of Ochlocknee; George Parker, of New Hope; Henry
Mashburn and Jno. E. Cook, of Quitman; Bentley, Collins, Wim-
berly, the Barrs, H. A. Williams, Milton and others, not by any.
means to omit J. A. Wilson and the Densons, two more Collinses
and another Wilson, D. M. Wood, J. W. King, C. L. and A. M.
Becton, the Ragans and others, as good as any of them, the last
group indiscriminately of Beulah and Union and Concord and
Ochlawilla, he wishes he could give each one of them a page in
a volume devoted to biography alone. And he feels the same
way about W. B. Hambleton and Fuller and Ardis McDougald,
with others, of Thomasville; A. S. Averett, and Judge Roger
Evans, of Boston; Coar Powell, of Friendship; Carroll and Cook
and Alderman, of Magnolia; Godwin and Roberts, of Morven;
Pace and Groover, of Okapileco; W. B. Gornto, of Barney; and so
on and on. And such wives as they are blessed with, too! as those
of them known to the author have been discovered to be.

Elder F. M. Blalock, for a short time pastor in Boston, is one
of our soundest and safest of preachers; and Dahlonega was
blessed when he and his noble wife went thither.

Elder J. C. Grimes, coming to the Boston pastorate just before
the expiration of the fortieth year of the association’s history, is
understood to be giving satisfaction in every particular.

Elder W. M. Tidd, pastor of Concord for the past several years
up to 1914, an excellent man, died recently within perhaps only
a week or two after the decease of his wife. ’Tis sad to think of.

15
222 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Elder W. J. Chisholm, pastor in 1914, at Corinth and Concord,
is a teacher of repute and a preacher of ability.

Elder J. W. Roberts, formerly of Barney, is a young man of
promise and the association was the loser when he removed beyond
its “bounds.” And how The Lord has blessed him in a wife!

Elder John F. Hickey, quiet and contained, in a modest, un-
assuming way, has been useful in the cause of The Master.

Elder J. W. Collins is full of energy and zeal, with evidently
a sincere desire to do God’s service well.

Elder A. C. Shuler, for two years at Boston and Barwick, but
now in North Georgia, is charged full.of electricity that he does
not fail to let fty ; and the lightning is not scattered out and wasted
in the empty void of space. It strikes something. And the object
struck does not require to be told of the stroke. It knows it.

Elder W. Frank Moore, of Quitman, is a preacher of much
more than ordinary ability and his congregations always listen
to him. He ought to feel very happy, with that handsome wife
and those beautiful little boys. ,

Elder J. L. Claxton, also a resident in Quitman, is a really
gifted: young minister, as he has been quite a superior school
teacher, and he could fill acceptably any pastorate in the country.
And how good The Lord has been to him, in giving him such a
splendid wife.

Elder J. M. Odom, of Hempstead, is a good solid preacher,
with no “flummery,” no feathers and furbelows to his sermons
and no nonsense anywhere.

The writer would like to speak of the Tylers, but he has no
information about them except what has already been written
in these pages elsewhere. There are and there have been numbers
of strong men pastoring churches in The Mercer who themselves
“belong” and have belonged to other associations. Much as it
would please the historian to give sketches of their lives if he
could such does not come within the scope of this narrative and
must be omitted. He cannot refrain, however, from an expression
of confidence in the future of Norman W. Cox, brilliant, eloquent
and full of promise.

Bro. John T. Chastain, though coming into The Visible King-
dom late in life, was doubtless of “the elect” long before; and out
at sweet “Jersey Farm,” he and his admirable Virginia. wife have
ever been accustomed to accord generous hospitality to appre-
ciative guests. Long may they abide!
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 223

And Elmo, their son, “a chip off the old block,” off two old
blocks, if you please, happily married to a girl whose father was
one of the bravest boys, if not the bravest, that this writer ever
saw “under fire,” what of him? What of any man who would
walk in from his home, a mile and a half, every Sunday, go to
the house of a helpless man and push that rheumatic cripple, in
a rolling chair, three quarters of a mile, to church and back again?
That kind of religion convinces. Not “once in a while,” mind you,
but every Sunday!

Bro. W. H. Searcy, of Cairo, is of the faithful not the least.
Intellectually of superior mould, he has been a teacher of promi-
nent schools all his life until he retired from the profession two
or three years ago, and he has ever been true to his church and
his Sunday-school. His wife is a model of generous hospitality
and in other respects is a most admirable woman.

Bro. F. B. Walsh, a livery-stable man, like Bro. John W. Coch-
ran, of Thomasville, “knows all about horses”; but his knowledge
does not stop there. Like John W., further, he “knows all about”
his church duties and tries to put that knowledge into practice.
And better women than his wife are not encountered at every
street corner. ;

And, finally, Deacon Lucius G. Merritt; what of him? A more
faithful, devoted Christian doesn’t live. He makes no display
and sounds no trumpets as he goes along, but no one need ever
be at a loss about locating him. His wife, also, like himself, is
a pious, devoted, consecrated Christian.
224 History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

CHAPTER XVI.

Tuis chapter will be devoted to a record of the names, as far
as can be ascertained, of all the pastors, church-clerks and Sunday-
school superintendents of each church that has ever belonged to
the association during its connection with the organization. But
a few preliminary observations are necessary.

First: This book is a history, as far as it goes, of the Mercer
Association, and as such, of course, of the churches composing it,
but while and only while members of the organization ; not of each
of those churches individually, before joining it and after leaving
it. Some of the constituent churches remained component only
afew years. Some becamé members years after the constitution of
the organization, and continued in affiliation for but a short time,
in some cases, only as long as one year, or two or three years. And
one or two joined—withdrew after a little while—and then later,
rejoined. Some that took part in the constitution withdrew after
the lapse of years, to unite with other associations more accessible,
or to join in the formation of new associations. In all of those
cases, there was unavoidable irregularity in the annual reports
and their records will be found correspondingly incomplete.

Second: Some churches failed from time to time to have
themselves represented at annual meetings of the association, occa-
sionally for two or three meetings in succession ; there were, there-
‘fore, no reports from them for record, and consequently, there
is no way to ascertain what changes may have occurred, in the
personnel of officers, during those intervals.

Third: Some churches either had no Sunday-schools, or failed
to send in reports from their schools; the association minutes con-
tain no Sunday-school records previously to 1878; and even after
that, there were several years in which no records were made of
any Sunday-school statistics. Therefore, in those cases, it has
been found impossible to obtain details essential to a complete
record, here.

Fourth: Names of persons known to the writer, have, in
many instances, been found spelled wrong in the association min-
utes, or initials have been printed wrong, or inverted. In all those
Subs the proper correction has been made. But there-are prob-
History oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 225

ably many more cases in which, for want of personal acquaintance
with those whose names have been aimed at by the types and
missed the historian could not make correction.

Fifth: The name of the same pefson will, in. some cases, be
found representing an officer in more than one church. In those
cases, that officer, if of lower rank than pastor, has belonged to
those different churches at different times, or if a pastor, he has
served those various churches during the various periods.

Sixth: In some instances, the same man will be found named

as holding different positions at the same time in a given church.
Such a condition has been somewhat frequent as regards the two
positions of church clerk and Sunday-school superintendent; and
occasionally, it has occurred that a pastor was for awhile also
superintendent of his Sunday-school.
_ Seventh: In some cases, it has been found that the same man
has held the same position, in the same church, at different times,
with intervals between. That fact it has not been found conven-
ient to indicate in this record. To illustrate: Elder A has been
pastor of Z church for a time; Bro. B has succeeded him; Bro. C
has followed B, with possibly D and E, or even F, coming in suc-
cession after him; and then A has been called again. This writer
has not in such cases repeated the name; but no matter how many
times a given brother may have been pastor, or clerk, or superin-
tendent, the name is given only once. The purpose is not to show
in this chapter’s record. how many times X has been pastor of Y
church, but simply to show that he has been pastor. The work of
going carefully back through all the records, in their minutest
particulars, of the past. forty years, and collecting the names dis-
covered therein of all the officers of all the churches has been found
arduous’ and tense enough without multiplying details.

Eighth: As the association minutes give no record of Sunday-
school statistics farther back than 1878, so no column for the
names of church clerks appears in any tabulated form of statis-
tical reports earlier than 1888. Therefore, we are left in the dark
as to whom the churches may have honored with superintendencies
and clerkships beyond those dates.

ADEL.

Pastors: W. B. Bennett, A. P. Ashurst, J. T. Stanley, J. J. Hyman,
J. F. Culpepper, B. F. Elliott.

Church Clerks: J. T. Wilkes, A. A. Webb, C. E. Webb.

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. T. Wilkes.
226 Hisrory or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

AUTREYVILLE.

Pastors: A. J. Taylor, J. M. Odom, H. B. Nesmith, J. J. Simmons,
J. E. Hickey. .

Church Clerks: ©. L. Lane, B. E. Walker, E. E. Crosby, Willie Pierce.

Sunday-school Superintendent: EH. L. Patrick.

BARNEY.

Pastors: C. A. Cox, J. M. Odom, J. P. MéeCann, A. J. Taylor, J. R.
Eubanks, J. W. Collins, J. W. Roberts, W. T. Gaulden.
Church Clerks: T A. Rozier.
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. T. Morrow G. D. Wasner, D. H.
Purvis.
BaRwIckK.

Pastors: A. J. Taylor, M. S. Stephens, J. P. McCann, A, C. Shuler,
Cc. M. Crow.

Church Clerks: C. M. Boyless, C. M. Rayburn, -Perey Kendrick, J. T.
Thornhill, D. S. Chapman, J. G. Pope, A. C. Brooks.

Sunday-school Superintendents: E. J. Redfern, S. E. Strickland, Percy
Kendrick, O. M. Rayburn, L. K. McKay, E. H. Brooks.

BrEAveR DAM.

Pastors: J. D. Evans, G. M. T. Wilson, T. W. Powell, W. A. Pardee,
W. H. Dent, M. A. Grace, J. L. Milner, H. C. Strong, W. J. Ballew.
Church Olerks: J. B. Baskins, E. M. Mathis.
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. M. Baskins, H. H. Knight, J. B.
Baskins.
BELLVILLE.
Pastor: R. W. Phillips.

BENEVOLENCE,

Pastors: J. D. Evans, M. Knight, W. P. Head, W. B. High.

Church Clerks: W. N. Lineberger, Newton, Lineberger.

Sunday-school Superintendents: B. A. Seckinger, A. E. Stevens, Carey
W. Jones, I. N. Davis.

/ BERLIN.

Pastor: J. R. Eubanks.

Church Clerks: J. D. Humphrey, J. C. Wingate.

Sunday-school Superintendent: C. H. Parsons.

BETHANY.
i queers W. A. Pardee, M. Knight, J. T. Stanley, Noah Taylor, D. L.
athis.
Church Clerks: L. M. Stanfill, J. C. Herrington, J. W. Rouse, L. A.
Lawson, E. M. Mathis.
Sunday-school Superintendents: W. A. Patten, J. M. Hall, J. W. Rouse,
D. L. Vickers, 8. S. Mathis.
BETHLEHEM.

Pastors: W.H. Bryant, J. D. Evans, R. A; Peeples, Wm. A. Mo
W. A. Pardee. ; : are
History oF Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 227

Sunday-school Superintendent: M. M. Overstreet.

BrEvLAH.

Pastors: E. B. Carroll, J. E. Powell, M. Knight, J. A. Tinsley, W. B.
Bennett, J. H. Tappan, C. A. Cox, A. J. Taylor, W. T. Gaulden, J. L. Clax-
ton, W. F. Moore.

Church Clerks: J. B. Bentley, J. B. Barrs, W. R. Knight, W. M. Barrs,
A. B. Clavin.

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. A. Bentley, J. E. Cook, Wm. White,
J. B. Barrs.

Bia CREEK.

Pastors: A. C. Stephenson, Moses Ward, J. W. Davis, H. B. Nesmith.

Church Clerks: H. B. Nesmith, Wm. McMillan, J. W. Evans, J. E..
Welch, J. P. Clay, A. Robinson, J. H. Barwick.

Sunday-school Superintendents: S. L. Evans, H. B. Nesmith, W. A. Duren.

Bia OCHLOCKNEE. ~

Pastors: A. C. Stephenson, T. Alderman, E. H. Bryan, M. Hancock,
J. M. Odom, J. B. Alagood, H. B. Nesmith, J. D. Carlton.

Church Clerks: W.M. Adams, J. E. Adams, W. L. Adams, J. M. Delke,
W. T. Miller.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. M. Adams, W. W. Dekle, W. B.
Dukes, J. M. Dekle, W. M. Dekle, J. H. Tillman.

Boston.

Pastors: J. M. Rushin, J. L. Underwood, EB. B. Carroll, T. A. White,
D. H. Parker, F. M. Blalock, A. C. Shuler, E. C. Grimes.

Church Clerks: W M. Jones, J. S. Norton, T. T. Stephens, E. Leon
Neel, Ed. Cook, J. J. Parramore.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. M. Jones, S. G. Culpepper, BE. C.
Milligan, M. L. Cook, A. S. Averett.

Buck CREEK.

Pastors: §S. E. Bliteh, J. B. Arrington, BE. H. Bryan, J. M. Odom, M. D.
Pope, J. J. Simmons, L. D. Griffin, G. W. Ridley, S. W. Smith.

Church Clerks: M. F. Baker, W. F. Stripling, J. M. Crosby, J. R.
Nettles, G. H. Folsom, Joel Baker, (probably) —— Strickland.

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. 1. Baker, W. A. Patten, D. D. Bul-
lard, —— Cole, O. C. MeDearman, M. M. Mock, W. C. Wiggins, Geo.
Hickey, John Hickey, R. G. Folsom.

CaqRo.

Pastors: J. M. Rushin, J. R. Battle, D. H. Parker, W. E. Zediker, T. A.

White, Robert H. Harris, B. D. Ragsdale.

Church Clerks: 3B. W. Mauldin, W. L. Perkins, G. W. Clark, J. L.
Hurst, Geo. W. Hurst, J. L. Mauldin, C. P. Poulk.

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. M. Parker, W. B. Roddenberry,
A. C. Forster.
228 History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION.

CaALvarY.
Pastor: W. H. Bryant.
Church Clerks: D. A. Walker, B. T. Allen.
Sunday-school Superintendents: B. T. Allen.

CECIL.
Pastor: B. F. Elliott.
Church Clerk: W. P. L.

CENTER HILL,
Pastor: W. F,. Thompson. :

Church Clerks: §S. M. Atkins, J. M. Gayets. ~
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. W. Bradford, H. Wester.

CHERRY CREEK.

Pastors: R. O. Martin, W. J. Ballew.
Church Clerk: J. T. Hambrick.
Sunday-school Superintendent: M. Pope.

CHINA GROVE.

Pastors: W. C. Wiggins, M. D. Pope.
Church Olerks: W. M. Strawder, B. H. McMillan, L. W. Wilkes.
Sunday-school Superintendents: W. H. Folsom, Joshua Tillman.

Concorp.

Pastors: W. H. Bryant, J. E. Reynolds, J. E. Powell W. B. Bennett,
W. F. Reeves, Geo. M. Moore, Stephen Crockett, J. D. Evans, A. J. Taylor,
W. M. Tidd, W. J. Chism.

Church Clerks: S. P. Mays, T. R. Denson, W. J. Jarvis, O. P. Bond,
John B. Mays. :

Sunday-school Superintendents: L. Townsend, S. P. Mays, M. R.
Sweat, G. B. Wilson.

COOLIDGE,

Pastors: A. J. Taylor, G. B. Thrasher, J. B. Alagood.

Church Clerks: J. R. Jenkins, H. Newsome, J. C. Pope, T. C. Smith.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. J. Bowman, H. Newsome, J. C.
Bell, Frank McGahee, T. C. Smith, J. P. Cay.

CorintH (Brooks).

Pastors: W.H. Bryant, J. N. Reid, B. W. Whilden, Isaac F. Duncan,
G. W. Stubbs, J. W. Roberts, P. T. Knight, W. J. Chism.

Church Olerks: R. Seruggs, J. G. Seruggs, J. W. Morrow, A. F. Hill.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. H. Bryant, C. W. Lewis, P. C.
Pace, C. S. Hatchett, A. F. Hill.

CorintH (Lowndes).

Pastors: J. N. Reid, J. D. Evans, M. Knight, W..A. Pardee, J. W.
Pierson, W. B. High. -
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 229

Ohurch Clerks: W. G. Bryan, J. T. Duggan, E. Outlaw, S. E. Swilley,

EB. L. Carter.
Sunday-school Superintendents: W.G. Brantley, B. F. Moseley, F. L.

Smith, I. N. Davis, Willie Carter, W. B. High.

; ‘ DELMAR.
Pastor: Jno. G. Norton.
Church Clerk: D. B. Moore.
DEX.

Pastors: J. M. Rushin, W. H. Cooper, J. A. Pool, W. F. Wagner,
W. F. Thompson, D. H. Parker, G. W. Carroll, P. T. Taylor, J. L. Claxton.
Church Clerks: J. O. Culpepper, W. G. McKinnon, D. A. Royal, M. L.

Bowen.
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. O. Culpepper, J. J. Williams, H. H.

Parrish, S. W. Wilkinson.
East QUITMAN.
Received at the session of 1914 and shows no record.

ELAM,

Pastors: J. R. Battle, I. F. Duncan, J. D. Evans, J. P. MeCann, W. F.
Wagner, W. T. Gaulden, H. H. Parrish.

Church Clerks: J. R. Meadows, J. B. Newsome, Ed. Bowen, C. B.
Meadows, Franklin Philips, Carroll S. Hawkins. .

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. R. Meadows, J. W. Patterson, M. L.
Bowen, A. Z. Dekle, Carroll S. Hawkins, Joel W. Williford, J. R. Philips.

ENON.

Pastors: M.D. Pope, T. Alderman, A. C. Stephenson, J. M. Odom, C. F.
Massey, J. W. Davis, H. B. Nesmith, J. J. Simmons, M. A. Wilson.
Church Clerks: T. C. Smith, E. E. Crosby, J. W. Crosby, R. R. Smith,

©. O. Jordan.
Sunday-school Superintendents: C. Gandy, T. C. Smith, W. H. Simmons,

E. E. Crosby, J. T. Daniel, C. H. Garrison.

EVERGREEN.

Pastors: T. A. White, W. J. Sullivan, D. H. Parker, J. P. McCann,
H. B. Nesmith, J. M. Odom, I. F. Duncan.
Church Clerks: W.G. McKinnon, G. B. Crane, C. S. Jones.
Sunday-school Superintendents: Sebastian Dekle, C. J. English, Lewis
Ward, Henry Ward, G. B. Crane, C. S. Jones, W. H. Ward, C. F. Logue,
J.S. Walker.
FELLOWSHIP.

Pastors: W. H. Seruggs, W. A. Pardee, Wm. Reynolds, W. H. Bryant,
W. H. Dent, Noah Tyler, W. F. Cox, I. F. Duncan.

Church Clerks: WL. J. Overstreet, Jas. G. Scruggs, N. H. Tyler, J. H.
Handley, A. J. Handley, A. S. Johnson.

Sunday-school Superintendents: Asa Newsome, R. J. Lever, T. E.

MeNeill.
230 History oF Mercer BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

FREDONIA.

Pastors: Wm. Reynolds, T. Alderman, A. C. Stephenson, J. P. McCann,
Moses Ward, R. G. Jackson, R. S. Clifton.

Church Clerks: N. B. Turner, A. D. Fleetwood, J. W. Wilson, S. L.
Heald, J. L. Welch, Sanford Wages, C. H. Gaddy, S. A. Chastain.

Sunday-school Superintendents: BE. W. Butler, S. L. Fielding, C. H.
Folsom, J. W. McRae, J. C. Lunsford, W. L. Hancock, B. W. Stone, P. N.
Shepherd.

FRIENDSHIP.

Pastors: W. W. Bostick, T. A. White, E. B. Carroll, E. T. Moore.

Church Clerks: J. T. Rushin, J. F. Knapp, H. G. Young, J. W. Horne,
J. C. Thomas, Elmer Horne. é

Sunday-school Superintendents: G. A. Burton, BE. R. Young, T. L.
Rushin, O. H. Thomas, J. A. Thomas.

FUNSTON,
Pastor: G. F. Clark.
Church Clerks: J. S. Monk, W. B. Croy.
Sunday-school Superintendent: W. B. Chambliss.

Goop Hopr.

Pastors: Jno. G. Norton, W. H. Seruggs, W. A. Pardee, J. F. Reeves,
J. D. Evans, Jno. G. Taylor, W. H. Dent, R. O. Martin, A. F. Sellers.

Church Clerks: W.M. Force, C. T. Quinn, R. T. Gupton

Sunday-school Superintendents: B. W. Norton, W. M. Force, Noak
Taylor, J. G. Norton, Jesse Ganos.

HAHA.

Pastors: J.T. Stanley, W. H. Dent, J. D. Evans, J. F. Culpepper, B. F.
Elliott. .

Church Clerks: W. H. McKinnon, W. W. Hall, A. F. Passmore, L. M.
Stanfill, Jas. G. Scruggs.

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. W. Collier, W. H. McKinnon.

HEMPSTEAD.

Pastors: W. H. Smith, R. S. Clifton, S. S. Bowen, J. M. Odom, M. D.
Pope, J. D. Evans, J. R. Eubanks, D. H. Mathis, J. W. Collins.

Church Clerks: C. Croft, Z. F. Hesters, Louis Clifton, Elias Strick-
land, J. D. Simmons, E. J. Carroll, D. H. Wingate, C. M. Walker.

Sunday-school Superintendents: E. H. Pierce, W. J. Odom, J. J. Sim-
mons, BH. J .Carroll, T. IT. Hesters, J. B. Pierce, B. F. Eunice.

Hickory Heap.

Pastors: HB. B. Carroll, J. M. Rushin, Geo. D. Moore, L. A. Cooper,
W. F. Wagner, H. C. Strong, W. T. Gaulden, A. J. Taylor, W. F. Moore.
Church Olerks: R. I. Denmark, R. L. Groover.
é Sunday-school Superintendents: A. W. Groover, J. W. Haddock, R. L.
roover.
History or Mercer Baprist ASSOcIATION. 231

 

Hoperv..
Pastor: Moses Ward.
Church Clerks: William A. Cone, T. W. White, G. B. Pyles.
Sunday-school Superintendent: W. H. Wright.

HoprwE tu.

Pastors: A. C. Stephenson, E. H. Bryan, M. D. Pope, J. B. Arrington,
J. D. Odom, M. Hancock, J. B. Alagood, J. M. Odom, J. P. McCann, R. Her-
ring, R. W. Eubanks, W. M. Tidd. Sa

Church Clerks: A. M. Akins, C. J. Roffield, J. H. Scarboro, C. L. Lane, -
Berry Pyles, M. P. Hires, H. Haines, T. D. Pope.

Sunday-school Superintendents: Jas. Scarboro, Wm. Best, J. K. Till-
man, M. B. Reeves.

2 KINGWwoop.

Pastor: A. M. Bennett.

Church Clerk: Allen Scarboro. |

Sunday-school Superintendent: J. H. Mims.

LAKE Park,

Pastors: J. D, Evans, J. P. McCann, M. M. Wamboldt, Geo. T. Hurst,
R. W. Phillips, W. F. Thompson, A. L. Blizzard, C. A. Cox, W. J. Ballew.
Church Olerks: J. P. Prescott, J. ‘T. Coombs, 8. E. Swilley, Ewell

Brown. .
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. H. Parker, J. B. Hoffman, J. H.

Kelly, S. E. Swilley, J. M. Patten, Ewell Brown.

LAKEVIEW,

Pastors: R. 8S. Clifton, G. F. Clark, W. F. Cox.
Church Clerks: F. W. Key, C. M. Allen.
Sunday-school Superintendents: D. B. Lott, J. D. Bennefield, W. M.
Haygood.
LIBERTY.

Pastors: J. M. Rushin, D. H. Parker, J. C. Grimes. =
Church Clerks: Clinton D. Groover, A. H. Groover, J. T. Groover, B. F.

Williams, L. EB. Rast.
Sunday-school Superintendents: John Meadows, F. M. Groover, B. F.
Williams, Dr. J. I. Groover, G. W. Christian, J. T. Groover.

LITTLE OCHLOCKNEE.

Pastors: A. S. Stephenson, Wm. Reynolds, M. D. Pope, Moses Ward,
J. B. Alagood, D. H. Parker, H. B. Nesmith, I. F. Duncan, W. M. Davis.

Ohurch Clerks: R. R. Chastain, D. A. Jones, D. H. Parker, Jr.

Sunday-school Superintendents: T. C. Benton, M. M. Seigler, W. N.
Zeigler, W. F. Willis, R. R. Chastain.

Macepon1a (Lowndes).

Pastors: T. W. Powell, G. M. T. Wilson, R. A. Peeples, J. G. Norton,

A, A. Andrews, J. D. Evans, Noah Tyler, R. O. Martin. :
Church Clerks: G. P. Howell, A. Tomlinson, Eli Smith, J. C. 'Touch-

stone. X
232 History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION.

MACEDONIA (Florida)
Pastor: H. M. Friar.
MapIson.
Pastor: B. B. Carroll.
MAGNOLIA.

Pastors: J. J. Simmons, M. D. Pope, T. N. Pierce.

Church Clerks: F. B. Hester, John Cummings, H. D. Davis, W. W.
Strawder.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W.R. Allen, — Cook, W. W. Strawder.

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS,
Pastor: C. F. Massey.
Church Clerks: Jesse C. Cooper, Walter West, M. M. Kinchen.
Sunday-school Superintendent: M. M. Kinchen.

MERRILLVILLE.
Pastor: R, G. Jackson.
Church Clerk: N. E. Turner.
Sunday-school Superintendent: J. J. Turner.

Mipway.
Pastor: H. M. Friar.

MILLTOWN.

-Pastors: TH. B. Carroll, T. W. Powell, C. Howell, W. H. Scruggs, J. D.
Bvans, Jno. G. Taylor, M. A. Grace, W. H. Dent, H. C. Strong, A. J. Tay-
lor, W. J. Ballew.

Church Clerks: Hamp Howell, R. L. Patten.
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. H. Carroll, Sr., Dr. W. L. Patten,
R. L. Patten.

Mogprison.

Pastors: A. J. Taylor, W. M. Tidd, W. T. Gaulden.
Church Clerks: C. R. O’Neal, Jno. G. Scruggs, W. Graham, H. H. Gra-
ham.
Sunday-school Superintendents: H. L. Jackson, G. A. Jackson, Daniel
Highsmith, H. H. Graham.
MOorvEN.

Pastors: W. H. Smith, B. F. Elliott, W. T. Gaulden, J. R. Ballinger,
G. F. Clark.
Church Olerks: Leland G. vans, Lester Godwin, G. R. DeLong.
Sunday-school Superintendents: L. G. Evans, O. Godwin, T. B. Clark,
J. R. Roberts.
MouNT CARMEL,
Pastors: T. Alderman, A. C. Stephenson, E. H. Bryan, R. 8. Clifton.

Church Clerks: T, Alderman, M. R. Holloway, J. R. Philips, G. B.
Williams.

Mount OLive.

Pastors: A. M. Bennett, Dr. F. W. Tyler, J. R. Ballinger, T. J. Her-
ring, J. R. Eubanks, S. W. Sheffield. .
History ofr Mercer Barrist ASsociATION. 233

Church Clerk: A. Searborough.
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. H. Mims, J. B. Baker, Luther Stal-
lings, G. W. Newton.
Mount PLEASANT,

Pastor: J. D. Evans.
Sunday-school Superintendent: B. F. Brinson.

Mount ZIon.

Pastors: S, E. Blitch, J. B, Arrington, A. C. Stephenson, John A. Sellers.
Church Clerk: M. HE. Nesmith.
Sunday-school Superintendents: H. H. Harrell, Wm. Key, J. B. Norman.

MOULTRIE.

Pastors: A. C. Stephenson, E. H. Bryan, S. E. Bliteh, T. A. White,
J M. Waller, A. M. Bennett, Carl W. Minor, A. C. Cree.

Church Clerks: A. Searborough, J. G. Culpepper, W. H. Spivey, D. F.
Arthur, V. W. Touchstone, J. T. Killen, C. B. Allen. :

Sunday-school Superintendents: S. G. Gregory, A. Bailey, J. L. Hall,
W. A. Aaron, J. R. Hall, M. D. Allen, Z. H. Clark (Mission Schools: C. G.
Watson, L. D. Simmons, J. W. Cowan, G. B. Courtney, O. N. Sumner).

MuerrPHy.
Pastor: J. D. Carlton.
Church Olerks: W. A. Rowland.

MURPHY’sS CHAPEL.

Pastors: John Carlton, M. Hancock, Jobn Sellers, J. B. Alagood.

Church Clerks: J. L. Harvey, C. W. Harvey, W. E. McArthur, H. T.
Russ.

Sunday-school Superintendent: P. H. Barrs.

NANKIN.
Pastor: A, Bond.
New BETHEL.

Pastors: John G. Taylor, W. H. Scruggs, J. D. Evans, W. A. Pardee,
B. Cooper, W. H. Dent, C. G. Dilworth, H. C. Strong, R. O. Martin, B. F.
Bliott.

Church Clerks: E. L. Todd, J. G. Hall, A. B. Harrell.

Sunday-school Superintendents: C. M. Williams, J. W. Beattie, J. J.
Bradford.

New Hore (Colquitt).

Pastor: A. C. Stephenson.

New Hore (Thomas)

Pastors: J. M. Rushin, T. A. White, A. C. Stephenson, J. R. Battle,
Wm. Reynolds, J. F. Duncan, J. P. McCann, R. G. Jackson, D. H. Parker,
R. H. Elrod.

Church Clerks: G. W. Parker, R. B. Mardre, J. C. Beverly.
234 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Sunday-school Superintendents: R. B. Mardre, Ansel Delke, Joshua
Carroll, John F. Parker, R. B. Mardre, Jr., J. C. Beverly, R. H. Blrod.

New OCHLOCKNEE.

Pastors: A. M. Manning, J. M. Rusbin, Robert H. Harris, T. A. Bar-
row, W. H. Smith, W. A. Hall, R. G. Jackson, M. A. Wilson.
Church Clerks: T. P. Applewhite, T. B. Andrews, L. B. Andrews.
Sunday-school Superintendents: W. D. Mitchell, D. A. Dixon, M. M.
Kinchen, J. C. Cooper.
New PLEASANT HILL.

Pastors: M. D. Pope, R. S. Clifton, J. M. Odom, I. F. Dunean, J. J.
Simmons.

Church Clerks: C. F. Blackshear, D. M. Bradley, J. F.-Humphrey,
W. S. Worsham, W. T. Burges, F. B. Hester, J. J. Alderman, W. M.
Strawder, G. T. Yearty. s

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. F. Humphrey, W. M. Strawder.

New PROSPECT.
Pastor: B. D. Harrell.
Oak GROVE.

Pastors: J. B. Alligood, R. 8. Clifton.

Church Clerks: H. T. Russ, W. H. McArthur, J. H. Strickland, J. W.
Rowland.

OcHLAWILLA.

Pastors: W. H. Bryant, W. H. Dent, J. D. Evans, I. F. Duncan, W. B.
High, J. C. Thompson, J. J. Simmons.

Church Clerks: B. L. Smith, G. Owen, T. P. Wilson, H. A. Williams,
B. P. Ragan, J. C. Beverly, A, M. Becton.

Sunday-school Superintendents: T. P. Wilson, J. M.- Patterson, B. P.
Ragan, Bryant Nuckolls, W. W. Herndon, A. M. Becton, J. N. Bass.

OCHLOCKNEE.

Pastors: Wm. Reynolds, J. L. Underwood, A. C. Stephenson, J. R.
Battle, J. B. Alagood, J. P. McCann, G. W. Carroll.

Church Clerks: F. D. Carden, R . A. Perry, J. J. Singletary, BE. C. Long.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. H. Boswell, J. I. Wilson, Brayton
Singletary, R. G. Jackson, R. W. Batson, Fred Singletary, J. N. Singletary,
W. T. Willis, T. C. Beverly.

OKaPILCco.

Pastors: B. B, Carroll, T. A. White, A. C. Stephenson, W. H. Bryant,
C. S. Gaulden, M. D. Pope, J. D. Odom, Moses Ward, I. F. Duncan, W. J.
Odom, C. A. Cox, W. T. Gaulden, J. P. McCann, J. L. Claxton.

Church Clerks: W. C. Pressley, W. J. Groover, S. R. Swilley, W. W.
Hopper, W. -H. Pace, Geo. C. Hopper.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. A. Riley, G. C. Hopper.

OLIVE.

Pastors: W. W. Bostick, A. M. Manning, W. F. Beverly, Moses Ward,
C. F. Massey, J. T. Humphries.
History or Marcer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 235

Church Clerks: HE. T. Wooten, B. W. Stephens, B. F. Barnes, N. B.
Gilbert, C. S. Hatchett, T. I. Scurry.
Sunday-school Superintendents: B. F. Bonner, J. C. Lewis, R. L. Hurst,
N. B. Gilbert.
OUSLEY.

Pastors: W. H. Bryant, J. D. Hvans, W. H. Nidhi ioe W. A. Pardee,
M. Knight, R. T. Goodrum, J. N. Reid, W. P. Head, C. W. Minor, J. G.
Norton, A. Herrin, W. J. Ballew, A. J. Taylor, P. Butler, IF. Duncan, J. Le
Claxton, J. F. Moore.

Church Clerks: O. H. Carroll, M. M. Willis, J. L. Sims.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W. H. Ousley, W. B. Cunningham,
®. D. Carroll, J. D. Evans, W. P. Head, M. M. Willis, W. E. Cato, Tally
Matthews.

PAULINE.

Pastors: S. S. Mathis, N. W. Cox, EB. L. Todd.

Church Clerks: Leland Evans, J. N. Newton, C. L. Patterson, Irs Gold-
ing, R. Ratliff, James McAllister, E. L. Patterson.

Pavo.

Pastors: W. F. Wagner, J. M. Rushin, A. J. Taylor, J. P. McCann,
G. W. Carroll.

Church Clerks: W. J. Mills, Albert Mills, C. T. Beggs, J. F. Daniel,
P. J. Kendrick.

Sunday-school. Superintendents: A. Herring, M. M. Dallas, J. L. Barnes,
J. M. Kingsley, J. W. Mills, A. C. Whitehead, P. J. Kendrick, J. R. O’Neal.

* PHILADELPHIA,
Pastors: J. G. Taylor, J. D. Evans, W. A. Pardee, W. H. ce a W. H.
Dent, J. F. Eden, J. F. Reeves, I. F. Duncan, C. A. Cox, W. T. Gaulden,

N. W. Cox, B. L. Todd.

Church Clerks: R. J. Shiver, F. A. Jones, W. J. Newton, W. B. Spell,
J. B. Shiver, E. J. Shiver, J. L. Garrett.

Sunday-schoot Superintendents: J. H. Newton, R. J. Shiver, S. P. Set-
fle, E. J. Shiver, E. F. Purvis, T. J. Garrett.

PINE GROVE.
Pastor: H. M. Friar.
PINE PARK.

Pastor: T. A. White.
Church Clerks: J. G. Moore, G. W. Stubbs, AL D. Payne.
Sunday-school Superintendents: B. A. ‘Alderman, L. L. Barwick.

PLEASANT HILL.
Pastors: J. D. Evans, J. B. Arrington, 8. E. Blitch.

QUITMAN.

Pastors: ©. D. Campbell, N. A. Bailey, E. B. Carroll, J. W. Carlin,
J. W. Ford, C. A. Turner, P. J. Elsom, B. D. Ragsdale, Jno. F. Eden, W. H.
236 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

Cooper, K. W. Kawthon, V. L. Walker, W. A. Mason, C. A. Ridley, L. E.
Barton, J. A. Wynne. '
Church Clerks: W. T. Gaulden, W. C. McCall, M. Quarterman, J. F.
McCall, S. S. Bennett, L. F. Knight, W. H. Long, Jr., C. F. Cater.
Sunday-school Superintendents: John Tillman, J G. McCall, J. C. Me
Donald, J. B. Rountree, Jeff. Davis, O. K. Jelks.

REDLAND,

Pastors: H.M. Friar, J. D. Evans, W. H. Scruggs, W. H. Dent, W. P.
Head, A. F. Sellers, W. H. Bryant.

Church Clerks: W. T. Brinson, C. W. Lewis, J. J. Scruggs.

Sunday-school Superintendents: C. W. Lewis, John F. Scruggs, Mar-
tin Knight, A. BE. Stevens, J. G. Scruggs.

REEDY CREEK.
Pastor: J. J. Simmons.
Church Clerk: J. R. Nettles.
Sunday-school Superintendent: F. C. Hall.

Rock HI,

Pastors: G. B. Thrasher, F. W. Tyler, W. M. Tidd, R. R. J. Kessey,
W. M. Sentell, G. F. Clark.

Church Olerks: W.'T. Patten, J. H. Watson, W. A. Smith, W. R. Wilson,
J. S. Monk, D. J. Baker.

Sunday-school Superintendents: W.H. Spivey, W. B. Chambliss, Henry
Newsome, W. P. Sloane, J. B. Baker.

SALEM,

Pastors: A. C. Stephenson, M. D. Pope, T. Alderman, J. P. McCann,
W. A. Pardee, T. A. White, J. W. Davis, I. F. Duncan, A. J. Taylor, M. 8.
Stephens, J. J. Simmons, J. B. Alagood.

Church Clerks: S. R. Blanton, Samuel West, P. C. Davis, J. T. Sherre4,
G. W. Stephenson.

Sunday-school Superintendents: P. C. Davis, Eugene Raiford, W. &
Mills, O. C. McDearman, W. E. Vann, J. R. Jones, R. J. Lasseter, S. .#
Miller, Samuel West, Josh. Lasseter, E. J. Redfern, M. J. Simmons, J. 7%
Hancock, J. T. Sherrod, G. W. Stephenson, J. O. Hancock.

SapDIs.
Pastors: J. N. Reid, D. F. Ward.

ScCHLEY.

Pastors: J. R. Eubanks, M. D. Green.
Church Clerk: B. W. Baker.
Sunday-school Superintendent: 'T. RB. Green.

SHILOH.
Pastors: A. C. Stephenson, I. F. Duncan, W. H. Smith, 8. L. Bowen.
History of Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION. 237

Church Clerks: TT. J. Connolly, S. E. Strickland, F. W. Bailey, W. B.

Gornto, W. H. Pace, Jr.
Sunday-school Superintendent: Paul Pace.

STATENVILLE.

Pastors: T. W. Powell, BR. W. Phillips, R. A. Peeples, John Vann,
J. N. Reid.
STOocKTON.

Pastors: T. W. Powell, J. G. Norton, W. B. Bennett, A. A. Andrews,
J. F. Reeves, J. T. Stanley, W. H. Dent, R. O. Martin, A. F. Sellars.

Church Clerks: C. S. Touchstone, J. G. Norton.

Sunday-school Superintendents: J. G. Norton, Henry McKenzie, ——-
Gould, W. F. Philips.

SuMMEsR HI,

Pastors: J, M. Rushin, W. W. Bostick, T. A. White, A. C. Stephenson,
T. Alderman, J. P. McCann, I. F. Duncan, H. B. Nesmith.

Church Clerks: J. M. Massey, L. T. Miller, H. A. Miller.

Sunday-school Superintendents: L. T. Miller, J. B. Adams, J. A. Tins-
ley, W. H. Culpepper, H. A. Miller.

SUNSET.
Pastor: J. R. Eubanks.
Church Clerk: N. C. Green.
Sunday-school Superintendent: R. W. Green.

THOMASVILLE,

Pastors: C. S. Gaulden, R. D. Mallary, W. B. Bennett, B. Z. F. Golden,
T. E. Tiller, W. J. Williams, D. H. Parker, Robert H. Harris, J. H Logan,
C. N. Donaldson, A. W. Bealer, L. T. Mays, W. M. Harris.

Church Clerks: R. B. Mardre, J. S. Montgomery, B. W. Stone, W. H.
Stanley, J. S. Clifton, Adam Arnold, C. B. Dixon.

Sunday-school Superintendents: P. McGlashan, G. W. H. Carroll, W. D.
Mitchell, B. W. Stone, J. M. Delke.

THOMASVILLE SECOND CHURCH.

Pastors: L. A, Tuggle, D. H. Parker.
Church Clerk: C. C. Carrin.
Sunday-school Superintendent: C. C. Carrin.

UNION.

Pastors: J. M. Rushin, J. F. Eden, J. P. McCann, Geo. M. Moore, Martin
pa W. F. Wagner, W. H. Bryant, I. F. Dunean, A. J. Taylor, J. L.
axton.
Church Clerks: J. B. Jessup, Jas. Wilson, E. A. Pollard, Ed. Milton,
H. A. Williams.
Sunday-school Superintendents: J. E. Jessup, Jas. Wilson, E. A. Pollard,
D. F, Arthur, Jas. Bentley, A. A, Wetherington, J. A. Milton.

16
238 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

VALDOSTA.

Pastors: GC. D. Campbell, James McBryde, E. B. Carroll, J. M. Rushin,
R. T. Goodrum, P. H. Murray, C. W. Minor, L. R. Christie.

Ohurch Clerks: R. T. Myddleton, J. Lasseter, W. C. Willis, D. J. Hicks,

Sunday-school Superintendents: Thomas Crawford, R. T. Myddleton,
R. A. Peeples, W. R. Cunningham, C. B. Patterson, 8S. F. Fulghum, W. C.
Willis, E. L. Thomas, A. H. Giddens.

West Sipe (Valdosta).

Pastors: ©. J. Cartledge, G. T. Hurst.
Church Clerks: J. M. Youngblood, R. G. Jackson.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION. 239

CHAPTER XVII.

In that last chapter, we walked through four decades among
the pastors; through three and a half among the superintendents
of Sunday-schools; through two and a half among the clerks of
churches; all in The Mercer Association. Or rather, did we not
take our station at a vantage point and watch the forty-year pro-
cession pass? Good, better, best! And who shall judge them?
Most of those men have gone up to God. And what is that about
“some men’s sins . . . going before (them) to judgment?”
(1 Timothy 5: 24.) They were not perfect men. Abstractly, they
were like us. That word, “us,” means you and this writer. None
excepted. Very imperfect are we. But they did not appear so
to us, as they were going by. We saw none of their faults. We
do not see any now, as we recal] that moving procession. And
blessed be The Lord, neither does He! Their sins are “covered,”
Psalm 82:1. God has “blotted out their transgressions and their
iniquities,” Psalm 51: 1, 9; He “remembers not (thinks not of
against them) the sins of their youth,” Psalm 25: 7; nor their
“former iniquities,” Psalm 79: 8. He “remembers not (does not
call to mind against them) their iniquity, a Isaiah 64: 9.
Never more!

When God looks upon His people, He sees The Christ i in them.
The ineffable glory of That Presence overwhelms everything else.
We see our imperfections, because they are here with us, patent;
but those who have gone on before us are separated from all of
theirs, the same having “gone before to judgment,” and God now
sees none of them. Even the wickednesses that some of you may
have known of in some of them appear not to you now, when you
think of them. Let us rejoice in the thought, yea, rather the as-
surance, that ’twill be that way with us when others think
of us after we shall have passed on. And so, with God. “Love
shail cover (hideth) the multitude of sins,” 1 Peter 4: 8.

Look at those pastors! going by. Most of them only a very
few of those who read these lines ever saw. Most of them we, i. e.,
the writer and nearly one hundred per cent of you readers, never
saw in life. But we can see them now. Look at them!

Some of those pastors are 0ld—were old, forty years ago. We
can see their silvery locks falling away from their pale, furrowed
240 Hisrory oF Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

brows. That is the way we think of them. No one thinks of them
in any other way. Long hair, grizzly gray, or silvery white,
streaming back from temples and crown. Here and there among
those old men a flowing beard is seen; but most of the cheeks,
clean-chaven, show the seams of care and of years.

Some of that rank stride along with stalwart step, in manly
prime, full-voiced and strong. You see them that way. You hear
them that way. You cannot think of them in any other way.

And some are young—almost boys—yes, among those lithe,
youthful forms are some unmistakably of lads. But how old was
David when he twirled his sling? What was the age of John,
The Beloved, when he left his father’s boat and went out to walk
with The Master, in “The Heavenly Calling.”

Those clerks of churches, old and young, there they go; all
modest and self-distrustful. It is difficult to think of them in any
other way. Many of them diffident to an extreme, and every one
of them with his “church-book” under his arm; all of them eager
to serve The Lord as best they can, in their respective positions.
Some of them “mighty poor scribes,” as they said of themselves
when elected and persuaded into a reluctant acceptance; but all
of them, at the beginning, and nearly every one of them as long
as he served, resolved to “keep the minutes straight.”

Note those Sunday-school superintendents—how fatherly they
look! No matter how young—and some of them are not old—
though few are as youthful as some of the pastors who passed
along by just now—every one of them, those young superintend-
ents, feeling as if he were the head of that family of boys and
girls. Dignity sits composedly upon the heads of not a few—it
hardly manages to cling precariously and awkwardly to the coat-
skirts of others. But there they go! marching by.

We look lovingly and tenderly upon that procession of pastors
and clerks and superintendents; with Sunday-school secretaries
and treasurers of schools and churches intermingled—names not
recorded and therefore inaccessible to the historian, for transcrip-
tion. There they go! all marching by in the calm sweet light of
the years agone.

And now they have disappeared down the road of time!

But while some dozens or scores of them, of those officials, have
passed away, think of the hundreds, yea, the multiplied hundreds
of “the rank and file,” the unofficial men—and women—and boys
—and girle—who within those forty years have been laid in the
grave! Splendid men! Lovely women! Beautiful girls! Noble
History or Mercer Bartist ASsociaTION. 241

boys! Laid in the grave? Nay, they lie there beneath the sod.
Their bodies ’tis true, have mouldered back to dust; but their
beatified spirits are happy in The Paradise of. God—to be re-
united with those vanished bodies, bye-and-bye.

And what are those numbers, great though they be, compared
with the multitudes that within the last four decades have fled
from the world at large into The Great Beyond?

With a few individual exceptions, an entire generation of
human beings disappears from earth, every thirty-three years. The
population of the world is estimated at sixteen hundred millions.
Can it be true that the whole generation of those living forty years
ago, over a billion and a half, is dead today? It may be that the
estimate of population above given is too high. But here is one
commonly accepted without question. It is figured that of the
total number of human beings on earth one dies every second.
That is at the rate of 3,600, every hour! 86,400, per day! Count-
ing 365} days, in even hours, to the year, the rate is 31,557,600,
per annum; and in thirty-three years, 1,041,400,800! All of that
vast number, except a comparative handful of survivors, gone! Qh,
the hundreds of millions of our fellow beings that have gone to the
grave since The Mercer Association was born! And what pro-
portion of those teeming myriads are at rest with God? Alas!
Alas! The soul staggers at the question.

Our forerunners, our predecessors in this association, of whom
this historian has written and you have read, including all in the
procession that passed before us in review awhile ago, sought to
save as many out of that vast host as they could. To the few old
people of us left, the sun is setting and the twilight coming on.
We can do little more. But what will be the account given of
you, the new generation just now in the beginning of your term,
at the end of the next forty years to come?

Conditions may appear to you different, as in some respects
they are, from those of forty years ago. You may feel that the
fathers had an advantage over you, as in some respects they did.
But in other respects you have the advantage of them. Your pre-
decessors had their old-fashioned “revivals,” when in the country
and sometimes in the villages the people went to church and stayed
all day. Or when after a morning meeting they would re-assemble
“at early candle-light,” with voices of song and heartfelt prayers.
When the man of God, eyes a-light with loving pity for the lost,
or a-blaze with righteous wrath against defiant sin, stood before
the congregation, the undisputed messenger of Heaven. When men
242 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION,

and women, boys and girls, “went forward” and knelt for prayer,
while loved ones bowed among them and with soft-toned words
of encouragement tried to “help them through.” They did not
have the great city “movements” out there, with Moody and
Sankey stirring the multitudes, or Chapman and Alexander en-
thralling their four and five thousands of hearers, or Billy Sunday
thrilling his four or five times that many more. True there had
been earlier in the nineteenth century revivals that swept our
country, North, like a tidal wave, and Wales and England, like
an ocean flood. But as a rule ours were just plain country “meet-
in’s.” Nevertheless, they were “movements”; souls were saved,
and in some respects, results were more durable than often realized
today.

The people may not gather now, as then, in the sweet calm
evenings, to sing the old-time hymns and join in the old-time
prayers. That is a disadvantage to this generation.

In those old days there were no “up-to-date” pulpiteers, to ex-
plain away hell; or to prove it “a condition of mind” in which
human beings drift rather comfortably away and away from the
annoying presence of God; or to “demonstrate from ,The Scrip-
tures” that “the nations which forget God” and will not “utilize
the second chance” given them after death will be sweetly and
painlessly “annihilated!” In those respects your “behind-the-
times” predecessors in The Mercer Association were certainly at
a tremendous disadvantage compared with you.

But, facetious irony aside, all those kinds of teachings last
mentioned make it difficult to turn men and women now. And
as for boys and girls, most of them in this day never enter the
doors of the sanctuary ; the seventy-five to ninety per cent of those
comparatively few who attend Sunday-school at all leaving the
Baraca and Philathea classes et ea omnia genera, for automobile
rides, or social gatherings of various kinds, even when nothing
worse is indulged in.

In the respects last particularized, the former generation cer-
tainly had an advantage over the present one.

Tempora mutantur.—But be you changed also from what your
fathers were to their disadvantage and do you better in your en-
vironments than they did in theirs. Your forbears had their
troubles and adverse conditions to contend with, marked as were
some of their advantages. But in-spite of your disadvantages, you
possess some advantages unknown to them. Upon the whole, then,
the average of conditions is, perhaps, about the same.
History or Mercer Baptist ASSOcIATION. 243

Now let the readers of this little volume endeavor to make as
good a record for the future as their predecessors have made in
the past. Those predecessors did not accomplish all they aimed
at. The permanent operation of colportage, for instance; the
definite establishment of the ministerial “federation” suggested by
Elder Rushin, in 1901; and some other objects. But they have
accomplished much. Suppose you make sure of accomplishing
more !—as with your advantages you can.

Leaving all those reflections, now, let us resume the thread of
our little narrative, nearly approaching the end. It has been
separated from a somewhat tangled skein with infinite and con-
scientious care, the handler sedulously guarding against an un-
warranted breaking of the sometimes fragile strand; and now the
hour has come for winding up the ball.

Thus we have arrived at the time for the fortieth annual ses-
sion of The Mercer Baptist Association. And that session is to
be held with Boston Baptist church; the same church with which
the first or organizing meeting was held, forty years and eight
months ago. At the conclusion of the session in which the mes-
sengers are now about to assemble, there will have been forty-two
meetings, in all, of the body; but the period covered will be that
above stated; forty years and eight months. Forty full years of
active life. -

That session was opened at 10 o’clock, a.m., October 18, 1914,
in the handsome new brick building of our church in Boston.

In the absence of Moderator Robert H. Harris, removed to Co-
lumbus, the opening was conducted by Assistant Moderator, W. T.
Gaulden.

Judge John G. McCall was elected Moderator, by acclamation;
and in the same manner Elder William T. Gaulden was reélected.
Assistant. *

Two brethren were placed in nomination for clerk. Deacon
B. W. Stone, of Thomasville, having received the largest number
of votes, was announced as Clerk; while the other brother, Deacon
J. S. Montgomery, also of Thomasville, was on motion, declared
Assistant Clerk.

Elder J. C. Grimes, the new pastor of Boston church, delivered
the address of welcome and Elder W. T. Gaulden responded in
behalf of the body.

Elder J. A. Wynne, of the body, presented himself as also a
representative of The State Mission Board; and Bro. John T.
Baxter, was recognized as representing The Christian Index.
244 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

At 11 o’clock, the Introductory Sermon was preached by Elder
William M. Harris, the Thomasville pastor of the First church.

On re-assembling after the noon recess, the new church of East
Quitman was received into membership.

» Cairo church was granted a letter of dismission, on which to
join The Taylor Association.

The report of Bro. C. M. Robinson, chairman of the committee
on The Orphans’ Home, was followed by an appeal on the part of
that brother which brought rolling in seven barrels of syrup—
“Georgia Cane”—for the children. A “case,” additional, of “the
same” was trundled in. Figuratively, of course; but literally de-
livered, later.

Elder J. M. Rushin stated that he wished “to turn over to
proper parties” a complete file of The Mercer Association minutes,
then in his possession. The offer was accepted, on the part of the
body, by a rising vote.

Bro. W. B. Groover then moved that the Executive committee
should be instructed to employ some person to use that file, for
reference, in writing a history of the association; after which
writing the minutes should “be sent to Samuel F. Colgate, Orange,
N. J., for keeping with other Baptist history.”

That motion prevailed; and the present work by the present
writer is the result.

At the afternoon session of Wednesday, Elder A. M. Bennett,
of Norman Park, by proper authority, offered a scholarship in
Norman Institute to the association. The presumption of its ac-
ceptance appears reasonable.

The Missionary Sermon was preached, Wednesday night, by
Elder W. F. Moore.

The Executive committee reported a request on the part of
The State Mission Board, that the association should “raise (the
sum of $6,000.00), for all. the work fostered by the denomination,
during the next associational year.” To that end the committee
had made out, as submitted, an “apportionment” among the
churches of the organization, to meet that call.

That report, after speeches by Brethren J. M. Rushin, J. A.
Wynne, J. M. Patterson, D. H. Parker, J. P. McCann, W. M.
Harris, “and others,” was adopted.

The report of the committee on Temperance, Elder D. H.

Parker, chairman, was a unique but remarkably strong document;
from which some striking extracts are here given.
History oF Mercer Barrist ASSOcrIATION. 245

“In The South, the churches have more influence in the tem-
perance matter, than in The North. Most of the church people
in The South belong to the Evangelical churches, principally Meth-
odist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and are aggressive temperance or-
ganizations.

“The liquor men have failed, at last, to control the Negro vote.
. . + In Maryland, the counties that had the large negro vote
went dry, while in those counties where the negro vote was com-
paratively light, they gave wet majorities.”

“The three original Prohibition States, Maine, Kansas and
North Dakota, were lonesome and were ridiculed. Since the new
movement started, a state a year has been added, for ten years.”

Since that report was written, the historian ‘here remembers
that there have been other additions to the Prohibition column un-
til, now there are nineteen such states in line—with more coming.

Figures financial and numerical given by Elder Parker, are
very interesting, but are not quoted here, because such are con-
tinually changing. For the better, may happily be added.

The Association Treasurer’s report showed on hand, for min-
isterial education, $177.04. His summary showed, for all pur-
poses as follows: Receipts, $4,089.53; Disbursements, $3,923.12
—On hand, $166.41.

The Finance committee’s report showed: “Previously sent”
(%. e., by the churches and reported to the session), $5,163.66;
“Sent now (4 ¢, cash to the session), $106.28—Total, $5,269,94.
Local church work, $11,656.01. Total for the year, $16,925.95.

The committee on Memorials, Elder W. F. Moore, chairman,
reported a number of deaths, of both sexes, but no ministers nor
deacons.

The meeting of the W. M. U. was held in the Methodist house
of worship; Mrs. T. B. Barrow, District Superintendent, in the
chair; Mrs. F. C. Jones, Secretary.

The address of welcome was delivered by Miss Georgia Jones,
and was responded to by Mrs. Jeff. Davis.

The following-named messengers were enrolled: Boston, Mes.
dames E. C. Milligan, E. P. Ward, T. B. Barrow, J. J. Parramore
and J. T. Rogers; Cairo, Mesdames J. F. Stone, J. L. Maulden and
A. C Roddenbery; Hickory Head, Mrs C. A. Davis and Miss
Tommie Ramsey; Liberty, Mrs. T. J. Beasley and Miss Jessie
Groover; Ousley, Mrs. W. A. Sims; Quitman, Mesdames J. W.
Haddock, L. S. Price, C. F. Cater, Will Whipple and Ada Wil-
kinson, with Misses Hattie and Mamie Stevens; Thomasville, Mes-
246 History or Mercer Baprist ASSOCIATION.

dames O. C. Hall, L. 8. Speight, C. M. Robinson, J. F. Lamb,
J. ©. Neel and George Beverly.

After the address by the superintendent, a beautiful duet was
sung by Mesdames J. F. Lamb and C. C. Cocroft.

A “Talk on Women” was given by Mrs. W. M. Harris.

Mrs. Lee McMullen spoke on “Our State Mission Board; First,
Its Officers; Second, Its Aims; Third, Its Present Financial Con-
dition; Fourth, How We May Help; Fifth, The Result of Failure.”

Beautiful tributes were paid to the memory of Miss Lucy Kick-
lighter, the first State Organizer, and Miss Amos, State Corre-
sponding Secretary and Treasurer, both then recently deceased ;
by Mrs. O. C. Hall, Miss Hattie Stevens “and others.”

Miss Jane Milligan, of Boston, rendered a lovely vocal solo.

Mrs. J. W. Haddock, of Quitman, spoke on “The Power of
Prayer.” :

Mrs. E. P. Ward, of Boston, stressed “The Importance of
Training Y. W. A.’s for service.”

Mrs. Anderson, of the Presbyterian church, also spoke on the
same subject.

Mrs. Henry Massey, of Barwick, read a paper on “Sunbeam
Work.”

The superintendent reported, raised, for all purposes, during
the year: By W. M. Societies, $1,503.83; Y. W. Auxiliaries,
$119.39; Sunbeams, $37.59; Royal Ambassadors, $7.45—Total,
$1,663.16.

That officer also reported from April to October: “Churches
visited, 11; Talks made, 10; W. M. 8. organized, 6; Y. M. A.’s
organized, 1; Letters and cards written, 357; Miles traveled, 621.

The Financial Table, Woman’s Work, throughout the associa-
tion, showed: State Missions, $336.37; Home Missions, $323.47;
Foreign Missions, $409.53; Sunday-school Board, $50.00; Colleges
and Schools, $18.10; Ministerial Education, $50.19; Training
School, $30.80; Orphans’ Home, $17.45; Ministerial Relief, $29.62;
Mary Willingham School, $99.97; Associational Missions, $18.50;
Church Bldg. and Loan, $8.75; Church Aid, $1,873.33; City Mis-
sions, $13.35; The Poor, $6.70; Boxes, Orphans’ Home, $81.35;
Judson Memorial, $185.43—Total, $3,154.76.

Oh, how those women do meddle!

Although the title page of the minutes recording the session
of 1914 indicates the term as extending from the 13th to the 15th
of October, inclusive, the printed account of the proceedings in-
History or Mercer Barrist ASSOCIATION. 247

side the cover, shows that as a matter of fact, the formal adjourn-
ment occurred on Wednesday night, the 14th, immediately after
the close of the Missionary Sermon. And so, this scribe has writ-
ten it down upon the tablets of history, to be read by generations
yet to come,

The fortieth year of the association’s history was ended. Forty
years and eight months of actual existence; from February 6, 1874,
to October 14, 1914 (inclusive)—eight days “in the clear” thrown
in. But from October 2, 1874, the opening of the first Valdosta
session, forty years and twelve days of active, pulsing life.

And what a life! In 1874, the country, South, was still suffer-
ing from the blighting effects of a desolating war—nominally
ended nine years before, but on various pretexts and in a poorly
disguised form still relentlessly en-waged; the first three or four
years of the nine, with no pretext whatever, the openly avowed
purpose being to “crush the South.” That meant to bring the
Southern white into complete subjection to the freed black slave!
As a rampant Northern woman expressed that purpose (and by
that expression elicited the plaudits of the Northern press, also
largely of the Northern pulpit) to see planted “Black Heels on
White Necks”! Every department of business in The South, from
farm to factory, agricultural, mechanical and commercial, ob-
structed and hampered by adverse, inimical, even openly hostile
legislation, in congress and, for a long time, even in the legisla-
tures of The Southern States; dominated as they were by “carpet-
baggers,” “scalawags” and ignorant Negroes. Legislation, if the
cruel farce may be dignified by the application of such a term,
affecting even the natural relations of social life and the regula-
tions of schools, colleges and churches. AJl of which our Southern
people had borne with noble fortitude; religious men and women,
with Christian resolution; our Baptist people being not the least
courageous class.

By the year 1877, those properly entitled to ascendency had
begun to dominate, as witness the Georgia State Constitution of
that date; and from that time onward improvement has continued
—varying at times but never absolutely ceasing.

A great deluge of turbid waters had flooded The Southland,
roaring and foaming and thick with political filth and slime; but
now the fetid tide had begun to recede and conditions were chang-
ing for the better. Changing fast. And religious conditions were
changing, too. Our Baptist people, our churches, our association,
shared in the beneficent results of that change.
248 History or Mercer Baptist ASSOCIATION.

‘Year after year the recession steadily continued until, in the
year 1884-5, those of us who had seen the peaks of Ararat emerge
from the murky flood beheld a general subsidence all over the
land. All growth had been submerged; but the retiring waters
revealed trees and shrubs, drooping and mud-bedaubed, yet still
alive.

Complete relief, political, was not experienced, at once—indeed,
never has been. But there was and there has continued to be
great advance toward the better. There have been, from time to
_time, recurrences of seriously threatening conditions, then ebb,
then flow again; but, religious interests have not been materially
affected by political fluctuations.

The record disclosed in this narrative presents a panoramic
picture of the experience, in divers vicissitudes, of The Mercer
Association. Small and weak, even somewhat be-draggled in the
beginning, we have seen that it grew. Grew sturdy and strong.
One after another, off-shoots were detached as single churches
withdrew from the body composite to affiliate elsewhere. Still
The Mercer grew. After awhile a cluster of branches was rent
at one wrench from the main stock. The stem trembled when
those boughs were torn off and the churches were lost to The
Mercer, of which, with others, The Valdosta Association was
formed; but the original survived. The main stock quaked when
nearly all the branches on one entire side were wrenched loose
from it; but The Mercer continued to be, even after such an ex-
tensive dismemberment as that which preluded the organization
of The Campbell Association. Then, after an interval too brief
for a scarcely perceptible healing of the scars, still raw, there
came another appalling shock and for a moment it seemed that
the stem itself was split and mangled. All the branches from
another side had been dis-sundered by one giant wrench. How
could The Mercer survive that catastrophe? But after The Col-
quitt County Association was formed, it was discovered that The
Mercer was still alive! And now that three years have passed,
behold the old stock stil] holds its stand, firmly rooted in a nour-
ishing soil! Another valuable church was lost at the last session
of 1914; but the association is yet far from dead. Another vigor-
ous branch rent loose and torn away. Alas! But the trunk still
holds itself erect, destined in the providence of The Omnipotent
to put forth thrifty shoots, to expand in leafy frondage green, to
blossom and to bear; lifting eventually, so may The Lord will, its
lofty crown up into the golden sunlight toward the azure space
above, grandly waving in the tuneful breeze, to the glory of God!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sa a na RE